The role of preoperative ultrasound in predicting conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery in acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of pre-operative ultrasound findings for conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery in patients with acute cholecystitis and to evaluate the effects of pre-operative ultrasound findings on operation time and length of stay. METHODS: The study included 80 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis between January 1 and June 30, 2023. The relationship between gallbladder wall thickness and the presence of pericholecystic fluid on pre-operative ultrasonography and the duration of surgery, conversion to open surgery, and hospitalization was evaluated. RESULTS: The patient group undergoing open surgery exhibited a statistically significant increase in both the median gallbladder wall thickness (P<0.001) and the frequency of pericholecystic fluid on pre-operative ultrasound (P=0.012). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the discriminative power of gallbladder wall thickness for predicting the requirement to convert from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery. The area under the curve value was found to be 0.907, indicating a strong discriminative power. Based on the ROC curve, a gallbladder wall thickness of ≥5.75 millimeters showed a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 84.9% in predicting the requirement for open surgery. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the significance of two factors in predicting the conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery in patients with acute cholecystitis. The presence of pericholecystic fluid and a gallbladder wall thickness of 5.75 mm or greater are indicators that the laparoscopic procedure may be more challenging in such cases. These results can aid surgeons in making informed decisions and planning the surgical approach accordingly for better patient outcomes.

An effective and reliable marker in grading the severity of acute cholecystitis: Increased immature granulocyte percentage.

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis (AC) is an acute inflammatory disease of gallbladder and it is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain. Determining the severity of AC at hospital admission is extremely important to choose the most effective treatment method and predict vital prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) in grading AC severity. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out on 528 patients hospitalized due to AC diagnosis. Demographic data, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), IG%, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and imaging results of patients were recorded. Furthermore, patients' length of hospital stay was determined. Tokyo Guidelines were used to grade AC severity. According to this grading, patients were classified into three groups as grade 1 (mild), grade 2 (moderate), and grade 3 (severe) AC. Differences among groups were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: There were 386 patients (73.1%) in the mild AC group, 102 patients (19.3%) in the moderate AC group, and 40 patients (7.6%) in the severe AC group. WBC, NLR, CRP and IG% were significant parameters in discriminating mild AC from moderate and severe AC. However, only IG% was a significant parameter in discriminating moderate AC from severe AC. Moreover, the power of IG% to discriminate between patients with mild and moderate AC and those with severe AC was dramatically higher than the other parameters. CONCLUSION: Increased IG% is seen as an effective and reliable predictor in the early determination of AC severity.

Role of increased immature granulocyte percentage in the early prediction of acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) is the most severe form of acute pancreatitis (AP), and it has high mortality rates. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are of critical importance for the prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) in the early prediction of ANP. METHODS: This retrospective study included 96 adult patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of AP. Demographic data of the patients were recorded. The white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), IG%, C-reactive protein (CRP), and amylase levels were determined. Furthermore, computed abdominal tomography was applied to the patients, and the length of hospital stay was recorded. Patients were divided into two groups as those with acute edematous pancreatitis and ANP, according to the tomography results. The differences between the groups were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The WBC count, NLR, CRP, and IG% were significant markers in the prediction of ANP. However, IG% had higher values with regard to the sensitivity, specificity, AUROC, and negative and positive predictive values (100%, 95%, 0.982, 78.9%, and 100%, respectively). CONCLUSION: An increased IG% is a simple, fast, and effective marker in the early prediction of ANP. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out on 96 adult patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Demographic data of the patients were recorded. White blood cell count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, IG%, C-reactive protein and amylase levels were determined. Furthermore computed abdominal tomography was applied to the patients and the length of hospital stay was recorded. The patients were divided into two groups as acute edematous pancreatitis and acute necrotizing pancreatitis according to the tomography results. The differences between the groups were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: White blood cell count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein and IG% were significant markers in the prediction of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. However, IG% had higher values of sensitivity, specificity, AUROC, negative and positive predictive values ( 100%, 95%, 0.982, 78.9%, 100%,respectively). CONCLUSION: Increased IG% is a simple, fast, and effective marker in the early prediction of acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Rectal application of argan oil improves healing of colorectal anastomosis in rats1.

PURPOSE: To investigate the possible effects of argan oil on the healing of colorectal anastomoses. METHODS: n Group 1 (sham), laparotomy was performed and the colon was mobilized. In the control (Group 2) and argan oil (Group 3) groups, colonic resection and anastomosis were applied. To the control and sham groups, 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl was administred rectally, and in the argan oil group, 2 mL/day argan oil was applied rectally for 7 days. RESULTS: The mean bursting pressures of the argan oil and sham groups were significantly higher than the values in the control group. A significant difference was determined between the tissue hydroxyproline and prolidase levels of control group and other groups. Histopathologically, argan oil showed significant beneficial effects on colonic wound healing. In the argan oil and sham groups, the tissue malondialdehyde and fluorescent oxidation product levels were found to be lower and total sulfhydryl levels were higher than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The rectally administered argan oil was observed to have significantly ameliorated wound healing parameters and exerted a significant antioxidant effect. This is the first study in the literature about the beneficial effects of argan oil on colorectal anastomoses.

Rectal application of argan oil improves healing of colorectal anastomosis in rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the possible effects of argan oil on the healing of colorectal anastomoses. Methods: I n Group 1 (sham), laparotomy was performed and the colon was mobilized. In the control (Group 2) and argan oil (Group 3) groups, colonic resection and anastomosis were applied. To the control and sham groups, 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl was administred rectally, and in the argan oil group, 2 mL/day argan oil was applied rectally for 7 days. Results: The mean bursting pressures of the argan oil and sham groups were significantly higher than the values in the control group. A significant difference was determined between the tissue hydroxyproline and prolidase levels of control group and other groups. Histopathologically, argan oil showed significant beneficial effects on colonic wound healing. In the argan oil and sham groups, the tissue malondialdehyde and fluorescent oxidation product levels were found to be lower and total sulfhydryl levels were higher than the control group. Conclusions: The rectally administered argan oil was observed to have significantly ameliorated wound healing parameters and exerted a significant antioxidant effect. This is the first study in the literature about the beneficial effects of argan oil on colorectal anastomoses.

Does the application of Ankaferd Blood Stopper rectally have positive effects on the healing of colorectal anastomosis and prevention of anastomotic leakage? An experimental study.

The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the potential effects on the healing of colorectal anastomoses of the rectal administration of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS). Thirty Wistar-Albino male rats were randomly separated into 3 groups. In the sham group, only laparotomy and colonic mobilization was performed. In the other 2 groups, colon transection and anastomosis were carried out. Saline (2 mL, 0.9% NaCl) was given rectally via a feeding tube for 10 days after the surgical procedure in the sham and control groups. In Group 3 (ABS group), the rats were treated with rectally administered ABS (2 mL/day) for 10 days. In all groups, after the measurement of bursting pressures, tissue samples were collected for the measurement of tissue hydroxyproline and prolidase levels, and for histopathological evaluation on postoperative day 11. The rectal administration of ABS showed positive effects on bursting pressures, tissue prolidase and hydroxyproline levels, and the histopathological findings of colonic anastomosis. The rectal application of ABS had positive effects on the healing of colorectal anastomosis. As a natural product, it may be used effectively and safely to achieve better healing results after colorectal anastomosis.

Erdosteine ameliorates the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury on the liver of rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential protective effects of erdosteine against the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury on the liver in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into 4 groups. In the sham group, only the hepatic pedicle was mobilized. No other manipulation or treatment was performed. In the other groups, ischemia was achieved by clamping the hepatic pedicle for 60 min. After that, 90 min reperfusion was provided. In the control group, no treatment was given. In the perioperative treatment group, 100 mg/kg erdosteine was administered 2 hours before ischemia induction. In the preoperative treatment group, 100 mg/kg/day erdosteine was administered daily for ten days before the operation. At the end of the procedures, blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological assessment. RESULTS: Treatment with erdosteine ameliorated the histopathological abnormalities when compared with the control group. Furthermore, this treatment significantly decreased the serum liver function test values. It was also found that erdosteine ameliorated the oxidative stress parameters in both the perioperative and preoperative treatment groups. CONCLUSION: The current study is the first to have shown the favorable effects of erdosteine on the harmful effects of experimental hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Erdosteine ameliorates the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury on the liver of rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the potential protective effects of erdosteine against the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury on the liver in an experimental rat model. Methods: Forty rats were divided into 4 groups. In the sham group, only the hepatic pedicle was mobilized. No other manipulation or treatment was performed. In the other groups, ischemia was achieved by clamping the hepatic pedicle for 60 min. After that, 90 min reperfusion was provided. In the control group, no treatment was given. In the perioperative treatment group, 100 mg/kg erdosteine was administered 2 hours before ischemia induction. In the preoperative treatment group, 100 mg/kg/day erdosteine was administered daily for ten days before the operation. At the end of the procedures, blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological assessment. Results: Treatment with erdosteine ameliorated the histopathological abnormalities when compared with the control group. Furthermore, this treatment significantly decreased the serum liver function test values. It was also found that erdosteine ameliorated the oxidative stress parameters in both the perioperative and preoperative treatment groups. Conclusion: The current study is the first to have shown the favorable effects of erdosteine on the harmful effects of experimental hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The effects of enoxaparin on the liver in experimental pneumoperitoneum model.

PURPOSE:: To investigate the potential protective effects of enoxaparin against the adverse events of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum. METHODS:: Thirty four rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (sham) underwent insertion of Veress needle into the abdomen and 90 min of anesthesia with no gas insufflation. The animals in control and enoxaparin groups were subjected to 90 min of 14 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Enoxaparin (100 u/kg) was administered subcutaneously to the rats in enoxaparin group one hour before the operation. After 90 min of pneumoperitoneum, the rats were allowed for reperfusion through 60 min. Blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological examination. RESULTS:: Treatment with enoxaparin decreased the histopathological abnormalities when compared with the control group. The highest levels of oxidative stress parameters were found in control group. The use of enoxaparin decreased the levels of all oxidative stress parameters, but the difference between the control and enoxaparin groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION:: Enoxaparin ameliorated the harmful effects of high pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the liver.

Effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and liver histopathology in experimental obstructive jaundice model

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and hepatic injury induced by obstructive jaundice in an experimental model. METHODS: Thirty Wistar-Albino type female rats were divided into 3 groups each including 10 rats. Only laparotomy was performed in group 1. Bile duct ligation was performed in group 2. In group 3, bile duct ligation was performed and orogastic silymarin 300 mg/kg/day dose was given for seven days. At the end of seven days, rats were sacrificed. The blood and liver tissue samples were taken to be examined biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS: The plasma and liver levels of malondialdehyde were significantly lower in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group. Although liver levels of GSH were significantly higher in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group, there was no significant difference between the plasma GSH levels of these groups. In silymarin group; the enlargement of hepatocytes, dilatation of canaliculi and the edema were regressed. CONCLUSION: Silymarin diminished the harmful effects of obstructive jaundice on liver.

The effects of enoxaparin on the liver in experimental pneumoperitoneum model

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the potential protective effects of enoxaparin against the adverse events of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum. METHODS: Thirty four rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (sham) underwent insertion of Veress needle into the abdomen and 90 min of anesthesia with no gas insufflation. The animals in control and enoxaparin groups were subjected to 90 min of 14 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Enoxaparin (100 u/kg) was administered subcutaneously to the rats in enoxaparin group one hour before the operation. After 90 min of pneumoperitoneum, the rats were allowed for reperfusion through 60 min. Blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological examination. RESULTS: Treatment with enoxaparin decreased the histopathological abnormalities when compared with the control group. The highest levels of oxidative stress parameters were found in control group. The use of enoxaparin decreased the levels of all oxidative stress parameters, but the difference between the control and enoxaparin groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin ameliorated the harmful effects of high pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum on the liver.

Effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and liver histopathology in experimental obstructive jaundice model.

PURPOSE:: To investigate the effect of silymarin on oxidative stress and hepatic injury induced by obstructive jaundice in an experimental model. METHODS:: Thirty Wistar-Albino type female rats were divided into 3 groups each including 10 rats. Only laparotomy was performed in group 1. Bile duct ligation was performed in group 2. In group 3, bile duct ligation was performed and orogastic silymarin 300 mg/kg/day dose was given for seven days. At the end of seven days, rats were sacrificed. The blood and liver tissue samples were taken to be examined biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS:: The plasma and liver levels of malondialdehyde were significantly lower in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group. Although liver levels of GSH were significantly higher in silymarin group than in the bile duct ligated group, there was no significant difference between the plasma GSH levels of these groups. In silymarin group; the enlargement of hepatocytes, dilatation of canaliculi and the edema were regressed. CONCLUSION:: Silymarin diminished the harmful effects of obstructive jaundice on liver.

The Preventive Effect of Dexmedetomidine Against Postoperative Intra-abdominal Adhesions in Rats.

This study aimed to determine the possible preventive effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective and potent α2 adrenergic agonist with sedative, analgesic, anxiolytic, sympatholytic, hemodynamic, and diuretic properties. In recent years, investigations have shown that dexmedetomidine possesses secondary antioxidant and also anti-inflammatory effects. Thirty Wistar albino male rats were randomized and divided into 3 groups of 10 animals each: group 1, sham-operated; group 2, cecal abrasion + peritoneal dissection; group 3, cecal abrasion + peritoneal dissection followed by daily intravenous injection of 10 µg/kg dexmedetomidine for 10 days. The animals were killed on postoperative day 21. Blood and cecal samples were taken for biochemical and histopathologic evaluation. In this study, biochemical and pathologic parameters were significantly better in the cecal abrasion + peritoneal dissection + dexmedetomidine group when compared with the cecal abrasion + peritoneal dissection group. Tissue malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, total sulfhydryl, and catalase were found to be significantly different between the cecal abrasion/peritoneal dissection + dexmedetomidine and the cecal abrasion/peritoneal dissection groups. Plasma malondialdehyde and total sulfhydryl values were also statistically different between these groups (P < 0.05). Statistical analyses of mean pathologic scores showed that the histopathologic damage in the cecal abrasion/peritoneal dissection + dexmedetomidine group was significantly less than the damage in the control group (P < 0.05 for all pathologic parameters). The results of this study show that dexmedetomidine had a significant preventive effect on postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions. We concluded that these effects might be due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Effects of the Oral Nutritional Supplement Containing Arginine, Glutamine, and Hydroxymethylbutyrate (Abound®) on Healing of Colonic Anastomoses in Rats.

We evaluated the effects of the oral nutritional supplement containing arginine, glutamine, and hydroxymethylbutyrate (Abound®) on healing of colonic anastomoses in experimental rat model. Seventy Wistar-Albino male rats were divided into seven groups. Colon transection and anastomosis were performed in all groups except for the sham group. In groups 2 and 5, rats were fed with standard rat chow after the operation. Oral nutritional supplement was added to standard nutrition for 3 days postoperatively in group 3 and 7 days in group 6 and preoperative 7 days plus postoperative 3 days in group 4 and preoperative 7 days plus postoperative 7 days in group 7. Bursting pressures were measured, adhesions were evaluated, and tissue samples were taken for measurement of tissue hydroxyproline levels and for histopathological examination. The usage of oral nutritional supplement had positive effects on bursting pressures, tissue hydroxyproline levels, and histopathological findings of anastomoses, but feeding with oral nutritional supplement both preoperatively and postoperatively had no additive effect on these parameters when compared with the groups that were fed only postoperatively. The mixture of arginine, glutamine, and hydroxymethylbutyrate may be safely used for achieving better healing results after colonic anastomoses.

The Effectiveness of Porcine Dermal Collagen (Permacol(®)) on Wound Healing in the Rat Model.

Porcine acellular dermal collagen (PDC), which is a biological material derived from processing porcine dermis, has already been used for urologic, gynecologic, plastic, and general surgery procedures up to now. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of PDC on wound healing as a dermal substitute in the rat model. Twenty Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups. Standard full-thickness skin defects were created on the back of the rats. In the control group (Group 1), the dressings moisturized with saline were changed daily. In the study group (Group 2), porcine dermal collagen was implanted onto each wound and fixed with 4-0 polypropylene sutures. Contraction percentages of wound areas were calculated on the third, seventh, tenth, and fourteenth days by using the planimetric program. On fourteenth day, the wound areas were excised for histopathological examination, inflammatory scoring, and evaluation of collagen deposition. The study group was superior to the control group in terms of inflammatory scoring, type I/type III collagen ratio, and wound contraction rates. Porcine dermal collagen may be used effectively and safely on full-thickness wounds as a current dermal substitute.

Bowel obstruction due to diaphragmatic injury after penetrating thoracic trauma.

Diaphragmatic injuries due to penetrating traumas to the thorax progress insidiously. Proper diagnosis might only be performed after months. Delayed diagnosis increases morbidity and mortality. Herein, we present a case of diaphragm injury due to penetrating thoracic trauma that was diagnosed 2 years later. The case was referred to emergency service with bowel obstruction symptoms and after the examinations, first laparotomy and then thoracotomy were performed. The trace of the injury tract should be evaluated in all penetrating thoracic traumas and diaphragmatic injury should be taken into consideration. It is important to keep in mind that thoracic symptoms could be obscured and, if needed, further evaluation and surgical exploration should be performed. In the absence of early symptoms, failure to recognize diaphragmatic injuries can result in mortality.

Beneficial effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper on dermal wound healing: an experimental study.

Ankaferd Blood Stopper(®) (ABS) is a folkloric medicinal plant extract used as a haemostatic agent in traditional Turkish medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of ABS on the healing of dermal wounds in a rat model. Twenty Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups. Standard full-thickness skin defects were created on the back of the rats. In the control group (group 1), dressings moisturised with saline were changed daily. In the study group (group 2), the wounds were cleaned daily with saline, Ankaferd solution was applied, then the wounds were covered with moisturised dressings. The contraction percentage of wound areas were calculated on the 3rd, 7th, 10th and 14th days using a planimetric programme. On day 14, the wound areas were excised for histopathological examination, inflammatory scoring and evaluation of collagen deposition. The study group was superior to the control group in terms of inflammatory scoring, type I/type III collagen ratio and wound contraction rates. ABS(®) may be used effectively and safely on full-thickness wounds as a natural product.

Thoracic empyema due to bacterial translocation in acute appendicitis.

Appendicitis and thoracic empyema are rarely presented together. Herein, we present a thoracic empyema due to bacterial translocation in a patient, after she underwent appendicectomy for nonperforated acute appendicitis. Postoperative third day, thoracic empyema was revealed clinically and radiologically. Tube thoracostomy and antibiotherapy were performed. Despite all these therapy, her symptoms went on, and abdominal ultrasonography revealed multilocular collections and formations of abscess in the abdomen. All abscesses were drained by nonvascular interventional radiologic methods. We believe that simultaneous occurence of thoracic empyema and formations of abscess were occured due to bacterial translocation.