Application of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) in Treatment of Gastrointestinal Lesions-Single Center Experience

Background and Objectives: Endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal (GI) tract lesions, originating from Japan, is becoming more frequently used in European countries. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) ensure minimally invasive removal of benign, premalignant, and early neoplastic tumors of esophagus, stomach, and intestine in selected group of patients. Aim of this study was to determine the outcomes, radical resection rate (R0), and complication rate of ESD procedures performed in our department. Methods: The data from 100 ESD procedures of esophageal, gastric, duodenal, and colorectal lesions performed in out unit between 02.01.2020 and 30.06.2023 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 42 male and 58 female patients in the median age of 64 years (range, 31-89 years) underwent ESD. Mean duration of the procedure was 66 minutes (ranging 25-185 minutes). Tumors were located in the esophagus in 8 cases (8%), stomach in 25 cases (25%), duodenum in 1 case (1%), and colon in 66 cases (66%). Radical resection was achieved in 98 cases (98%); 2 patients were qualified for surgical treatment. Average size of dissection lesions was 26 × 19 mm. The biggest one was 60 × 60 mm (sigmoid adenoma), and the smallest one was 5 × 5 mm (gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors). Complication occurred in 10 patients (10%)-9 perforations of the wall of intestine (9%) and 1 hemorrhage, which required endoscopic intervention (1%). Conclusions: Implementation of ESD to clinical practice gives the opportunity for minimally invasive, radical treatment of benign, premalignant, and early neoplastic lesions of gastrointestinal tract in selected group of patients. Experienced endoscopists, following current guidelines and standardized process of qualification, are crucial to minimize the risk of severe complications.

Comparison of UESCOPE VL 400, I-View, Non-Channeled Airtraq Videolaryngoscopes and Macintosh Laryngoscope for Tracheal Intubation in Simulated Out-of-Hospital Conditions: A Randomized Crossover Manikin Study

The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that the results obtained with three different types of video laryngoscopes (UESCOPE VL-400, I-View, Non-Channeled Aitraq) with and without an endotracheal stylet should be better than the results obtained with a Macintosh laryngoscope in a simulated out-of-hospital scenario by a person without clinical experience. Primary outcome measures were the time taken to successfully achieve tracheal intubation (TI). Secondary outcomes included the grade of glottic view (Cormack and Lehane grades 1-4), the incidence of successful TI, the number of audible dental clicks indicating potential dental damage, the level of effort required to perform TI, and the operator's comfort during the procedure. The time required to achieve tracheal intubation successfully was significantly longer with the Macintosh laryngoscope and Airtraq than with the other video laryngoscopes. The use of the stylet significantly reduced the time required for tracheal intubation with the Macintosh laryngoscope (21.8 sec. vs. 24.0 sec., p = 0.026), UESCOPE VL 400 (18.1 sec. vs. 23.4 sec., p = 0.013), and Airtraq (22.7 sec. vs. 34.5 sec., p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in intubation time when using the I-View with or without stylets. No differences were observed in the Cormack-Lehane grading. The success rate of intubation was 100% for the Macintosh and I-View laryngoscopes used with or without stylets and for the UESCOPE VL 400 and Airtraq laryngoscopes used with stylets. Without stylets, the success rate of intubation was 96.6% for the UESCOPE VL 400 and 86.6% for the Airtraq. There were no significant differences in the risk of dental damage between the Macintosh, UESCOPE VL 400, I-View, and Airtraq laryngoscopes, regardless of the use of stylets (without and with stylets). The use of stylets significantly reduced dental damage only for the Airtraq laryngoscope: 8 (26.6%) vs. 2 (6.6%). Statistically significant differences in perceived exertion were observed between the mentioned laryngoscopes, both with and without stylets. However, there were no differences in the comfort of use between the laryngoscopes, regardless of the use of stylets (without and with stylets. The use of stylets led to better comfort in the case of the Macintosh (2.5 vs. 3, p = 0.043) and UESCOPE VL 400 (2 vs. 3, p = 0.008) laryngoscopes. In our study, the I-View and UESCOPE VL-400 video laryngoscopes provided better intubation results than the Macintosh laryngoscope in terms of time needed to intubate, glottis visibility, and reduction in dental damage. The use of the stylet did not significantly improve the intubation results compared to the results obtained in direct laryngoscopy. Due to the small study group and the manikin model, additional studies should be performed on a larger study group.

Principles of minimize bleeding and the transfusion of blood and its components in operated patients - surgical aspects

One of the target of perioperative tratment in surgery is decreasing intraoperative bleeding, which increases the number of perioperative procedures, mortality and treatment costs, and also causes the risk of transfusion of blood and its components. Trying to minimize the blood loss(mainly during the operation) as well as the need to transfuse blood and its components (broadly understood perioperative period) should be standard treatment for a patient undergoing a procedure. In the case of this method, the following steps should be taken: 1) in the preoperative period: identyfication of risk groups as quickly as possible, detecting and treating anemia, applying prehabilitation, modyfying anticoagulant treatment, considering donating one's own blood in some patients and in selected cases erythropoietin preparations; 2) in the perioperative period: aim for normothermia, normovolemia and normoglycemia, use of surgical methods that reduce bleeding, such as minimally invasive surgery, high-energy coagulation, local hemostatics, prevention of surgical site infection, proper transfusion of blood and its components if it occurs; 3) in the postoperative period: monitor the condition of patients, primarily for the detection of bleeding, rapid reoperation if required, suplementation (oral administration preferred) nutrition with microelements (iron) and vitamins, updating its general condition. All these activities, comprehensively and in surgical cooperation with the anesthesiologist, should reduce the blood loss and transfusion of blood and its components.

GH-secreting pituitary adenoma in the course of McCune‑Albright syndrome in a 21-year-old patient complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

Increased GPR35 expression in human colorectal and pancreatic cancer samples: A preliminary clinical validation of a new biomarker

BACKGROUND

G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) is involved in carcinogenesis; however, limited experimental data are available on its actual expression in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to measure the relative expression of GPR35 in samples from patients with CRC or PDAC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we have examined GPR35 expression in surgery samples from 40 CRC and 17 PDAC patients, and performed analysis of the results.

RESULTS

The analysis of GPR35 expression in patients with CRC revealed correlations between relative GPR35 mRNA expression and several tumor characteristics, with statistical significance for higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages, T stages and histological grades. GPR35 expression was significantly higher in tumor samples compared to the paired healthy samples collected from the same patient. Similar, although not statistically significant trends were found in PDAC tumor samples for sex (lower expression in women) and for samples with no nodal involvement (lower expression). Samples with higher tumor T stages and higher histological grades or considered inoperable had higher GPR35 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified correlations which confirm our expectation of high GPR35 expression in CRC and PDAC. Our findings suggest the prognostic value of GPR35 testing in patients with an increased risk of CRC or PDAC development, and warrant further clinical confirmation.

Tension-Free Hiatal Hernia Repair Using Ligamentum Teres in Paraoesophageal Hernia Treatment

AbstractIntroductionType II and III (paraoesophageal and mixed) hiatal hernia treatment remains a technically difficult procedure carrying a risk of complications and recurrence as high as 40%. Using synthetic meshes entails possible serious complications; efficacy of biologic materials remains unclear and requires further research.AimThe aim of the article was to present the centres experience of type II and III large hiatal hernia treatment using the ligamentum teres and to draw attention to potential benefits of conducted procedures.Material and MethodsThe study enrolled 6 patients: 3 women and 3 men aged 37-58 with radiologically and endoscopically confirmed large paraoesophageal hernias. The patients underwent Nissen fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair using the ligamentum teres. The patients were followed up for six months with subsequent radiological and endoscopic assessment.ResultsDuring the six-month follow-up no clinical or radiological characteristics of hiatal hernia recurrence were observed in the patients. Two patients reported symptoms of dysphagia; mortality was 0%.ConclusionsHiatal hernia repair using the vascularized ligamentum teres may constitute an effective and safe method of large hiatal hernia repair.

The Role of microRNA in Pancreatic Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ribonucleic acid molecules that play a key role in regulating gene expression. The increasing number of studies undertaken on the functioning of microRNAs in the tumor formation clearly indicates their important potential in oncological therapy. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. The expression of miRNAs released into the bloodstream appears to be a good indicator of progression and evaluation of the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer, as indicated by studies. The work reviewed the latest literature on the importance of miRNAs for pancreatic cancer development.

Port site metastases a year after initial laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Should the use of retrieval bags during laparoscopic cholecystectomy be the new gold standard?

As a result of gallbladder cancer being rare, it is often an understudied disease. There is lack of information particularly about long-term outcomes after resection during either laparoscopic or open surgery techniques [4]. There is also little data on the ways in which surgical techniques can be improved to further aid patients diagnosed with gallstones or other indications for cholecystectomy, and resulting positive histopathology. Furthermore, there is a lack of general acknowledgement on the vitality of using plastic retrieval bags during cholecystectomy regardless of the histopathology. The case study at hand shows how critical a plastic bag can be during cholecystectomy in further preventing the risk of local or distant metastasis originating from the gallbladder. This is especially important as it is estimated that almost one third of patients who undergo curative intent surgery for gallbladder cancer develop a tumor recurrence. Specifically, our patient was found to have a distant recurrence occurring a year after the elective surgery, which is in range with the usual median recurrence of 9.5 months or within the first 12 months [5]. &lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure, and remains the gold standard for the management of benign gallbladder and biliary disease. While this procedure can be technically straightforward, there are some key factors that surgeons must take into consideration with one of them being whether to use a retrieval bag or not. According to the "Guidelines for the Clinical Application of Laparoscopic Biliary Tract Surgery" of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the use of a retrieval bag for gallbladder extractions is purely at the discretion of the surgeon [6]. Generally, plastic bags should be used when gallbladder cancer is suspected to minimize disseminating tumor cells, or in the case of acute cholecystitis, to avoid spillage of gallbladder contents including possible infected bile, stones or pus. While one study states that when a cholecystectomy is performed due to gallstones, generally, surgeons will only opt for a plastic bag if there are large gallstones, great inflammation or an edematous gallbladder [7, 8]. However, another article claims the adverse, with endoscopic bags being in fact used commonly in elective cholecystectomy, despite the increased cost and apparent benefit [7]. A major drawback, and possible reason why some surgeons may decide not to use retrieval bags could be due to the extra skills needed, or increased difficulty to the surgery. This could be due to the need for enlargement of port site incision, placement of the bag around the gallbladder, as well as the potential risk to abdominal organ damage during the insertion and retrieval of the bag [7]. Sometimes the decision not to use the bag is purely economic, especially in developing countries. Fortunately nowadays commercially available endobags become more inexpensive, and to the very little extent, increase final costs of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, in order to reduce these costs several studies have shown that sterile male condoms or surgical non-powdered gloves can be used [9]. &lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; Umbilical port site recurrence is traditionally a major concern, however there is still little research around the exact mechanism responsible for port site recurrence. Port site metastasis is the most common form of parietal recurrence with all stages of gallbladder carcinoma being reported at any of the trocar sites. Historically it was proved that the risk of port site metastasis after laparoscopic removal of incidental gallbladder cancer remained at the level of 14-30% of all cases. Recent study conducted to assess the incidence of port site metastasis in incidental gallbladder cancer in the modern era (2000-2014) versus the historic era (1991-1999) proved that this incidence has decreased but is still relatively high to other primary tumors [10]. &lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt;It generally presents after latency, ranging from a few months to 3-4 years. Many factors can contribute to port site metastasis [9]. One of the most important is intraoperative spillage of bile from gallbladder wall perforation, which has been described in 30% of laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases, and it has been linked to port site metastasis [11]. Interestingly, local recurrence was noted only in a minority of patients, with distant sites such as the liver and peritoneum being the most common sites for disease recurrence [4]. &lt;/br&gt; &lt;/br&gt; Some hypotheses suggest to elucidate the cause of port site metastasis, including direct "chimney stack effect" in which the cancer cells may spread along trocar wound [12]. However, recent studies indicated that the chimney effect may not be the key reason for port site metastasis after laparoscopy and other factors may play crucial role in the development of this phenomenon, such as biological invasiveness of cancer, local traumatic factors, as well as host immune response [13]. Current evidence suggests that carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum does not enhance wound metastases following laparoscopic abdominal tumour surgery. Animal studies indicated that overall postoperative wound recurrence of cancer is not significantly different between routine and gasless laparoscopic surgery [14]. null Tissue specimens removed during surgery are examined both macroscopically and microscopically, and despite this, false negatives can still persist. While there is clear data pertaining to false negatives associated with biopsies done with FNA occurring in a staggering 11-41% to detect malignancy before surgery [15], there is little data for false negatives in the postsurgical setting. Although histopathological analysis is usually very reliable to exclude malignancy, it may fail. This is clearly evident with our case, where the result was false negative. The cause for false negativity could be due to, for example, improper sampling despite guidelines indicating that three samples ought to be taken from high-risk areas of the specimen [16]. With false positives being possible both in pre- and postsurgery biopsies, surgeons must be cautious and take this factor into account in their surgical approach [17]. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; At present, the only method that is universally used to reduce the recurrence of gallbladder cancer is cholecystectomy as incision of port sites and the use of endoscopic bags have been variably used among surgeons. Moreover, the use of adjuvant therapy after cholecystectomy has not shown to decrease the rate of recurrence, however, patients who underwent chemotherapy treatment often did slightly better [4]. Port site metastases are independently associated with a worse prognosis. Resection of previous laparoscopy port sites is advised in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) to ensure complete cytoreduction [18]. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; It is clear from this standpoint that other solutions and ideas are needed. One of these could be permanent implementation of retrieval bags during cholecystectomies, especially due to the fact that it is not always possible to foresee the problems of retraction or to show a positive histopathological result in case of gallbladder rupture [4, 17]. In every cholecystectomy there is a risk of gallbladder perforation and spread of malignant cells. Perforation of the gallbladder is in fact a frequent complication during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with a much higher risk of perforation in acute conditions like acute cholecystitis or gallbladder empyema. Some other methods that could be used to prevent dissemination of either gallbladder contents or malignant cells include clip application, rubber band ligation or endoscopic loop application. Rubber band ligation is especially good because it is considered as a safe, simple, inexpensive method, not increasing the duration of surgery [19]. Regardless of what method a surgeon decides to use to prevent cell dissemination during cholecystectomy, it is vital that one is used, and that the guidelines are amended. This case study provides the means for this, especially since a negative histopathological biopsy still does not exclude the possibility of traces of cancerous cells being undisclosed, allowing for a potential risk of port site metastases.

Comparison of clinical usefulness of serum Ca125 and CA19-9 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis: meta-analysis and systematic review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains one of the most lethal cancers. The only recommended biomarker CA19-9 proves to be not accurate enough to establish a certain diagnosis. Therefore, a determination of usefulness of other biomarkers is essential. Our aim was to compare the specificity and sensitivity of Ca125 and CA19-9 by means of meta-analysis. The systematic review of combined tests (CA19-9 + Ca125) was also performed.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of Medline (via PubMed) and Ovid. After screening of abstracts and the assessment of full-texts, nine studies (number of patients, n = 1599) were included. Hierarchical summary receiver under operator curve (hsROC) model was applied to estimate the diagnostic accuracy.

RESULTS

CA19-9 sensitivity and specificity were 0.748 (95%CI 0.676-0.809) and 0.782 (95%CI 0.716-0.836), respectively. These values were estimated on 0.593 (95%CI 0.489-0.69) and 0.754 (95%CI 0.817-0.668) for Ca125. Regarding the heterogeneity of studies, a strong threshold effect for Ca125 and moderate one for CA19-9 were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis did not prove the superiority of Ca125. It should be nevertheless noted that the sparsity of studies precludes accurate analysis of various factors' influence. The review of proposed combined tests shows that CA19-9 + Ca125 models are generally characterized by higher sensitivity.

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the spleen - a very rare case of a primary splenic MCN

INTRODUCTION

We present the case of a primary spleen mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. Several cases of this primary tumor of the spleen have been described worldwide so far. These tumors are classified as mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) and occur mainly in the ovaries and pancreas. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Case report: The case concerns a 45-year-old female patient with an accidentally diagnosed splenic tumor with approximately 20 cm in size. Histopathological examinations, following a splenectomy, confirmed the presence of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.

Elevated preoperative levels of CA 19-9 and CA 125 predicts overall survival time in the pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Single institution series

<b>Introduction: </b>Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease, being the seventh cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its aggressiveness is due to its specific biology and the late diagnosis of cancer. Therefore, the prognosis for patients suffering from this cancer is dismal, with 5-year overall survival rate of around 6-10%. Up to date, only a complete surgical resection of the cancerous entity warrants a significant improvement in patients' survival. Nevertheless, the pancreatic cancer's biology is still not fully elucidated, so that the accuracy of prognosis for certain patients is highly uncertain. Consequently, the importance of both clinical and basic research aiming to reveal the crucial molecular factors affecting long-term prognosis should be highlighted. There is a growing number of evidence that biomarkers of PC not only reflect the presence of tumor itself but also present a "hint" regarding its physiology. Thus the aim of this study was to assess the levels of commonly measured biomarkers and their influence on patients' overall survival. <br><b>Materials and methods: </b>The retrospective analysis of data on 129 patients admitted to our Department due to the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was carried out. On the day of admission all the patients had their levels of CA_19-9, CA₁₂₅, CEA and CA_15-3 measured. The overall survival (OS) was defined as time elapsing from the day of admission to the day of death. The Kaplan- Meier curves were built for all potential factors, Cox regression model was applied to carry out a multivariate analysis. <br><b>Results: </b>We retrospectively analyzed 129 patients with a mean age of 62 years. As many as 95 of them had an unresectable lesion and 34 underwent curative operation. In total, the analyzed patient group was characterized by a median survival of 7 months and 12 days. Cumulative 1-year, 2-year and 4-year survival rates were 35%, 16% and 15%, respectively. In univariate analysis, factors such as age >= 60, inoperable lesion, CA_19-9 >= 200, CA₁₂₅ >= 20 and Neutrophile to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) >= 5 were associated with a lower median OS. In multivariate analysis, three factors, CA_19-9 >= 200, CA₁₂₅ >= 20 and age >= 60, were found to be statistically significant. Indeed, patients possessing all of them noted much poorer outcomes regarding OS factors: 89 days versus 235 days for the other patients (log rank test P = 0.02). <br><b>Conclusions: </b>Our study fortifies the evidence that preoperative levels of CA_19-9 and CA₁₂₅ have a direct influence on the longterm OS. Interestingly, in our patient group, the correlation of biomarkers with OS was higher than that of resectability. However, our study has some limitations regarding, for instance, the lack of data on chemotherapy, comorbidities etc. In the view of recent molecular studies on mucin involvement in PC development, it provides a strong clinical evidence to prove their importance.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass as a cure of iatrogenic - steroid induced diabetes

BACKGROUND

Steroid-induced diabetes (SIDM) is a frequently found clinical condition since steroid-based therapies continue to be widely used in hospital and ambulatory care. Recommended optimal treatment of SIDM includes similar glucose lowering strategies as in type 2 diabetes. This typical management cannot cure the disease, it can only control blood glucose. Recently, bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, up to now, the usefulness of bariatric surgery in treatment of SIDM has not been evaluated.

CASE REPORT

A 49-year-old female oncologic patient with steroid induced diabetes was referred for surgical treatment to the Department of General and Transplant Surgery in November 2009. Six years earlier, she underwent successful oncologic treatment with cladribine and high doses of steroids due to hairy cell leukemia. Finally complete hematologic remission with normalization of morphology and reduction of spleen size has been obtained. Prior to steroid treatment, blood glucose and urine examinations were within normal range. The patient was non-obese and had no family history of diabetes. Nevertheless, the patient developed diabetes secondary to corticosteroid therapy, poorly controlled by oral hypoglycemic agent (acarbosum), successfully converted to insulin therapy. Upon admission to the Department of General and Transplant Surgery, the patient was treated with 58 units of insulin per day. The patient was scheduled for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Insulin was withdrawn immediately after the surgery and within six months after the surgery, plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c-5.5%) levels reached and remained within normal range. Currently, eight years after surgery, body weight and BMI are 80 kg and 27.68 kg/m2, respectively. Plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin are also normal. Importantly, from an oncological point of view, the patient has remained in continuous complete remission since October 2003.

CONCLUSIONS

Our report is the first to our knowledge describing the effect of gastric bypass surgery on SIDM in a patient with prior hematologic malignancy. It proves that surgically altered anatomy of the small intestine improves glucose homeostasis previously disturbed with pro-diabetic medication.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and creatinine reduction ratio predict good early graft function among adult cadaveric donor renal transplant recipients. Single institution series

Background Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common complication following kidney transplantation and is associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Lymphocytes contribute to the pathogenesis of IRI and ischemia-reperfusion related delayed graft function Materials and Methods 135 Caucasian patients received a kidney graft from deceased heart-beating organ donors. We divided patients into 2 groups- patients with the eGFR&gt;=30 on the 21st day post-transplantation (n=36) and patients with the eGFR&lt;30 on the 21st day post-transplantation (n=99) to assess kidney graft function. We measured the serum creatinine levels on 1st and 2nd post-transplant day and preoperative levels of monocytes, lymphocytes, platelets and neutrophils and their ratios. Results We have found statistically significant differences between the eGFR&lt;30 and the eGFR&gt;=30 groups in the average lnLymphocytes (0,36 +/-0,6 vs -0,016 +/-0,74 respectively p=0,004) lnNLR ( 1,27 +/-0,92 vs. 1,73+/-1,08 p=0,016) lnLMR (1,01 +/-0,57 vs. 0,73 +/-0,64 p=0,02), lnPLR (4,97 +/-0,55 vs. 5,26 +/- 0,67 p=0,023) and CCR2% (-20,20 +/- 21,55 vs. -4,29 +/- 29,62 p=0,004 . On univariate analysis, factors of lnLymphocytes &gt;=0,22 (OR=0,331 95%CI 0,151-0,728 p=0,006), lnLMR&gt;=1,4 (OR=0,255 95%CI 0,072-0,903 p=0,034) were associated with worse graft function while lnNLR&gt;=1,05 (OR=2,653 95%CI 1,158-6,078 p=0,021), lnPLR&gt;=5,15 (OR=2,536 95%CI 1,155-5,566 p=0,02) and CRR2 (OR=3,286 95% CI 1,359-7,944 p=0,008) indicated better graft function Conclusion Higher absolute lymphocyte count (lnLymphocytes) and lnLMR as well as lower lnNLR and lnPLR were associated with lower eGFR on the 21st day after kidney transplantation. On multivariate analysis CRR2 in combination with either lnLymphocytes, lnNLR or lnPLR improved the accuracy of detecting patients with poor graft function.

Growth differentiation factor (GDF-15) concentration combined with Ca125 levels in serum is superior to commonly used cancer biomarkers in differentiation of pancreatic mass

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) will have been the second leading cancer-related death in the United States by 2020, according to current estimation. Its late manifestation and the lack of good early detection methods are the cause of extremely low survival rates. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop highly sensitive and specific marker. GDF-15, a member of TGFbeta family, has recently emerged as a protein playing an important role in carcinogenesis of various neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to assess the potential of GDF-15, IL-17, IL-23 serum concentration, and the panel of PDAC markers in differentiating pancreatic adenocarcinoma from chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

Sixty-three consecutive patients operated on due to pancreatobiliary lesions were enrolled in this study. Levels of CEA, CA125 and Ca19-9 were assessed using standard laboratory protocols. A sample of serum was collected prior to the surgery via central line. Levels of GDF-15, Il-17, Il-23 were measured using a ELISA kit. After standard pathological examination of specimens obtained on surgery, patients were divided into 2 groups: 42 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 21 patients with focal chronic pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Mean GDF-15 concentration in patients with CP vs PDAC was 2247.95 (± 179.27) vs 7694.58 (± 1878.94) [pg/mL] respectively (p= 0.011). Mean concentration of Il-17, Il-23, Ca19-9, Ca125, Ca15-3, CEA in patients with CP and PDAC was 862.36 (± 30.84) vs 841.83 (± 33.94) p= 0.833; 127.85 (± 5.87) vs 127.51 (± 9.74) p= 0.175; 34.95 (± 23.34) vs 266.62 (± 49.7) p= 0.001; 13.4 (± 1.6) vs 39.27 (± 6.85) p= 0.005; 18.4 (± 1.48) vs 20.2 (± 1.38) p= 0.416; 1.96 (± 0.38) vs 5.93 (± 1.74) p= 0.004 respectively. In order to compare these markers with the routinely used ones, ROC curve was built. CA19-9 with clinically used cut-off point of ⩾ 36 IU/mL has specificity of 90.5% and sensitivity of 57.14%. At the same time GDF-15 with the optimal cut-off point of 2.7 ng/mL has specificity of 76.19% and sensitivity of 73.8%. Although in our research group CA19-9 has an excellent specificity, its usefulness is hampered by its low sensitivity. On the other hand, GDF-15 parameters are well-balanced making it a more useful biomarker of PDAC.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, GDF-15 is more accurate than Ca19-9 in differentiating pancreatic mass due to chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Interleukin 17 and 23 cannot be considered as PDAC biomarkers. GDF-15 concentration in serum should be further investigated in order to assess their usefulness in pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis.

Ruptured Hemangioma of a Native Kidney: An Unusual Cause of Postoperative Hemorrhage in Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND Retroperitoneal bleeding as a consequence of non-traumatic kidney or allograft rupture is well known, but there are no reports on hemorrhagia from a native kidney after allogeneic renal transplantation. Therefore, we present the first such case to be published and highlight the possibility of this complication after renal transplantation. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 28-year-old male patient who developed early post-transplant hemorrhagia from a ruptured native kidney. The patient underwent left-sided nephrectomy. Histopathological examination revealed ruptured hemangioma of the patient's native left kidney. The further postoperative period was not complicated. The patient was discharged on the 18th postoperative day, with good transplant function. CONCLUSIONS Transplantologists should be aware of the fact that in patients with uncontrolled blood pressure, native kidney hemangioma may rupture in the early post-transplant period, and it can be a life-threating and difficult to diagnose complication.

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) concentration in urine is superior to CA19-9 and Ca 125 in differentiation of pancreatic mass: Preliminary report

BACKGROUND

Currently pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Because of its late manifestation and consequent dismal prognosis, there is an urgent need to develop highly sensitive and specific marker. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) recently emerged as a protein playing an important role in carcinogenesis of various neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to assess the potential of urine and bile concentration of NGAL in differentiating pancreatic adenocarcinoma from chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

Forty-two patients operated on due to pancreatobiliary lesions were enrolled in this study. All enrolled patients had eGFR within reference range. Levels of CEA, CA 125 and Ca19-9 were assessed using standard laboratory protocols. A sample of urine was collected prior to the surgery. Intraoperatively a 5 ml sample of bile was collected directly from the common bile duct. Bile and urine levels of NGAL were measured using a ELISA kit. After standard pathological examination of specimens obtained during surgery, patients were divided into 2 groups: 21 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 15 patients with focal chronic pancreatitis.

RESULTS

NGAL concentration in bile in patients with PDAC vs CP was 75.72 ± 16.05 ng/mL vs 62.62 ± 18.6 ng/mL respectively (p= 0,011). NGAL concentration in urine was 43.26 ± 21.21 ng/mL vs 17.96 ± 14.58 ng/mL (p= 0.002) respectively. In order to compare these markers with routinely used ones, ROC curve was built for Ca125 to establish cutoff point and in case of CA19-9 clinically used cutoff (≥ 37U/mL) was applied. Sensitivity and specificity for NGALurine with cutoff value of 27 ng/mL was 80.95% and 80% respectively, while these values for NGALbile were 71.43% and 80% respectively. Ca19-9 measured in plasma with clinically used cutoff value had sensitivity of 71.43% and specificity of 73.33%. Sensitivity and specificity for Ca 125 measured in plasma with cutoff value of 13 U/mL were 85.71% and 66.67% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, NGAL in urine and bile are remarkably accurate in differentiating pancreatic mass due to chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Therefore, NGAL concentrations in bile and urine should be further investigated in order to assess their usefulness in early pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis.

Long-Term Results of Incisional Hernia Repair with Concomitant Abdominoplasty in Postbariatric Patients

The aim of the study was evaluation of long-term results after simultaneous incisional hernia repair and abdominoplasty in patients following RYGB (Roux-en-Y Gastric By-pass) and estimation of quality of life before and after this complex operation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed long-term results in 18 patients who underwent complex anterior abdominal wall surgery after massive weight loss, following previous RYGB. The patients were followed-up for at least 8 years. We compared the quality of life before and after hernia repair combined with abdominoplasty.

RESULTS

Observed wide postoperative scar in 4 persons, permanent dysesthesia in one, and flaccidity of the anterior abdominal wall in three cases. Estimation of the quality of life revealed significant improvement in functional, aesthetic and psychological aspects after complex surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Simultaneous incisional hernia repair and abdominoplasty resulted in satisfactory long-term postoperative results, which confirms the efficiency of complex anterior abdominal wall surgery in patients following RYGB after massive weight loss. 2. Surgery in patients afflicted with disfigurements of the anterior abdominal wall contributed to significant improvement in their life quality in functional, aesthetic and psychological aspects, as compared with preoperative estimations. 3. All persons confirmed positive influence of abdominal wall surgery on their possibility to take challenges in life, and fulfill plans. 4. Surgery of the anterior abdominal wall deformities, if needed after massive weight loss, should become an integral part of complex multidisciplinary treatment in postbariatric individuals.

Pancreatic head carcinoma and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) concentration in portal blood: its association with cancer grade, tumor size and probably poor prognosis

INTRODUCTION

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. Although VEGF has been shown to be a probable marker for poor prognosis, the VEGF concentration in portal blood has not yet been clinically reported in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of the study was to measure VEGF-A portal blood concentration in patients with PDAC and to evaluate its performance as a prognostic marker.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-six consecutive patients out of 57 operated on for pancreatic head lesion with pathologically verified diagnosis of PDAC were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the VEGF concentration in portal blood samples obtained intraoperatively and associated their values with tumor size, stage, grade and survival.

RESULTS

The portal VEGF-A concentration was associated with tumor grade (G1: 80.52 ±43.05 vs. G2: 185.39 ±134.98, p = 0.006, G2: 185.39 ±134.98 vs. G3: 356.46 ±229.12, p = 0.08), and there was a positive correlation with tumor size (r = 0.42, p < 0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis high levels of VEGF-A were not correlated with poor survival (HR = 5.22, 95% CI = -0.6457 to 3.9513, p = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

The portal VEGF-A concentration is associated with tumor grade and size. The correlation of portal VEGF-A with poor survival is not clear and needs further investigation.

The diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the assessment of perirenal hematomas in the early post-operative period after kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Routine B-mode ultrasound examination (rB-US) is a current standard for the assessment of the transplanted kidney(KTx) in the early post-operative period. The alteration of perirenal hematoma (PH) echostructure over time limits their detectability and size assessment with rB-US. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CE-US) in diagnosing PH of KTx in the early post-operative period.

METHOD

Routine B-US and CE-US of KTx, performed in 102 patients in the early post-operative period, were analyzed. CE-US was performed after intravenous administration of 2.4 mL of sulfur hexafluoride solution. The data were analyzed with respect to the occurrence and thickness of PH.

RESULT

The difference in echogenicity between PH and kidney parenchyma was modest in rB-US (mean of 5.7 dB). However, in CE-US, the difference in echogenicity was significantly increased (mean of 31.4 dB). Routine B-US did not allow PH to be recognized in 18 patients. The application of CE-US results in a twofold increase in PH detection when compared with rB-US (33.3% vs. 15.7%).

CONCLUSION

US-CE examination is a valuable method for detection and assessment of PH size. Compared with rB-US, this technique may substantially increase the detectability of hemorrhagic complications in the direct post-operative period.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in portal blood in patients with pancreatic tumor--a single institution series

BACKGROUND

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) may play a significant role in the development of pancreatic cancer. One of COX-2 main metabolites is prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is involved both in inflammation and carcinogenesis. As PGE2 is inactivated in the lungs and the liver we assumed that the best medium to assess the level of PGE2 is not peripheral but portal blood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven patients with pathologically verified diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC group, n = 38) and chronic pancreatitis (CP group, n = 19) were enrolled in this study. Sample of blood from central line was collected before surgery. Intraoperatively portal vein was identified and sampled. PGE2 levels were determined using ELISA test. All the patients were followed-up for 1-35 months.

RESULTS

PGE2 portal blood levels in patients with PDAC were higher than in patients with CP (190.55 ± 149.86 versus 120.23 ± 132.60; p = .04). PGE2 concentration at a cut-off value of 94.46 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 91.67%, specificity of 50%, AUC = 0.631 (95% CI, 0.489-0.758).

CONCLUSION

The PGE2 portal blood levels in PDAC patients are higher than in those with CP. The PGE2 portal concentration cannot be a single marker in diagnosing PDAC due to low specificity.

Riedel's thyroiditis - a case report with genes' expression studies

Background

Genetic background of Riedel's thyroiditis remains unknown. Herein, we describe our results of studies on genes expression levels in Riedel's thyroiditis.

Case report and genetic findings

We report the case of 48-year old woman with Riedel's thyroiditis who has presented unusual course of disease with non-specific cervical discomfort, though as with no pain and/or no compression symptoms. After surgery, thyroid specimens were quantitatively evaluated, regarding PIK3CA, PIK3CD, PIK3CG, Tg, TGFB1, THRB, COL1, CDKN1C, CDH3 and CACNA2D2 genes expression levels, by real-time PCR in the ABI PRISM^® 7500 Sequence Detection System. Out of 10 above genes, in 2 cases the expression was higher than in respective Controls of unchanged thyroid tissue. In the remaining 8 cases, expression in question became comparable or lower as in Controls.

Discussion

The association between increased expression levels of PIK3CA and CDH3 genes and Riedel's thyroiditis is not well-defined. However, the increased expression of PIK3CA and CDH3 genes in our case report and in previous studies of other authors on various malignancies may suggest possible molecular relation between Riedel's thyroiditis and certain neoplastic processes, the relation of which requires further genetic evaluation. It is to be stressed that gene expression studies in Riedel's thyroiditis are difficult to perform, mainly due to fibrosis, resulting in scarce thyroid specimens and - in consequence - small amount of genetic material.

[Two-stage liver resections with portal branch ligation--a novel treatment strategy for patients with initially irresectable, bilobar colorectal liver metastases]

Liver resection is the only potentially curative treatment option of patients with colorectal cancer metastases. However, at the time of diagnosis, most patients have irresectable tumors. Preoperative chemotherapy and portal vein embolization may lead to downsizing of initially irresectable colorectal cancer metastases, located in one lobe of the liver. Although, in group of patients with bilobar involvement such neoadjuvant therapy does not enable performance of radical operation. Irresectability of these tumors is mainly due to a functionally insufficient amount of future, postoperative remnant liver volume. Hereby, we present a novel treatment strategy of two-stage liver resection with portal branch ligation and inter and postoperative chemotherapy, we discuss the indications for this procedure in view of the presented cases and we review the literature on the treatment of patients with initially irresectable, bilobar liver metastases from colorectal cancer.