Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) vs local infiltration for pain management after laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery: a randomized study.

PURPOSE: Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) targets thoracoabdominal nerves. Our primary aim was to compare M-TAPA vs local infiltration on pain management in patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) surgery. METHODS: Patients with ASA class I-II patients aged between 18 and 65 years scheduled for elective LC under general anesthesia were enrolled in the study. There were two randomized groups: Group M: M-TAPA group (n = 30) and the local infiltration (LI) group (n = 30). M-TAPA was performed with totally 40 ml 0.25% bupivacaine in the M group. LI was performed in infiltration group. The primary outcome of the study was pain score in the PACU, the secondary outcomes were the patient satisfaction scores, rescue analgesic need, and adverse effects during the 24-h postoperative period. RESULTS: The static NRS scores were significantly lower in Group M at the postoperative first 4 h (p = 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the dynamic NRS scores in Group M at the postoperative first 16 h (p = 0.001). The incidence of nausea was significantly higher in the LI group (12 vs. 5 patients, p = 0.047). The need for rescue analgesia was significantly lower in Group M (p = 0.009). The patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in Group M (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: M-TAPA provides superior analgesia compared to LI in patients undergoing LC.

Impact of surgical weight loss on novel P-wave-related variables which are nominated as predictors of atrial arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has been associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in obese patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the alterations of novel P-wave related atrial arrhythmia predictors in patients who achieved effective weight loss with bariatric surgery. METHODS: The study included 58 patients who underwent bariatric surgery. We measured heart rate, PR, P wave (PW) max, PW min, Average P axis, P wave peak time (PWPT) in lead D2 and lead V1, terminal force in lead V1 (V1TF), and we estimated P wave dispersion (PWdis) interval both pre-operation and 6 months after operation. RESULTS: Heart rate, PR, PW max, PW min, PWdis, Average P axis, PWPTD2, PWPTV1 and V1TF values, which were close to the upper limit in the pre-op period, showed statistically significant decreases at 6 months after the operation. The most prominent changes were observed in PW dis (51.15 ± 9.70 ms vs. 48.79 ± 9.50 ms, p = .010), PWPTD2 (55.75 ± 6.91 ms vs. 50.59 ± 7.67 ms, p < .001), PWPTV1 (54.10 ± 7.06 ms vs. 48.05 ± 7.64 ms, p < .001) and V1TF (25 [43.1%] vs. 12 [20.7%], p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicated that bariatric surgery has positive effects on the regression of ECG parameters which are predictors of atrial arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF).

Metastatic gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma: A rare cause of acute appendicitis.

We report a 32-year-old patient who underwent laparoscopy with classical symptoms and signs of acute appendicitis. An inflamed, edematous and non-perforated appendix, also a large amount gelatinous ascites, omental and peritoneal implants were seen. Appendectomy was performed and multiple biopsies were taken from omentum and peritoneum for definitive diagnosis. Histopathologic diagnosis was a metastatic gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma (GSRCC) involving appendix and other specimens. A flat lesion involving corpus to antrum was diagnosed by gastroscopy and GSRCC was verified histopathologically in a tertiary centre and the case evaluated as stage IV gastric carcinoma. This case with no sign of gastric cancer was presented as an acute appendicitis. Metastatic carcinoma to the appendix, causing acute appendicitis is extremely rare in clinical practice and usually associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Impact of GLP-1 analogue on oxidative damage and hepatic regeneration in experimental 70% hepatectomy model.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of our study is researching into impact of glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP 1) analogue on liver regeneration after major hepatectomy. METHODOLOGY: 24 wistar albino rats were consecutively divided into 3 groups. Group 1: Control (sham) group day 14 (n = 8), Group 2: Liver resection group day 14 (n = 8); 70% Liver resection was performed, Group 3: Study group day 14 (n = 8); Subsequent to performing 70% liver resection, GLP-1 analogue was administered 2 times a day. (10 µgr/70 kg x 2 times). After 14 day, rats were sacrificed. Oxi- dative stress and antioxidant enzymes and mitochon- drial permeability transition, cytochrome-c, Bax, Bcl- 2, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-3 activity were examined. RESULTS: 70% Liver resection induced oxi- dative stress of liver tissue was ameliorated by GLP-1 induction. Administration of GLP increased Bcl-2 ex- pression. Decreased expression of cytochrome-c was accompanied by a decrease caspase-3, caspase-8, and Bax expression and caspase-3 activity. CONCLUSIONS: Glp 1 induction plays a regenerative role in the major hepatectomy. This effect is dependent on modulation of the antiapoptotic and antioxidative pathways by GLP 1 expression.

Anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin in a model of L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a pathology characterized by activated digestive enzymes to digest pancreatic tissue and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on AP and its effectiveness at different doses. METHODS: Forty Sprague Dawley albino male rats, 12 weeks old, weighing 285-320 g, were used in the study. The rats were divided into control, curcumin, AP, low (100 mg/kg), and high (200mg/kg) dose curcumin groups. An experimental pancreatitis model was created with 5 g/kg L-arginine and samples (amylase, lipase, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-alpha, CRP, histopathological) were taken after 72 hours. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of the weight of the rats (p=0.76). In the AP group, it was observed that the experimental pancreatitis model was successfully created after examination. Laboratory and histopathological examination results in the curcumin-administered groups were regressed compared to the AP group. The decrease in laboratory values was higher in the high-dose curcumin group than in the low-dose (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Laboratory and histopathological changes occur in AP according to clinical severity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin are known. In the light of this information and according to the results of our study, it has been shown that curcumin is effective in the treatment of AP, and the effect of curcumin increases with the dose increase. Curcumin is effective in treating AP. However, while high-dose curcumin was more effective in inflammatory response than low-dose, it showed similar histopathological results. KEY WORDS: Acute, Curcumin, Cytokines, Inflammation, Pancreatitis.

Clinical Experience for Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block Through Perichondrial Approach (M-TAPA) in Five Patients. Dermatomal Evaluation and Application of Different Volumes: A Case Series and Review of Literature.

Thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (TAPA) is a novel block and provides abdominal analgesia. TAPA block targets the both anterior and the lateral branches of the thoracoabdominal nerves. Modified-TAPA (M-TAPA) was defined due to the need for blocking certain dermatomes depending on the surgical incision sites. In the literature, the knowledge about the efficiency and dermatomal coverage of M-TAPA is limited. In this case series, we want to report our experiences with this issue.

Effects of Whey Protein, Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass on Body Weight, Biochemical Parameters and Organ Functions in an Obese Rat Model: Experimental Research.

PURPOSE: Extreme obesity (EO) is one of the biggest public health problems in the world and has grown considerably over the years. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), whey protein (WP), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation applied to EO rats on weight loss, histopathological changes in internal organs and biochemical alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar albino female rats (n = 28) were used in the study and randomly divided into four groups. All rats were made obese by adding high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to their drinking water. After the EO, WP and omega-3 PUFA supplementation was given and RYGB process was applied. At the end of the study, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, AST, ALT and uric acid changes and liver, kidney and pancreatic tissues were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: WP and omega-3 PUFA supplementation decreased body weight (p > 0.05). Omega-3 PUFA and RYGB caused a decrease in total cholesterol (p < 0.05), WP decreased HDL (p < 0.05), WP and omega-3 PUFA caused an increase in ALT (p < 0.05). WP has been shown to have greater curative effects in rat liver and kidney tissues. It has been determined that RYGB causes necrosis in the liver and HFCS causes inflammation in the kidney. CONCLUSION: In the study; the positive effects of WP, omega-3 PUFA and bariatric surgery on obesity and dyslipidemia have been demonstrated. With this result, it was determined that WP, omega-3 PUFA supplementation and bariatric surgery were not superior to each other.

Efficacy of modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach is a novel fascial plane block and provides abdominal analgesia by blocking thoracoabdominal nerves. Our primary aim was to evaluate the efficacy of M-TAPA on quality of recovery and pain scores in patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery (Trans Abdominal Pre-Peritoneal approach ‒ TAPP). METHODS: Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II aged between 18 and 65 years scheduled for elective TAPP under general anesthesia were enrolled in the study. After intubation, the patients were randomized into two groups: M: M-TAPA group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). M-TAPA was performed with total 40 ml 0.25% bupivacaine in the M group. Surgical infiltration was performed in the control group. The primary outcome of the study was the global quality of recovery score, the secondary outcomes were pain scores, rescue analgesic demands, and adverse effects during the 24-h postoperative period. RESULTS: The global quality of recovery scores at 24 h were significantly higher in the M group (p < 0.001). There was a reduction in the median static and dynamic NRS for the first postoperative 8 h in the M group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The need for rescue analgesia was significantly lower in the M group compared to the control group (13 patients vs. 24 respectively, p < 0.001). The incidence of side effects was significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, M-TAPA increased patient recovery scores, and provided pain relief in patients who underwent TAPP. REGISTER NUMBER: NCT05199922.

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

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

Self-reported medication adherence in differentiated thyroid cancer survivors: Role of illness perception and medication beliefs.

BACKGROUND: To investigate medication adherence (MA) to Levothyroxine in differentiated thyroid cancer survivors and analyze the related factors for nonadherence. METHODS: The Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ), and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) were used to assess MA. RESULTS: Nonadherence was reported in 77 of 197 patients (39.1%). Socioeconomic status and education levels were found to be significantly related to MA. The HAD scores, all items of B-IPQ, and BMQ were associated with MA and showed a correlation with the MARS scores. The primary predictors of MA were greater confidence in treatment modality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.63) and greater belief that the medication had minimal risk of harm (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.50-7.49). CONCLUSIONS: Special attention should be paid to educational programs for differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients concerning the effectiveness and low risk of harm of medication in order to improve MA.

Effects of polyurethane membrane on septic colon anastomosis and intra-abdominal adhesions.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakages and adhesions after gastrointestinal tract surgery are still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The rate of anastomotic leakage is 3%-8%, whereas the mortality from leakage is over 30%. Intra-abdominal sepsis is a well-known cause of anastomotic leakage. In addition, intra-abdominal adhesion is a major cause of hospital admissions and reoperations and is associated with morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a polyurethane membrane on anastomotic healing and intra-abdominal adhesions. METHODS: This study used 32 Wistar albino rats divided into four groups. Standard resection of left colon 2 cm above the peritoneal reflection and colonic anastomosis were performed after causing abdominal sepsis through caecal ligation and perforation. The control groups (1 and 3) received no further treatment. The experimental groups (2 and 4) received the polyurethane membrane around the colonic anastomosis. Burst pressure, hydroxyproline, interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured, and histopathological characteristics of the anastomosis were analyzed after re-laparotomy. Moreover, adhesion scores were measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the mean burst pressure levels between sacrificed animals on days three and five (p=0.259, p=0.177). When all the groups were compared, no significant difference was observed in the hydroxyproline, NO, and IL-6 levels (p=0.916, p=0.429, p=0.793, p=0.332, p=0.400, p=0.317). However, in groups 2 and 4, the tPA levels were significantly increased by Opsite therapy (p=0.001, p=0.003), and a statistically significant difference was observed in the adhesion scores (p<0.035). Groups 2 and 4 had significantly lower adhesion scores than groups 1 and 3. CONCLUSION: We found that Opsite therapy had no positive or negative effects on histopathological and biochemical healing in the experimental septic colon anastomosis model. However, the perianastomotic application of polyurethane membrane effectively decreased the intra-abdominal adhesions.

Evaluation of Changes in Ventricular Repolarization Parameters in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss after bariatric surgery has been associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and overall mortality in obese patients. In this study, we aimed to analyze the changes between pre-operation and post-operation ventricular arrhythmia predictors in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 58 patients who underwent bariatric surgery. We measured QT max, QT min, QRS, JT, and Tp-e intervals, and we estimated Tp-e/QT max, Tp-e/QTc max, Tp-e/JT, Tp-e/JTc rates, QTc max, QTc min, cQTd, and JTc intervals both pre-op and 6 months post-op. RESULTS: Heart rate, PR, QT max, QTc max, QTc min, cQTd, JTc, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT max, Tp-e/QTc max, Tp-e/JT, and Tp-e/JTc values, which were close to the upper limit in the pre-op period, showed statistically significant decreases at 6 months post-op. CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that bariatric surgery had positive effects on the regression of ventricular repolarization parameters and the possible development of ventricular arrhythmia.

[Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis methods in trauma and emergency surgery intensive care unit patients: low molecular weight heparin versus elastic stockings + intermittent pneumatic compression]. / Travma ve acil cerrahi yogun bakim hastalarinda venöz tromboemboli profilaksisi: Düsük molekül agirlikli heparin ile elastik çorap + aralikli pnömotik kompresyonun karsilastirilmasi.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) compared to elastic stockings in combination with intermittent pneumatic compression (ES+IPC) in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in the intensive care unit (ICU) of trauma and emergency surgery. METHODS: From June 2005 to June 2007, 259 patients who were on mechanic ventilation in the ICU were assigned to two groups as either LMWH (152 patients) or ES+IPC (94 patients). Color flow Doppler sonography was performed on the 3rd and 7th days. RESULTS: Deep venous thrombosis was determined in 3 (2%) of the LMWH group and in 1 (1%) in the ES+IPC group. Minor bleeding was seen in 15 patients. The frequency of VTE was 1.5%. Two patients suffered from fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) among a total of 4 patients with PE. CONCLUSION: We believe that the protocol applied for VTE prophylaxis in the Emergency Surgery Department of Istanbul Medical Faculty is effective and safe in this group with such high mortality and morbidity.

Can Traditional Fermented Food Products Protect Mothers Against Lactational Mastitis.

Background/Objective: Various dietary factors, including the daily food intake during pregnancy and lactation can play a role in the development of lactational mastitis (LM). To investigate the effect of the most commonly consumed fermented foods (FF) during pregnancy and lactation in Turkey and other factors described in the literature regarding childbirth and breastfeeding on the development of LM. Materials and Methods: The study included 607 volunteers in the lactational period, of whom 303 had LM and 304 had no mastitis event. The data on sociodemographics, childbirth, and breastfeeding, and the consumption frequency of six types of FF were collected through a face-to-face questionnaire. Results: The variables significantly and independently associated with LM were birth week (odds ratio [OR] = 80.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.94), birth weight (OR = 0.63, CI: 1.24-1.79), time to breastfeeding after birth (OR = 0.79, CI: 1.62-2.31), breastfeeding length (OR = 0.12, CI: 2.25-2.78), breast preference (OR = 0.13, CI: 2.83-3.42), use of cream on nipples (OR = 0.81, CI: 1.31-1.97), use of oral probiotics (OR = 0.29, CI: 1.86-2.92), and receiving breastfeeding education from an expert (OR = 0.22, CI: 1.22-2.34). According to the multinominal logistic regression analysis, the daily consumption of kefir (OR = 0.69, CI: 1.18-2.22), homemade yogurt (OR = 0.78, CI: 1.14-1.87), conventional yogurt (OR = 0.81, CI: 1.24-2.46), boza (OR = 0.79, CI: 2.19-2.99), tarhana (OR = 0.52, CI: 2.47-2.81), and pickles (OR = 0.22, CI: 1.22-2.34) significantly reduced the risk of LM development. The diversity of consumed FF was also found to be protective against LM (OR = 0.34, CI: 1.34-2.35). Conclusion: Kefir, homemade and conventional yogurt, boza, tarhana, and pickles can protect breastfeeding mothers and also reduce the risk of LM development.

Giant Sacral Schwannoma Causing Bilateral Hydronephrosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Giant sacral schwannomas are very rare, and less than 1%-5% of spinal schwannomas are found in the sacral region. These frequently grow to considerable size because of permissive anatomic location and benign, slow growth of tumor. They can be unnoticed before reaching a huge size. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a rare case of a giant sacral schwannoma in a 46-year-old man. The patient presented with difficulty in passing urine, episodic constipation, and swelling of the right lower extremity for 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed 160 x 110 x 110 mm encapsulated heterogenous solid mass originated from left S1 spinal nerve extending into the pelvis and abdomen. Sigmoid colon and rectum were displaced to the right side, and bladder was displaced anteriorly. Left side of the S1 and S2 vertebral bodies, left S1 and S2 neural foramen were also eroded. It also compressed ureters causing bilateral hydronephrosis. The patient underwent a 2-stage procedure in which complete resection was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: We report the second case of a completely resected giant sacral schwannoma with bilateral hydronephrosis in the literature. Performing a 2-stage procedure is important in giant sacral schwannomas. Morbidity can be minimized, and extent of resection can be maximized with the help of combined anterior/posterior approach.

Wound Irrigation with Chlorhexidine Gluconate Reduces Surgical Site Infection in Pilonidal Disease: Single-Blind Prospective Study.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether incision irrigation with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) reduces surgical site infections (SSIs) in pilonidal disease surgery. Methods: Between 2013 and 2018, patients who underwent wide excision with primary closure for pilonidal disease were enrolled in this prospective observational multi-institutional cohort. The incision was irrigated with either saline or 0.05% CHG before skin closure. The infection risk of each patient was determined by the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System. Post-operative site care and follow-up were carried out according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline by two surgeons blinded to the irrigation solution used. Surgical site infection rates in the saline and 0.05% CHG groups were compared. The secondary outcomes were seroma formation, incision dehiscence, and time to healing. Results: There were 129 patients in the control group and 138 patients in the CHG group. The mean age was 25.1 ± 5.4, and 225 patients (84.3%) were male. Surgical site infection was seen in 35 patients (13.1%): 26 (20.2%) in the control group and 9 (6.5%) in the CHG group (p = 0.001). There were no differences in seroma formation (n = 12; 9.3% in the control vs n = 12; 8.7% in the CHG group; p = 0.515) or incision dehiscence (n = 9; 7% in the control vs n = 9; 6.5% in the CHG group; p = 0.537). The primary healing rate was higher in the CHG group (n = 130; 94.2%) than in the control group (n = 104; 80.6%). Time to healing was 20.5 ± 7.8 days in the control group and 16 ± 4.3 days in the CHG group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Intra-operative incision irrigation with CHG decreased the SSI rate and time to healing in pilonidal disease surgery. Further randomized trials should focus on specific irrigation methods and procedures to build a consensus on the effect of incision irrigation on SSIs.

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study that Evaluates Efficacy of Intravenous Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen for Postoperative Pain Treatment Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ibuprofen is a NSAID that has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects. The oral form of the drug has been used safely for a long time and is one of the most preferred NSAIDs. It has been shown that ibuprofen is effective in the treatment of postoperative pain; however, there have not been sufficient studies on ibuprofen. We evaluated and compared the influence of IV forms of ibuprofen and acetaminophen on pain management and opioid consumption on patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. METHODS: Patients were stratified into three groups. Group I (group ibuprofen, n = 30) was administered 800 mg of IV ibuprofen; group A (group acetaminophen, n = 30) was administered 1000 mg of IV acetaminophen; and group C (control group, n = 30) was given 100 ml of saline solution. We evaluated opioid consumption and VAS scores postoperatively. RESULTS: Pain scores in group I and group A at all time periods were lower than those in group C (p < 0.05). Group I had significantly lower VAS scores than those in group A at all time periods postoperatively (p < 0.05). Those in group C had significantly higher opioid consumption than the other groups (p < 0.05). Opioid consumption in group I at all time periods postoperatively was significantly lower than those in group A (p < 0.05). Group I had statistically lower rescue medication than the other groups at all time periods. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that IV ibuprofen resulted in lower pain scores and reduced opioid use compared with acetaminophen postoperatively in the first 24 h in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery.

Systemic inflammatory response after Kugel versus laparoscopic groin hernia repair: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Kugel repair, a minimally invasive technique, has become an alternative to laparoscopic groin hernia repair, but the technique has not been adequately evaluated by assessment of objective parameters. A prospective randomized clinical study was carried out to compare the systemic inflammatory response to surgical trauma and clinical outcomes in patients who underwent groin hernia repair by the Kugel and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic methods. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients admitted for unilateral groin hernia were randomized to Kugel (n = 20) or TEP (n = 20) repair under general anesthesia. Operation time, length of hospital stay, pain severity, time to return to normal activities, cost, and systemic inflammatory and hormone responses to surgical trauma were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences in duration of operation, length of hospital stay, time to return to normal activities, or mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score (p > 0.05 for each). Serum cortisol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations before surgery, and 1 and 24 h after surgery, did not differ significantly in the two groups (p > 0.05). There were no recurrences or complications during follow-up. Cost per patient was US $546 lower in the Kugel group. CONCLUSION: Kugel herniorrhaphy is a minimally invasive technique that offers all the advantages of TEP and is more cost-effective.

Assessment of the Gail Model in Estimating the Risk of Breast Cancer: Effect of Cancer Worry and Risk in Healthy Women.

Background: There has been substantial interest in developing methods to predict the risk of breast cancer. The Gail model is one the first model have been widely used to identify women at higher risk of breast cancer. Aim: This study aimed to determine the 5-year and the general life-time risk of breast cancer and also to determine breast cancer predictors in women using the Gail model. Methods: We used the Gail model to estimate the risk of breast cancer in female Turkish outpatients aged above 35 years in this cross-sectional study. Age, life-style habits, breast-feeding duration, family history of breast cancer, and body mass index were compared between high and low-risk subjects. We have performed the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) tools on patients regarding depression and anxiety. We also assessed the association of these covariates with the estimated risk of breast cancer in multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: We enrolled 1065 subjects with a mean age of 52.9 ± 8.4 years. The mean of the five-year risk for breast cancer was 1.33%±0.6. Meanwhile, the mean of lifetime risks for breast cancer was 10.15%±3.18, respectively. Nearly one-third of the participants had one child, 55.9% had breast-fed their children more than six months. Meanwhile, 18.5% of the subjects had a high depression score, 15.2% had a high anxiety score. Higher age, age at first birth, and parity; lower age at menarche; presence of menopause and family history of breast cancer were higher in the high-risk group. Higher age, and age at first birth; lower age at menarche; family history of breast cancer, presence of menopause, and parity were independently associated with higher breast cancer risk. Conclusion: We identified certain risk factors for breast cancer in our study population and Gail model is a reliable and useful breast cancer risk prediction model for clinical decision-making. This study contributes to the body of evidence in order to facilitate early detection and better plan for possible malignancies in Turkish population.