Adem Güngör

Surgical treatment in bronchiectasis: analysis of 166 patients

BACKGROUND Bronchiectasis is usually caused by pulmonary infections and bronchial obstruction. It is still a serious problem in developing countries as our country. We reviewed the morbidity and mortality rates and outcome of surgical treatment for bronchiectasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1990 and 2000, 166 patients (92 female and 74 male patients) underwent pulmonary resection for bronchiectasis. The mean age was 34.1 years (range, 7-70 years). Mean duration of symptoms was 5.7 years. RESULTS Symptoms were copious amount of purulent sputum in 135 patients, expectoration of foul-smelling sputum in 109, hemoptysis in 35 and cough in all patients. The indication for pulmonary resection was failure of medical therapy in 158 patients, massive hemoptysis in five and lung abscess in three. The disease was bilateral in six patients and mainly confined to the lower lobe in 127. One hundred and twenty patients had a lobectomy, 13 had a pneumonectomy, 21 had a segmentectomy and a combination of these approaches in 18. Operative morbidity and mortality were seen in 18 (10.5%) and in three (1.7%) patients, respectively. Follow-up was complete in 148 patients with a mean of 4.2 years. Overall, 111 patients were asymptomatic after surgical treatment, symptoms were improved in 31, and unchanged or worse in six. CONCLUSIONS Surgical treatment of bronchiectasis is more effective in patient with localized disease. It is satisfactory with acceptable ratio of morbidity and mortality.

Parenchyma-Preserving Surgery in the Management of Pulmonary Hydatid Cysts

Pulmonary hydatid cysts remain a significant health problem in endemic regions like Turkey. Here, we present our surgical experience in patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts. Between January 1985 and January 2001, 1118 operations were performed in 1032 patients (528 males, 504 females; mean age 32.7 years; range 1–87 years) with pulmonary hydatid cysts in our department. Posterolateral thoracotomy was performed in 1015 (98.3%), two-stage thoracotomy in 34 (3.3%), and median sternotomy in 17 (1.7%) patients. We preferred conservative surgical procedures. As a surgical procedure, cystotomy and capitonnage was performed in 626 (56%), cystotomy alone in 368 (33%), wedge resection in 81 (7%), enucleation in 29 (3%), and decortication in 11 (1%) patients. None of our patients were treated with anatomic resection. During surgery, 949 patients (92%) had unruptured and 83 patients (8%) had ruptured hydatid cyst. The morbidity ratio was 6.7%. Major complications were wound infection (2.3%), prolonged air leak (1.9%), atelectasis (1.2%), pleural effusion (0.8%), postoperative hemothorax (0.6%), and empyema (0.3%). Two patients (0.2%) died within the first month postoperatively. Mean follow-up was 31.2 months. Recurrence was detected in only 35 patients (3.3%). Treatment of pulmonary hydatid cyst is primarily surgical. Medical treatment is indicated for recurrent and multiple hydatid cysts postoperatively. Cystotomy alone, or cystotomy and capitonnage, as parenchyma-preserving surgery, is preferred. Radical surgery including pneumonectomy, lobectomy, and segmentectomy should be avoided.

Comparison of Mersilene Mesh–Methyl Metacrylate Sandwich and Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts for Chest Wall Reconstruction

We report the outcomes of patients who underwent reconstruction with Mersilene mesh–methyl methacrylate (MM–MM) sandwich and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts after a large chest wall resection. Between June 1990 and September 2001, 59 consecutive patients (37 men, 22 women; mean age, 48.1 ± 11.8 years; range 22–74 years) underwent large chest wall resection (greater than 5 cm diameter) and reconstruction with prosthetic material in our department. Twenty-one patients (33%) underwent reconstruction with a PTFE graft (group 2) between 1990 and 1994, and 38 patients (67%) underwent reconstruction with an MM–MM sandwich graft (group 1) between 1994 and 2001. Operative morbidity ratios were 5.2% (2/38) in group 1 and 24% (5/21) in group 2 (p =. 036). The paradoxical respiration ratio was significantly higher (p =. 018) in group 2 (5/21: 24%) than it was in group 1 (1/38: 2.6%). The operative mortality ratio was 4.5% (1/21) in group 2 and 0% in group 1. Mean hospital stay was 10.6 days (range 5–21 days) in group 1 and 13.3 days (range 7–36 days) in group 2 (p =. 015). The MM–MM graft is inexpensive and easy to apply, provides better cosmetic options, and offers minimal morbidity. We therefore recommend that the MM–MM sandwich graft be used rather than the PTFE graft for large defects of the anterolateral chest wall and sternum where successful prevention of paradoxical respiration is required.

Histiocytosis X and Bronchopulmonary Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Coexistence

There exists a rarely observed association between pulmonary histiocytosis X and bronchopulmonary cancer. However, the frequency of bronchopulmonary cancer in these patients is higher than in the general population. A 28-year-old patient who currently smokes ten packs of cigarettes a year came to our department of pneumology with complains of cough and hemoptysis. An x-ray of the thorax revealed bilateral cysts and a shadow in the upper part of the right pulmonary field. In addition, a chest tomography showed multiple cysts dispersed throughout the two pulmonary fields and an irregular mass with a diameter of four centimetres in the upper right lobe. Bronchopulmonary adenocarcinoma was diagnosed during a cytologic exam of the bronchial washing. We decided to perform a thoracotomy on the patient, since there was no far metastasis. An upper lobectomy and wedge resection of the upper segment of the lower right lobe, which had been invaded by the tumour, were performed. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. A pulmonary biopsy was carried out on the tumour-free site and showed the presence of histiocytosis X. There is a hypothesis that a neoplasm developed on the pulmonary fibrosis could be an epiphenomenon of bronchopulmonary cancer in patients who smoke and have pulmonary histiocytosis X. It is interesting to note that histiocytosis X and bronchopulmonary cancer were diagnosed at the same time, since the bronchopulmonary cancer may have occurred within a few years following the diagnosis of histiocytosis X, even if she was a smoker. Hemoptysis, which is found in 5% of patients with histiocytosis X, may suggest cancer. This young patient, a smoker, who complained of hemoptysis, is a particularly rare case of the association between pulmonary histiocytosis X and bronchopulmonary cancer whose pathogenesis is not clear cut. It is thus important to note that smoking can have major consequences, even in young people.

Prognostic significance of blood group antigen expression of tumor tissue in lung cancer patients.

Aims and background Many prognostic factors have been evaluated both for SCLC and NSCLC. The prognostic significance of blood group antigen expression of tumor tissues has been studied particularly in NSCLC, yielding divergent results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of the tumoral expression of blood group antigens ABH in lung cancer. Methods The presence of blood group antigens was assessed immunohistochemically in paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 92 patients diagnosed between 1996 and 1997. Monoclonal antibodies were used to detect blood group antigens. Results The median survival was longer in NSCLC patients whose tumors were positive for blood group antigen A (P = 0.009). Since the expression of blood group antigen A in tumor cells was limited to patients with type A or AB blood, survival analysis of these patients showed survival to be longer in non-small cell lung cancer patients with blood group antigen A-positive tumors (P = 0.0019). Conclusions Expression of blood group antigen A in tumor cells is an important, favorable prognostic factor in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, which could be useful to stratify patients with blood group A or AB according to possible outcome, and to guide therapeutic decision-making. The expression of blood group antigens ABH should be evaluated in larger series of lung cancer patients (including small and non-small cell lung cancer) with all blood types.

Normal values correlates' of carotid intima- media thickness and affecting parameters in healthy adults

OBJECTIVE Early changes in atherosclerosis can be diagnosed by the carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement. Normal range of CIMT in healthy subjects has not been studied yet in our country. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the CIMT in healthy individuals and investigate affecting parameters of CIMT. METHODS Overall, 2298 subjects, aged 18 to 92 years were undergone CIMT measurement in this observational cohort study. 151 healthy adult subjects, aged 20 to 79 year without atherosclerotic risk factors, normal body mass index and normal metabolic parameters were selected to establish normative CIMT values. Correlations between CIMT and atherosclerotic risk factors were evaluated in the Turkish population. The independent variables associated with CIMT were evaluated with multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS CIMT value was 0.458 ± 0.116 mm in males and 0.47 ± 0.104 mm in females. Mean values of CIMT (in mm) for healthy reference sample aged 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70-79 years were 0.402; 0.466; 0.492; 0.586; 0.692 and 0.733, respectively. CIMT increased significantly (p<0.001) by 0.066 mm, in every decade. Correlates of CIMT were age, visceral fat level, fasting serum glucose, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age was the single independent predictor of CIMT thickness in healthy individuals (β=0.007, 95% CI: 0.006-0.008, p<0.001). CONCLUSION CIMT was 0.458 ± 0.116 mm in men and 0.47 ± 0.104 mm in Turkish healthy adults. Age was the only predictor of CIMT. CIMT measurement can be used in the assessment of early atherosclerosis burden in adults.

Benign Localized Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura: Report of 25 New Cases

OBJECTIVE Benign localized fibrous tumors (BLFT) of the pleura are very rare slow-growing neoplasms that generally have a favorable prognosis. The aim of this manuscript is to evaluate the predictors of outcome with the review of the literature in a series of 25 patients with BLFT. METHODS Between January 1985 and November 2009, 25 patients underwent an operation due to BLFT. Of these patients, 14 (56%) were male; mean age was 41.1 (25 to 64) years. All patients underwent thoracotomy. Left thoracotomy approach was used in 16 patients. The mass lesions were totally excised. The histopathological examinations were performed with hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining methods. RESULTS Of the patients, 18 (72%) were symptomatic. Symptoms were cough in 36%, shortness of breath in 32%, and chest pain in 20% of the patients. One patient (4%) appeared to have some symptoms (pain and swelling of the joints) associated with pulmonary osteoarthropathy. Seven patients (28%) underwent an operation due to mass lesion detected at routine control visits. None of the patients had a history of exposure to asbestos. Radiological investigations revealed 16 (64%) mass lesions in the left. Of the lesions found on exploration, 5 (20%) were intrapulmonary localized lesion without pedicle and 20 were pedicled. Of the pedicled masses, 5 were connected to parietal pleura and 15 to visceral pleura and all were intrathoracic extrapulmonary localized lesions. Eight (32%) lesions connected to left lower lobe. Additionally, three pedicled lesions were located in the lung fissure. Pedicled lesions were totally excised together with their pedicles. Intraparenchymal mass lesions were resected using wedge resection. The diameter of the resected masses was ranging between 3 and 22 cm (mean: 8.7). Macroscopically, all were encapsulated with a homogeneous cut surface. Intraoperative mortality and morbidity was not observed. The average hospitalization duration for all patients was 8.6 days (5 to 12). The mean follow-up was 33.6 (9 to 142) months with no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Benign localized fibrous tumors are uncommon and treated by surgical means. According to our data obtained from literature review, clinicians should be aware of recurrence possibility even after complete resection of benign localized fibrous tumor and the risk of malign transformation.

Vitamin D and inflammation: evaluation with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio.

Introduction Association of vitamin D, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, beside the classic bone metabolism disorders, may explain the pathogenesis of numerous diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency. While large numbers of reports support the relationship of vitamin D with inflammation, several reports fail to confirm this relationship. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are novel and inexpensive markers of inflammation that can be studied in all centers. The goal of this study was to investigate the association between 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and inflammation with the novel inflammatory markers NLR and PLR. Material and methods This study was performed retrospectively. Results of the simultaneously performed 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and creatinine level measurements and complete blood count were recorded. The data of 4120 patients were included in the study. Results Between vitamin D deficient and non-deficient groups there were significant differences in PLR (p < 0.001) and NLR (p = 0.001). Vitamin D had a significant negative correlation with PLR (p < 0.001) and NLR (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that 25(OH)D was independently and negatively correlated with PLR (OR = 0.994, 95% CI 0.991–0.998, p = 0.02). Conclusions Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and NLR were significantly associated with 25(OH)D levels, and PLR was found to be an independent predictor of 25(OH)D levels. Our study revealed an inverse association of vitamin D levels and inflammation with these inexpensive and universally available markers.

Female and male differences in the survival of patients undergoing resection for lung cancer.

Abstract Objective: In recent years much attention has been focused on the rapidly increasing incidence of primary lung cancer in women. The aim of this study was to determine gender differences in patients treated surgically for lung cancer. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who had lung resection for primary lung cancer from January 1994 to December 1998. Results: There were 530 men and 42 women. Women were younger than men (55.6 ± 10 versus 57 ± 9.9). The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.9). The mean cigarette consumption was greater in men than in women (p < 0.001). We observed a higher operative morbidity and mortality rate in men compared to women (p < 0.05). Men had more squamous cell carcinoma (61.7%). In female patients, squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma were found with almost the same incidence (35.7% versus 33.3%). There was a significant difference in the distribution of cell types (p < 0.001). Pathologic stages for women were; I = 38.2%, II = 21.4%, IIIa = 21.4%, IIIb = 9.5%, IV = 9.5% and for men; I = 40.4%, II = 26.6%, IIIa = 24%, IIIb = 6%, IV = 3%. There was no significant difference in the stage distribution between genders (p = 0.2). Median survival for female and male patients were 38 ± 9.2 and 35 ± 3.2 months. Female patients’ survival was longer than male patients but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study emphasizes sex differences in cigarette consumption, operative mortality and the distribution of cell types of patients with primary lung cancer. These initial results should strongly encourage additional studies in different countries on the interaction between sex and lung cancer characteristics to improve clarity.

Clavicular osteoma associated with bronchial osteomas

Osteoma is a rare benign tumor, composed of bony tissues. It predominantly involves the skull but rarely the long bones. In this report we present a case of clavicular osteoma associated with bronchial osteomas. This association has not previously been reported. There was no evidence of Gardner’s syndrome.