Surgery for an Isolated Adrenal Metastasis of Gastric Cancer.

Adrenal metastasis is considered a rare hematogenous metastasis that develops after gastric cancer surgery. The chances of curative surgery are very low. It is usually unresectable. We aim to present a case of isolated adrenal metastasis that developed in a patient, who underwent a total gastrectomy with the diagnosis of gastric cancer approximately 26 months back. Left adrenalectomy was planned with curative intent. R0 resection was performed. The patient was followed up for one year after surgery. The option of surgical treatment is recommended for isolated metachronous adrenal metastases. Curative surgical resection may positively impact the prognosis of patients in selected cases. Key Words: Gastric cancer, Adrenal metastasis, Surgical resection.

The impact of female genital mutilation/cutting on obstetric outcomes and its management.

OBJECTIVES: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a surgical intervention that is still widely performed around the world with serious obstetric and neonatal outcomes. We aimed to determine the obstetric and neonatal effects of FGM/C in pregnant women in a hospital with high standards of care in Sudan, where this is a common case, using a homogenous patient group. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study in pregnant women with FGM/C, conducted at Nyala, Sudan-Turkey Training and Research Hospital. The inclusion criteria were: >18 years of age, history of FGM/C, vertex presentation, full-term birth, and single pregnancy. FGM/C group was compared with women without FGM/C (control group) who were monitored for the same period of 8 months in terms of age, parity, gestational age, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 220 eligible pregnant women were included in the study. Each group consisted of 110 pregnant women (FGM/C and control groups). We noticed that in the FGM/C group more emergency C-sections occurred, the second stage of the delivery was prolonged significantly, and episiotomy and periclitoral injuries were higher. Also, it was seen that postpartum blood loss and hospitalization of the mother lasted longer in the FGM/C group. No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to newborns. CONCLUSIONS: FGM/C is definitely associated with poor obstetric outcomes. These patients should be diagnosed during the antenatal period, and the delivery processes should be managed by experienced healthcare professionals according to the type of FGM/C.

Adoption rates of electronic health records in Turkish Hospitals and the relation with hospital sizes.

BACKGROUND: Nation-wide adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) in hospitals has become a Turkish policy priority in recognition of their benefits in maintaining the overall quality of clinical care. The electronic medical record maturity model (EMRAM) is a widely used survey tool developed by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) to measure the rate of adoption of EHR functions in a hospital or a secondary care setting. Turkey completed many standardizations and infrastructural improvement initiatives in the health information technology (IT) domain during the first phase of the Health Transformation Program between 2003 and 2017. Like the United States of America (USA), the Turkish Ministry of Health (MoH) applied a bottom-up approach to adopting EHRs in state hospitals. This study aims to measure adoption rates and levels of EHR use in state hospitals in Turkey and investigate any relationship between adoption and use and hospital size. METHODS: EMRAM surveys were completed by 600 (68.9%) state hospitals in Turkey between 2014 and 2017. The availability and prevalence of medical information systems and EHR functions and their use were measured. The association between hospital size and the availability/prevalence of EHR functions was also calculated. RESULTS: We found that 63.1% of all hospitals in Turkey have at least basic EHR functions, and 36% have comprehensive EHR functions, which compares favourably to the results of Korean hospitals in 2017, but unfavorably to the results of US hospitals in 2015 and 2017. Our findings suggest that smaller hospitals are better at adopting certain EHR functions than larger hospitals. CONCLUSION: Measuring the overall adoption rates of EHR functions is an emerging approach and a beneficial tool for the strategic management of countries. This study is the first one covering all state hospitals in a country using EMRAM. The bottom-up approach to adopting EHR in state hospitals that was successful in the USA has also been found to be successful in Turkey. The results are used by the Turkish MoH to disseminate the nation-wide benefits of EHR functions.

A survey of current approaches to thyroid nodules and thyroid operations.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid nodules are commonly seen. Our aim is to learn the behaviors and operational attitudes of surgeons approaching the thyroid nodules. In a literature search, our study is the first and only study performed merely on surgeons. MATERIALS- METODS: This cross-sectional study was done between June 2014-January 2015. The questionnaire consists of 25 questions. Initially, general questions consisting of demographic findings were asked. In step 2, questions consisting of the index case and case variants were asked. Results were compared with American Thyroid Association, European Thyroid Association guidelines, and Australia survey results. In the last step, questions about thyroid operations were asked. RESULTS: A total of 301 surgeons responded to the survey. The response rate was approximately 20%. Thirty nine were female and 262 were male. For the question that asks the diameter of the thyroid nodule that will require a thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (TFNAB), 47.5% of the surgeons will require a TFNAB for 1-2 cm solid nodules. 40.15% of the surgeons required a TFNAB regardless of size. 46.1% of the surgeons who required a TFNAB between 1 and 2 cm solid nodules also required scintigraphy at diagnosis of suppressed TSH case variant. CONCLUSION: In this survey, we identified differences from up-to-date guidelines about approaching thyroid nodules and perioperative thyroid surgery. From our perspective, surgeons need updated training requirements. This can be done with updated seminars across the country. Thereby approaches may become standard and consequently patients may have qualified services.

Correlation of Bowel Wall Thickening Seen Using Computerized Tomography With Colonoscopies: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: Bowel wall thickening (BWT) is a common finding in abdominal computerized tomography imaging (CTi). The purpose of the present study was a prospective assessment and management of patients who have BWT in abdominal CTi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted between January 2012 and July 2014 at Erzincan University Hospital, Turkey, with 64 patients who were admitted to the emergency and general surgery department. All of the patients had received colonoscopies due to BWT seen in abdominal CTi. RESULTS: Twenty-three (36%) female and 41 (64%) male patients were included in the study. The mean age was 56.2 years (range, 14 to 84 y). The positive predictive value of CTi for BWT was 87.5%. The positive predictive value of a CTi diagnosis of the disease according to a radiologist's report was 78.1%. Common pathologies detected by colonoscopy included neoplasia and inflammatory bowel disease. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of BWT by abdominal CTi reveals pathologies in many cases. Colonoscopies will be helpful in the differential diagnosis.

Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Patients with Inguinal Hernia.

AIM: The aim of this prospective study is to investigate if there is a relationship between inguinal hernia, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case control study was performed on patients admitted to the general surgery department of Erzincan University Hospital. Four groups were created: control, indirect hernia, direct hernia, and bilateral hernia. All groups were comprised of 11 patients. Serum and tissue levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, and hydroxyproline were evaluated. RESULTS: MMPs values were significantly high at hernia groups, especially at bilateral hernia group (p < 0.05), whereas TIMPs values were significantly low at bilateral hernia group (p < 0.05). MMPs values were increasing at hernia groups in an order as control, indirect, direct, and bilateral. TIMPs values were decreasing at hernia groups in an order as control, indirect, direct, and bilateral. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of MMP-1-2-9-13 and decreased levels of TIMP-1-2-3 may have played role in the formation of inguinal hernia. Hernia is not only a local defect, but a reflection of systemic disease. This is even more significant for bilateral hernias.

Evaluación diagnóstica y tratamiento de pacientes con hematoma de la vaina de los rectos / Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients with rectus abdominis hematoma

OBJETIVO: Identificar las características clínicas, las modalidades de tratamiento y la evolución del hematoma espontáneo de la vaina del recto (HEVR). En la literatura, no hay ningún estudio clínico prospectivo sobre el tratamiento en un ámbito de investigación clínica. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 17 pacientes con HEVR que fueron diagnosticados y tratados entre marzo de 2012 y marzo de 2014 en el Departamento de Cirugía General del Hospital Docente e Investigador de la Universidad de Erzincan. Se evaluaron los datos de edad, sexo, peso, altura, factores predisponentes, comorbilidades, índice de Charlson, tratamiento médico actual, signos a la exploración física, exploraciones de diagnóstico por la imagen, valor mínimo de la hemoglobina, tipo sanguíneo, tipo de HEVR, valores de INR/mutación de factor V Leiden/factor VII/factor VIII/factor X/proteína S/proteína C, método de tratamiento, transfusiones, duración de la hospitalización y evolución clínica. RESULTADOS: Trece pacientes fueron mujeres. La media de edad fue de 63,3 ± 18,7 años (rango, 22-87 años), y la media del IMC fue de 27,8 ± 3,5 (rango, 20,9-33,7). Seis pacientes presentaban un HEVR de grado I, 5 un HEVR de grado II y 6 un HEVR de grado III. Trece fueron ingresados durante un periodo medio de hospitalización de 9,3 ± 8,1 días (rango, 1-30 días). La tasa de mortalidad atribuible al HEVR fue del 5,8%. CONCLUSIONES: Un diagnóstico precoz del HEVR mediante ecografía y/o tomografía computarizada es importante para obtener una tasa de mortalidad baja. A pesar de que los tratamientos médicos son importantes, pueden ser necesarias una embolización arterial mediante radiología intervencionista o intervenciones más radicales como la cirugía

PURPOSE: To identify clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and course of spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma (SRSH). In the literature, there is no prospective clinical trial that is intended for treatment in clinical research. METHODS: Seventeen SRSH patients diagnosed and treated between March 2012 and March Hospital were included. Age, sex, weight, height, predisposing factors, comorbid diseases, Charlson index, current medical treatment, physical examination signs, imaging methods, lowest hemoglobin value, blood type, SRSH type, INR/Factor V Leiden mutation/Factor VII/ Factor VIII/Factor X/Protein S/Protein C values, treatment method, transfusions hospitalization duration, and outcome were studied. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were female. The mean age was 63.3 ± 18.7 years (range, 22-87 years), and the mean BMI was 27.8 ± 3.5 (range, 20.9-33.7). Six patients had Grade I SRSH, 5 had Grade II SRSH, and 6 had Grade III SRSH. Thirteen were hospitalized for a mean duration of 9.3 ± 8.1 days (range, 1-30 days). The death rate attributable to SRSH was 5.8%. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of SRSH by ultrasonography and/or computerized tomography is important for a low mortality rate. Even though medical treatments are important, arterial embolization by interventional radiology, or more radical interventions such as surgery, may be required

The effect of ozone and naringin on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in an experimental model.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaulate the effect of ozone and naringin on the intestine after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion(II/R) injury. METHODS: Thirty five rats divided into 5 groups of 7 animals: control, II/R, ozone, naringin and naringin + ozone. Only laparotomy and exploration of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were done in control group. In the experimental groups, SAM was occluded for 1 h and reperfused for 1 h. 15 min after ischemia, ozone (25 µg/ml, 0.5 mg/kg), naringin (80 mg/kg) and naringin + ozone(80 mg/kg + 25 µg/ml, 0.5 mg/kg) were infused intraperitoneally to each groups. Ileum tissues were harvested to determine intestinal mucosal injury and oxidative stress markers. For SMA occlusion, different than literature, silk suture binding was used. RESULTS: Oxidative stress markers were significantly low in experimental groups compared with II/R group (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, the injury score was significantly low at experimental groups compared with II/R group (p < 0.05). The lowest injury score was encountered at naringine + ozone group. CONCLUSIONS: Ozone alone or combined with naringin has a protective effect for mesenteric ischemia. Instead of using instruments such as clamps in the II/R rat model, silk binding may be used safely.

Incarceration of the hepatic lobe in incisional hernia: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias are abnormal peritoneal outward pouch-like protrusions that develop due to defects that arise as a result of the disruption of the fascia's continuity after abdominal surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 77-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department of our hospital with complaints of abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The patient was recommended for surgery. It was decided that the primary fascia closure and onlay patch was the most appropriate approach. DISCUSSION: When the defect in the abdominal wall grows, the functionality of the related abdominal wall is disrupted thereby eliminating the dynamic structure of the abdominal wall. Incisional hernias lead to a significant number of job losses and morbidity and negatively affect quality of life. Moreover, the formations in the hernia pouch might lead to higher risk of strangulation and dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous herniation of the left lobe of the liver passing through the abdominal wall is a very rare condition.

A Comparative Investigation of the Analgesic Effects of Metamizole and Paracetamol in Rats.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effects of metamizole and paracetamol on pain and oxidative stress induced by scalpel incision and carrageenan in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 144 rats were divided into groups of 12 animals. Six groups each were used for scalpel incision and carrageenan tests. Pain was inflicted by applying a scalpel incision or carrageenan. Pain-created groups by scalpel incision received metamizole (SIM) or paracetamol (SIP) at doses of 250 or 500 mg/kg. Pain-created groups by carrageenan received metamizole (CAM) or paracetamol (CAP) at doses of 250 or 500 mg/kg. Analgesic activity was determined by Basile Algesimeter. The COX-2 and MPO gene expressions were determined, and malondialdehyde and tGSH were measured in rat paws. RESULTS: In the scalpel incision test, pain was reduced in groups of SIM-250 and SIM-500 in the first hour by 65.2% and 91.3%, respectively, and in the third hour by 51.9% and 77.8%, respectively, compared with the SIC group. In SIP-250 and SIP-500 groups, pain was reduced in the first hour by 43% and 74%, respectively, and by 33.4% and 59.3%, respectively, in the third hour compared with the SIC group. In the carrageenan test, in groups CAM-250 and CAM-500, pain was reduced in the first hour by 72.3% and 86.1%, respectively, and by 65.8% and 71.4%, respectively, in the third hour compared with the CCG group. In groups CAP-250 and CAP-500, pain was reduced in the first hour by 52.8% and 69.4%, respectively, and by 28.6% and 25.8%, respectively, in the third hour compared with the CCG group. Metamizole inhibited COX-2 gene expression at a dose of 500 mg/kg in the carrageenan test. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, metamizole reduced COX-2 and MPO gene expressions and oxidative stress induced by scalpel incision or carrageenan. But both doses of paracetamol were unable to suppress that parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that metamizole is more effective than paracetamol for treating surgical trauma-related pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress and hence may be a preferential drug to paracetamol.

Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients with rectus abdominis hematoma.

PURPOSE: To identify clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and course of spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma (SRSH). In the literature, there is no prospective clinical trial that is intended for treatment in clinical research. METHODS: Seventeen SRSH patients diagnosed and treated between March 2012 and March 2014 at the general Surgery Department of Erzincan University Training and Research Hospital were included. Age, sex, weight, height, predisposing factors, comorbid diseases, Charlson index, current medical treatment, physical examination signs, imaging methods, lowest hemoglobin value, blood type, SRSH type, INR/Factor V Leiden mutation/Factor VII/Factor VIII/Factor X/Protein S/Protein C values, treatment method, transfusions hospitalization duration, and outcome were studied. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were female. The mean age was 63.3 ± 18.7 years (range, 22-87 years), and the mean BMI was 27.8 ± 3.5 (range, 20.9-33.7). Six patients had Grade I SRSH, 5 had Grade II SRSH, and 6 had Grade III SRSH. Thirteen were hospitalized for a mean duration of 9.3 ± 8.1 days (range, 1-30 days). The death rate attributable to SRSH was 5.8%. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of SRSH by ultrasonography and/or computerized tomography is important for a low mortality rate. Even though medical treatments are important, arterial embolization by interventional radiology, or more radical interventions such as surgery, may be required.

Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Greater Occipital Nerve Block for Mass Excision.

Anaesthesiologists must always prefer the safest method to minimize the risk for patients. At present, ultrasound-guided blockage of the greater occipital nerve can be performed in a safe manner. In this report, we presented our experience of ultrasound-guided blockage of the greater occipital nerve that we performed in a patient with a mass at the back of the neck who had risk of general anaesthesia because of comorbidities.

Importance of metastatic lymph node ratio in non-metastatic, lymph node-invaded colon cancer: a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic importance of the metastatic lymph node ratio for stage III colon cancer patients and to find a cut-off value at which the overall survival and disease-free survival change. MATERIAL/METHODS: Patients with pathological stage III colon cancer were retrospectively evaluated for: age; preoperative values of Crp, Cea, Ca 19-9, and Afp; pathologic situation of vascular, perineural, lymphatic, and serosal involvement; and metastatic lymph node ratio values were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 58 stage III colon cancer patients: 20 (34.5%) females and 38 (65.5%) males were involved in the study. Multivariate analysis was applied to the following variables to evaluate significance for overall survival and disease-free survival: age, Crp, Cea, perineural invasion, and metastatic lymph node ratio. The metastatic lymph node ratio (<0.25 or ≥0.25) is the only independent variable significant for overall and disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic lymph node ratio is an ideal prognostic marker for stage III colon cancer patients, and 0.25 is the cut-off value for prognosis.

Damage induced by paracetamol compared with N-acetylcysteine.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) on oxidative liver damage induced in rats with high-dose paracetamol. METHODS: Rats for this experiment were divided into the following groups: healthy control, paracetamol control, thiamine + paracetamol, TPP + paracetamol, and N-acetylcysteine + paracetamol. Oxidant and antioxidant parameters and liver function test levels were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The results show that TPP and N-acetylcysteine with paracetamol equally prevented a rise in oxidants such as malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. They also prevented a decrease in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutaredoxin, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the rat liver. CONCLUSION: Thiamine pyrophosphate and N-acetylcysteine had a similar positive effect on oxidative damage caused by paracetamol hepatotoxicity. These findings show that TPP may be beneficial in paracetamol hepatotoxicity.

How could such a wide piece of tree root pass through the narrow pyloric orifice? An extremely rare case.

PATIENT: Female, 30 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Phytobezoar Symptoms: Nausea • vomiting MEDICATION: - Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: - OBJECTIVE: Rare disease. BACKGROUND: Phytobezoars are a common type of bezoar known to accumulate in the gastrointestinal system. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old mentally retarded woman was operated on due to small bowel obstruction. A piece of tree root was extracted from the ileum. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 7. CONCLUSIONS: Due to difficulties in determining the nature of the bezoar preoperatively, small bowel obstruction due to a phytobezoar is not a common diagnosis. For bezoars, prevention is considered preferable to treatment.

Protective effect of nimesulide against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats: effects on oxidant/antioxidants, DNA mutation and COX-1/COX-2 levels.

BACKGROUND: Nimesulide is a pharmacological agent and selective COX-2 inhibitor. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nimesulide on oxidant/antioxidant, DNA mutation and COX-1/COX-2 activities in rat liver tissue with induced ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). METHODS: Before the experiment, rats were divided into four groups; liver ischemia/reperfusion (LIR), 50mg/kg nimesulide+liver ischemia/reperfusion (NLIR50), 100mg/kg nimesulide+liver ischemia/reperfusion (NLIR100) and a control group to be given a sham operation (SG). Malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO), COX-1/COX-2 enzyme activities and DNA damage product level results from liver tissues and serum AST and ALT levels were determined. The data obtained were compared with the results from the liver ischemia/reperfusion and sham operation groups. RESULTS: MDA levels, MPO and COX-2 activities and products of DNA injury were significantly lower in the groups given nimesulide, and particularly the NLIR100 group, compared to the LIR group (p<0.05), while tGSH levels were significantly higher (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the NLIR50 and NLIR100 groups and the LIR group in terms of COX-1 levels (p>0.05). AST and ALT levels were significantly lower in the other groups compared to the LIR group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nimesulide at 100mg/kg prevented oxidative liver damage induced with I/R significantly better than at a dose of 50mg/kg. These experimental findings indicate that nimesulide may be useful in the treatment of hepatic I/R damage.

Benefits of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of etoricoxib in the prevention of ovarian ischemia/reperfusion injury induced experimentally in rats.

AIM: This study is a biochemical investigation of the effect of etoricoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury experimentally induced in rat ovaries. METHODS: Experimental animals were divided into four groups: (i) ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (IRG); (ii) 30 mg/kg etoricoxib + ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (EIRG-30); (iii) 60 mg/kg etoricoxib + ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (EIRG-60); and (iv) a sham operation (SG) control group. RESULTS: The results showed levels of malondialdehyde in the IRG, EIRG-30, EIRG-60 and SG group ovarian tissue of 20.2 ± 3.4, 11.2 ± 3.2, 5.5 ± 1.9 and 3.8 ± 1.5 µmol/g protein, respectively. Myeloperoxidase activity for these groups was 24.2 ± 6.7, 13 ± 2.4, 4 ± 1.8 and 3.5 ± 1.9 U/g protein, and total glutathione levels were 1.6 ± 0.8, 4.5 ± 1.9, 6.5 ± 1.9 and 7.5 ± 2.4 nmol/g protein, respectively. COX-1 activity in IRG, EIRG-30, EIRG-60 and SG group rat ovarian tissue was 5.0 ± 2.8, 12.2 ± 2.4, 16.7 ± 2.8 and 17.5 ± 4.7 U/mg protein, and COX-2 activity was 18.3 ± 2.7, 3.5 ± 1, 1.8 ± 0.7 and 0.7 ± 0.3 U/mg protein, respectively. CONCLUSION: Etoricoxib prevented oxidative damage induced with I/R in rat ovarian tissue. This property of etoricoxib suggests that it can be clinically beneficial in the prevention of damage that may arise with reperfusion by detorsion for the protection of the ovaries against torsion.

How Lichtenstein hernia repair affects abdominal and anal resting pressures: a controlled clinical study.

PURPOSE: Inguinal hernia repair is the most common surgical procedure performed by general surgeons worldwide. The Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty was first introduced in 1984 and evolved through 1988. Today it is the gold standard in hernia repair. The objective of this study was to determine if intra-abdominal and anal pressures changed in patients with inguinal hernias after Lichtenstein hernioplasties were performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 103 individuals, 92.2% of whom were male (n = 95) and 7.8% of whom were female (n = 8), aged 38.38 ± 14.03 years was used. The sample was divided into two groups: those with inguinal hernia (n = 53) and those without hernia (n = 50), who served as controls. Anal and abdominal manometric measurements were taken from each control patient at baseline and from each study patient before and after surgical repair. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed differentiation of abdominal and anal pressures between the controls, the study patients before operation, and the study patients after operation. The average [SD] abdominal pressure was -2.58 mmHg [5.35] before hernia repair and 2.33 mmHG [3.62] after repair. The average [SD] abdominal pressure in the control group was 1.16 mmHg [1.96]. CONCLUSIONS: The Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty causes increases in abdominal and anal pressures, but this increase is not of a pathological level.

A rare case of a giant cystic leiomyoma presenting as a retroperitoneal mass.

BACKGROUND: Giant retroperitoneal uterine leiomyomas are uncommon. Degenerative changes of a leiomyoma may lead to unusual presentation resulting in misdiagnosis preoperatively. The final diagnosis can be made either intraoperatively or histologically. CASE: We report a 45-year-old multiparous women presented with abdominal distension and fatigue for six months. Abdominopelvic Sonography and computed tomography showed a large cystic mass that filled the pelvis and abdomen. With the preoperative diagnosis of a malignant tumor, a laparotomy was planned. Intraoperatively, a cystic mass originated from the uterus near the left side of the broad ligament extending to the retroperitoneal space was observed. Total hysterectomy and bilateral salphingo-oopherectomy was administered. The histology revealed a leiomyoma with cystic degeneration. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal leiomyomas should be kept in mind in the diferrential diagnosis of a giant cystic mass in abdomen.