Gurhan Sakman

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome: Current Problems and New Strategies

BackgroundAbdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a diffucult entity with two main problems during its course: (1) survival of the patient during the early period and (2) closure of the open wounds during the late period. In this study we evaluated the decision to decompress according to the level of intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and analysis of any recurrent or persistent increase in IAP.MethodsA prospective study was undertaken on 119 patients with increased IAP. The IAP was measured daily by obtaining the bladder pressure. Patients were monitored via a central venous line; and vital signs, arterial blood gases, the Acute Physiology, Age, and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and abbreviated mental tests were recorded. The suggestions of Meldrum et al. were taken as a guideline during the treatment. The sensitivity and specifity of IAP and APACHE II scores for different cutoff values were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsHospital mortality was 33.6%, which increased with co-morbidities (p = 0.03). A cutoff value for IAP of 23 mmHg was considered an optimal point predicting mortality. The IAP within the first 3 days for patients who died was higher than the cutoff value. For patients with IAP of 15 to 25 mmHg, nonsurgical therapy increased the rate of mortality (odds ratio 5.2, 95% confidence interval 1.0–27.7; p = 0.03).ConclusionsIn patients with ACS emergency, it is recommended that decompressive laparotomy to be performed even if the IAP falls below 25 mmHg. For patients with IAP levels higher than 25 mmHg, the IAP should be meticolusly brought below the cutoff level during the postoperative period.

Antioxidant enzyme levels in cases with gastrointesinal cancer

UNLABELLED The aim is to evaluate the antioxidant enzyme levels in tumoral tissues and accompanying normal tissues in gastrointestinal cancer; and compare the colorectal cancer (CRC) with gastric cancer (GC). METHOD Antioxidant enzymes including glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glucose 6 phosphate dehyrogenase (G6PD) which are important for anti-oxidant functions were evaluated in fresh tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues obtained from a total of 58 patients. RESULTS All the enzyme levels were higher in tumoral tissues compared to normal tissue from non-cancerous disease. There was not a significant difference for enzyme levels between CRC and GC groups except GPx. GPx activity tended to be higher in cases without serosal involvement (SI), and this activity was higher in cases without lymph node (LN) involvement in normal tissue (p=0.012). MDA activity was higher in cases without serosal involvement compared to with SI groups in tumor tissue (p=0.050). G6PD activity in normal tissue was higher in cases with serosal involvement and LN involvement (p=0.064, 0.046, respectively). GR activity was higher in signet ring cell cancer (SRC) than adeno cancer. In GC, G6PD activity in tumor was tended to be higher in undifferentiated cancer (p=0.071). CONCLUSION The antioxidant enzymes activities such as GPX, SOD, G6PD, MDA and GR were found to be related with malignant phenotype in gastrointestinal cancers. We need further studies to understand the biologic and clinical importance of these enzymes in GI cancers.

Superior gluteal artery perforator flap in the reconstruction of pilonidal sinus

BACKGROUND Pilonidal sinus is a difficult disease to treat. Many treatment modalities from secondary-intention healing to various types of flaps have been used with each having different rates of success. MATERIALS AND METHODS A perforator flap based on the superior gluteal artery perforators was designed at 45( degrees )-angle to the defect created by the excision of the pilonidal sinus and was transposed in 15 male patients with un-operated chronic pilonidal sinus. Defect and flap size, length of surgery, blood loss, time to mobilisation, hospital stay, time of return to work and rate of complications were evaluated. RESULTS The average defect size in length, width and depth were 6.9 cm, 3 cm and 3 cm, respectively. The cutaneous part of the flaps was exactly the same size as the defect. The average length of surgery was 45 min (sinus excision 10 min, flap harvest 15 min and closure 20 min) with blood loss being less than 25 cm(3). Patients were mobilised and discharged home the morning after surgery (less than 24h). The patients were able to return to normal daily activities after 3 days and to work 10 days after the surgery. There were no complications and no recurrences at an average of a 10-month follow-up. CONCLUSION The superior gluteal artery perforator flap (SGAP) offers many advantages over random (better vascularity and flap safety) or larger flaps (decreased operating time and donor-area morbidity) in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease. We present our results with the use of the SGAP flap, which is designed at a 45( degrees )-angle to the defect created by the excision of the pilonidal sinus. Compared to the previously described techniques, it has the advantage of closing defects of any size within a short surgical time and minimal blood loss. The hospital stay, time to mobilisation and return to daily activities and work are shortened, in addition to zero complications and recurrence rates.

Analysis of PTEN, VEGF, HER2 and P53 Status in Determining Colorectal Cancer Benefit from Bevacizumab Therapy

BACKGROUND No factor has thus far been identified to predict the efficacy of bevacizumab therapy for colorectal cancer. We here therefore studied PTEN, VEGF, HER2 and p53 by immunohistochemistry as possible prognostic and predictive factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 34 retrospectively collected tumor samples were evaluated, all from patients receiving bevacizumab-based regimens. VEGF-A, PTEN, HER2, p53 were assessed and data was compared with clinicopathologic characteristics of patients and the bevacizumab response rate. RESULTS In this study, the median age of the 34 metastatic colorectal cancer patients was 55.5 (24-75), twelve (35.3%) being women and 22 (64.7%) men. PTEN, VEGF, HER2, p53 expressions were compared with bevacizumab response and other chacteristics of disease. Statistical significant differences were not found between bevacizumab response rates and different expression levels of VEGF, PTEN, HER2 and p53 (respectively p=0.256, p=0.832, p=0.189, p=0.131). However, a survival difference was noted in the VEGF expression negative group (median OS:55 months; 95%CI, 22-88 months) (p=0.01). There was no statistically significant OS difference in other groups (PTEN p=0.6, HER2 p=0.189, p53 p=0.13). CONCLUSIONS We did not find any predictive factor for BV therapy in our study. VEGF negative expression could be an important prognostic factor in metastatic colorectal carcinoma.

A rare complication in breast cancer surgery: chylous fistula and its treatment.

Abstract Chylous fistula is a complication related to thoracic duct injury, appearing in upper abdominal, thoracic and neck surgery. Occurrence of chylous fistula is very rare after modified radical mastectomy. We encountered a chylous fistula case after breast cancer surgery and successfully treated it conservatively. It is important that all surgeons dealing with breast surgery should be aware that, altough rarely, a chylous fistula can develop after axillary dissection. Experience related to the occurrence of this complication and its management when it occurs is quite restricted.

Outcomes of Total Parathyroidectomy with Autotransplantation versus Subtotal Parathyroidectomy with Routine Addition of Thymectomy to both Groups: Single Center Experience of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common acquired disorder seen in chronic renal failure. It may result in potentially serious complications including metabolic bone diseases, severe atherosclerosis and undesirable cardiovascular events. Parathyroidectomy is required in about 20% of patients after 3-10 years of dialysis and in up to 40% after 20 years. AIMS The aim of the current study was to evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism who had undergone total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation and thymectomy or subtotal parathyroidectomy with thymectomy by the same surgical team during the study period. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective comparative study. METHODS Clinical data of 50 patients who underwent parathyroid surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism between 2003 and 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two subgroups of total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation or subtotal parathyroidectomy. Thymectomy was routinely performed for both groups. Short term outcome parameters included intact parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels. Bone pain, bone fractures, persistent or recurrent disease were included in long term outcome parameters. RESULTS The mean duration of dialysis was eight years. The mean ionized calcium levels dropped significantly in the total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation group (p=0.016). No serious postoperative complications were observed. Postoperative intravenous calcium supplementation was required in four patients in the total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation group (total PTX+AT) and in three patients in the subtotal parathyroidectomy group (subtotal PTX). Postoperatively, all patients received oral calcium carbonate and calcitriol. The length of average hospital stay was 5 (3-10) days. Including nine patients who underwent successful renal transplantation pre-operative bone symptoms, hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and an increased alkaline phosphatase levels were improved or resolved in all patients. After a mean follow-up of 65 months, three patients (6%) had persistent and one (2%) had recurrent disease. CONCLUSION Total parathroidectomy with autotransplantation is a beneficial and safe surgical procedure for patients on chronic dialysis with otherwise uncontrollable secondary hyperparathroidism and even in patients who have undergone renal transplantation after parathyroidectomy. Careful cervical exploration and routine thymectomy should be considered as a routine part of the surgical approach regardless of the preferred technique.

Hydatid disease involvement of primary subcutaneous tissue in the posterior proximal thigh--an unusual localization.

Hydatid disease involvement of primary subcutaneous tissue in the posterior proximal thigh – an unusual localization A 29-year-old woman was admitted with a painful mass on the proximal thigh. She had no allergic symptoms, such as pruritus or chronic urticaria. On physical examination, an immobile, 5 × 5-cm-sized mass was palpated in the posterior proximal thigh. Parasitologic serologic tests, indirect hemagglutination (titer of 1/320), and Western blotting were positive for hydatid disease. A multiloculated, well-circumscribed, cystic lesion with dimensions of 6 × 5 × 4 cm was revealed in the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the left proximal thigh on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Figs 1 and 2) and ultrasonography (US). Computed tomography of the abdomen, pelvis, and thorax was normal. The patient was taken into the operating room for the prediagnosis of hydatid cyst. The cystic mass was totally excised with its own capsule, and the patient was discharged on the same day. Histopathologic examination of the specimen confirmed a cyst composed of an inner nucleated, germinative layer and an outer, opaque, non-nucleated layer. Chemotherapy with albendazole (10 mg/kg) was given postoperatively for 6 months. During follow-up (for 1 year), no recurrence was observed with radiologic and serologic methods.

Alveolar hydatid disease: imaging findings and surgical approach.

Abstract Purpose: We report six cases of Alveolar Hydatid Disease (five in the liver and one in the gastrosplenic ligament invading the spleen) in which curative resection of the liver (five cases) and splenectomy (one case) were performed. Material and Methods: The records of the six patients with AHD were retrospectively evaluated. Demographics of the patients, symptoms, laboratory findings, including serology were recorded. Imaging studies determined the extent of the disease preoperatively. Classification of the lesions was done according to the PNM (P = parasitic mass in the liver, N = involvement of neighbouring organs, and M = metastasis) staging system designed by the World Health Organization. All the surgical procedures were performed as complete resections, where negative margins were approved by frozen sections. Chemotherapy with albendazole (10 mg/kg/day) was continued postoperatively for two years in five of the six patients who were alive. Results: All of the cases were from East Anatolia of Turkey, which is an endemic region. The mean age was 39.6 years (15–54 years). Major complications occurred post-operatively in all patients, possibly due to the extensive resection. No recurrence was seen during the 5 year follow-up of two cases and 2 year follow-up of three cases. Conclusion: The treatment of Alveolar Hydatid Disease is curative radical resection. Thus, pre-operative imaging studies to determine the extent and stage of the disease are of crucial importance.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery with polyglactin (vicryl) mesh.

Background: There is no debate that laparoscopic fundoplication has become the standard procedure for surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, there is still no consensus on whether to use prosthetic material routinely and on the preferred kind of prosthetic material. The aim of this study was to evaluate polyglactin mesh and polypropylene mesh use in laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) with particular regard to symptomatic relief, patient satisfaction, and complications. Methods: This prospective randomized study included 75 patients who underwent LARS with polypropylene mesh prosthesis and 75 patients who underwent LARS with polyglactin (vicryl) mesh prosthesis between January 2005 and January 2010. Preoperative and postoperative assessments of symptomatic and functional outcomes of patients were recorded. Outcome data analyzed included length of hospitalization, operative time, complications, and recurrence. Results: Laparoscopic repair of hiatal crura with a polyglactin mesh resulted in good symptomatic and clinical outcomes similar to that of polypropylene mesh. The recurrence rate with the use of polyglactin mesh is comparable to that of synthetic or biological materials reported in the literature. Conclusions: Closure of hiatal crura with a prosthetic polyglactin (vicryl) mesh at LARS is an effective and safe procedure.

Open abdomen yönetiminde erken dönem cerrahi alternatiflerin karşılaştırılması: Randomize ileriye yönelik çalışma

Background Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive intraabdominal organ dysfunction resulting from an acute increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). In the absence of prompt treatment, ACS can lead to lethal organ failure. Treatment of ACS is achieved by immediate decompression of the abdominal cavity. As to how and when decompression laparotomy should be performed depends on the clinical condition of the patients. There is limited data regarding outcomes of abdominal closure techiques. The present study aimed to investigate two different temporary closure methods, the vacuum assisted closure (VAC) and Bogota bag techniques, in 40 patients who underwent decompressive laparotomy as part of the management of ACS. Methods The study included 40 patients who developed ACS during follow-up or following trauma and abdominal surgery. As part of the treatment for ACS, these patients underwent decompressive laparotomy at the Cukurova University Medical Faculty, General Surgery Department and followed up in the Intensive Care Unit of the same hospital. VAC and Bogota bag procedures were performed as temporary closure methods for the treatment of ACS. Patients were randomly assigned to each of the two groups according to the temporary closure method performed. Clinical, laboratory, mortality and morbidity results of the patients in both groups were compared. Results Demographic features of the patients (age, sex, body mass index, co-morbidities) were similar between the two groups. The most common reason of ACS was gastrointestinal perforation in 12 (30%) patients. Decrease in incision width was significantly faster in the VAC group than in the Bogota group. Primary closure of fascia was considered appropriate in 16.9 days in the VAC group and 20.5 days in the Bogota bag group. The decrease in abdominal pressure was similar between the two groups on days 1, 4 and 7 but appeared to be significantly lower on day 14 in the VAC group. 12 patients (30%) died during the study. Among the deceased patients, 5 (12%) were in the VAC group, whereas, 7 (17.5%) belonged to the Bogota bag group. Conclusion Based on these results, it is suggested that VAC has advantages when compared to the Bogota bag as a temporary closure method in the management of abdominal compartment syndrome.BACKGROUND Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive intraabdominal organ dysfunction resulting from an acute increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). In the absence of prompt treatment, ACS can lead to lethal organ failure. Treatment of ACS is achieved by immediate decompression of the abdominal cavity. As to how and when decompression laparotomy should be performed depends on the clinical condition of the patients. There is limited data regarding outcomes of abdominal closure techiques. The present study aimed to investigate two different temporary closure methods, the vacuum assisted closure (VAC) and Bogota bag techniques, in 40 patients who underwent decompressive laparotomy as part of the management of ACS. METHODS The study included 40 patients who developed ACS during follow-up or following trauma and abdominal surgery. As part of the treatment for ACS, these patients underwent decompressive laparotomy at the Cukurova University Medical Faculty, General Surgery Department and followed up in the Intensive Care Unit of the same hospital. VAC and Bogota bag procedures were performed as temporary closure methods for the treatment of ACS. Patients were randomly assigned to each of the two groups according to the temporary closure method performed. Clinical, laboratory, mortality and morbidity results of the patients in both groups were compared. RESULTS Demographic features of the patients (age, sex, body mass index, co-morbidities) were similar between the two groups. The most common reason of ACS was gastrointestinal perforation in 12 (30%) patients. Decrease in incision width was significantly faster in the VAC group than in the Bogota group. Primary closure of fascia was considered appropriate in 16.9 days in the VAC group and 20.5 days in the Bogota bag group. The decrease in abdominal pressure was similar between the two groups on days 1, 4 and 7 but appeared to be significantly lower on day 14 in the VAC group. 12 patients (30%) died during the study. Among the deceased patients, 5 (12%) were in the VAC group, whereas, 7 (17.5%) belonged to the Bogota bag group. CONCLUSION Based on these results, it is suggested that VAC has advantages when compared to the Bogota bag as a temporary closure method in the management of abdominal compartment syndrome.