Challenges in the Surgical Management of Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus represents a major socio-economic issue both by influencing the patient's quality of life and also considering the impact on the healthcare system. Diabetic neuropathy is one of the main complications associated, in most cases being present from the moment of diagnosis. Considering the high incidence of diabetes among patients with biliodigestive surgical conditions, a thorough analysis of the evolution and management of these patients is necessary. Materials and Methods: The association between the evolution of diabetic patients with biliodigestive conditions and diabetic neuropathy as well as risk criteria and associated complications were analyzed in a descriptive, correlational study (314 patients) conducted in the Dr. I. Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital during 2020-2022. In the study, the patients were distributed into two groups, one consisting in patients without diabetes mellitus (control group) and the second further subdivided into two groups of study, first (2a) containing patients with type II with diabetic neuropathy and high and medium risk rate, and a second one (2b) including patients with diabetes mellitus type II with confirmed neuropathy and low risk rate. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed and management protocols applied. Results: Statistically significant correlations were highlighted between diabetic neuropathy and the variables tested which were subsequently combined to achieve a risk score and a management protocol. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus associated with diabetic neuropathy represents a negative prognostic factor for the postoperative outcome being associated with high risk of morbidity and mortality. The risk score and the management protocol described as results of this study represent feasible solutions and a subservient instrument in preventing the occurrence of complications in patients with bilio-digestive surgical pathologies in order to improve the prognosis and survival of the patients.

Assessment of the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: The increased incidence of both colorectal cancer and diabetes mellitus, as well as the fact that they are important causes of high morbidity and especially mortality, place the two pathologies on the list of priorities of the health system. There are studies which have observed that diabetes mellitus is directly involved in carcinogenesis and is an independent risk factor for colorectal cancer. The diabetic patient requires a complex medical-surgical approach, so setting the risk criteria for them can be the starting point for improving the survival rate. Materials and methods: The association between colorectal cancer and diabetes mellitus as well as screening criteria were analyzed in a descriptive prospective study (442 patients) conducted in the Dr. I. Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital during 2017-2018. In the study, patients were distributed in two clusters, one with diabetes mellitus (N = 194) and one without diabetes mellitus (N = 248) in which basic clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed followed by screening colonoscopies. Results: Statistically significant (p 0.005) correlations were highlighted between 7 of the variables tested and the positive results on colonoscopy, which were subsequently combined to achieve a risk score. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor and a negative prognostic factor for colorectal cancer. The risk score described as a result of this study is a feasible, simple solution for early detection of precursor lesions or neoplasms with the ultimate goal of improving the prognosis and survival of these patient.

Algorithm of Medical-Surgical Treatment in the Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Diabetic Patient.

Introduction: We live in a society with a growing number of diabetics. That is why the number of diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease is expanding, as is the number of cases of chronic ischemia, which threatens limb viability, or chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The appearance of diabetic foot ulcers with an ischemic component represents the maximum risk of amputation in the absence of a firm and rapid revascularization intervention. In our study, we aim at early detection of patients who need infusion treatment immediately after surgical revascularization. Materials and methods: This is a six-year retrospective study of 115 patients with infrainguinal occlusive disease and CLTI. All subjects were classified according to the WIfI system before and after revascularization. We made a score based on the postoperative clinical evolution in the first three days in order to have an objective image of patients who received infusion treatment with PG E1. Results: All patients included in our study had diabetes. They were divided into two groups, one comprising 86 patients who underwent exclusively surgical treatment, and the other comprising 29 patients, who received a combined surgical and medical treatment. We showed that subjects who had a low postoperative score and received infusion treatment had a higher rate of limb rescue in the first year. Conclusions: In diabetic patients with infrainguinal occlusive disease who were treated in the Clinic, without the possibility of endovascular or hybrid interventions, the combination of infusion treatment with PG E1 after surgical revascularization led to a higher rate of limb rescue and healing of ischemic trophic lesions after one year.

Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk-factor for Colorectal Cancer Literature Review - Current Situation and Future Perspectives.

Colorectal cancer and Diabetes Mellitus represent a major public health issue, first, by the number of new cases which are at an alarming rate. Secondly, by the negative effect over the quality of life, socio-economic status and lifespan, representing high morbidity and mortality causes. Diabetes Mellitus is the disease of the century with a global prevalence (standardised-age) which doubled since 1980, rising from 4,7% to 8,5% in adult population. In 2012, the estimated number of fatalities caused by Diabetes Mellitus and other related complications was at 3,7 million, out of which 43% were patients under the age of 70. Neoplasia represents the second cause of death, after cardiovascular disease. The occurrence of Colorectal cancer (CRCA) is rated for men and women at 3rd and 2nd place. However, the rate of mortality from CRCA is in the 4th place, representing 8,5% out of the total cancer related deaths. 52% of these cases are recorded in underdeveloped countries, considering their level, this reflects a very low survival rate. Moreover, every year, approximately 1.4 million cases are being diagnosed out of which 55% appear in overdeveloped countries. Screening for colorectal cancer refers to the periodical evaluation of the asymptomatic patients who are at a risk of developing this type of neoplasia. The colorectal cancer contains a series of particularities which makes it ideal for screening. Since the end of the 19th century there has been a high suspicion that type II diabetes, through direct etiological mechanisms, may play a part in carcinogenesis (breast, endometrium, colorectal, pancreas, liver, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). At the moment, the relevant published literature presents type II diabetes as an independent risk factor for colorectal cancer. Although, despite experimental proof, many epidemiological studies, case-controlled studies and meta-analysis, there still is the necessity for prospective studies which can intensify the existing results and can allow the colorectal cancer screening to adapt to these patients.

Surgical Complications of Peritoneal Dialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a method of renal function replacement which has a series of advantages like greater autonomy of the patient with fewer hospital visits and better preservation of residual renal function, but it has also disadvantages. The main disadvantages are a limited life-time due to peritoneal membrane failure and the risk of infections. The main complication of PD remains peritonitis, which is responsible for the most cases of method failure. There are also other complications which incorrect treated may lead to failure of the method: mechanical complications, abdominal wall defects, exit site and tunnel infections. Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a rare entity found in PD patients but with high morbidity and mortality. We have retrospectively analyzed the patients with end stage renal disease under peritoneal dialysis which were admitted to Surgical Clinic "I. Juvara" of the Clinical Hospital "Dr. I. Cantacuzino" between 2007 and 2017 for surgical complications related to PD. The patients were assigned in two groups: with non-infectious and infectious complications. We have found 109 patients which have had 126 surgical interventions related to peritoneal dialysis. Out of these, 30 interventions consisted in catheter removal for loss of ultrafiltration capacity, so these were excluded from analysis. The lot resulted consisted in 80 patients with 91 complications: 42 non-infectious and 49 infectious. Mean age was 60.5 (+-12.3) years. Sex distribution was 2.75/1 male/female. Diabetes mellitus was present at 45 (56,25 %) patients. Comparing the patients with non-infectious with those with infectious complications we found significant association between type of complications and the length of PD in the sense that infectious complications tend to appear later than the non-infectious. Also, the loss of peritoneal dialysis is strongly associated with infectious complications. Looking inside groups we found that abdominal wall defects are associated with the history of previous abdominal surgery (p 0,001). Regarding the morbidity and mortality only infectious complications had associated mortality in our study, there were no significant differences in morbidity rate between groups. Between all these patients we have also identified 16 with encapsultating peritoneal sclerosis. In most cases the diagnosis was established during the intervention for another complication. We have registered a 20% morality rate at these patients. Conclusions: Noninfectious surgical complications are not raising problems for diagnosis or surgical treatment, but an incorrect treatment may lead to failure of the PD. Infectious complications and especially peritonitis remains the main cause of method failure. These are generating the highest rates of morbidity and mortality from peritoneal dialysis complications. Even if the immediate surgical intervention for peritonitis related to peritoneal dialysis is usually unnecessary, surgical observation is absolutely mandatory in every case. The absence of a response to the proper medical treatment is an indication for peritoneal cavity exploration inclusive by laparoscopy/laparotomy. Any delay in diagnosis and definitive treatment can lead to loss of peritoneal membrane function and even death of the patient. Encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis is a rare but serious complication of PD. The risk for developing EPS increases with the duration of PD treatment. No predictive and reliable screening tests especially in the early stages of EPS were found. So, it is important not to underestimate the clinical symptoms, diagnosis being based on a high index of suspicion. The only established basic treatment of EPS is enterolysis of peritoneal adhesions, and time should not be unnecessarily wasted on conservative treatment.

Surgical Management of Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Complications.

Background: Diabetic foot complications result from the association between peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy and a precarious healing process. Peripheral neuropathy observed in diabetics affects all components of the nervous system, contributing to the occurrence of leg ulcers, musculoskeletal changes, resulting in severe deformities. The clinical manifestation of these complications ranges from simple lesions to complex entities threatening the loss of pelvic limb or even life (1,2). Methods: In our surgery department, a significant number of patients with diabetic foot lesions are hospitalized and treated annually, 40% having clinical manifestations of diabetic neuropathy associated. In 2017, a total of 448 patients were hospitalized for complications of diabetes. We performed a retrospective analysis of 150 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for neuropathic diabetic foot lesions. Results: The analyzed patients had a favorable postoperative progression, benefiting from distal perfusion. Ray resection was the preferred surgical intervention. Major amputation was performed in 10% of cases with extensive gangrene and sepsis, amputation of the calf being preferred in all situations. Conclusions: The management of these patients is delicate, often multidisciplinary approach being necessary. A well-managed therapeutic attitude can make the difference between preserving or losing the pelvic limb.

Soft Tissue Infections in Diabetic Patients.

Background: the patient with diabetes has an increased susceptibility to infections, with negative evolutionary potential leading to increased morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. The cause is the alteration of immune defense mechanisms, the hyperglycemic environment leading to alteration of neutrophil function, suppression of the antioxidant system and humoral activity, systemic micro and macroangiopathy, neuropathy, depression of antibacterial activity of the genitourinary and digestive tract. Infections localized at the soft tissue (skin, fascia and aponeurosis, subcutaneous tissue, muscles) in the diabetic patient require a complex medico-surgical approach in which aggressive surgical treatment should be complemented by metabolic balancing and sustained antibiotic therapy. Materials and methods: these peculiarities will be exposed and analyzed in a retrospective descriptive study performed at the General Surgery Clinic. Juvara of the clinical hospital Dr. I. Cantacuzino, during the period of Jan. 2013- Dec.2017, which followed the type of lesions, their localization, the germs involved, the comorbidities, the biologic parameters, the antibiotic and surgical treatment as well as the postoperative evolution. The study does not include patients with localized infections in the diabetic foot, a particular pathological entity that will be analyzed separately in a separate study. Results: 150 diabetic patients with soft tissue infections localized in the upper limb, calf, thigh, perineum, abdominal and thoracic wall were identified. The most frequent localization was found in the lower limb (54%). The incidence of these infections was higher in males (55%), and the most affected age group was 60-69 years (38%). Most patients had type II diabetes (93%). Among the associated comorbidities, cardiovascular diseases and obesity are the most common, explaining to a large extent the complicated evolution, potentially lethal of this pathology. From the bacteriological perspective, a plurimicrobian flora is identified, staphylococcus aureus being most frequently encountered. The antibiotic treatment was initiated immediately empirically, subsequently according to the antibiogram; the most commonly used antibiotic classes being cephalosporins and carbapenems. Surgical interventions were in their majority of debridement and necrectomy, but in a few cases limb amputation was necessary. In particular, the number of surgical interventions performed in the same patient and in the same hospital stay was between 1 and 7 interventions. Conclusions: Soft tissue infections in the diabetic patient have a heterogeneous aspect with specific particularities requiring careful clinical examination, multidisciplinary treatment including rapid, serial surgical interventions to control the growing aggression of the germs involved. Fast and caseadapted therapeutic decisions, careful observation of the patient's general condition and of the wound several times a day are essential to achieving favorable postoperative outcomes.

Surgical Revascularization in Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia in Diabetic Patients.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the chronic diseases that showed a steady increase in the number of patients in the last decades. After the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, evolution towards limb amputation goes, step by step, through neuropathy, leg ulcers and infection appearance. The existence of diabetic arteriopathy prevents ulcer's healing due to the limb's ischemic status. By restoring arterial flow in the lower extremity, we solve the most important cause for diabetic foot ulcers, namely ischemia. Material and Methods: In the Surgery Clinic of Dr I Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, Surgical Repair of Diabetic Foot Compartment, the first revascularizations were made approx 5 years ago. During this time we have made constant efforts to lower the number of major amputations by diversifying the interventions dedicated almost exclusively to patients with ulcer of the diabetic foot. Results: The number of major amputations is lower after revascularisation and we have obtained complete ulcer's healing and a functional extremity. We have 80 patients in observation who underwent revasculariosation surgery, ages between 40 and 75 years, 46 men and 34 women. All of them were diabetic patients with critical ischemia and various associated comorbidities: 24% arterial hypertension, 14% polineuropathy, 12% dyslipidemia. The complications occured in the first year of follow-up were 14 cases of graft thrombosis and only 6 cases of major amputation. Conclusions: Before tempting any type of amputation, major or minor, after local infection control by treatment, debridement or dressings, and after vascular evaluation, it is essential to restore arterial flow.