Incidentally Detected Gastrointestinal Wall Thickness on Abdominal Computed Tomography; What Does it Mean for Endoscopy?

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of gastrointestinal wall thickening (GWT) on abdominal computed tomography (CT) is not certain, yet. Despite the need for clinical guidelines describing the importance and evaluation of GWT on a CT scan, there have been few studies evaluating these incidental imaging abnormalities. The aim of this study is to endoscopically evaluate certain etiologies that cause incidental GWT found on CT. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was carried out with patients who had incidentally detected GWT on a CT scan at the Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital between February 2016 and December 2018. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients (62 males and 67 females; mean age 57.5 years, range: 26-87 years) were included in the study. Abnormalities observed during endoscopy at the exact site of the GWT noted on a CT image were found in 114 patients (99%): upper endoscopy revealed malignancy in 33 (29%), gastritis in 63 (52%), hiatal hernia in 19 (16%), a gastric ulcer in 7 (6%), and alkaline gastritis in 3 (2%). Colonoscopy revealed malignancy in 4 (33%), benign polyps in 5 (35%), colonic ulcer in 2 (16%), and 2 patients (16%) had normal findings. Malignancy was detected more frequently in the cardioesophageal region compared with the antrum (P=0.020). CONCLUSION: In this study, detection of GWT on CT often indicated pathologies which were subsequently confirmed endoscopically. Pathological findings were detected in 83% of these patients, with approximately 30% determined to be malignant. Endoscopic evaluation is recommended when GWT is reported on a CT scan.

Different approaches in diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis: Results of attitude survey.

BACKGROUND: Acute biliary pancreatitis is one of the most frequently encountered diseases among general surgeons in emergency surgical diseases. Differences in diagnosis and treatment management of these patients, varying from physician to physician, are common in clinical practice. We aimed to present these differences and discuss the results in the light of current guidelines in the literature. METHODS: In this study, 21 questions were prepared regarding the physicians' approach in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis (Appendix).The questionnaires were completed by face to face interviews with 94 general surgery specialists at the 20th National Surgery Congress. RESULTS: In this study, 38 (40%) of the physicians who answered the questionnaire were working in the Training and Research Hospital, 27 (29%) in the State Hospital, 19 (20%) in the University Hospital and nine in private health care was working in the establishment. 85% of the physicians were general surgery specialists with 10 years of experience. 53% (50) of the surgeons reported that they had less than five cases of acute biliary pancreatitis each month, and 35% (34) stated that they wanted amylase value daily for follow-up. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were the most commonly used imaging modalities and 15% of the respondents indicated that each patient underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. 45% of surgeons stated that antibiotics were started at the time of diagnosis of pancreatitis. The percentage of surgeons who did not undergo cholecystectomy early in patients with mild to moderate pancreatitis was 60%. The reason for not preferring surgery in the early period was the most frequent operation difficulty with 40% and not supporting the operation in the early period. CONCLUSION: According to the attitude survey results, there are differences between general surgery specialists in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis.

Is computed tomography tractography reliable in patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds?

INTRODUCTION: The current literature and guidelines recommend that determination of peritoneal violation is done first in cases of anterior abdominal stab wounds. The primary endpoint of this study was to determine the reliability of computed tomographic (CT) tractography to assess peritoneal violation in anterior abdominal stab wounds. The secondary endpoint is to compare local wound exploration between conventional CT and CT tractography in the evaluation of peritoneal violation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 252 patients who were referred with anterior abdominal stab wounds were included in this prospective observational study. Three techniques (local wound exploration, conventional abdominal tomography, and CT tractography) were used to evaluate peritoneal violation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated for each technique to determine peritoneal violation. RESULTS: The results for the local wound exploration were 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, 100% NPV, and 100% accuracy. The results for CT tractography were 95% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, 80% NPV, and 96% accuracy. Conventional abdominal tomography results were 87% sensitivity, 50% specificity, 91% PPV, 40% NPV, and 82% accuracy. CONCLUSION: Local wound exploration is 100% effective in determining peritoneal violation with anterior abdominal stab wounds. CT tractography is better than conventional CT in detecting peritoneal violation. However, we do not recommend CT tractography in anterior abdominal stab wounds due to the false-negative results.

Management of Gallstone-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy: A Tertiary-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Gallbladder stones are the most frequently reported etiology of acute pancreatitis in pregnancy and are often diagnosed in the third trimester. This condition is associated with both mother and infant morbidity and mortality, and its treatment remains controversial. METHODS: Relevant patient data between September 2010 and April 2017 from the Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital were analyzed regarding etiology (of gallstone pancreatitis), trimester of pregnancy, diagnostic tools, pancreatitis stage, clinical status, medical treatment, surgical interventions, and pregnancy status. RESULTS: We included 68 patients recorded with acute pancreatitis due to biliary gallstones. Pancreatitis symptoms developed in most (n=38) (55.8%) patients during the third trimester. Of 24 patients who had their first episode of pancreatitis in the first trimester of pregnancy, 12 (50%) were readmitted due to recurrence. Seven (11.3%) patients whose Ranson scale score was 3 underwent computed tomography evaluation. The number of patients with acute cholecystitis with pancreatitis was 5 (7.3%), whereas the number of patients with choledocholithiasis was 4 (5.8%). Sphincterotomy with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed in 2 (2.9%) patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 9 (13.2%) patients during pregnancy. No fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality was found in all periods. CONCLUSION: Developments in supportive care, wide-spread use of imaging methods, and a multidisciplinary approach with better antenatal care of pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis can help prevent fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality in such cases. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be considered especially in pregnant patients with acute pancreatitis due to gallstones in the first trimester.

An association between transmesenteric internal hernia and abdominal cocoon syndrome: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Transmesenteric internal hernia is defined as the herniation of the small intestine from a mesenteric defect in the abdominal cavity, and abdominal cocoon syndrome is the partial or entire encapsulation of the small bowel like the shape of an accordion, by a fibrocollagenous membrane. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 32-year old male patient applied with complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting bile. Signs visualized in the abdominal computer tomography were as follows: gatto formation of the small intestinal loops and suspected of an internal hernia.In the operation, a membrane was detected encapsulating the entire intestine resembling a tube, making the intestines to appear like an accordion and an opening was present in the small intestinal mesentery. The intestine was separated from the defect, and placed in its normal anatomical position. The defect in the mesentery was closed and the encapsulating membrane was removed from small intestine. Intestinal resection was not required. DISCUSSION: Internal hernias comprise less than 1% of all intestinal obstructions, and are formed by the herniation of the intestine and mesentery into the opening of the visceral peritoneum or into the recessus. Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a disorder characterized by the partial or total encapsulation of the small intestine by a thick and fibrotic membrane. Preoperative diagnosis is very difficult and is generally diagnosed during laparotomy exploration. CONCLUSION: The association of internal herniation and abdominal cocoon syndrome is an extremely rare cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction. If not promptly diagnosed and treated, can lead to serious complications.

Robotic versus conventional laparoscopic colorectal operations: a-single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Robotic surgery was first introduced in 2000 especially to overcome the limitations of low rectum cancer surgery. There is still no consensus regarding the standard method for colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare robotic surgery with laparoscopic colorectal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study. Data of patients with a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer were analyzed for robotic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic colorectal surgery. RESULTS: The cost of robotic surgery group was statistically higher than the laparoscopic surgery group (p=0.032). The average operation duration was 178 minutes in the laparoscopic surgery group and 228 minutes in the robotic surgery group, and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.044). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding other parameters. DISCUSSION: Disadvantages of robotic surgery seem to be its higher cost and longer operation duration as compared to laparoscopic surgery. We claim that an increase in the number of cases and experience may shorten the operation time while the increase in commercial interest may decrease the cost disadvantage of robotic surgery.

Giant juvenile fibroadenoma.

Juvenile fibroadenoma is a common cause of breast masses seen in adolescents and young women. Giant juvenile fibroadenomas are usually single and unilateral. The etiology is thought to be due to increased levels of estrogen during adolescence, although it is not yet fully understood. Treatment options range from simple excision to sub-cutaneous mastectomy according to the size of the lesion. This article aimed to present a case that was diagnosed with "giant juvenile fibroadenoma".

Unusual clinical case: extraluminal manifestation of a tapeworm from the eviscerated midline incision in a post-surgery patient.

Taenia saginata infestation is one of the most common cestode infestations in humans, that may cause gastrointestinal tract related complications as a result of obstruction, perforation or anastomotic leakage. A 55-year-old male patient who was receiving palliative chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer was admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain. A hollow viscus organ perforation was diagnosed and an emergency surgery was performed. On postoperative day 5, the patient's midline incision eviscerated and a moving taenia emerged, with abundant particulated fluid from the incision line. The patient was admitted for abdominal surgery due to suspected bowel perforation. During the abdominal exploration, a relaxed purse stitch of the feeding tube was observed and no other bowel perforations were seen. The patient underwent two planned surgery for abdominal cavity lavage after the removal of cestode. Unfortunately, the patient died sixteen days after his admission to the intensive care unit. This is the first case describing an extraluminal manifestation of a tapeworm in a midline incision from evisceration without intestinal perforation.

Two Etiological Reasons of Constipation: Anterior Rectocele and Internal Mucosal Intussusception.

Chronic constipation is a common problem in the general population. Rome III criteria can be used for the diagnosis of chronic constipation. The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of anterior rectocele and mucosal intussusception as two etiological factors for chronic constipation. One hundred patients were included in this study after excluding other causes of the constipation by medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and radiological studies in 108 total patients who were admitted consecutively to the outpatient clinic of the general surgery department of Dr. Sadi Konuk Bakirkoy Education and Research Hospital with the complaint of constipation between June 2009 and January 2010. It was found that 75 % of these patients had anterior rectocele and 66 % of them had internal intussusception which cause chronic constsipation. Anterior rectocele and internal rectal mucosal intussusception must be kept in mind as two significant reasons for chronic functional constipation.

Two different methods for appendiceal stump closure: metal clip and Hem-o-lok clip.

INTRODUCTION: Closure of the appendiceal stump (CAS) is the most crucial part of appendectomy procedures because most of the complications occur by a leak of the stump. The aim of this retrospective clinical study is to emphasize two different methods (metal clip and Hem-o-lok(®) [Teleflex Medical, Research Triangle Park, NC] clip) for CAS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cases were divided into two subgroups according to the type of CAS. Subgroups were compared with each other according to age, intraabdominal abscess formation, operation duration, and complication rate. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were seen in either subgroup. There were 22 postoperative complications in the metal clip subgroup (13 intraabdominal abscesses, 9 wound infections) and 8 postoperative complications in the Hem-o-lok clip subgroup (five intraabdominal abscesses, three wound infections). The cost of the closure was $7 for the metal clip group and $50 for the Hem-o-lok clip group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Hem-o-lok clips and metal clip for CAS in laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible, safe, and cost-effective procedure in patients with a mild to moderately inflamed appendix base of less than 10 mm in diameter.

Enhanced postoperative recovery pathways in emergency surgery: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery pathways are now widely used in elective surgical procedures. The feasibility of enhanced postoperative recovery pathways in emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer disease was investigated in this randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease who underwent laparoscopic repair were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 patients were managed with standard postoperative care and group 2 patients with enhanced postoperative recovery pathways. The primary endpoints were the length of hospital stay and morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included in the study. There were 26 patients in group 1 and 21 in group 2. There were no significant differences in the morbidity and mortality rates, whereas the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The application of enhanced postoperative recovery pathways in selected patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease who undergo laparoscopic Graham patch repair seems feasible.

A Rare Entity of Breast Cancer: Primary Neuroendocrin Carcinoma.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer throughout the world, however neuroendocrine tumors of the breast are rarely encountered. Herein we present a 75-year-old patient who was admitted to our clinic due to a mass in her breast and was operated on with a preliminary diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma, However she was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor after pathologic evaluation. The patient is the oldest one among others with a neuroendocrine tumor in the breast reported in the literature.

The early results of our initial experience with robotic adrenalectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Robotic adrenalectomy is one of the minimally invasive surgical methods gaining wide acceptance due to the three-dimensional imaging system and ergonomics of the equipment. We aimed to present the early data on patients who underwent robotic adrenalectomy due to adrenal masses in our hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of eight cases, in which a unilateral robotic trans-peritoneal adrenalectomy was conducted due to an adrenal mass between 2011 and 2013, have been evaluated. Demographic characteristics of cases, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, preoperative diagnosis, diameter and localization of the adrenal mass, operative time, blood loss, conversion rate to open surgery, morbidity and mortality rates, length of hospital stay, total hospital charges and postoperative pathologic results were considered. RESULTS: The female to male ratio was 6:2, the median age was 49.5 (26-71) and the median BMI was 29.7 (21.7-38.5). An adrenalectomy was performed in six cases for a right adrenal mass and in two cases for a left adrenal mass. The mean tumor diameter was 53.6 mm (20-90). The average surgical time (including docking) was 98 min. (55-175 min.) and the average blood loss was 50 mL. The only complication was a diaphragm injury which was repaired robotically. There were no conversions to traditional laparoscopic or open surgery and there have not been any mortality in the series. The median length of hospital stay was 4.1 days (range 2-11) and the average cost was 3617.12 TL ($1808.56). CONCLUSION: Robotic adrenalectomy is an effective and safe surgical alternative to laparoscopic adrenalectomy. However its high cost has emerged as its main disadvantage.

Endobiliary radiofrequency ablation for malignant biliary obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The cornerstone of palliative treatment for inoperable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is the relief of malignant biliary obstruction. The most commonly applied method is endoscopic stenting. However, the procedure can be complicated with stent obstruction. In this respect, endobiliary radiofrequency ablation may serve as an adjunctive tool for prolonging the stent patency. METHODS: Patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for differential diagnosis and/or palliative treatment after the diagnosis of inoperable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma between March 2011 and January 2012 were analyzed. Those in whom endobiliary radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic stenting was successfully performed were included in the study. Technical details of the procedure, duration of stent patency, length of hospital stay, short-term morbidity and mortality rate were documented. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were analyzed, and 10 patients were included in the study. The morbidity and mortality rate within the first 30 days after the procedure was 20% and 0%, respectively. In 2 patients, mild pancreatitis occurred because of the endobiliary procedure. In 1 patient, endobiliary decompression could not be achieved, and therefore, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was carried out. The median duration of stent patency in 9 patients with successful biliary decompression was 9 months (range 6-15). CONCLUSION: Endobiliary radiofrequency ablation seems to be safe and feasible as a palliative measure and may prolong the stent patency and overall survival in patients with malignant biliary obstruction due to inoperable extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Prophylactic injection therapy is necessary for Forrest type 2b duodenal ulcers.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the effect of prophylactic injection therapy during the index gastroscopy on upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to Forrest type 2b duodenal ulcer. METHODS: The patients who were admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and who underwent emergency gastroscopy between January 2004 and January 2011 were recruited to the study retrospectively. Among those, the patients with Forrest type 2b duodenal ulcer were selected and divided into two groups. The patients in Group 1 had only diagnostic gastroscopy, whereas those in Group 2 had prophylactic injection therapy during the index gastroscopy. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were included in the study. There were 41 patients in Group 1 and 46 patients in Group 2. There was a significant difference in the incidence of rebleeding (26.8% versus 6.5%, p=0.017). The mortality rate was similar in the two groups (9.7% versus 2.1%, p=0.184). CONCLUSION: We recommend prophylactic injection therapy in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who have Forrest type 2b duodenal ulcer.

[Tuboovarian abscess caused by hydatid cyst: a rare case]. / Nadir bir olgu: Tuboovaryan apseye neden olan hidatik kist.

Primary lesions of hydatid cysts caused by Echinococcus granulosus, are frequently localized in liver, followed by lungs, muscles, kidneys, spleen and bones. Pelvic inoculations are rare and usually occur as a secondary infection. In this report, a case of primary hydatid cyst in the abdomen, spleen and pelvic organs, clinically mimicking tuboovarian abscess, was presented. A nineteen-years-old female patient was admitted to the gynecology outpatient clinic with the complaint of abdominal pain for two days. The case was considered as tuboovarian abscess according to the initial examination findings and hospitalized for treatment and follow-up. In transabdominal ultrasound examination, 44 x 43 mm thin-walled septated cysts in the left ovary and 65 x 65 mm thin-walled multiloculated cysts in the spleen were detected. Abdominal computerized tomography also yielded multivesicular cystic masses in spleen, front abdominal wall and the left ovary. Since the clinical and vital findings worsened, she initially underwent ovarian cystectomy by laparoscopy, then abdominal cystectomy and splenectomy. The operation material examined macroscopically was compatible with hydatid cyst with the characteristics of a germinative membrane and hydatid sand. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. The patient was discharged without complication on post-operative sixth day, with a recommendation of albendezol (15 mg/kg/day, 3 months) treatment. Since the patient had undergone emergency surgery, indirect hemaglutination (IHA) test had not been performed pre-operatively. However, post-operative third month serum sample revealed a positive (1/32) IHA titer. In conclusion, hydatid cyst should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of patients with abdominal pain, in response to the high prevalence of the parasite in our country.

Intracorporeal knotting versus metal endoclip application for the closure of the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy in uncomplicated appendicitis.

PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to compare the efficacy of two methods--intracorporeal knotting and metal endoclip application--for closure of the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy in a specific group of patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. METHODS: The patients were randomized into two groups who had their appendiceal stump secured by intracorporeal knotting (Group 1) and metal endoclipping (Group 2). Primary outcome measure was postoperative complications, whereas secondary outcome measures were intraoperative complications, operative time, length of hospital stay, and re-admissions (including rehospitalizations and reoperations). RESULTS: One hundred seven patients were prospectively recruited in a randomized study between December 2010 and May 2011. Group 1 and Group 2 included 46 and 61 patients, respectively. The rate of postoperative complications in Group 1 and Group 2 was 8.7% (4/46) and 4.9% (3/61) (P>.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in secondary outcome measures except the mean operative time (61.9 minutes versus 46.3 minutes, P=.0008). CONCLUSIONS: The closure of the appendiceal stump by either intracorporeal knotting or metal endoclipping during laparoscopic appendectomy in uncomplicated appendicitis is safe with comparable morbidity and mortality rates.

The effects of methylene blue on adhesion formation in a rat model of experimental peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of methylene blue (MB) on the early and late phases of adhesion and abscess formation in a standard colonic wall injury and fecal peritonitis model in rats. METHODS: There were four groups: Group I (only laparotomy, n=10), Group II (peritonitis + MB, n=15), Group III (peritonitis + saline, n=15), and Group IV (colon incision + saline, n=15). Mortality, morbidity, adhesion scores, histopathologic analyses, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) levels, and tissue hydroxyproline (5-HP) levels were evaluated in all animals. Descriptive statistical methods were used with Kruskal-Wallis test. When a statistical difference was obtained between groups, Mann-Whitney U test was used to confirm the difference between two groups. RESULTS: Adhesion scores of Groups I, III and IV were significantly higher than in Group II. TNF-? levels were significantly higher in Groups I, III and IV. 5-HP levels were significantly lower in Groups I and II compared to Groups III and IV. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, it appears that MB may prevent peritoneal adhesions in a peritonitis model, but wound healing could be impaired. MB should be further evaluated because of its dual effect.

[Comparison of the hemostatic efficiency of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and fibrin glue on a liver laceration model in rats]. / Siçanlarda karaciger laserasyon modelinde Ankaferd Blood Stopper ve fibrin yapistiricinin hemostatik etkinliginin karsilastirilmasi

BACKGROUND: Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) is an organic topical hemostatic agent that has become available in recent years. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ABS in a liver laceration model in rats with that of fibrin glue (FG), which is currently being used widely in clinics. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar Albino type rats were randomly divided into four groups. In the Sham group (Group 1), only the liver was explored. In the other study groups (Groups 2, 3 and 4), three incisions were performed, each 1 cm long and 2 mm deep, on the front of the left lobe of the livers. In Groups 2 and 3, ABS and FG were used as hemostatic agents, respectively. No materials were used for the injuries in the Control Group (Group 4). Bleeding periods, changes in the hematocrit levels, intraabdominal adhesion levels, and histopathological effects were taken into consideration. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the period of hemostasis in Groups 2 and 3, whereas the same period was evidently longer in Group 4 (17 (15-20) sec, 18 (16-20) sec, 70 (64-74) seconds, respectively; p<0.05). No significant difference was detected between the groups regarding intraabdominal adhesion levels (Group 1: 1 (0-1), Group 2: 2 (1-3), Group 3: 2 (1-3), Group 4: 2 (1-3); p>0.05). Microscopic evaluations revealed similar histopathological effects of ABS and FG on the liver and surrounding tissues (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The topical hemostatic effectiveness of ABS was shown to be comparable to FG in a liver laceration model in rats. There was no significant difference between these materials regarding adhesion formation in intraabdominal use or histopathological effects.