Jerzy Arendt

Antibacterial effect of autologous platelet gel enriched with growth factors and other active substances AN IN VITRO STUDY

Platelet-rich plasma is a new inductive therapy which is being increasingly used for the treatment of the complications of bone healing, such as infection and nonunion. The activator for platelet-rich plasma is a mixture of thrombin and calcium chloride which produces a platelet-rich gel. We analysed the antibacterial effect of platelet-rich gel in vitro by using the platelet-rich plasma samples of 20 volunteers. In vitro laboratory susceptibility to platelet-rich gel was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Baseline antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring the zones of inhibition on agar plates coated with selected bacterial strains. Zones of inhibition produced by platelet-rich gel ranged between 6 mm and 24 mm (mean 9.83 mm) in diameter. Platelet-rich gel inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and was also active against Escherichia coli. There was no activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, platelet-rich gel seemed to induce the in vitro growth of Ps. aeruginosa, suggesting that it may cause an exacerbation of infections with this organism. We believe that a combination of the inductive and antimicrobial properties of platelet-rich gel can improve the treatment of infected delayed healing and nonunion.

Autologous platelets and leukocytes can improve healing of infected high-energy soft tissue injury

Despite advances in surgical techniques and pharmacology, healing of injury-associated soft tissue defects is frequently complicated by infections, which often requires a secondary intervention. Cytokines are important mediators of healing. Application of autologous platelet-rich plasma enriched in growth factors and antimicrobial proteins, known also as platelet-leukocyte rich plasma (PLRP), represents a novel approach to the treatment of soft tissue and bone healing disturbances. This case is the first report on the application of PLRP in an infected high-energy soft tissue injury and shows that the volume and concentration of platelets and leukocytes is adequate to induce healing processes despite concurrent infection.

Analysis of PTEN expression in large intestine polyps and its relation to the recognized histopathological and clinical risk factors for cancer development in this location

Aim of the study PTEN is an important gene whose protein product is double specific phosphatase holding key regulatory functions in sending signals from membrane receptors for growth factors into the cell downstreams. Its participation, mainly by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the pathomechanism of many malignant cancers was unambiguously confirmed. The PTEN function gets disturbed on many levels and for various reasons. Disorders of PTEN protein expression seem to be even more common in many carcinomas. The aim of the study is to enquire the meaning of PTEN expression in the cancer transformation process in large intestine glandular polyps. Material and methods The group includes 40 patients, 21 men and 19 women, age median 64 years (51–83) qualified to endoscopic removal of large intestine polyp. Tissue material obtained during polyp removal endoscopy was immediately fixed in 4% buffered formalin solution with the mixture of phosphatase activity inhibitors (PhosStop Roche). Time of fixation 24–48 h. After fixation, the material was embedded in paraffin. PTEN visualization was based on specific rabbit monoclonal antibodies (Cell Signaling). The expression of PTEN protein in large intestine and rectum polyps was marked by a semi-quantitative method and an attempt to correlate the results with the acknowledged clinical and histopathological malignancy risk factors was undertaken. Results Loss or weakening of protein expression was found in 45% cases. Moreover, the relationship between polyp diameter and a loss of PTEN expression was proved. The received results can indicate a significant participation of PTEN gene in early oncogenesis stages of large intestine cancer.

Effective treatment of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome using argon plasma coagulation

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a chronic, multiform, non-cancerous disorder of the rectum, the final diagnosis of which is based upon histopathological criteria. This disorder is often accompanied by latent proctoptosis. We present a patient who (in 1996) was the first case in which argon plasma coagulation (APC) was used for SRUS treatment. In the years 2004–2005 the same patient underwent 15 APC sessions (at monthly intervals) obtaining full recovery from SRUS, although she had been treated unsuccessfully for 17 years prior to that. Six-year observation did not show any relapse. Local therapy with APC seems to be an important alternative in SRUS treatment without prolapse of the rectum and could become a basic method for bleeding treatment in SRUS.

Direct MRI Fistulography with Hydrogen Peroxide in Patients with Recurrent Perianal Fistulas: A New Proposal of Extended Diagnostics

Background Perianal fistulas are malformations of the anorectal area. Accurate preoperative assessment of perianal fistula tract is a main assumption in diagnosis of the disease, affecting the operation efficiency. The aim of the study was to present our experience in application of a new diagnostic protocol based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and gadolinium as a direct contrast medium in evaluation of recurrent fistulas tract. The method is referred to as HPMRI. Material/Methods The study group consisted of 12 subjects operated on from 2011. Direct HPMRI fistulography was performed in all subjects before the operation. All types of fistulas were precisely evaluated by HPMRI examination. Results Intraoperative state confirmed complete course of fistulas in 11 cases. In 1 case, an internal opening was not found. Conclusions We suggest that this new method of direct HPMRI fistulography may improve visualization of the tracts of recurrent fistulas and improve efficacy of surgical procedures.

Mikulicz’S Procedure with Levator Muscle and External Anal Sphincter Plasty in the Treatment of Rectal Prolapse

UNLABELLED Rectal prolapse is the partial or complete protrusion of the rectal wall into the anal canal. The most common etiology consists in the insufficiency of the diaphragm of the lesser pelvis and anal sphincter apparatus. Methods of surgical treatment involve perineal or abdominal approach surgical procedures. The aim of the study was to present the method of surgical rectal prolapse treatment, according to Mikuliczs procedure by means of the perineal approach, based on our own experience and literature review. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group comprised 16 patients, including 14 women and 2 men, aged between 38 and 82 years admitted to the department, due to rectal prolapse, during the period between 2000 and 2012. Nine female patients, aged between 68 and 82 years (mean age-76.3 years) with fullthickness rectal prolapse underwent surgery by means of Mikuliczs method with levator muscle and external anal sphincter plasty. The most common comorbidities amongst patients operated by means of Mikuliczs method included cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. RESULTS Mean hospitalization was 14.4 days (ranging between 12 and 17 days). Despite advanced age and poor general condition of the patients, complications during the perioperative period were not observed. Good early and late functional results were achieved. The degree of anal sphincter continence was determined 6-8 weeks after surgery showing significant improvement, as compared to results obtained prior to surgery. One case of recurrence consisting in mucosal prolapse was noted, being treated surgically by means of Whiteheads method. Good treatment results were observed. CONCLUSION Transperineal rectosigmoidectomy using Mikuliczs method with levator muscle and external anal sphincter plasty seems to be an effective, minimally invasive and relatively safe procedure that does not require general anesthesia. It is recommended in case of patients with significant comorbidities and high surgical risk.

Clinical Investigations Perioperative high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy in unresectable locally advanced pancreatic tumors

Purpose The aim of the study was to present an original technique of catheter implantation for perioperative HDR-Ir192 brachytherapy in patients after palliative operations of unresectable locally advanced pancreatic tumors and to estimate the influence of perioperative HDR-Ir192 brachytherapy on pain relief in terminal pancreatic cancer patients. Material and methods Eight patients with pancreatic tumors located in the head of pancreas underwent palliative operations with the use of HDR-Ir192 brachytherapy. All patients qualified for surgery reported pain of high intensity and had received narcotic painkillers prior to operation. During the last phase of the surgery, the Nucletron® catheters were implanted in patients to prepare them for later perioperative brachytherapy. Since the 6th day after surgery HDR brachytherapy was performed. Before each brachytherapy fraction the location of implants were checked using fluoroscopy. A fractional dose was 5 Gy and a total dose was 20 Gy in the area of radiation. A comparative study of two groups of patients (with and without brachytherapy) with stage III pancreatic cancer according to the TNM scale was taken in consideration. Results and Conclusions The authors claim that the modification of catheter implantation using specially designed cannula, facilitates the process of inserting the catheter into the tumor, shortens the time needed for the procedure, and reduces the risk of complications. Mean survival time was 5.7 months. In the group of performed brachytherapy, the mean survival time was 6.7 months, while in the group of no brachytherapy performed – 4.4 months. In the group of brachytherapy, only one patient increased the dose of painkillers in the last month of his life. Remaining patients took constant doses of medicines. Perioperative HDR-Ir192 brachytherapy could be considered as a practical application of adjuvant therapy for pain relief in patients with an advanced pancreatic cancer.