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Chronic metal exposure, e.g. from metal mining, may cause accumulation of metals in soft and hard tissues, and in developing biomineralizations in the human body. Gallstones are biomineralizations formed in the gallbladder which are able to trap trace elements from the bile. Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to analyze gallstone cross-sections to trace the elemental abundances and correlate them with the principal phases constituting gallstones, namely cholesterol, Ca bilirubinate salts, Ca carbonate, and Ca phosphate. Five different types of gallstones (pure, mixed, and composite cholesterol stones, pigment stone, and carbonate stone) were chosen according to a previous classification based on phase characterization by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. These data were combined with bulk solution ICP-MS/OES analyses for total elemental concentrations. The results indicated that cholesterol has a zero capacity to retain elements except for Ca. Hence, pure cholesterol stones contained the lowest bulk metal concentrations, and the metals were found in the scarce carbonate and phosphate phases in these calculi. Calcium and trace element concentrations increased in other types of gallstones along with increasing amount of bilirubinate, carbonates and phosphates; pigment stones being the most enriched in metals. Phosphates were the principal carriers of Ca, P, Na, Mg, Mn, Fe, Pb, and Cd, whereas carbonate phases were enriched in Ca, Mg, Na, and Mn in order of decreasing abundance. Bilirubinate on the other hand was enriched in Ca, Cu, Ag, and Ni. The higher trace metal affinities of bilirubinate and phosphate explain the elevated metal concentrations observed in the pigment stones. These results give new insight to the trace metal behavior in the gallstone formation and the metal accumulation in the human body, validating the possible use of these biomineralizations as a proxy for exposure to metal pollution.

Introduction the identification of a 10 cm bezoar in a hiatal hernia is unusual. Hiatal hernias are usually asymptomatic. When signs of strangulation are present the prognosis is unlucky if urgent surgical intervention is not performed. Although sometimes the prognosis is bad because of the advanced state of gastric ischemia. Case report a 67-year-old female patient undergoing Nissen fundoplication with recurrence of hiatal hernia, volvulated and strangulated with giant bezoar inside the hhital hernia sac. Discussion despite of poor results, surgical treatment in these cases must be urgent.

[Background]: Adhesion formation is a major problem when a mesh is exposed to intraabodminal viscera, with potential severe complications (bowel occlusion, fistulas or abscesses). New methods for preventing adhesions from a polypropylene mesh placed intra-abdominally or to solve difficult situations, such as when the peritoneum cannot be closed during a TAPP repair for an inguinal hernia, are still being seeked. This study mimics in an animal model a situation that can be found in clinical practice during laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty. A polypropylene mesh could be exposed to the intra-abdominal cavity even when the peritoneum is closed due to different circumstances, with no options to guarantee the prosthetic material of being exposed to the intrabdominal viscera. Different options have been suggested to solve these situations, being proposed in this study to cover the visceral surface of the mesh with an absorbable sponge containing thrombin, fibrinogen, and clotting factors (Tachosil®, Nycomed, Takeda, Osaka, Japan), to assess its use as a barrier to prevent postoperative adhesion formation., [Material and methods]: Thirty Wistar white rats (300–450 mg) were included in this study as experimental animals, being randomized into three groups (A, B, and C). We performed a bilateral prosthetic repair with conventional polypropylene mesh (2 × 2 cm, 82 kD). Prosthesis fixation was performed as follows. Group A: absorbable suture; group B: metal staples; group C: metal tackers. A piece of insulating absorbable sponge (Tachosil® 5 × 5 cm) was placed to cover the visceral surface of mesh placed at the right side of each animal. After 10 days, we performed a gross examination (by laparoscopy and laparotomy), measuring the quantity and the quality of the adhesions. Samples were taken for histopathological analysis. [Results]: Tachosil®-treated prostheses showed a statistically significant decrease in the quality of the adhesion found (p, [Conclusions]: The use of Tachosil® as a barrier material led to the absence of strong adhesions as it prevented direct contact between the mesh and the internal organs, preventing major problems associated with strong adhesions.

Laparoscopic ventral or incisional hernia repair requires intraperitoneal mesh placement. This is associated with an increase in adhesions, bowel obstruction and enterocutaneous fistula. Intraabdominal meshes are laparoscopically fixed using traumatic fixation methods that increase acute, chronic pain and adhesions to bowel loops. The aim was to check the safety and effectiveness of the laparoscopic approach in ventral or incisional hernia, using a self-adhesive mesh in the preperitoneal space without tacks or transfascial sutures, and to objectively assess its benefits and complications. Patients aged between 18 and 67 years old with medial, lateral ventral and incisional hernias between 3 and 8 cm in size were included in this study. Fifty patients were included in the study, which was conducted between January 2013 and March 2015. The average length of surgery was 57.3 ± 18 min. The average hospital stay was 1.1 ± 0.3 days. The average time taken to return to work was 9.2 ± 2.4 days. The most common post-operative complication was seroma, which was observed in 13 patients (26 %). The average follow-up was 15.4 ± 5.5 months. Three patients were lost to follow-up during this period. There was no hernia recurrence during examination nor on CT scan during the follow-up period. The average score on the visual analogue scale before surgery was 4 ± 1. After surgery, the score was as follows: 3 ± 0.8 on the first day after surgery, 0.9 ± 0.5 after the first week, 0.4 ± 0.4 after the first month and 0 after 90 days. No patient showed chronic pain. Overall satisfaction (VAS for surgery) was 8.3 ± 0.6. The use of self-adhesive meshes during the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach in small- and medium-sized ventral or incisional hernias is safe and effective, with low post-operative pain, quick functional recovery and high overall satisfaction after surgery with no increase in recurrence in the short term.

This study aims to explore the impact of chronic metal exposure derived from persistent pollution from mining activity using human gallstones as proxies. The samples were obtained from patients residing in geologically and environmentally contrasting areas in the Province of Huelva, SW Spain, allowing for the evaluation of the regional effect of metal pollution. The study group resides in the Iberian Pyrite Belt characterized by natural and anthropogenic metal pollution from mining activities, whereas the control group resides in the Ossa Morena Zone famous for its natural parks. A total of 68 gallstones were first classified based on their phase composition and structure and subsequently their chemical composition was studied using solution Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. The metal concentrations increased in the cholesterol-rich gallstones from pure, to mixed and composite cholesterol stones along with the increasing amount of minor phases, such as bilirubinate, carbonate, and phosphate. These cholesterol stones did not show an evident enrichment tendency. On the contrary, pigment stones, composed of bilirubinate, carbonate, and phosphate phases, were rich in a variety of elements and the regional comparison showed that the pigment stones from the study area were enriched in sulfide-associated metal(loid)s, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, As, Ag, Sb, and Pb with respect to the control group. Inhalation of polluted airborne particulate matter is considered as one of the main exposure routes among the residents of the study area. Additionally, consumption of local water and locally produced food products such as fruit and vegetables and dermal contact may be possible sources of exposure, but no direct connection was observed.

This study explores the environmental impact of metal exposure on humans through detailed phase and structural characterization of gallstones from two environmentally contrasting populations in Huelva Province (SW Spain). A total of 42 gallstone samples, obtained after surgical intervention at the Riotinto Hospital, were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformed Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR), FTIR-μ-ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection) coupled with an optical microscope, and by Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ESEM-EDS), and subsequently classified according to their phase composition and structure. Additionally, the patients were enquired for their living habits in order to analyze the source of possible exposure to metal contamination. The gallstones were classified into pure, mixed and composite cholesterol stones, black and brown pigment stones, and carbonate stones. The patients from the study group residing in a region with acknowledged metal contamination of both natural and anthropogenic origin have a higher risk of metal exposure through contaminated soil, particle matter in the air, and consumption of local water and food products. According to our findings, the metal exposure is related to a higher tendency of forming black pigment stones in the study group in comparison to the control group residing in a natural park with nearly pristine environmental conditions. Moreover, the gallstones from the study group showed to contain more abundant metal components, such as Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn, than those from the control group. To our knowledge this is the first study to examine the regional environmental impact of metal exposure on human gallstones.

Introduction Current studies have shown the validity of the atraumatic fixation with fibrin glue (Tissucol ® ) compared to conventional sutures in polypropylene mesh fixation. We propose to study the behaviour of absorbable mesh. Material and methods We used 20 Wistar white rats. Two hernia defects were made in the abdominal wall, which were repaired using absorbable PGA-TMC preperitoneal mesh. The right side of the mesh was fixed with Tissucol ® and left side with conventional suture attached to the muscle fascia. One group of 10 rats were sacrificed at day 14 (series A) and the other 10 rats at 28 days (series B). We used 2 tests to assess the contingency of the abdominal wall; pressure test: pneumoperitoneum more than 40 mm Hg maintained for 1 min, traction test: dynamometry of the affected area more than 300 mg per cm 2 of traction. Abdominal wall was analysed to determine the integration of the new generation mesh. Results The fixation of the mesh after the pressure and traction tests showed no statistically significant changes in either group. The integration of the mesh and vessel neoformation was higher in the cases of fixation with fibrin glue. Conclusions Biological fixation with fibrin glue is similar to the conventional. Absorbable mesh was suitably integrated and vascular neoformation and integration of the mesh was also found to be better than conventional sutures when fibrin sealant was applied.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hyaluronidase gel on the prevention of post-operative peritoneal adhesions to prosthetic materials used in laparosopic ventral hernia repair.Ten pigs were included in this study. The animals were anesthetized using Na-penthotal for induction and isofluorane for maintenance. The abdomen was opened and, using helical fasteners, four implantations were performed (squares of 4 x 4 cm). Two of the implants, placed in an upper location, were in polypropylene mesh, and two of the implants, placed in a lower area, were in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE-e, Dualmesh Plus Corduroy). The implants located in the right side of animals were painted with hyaluronidase gel. Two helical fasteners, painted and unpainted, were implanted in a medial location. After a five-week period the pigs were operated on again, intraperitoneal adhesion ratios and grades were determined, and the pigs later sacrificed. Specimens having abdominal wall implants were taken for histological studies.Intraperitoneal adhesions decreased in implants painted with hyaluronidase gel in a comparative study with implants located in the left side of animals (not painted). On the other hand the polypropylene mesh, said typically to produce intraperitoneal adhesions, produced almost no adhesion in many animals.Hyaluronidase gel reduces post-operative peritoneal adhesions ratio and grades including in the presence of polypropylene mesh.

Ventral hernias are a common problem in a general surgery and hernioplasty is an integral part of a general surgeon's practice. The use of prosthetic material has drastically reduced the risk of recurrence, but has introduced additional potential complications such as surgical wound infections, adhesion formation, graft rejection, etc. The development of a wound infection in a hernia that is repaired with a prosthetic material is a grave complication, often requiring removal of the prosthesis. This experimental study examined efficacy of completely absorbable, hydrophilic, PGA-TMC (polyglycolic acid-trimethylene carbonate) prosthesis impregnated with antibiotic for reduction of infectious complications.Antibiotic-impregnated PGA-TMC prostheses were placed intraperitoneally in 90 Wistar white rats that were randomized and distributed into four groups. Group 0 (23 rats): there were placed PGA-TMC prosthesis without antibiotic impregnation (control group). Group 1 (25 rats): meshes were placed and infected later with 1 × 10(8) UFC of S. aureus/1 ml/2 cm(2) (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, MD). Group 2 (21 rats): cefazolin-impregnated prostheses were placed (1 g × 100 ml, at the rate of 1 ml/cm(2) of prosthesis) and were subsequently infected with the same bacterial inoculate. Group 3 (21 rats): cefazolin-impregnated prostheses with double quantity of cefazolin and infected. A week later these animals were killed and specimens were extracted for bacterial quantification and histological studies.Evident decrease of bacterial colonization was observed in series 2 and 3 [the ones impregnated with cefazolin, in comparison with the group 1 (infected without previous antibiotic impregnation)] with statistically significant results (p 0.00). Results were really positive when the antibiotic solution had been applied to the mesh. There have been formed adherences to the prosthesis when placing it in contact with intraabdominal viscera. However, cefazolin impregnation of the mesh has reduced an adhesion formation, mostly when the infection reached a minimum, inhibiting the inflammatory answer to the infection in a prosthetic material.Impregnation of the absorbable hydrophilic prosthesis PGA-TMC with cefazolin prevents the infection of the prosthesis placed in infected localization. Therefore, we think this option should be considered as a new and useful alternative in case of contaminated and dirty surgical fields or when a replacement of the prosthesis is required.

Advances in laparoscopy of the abdominal wall hernia / , Advances in laparoscopy of the abdominal wall hernia / , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز

Mesh fixation in laparoscopic ventral hernia benefits from a wide range of devices and materials that can be used, according to the location and characteristics of both the hernia and mesh. At our disposal are sutures (metal, traumatic, plastic, absorbable) and adhesives. The advantages of fibrin have been incorporated into traditional metal sutures (tackers), offering potential improvements in terms of integration and the decrease of possible complications (seroma, hematoma, etc.).

The current relentless advances of surgery continuously bring forth new techniques, new devices, and new materials. Currently, the single-port ventral hernia surgery is in practice and is being increasingly used. Robotic surgery has started tackling hernias, though at great cost, permitting procedures performed by a single surgeon. Other techniques are gaining importance: laparoscopic surgery of diastasis recti, especially in women after childbirth; transabdominal repair with preperitoneal mesh placement; and closure of the defect before placement of the mesh, which seems to favor the recovery and dynamics of the abdominal wall muscles.

One of the most controversial situations in laparoscopic abdominal wall hernia surgery is an incarcerated or strangulated hernia. Currently, there are few groups that perform laparoscopic surgery for these complicated hernias with a high probability of conversion to laparotomy. We describe in this chapter the concepts of hernia incarceration and hernia strangulation and the surgical techniques and resources that can be used in this emergency situation.

Two laparoscopic techniques for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair are used currently: a totally extraperitoneal technique (TEP) and a transabdominal preperitoneal technique (TAPP). In TAPP, the peritoneum is incised to gain access to the preperitoneal space, and similar surgical steps are performed in both techniques: hernia content reduction, treatment of hernial sac, and placement of preperitoneal mesh. Nowadays, it is accepted that TEP is preferred over TAPP because the TEP technique has a lower rate of trocar-site hernias and intra-abdominal injuries. However, TEP is a more demanding and complex technique, with a higher learning curve. For laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, the TAPP intervention should be learned as a first step. TEP has a steeper learning curve, and after mastering TEP, performing TAPP will come easily.

Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard in multiple surgical fields. In abdominal wall surgery, it is becoming more frequently used, changing rapidly as one generation of surgeons who performed laparotomy incisions is replaced by another that tends towards the laparoscopic approach. One of the key steps is becoming more familiar with the laparoscopic technique, its instruments, and the basic principles of this procedure. Skills are very important as is knowledge about sectorization, triangulation, ergonomics, and the equipment needed to perform this type of surgery (optical, grasper, trocars, etc.).

Current development of meshes has made possible the introduction and widespread use of laparoscopic techniques. Currently, we have multiple material combinations of meshes. It is important to make the correct choice of materials depending upon the type of hernia. We describe the classification of biomaterials of Amid with the latest variations by Bellon and Coda. The type of material and the pore diameter are subjects of intense study. Complications such as seroma and infection decrease with the correct selection of mesh for each surgery.

Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of human fibrinogen-thrombin collagen patch (TachoSil®) in the reinforcement of high-risk colon anastomoses. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Wistar rats (n = 56) that all underwent high-risk anastomoses (anastomosis with only two sutures) after colectomies. The rats were divided into two randomized groups: Control group (24 rats) and treatment group (24 rats). In the treatment group, high-risk anastomosis was reinforced with TachoSil® (a piece of TachoSil® was applied over this high-risk anastomosis, covering the gap). Leak incidence, overall survival, intra-abdominal adhesions, and histologic healing of anastomoses were analyzed. Survivors were divided into two subgroups and euthanized at 15 and 30 d after intervention in order to analyze the adhesions and histologic changes. Results Overall survival was 71.4% and 57.14% in the TachoSil® group and control group, respectively (P = 0.29); four rats died from other causes and six rats in the treatment group and 10 in the control group experienced colonic leakage (P > 0.05). The intra-abdominal adhesion score was similar in both groups, with no differences between subgroups. We found non-significant differences in the healing process according to the histologic score used in both groups (P = 0.066). Conclusion In our study, the use of TachoSil® was associated with a non-statistically significant reduction in the rate of leakage in high-risk anastomoses. TachoSil® has been shown to be a safe product because it does not affect the histologic healing process or increase intra-abdominal adhesions.

Introducción: diversos factores influyen en la cicatrización correcta de las suturas intestinales tras la práctica de una resección intestinal. Uno de los factores más implicados es el estado nutricional del paciente. Objetivos: evaluar la influencia de la desnutrición inducida sobre la viabilidad de una anastomosis intestinal primaria mediante el análisis del procolágeno (PINP) como marcador de la síntesis de colágeno I, y del telopéptido carboxiterminal del colágeno I (ICTP) como marcador de la destrucción del mismo. Métodos: 40 ratas Wistar y material de radioinmunoensayo. Métodos: diseñamos 2 grupos de ratas, 20 animales por cada grupo: grupo control (A) y grupo "desnutrición" (B). Se analiza PINP e ICTP mediante RIA sobre tejido colónico homogeneizado, preanastomótico y anastomótico. Resultados: existen unos niveles menores de PINP en el colon de las ratas del grupo B comparado con el colon del grupo A (0,3620 y 0,4340 µg/g respectivamente) (p = 0,032). Hay un mayor nivel de ICTP analizado en el colon del grupo B (0,9545 en contraposición a 0,8460 µg/g en el grupo A) (p = 0,875). En las anastomosis del grupo B existe una menor síntesis de PINP en comparación con el grupo A (0,376 y 0,468 µg/g respectivamente, p = 0,002). Conclusiones: la anastomosis colónica incrementa los niveles de PINP e ICTP en el tejido cicatricial (p = 0,000); la malnutrición reduce la colagenización de las anastomosis (p = 0,000).

Objective: we want to present our experience about surgical pathology of Meckel’s diverticulum by means of a retrospective study. Material and methods: we report a group of patients of our Department of General and Abdominal Surgery and Paediatric Surgery of our Hospital with Meckel’s diverticulum since January 1997 to January 2010. We report the clinical presentation, complementary test, interventions, and the postoperative follow up. Results: 45 patients were operated in total, 33 of them in emergency surgery under the clinical form of acute abdominal pain; and the others 12 in programmed surgery, these cases came up more frequently like a clinical manifestations of latent abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and anaemia. The complementary tests were so varied; abdominal ultrasounds were used in 63% of emergency cases and the 40% of programmed cases, in these patients, gammagraphy with Tc 99 was the second test in frequency. Laparoscopy was used in 10 cases (22%). The main surgery technique used was diverticulectomy (82%). Conclusions: the presence of Meckel’s diverticulum has to be clinically suspected in all patients with abdominal pain of unknown aetiology. Access to the abdominal cavity using routine laparoscopy provides essential information on the diagnosis and for the treatment.