The effects of different vasovasostomy techniques on motility of vas deferens (vas motility following vasovasostomy)

PURPOSE

Vasovasostomy is used to correct vas deferens (VD) transections encountered during surgery or to reverse sterilization vasectomies. Achieving vasal patency is the primary goal and the success is assessed on various factors including VD patency, flow rates, and pregnancy rates. While preserving vas motility is not a major concern in surgical practice, it is worth noting that VD has peristaltic activity which plays crucial role during ejaculation. Any disruption in its motility could potentially lead to negative outcomes in the future. We conducted an experimental study to assess vas motility changes following vasovasostomy.

METHODS

The study was approved by Gazi University, Animals Ethic Committee. Twenty-four rats were allocated to four groups. Left-sided VD was harvested in control group (Gr1). The rest of the animals were subjected to transection of VD. Gr2 and 3 underwent microscopic and macroscopic anastomosis, respectively, while Gr4 underwent vasal approximation. After 12 weeks, all left-sided VD were resected, electrical field stimulation (EFS) and exogenous drugs were applied to induce contractions. Statistical analyses were performed and p value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The first and second phases of EFS-induced contractile responses(CR) increased for Gr3 and decreased for Gr4 at submaximal and maximal frequencies. An increase only at maximal frequency for second phase EFS-induced CR was encountered for Gr2. α-β-methylene-ATP-induced CR decreased for Gr3 and 4. Noradrenaline-induced CR increased for Gr2, and 3 and decreased for Gr4.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that vasovasostomy performed using a surgical technique that minimizes disruption or damage to VD may have a favorable impact on motility.

Application of vascular endothelial growth factor at different phases of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion: What are its effects on oxidative stress, inflammation and telomerase activity?

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a great challenge in clinical practice, with high morbidity and mortality. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as a signal protein, contributes to vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the local effectiveness of VEGF following intestinal IRI and its relation with application time.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty Wistar albino rats were allocated to 5 groups and underwent laparotomy. The superior mesenteric arteries (SMA) were dissected in 4 groups, while the control group (Gr C) underwent a resection of small and large intestines. The VEGF group (Gr V) received VEGF following SMA dissection, with no further intervention, and the remaining 3 groups were subjected to ischemia for 90 min through occlusion of SMA and reperfusion for 4 h. Ischemic reperfusion group (Gr I/R) received no additional medication, while the remaining 2 groups received VEGF just before ischemia (Gr V+I/R) and during reperfusion (Gr I/R+V).

RESULTS

Both applications of VEGF caused decreases in plasma levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), intestinal malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized glutathione, protein carbonyl levels, and increases in intestinal total glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Telomerase activity, which disappeared for Gr I/R, was found to be elevated following both treatment groups. Similarly, the histopathological scores were found better for both treatment groups, but Gr V-I/R represented best outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our study revealed that VEGF, applied either before ischemia or during reperfusion, is effective on local damage following intestinal IRI. By interpreting the biochemical analysis and histopathological findings, we conclude either treatment option to be considered according to the reason of intestinal IRI.

Etanercept restores vasocontractile sensitivity affected by mesenteric ischemia reperfusion

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to evaluate in vivo and in vitro effects of etanercept, a soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor, on the contractile responses of superior mesenteric artery in an experimental mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

After obtaining animal ethics committee approval, 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to three groups. Control group (Gr C, n = 6) underwent a sham operation, whereas ischemia/reperfusion and treatment groups underwent 90 min ischemia and 24-h reperfusion (Gr I/R, n = 12; Gr I/R+E, n = 6). The treatment group received 5 mg/kg etanercept intravenously at the beginning of reperfusion. At the end of reperfusion, all animals were sacrificed, and third branch of superior mesenteric artery was dissected for evaluation of contractile responses. In vitro effects of etanercept on vasocontractile responses were also evaluated. The excised ileums were analyzed under light microscope. Two-way analysis of variance following Bonferroni post hoc test was used for evaluation of contractile responses.

RESULTS

Endothelin-1 and phenylephrine-mediated vasocontractile sensitivity were found increased in Gr I/R when compared with Gr C. Both intravenous administration and organ bath incubation of etanercept decreased the sensitivity of contractile agents for Gr I/R. Mucosal injury, lamina propria disintegration, and denuded villous tips were observed in Gr I/R, whereas the epithelial injury and the subepithelial edema were found to be milder in Gr I/R+E.

CONCLUSIONS

Etanercept can be a promising agent in mesenteric ischemic reperfusion injury as it does not only inhibit inflammation by blocking tumor necrosis factor-α in circulation but also restores vascular contractility during reflow. These findings support an unexplained recuperative effect of drug beyond its anti-inflammatory effects.

Do MCF7 cells cope with metformin treatment under energetic stress in low glucose conditions?

There is a growing body of evidence about metformin being effective in cancer therapy. Despite controversies about the ways of its effectiveness, several ongoing clinical trials are evaluating the drug when used as an adjuvant or a neo-adjuvant agent. We aimed to investigate metformin's effects on proliferation, metastasis, and hormone receptor expressions in breast cancer cell line MCF-7 incubated in two different glucose conditions. MCF-7 cells were incubated in high or low glucose media and treated with various doses of metformin. The cell viability was studied using MTT test. The Ki-67, estrogen and progesterone receptor expression were evaluated by ICC and galectin-3 expression was evaluated by ELISA or spectrophotometrically. The cell viability following consecutive metformin doses in either glucose condition for 24 and 48 h represented a significant decrease when compared to control. The proliferation detected in low glucose medium following metformin at doses < 20 mM was found significantly decreased when compared to high glucose medium at 48 h. In terms of galectin-3 levels, the increase in high glucose medium treated with metformin and the decrease in low glucose medium were found statistically significant when compared to control. Progesterone receptor staining demonstrated a significant increase in low glucose medium. Our findings represent better outcomes for cancer lines incubated in low glucose medium treated with metformin in terms of viability, receptor expression and metastatic activity, and highlight the potential benefit of metformin especially in restraining the cancer cell's ability to cope energetic stress in low glucose conditions.

Successful Treatment of a Case with Cervical Lymphatic Malformation: Repeated Bleomycin Sclerotherapy

Lymphatic malformations (LM) are benign congenital malformations of the lymphatic system. They are frequently seen in the neck and sometimes can be life-threatening due to compression to the airway. Treatment modalities are widespread including surgical excision, radiotherapy, laser therapy, and application of intralesional sclerosing agents. We report the successful treatment of cervical LM in a 3-year-old boy who presented with a sudden onset of a large cystic mass in the posterior cervical triangle and was treated with repeated injections of intralesional bleomycin.

Rectal duplications accompanying rectovestibular fistula: report of two cases

Rectal duplication (RD) cysts are rare congenital anomalies that can be diagnosed with the presence of another opening in the perineum. They seldom accompany anorectal malformations (ARM). Two cases of RD accompanying ARM at opposite ends of the phenotypic spectrum, are described. A 3-month-old baby and a 2-year-old girl with ARM were scheduled for posterior sagittal anorectoplasty. The infant had an orifice at the anal dimple and the other had an orifice at the vestibulum posterior to the rectovestibular fistula. The infant presented with no other anomalies whereas the older one presented with an unusual coexistence of caudal duplication and caudal regression syndromes. Perioperatively both orifices were found to be related to retrorectal cysts, and were excised. Clinicians should always be alert when dealing with complex malformations. Because these malformations have variable anatomical and clinical presentations, they can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Non-operative therapy for pilonidal sinus in adolescence: crystallised phenol application, 'report of a case'

Pilonidal sinus (PS) is an acquired disease at the sacrococcygeal region that can be treated by different surgical techniques. Crystallised phenol application seems to be an alternative therapy to surgery with higher success rates, lower costs, faster recovery and earlier return to work. We aimed to state the success of phenol application for PS in adolescence. A 14-year-old boy with recurrent PS, an 18-year-old girl with the history of pilonidal abscess and a 15-year-old girl with PS was hospitalised. All patients underwent phenol application in an outpatient setting. The patients were followed thereafter. The 14-year-old boy and 18-year-old girl did not face any problems and all sinuses healed completely. The 15-year-old girl was followed for 2 weeks because of intergluteal maceration and ongoing drainage. She underwent another phenol application and the course after intervention was uneventful with complete healing of the sinus. Crystallised phenol application seems to be a promising non-operative therapy for PS in adolescents.

A rare cause of acute abdominal pain in adolescence: hydrosalpinx leading to isolated torsion of fallopian tube

Torsion of the fallopian tube accompanying hydrosalpinx is a rare occurrence in the pediatric population. This report describes a 13 year old sexually inactive girl with isolated tubal torsion due to hydrosalpinx. The girl had lower left abdominal pain for two days. The physical examination revealed left lower quadrant tenderness with a firm round anterior mass on rectal examination. Abdominal ultrasound showed left tubal enlargement with free pelvic peritoneal fluid. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed engorgement and dilatation of the left fallopian tube without contrast enhancement suspicious of tubal torsion. At operation, torsion of the left tube on its longitudinal axis was observed, and a salpingectomy was performed. Although rare, the diagnosis of torsion of the fallopian tube should be considered when evaluating acute abdominal pain. The earlier tubal torsion is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of salvaging the fallopian tube.

Effects of different pulmonary surfactants in the prevention of postoperative intraabdominal adhesion formation

BACKGROUND

After abdominal surgery, the formation of postoperative adhesion is a serious problem. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of 2 different pulmonary surfactants, poractant and beractant, on adhesion prevention in an experimental model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An experimental intraabdominal adhesion model was created in 18 adult female rats by cecal abrasion. The rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Group I received no further treatment, whereas groups II and III received intraperitoneal poractant and beractant, respectively, before closing the incision. On the 15th postoperative day, all rats underwent relaparotomy, intraabdominal adhesions were scored macroscopically according to Canbaz scoring system, and the cecum in each animal was evaluated microscopically.

RESULTS

The median adhesion scores of group II and III rats were significantly lower when compared with group I (P = .02). Group III had a lower median adhesion score than did group II, but this did not reach significance (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that intraperitoneal instillation of both pulmonary surfactants is associated with lower adhesion scores, higher adhesion-free cases, and improved histologic findings.

Successful laparoscopic removal of mesenteric and omental cysts in toddlers: 3 cases with a literature review

Mesenteric and omental cysts are rare benign intraabdominal anomalies with uncertain etiologies. Surgical removal is the preferred treatment owing to complications related to cyst enlargement. A 1-year-old boy with an intrauterine diagnosis of a cystic mass adjacent to his stomach and liver, a 3-year-old girl, and a 3-year-old boy with an incidental diagnosis of intraabdominal cysts were scheduled for laparoscopic surgery. The mass of the 1-year-old boy was a multiloculated cyst originating from the lesser omentum, the incidental mass in the girl was a multiseptated cyst located in the jejunoileal mesentery, and the incidental mass of the 3-year-old boy was a uniloculated cyst originating from the ileal mesentery. All the cysts were excised either laparoscopically or in a laparoscopy-assisted manner. The laparoscopic or laparoscopy-assisted excision of the mesenteric and omental cysts seems to be a feasible, safe, and cost-effective surgical procedure with shorter operative times, even in toddlers.

Commonly used intravenous anesthetics decrease bladder contractility: An in vitro study of the effects of propofol, ketamine, and midazolam on the rat bladder

Aim:

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that propofol, ketamine, and midazolam could alter the contractile activity of detrusor smooth muscle.

Materials and Methods:

Four detrusor muscle strips isolated from each rat bladder (n = 12) were placed in 4 tissue baths containing Krebs-Henseleit solution. The carbachol (10 ⁻⁸to 10⁻⁴mol/L)-induced contractile responses as well as 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 Hz electrical field stimulation (EFS)-evoked contractile responses of the detrusor muscles were recorded using isometric contraction measurements. After obtaining basal responses, the in vitro effects of propofol, ketamine, midazolam (10⁻⁵ to 10⁻³ mol/L), and saline on the contractile responses of the detrusor muscle strips were recorded and evaluated.

Results:

All the 3 drugs reduced the carbachol-induced and/or EFS-evoked contractile responses of rat detrusor smooth muscles in different degrees. Midazolam (10⁻⁴ to 10⁻³ mol/L) caused a significant decrease in the contractile responses elicited by either EFS or carbachol (P=0.000−0.013). Propofol (10⁻³mol/L) caused a decrease only in EFS-evoked contractile responses (P=0.001−0.004) and ketamine (10⁻³mol/L) caused a decrease only in carbachol-induced contractile responses (P=0.001−0.034).

Conclusion:

We evaluated the effects of the 3 different intravenous anesthetics on detrusor contractile responses in vitro and found that there are possible interactions between anesthetic agents and detrusor contractile activity. The depressant effects of midazolam on the contractile activity were found to be more significant than ketamine and propofol. Despite the necessity of further studies, it could be a piece of wise advice to clinicians to keep the probable alterations due to intravenous anesthetics in mind, while evaluating the results of urodynamic studies in children under sedation.

Littre hernia in childhood: a case report with a brief review of the literature

A 3-year-old boy with a right-sided and painful inguinal swelling for the last 2 h was admitted to the emergency department. As there were no apparent peritoneal irritation findings, right-sided incarcerated inguinal hernia was reduced and the patient was scheduled for an elective herniorrhaphy. Perioperatively even though the sac seemed empty, it was opened in order to inspect its content. The adherence of Meckel's diverticulum (MD) to the base of hernial sac was realized and Littre hernia (LH) was diagnosed. The hernia was highly ligated after the wedge resection of the diverticulum and anastomosis. The patient was fed on the second postoperative day and discharged on the third postoperative day. Despite numerous presentations of LH in the adult age group in the literature, there are limited data about the disease in the childhood period. Even though the scarcity of the data, there are some so-called rules for LH in childhood like protruding more common through umbilical hernias, containing heterotopic tissues more frequent than adult age and incarcerating/strangulating more often. The aim of this study is to review the reported LH cases, present a new case and discuss the features of LH in childhood period.

Apart from the other members of PDE inhibitors' family, enoximone does not enhance renal ischemic reperfusion injury: the effects of enoximone on renal ischemia reperfusion

Many pharmacological agents were investigated for the prevention of renal ischemic reperfusion (IR) injury as well as the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. The aim of the study was to examine the possible renoprotective effect of enoximone as a member of this family on IR injury. Thirty-six Wistar-Albino rats were allocated to six groups. Sham (S) and control groups (E1, E2) only received 0.09% NaCl, 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg enoximone via caudal caval vein, respectively. In ischemia (I) and treatment groups (IE1, IE2), the rats were subjected to bilateral renal artery occlusion and were given 0.09% NaCl, 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg enoximone in the same route, respectively. Bilateral kidneys were removed at the sixth hour of laparotomy for histopathological and biochemical analysis, such as superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, malonyldialdehyde, and nitric oxide end products. Blood samples were taken in order to evaluate renal function tests. The data were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance, and p < .05 was considered to be statistically significant. The worst results were achieved in ischemia group (p < .05). Treatments groups showed nearly similar findings with this group (p < .05). There was no significant difference between control and sham groups. In this study, we found that apart from the other members of the PDE inhibitors' family, enoximone did not contribute to the attenuation of IR injury of kidney.

The morphological evaluation of ipsilateral and contralateral vasa deferentia in a rat model of unilateral spermatic cord torsion

AIM

Spermatic cord torsion is a surgical emergency that requires early intervention to protect the effected testicle. The literature review about this ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury reveals not only ipsilateral, but also contralateral testicular and epididymal injuries in a broad fashion. However, there is no data about vas deferens injury related with this surgical emergency. The aim of the study is to evaluate the morphological changes of the vas deferens due to testicular I/R injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen Wistar-Albino rats were allocated to three groups. Bilateral vasa deferentia of control group (Gr C, n = 6) were harvested without any surgical intervention. The torsion group was subjected to 2 h torsion and 2 h detorsion of the left testicle (Gr T, n = 6) and the third group underwent sham operations (Gr S, n = 6). Bilateral vasa deferentia of Gr T and S were harvested after surgery. The either side of the vas deferens was divided into three equal segments and these regions (adjacent to urinary bladder, medial and adjacent to testicle) were evaluated histopathologically.

RESULTS

The electron microscopic evaluation of bilateral vasa deferentia of Gr T revealed different degrees of degeneration on either side. The region adjacent to testicle of the contralateral vas deferens was the most effected segment when compared with the other segments.

CONCLUSION

In the light of these findings, it can be said that testicular I/R injury effects not only testis and epididymis, but also the adjacent vas deferens. This effect seems to be bilateral, like the testis and epididymis injury. Moreover, it mostly seems to depend on the apoptotic processes.