Selman Sökmen

The nature of polypoid lesions of the gallbladder is difficult to define before operation, and surgical indications still remain controversial. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of each type of polypoid lesion of the gallbladder and indications for surgery.Clinical data were retrospectively correlated with the histopathologic characteristics of polypoid lesions in 100 patients who had cholecystectomy.There were 74 benign polypoid lesions, including 39 cholesterol polyps, 20 adenomas, and 15 with adenomyomatous hyperplasia and 26 malignant polypoid lesions. Twenty-seven percent of patients with benign polyps and 73 percent of patients with malignant polyps were over 60 years of age. Polypoid lesions of the gallbladder were diagnosed by preoperative ultrasonography in only 36 patients (36%). All types of polypoid lesions of the gallbladder, whether benign or malignant, were frequently solitary, and gallstones coexisted in the majority of patients with all polypoid lesions of the gallbladder except cholesterol polyps. The lesions were > 10 mm in 88% of the malignant polyps and in only 15% of the benign polyps.The risk factors for malignancy were the age of the patient ( >60 years), the coexistence of gallstones, and the size of the polypoid lesions (>10 mm in diameter). In asymptomatic patients, cholecystectomy can be justified if there are risk factors for malignancy.

Abstract Aim This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed to test the hypothesis that adverse event rates following primary anastomosis (PRA) are not inferior to those following nonrestorative colon resection for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis. Method Patients admitted for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis were randomly assigned to PRA (left colon resection with PRA and loop ileostomy) or nonrestorative colon resection (left colon resection with end colostomy). The endpoint was adverse events defined as mortality and morbidity following PRA or nonrestorative colon resection and stoma reversal. The estimated sample size was 300 patients in each study arm (alpha 0.10; 90% power). Results During a 9‐year period, 90 patients were randomly assigned to undergo PRA or nonrestorative colon resection in 14 centres in eight countries. Thirty‐four PRA patients were comparable to 56 nonrestorative colon resection patients for age ( P = 0.481), gender ( P = 0.190), APACHE III ( P = 0.281), Hinchey stage III vs IV ( P = 0.394) and Mannheim Peritonitis Index ( P = 0.145). There were no differences in operating time ( P = 0.231), surgeries performed at night ( P = 0.083), open vs laparoscopic approach ( P = 0.419) and litres of peritoneal irrigation ( P = 0.096). There was no significant difference in mortality (2.9 vs 10.7%; P = 0.247) and morbidity (35.3 vs 46.4%; P = 0.38) following PRA or nonrestorative colon resection. After a similar lag time ( P = 0.43), 64.7% of PRA patients and 60% of nonrestorative colon resection patients underwent stoma reversal ( P = 0.659). Adverse event rates following stoma reversal differed significantly after PRA and reversal of nonrestorative resection (4.5 vs 23.5%; P = 0.0589). Conclusion No conclusions may be drawn on preference of one treatment over another from this RCT because it was prematurely terminated following accrual of 15% of its sample size.

Based on high quality surgery and scientific data, scientists and surgeons are committed to protecting patients as well as healthcare staff and hereby provide this Guidance to address the special issues circumstances related to the exponential spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during this pandemic. As a basis, the authors used the British Intercollegiate General Surgery Guidance as well as recommendations from the USA, Asia, and Italy. The aim is to take responsibility and to provide guidance for surgery during the COVID-19 crisis in a simplified way addressing the practice of surgery, healthcare staff and patient safety and care. It is the responsibility of scientists and the surgical team to specify what is needed for the protection of patients and the affiliated healthcare team. During crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the responsibility and duty to provide the necessary resources such as filters, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) consisting of gloves, fluid resistant (Type IIR) surgical face masks (FRSM), filtering face pieces, class 3 (FFP3 masks), face shields and gowns (plastic ponchos), is typically left up to the hospital administration and government. Various scientists and clinicians from disparate specialties provided a Pandemic Surgery Guidance for surgical procedures by distinct surgical disciplines such as numerous cancer surgery disciplines, cardiothoracic surgery, ENT, eye, dermatology, emergency, endocrine surgery, general surgery, gynecology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, pediatric surgery, reconstructive and plastic surgery, surgical critical care, transplantation surgery, trauma surgery and urology, performing different surgeries, as well as laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and endoscopy. Any suggestions and corrections from colleagues will be very welcome as we are all involved and locked in a rapidly evolving process on increasing COVID-19 knowledge.

Previous studies have shown that erythropoietin (EPO) has protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in several tissues. The aim of this study was to determine whether EPO could prevent intestinal tissue injury induced by I/R. Wistar rats were subjected to intestinal ischemia (30 min) and reperfusion (60 min). A single dose of EPO (5000 U/kg) was administered intraperitoneally at two different time points: either at five minutes before the onset of ischemia or at the onset of reperfusion. At the end of the reperfusion period, jejunum was removed for examinations. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant defense system were assessed by biochemical analyses. Histological evaluation was performed according to the Chiu scoring method. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Apoptotic cells were determined by TUNEL staining. Compared with the sham, I/R caused intestinal tissue injury (Chiu score, 3+/-0.36 vs 0.4+/-0.24, P<0.01) and was accompanied by increases in MDA levels (0.747+/-0.076 vs 0.492+/-0.033, P<0.05), MPO activity (10.51+/-1.87 vs 4.3+/-0.45, P<0.05), intensity of eNOS immunolabelling (3+/-0.4 vs 1.3+/-0.33, P<0.05), the number of TUNEL-positive cells (20.4+/-2.6 vs 4.6+/-1.2, P<0.001), and a decrease in catalase activity (16.83+/-2.6 vs 43.15+/-4.7, P<0.01). Compared with the vehicle-treated I/R, EPO improved tissue injury; decreased the intensity of eNOS immunolabelling (1.6+/-0.24 vs 3+/-0.4, P<0.05), the number of TUNEL-positive cells (9.2+/-2.7 vs 20.4+/-2.6, P<0.01), and the high histological scores (1+/-0.51 vs 3+/-0.36, P<0.01), and increased catalase activity (42.85+/-6 vs 16.83+/-2.6, P<0.01) when given before ischemia, while it was found to have decreased the levels of MDA (0.483+/-0.025 vs 0.747+/-0.076, P<0.05) and MPO activity (3.86+/-0.76 vs 10.51+/-1.87, P<0.05), intensity of eNOS immunolabelling (1.4+/-0.24 vs 3+/-0.4, P<0.01), the number of TUNEL-positive cells (9.1+/-3 vs 20.4+/-2.6, P<0.01), and the number of high histological scores (1.16+/-0.4 vs 3+/-0.36, P<0.05) when given at the onset of reperfusion. These results demonstrate that EPO protects against intestinal I/R injury in rats by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. We attributed this beneficial effect to the antioxidative properties of EPO.

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) in colon cancer.Four hundred and forty patients with colon cancer were divided into three each groups according to their lymph node ratio (LNR) and LODDS. Survival analysis was performed.The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 70.2%. In univariate analysis age, pT and pN stage, tumour grade, lymphatic, venous and perineural invasion, surgical margin clearance, LNR and LODDS were significantly associated with OS. In multivariate analysis age, surgical margins, perineural invasion and LODDS were found to be independent prognostic factors. In subgroup analysis of patients with an inadequate number of examined lymph nodes (NELN) (n = 76) and node-negative patients (n = 210), LODDS retained its prognostic value, whereas the impact of LNR was not statistically significant (P = 0.063). The overall survival rates of node-negative patients in the LODDS groups 0, 1 and 2 were 81%, 74.2% and 50%, respectively (P = 0.020). LNR and LODDS classifications were both significantly associated with survival in Stage III colon cancer, but only LODDS was an independent prognostic factor.Conventional TNM staging for nodes (pN) and LNR status cannot reliably classify node-negative patients into homogeneous groups. LODDS provides more valuable information than LNR independently of the NELN.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the pattern and level of expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) in rectal carcinoma in relation to outcome as a potential surrogate marker of tumour hypoxia. Formalin-fixed tumour sections from 43 patients with rectal carcinoma, who had undergone radical resection with curative intent, were immunohistochemically stained for GLUT-1. A mean of three sections per tumour (range 1–12) were examined. Each section was semiquantitatively scored; 0, no staining; 1, <10%; 2, 10–50%; 3, >50% and a score given for the whole section, the superficial (luminal) and deep (mural) part of the tumour. Staining was seen in 70% of tumours. Increased staining was noted adjacent to necrosis and ulceration. A diffuse and patchy pattern of staining, with and without colocalisation to necrosis was seen. Patients with high GLUT-1-expressing tumours (score 3 vs 0–2) had a significantly poorer overall survival (P=0.041), which was associated with poorer metastasis-free survival with no difference in local control. No significant correlation was seen with other prognostic factors. There was a strong correlation between the score for the superficial and deep parts of the tumour (r=0.81), but a significant relationship with outcome was only found in the deep part (P=0.003 vs P=0.46). In conclusion, increased GLUT-1 expression in rectal tumours was an adverse prognostic factor and is worth further evaluation as a predictive marker of response to therapy.

To determine the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted MRI and MR volumetry for the assessment of tumor response after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Forty-three patients with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative CRT were prospectively examined for the study. This prospective study was approved by our institutional review board. DW- and high resolution T2-weighted imaging were performed before and after therapy. Two different diffusion gradients (b = 0 and b = 600, then separately b = 0 and b = 1000) were applied. The mean tumor volume and mean ADC values were measured before and after therapy. To evaluate the responders and nonresponders to neoadjuvant CRT, two criteria, ypT stage determined in the pathologic examination after treatment and histopathologic tumor regression grade (Ryan), were used as reference standards. The patients with a lower ypT stage than T stage in the first MRI before neoadjuvant CRT were evaluated as the responder group, while the patients with a higher or the same ypT stage relative to the first MRI T stage were evaluated as the nonresponder group. According to Ryan tumor regression grade, grade 1 was evaluated as the responders, whereas grades 2 and 3 were evaluated as the nonresponder group. The percentage ADC increase and percentage tumor volume regression were compared between the responders and nonresponders using two reference standards: T downstaging and tumor regression grade (TRG). Before CRT, the mean tumor ADC in the responder group was significantly lower than that in the nonresponder group (p < 0.001). At the end of CRT, the mean percentage of tumor ADC change in the responder group was significantly higher than that in the nonresponder group. The percentage tumor volume regression of the responders was significantly higher than that of the nonresponders (p = 0.001). The cut-off ADC value for discriminating between the responders and nonresponders after treatment was determined to be (b = 600) 1.03 × 10− 3 mm2/s and the sensitivity, 71%; specificity, 79%; accuracy, 74%; positive predictive value, 81%; negative predictive value, 68% respectively. The cut-off value for discriminating between the responders and the nonresponders after treatment was determined for b = 1000 as 1.20 × 10− 3 mm2/s and the sensitivity, 42%; specificity, 84%; accuracy, 60%; positive predictive value, 77%; negative predictive value, 53%. The increase in the mean tumor ADC and percentage tumor volume regression in patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative CRT was correlated with good response. DW MR imaging is a promising non-invasive technique that can help predict and monitor early therapeutic response in patients with rectal cancer who undergo CRT.

The aim of the study is to determine the most appropriate method for construction of a sequential decision tree in the management of rectal cancer, using various patient-specific criteria and treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the priorities of variables. Relevant criteria used in two decision steps and their relative priorities were established by a panel of five general surgeons. Data were collected via a web-based application and analyzed using the "Expert Choice" software specifically developed for the AHP. Consistency ratios in the AHP method were calculated for each set of judgments, and the priorities of sub-criteria were determined. A sequential decision tree was constructed for the best treatment decision process, using priorities determined by the AHP method.Consistency ratios in the AHP method were calculated for each decision step, and the judgments were considered consistent. The tumor-related criterion "presence of perforation" (0.331) and the patient-surgeon-related criterion "surgeon's experience" (0.630) had the highest priority in the first decision step. In the second decision step, the tumor-related criterion "the stage of the disease" (0.230) and the patient-surgeon-related criterion "surgeon's experience" (0.281) were the paramount criteria. The results showed some variation in the ranking of criteria between the decision steps. In the second decision step, for instance, the tumor-related criterion "presence of perforation" was just the fifth.The consistency of decision support systems largely depends on the quality of the underlying decision tree. When several choices and variables have to be considered in a decision, it is very important to determine priorities. The AHP method seems to be effective for this purpose. The decision algorithm developed by this method is more realistic and will improve the quality of the decision tree.

BACKGROUND: No randomized controlled trial has compared no rectopexy with rectopexy for external full-thickness rectal prolapse. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to test the hypothesis that recurrence rates following no rectopexy are not inferior to those following rectopexy for full-thickness rectal prolapse. DESIGN: This was a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to no rectopexy or rectopexy. The end point was recurrence rates defined as the presence of external full-thickness rectal prolapse after surgery. A prerandomized controlled trial meta-analysis suggested a sample size of 251 patients based on a 15% expected difference in the 5-year cumulative recurrence rate. Recurrence-free curves were generated and compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test, respectively. Data were presented as median (range). SETTING: This study was conducted in 41 tertiary centers in 21 countries. PATIENTS: Patients with prior surgery for rectal prolapse or pelvic floor descent were not included. INTERVENTIONS: The no-rectopexy arm was defined as abdominal surgery with rectal mobilization only. The rectopexy arm was defined as abdominal surgery with mobilization and rectopexy. Sigmoid resection was not randomized and was added in the presence of constipation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two hundred fifty-two patients with external full-thickness rectal prolapse were randomly assigned to undergo no rectopexy or rectopexy in 41 centers. All patients but one underwent the allocated intervention. One hundred sixteen no-rectopexy patients were comparable to 136 rectopexy patients for age (P = .21), body mass index (P = .61), ASA grade (P = .29), and previous abdominal surgery (P = .935), but not for sex (P = .013) and external full-thickness rectal prolapse length (8 (1-25) cm vs 5 (1-20) cm, P = .026). Sigmoid resection was performed more frequently in the no-rectopexy arm (P < .001). There was no significant difference in complication rates (11% vs 17.9%; P = .139). The mortality rate was 0.8%. The loss of patients to 5-year follow-up was 10.3%. Actuarial analysis demonstrated a significant difference in 5-year recurrence rates between study arms (8.6% vs 1.5%) (log-rank, P = .003). LIMITATIONS: Limitations were the high proportion of male patients, randomization timing, the lack of standardization for rectopexy technique, and the 10% loss to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence rates following no rectopexy are inferior to those following rectopexy for external full-thickness rectal prolapse.

<h2>Abstract</h2> Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) and Peritoneal Mesothelioma (PM) are both rare peritoneal malignancies. Currently, affected patients may be treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy offering long-term survival or even cure in selected patients. However, many issues regarding the optimal treatment strategy are currently under debate. To aid physicians involved in the treatment of these patients in clinical decision making, the PSOGI executive committee proposed to create a consensus statement on PMP and PM. This manuscript describes the methodology of the consensus process. The Delphi technique is a reliable method for attaining consensus on a topic that lacks scientific evidence through multiple voting rounds which feeds back responses to the participants in between rounds. The GRADE system provides a structured framework for presenting and grading the available evidence. Separate questionnaires were created for PMP and PM and sent during two voting rounds to 80 and 38 experts, respectively. A consensus threshold of 51.0% was chosen. After the second round, consensus was reached on 92.9%–100.0% of the questions. The results were presented and discussed in the plenary session at the PSOGI 2018 international meeting in Paris. A third round for the remaining issues is currently in progress. In conclusion, using the Delphi technique and GRADE methodology, consensus was reached in many issues regarding the treatment of PM and PMP amongst an international panel of experts. The main results will be published in the near future.

The assessment of desmoplasia by traditional semiquantitative methods does not provide reliable prognostic data. The aim of this study was to quantify desmoplasia by computerised image analysis in primary colorectal carcinomas and to investigate its ability to predict overall survival.In total, 112 colorectal adenocarcinomas, with a median follow up of 66 months, were studied. The representative tumour sections were stained by the van Gieson method, which stains collagen rich stroma red. For quantitative histochemical measurement, digital images were analysed by a computerised image analysis program to calculate the percentage of red stained tissue area. The percentage of desmoplasia (PD) was related to conventional clinicopathological prognostic factors and overall survival.The mean (SD) PD was 4.85 (3.37). PD was found to be significantly associated with lymph vessel and venous invasion. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, PD was associated with survival-patients with PD > 4 had a shorter survival than those with PD </= 4. In multivariate analysis, tumour stage, distant metastasis, and PD emerged as independent prognostic factors.Desmoplasia measured by image analysis seems to be a significant prognostic indicator in patients with colorectal carcinoma and the improved method described in this study would be useful for routine prognostication.

To evaluate the usefulness and reliability of helical computed tomography (CT) for patients with small bowel obstruction.Helical CT findings of 41 patients were evaluated prospectively on the basis of the presence and the cause of obstruction, and the presence of strangulation.In the determination of the cause of the obstruction sensitivity and specificity of CT were 84 and 90%, respectively. Of the 19 patients undergoing surgery, 6 had strangulation and were correctly identified by CT.Helical CT is an accurate method in the detection of small bowel obstruction, especially for evaluating the cause and vascular complications of obstruction.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and cathepsin D (CD) play a significant role in degrading the components of basement membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM), whereas tenascin-C (TN-C) is a glycoprotein of the ECM related to cell adhesion and detachment. These proteins have been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the prognostic significance of MMP-2, CD, and TN-C expressions in primary colorectal cancer. Overall, 112 colorectal adenocarcinomas were included in the present study. MMP-2, CD, and TN-C expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathologic prognostic parameters and survival. Diffuse stromal TN-C immunostaining was found to be significantly correlated with advanced stage and shorter survival time (p = 0.002 and 0.02, respectively). MMP-2 expression was found to correlate with lymph vessel invasion (p = 0.006) and stage (p = 0.03). CD expression was related to depth of invasion (p = 0.005). No significant relationship was found between survival and MMP-2 and CD expression (p > 0.05). In multivariate analysis, stage and vascular invasion were independent prognostic factors, whereas TN-C did not retain a clear independent relationship to survival (p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that TN-C expression may be a potential prognostic marker in colorectal carcinoma. However, MMP-2 and CD do not appear to be significant indicators of survival.

In this experimental study, we aimed to investigate the results of different surgical repair methods for delayed reconstruction of severe experimental duodenal defects.A large duodenal defect with irregular and tagged margins covering about 50% of the circumference was created in the second part of duodenum of male Wistar rats. The effectiveness of primary repair, jejunal serosal patch, Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch repair techniques were investigated on the basis of survival and histologic assessment.No significant survival benefit was observed between jejunal serosal patch, Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch repair techniques. But these repair modalities were associated with better survival rates than no-treatment or primary repair techniques. Complete coverage of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts by neomucosa consisting of columnar epithelium with villus formation was observed in surviving rats about 16 weeks after surgery.Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch can be used in the repair of experimental large duodenal defects, which can not be repaired primarily.

Background: The aim of this study was to review the post-operative and infectious complications and determine the risk factors associated with infections in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Patients and Methods: Between October 2007 and December 2013, patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC with a curative intent were included in the study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System definitions were used to identify post-operative nosocomial infections. Results: One hundred and sixty-nine CRS and HIPEC procedures were performed. Overall, 155 complications were observed in 82 (48.5%) patients. Grade 3–4 morbidity rate was 25.5% (n = 43). Seventy infections occurred in 47 patients. Surgical site infection was the most common infectious complication. The most common micro-organism isolated from the cultures was Escherichia coli. Age (odds ratio [OR]1.039, confidence interval [CI] 1.006–1.073), the mean total number of staff scrubbing in the operation(OR 2.241, CI 1.415–3.548), and intensive care unit stay (OR 1.325, CI 0.953–1.842) were independent risk factors for infectious complications. Conclusions: Infectious complications are the most important cause of peri-operative morbidity and death in CRS and HIPEC. As well as patient and tumor characteristics, surgeon/center-related factors play an important role in infectious morbidity. Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis should be considered as a complex oncologic group at high risk of infectious complications.

We aimed to evaluate preoperative T and N staging and retroperitoneal surgical margin (RSM) involvement in colon cancer using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).In this retrospective study, preoperative MDCTs of 141 patients with colon adenocarcinoma were evaluated in terms of T and N staging and retroperitoneal surgical margin involvement by two observers. Results were compared with histopathology.In determining extramural invasion, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of MDCT were 81%, 50%, 95%, 26%, and 81% for observer 1 and 87%, 75%, 97%, 27%, and 84% for observer 2, respectively. Moderate interobserver agreement was observed (ĸ=0.425). In determining T stage of the tumor, accuracy of MDCT was 55% for observer 1 and 51% for observer 2. In the detection of lymph node metastasis, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of MDCT were 84%, 46%, 60%, 74% and 64% for observer 1 and 84%, 56%, 65%, 78%, and 70% for observer 2, respectively. Interobserver agreement was substantial (ĸ=0.650). RSM was involved in six cases (4.7%). When only retroperitoneal colon segments were considered, 1.6% of subjects demonstrated RSM involvement. Four of the six RSM-positive tumors were located on sigmoid colon and one tumor was on transverse colon and caecum. Considering all colon tumors, in the detection of RSM involvement, sensitivity and specificity of MDCT were 33% and 81% for observer 1 and 50% and 80% for observer 2. Interobserver agreement was moderate (ĸ=0.518).MDCT is a promising technique with moderate interobserver agreement in detection of extramural invasion, lymph node metastases, and RSM involvement in colon carcinomas.

Summary Background: The selection of appropriate rectal cancer treatment is a complex multi-criteria decision making process, in which clinical decision support systems might be used to assist and enrich physicians’ decision making. Objective: The objective of the study was to develop a web-based clinical decision support tool for physicians in the selection of potentially beneficial treatment options for patients with rectal cancer. Methods: The updated decision model contained 8 and 10 criteria in the first and second steps respectively. The decision support model, developed in our previous study by combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method which determines the priority of criteria and decision tree that formed using these priorities, was updated and applied to 388 patients data collected retrospectively. Later, a web-based decision support tool named corRECTreatment was developed. The compatibility of the treatment recommendations by the expert opinion and the decision support tool was examined for its consistency. Two surgeons were requested to recommend a treatment and an overall survival value for the treatment among 20 different cases that we selected and turned into a scenario among the most common and rare treatment options in the patient data set. Results: In the AHP analyses of the criteria, it was found that the matrices, generated for both decision steps, were consistent (consistency ratio&lt;0.1). Depending on the decisions of experts, the consistency value for the most frequent cases was found to be 80% for the first decision step and 100% for the second decision step. Similarly, for rare cases consistency was 50% for the first decision step and 80% for the second decision step. Conclusions: The decision model and corRECTreatment, developed by applying these on real patient data, are expected to provide potential users with decision support in rectal cancer treatment processes and facilitate them in making projections about treatment options. Citation: Suner A, Karakülah G, Dicle O, Sökmen S, Çelikoglu CC. corRECTreatment: A web-based decision support tool for rectal cancer treatment that uses the analytic hierarchy process and decision tree. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 56–74 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-10-RA-0087

The repair of difficult abdominal wall defects (AWDs) continues to be a crucial and demanding issue for surgeons. This study aimed to present the risk factors and the long-term results of usage of an expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) synthetic mesh for the AWR of difficult abdominal wall defects.This study included 156 adult patients who underwent difficult AWR with e-PTFE mesh for incisional hernia, ventral hernia, and created AWDs of various etiopathologies. The association between the risk factors and the postoperative complications of AWR was analyzed, and overall long-term outcomes of e-PTFE repair were assessed.The median follow-up duration was 119.1 (ranging from 2 to 206) months. In 70 (44.8%) patients, there were major co-morbidities. A surgical site infection developed in 17 (10.9%) patients. Of these, only 2 (1.3%) patients had e-PTFE mesh infection. Seven (4.4%) patients experienced recurrence. Recalcitrant seroma formation occurred in 8 (36.3%) patients.E-PTFE synthetic mesh usage for difficult abdominal wall hernias can help the hernia surgeon obtain safe and durable long-term results of sound repair.

We present a case of acute pancreatitis induced by magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) contrast agent. We suggest that the use of MRI with this agent early in acute pancreatitis should be reconsidered.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) for preoperative local staging in patients with rectal cancer who did not receive preoperative radiochemotherapy.Methods: In this retrospective study, 30 patients with biopsy proved primary rectal cancer were evaluated by HRMRI.Two observers independently scored the tumour and lymph node stages, and circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement.The sensitivity, specificity, the negative predictive value and the positive predictive value of HRMRI findings were calculated within the 95% confidence interval.The area under the curve was measured for each result.Agreement between two observers was assessed by means of the Kappa test. Results:In T staging the accuracy rate of HRMRI was 47-67%, overstaging was 10-21%, and understaging was 13-43%.In the prediction of extramural invasion with HRMRI, the sensitivity was 79-89%, the specificity was 72-100%, the PPV was 85-100%, the NPV was 73-86%, and the area under the curve was 0.81-0.89.In the prediction of lymph node metastasis, the sensitivity was 58-58%, the specificity was 50-55%, the PPV was 43-46%, and the NPV was 64-66%.The area under the curve was 0.54-0.57.When the cut off value was selected as 1 mm, the sensitivity of HRMRI was 38-42%, the specificity was 73-82%, the PPV was 33-42%, and NPV was 79-81% in the prediction of the CRM involvement.The correlation between the two observers was moderate for tumour staging, substantial for lymph node staging and predicting of CRM involvement. Conclusion:Preoperative HRMRI provides good predictive data for extramural invasion but poor prediction of lymph node status and CRM involvement.

This paper aims to investigate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the pathologic stage of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and the role of MRI in selecting patients with a pathologic complete response (ypCR).Restaging MRI (yMRI) examinations of 136 patients with LARC treated with neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgery were retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists. All examinations were performed on a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine with a pelvic phased-array coil. T2-weighted turbo spin-echo images and diffusion-weighted imaging were obtained. Histopathologic reports of the surgical specimens were the reference standard. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of yMRI in predicting the pathologic T-stage (ypT), N-stage, and ypCR were calculated. The inter-observer agreement was evaluated using kappa statistics.The yMRI results showed 67% accuracy, 59% sensitivity, 80% specificity, 81% PPV, and 56% NPV in identifying ypT (ypT0-2 versus ypT3-4). In predicting the nodal status, the yMRI results revealed 63% accuracy, 60% sensitivity, 65% specificity, 47% PPV, and 75% NPV. In predicting ypCR, the yMRI results showed 84% accuracy, 20% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 23% PPV, and 90% NPV. The kappa statistics revealed substantial agreement between the two radiologists.Utilization of yMRI showed high specificity and PPV in predicting the tumor stage and high NPV in predicting the nodal stage; in addition, yMRI revealed moderate accuracy in the T and N classifications, mainly due to underestimating the tumor stage and overestimating the nodal status. Finally, yMRI revealed high specificity and NPV but low sensitivity in predicting the complete response.

Background and Aims: The clinical significance of early ostomy complications has been emphasized worldwide, and the current evidence concerning the impact of emergency or elective surgery on ostomy complications is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of elective and emergency colorectal surgery on early ostomy complications and the risk factors associated with specific complications. Methods: A mandatory colorectal recording system for consecutive ostomy patients between 2012 and 2020 was reviewed retrospectively. Patient socio-demographics, ostomy-related variables, and early period ostomy complications were retrieved from the patient records. The chi-square test, t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The study cohort included 872 patients. At least one or more complications developed in 573 (65.7%) patients, 356 (63.6%) in the emergency group, and 217 (69.6%) in the elective group. When comparing emergency surgery to elective surgery, necrosis (7.4% versus 3.4%, p = 0.009), mucocutaneous separation (37.2% versus 27.1%, p = 0.002), and bleeding (6.1% versus 2.1%, p = 0.003) were more prevalent. Peristomal irritant contact dermatitis (PICD) (37.3% versus 26%, p &lt; 0.001) was more common in elective surgery. Risk factors for PICD were comorbidity (p = 0.003), malignant disease (p = 0.047), and loop ostomy (p &lt; 0.001) in elective surgery; female sex (p = 0.025), neo-adjuvant therapy (p = 0.024), and ileostomy (p = 0.006) in emergency surgery. The height of the ostomy (less than 10 mm) was a modifiable risk factor for mucocutaneous separation in both elective surgery (p &lt; 0.001) and emergency surgery (p = 0.045). Conclusion: Early ostomy complications were more likely to occur after emergency colorectal surgery than in an elective setting. Patient- and ostomy-related risk factors for complications differed between elective and emergency surgeries.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in contrast to lymph nodes and liver metastases was assumed as a terminal condition with no curative treatment options having a 5 to 9 months median survival rate until recently. Today, in properly selected patients, curative surgical treatment of PC is possible like resection of lymph nodes and liver metastases. Between 1996 and 2005, 29 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy for PC originated from colorectal cancer (CRC) were analysed prospectively at the Department of Surgery in Dokuz Eylul University Hospital. Mean age was 54 year (range, 23-75 years). There was no peroperative mortality in 29 patients. The morbidity rate was 41% (12/29) and 6 (20%) patients required reoperation(s) for major complications. Mean and median survival time was 34 and 21 months, respectively. The overall 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 72%, 13%, and 7%, respectively. Mean survival time was 56 months in patients with peritoneal cancer index (PCI) < 10, and 22 months in patients with PCI > 10 (P = 0.075). The mean survival time was 62 months in patients with complete cytoreduction (CC)-0 score, 21 months in patients with CC-1 score, and 7 months in patients with CC-2 and 3 scores. Patients who had CC-0 score had better survival than patients having CC-1 and CC-2 scores (P = 0.003 and P = 0.000, respectively). Patients who had CC-0 and 1 scores had better survival than patients with CC-2 score (P = 0.000). The overall 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates for patients with CC-0 score were 87%, 37%, and 25%, respectively. There was a positive correlation between the PCI and CC score (P = 0.001, correlation coefficient = 0.585 with correlation is significant at level 0.01). Cytoreductive approach combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy and systemic chemotherapy prolongs survival in selected patients with PC of CRC with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Prognosis is better in patients with limited disease and in whom complete cytoreduction is achieved. In patients with PC of CRC, the key issue is to select the patients in whom complete cytoreduction is feasible. Better patient assessment with new diagnostic tools such as (PET)-CT or PET-magnetic resonance imaging will be used to detect more precisely the patients with low tumor burden in the new feature.

Locally advanced right colon cancer may invade adjacent tissue and organs. Direct invasion of the duodenum and pancreas necessitates an en bloc resection. Previously, this challenging procedure was associated with high morbidity and mortality; however, today, this procedure can be done more safely in experienced centers. The aim of this study is to report our experience on en bloc right colectomy with pancreaticoduodenectomy for locally advanced right colon cancers. Between 2000 and 2012, 5 patients underwent en bloc multivisceral resection. No major morbidities or perioperative mortalities were observed. Median disease-free survival time was 24.5 months and median overall survival time was 42.1 (range: 4.5-70.4) months in our series. One patient lived 70 months after multivisceral resection and underwent cytoreductive surgery and total pelvic exenteration during the follow-up period. In locally advanced right colon tumors, all adhesions should be considered as malign invasion and separation should not be done. The reasonable option for this patient is to perform en bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy and right colectomy. This procedure may result in long-term survival with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Multidisciplinary teamwork and multimodality treatment alternatives may improve the results.

Diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) may be missed by preoperative imaging. We are presenting our experience with incidentally detected PC of colorectal origin treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) at the same operation. Between January 2010 and September 2016, 19 patients underwent CRS and IPC due to incidentally detected PC of colorectal origin. Data were analyzed from a prospectively collected database. The median age was 59 (29–78). In three patients, PC was diagnosed during emergency surgery. The primary tumor was located in the rectum (three patients; one with recurrent disease), left colon (9 patients), and right colon (7 patients). All patients underwent CRS and IPC, and one patient operated laparoscopically. Median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 5 (range, 3–14), and complete cytoreduction (CC-0) was achieved in 14 patients. After CRS, 8 patients received early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC), 7 patients received hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and 4 patients received both HIPEC and EPIC. The median hospital stay was 9 (6–29) days. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients. There was no postoperative mortality. Median follow-up was 40.2 (12–94) months. Five-year overall survival was 63.2%. Estimated mean survival time is longer in patients who underwent complete cytoreduction compared to patients having CC-1 or CC-2 cytoreduction (87.7 vs. 20.3 months; p < 0.001). Cytoreductive surgery and IPC can be performed safely in patients with intraoperatively detected incidental PC of colorectal origin.

Neo-angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis and has been proposed as an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with solid tumors. In this study the quantitative expression of angiogenesis was investigated by direct stereologic assessment of the vascular surface density in rectal carcinoma to determine the possible correlation of angiogenesis with clinicopathological factors and prognosis.Sections from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 29 primary rectal carcinomas were resected and immunostained for endothelial cell factor-VIII-related antigen. The vascular surface density (VSD), number of vessels per square mm (NVES), maximum NVES (NVESmax) according to the three maximum values of NVES and number of vessels in the unit area (N) were assessed by means of morphometry. The results were related to the main prognostic variables and the survival of patients.There were no significant differences between survivors and non-survivors in terms of the angiogenesis parameters that were investigated. The overall survival rate was not significantly different for sex, age, tumor size and differentiation, extrahepatic metastasis, depth of invasion and the mode of adjuvant therapy. However, a significantly lower overall survival rate was observed in patients with liver metastatic disease (p<0.001), lymph node involvement (p=0.04) and incomplete resection (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that only the number of vessels in the unit area (HR = 1. 028, p = 0. 04), hepatic metastases (HR=14.94, p=0.007) and type of resection (HR=23.81, p=0.004) predicted overall survival.These findings suggest that increased tumoral vascularity, consistent with previous studies, adversely affects survival in rectal cancer patients. Liver metastatic status and completeness of the surgical resection were the most powerful criteria to predict the final outcome of these patients. Thus, neo-angiogenesis is indeed an important and key step in tumorigenesis, but it may not be the single overwhelming factor that determines recurrence and metastasis in rectal carcinoma.

Many checkpoint proteins that are involved in the control of the cell cycle and apoptosis have been investigated, but only a few studies have evaluated the prognostic significance of multiple factors only in rectal carcinomas. The aim of this study was to determine the role of p53, p21, and p27 protein expression as a prognostic factor in rectal carcinomas. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 45 rectal adenocarcinomas with appropriate clinical and prognostic data were examined. The standard streptavidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method was used for immunostaining with p53 protein, p21 WAF1/Cip1 protein, and p27 Kip1 protein. The extent of positive p53, p21, and p27 staining was graded semiquantitatively. The clinicopathologic and prognostic features were statistically analyzed. No significant association was found between p53 status and p21 or p27 protein expression (chi2 test, P=0.42 and P=0.18 respectively). There was no correlation between the expressions of p53, p21, and p27, and conventional clinicopathologic features. The mean time interval to recurrence was 25.7+/-24.7 months (range, 0-54 months). p53, p21, and p27 expression was not associated significantly with recurrence and distant metastasis. However, a significant relationship was found between the expression of p27 protein and hepatic metastasis (independent samples t-test, P=0.007). The authors concluded that p53, p27, and p21 protein expression was not related to the clinicopathologic parameters, tumor aggressiveness, metastatic potential, and survival in rectal carcinomas. Further studies are needed to evaluate the predictors of outcome in rectal cancer, considering a variety of prognosticators.

Amyloidosis is a disorder caused by extracellular deposition of insoluble protein fibrils in various tissues. Colonic amyloidosis is a rare clinical manifestation which can mimic tumor, inflammatory bowel disease, or ischemic colitis. The most common symptoms of colonic amyloidosis include bleeding, ulceration, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, colonic obstruction due to extensive submucosal amyloidosis is extremely rare. Considering the wide variety of symptoms and potentially effected organs, the diagnosis can be challenging particularly in emergent conditions. In this paper, a case with mechanic bowel obstruction due to extensive amyloidotic involvement of the left colon is presented.

Guidelines include the recommendations of experts from various specialties within a topic in consideration of data specific to each country. However, to date there has not been a guideline standardizing the nomenclature and offering recommendations for intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) in Turkey. This is mainly due to the paucity of laboratory studies regarding the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IAIs or the sensitivity of microorganisms isolated from patients with IAIs. However, due to the diversification of host characteristics and advancements in technological treatment methods, it has become imperative to 'speak a common language'. For this purpose May 2015, a group of 15 experts in intra-abdominal infections, under the leadership of the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialty Society of Turkey (EKMUD) and with representatives from the Turkish Surgical Association, Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Hernia Society, Turkish Society of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, and the Turkish Society of Hospital Infections and Control, was formed to analyze relevant studies in the literature. Ultimately, the suggestions for adults found in this consensus report were developed using available data from Turkey, referring predominantly to the 2010 guidelines for diagnosing and managing complicated IAIs in adults and children by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Surgical Infection Society. The recommendations are presented in two sections, from the initial diagnostic evaluation of patients to the treatment approach for IAI. This Consensus Report was presented at the EKMUD 2016 Congress in Antalya and was subsequently opened for suggestions on the official websites of the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialty Society of Turkey and Turkish Surgical Association for one month. The manuscript was revised according to the feedback received.

Adrenal and extra-adrenal paragangliomas are uncommon neoplasms arising from the parenchymal cells of paraganglia. The presenting symptoms are mostly due to excess catecholamine secretion. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas are mostly localized in the superior para-aortic region of the abdomen. Mesenteric paragangliomas are very rare. We report an unusual case of mesenteric paraganglioma producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing hCG secretion in an extra-adrenal paraganglioma.

Objective To evaluate the expression of HSP70 and pS2 and to determine whether it may be an additional prognostic variable in the prediction of recurrence and survival in rectal adenocarcinomas. Methods The paraffin sections of 45 patients with rectal carcinoma who were treated with surgical resection were stained with HSP70 and pS2 antibodies by using the standard biotin immunoperoxidase method. Cytoplasmic staining for both antibodies was scored semiquantitatively. Results Only 16 (35.6%) tumors showed a positive cytoplasmic reaction with HSP70 antibody, while pS2 expression was observed in 26 (57.8%) tumors. There was an association between HSP70 and pS2 expression (P=0.002). No correlations were found between HSP70 and pS2 expression and tumor recurrence or overall survival and other prognostic factors. However, the type of surgical resection was significantly associated with pS2 expression status (P=0.013). Significant correlations were detected between tumor recurrence and other clinicopathologic parameters, such as clinical stage, lymph node involvement, and resection type (P=0.015, P=0.015, and P=0.03, respectively). Resection type was significantly associated with clinical outcome, recurrence, and metastasis (P=0.009, P=0.03, P<0.01, respectively). In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between clinical stage and final outcome (P=0.005). Conclusions The strong correlation between pS2 expression and incomplete surgical resection suggests that pS2 may be related to invasive tumor behavior and may also play a role in tumor recurrence, although this latter association did not reach statistical significance in this study. HSP70 expression does not appear to be related to tumor invasiveness or tumor recurrence.

We aimed to investigate the value of PET-CT in therapy response and the correlation of quantitative PET parameters with histopathologic results in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) before and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. We also analyzed the correlation of PET-CT parameters between Ki-67 and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1).A total of 29 patients diagnosed with LARC who had undergone a biopsy between 2009 and 2012 were included in our study. Quantitative PET parameters [standardized uptake value (SUV)max-mean, lean body mass SUV(max-mean), tumor/liver SUV, retention index , and [INCREMENT]SUV(max)] were measured before and after therapy using PET-CT. Tumor regression grade (TRG) was evaluated according to Wheeler's classification. Patients in grade 1 were considered responders, whereas patients at grades 2 and 3 were considered nonresponders. Immunohistochemical staining with Ki-67 and GLUT1 was performed on biopsy and surgical specimens. The correlation between staining ratios and SUV was also investigated.SUV parameters were significantly decreased after therapy (P < 0.001). Twelve (41%) patients were at TRG1, 10 (35%) were at TRG2, and seven (24%) were at TRG3. A cutoff SUV(max) of 5.05 to discriminate between responders and nonresponders after treatment revealed a sensitivity of 57%, specificity of 73%, negative predictive value of 65%, positive predictive value of 67%, and accuracy of 66%. Using a cutoff of 3.55 for the SUV(mean) (standardized measurement of SUV with 1.2-cm-diameter region of interest) revealed a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy of 67, 76, 67, 76, and 72%, respectively. For a cutoff of 1.95 for the tumor SUV(mean)/liver SUV(mean), these diagnostic values after therapy were 73, 78, 82, 67, and 76%, respectively. We found a moderate correlation between liver-based SUV(max) (r = -0.35, P = 0.019) and SUV(mean )(r = -0.31, P = 0.036) with GLUT1 after therapy. Quantitative PET parameters and retention index were moderately correlated with Ki-67.PET-CT is a useful method for assessing the response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with LARC. The most significant parameter for assessing treatment response using SUV parameters is the tumor/liver ratio.

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in elderly patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal cancer.Patients who underwent curative complete CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal cancer with minimum follow-up of 24 months were included in the analysis. Charlson comorbidity index and ECOG performance status were used to evaluate preoperative condition. Patients were tiered into two groups according to age (<65 and ≥65 years). Postoperative morbidity, mortality, recurrence, and overall survival were compared between groups.One-hundred patients were meeting the inclusion criteria. Median age was 56 years (ranging, 20-86). The origin of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) was colon in 77 and rectum in 23 patients. There were 31 patients in the elderly group. Mean hospital stay was 1711.8 and 16.814.3 days in young and elderly groups (p=0.937). In young patients, postoperative morbidity was seen in 26 (37.6%) patients versus 9 (29%) patients in elderly group (p=0.272). Mortality was higher in elderly group (n=4, 12.9%) than in the younger group (n=5, 7.2%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.287). Median follow-up was 25 months (ranging, 2-112). Local and/or distant recurrence occurred in 30 (43.4%) patients in the young group and 9 (29%) patients in elderly group (p=0.169). Two-years disease-free survival was similar: 67.1% in the young and 74% in the elderly groups (p=0.713).CRS and HIPEC offer comparable oncologic outcome in meticulously selected medically-fit elderly patients without increased postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Preparing a patient cognitively, psychosocially and emotionally for an operation is important for the healing process. The purpose of this study is to investigate the psycholinguistic and psychometric properties of the Turkish version of The Preparedness for Colorectal Cancer Surgery Questionnaire (PCSQ-TR).Methodological study.The sample consisted of 220 patients. Patients who underwent operation or reoperation for colorectal cancer were included. The language validity, content validity, discriminant validity and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis) analyses were performed. The item analysis and internal consistency were examined.Item total score correlations were between 0.38 and 0.85. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.97 for the overall PCSQ-TR and ranged between 0.85 and 0.91 for its domains. Discriminant validity revealed a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between the patients' mean score for the overall PCSQ-TR and their subjective preparedness for surgery score (r = 0.64, P = .000). In the confirmatory factor analysis, the fit indexes were χ2/df = 2.5; P = .00, RMSEA = 0.08, CFI = 0.92, IFI = 0.92, RMR = 0.18, GFI = 0.79.PCSQ-TR is a valid and reliable scale that can be used to determine colorectal cancer patients' preparedness for surgery and recovery. PCSQ-TR can be administered in writing or online and can help identify patients who do not feel ready for the surgical recovery process and need advanced nursing care support.

CD44 has diverse functions in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and its expression appears to be an indicator of invasive and metastatic behaviour in carcinomas. However, contradictory data have been reported about the correlation between CD44 expression and prognosis in colorectal carcinomas. We aimed (i) to establish whether immunohistochemically detectable CD44 expression is related to tumor aggressiveness, (ii) to correlate CD44 expression with the degree of tumor differentiation and (iii) to determine the relationship between CD44 expression and patient survival and other conventional clinicopathological features.The immunohistochemical expression of CD44 in a series of 111 colorectal carcinomas was examined using the monoclonal mouse anti-human phagocytic glycoprotein-1, CD44 (clone DF 1485) in correlation with clinicopathological variables. To achieve a reliable semi-quantitative evaluation, not only the staining intensity but also the distribution of positive tumor cells were analyzed.CD44 staining was high-grade positive in 42 and low-grade positive/negative in 69 tumor tissues. There was no association between CD44 expression and tumor size, histological differentiation, depth of invasion, lymph node involvement, clinical stage of the disease, or the radicality of surgical resection. CD44 expression was not correlated significantly with recurrence and distant metastases. Multivariate analysis showed that only the modified Astler-Coller (MAC) staging system was an independent prognostic factor of recurrence (HR=15.267; 15.267-6.808, 95% CI; p=0.001) and survival (HR=37.064; 13.309-103.220, 95% CI; p=0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that there was no significant association between CD44 expression and recurrence and overall survival in either MAC B or C colorectal cancer.Expression of CD44 was not associated with any conventional clinicopathological features. CD44 cannot be considered as a prognostic predictor of recurrence, metastasis and overall survival.

To avoid the adverse consequences of abdominal compartment syndrome and to reduce the high mortality the celiotomy wound in patients with abdominal sepsis was closed without tension using prosthetic mesh. This produces a semiopen situation that permits staged reinterventions together with the functional reconstitution of the continuity of the abdominal wall.Twenty-five patients with intra-abdominal sepsis of various causes were evaluated retrospectively to assess the results of semiopen management of the septic abdomen and reoperations on demand in severe peritonitis. All of the patients were in a state of neglected peritonitis, and had at least one failing organ system. The Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) scoring system was used for stratification of abdominal sepsis.The mean MPI score of 25 patients was 24, ranging 10 to 33. Eight (32%) patients were reexplored (MPI=21). There were overall 9 (36%) complications in patients with mean MPI score of 23. Six (24%) mesh-related complications (infection and enterocutaneous fistulas) developed (MPI=19). The mean MPI score of patients without complications was 24. Four (16%) patients died with index MPI score of 26 due to fulminant hepatitis, myocardial infarction, and multiple organ failure. The admission period averaged 63 days.In 25 critically ill patients with abdominal sepsis the mortality was lower than expected, relative to heterogeneous data from the literature; also, major complications occurred less frequently although the mean MPI score was high. The authors conclude that this approach is a reliable contribution to the complex treatment of these patients.

Abstract Purpose: We aimed to determine the long-term oncologic outcome for patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). In addition, we attempted to identify prognostic factors and the oncologic significance of a pathological complete response (pCR) on the patient's oncologic outcome. Materials and Methods: Between February 1993 and January 2019, a prospectively maintained database of 357 consecutive patients with locally advanced (cT3-4 or any N1-2) primary rectal adenocarcinoma who received preoperative CRT followed by curative TME at our institute was analyzed. Results: With a median follow-up of 72 (23–295) months, local recurrence occurred in 21 (5.9%) patients. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year locoregional free survival rates were 92.7%, 91.3%, and 91.3%, respectively. The median time to pelvic recurrence was 28 (12–103) months. Pathologic complete response was reported in 41 (11.6%) patients, and no patient with pCR developed local recurrence. Advanced pathologic T stage, pathologic nodal stage, and circumferential resection margin involvement were significantly poor prognostic factors for these patients. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for rectal cancer significantly improved the down-staging and sphincter preservation rates of low-lying rectal carcinomas. However, some patients will continue to recur after 5 years of follow-up.

Abstract Background Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has emerged as an effective treatment option for patients with fecal incontinence. The efficacy of SNM in the treatment of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery is encouraging. The aim of this study is to review the long-term outcomes of patients treated with SNM for LARS. Methods A review of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive SNM procedures for LARS between June 2017 and June 2020 was conducted. Bowel habits diaries, the Cleveland Clinic Florida-Fecal Incontinence score (CCF-FIS), the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQoL), and the LARS score were evaluated at baseline, three months, and twenty-four months after definitive SNM implantation. Results The study included 14 patients; 11 of them were males, and the mean age was 59.2 (±10.2). Thirteen patients underwent permanent implantation of the SNM device. The mean score of FI episodes were reduced from 16 to 4 (p &lt; 0.001) and the mean CCF-FIS dropped from 15.2 to 6.5 (p &lt; 0.001). All patients showed a substantial increase in their FIQoL scale (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant amelioration in the LARS score (36.7 to 17.3, p &lt; 0.001) and all symptoms of LARS except incontinence of liquid stool (p = 0.97). Conclusions SNM improves bowel dysfunction and quality of life in patients with LARS following rectal cancer surgery and maintains its effectiveness over time

Background: Although parastomal hernia is a common complication of ostomy surgery, the exact risk factors for its development remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of parastomal hernia in ostomy patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. The data from a cohort of 952 ostomy patients' hospital records between 2013 and 2020 were extracted and analyzed. Patients’ ostomy-related characteristics, complication notes, and the occurrence of parastomal hernia were retrieved. Results: The patients' mean age was 59.6 years (±14.4 years), and 524 (55%) of them were male. Colorectal cancer (476 patients,50%) was the most common etiology for surgery. Parastomal hernia developed in 100 (10.5%) of patients. Age &gt;65 (OR=1.753; 95%CI=1.071-2.869), BMI &gt;24.9 (OR=2.009; 95%CI=1.201-3.362), co-morbidity (OR=1.773; 95%CI=1.021-3.080), laparoscopic surgery (OR=5.643; 95%CI=3.113-10.230), height of ostomy (OR=1.906; 95%CI=1.122-3.236), left lower quadrant ostomy location (OR=2.252; 95%CI=1.319-3.845), prolapse (OR=7.876; 95%CI=3.571-17.372), and other ostomy-related complications (OR=2.888; 95%CI=1.179-7.074) were risk factors based on logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: The incidence of parastomal hernia was nearly one in ten patients after colorectal surgery with an ostomy. Advanced age, co-morbidity, laparoscopic surgery, the height of the ostomy, the left lower quadrant ostomy location, prolapse, and other ostomy-related complications were independent risk factors.

Objective: It was aimed to define the oncologic concept of “extremeness” in cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) to determine morbidity-mortality results and final oncologic outcomes. Material and Methods: Prospectively recorded data of 666 patients with peritoneal metastases who had undergone CRS/HIPEC between 2007 and 2020 were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups as extreme (n= 371) and non-extreme (n= 295). Extreme CRS was defined as resection of ≥5 major organs or creation of ≥2 bowel anastomoses or peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI)≥ 15 or re-cytoreductive surgery. Results: More CC-1 or CC-2 cytoreduction (p&lt; .001), increased mortality and morbidity (p&lt; .001), prolonged operative time (p&lt; .001), increased intraoperative erythrocyte suspension (p&lt; .001), albumin (p&lt; .001), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (p&lt; .001), and post-operative erythrocyte suspension (p&lt; .001) usage were found in the extreme CRS/HIPEC group. Operative time, CC-1 or CC-2 cytoreduction, presence of ostomy, development of infection, and use of intra-operative albumin and FFP were found to be independent prognostic factors in Cox regression analysis. Three and five-year survival rates were significantly lower in the extreme CRS/HIPEC group (p&lt; .001). Conclusion: High-volume peritoneal metastatic disease can be completely resected with extreme cytoreduction in carefully selected patients responsive to chemotherapy. Since the significant morbi-mortality related to the treatment of peritoneal metastasis is a real concern, it should be considered in experienced complex cancer centers that provides relatively better oncological outcomes compared to conventional treatments.

Data regarding the operative management of presacral tumours present various dilemmas due to their rarity and heterogeneous nature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management strategy, factors associated with operative morbidity and long-term postoperative outcomes in a large group of patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours.This study was designed as a multicentre retrospective cohort study. Records of patients who underwent surgery for presacral tumours at 10 tertiary colorectal centres between 1996 and 2017 were evaluated.One hundred and twenty seven patients (44 men) with a mean age of 46 years and body mass index of 27 kg/m2 were included. Fifty eight per cent of the patients had low sacral lesions (below S3). The operative approaches were transabdominal (17%), transsacral (65%) and abdominosacral (17%). The postoperative morbidity was 19%. Thirty per cent of the patients had a malignant tumour. Longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.001), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (p = 0.01), abdominosacral operations (p = 0.0001) and presacral tumours located above S3 (p = 0.004) were associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity. Overall long-term postoperative recurrence and mortality were 6% and 5%, respectively, within a 3-year mean follow-up period in patients with presacral malignant tumours.Reduced physical condition, omission of symptoms prior to surgery, combined resections and high sacral tumours are the risk factors associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for presacral tumours. Meticulous planning of the operation and intensified perioperative care may improve the outcomes in high-risk patients.

A 37-year-old man was admitted to our institution with a gradually enlarging anal mass that had been developing for 5 months. He had no symptoms of anal bleeding, pain, or constipation and no past medical history. Clinical examination revealed a firm perianal mass under the anal mucosa and skin (Fig 1). The stalk of the lesion felt mobile on the anal sphincters. Complete local excision of the subcutaneous and submucosal lesion was performed with spinal anesthesia at lithotomy position.

To evaluate the correlation of angiogenesis and p53 and H-ras mutations with prognostic factors and proliferative activity assessed with Ki-67 protein expression by studying archival tissues from 24 patients with primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.Vascular structures were labeled immunohistochemically using factor VIII-related antigen. Vascular surface density (VSD) and microvessel number (NVES) were assessed by stereology. The tissues were also analyzed with the immunohistochemical method for the expression of proteins, including p53, H-ras and Ki-67.Statistical analysis revealed that tumors with greater NVES and VSD values significantly correlated with occurrence of metastases, higher proliferative activity, poorer histologic differentiation and greater tumor size. p53 Mutations were found in 11 cases (45.8%). However, only three cases (12.5%), all negative for p53 mutations, showed H-ras mutations. p53 Mutation-positive tumors exhibited a statistically significant correlation with occurrence of metastases and higher proliferative activity, whereas H-ras mutations did not show such a correlation.Angiogenesis might have a role in predicting prognosis in pancreatic carcinomas, and p53 mutations might be acquired in later stages associated with metastatic progression and higher proliferative activity. Although H-ras mutations were rare in the present study, they might play a role in a different carcinogenic pathway excluding p53 mutations.

Recently, new functions have been attributed to the p53 protein, particularly a prominent role in the regulation of angiogenesis. Tumours expressing mutant forms of p53 protein may be associated with increased angiogenesis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between p53 protein expression and the quantitative expression of tumour angiogenesis in colorectal carcinomas.Sections from paraffin-embedded blocks from 46 patients with primary colorectal carcinomas that had been completely removed were analysed. p53 protein expression and all vascular structures were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The vessel parameters of angiogenesis including vascular surface density (VSD), number of vessels per mm2 (NVES) and number of vessels in unit area (n) were assessed by morphometry. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for comparing the extent of neovascularization in p53-positive and -negative cases.Twenty-four (52%) cases were p53+ and 22 (48%) were p53-. Mean VSD, NVES and n values for p53 protein-positive and -negative groups were as follows: VSD 96.7 +/- 65.4/mm vs 79.6 +/- 45.24/mm; NVES 104.8 +/- 97.5/mm2 vs 62.2 +/- 44.3/mm2; n 79.7 +/- 74.2 vs 52 +/- 35.7, respectively. There was no association between the angiogenesis parameters and p53-positive and -negative cases, when VSD (P=0.226) or n (P=0.176) were considered, but a statistically significant difference was obtained for NVES values (P=0.035).The authors concluded that tumoural angiogenesis assayed by morphometric investigation in colorectal carcinomas might be related to p53 protein expression when NVES is considered. This finding supports the possible role of p53 protein in increased angiogenesis in colorectal tumours.

Classification of patients regarding to outcome in early periods of peritonitis or intra-abdominal sepsis, has always been a primary goal of intensive care physicians. In order to predict outcome, a wide variety of scoring systems have been proposed. Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) is one of the most effective scoring systems and its predictive value has been shown previously. Three hundred and twenty five patients that were admitted to Emergency Services in both Ege and Dokuz Eylül University Hospitals between 1995 and 1999, have been evaluated retrospectively by using patient records. Among them, 258 patients (79.4%) have been discharged in well condition and 67 patients died (20.6%). In the latter, MPI scores were always equal or more than 26. Mean MPI scores were 30.23 7.05 and 18.55 6.67 in exitus group and discharged group respectively. When all descriptive factors in MPI have been evaluated separately, every predictor was revealed statistically significant differences between exitus and discharged groups. It has been concluded that MPI is effective scoring system in terms of predicting final outcome in patients with peritonitis and intraabdominal sepsis.

Platelet-activating factor, is a unique phospholipid with a broad range of biological activities that may be relevant in the development of inflammatory reactions. Platelet-activating factor has been suspected to play an important role in liver pathophysiology. The cultured Kupffer and endothelial cells produce and release platelet-activating factor in order to facilitate communication between hepatic sinusoidal and parenchymal cells. In this study, in the experimental jaundice model, platelet-activating factor levels were measured in liver tissue and plasma and the possible effects of mannitol on this mediator were assessed.The experimental model consisted of 7 rats in the control group (CG), 7 rats in the sham operation group (ShG), and 7 rats in the obstructive jaundice group (JG) created by ligating the common bile duct. The last group was the mannitol-treated jaundiced group (MJG) and all animals in this group received 20% mannitol in doses of 2 mL/day, intraperitoneally, following common bile duct ligation. A week later all animals were sacrificed and plasma and liver tissue samples were collected. Platelet-activating factor levels were measured by radioimmunoassay technique.Liver tissue platelet activating factor levels (pg/mg tissue protein) were 72 +/- 18 in the CG, 183 +/- 51 in the JG, 84 +/- 17 in ShG, and 124 +/- 36 in MJG. Plasma levels were 460 +/- 13, 1600 +/- 40, 560 +/- 19, and 1200 +/- 23, respectively. In both sample types, MJG and JG values were significantly different from CG and ShG as well. MJG levels were also different from JG.These results showed that plasma and liver tissue platelet-activating factor levels are increased in experimental obstructive jaundice; and activation of this mediator contributes to the ongoing liver injury. Mannitol may improve or lessen this damage.

Rationale: Sarcopenia is defined as a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and function. It is associated with a poor prognosis on oncologic outcomes.

It is often speculated that an inflamed gallbladder weeps bile to produce bile peritonitis. This may be so, but more likely the problem is a peritoneal effusion in a jaundiced patient which thus resembles bile. So-called "spontaneous or idiopathic biliary peritonitis" in acute acalculous cholecystitis without a proven cause is a further example of this very rare condition. Spontaneous perforations of the extrahepatic biliary ductal system associated with acalculous cholecystitis are uncommon albeit reported in adults. Most patients present with an acute abdomen and are operated upon urgently without diagnostic iter. A recent experience with such a case prompted a thorough review of 27 similar cases previously reported.

Surgeons learn over time when it is appropriate to recommend an operation. This is particularly true in the management of pelvic carcinomatous disease, which often gives rise to symptoms that are debilitating and difficult to manage by non-surgical means. Radical pelvic cytoreduction, complete resection of all visible tumor, remains the established operation for the treatment of carefully selected patients with biologically favorable tumors. Complexities in pelvic surgery and pelvic cytoreduction cover the strategic evaluation, specific approaches, and management techniques. The essential principle to removal of a very advanced pelvic disease lies in the retroperitoneal surgery. The retroperitoneal approach allows for dissection of the pan-pelvic tumoral mass and deposits using the peritoneum as a pseudo-capsule while identifying vital retroperitoneal structures such as the iliac vessels and ureter. Despite the fact that there are several considerations in favor of cytoreductive surgery, overall morbidity due to its application depends not only on the extent of the surgical procedure but also on the patient's medical fitness, the experience and expertise of the operating surgeon, as well as the quality of the supportive care, particularly anesthesia and critical care. The major source of trouble is the hostile pelvis itself. The reasons are fairly clear: most patients have had incomplete 'in-line' resective attempts, irradiation, and inflammation due to prior overhealing. Many of the complications of the procedure can be ameliorated or eliminated by careful attention to patient preparation, intraoperative meticulous technique, and post-cytoreductive intensive care. Achieving success and safety with these cytoreductive techniques requires extensive knowledge of pelvic anatomy, the use of special techniques of exposure and methods of dissection, a clear understanding of the objectives of the operation, and a flexibility of mind.

Abstract Background We aimed to determine the prognostic role of ileal resection on postoperative complications and the final oncological results of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment in patients with peritoneal metastasis(PM). Methods Patients with PM who underwent CRS and HIPEC between 2007 and 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Ileal resection was defined as the resection of the ileum at 100 cm or below. Patients were divided into ileal-resection and non-ileal resection groups. Besides clinico-pathological variables, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CC-0-1-2), (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, operative time, need for surgical intensive care unit, and usage of blood products were all evaluated. Results The data of 664 patients was analyzed. Ileal resection was performed in 346(52.1%) patients. The median follow-up period was 27 months. The ileal resection group had significantly lower 3-and 5-year survival rates (55% and 43% vs. 69% and 52, p = .005, respectively). High PCI score (p &lt; .001), more CC-1-2 cytoreductions (p &lt; .001), more anastomoses (p &lt; .001), prolonged operative time (p &lt; .001), more ostomy creation (p = .001), increased morbidity (p &lt; .001), and more infectious complications (p &lt; .001) were all significantly associated with ileal resection. Conclusion The loss of ileal function has a potential prognostic role in increased post-operative complications and worsened overall survival in patients with PMs.

Primary rectal cancer can recur loco-regionally in the pelvic compartment despite multidisciplinary treatment being given and oncological principles of total mesorectal excision being instituted.Recurrent disease in the tumor bed exhibits special characteristics in terms of pelvic location, tumoral extent, and extra-pelvic metastatic status.The effective treatment of this heterogeneous tumor family depends on adequate staging, skillset for doing multi-organ resection, logical usage of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and crucial decision-making by the tumor board.For many years, the surgical community was reluctant to perform these radical, aggressive exenterative surgical interventions due to high morbity/mortality and technical difficulties.However, in solid tumor surgery, because of the proven independent and robust prognostic association between complete tumor resection and overall survival, the number of centers doing radical pelvic exenteration in properly selected patients has gradually increased in the last 10 years.With the aid of modern technology, advances in pelvic oncologic surgery and anesthesiology, and optimum patient care, the morbity and mortality rate has decreased and overall survival has increased.Advanced age, uncontrollable co-morbidities, refractory to medical treatment, multi-organ resection, septic complications, and a lack of surgical experience are powerful prognosticators.Research into this complex surgical field in terms of colorectal cancer is still ongoing.

We aimed to determine the prognostic role of ileal resection on postoperative complications and the final oncological results of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment in patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM). Patients with PM who underwent CRS and HIPEC between 2007 and 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Ileal resection was defined as the resection of the ileum at 100 cm or below. Patients were divided into ileal-resection and non-ileal resection groups. Besides clinico-pathological variables, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CC-0-1-2), (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, operative time, need for surgical intensive care unit, and usage of blood products were all evaluated. The data of 664 patients was analyzed. Ileal resection was performed in 346(52.1%) patients. The median follow-up period was 27 months. The ileal resection group had significantly lower 3-and 5-year survival rates (55% and 43% vs. 69% and 52, p = .005, respectively). High PCI score (p < .001), more CC-1-2 cytoreductions (p < .001), more anastomoses (p < .001), prolonged operative time (p < .001), more ostomy creation (p = .001), increased morbidity (p < .001), and more infectious complications (p < .001) were all significantly associated with ileal resection. The loss of ileal function has a potential prognostic role in increased post-operative complications and worsened overall survival in patients with PMs.

ÖZGİRİŞ ve AMAÇ: Kolon kanser cerrahisinde, tümör yerleşiminin kolonun peritonsuz kısmında

Amaç: Kolorektal kansere ikincil peritoneal metastaz (KRKPM) nedeniyle sitoredüktif cerrahi (SRC) ve hipertermik karın içi kemoterapi (HİPEK) uygulanacak hastaların değerlendirilmesinde, Peritoneal Yüzey Hastalığı Şiddet skoru (PYHŞS) kullanılmaya başlanmıştır.Bu çalışmanın amacı merkezimizde KRKPM nedeniyle SRC + HİPEK uygulanan hastalarda PYHŞS'nin prognozu öngörmedeki geçerliliğini değerlendirmektir

Rationale: The ileum has unique functions: enzymatic digestion of nutrients, absorption of vitamin B12, fats and bile salts, and immunologic functions. We aimed to determine the prognostic role of ileal resection on postoperative complications and final oncological results of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) treatment in patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM).

A 27-year-old male patient was admitted to Dokuz Eylul University Hospital (Izmir, Turkey) with complaints of constipation and weight loss for a period of 4 months. His history was not significant, except for the early age at which he started to smoke, resulting in a smoking habit of one pack of cigarettes per day for 12 years. There was no history or evidence of cancer in any of his close relatives.

Background and aim: Recent human and animal study findings have indicated that insulin-like growth factor I and its receptor (IGF-I/ IGFIR) system activation play a critical role in cell transformation and Tumoragenesis. Although IGF-I and IGF-IR expression have been shown in neoplastic intestinal cells of humans and rats, the modulation of IGF-IR expression during progression of normal colonic mucosa to adenoma, carcinoma and metastasis has not yet been investigated sufficiently. Meterial and methods: In this retrospective study, we studied the expression of IGF-IR in 35 normal colonic mucosa, 31 colonic adenomas and 71 colorectal adenocarcinomas. Formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded tissues of each patient were immunostained using streptavidin- biotin-peroxidase method. An anti-IGF-IR b(H-60) rabbit polyclonal antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechologen, SC-9038 Inc. U.S; dilution 1/100) was used. Results: IGF-IR positivity rates were 92 % (65/71) in the colorectal cancer patients, 71 % (22/31) among those with adenoma and 0 % among the normal mucosa specimens. When the intensity of the stain was semiquantitatively evaluated, strong IGF-IR positivity was identified in colorectal cancer patients compared to adenomas (p=0.000). In colorectal cancer patients, strong IGF-IR positivity was also significantly related with higher-stage tumors (p=0.037). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that IGF-IR expression may have an important role during the progression of normal mucosa to colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background While the cyclo-oxygenase (Cox) 1 pathway has physiological effects such as maintaining endothelial integrity, Cox-2 also has pathological effects. The role of liver-produced prostaglandins and their specificity were studied in an experimental sepsis model. Methods Some 28 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. In all groups intra-abdominal sepsis was created by caecal ligation and puncture. Group 1 (IASG) comprised five rats and all had intra-abdominal sepsis only. In group 2 (MG; n = 5) all rats received meloxicam 5 mg kg−1. Group 3 (NG; n = 5) received nimesulid 2 mg kg−1. In group 4 (APG; n = 5) antiplatelet activating factor (PAF) agent was administered. Group 5 (MAPG) received meloxicam and anti-PAF. Following 24 h of intra-abdominal sepsis, all rats underwent reoperation. Peritonitis was confirmed pathologically and liver biopsies were performed. The levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGF2α as prototypic end-products of the Cox-1 and -2 pathway were measured in the biopsy specimens. Results The mean PGF2α levels were 539·2, 17·8, 194·4, 341·0 and 229·2 pg per mg liver tissue protein in groups 1–5 respectively. The respective mean PGE2 levels were 422·6, 438·0, 272·6, 331·4 and 205 pg mg−1. PGF2α values in MG were significantly different from those in all other groups (P &amp;lt; 0·001), and those in NG and MAPG were different from those in IASG and APG. On the other hand, PGE2 levels were significantly lower in NG, MAPG and APG than in IASG and MG. Liver tissue PAF was also detected in all groups except NG. Mean PAF levels in IASG, MG, APG and MAPG were 44·4, 33·2, 12·2 and 14·6 pg per mg tissue protein respectively. Conclusion (1) PAF is an important mediator in intra-abdominal sepsis. (2) Liver PGF2α may play a role in intra-abdominal sepsis independently from PAF. (3) Anti-PAF agent alone may help healing in peritoneal sepsis, but the main therapeutic agents are PGF2α blocking agents.

Objective Recently, new functions have been attributed to the p53 protein, particularly a prominent role in the regulation of angiogenesis. Tumours expressing mutant forms of p53 protein may be associated with increased angiogenesis. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between p53 protein expression and the quantitative expression of tumour angiogenesis in colorectal carcinomas. Patients and methods Sections from paraffin‐embedded blocks from 46 patients with primary colorectal carcinomas that had been completely removed were analysed. p53 protein expression and all vascular structures were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The vessel parameters of angiogenesis including vascular surface density (VSD), number of vessels per mm 2 (NVES) and number of vessels in unit area ( n ) were assessed by morphometry. Mann–Whitney U ‐test was used for comparing the extent of neovascularization in p53‐positive and ‐negative cases. Results Twenty‐four (52%) cases were p53 + and 22 (48%) were p53 − . Mean VSD, NVES and n values for p53 protein‐positive and ‐negative groups were as follows: VSD 96.7 ± 65.4/mm vs 79.6 ± 45.24/mm; NVES 104.8 ± 97.5/mm 2 vs 62.2 ± 44.3/mm 2 ; n 79.7 ± 74.2 vs 52 ± 35.7, respectively. There was no association between the angiogenesis parameters and p53‐positive and ‐negative cases, when VSD ( P =0.226) or n ( P =0.176) were considered, but a statistically significant difference was obtained for NVES values ( P =0.035). Conclusion The authors concluded that tumoural angiogenesis assayed by morphometric investigation in colorectal carcinomas might be related to p53 protein expression when NVES is considered. This finding supports the possible role of p53 protein in increased angiogenesis in colorectal tumours.