Changes in cytokines and chemokines in an acute pancreatitis model.

BACKGROUND: The immune response secondary to inflammation that develops in acute pancreatitis plays an important role in the clinical course of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the changes in various cytokines and chemokines according to the severity of pancreatitis. METHODS: Twenty-one female Wistar albino rats were divided into three equal groups. The control group received no intervention. Intraperitoneal cerulein was administered to the other groups once per hour for five hours at doses of 50 µg/kg and 80 µg/kg for the mild and severe pancreatitis groups, respectively. The development of pancreatitis and its severity level were confirmed by histological evaluation after euthanization. Blood samples were taken from all rats to measure levels of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CXCL-1), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF), IL-18, IL-12p70, IL-1ß, IL-17A, IL-33, IL-1α, and IL-6. Additionally, the Schoenberg inflammation scores of pancreatic tissues were evaluated. RESULTS: The acute pancreatitis model was successfully induced in all cases within the study groups, according to histopathological examination. It was found that the levels of CXCL-1, MCP-1, and IL-6 were statistically significantly higher in rats with pancreatitis, with these parameters being elevated in the group with severe pancreatitis. In correlation analyses, MCP-1 and IL-6 showed a moderate correlation with the severity of pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: CXCL-1, MCP-1, and IL-6 exhibit predictive characteristics for the occurrence and clinical course of pancreatitis. Our results highlight the production and working pathways of these cytokines as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Successful results of early nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment for liver transplantation candidates with severe acute hepatitis B infection.

BACKGROUND: Early treatment of severe acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with nucleos(t)ide analogues may prevent progression to acute liver failure (ALF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of 24 patients who were treated for severe acute HBV infection (either INR ≥ 1.5 or INR≥ 1.4 and total bilirubin ≥ 20 mg/dL at the referring institution or after admission) between April 2021 and May 2023 (inclusive) were evaluated retrospectively. Twelve patients were women; median [range] age: 48 [35-68]. Entecavir (0.5 mg/day) (n = 16) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (245 mg/day) (n =8) were used depending on availability. RESULTS: Two patients required liver transplant which was performed successfully in one (no suitable donor for the other). Deterioration to ALF was prevented in 22 of the 24 cases (92%); these patients could be discharged after median (range) 12 (5-24) days following initiation of the antiviral drug. There was no significant difference in efficacy between the two antiviral agents. The anti-HBsAg antibody became positive in 16 patients (73%); one other patient became HBsAg negative at 1 month after discharge but was lost to follow up. Five patients (23%) are still HBsAg positive but all except one have started treatment in the last 6 months. One of the recently treated 4 patients stopped taking the antiviral drug at his own will and one has become anti-HIV antibody positive during follow up. CONCLUSION: Early treatment of severe acute HBV infection with entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate prevents the need for liver transplant and consideration of living donors.

Entecavir-induced neutropenia in an adult living donor liver transplant recipient: Successful conversion to tenofovir alafenamide.

At 22 weeks post-transplantation for HBV-related cirrhosis, an adult woman developed neutropenia which was aggravated by COVID-19 (ANC 0.4 × 109/L). Covid resolution and all "conventional" modifications were ineffective. Success within 2 weeks was achieved by switching entecavir to tenofovir alafenamide. A step-by-step judicious approach to post-transplant neutropenia is vital.

Effect of bariatric surgery procedures on serum cytokine and Nesfatin-1 levels.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Obesity is known to cause chronic inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the changes in Nesfatin-1 and serum cytokine levels of patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with BMI>35 and undergoing bariatric surgery were divided in two group, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (group-1), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (group-2). Demographic data, weight, BMI, AST, ALT, blood glucose, CRP values, and IL-1ß, IFN-α, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-23, IL-33 cytokine, and Nesfatin-1 values were noted at the time of hospitalization and in the 6th month postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 37.56 ± 11.73 years, and there were 16 females and 14 males in the study. Body weight and excess body weight change were slightly higher in RYGB patients than in SG patients. In RYGB and SG patients, a significant decrease was found in glucose, AST, ALT, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 values compared to the preoperative period, and serum Nesfatin-1 levels were significantly increased in RYGB patients and not significantly in SG patients. There were also significant decreases in IL-1ß levels in RYGB patients. On the other hand, a decrease in cytokines was observed in both surgical methods, except for IL-17A, although it was not significant. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that there is also a regression in inflammation, which can be associated with NLRP3 inflammasome, due to weight loss after bariatric surgery, more specifically in RYGB.

Evaluation of the predictive power of laboratory markers in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value of preoperative laboratory findings in acute appendicitis in geriatric patients aged >65 years. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 4121 patients. A retrospective evaluation of the demographic features was made using preoperative laboratory values such as the white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts; platelet counts; the mean platelet volume and bilirubin values; and postoperative pathological data of the patients from the electronic file system. The neutrophil-to-WBC and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were calculated. Patients were divided into two groups, as geriatric (≥65 years old, n=140) and non-geriatric (<65 years old, n=3981). RESULTS: The white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and the neutrophil-to-WBC ratio, were significantly higher in the non-geriatric group (p<0.001, p=0.013, and p=0.021, respectively). The neutrophil and platelet counts were higher in the non-geriatric group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.073 and p=0.072, respectively). A higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was determined in the geriatric group, but the difference was not significant (p=0.176). According to the optimumal cutoff value of 12.11×103/µL for WBC, specificity and sensitivity values of 65.4% and 57.9% were calculated, respectively; the AUC value was 0.632±0.024 (p<0.001). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to calculate the optimum cutoff values of neutrophil-to-WBC ratio, lymphocyte, and the mean platelet volume, but the diagnostic accuracy of these tests was inadequate with an AUC of <0.6. CONCLUSION: WBC values >12.11×103/µL were predictive of acute appendicitis in geriatric patients. The other parameters were not predictive, and further studies are required.

Stent experiences in emergency conditions in acute mechanical intestinal obstruction caused by colorectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Stent treatment can be applied to avoid surgery in surgically risky patients or to turn a high-risk emergency operation into a lower-risk elective operation and save time. AIM: In this study, the techniques, clinical efficacy, safety and complications of endoscopic stents applied in emergency conditions were evaluated in patients with acute mechanical intestinal obstruction (AMIO) due to colorectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2013 and 2015, 23 patients with an average age of 69.5 ±13.5 years who presented with AMIO and anastomosis stenosis secondarily to cancer to the emergency department were subjected to stent treatment under emergency conditions. RESULTS: Thirteen (56.5%) patients were diagnosed with colon cancer, 5 (21.7%) with rectal cancer, and 5 (21.7%) with stenosis in the previous anastomosis line. Fourteen (60.9%) patients were diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, 7 (30.4%) with stage 3 cancer and 2 (8.7%) with stage 2 cancer. The stents were applied to the sigmoid colon in 10 (43.5%) patients, to the recto-sigmoid area in 9 (39.1%) patients and to the rectum area in 4 (17.4%) patients. While 14 (60.9%) patients had local or locally advanced disease, 9 (39.1%) patients had metastases in different parts of their bodies, particularly in their livers. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that stents offer a favorable therapeutic alternative to emergency surgery and are associated with promising short-term outcomes as well as an acceptable safety profile for AMIO.

Delayed bilhemia complicating percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: Successful treatment with primary coil embolization.

Bilhemia is very rare and serious complication of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PBD). Bile leakage occurs into the bloodstream through a fistula between the biliary tree and the hepatic venous system. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman with bilhemia complicated by PBD. She was successfully treated with primary coil embolization of biliovenous fistula tract. In the follow-up, bilirubin values dramatically regressed and returned to its normal limits. Rapid increase in total and direct bilirubin values after PBD without biliary tree dilatation almost always suggest biliovenous fistula. It is more likely that biliovenous fistulas will develop in catheters that are removed before the time of the tract maturation. Symptomatic bilhemia should be treated as soon as possible to prevent major complications like bile pulmonary embolism and biliary sepsis.

Retrospective study of 24 cases of acute appendiceal diverticulitis: CT findings and pathological correlations.

PURPOSE: Appendiceal diverticulitis is relatively rare and is difficult to distinguish clinically and radiologically from acute appendicitis. The aim of this study was to describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of acute appendiceal diverticulitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the 1329 patients who underwent appendectomy at our institution between January 2010 and July 2015, 28 were diagnosed pathologically with appendiceal diverticulitis, including 24 patients who were evaluated by preoperative CT. The control group consisted of 38 patients without diverticulitis. Average age of patients, ratio of males to females, appendiceal diameter, presence of a diverticulum, diverticular enhancement, peri-appendiceal fat stranding, peri-appendiceal loculated fluid and perforation, and the presence of appendicolith were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Peri-appendiceal fat stranding (p < 0.005), appendiceal diameter (p < 0.005), and peri-appendiceal loculated fluid differed significantly between the diverticulitis and non-diverticulitis groups (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Although relatively uncommon, appendiceal diverticulitis should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis. It differs from typical acute appendicitis by the presence of an inflamed diverticulum, seen on CT. These patients are also more likely to have peri-appendiceal extra-luminal loculated fluid, peri-appendiceal fat stranding, and a larger diameter of the appendix. The latter finding is likely due to the increased intraluminal pressure.

Does the abdominal ultrasonography reliable in the diagnosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy in the first postoperative week?

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy of ultrasonography (US) in the early postoperative period after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) to diagnose postoperative-pancreatic-fistula (POPF). Early diagnosis is important to prevent POPF-dependent mortality after PD. The value of radiological modalities for early diagnosing POPF is not clear. METHODS: Forty-five patients who underwent transabdominal-US in the first postoperative week after PD were retrospectively evaluated. Two types of grouping methods were performed. Firstly, peripancreatic or perianastomotic fluid collections at least 2 cm in diameter were considered to be a primary positive result on US. Patients then divided into 2 groups: group 1, US-positive and group 2, US-negative. Secondly, to increase the power of US, in addition to primary positive results, the presence of fever, leukocytosis or hyperamylasemia was considered to be a secondary positive result (group 1S). The remaining patients were considered to have secondary negative results (group 2S). The sensitivity and specificity for both grouping methods were calculated for the diagnosis of PF and clinically important PF (ciPF), according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula criteria. RESULTS: For the first grouping method, the sensitivity was 36% and 28% and the specificity was 80% and 85% for PF and ciPF, respectively. For the second grouping method, the sensitivity was 36% and 29% and the spesificity was 74% and 81% for PF and ciPF, respectively. The unloculated fluid collections were not related to a significant increase in the risk of POPF (P = 0.694). CONCLUSION: Abdominal-US has low sensitivity and high specificity for the early diagnosis of POPF after PD.

Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and plateletto- lymphocyte ratio as new prognostic factors for patients with colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to preoperatively evaluate blood platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for their prognostic value in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 347 patients who underwent colorectal surgery for CRC in the Istanbul Education and Research Hospital and the Antalya Education and Research Hospital. The prognostic value of preoperative PLR, NLR, and other clinical and laboratory parameters was assessed with univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Median overall survival (OS) was 61.8 months [95% CI for hazard ratio (HR) 46.24-77.14]. Significant parameters in univariate analysis, which were the preoperative levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (p=0.055), albumin (p=0.003), hemoglobin (p=0.012), PLR (p=0.004), and NLR (p=0.054) were assessed by multivariate analysis which showed that only albumin retained its significance (p=0.008). Median OS was 70.1 vs 44.8 months with PLR ? 180 vs PLR > 180 (log rank; p=0.005). Median OS was "Not reached" (NR) vs 43.5 months with NLR ? 3 vs NLR > 3 (log rank; p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that preoperative levels of CEA, albumin, PLR, and NLR have significant prognostic value for patients with CRC.

Low Pressure is Necessary to View and to Protect Corona Mortis During Totally Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: The identification of retropubic vasculature is not easy under the pressure of insufflated gas during totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernioplasty. We aimed to present the usefulness of a maneuver that allows the clear identification of retropubic vasculature. METHODS: Vascular anatomy on the retropubic surface in 364 patients who underwent the TEP procedure from January 2005 to September 2015 was evaluated. In patients after July 2014, the pressure in the workspace was decreased from 14 to 8 mmHg before fixation of the mesh to clearly identify the veins. The results before and after July 2014 were compared. RESULTS: Demographic features were not significantly different between two periods. The number of hemipelvises in the first and second periods was 398 and 77, respectively. The rate of identification of venous corona mortis was 31% in the second period, whereas it was 1.0% in the first period (P = .000). The identification of thick (5.5% versus 10.3%; P = .123) and thin (22.8% versus 36.3%; P = .014) arterial structures and their sum were increased in the second period (28.4% versus 46.7%; P = .002). The rate of retropubic bleeding was zero in the second period, while it was 1.5% in the first period. CONCLUSIONS: During TEP hernioplasty, the pressure of insufflated gas more than 10 mmHg in the preperitoneal space hinders the correct identification of vessels on the retropubic surface. The proposed maneuver, to decrease the pressure in the workspace to 8 mmHg, can provide clear identification of all vessels, which decreases the potential risk of vascular injury.

Intraoperative acidosis is a new predictor for postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is important for proper interventions. The preoperative, intraoperative and early postoperative biochemical markers have predictive value of POPF. The present study was to evaluate several simple biochemical parameters in the prediction of POPF. METHODS: Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in our center between 2006 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and early postoperative biochemical parameters were evaluated. Additionally, the relationship between POPF and pH and lactate level at the end of surgery were analyzed, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR) were calculated for postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 3. Diagnosis and grading of POPF were performed according to the standards of the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 with no fistula or grade-A fistula; group 2 with grade-B or -C fistula. These simple biochemical markers were then compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Serum amylase level was significantly higher at POD3, and pH level was significantly lower at the end of operation in group 2 compared with those in group 1. However, the serum amylase was below the upper limit of normal serum level and therefore, the difference was not significant in clinical practice. Receiver operating charecteristic curve analysis showed that pH level was a reliable predictor of POPF (area under the curve: 0.713; 95% CI: 0.573-0.853). CONCLUSIONS: A low pH level at the end of pancreaticoduodenectomy was a risk factor of POPF. NLR, PLR, and RPR had no predictive value of POPF after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Diagnostic value of basic laboratory parameters for simple and perforated acute appendicitis: an analysis of 3392 cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of simple laboratory parameters including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and serum bilirubin level in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and recognition of perforated appendicitis. METHODS: Records of 3392 patients who underwent appendectomy in a 10-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to histopathological examination results: Group 1 had normal appendix, Group 2 had acute appendicitis. Patients with acute appendicitis were divided into subgroups: Group 2A had simple acute appendicitis, while Group 2B had perforated appendicitis. Efficacy of the aforementioned laboratory parameters was evaluated in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and recognition of perforated appendicitis. Independent variables were determined by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis was performed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify significant parameters in multivariate analysis. Cut-off values, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy calculations performed for parameters with area under curve (AUC) >0.600 were accepted as "significant parameters." RESULTS: White cell count (WCC), bilirubin, and NLR were significant parameters for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Cut-off values were 11900/mm3 for WCC (sensitivity: 71.2%; specificity: 67.2%; OR: 5.13), 1.0 mg/dl for bilirubin (sensitivity: 19.1%; specificity: 92.4%; OR: 2.96), and 3.0 for NLR (sensitivity: 81.2%; specificity: 53.1%; OR: 4.27). Serum bilirubin and NLR were independent variables for the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis. Cut-off values were 1.0 mg/dl for bilirubin (sensitivity: 78.4%; specificity: 41.7%; OR: 2.6) and 4.8 for NLR (sensitivity: 81.2%; specificity: 53.1%; OR: 2.6). CONCLUSION: Presence of at least 1 of the following findings in a patient suspected of having acute appendicitis was significantly associated with a definite diagnosis: WCC >11.900 mm3, serum bilirubin >1.0 mg/dl, NLR >3.0. In patients with acute appendicitis, serum bilirubin >1.0 mg/dl or NLR >4.8 were significantly associated with the presence of perforation. While WCC is a significant parameter for diagnosis of acute appendicitis, no significant association with perforated appendicitis was found. PLT and MPV were not useful parameters when diagnosing acute appendicitis.

Portosystemic Shunts for "Too Small-for-Size Syndrome" After Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Portosystemic shunts (PSSs) modulate the portal hyperperfusion against small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) after split or living donor liver transplantation. AIM: To find out the results and the limitations of PSSs against SFSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed and Cochrane databanks for systematic review and analyzed the indications, types, morbidities, and survivals of the PSSs at split or living donor liver transplantations. RESULTS: Total 66 patients were assessed in 16 studies. Main indications for PSS were graft recipient weight ratio (GRWRs) <0.8 % and/or portal vein pressure >20 mmHg. Five different types of PSSs were described but hemi-portocaval shunts were the most common one. The incidence of SFSS was 12 %. Overall 90-day, 1-, and 3-year graft survivals were 80, 70, and 47 %, respectively. GRWR <0.65 % was found as the only significant parameter on graft survival. The 90-day, 1- and 3-year graft survivals for GRWR <0.65 and ≥0.65 % patients were 62.5, 42.8, and 30.0 and 95, 94, and 67 %, respectively (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, and p = 0.18). CONCLUSION: PSSs can modulate the small graft size (GRWR < 0.8 %) and/or portal hypertension (>20 mmHg) after split or living donor liver transplantations sufficiently. However, its protective effect is not unlimited. If the GRWR is below 0.65 %, survival decreases significantly despite PSSs.

Grape seed protects cholestatic rats liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of grape-seed extract against ischemia/reperfusion injury in cholestatic liver. METHODS: Eighteen Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. In control and study groups, cholestasis was provided by bile duct ligation. Seven days later, the rats were subjected to 30 min hepatic ischemia, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg/day grape-seed extract was started 15 days before bile duct ligation and continued to the second operation in the study group. Serum, plasma and liver samples were taken. Laboratory analysis, tissue gluthation, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase levels and histopathological examination were performed. RESULTS: Significant decrease in liver gluthation level and significant increase in malondialdehyde level and myeloperoxidase activity were observed after ischemia/reperfusion in cholestatic rats. Serum and plasma levels for laboratory analysis were also significantly higher in cholestatic I/R group. Hepatic necrosis and fibrosis were detected in histopathological examination. Oral grape-seed extract administiration reversed all these parameters and histopathological findings except serum bilirubin levels. CONCLUSION: Oral grape-seed extract treatment can improve liver functions and attenuate the inflammation and oxidative stress in cholestatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Is the classification of intraoperative complications (CLASSIC) related to postoperative course?

INTRODUCTION: The Classification of Intraoperative Complications (CLASSIC) is one of two recent classification systems for intraoperative adverse events (iAEs), featuring simple but inclusive definitions. No data have been reported regarding the relation between CLASSIC and postoperative course. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between the grade of iAEs and the grade of postoperative complications in patients who underwent hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery. METHODS: Demography, preoperative laboratory parameters, iAEs, postoperative complications, and intraoperative pH and lactate levels of patients who underwent HPB surgery between December 2014 and December 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. The recorded parameters were compared according to the grade of iAEs and the grade of postoperative complications described in the Accordion Severity Classification of Postoperative Complications. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were considered. Mean age was 56 ± 15, 21 female vs. 37 male, 47 malign vs. 11 benign. Demographic features and preoperative status of the patients, and the presence of intraoperative acidosis were not significantly related to the grade of iAEs or postoperative complications. The grade of iAEs was directly proportional to the grade of postoperative complications (p = 0.031). Although it is not statistically significant, lactate level at the end of operation had a potential to predict the postoperative course (p = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS: The grade of iAEs has a predictive value for the grade of postoperative complications in HPB surgery patients; hence, high grade of iAEs is significantly related to high grade of postoperative complications. Lactate level at the end of operation has the potential to predict the postoperative course.

Grape seed protects cholestatic rats liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To determine the effect of grape-seed extract against ischemia/reperfusion injury in cholestatic liver. METHODS: Eighteen Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. In control and study groups, cholestasis was provided by bile duct ligation. Seven days later, the rats were subjected to 30 min hepatic ischemia, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg/day grape-seed extract was started 15 days before bile duct ligation and continued to the second operation in the study group. Serum, plasma and liver samples were taken. Laboratory analysis, tissue gluthation, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase levels and histopathological examination were performed. RESULTS: Significant decrease in liver gluthation level and significant increase in malondialdehyde level and myeloperoxidase activity were observed after ischemia/reperfusion in cholestatic rats. Serum and plasma levels for laboratory analysis were also significantly higher in cholestatic I/R group. Hepatic necrosis and fibrosis were detected in histopathological examination. Oral grape-seed extract administiration reversed all these parameters and histopathological findings except serum bilirubin levels. CONCLUSION: Oral grape-seed extract treatment can improve liver functions and attenuate the inflammation and oxidative stress in cholestatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Preoperative localization of distal colorectal tumours.

BACKGROUND: The detection of true localization of the tumour are crucial to driving the proper treatment algorithm in distally-located colorectal cancers (CRCs). The performance of four methods; colonoscopy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluoro-deoxy-glucose-positron emission tomography scan (FDG/PET-CT), were evaluated to identify the localizations of distal colorectal malignancies according to the rectum, sigmoid colon and recto- sigmoid junction (RSJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent colorectal surgery for tumours located on the sigmoid colon, RSJ, or rectum were reviewed retrospectively. METHODS: In total, 156 patients were included in the study. In terms of overall accuracy, colonoscopy, CT, MRI and FDG/PET-CT had similar accuracy rates, with 74%, 67%, 75%, and 74%, respectively. Colonoscopy was relatively less sensitive for rectosigmoid tumours (33%), while CT was less sensitive for rectal tumours (26%). MRI was less specific for tumours located on the rectum (33%). CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial to correctly identify the location of distal colorectal tumours in order to plan accurate treatment strategies. Preoperative modalities, including colonoscopy, CT, MRI, and FDG/PET-CT, do not provide excellent accuracy for tumours of the distal colorectal tumours. To increase the success of these modalities; combined use could be more successful. KEY WORDS: Colonoscopy, Computed tomography Distal colorectal cancer, Magnetic resonance imaging.

Extraordinary cause of acute gastric dilatation and hepatic portal venous gas: Chronic use of synthetic cannabinoid.

Addiction to synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) is a growing social and health problem worldwide. Chronic use of SCs may cause adverse effects in the gastrointestinal system. We describe a very rare case of acute gastric dilatation (AGD) and hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG), with findings of acute abdomen resulting from chronic use of a SC, Bonzai. AGD and HPVG were detected by computerized tomography examination. Patchy mucosal ischemia was seen in endoscopic examination. Despite the findings of an acute abdomen, a non-surgical approach with nasogastric decompression, antibiotic therapy, and close radiologic and endoscopic follow-up was preferred in the presented case. Clinical and radiologic findings decreased dramatically on the first day, and endoscopic findings gradually disappeared over 7 d. In conclusion, this case shows that chronic use of a SC may cause AGD and accompanying HPVG, which can be managed non-surgically despite the findings of acute abdomen.