Does the preoperative fasting period affect the liver in a distant organ model of renal ischaemia reperfusion?

OBJECTIVES: To experimentally evaluate the effects of preoperative fasting duration on distant organ liver in renal ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS: This is an experimental study. In the study, 3 groups were formed. In Group A, abdominal laparotomy was carried out after 12 hours of preoperative fasting without any IR damage. In Group B, IR injury was carried out after 12 hours of preoperative fasting, and abdominal laparotomy was carried out, in Group C after 2 hours of fasting after IR injury. Apoptosis, congestion, balloon degeneration, nuclear pleomorphism, and leukocyte infiltration were examined histopathologically and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -1 beta, IL-6, and IL-10 were evaluated biochemically. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of postoperative IL-10 levels (p=0.020) with significantly lower levels determined in Group C than in Groups A and B (p=0.021). Similar rates of mild nuclear polymorphism were seen with no statistically significant difference determined between the groups (p>0.167). A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of the congestion scores (p<0.001), with a lower score in Group C than in Groups A and B, where the scores were similar (p<0.001, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: With this result, it would be correct to say that the short preoperative fasting period has protective effects on the liver tissue.

Factors associated with bleeding complications in hernia repair of warfarin users.

OBJECTIVE: In this retrospective study, we aimed to determine factors associated with bleeding complications in patients on long-term warfarin, undergoing inguinal hernia repair using low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) bridging. METHODS: Two-year hospital records yielded 44 inguinal hernia repair patients on long-term warfarin (26 men, 4 women, aged 57.4 [38-72] years). All patients were managed with LMWH bridging. Patient and operative characteristics, LMWH bridging characteristics, and international normalized ratio (INR) values were compared between patients with and without postoperative bleeding complications. RESULTS: Indication for warfarin use was heart valve disease (n=15), atrial fibrillation (n=7), deep venous thrombosis (n=3), cerebrovascular event (n=3), and pulmonary embolism (n=2). Four of the operations were urgent, while the remaining were elective. There were four ecchymosis cases and three hematoma cases in a total of seven patients. Baseline (2.94±0.26 versus 2.16±0.38, p<0.001) and preoperative INR values (1.69±0.67 versus 1.31±0.35, p=0.027) were significantly higher, while postoperative INR values (1.04±0.09 versus 1.2±0.13, p=0.004) were significantly lower in patients having bleeding complications. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline, preoperative INR, and postoperative INR were the only variables associated with postoperative bleeding complications in patients undergoing LMWH-bridged inguinal hernia repair. We suggest close monitoring of INR levels in long-term warfarin users, even for relatively low-bleeding risk operations such as inguinal hernia repair.

Effect of learning curve on the perioperative course of robotic-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy compared with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the standard and robotic-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in terms of perioperative course, short-term postoperative outcome, and to evaluate the effect of surgeon's learning curve on these parameters. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study including 60 patients (mean age, 47 years; age, 21-72 years; 26 males, 34 females) who had been planned laparoscopic donor nephrectomies in our clinic. For comparison of standard and robot-assisted techniques and to evaluate the impact of learning curve, patients were randomized into three groups by a computer, each group containing 20 patients. Group 1: standard laparoscopic donor nephrectomies; Group 2: the first 20 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy; and Group 3: the next 20 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. RESULTS: Operative time was significantly higher in Group 2 (221.0±45.1 min) than both Group 1 (183.5±16.9 min, p=0.001) and Group 3 (186.5±20.6 min, p=0.002). Similarly, time for laparoscopic system setup was significantly higher in Group 2 (39.5±8.6 min), which contained the first cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy where surgeon had least experience than Group 1 (19.3±3.7 min, p<0.001) and Group 3 (24.0±9.4 min, p<0.001). On the other hand, duration of operation and time for laparoscopic system setup was similar between Groups 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Learning curve extends the operative time and laparoscopic system setup time in robotic-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, however, after the learning process was completed, these parameters were similar between robotic-assisted and standard laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Effect of learning curve on the perioperative course of robotic-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy compared with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy

Summary OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to compare the standard and robotic-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in terms of perioperative course, short-term postoperative outcome, and to evaluate the effect of surgeon's learning curve on these parameters. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study including 60 patients (mean age, 47 years; age, 21-72 years; 26 males, 34 females) who had been planned laparoscopic donor nephrectomies in our clinic. For comparison of standard and robot-assisted techniques and to evaluate the impact of learning curve, patients were randomized into three groups by a computer, each group containing 20 patients. Group 1: standard laparoscopic donor nephrectomies; Group 2: the first 20 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy; and Group 3: the next 20 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. RESULTS: Operative time was significantly higher in Group 2 (221.0±45.1 min) than both Group 1 (183.5±16.9 min, p=0.001) and Group 3 (186.5±20.6 min, p=0.002). Similarly, time for laparoscopic system setup was significantly higher in Group 2 (39.5±8.6 min), which contained the first cases of robot-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy where surgeon had least experience than Group 1 (19.3±3.7 min, p<0.001) and Group 3 (24.0±9.4 min, p<0.001). On the other hand, duration of operation and time for laparoscopic system setup was similar between Groups 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Learning curve extends the operative time and laparoscopic system setup time in robotic-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, however, after the learning process was completed, these parameters were similar between robotic-assisted and standard laparoscopic nephrectomy.

SHOULD MULTIFOCAL PAPILLARY THYROID CARCINOMAS CLASSIFIED AS T1A WITH A TUMOR DIAMETER SUM OF 1 TO 2 CENTIMETERS BE RECLASSIFIED AS T1B?

OBJECTIVE: Considering the diameter of the largest tumor while determining T stage in multifocal papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) might cause underestimation of tumoral stage. We aimed to investigate the effect of total tumor diameter (TTD) on tumor node metastasis (TNM) classification in multifocal T1a PTMCs. METHODS: T1 tumors were grouped as T1a or T1b according to 7th TNM edition. For patients with multifocal T1a, TTD (the sum of the maximal diameter of each focus) was calculated, and these patients were further subgrouped as TTD ≤1 cm or TTD 1 to 2 cm. RESULTS: There were 724 patients with T1 tumors. Multifocality was observed in 150 (28.5%) of 527 patients with T1a and 84 (42.6%) of 197 patients with T1b tumors (P<.001). Lymph node metastasis (LNM), thyroid capsule invasion, and lymphovascular invasion were significantly higher in T1b compared to T1a (P<.001, P<.001, and P = .015, respectively). There were 8 (1.5%) patients with persistence but not any with recurrence in the T1a group. Persistence and recurrence were observed in 3 (1.5%) and 5 (2.5%) patients in the T1b group, respectively. Among 150 T1a patients with multifocal tumors, TTD was ≤1 cm in 89 (59.3%) and 1 to 2 cm in 61 (40.7%) patients. Number of tumor foci, LNM, and thyroid capsule invasion were significantly higher in multifocal T1a patients with TTD 1 to 2 cm compared to with TTD ≤1 cm (P<.001, P = .032, P = .014, respectively). CONCLUSION: TTD might be used as a parameter to determine patients at higher risk for persistence, and T1a multifocal PTMCs with TTD 1 to 2 cm can be reclassified as T1b. ABBREVIATIONS: ETE = extrathyroidal extension LNM = lymph node metastasis PTC = papillary thyroid carcinoma PTMC = papillary thyroid microcarcinoma RAI = radioactive iodine TNM = tumor, node, metastasis TTD = total tumor diameter.

The Ameliorative Effects of Pycnogenol® on Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: Pycnogenol® (PYC®), a standardized extract from the bark of Pinus maritima, consists of different phenolic compounds. PYC® has shown to have protective effects on chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, and immune disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of PYC® against the DNA damage and biochemical changes in blood, liver, and lung tissues of ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sham group, IR injury-induced group, and IR+PYC® group were formed. Ischemia was induced and sustained for 45 min, then the ischemic liver was reperfused, which was sustained for a further 120 min at the end of this period. After anesthesia and before the IR inducement, 100 mg/kg PYC® was given to the IR+PYC® group through intraperitoneal injections. The total oxidant (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), total thiol levels (TTL), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and biochemical parameters [myeloperoxidase (MPO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] in the rats were analyzed using spectrophotometric methods and DNA damage was assessed using single-cell gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The levels of TOS, TTL, MPO, AOPP, ALT, AST, and LDH were significantly decreased in the IR+PYC® group compared with the IR group (p<0.05). The levels of TAS were significantly increased in the IR+PYC® group compared with the IR group (p<0.05). PYC® reduced the DNA damage when compared with the IR group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that PYC® treatment might have a role in the prevention of IR-induced oxidative damage by decreasing DNA damage and increasing antioxidant status.

Local bupivacaine for postoperative pain management in thyroidectomized patients: A prospective and controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of bupivacaine and to compare the routes of administration of bupivacaine in the management of postoperative incision site pain after thyroidectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients who were planned for thyroidectomy surgery were randomized into three groups of 30 patients each: Group 1 (control group): standard thyroidectomy surgery without additional intervention; Group 2 (paratracheal infiltration with bupivacaine): following thyroidectomy, 0.25% bupivacaine was applied on the surgical area; Group 3 (subcutaneous infiltration with bupivacaine): following thyroidectomy, 0.25% bupivacaine was injected into the cutaneous, subcutaneous region and fascia of the surgical area. Postoperative pain was evaluated by a visual analog scale (VAS) at 1(st), 4(th), and 12(th) hours after thyroidectomy. Total daily requirement for additional analgesia was recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of 90 patients was 44.37±13.42 years, and the female:male ratio was 62:28. There was no difference between study groups in terms of age, thyroid volume, TSH and T4 levels. VAS score of patients in paratracheal infiltration with bupivacaine group was significantly lower than control group patients at 1(st), 4(th) and 12(th) hours following thyroidectomy (p=0.030, p=0.033, p=0.039, respectively). The need for analgesics was significantly lower in both paratracheal infiltration and subcutaneous infiltration groups than the control group (86.7%, 83.0%, and 73.3%, respectively, p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative local bupivacaine application is effective in decreasing postoperative pain in patients with thyroidectomy.

Higher TSH can be used as an additional risk factor in prediction of malignancy in euthyroid thyroid nodules evaluated by cytology based on Bethesda system.

Recently, it has been suggested that thyrotropin (TSH) concentration can be used as a marker for prediction of thyroid malignancy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between TSH levels and prediction of malignancy in euthyroid patients with different Bethesda categories. The data of 1433 euthyroid patients with 3206 thyroid nodules who underwent thyroidectomy were screened retrospectively. The preoperative cytology results, thyroid function tests, thyroid autoantibodies, and presence of histopathological Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) were recorded. Of the 1433 patients, 585 (40.8 %) had malignant and 848 (59.2 %) had benign histopathology. Malignant group had smaller nodule size, elevated TSH levels, and higher rate of presence of HT compared to benign group (p < 0.001, all). Cytology results of 3206 nodules were as follows: 832 nondiagnostic (ND), 1666 benign, 392 atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), 68 follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN), 133 suspicious for malignancy (SM), and 115 malignant. Both SM and malignant cytology groups had higher TSH levels than other 4 Bethesda categories (p < 0.05, all). Benign cytology group had significantly lower TSH levels compared to other cytology groups (p < 0.05, all). Patients with malignant final histopathology in ND and AUS/FLUS cytology groups had significantly higher TSH levels compared to patients with benign final histopathology (p < 0.05, all). Moreover, TSH levels showed to increase from Bethesda categories II to VI. In addition to cytology, higher TSH levels can be used as a supplementary marker in prediction of malignancy in certain Bethesda categories.

Effects of everolimus on a rat model of cerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the biochemical and histopathological effects of everolimus in an experimental rat model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of everolimus on blood biochemical parameters and tissue histopathology in an experimental rat model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 30 Wistar albino rats (male; 240-260 g), acute pancreatitis was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of cerulein (50 µg/kg) administered twice in 2 h. They were equally divided into the following three groups: 0.9% isotonic solution (Group 1; control), everolimus once (Group 2), and everolimus twice (Group 3) by oral gavage after cerulein injection. Thirty hours after the induction of pancreatitis, blood samples were collected by direct intracardiac puncture, rats were sacrificed, and pancreatic tissue samples were obtained. RESULTS: Biochemical analyses of the blood samples showed statistically significant difference in red blood cell count as well as hemoglobin, hematocrit, urea, and alanine transaminase levels among the study groups (p<0.05 in all). Everolimus proved to significantly increase red blood cell count in a dose-independent manner. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels significantly increased only after treatment with one dose of everolimus. Urea level was significantly different between the Groups 2 and 3; however, no change was observed in both groups when compared with the control. Alanine transaminase level significantly decreased only after treatment with two doses of everolimus. Histopathological analyses revealed that everolimus significantly decreased inflammation and perivascular infiltrate in a dose-dependent manner (35% in Group 2, 75% in Group 3; p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Treatment with two doses of everolimus improved some biochemical and histopathological parameters of experimental rat models of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis and implied the specific inhibition of inflammatory response pathways.

Sonographic and sonoelastographic findings of a rarely seen soft tissue tumor: eccrine spiradenoma.

Eccrine spiradenoma is a rare benign tumor originating from sweat glands. Its sonographic characteristics have been described in only a few reports, and there is no such report available that describes sonoelastographic findings of this tumor. In this case report, we aimed to define the sonographic and sonoelastographic findings of a benign eccrine spiradenoma.

Effect of Intraoperative Valsalva Maneuver Application on Bleeding Point Detection and Postoperative Drainage After Thyroidectomy Surgeries.

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the effect of Valsalva maneuver application before finalizing thyroidectomy operations on the identification of bleeding points and postoperational drainage. One hundred patients (age range, 24-76 years) with multinodular goiter, recurrent multinodular goiter, toxic diffuse multinodular goiter, or papillary thyroid cancer were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups of 50 randomly. Both groups underwent thyroidectomy operation, only 1 group received intraoperative Valsalva maneuver application (twice, 30 seconds of 30-cm PEEP). The size of the thyroid gland, the duration of operation, hospital stay, and drain usage were reported. Postoperational occurrences of drainage, hematoma, reoperation, and additional complications were compared between the groups. Valsalva maneuver application helped to identify minor bleeding points in 32% of the cases. There was no significant difference between the study groups regarding the thyroid gland size, operation duration, hospital stay, and the duration of drain usage (P > 0.05 for all). The amount of drainage as well as the frequencies of hematoma, reoperation, and further complications was not significantly different between the study groups (P > 0.05 for all). Intraoperative application of Valsalva maneuver is only useful to detect minor bleeding points in some patients during thyroidectomy operations, but it had no effect on the duration of postoperative drain usage, the amount of drainage, and risk of hematoma. Therefore, intraoperative application of Valsalva maneuver has no beneficial effect on postoperative hemorrhagic complication after thyroidectomy operations.

Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas: Current Perspectives.

In this article, we aimed to review the literature on the clinics and management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas is a mucin-producing cystic mass originating from the pancreatic ductal system. Approximately 25% of the pancreatic neoplasms resected surgically and 50% of pancreatic cysts detected incidentally are IPMNs. They can be benign or malignant in character, while malignant transformation of benign forms can be encountered. It is important to determine IPMNs in the early stages, implementation of appropriate treatment approaches, and follow-up to provide better prognosis. We reviewed the studies published in the English medical literature through PubMed and summarized the clinical features and current approaches to the treatment and follow-up of the IPMN. Due to the recent advances and widespread implementation of radiological imaging techniques, the incidental detection rate of IPMNs has increased significantly. The effective treatment of the disease is possible via the detailed diagnosis of the disease, determination of the prognostic factors, and a multidisciplinary approach. Recent literature also emphasized the molecular profile determination approaches for assessment of prognosis of patients with IPMN. Current knowledge on IPMN, a clinically important epidemiologic problem, shows that the treatment should be personalized considering the prognostic features and life expectancy of the patient.

Comparison of modified Limberg flap and Karydakis flap operations in pilonidal sinus surgery: prospective randomized study.

The best surgical technique for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is still disputed. The objective of this prospective randomized study is to compare the short and long-term results of modified Limberg flap and Karydakis flap surgeries that have been widely used in recent years. Ninety one patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: modified Limberg flap (MLF; n = 46) and Karydakis flap (KF; n = 45). Preoperative findings of the patients, their surgical findings, and short and long-term postoperative findings were recorded and statistically compared. While no significant difference was discovered between the groups in terms of postoperative analgesic need, hospital stay, postoperative infection rate, drain stay time, painless sitting time, painless toilet-sitting time, and painless walking time, return to work or school time was shorter in the MLF group compared with the KF group (20.61 ± 7.89 days, 23.29 ± 6.42, respectively; P < 0.05). Cosmetically, the visual analog scale (VAS) of the KF group was significantly higher than that of the MLF group (VAS score 7.12 ± 1.28, 5.45 ± 1.77, respectively; P < 0.05). Considering recurrence rates, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Our study found out that short and long-term results of the MLF and KF procedures are similar. We believe both methods can be safely used in surgical PSD treatment given that in the MLF procedure, shorter return-to-work time is achieved, while the procedure provides better cosmetic results.

Nonfunctional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Advances in Diagnosis, Management, and Controversies.

In this article, we aimed to review the literature on the clinics and management of nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NPNET). Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) are rare tumors with a <1/100,000 incidence and constitute approximately 2 to 10% of all pancreatic tumors. Nonfunctional PNETs are difficult to detect at early stages since they have no symptoms. Except those detected accidentally during different diagnoses, the majority of PNETs are detected in the advanced stages, with symptoms related to tumor size or liver metastasis. We reviewed the studies published in the English medical literature through PubMed and summarized the clinical features and current approaches to the treatment and follow-up of the NPNET. The common imaging techniques used for the detection of tumor localization, size, locoregional, and metastatic involvement are contrasted computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic ultrasonography, and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment. However, in advanced locoregional disease and liver metastasis, interventive ablative therapies such as palliative reductive surgery, selective hepatic arterial embolization, radiofrequency ablation; and systemic therapies, such as peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, chemotherapy, somatostatin analogous therapy, interferon, VEGF inhibitor, and mTOR inhibitor may be used as symptom relieving or may improve progression-free survival and total survival. Current knowledge on NPNET shows that the treatment should be personalized considering the prognostic features and life expectancy of the patient.

Correlation between the serum and tissue levels of oxidative stress markers and the extent of inflammation in acute appendicitis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the serum and tissue levels of markers of impaired oxidative metabolism and correlate these levels with the histopathology and Alvarado score of acute appendicitis patients. METHOD: Sixty-five acute appendicitis patients (mean age, 31.4±12.06 years; male/female, 30/35) and 30 healthy control subjects were studied. The Alvarado score was recorded. Serum samples were obtained before surgery and 12 hours postoperatively to examine the total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, paraoxonase, stimulated paraoxonase, arylesterase, catalase, myeloperoxidase, ceruloplasmin, oxidative stress markers (advanced oxidized protein products and total thiol level) and ischemia-modified albumin. Surgical specimens were also evaluated. RESULTS: The diagnoses were acute appendicitis (n = 37), perforated appendicitis (n = 8), phlegmonous appendicitis (n = 12), perforated+phlegmonous appendicitis (n = 4), or no appendicitis (n = 4). The Alvarado score of the acute appendicitis group was significantly lower than that of the perforated+phlegmonous appendicitis group (p = 0.004). The serum total antioxidant status, total thiol level, advanced oxidized protein products, total oxidant status, catalase, arylesterase, and ischemia-modified albumin levels were significantly different between the acute appendicitis and control groups. There was no correlation between the pathological extent of acute appendicitis and the tissue levels of the markers; additionally, there was no correlation between the tissue and serum levels of any of the parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant systems plays a role in the pathogenesis acute appendicitis. The Alvarado score can successfully predict the presence and extent of acute appendicitis.

Correlation between the serum and tissue levels of oxidative stress markers and the extent of inflammation in acute appendicitis

OBJECTIVES: To determine the serum and tissue levels of markers of impaired oxidative metabolism and correlate these levels with the histopathology and Alvarado score of acute appendicitis patients. METHOD: Sixty-five acute appendicitis patients (mean age, 31.4±12.06 years; male/female, 30/35) and 30 healthy control subjects were studied. The Alvarado score was recorded. Serum samples were obtained before surgery and 12 hours postoperatively to examine the total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, paraoxonase, stimulated paraoxonase, arylesterase, catalase, myeloperoxidase, ceruloplasmin, oxidative stress markers (advanced oxidized protein products and total thiol level) and ischemia-modified albumin. Surgical specimens were also evaluated. RESULTS: The diagnoses were acute appendicitis (n = 37), perforated appendicitis (n = 8), phlegmonous appendicitis (n = 12), perforated+phlegmonous appendicitis (n = 4), or no appendicitis (n = 4). The Alvarado score of the acute appendicitis group was significantly lower than that of the perforated+phlegmonous appendicitis group (p = 0.004). The serum total antioxidant status, total thiol level, advanced oxidized protein products, total oxidant status, catalase, arylesterase, and ischemia-modified albumin levels were significantly different between the acute appendicitis and control groups. There was no correlation between the pathological extent of acute appendicitis and the tissue levels of the markers; additionally, there was no correlation between the tissue and serum levels of any of the parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant systems plays a role in the pathogenesis acute appendicitis. The Alvarado score can successfully predict the presence and extent of acute appendicitis. .

Management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: dilemmas in diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory disease. Because of it's uncommon etiology and rareness, diagnosis and treatment is still a challenge. Owing to wide spectrum of IGM it is difficult to standardize and optimize the treatment. The aim of this study was to report and describe the clinical signs, radiological findings, management, clinical course and the recurrence rate of the patients which were treated due to IGM. METHODS: In this retrospective review of patients diagnosed with IGM histopathologically between January 2006 and December 2011, medical reports, ultrasonography (US) and mammograhy (MMG) findings, follow-up information and recurrence were obtained from records. RESULTS: Painful, firm and ill defined mass was the symptom of all patients. While parenchymal heterogeneity, abscess and mass were the findings of US, increased asymmetric density was the main finding of MMG. Wide local excision was performed in 15 (62.5%) patients, incisional biopsy with abscess drainage was performed in 9 (37.5%) patients. Median follow-up was 34.8 (range 10-66) months. CONCLUSIONS: While the physical examination give rise to thought of breast carcinoma, the appearance of parenchymal heterogeneity and abscess formation on US especially with enlarged axillary lymph nodes support the presence of an inflammatory process. But these findings do not exclude carcinoma. Hereby, histopathologic confirmation is mandatory to ensure that a malignancy is not missed.

Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a prospective, randomized study.

We aimed to compare the clinical outcome and cost of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. Sixty patients with acute cholecystitis were randomized into early (within 24 hours of admission) or delayed (after 6-8 weeks of conservative treatment) laparoscopic cholecystectomy groups. There was no significant difference between study groups in terms of operation time and rates for conversion to open cholecystectomy. On the other hand, total hospital stay was longer (5.2 ± 1.40 versus 7.8 ± 1.65 days; P = 0.04) and total costs were higher (2500.97 ± 755.265 versus 3713.47 ± 517.331 Turkish Lira; P = 0.03) in the delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded in 8 patients in the early laparoscopic cholecystectomy group, whereas no complications occurred in the delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (P = 0.002). Despite intraoperative and postoperative complications being associated more with early laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with delayed intervention, early laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be preferred for treatment of acute cholecystitis because of its advantages of shorter hospital stay and lower cost.

A general consideration of the importance of nutrition for critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Malnutrition is a common medical condition among intensive care unit patients. It should be monitored carefully, since early management of malnutrition can dramatically improve the medical condition of the patients. A general consideration of enteral feeding shows that it is much more useful than parenteral administration, because it is more physiological and poses a lower risk of hyperalimentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we scanned all files and personal information of patients hospitalized in intensive care units between 2009 and 2012 due to various medical conditions. We evaluated the nutritional status of patients with biochemical parameters that were retrieved from the files. RESULTS: In total, 198 patients were identified from hospital records. Almost every patient was given nutritional support either through enteral or parenteral feeding. The albumin levels of 56 patients did not increase, even when they were fed with calculated nutritional support (36.6%). The prealbumin levels of the patients had a tendency to increase after the provision of nutritional additives. CONCLUSION: In appropriately selected critically ill patients, the role of nutritional support in the management of nutritional deficiencies is important. In order to calculate proper feeding goals, a full nutritional assessment is necessary.