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Conventional open thyroidectomy is still considered the gold standard for thyroid surgery. Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (also known as TOETVA) is often considered to be more advantageous than the other approaches, such as minimally invasive video assisted thyroidectomy, thyroidectomy via breast/axillary/retroauricular access, bilateral axillo-breast approach and axillo-bilateral breast approach. In this scoping review, we discuss the risks and the benefits of this surgical approach and its medico-legal and ethical implications, particularly focusing on the importance of practice on cadavers. Currently, there is little scientific evidence supporting TOETVA, since there are few papers on the comparison with the traditional open thyroidectomy that have been published and thus little data on the long-term outcomes of TOETVA are available. Since the better cosmetic outcome currently represents the main indication for this surgical technique, substantial medico-legal and ethical issues arise. Moreover, practice on cadavers can help surgeons to develop the technical and non-technical skills required to perform efficiently and safely this new surgical procedure.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a novel surgical technique in thyroid surgery that provides a feasible opportunity to avoid a visible neck scar. In recent years, TOETVA became popular in the thyroid surgery of selected adult patients with cosmetic concerns. We conducted a right lobectomy with the TOETVA technique in a 17-year-old adolescent with a suspicious thyroid nodule the present report aimed to describe the details of the operative technique step by step. Level of evidence: LEVEL IV, case series with no comparison group., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented conditions for overall health care systems by restricting resources for non-COVID-19 patients. As the burden of the disease escalates, routine elective surgeries are being cancelled. The aim of this paper was to provide a guideline for management of endocrine surgical disorders during a pandemic., Methods: We used Delphi method with a nine-scale Likert scale on two rounds of voting involving 64 experienced eminent surgeons and endocrinologists who had the necessary experience to provide insight on endocrine disorder management. All voting was done by email using a standard questionnaire., Results: Overall, 37 recommendations were voted on. In two rounds, all recommendations reached an agreement and were either endorsed or rejected. Endorsed statements include dietary change in primary hyperparathyroidism, Cinacalcet treatment in secondary hyperparathyroidism, alpha-blocker administration for pheochromocytoma, methimazole ± β-blocker combination for Graves' disease, and follow-up for fine-needle aspiration results of thyroid nodules indicated as Bethesda 3-4 cytological results and papillary microcarcinoma., Conclusion: This survey summarizes expert opinion for the management of endocrine surgical conditions during unprecedented times when access to surgical treatment is severely disrupted. The statements are not applicable in circumstances in which surgical treatment is possible., (© 2021. Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).)

This European expert consensus statement provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults (HypoPT), and parathyroid disorders in relation to pregnancy and lactation. Specified areas of interest and unmet needs identified by experts at the second ESE Educational Program of Parathyroid Disorders (PARAT) in 2019, were discussed during two virtual workshops in 2021, and subsequently developed by working groups with interest in the specified areas. PHPT is a common endocrine disease. However, its differential diagnosing to familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), the definition and clinical course of normocalcemic PHPT, and the optimal management of its recurrence after surgery represent areas of uncertainty requiring clarifications. HypoPT is an orphan disease characterized by low calcium concentrations due to insufficient PTH secretion, most often secondary to neck surgery. Prevention and prediction of surgical injury to the parathyroid glands are essential to limit the disease-related burden. Long-term treatment modalities including the place for PTH replacement therapy and the optimal biochemical monitoring and imaging surveillance for complications to treatment in chronic HypoPT, need to be refined. The physiological changes in calcium metabolism occurring during pregnancy and lactation modify the clinical presentation and management of parathyroid disorders in these periods of life. Modern interdisciplinary approaches to PHPT and HypoPT in pregnant and lactating women and their newborns children are proposed. The recommendations on clinical management presented here will serve as background for further educational material aimed for a broader clinical audience, and were developed with focus on endocrinologists in training.

Over the past 20 years, various alternative cervical minimally invasive (partly endoscopically assisted) and extracervical endoscopic (partly robot-assisted) approaches have been developed. All of these alternative access methods aim at optimizing the cosmetic results. In principle, the indication for the use of alternative access procedures does not differ from that for conventional surgery. Nonetheless, appropriate experience in traditional thyroid surgery and suitable patient selection, taking into account thyroid volumes and the underlying pathology, are important prerequisites. General contraindications for an alternative approach are large goiter with symptoms of compression, advanced thyroid carcinoma, recurrent interventions or previous radiotherapy in the operating area. The alternative surgical approaches to the thyroid can be divided into cervical minimally invasive, extracervical endoscopic (robot-assisted) and transoral procedures. This article gives an overview of the clinically used alternative approaches in thyroid surgery. The desire for an optimal cosmetic result should not be prioritized over patient safety. Only a few alternative procedures (minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy, transaxillary robot-assisted thyroidectomy) can currently be viewed as a useful addition to conventional thyroid surgery, even when in responsible, experienced hands for a selected group of patients.

Objectives/hypothesis: During intraoperative neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery, two different kinds of stimulator probes, monopolar and bipolar, are commonly used to stimulate the laryngeal nerves. We explore the unique characteristics of both of these probes as they relate to intraoperative laryngeal nerve mapping., Methods: Twenty-one patients undergoing neuromonitored thyroidectomy by a single surgeon were enrolled. Electromyography (EMG) amplitude and latency measurements were prospectively recorded concurrently from 1 mA stimulation of vagus nerve (VN) and inferior/superior recurrent laryngeal nerve before (with and without fascia) and after thyroid resection using bipolar and monopolar stimulator probes., Results: Significantly higher amplitudes were obtained with monopolar stimulator probes as compared to bipolar probes, in several stimulation scenarios such as at right VN pre-resection (carotid sheath intact), right VN pre-resection (carotid sheath dissected), right VN post-resection and left VN (carotid sheath dissected). No significant differences were found between amplitudes and latency values in all other stimulation scenarios., Conclusions: According to this study, both probes are reliable and safe for neural mapping. The kind of probe used during neural monitoring is based on surgical situations and surgeon preference., Level of Evidence: 3 (According to Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence) Laryngoscope, 131:E2718-E2726, 2021., (© 2021 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.)

Objective: Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a scarless method that enables thyroidectomyusing natural orifice of the body. The opinion which is even common among TOETVA performing surgeons is that this surgery involves a small percentage of thyroidectomy applied patients. In this study, based on the currently accepted exclusion criteria, we aimed to determine what percentage of patients, who underwent thyroidectomy in an endemic area are actually suitable for TOETVA., Methods: Between January 2017 and December 2019, 1197 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for thyroid pathology in our clinic were analyzed retrospectively. Pre-operative evaluations were made according to the current exclusion criteria and as a result, patients with no previous neck surgery, no history of radiotherapy, no retrosternal thyroid extension, and none lymph node dissection operation been made and whose thyroid gland diameter is <10 cm and gland volume is not more than 45 ml, malignant nodule diameter is <2 cm, and benign nodule diameter is <4 cm are involved to this study by being considered appropriate for TOETVA procedure., Results: According to the criteria, 513 patients (42.8%) were found suitable for TOETVA. A total of 421 (82%) of these patients were female and 92 (18%) were male. The mean age was 46.2±13.2. A total of 192 (37%) of these patients were operated due to the benign reasons, and 321 (63%) of these patients operated due to the malignancy or suspicion of malignancy. Average nodule size was 1.9 cm, and the average thyroid volume was 23.8 ml among benign patients. Whereas among malignant patients, the average nodule size was 1.7 cm and the average thyroid volume was 21.8 ml. A total of 462 (90.1%) of the patients were applied to the total thyroidectomy and 51 (9.9%) of the patients were applied to the hemithyroidectomy. In the same period, 29 patients operated through TOETVA and 4 patients operated through bilateral axillary breast approach thyroidectomy. When the final pathology, results of the patients were examined, papillary thyroid carcinoma was seen in 301 (58.7%) patients, benign pathologies were seen in 192 (37.4%) patients, and 20 (3.9%) patients were diagnosed with other pathologies (follicular thyroid carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma and Hürthle cell neoplasia, etc.)., Conclusion: Although "patient willingness" factor could not be included in the study, TOETVA eligible patient repository is wider contrary to popular belief. In our humble opinion, TOETVA method is going to pursue its spread and become a part of the routine surgical training session due to its effectiveness in terms of credibility in today's world where cosmetic concerns gradually gain prominence., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: None declared., (Copyright: © 2021 by The Medical Bulletin of Sisli Etfal Hospital.)

A new device for monitoring the laryngeal nerves during thyroid surgery has been developed. NIM Vital™ (Medtronic Xomed, Inc., Jacksonville, FL, USA) incorporates (a) a new wireless design, (b) NIM NerveTrendTM (Medtronic Xomed) EMG reporting, (c) intelligent noise-reduction technology that suppresses artifacts, (d) smart troubleshooting pop-up alerts, and (e) NIM Nervassure ™ (Medtronic Xomed) for continuous monitoring. This device offers enhanced stability and flexibility for both intermittent and continuous laryngeal nerve monitoring. The new NIM NerveTrend ™ EMG reporting makes it possible to track the recurrent laryngeal nerve condition throughout a procedure, even when using intermittent nerve monitoring. During both continuous and intermittent monitoring, green, yellow and red status bars provide visual information and associated tones provide audible cues, making it easy to monitor nerve function and interpret EMG trends. This new tool for laryngeal nerve monitoring has the potential to augment nerve dissection during surgery. Measurements of long-term outcome are needed to establish their efficacy.

Introduction: Thyroidectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Preoperative patient education and postoperative management of complications are vital to avoid postoperative medicolegal problems., Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of thyroid surgeons about voice and airway complications of the surgery and the approaches used to avoid or handle these complications., Methods: A questionnaire based on surgeons' attitudes and behaviors on thyroidectomy was answered by 177 thyroid surgeons. Questions regarding demographic information, preoperative information methods, preoperative laryngeal examination, intraoperative nerve preservation techniques, and methods to avoid and handle postoperative complications were asked. Surgeons who completed the questionnaire were divided into three groups based on their annual volumes: less than 50 (low volume), 50-100 (middle volume), and more than 100 (high volume) for statistical analysis. The differences between the subgroups were compared using the chi-squared test., Results: During the preoperative disclosure, nearly all surgeons (97.2%) gave information about possible hoarseness; however, this high rate fell to 79.7% for possible voice changes, and to the lowest level of 36.7% for ability to change the voice pitch. Only 53.7% of the surgeons discussed the possibility of postoperative tracheostomy requirement. The surgeons with high annual volumes were found to perform vocal fold examination prior to a second surgery significantly higher than other groups (P=0.015). In the postoperative period, 84.2% of physicians indicated that they perform a laryngoscopic examination only for patients with voice problems. There was no statistically important difference between subgroups., Conclusions: Our study is unique to provide information from the surgeons' perspective by evaluating preoperative patient information, and intraoperative and postoperative protective and curative methods. The training of residents and fellows who are expected to perform thyroidectomies can be revised to compromise all aspects of complications., (Copyright © 2019 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background/purpose: There has not been an international multicentric study to examine the relationship between thyroid cancer clinical outcomes and geographic location for South Korea, Colombia, and Turkey, whereas thyroid cancer is amongst the highest three cancer types seen in South Korea and Turkey. The aim of the study was to assess regional differences of T1 papillary thyroid cancer outcomes in Korea, Turkey and Colombia., Methods: This is an observational non-randomized study. A total of 2720 patients who have been operated for T1 papillary thyroid cancer between 2011 and 2014 and are on routine follow-up have been recruited. The mean follow-up was 46.4 ± 10.7 months. Data were collected in a commonly used database and analyses were conducted., Results: Patients participated in South Korea (88.2%), Turkey (9.1%) and Colombia (2.6%). Eighty percent were female. Female dominance tended to be higher in Colombia (p = 0.01). Mean age at diagnosis was 45.2 years. There was no mortality. Recurrence tended to be higher in Colombia (p < 0.001). Moreover, statistical analysis revealed differences among patients regarding symptoms (p < 0.001), family history (p < 0.001), euthyroidism (p < 0.001), anti-Tg and/or anti-TPO positivity (p < 0.001), FNAB results (p < 0.001), type of resection (p < 0.001), prophylactic central node dissection (p < 0.001), tumor size (p < 0.001), multifocality (p < 0.001), bilaterality (p < 0.001), tumor subtype (p < 0.001) and radioactive iodine treatment (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Thyroid cancer is becoming more commonly diagnosed worldwide. This international multicentric study has identified differences in disease presentation, treatment approaches and outcome, which need to be investigated, especially by increasing the number of participating countries. Future comparisons will facilitate developments in treatment for the benefit of patient outcomes., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.)

Background: Both from a medical and legal point of view, the quality of operative notes are important. In this study we hypothesized that the quality of operation notes could be improved by audit, education session and using a proforma., Methods: A total of 150 operation notes were audited for compliance with the Royal College of Surgeons guidelines. Results were announced in-clinic training session and guidelines were discussed. An aide-memoire containing guideline parameters placed in the operating theaters. After eight months, operation reports were re-audited on an equal number of patients. An operative note proforma was developed and third audit was carried out. The results of each audit were compared., Results: In the first audit, it was found that fourteen parameters were written with more than 90% accuracy. The first audit revealed seven poor areas in documentation: time of operation (0%), identification of emergency/elective procedure (0%), identification of any prosthesis or devices used (65.3%), details of closure technique (36.6%), name of anesthesiologist (0%), patient position (1.3%), and amount of bleeding (0%). In the second audit there was an incomplete, but significant improvement in these seven parameters (28%, 28.6%, 82%, 75.3%, 31.3%, 32%, and 34% respectively). Following introduction of the proforma; third audit cycle demonstrated a clear improvement in operation note documentation with at least 80% compliance in all parameters., Conclusion: This study revealed that the accuracy of the operating room documents can be improved through audits, education of surgeon and using proformas. The use of proforma provides much better results., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.)

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was initially seen in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. World Health Organization classified COVID-19 as a pandemic after its rapid spread worldwide in a few months. With the pandemic, all elective surgeries and non-emergency procedures have been postponed in our country, as in others. Most of the endocrine operations can be postponed for a certain period. However, it must be kept in mind that these patients also need surgical treatment, and the delay time should not cause a negative effect on the surgical outcome or disease process. It has recently been suggested that elective surgical interventions can be described as medically necessary, time-sensitive (MeNTS) procedures. Some guidelines have been published on proper and safe surgery for both the healthcare providers and the patients after the immediate onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We should know that these guidelines and recommendations are not meant to constitute a position statement, the standard of care, or evidence-based/best practice. However, these are mostly the opinions of a selected group of surgeons. Generally, only life-threatening emergency operations should be performed in the stage where the epidemic exceeds the capacity of the hospitals (first stage), cancer and transplantation surgery should be initiated when the outbreak begins to be controlled (second stage), and surgery for elective cases should be performed in a controlled manner with suppression of the outbreak (third stage). In this rapidly developing pandemic period, the plans and recommendations to be made on this subject are based on expert opinions by considering factors, such as the course and biology of the disease, rather than being evidence-based. In the recent reports of many endocrine surgery associations and in various reviews, it has been stated that most of the cases can be postponed to the third stage of the epidemic. We aimed to evaluate the risk reduction strategies and recommendations that can help plan the surgery, prepare for surgery, protect both patients and healthcare workers during the operation and care for the patients in the postoperative period in endocrine surgery., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: None declared., (Copyright: © 2020 by The Medical Bulletin of Sisli Etfal Hospital.)

Background: With increased utilization of robotic technology, robotic adrenalectomy (RA) became popular in certain high-volume centers as an alternative to conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and surgical outcomes of RA in two high-volume centers in Turkey., Methods: Between 2012 and 2019, consecutive patients who underwent robotic transperitoneal adrenalectomy in two referral centers for surgical endocrine diseases in Turkey were analyzed retrospectively., Results: A total of 111 patients were analyzed. Mean diameter of the tumor in preoperative imaging was 38.6±2.0 mm. Total operation time was 135.4±47.9 min. The analysis of the learning curve period and the post-learning curve period in both centers demonstrated that the total surgery time decreased from 152.68±48.6 to 118.8±37.1 min, and the console time decreased from 113.2±38.9 to 81.6±35.1 min (P<0.0001). In 8 patients, complications arose during the surgery and postoperative complications were observed in 10 patients. Intraoperative complication rate was 28% in patients with a tumor diameter of greater than 50 mm (P<0.0001). There was no mortality., Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that RA is a safe and effective procedure with low-morbidity and without mortality in high number of cases., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/gs.2020.02.21). The series “Robotic Adrenalectomy” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. OZ served as the unpaid Guest Editor of the series and serves as an unpaid editorial board member of Gland Surgery from May 2019 to Apr 2021., (2020 Gland Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: The number of TOETVA surgeries has increased worldwide but the anatomical passage of trocars is not clearly defined. We aimed to define detailed surgical anatomical passage of the trocars in cadavers. The incisions in oral vestibule, anatomical pathways of trocars, affected mimetic muscles, neurovascular relations of trocars and histological correlation of surgical anatomy were investigated., Methods: Four cadavers and 6 six patient oral vestibules were used. The locations of optimised vestibular incisions were measured photogrammetrically. Initial steps of TOETVA surgery were performed on cadavers according to those optimal incisions. TOETVA preformed cadavers dissected to determine anatomical passages of the trocars. Afterwards, flap of lower lip and chin were zoned by software appropriate to the trocars routes. Histological analyses of the zones were made in correlation with dissections., Results: Mimetic muscles associated with median (MT) and lateral trocars (LT) are orbicularis oris, mentalis, depressor anguli oris, depressor labii inferioris and platysma muscles. Trocars affect mimetic muscles in the perioral, chin and submental regions in different ways. The risk of mental nerve injury by MT is low. LT pass through the DLI muscle. The transmission of LT to the subplatysmal plane in the submental regions can be in two different ways. The arterial injury risk is higher with LT than the MT., Conclusions: The surgical anatomy of the perioral, chin and submental regions for the initial TOETVA steps has been defined. Detailed surgical anatomical passages of the MT and LT were determined. Anatomical pattern to reach subplatysmal plane are presented. Mimetic muscles effected by trocars were determined. Endocrine surgeons should know the anatomical passage of TOETVA trocars.

Background: Impairment in voice and swallowing functions are common after thyroidectomy. We aimed to evaluate the objective functional voice and swallowing outcomes in a series of patients undergoing thyroidectomy., Methods: A total of 43 consenting patients who underwent thyroidectomy were prospectively recruited. Subjective evaluation of swallowing was assessed with 'Swallowing Impairment Score' and 'MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory'. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was applied for objective evaluation. Also, functional oral intake scale (FOIS) and functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS) were used for swallowing assessment. Voice evaluation was assessed with videostrobolaryngoscopy (VSL) and 'The Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP)' was used for capturing and analyzing the voice samples. All evaluations were performed preoperatively and on 1st day, 2nd week and 6th months postoperatively. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03436186., Results: According to the objective analyses there was no difference between pre- and post-operative scores for the intake of fluid and thickened liquid food. There was a significant difference regarding light and moderate residual accumulation in solid food intake (p = 0.013). FOSS showed no difference, but FOIS revealed specific functional limitation (p = 0.034). Subjective data showed no correlation with objective findings (p > 0.05). Regarding voice evaluation, a significant increase was observed in standard deviation of average fundamental frequency and degree of subharmonics (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Even in the absence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, subjective and objective swallowing and voice alterations do occur after thyroidectomy., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.)

Background . Robotic surgery has gained increasing popularity over the past 2 decades. However, factors including patient comorbidities and tumor characteristics are still crucial factors for outcomes of surgery. In this study, we evaluated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent robotic adrenal surgery. Methods. Between May 2012 and November 2017, 66 consecutive patients who underwent robotic adrenalectomy were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their BMI: nonobese (<30 kg/m 2 ) and obese (≥30 kg/m 2 ). Additionally, patient demographics, tumor size, total operative time, docking time, console time, estimated blood loss, conversion to open, complications, additional analgesia requirement, length of hospital stay, and rough costs were evaluated. Results. Of the 66 patients, a total of 26 patients were obese (30%). Between study groups, the median BMI was calculated as 26 (18-29) and 33 (30-57). The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, and previous history of abdominal surgery. Likewise, there were no significant differences between groups regarding total operative time ( P = .085), docking time ( P = .196), console time ( P = .211), estimated blood loss ( P = .180), complications ( P = .991), length of hospital stay ( P = .598), and rough costs ( P = .468). Five cases were converted to open surgery. Nonobese cases required additional analgesia ( P = .007). We had no unexpected hospitalizations in either group. Conclusion . Guidelines express the advantages of robotic surgery in obese patients. No statistically significant differences were detected between the 2 groups except for the additional analgesia required in nonobese patients.

With the recent advances in equipment and surgical techniques, robot-assisted surgery has become accepted and efficient in the surgical field. It is an emerging technology that can safely be applied for a broad spectrum of surgical procedures. As a result of increased ergonomics, three-dimensional view of the operative area and improved moving capacity of the robotic arms with multi-articulation, robotic technology also has found place in adrenal surgery. Recently, robot-assisted adrenal surgery has been adopted widely in many high-volume tertiary centers. Although there are expected theoretical benefits to this approach, the literature is lacking regarding high level evidence. In this review, we will discuss implementation of robotic adrenalectomy as well as perioperative and postoperative measures that helped improved outcomes, offer a comparison of outcomes between conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy and robotic adrenalectomy and summarize recent developments that may offer evidence for or against a paradigm shift in this specific field of endocrine surgery., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: Bleeding after thyroidectomy is life-threatening. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether controlling of further bleeding with Valsalva maneuver following Trendelenburg's positioning has an impact on hemostasis., Methods: This prospective study included 68 consecutive patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Study protocol consisted of performing manual intra-abdominal pressure increase and Valsalva maneuver to check hemostasis and treating any bleeding point identified, after Trendelenburg's positioning. All identified bleeding points and treatments were recorded., Results: Total number of bleeding points identified in Trendelenburg's tilt was 49, while it was 41 when using Valsalva maneuver. Abdominal pressure increase, carried out before Valsalva maneuver, identified 14 bleeding points, which was less than bleeding after Trendelenburg's positioning and Valsalva maneuver (P<0.05). All bleeding points, except 1 for Trendelenburg's positioning and 1 for Valsalva maneuver, were minor (<2 mm). Only 4.4% bleeding vessels required ties or stitching., Conclusions: Valsalva maneuver helps to detect any further bleeding following Trendelenburg's positioning., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Purpose: Lipid peroxidation and consequent reactive oxygen species in the setting of oxidative stress have crucial roles in liver regeneration, which may adversely affect the regeneration itself and lead to liver failure. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation inhibits oxidative stress in an experimental model of liver regeneration., Methods: Forty rats were allocated to four groups. Rats in group A received a sham operation. Rats in group B were subjected to right portal vein ligation (RPVL) and saline infusion. Rats in groups C and D were subjected to RPVL and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with an all-in-one admixture containing a soybean oil based lipid emulsion. Rats in group D were additionally supplemented with omega-3 fatty acid infusion. Oxidative stresses in the blood and liver were measured by glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide., Results: Omega-3 supplementation to the TPN solution significantly corrected alterations in the blood and tissue concentrations of oxidants and anti-oxidants during regeneration (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to the TPN solution revealed promising results in removal of oxidative stress that emerges during liver regeneration., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Background: We aimed to investigate whether simvastatin had any impact on the prevention of adhesion formation after thyroidectomy in a rat model., Methods: This study was performed in 66 Wistar albino rats randomized into three experimental groups. A right hemithyroidectomy was carried out in all the rats. Simvastatin was administered locally at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg and 0.8 mg/kg. Control rats received a saline solution only. Changes during the 1st week, 1st month and 3rd month were evaluated. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed by using a scoring system., Results: The severity of adhesions in low-dose simvastatin group was significantly less than the control and high-dose groups during the 1st and 3rd month (p < .05). In addition, adhesions were less in the high dose group during the 3rd month, when compared to the control group (p < .05). Moreover, fibrosis and fibroblast scores, which represent adhesions, were significantly lower in low-dose and high-dose groups at 3rd month, compared to controls (p < .05)., Conclusions: We investigated the influence of simvastatin application on post-thyroidectomy adhesion formation in rats. Whether adhesions, causing technical difficulties during neck redo surgery, can be reduced by the use of simvastatin in human, needs to be studied.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of routine calcitonin measurement in patients with nodular thyroid disease., Methods: Consecutive patients with nodular thyroid disease (n = 640) were studied. Serum calcitonin levels were measured under basal conditions, and when basal values were between 10-100 pg/mL, testing was repeated after pentagastrin (PG) stimulation. Patients with previously diagnosed or familial medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) were excluded. Patients were operated on when basal or stimulated calcitonin >100 pg/mL or when other surgical indications were present., Results: Four cases of MTC were identified. MTC was diagnosed in 75% of patients with basal calcitonin >100 pg/mL. One out of 11 patients with basal calcitonin between 10-100 pg/mL was diagnosed with MTC. PG stimulation resulted in elevation in 4 cases, where 1 case was diagnosed with MTC. Positive predictive value for basal calcitonin levels in the preoperative diagnosis of MTC was 5% for values between 10-100 pg/mL and 100% for values >100 pg/mL. Possible reasons for false positivity were papillary thyroid cancer in 17%, renal insufficiency in 8.3%, Hashimoto thyroiditis in 17% and β-blocker use in 33%. Positive predictive value for the PG test (>100 pg/mL) was 25% in the entire series. The cost of adding calcitonin measurement (±PG stimulation) to the preoperative work-up, resulted in €912.68 per MTC patient to detect the disease., Conclusion: Basal calcitonin measurement together with PG stimulation in cases of basal calcitonin >10 pg/mL detects MTC in 0.62% of patients with nodular thyroid disease., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Aims: To review the detailed gray-scale and Doppler ultrasonography features of histologically proven parathyroid adenomas (PAs) evaluated with high-end ultrasonography devices and to present a novel ultrasonography finding called the dual concentric echo sign in PA with histopathologic correlation which was encountered during detailed analysis., Material and Methods: Fifty-six PAs with histopathological result were enrolled. The longest dimension, shape, distance to skin surface, internal echo and Doppler US features obtained with high-end US devices were evaluated., Results: PAs had variable range of shape including oval, irregular, fusiform, lobulated, crescent-shaped, and nodular configuration. In nine patients the lesions were shown to have cystic components and calcifications were seen in four cases. Dual concentric echo sign was detected in 18% PAs. Histological reevaluation of this subgroup demonstrated significantly increased edema (p<0.01), and ectatic vessels (p=0.02) in the central part of the lesion compared to the rest of the PAs., Conclusions: The results of the study led to the conclusion that PAs have variable gray-scale and Doppler findings. Typical sonographic features like ovoid shape, homogeneously hypoechoic pattern may not be present in all PAs. Dual concentric echo sign which is a novel sonographic pattern may be suggestive of a PA.

We report a case of axillary lymph node metastasis as a consequence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in a 42-year-old man. On January 2009, the patient was referred to us for the management of right cervical lymph node enlargement. Total thyroidectomy was performed with right-sided functional neck dissection. Postoperative histopathology revealed MTC in the right lobe of the thyroid, with extrathyroidal extension and right-sided neck metastases. Multiple left cervical, mediastinal, and right axillary lymphadenopathies were detected at the third year follow-up exam. Left-sided functional neck dissection, axillary lymph node dissection, and mediastinal lymph node dissection were performed, and the pathologic outcomes revealed as the metastatic dissemination of MTC. After a disease-free term for 1 year, multiple metastatic lesions were detected in the patient.

The most convenient surgical procedure for benign thyroid diseases is still controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the recurrence rate and risk factors for recurrence after different thyroidectomy procedures in multinodular goiter patients. Patients were separated into two groups according to the detection of a recurrent nodule or not after thyroidectomy. Of the 748 patients, 216 (29%) had recurrence, while 532 had no recurrent nodule. The difference between surgical procedures described as subtotal (ST), near total (NT) and total thyroidectomy (TT) was statistically significant. Transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher in NT and TT, when compared to ST patients (P < 0.05). Young age, bilateral multinodular goiter and insufficient surgery are risk factors affecting recurrence for benign nodular thyroid disease. Currently, subtotal procedures should be discontinued and total or near total procedures should be preferred. Meanwhile, the probability of a higher risk of hypoparathyroidism should be kept in mind.

Image-guided thyroid nodule ablation is a relatively new technique for the management of thyroid disease. Notably, if there has been the correct patient selection and if they are performed in high volume centers and via a standardized technique, image-guided thyroid nodule ablation seems to be safe and effective and it can be used to treat thyroid goiters. However, there is still paucity of level 1 evidences and recommendation comparing ablation to surgical or to other non-surgical treatment modalities. Herein, some technical notes for the thyroid nodule ablation to achieve the critical view of safety are presented. Moreover, an additional remark and appraisal from a surgical point of view is described.

Background: The prevention of medullary thyroid cancer in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome has demonstrated the ability of molecular diagnosis and prophylactic surgery to improve patient outcomes. However, the other major neoplasia associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, phaeochromocytoma, is not as well characterised in terms of occurrence and treatment outcomes. In this study, we aimed to systematically characterise the outcomes of management of phaeochromocytoma associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2., Methods: This multinational observational retrospective population-based study compiled data on patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 from 30 academic medical centres across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Patients were included if they were carriers of germline pathogenic mutations of the RET gene, or were first-degree relatives with histologically proven medullary thyroid cancer and phaeochromocytoma. We gathered clinical information about patients'RET genotype, type of treatment for phaeochromocytoma (ie, unilateral or bilateral operations as adrenalectomy or adrenal-sparing surgery, and as open or endoscopic operations), and postoperative outcomes (adrenal function, malignancy, and death). The type of surgery was decided by each investigator and the timing of surgery was patient driven. The primary aim of our analysis was to compare disease-free survival after either adrenal-sparing surgery or adrenalectomy., Findings: 1210 patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 were included in our database, 563 of whom had phaeochromocytoma. Treatment was adrenalectomy in 438 (79%) of 552 operated patients, and adrenal-sparing surgery in 114 (21%). Phaeochromocytoma recurrence occurred in four (3%) of 153 of the operated glands after adrenal-sparing surgery after 6-13 years, compared with 11 (2%) of 717 glands operated by adrenalectomy (p=0.57). Postoperative adrenal insufficiency or steroid dependency developed in 292 (86%) of 339 patients with bilateral phaeochromocytoma who underwent surgery. However, 47 (57%) of 82 patients with bilateral phaeochromocytoma who underwent adrenal-sparing surgery did not become steroid dependent., Interpretation: The treatment of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2-related phaeochromocytoma continues to rely on adrenalectomies with their associated Addisonian-like complications and consequent lifelong dependency on steroids. Adrenal-sparing surgery, a highly successful treatment option in experienced centres, should be the surgical approach of choice to reduce these complications., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective. The main aim of this study was to comparatively analyze the recurrence and prognosis of this rare variant with the literature by analyzing the follow-up data of 5 patients diagnosed with papillary cancer macrofollicular variant. Methods. The demographic data, radiological and pathological data, and prognostic data of 5 patients who underwent surgery for thyroid cancer and were diagnosed with papillary cancer macrofollicular variant pathologically were retrospectively analyzed. Results. The mean age of patients whose mean follow-up period was determined as 7.2 years was 41, and the male/female ratio was 4/1. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy. The pathology report of 2 patients (40%) revealed macrofollicular variant of papillary microcancer, and 3 patients papillary cancer macrofollicular variant. Central dissection was performed in one patient (20%) due to macroscopic pathologic lymph node and 4 metastatic lymph nodes were reported. Also, locoregional recurrence was present in 3 out of 5 patients (60%). Conclusions. Although an impression of earlier and increased risk of recurrence in papillary carcinoma with macrofollicular variant has been documented, more studies with extensive follow-up times and large populations are required.

Laryngotracheal invasion worsens the prognosis of thyroid cancer and the surgical approach for laryngotracheal invasion is controversial. In this paper, partial full-thickness excision of the cricoid cartilage with supracricoid laryngectomy and reconstruction of existing defect with thyroid cartilage are explained in a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma invading the thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage without intraluminal invasion. Surgical indication should not be established by the site of involvement in thyroid carcinomas invading the larynx, as in primary cancers of the larynx. We think that partial laryngectomy according to the involvement site and the appropriate reconstruction techniques should be used for thyroid cancer invading the larynx.

Background: Most patients with adrenocortical cancer (ACC) continue to present with advanced disease. Invasion into the inferior vena cava (IVC) defines stage III disease and the management of such patients raises additional difficulties., Method: A multicentre survey was organized by emailing a standardized proforma to members of the European Society of Endocrine Surgery (ESES). Anonymised retrospective clinical data were collected., Results: Replies were received from 18 centres in nine countries. ACC with IVC invasion was encountered in 38 patients (18F:20M, age 15-84 years, median 54 years). There were 16 nonfunctioning tumours and 22 functioning tumours predominantly right-sided (26R:12L) and measuring 18-255 mm (median 115 mm). Fourteen patients had metastatic disease at presentation. Tumour thrombus extended in the prehepatic IVC (n = 21), subdiaphragmatic IVC (n = 6) or into the SVC/right atrium (n = 3). Open adrenalectomy was associated with resection of surrounding viscera in 24 patients (nephrectomy n = 16, liver resection n = 14, splenectomy n = 3, Whipple procedure n = 2). IVC was controlled locally (n = 27), at suprahepatic levels (n = 6) or necessitated cardiac bypass (n = 5). Complete resection (R0, n = 20) was achieved in the majority of patients, with a minority having microscopic persistent disease (R1, n = 7) or macroscopic residual disease (R2, n = 4). Perioperative 30-day mortality was 13% (n = 5). Postoperative Mitotane was used in 23 patients and chemotherapy in eight patients. Twenty-five patients died 2-61 months after their operation (median 5 months). Currently, 13 patients are alive at 2-58 months (median 16 months) with known metastatic disease (n = 7) or with no signs of distant disease (n = 6)., Conclusion: This dataset is limited by the lack of a denominator as it remains unknown how many other patients with ACC presenting with IVC invasion did not undergo surgery. The relatively low perioperative mortality and the long disease-free survival achieved by some patients should encourage surgeons with adequate experience to offer surgical treatment to patients presenting with advanced adrenocortical cancers.

Although rare, symptomatic hypocalcemia may develop after the administration of phospho-soda. We herein present the case of a patient with phospho-soda-induced hypocalcemia who was surprisingly diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) caused by a heterozygous mutation in the MEN1 gene (c628&#95;631delACAG), thus resulting in a frameshift mutation (210ThrfsX224). In addition to being the first report of phospho-soda-induced hypocalcemia in a patient with MEN1-associated primary hyperparathyroidism, our report highlights the complex nature of calcium balance in the human body and helps clinicians to appreciate how confounding factors might affect the presentation of endocrine disorders.

Background: Preoperative and intraoperative nutrition support in patients undergoing major surgery results in decreased incidence of morbidity and mortality. Studies investigating the role of ω-3 fatty acids in these patients are increasing. Some are focused on perfusion at the cellular level. This study was undertaken to address the effect of postoperative administration of ω-3 fatty acids on cellular hypoperfusion associated with major gastric surgery., Methods: Twenty-six patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery were randomly assigned to receive parenteral nutrition (PN) supplemented with a combination of ω-6 and ω-3 fatty acids (Omegaven, 0.2 g/kg/d; Lipovenoes 10%, 0.6 g/kg/d) or with ω-6 fatty acid (Lipovenoes 10%, 0.8 g/kg/d) for 5 days. Blood samples were taken preoperatively, postoperative day 1, and on the last day of PN therapy (day 5)., Results: Patients receiving ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids showed neither lower serum lactate levels nor lower rates of complications compared with patients receiving ω-6 only. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in other biochemical parameters, complications, or length of hospital stay or mortality., Conclusion: PN with ω-3 fatty acid supplementation does not have a significant impact on cellular hypoperfusion and lactate clearance after major gastric surgery.

Purpose: A foreign body in the rectum is a rare clinical entity. These foreign bodies can be classified under two major groups: the ones that are inserted from the anus and the ones that are swallowed and thereafter become stuck in the rectum., Methods: Data of patients admitted with a foreign body in the rectum between 1988 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 30 patients were reviewed., Results: The most common reason for a foreign body in the rectum was insertion for erotic purposes, which was seen in 19 of the 30 patients. All these patients were male. The remaining 11 patients reported nonerotic causes. The most efficient and implemented therapeutic method was simple extraction during the first examination., Conclusions: The most common reason for a foreign body in the rectum is insertion for erotic purposes. The first target of therapy should be extraction of the foreign body using the simplest method possible. Meanwhile, protecting the integrity of the intestine is of the utmost importance. The care for maintaining the integrity of the rectum should include an evaluation of the patient's psychological status.

Background and Aims: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the most frequent malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Prognostic researches are carried out for choosing the optimum therapy, evaluating therapy results and comparing multicentre results for better qualification in the therapy of the disease., Patients and Methods: In this study, 448 patients, whose surgery and follow-up was performed by the same correspondent surgeon between the years 1995 and 2003, were retrospectively analyzed., Results: Age, presence of comorbidity, weight loss, emergency admission, high serum CEA and CA 19-9 levels, neighboring organ invasion, operation type, major morbidity, tumor size and type, lymph node metastases, venous and perineural invasion, Dukes' classification and local recurrence and distant metastasis during follow-up are found to be significant negative factors affecting prognosis of the CRC patient., Conclusion: Therapy results of the CRC are evaluated by survival times regardless of the therapy method selected for each individual. In our study we tried to find out negative prognostic factors by researching possible factors affecting disease free survival time for CRC. Since our understanding of factors that have an impact on prognosis increases, we are hoping to improve survival.

Aim: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether the neuromuscular response to rocuronium is affected by the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus., Methods: Neuromuscular functions were measured after the administration of 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium with train-of-four stimulations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM, N=14) and without diabetes mellitus (control, N=14) during isoflurane based general anesthesia. The onset time, clinical duration and recovery index of rocuronium were compared in the two groups., Results: The mean onset time (136 +/- 40 vs 118 +/- 20 s), clinical duration (51 +/- 11 vs 48 +/- 11 min) and recovery index (6.0 +/- 2.5 vs 5.9 +/- 1.4 min) of the neuromuscular block were not significantly different between the DM and control groups, respectively (p>0.05)., Conclusions: The present study has proven that the rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block was not affected in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during isoflurane based general anesthesia.

Pancreatic lipomatosis is characterized as massive lipid infiltration of the pancreatic tissue. Although its etiology is ill defined; obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, hereditary pancreatitis, and conditions that cause pancreatic ductal obstruction, for example tumors and stones, are related to its pathogenesis. Recently, with the increased use of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, it has become possible to observe the fat replacement of the pancreas. Herein, we report a 60-year-old man complaining of abdominal pain and weight loss. Preoperative work-up revealed a locally advanced (Stage III) pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Multimodal treatment was carried out and a 100% complete response was detected after neoadjuvant therapy. The patient underwent a standard pancreaticoduodenectomy, without complications. The tissue pathology revealed lipomatosis of the pancreas. He was disease-free and symptom-free at 1 year follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of pancreatic head carcinoma with total fat replacement of the pancreas after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the effects of intraperitoneal administration of levobupivacaine on pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial., Methods: In all patients, infiltration of levobupivacaine 0.25% (15 mL) was used prior to skin incisions for trocar insertion. After pneumoperitoneum was achieved, patients were allocated randomly to receive intraperitoneally either 40 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine (LB group, n=20) or normal saline (NS group, n=20) under direct vision into the hepatodiaphragmatic lodge and above the gallbladder. Data of intraoperative variables, postoperative pain relief, rescue analgesic consumption, side effects, and patient satisfaction were followed in both groups., Results: The postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the first half-hour period in the LB group than in the NS group (p<0.05). However, the incidence of right shoulder pain was not significantly different between the LB group (10%) and NS group (15%). The mean dose of meperidine consumption and the number of patients needing rescue meperidine were significantly lower in the LB group than in the NS group (p<0.05). Significantly lower vomiting incidence and increased patient satisfaction were determined in the LB group compared to the NS group (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Intraperitoneal administration of 40 mL levobupivacaine 0.25% given immediately after pneumoperitoneum into the hepatodiaphragmatic lodge and above the gallbladder demonstrated useful effects on postoperative pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially in the early postoperative period, and reduced postoperative rescue analgesic requirement, with excellent patient satisfaction. There were no LB-related complications or side effects.

Aim: To evaluate 20 adults with intussusception and to clarify the cause, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of this uncommon entity., Methods: A retrospective review of patients aged > 18 years with a diagnosis of intestinal intussusception between 2000 and 2008. Patients with rectal prolapse, prolapse of or around an ostomy and gastroenterostomy intussusception were excluded., Results: There were 20 cases of adult intussusception. Mean age was 47.7 years. Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting were the most common symptoms. The majority of intussusceptions were in the small intestine (85%). There were three (15%) cases of colonic intussusception. Enteric intussusception consisted of five jejunojejunal cases, nine ileoileal, and four cases of ileocecal invagination. Among enteric intussusceptions, 14 were secondary to a benign process, and in one of these, the malignant cause was secondary to metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. All colonic lesions were malignant. All cases were treated surgically., Conclusion: Adult intussusception is an unusual and challenging condition and is a preoperative diagnostic problem. Treatment usually requires resection of the involved bowel segment. Reduction can be attempted in small-bowel intussusception if the segment involved is viable or malignancy is not suspected; however, a more careful approach is recommended in colonic intussusception because of a significantly higher coexistence of malignancy.

Mucinous carcinoma of the breast is a relatively rare histologic type with two subtypes: pure and mixed. It has a favourable prognosis with a low risk of axillary metastases. The prognosis for pure mucinous carcinoma (PMC) was much better than for the mixed mucinous carcinoma (MMC). The aim of the study is to determine suitable candidates for breast or axillary conservation in mucinous carcinoma subtypes. The slides of 26 pure and 23 mixed mucinous carcinomas of the breast were evaluated. The clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical features between PMCs and MMCs were compared. MMC displayed greater metastatic potential (p < 0.05), p53 positivity (p < 0.05) and c-erbB-2 positivity (p <0.001) than PMCs. PMCs smaller than 2 cm had less metastatic capacity and extranodal invasion compared to MMCs smaller than 2 cm (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). MMCs smaller than 2 cm displayed weaker ER positivity but greater c-erbB-2 positivity than PMCs smaller than 2 cm (p < 0.01). In conclusion, MMC had worse prognostic factors than PMC with both types of mucinous carcinoma showing similar ER and PR positive status. Even if PMCs and especially smaller PMCs display more favourable prognostic features, including less axillary lymph node involvement, it is appropriate to use sentinel lymph node biopsy to make better axillary assessment.

Background/aims: Many studies have reported image analysis techniques, such as nuclear morphometry, counting or calculating of mitotic figures or estimation of the ratio of positive-stained areas immunohistochemically. The esophagus is the most commonly involved organ during caustic ingestion, which leads to progressive and devastating results after caustic burn. The aim of this work was to compare the classical stenosis index method with a new objective method based on image analysis that was used to determine experimental stricture of the rat esophagus., Methods: We investigated this technique by randomly allocating 20 rats each to sham laparotomy and corrosive esophagitis groups. The images of the sham laparotomy group and corrosive esophagitis group were reviewed, analyzed and used in a mathematical operation on the computer. The numbers and the ratio of luminal area and total esophageal area were used to determine the esophageal stricture of the rat, and results were compared with stenosis index ratios., Results: The mean area of the lumen of the esophagus and the ratio of esophageal lumen/total esophageal area were 0.83 (0.51-1.28) mm2 and 0.21 (0.08-0.37), respectively, in the corrosive esophagitis group. In the sham laparotomy group, these values were 1.28 (0.47-3.03) mm2 and 0.26 (0.13-0.92), respectively. The differences between the two groups in luminal area and ratio of esophageal lumen/total esophageal area were statistically significant (p<0.05)., Conclusions: This new technique based on image analysis seems more objective and reproducible than the classical, manual method. It is concluded that the use of this new technique dramatically reduced the subjectivity of the measurement process.

Objectives: Because of their effects on the liver parenchyma after surgery, portal hyperperfusion and hepatic venous congestion are challenging problems for hepatobiliary surgeons. However, the effects of those conditions on Kupffer cells have not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vascular streams modified by portal hyperperfusion and hepatic venous congestion on Kupffer cell function., Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were allocated into 3 groups of 10 rats each and were subjected to right portal vein ligation to induce hyperperfusion in the left lobe of the liver (group 1), occlusion of the right hepatic vein to produce venous congestion (group 2), or sham operation (controls; group 3). After 72 hours, the right and left liver lobes of the subjects were submitted separately for scintigraphic and histopathologic evaluation, and the radiocolloid uptake per gram of liver tissue and the number of Kupffer cells per square millimeter were calculated., Results: The mean technetium-99m labeled sulfur colloid uptake values of the liver tissue per gram were 0.126 -/+ 0.038 for group 1, 0.106 -/+ 0.032 for group 2, and 0.110 -/+ 0.031 for group 3. Portal hyperperfusion significantly increased the technetium-99m labeled sulfur colloid uptake of the liver tissue per gram (P = .043). The mean number of Kupffer cells per square millimeter was calculated for each group as follows: 321 -/+ 094 x 10-6 for group 1, 369 -/+ 083 x 10-6 for group 2, and 355 -/+ 096 x 10-6 for group 3. Both vascular streams produced no significant effects on the number of Kupffer cells (P > .05)., Conclusions: In this experimental model, portal hyperperfusion affected Kupffer cell function more than did hepatic venous congestion.

Background/purpose: Portal vein embolization is used in the treatment of hepatocellular cancer, with the purpose of enhancing resectability. However, regeneration is restricted due to hepatocellular injury following chemotherapeutics (e.g. doxorubicin). The aim of this study was to investigate whether hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) can alleviate the hepatotoxicity of chemotherapy and improve regeneration in the injured liver., Methods: Rats were allocated to four experimental groups. Group I rats were subjected to right portal vein ligation (RPVL); rats in groups II and III were administered doxorubicin prior to RPVL, with group III rats being additionally exposed to HBO sessions postoperatively; group IV rats was sham-operated. All rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 7, and liver injury was assessed by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Protein synthetic ability was determined based albumin levels and liver regeneration by the mitotic index (MI)., Results: The AST and ALT values of group II rats were significantly higher than those of group I, but not those of group III. Rats treated with doxorubicin and HBO (groups II and III) showed slightly but not significant differences in albumin levels than those subjected to only RPVL or sham-operated. The MI was significantly increased in groups I, II, and III, with the MI of group III rats significantly higher than those of group I rats., Conclusions: Based on our results, we conclude that HBO treatment has the potential to diminish doxorubicin-related hepatotoxicity and improve regeneration in the injured liver.

Oxidative stress is regarded as a pathogenic factor in hyperthyroidism. Our purpose was to determine the relationship between the oxidative stress and the inflammatory cytokines and to investigate how melatonin affects oxidative damage and cytokine response in thyrotoxic rats. Twenty-one rats were divided into three groups. Group A served as negative controls. Group B had untreated thyrotoxicosis, and Group C received melatonin. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and nitric oxide derivates (NO*x), and plasma IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha were measured. MDA, GSH, NO*x, IL-10, and TNF-alpha levels increased after L-thyroxine induction. An inhibition of triiodothyronine and thyroxine was detected, as a result of melatonin administration. MDA, GSH, and NO*x levels were also affected by melatonin. Lowest TNF-alpha levels were observed in Group C. This study demonstrates that oxidative stress is related to cytokine response in the thyrotoxic rat. Melatonin treatment suppresses the hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative damage as well as TNF-alpha response.

Background and Aims: Recognition of variations of the inferior laryngeal nerve is essential. We aimed to investigate the relationship of the inferior laryngeal nerve with the inferior thyroid artery., Materials and Methods: A study was undertaken between August 2005 and August 2006. A total of 253 adult patients undergoing thyroid surgery were included in this prospective, non-randomized study. Both sides of the thyroid gland were considered separately., Results: Sixteen variations of the nerve were clarified. In the most observed variation, the nerve was deep to the artery. Two and three nervous branches were seen in 22.5% and 1.6% of the patients, respectively. Bifurcation of the nerve was mostly observed on the left side. No non-recurrent laryngeal nerve was found., Conclusion: To avoid the risk of nerve damage during thyroid surgery, a good knowledge of the variations of the inferior laryngeal nerve is essential. This is important to achieve an undisturbed quality of life for the thyroid patient.

The perioperative management of an adult woman with Sneddon syndrome is presented. This syndrome is characterized by vasculopathy, hypercoagulable state, ischemic cerebral events, livedo reticularis, heart valve disease, and renal insufficiency. During surgery in these patients, the balance between bleeding and thrombosis requires rapid diagnostic information for therapeutic decisions. Thrombelastographic analysis may be a valuable tool to use in monitoring these patients.

Objective: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR) is a rare but potentially life threatening clinical entity with a high incidence of associated injuries. In this article, our experience with this challenging diagnosis is presented., Methods: In this study, a total of 68 patients with TDR, were operated in our center between July 1994 and September 2005. Study group was analyzed retrospectively. The etiological factors, management and outcomes were discussed., Results: The mean age was 32.9 years with a female to male ratio of 9/59. TDR was right-sided in 16.2% (n=11) and left-sided in 83.8% (n=57). The cause of the rupture was penetrating trauma in 51 (75%), and blunt trauma in 17 (25%). Only three patients (4.4%) had late diagnosis. Associated injuries were seen in 91% (n=62) of the patients. The most common used incision was a laparotomy incision (89.6%). Morbidity and mortality were encountered in 13.1% (n=9) and 16.2% (n=11) patients, respectively., Conclusions: Although rare, diaphragmatic rupture must be suspected in any patient with thoracoabdominal injury. Early diagnosis of TDR is sometimes difficult and depends on a high index of suspicion. Surgical repair is necessary even for small tears. The most common approach is the transabdominal approach, which allows a complete exploration of the abdominal organs for associated injuries. The transthoracic approach might be used in most cases with latent diaphragmatic rupture.