Investigation of the expression levels of CDH1, FHIT, PTEN, and TTPAL genes in colorectal tumors.

BACKGROUND: The main aim of the study is to assess expression levels of CDH1, FHIT, PTEN, and TTPAL genes in tumors and peripheral bloods of colorectal cancer patients in staged I-IV. METHODS: Gene expression analysis of related genes were performed for tumor tissues and peripheral blood samples of 51 colorectal cancer patients and colon tissues and blood samples of 5 healthy individuals. The real-time-PCR reaction method was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Alteration of mRNA levels of related genes in tumor tissues of colorectal cancer cases was determined compared to control tissues. GAPDH and TBP were used for the normalization. While the mRNA levels of CDH1 decreased, the mRNA level of the FHIT and TTPAL genes increased in the tumor tissues. There was no PTEN gene expression difference in tumor tissues (total). The mRNA levels of the CDH1 and PTEN genes were increased while the mRNA levels of FHIT and TTPAL genes decreased in the blood (total). T he mRNA levels of the CDH1 gene decreased at each stage (I-IV) in the tumor tissues and increased at each stage (I-IV) in the blood. T he PTEN gene mRNA levels at each stage were controversial. The mRNA levels of the FHIT gene increased at stage I-II-III, decreased at stage IV in the tissues and decreased at each stage (I-IV) in the blood. The mRNA levels of TTPAL gene increased at each stage (I-IV) in the tissues and decreased at each stage (I-IV) in the blood.

Investigation of the expression levels of CPEB4, APC, TRIP13, EIF2S3, EIF4A1, IFNg, PIK3CA and CTNNB1 genes in different stage colorectal tumors

Background/aim: The aim of the study is to assess expression levels of CPEB4, APC, TRIP13, EIF2S3, EIF4A1, IFNg, PIK3CA and CTNNB1 genes in tumors and peripheral bloods of colorectal cancer patients in stages I­IV. Materials and methods: The mRNA levels of the genes were determined in tumor tissues and peripheral blood samples of 45 colorectal cancer patients and colon tissues and peripheral blood samples of 5 healthy individuals. Real-time polymerase chain reaction method was used for the analysis. Results: The mRNA level of the CPEB4 gene was significantly downregulated in colorectal tumor tissues and was upregulated in the peripheral blood of colorectal cancer patients relative to the controls (P < 0.05). APC mRNA level was significantly downregulated in tissues and upregulated in the peripheral blood (P < 0.05). TRIP13 mRNA level was upregulated in peripheral blood and also significantly upregulated in colorectal tumor tissues (P < 0.05). EIF2S3 mRNA level was upregulated in tissues and also significantly upregulated in peripheral blood (P < 0.05). PIK3CA mRNA level was downregulated in tissues and upregulated in peripheral blood. EIF4A1 mRNA level was downregulated in tissues and significantly upregulated in peripheral blood (P < 0.05). CTNNB1 mRNA level was downregulated in tissues and upregulated in peripheral blood. IFNg mRNA level was upregulated in both colorectal cancer tumor tissues and peripheral blood. Conclusion: TRIP13 and CPEB4 mRNA up regulation in the peripheral blood of patients with colorectal cancer may be a potential target for early stage diagnosis. In addition to this evaluation, although there is not much study on EIF2S3 and EIF4A1 mRNA changes in cases with colorectal cancer, upregulation in peripheral blood draws attention in our study. These data will shed light on the new comprehensive studies.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect of nesfatin-1 on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.

INTRODUCTION: Severe local and systemic tissue injury develop during reperfusion, which is a period during which arterial blood flow and tissue oxygenation are re-established. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and protective effects of nesfatin in IR damage developing in liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar-Albino rats were divided to three groups which contained eight rats in all groups. The rats were subjected to 30 minutes of hepatic pedicule occlusion followed by 2h of reperfusion to induce I/R damage. Nesfatin1 (10 µg/ kg) was administered, 30 min prior to ischemia and immediately before the reperfusion period. RESULTS: The findings showed that while the blood levels of AST, ALT and LDH were markedly elevated in the I/R group, they returned to normal levels upon treatment in the Nesfatin group. While IL-1 α, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN- γ levels in blood and tissue were lower after therapy in the Nesfatin group compared to the I/R group, statistically significant decreases were only noted in IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN- γ levels. TAS levels increased in the treatment group, while upon nesfatin treatment statistically significant decreases were noted in TOS and OSI levels. Histopathological investigations also showed statistically significant decreases in Bax and Caspase-3 staining intensity and the number of stained cells in the Nesfatin group. CONCLUSION: The nesfatin has antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect on improvement of liver functions and histopathological findings in liver ischemia and reperfusion injury. KEY WORDS: Anti-inflammatory, Anti apoptotic Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury, Nesfatin-1.

Should intraoperative nerve monitoring be used routinely in primary thyroid surgeries?

OBJECTIVE: This study presents the effects of intraoperative nerve monitoring on RLN injuries in patients who underwent primary surgery for benign thyroid pathology. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the data of 273 patients who had primary thyroidectomy due to benign thyroid pathology between January 2012 and July 2017. The patients were classified into two groups. Group-1 consists of patients whose nerves were monitored. We separated the patients whose nerves were not monitored into Group-2. RESULTS: There were 140 and 133 patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Regarding the age, gender and surgical indication between the groups, statistically significant difference was not found (P > 0.05). In Group-1, transient paralysis developed in four patients (2.9%). The permanent paralysis developed in one patient (0.7%). In Group-2, transient paralysis developed in nine patients (6.8%). The permanent paralysis developed in four patients (3%). When the groups were evaluated, there was statistically significant difference in terms of transient and permanent paralysis (P=0.01, P =0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In view of the negative effects of RLN injury on the patient, we think that intraoperative nerve monitoring should be used routinely in benign thyroid surgeries.

Ex situ Liver Resection and Partial Liver Autotransplantation for Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma.

Surgery is the only known curative treatment option for cholangiocarcinoma. Ex situ liver surgery and autotransplantation are promising approaches in cases that cannot be treated by conventional methods and particularly in the presence of centrally localized liver tumors as well as tumors that invade the main vascular structures. A 53-year-old female patient presented with abdominal pain and nausea. Abdominal tomography showed a tumoral mass lesion that filled the left lobe of the liver and invaded the left hepatic vein and the inferior vena cava. Cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis was reached based on biopsy findings, and the patient was scheduled for surgery as positron emission tomography did not indicate any other disease focus. The patient underwent ex situ liver resection and autotransplantation. She was discharged on the 7th postoperative day. A 68-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, weakness, and weight loss. Laboratory analysis indicated elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9: 400 U/ml and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): 2000 U/ml, and there was no other pathology. Abdominal tomography showed a mass that filled the center of the liver and invaded the left hepatic vein and the inferior vena cava. Pathological findings of the biopsy sample were reported as combined hepatocellular-cholangiocellular carcinoma. The patient's AFP levels continued to increase despite transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation therapy. Surgery was decided as indocyanine green clearance test, and the result was 8.5%. He underwent ex situ liver resection and autotransplantation. Unfortunately, he died on the 4th postoperative day due to respiratory failure. Ex vivo liver resection and partial liver autotransplantation should be considered for the surgical treatment of locally advanced cholangiocarcinomas that invaded the main vascular structures.

Alternative hepatic arterial reconstruction technique in a case of total pancreaticoduodenectomy after celiac artery resection in pancreas cancer: Iliac-hepatic bypass.

Surgery is the only treatment method in pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, metastatic diseases or invasion of the main vascular structures are observed in a majority of cases at the time of diagnosis; these structures originate from the body, neck, and tail of the pancreas and are considered inoperable. The first celiac artery resection for the treatment of cancer was described by Appleby in 1953. Here, we describe our hepatic artery reconstruction technique in a case with pancreatic body cancer. A 37-year-old male patient was admitted to our emergency department due to syncope. The patient was diagnosed with acute renal failure secondary to fluid loss. Thereafter, his general condition was stable and laboratory results improved. Abdominal computed tomography was performed. Pancreatic cancer originating from the pancreatic body was detected. A pancreatic biopsy was performed and neoadjuvant gemcitabine and paclitaxel chemoradiotherapy were initiated. Surgical treatment was recommended for the identification of regression after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Following intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography, en bloc distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy involving the celiac artery trunk and total gastrectomy were performed. However, surgical margin reliability in frozen section revealed that the tumor was still present. Therefore, the surgical procedure was replaced with total pancreaticoduodenectomy. Hepatic artery reconstruction was performed from the left main iliac artery using a 4-mm ringed GORE-TEX® graft. The iliac-hepatic bypass for hepatic artery reconstruction in pancreatic cancer could be an alternative surgical technique.

Alternative hepatic arterial reconstruction technique in case of total pancreaticoduodenectomy after celiac artery resection in pancreas cancer: Iliac-hepatic bypass.

Surgery is the only treatment method in pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, metastatic diseases or invasion of the main vascular structures are observed in a majority of cases at the time of diagnosis; these structures originate from the body, neck, and tail of the pancreas and are considered inoperable. The first celiac artery resection for the treatment of cancer was described by Appleby in 1953. Here, we describe our hepatic artery reconstruction technique in a case with pancreatic body cancer. A 37-year-old male patient was admitted to our emergency department owing to syncope. The patient was diagnosed with acute renal failure secondary to fluid loss. Thereafter, his general condition was stable and laboratory results improved. Abdominal computed tomography was performed. Pancreatic cancer originating from the pancreatic body was detected. A pancreatic biopsy was performed and neoadjuvant gemcitabine and paclitaxel chemoradiotherapy were initiated. Surgical treatment was recommended for the identification of regression after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Following intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography, en bloc distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy involving the celiac artery trunk and total gastrectomy were performed. However, the surgical margin reliability in a frozen section revealed that the tumor was still present. Therefore, the surgical procedure was replaced with total pancreaticoduodenectomy. The hepatic artery reconstruction was performed from the left main iliac artery using a 4-mm ringed GORE-TEX® graft. The iliac-hepatic bypass for hepatic artery reconstruction in pancreatic cancer could be an alternative surgical technique.

Rare Forms of Castleman Disease Mimicking Malignancy: Mesenteric and Pancreatic Involvement.

Castleman disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. While the disease may involve all parts of the body, the mediastinum appears to be the most common part of involvement. In this study, we present two cases of Castleman disease with different localizations that mimicked malignancy. A 62-year-old female patient presented with jaundice. Laboratory analysis indicated aspartate aminotransferase: 250 U/L, total bilirubin: 4 mg/dl, and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9: 900 U/ml. Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed a mass originating from the pancreas head which resulted in a biliary tract obstruction. A positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) showed that the only site of involvement was the pancreas head. A decision was made to perform pancreaticoduodenectomy. During intra-abdominal exploration, lymphadenopathies were identified in the surroundings of the retropancreatic portal vein and the hepatic artery. Histopathological investigation of the dissected lymph nodes demonstrated findings consistent with granulomatous plasma-cell-rich Castleman disease. A 55-year-old female patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Computerized tomography of the abdomen showed an abdominal mass of 7 cm, originating from the mesenterium, with high-contrast uptake in the mesenterium in the lower abdominal quadrant. The mesenteric mass was resected along with segmentary small intestine resection. Histopathological investigation of the mass showed a giant granulomatous structure that consisted of plasma cells consistent with Castleman disease. Castleman disease should be kept in mind during differential diagnosis of locally advanced lymph nodes observed during preoperative investigations and intraoperative exploration.

Avulsion of Ampulla of Vater Secondary to a Blunt Abdominal Injury Treated with Pancreatoduodenectomy; A Case Report and Literature Review.

The incidence of complex hepatobiliary injury secondary to blunt abdominal injuries varies between 3.4 and 5%. A 25-year old male patient underwent an urgent operation due to a motorcycle accident. During intraabdominal exploration, Grade 4 laceration was detected at the liver and bleeding was controlled through primary repair. In the postoperative seventh day, he was referred due to 1500 cc bile leakage from the drainage tube. During the operation, an extensive Kocher maneuver was done and the second part of duodenum was observed to be exposed to total avulsion from the head of the pancreas. Pancreatoduodenectomy was planned due to presence of ischemic changes in the second part of duodenum. In the postoperative follow-up, the abdomen was closed with a controlled abdominal closure procedure. The clinical findings of biliary tract injuries secondary to blunt abdominal injuries often manifest themselves late and early diagnosis is possible only with suspicion.

An Alternative Technique in the Control of Massive Presacral Rectal Bleeding: Fixation of GORE-TEX® Aortic Patch.

The presacral venous system is located under the pelvic fascia covering the anterior of the sacrum and consists of two lateral sacral veins, middle sacral vein, and the veins that communicate them. The presacral venous system can be easily damaged and causes serious bleeding which is difficult to control and may cause intraoperative mortality. Its incidence varies between 3% and 9.4%. Although several methods have been tried to control presacral bleeding, the definitive method of treatment has not yet been identified. We present here our alternative technique in control of massive presacral massive bleeding developed from the presacral plexus secondary to the traction of the specimen during the dissection. The bleeding could not be controlled despite the use of all technical possibilities such as packing, ligation, and hemostatic agents. Bleeding control was provided by GORE-TEX® graft. We conclude that fixation of GORE-TEX® aortic patch should be kept in mind for uncontrolled massive presacral bleeding.

A successful healthy live birth from a female patient with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and oocytes with unusually large cytoplasmic inclusions.

This study aimed to report the case of a successful live birth from a woman having oocytes with abnormally large cytoplasmic inclusions. The patient described in this case is a 28 year-old woman with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) with a history of two previous unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts offered an antagonist protocol. Stimulation was performed with human menopausal gonadotropin 300 IU/day. The intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure was performed 4-6 hours after oocyte aspiration for all mature oocytes. Six oocytes were retrieved, five of which mature (MII). All oocytes had abnormal cytoplasmic structures. Two were fertilized after ICSI and two top quality embryos were transferred on Day 2. Our case report suggests that HH patients with refractile bodies/lipofuscin in their oocytes may not have their pregnancies negatively affected. While there have been several reports of successful births from dysmorphic oocytes, no cases of successful pregnancies followed by live births from young women with HH and oocytes with large cytoplasmic inclusions had been reported to date.

A rare condition: Ectopic liver tissue with its unique blood supply encountered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental abnormalities of liver including ectopic liver tissue (ELT) are rare conditions. Few cases presenting ELT have been reported in literature till now. Even though the most common area seen is gallbladder, it is detected both abdominal and thoracic sites. There is a relationship between HCC and ectopic liver that necessitates the removal. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 51-year-old female was hospitalized because of abdominal pain. Gallstone and bile duct dilatation were determined during ultrasonographic (USG) evaluation. The patient was operated for cholecystectomy following a successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). During operation, a mass located on gallbladder with its unique vascular support was identified and resected together with gallbladder. The mass had a separate vascular stalk arising from liver parenchyma substance and it was clipped with laparoscopic staples. The histopathological examination revealed that the mass adherent to gallbladder was ectopic liver confirming the intraoperative observation. The postoperative course of patient was uneventfull and she was discharged at the second day after the operation. DISCUSSION: Ectopic liver tissue is incidentally found both in abdominal and thoracic cavity. ELT can rarely be diagnosed before surgical procedures or autopsies. It can be overlooked easily by radiological techniques. Although it does not usually produce any symptom clinically, it can rarely result in serious complications such as bleeding, pyloric and portal vein obstruction. ELT also has the capacity of malignant transformation to hepatocellular carcinoma that makes it essential to be removed. CONCLUSION: Although ELT is rarely seen, it should be removed when recognized in order to prevent the complications and malignant transformation.

Results of the open surgery after endoscopic basket impaction during ERCP procedure.

AIM: To report the results of open surgery for patients with basket impaction during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure. METHODS: Basket impaction of either classical Dormia basket or mechanical lithotripter basket with an entrapped stone occurred in six patients. These patients were immediately operated for removal of stone(s) and impacted basket. The postoperative course, length of hospital stay, diameter of the stone, complication and the surgical procedure of the patients were reported retrospectively. RESULTS: Six patients (M/F, 0/6) were operated due to impacted basket during ERCP procedure. The mean age of the patients was 64.33 ± 14.41 years. In all cases the surgery was performed immediately after the failed ERCP procedure by making a right subcostal incision. The baskets containing the stone were removed through longitudinal choledochotomy with the stone. The choledochotomy incisions were closed by primary closure in four patients and T tube placement in two patients. All patients were also performed cholecystectomy additionally since they had cholelithiasis. In patients with T-tube placement it was removed on the 13(th) day after a normal T-tube cholangiogram. The patients remained stable at postoperative period and discharged without any complication at median 7 d. CONCLUSION: Open surgical procedures can be applied in patients with basket impaction during ERCP procedure in selected cases.

Demographic characteristics and seasonal variations of acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: The most common disease required emergency surgical operation is acute appendicitis. Appendectomy is the most common surgical procedure in the world and remains important due to be an efficient treatment method. We aimed to determine seasonal variations of acute appendicitis in our regions and identify the demographical and regional differences. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively data of the patients who were admitted to the Afyon Kocatepe University hospital and Sivrihisar State hospital between 2003 and 2012. 839 patients' data were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age of the all patients was 33 ± 14.7 year. Acute appendicitis was seen more frequent in autumn and spring (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between seasons in Afyon Kocatepe university hospital, while appendicitis was seen more common in autumn than winter in Sivrihisar state hospital (P < 0.05). There was not any relationship with the monthly average temperature, humidity, total precipitation amount and frequency of appendicitis (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although appendicitis has a seasonal variation, other environmental factors and impact of nutritional habit should not be ignored. Etiology of appendicitis is still multifactorial. In the future multiparameter nationwide studies can present country-specific etiology of appendicitis. KEY WORDS: Appendectomy, Appendicitis, Seasonal variations.

Our results of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy: evaluation of 700 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Although radiological imaging modalities like barium enema and computed tomography provide some clues, endoscopic methods still maintain superiority in assessment and differential diagnosis of large intestinal symptoms and complaints that require biopsy. We aimed to present the results of colonoscopic procedures performed in our general surgery clinic in detail. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven hundred patients who presented to Afyon Kocatepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery Endoscopy Unit between January 2011 and July 2012 with an indication for colonoscopy were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Out of the 700 patients enrolled in the study 356 (50.8%) were male while 344 patients (49.2%) were female. The mean age of the patients was found to be 49 years. Within the group of 700 patients who underwent colonoscopic examinations, the terminal ileum and cecum have been reached on the first attempt in 432 patients (61.7%) and colonoscopic success has been achieved. Results of colonoscopies performed on 700 patients in our clinic revealed malignancy in 42 (6%) patients, and all of these patients were treated surgically in our clinic. Mortality was not observed in this series. Procedure-related bleeding and perforation developed in 6 patients. One patient developed respiratory arrest due to sedation and patient was responsive to resuscitation. The complication rate in our series was 1%. CONCLUSION: In the study where we revised our own clinical experience, we found that our success rate was lower than the literature, and our complication rate was higher. The main reasons are accepted as our colonoscopy unit's being young and the low patient volume.

A retained plastic protective cover mimicking malignancy: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cases of retained foreign bodies during surgery are more frequently seen in developing countries. Following surgical procedures, unintentionally retained foreign bodies can cause serious complications, in addition to medico-legal issues. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 60-year-old man presented with abdominal cramps. He had previously undergone a laparoscopic radical right nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma. Abdominal tomography revealed a mass surrounding the main vascular structures with malignant features in the location of previously performed nephrectomy. Further evaluation of the mass was undertaken by PET/CT. Increased FDG uptake on the PET/CT scan suggested disease recurrence. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed. The dissection specimen was opened to determine the nature of the mass. Retained plastic foreign bodies were found. There were no malignant cells in the histopathological examination of the surgical specimen. DISCUSSION: A granulomatous reaction which is mainly responsible for morbidity occurs around the foreign bodies due to the inflammatory response. These granulomas may cause confusion during patient follow-up, especially in those who have undergone major abdominal surgery due to cancer. CONCLUSION: Following surgical resection for malignancy, unintentionally retained foreign bodies can produce a moderate increase in FDG uptake mimicking disease recurrence.

Laparoscopy can aggravate the severity of pancreatitis in an experimental rat model.

PURPOSE: Over the past decade, laparoscopic techniques have markedly evolved, and it has been shown that minimally invasive surgery can provide a safe, effective, and less traumatic management of various surgical diseases. Additionally, it is well known that pancreatitis itself also produced severe oxidative tissue injury by increasing levels of reactive oxygen species. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of pneumoperitoneum on the severity of pancreatitis in a rat model of acute pancreatitis induced by cerulein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups with seven rats in each. Experimental pancreatitis was induced using intraperitoneal injection of cerulein. The first group received open laparotomy. Groups 2-5 were treated with 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm Hg, respectively, achieved by applying pressure and waiting for 60 minutes. After this waiting interval, all of the rats were sacrificed; blood samples were taken by intracardiac puncture for biochemical assays, and pancreatic tissue samples were taken for light microscope analysis. Histopathology was scored according to edema, granulation, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and mononuclear cells in all groups. RESULTS: Great increases in malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels were seen in all of the groups in which pancreatitis was induced. In Group 2-5, more significant increases were detected than in the open laparotomy group (P<.005). In the histopathological examination, Groups 2-5 showed more inflammatory cell infiltration, edema, and granulation tissue than the open laparotomy group (P<.005). CONCLUSIONS: It is useful to remember the parameters of the medical treatment of pancreatitis. While surgical treatment is being decided, we think that the process of all kinds of surgery, including laparoscopic surgery, can increase the severity of pancreatitis.

Laparoscopic preconditioning protects against oxidative injury in cerulein-induced pancreatitis rats (an experimental study).

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, particularly in the same hospital stay, has been widely recommended to treat gallstone-pancreatitis over the last decade. Although pancreatitis produces severe oxidative injury, laparoscopy exerts an additional effect over that is produced by pancreatitis. The preconditioning phenomenon previously reported as protective in open surgery is a beneficial maneuver also in laparoscopic surgery. So in the present study we have tried to find out the effect of laparoscopic preconditioning over the pancreatitis in cerulein-induced pancreatitis rats. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in 24 rats weighing between 280 and 350 g by three subcutaneous injection of 80 µg/kg of body weight cerulein. A 1-cm midline laparotomy was performed for all rats, and then they were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups (n=8 for each): Group I (control), Group II (laparoscopy), and Group III (laparoscopic preconditioning [L-Pre]). After that, a catheter was placed into the peritoneum for the creation of the pneumoperitoneum (Pp) in all the animals except the control group. The rats of Groups II and III were subjected to 60 minutes of Pp with 15 mm Hg intraabdominal pressure followed by 30 minutes of deflation. The L-Pre procedure was applied to Group III immediately before the laparoscopic procedure. Blood samples were taken for biochemical assays. Pancreas tissue samples were taken for light microscope analysis. RESULTS: The light microscopy of the pancreas tissues revealed that cerulein injection caused edema and sparse inflammatory cell infiltration mimicking the edematous pancreatitis. However, the application of laparoscopy over the pancreatitis produced significant inflammatory cell infiltration, acinus vacuolization, and necrosis (in one case) in addition to edema. But, the laparoscopic preconditioning maneuver applied before the laparoscopy significantly decreased in particular acinary vacuolization and cell infiltration. Therefore the total sum of the histopathological score of the L-Pre group was significantly less than that of the laparoscopy group. The biochemical analysis of the groups revealed that laparoscopy caused significant elevation of malondialdehyde levels and decrease of reduced glutathione values. However, the addition of preceding preconditioning produced significant amelioration of these parameters. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic preconditioning may be a useful method to decrease the oxidative injury in cases undergoing cholecystectomy for biliary pancreatitis. But, it should be emphasized that this was a restricted experimental study, and further clinical studies are needed to adopt these results into clinical settings.

The comparative effects of pneumoperitoneum on apoptosis and p53 expression in gastrointestinal organs.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgical techniques have been increasingly preferred to classic laparotomy by surgeons since 1987. The pneumoperitoneum is often used to facilitate the intra-abdominal field, but it carries the risk of its ischemic potential and has differences [l2]of metabolic, inflammatory, and infectious consequences, depending on the pressure set and kind of gas used. However, the mechanisms related with the cell injury observed after laparoscopy are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different pressures of CO(2) on apoptosis and p53 expression in small and large intestines and the stomach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 30 Sprague-Dawley male rats were used in the study. CO(2) is insufflated into the intra-abdominal cavity through a angiocatheter cannule by an insufflator set at two different pressures of 10 and 20 mm Hg during 60 minutes. In the control group, the cannule was inserted into the intra-abdominal cavity without any other surgical procedure and no gas was insufflated. After 60 minutes, the rats were sacrificed and a laparotomy was performed. The small and large intestines and stomach were excised. The samples were histologically processed and an immunohistochemical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that the number of apoptotic cells in intra-abdominal organs we studied increased in proportion to the CO(2) pressure level. However, the p53 expression was detected only in the stomach. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the number of apoptotic cells rises in parallel to the increase in intra-abdominal pressure following the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum in rat large and small intestine and stomach. Although the apoptosis was activated by the p53 pathway in the stomach, it was not so in the large and small intestine.