Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to low-grade mucinous neoplasm of appendix.

INTRODUCTION: Lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) bleeding originating from the appendix is rare and may be difficult to diagnose. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this case report, we present an 88-year-old male patient who was admitted with hematochezia due to appendiceal bleeding. A colonoscopy revealed bleeding in the appendix orifice so an appendectomy was performed, and bleeding did not recur in the postoperative period. RESULTS: The results of the microscopic examination showed low-grade mucinous neoplasm (LGMN) of the appendix. CONCLUSION: It should be kept in mind that bleeding may originate from the appendix in patients presenting with GIT bleeding. Our patient is the first to present with an acute lower GIT bleed who was diagnosed as having LGMN in the appendectomy specimen.

Simple renal cysts in the solitary kidney: Are they innocent in adult patients?

In patients with a solitary kidney; residual renal volume is an important prognostic factor for kidney survival. At present, the impact of renal cysts on solitary kidney survival is not clear. The aim of this study is to examine the association of cysts on progression of renal failure in patients with a solitary kidney. METHODS: This study included sixtyfive solitary kidney patients. The remaining kidneys after indication nephrectomy (IN) were evaluated with urinary system ultrasound. The primary outcome of the study is the progression of kidney failure during follow-up which was defined as: 25% decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and / or the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 14 years and mean follow-up was 53 ± 27 months. Renal cysts were present in 30.7% of patients. 33.8 percent of patients had kidney disease progression and 10.7 % required RRT. Those with progressive disease were older (61 ± 13, 52 ± 14; P = 0.011), had lower baseline GFR (30 ± 11, 39 ± 18; P = 0.035), higher proteiuria (2.84 ± 0.58, 2.47 ± 0.57; P = 0.031) and frequently harboring cysts in the solitary kidney (52.3%, 20.4%; P = 0.006). Progression to kidney failure and RRT requirement in cases with or without renal cysts was (60% vs. 22%; P = 0.004) and (20% vs. 6.6%; P = 0.123), respectively. Acquired cysts in solitary kidney was independently associated with progression to kidney failure and RRT respectively (Exp(B) 3.173; P = 0.01 and Exp(B) 12.35; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Simple renal cysts in solitary kidney patients with impaired renal function is associated with poor renal outcome. Large-scale studies are needed to clarify this issue.

Immune profile of asplenic patients following single or double vaccine administration: A longitudinal cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Splenectomy poses a lifelong threat for the development of uncontrolled sepsis despite vaccination. As it is impractical to measure the levels of each antibody against 23 most frequent bacterial serotypes, different surrogate markers of immune response should be identified. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with benign disorders were vaccinated with Pneumo-23 and Act-HIB before or at the day of surgery. The immunological response and opsonization capacity of the patients after splenectomy was analyzed through the quantitative measurement of IgG, IgM, C3, and C4 titers; flow-cytometric analysis of (CD3+) T-lymphocytes and (CD19+) B-lymphocytes; and isolation of CD27+ B cells by immunomagnetic positive selection. Blood samples were drawn at the sixth month and 5 and 7 years after surgery. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 98.4 months. All the patients in this series had normal IgG, C3, C4 levels and a normal distribution of CD19+ B-cells and CD8+ T-cells in three follow-up periods. Moreover, C3 levels markedly improved to 133.5±37.3 mg/dL at 5 years and remained stable thereafter. CD19+ B-lymphocyte values have progressively improved to the normal range in 98% patients at 7 years. Further, low levels of CD27+ B-cell population (memory cells) was observed in only 12.5% patients at the last follow-up. Adequate seroconversion of IgG, IgM with normal C3, C4, and CD19+ B-cell levels were accomplished in almost all patients. Early postoperative death and late overwhelming infections did not occur. CONCLUSION: Our results are indicative of the resumption of the immune function following Pneumo-23 and Act-HIB administrations, instigated by the probable activation of B cells and adequate production of C3, C4, IgG, and IgM antibodies in remote lymphoid tissues.

First two cases of literature: Caustic sclerosing cholangitis due to percutaneous treatment of hydatid liver disease causing liver transplantation.

Echinococcus granulosus is predominantly found in the liver and can be effectively managed through antihelminthic therapy, surgical intervention, or interventional radiology. Percutaneous treatment (PT) has gained widespread popularity due to its minimally invasive nature. An integral step in surgical and PT procedures involves the utilization of protoscolicidal agents to eliminate the parasites. However, the administration of protoscolicidal agents carries the risk of inducing caustic sclerosing cholangitis (SC) if there is a communication between the cyst and the biliary tract. In this pioneering study, we present two cases of caustic SC that occurred subsequent to PT for hydatid liver, necessitating further progression of the disease and ultimately leading to liver transplantation.

A Rare Reason for Severe Hypocalcemia Following Kidney Transplant: Denosumab Treatment.

Deviations of calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D levels are the basis for the diagnosis of calcium-phosphate metabolism disorders. The plasma concentration of the biologically active form known as free calcium is regulated in a harmonious manner by its exchange in the bones and reabsorption by the kidneys. These steps take place under the control of parathyroid hormone and calcitriol. In the process of chronic kidney disease, the kidney cannot synthesize adequate calcitriol, and the resulting hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia cause the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease and is essentially the consequence of osteoclastogenesis-induced bone resorption that exceeds bone formation. Osteoporosis is common after kidney transplant. However, hypocalcemia following kidney transplant is rare. The hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy is often responsible for this condition in the pretransplant period. Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody developed against the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (known as RANKL). Denosumab exerts an antiresorptive effect on bones by reducing differentiation into osteoclasts. It is an effective treatment option for osteoporosis in the general population. There is insufficient scientific data regarding the use of denosumab in kidney transplant patients. Here, we present the case of a kidney transplant recipient who developed severe hypocalcemia (serum calcium 4.7 mg/dL) after denosumab treatment for osteoporosis.

Efficacy of mTOR Inhibitors and Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Treatment of Polyoma BK Nephropathy in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Biopsy-Proven Study.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the efficacy of a predetermined protocol that consisted of immunosuppressive drug reduction/withdrawal and intravenous immunoglobulin administration for the treatment of polyoma BK virus nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with biopsy-proven polyoma BK virus nephropathy received a treatment regimen based on discontinuation of both calcineurin inhibitors and antiproliferative agents and switching to mTOR inhibitors accompanied by intravenous immunoglobulin administration. RESULTS: Our study included 508 patients, with polyoma BK viremia detected in 80 patients. The mean age was 45.3 ± 9.5 years (range, 18-71 y), 64% were male, and mean follow-up was 37 ± 21 months (6-94 mo). All 16 patients who developed polyoma BK virus nephropathy and 9 patients who had highgrade polyoma BK viremia without nephropathy received intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Compared with patients with viremia, patients with polyoma BK virus nephropathy had significantly higher rates of graft loss due to rejection (18.8% vs 1.6%; P = .024) and all-cause graft loss (31.2% vs 6.3%; P = .014). Histopathologically, viral inclusion bodies disappeared and SV40 became negative after treatment in all 13 patients who underwent protocol biopsies. Unfortunately, histopathologically complete recovery without chronic tubular and interstitial tissue damage was achieved in only 4 patients after treatment. In addition, 3 patients lost their grafts due to acute antibody-mediated or mixed-type rejection (18.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with polyoma BK virus nephropathy, clearance of viremia and SV40 should not be the sole outcomes to obtain. Aggressive reductions in maintenance immunosuppression and switching to double-drug therapy combined with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin leads to high rates of graft loss/rejection and sequalae of chronic histological changes.

Effects of 4% icodextrine, magnesium sulfate, and 0.9% sodium chloride on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative intraabdominal adhesions are obvious cause of postoperative morbidity. In this experimental study, our aim is to compare the effects of 4% icodextrin produced for adhesion prevention, magnesium sulfate used as an anticonvulsant in obstetrics and also as a thickening lubricant in the detergent industry, and saline, which we use most frequently in abdominal irrigation, on adhesion formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 4 groups were formed, 8 in the control group (K), 8 in the icodextrin group (I), 8 in the magnesium sulfate group (M), and 8 in the saline group (SF). Adhesions were quantitatively evaluated with the classification defined by Nair and microscopic grading defined by Zuhlke. RESULTS: The macroscopic staging degree was statistically significantly lower in Group M, I, and SF compared to Group K. Again, the degree of microscopic staging was significantly lower in Group M and I compared to Group K. CONCLUSIONS: Three different materials were used in our study. It was observed that they significantly reduced adhesions. This study once again demonstrates the limited ability of these materials to prevent adhesion, despite the wide variety of materials used, and the need for careful adherence to tissue-respectful surgical techniques.

OBJETIVO: As aderências intra-abdominais pós-operatórias (PIA) são causa óbvia de morbidade pós-operatória. Neste estudo experimental, nosso objetivo é comparar os efeitos da icodextrina 4% produzida para prevenção de aderências, sulfato de magnésio usado como anticonvulsivante em obstetrícia e também como lubrificante espessante na indústria de detergentes e soro fisiológico, que usamos mais frequentemente em abdominais irrigação, na formação de aderências. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram formados 4 grupos, 8 no grupo controle (K), 8 no grupo da icodextrina (I), 8 no grupo sulfato de magnésio (M) e 8 no grupo solução salina (SF). As aderências foram avaliadas quantitativamente com a classificação definida por Nair e graduação microscópica definida por Zuhlke. RESULTADOS: O grau de estadiamento macroscópico foi estatisticamente significativamente menor no Grupo M, I e SF em comparação com o Grupo K. Novamente, o grau de estadiamento microscópico foi significativamente menor nos Grupos M e I em comparação com o Grupo K. CONCLUSÕES: Três materiais diferentes foram usados em nosso estudo. Foi observado que eles reduziram significativamente as aderências. Este estudo demonstra mais uma vez a capacidade limitada desses materiais em prevenir a adesão, apesar da grande variedade de materiais usados, e a necessidade de uma adesão cuidadosa a técnicas cirúrgicas que respeitem o tecido.

Can revision of RYGB to sleeve gastrectomy be a solution to inadequate weight loss treatment?

We aimed to discuss the weight loss success of the revision of RYGB to sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Between January 2019 and June 2020, four patients' files were analyzed retrospectively. Post-RYGB mean minimal BMI was 27.4 ± 9.47 kg/m², before SG the mean BMI was 43.41 ± 4.16 kg/m2. Post-operative gastric fistula developed in two patients. The mean follow-up time after revision surgery was 17.25 ± 6.89 months, mean excess weight loss (EWL) was 74.77 ± 8.94%, and mean BMI was 32.65 ± 2.9 kg/m2. Despite high rate of major complications, revision of RYGB to SG is successful in weight loss and resolving certain complications of RYGB.

Nuestro objetivo era discutir el éxito en la pérdida de peso de la revisión de BGYR a gastrectomía en manga (SG). Entre enero de 2019 y junio de 2020, se analizaron retrospectivamente los archivos de cuatro pacientes. El IMC mínimo medio post BGYR fue 27.4 ± 9.47 kg/m², antes de SG el IMC medio fue 43.41 ± 4.16 kg/m2. En dos pacientes se desarrolló una fístula gástrica posoperatoria. El tiempo medio de seguimiento después de la cirugía de revisión fue de 17.25 ± 6.89 meses, la pérdida media de exceso de peso (PEP) fue de 74.77 ± 8.94% y el IMC medio fue de 32.65 ± 2.9 kg/m2. A pesar de la alta tasa de complicaciones mayores, la revisión de BGYR a SG tiene éxito en la pérdida de peso y la resolución de ciertas complicaciones de BGYR.

Laparoscopic Splenopexy Due to Wandering Spleen: Feasible Technique.

Wandering spleen (WS) is a rare disease caused by the looseness of the splenic ligaments. A 29-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and a palpable mass in the abdomen. A diagnosis of WS was made as a result of preoperative imaging. We performed urgent laparoscopic splenopexy with non-absorbable mesh in a patient with torsioned WS. WS is a disease that must be operated on urgently because it causes ischemia and necrosis in cases where it causes torsion in the splenic pedicle. Many researchers also recommend surgery in asymptomatic patients. While splenectomy was previously recommended for WS, current recommendations advocate for splenopexy. As a result, the only and definite treatment option in the case of WS is surgery. Splenopexy with minimally invasive techniques should be the first choice if possible. Splenopexy with non-absorbable mesh is an inexpensive and feasible method to prevent re-torsion. The use of non-absorbable mesh in laparoscopic splenopexy has not been shared before in the literature.

Subgaleal and epidural metastases of the undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver.

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is very rare and has a very poor prognosis. UESL metastases have been reported in 5%-13% of the children with UESL and most metastases reported in the literature are present at diagnosis. Metastases reported in the literature belong to the lungs, pleura, and peritoneum. Radiological diagnosis of the UESL remains a poorly understood problem due to its rarity. Most of the reports published in the literature are also based on a relatively small number of patients. Approximately 200 cases have been reported regarding imaging features of this tumor. We reported a girl with UESL, who applied to the emergency department with abdominal pain. The lesion was solid and had cystic areas on ultrasound and there were peripherally enhanced serpenginous vessels in the lesion on Computed Tomography and MRI. Immunohistochemical diagnosis of the lesion was UESL. 26 months after surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy extradural and subcutaneus metastases were detected. These metastasis sites were first described for UESL.

Management of the staple line bleeding in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: monopolar cautery versus oversewing.

OBJECTIVE: Staple line bleeding control (SLBC) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a serious problem. Cauterization alone is generally not preferred because of concerns about weakening the staple line. The aim of this study was to compare the suturing and monopolar cauterization methods for SLBC in LSG. METHODS: 212 patients were divided into two groups as cautery and suture groups. Demographic characteristics, intraoperative, and post-operative results were analyzed. RESULTS: Post-operative complications were seen in seven patients, four of them staple line bleeding (three patients were in the cautery group and one patient was in the suture group), and three of them leakage (all patients were in the suture group) from the staple line. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of staple line bleeding (p = 0.35), staple line leakage (p = 0.09), blood loss (p = 0.12), intraoperative complications (p = 0.16), post-operative hemoglobin decrease (p = 0.63), and length of hospital stay (p = 0.35), but the operation time was longer in the suture group. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in literature comparing monopolar cauterization with another technique. Monopolar cauterization can be used for SLBC in LSG. It is a safe and efficient method as well as inexpensive.

OBJETIVO: El control del sangrado de la línea de grapas (SLBC) después de la gastrectomía en manga laparoscópica(LSG) es un problema grave. Generalmente, no se prefiere la cauterización sola debido a preocupaciones sobre el debilitamiento de la línea de grapas. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los métodos de sutura y cauterización monopolar para SLBC en LSG. MÉTODOS: 212 pacientes fueron divididos en 2 grupos de cauterización y sutura. Se analizaron las características demográficas, los resultados intraoperatorios y posoperatorios. RESULTADOS: Se observaron complicaciones posoperatorias en siete pacientes, cuatro de ellos sangrado en la línea de grapas (tres pacientes estaban en el grupo de cauterización, un paciente en el grupo de sutura) y tres de ellos fuga (todos los pacientes estaban en el grupo de sutura) del línea de grapas. No hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos en términos de sangrado de la línea de grapas (p = 0.35), fuga dela línea de grapas (p = 0.09), pérdida de sangre (p = 0.12), complicaciones intraoperatorias (p = 0.16), disminución de hemoglobina postoperatoria (p = 0.63), duración dela estancia hospitalaria (p = 0.35), pero el tiempo de operación fue mayor en el grupo de sutura. CONCLUSIÓN: Este es el primer estudio que compara la cauterización monopolar con otra técnica. La cauterización monopolar se puede utilizar para SLBC en LSG. Es un método seguro, eficaz y económico.

Is It Possible to Estimate the Liver Left Lobe Volume Using Preoperative Data Before Bariatric Surgery?

PURPOSE: Retraction of the left lobe of the liver (LLL) is an important step in bariatric surgical procedures. A good liver retraction will both facilitate the operation and reduce complications. The aim of the study is to identify patients with large LLL with preoperative anthropometric and laboratory data, and to reveal complications due to large LLL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 245 patients who underwent bariatric surgery in our department between April 2019 and March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the visibility of the caudate lobe of the liver, the left diaphragmatic artery-vein, and the fat pad on the esophagus after liver retraction. RESULTS: Univariate analyses revealed significant differences in BMI, waist and hip circumferences, TG, DM, and HbA1c values, but only BMI (p = 0.001) and the presence of DM (p = 0.017) were found to be independent predictors of LLL size. BMI ≥ 42.1 kg/m2 indicates the size of LLL with 83% sensitivity and 49% specificity. Retractor-related complications were significantly higher in the large LLL group (p = 0.036). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of complications related to trocar insertion (p = 0.014) and postoperative liver enzyme levels (p = 0.714). The operation time (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy [LSG]; p = 0.021) (laparoscopic Roux-N-Y gastric bypass [LRYGB]; p = 0.020) and the amount of bleeding (LSG; p < 0.001) (LRYGB; p = 0.011) are higher in patients with large LLL. CONCLUSION: Large LLL can be predicted and complications may be reduced with the help of preoperative data.

Genitourinary Cancers Following Kidney Transplant: Our 20 Years of Experience With Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated patients with genitourinary cancer after kidney transplant and the effects of immunosuppression reduction and switching to mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated kidney transplant recipients seen at our center between January 2000 and January 2020. Patients with <1 year of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: Of 827 patients, genitourinary cancer was detected in 11 (1.3%): prostate cancer in 5 patients (45%), renal cell carcinoma in native kidney in 3 (27%), renal cell carcinoma in allograft kidney in 2 (18%), and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in 1 (9%). All patients had surgery. Two patients had bone metastasis due to prostate cancer at diagnosis. Two patients had allograft nephrectomy due to de novo renal cell carcinoma. Mean follow-up and age were 97 ± 45 months (range, 26-189) and 50 ± 10.2 years (19% female). After cancer diagnosis, excluding the 2 patients with allograft nephrectomy, immunosuppression was changed in 8 patients (88.8%) (1 patient received the same treatment before and after cancer diagnosis). Six patients received double-drug and 3 received triple-drug protocols. Of 9 patients, 2 were already using mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors before cancer diagnosis and 7 were switched: 4 to double-based and 3 to triple-based regimens. Six were switched from tacrolimus. With new treatments, patients showed no progressive kidney failure or rejection (38 ± 40 mo average follow-up). At last follow-up, mean glomerular filtration rate was 62.8 ± 34 mL/min/1.72 m2, which was similar to rate at cancer diagnosis (58.9 ± 24 mL/ min/1.72 m2; P = .78). During follow-up, no patients developed local recurrence of primary tumor or new metastasis, and none showed adverse effects after switch to mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors. Three patients died of malignancy-unrelated reasons (ileus, urinary sepsis, heart failure). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor-based drugs can be an important maintenance immunosuppressive treatment option for kidney transplant recipients with genitourinary cancers.

Outcomes of 6 Human Leukocyte Antigen-Mismatched Living Donor Kidney Transplant: A Study With Biopsy Amendment.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined the graft and patient survival outcomes in patients with end-stage kidney disease who received 6 HLA-mismatched incompatible living donor kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent living donor kidney transplant between January 2010 and March 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Group A included kidney transplant recipients with 6 HLA mismatches, and group B included kidney transplant recipients with 0 to 5 HLA mismatches. Patients with <1 year of follow-up were excluded. All rejection episodes were diagnosed via Tru-Cut biopsy and histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: There were 15 patients in group A and 176 patients in group B. The mean follow-up was 54.1 ± 30 months. The number of patients who underwent pretransplant immune desensitization and received tacrolimus-based triple maintenance immunosuppression therapy was significantly higher in group A. In group A, there were 13 acute rejections seen in 9 patients (81<); in group B, there were 67 acute rejections seen in 51 patients (28.9<; P = .019). No differences were observed between the groups in terms of baseline glomerular filtration rate (60 ± 16 vs 61.6 ± 20 mL/min/1.72 m2; P = .76), final control glomerular filtration rate (60.7 ± 15 vs 58 ± 19 mL/ min/1.72 m2; P = .59), graft loss (0< vs 4<; P = .94), and mortality (6.6< vs 3<; P = .39). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of 6 HLA mismatches was associated with higher rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection. However, 6 HLA-mismatched incompatible living donor kidney transplant can be safely performed in centers where posttransplant followup is supported by indication and protocol biopsies and where there is a pathological infrastructure with extensive knowledge and experience.

Pediatric renal transplantation; 10 years experience.

Objectives: Although renal transplantation (RT) is the first treatment option for children with end-stage renal failure, the number of transplanted chil- dren remains low compared to adults. Experience of the individual pediatric transplant center is very important in the prognosis of pediatric transplant recipients. In this study, our pediatric RT experience was presented. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 27 patients who had RT in our clinic between April 2009 and April 2019. Results: Fifteen of the patients were males, and mean age of all patients was 12.36 ± 4.18 years (range 4-17 years). The most frequent etiology for end- stage renal disease (ESRD) was vesicourethral reflux. Eighteen (66.7%) of the transplanted kidneys came from cadaveric donors and 9 (33.3%) from live donors. One patient had preemptive RT and one patient had a re-RT. Twenty-two patients were on peritoneal dialysis program and four patients were on hemodialysis program. Mean dialysis time before transplantation was 29 (3-104) months. Bleeding was the most common surgical complication. Delayed graft function developed in four patients, and all of their grafts were from cadaveric donors. Rejection developed in 12 of our patients, graft loss was observed in only four of them. Considering all patients, graft survival rates were 100% in the 1st and 3rd years, and 92% in the 5th year. Conclusion: Pediatric RT program is difficult to establish, maintain and develop. Complications after transplantation are not uncommon; therefore, early detection and appropriate management are needed. Strategies are still needed to increase post-transplant success.

Transvaginal Specimen Extraction After Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Tumors.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic gastrectomy for tumors. METHOD: Inclusion criteria were females not planning to deliver a child and an accessible vaginal entry. Exclusion criteria were benign gastric pathologies and emergency cases. RESULTS: There were 24 females with a mean age of 54.5±12.0. Subtotal, total, central, and vertical gastrectomies were implemented in 17, 4, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. There was no conversion to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery. Specimens were removed from the vagina in all cases successfully. Histopathologies were adenocarcinoma in 20, gastrointestinal stromal in 3, neuroendocrine tumors in 2 and high-grade dysplasia in the rest. Mean blood loss and duration of surgery were 122.5±163.4 (range: 10 to 800) ml. and 287.7±95.9 (range: 120 to 440) minutes, respectively. No patient required intraoperative blood transfusions. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days (range: 3 to 22). The mean tumor size was 7.8±6.5 (range: 0.5 to 24) cm. Fourteen of 24 cases were advanced gastric cancers. Mean dissected lymph node numbers in the patients with radical gastrectomy was 35.3±12.9 (range: 18 to 62). There were no early or late complications related to the specimen extraction and no wound-related problems were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In the selected cases, transvaginal specimen extraction was feasible after laparoscopic gastric resections in patients with stomach tumors. As far as we know, this was the largest study on the transvaginal extraction of gastric tumors.

Helicobacter pylori Increases Gastric Compliance on Resected Stomach After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between high body mass index (BMI) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) was reported previously. But the mechanism is not clear. We aimed to evaluate the effect of HP on gastric compliance and volumes in obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-nine patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy due to morbid obesity were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups as HP+ (n = 86) and HP- (n = 73) according to the HP status in resection materials. Demographics, pathological data, specimen sizes, volume, and compliance were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The median age of the study group was 34 years (17-64 years) while the median BMI was 43 kg/m2 (35-64, 3 kg/m2). Most of the patients (n = 134, 84.3%) were female. The median diameter of the widest point of the specimen was 22.5 cm (14-32 cm), and the median volume of the specimen was 790 cc (330-1920 cc). Both the diameter of the widest point and the volume of the specimens were significantly increased in the HP+ group compared to the HP- group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively). In addition, the median compliance was 52.6 cc/mmHg, and the compliance was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the HP+ group. There were no significant differences in specimen sizes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first study showing that HP increases gastric compliance in obese patients who underwent LSG. The etiology and the effects of this increase in compliance have not been fully clarified yet. Further studies are needed to shed light on these effects.

Transplantation Using Renal Grafts With Multiple Renal Arteries: A Putative Study on the Impact of Arterial Reconstruction Technique and Site of Implantation on Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In the present retrospective study, we analyzed the outcomes of patients transplanted with grafts with multiple renal arteries (MRAs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 89 patients were transplanted with renal grafts with MRAs from 2003 to 2018. Demographic characteristics; type of donor; warm and cold ischemia times; arterial anastomosis technique; complications; graft function at first month, first year, and last outpatient clinic visit; and patient and graft survival were all retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 40.4 ± 13.3 years. Fifty-six patients (62.9%) were male. In total, 42 patients (47.2%) received renal grafts from living related donors. In group A (n = 24; 27%), anastomosis was performed separately to the recipient external or internal iliac arteries; in group B (n = 38; 42.7%), the secondary artery was anastomosed to the main artery in a side-to-side fashion to form a single common orifice; in group C (n = 27; 30.3%), secondary arteries were anastomosed to the main renal artery in an end-to-side fashion. Creatinine clearance at the first month was significantly lower for deceased-donor grafts compared to living-donor renal grafts (P < .05). Creatinine clearance in the first postoperative month was significantly lower in group A and creatinine clearance in the first year was significantly lower in group C (P < .05). The best survival was found for anastomosis to the internal iliac artery (P < .05). CONCLUSION: MRAs can be safely used and the reconstruction technique does not matter if the graft kidney's arterial supply is preserved and the internal iliac artery is chosen for anastomosis.

Comprehensive Analysis of Long-term Splenic Volume Changes in Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients: Does It Correlate With Adverse Graft Outcomes?

OBJECTIVES: Splenomegaly and hypersplenism caused by liver failure increase the mortality and morbidity of patients even after liver transplantation if they do not regress. We evaluated the relation of splenic volume change and transplanted liver function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 59 of 207 pediatric patients who had liver transplantation between 2013 and 2018 in our institute were evaluated. The relation of spleen volume changes (splenic volume to standard splenic volume ratio [SV/SSV]) were measured at 0, 1, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months of follow-up by constructing electronic three-dimensional structure of the spleen at dynamic computed tomography (CT), and the course of liver functions were evaluated. RESULTS: The SV/SSV ratio decreases in the first postoperative 6 months. After 6 months, SV increases and SV/SSV increases gradually. In a normal functioning graft, SV/SSV significantly decreased in all time points (P < .001). In patients with adverse events, SV/SSV started to increase after 6 months. In patients with fulminant hepatic failure, SV/SSV started to increase after postoperative 6 months. Adverse events in patients with fulminant hepatic failure were more than the patients with chronic liver disease (58% vs 28%). There was an inverse correlation between SV/SSV and thrombocyte levels (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: SV/SSV seems to be correlated to the adverse events (ie, rejection). Together with thrombocyte levels, it can be used as a noninvasive test for follow-up of transplant patients in terms of adverse events in graft function.

Onset of Hypertension in Living Kidney Donors After Donor Nephrectomy: Our 20 Years of Experience.

OBJECTIVES: The development of hypertension can negatively affect cardiovascular and renal outcomes in renal kidney donors. Here, we retrospectively investigated the frequency and risk factors of hypertension development in healthy renal donors at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Living donors of kidney transplants performed between January 1998 and December 2016 were evaluated. Those > 18 years old, having glomerular filtration rate > 70 mL/min/1.72 m², body mass index ≤ 35 kg/m², and proteinuria < 300 mg/day were eligible. Those with a history of diabetes and hypertension and < 1 year of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: In the 190 included donors, mean follow-up was 56 ± 45 months, mean age was 47 ± 10 years, and 48% were women. Baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 118 ± 13 and 76 ± 8.8 mm Hg. Follow-up showed that 19 donors (10%) developed hypertension. These donors were older and had higher baseline systolic blood pressure (126 ± 13 vs 117 ± 12 mm Hg; P = .003), proteinuria (162 ± 89 vs 117 ± 63 mg/day; P = .05), fasting blood glucose (99 ± 10 vs 94 ± 9.6 mg/dL; P = .03), and uric acid levels (5.4 ± 1.7 vs 4.5 ± 1.2 mg/dL; P = .04). Although these donors had baseline glomerular filtration rates (97 ± 22 vs 104 ± 22 mL/min/1.72 m²; P = .19) similar to other donors, levels were lower at last follow-up (62 ± 14 vs 71 ± 19 mL/min/1.72 m²; P= .03). In multiple regression analysis, preoperative fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and serum uric acid levels independently predicted hypertension development. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy renal donors, preoperative detailed evaluations can provide important information foreseeing the development of hypertension after nephrectomy.