Lipid peroxidation in experimental spinal cord injury: time-level relationship

Damage which occurs following spinal traumas is often irreversible. During recent years free oxygen radicals formed due to the pathological changes following neural tissue ischemia have been identified as being responsible for the ethio-pathogenesis of such damage. In our experimental study, model lesions are formed in spinal cords of rats by standard trauma. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, was measured in the spinal tissues distal to the trauma in order to examine indirectly the time-quantity relationship of free oxygen radicals in the area. For this study 60 rats in six groups, including one control group, were used to determine the formation of MDA. Under a surgical microscope, the spines of all rats were exposed by C5-Th6 laminectomy, and pressure was applied to the spinal cords of animals, except the members of the control group, at the level of C7 by a Yaşargil aneurysm clip. MDA was measured in spinal cord tissues in order to determine free oxygen radicals at the first and fifteenth minutes and at the first, second, and fourth hours. The statistical evaluation of the findings revealed a significant increase in MDA, starting from the 15th minute after the compression, reaching a maximum at 1 hour, and then decreasing. This observation may provide an important guide for studies on prevention of neural destruction.

Intracranial hydatid cysts. Study of 17 cases

The authors report 17 cases of intracranial hydatid cyst out of 500 brain tumors seen in 20 years, and analyze clinical, investigative, diagnostic, and operative findings.

Long-term follow-up and results of thirty pediatric intracranial hydatid cysts: half a century of experience in the Department of Neurosurgery of the School of Medicine at the University of Istanbul (1952-2001)

A series of 30 documented cases of intracranial hydatid cyst out of 33 pediatric and 45 total patients admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of the School of Medicine at Istanbul University within the years 1952-1996 is presented. The pediatric population consisted of 73% of the series. Twenty patients (66%) are alive and well after a follow-up period of 8-45 years (mean 21.5 years). Six patients (20%) died and 4 (13%) were lost to follow-up. There were 3 early postoperative deaths (10%), 2 being in the pre-CT era. In 4 cases (13%), brain involvement was secondary, and 2 cases (7%) had multiple intracranial hydatid cysts. Age ranged from 4 to 16 years, with a mean of 10.4. There were 5 intraventricular (17%) and 2 (7%) intracranial extradural settlements. No children with posterior fossa hydatid cyst, primary skull hydatidosis or concomitant spinal involvement were detected. One patient (3%) presented with "rhinorrhea" which in fact was a hydatid fluid leak. Preoperative pseudocerebellar syndrome, convulsion and extrapyramidal signs were seen in 6 patients each (20%). Five patients (17%) had permanent visual deficits, 3 being in pre-CT era. Out of 29 patients operated on, hydatid birth with intact cyst removal was achieved in 18 cases (62%), with no other manipulation needed. This rate has increased to 70% in the CT era. Intraoperative accidental rupture occurred in 8 cases (28%), of which 7 were localized frontally or had a frontal involvement (88% of the ruptured cases). Of the patients with intraoperative rupture, 5 are dead (63%) and they were all primary. In contrast, all 3 cases alive with intraoperative rupture are secondary. Three cases were punctured on purpose (10%). Four of the operated patients (14%) required long-term antiepileptic therapy, 3 having no preoperative seizures. Only 1 patient required a shunt (3%). Four cases had recurrence, all with intraoperative cyst rupture (14%). The long-term evaluation of the results yielded an overall mortality rate of 21%. Routine use of CT after the 80s decreased the rate to 14%. With the analysis of 50 years of data, it is strongly concluded that brain involvement in pediatric hydatid disease is a primary process if delayed diagnosis and insufficient treatment of extraneural hydatidosis are prevented.

Intracranial extradural hydatid cysts: report of three cases

Intracranial extradural hydatid cysts are a rare occurrence with unclear pathogenesis. Three different cases are reported and the postoperative courses are discussed. Of the 11 cases found in the literature, all eight cases whose sex and age were reported are men, and seven of the eight are clustered in between the second and fourth decades.

Metamorphic development of the bronchial columella of the larval bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Histological and immunohistochemical analyses of head and respiratory structures in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles were undertaken to address the hypothesis that the bronchial columella (BC) is the primary sound conduction pathway in these larval anurans. In postembryonic tadpoles, the BC is composed of fibroblasts surrounded by a Type I collagen matrix, with Type II collagen located in basement membranes at the distal ends. It provides a highly flexible tendon-like attachment between the round window and the membranous sac of the primary bronchus of the ipsilateral lung. As the animals approach metamorphic climax stages, the fibroblasts decrease in number and the BC becomes almost exclusively collagenous. During metamorphic climax, the BC degenerates and is completely resorbed by the time the animal becomes a postmetamorphic froglet. At all larval stages examined, the BC is structurally and immunohistochemically different from both the opercularis muscle of tadpoles and the tympanic columella (stapes homolog) of postmetamorphic animals. These observations suggest that the BC may not be rigid enough to provide an effective coupling between the lungs and the round window. An alternative hypothesis for the function of the BC, based on its structure, is presented.

Predictive Value of Mean Platelet Volume in Saphenous Vein Graft Disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet count could be used as determinants of mortality following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVG).

METHODS

The records of 128 patients who underwent emergency or elective coronary angiography after CABG surgery, and who died at an early stage were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups as early death, no SVG disease (SVGD), and SVGD group. MPV, PDW, and platelet count were evaluated at different times.

RESULTS

MPV was significantly higher in the stenotic group than in the nonstenotic group (9.7±1.8 fl and 8.2±0.9 fl, P<0.05). The postoperative MPV ratio was found to be higher in the stenotic group when compared to the preoperative period (9.6±1.8 fl and 7.8±0.9 fl, P<0.05). MPV values were also found to be higher in patients who died during the early stage than in surviving patients (9.4±1.9 fl and 8.0±1.0 fl, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference regarding platelet count and PDW ratios between the early deaths group and surviving patients. An MPV value higher than 10.6 predicted SVGD with 85% sensitivity and 45% specificity; and an MPV higher than 7.9 predicted early death with 80% sensitivity and 68% specificity were observed.

CONCLUSION

MPV may be a useful indicator for the prediction of SVGD and mortality following CABG surgery.

Comparison of carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis: a single center study

INTRODUCTION

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is believed to be an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA); however, recent studies have demonstrated an increase of complications with stenting that does not reflect our experience. We thus wanted to compare the periprocedural and 1-year follow-up outcomes of CAS with those of CEA among patients with symptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis in a population from eastern Turkey.

METHODS

The hospital records of all patients who underwent carotid artery revascularization were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the type of carotid revascularization performed, namely CEA or CAS. Comparisons were made with respect to 30-day and 1-year outcomes of transient ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all-cause death rates. Composite endpoints for both groups were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-two CEA and 33 CAS procedures were performed for symptomatic occlusive carotid disease. Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups except for the incidence of diabetes mellitus. No significant differences were found with respect to 30-day mortality, MI, and neurologic morbidity endpoints for CEA and CAS procedures. In the postprocedural 1-year follow-up, only TIA was observed to be significantly higher in the CAS group; the other endpoints did not differ significantly. One-year composite endpoints did not differ between both groups (log-rank P = 0.300).

CONCLUSION

In our trial of patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis, no significant difference could be shown in periprocedural outcomes, postprocedural outcomes except TIA, and in composite endpoints between the CEA and CAS groups. CAS is a safe and efficacious alternative for the treatment of symptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

Standard values of the upper body posture in healthy adults with special regard to age, sex and BMI

In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture in clinical or physiotherapeutic settings, a baseline in the form of standard values with special regard to age, sex and BMI is required. Thus, subjectively healthy men and women aged 21-60 years were measured in this project. The postural parameters of 800 symptom-free male (n = 397) and female (n = 407) volunteers aged 21-60 years (Ø♀: 39.7 ± 11.6, Ø ♂: 40.7 ± 11.5 y) were studied. The mean height of the men was 1.8 ± 0.07 m, with a mean body weight of 84.8 ± 13.1 kg and an average BMI of 26.0 ± 3.534 kg/m². In contrast, the mean height of the women was 1.67 ± 0.06 m, with a mean body weight of 66.5 ± 12.7 kg and an average BMI of 23.9 ± 4.6 kg/m². By means of video rasterstereography, a 3-dimensional scan of the upper back surface was measured when in a habitual standing position. The means or medians, confidence intervals, tolerance ranges, the minimum, 2.5, 25, 50, 75, 97.5 percentiles and the maximum, plus the kurtosis and skewness of the distribution, were calculated for all parameters. Additionally, ANOVA and a factor analyses (sex, BMI, age) were conducted. In both sexes across all age groups, balanced, symmetrical upper body statics were evident. Most strikingly, the females showed greater thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles (kyphosis: Ø ♀ 56°, Ø♂ 51°; lordosis: Ø ♀ 49°, Ø♂ 32°) and lumbar bending angles (Ø ♀ 14°, Ø♂ 11°) than the males. The distance between the scapulae was more pronounced in men. These parameters also show an increase with age and BMI, respectively. Pelvic parameters were independent of age and sex. The upper body postures of women and men between the ages of 21 and 60 years were found to be almost symmetrical and axis-conforming with a positive correlation for BMI or age. Consequently, the present body posture parameters allow for comparisons with other studies, as well as for the evaluation of clinical (interim) diagnostics and applications.

Surgical Management of Intravenous Leiomyoma with Cardiac Extension. Do We Need Total Circulatory Arrest?

Intravenous leiomyoma of the uterus is a histologically benign, smooth-muscle tumor and may extend through the inferior vena cava into the right atrium. Surgical treatment is mandatory and single-stage resection of the tumor has gained wide acceptance as a safe and easy procedure. We describe a single-stage surgical procedure for an intravenous leiomyoma extending to the right atrium diagnosed in a routine control after myomectomy.

Treatment of Pericardial Effusion Through Subxiphoid Tube Pericardiostomy and Computerized Tomography- or Echocardiography - Guided Percutaneous Catheter Drainage Methods

Objective

In this retrospective study, we aimed to observe the efficacy of pericardial effusion (PE) treatments by a survey conducted at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University.

Methods

In order to get comparable results, the patients with PE were divided into three groups - group A, 480 patients who underwent subxiphoid pericardiostomy; group B, 28 patients who underwent computerized tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous catheter drainage; and group C, 45 patients who underwent echocardiography (ECHO)-guided percutaneous catheter drainage.

Results

In the three groups of patients, the most important symptom and physical sign were dyspnea and tachycardia, respectively. The most common causes of PE were uremic pericarditis in patients who underwent tube pericardiostomy, postoperative PE in patients who underwent CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage, and cancer-related PE in patients who underwent ECHO-guided percutaneous catheter drainage. In all the patients, relief of symptoms was achieved after surgical intervention. There was no treatment-related mortality in any group of patients. In patients with tuberculous pericarditis, the rates of recurrent PE and/or constrictive pericarditis progress were 2,9% and 2,2% after tube pericardiostomy and ECHO-guided percutaneous catheter drainage, respectively.

Conclusion

Currently, there are many methods to treat PE. The correct treatment method for each patient should be selected according to a very careful analysis of the patient's clinical condition as well as the prospective benefit of surgical intervention.

Endovascular Stent Graft Repair of Localized Acute Aortic Intramural Hematoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is a variant of acute aortic syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Ascending aorta IMHs, particularly accompanied by penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU), can cause dissection, rupture, and cardiac tamponade. Therefore, early surgical treatment is recommended for IMHs of the ascending aorta. Herein, we present the case of a 60-year-old male patient who was on warfarin sodium treatment and in whom an IMH localized to the arcus aorta was detected incidentally via computed tomography, with the suspicion of pulmonary embolism, and an endovascular stent graft was inserted into the arcus aorta. This case highlights the importance of following ulcerated aortic plaques and suggests that IMH can be successfully treated with endovascular stent grafting.

Retrospective Analysis of 120 Cases of Iatrogenic and Traumatic Peripheral Arterial Pseudoaneurysms

Objective

The pseudoaneurysm formation is the most common complication of arterial catheterization. This study aimed to report our clinical experience with the treatment of iatrogenic and post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the peripheral arteries.

Materials and Methods

One hundred twenty patients, who were treated with the diagnosis of arterial pseudoaneurysm of the lower or upper extremity artery between January 2010 and October 2017, took part in this study. Patients with pseudoaneurysms originated from the anastomotic line of the previous vascular operations were excluded from the study. The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysms was made using ultrasonography and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan when deemed necessary.

Results

The most frequent symptom was a pulsatile mass. The mean diameter of pseudoaneurysms was 4.7±1.8 cm (2.3-8 cm). Among 120, 108 patients underwent surgery, and 10 patients required a blood transfusion during the operation. Wound infection was reported in 20 (15.5%) patients as an early postoperative complication. Arterial thrombosis developed in 6 (4.5%) patients, venous thrombosis in 2 (1.7%) patients, and lymphorrhea in 15 (12.5%) patients. A male patient died on the postoperative 25th day, while two patients died on postoperative 10th and 12th days (2.5%).

Conclusion

Although lesser invasive treatment modalities have been described with some advantages or disadvantages, open surgical repair is the standard method of treatment for iatrogenic and traumatic peripheral arterial pseudoaneurysms.

Surgical Management of Aortic Coarctation from Infant to Adult

Objective

In the present study, we aimed to retrospectively investigate the early and late results of different surgical treatment techniques applied in different age groups with coarctation of the aorta (CoA).

Materials and Methods

Between January 2007 and February 2017, 26 patients (12 males, 14 females; mean age: 12.2±12.4 years; range: 29 days-34 years) who underwent surgery with the diagnosis of CoA were evaluated. Overall, 11 of these patients (42.3%) were in the infantile period, whereas 15 patients (57.7%) aged between 6 and 34 years. Resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed in 13 patients (50%). Bypass grafting was performed in six patients (23.1%), and patch plasty was performed in seven patients (26.9%).

Results

A patient (3.8%) who was operated on during the infantile period died early, whereas another patient (3.8%) died 2 years after the surgery. Recoarctation was detected in two patients. A patient underwent balloon dilatation, whereas another patient underwent balloon dilatation and stenting. In patients who underwent re-section and end-to-end anastomosis based on postoperative echocardiography results during follow-up, a lower statistically significant gradient was observed compared with the preoperative period. Despite the decrease in the left ventricular systolic diameter (LVSD) and the increase in the ejection fraction (EF) the decrease in LVSD and increase in EF were not statistically significant. In patients who underwent patch plasty or graft interposition, the low values of the gradient and left ventricular diastolic diameter in the postoperative follow-up were statistically significant. However, the decrease in LVSD and increase in EF were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our clinical experience suggests that repairing with resection and end-to-end anastomosis is a more appropriate treatment option during the infancy, whereas patch plasty or bypass grafting may be preferred in advanced ages.

Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy male adults aged between 31 and 40 years in Germany-an observational study

BACKGROUND

In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture, a baseline in the form of standard values is demanded. To this date, standard values have only been published for healthy men aged 18-35 and 41-50 years. Data for male adults aged between 31 and 40 years are lacking.

METHODS

The postural parameters of 101 symptom-free male volunteers aged 31-40 (35.58 ± 2.88) years were studied. The mean height of the men was 179.89 ± 7.38 cm, with a mean body weight of 86.36 ± 11.58 kg and an average BMI of 26.70 ± 3.35 kg/m2. By means of video rasterstereography, a 3-dimensional scan of the upper back surface was measured in a habitual standing position. The means or medians, confidence interval, tolerance range, and group comparisons and correlations of BMI and physical activity were calculated for all parameters.

RESULTS

The habitual standing position was found to be almost symmetrical and the axis aligned in the spine, pelvis, and shoulder region, while the spine position was marginally inclined ventrally. The kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine was greater than the lordosis angle of the lumbar spine. All deviations fell under the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. The greater the BMI, the greater was the pelvic and scapular distance. The lower the BMI, the further caudally positioned was the right shoulder. The pelvic and scapular distances were also lower with the increasing athleticism of the participants.

CONCLUSION

The upper body posture of men between the ages of 31 and 40 years was found to be almost symmetrical and axis-conforming, with the kyphosis angle, pelvic distance, and shoulder distance enlarging with increasing BMI. Consequently, postural parameters presented in this survey allow for comparisons with other studies, as well as the evaluation of clinical diagnostics and applications.

Application of Circular Patch Plasty (Dor Procedure) or Linear Repair Techniques in the Treatment of Left Ventricular Aneurysms

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate early clinical outcomes and echocardiographic measurements of the left ventricle in patients who underwent left ventricular aneurysm repair using two different techniques associated to myocardial revascularization.

Methods

Eighty-nine patients (74 males, 15 females; mean age 58±8.4 years; range: 41 to 80 years) underwent post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm repair and myocardial revascularization performed between 1996 and 2016. Ventricular reconstruction was performed using endoventricular circular patch plasty (Dor procedure) (n=48; group A) or linear repair technique (n=41; group B).

Results

Multi-vessel disease in 55 (61.7%) and isolated left anterior descending (LAD) disease in 34 (38.2%) patients were identified. Five (5.6%) patients underwent aneurysmectomy alone, while the remaining 84 (94.3%) patients had aneurysmectomy with bypass. The mean number of grafts per patient was 2.1±1.2 with the Dor procedure and 2.9±1.3 with the linear repair technique. In-hospital mortality occurred in 4.1% and 7.3% in group A and group B, respectively (P>0.05).

Conclusion

The results of our study demonstrate that post-infarction left ventricular aneurysm repair can be performed with both techniques with acceptable surgical risk and with satisfactory hemodynamic improvement.

Intraspinal hemorrhage in a child with factor XIII deficiency

The rarity of spinal cord injuries and hemorrhages and of fibrin-stabilizing factor XIII deficiency during childhood has induced us to report the case of this two-year-old boy with factor XIII deficiency who presented with cervical intraspinal hemorrhage between the C4 and C7 levels as well as paraplegia presumably following a minor trauma. The findings in this patient, who was brought in two weeks after the appearance of the first symptoms, indicate the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention to minimize the extent of the damage from the injury in such cases. The case also points to the need for close follow-up of patients with factor XIII deficiency for CNS bleeding.

Systematic changes of the static upper body posture with a symmetric occlusion condition

Background

Temporary occlusal changes and their influence on the upper body statics are still controversially discussed. Furthermore, concrete statements on whether age- or gender-specific differences in neurophysiological reactions exist are missing. Therefore, it is the aim of this study to evaluate the immediate effects of a symmetrical occlusion blocking on the upper body posture. These effects shall be investigated for both genders and for a larger age range.

Methods

In this study, 800 (407f/393 m) subjects volunteered aged from 21 to 60 years. Both genders were divided into four age groups according to decades. The three-dimensional upper body posture was measured by using the rasterstereography (ABW-Bodymapper). The habitual static posture was measured in two dental occlusion conditions (a) in rest position and (b) symmetrical blocking in the bicuspid region by cotton rolls.

Results

A significant reduction of the trunk length (0.72 mm; p <  0.001), an increase of the lumbar (0.30°; p <  0.001) and the thoracic bending angle (0.14°; p = 0.001), a reduction of the spinal forward decline (0.16°; p <  0.001) and a reduction of the scapular distance (0.36 mm; p = 0.001) was found. Gender-specific reactions can only be recorded in scapular distance, in that regard men reduce this distance while over all age groups women did not show a significant change.

Discussion

Slight gender- and age-independent reactions due to a symmetric occlusion blockade are shown: A gender independent reaction of the spinal related variables in the sagittal plane (thoracic and lumbar flexion angle, trunk length, spinal forward decline). In addition, a gender specific change of the shoulder blade distance could be observed, where men reduced the distance while female did not show a change. However, since these reactions are of a minimum amount, it can be concluded that neurophysiological compensation mechanisms work equally well regardless of age and sex, and the upper body posture of healthy people changes only very slightly due to a temporarily symmetrical altered bite position.

Symmetrical dental occlusion blocking - changes of body sway and weight distribution in healthy subjects across 4 age decades

Objectives

Symmetrical dental occlusion blocking is used in dentistry as a quick diagnostic tool to test for potential influences of the craniomandibular system on body sway and weight distribution. This study presents the changes of body sway and pressure distribution in healthy subjects, free of a temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Immediate effects between occlusal blocking and rest position on body sway and body weight distribution in general, as well as for both genders and for four age decades will be evaluated.

Materials and methods

725 (396f/329 m) subjects (neither subjective signs of TMD nor acute/chronic complaints in the musculoskeletal system) volunteered (21 to 60 years) while both genders were divided into four age groups according to decades. A pressure measuring platform was used. Body sway and weight distribution were recorded in two dental occlusion conditions (a) in rest position and (b) symmetrical blocking (bicuspid region) by cotton rolls.

Results

Both, the frontal sway and the sagittal sway reduced by 0.67 mm (t(724) = − 3.9 (p <  0.001)) and by 0.33 mm (t(724) = − 3.4 (p <  0.001)). The relative pressure under the left forefoot increased by 0.33% (t(724) = 2.88 (p <  0.001)) and the relative pressure overall under the forefoot increased by 0.67% (t(724) = − 3.4 (p <  0.001)). Gender-specific, age-specific and BMI-specific reactions could not be identified.

Conclusions

Subjects, free of any TMD and with no complaints of the musculoskeletal system, show small changes of the body sway and weight distribution when biting symmetrically on a cotton roll. These changes are independent of age, gender or body mass index (BMI). Due to the relative large sample size, the presented results can also be seen as norm values when body sway is used as an additional assessment of a TMD.

Left atrial thrombus following bilobectomy: a case report

Introduction

Left atrial free floating ball thrombus is a relatively rare event, especially without mitral valve disease.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old Turkish man was admitted to our hospital with a thrombus mass in his left atrium. Five months earlier, he had undergone right bilobectomy and superior bronchoplasty due to squamous cell carcinoma in the lung. The patient had no evidence of cardiac disease except atrial fibrillation and there were no defined embolizations. The thrombus mass was surgically removed. The patient was discharged from hospital on the sixth postoperative day.

Conclusion

Surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is a safe method for treatment. The patient should be medicated with warfarin, especially in the presence of atrial fibrillation.

The place of carotico-subclavian bypass surgery in angina treatment

Coronary-subclavian steal syndrome results from atherosclerotic disease of the proximal subclavian artery, causing reversal of flow in an internal mammary artery used as conduit for coronary artery bypass. In the present case, we discussed the diagnosis and the treatment of coronary steal syndrome in a patient hospitalized due to decompensated cardiac insufficiency.

Utility of Omentoplasty in Mediastinitis Treatment following Sternotomy

BACKGROUND

Mediastinal infection is one of the most serious complications that occurs following open-heart surgery by sternotomy. In the present study, omentoplasty was initially and aggressively used to treat the infection and prevent the recurrence caused by bones in cases of mediastinitis following open-heart surgery at our clinic.

METHODS

Among the 3656 patients who underwent surgery at our department of cardiovascular surgery between January 1996 and December 2012, omentoplasty as a treatment for mediastinitis was applied to 19 (0.51%) patients (of which 13 were males) following sternotomy. The cases were revised on the 15th day following the first surgery and/or when there was a suspicion of mediastinal infection. The necrotic skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bone tissue were resected, and all the affected sternal tissues were removed until healthy hemorrhagic areas were reached.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was between 49 and 81 years (mean: 65.7 ± 10.5 years). The mean age of the men was 66.08 ± 12.7 years (age range: 49-81 years) and that of the women was 63.2 ± 6.8 years (age range: 55-71 years). The male to female ratio was 2:1, and in both the male and female groups, the approximate age ranged from 55 and 70 years. In the intraoperative cultures received from wound cases, the most common agent of infection was methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci. Purulent leaks from eight patients stopped in approximately 4 days. Purulent leaks from the other 11 patients continued until the 6th day, and thus, medical dressing also continued, after which the leaks stopped on the 15th day. The approximate postoperative hospital stay was 32 days (range: 13-63 days).

CONCLUSION

Omentoplasty in heart surgery can be considered an effective method when used to control infection and treat secondary poststernotomy mediastinitis.

Letter To The Editor

We read the letter of F. Rudman et al [Rudman 2017] about our article entitled "Utility of Omentoplasty in Mediastinitis Treatment following Sternotomy" [Colak 2016]. We thank them for their evaluations.