Identifying Factors Associated with Non-mesenterovascular Pathology in Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia.

AIM: To identify factors that can help us to avoid a preoperative incorrect diagnosis of vascular occlusion by evaluating patients who underwent laparotomy with a probable preoperative diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI), but later at laparotomy, were diagnosed to have a different pathology than AMI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 213 patients who were operated with the diagnosis of AMI were enrolled in this study. Based on their operational, clinical, and pathological findings, they were divided into two groups. Patient demographic data, along with the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, Charlson comorbidity index, history of previous abdominal surgery, and computed tomography (CT) findings were compared between groups. RESULTS: There were 37 patients in Group 1 (non-mesenterovascular pathology) and 176 patients in Group 2 (mesenterovascular pathology). The percentage of ASA 4 patients was higher in Group 2, with 48.3%, compared to 35.1% in Group 1 (p-value: 0.028). Upon admission, Group 2 had a higher rate of pathologic findings on CT examinations. 21.8% of the patients with non-mesenterovascular pathology had normal intra-abdominal findings. In univariate and multivariate analysis for no-nmesenterovascular pathology, patient age less than 65, Charlson comorbidity index 1-2, INR level >1.2, history of previous abdominal operation, and pneumatosis intestinalis were identified as independent risk factors. DISCUSSION: The possibility of non-mesenterovascular pathology in presumed AMI patients should be kept in mind, especially if the patients have a history of abdominal surgery, a low comorbidity index, an elevated international normalised ratio (INR), and are younger than 65 years of age. CONCLUSION: Evaluating the significant parameters identified in this study among patients with a preliminary diagnosis of AMI may prove useful in avoiding misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgeries.

Serum micronutrient levels in critically ill patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy: A prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may deplete micronutrient levels. Patients are also at risk for micronutrient depletion due to underlying illness(s), poor nutrient intake prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or increased requirements. We determined vitamin and trace element status before, during and after CRRT in critically ill patients. METHODS: This prospective observational study performed in mixed medical and surgical ICU patients. Serial serum vitamin B6 and vitamin C concentrations were measured by HPLC and folic acid by ECLIA. Serum chromium, copper, selenium, and zinc were measured using ICP-MS. Serum ceruloplasmin was measured by the Erel method. RESULTS: Fifty adult ICU patients with AKI were recruited. The median APACHE II score on ICU admission was high at 24.0 (6.0-33.0). The median days on CRRT was 2.0 (2.0-4.0) days. At baseline (within 10-15 minutes of CRRT initiation), serum vitamin C, selenium and zinc were below normal. Serum vitamin B6 levels at 72 hours on CRRT were significantly lower than at 24 hours (p = 0.011). Serum vitamin C values fell significantly at 24 and 72 hours during CRRT (p = 0.030 and p = 0.001), respectively, and remained low 24 and 48 hours after CRRT was stopped (p = 0.021). At baseline and during CRRT, 96% of participants had at least two or more micronutrient levels below the normal range. CONCLUSION: Serum vitamin C, selenium and zinc concentrations were below the normal range at baseline. CRRT was associated with a significant further decrease in levels of vitamin C, selenium and zinc.

The prognostic value of Tumor Volume Index in patients with esophageal cancer who had curative resection A single center experience.

AIM: We aim to evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor volume in esophageal cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent curative resection due to esophageal cancer between the years 2015 and 2019 were included in the study. The Tumor Depth Parameter (TDP) was defined as mucosa and submucosa =1, muscularis propria =2, adventitia =3, and invasion into adjacent organs=4. The Tumor Volume Index (TVI) was defined as the major axis X the minor axis X TDP. Two groups were formed based on TVI: Group 1 (low TVI) and Group 2 (high TVI). In the groups; patients were compared in terms of demographic and clinical features, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, characteristics of the tumor and average survival. RESULTS: The patients were divided into two groups based on the cut-off value of 4,000. Group 1 (low TVI) consisted of 16 patients and Group 2 (high TVI) consisted of 28 patients. Male sex ratio was higher in Group 2 (50% vs 85%, p:0.011) Tumor diameter was observed to be larger in Group 2 (3.06 vs 5.54, p:0.000). Adenocarcinoma histologic type was more common in Group 2 (25% vs 64.3%, p:0.012). Incidence of respiratory complications was higher in Group 2 (0% vs 35.7%, p:0.024),Survival time (months) was shorter in Group 2 (36 vs 11, p:0.005). TVI's being over 4000 (HR)(95%-Confidence Interval ((Cl) 0.057 (0.011-0.311),p:0.001) was an independent risk factor to determine the rate of survival. CONCLUSION: TVI can be used as a prognostic factor in patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgical therapy. TVI is closely associated with tumor histology and postoperative outcomes. KEY WORDS: Esophageal cancer, Prognosis, Postoperative complication, Surgical manangment, Survey, Tumor volume.

A new approach in bariatric operations: bridged mini gastric by-pass. Is rabbit model suitable for an experimental study?

OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a global health epidemic with considerable co-morbidities. The increasing demand for bariatric surgery has led to the emergence of new techniques. We modified previously described Mini Gastric By-pass(MGB) technique via leaving a bridge at the most cranial 2 cm of the fundus of the human stomach to the follow-up and treatment of the remnant stomach and duodenum. We would like to entitle this new technique as Bridged MGB and aimed to apply on rabbits as an experimental study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in the experimental animal laboratory of university after ethical approval was taken from the local ethics committee. Described new technique was applied to 2.1 and 3.2 kg 2 New Zealand rabbits. RESULTS: As a result of the operations, one of the rabbits died on the day of the operation; the other rabbit was exitus postoperatively on the third day. In autopsies, although no problem was detected at the anastomoses, necrosis was detected in the large curvature of both rabbits. CONCLUSION: Rabbit, one of the popular experimental animals, has been shown to be different from the human gastrointestinal system in both arterial and topographic aspects and it has been emphasized that it varies according to the species and even the diet and the climate. We believe that our study failed as a result of these differences and that animals more similar to humans should be used in gastrointestinal experimental studies.

Prognostic significance of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with curative resection of esophageal cancer. A single center experience.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to determine the clinical value and prognostic significance of the Neutrophil / Lymphocyte Ratio in patients undergoing curative surgery due to esophageal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients who underwent curative resection for esophageal cancer between 2015-2019 were included in the study. Two groups, Group1 (low NLR) and Group2 (high NLR), were created. Demographic and clinical features, intraoperative and postoperative results, tumor characteristics and mean survival were compared in the groups. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients participated in our study. Group 1 consisted of 18 patients and Group 2 consisted of 30 patients. Male sex was dominant in both groups (66.7% vs 73.3%, p. 0.431). Preoperative CEA was higher in Group 2 (3.97 vs 9.57, p. 0.032). Tumor diameter was larger in Group2 (3.33 vs 5.40 cm, p. 0.000). Adenocarcinoma was higher in Group 2 (33% vs 53.3%, p. 0.047), while squamous cell carcinoma was higher in Group 1 (66.7% vs 33.3%, p. 0.047). Lymph node positivity was higher in Group 2 (66.7% vs 93.3%, p. 0.024). The anastomosis leak was higher in Group 2 (0% vs 20%, p. 0.048). Postoperative hospital stay was longer in Group 2 (13.27 vs 23.9 days, p. 0.009). 90-day readmission was higher in Group1 (33.3% vs 3.3%, p. 0.008). Survival duration was shorter in Group 2 (29 vs 15 months, p. 0.005). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that preoperative high NLR was associated with poor survival, along with greater tumor diameter, increased lymph node metastasis rate, and increased anastomosis leakage in patients with esophageal cancer. These results suggest that modifying inflammatory responses and modulating the immune system may improve survival outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer. KEY WORDS: Esophagus cancer, Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, Preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, Prognosis.

Correlation Between the Mayo Adhesive Probability Score and the Operative Time in Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Adherent perinephric fat (APF) is a known risk factor of surgical difficulty during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN). The Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) score predicts APF accurately. The aim of this study is to identify the association between MAP score and operative time in LDN. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 154 kidney donors who underwent surgery from December 2017 to December 2019 at Istanbul Aydin University Hospital and Istinye University Hospital. All of the operations were done by 3 senior surgeons by a fully laparoscopic method. The MAP score was derived from computed tomography scans by 1 blinded reader. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), MAP score, side selection, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), number of arteries and veins, operative time, hospital stay, and complications are recorded. Single and multiple variable analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between operative time and MAP score, BMI, side selection, and number of vascular structures. RESULTS: A total of 154 patients (79 men, 75 women) with a mean age of 44.4 ± 12.72 were included in this study. None of the cases were converted to open nephrectomy. There were no major complications. Mean BMI was 27.59 ± 4.32 kg/m2, mean MAP score was 0.69 ± 1.15, and mean operative time was 40.25 ± 9.81 minutes. Although mean BMI was higher in women (28.19 ± 4.52 vs 27.03 ± 4.07; P < .05), mean MAP score was lower than in men (0.35 ± 0.86 vs 1.03 ± 1.29; P < .001). Older age, higher BMI, higher MAP score, and presence of multiple renal arteries were associated with longer operative time of LDN. The MAP score was associated with older age, male sex and higher BMI. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that different risk factors can affect operative time in LDN. The MAP score was significantly associated with longer operative time, especially in men, so it can be useful for predicting surgical difficulty in kidney donors.

Inlet patch mimicking unstable angina pectoris.

The ectopic stomach mucosa island in the proximal esophagus, which is generally known as the inlet patch or cervical inlet patch, is called as the heterotopic gastric mucosa of the esophagus. Despite its asymptomatic progress, it may cause chest pain, shortness of breath and difficulty in swallowing due to the acid secretion from the ectopic mucosa. The study aimed to present a patient who underwent coronary angiography with an unstable angina pectoris diagnosis by cardiologists for gastric chest pain but found an inlet patch in gastroduodenoscopy.

Application of crystal-line phenol in pilonidal sinus disease A single-center and single-surgeon experience.

AIM: Various surgical and minimally invasive treatment options are available in the treatment of pilonidal sinus. In our study, we aimed to retrospectively analyze the results of crystalline phenol application in patients who applied to our clinic with pilonidal sinus. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients who were applied crystalline phenol due to pilonidal sinus disease between 2018- 2019 were included in the study. The patients were evaluated in terms of demographic characteristics, pit count, surgical treatment history, abscess drainage history, number of repeated applications, complication status, recovery rate in the first month, success rate in the first year, and recurrence. RESULTS: 209 patients participated in our study. The average age of patients was 25.5, and the number of male patients was 4 times that of women. The patients had an average of 2.13 pits. Twenty-two patients had a history of abscess drainage. Thirteen patients had a history of surgical treatment. The recovery rate was 89.3% in the 1-month controls and 93.7% in the 1-year controls. Repeated application was performed to 11% of the patients. Seventeen patients had recurrence after wound healing. The most common complications were skin burn (1.4%) and wound infection (1.4%). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease, crystalline phenol can be safely applied with a high success rate, low recurrence rate and an acceptable percentage of complications. KEY WORDS: Crystalline phenol application recurrence, Pilonidal sinus, Minimally invasive.

Effect of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), Capsules on Colistin-Induced Nephrotoxicity.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the protective effect of Ganoderma lucidum capsules against colistin nephrotoxicity. The study animals were separated into four groups: control, colistin (9 mg/kg), colistin-G. lucidum 50 mg/kg, and colistin-G. lucidum 100 mg/kg. In the colistin group, serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine values were found to be higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.001). The malondialdehyde, catalase, total oxidative stress, oxidative stress index, and oxidized glutathione values in serum and kidney tissue samples were determined to be higher in the colistin group than in the other groups (p < 0.001). The total antioxidative stress, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione values measured in the serum and kidney tissue samples were determined to be lower in the colistin group (p < 0.001). Oxidative stress is responsible for tubule damage in colistin nephrotoxicity, and when G. lucidum is used together with colistin, renal damage is reduced.

Ectopic adrenal tissue in a hernia sac in an adult. A case report.

The discovery of ectopic adrenal tissue in the hernial sac is very rare, and in the majority of reported cases it is in children, while it is never described in adult subjects. This could be due to a progressive previous atrophy of the ectopic tissue or to an insufficient examination of the sac removed surgically. The most frequent site of these ectopias is the kidney, adjacent to the adrenal glands. The presence of ectopic adrenal tissue is important because of its neoplastic and hyperplastic potential. We report a case of a 69-year-old male patient who underwent a surgical operation of a left inguinal hernia and that the presence of ectopic adrenal tissue was reported in the pathologist's report. Preoperative abdominal ultrasound should therefore be performed in patients destined for an inguinal hernia surgery, because also the rare existence of ectopic adrenal tissue in the hernial sac should be kept in mind. KEY WORDS: Adrenal, Adult, Ectopia, Herni sac.

Effects of bradykinin preconditioning in an experimental intestinal ischemia reperfusion model on rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of bradykinin on reperfusion injury in an experimental intestinal ischemia reperfusion model. METHODS: We used 32 Wistar-Albino rats. We composed 4 groups each containing 8 rats. Rats in sham group were sacrified at 100 minutes observation after laparotomy. Thirty minutes reperfusion was performed following 50 minutes ischaemia in control group after observing 20 minutes. Ischaemic preconditioning was performed in one group of the study. We performed the other study group pharmacologic preconditioning by infusional administration of 10 µg/kg/minute bradykinin intravenously. We sacrified all of the rats by taking blood samples to evaluate the lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) after resection of jejunum for detecting tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. RESULTS: Lactate and LDH levels were significantly higher in control and study groups than the sham group (P<0.001). There is no difference between the study groups statistically. (P>0.05). The results were the same for MPO levels. Although definitive cell damage was determinated in the control group by hystopatological evaluation, the damage in the study groups observed was lower in different levels. However, there was no significant difference between the study groups statistically (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Either ischeamic preconditioning or pharmacologic preconditioning made by bradykinin reduced the ischemia reperfusion injury at jejunum.

Does dexmedetomidine prevent colistin nephrotoxicity? / Dexmedetomidina impede a nefrotoxicidade da colistina?

Abstract Background In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on colistin nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups. Intraperitoneal (ip) saline at 1 mL.kg-1 was administered to the control group and 10 mg.kg-1 ip colistin was given to the colistin group. In the DEX10 group 10 mcg.kg-1 dexmedetomidine ip was given 20 min before the injection of 10 mg.kg-1 ip colistin. In the DEX20 group ip 20 mcg.kg-1 dexmedetomidine was injected 20 min before the administration of 10 mg.kg-1 ip colistin. These treatments were continued twice a day for seven days. Samples were taken on the eighth day. BUN, Cr, KIM-1, TAS, and TOS were examined in blood samples and caspase-3 was examined in kidney tissue samples. Results The values for BUN, Cr and TOS were significantly higher in the colistin group than in the control group. BUN, Cr and TOS changes in the DEX10 and DEX20 groups were not significant compared with the control group but they were significantly lower compared with the colistin group. TAS values in the DEX10 group were significantly lower than in the control group. Apoptotic activity was significantly higher in the colistin group compared with the control group, but there was no significant difference in terms of caspase-3 staining activity when DEX10 and DEX20 groups were compared with the control group. Conclusion Oxidative damage and apoptosis played roles in colistin nephrotoxicity, and colistin nephrotoxicity could be prevented by treatment with dexmedetomidine.

Resumo Justificativa Neste estudo, buscamos investigar o efeito da dexmedetomidina sobre a nefrotoxicidade da colistina em ratos. Métodos Trinta e dois ratos Wistar albinos foram alocados em quatro grupos: o grupo controle recebeu 1 mL.kg-1 de solução salina intraperitoneal (ip); o grupo colistina recebeu 10 mg.kg-1 de colistina ip; o grupo DEX10 recebeu 10 mcg.kg-1 de dexmedetomidina ip 20 minutos antes da injeção de 10 mg.kg-1 de colistina ip; o grupo DEX20 recebeu 20 mcg.kg-1 de dexmedetomidina ip 20 minutos antes da administração de 10 mg.kg-1 de colistina ip. Estes tratamentos foram continuados duas vezes ao dia durante sete dias. As amostras foram colhidas no oitavo dia. BUN, Cr, KIM-1, TAS e TOS foram examinados nas amostras de sangue e caspase-3 foi examinada nas amostras de tecido renal. Resultados Os valores de BUN, Cr e TOS foram significativamente maiores no grupo colistina do que no grupo controle. As alterações em BUN, Cr e TOS nos grupos DEX10 e DEX20 não foram significativas em comparação com o grupo controle, mas foram significativamente menores em comparação com o grupo colistina. Os valores de TAS no grupo DEX10 foram significativamente menores do que no grupo controle. A atividade apoptótica foi significativamente maior no grupo colistina em comparação com o grupo controle, mas não houve diferença significativa em termos de atividade na coloração da caspase-3 quando os grupos DEX10 e DEX20 foram comparados com o grupo controle. Conclusão O dano oxidativo e a apoptose desempenharam papéis na nefrotoxicidade da colistina e a nefrotoxicidade de colistina pode ser prevenida pelo tratamento com dexmedetomidina.

[Does dexmedetomidine prevent colistin nephrotoxicity?] / Dexmedetomidina impede a nefrotoxicidade da colistina?

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on colistin nephrotoxicity in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups. Intraperitoneal (ip) saline at 1mL.kg-1 was administered to the control group and 10mg.kg-1 ip colistin was given to the colistin group. In the DEX10 group 10mcg.kg-1 dexmedetomidine ip was given 20min before the injection of 10mg.kg-1 ip colistin. In the DEX20 group ip 20mcg.kg-1 dexmedetomidine was injected 20min before the administration of 10mg.kg-1 ip colistin. These treatments were continued twice a day for seven days. Samples were taken on the eighth day. BUN, Cr, KIM-1, TAS, and TOS were examined in blood samples and caspase-3 was examined in kidney tissue samples. RESULTS: The values for BUN, Cr and TOS were significantly higher in the colistin group than in the control group. BUN, Cr and TOS changes in the DEX10 and DEX20 groups were not significant compared with the control group but they were significantly lower compared with the colistin group. TAS values in the DEX10 group were significantly lower than in the control group. Apoptotic activity was significantly higher in the colistin group compared with the control group, but there was no significant difference in terms of caspase-3 staining activity when DEX10 and DEX20 groups were compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Oxidative damage and apoptosis played roles in colistin nephrotoxicity, and colistin nephrotoxicity could be prevented by treatment with dexmedetomidine.

Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: Comparison of Wide Local Excision with or without Corticosteroid Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disease of the breast with uncertain optimal treatment regimen. In this study, our purpose was to report our clinical experience with 74 IGM patients who were treated wide local excision with or without steroid therapy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 74 cases diagnosed histologically as IGM were identified from surgical and pathological records between January 1995 and January 2012. Group 1 (surgery-only group) comprised 53 patients, and the 21 patients in group 2 were treated with corticosteroids prior to surgical treatment (steroid-and-surgery group). RESULTS: Follow-up data were complete for 67 (91.7%) of the 73 patients. Recurrence developed in 4 (7.5%) patients in the surgery-only group, while there was no recurrence in the steroid-and-surgery group; the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.19). CONCLUSION: Systemic steroid therapy with surgical resection is the recommended first-line treatment strategy for IGM.

Comparison of lovastatin and hyaluronic acid/carboxymethyl cellulose on experimental created peritoneal adhesion model in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this experimental study was to compare the effectiveness and reliability of lovastatin and hyaluronic acid + carboxymethyl cellulose (Seprafilm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty two female Wistar-Albino rats weighing between 250 and 300 g were used in the study. The rats were divided into four groups as sham, control, lovastatin and Seprafilm each of which contained 8 rats. All rats were sacrificed on the 14th day after surgery. Macroscopic adhesion, microscopic adhesion and tPA, MDA and NO values were evaluated. RESULTS: Macroscopic adhesion formation was significantly lower in the sham and study groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). Microscopic classification adhesion formation was significantly lower in the sham and study groups than in the control group (p < 0.05), and the tPA, MDA and NO values showed statistically significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: Lovastatin and Seprafilm were equally effective in preventing postoperative intra abdominal adhesions. The study groups were showed significant superiority to the control group.