The effect of body mass index on parathyroidectomy complications in primary hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: There are few studies evaluating the effect of high body mass index (BMI) on parathyroid surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the BMI and post-operative outcome of the patients who were operated for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hospital files of patients who were operated for PHP between January 2013 and January 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients operated by surgeons experienced in endocrine surgery (more than 25 cases/year) were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to BMI (Group 1 < and Group 2 ≥ 25). Data were analyzed. RESULTS: Groups were similar in terms of age (p = 0.715) and sex (p = 0.253). There was no significant difference between groups regarding postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.561), rate of transient hypocalcemia (p = 0.748), or permanent hypocalcemia (p = 0.530). The mean operative time was shorter in Group 1 (84 min in Group 1 and 70 min in Group 2, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Parathyroid surgery can safely be performed in patients with high BMI by surgeons experienced in endocrine surgery.

OBJETIVOS: Existen pocos estudios evaluando el efecto de un alto índice de masa corporal (IMC) en la cirugía de paratiroides. El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la relación entre el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el resultado posoperatorio depacientes que fueron operados por hiperparatiroidismo primario (PHP). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Expedientes de pacientes que fueron operados por PHP entre enero de 2013 y enero de 2020 fueron revisados retrospectivamente. Pacientes operados por ciruganoscon experiencia en cirugía endocrina (más de 25 casos por año) fueron incluidos. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos de acuerdo a IMC (grupo 1 < 25 y grupo 2 ≥ 25). Los datos fueron analizados. RESULTADOS: Los grupos eran similares en cuanto a edad (p = 0.715) y sexo (p = 0.253). No hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos en relación con la permanencia hospitalaria posoperatoria (p = 0.561), taza de hipocalcemia transitoria (p = 0.748) ohipocalcemia permanente (p = 0.530). La media de tiempo de operación fue menor en el grupo 1 (84 minutos en el grupo 1 y 70 minutos en el grupo 2, p = 0.045). CONCLUSIÓN: La cirugía de paratiroides puede ser realizada con seguridad en pacientes con alto IMC por ciruganos con experiencia en cirugía endocrina.

Splenic infarct in a COVID-19 patient under anticoagulant therapy with normal D-dimer levels.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown that COVID-19 can progress with coagulopathy and multisystemic thrombotic events. We report a patient who presented with abdominal pain after COVID-19 and was found to have splenic infarction (SI) concomitant with acute myocardial infarctus (MI) under anticoagulant treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department with left-sided abdominal pain radiating through to his back persisting for one day. He had COVID-19 PCR positivity nine days ago. After seven days of hospitalization due to COVID-19 pneumonia, he had been discharged with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) showed SI. His ECG and laboratory parameters were normal except for 17.2 × 10∧3/µL leukocytosis. The anticoagulant drug dose that he was taking was increased to 2 × 0.6 mL during hospitalization. He described new-onset chest pain during follow-up. Acute anterior MI was detected on ECG. Successful percutaneous coronary angiography was performed by cardiologists. No problems were observed in the follow-up. The patient was discharged on the fifth day of conservative treatment due to splenic infarction. CONCLUSION: Thrombosis prophylaxis with prophylactic doses of LMWH in hospitalized COVID-19 patients may not be sufficient to prevent the development of coagulopathy in patients. Abdominal-visceral thromboembolism should be suspected in a COVID-19-positive patient presenting with abdominal pain despite receiving anticoagulant therapy and normal d-dimer levels.

Serum markers for the early diagnosis of intestinal anastomotic leak after gyne-oncological operations.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the serum markers for the early diagnosis of intestinal anastomotic leak (AL) after the gyne-oncological operations. METHODS: Between September 2017 and March 2021, patients with an intestinal anastomosis performed during the gyne-oncological surgeries were identified from a tertiary centre in Turkey. As the local guideline of the clinic, all these patients were followed by measuring serum samples including procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) on postoperative day (POD) 1 through the day of discharge or the day of re-operation for AL. RESULTS: 12.5% (5/40) of the patients suffered an AL and 4 of them were re-operated. The mean albumin values on POD 3-4 and the mean platelet values on POD 1 were lower in the AL group (P < .05). Although it was not statistically significant (P > .05), median PCT values (ng/mL) on POD 8-10 were higher in the AL group compared with no leak group. The best cut-off point for PCT on POD 9 was determined to be 0.11 ng/mL (AUC: 0.917, Sensitivity = 100.0%, specificity = 66.7%, positive predictive value = 66.7%, negative predictive value = 100.0%). CONCLUSION: Serum PCT and CRP concentrations were not found to be helpful for the early diagnosis of AL in patients operated for gyne-oncological malignancies. Low levels of albumin and platelets in the first days after the operation may be clue for a possible AL.

Corticosteroid associated lupus pancreatitis.

The relationship between acute pancreatitis and the administration of glucocorticoids is unclear because most reported cases have been diagnosed with systemic vascular diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, which may be responsible for pancreatitis. A 22-year-old woman with eye involvement of a newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus was admitted to our hospital. Pulse intravenous methylprednisolone therapy was given at 1mg/kg day for 3 days, and oral prednisolone at 40 mg/day thereafter. During pulse steroid therapy, she had abdominal pain, back pain, distention, nausea, and vomiting. Her physical examination was compatible with acute abdomen and peritonitis. Abdomen Computerized Tomography scan revealed diffuse liquid perihepatic and perisplenic area with heterogeneity around the mesentery. Due to the symptoms of acute abdomen, explorative laparotomy was performed. There was diffuse free fluid in the abdomen and edematous changes were observed around the pancreas. Amylase and lipase from intraabdominal fluid were studied and found to be high. The postoperative prednol dose was reduced carefully. On the sixth postoperative day, the drain was removed, and the patient was discharged without any problem. Physicians should keep in mind that acute pancreatitis may also be a cause of differential diagnosis of newly developed abdominal pain in patients receiving pulse steroid therapy with a normal level of serum amylase and lipase.

Corticosteroid associated lupus pancreatitis

SUMMARY The relationship between acute pancreatitis and the administration of glucocorticoids is unclear because most reported cases have been diagnosed with systemic vascular diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, which may be responsible for pancreatitis. A 22-year-old woman with eye involvement of a newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus was admitted to our hospital. Pulse intravenous methylprednisolone therapy was given at 1mg/kg day for 3 days, and oral prednisolone at 40 mg/day thereafter. During pulse steroid therapy, she had abdominal pain, back pain, distention, nausea, and vomiting. Her physical examination was compatible with acute abdomen and peritonitis. Abdomen Computerized Tomography scan revealed diffuse liquid perihepatic and perisplenic area with heterogeneity around the mesentery. Due to the symptoms of acute abdomen, explorative laparotomy was performed. There was diffuse free fluid in the abdomen and edematous changes were observed around the pancreas. Amylase and lipase from intraabdominal fluid were studied and found to be high. The postoperative prednol dose was reduced carefully. On the sixth postoperative day, the drain was removed, and the patient was discharged without any problem. Physicians should keep in mind that acute pancreatitis may also be a cause of differential diagnosis of newly developed abdominal pain in patients receiving pulse steroid therapy with a normal level of serum amylase and lipase.

RESUMO A relação entre pancreatite aguda e a administração de glicocorticoides é incerta pois a maioria dos casos relatados foram diagnosticados com doenças vasculares sistêmicas, como lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, que pode causar pancreatite. Uma paciente de 22 anos com envolvimento ocular e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico recém-diagnosticado foi admitida em nosso hospital. Pulsoterapia intravenosa com metilprednisolona 1mg/kg foi administrada por 3 dias. Depois disso, a paciente foi tratada com prednisolona oral 40 mg/dia. Durante a pulsoterapia com corticoides, a paciente apresentava dor abdominal, dor nas costas, distensão, náusea e vômitos. O exame físico era compatível com quadro de abdome agudo e peritonite. Tomografia computadorizada do abdome revelou líquido difuso na região perihepática e periesplênica, com heterogeneidade ao redor do mesentério. Devido aos sintomas de abdome agudo, foi realizada laparotomia exploradora. Havia líquido livre difuso no abdome e alterações edematosas foram observadas em torno do pâncreas. A amilase e lipase do líquido intra-abdominal foram analisadas e consideradas elevadas. A dose pós-operatória de prednol foi reduzida com cuidado. No sexto dia de pós-operatório, o dreno foi retirado, e a paciente recebeu alta sem qualquer problema. Médicos devem lembrar que a pancreatite aguda também pode ser uma causa de diagnóstico diferencial para dor abdominal recém-desenvolvida em pacientes recebendo pulsoterapia com corticoides e com níveis normais de amilase e lipase séricas.

Ectopic ureter associated with Zinner's syndrome in a kidney recipient: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION Zinner's Syndrome is a triad of mesonephric duct anomalies comprising unilateral renal agenesis, seminal vesicle cyst, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. In this study, we present a kidney recipient with ectopic ureter associated with Zinner's syndrome and a literature review. CASE PRESENTATION A 59-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease and left renal agenesis underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation. After securing optimal renal functions, the patient underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan for the seroma that occurred under the incision. The final diagnosis was an ectopic distal ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst's wall and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The patient was discharged without any complications and the clinical follow up was uneventful. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Congenital seminal vesicle disorders are usually associated with ipsilateral urinary duct anomalies stemming from the same embryonic structure. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that describes kidney transplantation in a patient with ipsilateral renal agenesis and ectopic ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst. In patients with renal agenesis, during the ipsilateral urinary tract anastomosis, the possibility of ectopic ureter should be kept in mind otherwise graft loss can occur with a high morbidity rate.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas: Case series with a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The solid pseudopapillary neoplasms are quite rare tumors of the pancreas, comprising roughly 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. It has a low malignant potential and usually affects young females. Despite increasing number of articles in the last decade, there is still debate on the pathogenesis, malignant potential and optimal surgical strategy for the solid pseudopapillary neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical recordings of 326 patients who were operated due to pancreatic mass were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, surgical and pathologic characteristics of the tumor, postsurgical course, long-term survival, and other relevant data were extracted from patients' charts. RESULTS: Majority of the patients were female in consistency with the classic data in the literature. All the patients underwent curative intent resections. Tumors were commonly localized in the tail of the pancreas making distal pancreatectomy the most commonly performed surgical procedure. Mean tumor diameter was 5.8 centimeters with tumor sizes ranging from 1 to 19 cm. CONCLUSION: The solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas is a rare tumor with low malignant potential, which is more common in females of reproductive age, with abdominal pain being their most common presentation. The short-term outcomes in patients following surgical R0 resection are excellent. However, proximal placement of the tumor and female gender may have slightly worse prognosis. We hope that our findings from a series of patients represent a contribution to the existing literature on SPN, and authors declare their willingness to provide further details for future meta-analyses.

Ectopic ureter associated with Zinners syndrome in a kidney recipient: case report and literature review

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Zinner's Syndrome is a triad of mesonephric duct anomalies comprising unilateral renal agenesis, seminal vesicle cyst, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. In this study, we present a kidney recipient with ectopic ureter associated with Zinner's syndrome and a literature review. CASE PRESENTATION A 59-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease and left renal agenesis underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation. After securing optimal renal functions, the patient underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan for the seroma that occurred under the incision. The final diagnosis was an ectopic distal ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst's wall and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The patient was discharged without any complications and the clinical follow up was uneventful. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Congenital seminal vesicle disorders are usually associated with ipsilateral urinary duct anomalies stemming from the same embryonic structure. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that describes kidney transplantation in a patient with ipsilateral renal agenesis and ectopic ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst. In patients with renal agenesis, during the ipsilateral urinary tract anastomosis, the possibility of ectopic ureter should be kept in mind otherwise graft loss can occur with a high morbidity rate.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO A Síndrome de Zinner é uma tríade de anomalias do ducto mesonéfrico que compreende agenesia renal unilateral, cisto da vesícula seminal e obstrução do ducto ejaculatório. Neste estudo, apresentamos um receptor de rim com ureter ectópico associado à Síndrome de Zinner e revisão da literatura. APRESENTAÇÃO DO CASO Homem de 59 anos com história de doença renal crônica e agenesia renal esquerda foi submetido a transplante de rim de doador falecido. Após função renal ideal, foi realizada tomografia computadorizada do abdome (TC) devido ao seroma sob incisão. O diagnóstico final foi um ureter distal ectópico que termina na parede do cisto da vesícula seminal e agenesia renal ipsilateral. O paciente recebeu alta sem complicações e o acompanhamento clínico ocorreu sem intercorrências. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÃO Os distúrbios congênitos da vesícula seminal geralmente estão associados às anomalias do ducto urinário ipsilateral devido a uma mesma estrutura embrionária. Até onde sabemos, é o primeiro relato de caso que descreve o transplante renal em um paciente com agenesia renal ipsilateral e ureter ectópico terminado no cisto da vesícula seminal. Em pacientes com agenesia renal, durante a anastomose do trato urinário ipsilateral, deve-se ter em mente a possibilidade do ureter ectópico, caso contrário, poderá ocorrer perda do enxerto com alta taxa de morbidade.

Treatment of pilonidal disease by phenol application.

The literature indicates various approaches regarding the properties of phenol, the target patient group, and the complication and recurrence rates. Although phenol is most frequently used to treat the fistulated form of the disease, it can also be applied for other types. The overall success and complication rates of the application is reported as 62-95% and 0%-2%, respectively. Phenol treatment in pilonidal disease can be used more frequently as an alternative method with acceptable success, complication, and recurrence rates.

Adjuvant versus neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in distal rectal cancer: Comparison of two decades in a single center.

OBJECTIVE: Standard surgery alone was not able to decrease local recurrence (LR) rate below 20% in rectal cancer treatment. Thus, many centers administered neoadjuvant radiotherapy (preopRTx) with or without concomitant chemotherapy for the prevention of LR. In this study, the results of 164 consecutive patients with mid- and distal rectal cancer who received surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (Group A) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (Group NA) followed by surgery are presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The staging system used in this study is that of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), also known as the TNM system. Eligible patients were required to have radiologically assessed stage 1 (only T2N0M0) to stage 3C (T4bN1-2M0) tumor with pathologically confirmed R0 resection. The surgical method was total mesorectal excision (TME). Radiotherapy was applied with daily 180 cGy fractions for 28 consecutive days. Chemo-therapy comprised 5-fluorouracil (450 mg/m(2)/d) and leucovorin (20 mg/m(2)/d) bolus at days 1-5 and 29-33. RESULTS: Nine patients (13%) in Group NA achieved pathologic complete response (pCR). In Group NA and Group A, locoregional recurrence (LRR) rates were 6.7% and 30.8%, (p<0.001), the mean LR-free survival was 190.0±7.3 months and 148.0±11.7 months (p=0.002) and the mean overall survival (OS) was 119.2±15.3 months and 103.0±9.4 months (p=0.23), respectively. A significant difference with regard to LR has been obtained with a statistical power of 0.92. Secondary outcome measures (DFS and OS) have not been met. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with TME is an efficient treatment protocol, particularly for the treatment of magnetic resonance imaging-staged 2A to 3C patients with two or three distal rectal adenocarcinomas. Given that a considerable proportion of patients with cT2N0M0 would develop pCR, this method of treatment can be considered for further studies.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: predictors of axillary and non-sentinel lymph node involvement.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a standard method for the evaluation of axillary status in patients with T1-2N0M0 breast cancers. AIMS: To determine the prognostic significance of primary tumour-related clinico-histopathological factors on axillary and non-sentinel lymph node involvement of patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. METHODS: In the present study, 157 sentinel lymph node biopsies were performed in 151 consecutive patients with early stage breast cancer between June 2008 and December 2011. RESULTS: Successful lymphatic mapping was obtained in 157 of 158 procedures (99.4%). The incidence of larger tumour size (2.543±1.21 vs. 1.974±1.04), lymphatic vessel invasion (70.6% vs. 29.4%), blood vessel invasion (84.2% vs. 15.8%), and invasive lobular carcinoma subtype (72.7% vs. 27.3%) were statistically significantly higher in patients with positive SLNs. Logistic stepwise regression analysis disclosed tumour size (odds ratio: 1.51, p=0.0021) and lymphatic vessel invasion (odds ratio: 4.68, p=0.001) as significant primary tumour-related prognostic determinants of SLN metastasis. CONCLUSION: A close relationship was identified between tumour size and lymphatic vessel invasion of the primary tumour and axillary lymph node involvement. However, the positive predictive value of these two independent variables is low and there is no compelling evidence to recommend their use in routine clinical practice.