The Role of Serum Dickkopf1 and CKAP4 Levels in Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer and Measuring the Disease Severity: A Prospective Study.

Background and Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common types of cancer. Although the disease is treatable in its early stages, five-year survival falls below 20% in the later stages. CEA and CA19-9 are tumor markers used in the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease in clinical practice; however, their diagnostic effectiveness is insufficient. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers that can be easily studied from serum and can diagnose CRC and determine its severity is highly important. In this context, dickkopf1 (DKK1) and cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) are both promising biomarkers. Materials and Methods: Serum DKK1 and CKAP4 levels were measured in 55 patients with CRC and 40 healthy controls. The patients with CRC were divided into groups based on pathological stages and histological differentiation. The serum levels of both proteins in patients with CRC were measured preoperatively and 10 and 30 days postoperatively. Results: Serum DKK1 and CKAP4 were significantly higher in the CRC group than in the healthy controls (p < 0.05). Serum levels of both proteins rose in line with the disease stage and grade but decreased following surgical resection. A positive correlation was observed between tumor diameter and protein blood levels. The diagnostic efficacy of DKK1 and CKAP4 in CRC (approximately 95%) was higher than that of markers such as CEA and CA19-9. Conclusions: The DKK1 and CKAP4 serum values of patients with CRC are promising biomarkers. They can potentially be used in CRC management, namely, in the diagnosis and treatment of tumor response access and in tumor aggressiveness prediction.

Multiplex attacks in sigmoid volvulus.

Objectives: Sigmoid volvulus (SV) recurs in about one quarter of the patients, whereas multiplex (≥3) attacks are quite rare and attacks with five or more times are extremely rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate multiplex SV attacks in our series and worldwide data. Methods: In Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine Department of General Surgery, among 1,071-case SV series, data were evaluated retrospectively in 612 patients, while prospectively in 459 with respect to age, gender, previous volvulus attacks, and prognosis. Worldwide data were obtained from Web of Science database and they were compared with our results. Results: Mean SV attack count, multiple- (≥2) and multiplex- (≥3) attack rates were 1.4, 26.1%, and 4.2%, respectively, in our series, while they were 1.7, 26.7%, and 3.2%, respectively, in worldwide data (p>0.05, in all). In our series, recurrence rates were 26.1%, 19.3%, and 51.2%, respectively, (p<0.001, in all), while mortality rates were 7.3%, 13.7%, and 19.5%, respectively, (p<0.001, in all) in single-, double-, and multiplex- (≥3) attack patients. Conclusion: Although multiplex (≥3) attacks are uncommon in SV, when it goes up, elective surgery must be considered in selected cases to avoid repetitive attacks and related high mortality.

The effect of biliary stents implanted before pancreaticoduodenectomy in periampullary tumors on postoperative results: a retrospective analysis of 106 consecutive cases at a single medical center.

PURPOSE: The present study evaluated the potential effects of biliary drainage before pancreaticoduodenectomy on postoperative outcomes and presented the details of a surgeon's 6 years of experience. METHODS: All consecutive pancreatoduodenectomies performed from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The study population was divided into two groups: the stented group (Group I) and the nonstented group (Group II). Patient demographic data and clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: This study comprised 106 individuals who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors. The median age of the patients was 64.41 ± 11.67 years, and 65 (61.3%) were males. Sixty-seven patients (63.2%) received biliary drains (stented group), and 39 (36.8%) patients did not (nonstented group). Total bilirubin values (6.39 mg/dl) were higher in the nonstented patient group than in the stented group. The rate of total complications was significantly higher in the stented group than in the nonstented group [please check this carefully] (p < 0.05). The length of stay, operation time and pancreatic fistula were found to be higher in the stented group than in the nonstented group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the total bilirubin value was higher in the nonstented patient group than in the stented group, preoperative biliary drainage increased postoperative complication rates, operation time, and hospital stay. An advanced age and the presence of stents were independent risk factors influencing morbidity development according to the multivariate analysis.

Comments on "Sigmoid volvulus management, only endoscopic devolvulation?"

We read the paper written by Garcia-Calonge et al. presenting a patient with Lewy body dementia and recurrent sigmoid volvulus (SV) treated with emergency surgery due to gangrenous bowel. Our clinic has 1,063-case experience with SV over 56,5-year period between June 1966 and January 2023, which data signifies the largest monocenter SV series over the world. In the light of this experience, our comments relate to neuropsychiatric diseases-SV comorbidity, endoscopic decompression, and recurrence of SV.

Sigmoid volvulus and diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) complicates about 15.7% of sigmoid volvulus (SV) cases. However, the pathophysiology of this relation is still unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the association of DM and SV. Methods: The clinical data of 1,051 patients treated in Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine during 56 years between June 1966 and July 2022 were considered. The records of 612 cases (58.2%) were evaluated retrospectively till June 1986, while 439 (41.8%) were investigated prospectively thereafter. To obtain the worldwide data, an electronic search of the last 56-years' literature (from 1967 to date) was performed in Web of Science and PubMed databases. Results: DM was statistically higher in SV patients than of general population (15.7% vs. 8.3%, p<0.001). Conversely, SV and DM co-occurrence was statistically lower in our series than of world-wide data (2.9% vs. 15.7%, p<0.001). In our series, SV and DM comorbidity was statistically higher in elders that that of children (3.9% vs. 0.0%, p<0.05). Although sigmoid gangrene was more common in DM patients when compared with that of total, the difference was not statistically significant (42.9% vs. 27.4%, p>0.05). Conversely, the mortality rate was statistically higher in DM cases than that of no diabetics in SV (28.6% vs. 7.8%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Although the pathophysiology of SV and DM comorbidity is still relatively unexplainable, our study suggests that DM worsens the prognosis of SV. For this reason, early diagnosis and proper treatment have great importance in such patients.

Factors affecting recurrence in sigmoid volvulus.

Objectives: Recurrence is a relatively common outcome following endoscopic decompression in sigmoid volvulus (SV). This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting recurrence in SV. Methods: In 434 patients with SV treated between June 1986 and January 2022, probable recurrence-affecting factors including age, age of SV onset, gender, dietary habit, defecation habit, altitude of living area, and SV attack count were analyzed in prospectively collected data. Results: Of 434 patients, 111 (25.6%) had recurrent SV with mean 1.6 ± 2.3 of volvulus episodes (range: 1-21 attacks). SV recurrence demonstrated a significant linear increase with age (14.3%, 17.1%, 21.5%, and 29.9%, respectively, in young, middle aged, mature, and elderly patients, p < 0.001). Recurrent SV was also significantly higher in male gender (28.5% vs 12.7%, p = 0.004), high-fiber diet habit (32.9% vs 17.7%, p < 0.001), and living at high altitude (26.9% vs 12.5%, p = 0.047). Although SV recurrence was higher in patients with chronic constipation, the difference was not significant (36.7% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.594). When compared with that of the patients with mature onset or elderly onset patients, SV attack count was significantly higher in young-onset cases (1.3 ± 0.9 and 1.1 ± 0.3 vs 4.6 ± 6.9, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Elderliness, early-onset, maleness, high-fiber diet habit, high altitude, and most likely chronic constipation may be the practical clinical parameters of recurrent SV. These parameters, as well as the presence of previous SV episode history, must be considered in the decision-making process in the elective treatment of SV.

Spontaneous decompression of sigmoid volvulus.

Objectives: Spontaneous decompression is an uncommon outcome of sigmoid volvulus (SV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of spontaneously decompressed SV. Methods: We utilized the data of our 1,063 SV patients, the most comprehensive monocenter SV series in the world. To obtain the worldwide data on the spontaneous decompression of SV, we researched the last 56-years' literature in Web of Science and PubMed databases. Results: The incidence of the spontaneous decompression was 0.1% (1/1,063) in our SV series, whereas it was 1.5% (8/549) in the worldwide data (Fisher exact test, p = 0.001). By this way, cumulative spontaneous decompression rate was found as 0.6% (9/1,602). In the spontaneously decompressed cases, the main clinical features were abdominal pain/tenderness, distention, and obstipation, which were similar to management-required patients. However, the treatment and follow-up algorithm is still a relatively undefined subject. Conclusion: Spontaneous decompression of SV is a very rare clinical entity. The clinical presentation and diagnosis of the spontaneously decompressed SV look alike the management-required SV. However, as seen in most management-required patients, SV tends to recur in the spontaneously decompressed cases and a recurrence-reducing procedure is required in selected patients.

Ileosigmoid knotting: A review of 923 cases.

Objectives: Ileosigmoid knotting (ISK) is a rare intestinal obstruction form worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate changing trends in ISK. Methods: The Web of Science and PubMed databases were electronically searched to find all publications to evaluate all epidemiological, etiological, clinical, laboratory, radiological, therapeutic, and prognostic factors in ISK. Results: Most of the cases were reported from Asian and African countries. Mean age was 43.9 years with a 79.9%/20.1% of male/female ratio. Main symptom period was 48.1 hours, while the most common clinical features were abdominal pain/tenderness (99.1%), distention (88.3%), and obstipation/constipation (58.8%). Abdominal X-ray radiography, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were diagnostic in 8.2%, 96.2%, and 100.0%, respectively, while the total diagnostic accuracy rate was 20.8%. Bowels were gangrenous in 85.6% of the patients. Ileum resection was applied in 14.0% of the cases, while sigmoid colon resection in 7.6%, and both segment resection in 67.1%. The mortality rate was 22.7%, while the morbidity rate was also 22.7%. Conclusion: ISK is a rare disease, but it is still catastrophic despite its two-century recognised past. As an exception, diagnostic convenience arising from CT or MRI looks like the most important change over the last half-century.

The role of basic blood parameters in determining the viability of intestinal tissue in incarcerated hernias.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal hernia repair is a common surgery, with incarcerated hernias accounting for 15% of all cases. In these cases, early diagnosis of intestinal ischaemia and necrosis is crucial to prevent mortality and morbidity. Biomarkers that can predict ischaemic or necrotic status are of vital importance. The aim of this study was to reveal the roles of basic blood parameters in determining ischaemic or necrotic status. METHODS: Patients were divided into three groups. Group I included 24 patients with normal bowels, Group II included 31 patients with intestinal ischaemia without necrosis, and Group III included 10 patients who underwent bowel resection for necrosis. Patients' demographic characteristics and blood parameters were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were operated for incarcerated abdominal hernias. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, comorbidity or complications (P > .05). Group III had the longest length of hospital stay (P < .001). There were significant differences between the groups in terms of serum white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte (LYM), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, lipase, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein (CRP) ratio (LCR) values (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Blood parameters combining with clinical symptoms and radiological examination may contribute to predicting intestinal resection. Preoperative WBC, neutrophil, NLR, urea, creatinine and total bilirubin levels can contribute to predict the onset of intestinal ischaemia. Serum creatinine, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lipase levels can contribute to deciding on bowel resection.

Recurrence-Preventive Role of Flatus Tubes Following Endoscopic Decompression in Sigmoid Volvulus.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid volvulus may recur following endoscopic decompression. Flatus tubes are traditionally used to prevent an early recurrence. This study aims to evaluate the recurrence-preventive role of the flatus tubes in sigmoid volvulus. METHODS: Sigmoid volvulus recurrence was retrospectively analyzed in prospectively collected clinical data of endoscopically decompressed 60 patients, in whom no tube, rectal tube, or sigmoidal tube was used. RESULTS: Mean pain/discomfort scores were higher in rectal and sigmoidal tube groups than that of no tube group (1.2 ± 0.4, 4.2 ± 0.9, and 3.5 ± 0.9, respectively, P < .001). The early recurrence was seen in 3 patients in the no tube group, while no early recurrence was determined during tube placement in the rectal and sigmoidal tube groups (15.0%, 0.0%, and 0.0%, respectively, P < .05, P < .05, and P > .05). The tubes were removed or spontaneously discharged in 13 (65.0%) and 12 patients (60.0%) in the rectal and sigmoidal tube groups, respectively, and sigmoid volvulus recurred in 2 patients in each group following the removal or spontaneous discharge. There was no statistically significant difference between the early recurrence rates of the no tube, rectal tube, and sigmoidal tube groups following the removal or spontaneous discharge of the tubes (15.0%, 15.4%, 16.7%, respectively, P > .05) and in total (15.0%, 10.0%, and 10.0%, respectively, P > .05). CONCLUSION: Flatus tubes may prevent the early volvulus recurrence during their placement in sigmoid volvulus. Nevertheless, they generally cause pain and discomfort, and they are frequently removed or spontaneously discharged, which suppresses their recurrence- preventive effects.

Analysis of Trending Topics in Breast Cancer Articles From an Altmetric Perspective.

Background It is widely known that social media has an impact on politics and the economy. The Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) is a new Web-based metric that was recently developed for use in the scientific field. The objective of this study was to assess which recent studies on the topic of breast cancer received the most attention from the general public. Methodology An Altmetric Explorer search was performed on January 7, 2022, to extract the following information: journal name, impact factor (IF), year of publication, article topic, article type, and level of evidence. Results The journal that published articles that received the most attention on social media was the New England Journal of Medicine (n = 8). All of the articles were published in journals in the highest IF quartile. The most frequent top three subjects in the top 50 articles were "treatment and management," "risk factors for breast cancer," and "breast cancer screening." The number of articles with a level of evidence of 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 12, 17, 17, and 4, respectively. The correlation between AAS and citation was not significant. Conclusions The AAS seems to be a more reliable assessment of public perception of breast cancer. We propose that combining the AAS and traditional metrics may provide a more detailed description of scientific research output.

Sigmoid Volvulus and Ileosigmoid Knotting: An Update.

Sigmoid volvulus and ileosigmoid knotting are uncommon intestinal obstructions, which generally affect adult males. The etiology is multifactorial. Volvulus triad including abdominal pain/tenderness, distention, and obsti pation/constipation is the common clinical presentation. Although x-ray radiography helps with diagnosis, the current diagnostic procedure is computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in addition to flexible endoscopy in sigmoid volvulus. Endoscopic decompression is the primary treatment except for the presence of bowel gangrene and peritonitis in sigmoid volvulus, while such conditions and also ileosigmoid knotting require emergency surgery. The prognosis is relatively poor under these adverse circumstances and in ileosigmoid knotting.

A Focus on Intra-Abdominal Sepsis with Biomarkers: A Literature Review.

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection according to the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock definitions. It is a clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality due to its complex pathophysiology and lack of a complete treatment. It constitutes a significant economic burden because it constitutes a substantial part of intensive care patients, and the treatment process is lengthy and costly. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of the disease are essential. After pneumonia, an essential source of sepsis is intra-abdominal infection. Due to the presence of multiple and polymicrobial sources of infection, abdominal sepsis progresses more seriously. The effective treatment of intra-abdominal infection consists of early recognition of the disease, control of the source, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and stabilization in the intensive care setting with an excellent surgical approach. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. Two authors reviewed all identified abstracts and selected articles for full-text review. We included original studies assessing mediators in intraabdominal sepsis. Inflammatory and protein mediators such as acute phase protein and chemokine cytokines play an essential role in intra-abdominal sepsis. In clinical practice, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin are the most used parameters in the definition of abdominal infection. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, high-mobility group protein B1, and presepsin are other markers with high diagnostic efficiency, even though they are not used routinely. Despite everything, there is a need for highly effective markers that can be used in the diagnosis and follow-up of sepsis. Great hope is attached to these markers. This review aims to discuss the importance of the most used markers in the diagnosis and follow-up of abdominal sepsis and the markers on which there are essential studies in light of current literature.

Diagnostic value of serum levels of galanin and obestatin in patients with gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer ranks the third among the cancer-related deaths. It is diagnosed at advanced stage in many patients due to malignant proliferation and has a poor prognosis. Currently, no instrument or biomarker has been proven to diagnose the disease before the advanced stages. This study aimed to measure the serum levels of galanin and obestatin, which were examined in various studies including cancer studies, and to discuss their diagnostic value in gastric cancers. METHODS: In this study, 30 adult patients with gastric cancer and 30 healthy adults in the control group were examined prospectively. The demographic characteristics and serum levels of galanin and obestatin in the patient and control groups were recorded. RESULTS: The mean serum level of galanin in the patient and control groups was 19.73±5.04 and 35.59±10.94 pg/mL, respectively. The mean serum level of obestatin in the patient and control groups was 40.21±5.82 and 15.15±3.32 ng/mL, respectively. A significant difference was found between the groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum levels of galanin were lower and serum levels of obestatin were higher in patients with gastric cancer compared to the healthy individuals. Serum levels of obestatin and galanin can be used as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis of gastric cancer.

Giant Incisional Hernia Repair Using Open Intraperitoneal Dual Mesh.

Aim Giant incisional herniae are larger than 15 cm and are typically treated with an open approach. Our aim was to highlight the outcomes of treating giant incisional hernia using open intraperitoneal dual mesh. Methods Between January 2015 and December 2021, 25 patients with giant incisional hernias, where fascial defects were 15-30 cm, were evaluated retrospectively. Intraperitoneal dual mesh was used in all patients. The patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), previous abdominal surgeries, defect diameter, anesthesia method, length of hospital stay, drain application, complications, and recurrence. Results Eleven of the patients were male and 14 were female. The mean age was 62±13.5 years (29-82 years). The average BMI was 32 kg/m2 (20-52 kg/m2). The mean size of the fascial defect was 22±5.5 cm (15-30). The mean operation time was 90 minutes (70-130 minutes). Six patients had type I and II complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, specifically superficial skin infections, skin erosion, subcutaneous bleeding, and temporary ileus due to intestinal adhesion. During the average follow-up period of 36 months (6-70 months), no major complications were observed related to the recurrence and use of dual mesh. Conclusion In the treatment of giant incisional hernia, open intraperitoneal dual mesh application should be kept in mind as an effective treatment option with low complication and recurrence rates.

Comparison of Surgical Treatment Results of Large Incisional Hernias.

Introduction Incisional hernias are one of the most common complications after abdominal surgery. Surgical repairs of large incisional hernias have higher complications and recurrence rates compared to smaller incisional hernia repairs. For this reason, it is a more difficult and experience-requiring application for surgeons. In addition, there is no evidence-based consensus in the literature regarding the optimal surgical treatment of large incisional hernias. The aim of this study is to compare the results of the three most common surgical treatment methods used in a tertiary university hospital for the repair of large incisional hernias in terms of patients' characteristics, recurrence, and complication rates of the treatment methods. Methods Between 2014 and 2020, 366 patients with incisional hernias with facial defects larger than 10 cm in a tertiary medical faculty hospital located in eastern Turkey were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups according to the surgical method used: open onlay prolene mesh (OPM) method, laparoscopic intraperitoneal sublay dual mesh (IPSDM) method, and open IPSDM method. Postoperative complications were divided into five groups as follows: wound complications, complications due to surgical procedures, medical complications, recurrences, and mortality. Treatment methods were compared according to the demographic characteristics of the patients and the postoperative complication rates. Results Of the patients, 141 were male and 225 were female, and the mean age was 58.0 ± 28 years. Of the patients, 81.9% were operated on with the open OPM, 10.9% with the laparoscopic IPSDM, and 7.1% with the open IPSDM. Wound complications occurred in 26.7% of patients, surgical complications in 3.2%, medical complications in 6.5%, recurrence in 9.2%, and mortality in 0.8% of patients. Total wound complications were significantly higher in the open OPM group (30%) (p = 0.009). Total surgery complications were significantly higher in the laparoscopic IPSDM group (15%) (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between groups for medical complications (p = 0.540). Although no recurrence was observed in the open IPSDM group, no significant difference was observed between the groups (p = 0.099). There was no difference in mortality rates between the groups (p = 0.450). The overall complication rate was highest in the open OPM group (48.3%) and lowest in the open IPSDM group (27%) (p = 0.092). The operative time was found to be significantly shorter in open IPSDM (p < 0.001). The length of hospital stay was highest in the open OPM group and lowest in the open IPSDM group (p = 0.450). Conclusions Although hernia defect is greater in the open IPSDM compared to other methods, this method is more advantageous in terms of the complication rate associated with the surgical procedure, the overall complication rate, the duration of surgery, and the recurrence rate. Laparoscopic IPSDM is a more advantageous method in terms of the overall wound and medical complications.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatric Patients.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an advanced endoscopic technique used in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary system. ERCP is used less frequently in children than in adults due to the rarity of pancreaticobiliary diseases and technical difficulties. However, ERCP is a safe, effective diagnosis and treatment tool for children. Methods: All patients within the age range of 1-19 years, who underwent ERCP between 2010 and 2021 at our endoscopy unit, were retrospectively examined. Patient demographics, use of imaging methods, indications, type of sedation, interventions, success of ERCP, findings, and complications were evaluated. Results: Overall, 105 ERCPs were performed in 66 children (29 male and 37 female). The indications were choledocholithiasis, cyst hydatic, choledochal cyst, biliary atresia or anomaly, liver transplantation-related disorders, and pancreatic disorders, respectively. ERCP was finished as diagnostic ERCP in 20% and as therapeutic in 80%. Therapeutic procedures were sphincterotomy, stent placement or removal, stone or debris extraction, and balloon sweep or dilatation, respectively. The success rate in the procedures was 75.23%. The overall complication rate was 15.23%. Postprocedure pancreatitis occurred in 11.42%, hemorrhage occurred in 2.85%, and aggravation of cholangitis in 0.95%. All complications were managed conservatively. Conclusion: ERCP in pediatric patients is a safe procedure that can be performed by adult endoscopists with high success rates. Since our region is an endemic region for hydatid cyst disease, the most common ERCP indication after choledocholithiasis is procedures related to liver hydatid cyst disease. The most common complication was pancreatitis, and complications were treated medically.