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.

Comparison of open and closed burn wound dressing applications with tissue culture sampling.

BACKGROUND: Secondary infections are the leading cause of death in burn patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of open and closed burn dressings on the development of secondary infections. METHODS: Tissue cultures were obtained from the burn sites of 56 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who were admitted to our burn unit between December 2022 and January 2023, on days 3 and 7. The impact of the demographic features of the patients, the characteristics of the burn wound, the dressing type, and the first intervention strategies given to the burn wound on the development of wound infection were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the open- and closed-dressing groups in terms of cultural positiv-ity (P>0.05). A statistically significant difference (P=0.019) was found between the groups in terms of culture positivity among those whose wounds were cleansed with warm water as the initial intervention after a burn and those whose wounds were not. CONCLUSION: Even though the main impacts of the patient's variables on the development of a wound infection are recognized, it has been found that the appropriate and successful first intervention in a burn wound is also quite important.

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.

The effect of emergency room consultations on emergency general surgery operations.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalizations in emergency general surgery (EGS) cases in the USA have increased by 28% since 2001. The costs of these cases are estimated to increase by 45% annually until 2060, reaching 41.20 billion dollars. According to the literature, the general surgery clinic team allocates an average of 5.5 hours a day for emergency room consultations. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of consultations from the emergency room in our country on the EGS approach and to create appropriate solution proposals with the data obtained from the regional hospitals. METHODS: The source of the data in our study is the number of EGS cases presented by 10 regional hospitals at the Central Anatolia regional meetings of The Turkish Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery between 2017 and 2020. MATLAB R2021b (The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, Massachusetts, USA) and SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) programs were used for data analysis and graphics creation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The hospitalization/consultation rate was evaluated as the success of the doctors working at the emergency department in recognizing EGS cases; the average value was 20.15% across all hospitals. The surgery/emergency hospitalization rate, which shows rate of the hospitalized patients underwent surgery, is 59.17% when all centers are taken into account. The rate of surgery/admission in acute cholecystitis cases is 31.49% for all centers. It is seen that the hospitalization/consultation rate decreases with the increase in hospital workload. The rate of laparoscopic/total appendectomy is 22.78% across all centers. There is a correlation between acute appendicitis cases and EGS consultation numbers, but there is no correlation between laparoscopic appendectomy and consultation numbers. In addition, it is seen that medical follow-up is preferred in acute cholecystitis cases in centers where the consultation burden is increased; cholecystectomy is preferred at a higher rate in centers where the consultation burden is less. National EGS systems are needed and tried to be developed in order to improve the approach and outcomes of EGS patients worldwide. It is considered essential to establish a national EGS maintenance system that coordinates country resources and optimizes outcomes.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the number of patients in burns services.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the epidemiological characteristics and causes of burns in patients admitted to burns services. A total of 629 patients who applied to the burn center of our hospital on March 11 to June 11, 2019, and March 11 to June 11, 2020, were included in this single-center, retrospective study. The demographic information of the patients, causes of burns, burn degrees, affected anatomical areas, admission times and burn surface areas were recorded retrospectively according to patient records. The findings of our study suggest that gender, age, causes of burns, affected anatomical areas and application times did not differ before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of cases has significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with that of the previous year. As a result, burn trauma is an emergency; it is preventable and cannot be ignored. The COVID-19 pandemic has had many effects on social, cultural and economic fields, as well as on the field of health.

The Effect of Calcium Dobesilate on Liver Damage in Experimental Obstructive Jaundice.

Purpose/Aim of the study: Inflammation and oxidative stress are two significant factors affecting the degree of liver damage in obstructive jaundice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium dobesilate (CaDob), an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug, on damage to liver caused by experimental obstructive jaundice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 rats in total were randomly placed into three groups, each group consisting of 10 rats. The sham group (Group 1) only received solely laparotomy. In the control group (Group 2), ligation was applied to the biliary tract and no treatment was implemented. In the CaDob group (Group 3), following ligation of the biliary tract, 100 mg/kg/day CaDob was implemented via an orogastric tube for a 10-day period. Liver tissue and blood samples were taken for histopathological and biochemical examination. RESULTS: The CaDob group had significantly lower test values for serum liver functions when compared to the control group. Statistically lower levels of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and fluorescent oxidation products (FOP) were detected in the CaDob group, and the CaDob group had significantly higher levels of sulfydryl (SH) than the control group. Histopathological scores in the CaDob group were found out to be statistically less than the scores the control group received (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CaDob treatment repaired the histpatological changes induced by bile duct ligation. The hepatoprotective effects of CaDob can be associated with its antioxidant properties of the drug.

Assessment of the effect of calcium dobesilate in experimental liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the protective effect of calcium dobesilate (CaDob), an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug, on experimental liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). METHODS: Forty rats were divided into four groups. In Group 1, (sham), only hepatic pedicle was induced. In Group 2 (control), hepatic pedicle was reperfused for 90 min after being clamped for 60 min. No treatment was given in Group 1 and 2. In Group 3 (perioperative CaDob), 100 mg/kg CaDob was given 2 hours prior to the operation in which hepatic pedicle was reperfused for 90 min following a 60-min clamp. In Group 4 (preoperative CaDob), after 100 mg/kg/day CaDob was given for 10 days before the operation, hepatic pedicle was clamped for 60 min and reperfused for 90 minutes. At the end of these procedures, blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological assessment. RESULTS: Liver function tests and tissue oxidative stress parameters were significantly lower in the preoperative and perioperative treatment groups than the control group. Furthermore, it was observed that histopathological injury in the control group significantly decreased in both perioperative and preoperative treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Calcium dobesilate demonstrated a significant hepatoprotective effect in terms of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

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.

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 Effect of Montelukast on Liver Damage in an Experimental Obstructive Jaundice Model.

BACKGROUND: Montelukast is a cysteinyl-leukotriene type 1 (CysLT1) selective receptor antagonist. In recent years, investigations have shown that montelukast possesses secondary anti-inflammatory activities and also antioxidant effects. For this reason, we aimed to determine the possible effects of montelukast on liver damage in experimental obstructive jaundice. METHODS: 30 Wistar-Albino male rats were randomized and divided into three groups of 10 animals each: group I, sham-operated; group II, ligation and division of the common bile duct (BDL) followed by daily intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml of saline; group III, BDL followed by daily intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg montelukast dissolved in saline. The animals were killed on postoperative day 7 by high-dose diethyl ether inhalation. Blood and liver samples were taken for examination. RESULTS: In this study, liver malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.001), myeloperoxidase (p = 0.003), and total sulfhydryl (SH) (p = 0.009) were found to be significantly different between the BDL + montelukast and the BDL groups. Plasma total SH (p = 0.002) and MDA (p = 0.027) values were also statistically different between these groups. Statistical analyses of histological activity index scores showed that the histopathological damage in the BDL + montelukast group was significantly less than the damage in the control group (p < 0.05 for all pathological parameters). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, montelukast showed a significant hepatoprotective effect in this experimental obstructive jaundice model, which might be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

[An evaluation of the radioprotective effect of vitamin E on the salivary glands of radioactive iodine in rats]. / Radyoaktif iyot verilen siçanlarda tükürük bezleri üzerinde E vitaminin radyasyondan koruyucu etkisinin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the acute effect of vitamin E on salivary gland of radioactive iodine (RAI; 131I)-induced rats and to evaluate whether vitamin E have a radioprotective effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen Wistar albino rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into two groups. The first group was administered (131)I orally and 1 ml physiological saline. The second group was administered (131)I and 1 ml vitamin E intraperitoneally. Vitamin E was started two days before the RAI therapy and continued for seven days. On the eighth day, salivary glands were removed and evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The changes in the interstitial space of all glands and in acinar epithelial cells of parotid and sublingual glands were observed in a lower number of the rats of vitamin E group, compared to the controls. Except panacinar inflammation, histopathological changes in acinar epithelial cells of the submandibular gland were noticed in a lower number of the rats of vitamin E group. CONCLUSION: Considering the changes in the interstitial space and acinar epithelial cells in a lower number of the rats of vitamin E group, we conclude that vitamin E may have protective effects for interstitial space of all glands and acinar epithelial cells of the parotid and sublingual glands during the acute period.

Is gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge to be recommended in pilonidal sinus patient treated with marsupialization? A prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The ideal treatment method for pilonidal sinus has always been a matter of debate. Although primary closure or various flap applications offer shorter wound healing times, their infection rates are very high. Secondary recovery involves long recovery period. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge on wound healing and infection in patients undergoing marsupialization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients were included in the study. Twenty-five patients in control group (Group 1) underwent excision and marsupialization. Gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge was used postoperatively in twentyfive patients in group 2. Three-dimensional wound measurements were made on the 0.7 and 15th days and recorded. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of development of hemorrhage and infection. Excessive granulation was detected in five patients (two in group 1 and three in group 2). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to this criterion. Full recovery times were 29.6 and 28.2 days respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (p = 0.571). None of the patients developed recurrence at the end of the follow-up period of 6-30 months. CONCLUSION: In accordance with the results obtained in this randomized and controlled study, no significant difference was observed between gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge group and control group with respect to development of infection, hemorrhage and wound healing times. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge after marsupialization. KEY WORDS: Gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge, Marsupialization, Pilonidal sinus.