Coexistence of Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Report of Five Cases.

Coincidence of primary hyperparathyroidism and thyroid nodules is quite frequent. This is challenging for clinical diagnosis and treatment. We reviewed the records of patients who underwent surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. Among 52 such cases, thyroidectomy was performed in seven patients (13%) at the same time. Papillary thyroid cancer was detected in five patients (9.6%) as a result of pathologic examination. Two patients were diagnosed with unifocal micro-papillary cancer and these patients underwent unilateral thyroid lobectomy. The remaining three patients, who had thyroid papillary cancer underwent bilateral total thyroidectomy. Likelihood of thyroid cancer should be considered in cases of primary hyperparathyroidism with coexistent thyroid nodules, and a detailed examination should be performed in preoperative period. These will lead to reduce morbidity and lower cost resulting from a second surgery.

Clinical Value of CXCL5 for Determining of Colorectal Cancer

Background: Several studies indicate that chemokines play important roles in colorectal mucosal immunity. The chemokine CXCL5 which is expressed by epithelial cells within colorectal mucosa is a promoter of cell proliferation, migration and invasion, is a novel serum prognostic marker in patients with colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum and tissue CXCL5 levels is altered in colorectal carcinomas (CRC) compared to colonic adenoma and normal mucosa.It also aimed to compare colon adenoma and colorectal cancer for blood CXCL5 and CEA levels, their sensitivity, and specificity. Methods: CXCL5 expression was assessed with immunohistochemistry staining in biopsy samples taken during colonoscopy in 22 colonic adenomas, 23 colorectal carcinomas and 23 normal colonic tissue samples. Also all patients' serum CXCL5 and CEA levels were measured. This stduy was prospective observational study. Results: The number of cases who were stained positive with immunohistochemistry was found to be higher in the group with CRC. When compared with the other groups, both levels of serum CXCL5 and CEA were significantly high in the group CRC. Sensitivity and specificity of serum CXCL5 were found to be low as a result of the ROC analysis. Conclusion: Although the level of CXCL5 is high in CRC, its level in serum is not significant enough to support the early diagnosis of the disease.

Extremely rare presentation of an omphalomesenteric cyst in a 61-year-old patient.

The umbilicus is remaining scar tissue from the umbilical cord in the fetus. If the omphalomesenteric duct in the umbilicus is not properly closed, an ileal-umbilical fistula, sinus formation, cysts, or, most commonly, Meckel's diverticulum can develop. The others are very rare and mostly occur in the pediatric population. We describe herein a 61-year-old female with a giant omphalomesenteric cyst presented as an asymptomatic infraumbilical mass. To our knowledge, this is the oldest patient reported and the largest cyst described in the literature. The diagnosis of a painless abdominal mass frequently suggests malignancy in older patients. But, extremely rare conditions can be detected, such as an omphalomesenteric cyst.

Experience and knowledge level of female health care professionals in Samsun province regarding puerperal mastitis.

OBJECTIVE: Inappropriate or insufficient knowledge of health care professionals about puerperal mastitis can lead mothers to premature weaning, as well as the lack of education on proper breastfeeding. However, the importance of education regarding puerperal mastitis seems to be underestimated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From July to August 2014, 317 female health care professionals were surveyed in Samsun, Turkey. Participants were classified into three groups; nurses, maternity care nurses (obstetrics and gynecology nurses and pediatrics clinic nurses), and midwives. A specifically prepared questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS: 69.1% (n=219) of female health care professionals had one or more child/ren. The median length of breastfeeding duration was 11 months (0-36) while the overall puerperal mastitis rate was 13.3% (n=29). Puerperal mastitis related cessation of breastfeeding was similar between the groups, with an overall rate of 3.1%. 61.1% of the participants stated that they had one or more hours of education regarding puerperal mastitis while 5.4% indicated that they learned about the pathology from their experiences. Midwives and maternity care nurses were found to be more knowledgeable than nurses regarding the reasons, risk factors, prevention, symptoms, and treatment of puerperal mastitis. CONCLUSION: As a result, the current level of education regarding breastfeeding and puerperal mastitis and daily practice in female health care professionals in Turkey is far from desired levels. The breastfeeding education of health care professionals must be adapted to an effective program, such as UNICEF/WHO 20-hour breastfeeding training course, and puerperal mastitis should be accepted as a public health care issue.

Prospective randomized trial of mesh fixation with absorbable versus nonabsorbable tacker in laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repair.

The aim of this prospective randomized trial was to compare 2 main fixation devices in regard to pain and recurrence in laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repair (LVIHR). A total of 51 patients were evaluated in this study (n = 25, nonabsorbable tack (NAT) and n = 26, absorbable tack (AT) groups). A visual analogue scale (VAS) was performed on both groups preoperatively and on the postoperative (PO) first day, second week, and sixth month. All patients were followed for recurrence by clinical examination, ultrasonography, and/or abdominal computed tomography. The median follow-up time was 31 months (15-45). The mean age and the mean body mass index (BMI) of the patients were 53.1 ± 11 years and 34 ± 5 kg/m(2), respectively. The median defect size was 60 cm(2) (35-150) and median operation time was 110 minutes (40-360). In 2 patients from AT group and 2 from NAT group (7.8%), recurrence occurred. The 2 groups had similar features regarding demographics, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, morbidity, and VAS scores. The 2 fixation methods were found similar for PO pain and recurrence. In our opinion, the choice of either of these fixation methods during surgery should not be based on the concerns of pain or recurrence. AT may be the preferable option in LVIHR due to the lower cost.

Traumatic rupture of a splenic cyst hydatid.

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid cyst (HC) can be observed in all parts of the body, splenic involvement represents 5% of all cases. Many ruptured HC's cases of a primary organ have been reported in the literature. However, only several splenic HC rupture has reported. A patient with traumatic rupture of splenic hydatic cyst is presented. PRESENTATION OF CASE: 37 year old female sustained traffic accident presented our emergency department. In her physical examination there was hemodynamic instability, peritoneal irritation sign. An ultrasonographic examination of her abdomen showed intraperitoneal free fluid, a splenic rupture. The patient urgently operated; a 11×9×5cm ruptured HC in the spleen was treated by splenectomy. During surgery the intraabdominal spaces were washed with povidoniodine and saline. Postoperative course of the patient was uneventful. The spleen was an organ involved with hydatidosis in our patient. Pathologic examination of the specimen revealed a splenic hydatid cyst. The patient is symptom free for 18 months. DISCUSSION: Several traumatic ruptured splenic HC case are encountered in the literature. The cases in the literature almost always are not case report but those are one or more than one case in a case series. This case, an extremely infrequent encountered is reporting. CONCLUSION: Early discovery is important since it is possible to cure viable HCs without dissemination to other organs by conservative surgery. If our patient was examined by ultrasound in a routine check up then her hydatid cyst of spleen would be discovered, the treatment of it would be made so no peritoneal dissemination with cystic fluid will be occur.

Laboratory Risk Indicators for Necrotizing Fasciitis and Associations with Mortality.

OBJECTIVES: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is rare but life threatening soft tissue infection characterized by a necrotizing process of the subcutaneous tissues and fascial planes. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score has been verified as a useful diagnostic tool for detecting necrotizing fasciitis. A certain LRINEC score might also be associated with mortality. The aims of this study are to determine risk factors affecting the prognosis and to evaluate the prognostic value of the LRINEC score in NF. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with necrotizing fasciitis treated in Samsun Education and Research Hospital between January 2008 and April 2013 were enrolled in the study. Surviving and non-surviving patient groups were compared regarding demographic data, co-morbidity, predisposing factors, causative agents, number of debridements and LRINEC score. RESULTS: Mean age was 55.6±16.79 years (min: 17-max: 84), and the female/male ratio was 16/9. Mortality was observed in 6 (24%) patients. The most frequent comorbid diseases were diabetes mellitus (52) and peripheral circulatory disorders (24%), and the most frequent etiologies were cutaneous (32%) and perianal abscess (20%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection was higher in the non-surviving group (p=0.006). The mean number of debridements and LRINEC score were higher in the non-surviving group than in the surviving group (p=0.003 and p=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pseudomans aeruginosa infection and multiple debridements are related with mortality. The LRINEC score might help predict mortality in NF.

A comparison of nonabsorbable polymeric clips and endoloop ligatures for the closure of the appendicular stump in laparoscopic appendectomy: a prospective, randomized study.

The aim of this prospective randomized trial was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of hem-o-lok ligation system in laparoscopic appendix stump closure by comparing the endoloop ligature. A total of 53 patients were evaluated in this study (n=26 and 27 for hem-o-lok and endoloop groups, respectively). The mean operation time were shorter in hem-o-lok group than endoloop group (64.7 ± 19.2 vs. 75.4 ± 23, respectively); however, the difference was not significant. Other surgical findings were similar. There was no statistically significant difference in overall nonsurgically or surgically related complications. The mean postoperative hospitalization time was also similar in both groups. Although it is not possible to make general conclusions on basis of such a limited study, in our opinion, closure of the appendix stump with polymeric nonabsorbable clips in laparoscopic appendectomy may be a cheaper and simpler alternative to other widely used methods.

A rare inguinal mass: Round ligament leiomyoma.

INTRODUCTION: Leiomyoma of the round ligament is a rare condition and usually appears like an inguinal hernia. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a 40 year-old women found to have an inguinal mass which it was finally diagnosed as leiomyoma. The patient was admitted to our hospital with a history of painless groin mass. The mass was thought to be irreducible inguinal hernia. Surgical exploration demonstrated a round ligament leiomyoma. DISCUSSION: A smooth muscle tumor in the round ligament of the uterus in the inguinal region is a rare entity and can be mistaken for an irreducible inguinal hernia. It is a rare condition occurring predominantly in premenopausal middle-aged women. Abdominal, inguinal, and vulvar locations have been described. Surgical excision is the curative treatment. CONCLUSION: Leiomyoma of the round ligament should be entertained as a possible etiology of inguinal mass.

Is a drain required after laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

OBJECTIVE: Whether drains should be routinely used after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still debated. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the benefits of drain use after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for non-acute and non-inflamed gallbladders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty patients (mean age, 47±13.8 years; 200 females and 50 males) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholestasis were included in the study. The medical files of the patients were examined retrospectively to obtain data on patient demographics, cholecystitis attacks, complications during the operation, whether a drain was placed in the biliary tract during the operation, etc. The volume of the fluid collection detected in the subhepatic area by ultrasonography on the first postoperative day was recorded. RESULTS: Drains were placed in 51 patients (20.4%). The mean duration of drain placement was 3.1±1.9 (range 1-16) days. Fluid collection was detected in the gallbladder area in 67 patients (26.8%). The mean volume of collected fluid was 8.8±5.2 mL. There were no significant effects of age, gender, and previous cholecystitis attacks on the presence or volume of the fluid collection (P>0.05 for all). With regard to the relationship between fluid collection and drains, 52 of 199 (26.1%) patients without drains had postoperative fluid collection, compared to 15 of 51 (29.4%) patients with drains (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there is no relationship between the presence of a drain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the presence of postoperative fluid collection. Thus, in patients without complications, it is not necessary to place a drain to prevent fluid collection.

Synergistic effect of multiple predisposing risk factors on the development of bezoars.

AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with gastric or intestinal bezoars recently treated in our hospital. METHODS: In this study, a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with gastrointestinal bezoars, who were treated at the Samsun Education and Research Hospital between January 2006 and March 2011, was conducted. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, history of risk factors, diagnostic procedures, localization of bezoars, treatment interventions, and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were collected and evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-two patients [26 (61.9%) males and 16 (31.1%) females] with a mean ± SD (range) age of 55.8 ± 10.5 (37-74) years were enrolled in this study. Thirty-six patients (85.7%) had one or more predisposing risk factors for gastrointestinal bezoars. The most common predisposing risk factor was a history of previous gastric surgery which was identified in 18 patients (42.8%). Twenty three patients (54.8%) had multiple predisposing risk factors. Phytobezoars were identified in all patients except one who had a trichobezoar in the stomach. Non-operative endoscopic fragmentation was performed either initially or after unsuccessful medical treatment in 14 patients with gastric bezoars and was completely successful in 10 patients (71.5%). Surgery was the most frequent treatment method in our study, which was required in 28 patients (66.7%). Intestinal obstruction secondary to bezoars was the most common complication (n = 18, 42.8%) in our study. CONCLUSION: The presence of multiple predisposing factors may create a synergistic effect in the development of bezoars.

Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MR cholangiography findings in gall bladder perforation.

Gall bladder perforation is a rare condition which is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Here, we report a case of spontaneous gall bladder perforation following acute calculous cholecystitis with pericholecystic abscess identified on Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MR cholangiography (MRC) prior to laparoscopic surgery. The gall bladder perforation was confirmed via surgery with unremarkable recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRC for this purpose.

A novel material in seton treatment of fistula-in-ano.

Fistula-in-ano is a common surgical problem. Various materials have been used to perform the seton technique in the treatment of fistula-in-ano. In this study, a novel material, a self-locking cable tie, was used regardless of the fistula type. Seventeen consecutive patients with anal fistula underwent surgery with the cutting seton technique using the novel material. Nine patients had high fistulas. The average tightening was 3.18, the mean fall-out time was 17.41 days, and the mean follow-up period was 8.2 months. No recurrences or incontinence were recorded. There are statistically significant differences between superficial and high fistula cases regarding the number of setons tightening, seton fall-out time, and complete healing time. The novel material presented here has some advantages: it is cheap, easily available, and easily applied, moreover, a gradual tightening can be performed. We think this novel material is a good choice in the treatment of fistula-in-ano.

Salmonella typhi abscess as a late complication of simple cyst of the liver: a case report.

Liver abscesses due to Salmonella species occur rarely. In this case report, we present a simple liver cyst as a focus for Salmonella abscess, which to date has never been described in the literature. This case report emphasizes that simple liver cyst could be infected with Salmonella and progress to a complicated liver abscess, which responds well to percutaneous catheter drainage and anti-biotherapy.

Should the thyroid bed be drained after thyroidectomy?

BACKGROUND: Although routine drainage of the thyroidectomy bed is not an evidenced-based practice, most surgeons still employ routine drainage with an effort to monitor postoperative bleeding. The aim of this study is present our experience on draining and not draining the thyroidectomy bed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 1,066 patients who underwent thyroid surgery were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The rates of the re-operations due to life-threatening postoperative hemorrhage and wound infections were higher in the drained group. The average postoperative hospital stay of the drained group was significantly longer than that of the non-drained group. CONCLUSION: Routine drainage of the thyroidectomy bed is not effective in decreasing the rate of postoperative complications after thyroid surgery, and it causes a prolonged hospital stay and surgical site infection.

Is routine cavity drainage necessary in Karydakis flap operation? A prospective, randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Different surgical techniques for pilonidal disease have been described in the literature. In this study our aim was to evaluate the influence of routine cavity drainage in the Karydakis flap technique. METHODS: Fifty patients with pilonidal sinus who underwent the Karydakis flap operation were evaluated prospectively. The patients were assigned randomly into two groups-with and without suction drainage of the cavity-and the effects of drains were studied in terms of wound complications, hospital stay, and recurrence rate. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in term of length of hospital stay. Complication rate was 20 percent and the complications were caused exclusively by fluid collections. Wound infection, dehiscence, or failure was not observed in any of the patients. There has been no recurrence in any of the patients during the follow-up period. There was a significant increase in the number of fluid collections in patents without a suction drain. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that routine cavity drainage reduces the incidence of fluid collection after the Karydakis flap operation.

Retroperitoneal abscess as a late complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Gallstone spillage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively common occurrence. These intraperitoneal gallstones are considered to be harmless. Rarely, they may give rise to complications. Surgeons should retrieve spilled stones whenever possible. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 75-year-old man with retroperitoneal abscess that developed 6 years following laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a late complication. The cavity, though it drained purulent material, was sterile in culture. Gallstones were found in the drain effluent. To our knowledge this is the first case report in English of such a delayed complication caused by spilled gallstones. CONCLUSIONS: Every effort should be made to avoid perforation of the gall bladder during its dissection. Whether the procedure should be converted to open surgery to retrieve all the stones is subject to debate.