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Biomedical subjects

E Erdem

Publications and source records attributed to E Erdem.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Prognostic factors affecting local recurrence and survival for operable rectal cancers.

The aim of this study was to define the local recurrence, survival rates and independent prognostic factors for survival, and local recurrence in patients with rectal carcinoma treated throughout 7 years. Between January 1990 and January 1998, 197 consecutive patients with rectal carcinoma, who underwent resection by conventional technique in Ankara Oncology Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. Several clinical and pathological characteristics of patients were categorized. Kaplan-Meier method was used to obtain survival curves, and independent prognostic factors affecting survival and local recurrence were obtained by Cox regression analysis. 5-year survival, and local recurrence rates were 59%, and 33%, respectively. Stage, location of the tumour in distal one third, anterior resection, and poor differentiation were found to be independent detrimental influence on local recurrence. The independent prognostic factors for survival were invasion of tumour into serosa and adjacent organs, lymph node metastases and the total number of resected lymph nodes. Adjuvant therapy affected favourably local recurrence in stage II and III patients, and survival in stage III patients. In conclusion our local recurrence is high in stage I patients as well as in stage II and III patients although most of the patients received adjuvant therapy. Conventional technique might be responsible for high local recurrence rates; therefore, total mesorectal excision technique may be the proper choice to achieve a local recurrence rate under 10% and to have a better survival.

Adenocarcinoma↗

TNF-alpha levels in patients with malignant tumors after hyperthermic isolated regional perfusion.

Hyperthermic isolated regional perfusion is an alternative method for the treatment of malignancies especially sited in the pelvic region and extremities. The perfusion is performed via the extracorporeal system with a pump flow and chemotherapeutic agents and some cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor, may be added. It's well known that in the ischemia-reperfusion injury, hemorrhagic necrosis and cell death occurs and these cytokines are produced endogenously. In this study the endogenous TNF-alpha levels before, during and after hyperthermic isolated regional perfusion were compared in 16 patients with malignant tumors. The TNF-alpha levels were determined from the blood samples taken systemically before and after perfusion, and from perfusate at the 15th, 30th, 45th minute. The 15th minute samples were the ones where vascular clamps were applied to the vessels before starting the perfusion. TNF-alpha levels between the 15th minute samples and the blood samples that were taken systemically before and after perfusion were found statistically significant. The cause of this was suggested to be the ischemia-reperfusion injury in this period. It was shown in this study that high endogenous TNF-alpha levels and good clinical results could be achieved with hyperthermic isolated regional perfusion in the treatment of malignant tumors.

Adult↗

Diffusion-weighted imaging and fluid attenuated inversion recovery imaging in the evaluation of primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

The aim of our study was to determine whether fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) would be helpful in characterizing primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) from other pediatric brain tumors. We expected that the compact cellular nature and the relatively small extracellular space of this tumor would affect the signal intensity on both pulse sequences relative to the more sparsely cellular glial tumors that have larger extracellular spaces. Eighteen pediatric patients with PNET were examined on a 1.5 T MRI with routine imaging plus FLAIR and compared with 28 patients with nonPNET. DWI was also performed in 7 PNET and 18 non-PNET. Seventyeight percent of PNET were isointense to gray matter on FLAIR while 82% of non-PNET were hyperintense and only one was isointense (3%). Diffusion was abnormally restricted in all 7 PNET examined (100%) but was restricted in non-PNET in only 1 out of 18 (6%) patients who had DWI. The differences in the histologic architecture between PNET and non-PNET are reflected in both FLAIR imaging and in DWI.

Adolescent↗

Peripheral glycerol injections in the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: retrospective analysis of 157 cases.

PURPOSE: This study presents the results of peripheral glycerol injections in patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients who either failed to respond to drug therapy or developed serious side effects were treated by means of glycerol injections. Medical records and questionnaires on 157 patients treated between 1983 and 1996 were evaluated. The minimum follow-up period for each patient was 4 years. RESULTS: The study population included 65 males and 92 females. The right side (112 patients, 71%) was affected more commonly than the left. The most common distribution was in the second and the third trigeminal divisions. The initial success rate was 98%. Pain recurred in 60 patients and was most frequently recorded between 25 and 36 months postinjection (28 of the 60 recurrences). These patients were successfully reinjected. At the end of 4 years, complete or almost complete pain relief was obtained in 154 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral glycerol injection is a minimally invasive and useful technique to manage trigeminal neuralgia, with a high success rate and low incidence of morbidity.

Adult↗

The use of acrylic marbles for interposition arthroplasty in the treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis: follow-up of 47 cases.

This is a retrospective analysis of 47 patients (21 males, 26 females) with osseous or fibro-osseous temporomandibular joint ankylosis. who were referred to our clinic between 1981 and 1998. In all cases, an acrylic marble was used as the interpositional material to prevent recurrence after aggressive resection of the ankylotic mass. The mean mouth opening was 15.65 mm preoperatively and 32.48 mm postoperatively. Complications during the follow-up period, which ranged from 1 to 17 years, included reankylosis in three cases and extrusion and displacement of the acrylic marbles in two cases. The method produced good results and we believe that it is a simple alternative to other interposition arthroplasty procedures. Moreover, it has the advantages of reducing operating time and not requiring any personal skill.

Acrylic Resins↗

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients aged 60 years or older.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients more than 60 years old. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated and compared the data of 28 percutaneous nephrolithotomies (PCNL) performed on 27 patients aged 60 years and older (mean 65.8) with the data of the remaining 178 PCNL procedures on 166 patients performed in our clinic between December 1997 and December 1999. RESULTS: Although staghorn stones seemed to be more common in the elderly group (25% v 22%), no statistical significance was demonstrated (P = 0.715), and the stone burden was similar for the two groups (P = 0.112). The only interesting finding in terms of patient characteristics was a significantly higher incidence of solitary kidney in patients aged 60 years or older (29% v 7%; P = 0.003). The success rates (stone-free patients and patients with residual stones <4 mm) were similar, being 89% for the elderly group and 92% for the younger patients (P = 0.718). Transfusion rates were also similar (21.4% in the elderly v 18% in the younger group; P = 0.662). No significant complication was observed in this elderly group, and no renal deterioration has been detected even in the follow-up of patients with a solitary kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the somewhat higher stone burden in the elderly patients (1077.92 mm2 v 920.85 mm2), the stone-free rate was similar to that obtained in the younger patients, without any higher rates of complications or blood transfusions or longer hospital stay. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective method of stone treatment in the elderly, even if they have a solitary kidney or complex calculi.

Aged↗

Magnetic resonance imaging with rectal Gd-DTPA: new tool for the diagnosis of perianal fistula.

This study investigated the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with rectal administration of the enteral contrast agent gadolinium diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) in the diagnosis of recurrent perianal fistulae, assessing the number, anatomical extent, location, and signal intensities of various lesions. Fistulas were examined by MRI before and after rectal administration of Gd-DTPA in 50 patients (excluding fistulas due to inflammatory bowel disease). Surgical findings were compared with both pre- and postcontrast T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and short T1 inversion recovery (STIR) sequences. Of the 68 fistulous tracts detected surgically, precontrast imaging identified 16 by T1-weighted images (hypointense), 27 by T2-weighted images (hyperintense or iso- to weakly hyperintense), and 54 by STIR. Postcontrast imaging identified 29 by T1-weighted images, 58 by T2-weighted, and 54 by STIR. MRI with rectal administration of Gd-DTPA thus facilitates determination of fistula tracts, which are better resolved by precontrast STIR than by either precontrast T1- or T2-weighted images. Postcontrast T2-weighted images were substantially superior to T1-weighted. Both noncontrast STIR and postcontrast T2-weighted sequences were adequate for classifying fistulas in ano, but in complex recurrent anal fistula postcontrast T2-weighted images were more helpful.

Adult↗

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in older children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in pediatric patients, older than 8 years, without any technical and instrumental modifications. METHODS: The authors retrospectively evaluated the data of 16 percutaneously treated kidneys of 14 patients with a mean age of 11 years (range, 8 to 17). The mean stone burden was calculated as 301 mm2 (range, 120-750). Percutaneous accesses were done under fluoroscopic control, and 24F to 30F Amplatz dilators were used depending on patient size. Ultrasonic and laser lithotripsy were performed to fragment calculi. RESULTS: Mean operating time was 111 minutes (range, 60 to 210 min) and no intraoperative or postoperative major complication was observed. Mean hemoglobin drop after the procedure was 1.16 g/dL (range, 0.3 to 2.8). Blood transfusion was required in only 1 patient, and mean postoperative hospitalization was 4.6 days (range, 3 to 10). Stone-free rate was calculated as 69% (11 of 16), but with residual fragments smaller than 4 mm, the success rate becomes 100% at patient's discharge. CONCLUSIONS: PCNL is an effective and safe form of therapy in pediatric stone disease. Especially in older children the use of the same instruments and technique as in adults may achieve equal results without any increased risk of possible morbidity and need of blood transfusion.

Adolescent↗

Proposal for changes in cystoscopic follow-up of patients with low-grade pTa bladder tumor.

OBJECTIVES: The cystoscopic follow-up of superficial bladder cancer accounts for a considerable workload for urologists and is also an invasive procedure with high costs. There is a potential benefit both to the urologist and the patient if unnecessary cystoscopies can be avoided. METHODS: The recurrence and progression rates of 120 patients with pTa G1 or G2 and small (<4 cm) transitional cell carcinoma were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The recurrence rate was 6.5% (8/120) at 3 months. The recurrence rates at 6 and 9 months were 6.7 (8/119) and 3.6% (4/112), respectively. However, when the third month (first check) was clear, the recurrence rates at 6- and 9-month cystoscopy were 4.3 (5/116) and 2.7% (3/111), respectively. The recurrence rate at 12 months was 8% (8/99). For G1 tumors, the recurrence rates at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were 6 (5/84), 5 (5/83), 2.5 (2/80) and 7% (5/71), respectively. The same results for G2 tumors were 8 (3/36), 8 (3/36), 6 (2/32) and 10.5% (3/28), respectively. The progression rate for the first year was lower than 1%. The difference between G1 and G2 tumors according to recurrence rate within the first year was not statistically significant (p>0. 05). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the proposal that for patients with small and welldifferentiated pTa tumors at diagnosis, if the first control cystoscopy is clear, it is appropriate to perform the second check cystoscopy 1 year from initial resection and subsequent controls yearly. One should note that the study group included the most suitable patients for cystoscopic follow-up according to size and multiplicity of the tumor. This change in policy is further supported by the fact that progression occured in less than 1% in this group of patients.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗

Occlusion of the MCA by an intraluminal filament may cause disturbances in the hippocampal blood flow due to anomalies of circle of Willis and filament thickness.

We examined blood flow changes and histology in the hippocampus induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) by a filament in Swiss albino and SV-129 mice (n=67) and in Wistar rats (n=64). Filling cerebral arteries with carbon black revealed that one or both posterior communicating arteries were hypoplastic in 50% of Swiss mice. Ischemic changes were detected in the ipsilateral hippocampus with 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride or hematoxylin and eosin staining when these mice were subjected to 2-h MCA occlusion and 22-h reperfusion. No such abnormalities were found in SV-129 mice and Wistar rats (except one). The hippocampal blood flow dropped to 60+/-2.3% of the baseline in mice with a normal circle of Willis but to 37+/-4.2% in those with an incomplete circle when the MCA was occluded with a 6/0 nylon filament. When an 8/0 filament was used, no flow change in mice with a normal circle but a decrease to 60+/-2% in those with an incomplete circle was observed. A flow drop to 63+/-4% was also seen in Wistar rats when a 3/0 filament used. These data demonstrate that occlusion of the MCA by a thick filament may cause flow reduction in the hippocampus, which may be severe enough to lead to infarction if the circle of Willis is anomalous.

Animals↗

Factors involved in diagnostic delay of testicular cancer.

In testicular cancer, which is one of the highly curable cancers, the beneficial effect of early diagnosis on survival has been well accepted for years. This study was planned to determine the probable factors involved in diagnostic delay of testicular cancer. A total of 140 patients with testicular cancer were included in this study. We attempted to find a relationship between the mode of presentation, stage of the tumour, patients' socioeconomic status and the delay in diagnosis. Majority of patients presented with scrotal pain (49.3%). No significant correlation was found between the mode of presentation and stage of the disease (p>0.05). The median time of delay in diagnosis was 5.4 months. The stage at presentation was not influenced by the delay in diagnosis. Similarly the annual income and the educational level of the patients had no significant impact on the delay in diagnosis. No effect of delay in diagnosis on the stage at presentation could be demonstrated in our study. Our results indicate that in this country people are not thoroughly educated about the importance of routine self-examination of the testes. It must also be emphasized that painful testicular masses need to be evaluated carefully to rule out malignancy.

Adolescent↗

Nitric oxide biosynthesis and malondialdehyde levels in advanced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) is a free oxygen radical studied in many tissues. Its tumour killing structure is shown especially by macrophages. The end products of NO are nitrite and nitrate. Their plasma levels are used biochemically to determine nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity. The proliferative capacity of cancer cells accompanies the alteration in oxidant-anti-oxidant status. The risk of breast cancer is decreased in association with an increased level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the erythrocyte membranes. The more the anti-oxidant capacity increases, the more the transformed cells grow. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a lipid peroxidation marker, and low plasma levels of MDA are associated with advanced stages of breast cancer. METHODS: In the present study, the alteration of serum plasma levels of nitrate, nitrite and MDA were determined in patients with stage IIIB breast cancer and controls. RESULTS: It was found that products of NO biosynthesis were higher and plasma MDA levels were lower in patients with breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: It can be stated that in advanced breast cancer, the NO radical production is increased while the lipid metabolism is altered, and these changes can be related to an alteration in oxidant-anti-oxidant status.

Adult↗

Are postoperative drains necessary with the Limberg flap for treatment of pilonidal sinus?

PURPOSE: Different methods for managing pilonidal sinus have been described in the literature. Our purpose was to evaluate the influence of postoperative drainage in Limberg flaps. METHODS: Forty patients with pilonidal sinus undergoing radical excision and reconstruction with Limberg flap between 1994 and 1996 were evaluated prospectively. After patients were assigned randomly to the two groups, the effects of drains were studied statistically in terms of wound complications, hospital stay, and recurrence rate. RESULTS: Except for two minor transient wound dehiscences, in all cases primary healing was achieved. Early wound complication rate was 7.5 percent and recurrence rate was 2.5 percent for both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in early wound complications (P > 0.05). The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the drainage group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that Limberg flaps with no drains in place will result in shorter hospital stays without deleteriously affecting the surgical results of wide excision and primary closure with well-vascularized tissue.

Adolescent↗

The management of hepatic hydatid cysts: review of 94 cases.

In this retrospective study, 94 patients operated for hepatic hydatid cysts were reviewed to compared the advantages and disadvantages of different operative techniques. The patients were divided into four groups according to the type of operation. Group I consisted of 33 patients with peripherally located small cysts, eligible for excision, who underwent cystectomy. Group II consisted of 28 patients with cysts smaller than 5 cm, not suitable for complete removal, who underwent partial cystectomy with capitonnage. Group III were 21 patients with cysts larger than or equal to 5 cm, not suitable for complete removal, who underwent partial cystectomy with omentoplasty. Infection and biliary communication were not seen in groups II and III. Group IV were 12 patients with infected cyst or intrabiliary rupture who underwent partial cystectomy with external drainage. In group IV, hospital stay was longer than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Group I had the shortest hospital stay (P < 0.05). Group IV had the highest morbidity and recurrence rates (P < 0.05). We concluded that cystectomy is the technique of choice in selected patients, as it is associated with low morbidity, low recurrence rates, and short hospital stay. Omentoplasty is preferred if cystectomy is not feasible. If there is biliary contamination and infection, external drainage, rather than omentoplasty, should be performed.

Adolescent↗

Testicular effects of vasectomy in rats: an ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVES: The correlation between infertility and morphofunctional alterations following vasal occlusion is not clearly understood. Although a correlation has been found between the expression of a high titer of antisperm antibodies and the status of infertility, the relationship between the immunoglobulin (Ig) depositions in the testis and ultrastructural alterations of the peritubular structures has not been clearly established. The objective of this study is to explain the etiopathogenesis of diffuse and focal testicular lesions caused by vasal obstruction. METHODS: Unilateral vasectomy was performed on adult male rats. Ultrastructural changes of testicular tissues and immunostaining affinity of peritubular structures with anti-actin, anti-vimentin, anti-laminin, and anti-immunoglobulin G (anti-IgG) antibodies were analyzed. RESULTS: In an ultrastructural study, vasectomized animals presented abundant collagen fibril accumulation in the peritubular area. In testis with intense IgG antibodies, staining revealed weak immunostaining of peritubular myoid cells with anti-actin antibodies, but intense immunostaining with anti-vimentin antibodies. The tubules of rats with no IgG deposition on peritubular structures revealed intense immunostaining with anti-actin antibodies but scant immunostaining with anti-vimentin antibodies. Anti-laminin deposits decreased severely in most of the tubules demonstrating intense IgG deposition. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that spermatogenesis deteriorates more severely in testes with dense IgG deposition. The sclerosis of the lamina propria in cases with vasal occlusion is secondary to alterations in the peritubular myoid cells. With the progressive changes that occur in the peritubular myoid cells or differentiation of the peritubular myoid cells that acquire active cell characteristics, collagen accumulation adjacent to these cells increases markedly. The alterations of the peritubular myoid cells reported here may be caused by alterations in basement membrane structures.

Animals↗

Primary malignant lymphoma of the appendix (a case report and review of the literature).

Authors report a case of a 29-year-old male with primary malignant lymphoma of the appendix with involvement of lymph nodes in the mesenteries. Surgical intervention was performed, adjuvant chemotherapy was applied. No recurrences, metastases or complaints occurred after one year of follow-up. The case is of interest due to the clinical and histopathological diagnostic problems as well as the dimension of the metastatic lymph node in the ileal mesentery.

Adult↗