Interstitial Fibrosis as a Common Counterpart of Histopathological Risk Factors in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis.

PURPOSE: Interstitial fibrosis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is a subject which is under-investigated. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between interstitial fibrosis, the subtypes of papillary microcarcinoma, and the established prognostic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 75 patients diagnosed with papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid from January 2011 to December 2020 have been evaluated retrospectively, using demographic features, tumor size, subtype of the tumor, surgical margin status, unifocality, lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular spread and lymph node metastasis as parameters. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed for interstitial fibrosis. RESULTS: The study includes 13 males and 62 females, in a total of 75 patients. There were 51 patients (68%) with interstitial fibrosis and 24 (32%) patients without interstitial fibrosis. Among them, 45 (60%) were classic, 27 (36%) were follicular variant and 3 (4%) were other subtypes. Interstitial fibrosis is significantly associated with bilaterality (p = 0.023), multifocality (p = 0.004), capsule invasion (p < 0.001) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.043). Evaluation of tumor sub groups showed significant increased risk of lymphovascular invasion in the follicular variant (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Although the relationship of interstitial fibrosis and prognosis of other cancer types has been discussed, there are few studies in the literature regarding its effect on the prognosis of papillary microcarcinoma. Our results show that interstitial fibrosis can be used as a risk factor. However, new studies are needed to clearly reveal the physiopathology of interstitial fibrosis and its effect on tumorigenesis.

The role of tissue IgG4 levels in steroid therapy in patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign, chronic inflammatory lesion of the breast. Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) associated disease is rare in the breast. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of steroid treatment on IgG4 levels in tissue in patients diagnosed with IGM. Between 2008 and 2017, 55 patients diagnosed with IGM in our clinic were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, microbiologic and histopathologic characteristics, treatment modality and recovery time were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to tissue IgG4 levels: negative (Group I), infrequently and slightly positive (Group II), and highly positive (Group III). Group I patients had a complete response rate of 77.8%. In the rest of the patients (22.2%), insufficient response was detected from the beginning of the treatment. In Group II, the response rate was 91.3% and the permanent success rate after treatment was 87.0%. Although group III patients had a complete response at the beginning (95.65%), they relapsed in a short period of time (26.1%) after discontinuation of steroid treatment. At least one steroid-related side effect was observed in 47 (85.8%) patients in all groups. There is no consensus on the dose and duration of immunosuppressive treatment in IGM. In this study, responses to steroid treatment according to IgG4 concentration in pathologic breast tissue and recurrences after the end of treatment were determined. We think that high IgG4 concentration in the tissue is associated with recurrence and other immunosuppressive drugs should be added as maintenance after steroid treatment.

Anorectal Malignant Melanoma Post- Hemorrhoidectomy.

Anorectal malignant melanoma, a rare and aggressive tumor, lacks specific symptoms and frequently presents diagnostic challenges due to its similarity to benign anorectal conditions. This case report describes the diagnostic and treatment process of incidentally discovered anorectal malignant melanoma post-hemorrhoidectomy, guided by the existing literature.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the New Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: This study aims to adapt and validate the Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (CCF-CaQL) in Turkish, addressing the significant need for reliable, language-specific QoL measures for colorectal cancer (CRC) in Turkiye. This effort fills a critical gap in CRC patient care, enhancing both patient-provider communication and disease-specific QoL assessment. METHODS: The CCF-CaQL was translated into Turkish, verified for accuracy, and reviewed for clarity and relevance. Eligible patients who underwent colorectal surgery for cancer between July 2021 and July 2022 from six hospitals completed the CCF-CaQL and SF-36 questionnaires. For analysis, confirmatory factor analysis using Smart PLS 4 and descriptive statistics were employed. The questionnaire's reliability and validity were assessed using Cronbach alpha, composite reliability, and the heterotrait-monotrait (HTMT) ratio, along with multicollinearity checks and factor loadings. Nonparametric resampling was used for precise error and confidence interval calculations, and the Spearman coefficient and split-half method were applied for reliability testing. RESULTS: In the study involving 244 colorectal cancer patients, confirmatory factor analysis of the CCF-CaQL indicated effective item performance, with one item removed due to lower factor loading. The questionnaire exhibited high internal consistency, evidenced by a Cronbach alpha value of 0.909. Convergent validity was strong, with all average variance extracted (AVE) values exceeding 0.4. Discriminant validity was confirmed with HTMT coefficients below 0.9, and no significant multicollinearity issues were observed (VIF values < 10). Parallel testing with the SF-36 scale demonstrated moderate to very strong correlations, affirming the CCF-CaQL's comparability in measuring quality of life. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the CCF-CaQL was validated for assessing quality of life in colorectal cancer patients. This validation confirms its reliability and cultural appropriateness for use in Turkiye. The disease-specific nature of the CCF-CaQL makes it a useful tool in clinical and research settings, enhancing patient care by accurately monitoring treatment effects and interventions in the Turkish colorectal cancer patient population.

Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Two Rare Cases and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma is a multiloculated cystic mass which originates from the peritoneum. This rare tumor is usually seen in women of childbearing age and has a high recurrence rate after surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma cases with different imaging modalities, which were also pathologically proven. CONCLUSION: The imaging features which may be diagnostic should be well known as there are very few reports regarding this entity.

Comparison of the results of using a self-adhesive mesh and a polypropylene mesh in open inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study.

<b> Introduction:</b> Inguinal hernia repair is the most common operation worldwide. The essential factors in hernia repair have been the postoperative quality of life, early return to work, low recurrence rate, and chronic pain prevention. </br></br> <b>Aim:</b> The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term results of the self-adhesive mesh and the conventional polypropylene mesh in Lichtenstein repair. </br></br> <b> Material and methods:</b> A total of 100 male patients were randomized and operated on, 50 with the self-adhesive mesh (S group), 50 with the conventional polypropylene mesh (P group). Prospectively, the patients were followed for an average of 36 months. The two groups were compared for the duration of surgery, duration of hospital stay, duration of daily activity/resumption of work, postoperative pain, chronic pain, recurrence, wound infection, hematoma/seroma formation, and postoperative analgesic consumption. </br></br> <b>Results:</b> The study involved 39 patients in the P group and 37 patients in the S group who underwent inguinal hernia surgery. The P group had a longer mean operation time than the S group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (45.1 ± 6.6 min vs. 28.8 ± 3.0 min, P = 0.0001). In recurrence, postoperative discomfort, chronic pain, length of hospital stay, daily activity/return to work, wound infection, hematoma/seroma, and postoperative analgesic use, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. </br></br> <b>Conclusion:</b> It was found that the self-adhesive mesh did not produce statistically significant advantages over the conventional polypropylene mesh, except for operative time, in the Lichtenstein repair.

Kidney transplantation from elderly donors: single-center experience / Trasplante renal de donantes añosos: experiencia de un centro

ABSTRACT Introduction: The shortage of deceased donor kidneys for transplantation has forced the re-evaluation of the limits on donor age acceptability. Thus, marginal donors such as elderly donors have been progressively increasing in recent years for organ transplantation around the world. Aim: In this study, it was aimed to contribute to the elimination of question marks about the using elderly donors for kidney transplantation. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, prospectively recorded data of patients who underwent kidney transplantation between January 1996 and January 2020 were evaluated. The inclusion criteria for the study were deceased or living donor, donor aged 55 years and older. Results: Of the total 392 kidney transplantation, 64 donors met the study criteria. The mean age of the donors was 59 ± 3.86 years (range, 55-69). Twenty-one (87.5%) out of 24 deceased donors and 1 (2.5%) living related recipients presented DGF. There was no mortality in the living donors. Overall, 1, 5, 10 years of recipient and graft survivals for this study 91%, 88%, 81% and 84%, 82%, 75%, respectively. Same rates for living donor 96%, 96%, 96% and 90%, 88%, 80%, respectively, and for deceased donor 81%, 74%, 70% and 78%, 74%, 67%, respectively. Conclusion: Transplantation from the donors with age 55 and up, might be related to decreased kidney function and graft survival, compared to the transplantations from the standard donors. However, when the long-term graft survival and patient survival is observed, the group of elderly donors cannot be subject to exclusion.

RESUMEN Introducción: La escasez de riñones de donantes fallecidos para trasplante ha obligado a reevaluar los límites de aceptabilidad de la edad de los donantes. Así, los donantes marginales como los donantes de edad avanzada han ido aumentando progresivamente en los últimos años para el trasplante de órganos en todo el mundo. Objetivo: En este estudio se buscó contribuir a la eliminación de interrogantes sobre el uso de donantes ancianos para trasplante renal. Material y métodos: En este estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, se evaluaron datos registrados prospectivamente de pacientes que se sometieron a trasplante renal entre enero de 1996 y enero de 2020. Como criterio de inclusión para el estudio se tomó la edad de los donantes y se incluyeron aquellos donantes mayores de 55 años tanto fallecidos como vivos relacionados. Resultados: Del total de 392 trasplantes renales, 64 donantes cumplieron con los criterios del estudio. La edad media de los donantes fue de 59 ± 3,86 años (rango, 55-69). Veinte y un receptorde 24 donantes fallecidos (87,5%) y solo un receptor de donante vivo relacionado (2,5%)presentaron DGF. No hubo mortalidad en los donantes vivos. En términos generales, la supervivencia del receptor y del injerto a 1, 5 y 10 años en este estudio fue de 91 % - 88 %, 81 % - 84 % y 82 % - 75 %, respectivamente. Se observaron las tasas similares para donante vivo 96%- 96%, 96% - 90% y 88% - 80%, respectivamente, y para donante fallecido 81% - 74%, 70% - 78%y 74% - 67%, respectivamente. Conclusión: El trasplante de riñones provenientes de donantes de 55 años en adelante, podría estar relacionado con la disminución de la función renal y la supervivencia del injerto, en comparación con los trasplantes de los donantes estándar. Sin embargo, cuando se observa la supervivencia del injerto a largo plazo y la supervivencia del paciente, el grupo de donantes de edad avanzada no puede ser objeto de exclusión.

Effects of Patient and Tumor Characteristics on Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Guide for Selective Node Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic central lymph node dissection (CLND) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is still controversial. This study aimed to analyze the factors related to the patient and tumor characteristics affecting central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in PTC patients and to evaluate the contribution of the results to shaping the surgical treatment algorithm. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-five PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and CLND were evaluated retrospectively. Histopathology reports were examined to reveal tumor characteristics. The CLNM ratio and the relationship between CLNM with clinicopathological and demographic characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of CLNM was 54.9% (95 CI%: 49-60.8). Male gender (P=0.027), age<45 years (P=0.016), tumor size≥9.5 mm (P<0.001), lymphovascular invasion (P<0001) and extracapsular invasion (P=0.007) were factors that increased the risk of metastasis. The follicular variant decreased the risk (P=0.010). There was no relationship between CLNM and focality (P=0.054). A low-to-moderate correlation was found between tumor diameter and the metastatic lymph node (MLN) number/total lymph node number ratio (r=0.396, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: A selective prophylactic CLND strategy can be applied in cN0 patients. As the tumor diameter increases in PTC, both the risk of CLNM and the number of MLN increase. Lymphovascular and extracapsular invasion are other factors that increase the risk. The follicular variant is associated with a lower risk of CLNM. Male patients who are under the age of 45 and have a tumor diameter of 9.5 mm or more are definite candidates for prophylactic CLND.

Gardner's syndrome: Simultaneous diagnosis and treatment in monozygotic twins.

Gardner's syndrome (GS) is a very rare autosomal dominant multisystem disease. Osteomas, skin and soft tissue tumors are present with gastrointestinal polyposis. The polyps have very high malignancy potentials. If prophylactic resection is not performed, colorectal cancer development is inevitable in all patients with GS. Polyposis is usually asymptomatic. Therefore, careful evaluation of extraintestinal findings of the disease is very important for early diagnosis. In this article, diagnosis and treatment of GS are presented in monozygotic twins, which have not been previously described in the literature. The diagnostic process, which started with dental complaints of one case, was carried out in an effective manner and then, prophylactic surgery was performed in twins. This article aimed to make clinicians and dentists attentive for early diagnosis of disease and to review treatment options.

An unusual localization; esophageal melanocytosis.

Esophageal melanocytosis is a rare clinical and pathological condition characterized by non-atypical melanocytic proliferation and increased melanin in the esophageal mucosa, which is normally histologically non-melanocytic. Intensive melanin accumulation and hyperpigmentation are necessary for endoscopic recognition. Due to the fact that it is a rare gastrointestinal system pathology, experience and knowledge about its diagnosis, treatment and course are also limited. Although it is argued that chronic stimulating factors have an influence, there is no clear information about its etiology and pathogenesis. Malignant melanomas and melanocytic nevus in particular come to the fore in the differential diagnosis. Opinions and findings indicating that melanocytosis may be a precursor for malignant melanoma make the recognition and follow-up of this clinical and pathological entity more important. In this article, a patient with esophageal melanocytosis diagnosed by endoscopic evaluation is presented, with the aim of increasing the awareness of clinicians, especially endoscopists and pathologists, on this subject.

Surgical Complications After Deceased Donor Renal Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Deceased donor renal transplant is an accepted treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. We retrospectively analyzed urological and surgical complications and outcomes in our series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 2016, we have performed 263 renal transplants at the Gazi University Transplantation Center, Ankara, and 92 of these were from deceased donors. We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of these 92 deceased donor transplants from our database records. There were 45 female and 47 male recipients, and 20 were pediatric recipients. Mean recipient and donor ages were 36 ± 14 and 38 ± 18 years old, respectively. Immunosuppression therapy consisted of steroids, mycophenolate, and calcineurin inhibitors. Induction therapy was 20 mg basiliximab (Simulect) on day 0 and day 4. Antithymocyte globulin (2 mg∕kg) was used in steroid-resistant acute rejection cases. RESULTS: There were 13 surgical complications (14.1%) after 92 consecutive deceased donor renal transplants, and 4 of these were classified as miscellaneous surgical complications. Four of 9 cases were early, and the rest were classified as late complications. Postoperative early complications were bleeding (n = 2), urine leak (n = 1), and renal artery thrombosis (n = 1). Lymphoceles (n = 4) and urine leak (n = 1) occurred as late complications. Postoperative median follow-up was 78 months, during which 11 grafts (12%) were lost and 7 patients (7.6%) died from sepsis (n = 4), myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, and fungal pneumonia. No patients died from any surgical complications. The 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates of patients were 98%, 94%, and 94% and for grafts were 97%, 94%, and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite the limited number of deceased donor organs, improvements of surgical techniques at our center have facilitated success with deceased donor renal transplant at rates similar to other successful centers in the world.

Routine Histopathological Examination of the Specimen After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Can We Be Brave Enough to Give Up?

BACKGROUND: Selective versus routine histopathological examination after cholecystectomy is still in debate. This study aims to investigate the effect of histopathology results on treatment modality and surgery strategy. The validity of the selective histopathology approach was questioned. METHODS: The data of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2009 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The demographics and histopathology results, whether the operation was emergent or elective, and the reasons for conversion to open surgery were recorded. Malignant and precursor histopathology diagnoses were examined, and their relationship with the surgical strategy was questioned. RESULTS: A total of 2723 patients were included in the study. Of these patients, 2600 (95.5%) were operated under elective, while 123 (4.5%) were operated under emergency conditions. While the surgery was completed laparoscopically in 2685 (98.6%) patients, it was converted to open surgery in 38 (1.4%) patients. Age, gender, the presence of primary gallbladder cancer, acute cholecystitis, and xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis in histopathological examination were found to be independent predictive factors for conversion to open surgery (P < .05). The rate of primary invasive carcinoma in the series was 0.1%. CONCLUSION: Routine histopathological examination of the gallbladder is important for demonstrating a wide spectrum of pathological changes in this organ. Invasive cancer or precursor lesions can be detected even in patients without any macroscopic abnormality. Histopathological examination also plays a role in determining follow-up, further examination, and treatment modality in addition to the diagnosis in these patients.

A new criterion to predict recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: mesh/defect area ratio.

<b>Introduction:</b>Minimizing recurrence in hernia surgery is one of the major aims. Defining surgeon-dependent risk factors for recurrence is therefore of great importance in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). This study aims to analyze the predictive value of the mesh area/defect area ratio (M/D ratio) in terms of recurrence as a new criterion in LVHR.</br> </br> <b>Methods:</b> A total of 124 patients were enrolled in the study. Age, gender, hernia type, body mass index, defect size, size of the mesh, mesh overlapping, area of the defect, area of the mesh, M/D ratio, postoperative complications, follow-up time, recurrences and timing of recurrence were also recorded. The potential variables that may affect recurrence were examined by univariate and multivariate analysis.</br> </br> <b>Results:</b> There were 12 (9.7%) recurrences in our series. A statistically significant difference was found if either the mesh/defect ratio was ≤6 or >6 (p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis confirmed that M/D ratio was the only independent parameter for recurrence. </br></br><b>Conclusion:</b> Understanding M/D ratio concept and using it in surgical clinical practice may help reduce recurrence rates after LVHR.</br>.

Granulomatous mastitis, watch and wait is a good option.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign and rare chronic inflammatory disease of the breast with unknown etiology. While there is no consensus regarding its post-diagnosis management, there are different treatment alternatives. AIMS: In this study, it was aimed to question the effectiveness of follow-up strategy without administering any treatment. METHODS: One hundred eighteen female patients diagnosed with IGM were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with histopathologically confirmed IGM were included in the study. Medical treatment was given only to patients who did not accept the follow-up option without treatment. The protocol used in steroid therapy was 16 mg prednisolone twice daily for 2 weeks, and then the dose was gradually reduced, and the treatment was stopped after 2 months. Patients were followed up with a physical examination every 3 months. The effectiveness of the systemic corticosteroid treatment and the follow-up approach without any treatment was compared. The recurrence rates and pre-treatment and post-treatment methods of the patients were examined. RESULTS: While 30.5% of the patients recovered with corticosteroid treatment, 42.4% recovered under observation without any treatment. The mean recovery period of the patients in these two groups was calculated as 3.9 months and 5.6 months, respectively. However, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of recovery period (p = 0.064). The recurrence rate was 11.9%. CONCLUSION: For IGM, the "watch and wait" approach is an effective option. A chance should be given to the self-limiting nature of the disease with the addition of drainage when necessary.

Acute Appendicitis in Pregnancy: How to Manage?

OBJECTIVES: Acute appendicitis during pregnancy may be associated with severe maternal and fetal complications. The clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters used in diagnosis and the effects of the surgical method and timing on the results are controversial. The present study aims to reveal the relationship between clinical approach, surgical treatment methods and complications in pregnant women with suspected acute appendicitis. METHODS: Between December 2007 and August 2019, 21 pregnant women who underwent appendectomy were included in this study. Age, gestational age, complaints at admission, leukocyte count, radiological examination results, type of surgery (conventional or laparoscopic), histopathology results, time from admission to operation, maternal and fetal complications were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The number of patients who developed complications was six (28.6%). Three (14.3%) of these patients had preterm birth and three (14.3%) had an abortion. There was no statistically significant relationship between trimester and complication (p=0.747). Fourteen patients (66.7%) underwent laparoscopic surgery and seven patients (33.3%) underwent conventional surgery. Although the complication rate was higher in the laparoscopic group, there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.306). The fetal loss rate in the series was 14.3% and all were in the laparoscopic group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.158). CONCLUSION: Pregnancy-related limiting factors may complicate the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. These patients definitely need a more skeptical assessment and additional diagnostic tools beyond the standard clinical approach. Although laparoscopic appendectomy appears to be a safe option in treatment, its relationship with a higher risk of fetal loss should be kept in mind.

Succinivibrionaceae is dominant family in fecal microbiota of Behçet's Syndrome patients with uveitis.

Behçet's Syndrome (BS) is a multisystem vasculitis with various clinical manifestations. Pathogenesis is unclear, but studies have shown genetic factors, innate immunity and autoinflammation to have an important role in the disease course. Diversity in the microbial community of gut microbiota may significantly contribute to the activation of the innate immune system. The clinical features of BS present themselves in clusters and each cluster may be a consequence of different disease mechanisms. For this reason we aimed to investigate the gut microbiota of BS patients with uveitis. In addition to healthy controls, we have aimed to compare the gut microbiota of BS with that of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and Crohn's Disease (CD) as both diseases have innate and autoinflammatory features in their pathogenesis. Seven patients with BS, 12 patients with FMF, 9 patients with CD and 16 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Total genomic DNAs were isolated from fecal samples of the patients. Partial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the PGM Ion Torrent (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) for microbiota analysis. Statistical analysis showed that significant differences were detected on the microbial community of four groups. Succinivibrionaceae is dominant and the signature family, whereas Bacteroides was absent in BS patients.

Evaluation of patients with lympocele after renal transplantation / Evaluación de pacientes con linfocele luego de trasplante renal

Abstract Introduction: The lymphocele is a common complication following renal transplantation and may cause significant clinical problems especially when reachs to big volumes. The aim of this study is to present the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies of lymphocele formations in a group of Turkish patients. Methods: A total of 244 renal transplantations were included in this retrospective study. Data of patients who were diagnosed with lymphocele during the postoperative period were analyzed. Results: Ten (2.4%) patients have been diagnosed with lymphocele. There were six males and 4 females, with a mean age of 46 years. The median onset was 19 days posttransplantation. The median size of the lymphoceles was 53 mm. All lymphoceles were localizated between the lower pole of the transplanted kidney and urine bladder. On presentation, one patient had hydronephrosis and three patients had elevated serum creatinine while the remaining six ones were asymptomatic. Five patients were successfully treated by percutaneous aspiration whereas two patients required surgery. Three patients' lymphoceles dissolved spontaneously. Conclusion: Preventive strategies including preserving the lymphatics of the recipient, careful organ retrieval and 'back table' work are of great importance to reduce the incidence of lymphocele. Early decision of radiological or surgical intervention should be considered in patients with symptomatic lymphoceles in order to prevent further complications.

Resumen Introducción: El linfocele es una complicación frecuente luego de un trasplante renal y puede ocasionar problemas clínicos importantes, especialmente, cuando alcanza volúmenes elevados. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar las características clínicas, métodos de diagnóstico y estrategias para el tratamiento del linfocele en un grupo de pacientes turcos. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 244 pacientes en este estudio retrospectivo. Se analizaron los datos de pacientes diagnosticados con linfocele durante el período postoperatorio. Resultados: Se diagnosticó linfocele a diez pacientes (2,4%). Eran seis hombres y cuatro mujeres con una edad promedio de 46 años. El comienzo promedio fue 19 días luego del trasplante. El tamaño medio de los linfoceles fue de 53 mm. Todos se encontraban entre el polo inferior del riñón trasplantado y la vejiga urinaria. En la consulta, un paciente presentó hidronefrosis, y tres pacientes, creatinina sérica elevada, mientras que los seis restantes eran asintomáticos. Cinco pacientes fueron tratados con éxito por aspiración percutánea; en cambio, otros dos pacientes requirieron cirugía. Tres pacientes mostraron disolución espontánea de los linfoceles. Conclusión: Las estrategias preventivas, que incluyen la preservación de los vasos linfáticos del receptor, la extracción cuidadosa de los órganos y la preparación de estos antes de realizar el trasplante, son de gran importancia para reducir la incidencia de linfocele. Debe considerarse tempranamente la intervención radiológica o quirúrgica en pacientes con linfoceles sintomáticos para prevenir complicaciones adicionales.

Effectiveness of new parameters in the evaluation of pneumoperitoneum-related acute kidney injury in rats

Background/aim: Pneumoperitoneum with high pressure results in decreased glomerular filtration rates (GFRs). Cystatin-C (Cys-C), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and interleukin 18 (IL-18) are new parameters in the evaluation of GFR instead of creatinine. The aim of this study is to show the effects of pneumoperitoneum on renal function with the help of these new acute kidney injury markers. Materials and methods: Sixty rats were divided into 10 groups according to the length of time and degree of pneumoperitoneum pressure achieved during CO2 insufflation: 0 mmHg (control) for 1 h; 4 mmHg for 1, 2, and 4 h; 8 mmHg for 1, 2, and 4 h; and 12 mmHg for 1, 2, and 4 h. Serum samples were obtained to measure the serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Cys-C, NGAL, and IL-18. Results: There were no differences between the serum creatinine levels of the groups. Serum levels of BUN, Cys-C, NGAL, and IL-18 were significantly increased in the 2nd hour of the experiment. This increase was more prominent at high pressures. Conclusion: Although serum creatinine is a practical way of estimating GFR, it has been shown that Cys-C, NGAL, and IL-18 are superior in the estimation of decreased GFR in pneumoperitoneum.

Factors affecting successful colonoscopy procedures: Single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Colonoscopy is a gold standard procedure for several colon pathologies. Successful colonoscopy means demonstration of the ileocecal valve and determination of colon polyps. Here we aimed to evaluate our colonoscopy success and results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study was performed in Istanbul Eren hospital endoscopy unit between 2012 and 2015. Colonoscopy results and patient demographics were obtained from the hospital database. All colonoscopy procedures were performed under general anesthesia and after full bowel preparation. RESULTS: In all, 870 patients were included to the study. We reached to the cecum in 850 (97.8%) patients. We were unable to reach the cecum in patients who were old and obese and those with previous lower abdominal operations. Angulation, inability to move forward, and tortuous colon were the reasons for inability to reach the cecum. Total 203 polyp samplings were performed in 139 patients. We performed 1, 2, and 3 polypectomies in 97, 28, and 10 patients, respectively. There were 29 (3.3%) colorectal cancers in our series. There was no mortality or morbidity in our study. CONCLUSION: General anesthesia and full bowel preparation may be the reason for increased success of colonoscopy. Increased experience and patient-endoscopist cooperation increased the rate of cecum access and polyp resection and decreased the complication rate.