Primary pancreatic hydatid disease: A rare presentation of echinococcosis

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic parasitic disease which rarely involves pancreas primarily. Diagnosis of pancreatic hydatid cyst is a challenge and operative skills are important to avoid spillage of cyst's content. A 19-year-old male patient was admitted to hospital with recurrent abdominal pain which was on epigastrium and left upper quadrant of abdomen. Pain was not associated with nausea, vomiting or fever. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan was ordered. As a result of abdominal CT scan, there was a cystic area in tail of pancreas with a diameter of 5.6 cm which includes septa and there was calcification on borders of the cyst. Possible diagnosis were either pancreatic hydatid disease, pancreatic cyst adenoma or cystadenocarcinoma or pseudocyst of autoimmune pancreatitis. Whole body positron emission tomography (PET-CT) scan showed no other cyst or lesion other than pancreatic cyst. Hydatid disease indirect hemagglutination test has been studied and it was positive. Imaging studies and laboratory results were suggested hydatid disease and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has been applied. Primary pancreatic hydatid disease should be in differential diagnosis when newly appearing pancreatic cyst has been diagnosed, especially in endemic areas. Appropriate surgical technique has to be applied to avoid dissemination of cyst's content.

The Impact of Metabolic 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Parameters on the Prognosis of Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Objectives

¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a useful staging method in pancreatic cancer. The prognosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is affected by the tumor stage and resectable state. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUV_max), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of primary tumors are related to prognostic parameters in pancreatic cancer. This study compared ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT findings with prognostic factors and overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, referred to our department between 2015 and 2022 for staging, were retrospectively evaluated. Head-to mid-thigh PET/CT images were obtained 1 h after ¹⁸F-FDG injection. Demographic data, survival, and clinical and pathological findings of 39 patients, who underwent surgery after PET/CT imaging, were collected. All primary tumor MTV, SUV_max, background SUV_max, and TLG data have were measured.

Results

The images of 39 patients (24 women and 15 men) with a mean age of 66.62±9.60 years were evaluated. The mean SUV_max, MTV 40%, and TLG of the primary tumors in the pancreatic tissue were 6.28±2.33, 19.33±9.77, and 66.56±45.99, respectively. The average survival after disease diagnosis was 18.97±11.47 (2-55) months. MTV and TLG were significantly higher in patients who died during our study. SUV_max has a significant effect on mortality.

Conclusion

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters of SUV_max, MTV, and TLG could help predicting the prognosis of pancreatic cancer preoperatively and follow-up in patients with resectable tumors. Additionally, in our study group tumor grade and perineural invasion significantly affected overall survival.

Respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in unvaccinated athletes before and after COVID-19 infection: A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

We investigated abnormalities and recovery in respiratory function after COVID-19 infection in an unvaccinated elite athlete population.

METHODS

Measurements included maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF).

RESULTS

The most frequent reported symptoms were fatigue with 80% and muscle/joint pain and headache with 50%, whereas only 10% reported dyspnoea and 30% cough. During follow-up, MIP was up to 13% and MEP up to 8% lower following COVID-19 infection. Likewise, FEV₁ was up to 2% and FVC up to 5% lower. While MEP and FEV₁ rapidly normalised, MIP and FVC still remained abnormal after 52 days of COVID-19 infection, thereby leading to a restrictive ventilatory pattern. PEF seemed unaffected during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 decreases respiratory function in unvaccinated athletes despite reporting few respiratory symptoms and having mild disease. An initiative aimed at reducing the long-term adverse effects following COVID-19 infection seems warranted, which perhaps may be avoided through vaccination.

Post-Operative Results of ACL Reconstruction Techniques on Single-Leg Hop Tests in Athletes: Hamstring Autograft vs. Hamstring Grafts Fixed Using Adjustable Cortical Suspension in Both the Femur and Tibia

Background and Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are common injuries in the athletic population, and accordingly, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is among the most common orthopedic surgical procedures performed in sports medicine. This study aims to compare the semitendinosus/gracilis (ST/G) and ACL hamstring grafts fixed using adjustable cortical suspension in both the femur and tibia (MAI) ACLR techniques. We aimed to compare the results of single-leg hop tests (SLHT) applied in different directions and limb symmetry indices (LSI) in athletes with a 6-month post-operative ACLR history. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort of 39 athletes from various sports branches who underwent MAI (n = 16) and ST/G (n = 23) ACLR techniques by the same surgeon were evaluated. The knee strength of the participants on the operated and non-operated sides was evaluated with five different SLHTs. The SLHT included the single hop for distance (SH), triple hop for distance (TH), crossover triple hop for distance (CH), medial side triple hop for distance (MSTH), and medial rotation (90°) hop for distance (MRH). Results: There was a significant improvement in the mean Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores in the post-operative leg for both techniques (p < 0.05) compared to the pre-operative levels. When there was a difference between the SH of the operative and the non-operative legs in the ST/G technique (p < 0.05), there was no significant difference in the other hop distance for both ST/G and MAI (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the techniques regarding the LSI scores. Conclusions: The fact that our research revealed similar LSI rates of the SLHTs applied in different directions in the ST/G and MAI techniques assumes that the MAI technique can be an ACLR technique which can be functionally used in athletes.

Delayed diagnosis and successful management of completely transected common hepatic duct in a blunt multitrauma patient

Extrahepatic bile duct injuries are very uncommon and easily be missed in multitrauma patients. Patients suffer from bile duct injuries need special approach to this situation. In this report, a case with total transection of common hepatic duct and treatment approach was presented. In unstable patients, damage control surgery can be applied. A 32-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency department after a beating that includes multiple blunt trauma. Radiological screening showed cranial, nasal, lumbar vertebral, and costal bone fractures, decreased blood flow to the right kidney and free perihepatic and perisplenic fluid. Neurosurgeons operated this patient at the day of admission and no plan for laparotomy was made for this patient at that time. Second day postoperatively patient was transferred to the department of surgery and exploratory laparotomy has been made. Common hepatic duct was fully transected and because of the patient's hemodynamic instability, an external fistula has been made. The patient discharged 10th day postoperatively. The patient was operated after follow-up and a Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy has been made. Extrahepatic bile duct injuries are rare and high suspicion is important in complex multitrauma patients. Extent of the injury is unique for every patient and technical aspect of repair can be challenging.

EFFECT OF AN EIGHT-WEEK CORE STRENGTH TRAINING ON SOME PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS IN FOOTBALL REFEREES

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of eight-week core strength training (CST) in addition to specific trainings of football referees on sprint, agility and anaerobic power. Forty nine male football referees participated in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups as experimental group (EG, n = 24) and control group (CG, n = 25). An eightweek CST program was implemented in the EG. The CG subjects participated in their respective sport training routine. 10m., 20m sprint, pro-agility, vertical jump (VJ) and long jump (LJ) were measured both before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the eight weeks. Anaerobic power (AP) was calculated using Lewis formula. Paired samples ttest was used for statistical analyses. There were significant improvements in 10m, 20m, VJ and AP between pre-test and post-test of EG (p>0.05). There were significant improvements only in 20m. sprint for CG between pre-test and post-test (p<0.05 ). It was found that the eight-week CST in addition to specific trainings of football referees had positive effects on their 10m., 20m. sprint and VJ jump. However, it was thought that this effect was not directly associated with CST and that this development occurred since referees already had an intense training program based on speed and anaerobic power. This thought was supported with literature. Core stabilization tests performed before and after CST to football referees in future studies will give positive results in terms of increasing the reliability of results.

INFLUENCE OF CORE STRENGTH TRAINING ON PEAK MUSCLE TORQUE OF QUADRICEPS AND HAMSTRING IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight week core strength training (CST) on quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength and H/Q ratio. The study included a total of 20 young soccer players, 10 in the experimental group (EG) and 10 in the control group (CG). Isokinetic knee strength measurements at angular velocities of 60°sec−1 , 180°sec−1 and 240°sec−1 were performed on the subjects. Independent sample t-test and 2x2 ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis. No significance was found between the pre-test results of both EG and CG (p>0.05). In post-test results, a difference was found in favour of EG group in RPM 60o EX value (p<0.05). When the pre-test and posttest results of the groups were compared separately, a significant difference was found in RPM 60o EX, LPM 180o EX and LPM 240o EX parameters in EG (p<0.05). A significant progress was found in LPM 180o EX, LPM 180o FLX and LPM 240o FLX values in CG (p<0.05). It was found that CST applied on young soccer players affected knee isokinetic strength in different velocity and this effect caused significance especially in different angular speeds of EX phase. In addition, although significant progress was not observed in all parameters in EG after CST, it was found that there weren’t decreases in any parameters and at least strength was maintained.

Esophagoduodenoscopy or colonoscopy: which should be done first?

Objectives

Esophagoduodenoscopy and colonoscopy can be done as bidirectional endoscopy in the same session. The aim of this study was to compare anesthetic requirements and hemodynamic effects in esophagoduodenoscopy or colonoscopy done first for bidirectional endoscopy.

Material and Methods

Eighty patients, aged 18-70 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification (ASA) as I-III, were included randomly into this study. The patients were allocated into two groups: Group C: first colonoscopy followed by esophagoduodenoscopy. Group E: first esophagoduodenoscopy followed by colonoscopy. All patients received standard anesthesia with 1 µg/kg fentanyl and 1 mg/kg propofol. Demographical variables, Heart rate SpO₂, Ramsey Sedation Score were recorded every 10 minutes. Total propofol consumption, retching during esophagoduodenoscopy and time to reach cecum were also recorded. Endoscopist and patient satisfaction were questioned.

Results

Retching during esophagoduodenoscopy was not statistically significantly different in both groups. Total procedure duration and esophagoduodenoscopy duration were statistically significant longer in Group E. Complication frequency was higher in Group E. Endoscopist and patient satisfaction were lower in Group E. There was no difference in time to reach the cecum and the recovering period. Additional propofol dose was increased in Group E.

Conclusion

Regarding shorter procedural duration, lower consumption amount of propofol and fewer complications, it could be a better choice to start bidirectional procedure with colonoscopy first.

Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: Is Surgery Difficult? Is Laparoscopic Surgery Recommended?

Introduction: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare inflammatory disease of the gallbladder (GB). XGC surgery is a difficult process due to its clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings. In this study, our aim is to show the difficulties of XGC surgery and to find out if laparoscopic surgery is a sufficient procedure. Materials and Methods: Histological findings of 3339 cholecystectomy patients, who were operated between January 2015 and January 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, radiological results, clinical features, intraoperative findings, and surgical management of the patients with XGC were recorded. Results: XGC was observed in 70 patients (2.09%). The average age was 53.75. M:F ratio was 1.2. In radiological examinations, gallstones were found in 94.2% of the patients and GB wall thickness (≥3 mm) was increased in 58.5% of the patients. Around 45.7% of the patients came to the clinic with chronic cholecystitis and 32.9% with acute cholecystitis. In the intraoperative period, adhesions were observed in 80% and increase in GB wall thickness was observed in 77.1% of the patients. The operation started laparoscopically in 66 patients. In 14 patients (21.2%), it was converted to open surgery usually due to insufficient dissection of Calot's triangle. Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) was suspected in 6 patients, but none of them had malignancy in frozen sections or histology. Conclusions: XGC surgery is difficult due to its radiological, clinical, and intraoperative features and mimicking GBC. It can be converted to open cholecystectomy due to difficulties in laparoscopic dissection. However, since conversion cholecystectomy rates are reasonable, laparoscopic surgery is recommended in patients with suspected XGC.

Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training on Pitch Range and Sound Duration in Brass Instrument Players and Singers

OBJECTIVE

Effective use of respiratory organs is important for musicians. Therefore, the impact of Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) on phonation is open to research. The aim of this study was to investigate the measurable effects of RMT on blowing in brass instrumental and on voice performance in singers.

METHODS

Thirty musicians were recruited and separated into a four groups. The brass instrumental and singers groups were further subdivided into control and RMT groups for a 4 week RMT intervention giving a total four groups: singers experimental (SE; n:10), singers control (SC; n:10), brass instrument players experimental (BIPE; n:5), and BIPC (n:5). The groups selected from the musicians of Samsun State Opera and Ballet Directorate and Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Band Team participated in the study.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of RMT application in the study groups, significant increase in all parameters except Forced vital capacity/Forced expiratory volume in 1 second was observed in the values of pulmonary function tests and respiratory muscle strength in subjects with SE and BIPE (P < 0.05). The most significant results of this study are that in addition to changes in the duration of phonation (SE 36%), high-pitch (SE 79%, BIPE 27%) and low-pitch sounds (BIPE 61% and SE 42%), the SE (15%) and BIPE (3%) groups reached higher pitches in the high-pitch notes.

CONCLUSIONS

It was determined that performance of the highest and lowest pitch sounds within a vocal register in a single breath and phonation times can be improved by RMT.

How does the extent of antral resection affect the residual gastric volume and excessive weight loss?

AIM

To identify the effect of the extent of antral resection on the residual gastric volume (RdGV) and excess weight loss (EWL) among patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG) due to the obesity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The demographical data, operative details, postoperative morbidity, mortality and the percentages of EWL in the postoperative 3, 6 and 12 months of the patients who underwent LSG between January 2014 and August 2015 were analyzed. These patients were divided into three groups regarding the antral resection margin (ARM): Group 1(n=80): ARM≤3cm; Group2 (n=35): 3 <ARM < 6 cm; Group3 (n=30): ARM ≥6cm. The ARM was measured by usinga ruler. RdGV measurement and leak test were performed by filling methylene bluethrough the bougie.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients were included in the study. Demographic features were similar between three groups. The mean RcGV was significantly higher in Group 1, whereas RdGV was significantly higher in Group 3. The patients in Group 1 had significantly higher EWL% than Group 3 at 12 monthspostoperatively. The mean number of stapler used for gastric resection was significantly higher in Group1. No significant complications such as hemorrhage, staple line leakage, abscess, etc.that required any interventional management were observed in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Enlargement of the antral resection margin (>6cm from pylorus) resulted in reduced operating cost and decelerated reach to optimal EWL% with similar postoperative outcomes.

KEY WORDS

Antral resection margin, Excess weight loss, Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, Residual gastric volume, Surgical technique.

Approach to inguinal hernia in high-risk geriatric patients: Should it be elective or emergent?

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients are more prone to have inguinal hernia due to weakened abdominal musculature. However, surgical repair of inguinal hernia (SRIH) may not be performed or may be delayed due to greater risk in presence of comorbidities. Present study is investigation of outcome of elective and emergency SRIH in geriatric patients.

METHODS

Records of total of 384 high-risk (American Society of Anesthesiology classification III-IV) patients aged >65 years who underwent SRIH between January 2010 and December 2014 were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to procedure type: elective (Group EL) or emergency (Group EM). Demographic features and surgical and postoperative period data of 2 groups were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

Demographic data were similar, but number of ASA IV patients was greater in Group EM. Frequency of intestinal resection was significantly greater in emergency surgery group (1% vs 21%; p<0.01). Length of hospital stay (1.3 days vs 7.9 days; p<0.01) and intensive care unit stay (0.17 days vs 4.04 days; p<0.01) were also greater in Group EM. Morbidity (1% vs 24%; p<0.01) and mortality (0.3% vs 11%; p<0.01) were also significantly higher in Group EM compared to elective SRIH group.

CONCLUSION

Emergency inguinal hernia surgery is associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality compared with elective SRIH in high-risk geriatric patients. Elective hernia repair in these patients should be considered to reduce risk of need for intestinal resection as well as length of hospital stay.

Management of iatrogenic injuries due to endoscopic sphincterotomy: Surgical or conservative approaches

OBJECTIVE

The best therapeutic approach for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related perforations remains controversial; while some authors suggest routine conservative management, others advocate mandatory surgical exploration. We aimed to evaluate our clinical experience of perforations during endoscopic sphincterotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review from January 2010 to October 2015 identified 20 patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related perforations. Data collection included demographics, time to diagnosis, type of perforation, treatment strategy, surgical procedure, complications, hospital stay, and outcome. All patients were classified into two groups on the basis of radiological and operative findings.

RESULTS

Only five patients underwent surgical treatment, whereas 15 patients were managed conservatively. The mean time to diagnosis was 7.8 hrs (range: 1 to 36 hrs). In patients who underwent surgical treatment, the types of perforations included type I and III in one patient each and type II in three patients. Surgical procedures included laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy with t-tube drainage in two patients each and primary repair of duodenal injury with hepaticojejunostomy in one patient. Among conservatively managed patients, eight, four, and three had type II, type III, and type IV injuries, respectively. Of these 15 patients, 60% (n=9) underwent percutaneous procedures. The mean length of hospital stay was similar for conservatively and surgically treated patients (12 vs. 12.4 days, respectively, p=0.790). One patient (5%) with type I injury died of multiorgan deficiency.

CONCLUSION

With close close clinical follow-up, medical treatment can be beneficial for most patients, and surgical procedures should be reserved for patients with type I (definite) and type II/III injuries; in patients with these clinical parameters, conservative management will likely be unsuccessful.

Case of an intrahepatic sewing needle and review of the literature

An intrahepatic foreign body (FB) is rarely observed. In most cases, object passes from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver via migration. Uncomplicated intrahepatic FB can be followed without surgical intervention; however, complicated intrahepatic FB requires laparoscopy or laparotomy. Presently described is laparoscopic operation on 22-year-old female patient who had incidental sewing needle in the right liver lobe. As there were initially no complications, follow-up monitoring was recommended. However, the patient subsequently complained of stomach pain and developed fever. Laparoscopic exploration located sewing needle in the right liver lobe lateral to the gall bladder with end of needle protruding from the liver. Needle was removed with laparoscopic grasper. Review of the literature regarding 23 other intrahepatic sewing needle cases is also presented.

What is the effect of treatment modality on red blood cell distribution width in patients with acute cholecystitis?

OBJECTIVE

The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has recently been used as a marker to predict outcome in various patient groups. In this study, we aimed to examine how RDW is influenced during the treatment and follow-up of cases of acute cholecystitis which is a common inflammatory disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-two patients who were treated for acute cholecystitis, were included into the study. The demographic data, leukocyte count, RDW, C-reactive protein (CRP) values and treatment protocols of these patients were prospectively recorded. The patients who received medical treatment for acute cholecystitis (Group A, n=33) and those who underwent surgery (Group B, n=39) were examined in separate groups.

RESULTS

There were 27 male and 45 female patients with a mean age of 50.1±18 years (min-max: 21-94). In Group B, 33 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, whereas 6 patients underwent open cholecystectomy. The RDW values on admission were not significantly different between two groups. However the post-treatment/pre-discharge RDW values were significantly lower in the surgical group (14.4±1.9 to 13.6±1.1, respectively, p<0.05). Also, no significant RDW change was identified in the medical treatment group based on an intra-group assessment, whereas a significant decrease was observed in Group B (on admission and following surgical treatment: 14.3±1.3, 13.6±1.1, respectively, p=0.015). No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of CRP and leucocyte values.

CONCLUSION

There was a significant decrease in RDW values in patients who were treated with surgery for acute cholecystitis, while this response could not be observed with medical treatment.

Timing of cholecystectomy in biliary pancreatitis treatment

OBJECTIVE

Gallstone pancreatitis constitutes 40% of all cases with pancreatitis while it constitutes up to 90% of cases with acute pancreatitis. The treatment modality in this patient population is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of early and late cholecystectomy for patients with biliary pancreatitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients treated with a diagnosis of acute biliary pancreatitis in our clinics between January 2000 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A, patients who underwent cholecystectomy during the first pancreatitis attack, Group B, patients who underwent an interval cholecystectomy at least 8 weeks after the first pancreatitis episode. The demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, number of episodes, length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality data were recorded. All data were evaluated with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 13.0 for windows and p <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

During the last 12 years, a total of 91 patients with surgical treatment for acute biliary pancreatitis were included into the study. There were 62 female and 29 male patients, with a mean age of 57.9±14.6 years (range: 21-89). A concomitant acute cholecystitis was present in 46.2% of the patients. Group A and B included 48 and 43 patients, respectively. The length of hospital stay was significantly higher in group B (9.4 vs. 6.8 days) (p<0,05). More than half of the patients in Group B were readmitted to the hospital for various reasons. No significant difference was observed between the two groups, one patient died due to heart failure in the postoperative period in group B.

CONCLUSION

In-hospital cholecystectomy after remission of acute pancreatitis is feasible. It will not only result in lower recurrence and complication rates but also shorten length of hospital stay. We recommend performing cholecystectomy during the course of the first episode in patients with acute pancreatitis.