The value of combined elevation of D-dimer and neopterin as a predictive parameter for early stage acute mesenteric ischemia: An experimental study.

Background The diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia is variable. Early diagnosis is important for reducing the mortality and morbidity rates. Aim This experimental study aims to investigate the diagnostic utility of D-dimer and neopterin as a marker for the early stage of acute mesenteric ischemia caused by occlusion of superior mesenteric artery. Methods The levels of D-dimer and neopterin were measured using an animal acute mesenteric ischemia model in 21 male rabbits. Superior mesenteric artery occlusion (Group 1, n = 14) and control (Group 2, n = 7) groups were identified. Blood samples at different times are collected from each rabbits. Blood samples from superior mesenteric artery occlusion group were taken 30 min after anesthesia but before laparotomy, 1, 2, and 3 h after superior mesenteric artery ligation. Blood samples from control group were taken 1 h before, 1 and 3 h after anesthesia and laparotomy. The D-dimer and neopterin levels of each blood sample were measured. Results The probability of acute mesenteric ischemia was found to be 36 times higher when the D-dimer level was over 0.125 ng/L, whereas the probability was 19.2 times higher when the neopterin level was over 1.25 nmol/L. Conclusions In this experimental study, the combined elevation of two significant markers, D-dimer and neopterin, may be helpful for the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.

Ewing's Sarcoma of the Peritoneum: a Rare Location for Extraskeletal Ewing's Sarcoma.

A 38-year-old male presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and bulge. He had a history of irritable bowel syndrome for 1 year with complaint of dyspepsia. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen with a huge palpable mass located in the paraumblical region. Laboratory findings revealed a high white blood cell count with neutrophil predominance. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a 23-cm, oval-shaped, grossly necrotic, low-attenuation mass with peripherally located dominant vessels. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) suggested a highly malignant tumor with prominent diffusion restriction especially at the periphery of the mass. On surgery, macroscopic examination showed a macrolobulated, hypervascular, reddish brown mass attached to the parietal peritoneum with a stalk. Ewing's sarcoma (ES) was diagnosed on histopathological examination with small round cells.

Efficacy of wound infiltration with lornoxicam for postoperative analgesia following thyroidectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Postoperative pain control constitutes a major problem and studies have focused on reducing opioid requirements using regional techniques. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of wound infiltration with lornoxicam on postoperative pain control following thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized-controlled study, 80 patients scheduled for thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to 2 groups. After the thyroidectomy was performed, patients in group I underwent wound infiltration with 4 mg of lornoxicam and patients in group II received the same amount of saline. Rescue analgesia was provided with additional doses oflornoxicam delivered by an on-demand patient-controlled analgesia device. Total analgesic consumption during the postoperative 24 h, and pain intensities assessed using a visual analog scale score at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h postoperatively were recorded. RESULTS: Pain scores during the postoperative 24 h were slightly lower in group I than in group II, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The mean analgesic consumption was 8.87 ± 1.87 mg and 10.33 ± 1.25 mg in groups I and II, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Wound infiltration with lornoxicam neither improved postoperative pain control nor decreased total analgesic consumption.

Body mass index and ghrelin levels after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

PURPOSE: The study aims to evaluate the changes between body mass index (BMI) and ghrelin levels after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who were scheduled for LNF consented to participate in the study. The participants' age, sex, preoperative (phase 0), postoperative 1st week (phase 1) and postoperative 4th week (phase 2) dysphagia scores, plasma ghrelin levels, and BMI were recorded. RESULTS: Compared to the preoperative level (phase 0), ghrelin was decreased in both phase 1 and phase 2. A strong correlation in the changes in the ghrelin values and BMI between phase 0 and phase 2 was detected. There was a strong, statistically significant difference in the changes in the BMI values between phase 1 and phase 2. CONCLUSIONS: Total plication of the fundus impairs its ghrelin-secreting functions for up to 4 weeks and is accompanied by weight loss.

The Effects of Total Colectomy on Bacterial Translocation in a Model of Acute Pancreatitis.

Prevention of secondary infection is currently the main goal of treatment for acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Colon was considered as the main origin of secondary infection. Our aim was to investigate whether prophylactic total colectomy would reduce the rate of bacterial translocation and infection of pancreatic necrosis. Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Pancreatitis was created by ductal infusion of sodium taurocholate. Rats were divided into four groups: group-1, laparotomy + pancreatic ductal infusion of saline; group-2, laparotomy + pancreatic ductal infusion of sodium taurocholate; group-3, total colectomy + pancreatic ductal infusion of saline; and group-4, total colectomy + pancreatic ductal infusion of sodium taurocholate. Forty-eight hours later, tissue and blood samples were collected for microbiological and histopathological analysis. Total colectomy caused small bowel bacterial overgrowth with gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms. Bacterial count of gram-negative rods in the small intestine and pancreatic tissue in rats with colectomy and acute pancreatitis were significantly higher than in rats with acute pancreatitis only (group-2 versus group-4; small bowel, p = <0.001; pancreas, p = 0.002). Significant correlation was found between proximal small bowel bacterial overgrowth and pancreatic infection (r = 0,836, p = 0.001). In acute pancreatitis, prophylactic total colectomy (which can mimic colonic cleansing and reduction of colonic flora) induces small bowel bacterial overgrowth, which is associated with increased bacterial translocation to the pancreas.

[Analysis of the pediatric trauma score in patients wounded with shrapnel; the effect of explosives with high kinetic energy: results of the first intervention center]. / Pediatrik travma skorunun yüksek kinetik enerjiye sahip parça etkili yaralanmalardaki analizi: Ilk müdahale merkezi sonuçlari

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the pediatric trauma score analysis in pediatric trauma cases due to shrapnel effect of explosives material with high kinetic energy. METHODS: The data of 17 pediatric injuries were reviewed retrospectively between February 2002 and August 2005. The information about age, gender, trauma-hospital interval, trauma mechanism, the injured organs, pediatric Glasgow coma score (PGCS), pediatric trauma score (PTS), hemodynamic parameters, blood transfusion, interventions and length of hospital stay (LHS) were investigated. RESULTS: While all patients suffered from trauma to the extremities, only four patients had traumatic lower-limb amputation. Transportation time was <=1 hour in 35% of cases, and >1 hour in 65% of cases. While PTS was found as <=8 in 35.3% of cases (n=6), the score was found to be higher than 8 in 64.7% of them (n=11). Median heart rate in patients with PTS <=8 was 94 beats/min. This value was 70 beats/min in those with PTS >8 (p=0.007). Morbidity rates of PTS <=8 cases and PTS >8 cases were 29.4% and 5.9%, respectively (p=0.026). While LHS was 22.8 days in PTS <=8 cases, LHS was found to be only 4 days in PTS >8 cases. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: PTS is very efficient and a time-saving procedure to assess the severity of trauma caused by the shrapnel effect. The median heart rate, morbidity, and LHS increased significantly in patients with PTS <=8.

Surgical treatment of caustic esophageal strictures in adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Caustic esophageal injury is a rare clinical condition in adult patients. Although dilatation, or the conservative approach, is the primary treatment method, some patients require surgical intervention. Because of the rarity of such cases, standard surgical treatment algorithms cannot be utilized. In this article, we present our surgical experience and discuss the challenges in the surgical management of corrosive injury of the esophagus in adults. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 28 patients who suffered from a corrosive esophageal injury between 1996 and 2011. Patient demographics, history of corrosive material ingestion, preoperative findings, treatment strategy, operative technique, postoperative course, requirements for further treatment, and the current status of the patients were investigated. RESULTS: All patients underwent a transhiatal esophagectomy in addition to a gastric pull-up with a cervical esophagogastrostomy. The mean follow-up time was 62 (12-140) months. One patient developed a deep surgical infection; anastomotic stenosis was noted and treated with dilatation in 13 patients. The mean time period between the operation and the first dilatation for 12 patients was 81 (45-161) days. The mean dilatation count for the patients was 3 (1-10). CONCLUSION: Although it comes with high anastomotic stenosis rates, transhiatal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up with cervical anastomosis is a safe procedure, which can be performed for the treatment of corrosive esophageal stricture.

Rectus abdominus fascial sheath usage for crural reinforcement during surgical management of GERD: preliminary report of a prospective randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Many materials are currently being used to reinforce the crural repair. Perforation, intensive fibrosis, and price are limiting the usage of these materials. Our purpose was to seek an alternative, cheap, always available, and inert material to use for cruroplasty reinforcement. METHODS: Twenty-four patients participated and were randomly divided into 2 groups (graft+laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication alone) with 12 patients in each group. Total operation time, postoperative dysphagia rate, dysphagia improvement time, postoperative pain, recurrence, and incisional hernia rate were compared. RESULTS: There was no difference in terms of study parameters between both groups except for the mean operation time. CONCLUSIONS: Autograft hiatoplasty seems to be a good alternative for crural reinforcement. It provides safe reinforcement, has the same dysphagia rates as meshless hiatoplasty, and avoids potential complications of redo surgery by minimizing extensive fibrosis. Furthermore, the rectus abdominus sheath is always available and inexpensive.

The effects of amlodipine on the biochemical and histopathological changes in the rabbit ileum subjected to ischemia-reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the potential, protective effects of amlodipine in an experimental, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model in the rabbit small intestine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rabbits were divided into four groups: sham-operated, amlodipine (10 mg/kg) + sham-operated, I/R, and I/R + amlodipine (10 mg/kg) groups. An intestinal I/R model was applied to the rabbits. The superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 1 h with an atraumatic vascular clamp and then was reperfused for 2 h. Animals in the amlodipine and I/R + amlodipine groups received the amlodipine by oral gavage. At the end of the 2-h-reperfusion period, the animals were sacrificed. RESULTS: Pretreatment with amlodipine significantly increased SOD activity and GSH levels to values close to those found in the serum from the I/R group. Rabbits in the I/R group showed high levels of serum MDA. Amlodipine pretreatment significantly reduced the serum MDA levels compared to the I/R group, although the MDA levels in the I/R + amlodipine group were still higher than in the sham-operated group. The I/R damage was ameliorated by amlodipine pretreatment, as evidenced by histopathological analysis. CONCLUSION: The present study is the first to report an attenuation of I/R-induced intestinal injury by the systemic administration of amlodipine.

[The disguised face of blast injuries: shock waves]. / Patlama yaralanmalarinin gizli yüzü: Sok dalgalari.

BACKGROUND: The increase in terrorist attacks has brought a profound and new knowledge of blast injuries. In order to improve our knowledge regarding the mechanisms of blast injuries, we analyzed the effects of shock waves. METHODS: 100 g TNT and 1000 g C4 were detonated and recorded by high-speed camera. Blast wind, shock wave and shrapnel speeds were calculated, and final condition of the target was examined. RESULTS: A flash ball appeared first followed by the shock wave. Finally, blast wind occurred and shrapnel was distributed. The macroscopic structure of targets was not affected by the shock wave but was affected by shrapnel and blast wind. Shock waves created a transparent ballistic gel inside the target mat by changing its microscopic structure. The speed of the shock wave was 6482-7194 m/sn and shrapnel speed was 1420-1752 m/sn. CONCLUSION: Shock waves especially affect the air-filled organs and cause lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and intestinal and eardrum perforation. Blast wind destroys targets due to its high speed and high density. The main cause of mortality is shrapnel injury. The high temperature created by the explosion causes thermal injuries. Being informed of the mechanisms of blast injuries will assist in providing better treatment. Additionally, consideration of all mechanisms of blast injuries will facilitate lower mortality and morbidity rates.

The importance of urine 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

PURPOSE: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Diagnosis is usually made depending on the presenting history, clinical evaluation, and laboratory tests. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (U-5-HIAA) in the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis. METHODS: Thirty-five pigmented male rabbits were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 is the control (n = 7); group 2 is the sham (n = 10). The appendix was ligated from its base, and an appendectomy was performed after 12, 24, 36 hours in group 3 (n = 7), group 4 (n = 7), and group 5 (n = 7), respectively. Spot urine samples were obtained for U-5-HIAA determination, and appendectomy tissues were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: Acute appendicitis was diagnosed in all animals in group 3, group 4, and group 5, and the mean levels of U-5-HIAA in group 3 were higher than in the other groups. The mean of U-5-HIAA levels between animals with appendicitis and those without showed a significant difference (P = .003). The U-5-HIAA cutoff point of 4.15 mg/g creatinine had a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 64.29%, and an accuracy of 76% (area under curve = 0.805) for acute appendicitis. The probability of acute appendicitis is found to be 10, 2 times more when the U-5-HIAA level is greater than 4.15 mg/g creatinine. CONCLUSION: We have concluded that spot U-5-HIAA level increases significantly in the early stages of acute appendicitis.

A comparison of different hemorrhoidectomy procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pain level, analgesic consumption, operation time, bleeding and early complications after open and closed hemorrhoidectomy using a harmonic scalpel (HS) and classical methods. METHODS: Between January 2005 and January 2006, 87 patients with grade III-IV hemorrhoids, admitted in General Surgery Clinic, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey were enrolled in the study. They were randomized into open HS (n=22), closed HS (n=22), Miligan Morgan (n=22), and Ferguson (n=21) hemorrhoidectomy. Patients were evaluated for postoperative pain, painkiller consumption, bleeding and operation time. RESULTS: Bleeding volume was significantly lower in Groups I-II (p<0.001). Operation time was significantly shorter in Group I (p<0.001). Postoperative pain and pain at the time of first defecation, was significantly lower in Groups I-III (p<0.001) compared with the other 2 groups and lower during days 2-6 in Group I compared to the Group III (p<0.004). Visual Analogue Scale results were similar in Groups II and IV. Analgesic consumption in Groups I-III was significantly lower than Groups II-IV (p<0.001). Oral analgesic consumption during 2-5 postoperative days was lower in Group I than in Group III (p<0.007) and similar in closed hemorrhoidectomy group. CONCLUSION: The use of HS in hemorrhoidectomy reduces postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, operation time, and bleeding. Harmonic scalpel hemorrhoidectomy is an effective, comfortable, and safe procedure. Use of suture in hemorrhoidectomy is a major cause of postoperative pain.

Late presentation of blunt right diaphragmatic rupture (hepatic hernia).

Diaphragmatic rupture occurs in 0.8% to 3.6% of patients after blunt or penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma, and the preoperative diagnosis is difficult. The diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture may be made on initial presentation or at any time later. Right-sided diaphragmatic rupture is rare and occurs in approximately 5% to 20% of all diaphragmatic disruptions. The incidence of herniation of the intra-abdominal organs into the pleural cavity is also low, observed in only about 19% of right-sided diaphragmatic ruptures. We present a case of right-sided traumatic rupture of the diaphragm diagnosed 15 years after the initial blunt trauma. A 22-year-old male patient fell 15 years before and was symptom-free since then. He was referred to our hospital with the signs of herniation of the right diaphragm, which was manifested in the chest x-rays. The definite diagnosis was made through thoracoabdominal computed tomography. The diaphragmatic rupture was repaired via abdominal approach.

Accurate positioning of the 24-hour pH monitoring catheter: agreement between manometry and pH step-up method in two patient positions.

AIM: To investigate the agreement between esophageal manometry and pH step-up method in two different patient positions. METHODS: Eighteen subjects were included in the study. First, the distance from the nose to the proximal border of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was measured manometrically. Then a different investigator, who was blinded to the results of the first study, measured the same distance using the pH step-up method, with the patient in both upright and supine positions. An assessment of agreement between the two techniques was performed. RESULTS: In the supine position, the measurement of only one subject was outside the range accepted for correct positioning (< or = 3 cm distal or proximal to the LES). In the upright position, errors in measurement were recognized in five subjects. Bland-Altman plots revealed good agreement between measurements obtained manometrically and by the pH-step up method with the patient in the supine position. CONCLUSION: In the case of nonavailability of manometric detection device, the pH step-up method can facilitate the positioning of the 24 h pH monitoring catheter with the patient in the supine position. This should increase the use of pH-metry in clinical practice for subjects with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease if our results are supported by further studies.

[A rare cause of bleeding intestinal intussusception in adult: jejunal lipoma]. / Eriskinde nadir bir intestinal intussusepsiyon ve kanama nedeni: Jejunal lipom.

Small bowel neoplasms are usually diagnosed when patients are referred with complications such as hemorrhage or obstruction. Intestinal lipomas are the third most frequent benign tumors among all intestinal neoplasms and their definite diagnosis is usually obtained after histopathological examination of the resected specimen. A 76 year-old male patient with partial intestinal obstruction and rectal bleeding at admittance was found to have an abdominal mass on ultrasound. The density pattern of the mass at abdominal CT was supporting a jejunal lipoma leading an intussusception. Then an enteroclysis localized and reduced the jejunojejunal intussusception. The diagnosis of lipoma was confirmed with histopathological examination of the mass removed by an elective intestinal resection. This case was reported as the intestinal lipoma leading a jejunojejunal intussusception associated with bleeding, could be diagnosed preoperatively.