Fatih Yanar

Final destination of an ingested needle: the liver.

Foreign body ingestion is a common problem in children, but it is also seen among adults. Most foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing complications. Perforation of the gut by a foreign body, followed by migration of the foreign body to the liver is quite rare. Herein we report a case of inadvertent ingestion of a sewing needle that perforated the duodenum and migrated to the liver. The patient was monitored weekly with abdominal radiographs, but displacement of the needle could not be observed. At follow-up, right upper quadrant pain was noted. Two weeks later, computed tomography revealed that the needle was completely buried into the right lobe of the liver. Ultrasonographic examination successfully showed the extracapsular displacement of the needle. Eventually, laparoscopic removal of the needle was easily performed.

Local thrombolytic therapy in acute mesenteric ischemia.

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate the local thrombolytic therapy (LTT) in combination with laparoscopy, in management of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI).MethodsFrom January 2000 to January 2010, patients who were admitted to the hospital with AMI due to acute arterial occlusion were analysed retrospectively. Patients presenting with acute abdomen with a suspicion of AMI were evaluated with computerized tomography angiography (CTA). Patients who had findigs of AMI on CTA, were underwent selective mesenteric angiography and LTT eventhough without peritoneal signs. LTT was carried out before or after laparoscopy or laparotomy, and initiated with recombinant plasminogen activator.ResultsLTT was performed in 13 (17.1%), out of 76 patients. From the remaining patients, 56 underwent necrotic bowel resection and 7 underwent tromboembolectomy. The median age was 62 years (45–87). The median duration of symptoms was 24 h. Four (30.7%) patients presented within 24 h onset of symptoms, whilst 9 (69.3%) patients presented after 24 h onset of symptoms. There were 5 (39.5%) patients, who presented with abdominal pain without peritoneal signs on physical examination and 8 (61.5%) patients, who had peritoneal signs. The mortality rate was 20% (1/5) in the first group who presented without peritoneal signs, whilst it was 62.5% (5/8) in the remaining.ConclusionEarly intervention in AMI is the key to better results. CTA combined with early laparoscopy and LTT may have beneficial effects at this setting.

Factors That Affect the False-Negative Outcomes of Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Thyroid Nodules

Background. The purpose of this study was to assess the factors that affect the false-negative outcomes of fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) in thyroid nodules. Methods. Thyroid nodules that underwent FNAB and surgery between August 2005 and January 2012 were analyzed. FNABs were taken from the suspicious nodules regardless of nodule size. Results. Nodules were analyzed in 2 different groups: Group 1 was the false-negatives (n = 81) and Group 2 was the remaining true-positives, true-negatives, and false-positives (n = 649). A cytopathologist attended in 559 (77%) of FNAB procedures. There was a positive correlation between the nodule size and false-negative rates, and the absence of an interpreting cytopathologist for the examination of the FNAB procedure was the most significant parameter with a 76-fold increased risk of false-negative results. Conclusion. The contribution of cytopathologists extends the time of the procedure, and this could be a difficult practice in centres with high patient turnovers. We currently request the contribution of a cytopathologist for selected patients whom should be followed up without surgery.

Iatrogenic major vascular injury during lumbar discectomy: report of three cases.

Iatrogenic vascular injury rarely occurs during lumbar disc surgery and can be fatal if it is not recognized instantly. In this paper we aim to introduce three iatrogenic vascular injuries that occurred during the lumbar disc surgery. The first case was consulted because of the sudden hypotension attack during lumbar disc surgery. The left common iliac artery and bilateral common iliac vein injuries were detected in emergency laparotomy, and repaired primarily. The second case was consulted to our clinic because of the hypotension attack at the first postoperative day. Left common iliac artery and vein injuries were diagnosed by CT angiography. Left common iliac vein was ligated and left common iliac arterial injury was repaired primarily by laparotomy. The third case was referred to our clinic for left lower extremity ischemia. Left common iliac artery injury was diagnosed by simple physical examination. Reconstruction by PTFE graft interposition was performed. The first patient died due to disseminated intravascular coagulation at the early postoperative period. Pulmonary embolus developed in the iliac vein ligated patient but was well treated by anticoagulant therapy. The last patient was discharged without any problem. Two of the patients are well on long-term follow-up.

Mezenter Ven Trombozuna Yaklaşım: Tek Merkez Deneyimi

BACKGROUND Mesenteric vein thrombosis occurs rarely and is responsible for approximately 5-15% of all cases of acute mesenteric ischemia. The aim of this report was to discuss the management of mesenteric vein thrombosis based on our experience with 34 patients. METHODS In the present study, 34 patients who were admitted to our emergency surgery department between January 2007 and January 2010 with a diagnosis of acute mesenteric vein thrombosis were assessed retrospectively. Patients with peritoneal signs first underwent diagnostic laparoscopy to rule out perforation or bowel gangrene. We performed a second-look laparoscopy within 72 hours of the first operation. All patients were administered 100 mg/kg of the anticoagulant enoxaparin twice daily. In the 6th and 12th months of follow up, CT angiography was performed to evaluate recanalization of the veins. RESULTS CT angiography revealed superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in 25 (73%) patients, portal vein thrombosis in 24 (70%) patients, and splenic vein thrombosis in 12 (35%) patients. Eleven patients with peritoneal signs underwent diagnostic laparoscopy; eight of the patients underwent small bowel resection, anastomosis, and trocar insertion. During second-look laparoscopy, small bowel ischemia was found in two patients and re-resection was performed. CONCLUSION Early diagnosis with CT angiography, surgical and non-surgical blood flow restoration, proper anticoagulation, and supportive intensive care are the cornerstones of successful treatment of mesenteric vein thrombosis.

Arterial disease and vascular access in diabetic patients.

Purpose There are conflicting reports on the effects of diabetes on the outcomes of hemodialysis access procedures. While some found no negative effects, others reported deleterious effects of diabetes on vascular access outcomes. Why is there concern about diabetes and related vascular problems on vascular access procedures? What are the differences of diabetic patients and their vasculature from that of nondiabetics? Do they have an effect on hemodialysis vascular access outcomes? We will try to find answers to these questions in light of the available evidence. Methods Recent literature on arterial disease in diabetes and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the effects on vascular access outcomes were searched in order to find answers to above questions. Results There are conflicting and controversial reports on the effects of preexisting vascular problems due to diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the outcomes of hemodialysis access procedures. Diabetic vasculature, especially in patients with ESRD, has some specific problems, the most important of which seem to be the calcification and stiffening of the arteries. Conclusions Although some authors report inferior outcomes of vascular access procedures in diabetic patients, there is evidence that most of the problems encountered can be dealt with by careful patient selection, surgical skill, and experience.

Low Mmp 9 and VEGF levels predict good oncologic outcome in mid and low rectal cancer patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiation.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bax expression, caspase-3 activity, and cytochrome-c) and angiogenic (MMP-9 levels and VEGF expression) markers in operable rectal cancer patients who were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Understanding these factors will facilitate the identification of potential pathological responders before treatment, leading to better local control and survival rates.MethodsBetween March 2006 and March 2008, 29 patients withTNM Stage III (cT3 N+) mid or low rectal cancer were included in this study. Our sample consisted of 17 males (58.6%) and 12 females (41.4%). The median age was 60 years (range 24-88 years). Biopsy samples were taken from different portions of the tumors using flexible endoscopy before neoadjuvant CRT. Preoperatively, all patients received radiation (45-50.4 gray (Gy) in 25 cycles with concurrent 5-florouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy.ResultsA complete response was observed in 7 of 29 patients (24%). Bax staining was negative in 1 of the 7 patients (14%) in the pathological complete response (PCR) group and in 18 of the 22 patients (82%) in the no pathological complete response (noPCR) group (p = 0.001). MMP-9 and VEGF levels were higher in the noPCR group than the PCR group (p = 0.04, p = 0.05 respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between VEGF and MMP-9 levels in nodal downstaging. No statistically significant relationships were found between the other apoptotic factors (Bcl 2, cytochrome-c, and caspase-3 activity) and pathological response rate (p > 0.05).ConclusionIn neoadjuvant CRT patients, high levels of Bax expression and low levels of VEGF and MMP-9 expression on preoperative biopsies indicate that the patient will potentially be a good pathological responder.

Brachiocephalic and basilic fistula

Introduction Brescia-Cimino radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) remains the first choice vascular access procedure for patients in need of long-term hemodialysis. Brachiocephalic fistulas are considered as a secondary option in almost all published guidelines. Recently in many reports, elbow and upper arm fistulas are recommended to be used as primary fistulas especially in elderly, diabetic, hypertensive patients. Elbow fistulas (brachiocephalic and brachiobasilic) should only rarely be constructed as primary fistulas. Forearm AVFs should be tried first to give a chance to the patient, because it is not the maturation-patency rates per se but also lowering the complication rates and saving the vessels for future use are equally important. Background The average life expectancy of patients receiving hemodialysis has increased in recent years and many patients now live longer and require secondary or tertiary procedures. Conclusions When forearm fistulas have failed, brachiocephalic AVF is usually preferred first, because of cephalic veins appropriate anatomy for easy cannulation and ease of the operation. Operative procedure is less invasive compared to brachiobasilic AVF, therefore BC should be the procedure of choice when both veins are available.

Role of dissemination of microorganisms during laparoscopic appendectomy in abscess formation

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the potential contributory role of laparoscopic appendectomy in the occurrence of postoperative intra-abdominal infections. METHODS A prospective single-center study including 48 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy was conducted between August 2010 and September 2011. Two peritoneal samples were obtained from each patient in the pre- and post-appendectomy period. Aerobic and anaerobic microbiological cultures were obtained from the samples. The data were analyzed with statistical methods. RESULTS The mean age of the 48 patients (29 male, 19 female) was 10.9 years. Among the pre-appendectomy aerobic cultures, microorganisms were isolated in 18 of the patients (38%), with Escherichia coli being the most common. In post-appendectomy aerobic cultures, various bacteria were isolated in 7 patients (14.6%), with the numbers of bacteria statistically significantly reduced (p<0.05). Anaerobic microorganisms were isolated in 12 patients (25%) and 4 patients (8.3%) in pre- and post-appendectomy cultures, respectively, with Bacteroides fragilis the most common organism; there was a significant reduction in the bacterial count (p<0.05). Each patient was regarded as their own control. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that laparoscopic appendectomy does not cause an increase in intra-abdominal infections, and particularly not infections associated with anaerobic bacteria.

The Effect of Beta-Aminopropionitrile and Prednisolone on the Prevention of Fibrosis in Alkali Esophageal Burns: An Experimental Study

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and prednisolone on the prevention of esophageal damage and stricture formation after caustic esophageal burn. Method. Twenty-eight rats were divided into four equal groups. In groups 1, 2, and 3, caustic esophageal burns were generated by applying NaOH to the 1.5 cm segment of the abdominal esophagus. Group 4 was for the sham. Normal saline to group 1, BAPN to group 2, and prednisolone to group 3 were administered intraperitoneally as a single daily dose. Results. Treatment with BAPN decreased the stenosis index (SI) and histopathologic damage score (HDS) seen in caustic esophageal burn rats. The SI in group 4 was significantly lower compared with groups 1, 2, and 3. Group 2 had the minimum SI value in corrosive burn groups. The differences related to SI between groups 1, 2, and 3 were not statistically significant. The HDS was significantly lower in group 4 compared with groups 1, 2, and 3. The HDS in group 2 was significantly lower compared with groups 1 and 3. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that BAPN was able to decrease the development of stenosis and tissue damage better than prednisolone.