Influence of Various Living Donor Kidney Measurements in Relation to Recipient Body Measurements on Posttransplant Allograft Functional Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Donor kidney measurements may affect outcomes of transplanted allografts. We tested allograft and recipient measurements on kidney allograft outcomes. In this study, we compared the effects of kidney allograft volumes, which were measured using computed tomographic angiography before transplant, and allograft weight, which was measured during surgery, in relation to the recipient's body weight and body mass index on kidney function at 6 and 12 months after transplant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 74 patients (40 female and 34 male patients, mean age of 50.42 ± 9.75 y) in this study. RESULTS: Intraoperative allograft weight was 182.68 ± 40.33 g (range, 104-266 g). The allograft volume measured using computed tomographic angiography scanning was 123.34 ± 24.26 mL (range, 78-181 mL). The estimated glomerular filtration rates of the recipients at 6 and 12 months after transplant correlated negatively with age and recipient body mass index but correlated positively with allograft volume/recipient body weight, allograft volume/recipient body mass index, allograft weight, allograft weight/recipient body weight, and allograft weight/recipient body mass index values, as concluded by univariate analyses. From multivariate analyses, we found variables of interest presumed to significantly affect the 12-month estimated glomerular filtration rates, including recipient age, allograft volume/recipient body weight, allograft volume/recipient body mass index, allograft weight, allograft weight/recipient body weight, and allograft weight/recipient body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Transplanted allograft and recipient body values may be used as predictors of estimated glomerular filtration rates 6 and 12 months after transplant.

Evaluation of Transplanted Kidneys and Comparison with Healthy Volunteers and Kidney Donors with Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Initial Experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance, by comparing imaging in renal allograft recipients for functional assessment of kidney transplants versus imaging of these features in healthy volunteers and kidney donors with native kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy renal transplant recipients (group A) with stable graft function at postoperative month 1, 40 healthy volunteers (group B), and 40 kidney donors (group C) underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. An echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging sequence was performed in coronal orientation by using 6 b values (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 s/mm²). The apparent diffusion coefficients were determined for the upper and lower poles of the kidney cortex and medulla. Relations between apparent diffusion coefficients and allograft function, determined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (comparing rates > 60 mL/min/1.73 m² [group A1] versus < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² [group A2]), were investigated in renal transplant recipients, and apparent diffusion coefficients in groups A, B, and C were compared. RESULTS: Apparent diffusion coefficients were statistically higher in group A1 than in group A2 (P < .05) and statistically higher in group A than in groups B and C (P < .001). There were no significant differences between groups B and C (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: We observed that apparent diffusion coefficients of transplanted kidneys at postoperative month 1 were higher than values in native kidneys of healthy volunteers and kidney donors. In addition, apparent diffusion coefficients of transplanted kidneys with estimated glomerular filtration rates > 60 mL/min/1.73 m² were higher than transplanted kidneys with rates < 60 mL/min/1.73 m².

Anesthesia management with ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block for donor nephrectomy: A prospective randomized study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block intraoperatively and 24 hours postoperatively in patients undergoing donor nephrectomy. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled study. SETTING: Private foundation university hospital; November 2014 to June 2015. PATIENTS: Thirty-two patients undergoing donor nephrectomy (exclusion criteria: coagulation disorders, allergy to local anesthetics, and unwillingness to participate). The final study population comprised 30 patients (15 male, 15 female) randomly assigned to either Group P (paravertebral block, n=14) or Group M (morphine, n=16). INTERVENTIONS: In Group P, a unilateral paravertebral catheter was inserted 1 day preoperatively; on the day of surgery, a single-level unilateral paravertebral block was administered through the catheter before general anesthesia. Infusion of bupivacaine continued intraoperatively and postoperatively. Patients in Group M received only general anesthesia, and morphine patient-controlled analgesia was begun postoperatively. MEASUREMENTS: Intraoperative analgesic and anesthetic requirement, postoperative numerical rating scale pain scores, additional analgesic consumption during the postoperative period, and incidence of complications related to thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) like pleural puncture, pneumothorax, epidural spread, injection into the subarachnoid space, intravascular injection, and Horner's syndrome and rate of opioid related adverse reactions like nausea and vomiting, itching, constipation, and respiratory depression. RESULTS: Intraoperative remifentanil consumption was significantly higher in Group M, and postoperative morphine consumption was significantly lower in Group P (P<.001). During the first 24 hours postoperatively, the mean numerical rating scale pain scores were similar and there were no significant differences between the 2 groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the additional analgesic consumption and rate of adverse reactions between the 2 groups. We didn't detect any complication related to TPVB in group P. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous thoracic paravertebral block provides good intraoperative stability with a low anesthetic requirement and reduces postoperative morphine consumption for up to 24 hours. Ultrasound guided technique enhanced the safety of TPVB and provides analgesia without major complications.

Effect of Topical Platelet-Rich Plasma on Burn Healing After Partial-Thickness Burn Injury.

BACKGROUND To investigate the effects of platelet-rich plasma on tissue maturation and burn healing in an experimental partial-thickness burn injury model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each. Group 1 (platelet-rich plasma group) was exposed to burn injury and topical platelet-rich plasma was applied. Group 2 (control group) was exposed to burn injury only. Group 3 (blood donor group) was used as blood donors for platelet-rich plasma. The rats were killed on the seventh day after burn injury. Tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured and histopathologic changes were examined. RESULTS Hydroxyproline levels were significantly higher in the platelet-rich plasma group than in the control group (P=.03). Histopathologically, there was significantly less inflammatory cell infiltration (P=.005) and there were no statistically significant differences between groups in fibroblast development, collagen production, vessel proliferations, or epithelization. CONCLUSIONS Platelet-rich plasma seems to partially improve burn healing in this experimental burn injury model. As an initial conclusion, it appears that platelet-rich plasma can be used in humans, although further studies should be performed with this type of treatment.

Ultrasound guided continuous paravertebral block in a patient with coronary heart disease and sleep apnea syndrome.

The case of a 77-year-old patient with severe coronary heart disease who underwent radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection by ultrasound-guided continuous paravertebral block (CPVB) is described in the present report. Radical mastectomy with axillary dissection is a surgical procedure that necessitates endotracheal intubation and is usually performed under general anesthesia, which carries heightened risk for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and sleep apnea syndrome (SAS). Ultrasound-guided CPVB is a simple and safe alternative technique that allows for the use of anesthesia and postoperative analgesia with minimal side effects.

Effects of a Novel Peritoneal Dialysis: The Open Versus Laparoscopic Preperitoneal Tunneling Technique.

The key to achieving adequate continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is that a functioning catheter should enable unrestricted inflow and outflow of the dialysate liquid from the peritoneal cavity with an intact peritoneal membrane. Despite its advantages, complications, such as outflow obstruction, catheter-related infection, and dialysate leakage are still problematic. Various laparoscopic techniques for catheter placement have been investigated. The main purpose of this study was to compare the laparoscopic and open surgical peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion techniques in a retrospective manner according to catheter survival, complications and the safety of both techniques. The study included end stage renal disease patients in our hospital in whom a PD catheter was placed between 2007 and 2014. Patients were divided into two groups: the open technique (OT) group and the laparoscopic preperitoneal tunneling approach (LA) group. Extracted data included patient demographics, operative data, catheter-related complications and follow-up data. Sixty-nine patients were enrolled into the study. CAPD catheters were placed into 35 patients via LA and 34 via OT. We found that the LA group patients had better survival rates compared with the OT group, especially the long-term survivals. All of the CAPD-related complications, (peritonitis, malposition, outflow obstruction, leakage) were lower in the LA group. However, the peritonitis, malposition and groin hernia rates were also statistically significantly lower in the LA group. When compared with the published data, we recommend laparoscopic CAPD catheter placement with a preperitoneal tunneling technique. The technique is safe and offers a better outcome.

Development of an Information Model for Kidney Transplant Wait List.

OBJECTIVES: Deceased-donor kidney transplant is unique among surgical procedures that are an urgent procedure performed in an elective population. It has not been possible to accurately determine when a given patient will be called for transplant. Patients on the active transplant list can be called for a transplant at any time. As a result, every effort must be made to optimize their health according to best practices and published clinical practice guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Once the patient is placed on the transplant wait list after undergoing an initial extensive evaluation, continued surveillance is required. Therefore, we developed a kidney transplant wait list surveillance software program that alerts organ transplant coordinator on time regarding which patients need a work-up. RESULTS: The new designed software has a database of our waiting patients with their completed and pending controls. The software also has built-in functions to warn the responsible staff with an E-mail. If one of the controls of a recipient delayed, the software sends an automated E-mail to the staff regarding the patients delayed controls. The software is a Web application that works on any platform with a Web browser and Internet connection and allows access by multiple users. The software has been developed with NET platform. The database is SQL server. The software has the following functions: patient communication info, search, alert list, alert E-mail, control entry, and system management. CONCLUSIONS: As of January 2014, a total of 21 000 patients were registered on the National Kidney Transplant wait list in Turkey and the kidney transplant wait list had been expanding by 2000 to 3000 patients each year. Therefore computerized wait list programs are crucial to help to transplant centers to keep their patients up-to-date on time.

Delaying Renal Transplant after Radical Prostatectomy for Low-Risk Prostate Cancer.

To minimize the recurrence of a previously treated neoplasm in organ recipients, a period of 2 to 5 years without recurrence is advocated for most malignancies. However, prostate cancer is different because of its biological properties, diagnosis, and treatment. Most prostate cancers are detected at a low stage and demonstrate slow growth after detection. Definitive treatment with radical prostatectomy affords excellent results. Renal transplant candidates with early-stage prostate cancer have a higher risk of dying on dialysis than dying from prostate cancer; therefore, renal transplant candidates with organ-confined prostate cancer should be immediately considered for transplant.

Use of biological prosthesis in a patient with kidney and pancreas transplant and a giant incisional hernia: case report.

OBJECTIVES: The use of synthetic mesh in transplant patients is controversial. Recent studies have shown that biological prostheses have a greater ability to integrate into tissues, resist bacterial colonization, and reduce cytotoxic or allergic reactions, and provide similar functional results, compared with synthetic prostheses. Biological prostheses do not require any reduction or discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy. We present the case of a kidney and pancreas transplant recipient who had a giant incisional hernia that was treated successfully with a biological prosthesis. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old male kidney and pancreas transplant recipient was admitted to our hospital with a giant incisional hernia, 2 years after transplant. The defect on the abdominal wall was 40 . 30 cm. We used 2 biological prostheses (40 . 20 cm and 30 . 20 cm) to close the abdominal wall. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 without complications. An abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scan showed complete integrity of the biological prostheses at 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Transplant recipients have higher risks with use of synthetic prostheses because of being immunosuppressed, compared with other patients. Recent studies show that biological prostheses provided similar functional results without complications compared with synthetic prostheses. These prostheses are versatile and do not require any changes in immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, they seem to be a better option than synthetic prostheses. In our opinion, biological prostheses are more safe, effective, and reliable than synthetic prostheses, especially for large incisional hernias in transplant recipients. We believe that further larger studies can support our opinion.

Rectal diverticulitis mimicking rectal carcinoma with intestinal obstruction: case report.

Although diverticular disease of the colon is common, the occurrence of rectal diverticula is extremely rare with only sporadic reports in the literature since 1911. Symptomatic rectal diverticula are seen even less frequently, and surgical intervention is needed for only complicated cases. Here we report the case of a 63-year-old woman presenting with rectal diverticulitis mimicking rectal carcinoma with intestinal obstruction.

Complications following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: minimal invasive surgical recommendations.

BACKGROUND: ERCP has a complication rate ranging between 4% and 16% such as post-ERCP pancreatitis, hemorrhage, cholangitis and perforation. Perforation rate was reported as 0.08% to 1% and mortality rate up to 1.5%. Besides, injury related death rate is 16% to 18%. In this study we aimed to present a retrospective review of our experience with post ERCP-related perforations, reveal the type of injuries and management recommendations with the minimally invasive approaches. METHODS: Medical records of 28 patients treated for ERCP-related perforations in Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital between March 2007 and March 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient age, gender, comorbidities, ERCP indication, ERCP findings and details were analyzed. All previous and current clinical history, laboratory and radiological findings were used to assess the evaluation of perforations. RESULTS: Between March 2007 and March 2013, 2972 ERCPs were performed, 28 (0.94%) of which resulted in ERCP-related perforations. 10 of them were men (35.8%) and 18 women (64.2%). Mean age was 53.36 ± 14.12 years with a range of 28 to 78 years. 14 (50%) patients were managed conservatively, while 14 (50%) were managed surgically. In 6 patients, laparoscopic exploration was performed due to the failure of non-surgical management. In 6 of the patients that ERCP-related perforation was suspected during or within 2 hours after ERCP, underwent to surgery primarily. There were two mortalities. The mean length of hospitalization stay was 10.46 ± 2.83 days. The overall mortality rate was 7.1%. CONCLUSION: Successful management of ERCP-related perforation requires immediate diagnosis and early decision to decide whether to manage conservatively or surgically. Although traditionally conventional surgical approaches have been suggested for the treatment of perforations, laparoscopic techniques may be used in well-chosen cases especially in type II, III and IV perforations.

Massive Alimentary Tract Bleeding due to Cytomegalovirus Infection in an Elderly Patient.

In recent years, cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been recognized as an important common pathogen in immunocompromized patients. This is due to the increasing number of immunosuppressive medications, intensive cancer chemotherapy use, recurrent transplantations, progressively aging population, and the higher number of human immunodeficiency virus infections. Cytomegalovirus infection especially interests the gastrointestinal tract, anywhere, from the mouth to the anus. Namely, the most commonly affected area is the colon, followed by duodenum, stomach, esophagus and small intestine. The most frequent manifestations of CMV colitis are: diarrhea, fever, gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain. We report here the case of an 82-year-old woman, who was treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma; she was admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain and diffuse arthralgia, following massive upper- and lower- gastrointestinal bleeding, due to duodenal and colonic ulcers related to CMV infection.

The effects of aging on lymphocyte subgroups in males and females.

BACKGROUND: Age-associated immune senescence is a catch-all phrase that has been used to describe a plethora of changes to the immune system across the lifespan. Aging is associated with a decline in immune function. Our aim in this study was to investigate how lymphocyte subgroups in peripheral blood are affected by aging among males and females. MATERIAL/METHODS: Study participants were 70 healthy individuals from 3 different age groups, observed from January 2010 to January 2012. The average levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD16+/CD56+, CD3+/CD69+, and CD19+/CD69+ were determined for each group and compared in terms of age and sex. RESULTS: We found significant reduction in the level of CD3+T cells related with age, but no significant changes in CD19+ B cell levels (p<0.005). Aging significantly reduces activated B cell (CD19+/CD69+) levels in males (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there may be differences between males and females in terms of immune senescence.

Are there any differences between age groups regarding colorectal surgery in elderly patients?

BACKGROUND: Surgical procedures with curative or palliative intentions in subjects aged over 70 represent a colorectal surgical challenge due to the issue they raise: Benefits versus increased morbidity. In this study, we proposed to compare the impact of surgery with the surgical intervention short-term results and analyze the factors that may influence these results in elderly age groups. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a database containing information about patients who underwent colorectal surgery from January 2008 to December 2013 at the Baskent University Istanbul Research Hospital and the Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 265 patients were enrolled and analyzed in this retrospective study. Of these patients operated during the study period, 110 were between 60 and 69 years of age (group 1), 99 were between 70 and 79 years of age and 56 were older than 80 years of age. In total, there were 138 (52%) men and 127 (48%) women that underwent colorectal surgery. Intraoperative complications did not differ between group 1 and group 2, group 2 and group 3; however, some differences were observed between group 1 and group 3 (p = 0.001). Systemic complications were more frequent in group 3 than in groups 1 (p = 0.039) and 2 (p = 0.002). Furthermore, there were no significant systemic complication differences between groups 1 and 2. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 9.91 ± 2.65 days in the first group, 9.38 ± 2.44 days in the second group and 11.8 ± 4.35 days in the third group. CONCLUSION: Colon surgery for both malignant and non-malignant diseases can be performed safely in different elderly age groups; thus, age should not be considered as an obstacle in elderly patients undergoing colorectal resection.

Thrombocytosis and small bowel perforation: unusual presentation of abdominopelvic actinomycosis.

Intrauterine devices (IUD) are frequently used as a family planning procedure in developing countries because they are easy to administer and governmental policies support their use in many countries. It is recommended that IUDs be removed or replaced after 10 years, but longer use is common, especially in developing countries. In some cases, rare infections such as pelvic inflammatory diseases, pelvic tuberculosis, or abdominopelvic actinomycosis related to IUD can develop. Pelvic actinomycosis is a rare disease and is often diagnosed incidentally during surgery. In recent years, there has been an increase in actinomycotic infections mostly due to long-term usage of IUD and forgotten intravaginal pessaries. It usually develops as an ascending infection. It is usually associated with non-specific symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, menstrual disturbances, fever, and vaginal discharge. The disease is sometimes asymptomatic. The rate of accurate preoperative diagnosis for pelvic actinomycosis is less than 10%, and symptoms and imaging studies sometimes mimic pelvic malignancy. This report details a case with abdominopelvic actinomycosis associated with an IUD presenting with highly elevated thromboctye count and small bowel perforation with abscess formation.

The management of acute cholecystitis in chronic hemodialysis patients: percutaneous cholecystostomy versus cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of acute cholecystitis in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients still remains controversial. Because of underlying disease that can influence surgical results, less invasive alternative managements have been tried over the last decades. The goal of this study was to analyze the results of cholecystectomy versus percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis (AC) in chronic HD patients. METHODS: All patients with end-stage renal disease who were treated for AC were identified retrospectively from our medical records. Between July 2007 and September 2011, 47 patients were treated for AC while they were on chronic HD. The records of these patients were reviewed for documented AC and its treatment. RESULTS: Of the 47 HD patients, 26 (55.3 %) underwent cholecystectomy (CC), while 21 (44. 7 %) had a percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for AC as an initial treatment. The mean length of follow-up was 20.4 ± 16 months in PC and 18 ± 15 months in CC patients. The success rate was higher in CC patients compared to PC patients (92. 3 versus 66.7 %, p = 0.0698). Eleven (52. 4 %) patients who had PC subsequently underwent CC; six open CC and five delayed laparoscopic CC were performed. Of the 26 patients who underwent CC, 18 were performed emergently due to the persistence of AC-related symptoms and gangrenous and perforated gallbladders. Eight were initially treated conservatively and then underwent elective cholecystectomy at an interval of 32 ± 24 (range = 14-59) days following initial treatment. In emergent CC, 10 (55.6 %) were completed laparoscopically, three were open, and five (33.3 %) had conversions. In elective CC patients, two were conversions, but the remainder (75 %) had laparoscopic CC. Readmission rates were higher in the PC group (33.3 versus 12.5 %, p = 0.1732). Although AC-related mortality was higher in PC patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the patient survival rate between the two groups (Kaplan-Meier analysis, Fig. 1, 19 versus 7.7 %; p = 0.4035), and the overall mortality rate was higher in the PC group (33.7 versus 15.7 %, p = 0.2737). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that the safety and effectiveness of CC has a higher success rate and lower morbidity and mortality rate compared with percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis in chronic HD patients.