Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: Analysis of 108 Patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological features of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and the results of surgical treatment. This retrospective study concerns clinical, radiological, and surgical data as well as histopathological findings and postoperative results of 108 patients with XGC who were identified after evaluating 7916 cholecystectomy specimens between 2004 and 2014 in a single institute. One hundred eight patients with XGC were evaluated (56 males and 52 females, mean age 62.3 years). Clinical findings at referral included acute and chronic cholecystitis, Mirizzi's syndrome, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, and acute pancreatitis. Ultrasound was performed in all patients, CT in 25, contrast-enhanced MRI in 29, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in 25 patients. None of the patients were diagnosed preoperatively, but mild-moderate degrees of wall thickening were present in most. Fifty-four patients received open cholecystectomy, while 54 received laparoscopic intervention, among whom 23 were converted to open. Partial cholecystectomy was performed in 11 patients. Two patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma were treated with radical cholecystectomy. XGC has nonspecific clinical and radiological findings; thus, preoperative diagnosis is generally absent. Open cholecystectomy is the recommended treatment modality. Conversion to open is frequently necessary after laparoscopy. Complete cholecystectomy is the ultimate goal; however, partial cholecystectomy may be preferred to protect the structures of the hepatic hilum.

A rare cause of acute mechanical intestinal obstruction: a strangulated obturator hernia.

Obturator hernia is a rarely-seen type of abdominopelvic hernia. It is generally seen in thinner, old, multipara patients. The most frequently seen clinical sign is intestinal obstruction associated with strangulation. Diagnosis is generally made during operation in patients brought into emergency room because of intestinal obstruction. Delay in diagnosis in older patients results in higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Herein, we present a 68-year-old multipara patient who consulted to the emergency service with clinical manifestations of intestinal obstruction, and who was operated with the preoperative diagnosis of "strangulated obturator hernia" established by means of computed-tomography.

Subacute and delayed period microsurgical management of traumatic extremity injuries in pediatric population.

The purpose of the present report is to evaluate the outcome of subacute and delayed period microsurgical reconstructions of traumatic extremity defects of the pediatric patients. Eighteen free tissue transfers had been performed in 18 patients. Patients ranged in age from 5 to 17 years of age and had a median age of 12.05 years. The time between trauma and free flap transfer varied between 8 and 86 days (mean, 30.8 days). Hospital stay ranged from 8 to 90 days, with a mean stay of 38.7 days. Postoperative complications were seen in 8 of 18 patients (44.4%). Re-exploration for venous thrombosis was necessary in two patients, and total flap loss occurred in one case. The average follow-up time was 34 months. One could conclude from our report and the reference literature that the frequently quoted dogma of a definitive defect closure within 7 days may have lost much of its justification. The final results obtained after delayed definitive soft tissue reconstruction compare favorably with results previously reported in the literature from patient groups whose wounds could be closed in the early period within 7 days.

The effect of epidural anesthesia on muscle flap tolerance to venous ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Venous ischemia is a major cause of failure after free tissue transfers and replantations. The combination of general and epidural anesthesia leads to vasodilatation and improves tissue perfusion. Postoperative pain relief and sympathetic blockage are additional benefits of epidural anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether epidural anesthesia has benefits on microcirculation and neutrophil functions in muscle flaps subjected to venous ischemia. METHOD: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: group I, general anesthesia; group II, spinal anesthesia; and group III, epidural anesthesia. Cremaster flaps were prepared, postcapillary venules were selected under intravital videomicroscopy, and flaps were subjected to venous ischemia. Images were recorded from preselected postcapillary venules before venous ischemia (baseline) and following reperfusion. Neutrophil rolling and adhesion, functional capillary density, and diameters of postcapillary venules were evaluated. RESULTS: The increase in rolling neutrophils in group III was significantly lower than in groups I and II at 60 and 120 minutes. Change of adherent neutrophils in group III was significantly lower than in groups I and II at 15, 60 and 120 minutes. There was significantly more reduction in inner diameter of postcapillary venules in groups I and II compared with group III. Functional capillary density in groups I and II was significantly lower than in group III. CONCLUSION: Epidural anesthesia regulated neutrophil functions, salvaged functional capillaries, and prevented vasoconstriction of postcapillary venules in cremaster muscle flaps subjected to venous ischemia. Spinal and general anesthesia, however, were found to be ineffective in improving microcirculation of muscle flaps subjected to venous ischemia.

Laparostomy in patients with severe secondary peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of laparostomy with the Bogota bag for the management of patients with severe secondary peritonitis and the risk factors for survival. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients (22 males, 15 females; mean age 63.5; range 44 to 83 years) with secondary peritonitis were treated by laparostomy and temporary closure with Bogota bag. APACHE II scores and Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) were used to calculate the disease severity. The outcomes and effectiveness of APACHE II and MPI values were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 43.2%. Significant differences were noted between survivors and non-survivors according to initial APACHE II and MPI scores and the number of operations. The non-survivors had higher APACHE II (r=0.81, p=0.001) and MPI (r=0.39, p=0.02) scores. The patients who survived were re-operated 1.6 times and those who died were re-operated 4.7 times. In five patients, laparostomy was closed primarily, while in the others, the wound was left open to heal secondarily. CONCLUSION: Patients with higher APACHE II and MPI scores and number of operations had higher rates of mortality due to their major risk factors. Temporary abdominal closure using the Bogota bag in patients with secondary peritonitis is an inexpensive-simple method, permitting evaluation of underlying viscera and recognition of infection.

The role of adrenomedullin and brain natriuretic peptide levels in acute rheumatic fever in adults.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatic fever, a multisystem disease following infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, is common among young (5-15 years) but can occur in adults as well. Recently, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been validated as a marker of cardiac function and prognosis. Plasma adrenomedullin (ADM) levels are elevated in various pathological states including cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. We aim to assess the relationship between ADM and BNP levels in adult patients with acute and convalescent rheumatic fever (ARF). METHODS: This case -controlled prospective study included 45 patients with ARF (mean age 21.04+/-1.91 years) and 30 age/gender-matched control subjects. Brain natriuretic peptide and adrenomedullin levels were studied in the acute and convalescent phase of ARF. Adrenomedullin was detected by enzyme immunoassay kit of peptides, while brain natriuretic peptide was measured by a commercially available instrument. The study was carried out between May 2006 and October 2006 in Atatürk University Medical Faculty Hospital. Statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilk, Mann Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed rank, Chi-square tests and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: Plasma ADM and plasma BNP levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in adults with ARF, regardless of whether they were in acute or convalescent phase of disease. Plasma ADM levels were 74.43+/-3.4 pmol/mL in acute phases, 59.35+/-1.45 pmol/mL in the convalescent phase, and 44.79+/-13.12 pmol/mL in control group. Plasma BNP levels were 197.51+/-47.41 pg/mL in the acute phase, 145.25+/-51.25 pg/mL in the convalescent phase, and 33.45+/-10.42 pg/mL in control group. The differences were statistically significant for all (p<0.05). Plasma ADM and BNP levels in the acute phase of disease showed significant negative correlation with the left ventricular ejection fraction (r=-0.56, p<0.05 and r=-0.61, p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: In patients with acute and convalescent rheumatic fever, BNP and ADM levels were high compared to those of healthy subjects and this could be used as a complementary tool in the treatment and prognosis of ARF.

[pH value and potassium level of diagnostic peritoneal lavage fluid in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia secondary to arterial occlusion in rats]. / Siçanlarda arteriyel oklüzyona bagli akut mezenterik iskeminin erken tanisinda diyagnostik peritoneal lavaj sivisinda pH ve potasyum.

BACKGROUND: In this experimental study we evaluated the pH and potassium changes of the peritoneal irrigation fluid in the early phase of mesenteric ischemia. METHODS: The Wistar albino rats were assigned randomly to 5 equal groups of 10 rats: sham operation, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes ischemia by arterial occlusion. We enregistred the ranges of pH and potassium in peritoneal irrigation fluid and serum pH. RESULTS: Lower pH and increased potassium levels in peritoneal irrigation fluid were observed in 30 and 60 min ischemia groups. In 120 and 180 ischemia groups the level of pH continued to be lower and potassium level increased gradually, the serum pH were markedly lower in these groups. Histological analysis showed a positive correlation between the intestinal injury and ischemia time. CONCLUSION: In contrast to sham group, increase in potassium and decrease in in pH levels in peritoneal irrigation fluid were seen in 30 and 60 min ischemia groups. The decrease of serum pH was enregistred after 120 min of ischemia. In early phase the measurement of potassium and pH in peritoneal irrigation fluid may be an early diagnostic tool for mesenteric ischemia.

Mucinous tumor of uncertain malignant potential in a perforated appendectomy specimen. A case report.

Mucinous tumors of uncertain malignant potential are rare; there are only occasional reports. We report the first case where the tumor was identified incidentally following resection of a perforated appendicitis. There was no previous history to suggest for a mucinous tumor. No other abnormalities were found at surgery. Treatment included right hemicolectomy, considering the risk of residual or metastatic disease of about 10%. The patient is alive and well twelve months after resection of the tumor.

The effects of N-acetylcysteine on bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Stellate cells are activated by free radicals, and synthesize collagen. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor of reduced glutathione and a potent scavenger of hydroxyl radicals and has potential antifibrotic effects. We aimed to test the effects of NAC on bile duct ligation (BDL) induced liver damage in rats. Forty-seven Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: group 1, BDL+NAC (n=10); group 2, BDL (n=10); group 3, sham+NAC (n=10); group 4, sham (n=10); and group 5, control group (n=10). NAC (50 micromol/kg per day) or saline of single doses were administered intraperitoneally for 28 days. Serum biochemical and liver oxidative stress parameters were studied. Liver collagen level was determined by the method of Lopez de Leon and Rojkind. Liver slides were stained by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome\Gomory reticulum staining. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase levels in the BDL+NAC group were lower than the BDL group and were higher than the control groups (all P< .001). Malondialdehyde, luminal, and glutathione levels in group 1 were lower than the BDL group (P= .01, P= .002, and P< .001) and higher than the control groups (all P< .001). NAC had no effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gammaglutamyl transferase, bilirubin, albumin, or lucigenin levels. Liver collagen levels were higher in the BDL groups (P< .001); however, NAC had no effect on the collagen levels. The BDL groups showed stage 3 fibrosis; all the control groups were normal. NAC improved some biochemical parameters (AST, alkaline phosphatase) and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, luminol, glutathione) in the BDL model. NAC was found to be effective on cholestasis-induced hepatotoxicity. However, NAC was inefficient as an antifibrotic agent within a 1-month period of administration in the BDL model.

The gingival crevicular fluid ciprofloxacin level in subjects with gingivitis and periodontitis, and its effects on clinical parameters.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study, conducted on patients with gingivitis and periodontitis, was twofold: to find out the serum and gingival crevicular fluid concentration of ciprofloxacin, which is a common drug used effectively against Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and to determine the effects of ciprofloxacin administration on clinical parameters. METHOD: A total of 32 adult patients, consisting of 16 subjects with gingivitis and 16 subjects with untreated chronic periodontitis, were included in the study. The subjects were divided into four groups: group I included eight subjects with chronic gingivitis who had not previously received any ciprofloxacin; group II included eight subjects with chronic gingivitis to whom three doses of ciprofloxacin were administered (Siprosan 500 mg) to establish adequate gingival crevicular fluid and serum concentrations of the agent; group III consisted of eight subjects with chronic periodontitis who had not received any ciprofloxacin; group IV included eight subjects with chronic periodontitis to whom three doses of ciprofloxacin were administered to establish adequate gingival crevicular fluid and serum concentrations of the agent. All patients were systemically healthy, free of pain and reported no current medication usage. Each patient was treated with scaling and/or root planing using specific hand instruments under local anesthesia. Gingival index, plaque index and clinical attachment levels of the teeth were used to determine the clinical condition of the subjects and findings were recorded at the beginning, seventh day, 21st day and third month of the study. Serum ciprofloxacin level was measured in venous blood. Approximately 5 ml of venous blood was drawn from subjects in groups II and IV using a standard venipuncture technique. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were sampled from six interproximal sites with six paper strips in the posterior region of upper jaw (excluding third molar) and all gingival crevicular fluid and serum samples were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The serum concentrations of ciprofloxacin at the first and 72nd hour were not significantly different in subjects with periodontitis compared to subjects with gingivitis. But the gingival crevicular fluid concentrations of ciprofloxacin at the same hours were significantly high in subjects with periodontitis compared to subjects with gingivitis. Both subjects with gingivitis and periodontitis had significantly higher ciprofloxacin levels in the gingival crevicular fluid than in serum. The application of ciprofloxacin did not have any positive or statistically significant effect upon the clinical parameters of the subjects with gingivitis. On the other hand, a significant decrease in the clinical attachment level scores of the subjects with periodontitis (group IV) was observed compared to group III in the 21st day and third month. CONCLUSION: According to these results, the use of ciprofloxacin as an alternative drug in subjects with periodontitis but not gingivitis can be recommended. However, long-term studies are also needed to assess the effects of ciprofloxacin on clinical parameters.

[The effect of selective bowel decontamination and mechanical bowel preparation on bacterial translocation due to intraabdominal hypertension]. / Kariniçi hipertansiyon modelinde gelisen bakteriyel translokasyon üzerine selektif bagirsak dekontaminasyon ve mekanik bagirsak temizliginin etkileri.

BACKGROUND: The objective of our study is to evaluate the preventive effects of selective digestive decontamination (SDD) and mechanical bowel preparation in rats with experimentally induced bacterial translocation. METHODS: Fourty adult male Sprague Dowley rats weighing 250-300 g. were divided equally into four groups as Group 1 (sham [control]), Group 2 (experimentally induced IAH at 19 mmHg), Group 3 ( SDD group) and Group 4 (SDD and mechanical bowel preparation with 19 mmHg intraabdominal pressure). Group 3 and 4 were treated at 12 hours intervals with oral gentamycine 5 mg/kg and IM sefotaxime 100mg/kg Mechanical bowel preparation was performed by oral administration of sodium phosphate. After 24 hours all rats were sacrified; mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and liver biopsy specimens were harvested aseptically. Specimens were diluted and cultured in McConkey medium and the colony-forming units (CFU/gr ) were calculated. RESULTS: In Kruskal Wallis tests there were no significant differences between Group 1 and 3 or 4, and also Group 3 and 4 (p>0.05, p=0.872 respectively), while differences between Group 1 and 2, and also Group 3 and 4 were statistically significant (p<0.001) with respect to CFU/g estimates. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that selective intestinal decontamination and mechanical bowel preparation prevent bacterial translocation due to intraabdominal hypertension.

Erythrocyte membrane glycation and NA(+)-K(+) levels in NIDDM.

Although there are many investigations on protein glycation in diabetic patients, many detailed studies are needed on this subject. In this study, the correlation between red cell membrane and serum protein glycation was investigated in NIDDM. The relation of membrane glycation to intracellular Na(+) and K(+) levels was also considered. Forty patients with NIDDM and 22 healthy subjects were included in the study. The membrane proteins were isolated, and total protein (TP(m)) and fructosamine (FA(m)) levels were determined. Serum glucose, fructosamine (FA(s)) and total protein (TP(s)) levels were also measured. HbA(1C), red blood cell (RBC) and reticulocyte (RET) counts in whole blood were made in all samples. NA(+) and K(+) levels of both serum and RBC were determined. The patient group had lower levels of K(+)(RBC) (P<.001) and Na(+)(s) (P<.05) and RBC count (P<.05), and higher levels of FA(m) (P<.001), Na(+)(RBC) (P<.01), K(+)(s) (P<.01), glucose (P<.001) and HbA(1C) (P<.001) than those of controls. The ratios of FA(s)/TP(s) (P<.001) and FA(m)/TP(m) (P<.001) were higher in patients than in control. As a result, HbA(1C) levels and the ratio of FA(m)/TP(m) were high in NIDDM patients (P<.001) and these patients have slight negative correlations in FA(m)/TP(m) and FA(s)/TP(s) (P<.05). On the other hand, that there is no correlation between RBC membrane protein glycation and RBC Na(+) and K(+) levels may be caused by the fact that the membrane protein glycation is lower than that of other soluble proteins and that the membrane proteins are functional with respect to Na(+)-K(+) transport.