The prevalence of non-vascular pulmonary manifestations in Takayasu's Arteritis patients: A Retrospective multi-centred Turkish cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a rare vasculitis characterized by inflammation of intermediate- to large-size arteries. Although pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) is an expected finding in some TAK patients, data on non-vascular pulmonary involvement (NVPI) are limited. We aimed to investigate the frequency of NVPI, including parenchymal infiltration, nodules/cavities, pleural effusion, and haemorrhage, in TAK. METHOD: We assembled a retrospective cohort of TAK patients from nine tertiary centres in Turkey. The demographics and clinical characteristics of patients were extracted from medical records and the imaging findings were evaluated for pulmonary manifestations. RESULTS: As of January 2021, 319 TAK patients (female/male 276/43; mean age 42.4 ± 13.5 years) were recruited. Eighty-two patients had cough and/or dyspnoea and four had haemoptysis as pulmonary symptoms. On computed tomography assessment, the overall frequency of NVPI was 7.2%; parenchymal infiltrations were present in 10 (3.1%), pleural effusion in eight (2.5%), nodules/cavities in six (1.9%), and pulmonary haemorrhage in four patients (1.3%). In the whole cohort, 10.3% of patients had pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and 5.6% had PAI. Among patients with PAH or PAI, the overall frequency of NVPI was significantly higher than in the rest of the group. CONCLUSIONS: In this TAK cohort from Turkey, we observed NVPI in 7.2% of patients, with parenchymal infiltrations being the most common, followed by pleural effusion. Notably, NVPI was more frequent in patients with PAH or PAI. Although not as common as PAI, NVPI should be kept in mind, especially in TAK patients with PAH or PAI.

Randomized controlled trial of 8 weeks' vs 12 weeks' interval between neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer.

AIM: The aim was to compare the pathological complete response (pCR) rate at 8 compared to 12 weeks' interval between completion of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and surgery in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. METHOD: This was a randomized trial which included a total of 330 patients from two institutions. Patients with locally advanced (T3-4N0M0, TxN+M0) rectal cancer were randomized into 8- and 12-week interval groups. All the patients received long-course CRT (45 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions and concomitant oral capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil infusion). Surgery was performed at either 8 or 12 weeks after CRT. The primary end-point was pCR. Secondary end-points were sphincter preservation, postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Two-hundred and fifty-two patients (n = 125 in the 8-week group, n = 127 in the 12-week group) were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups. The overall pCR rate was 17.9% (n = 45): 12% (n = 15) in the 8-week group and 23.6% (n = 30) in the 12-week group (P = 0.021). Sphincter-preserving surgery was performed in 107 (85.6%) patients which was significantly higher than the 94 (74%) patients in the 12-week group (P = 0.016). Postoperative mortality was seen in three (1.2%) patients overall and was not different between groups (1.6% in 8 weeks vs 0.8% in 12 weeks, P = 0.494). Groups were similar in anastomotic leak (10.8% in 8 weeks vs 4.5% in 12 weeks, P = 0.088) and morbidity (30.4% in 8 weeks and 20.1% in 12 weeks, P = 0.083). CONCLUSION: Extending the interval between CRT and surgery from 8 to 12 weeks resulted in a 2-fold increase in pCR rate without any difference in mortality and morbidity.

Laparoscopy reduces iatrogenic splenic injuries during colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Splenic injury can occur during colorectal surgery especially in cases, where the splenic flexure is mobilized. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the operative approach (laparoscopic vs. open) was associated with an increased risk for splenic injury during colorectal surgery and to compare the outcomes of different management options. METHODS: All accidental injuries that occurred during colorectal resections performed in our department between January 2010 and June 2013 were identified from an administrative database. All patients with iatrogenic splenic injuries were classified into two groups according to the operative approach. Only procedures that required splenic flexure mobilization were included. Splenic injury management options and outcomes were compared. RESULTS: There were 2336 colorectal resections (1520 open, 816 laparoscopic) performed during the study period. There were 25 (1.1%) iatrogenic splenic injuries. 23 out of 25 splenic injuries occurred during open colorectal surgery. Overall, 16 (64%) patients were managed with topical hemostatic methods, 5 (20%) with splenectomy, and 4 (16%) with splenorrhaphy. It was possible to salvage the spleen in both laparoscopic patients. The laparoscopic approach was associated with a lower splenic injury rate (0.25% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.005) and a lower need for splenectomy/splenorrhaphy (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that laparoscopic colorectal surgery may be associated with a lower risk of iatrogenic splenic injury, and that most splenic injuries can be managed with spleen-preserving approaches.

A novel approach for robotic mobilization of the splenic flexure.

BACKGROUND: The techniques of robotic splenic flexure mobilization in the colorectal surgery setting are not well defined and have been challenging due to limited range of motion of the second-generation robotic platform in multiple quadrants. METHODS: This report describes a novel technique for robotic splenic flexure mobilization with medial-to-lateral approach without a need for robotic cart repositioning during left-sided colon and rectal surgery. The dissection is started with ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and vein. Unique in this approach, entering the lesser sac is accomplished by extension of the dissection cranially by lifting up the mesocolon from the anterior surface of the pancreatic body toward the stomach. RESULTS: This technique presented in the video allows the mobilization of the splenic flexure without excessive tractions and avoidance of potential splenic injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The described novel approach demonstrates total robotic splenic flexure takedown without excessive traction, with improved visualization, and reduction of potential risk of splenic injury. This approach provides totally robotic mobilization of the splenic flexure at single docking without changing the patient's position.

Surgical Site Infection: Re-assessment of the Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a well-known complication of general surgery. Although overall SSI rate is relatively low, it is the most common nosocomial infection. SSI adversely affects patient outcomes and healthcare costs. METHODS: Patients who underwent general surgical procedures between 2003 and 2009 were included in the study. SSI diagnosed based on the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (NNIS) criteria. Patients were classified into two groups: SSI (+) and SSI (-). Patient demographics, co-morbidities, procedural details, and SSI type and treatment were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent risk factors of SSI. RESULTS: In total, 4690 patients were included. Overall SSI rate was 4.09% (192/ 4690). Colorectal surgery was associated with the highest SSI rate (9.43%) followed by pilonidal sinus (8.79%), upper gastrointestinal (GI) (8.09%), hepatobiliary (6.68%), hernia (0.78%), and breast-thyroid (0.3%) surgery. Procedure type (pilonidal sinus, colorectal, hepatobiliary and upper GI surgery), prolonged preoperative hospital stay, higher ASA score, emergency surgery, dirty- infected wound class, experienced surgeon, prolonged operating time, presence of surgical drains, and intraoperative transfusion were determined as independent risk factors of SSI (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Most of the determined risk factors were surgeon and procedure related. Reduced SSI rate and better outcomes can be achieved by controlling modifiable risk factors.

Endoscopic Removal of Duodenal Perforating Fishbone - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is common in clinical practice. While perforation of the ileum and jejunum due to the ingested foreign body is common, duodenal perforation is rare. In this report, our experience with this rare entity is shared. CASE REPORT: Here we present a 31-year-old patient with gastrointestinal tract perforation at the second part of the duodenum due to an ingested fishbone. The patient was admitted to the emergency room with abdominal pain. Right upper quadrant tenderness was detected at physical examination, and leukocytosis on the laboratory test results. Ultra-sonography was not diagnostic, however, computerized tomo-graphy showed an ingested foreign body in the second part of the duodenum. A fishbone perforating the duodenum was retrieved by endoscopy. The patient was managed non-operatively, and discharged without any problems on the third day after endoscopy. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic removal and non-operative management may be feasible in carefully selected patients with duodenal perforated fishbone ingestion.

The beneficial effects of preperitoneal catheter analgesia following colon and rectal resections: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Preperitoneal catheter analgesia following abdominal surgery has attracted interest in the last decade. We conducted this study to evaluate the benefits of preperitoneal catheter analgesia in managing pain after abdominal colon and rectal resections. METHODS: A total of 50 patients undergoing colon and rectal resections for benign and malignant diseases received analgesic medicines via an epidural catheter placed just prior to surgery and a preperitoneal catheter placed at the end of the surgical procedure. Patients were instructed to use the epidural patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device freely and were randomized into two groups after obtaining the approval of the Institutional Review Board: Group A received 10 ml of levobupivacaine twice a day postoperatively via preperitoneal catheter and group B received only 10 ml of saline. Demographics, surgical characteristics, pain scores recorded four days following surgery, analgesic volume used from the epidural PCA, clinical outcomes (length of stay, time to first bowel movement, time to first passage of gas or stool, time to first oral intake) and respiratory function test results (preoperative vs. postoperative) were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics or surgical characteristics between both groups. Pain scores were similar. Clinical outcomes and respiratory functions were comparable. The use of analgesic volume via epidural catheter was significantly lower in group A than in group B (P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Preperitoneal catheter analgesia significantly decreased the need for epidural drug consumption and proved to be a beneficial adjunct for postoperative pain management of patients who underwent colon and rectal resections.

Reperfusion strategy after regional ischaemia: comparative study of reperfusion conditions and compositions.

We investigated the effects of pressure, temperature and additives on aortic root reperfusion success. Cardiopulmonary bypass and heart arrest were initiated in mongrel dogs and sudden uncontrolled normothermic (group 1), pressure controlled substrate enriched normothermic (group 2a), pressure controlled unmodified normothermic (group 2b) and pressure controlled unmodified tepid (group 3) reperfusion compared. In group 1, the first cardiac rhythm was ventricular fibrillation, but dogs in the other groups showed spontaneous sinus rhythm. Recovery times were significantly longer and cardiac output levels significantly decreased in group 1 compared with the other groups. Prolonged lactate production and oxygen uptake failure were observed in group 1 compared with the other groups; oxidative stress markers and microscopic studies confirmed significant tissue injury in group 1. All parameters were similar between groups 2a, 2b and 3, indicating that low reperfusion pressure in the first 2 min is the most effective component of reperfusion.

Reperfusion strategy after regional ischaemia: simulation of emergency revascularization and effects of integrated cardioplegia on myocardial resuscitation.

We induced ischaemia in the left anterior descending artery of 16 dogs while the heart was beating, followed by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), aortic cross clamping and blood cardioplegia. Half of the dogs received integrated blood cardioplegia and sudden uncontrolled reperfusion (group A) while the others received the same cardioplegia followed by pressure-controlled tepid initial reperfusion (group B). The effects on myocardial cell metabolism, oxidative stress and ultrastructure were recorded. The recovery period was significantly longer and cardiac output levels after CPB significantly lower in group A compared with group B. Group A showed a failure to uptake and utilize oxygen during the recovery period and significant lipid peroxidation. Marked tissue oedema was seen in group A but mitochondrial and organelle integrity was almost normal in both groups. We conclude that integrated cardioplegia could partially resuscitate the myocardium in this model, and pressure controlled reperfusion during the first 2 min is needed as an adjunct procedure.

Selective management of high risk patients with an ascending aortic dilatation during aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: The ascending aortic dilatation secondary to aortic valve disease may be a risk for rupture or dissection unless it is not corrected with a graft replacement during valve surgery. This additional procedure requires prolonged operation time that can be harmful for the critical patient. External reinforcement of diseased aorta is an old but simple method with debated long term results, providing brief duration and lower complication rate of the aneurysm operation for critically ill patients whose life expectancy is poor. METHODS: Twenty-two patients underwent aortic valve replacement and external aortic wrapping procedure in our clinic. All of the patients had severe associated risk factors to complicate the classical aortic graft replacement procedure. In this prospective clinical study, the follow-up period of the patients is 79.91 patient-years. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. The average hospital stay was 8.6+/-2.6 days. There was no late death or cardiac morbidity. All of the patients were in NYHA Class 1 at postoperative 3rd month and thereafter. In CT scans the mean preoperative ascending aortic diameter was 5.12+/-0.38 cm while the mean diameter at 3rd month postoperatively was 3.19+/-0.25 cm. The reduction in diameter showed a significant difference (p<0.0001). The time related changes in luminal diameters showed some enlargement within the first year of the operation (p=0.03) that remained the same thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: The early results and 4 years follow-up suggest that the technique can be regarded as safe and effective in selected high risk patients.

Sternal cyanoacrylate gluing in mediastinitis. Effects on infection, stability and bone healing.

BACKGROUND: It is crucial to determine stability, histocompatibility and antibacterial properties of the cyanoacrylate used for sternal fixation. METHODS: Clinical study: in 17 cases of mediastinitis, debridement and rewiring the sternum, was applied as the treatment method (Group I). Eighteen cases of mediastinitis were treated with the same method added sternal cyanoacrylate gluing (Group II). A comparative study was done; the follow-up period was 36.7+/-4 and 18.5+/-6.9 months in Group I and II, respectively. Animal study: in 10 rats, upper sternotomy was done and the sternal bone was contaminated. Direct wound closure was done in 4 rats (Group A), in 6 animals, wounds were closed after applying cyanoacrylate in sternal split (Group B). In this prospective study, all rats alive were sacrificed at the 3rd and 8th weeks and sternums were examined histologically. RESULTS: Clinical study: in Group I, 6 patients required additional interventions due to recurrent sternal detachment and osteomyelitis (35.3%). In Group II neither osteomyelitis nor sternal detachment occurred, 3 patients required re-intervention related to cyanoacrylate histotoxicity. Hospital stay was higher in Group I than Group II (24.06+/-4.7 vs 14.16+/-3.98 days, respectively). Experimental study: all of the animals in Group A died of sepsis. In Group B all rats survived the procedure. At the 3rd week histologic evaluations showed that cyanoacrylate was not degraded, and no infection or foreign body reaction was observed. At the 8th week histologic examination showed that cyanoacrylate was completely degraded and replaced by connective tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Cyanoacrylate is effective in diminishing sternal wound complications and related cost and hospital stay of mediastinitis.

Fifteen-year clinical experience with the biocor porcine bioprostheses in the mitral position.

BACKGROUND: Bioprosthetic valve use represents a crucial improvement in surgical treatment of mitral valve disease. The aim of this study is to determine the long-term durability of the Biocor porcine bioprosthetic mitral valve. METHODS: Between 1985 and 1989, a total of 158 Biocor porcine bioprosthetic valves were placed in the mitral position, and long-term results of these patients were investigated retrospectively in 1999. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 4.4% (7 patients). Total follow-up was 1,499 patient-years. Actuarial survival was 83.66% +/- 3% at 5 years, 77.78% +/- 3.36% at 13 years (1.8% patient-year). Multivariate analysis demonstrated younger age, duration of implantation, congestive heart failure, and functional class to be significant predictors of late mortality. Actuarial freedom from valve-related mortality was 98.58% +/- 1% at 15 years (0.13% patient-year). Actuarial freedom from structural valve deterioration was 95.49% +/- 1.8% at 5 years, 70.2% +/- 4.12% at 10 years, and 64.82% +/- 5.34% at 13 years (2.6% patient-year). Actuarial freedom from structural valve deterioration-related reoperation was 98.43% +/- 1.1% at 5 years, 89.15% +/- 2.85% at 10 years, and 76.82% +/- 7.91% at 14 years. Multivariate analysis showed younger age and duration of implantation to be significant predictors of structural valve deterioration and its related reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: By studying a 15-year time period, it is seen that this new generation porcine bioprosthetic valve should be considered an alternative for mechanical valves in selected patients.

Mechanical versus biological valve prosthesis in the mitral position: a 10-year follow up of St. Jude Medical and Biocor valves.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: During the past 30 years, the development of mechanical and biological valves has led to major improvements in patient survival. Here, we present long-term results obtained with both types of prosthesis. METHODS: At our institution, between 1985 and 1989, 158 patients received a Biocor porcine bioprosthesis, and 100 patients a St. Jude Medical (SJM) mechanical valve. Preoperatively, mean age, male:female ratio, NYHA functional class and pathology of mitral valve disease were similar in both groups. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was 4.4% in the Biocor group and 4% in the SJM group, the major cause being congestive heart failure. Late mortality was 17.9% and 15.6% respectively in the two groups, but valve-related mortality was very low in both (1.3% versus 4.2%). Ten-year survival was similar in each group (77.8+/-3.4% versus 81.0+/-3.9%; p = 0.538). Ten-year freedom from anticoagulant-related hemorrhage was higher with Biocor prostheses (99.3+/-0.7% versus 90.9+/-3.1%; p = 0.007). Valve thrombosis was seen only in the SJM group, and structural valve degeneration (SVD) only in the Biocor group. Ten-year freedom from reoperation was lower in the Biocor group (84.9+/-3.2% versus 92.2+/-2.8%; p = 0.206). The significant causes of reoperation were SVD in the Biocor group and valve thrombosis in the SJM group. Freedom from prosthetic valve endocarditis was similar in both groups (96.3+/-1.6% versus 95.5+/-2.2%). CONCLUSION: As no difference was seen in survival and reoperation rates between patients receiving either bioprostheses or mechanical valves, the valve used will depend on the surgeon's choice and the type of patient, notably elderly patients who are intolerant of anticoagulation, and young women wishing to have children.

Is posterior leaflet preservation in the surgical treatment of rheumatic mitral insufficiency without left ventricular dysfunction necessary?

Preservation of the mitral valve leaflet and tensor apparatus during valve replacement is believed to maintain left ventricular performance. To determine the effect of posterior leaflet preservation in pure severe mitral insufficiency without left ventricular dysfunction 56 patients were operated on between 1993 and 2000. Twenty-three patients underwent mitral valve replacement with posterior chordal preservation and 33 patients underwent mitral valve replacement with chordal transection. Preoperative data in the both groups were similar. After 30days there were no mortalities observed. Dimensions of the left ventricle had significantly decreased within one group, but there was no difference in the other group. The improvement of the functional and cardiac performance in all patients was significant without any difference between the two groups. Actuarial freedom from death was not significantly different at 6yr (P=0.23). To preserve left ventricular function in pure severe mitral regurgitation without left ventricular dysfunction, mitral valve replacement is very effective with or without posterior leaflet preservation. But, it is difficult to suggest that posterior leaflet preservation alone can increase cardiac performance.

Midterm angiographic assessment of coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Coronary bypass surgery that provides good long-term graft patency can be performed on the beating heart as a viable alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: From September 1993 to December 1996, 696 patients underwent CABG on the beating heart at the Kosuyolu Heart and Research Hospital in Istanbul. Among them, 70 patients were chosen randomly for angiographic assessment of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. RESULTS: The interval from operation to angiography varied from 24 to 61 months (mean, 36.1+/-10.9 months). The patency rate of left internal mammary-left anterior descending artery anastomoses was 95.59% (patency achieved in 65 of 68 patients) and of vein grafts was 47.06% (patency achieved in 16 of 34 patients) (p < 0.0001). The patency rates of grafts anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery were significantly higher than the rates of the grafts anastomosed to the other coronary arteries (95.71% versus 45.45%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that graft type (p < 0.0001) and hyperlipidemia (p = 0.023) were significant predictors for graft occlusion. Left ventricular function improved significantly after CABG (p = 0.04). Reintervention (using percutaneous transluminal cardiac angioplasty) and reoperation rates were 0.97% and 1.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting appears to produce midterm and long-term patency rates that are comparable to those of conventional techniques; that is especially true in cases of arterial conduits and of conduits anastomosed to the left anterior descending artery.

Simultaneous surgical intervention to coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease and superior mesenteric artery stenosis.

A patient, suffering from angina pectoris, claudicatio intermittens and postprandial abdominal pain underwent coronary and peripheral arteriographic examination; coronary arterial disease and aortoiliac occlusive disease was diagnosed. Color Doppler ultrasonography revealed superior mesenteric artery stenosis. CABG with MIDCAB (minimal invasive direct coronary artery bypass) technique was performed together with aortabifemoral graft interposition and graft bypass to superior mesenteric artery and considerable success was obtained.