Tolga Akcam

A New Seton Type for the Treatment of Anal Fistula

In this retrospective study, our aim was to introduce an industrial synthetic material that can be used as a seton and then to present the results of complicated anal fistula cases treated with this different sort of seton. Between 1997 and 2005, 32 patients (aged 27–63 years) with a high anal or rectal internal opening were treated with a cutting seton. In the postoperative period none of the patients had recurrence or solid stool incontinence. However, three of them had just flatus incontinence, and two had flatus and liquid stool incontinence. The new material we used as a new type of seton can be used efficiently; it can be inserted easily, is cheap and effective, and may give better therapeutic results and better patient satisfaction.

Effectiveness of Treatment to Prevent Adhesions After Abdominal Surgery: An Experimental Evaluation in Rats

This study was conducted to determine the probability of adhesion formation with certain materials after abdominopelvic surgery, and to assess the effectiveness of adhesion-preventing agents. The study included 2 phases. In the first phase of the study, 50 rats that had been divided into 5 groups were examined. Group 1 served as the control group. In group 2,2 mL blood was taken from the femoral vein of the rat; in group 3,0.0625 g talcum powder was mixed with 2 mL saline; in group 4, 2 mL ileal content was identified; and in group 5, 2 mL cecal content had spilled into the peritoneum. In the second phase of the study, 50 rats that had been divided into 5 groups were examined. Ileal content was the leading cause of intraperitoneal adhesions in the first phase; in the second phase, in group 1, 2 mL ileal content and 5 mL povidone-iodine (10%) were used; in group 2,2 mL ileal content and 5000 units aprotinin were mixed with 5 mL saline; in group 3, 2 mL ileal content and 25 IU heparin (5000 IU/L) were mixed with 5 mL saline; in group 4,2 mL ileal content and 5 mL 32% dextran 70 were combined; and in group 5, 2 mL ileal content was used together with 5 mL Ringer’s lactate. On postoperative day 14, the rats were killed with the use of high-dose intramuscular ketamine, and necropsies were performed on all rats. Adhesions were most often established because of ileal and cecal contents. Blood and talcum powder produced less adhesion formation. Heparin and 32% dextran 70 were significantly more effective at preventing adhesion formation due to ileal contents. Intraperitoneal heparin and 32% dextran 70 may be particularly valuable for the prevention of adhesions due to intestinal content in cases with no contraindications.

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.

Hemobilia as a result of right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm rupture: An unusual complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has many complications which may be seen due to anatomical variations, lack of experience of the surgeon or three dimensional visualization, or insufficient exposure of the surgical field; including vascular injuries. Here we present a case of pseudoaneurysm of the right hepatic artery leading to hemobilia after rupturing into the biliary system. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 43-year-old male patient presented to our clinic 3 weeks post laparoscopic cholecystectomy with right upper quadrant pain, melena and hematemesis. After stabilizing the patient, Doppler ultrasonography, abdominal computer tomography and selective right hepatic artery angiography were performed and a pseudoaneurysm was established on the anterior posterior bifurcation of right hepatic artery. Right hepatic artery ligation and a T-tube placement after choledocotomy were performed. The patient recovered completely. DISCUSSION Pseudoaneurysms of the hepatic artery may arise as a complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Clip encroachments, mechanical or thermal injury during the procedure are likely to be precipitating factors. Today, transarterial embolization (TAE) is the gold standard for the management of hemobilia, and if it fails, the next step in management is surgical. Surgery is limited to extra-hepatic or gallbladder bleeding, and for TAE failure. CONCLUSION In cases of GI bleeding the awareness of the surgeon should be drawn to a clinical suspicion of hemobilia and an underlying hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm that can arise as a complication. CT angiography should be performed for early diagnosis and management in such patients.

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.

The Effectiveness of Nitric Oxide Derivates in Hydatid Disease

The purpose of this study was to assess the possible alterations of the levels of plasma NO derivates which are thought to reflect the immune status of the body against cystic echinococcus (CE). Materials and Methods: Plasma NO2 and NO3 levels of 95 patients with CE were analyzed before treatment and then after a 1 year. All patients were classified according to the WHOIWGE classification of cystic hydatid disease. The levels of NO2 and NO3 were detected from sera by using a photometric endpoint determination on the basis of absorbance in the visible range at 550 nm. Results: Pretreatment levels of plasma NO2 and NO3 of the CE group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001). However, the posttreatment NO2 and NO3 levels of the CE group were significantly lower than the pretreatment levels (p < 0.001). Hence, a positive correlation was found between fertile capacity of CE and the levels of NO2 and NO3 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The analysis of the levels of plasma NO derivates should be considered for the at preoperative detection of hydatid disease and postoperative follow-up in addition to radiological and serological methods.

C-Reactive Protein and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio as Potential Tumor Markers in Low-Alpha-Fetoprotein Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor marker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is only elevated in about half of the HCC patients, limiting its usefulness in following the effects of therapy or screening. New markers are needed. It has been previously noted that the inflammation markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are prognostically important and may reflect HCC aggressiveness. We therefore examined these 2 markers in a low-AFP HCC cohort and found that for HCCs > 2 cm, both markers significantly rise with an increasing maximum tumor diameter (MTD). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and Youden index value for each marker, and their area-under-the-curve values for each MTD group. Patients were dichotomized into 2 groups based on the CRP and PLR from the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. In the logistic regression models of the 4 different MTD patient groups, CRP and PLR levels were statistically significant to estimate MTD in univariate logistic regression models of MTD groups > 2 cm. CRP and PLR were then combined, and the combination was statistically significant to estimate MTD groups of 3-, 4-, and 5-cm cutoffs. CRP and PLR thus have potential as tumor markers for low-AFP HCC patients, and possibly for screening.

Macroscopic Portal Vein Thrombosis in HCC Patients

Macroscopic portal vein invasion (PVT) by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the liver is one of the most important negative prognostic factors for HCC patients. The characteristics of a large cohort of such patients were examined. We found that the percent of patients with PVT significantly increased with increasing maximum tumor diameter (MTD), from 13.7% with tumors of MTD <5cm to 56.4% with tumors of MTD >10cm. There were similar numbers of HCC patients with very large tumors with and without PVT. Thus, MTD alone was insufficient to explain the presence of PVT, as were high AFP levels, since less than 50% of high AFP patients had PVT. However, the percent of patients with PVT was also found to significantly increase with increasing blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and tumor multifocality. A logistic regression model that included these 3 factors together showed an odds ratio of 17.9 for the combination of MTD>5.0cm plus tumor multifocality plus elevated AFP, compared to low levels of these 3 parameters. The presence or absence of macroscopic PVT may therefore represent different HCC aggressiveness phenotypes, as judged by a significant increase in tumor multifocality and AFP levels in the PVT positive patients. Factors in addition to MTD and AFP must also contribute to PVT development.

Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Aggressiveness Factors in Turkish Patients

A large cohort of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients from several collaborating Turkish institutions were examined for the tumor parameters of maximum diameter (MTD), portal vein thrombosis (PVT), and α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. A relationship was found between MTD and blood platelet levels. Patients with large ≥5 cm tumors who had normal platelet levels had significantly larger tumors, higher percent of PVT, and significantly lower blood total bilirubin and liver cirrhosis than similar ≥5 cm tumor patients having thrombocytopenia. A comparison of patients with and without PVT showed significantly larger tumors, greater multifocality, blood AFP, and C-reactive protein levels, and, interestingly, lower HDL levels in the patients with PVT. Fifty-eight percent of the total cohort had AFP levels ≤100 IU/mL (and 42.1% had values ≤20 IU/mL). These patients had significantly smaller tumors, less tumor multifocality and percent PVT, lower total bilirubin, and less cirrhosis. There was considerable geographic heterogeneity within Turkey in the patterns of HCC presentation, with areas of higher and lower hepatitis B virus, hepatitis D virus, cirrhosis, and tumor aggressiveness parameters. Turkish patients thus have distinct patterns of presentation, but the biological relationships between MTD and both platelets and bilirubin levels are similar to the relationships that have been reported in other ethnic patient groups.