A Simple Way to Estimate a Difficult Sleeve Gastrectomy Prior to Operating.

BACKGROUND: Today, bariatric procedures are common. These surgeries' difficulties are classified as patient- or surgical team-related and are estimated by body mass index (BMI). More efficient methods are needed to help surgeons. This study evaluated the effect of measuring patients' subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (SFT) and umbilicus-xiphoid (DXU) to anticipate surgical difficulties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective retrospective data analysis study. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients seen between May and October 2022 were included in the analysis and divided into three groups, according to a surgeon's assessment. All patients' SFT, DXU, rectus muscle thickness, total fat tissue amount (TFT), and operational time were recorded prospectively and analyzed. RESULTS: In all, 151 patients were included in the study; of these, 124 (82.1%) were women and 27 (17.9%) were men. Their mean BMI value was 41.1 ± 6.2. Based on expert's opinion, we classified three groups: easy (n = 123, 81.5%), intermediate (n = 22, 14.6%), or difficult (n = 6, 4%). When the easy group was compared to the intermediate/difficult groups, we found that intermediate/difficult groups' SFT values were statistically significantly higher than the easy group (p = 0.000). Also, the intermediate/difficult group's TFT value was statistically significantly higher than the easy group (p = 0.000). We found no statistically significant differences between groups' DXU and rectus muscle thickness. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to anticipate sleeve gastrectomy difficulty using SFT and TFT. This is an easy technique to apply and no additional costs. Anticipating difficulties based on these criteria can ensure necessary preparations are made and help avoid complications.

Ultrasonography Guided Modified BRILMA (Blocking the Cutaneous Branches of Intercostal Nerves in the Middle Axillary Line) Block in Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Postoperative pain is one of the major problems after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy besides complications. Management of pain control is still unclear in the obese population. Modified BRILMA (blocking the cutaneous branches of intercostal nerves in the middle axillary line) is a new analgesia technique which is performed by ultrasonography guided through the way between eighth and ninth rib level. This study is to evaluate the efficiency of modified BRILMA in bariatric patients while comparing with trocar site infiltration. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective designed retrospective data analysis study. Patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between June 2019 and January 2020 were divided into two groups. One group underwent BRILMA block; the other group used traditional trocar site injection. Postoperative pain was followed by using visual analogue scale (VAS) (at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 hours postoperatively). Results: Thirty patients were included in the study. Twenty-four (80%) of the patients were women, and 6 (20%) of the patients were men. Mean body mass index of patients were 39.83 ± 4.02 kg/m2. Mean operational time was calculated 86.16 ± 19.94 minutes. When the patients' VAS was compared, 12th hour VAS value was statistically less in the BRILMA group. There were no significant differences in other hours' VAS between two groups. When compared with the use of opioid amount, there were no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = .66), but BRILMA group had less amount. Conclusion: Modified BRILMA is an alternative technique to the use of trocar site bupivacain injection in bariatric surgery. It is new technique that is tried in bariatric population, which is also cost-effective and has less opioid consumption.

Outcomes of Pediatric Fistulising Perianal Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Perianal disease is reported more widely in pediatric Crohn patients than in the past, and has been stated as an independent modifier of the disease behavior. In this study, we aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of fistulising perianal Crohn's disease (fpCD) in the pediatric age group. METHODS: A total number of 149 children with an established diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease who have been diagnosed before 18 years of age and followed in our tertiary center were revised. Clinical, endoscopic, laboratory, and radiologic data of 50 patients with CD, who had at least 18 months follow-up data, were compiled. RESULTS: Of 50 patients, 26 (52%) were diagnosed as fpCD (38% at onset). More than half of the patients without any notable external orifices around the perianal area were diagnosed as fpCD by an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pediatric fpCD patients had a higher disease activity score and platelet count, lower serum albumin level, and a higher rate of granuloma in the biopsy samples, compared with non-fistulising patients. A considerably high rate of surgical interventions (i.e., seton placement 46% and abscess drainage 15%) was performed in combination with infliximab. CONCLUSION: Fistulising perianal Crohn's disease seems to be more common than previously reported in the pediatric age group. A severe course of the disease might serve as a warning for the development of fpCD. A careful physical examination and use of perianal MRI with a high index of suspicion may increase the likelihood of fistula detection, hence may change the treatment strategy.

Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Is It Worth the Time?

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a complex and multifactorial disease whose incidence has increased, making it a serious public health issue. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of the most common surgical procedures that is chosen for bariatric surgery. Decreasing postoperative pain in these patients which will increase patients' compliance and quality of life will lead to better surgical results. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of trocar site infiltration versus bilateral subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (TAP) in controlling postoperative pain in patients. METHODS: Forty-five consecutive patients who have undergone LSG in xxx General Surgery Department have been enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgeon's choice. The first group underwent TAP block, while the second group underwent trocar site infiltration. Patients' pain was recorded via visual analogue scale (VAS) in postoperative periods. RESULTS: Twenty-nine female (69%) and 13 (31%) male patients were included in the study. Median age was 41 (18-58) and median BMI was 48 (41.1-68). When the VAS values were compared, in the TAPB group, 6th hour resting and coughing pain was statistically significantly less. Other VAS values measured while resting, coughing, and post-mobilization did not show significant differences. There were no significant differences between the groups' tramadol use. CONCLUSIONS: After LSG, TAP block and trocar site infiltration yield similar pain control. Due to the faster application and fewer side effects, we concluded that trocar site infiltration should be the intervention of choice in controlling postoperative pain in LSG.

Symptomatic hepatic metastasis of insulinoma 15 years after pancreatic resection.

Malignant insulinomas are infrequent endocrine tumors with miscellaneous clinical courses. In this report, we present a rare case of insulinoma that recurred with solitary hepatic metastasis 15 years after the initial resection of the primary tumor from the pancreas. A 20-year-old woman first presented with the symptoms of hypoglycemia in 1996. The diagnosis of pancreatic insulinoma was confirmed by laboratory findings, and the initial surgery had been performed involving complete enucleation of the pancreatic mass. Histopathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as a benign adenoma. After 15 years, the patient experienced symptoms of hypoglycemia again, and laboratory findings and abdominal computed tomography identified a lesion in the liver. Intraoperative ultrasound did not show any lesion in the pancreas, and wedge resection was performed for the hepatic lesion. Postoperative blood glucose levels returned to normal. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of liver metastasis of a neuroendocrine tumor. This is the longest interval between primary tumor and the metastasis reported in the literature, for insulinoma. Thus, it should be remembered that long-term follow-up is mandatory for the patients with insulinoma even after resection of the primary tumor. Resection is recommended when a metastatic lesion is observed.

Is Concomitant Cholecystectomy Necessary for Asymptomatic Cholelithiasis During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy?

BACKGROUND: There is not any consensus on concomitant cholecystectomy for asymptomatic gallbladder stones during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the surveillance results of the LSG patients who have asymptomatic gallbladder stones and did not undergo cholecystectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with preoperatively detected gallbladder stones and completed at least 6 months follow-up were included in the study. Concomitant cholecystectomy was performed for symptomatic patients while it was not performed for asymptomatic subjects. At the end of the follow-up time, symptoms and signs related to gallbladder disease were recorded. Clinical and demographic characteristics were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. RESULTS: Between February 2012 and October 2016, 312 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies were performed. Among the patients, 24 were regarded as asymptomatic cholelithiasis, and cholecystectomy was not performed. The mean follow-up period was 27 (6-58) months. The mean preoperative BMI was 50.0 ± 7.6 kg/m2, and at the end of the follow-up time, it decreased to 35.6 ± 8.8 kg/m2. Five (20.8%) patients experienced biliary colic. Acute cholecystitis or obstructive jaundice was not observed in any of the patients. Characteristics of patients who developed symptomatic gallbladder disease (n = 5) were not significantly different from those of patients who remained asymptomatic (n = 19). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of becoming symptomatic for asymptomatic cholelithiasis is very close to the healthy population after sleeve gastrectomy. Although further studies with a high number of cases are needed, we suggest only observation for asymptomatic gallbladder stones in patients who will undergo sleeve gastrectomy.

Simultaneous resection for colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases is a safe procedure: Outcomes at a single center in Turkey.

The optimal surgical strategy for treating colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases is subject to debate. The current study sought to evaluate the outcomes of simultaneous colorectal cancer and liver metastases resection in a single center. Prospectively collected data on all patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases who underwent simultaneous resection with curative intent were analyzed retrospectively. Patient outcomes were compared depending on the primary tumor location and type of liver resection (major or minor). Between January 2005 and August 2016, 108 patients underwent simultaneous resection of primary colorectal cancer and liver metastases. The tumor was localized to the right side of the colon in 24 patients (22%), to the left side in 40 (37%), and to the rectum in 44 (41%). Perioperative mortality occurred in 3 patients (3%). Postoperative complications were noted in 32 patients (30%), and most of these complications (75%) were grade 1 to 3 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Neither perioperative mortality nor the rate of postoperative complications after simultaneous resection differed among patients with cancer of the right side of the colon, those with cancer of the left side of the colon, and those with rectal cancer (4%, 2.5%, and 2%, respectively, p = 0.89) and (17%, 33%, and 34%, respectively; p = 0.29)]. The 5-year overall survival of the entire sample was 54% and the 3-year overall survival was 67 %. In conclusion, simultaneous resection for primary colorectal cancer and liver metastases is a safe procedure and can be performed without excess morbidity in carefully selected patients regardless of the location of the primary tumor and type of hepatectomy.

Laparoscopic resection for colorectal diseases: short-term outcomes of a single center.

OBJECTIVE: Even though, laparoscopy is not accepted as the current gold standard in colorectal surgery, it can be performed as safely as open surgery. It is also widely accepted that the technique has many advantages. In this study, we evaluated the results of 33 patients with laparoscopic colorectal resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients who underwent laparoscopic colon surgery between January 2013 and September 2014 in the General Surgery Clinic at Marmara University Hospital were included in the study. Patients were evaluated in terms of their demographic and tumor histopathologic characteristics, type of surgery and early postoperative complications. RESULTS: Laparoscopic colorectal resection was performed for 33 patients who had malignant or benign lesions. The median age was 60 (35-70), and 18 (55%) were male patients. The majority of the patients (90%) were diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Half of the patients were T3 and 67% had N0 stage. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 17 (4-28). Negative surgical margins were obtained in all patients. The postoperative hospital stay was 5 (4-16) days. Postoperative early complications were observed in only 5 patients. The majority of complications were treated without the need for surgery. No mortality was recorded in this series of patients. CONCLUSION: This study showed that laparoscopic colorectal surgery could be performed safely based on its low complication rate, short length of hospital stay, providing sufficient surgical resection and lymph node dissection.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume can be a predictor for severity of acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of perforation in acute appendicitis (AA) allows surgeons to select the most appropriate treatment. The aim of the present study was to determine whether preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) could predict perforation in AA. METHODS: Data collected from 413 consecutive patients with AA and 100 healthy controls were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were categorized as having had phlegmonous appendicitis, appendicitis with localized peritonitis, or appendicitis with perforation and/or gangrene. MPV and NLR values were compared among the control group and the 3 groups of patients with AA. RESULTS: Means values of MPV were 9.3±8 fL for the patient group and 8.5±0.9 fL for the healthy control group (p=0.0005). Mean values of MPV by patient subgroup were 8.8±5.8 for phlegmonous appendicitis, 8.9±5.8 for localized peritonitis, and 12.8±9.7 for appendicitis with perforation and/or gangrene (p=0.005). Cut-off value of MPV was set at 8.92 to differentiate AA with perforation and/or gangrene from other types of AA. Mean NLRs of patients with phlegmonous appendicitis, appendicitis with localized peritonitis, and appendicitis with perforation and/or gangrene were 8.3±5.6, 9.1±6.2, and 10.6±6.4, respectively; p=0.023. The cut-off value for NLR was set at 7.95 to differentiate AA with perforation and/or gangrene from other types of AA. CONCLUSION: Both NLR and MPV can be useful in predicting severity of AA.

A Simple Method to Evaluate Whether Pancreas Texture Can Be Used to Predict Pancreatic Fistula Risk After Pancreatoduodenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Soft pancreas is one of the most important risk factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of this study is to investigate whether pancreatic attenuation index utilized to assess the pancreatic texture with computed tomography can be used to predict the risk of developing a clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: We reviewed 76 consecutive patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy between 2012 and 2014. The pancreatic attenuation index is found by dividing the pancreas density by the spleen density achieved with non-enhanced computed tomography. The independent predictors of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula were investigated. RESULTS: Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 13 patients (17.1%). The group of patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula is compared with the group of patients without postoperative pancreatic fistula in terms of age, gender, body mass index, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, smoking, alcohol consumption, medical comorbidities, preoperative biliary drainage, type of anastomosis, and pancreatic duct size and pancreatic attenuation index. Univariate analyses have shown a significant difference in relation to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pancreatic attenuation index. The multivariate analyses showed that only pancreatic attenuation index was associated with a high postoperative pancreatic fistula rate (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: A preoperative non-contrast computed tomography scan evaluating pancreatic attenuation index could help to predict the occurrence of clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Analysis of 120 patients with abdominal stab wound focusing on diagnostic role of fast.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the managemant results of patients with penetrating abdominal injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred twenty (120) patients who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital between December 2003 and December 2010 with abdominal stab wounds were included to retrospective study. The data of all patients regarding age, gender, FAST and CT results, injured organs, surgical procedures, length of hospital stay, follow-up were examined. USG findings were classified as follows: true positive (TP), in cases of positive USG findings, and positive laparotomy; true negative (TN), in cases of negative USG findings, and negative physical examination and follow-up findings; false negative (FN), in cases of negative USG findings, and positive laparotomy; and false positive (FP), in cases of positive USG findings, and negative physical examination and follow-up findings. Abdominopelvic CT extended from the lower chest to the symphysis pubis. CT was performed by administering radiopaque agents via intravenous (i.v.) rectal or oral route. RESULTS: One hundred twenty (120) patients who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital between December 2003 and December 2010 with stab abdominal injuries were hospitalized. According to USG findings, 45.7% were TP, 82.4% were TN, 10.6% were FN, and 34.3% were FP. Thirty-five patients with hemodynamic stability and positive FAST findings and 15 patients with positive hemodynamic stability but negative FAST findings underwent computed tomography. CONCLUSION: Serial FAST and CT help guide treatment for stable patients with penetrating sharp injuries to the abdomen.

Protective potential of montelukast against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury is characterized by significant oxidative stress, characteristic changes in the antioxidant system and organ injury leading to significant morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to assess the possible protective effect of montelukast, a selective antagonist of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1), on hepatic I/R injury in rats. Wistar albino rats through clamping hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct, were subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion period. Montelukast (10 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered 15 min prior to ischemia and immediately before reperfusion period. At the end of the reperfusion period, the rats were killed by decapitation. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) were determined in blood samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Na+, K+-ATPase activities were determined in the liver tissue samples while formation of reactive oxygen species was monitored by using chemiluminescence (CL) technique with luminol and lucigenin probes. Tissues were also analyzed histologically. Serum ALT, AST, and LDH activities were elevated in the I/R group, while this increase was significantly decreased by montelukast treatment. Hepatic GSH levels and Na+, K+-ATPase activity, significantly depressed by I/R, were elevated back to control levels in montelukast-treated I/R group. Furthermore, increases in tissue luminol and lucigenin CL, MDA levels, and MPO activity due to I/R injury were reduced back to control levels with montelukast treatment. Since montelukast administration alleviated the I/R-induced liver injury and improved the hepatic structure and function, it seems likely that montelukast with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may be of potential therapeutic value in protecting the liver against oxidative injury due to ischemia-reperfusion.