The evaluation of morbidity in gastrointestinal tumor patients underwent cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the postoperative morbidity rate and identify demographic, clinical, and treatment-related variables that may be potential risk factors for morbidity in gastrointestinal tumor patients undergoing hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with or without cytoreductive surgery (CRS). Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, 60 patients who had undergone HIPEC due to gastrointestinal tumor between October 2017 and December 2019 were included. Systemic toxicities were graded and evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 3.0 criteria. Results: Mean age of the patients was 60.43 ± 12.83. Primary tumor localization was the stomach in 33 patients (55%), colon in 21 (35%), rectum in five (8.3%), and appendix in one patient (1.7%). PCI mean value was 9.51 ± 10.92. CC-0 was applied in 37 (61.7%) patients, CC-1 in 11 (18.3%), CC-2 in 6 (10%), and CC-3 in six patients (10%). Morbidity was observed in 50 (83.33%) of the 60 patients participating in the study according to NCI-CTCAE v3.0 classification. Mild morbidity rate was 46.6%, severe morbidity rate was 36.6%, and mortality rate was 11.66%. Enteric diversion application, length of stay in the ICU, and length of hospital stay were shown to have a statistically significant effect on the NCI-CTCAE morbidity score (p= 0.046, p= 0.004, p <0.001). Conclusion: With proven beneficial effects on survival in patients with locally advanced gastrointestinal tumors, CRC and HIPEC are acceptable in these patients despite their increased morbidity and mortality rate. With new studies on this subject, morbidity and mortality rates may be reduced.

Spleen rupture due to brucellosis.

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic infection worldwide; it is caused by infection with the bacterial species Brucella and leads to severe diseases in humans and animals. In Turkey, this bacterial species has not been completely eradicated and is commonly found in animals (such as goats or sheep). Brucellosis can lead to various symptoms, affect multiple systems, and cause splenomegaly in the case of spleen involvement. In contrast to traumatic spleen ruptures, spontaneous spleen ruptures are rare and most commonly occur because of infectious causes. A 52-year-old man was treated at our infectious diseases clinic for Brucella endocarditis. Due to sudden abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo, the patient was evaluated by our team of doctors at the same clinic. The patient had widespread sensitivity in the abdominal region, as well as defense and rebound symptoms. Emergency abdominal tomography revealed a ruptured spleen and widespread hemorrhagic fluid in the abdomen. Exploration revealed multiple ruptures in the spleen capsule. The patient underwent splenectomy and did not experience any complications during the postoperative period. Spontaneous spleen rupture is a rare clinical condition that should be considered in patients who are hospitalized at internal medicine clinics for infectious, hematogenic, and metabolic causes, as well as in those who have sudden abdominal pain and hypovolemia.

Combined Effectiveness of Honey and Immunonutrition on Bacterial Translocation Secondary to Obstructive Jaundice in Rats: Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND Obstructive jaundice is a serious, life-threatening condition that can lead to death as a result of sepsis and multiorgan failure due to bacterial translocation. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty 24-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats, with an average weight of 250 g to 300 g, were included in this study. The rats were randomly placed into five groups, each group consisted of eight rats. The sham group underwent only common bile duct (CBD) dissection and no ligation was performed. CBD ligation was applied to the other groups. After the operation, one CBD group was fed with rat chow only, the others were fed with rat chow supplemented with honey, or immunonutrients, or honey plus immunonutrients. After 10 to 12 days, all rats were sacrificed; blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical, microbiological, and histopathological evaluation. RESULTS In the groups that were fed with honey and immunonutrients, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were decreased significantly compared to the other groups. Statistically significant differences were detected in terms of bacterial translocation (BT) rates among liver and spleen samples, and laboratory values of serum, except for MLNs of the BDL+HI group, when compared to other groups. We found mean mucosal thickness of ileum samples have been improved notably in the BDL+HI group compared to the other groups, especially compared to the C/BDL group. CONCLUSIONS Immunonutrition applied with honey had immunostimulant effects, decreased BT due to an additive effect, and had positive effects on intestinal mucosa.

Intestinal invagination secondary to intestinal adenocarcinoma in coeliac disease.

Invagination is defined as a medical condition in which a part of the gastrointestinal tract has entered into another section. Intestinal invagination is a rare clinical entity among adults and there is an underlying structural lesion in most of the cases. Coeliac disease is considered as a risk factor for intestinal invagination, because of the associated inflammatory processes and motility disorders as well as the increased risk for secondary malignancies. We report a case of intestinal invagination secondary to intestinal adenocarcinoma in a woman with coeliac disease, whose adherence to a gluten-free diet was poor.

Comparison of sirolimus and colchicine treatment on the development of peritoneal fibrozis in rats having peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is a successful treatment modality for patients with end-stage renal disease. Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is the most critical complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). AIMS: In our study, we aimed to compare the effects of colchicine and sirolimus on PF induced by hypertonic peritoneal dialysis solutions in rats. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experiment. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group received an intraperitoneal injection (ip) of saline. The sirolimus group received the PD solution, plus 1.0 mg/kg/day Rapamune®. The colchicine group received the PD solution ip plus 1.0 mg/kg/day of colchicine. Blood samples were taken to measure the serum levels of VEGF, TGF-ß, and TNF-α. Peritoneal tissue samples were taken for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: TGF-ß and TNF-α values in the sirolimus group were found to be statistically significantly lower than in the control and colchicine groups, but the differences between the control and colchicine groups were not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding the VEGF values. Vascular neogenesis and peritoneal thickness were compared; the values in the sirolimus group were statistically reduced compared to the values in the control group. Mild fibrosis developed in 75% of all animals in the sirolimus group; there was no moderate or severe fibrosis observed. Fibrosis developed to varying degrees in 100% of the animals in the control and colchicine groups. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that sirolimus might be beneficial for preventing or delaying the progression of PF and neoangiogenesis. These alterations in the peritoneal membrane may be connected with reduced TNF-α and TGF-ß levels.

Effect of leptin and apelin preconditioning on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury in rats.

Leptin and apelin are important adipocytokines involved in a variety of endocrine and paracrine functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous leptin and apelin preconditioning on hepatic ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Forty mice were assigned to four groups (n = 10): sham-operated control (sham), I/R injury, I/R + leptin (I/R + L), and I/R + apelin (I/R + A). Leptin 100 µg/kg/day and apelin 2 µg/kg/day were delivered intraperitoneally starting 3 days prior to surgical procedure in I/R + L and I/R + A groups, respectively. All I/R groups underwent 45 min of warm ischemia, followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), and liver histopathology were compared between groups. MDA was elevated in I/R, but stayed similar in I/R + L and I/R + A compared to sham. I/R + A had significantly lower MDA compared to I/R. GSH levels did not differ significantly between the groups. ALT and AST were elevated in all I/R groups, but significant reduction was observed in I/R + L and I/R + A compared to I/R. Liver histopathology was mostly mild in I/R + L and I/R + A, in contrast to severe injury observed in the I/R group. Leptin and apelin preconditioning significantly reduced hepatic I/R injury in rats.

Protective effect of everolimus on renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of everolimus and tacrolimus pretreatments on renal morphology and function in a rat ischemia reperfusion (I/R) model. Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to saline + sham operation, saline + I/R (IR), tacrolimus + I/R (TRL + I/R) and everolimus + I/R (ERL + I/R) groups. Saline and active treatments were administered intraperitoneally for seven consecutive days before the surgery. The suprarenal aorta was clamped to achieve warm ischemia, except in the sham group. Right nephrectomy was performed in all animals and histology was examined. Renal function was assessed on post-operative Day 7 by Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum biochemistry. Both everolimus and tacrolimus preserved serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, but only everolimus preserved GFR (0.74 ± 0.36, 1.20 ± 0.37 and 2.24 ± 0.32 mL/min for I/R, TRL + I/R and ERL + I/R, respectively, P < 0.001). %ID values for sham, I/R, TRL + I/R and ERL + I/R were 55 ± 3, 47 ± 4, 45 ± 6 and 62 ± 7 (P < 0.001). On histologic evaluation, ERL + I/R showed less tubular damage and necrosis than I/R, as well as TRL + I/R. Within the confines of this rat warm ischemia model, everolimus pre-treatment was useful in preserving renal function following I/R injury. The possibility of using everolimus as a pre-conditioning agent for I/R injury in kidney transplantation should be further explored.

Protective effect of curcumin on cyclosporin A-induced endothelial dysfunction, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative damage.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is the most widely used immunosuppressive drug for preventing graft rejection and autoimmune disease. However, the therapeutic treatment induces several side effects such as nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, hypertension, and hepatotoxicity. Curcumin has been successfully used as a potent antioxidant against many pathophysiological states. This experimental study was performed to test, during CsA treatment, the alterations of curcumin antioxidant properties against CsA-induced endothelial dysfunction. Rats were divided into four groups: control, curcumin alone, CsA, and CsA + curcumin; each group containing eight animals. The animals in the CsA + curcumin group were treated with CsA (10 days, 25 mg/kg, orally) and curcumin (15 days, 200 mg/kg, orally, starting 5 days before CsA administration). At the end of the treatments, the animals were killed; serum and aorta tissue were treated for biochemical and morphological analyses. The results indicate that CsA-induced aortic endothelial dysfunction was characterized by morphological and ultrastructural alterations in tissue architecture, changes in malondialdehyde and ferric reducing/antioxidant power levels, and increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl-transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) expression. In conclusion, our data suggest that the imbalance between production of free oxygen radicals and antioxidant defence systems, due to CsA administration, is a mechanism responsible for oxidative stress. Moreover, we show that curcumin plays a protective action against CsA-induced endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, as supported by biochemical, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, and TUNEL results.

Combined effects of tauroursodeoxycholic Acid and glutamine on bacterial translocation in obstructive jaundiced rats:.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial Translocation is believed to be an important factor on mortality and morbidity in Obstructive Jaundiced. AIMS: We investigated the probable or estimated positive effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid, which has antibacterial and regulatory effects on intestinal flora, together with glutamine on BT in an experimental obstructive jaundiced rat model. STUDY DESIGN: Animal experimentation. METHODS: Forty adult, male, Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. Animals were randomised and divided into five groups of eight each: sham (Sh); control (common bile duct ligation, CBDL); and supplementation groups administered tauroursodeoxycholic acid (CBDL+T), glutamine (CBDL+G), or tauroursodeoxycholic acid plus glutamine (CBDL+TG). Blood and liver, spleen, MLN, and ileal samples were taken via laparotomy under sterile conditions for investigation of bacterial translocation and intestinal mucosal integrity and hepatic function tests on the tenth postoperative day. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in BT rates in all samples except the spleen of the CBDL+TG group compared with the CBDL group (p=0.041, p=0.026, and p=0.041, respectively). CONCLUSION: It is essential to protect hepatic functions besides maintaining intestinal mucosal integrity in the active struggle against BT occurring in obstructive jaundice. The positive effect on intestinal mucosal integrity can be increased if glutamine is used with tauroursodeoxycholic acid, which also has hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory features.

Effects of apelin and leptin on renal functions following renal ischemia/reperfusion: An experimental study.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of apelin and leptin on renal functions following renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). A total of 32 rats were divided into four groups. The control group was not induced with ischemia, but was administered normal saline intraperitoneally. Normal saline, apelin and leptin were administered intraperitoneally to the I/R, ischemia/reperfusion and apelin (I/R+A) and ischemia/reperfusion and leptin (I/R+L) groups, in turn for three days prior to the surgical procedure. Blood and urine samples were obtained after 24 h of reperfusion, and scintigraphic examination was performed. Renal damage was evaluated histopathologically. Urea levels of the I/R+L and I/R+A groups were comparable, but were higher compared to that of the control group. The I/R group had the highest urea levels (control, 27±2; I/R, 120±15; I/R+A, 75±10; I/R+L, 80±11; p<0.001). Creatinine levels were higher in all three ischemic groups compared to the control group. Glomerular filtration rate values of the I/R+A and I/R+L groups were not significantly, but numerically higher compared to that of the I/R group. No pathological damage was observed in any of the animals in the control group. In the I/R group, two animals had moderate and six had severe renal damage, while three had moderate and one had severe renal damage in the I/R+L group. In the I/R+A group, moderate renal damage was found in one animal, while none had severe renal damage. This study demonstrates the functional and histopathological protective effects of leptin and apelin against renal I/R injury.

The effects of apelin on mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion damage in an experimental rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. There is ongoing research to find an effective preventive or treatment agent. We aimed to evaluate the effects of apelin 13 (AP) on intestinal I/R injury in a rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6-8 weeks and weighing 280±20 g were equally divided into three groups (control, I/R and I/R+AP). The control group underwent superior mesenteric artery (SMA) mobilization alone without any clamping. In the I/R and I/R+AP groups, an atraumatic microvascular bulldog clamp was placed across the SMA at its point of origin from the aorta. In the I/R+AP group, 2 µg/kg/d apelin was administered intraperitoneally. After 60 minutes of ischemia, relaparotomy was performed to remove the microvascular clamp on the SMA for 3 hours of reperfusion. After 3 hours, tissue samples were obtained for biochemical [malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels] and histopathological analyses. RESULTS: MDA levels were significantly higher in the I/R group compared to the control group. Although MDA levels were lower in the I/R+AP group compared tothe I/R group, the difference was not statistically significant. There was also no significant difference between the I/R+AP and I/R groups regarding GSH levels. The median histopathological grade was significantly lower in the I/R+AP group compared to the I/R group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Apelin appeared to have a positive effect on oxidative injury; this did not reach statistical significance. Thus, the role of apelin and associated findings in the initial treatment of intestinal ischemia needs further large-scale animal studies before human use.

Spontaneous fistulization of a pancreatic abscess to colon and duodenum treated with percutaneous drainage.

Pancreatic fistulas are rare clinical entities associated with severe pancreatitis. A 39-year-old man who had been diagnosed and treated for severe pancreatitis 2 months ago presented with abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a peripancreatic abscess and a duodenal fistula communicating the first part of duodenum, which was also verified with fluoroscopy. A size 14-French catheter with pig-tail tip was inserted primarily with a Seldinger 2-step technique through percutaneous route under CT-guidance to avoid intervening bowels or solid organs. The patient's clinic improved and treatment was stopped on the 18th day. On the 26th day of the first intervention, the patient had fever and abdominal pain and his clinic was deteriorated. A second fluoroscopic examination revealed that the duodeno pancreatic fistula was closed while a new 1 has developed into the ascending colon. With aggressive nutrition support, antibiotics and repeated drainage of the abscess pouch a dramatic clinical improvement was observed. Control abdominal CT demonstrated the resolution of pancreatic abscess on the 62nd day.

The effects of sirolimus on target organs during mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion damage in an experimental rat model.

BACKGROUND: Mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) syndrome (MIRS) has been considered a clinicopathologic entity associated with a variety of clinically severe conditions with decreased intestinal blood flow and has been known to induce I/R damage in various organs. Sirolimus (SRL), a macrolide antibiotic isolated from a strain of Streptomyces hygroscopicus, is a potent and nonnephrotoxic immunosuppressant. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the potential impact of sirolimus on MIRS-induced I/R damage in renal, intestinal, pulmonary, and hepatic tissues in an experimental rat model. METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6 to 8 weeks and weighing 280 (±20 g), were studied. Using computer-generated random numbers, rats were assigned to 1 of the following 3 groups: group 1 (I/R group, n = 8), group 2 (I/R + sirolimus group, n = 8), and group 3 (control group, n = 8). Sirolimus, in a 1 mg/mL (60 mL) solution, was administered intraperitoneally in a dose of 1.5 mg/kg/d to the rats assigned to group 2 starting from 3 days before the surgical procedure. In surgery, a laparotomy was performed to clamp the superior mesenteric artery and, thus, induce bowel ischemia in groups 1 and 2. After 60 minutes of ischemia, the microvascular clamp on the superior mesenteric artery was removed for 3 hours of reperfusion. Soon after experimental induction of MIRS, bowel, lung, kidney, and liver specimens from each animal were harvested for both biochemical and histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between groups 1 and 3 with regard to degrees of intestinal (P < 0.001), hepatic (P = 0.001), renal (P < 0.001), and pulmonary (P = 0.01) I/R damage. The lung specimens from group 2 had less inflammation and perivascular edema formation compared with specimens from group 1, but no statistical significance was observed between the groups (P < 0.33). There were statistically significant differences between groups 1 and 2 with regard to degrees of intestinal, hepatic, and renal I/R damage (P = 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study demonstrate the attenuating effects of sirolimus on I/R damage in the intestine and remote organs, including the liver and kidney in the setting of MIRS in an experimental rat model. As a therapeutic implication, the utility of sirolimus may be of clinical value in procedures associated with a high likelihood of I/R damage, including major abdominal operations and renal transplantation. However, whether these results apply to humans is unclear. Additional experimental and clinical studies are warranted to confirm the clinical utility of sirolimus in conditions potentially associated with I/R damage.

The effects of adding various doses of clonidine to ropivacaine in spinal anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compared the clinical effects of combined doses of ropivacaine and clonidine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients between ages 18 and 75, in ASA I-III groups who were to undergo elective lower extremity surgery, were included in the study with informed consent. Subjects were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Group I: % 1 ropivacaine 12 mg, group II: % 1 ropivacaine 12 mg + clonidine 15 µg, group III: % 1 ropivacaine 12 mg + clonidine 30 µg. Mean arterial pressure, breathing, heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation, total amount of ephedrine and atropine used, sensory and motor block levels, level of sedation, pain level and complications were monitored. RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure recorded in group III decreased significantly at 75, 105 and 120 min compared to groups I and II. In group I, time to two segment regression and time to sensory block to S2 was shorter when compared to the other groups (P<0.0001). The time to voiding and the duration of motor blockade was significantly longer in group I in comparison to the other groups. The need for atropine in group III was significantly higher (P<0.001). The incidence of hypotension and the requirement for ephedrine were significantly higher in groups II and III as compared to group I (P<0.01). Similarly, sedation in group III was significantly higher compared to the other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In summary, our study revealed that clonidine can be added to ropivacaine for spinal anesthesia in surgical interventions to obtain deeper and longer sensory and motor block. However, hypotension, bradycardia and sedation should be monitored closely.

A Case Report of a Renal Transplant Patient with Progressive Neurological Disorder due to Tacrolimus.

Neurological complications of tacrolimus are usually mild (tremors, paresthesia, myalgia), however, serious complications that result in encephalopathy, convulsions and coma can be seen. Serious complications are more frequently reported following liver transplants and lungs transplants than renal transplants and are typically seen when tacrolimus concentrations exceed the 15 ng/L therapeutic limit. In this article we presented our case of a renal allograft receiver with nausea, dizziness and fatigue complaints.

Retrospective evaluation of colon injury cases.

OBJECTIVE: When considering abdominal region injuries, the colon is one of the most frequently wounded organs. Due to the septic contents of the colon, failure to treat or improper treatment of colon injuries increases the risk of major complications and may result in death. The aim of our study is a retrospective evaluation of colon injury cases over a 5-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients with a diagnosis of colon injury were included in the study. The cause of colon injury, injured area, Flint colon injury score, additional organs injured, type of surgical procedure performed, postoperative complications and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: The most frequent cause of colon injury was cutters (57.2%), followed by firearms (36.7%). The left colon was the most common site of injury (40.8%), followed by the transverse (28.6%) and right colon (20.4%). Primary treatment or resection and primary anastomosis were performed on 38 patients (77.6%), while primary treatment and proximal decompression colostomy were performed on 11 patients (22.4%). Eighteen of the patients (36.7%) experienced major postoperative complications, and 6 patients (12.2%) died. CONCLUSION: The morbidity and mortality of colonic injuries can be reduced by rapid patient transportation, good operational experience, use of wide spectrum antibiotics and postoperative care in an intensive care unit.

The effects of hypertonic saline solution, ascorbic Acid and low-molecular-weight heparin on acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the biochemical and histopathological effects of vitamin C, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and hypertonic solution on acute necrotizing pancreatitis and on lungs as a terminal organ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 48 Sprague-Dawley rats in the study, which were divided into six groups, each with eight rats. The rats in group 1 were sacrificed immediately, in order to determine normal reference values for biochemical and histopathological data. Twenty-four hours after giving intraperitoneal L-arginine to the remaining five groups, development of pancreatitis was shown through assessment of amylase and CRP values. Rats in group 2 were sacrificed at the 24th hour and assigned to the control group for biochemical or the histopathological data groups, in which pancreatitis was induced. The rats in the remaining four groups were given intravenous (IV) isotonic NaCl (group 3), IV vitamin C (group 4), subcutaneous LMWH (group 5), IV hypertonic NaCl (group 6) between 24-48 hours. Each group was assessed with respect to amylase, Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), bicarbonate, base excess (BE), Ca++, ascorbic acid, and leukocyte at hour 72. Additionally, pancreatic and lung tissue was histopathologically evaluated. RESULTS: In the treatment groups, amylase and leukocyte levels at the 72nd hour were found to be significantly lower than at the 24th hour (p<0.05). The most significant decrease in amylase and leukocyte levels was found in group 6, and damage to the pancreas was found to be lowest in groups 4 and 6. CONCLUSION: We observed that in rats, hypertonic NaCl solution and vitamin C reduced the amount of necrosis in the pancreas.