Tayfun Karahasanoglu

The effects of hyperbaric oxygen on normal and ischemic colon anastomoses.

BACKGROUNDnLeakage from colonic anastomoses is a major complication causing increased mortality and morbidity, and ischemia is a well-known cause of this event. Inadequate tissue oxygenation could be reversed by using hyperbaric oxygen. This study was designed to investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen on the healing of ischemic and normal colon anastomoses in the rat model.nnnMETHODSnStandardized left colon resection 3 cm above the peritoneal reflection and colonic anastomosis were performed in 40 Wistar rats divided into four groups. The control group (I) received no further treatment. To mimic ischemia, 2 cm mesocolon was ligated on either site of the anastomosis in group II and IV rats. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was started immediately after surgery in group III and IV rats (therapeutic groups). All animals were sacrificed on the fourth postoperative day. After careful relaparotomy, in situ bursting pressure was measured. The hydroxyproline contents of the anastomotic segments in equal length were determined.nnnRESULTSnThe hydroxyproline assay revealed that rats in group II with ischemic colonic anastomosis have significantly lower levels (P <0.05). The highest levels are in the group III rats with normal colonic anastomosis treated by hyperbaric oxygen (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in hydroxyproline levels between group II and group IV animals (P >0.05). Group III animals had significantly higher bursting pressures than any other group (P <0.05). Group II rats had lowest bursting pressures (P <0.05). Group IV animals had significantly higher levels than group II (P <0.05). Mean bursting pressure values both in groups III and IV and hydroxyproline levels in group III were significantly increased by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (P <0.05).nnnCONCLUSIONSnIschemia impairs anastomotic healing. Hyperbaric oxygen increases anastomotic healing of both normal and ischemic colonic anastomosis and reverses ischemic damage. This study demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen improves anastomotic healing.

Laparoscopic Approach to Hepatic Hydatid Disease

Background: The aim of this paper is to present our brief experience on laparoscopic hydatid cyst surgery; we estimated the reproducibility of used techniques in conventional surgery with this relatively recent and attractive method. Methods: Fifteen cysts in 12 selected hydatid disease patients were treated laparoscopically. Cystotomy, partial cystectomy and drainage were performed in 9 patients. Omentoplasty was added to the procedure in the remaining 3 cases. Results: The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.9 days. There was no mortality, and 1 patient developed bile leakage. Mean follow-up is 18 months. No recurrence was observed during this period. Conclusion: We suggest that laparoscopic treatment of hydatid disease is feasible in selected patients respecting the principles of open surgery and seems beneficial concerning postoperative comfort, hospital stay and return to daily activities.

Rupture of the Hydatid Disease of the Liver into the Biliary Tracts

Background: To analyze the diagnosis and the surgical treatment of intrabiliary ruptured hydatid disease of the liver. Methods: Between 1990 and 1995, 263 patients with hydatid cysts of the liver underwent surgery in a university hospital. Twenty-five (9.43%) patients with intrabiliary rupture of hepatic hydatid cyst were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Diagnosis was principally made using ultrasonography and computed tomography scanning and was confirmed by the findings of other tests. In 12 patients (48%) partial cystectomy with primary closure; 5 patients (20%) partial cystectomy with drainage; 5 patients (20%) cystotomy with drainage; 3 patients (12%) left hepatic resection (atypic, segmentary or lobar) was performed. Omentoplasty was performed in 6 patients. The common bile duct was explored in all patients and it was drained by a T-tube in 22 patients, and by a choledochoduodenostomy in 3 others. The average postoperative hospitalization time was 8.3 and 22.5 days in patients treated with choledochoduodenostomy and T-tube drainage respectively. Cholecystectomy was performed in 18 patients. Complications were seen in 4 patients (16%) with 1 pleural effusion and 3 wound infections. There was only 1 death (4%) due to duodenal peptic ulcus perforation with intrabiliary ruptured hydatid cyst. Conclusion: This study indicates that T-tube drainage and choledochoduodenostomy in intrabiliary ruptured hydatid cysts are effective procedures with low morbidity and mortality rates.

Transumbilical totally laparoscopic single-port Nissen fundoplication: a new method of liver retraction: the Istanbul technique.

IntroductionMustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, had guarded many German scientists of a Jewish descent before the Second World War. Dr. Rudolf Nissen was one of the outstanding surgeons who had served in the Turkish university hospitals. He had created an antireflux procedure which is named after his own name while he was working in our clinic, the Cerrahpaşa Hospital. From a laparoscopic approach, the Nissen fundoplication was the gold standard intervention for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Currently, video laparoscopic surgery is evolving quickly with the guidance of new technology. Single-port (SP) laparoscopic transumbilical surgery is one of the newest branches of advanced laparoscopy.DiscussionSimple or complex manipulations may be performed with SP laparoscopic transumbilical surgery. The advantages, which are gained from conventional laparoscopy, can be invigorated by an SP laparoscopic approach. The retraction technique of the liver and the optical system were the most important factors, which made the Nissen fundoplication possible via single port. Here, we report that totally laparoscopic transumbilical SP Nissen fundoplication procedure was performed in three patients for sliding hiatal hernia with GERD.ConclusionTotally laparoscopic transumbilical SP Nissen fundoplication is a safe and feasible technique for the surgical treatment of GERD.

Impact of Increased Body Mass Index on Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer

Background: Laparoscopy was initially considered to be a risky procedure for rectal cancer patients, especially patients with an increased body weight. The literature is scarce regarding the effects of obesity on laparoscopic rectal surgery. The aim of the current study was to analyze the effect of an increased body mass index (BMI) on outcome of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal resection were allocated to one of three groups according to their BMI: normal weight (BMI < 25), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30) and obese (BMI ≧ 30). These three groups were compared with each other in terms of patient demographics, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications and histopathological data. Results: There were 100 patients operated on for rectal cancer. The median BMI of the patients was 27 (range 18.5–40) kg/m2, and 43, 43 and 14 patients were classified as normal weight, overweight and obese, respectively. The conversion rate was 4.7% in the overweight group and 0% in the other groups. The proportion of complications and oncological outcomes between the groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Apparently, increased BMI is not a contraindication for laparoscopic rectal surgery.

Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: Initial Experience from 30 Consecutive Patients

BackgroundRobotic surgery offers 3D visualization and the advantage of the usage of multi-articulated instruments with superior dexterity. Theoretically, it can overcome many limitations of laparoscopic rectal surgery in the narrow pelvis.Materials and MethodsBetween January 2010 and January 2011, the patients who underwent robotic rectal resection for cancer were retrospectively evaluated in terms of demographics, operative data, complications, the duration of hospital stay, and histopathological data.ResultsThirty consecutive patients made up of 13 female and 17 male patients underwent robotic rectal resection. Sphincter-saving mesorectal excision was performed in 27 patients. Of these, there were 19 total and 8 partial mesorectal excisions. The mean operative time was 270xa0min (175–480xa0min). The median postoperative hospital stay was 4xa0days (4–20xa0days). No operation was converted. The complication rate was 13.3%. One patient died due to colonic necrosis caused by Drummond artery deficiency (3.3%). The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 15 (3–38), and the distal resection margin was 4xa0cm (2–8). Histopathological evaluation revealed that the mesorectum resection was complete in all patients.ConclusionRobotic rectal surgery (hybrid or totally robotic) is a safe and feasible procedure when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Effect of corticosteroid dose and duration of administration on colonic anastomosis.

Background: Surgical intervention under concomitant steroid therapy can be complicated by impaired anastomotic healing. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of a corticosteroid (methylprednisolone) on healing colonic anastomoses in relation to the dose and duration of administration. Methods: Fifty male Spraque–Dawley rats weighing 200–220 g were divided into five groups each containing 10 rats. No treatment was given in the control group. Group HDST: high‐dose methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg/day, intramuscular) treatment for a short term of 2 days; group HDLT: high‐dose methylprednisolone treatment for a long term of 60 days; group LDST: low‐dose methylprednisolone (0.28 mg/kg/day) treatment for a short term of 2 days; and group LDLT: low‐dose methylprednisolone treatment for a long term of 60 days. Standard left colonic anastomosis was performed in all rats. Anastomotic bursting pressure, hydroxyproline measurement, and histopathological data were evaluated in all groups on postoperative day 4. Results: The mean anastomotic bursting pressure value was significantly lower in the HDLT group (P < 0.05). The mean hydroxyproline levels were significantly lower in all groups (P < 0.05). Histopathological results demonstrated significant changes according to neutrophil infiltration, granulation tissue formation, presence of vascularization, and peritonitis in the HDLT, LDST, and LDLT groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: High and low doses of the corticosteroid produced adverse effects on the healing of colon anastomosis in rats regardless of whether it was administered over a long or short preoperative period. However, the most prominent negative effect was associated with high‐dose, long‐term corticosteroid administration. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010)

Icodextrin and Seprafilm do not interfere with colonic anastomosis in rats.

Background: Physical barriers and instilled solutions have been studied to prevent intra-abdominal adhesions. However, undesirable side effects of these substances on the healing of intestinal anastomoses may limit their use. This study was designed to compare the effects of antiadhesives on the healing of colonic anastomosis in rats. Methods: Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups of 20. The animals received isotonic saline and 7.5% icodextrin, intraperitoneally after standard left colonic anastomosis. In group 3, Seprafilm® was wrapped around the anastomosis and also laid over the abdominal viscera. Half of the animals from each group were killed on postoperative day (POD) 4 and the remaining half on POD 21. Adhesion scoring, bursting pressure and tissue hydroxyproline measurements and histopathological assessment were performed. Results: Mean hydroxyproline levels were significantly higher in groups receiving icodextrin and Seprafilm compared with the control group, whereas mean bursting pressures were significantly higher in the group that received icodextrin (p < 0.05). Intraperitoneal administration of icodextrin resulted in significant reduction of adhesion formation on POD 21 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Seprafilm does not prevent formation of adhesions as much as icodextrin does, but its effect on the healing of colonic anastomoses is similar.

Effect of fibrin glue on irradiated colonic anastomoses

INTRODUCTION: The present study was planned to research the effects of fibrin glue on irradiated colonic anastomoses. METHOD: The effect of fibrin glue on irradiated colonic anastomoses was investigated in four identical groups of rats. In Group I (control group) colonic anastomoses were performed without radiotherapy; in Group II, colonic anastomoses were performed five days after radiotherapy; in Group III, fibrin glue was applied to anastomotic line without radiotherapy; in Group IV, fibrin glue was applied to anastomotic line with radiotherapy. The healing of left colonic anastomoses was evaluated through the bursting pressure of the anastomotic segment and the hydroxyproline contents of the anastomosis. RESULTS: Measurements done on the fourth postoperative day revealed that anastomotic healing was impaired in rats that underwent radiotherapy (P<0.001); fibrin glue had no effect on anastomotic healing in groups with or without radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: In the early phases of anastomotic healing, fibrin glue cannot help remove unwanted effects of preoperative radiotherapy.

Laparoscopic giant parastomal hernia repair with prosthetic mesh

Abstract. Laparoscopy is being increasingly used in colorectal surgery interventions. Herein, we present a patient with giant parastomal hernia who underwent laparoscopic repair. A70-year-old man who had undergone abdominoperineal resection and end colostomy for carcinoma of rectum was admitted to our clinic with a giant parastomal hernia. The parastomal hernia was repaired by laparoscopic approach using prosthetic material. The patient was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day 4. Laparoscopic approach is a rational alternative to conventional repair techniques of parastomal hernia and may be a reliable and easily applicable method with the classic benefits of laparoscopic surgery.