Associations of oxidative stress, metabolic disorders in colorectal cancer patients.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer have been one of the most common malignant neoplasm in the world. In most patients with this cancer, we can observe both redox homeostasis and nutritional disorders. Aim: To assess the occurrence of oxidative stress in patients with colorectal cancer and its severity depending on the nutritional status of patients. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 50 patients with colorectal cancer. In the control group, samples were obtained from 40 healthy subjects. Basal metabolic index and nutrition risk screening (NRS) 2002 scale was completed. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined yielding the oxidative stress index (OSI) determined by the TOS/TAC ratio and TAC/MDA ratio. Results: There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the levels of not only TAC, TOS, OSI, but also MDA and TAC/MDA. In healthy patients, the TAC and TAC/MDA level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the cancer patients, while the TOS, OSI and MDA level was significantly lower (p < 0.05). In patients with BMI < 24.9 kg/m2, the level of TAC was significantly higher and the level of TOS was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to patients with BMI > 24.9 kg/m2. In patients with features of malnutrition according to the NRS 2002 scale, TOS and OSI were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Neoplastic disease, such as colorectal cancer, precipitates an increase in oxidative stress. Concurrently, the nutritional status of patients, especially malnutrition, further intensifies this process.

Selected parameters of nutritional status in patients with pancreatic head cancer - own experience.

Introduction: Around 200,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed yearly worldwide. It is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths. Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate due to unspecific symptoms being responsible for late diagnosis. Aim: In this study, the authors analysed selected nutritional parameters and the severity of anaemia in patients diagnosed with pancreatic head cancer. Material and methods: Data were collected upon admission to the 2nd Clinical Department of General, Gastrointestinal, and Oncological Surgery in the University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok, Poland and retrospectively with the help of correctly collected anamnesis. Results: It has been shown that most patients with pancreatic cancer are malnourished at the time of diagnosis. Body mass index (BMI) is the least valuable parameter primarily. Weight loss has been determined to be the most accurate predictor of the patient's metabolic status, although it should never be the only parameter. Although these factors do not suggest an inflammatory process, serum protein levels and albumin concentration should be considered. Conclusions: When assessing the nutritional status of patients with pancreatic cancer, many predictive factors should be considered. BMI seems to be the least accurate parameter for assessing nutritional status in patients diagnosed with cancer. However, when combined with weight loss and serum albumin levels, it can be quite useful as a prognostic factor.

Laparoscopic organ-sparing surgery for cystic lesions of the spleen - own observations.

<b>Introduction:</b> Splenic cysts are quite rare. In this publication, authors focus on presenting their own observations related to the management of patients with such lesions. </br></br> <b> Aim:</b> To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic procedures in the case of patients with splenic cysts. </br></br> <b>Material and methods:</b> The study included patients treated surgically for cystic lesions located in the spleen at the 2^nd Department of General, Gastroenterological and Oncological Surgery of the Medical University of Bialystok over the years 2017-01.2020. </br></br> <b>Results:</b> All patients were referred for elective excision of the spleen lesion (the size of the lesions ranged from 7 to 15 cm - based on CT examination). In all cases, excision of the anterior wall of the cyst was performed with the help of advanced surgical tools. The duration of the procedure ranged between 65 and 100 minutes. No significant blood loss was observed. No postoperative complications were found. </br></br> <b>Conclusions:</b> In conclusion, sparing laparoscopic surgery for cystic lesions of the spleen seem to be safe and rarely associated with complications or relapses. Extending the scope of the procedure to total splenectomy should also not pose a major problem.