Fournier's gangrene current approaches.

Fournier's gangrene is a rare but highly mortal infectious disease characterised by fulminant necrotising fasciitis involving the genital and perineal regions. The objective of this study is to analyse the demographics, clinical feature and treatment approaches as well as outcomes of Fournier's gangrene. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records and operative notes. Patient data were analysed by demographics, aetiological factors, clinical features, treatment approaches and outcomes. Twelve patients (five female and seven male) were enrolled in this study. The most common aetiology was perianal abscess (41·6%). Wound cultures showed a mixture of microorganisms in six (50%) patients. For faecal diversion, while colostomy was performed in six cases (50%), Flexi-Seal was used in two cases (16·6%). In four patients (33·4%), no faecal diversion was performed. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system was effective in the last four patients (33·4%). The mean hospitalisation period in patients who used NPWT was 18 days, while it was 20 days in the others. NPWT in Fournier's gangrene is a safe dressing method. It promotes granulation formation. Flexi-Seal faecal management is an alternative method to colostomy and provides protection from its associated complications. The combination of two devices (Flexi-Seal and NPWT) is an effective and comfortable method in the management of Fournier's gangrene in appropriate patients.

Poor Metabolic Profile Is an Independent Risk Factor for Recurrence After Hiatal Hernia Repair When Using Tension-Free Mesh.

Purpose: The effect of metabolic risk factors on the recurrence rate of hiatal hernia (HH) after the initial repair is still controversial. In this study, we evaluated whether a poor preoperative metabolic profile is a risk factor for the recurrence of a HH after surgery. Methods: Perioperative patient data were obtained from hospital records. A poor metabolic profile was defined as having two or more metabolic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or being overweight. The recurrence rates of HH were measured at 6 months, and again at 12 months after surgery. Results: Data were collected from a total of 221 patients. While 87 (39.4%) patients underwent tension-free mesh (TFM) repair, 137 (60.6%) were treated with suture repair. The poor metabolic profile has no effect on the recurrence rates in the suture-repair group. However, patients who underwent TFM repair displayed a significantly higher recurrence rate at the 12-month time point if they had poor metabolic profile, compared to the healthy group (respectively, 20.7% and 3.4%, P < .01). The logistic regression analysis showed that having a poor metabolic profile was an independent risk factor for recurrence after 12 months in the same group (odds ratio: 8.04 confidence interval [CI: 1.2-53.5] P = .03). Conclusion: The poor metabolic profile was found to be responsible for high recurrence rates only in patients who underwent TFM HH repair.

Evaluation of the Reliability and Quality of YouTube Video Content about Perianal Fistulas.

Objective: Perianal fistulas of the perianal soft tissues are an important cause of morbidity and a significant portion of colorectal surgery. To our knowledge, there is no study evaluating YouTube videos pertaining perianal fistulas. In this study, we aimed to evaluate YouTube video contents on this topic. Methods: Whether the videos contained real images, animations or presentations, video duration, number of views, comments and likes, uploading date, and daily view were recorded. Reliability of the videos was assessed using the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN) scale and quality of the videos using the Global Quality Score (GQS). Results: A total of 100 YouTube videos regarding perianal fistulas were included in the study. Sixty-four (64%) videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals and 36 (36%) videos by nonprofessionals. The mean video length was calculated as 6.70 ± 8.00 minutes for all videos. The mean DISCERN score of all videos was found as 3.92 ± 0.81 and the mean GQS score as 3.97 ± 0.83. According to the DISCERN score, most videos included (94%) were of good quality. There was an excellent agreement between the two surgeons in terms of the DISCERN and GQS scores. Conclusion: Most of the videos included in the study were uploaded by health-care professionals. On the other hand, the majority of the videos contained surgical management of perianal fistulas as it is the definitive treatment. Healthcare related content should be audited and filtered by YouTube with new and effective policies.

The effects of laparoscopic mesh fixation device on bone, costo-chondral junction and tendon site.

Osteitis pubis is one of the important complications of inguinal hernia repair surgery occurring with the placement of sutures through the periosteum. The aim of this study is to evaluate scintigraphic and histopathological alterations associated with the use of mesh fixation device on pelvic bone, cartilage and tendons in an experimental animal model. Twenty New-Zealand young male rabbits were used. A mesh fixation device was inserted at each animal's costa-chondral junction, superior anterior iliac crest, and achiles tendon. One week prior to the surgery and 16 weeks after the operation, scintigraphic evaluation was performed. Histopathological evaluation was performed at the end of study. No nuclear activity or pathological change was found at bone site (p > 0.05). Foreign body reaction was evident at the tendon and costa-chondral site (p = 0.001). In conclusion; the mesh fixation device leads to foreign body reaction in costa-chondral junction and tendon. It does not cause any nuclear activity increase.

Effect of pentoxifylline and vinpocetine on the healing of ischemic colon anastomosis: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: In the current study, we aimed to investigate the influences of pentoxifylline, which increases the flexibility, deformability and viscosity of the erythrocytes while reducing the aggregation abilities of the platelets, and vinpocetine, which has neuroprotective and antioxidant effects, on healing of colonic anastomoses. METHODS: We used 30 Albino Wistar rats. Subjects were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Colonic ischemia was established in all the groups. Following colonic transection, anastomosis was performed. Group A received intraperitoneal saline, whereas Group B and Group C received pentoxifylline and vinpocetine, respectively. The subjects were sacrificed on the postoperative 5th day by ether anesthesia, and their colonic bursting pressures were measured. The anastomotic area was excised for hydroxyproline assay and histopathologic examination. RESULTS: According to intergroup comparisons, colonic bursting pressure was found to be higher in the treatment groups than in the control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Intergroup comparisons regarding tissue hydroxyproline levels showed statistically significant differences between Groups A and B, Groups A and C and Groups B and C. CONCLUSION: Similar to pentoxifylline, vinpocetine was also shown to have a beneficial effect over ischemic colon anastomoses.

Prevention of adhesion to prosthetic mesh: comparison of oxidized generated cellulose, polyethylene glycol and hylan G-F 20.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of oxidized generated cellulose, polyethylene glycol and hylan G-F 20 on adhesion formation, fibrosis and inflammation after repair of abdominal wall defect with polypropylene mesh in an animal model. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into four groups and abdominal wall defect was established. The defect was repaired with polypropylene mesh alone (control group), polypropylene mesh and hylan G-F 20 as adhesion barrier, polypropylene mesh and oxidized generated cellulose as adhesion barrier, or polypropylene mesh and polyethylene glycol as adhesion barrier in Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Rats were sacrificed on the 14th day in all groups. RESULTS: A comparison of the groups in terms of macroscopic adhesion scores revealed statistically significant differences between the groups using an adhesion barrier and the control group. Severe fibroblast proliferation was seen in the control group and mild fibroblast proliferation was seen in polyethylene glycol group. CONCLUSION: Polyethylene glycol is an effective adhesion prevention barrier. Laparoscopic surgery has become the standard method in most of the surgical field. With its laparoscopic apparatus, polyethylene glycol allows easy application on the damaged surface.

The role of computerized tomography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in patients with negative ultrasonography findings and a low Alvarado score.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify the role of computerized tomography (CT) in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis in patients with a low Alvarado score and negative ultrasonography findings. METHODS: Fifty-two cases who underwent appendectomy (December 2004-September 2008) were included. All patients had an Alvarado score of 4-6 together with negative ultrasonography findings; preoperative abdominal CT examination results were available in all patients. CT results were compared with intraoperative and pathological findings. RESULTS: The mean age of the cases was 31±4 years (range 11 to 71 years). The mean Alvarado score was 4.9. CT results were in favor of acute appendicitis in 34 of 52 cases. Of these 34 patients, acute appendicitis was confirmed by pathological findings in 31, whereas acute appendicitis could not be confirmed in the remaining three cases (8.2%). In 15 of 18 cases without CT findings of appendicitis, intraoperative and pathological findings were also in agreement; however, the remaining three cases had acute appendicitis. Based on the results of the recent studies, sensitivity and specificity of CT in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis were 91.2% and 83.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: To avoid unnecessary appendectomies in suspected acute appendicitis cases with a low Alvarado score and negative ultrasonography findings, CT may be used as a complementary diagnostic tool.

Diagnostic process and management of diaphragmatic injuries: approach in patients with blunt and penetrating trauma.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic rupture is one of the most commonly missed injuries in trauma cases. Traditionally, laparotomy or thoracotomy has been the treatment of choice for this condition. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic process in patients with diaphragmatic injuries (DIs) who were diagnosed with diaphragm rupture during the preoperative or intraoperative course together with morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS: Sixteen patients with DIs were admitted to our department during the last seven-year period. Surgical procedure, accompanying injuries, duration of hospital stay, transfusion necessity, and morbidity and mortality rates were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In seven years, 16 patients were treated and followed-up for DI. Female/male ratio was 2/14. Fifteen patients were operated and one was treated conservatively. The mortality rate was 2/16. CONCLUSION: DIs are being seen with increasing frequency in recent years. In patients with high Injury Severity Score (ISS), probability of DI should be taken into consideration.

[Our eight years' clinical experience in pancreatic injuries]. / Pankreas yaralanmalarinda sekiz yillik deneyimimiz.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to present the rates and causes of morbidity and mortality of the patients who were operated due to pancreatic trauma. METHODS: We studied retrospectively 13 patients (13 males; mean age 35.3; range 20 to 60 years) with pancreatic trauma who were to our emergency unit between 1996-2004. RESULTS: Ten patients had penetrating and three had blunt trauma. The average time between the admission to the emergency unit and the operation was 5.8 hours (1-48 hours). Mortality was 23% (three patients; two of them had major vascular injuries). The most prominent postoperative complication was pleural effusion which was seen in two patients (15%). CONCLUSION: It was recorded that mortality and morbidity were related in great part to the associated organ injury.

Anthropometric measurements in male breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: 1% of breast cancers occur in men. The etiology is obscure. An elevated BMI has been postulated to be a cause. METHODS: All male breast cancer patients operated from January 1990 to May 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Relation between BMI and male breast cancer was examined. RESULTS: 43 males underwent breast surgery for breast cancer during this period. 3 patients were excluded from the study because of other risk factors for breast cancer. The average BMI of 40 patients was 26.54 kg/m2, which is mildly above the level for normal weight. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive adipose tissue may increase risk of male breast cancer.

Extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach to Spigelian hernia combined with groin hernias.

Spigelian hernia is a rare form of abdominal wall hernia. It occurs when peritoneum with or without organs or preperitoneal fat exists through a defect in the Spigelian fascia. A 63 year old male patient complaint of inguinal hernias and Spigelian hernia treated with laparoscopic approach that has been not previously reported in the literature. The use of the laparoscope has simplified the diagnosis, clarified its localization, and facilitated the subsequent repair of these hernias.

Laparoscopy-assisted resection of complicated Meckel's diverticulum in adults.

The era of videoendoscopic surgery in emergency surgery practice has facilitated a wide range of endoscopic operative procedures. In our unit the diagnosis of acute abdomen is made after sequential clinical and laboratory examination, and diagnostic laparoscopy is advocated. Laparoscopy-assisted resection of complicated Meckel's diverticulum in two adult patients was performed, and the results are discussed. Between December 1996 and June 2000, 98 patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy at the Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty Emergency Surgery Unit of Istanbul University because of signs and symptoms of acute abdomen. Among these, we have diagnosed one case of intestinal obstruction due to a volvulus around Meckel's diverticulum and one of acute abdomen masquerading as acute appendicitis but actually involving omphalomesenteric duct cyst torsion. Both of these patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopy-assisted Meckel's diverticulectomy. Diagnostic laparoscopies were performed on 46 male (47%) and 52 female (53%) patients. In all cases, laparoscopy successfully confirmed the diagnosis. Although in 27 patients the interventions were converted to open procedures, the operations were completed laparoscopically in 71 patients. Two of these patients underwent laparoscopy-assisted Meckel's diverticulectomy and their postoperative periods were uneventful. Both patients were discharged from the hospital on their fourth postoperative day. Diagnostic laparoscopy is a safe and effective method for diagnosis of acute abdomen. In emergency surgery practices in developing countries, advanced laparoscopy should be performed to reduce expenses. Laparoscopy-assisted Meckel's diverticulectomy is a safe and economic procedure and can be performed in adults for treatment of complicated cases without staplers.

Enteroclysis-guided laparoscopic adhesiolysis in recurrent adhesive small bowel obstructions.

The aim of this study was to point out the efficiency of enteroclysis assay in localization of intraabdominal adhesions that impede small bowel transit in patients with recurrent adhesive small bowel obstruction who underwent laparoscopic partial adhesiolysis. Between January 1998 and June 2001, 15 selected patients with recurrent adhesive small bowel obstructions were treated successfully by medical means and evaluated with enteroclysis to define the pathologic adhesive site that impeded bowel transit. If the results of enteroclysis were indicative, they underwent laparoscopic partial adhesiolysis. The mean duration of the laparoscopic procedure was 99 minutes. In one patient conversion to laparotomy occurred because of excessive adhesions, and in another patient a small bowel injury occurred and enterorrhaphy was performed laparoscopically. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. During a mean follow-up of 17.2 months (range, 6-39), there was no delayed morbidity or recurrence. Identification of the small bowel site of recurrent obstruction with enteroclysis permits limited laparoscopic adhesiolysis. This approach may be a rational alternative to not only open procedures but also complete laparoscopic adhesiolysis without enteroclysis.

An effective omentoplasty technique in laparoscopic surgery for hydatid disease of the liver.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the characteristics and outcome of patients with hydatid disease of the liver who were laparoscopically managed at our clinic and to define technical details including an effective method of omentoplasty with helical fasteners. METHODS: Between January 1998 and November 2000, 13 patients, mean age 36 years (range 23 to 63 years), with hydatid disease of the liver were considered for laparoscopic surgery in our department. All the patients underwent laparoscopic surgical interventions. RESULTS: In all patients, laparoscopic cystotomy, unroofing, and omentoplasty with helical fasteners, which were originally designed for endoscopic hernia repair procedures, were performed. No conversion to laparotomy was necessary. In 1 case, with a single cyst in the right lobe, bile leakage was observed. No radiological recurrence was observed in an average follow-up of 17 months (range 4 to 36 months). CONCLUSIONS: Obliteration of the residual cystic cavity decreases postoperative complication rates, so an effective omentoplasty is essential especially for laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopy is quite feasible to perform in hydatid disease of the liver, and the use of helical fasteners allows effective omental flap fixation.

Large animal-related injuries in a rural population in northeastern Turkey.

Animal-related injury is a serious health problem for people living in rural areas. This type of injury could be of great consequence and life-threatening. There are insufficient data regarding this issue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the causes and treatment outcomes of large animal injuries. We reviewed the medical records of 157 patients with large animal-related injuries in a State Hospital in Northeastern Turkey, between September 2004 and April 2007. Demographic and etiological characteristics of patients and injury and outcome data were analyzed. A total of 157 patients were included in the study. One hundred and thirty-two (84.1 %) of them were male and 25 (15.9 %) female. The mean age of patients was 29.1 years (range 3-83 years). One hundred and twelve patients (71.3 %) had horse-related injuries and 45 patients (28.7 %) had bovine-related injuries (P = 0.096). Twenty-one (13.4 %) patients were referred to a tertiary center due to their need for intensive care, whereas 1 (0.6 %) patient died. Large animal-related injuries constitute an important health problem for people living in rural areas. This type of injury could be serious and mortality could be observed.

Effects of montelukast on the healing of ischemic colon anastomoses.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine whether treatment with montelukast, a selective leukotriene antagonist, would affect anastomotic healing in a reperfused colon rat model with remote ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Rats (n = 12 per group) were intraperitoneally administered normal saline or 10 mg/kg montelukast sodium 60 minutes before and for 5 days after surgery. Ischemia was induced for 45 minutes through superior mesenteric artery occlusion. A left colon anastomosis was made. Blood and perianastomotic tissue samples were obtained on postoperative day 5. RESULTS: Mean anastomotic bursting pressures of the control and montelukast groups were 159.17 ± 29.99 and 216.67 ± 26.40, respectively (P < .001). Compared with saline, montelukast treatment increased the mean tissue hydroxyproline level (2.46 ± .30 vs 3.61 ± .33 µmol/L) and decreased tissue caspase-3 activity (36.06 ± 5.72 vs 21.78 ± 3.87) and malondialdehyde levels (3.43 ± .34 vs 2.29 ± .34 nmol/g) (P < .001 for all). Other plasma markers of injury also showed differences. CONCLUSIONS: Montelukast prevented ischemia/reperfusion-induced damage in a rat model of colonic anastomotic wound healing.

Left gastric and right hepatic artery anomalies in a patient with gastric cancer: images for surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection remains the principal treatment for advanced gastric cancer, but one of the difficulties in a curative or extended gastrectomy is the identification of the vascular supply of the stomach. METHODS: A patient had gastric cancer hospitalized for planning and performing his surgical therapy. A multidetector-row computed tomography scan showed us a large tumor mass and numerous lymph nodes invading perigastric and second tiers of stomach and revealed a left gastric artery and right hepatic artery in which branched directly from aorta. A 3-dimensional construction showed a demonstrative vascular anomaly as well during operation. RESULT: We were able to perform total gastrectomy and D2 lymph node dissection as surgical therapy for patient. The patient's postoperative clinical course was uneventful, and after postoperative 36 months, there was no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: We recommend that a multidetector-row computed tomography scan is very useful for the preoperative staging in gastric cancer patients because of its diagnostic value for showing any vascular anomaly and aiding in decision making on the appropriate surgical strategy.

Unusual locations of hydatid disease: diagnostic and surgical management of a case series.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid disease is endemic in many areas of the world, where it is an important public health problem. The aim of this study was to describe a series of patients with atypically located primary hydatid disease, accompanied by a literature review. METHODS: Six male and four female patients with atypically located hydatid cysts who presented to the Kars State Hospital between September 2004 and March 2008 were evaluated. The mean age was 42.5 years (range 17-72 years). Hydatid cysts were identified by using a combination of serology tests, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Six of the patients underwent surgical treatment. Three patients (two with pericardial hydatid involvement and one with pancreatic involvement) were sent to a tertiary medical center for surgery, and one patient died from cardiac and renal failure two days after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although this disease is seen most often in the liver and lungs, it can be found in any part of the body. Hydatid disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions, especially in patients who have spent time in endemic areas.

Impact of herniorraphy technique on testicular perfusion: results of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed operations. The Lichtenstein hernia repair is the most popular hernia repair technique in general surgical practice. However, totally extraperitoneal-preperitoneal hernia repair technique has been frequently used technique recently. The aim of this prospective, randomized, clinical study was to evaluate testicular perfusion after these 2 procedures. METHODS: In our prospective randomized study, 32 male patients, aged 33 to 72 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria underwent elective herniorraphy for groin hernia. The patients were randomly assigned into either Lichtenstein hernia repair (n=16) or totally extraperitoneal-preperitoneal hernia repair (n=16) group according to their admittance. Color Doppler ultrasonography of the testes was performed on all patients 1 day before the operation, 3 days and 6 months after the operation. RESULTS: The results of the resistive index of the both groups; Lichtenstein hernia repair and totally extraperitoneal-preperitoneal hernia repair are statistically insignificant in all preoperative, early and late postoperative periods (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Either Lichtenstein hernia repair or totally extraperitoneal-preperitoneal hernia repair does not effect the testicular perfusion.