A Novel Technique for the Management of Persistent Biliary Fistulas Developing After Liver Hydatid Cyst Surgeries: Drain Clamping Technique.

BACKGROUND: External biliary fistula, where the residual cyst is associated with the biliary tree, is one of the most common complications after liver hydatid cyst surgery. Surgical procedures become a consideration for patients in whom the biliary fistula persists despite all endoscopic procedures. However, reoperation for biliary fistula after hydatid cyst surgery leads to additional complications and increases morbidity and mortality. AIM: This study aims to treat persistent biliary fistulas that develop after liver hydatid cyst surgery using a simple noninvasive technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: External drainage surgery was performed on 295 patients with liver hydatid cysts. Endoscopic treatment methods were used in patients who developed biliary fistula after surgery. Despite all endoscopic treatment methods, 14 patients developed persistent biliary fistulas. These patients were subsequently treated using the drain clamping technique. FINDINGS: All persistent fistulas occluded in 11.86 days (with a range of 8-20 days). No complications were observed in the one-year follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Drain clamping, a novel approach to the treatment of persistent biliary fistulas developed despite all available endoscopic methods, can be safely used. This technique resulted in a complete recovery in patients without the need for surgical procedures.

Analysis of intraoperative laboratory measurements and imaging techniques such as Tc-99 m-MIBI SPECT/CT, 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT and ultrasound in patients operated with prediagnosis of parathyroid adenoma.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine accurately the localization of the adenoma with the imaging methods in the patients, who are planned to be operated on with prediagnosis of parathyroid adenoma. METHOD: In our study, the files of the patients who were considered to have parathyroid adenoma and underwent operation between 2012 and 2020 with the methods such as Tc99m-MIBI SPECT/CT, 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT, and ultrasound, and biochemical examinations were examined retrospectively. RESULTS: In this study, 31 (18.2%) male and 139 (81.8%) female adult patients were included. The sensitivities of localization methods were 82.6% for ultrasound and 78.4% for scintigraphy. Adenoma was localised in the right place in 14 of 15 (93.3%) patients with the 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT method. A statistically significant correlation was found between the sensitivity of scintigraphy, the gland weights (p: 0.002), and phosphor values (p: 0.039). A statistically significant improvement was observed in the intact PTH value (p: 0.001) 15 min after the removal of adenoma. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the serum PTH value (p: 0.001), the serum phosphorus value (p: 0.001), and the serum calcium (p: 0.001) in the first 3 months after the operation. CONCLUSION: Determining localization accurately for the patients enables performing operations with minimally invasive surgery successfully in a shorter time. Also, fewer complications and faster recovery are seen in the patients. It was concluded that studying intraoperative intact PTH and using 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT method for localization give more accurate results for localization and allow having more successful operation outcomes.

Assessment of preoperative thyroglobulin levels in papillary thyroid cancer.

Background: The papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) are the most common cancer of endocrine cancers. The primary treatment is surgery, and the prognosis is mostly well. In spite of many methods for the early diagnosis, the simpler and noninvasive methods are being sought. The aim of this study is to find out whether the value of thyroglobulin (Tg) is related with PTC. Materials and Methods: Prospectively; we measured the preoperative Tg value of 203 (159 females and 44 males) patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy with various indications in General Surgery Department of Gaziantep University. Tg values of 61 patients with benign lesions and 142 patients with PTC were compared. Results: In the patients with PTC, the mean preoperative Tg value was 105.05 ng/ml and 76.80 ng/ml in the benign patients. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cutoff point was determined 102 ng/ml. There was a statistically significant difference in preoperative Tg values between benign group and PTC (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with a preoperative Tg values above 102 ng/mL may more likely to have PTC. It is thought that Tg levels may be accepted as a criterion for distinguish malignant/benign situations that should be supported with new studies.

Assessment of the relationship between neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and prognostic factors in non-metastatic colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio still has a limited clinical use due to many non-cancer factors affecting neutrophils or lymphocytes in the present time. We aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and poor prognostic factors after curative elective colorectal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This clinical retrospective study was initiated with 95 patients, who had a curative surgical resection between 2003 and 2013. The patients were divided into two groups based on the preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio cut-off value above and below 3. The groups were compared for tumor localization, diameter, and staging; the histopathological perineural invasion; lymphovascular invasion; and overall survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the role of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio after stratification by several clinicopathological factors. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 59.79±1.48 (range, 23-90) years, and median follow-up period was 20.77±14.85 months. There was no significant difference in perineural or lymphovascular invasion, tumor size, stage, age, sex, and tumor location between the groups [Group 1 ratio >3 (n=52) and Group 2 ratio ≤3(n=43)]. Hemoglobin (p=0.035) and albumin levels (p=0.004) were lower in the Group 1. When the stage increased, differences between the rectal cancer groups were found. Overall survival was significantly lower in the Group 1 (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that a high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio had an adverse effect on overall survival in colorectal cancer patients who had a curative surgery. However, we could not establish any association between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and the factors such lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, tumor size expect hemoglobin and serum albumin levels.

Increased UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 expression is associated with pancreatic cancer.

UGT1A play important roles in the glucuronidation of a variety of endogenous and exogenous compounds. UGT1A isoforms are expressed tissue specifically. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 mRNA expression and pancreatic cancer. Paired healthy and tumor tissue samples of 43 patients with pancreatic cancer were included in this study. UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 mRNA expressions were analyzed by real time-PCR. In the result of study, UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 mRNA expressions were significantly higher in tumor tissue than normal tissue of pancreatic cancer patients (p<0.05). In addition, high mRNA expression of UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 was significantly associated with larger tumor size (p<0.05). The data suggested that UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 may play roles in the progression of pancreatic cancer. Consequently, UGT1A3 and UGT1A7 are potential prognostic indicators.

Retroperitoneoscopic drainage of complicated psoas abscesses in patients with tuberculous lumbar spondylitis.

PURPOSE: Nowadays, endoscopic techniques are widely used in surgical procedures. Retroperitoneoscopy has been an extremely valuable tool for a wide variety of urologic disorders, whereas, it has limited use in orthopedic procedures. METHODS: We performed retroperitoneoscopic drainage (in combination with medical treatment) of complicated psoas abscess on 12 patients with tuberculous spondylitis. All the procedures were done under general anesthesia and in the lateral decubitus position. Psoas abscess was evacuated during procedure, and postoperatively, drainage was continued through a large silastic tube. The definitive diagnosis and the treatment were made based on the results of culture-antibiogram and PCR testing. RESULTS: Complete clinical and radiologic remission was observed in all patients in 3-6 months. The complication was not observed in any case postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneoscopic drainage of psoas abscesses gains advantages in terms of rapid recovery, minimal invasiveness, absence of radiation, and shorter hospital stay. This procedure can be used not only for cold abscesses but also for other pathologies of lumbar vertebral area.

Long-term results in the treatment of fistula-in-ano with fibrin glue: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: This prospective study was done to analyze the efficacy of commercial fibrin glue application in the healing of patients with fistulas-in-ano from a long-term (mean 4.5 years) research period. METHODS: This clinical trial of forty-six patients was performed during the period from January 2004 to February 2005. Thirty-nine men and seven women were treated for a fistula-in-ano with a commercial fibrin glue application. In the operating room, the patients underwent an anorectal examination under spinal anesthesia. The external and internal fistula tract openings were then identified. The fistula tract was curetted. Fibrin glue was injected into the external fistula opening until the fibrin glue could be seen coming from the internal opening. RESULTS: The overall initial success rate was 86.95% (40/46). Recurrence rate was 41.30% (19/46). Two patients underwent a re-application with fibrin glue and the fistulas of these patients closed. The total recurrence rate was 36.95% (17/46). The long-term overall success rate was 63.04% (29/46). CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue application was thus found to be an easy, safe, acceptable, successful alternative treatment in the management of fistulas-in-ano. Choosing the patient correctly is very important because long (more than 4 cm) and non-ramificate fistula tracts usually close with commercial fibrin glue.

The efficacy of Ankaferd Blood Stopper for the management of bleeding following total thyroidectomy.

PURPOSE: Postoperative hematoma remains an uncommon but potentially life-threaten complication of thyroid surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) in comparison to hemostasis by conventional technique (HCT) for the controlling of oozing-type bleeding following total thyroidectomy. METHODS: We randomized 61 patients with benign euthyroid multinodular goiter who underwent total thyroidectomy subject to one of the two different hemostasis techniques. There were 31 patients in the HCT group and 30 patients in the ABS group. The study was designed prospectively to compare ABS and HCT groups in terms of operation time, postoperative drainage, duration of postoperative stay, and complications. RESULTS: Mean postoperative drainage from the closed suction drains at first 24 hr were 24.6 ± 8.6 ml and 12.0 ± 9.2 ml (p = .001) and mean total postoperative drainage were 38.5 ± 13.2 ml and 20.6 ± 12.2 ml (p = .001) in the HCT and ABS groups, respectively, indicating statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the results of this trial, the use of ABS seems to be more effective than HCT to control hemorrhage following total thyroidectomy.

Benign ovarian dermoid cyst complicated with rectal fistula formation: an unusual case.

BACKGROUND: Fistulation in benign cystic teratomas has not been commonly reported in the literature. We present a case of a benign ovarian dermoid cyst complicated with a recto-ovarian fistula. CASE REPORT: A 30-year-old nonpregnant woman admitted to the gynecological outpatient clinic because of lower abdominal pain and purulent diarrhea. Gynecological examination and ultrasonography revealed a 10-cm heterogeneous cystic mass in the left ovary. Abdominopelvic CT scan revealed a left ovarian mass (10 x 9 cm) thought to be a dermoid cyst, which was seen to penetrate the proximal part of the rectum. Left adnexectomy and low anterior rectum resection were performed. The pathological evaluation suggested benign ovarian dermoid tumor penetrating the rectum wall. CONCLUSION: Fistula formation by a dermoid ovarian cyst is not always related to malignant transformation of the cyst. In addition to factors such as torsion, infection, trauma, and chronic pressure during labor, spontaneous rupture of the dermoid cyst resulting in leakage of fluid could be the cause of fistula formation.

The use of fibrin glue in the treatment of fistula-in-ano: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: This prospective study was done to analyze the efficacy of commercial fibrin glue application in the healing of patients with fistulas-in-ano. METHODS: This clinical trial of 36 patients was performed during the period from November 2003 to May 2004. Thirty men and six women were treated for a fistula-in-ano with commercial fibrin glue application. None of the patients had undergone prior attempts to correct fistulas-in-ano surgically. All patients received preoperative mechanical bowel preparation and prophylactic intravenous antibiotics. In the operating room, the patients underwent an anorectal examination under spinal anesthesia. The external and internal fistula tract openings were then identified. The fistula tract was curetted. Fibrin glue was injected into the external fistula opening until fibrin glue could be seen coming from the internal opening. No dressing was applied over the external opening. Thereafter, the patient was discharged. A 1-week course of oral antibiotics was prescribed. The patients were followed up for 70 weeks with a mean of 54 weeks (range 40-70 weeks). RESULTS: The cause of the fistula-in-ano was cryptoglandular in all patients. The overall initial success rate was 77.8% (28/36). No complications were encountered related to the application. Two patients underwent a reapplication with fibrin glue and the fistulas of these patients were all closed. The overall success rate was 83.3% (30/36). CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue application was thus found to be an easy, safe, effective, and useful alternative treatment in the management of fistulas-in-ano. However, our findings need substantiation by increasing the number of patients and prolonging the follow-up duration, as well as carrying out comparative studies.

A prospective randomised study of local anaesthetic injection after multiple rubber band ligation of haemorrhoids.

One hundred and forty-two patients with second and third degree internal haemorrhoids were randomised to rubber band ligation only (n = 72) or rubber band ligation + local anaesthetic injection (n = 70). Pain was assessed by the patients at intervals of 6 hours and 1, 2, 3 and 4 days after banding. Other symptoms, complications, analgesic requirements and patient satisfaction were also recorded for 10 days following the treatment. There was a significant reduction in pain at 60 minutes and 6 hours after the procedure in the rubber band ligation plus local anaesthetic injection patients compared with the rubber band ligation only group (P < 0.05), but there was no reduction in pain when local anaesthetic was used compared with rubber band ligation only on days 1, 2, 3 and 4 days after ligation. On day 10 after banding, there was no difference between the two groups with respect to symptoms such as nausea, feeling of heaviness and/or tenesmus, fainting; complications, analgesic consumption or overall patient satisfaction. Bupivacaine injection after multiple rubber band ligation may be useful in reducing pain during the first 6 hours of the postbanding period.

Adrenal cyst.

Adrenal cysts are rarely seen lesions. Most are asymptomatic and less than 10 cm. Adrenal cysts, most of which are diagnosed incidentally, can be diagnosed more by wide usage of diagnostic imaging methods. Symptoms appear when they grow to a large size causing pain or gastrointestinal disturbance or become palpable. In this article, a case of a large left adrenal cyst, 12 cm diameter was causing abdominal pain in a 20-year-old female patient subsequently removed totally by surgical excision with adrenalectomy is presented and treatment modalities was discussed.