Postoperative delirium:A tragedy for elderly cancer patients

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Hu et al entitled“Predictive modeling for postoperative delirium in elderly patients with abdominal malignancies using synthetic minority oversampling technique”.We wanted to draw attention to the general features of postoperative delirium(POD)as well as the areas where there are uncertainties and contradictions.POD can be defined as acute neurocognitive dysfunction that occurs in the first week after surgery.It is a severe postoperative complication,especially for elderly oncology patients.Although the underlying pathophysiological mechanism is not fully understood,various neuroinflammatory mechanisms and neurotransmitters are thought to be involved.Various assessment scales and diagnostic methods have been proposed for the early diagnosis of POD.As delirium is considered a preventable clinical entity in about half of the cases,various early prediction models developed with the support of machine learning have recently become a hot scientific topic.Unfortunately,a model with high sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of POD has not yet been reported.This situation reveals that all health personnel who provide health care services to elderly patients should approach patients with a high level of awareness in the perioperative period regarding POD.

Traumatic brain injury and palliative care:a retrospective analysis of 49 patients receiving palliative care during 2013–2016 in Turkey

Traumatic brain injury（TBI）,which is seen more in young adults,affects both patients and their families.The need for palliative care in TBI and the limits of the care requirement are not clear.The aim of this study was to investigate the length of stay in the palliative care center（PCC）,Turkey,the status of patients at discharge,and the need for palliative care in patients with TBI.The medical records of 49 patients with TBI receiving palliative care in PCC during 2013–2016 were retrospectively collected,including age and gender of patients,the length of stay in PCC,the cause of TBI,diagnosis,Glasgow Coma Scale score,Glas gow Outcome Scale score,Karnofsky Performance Status score,mobilization status,nutrition route（oral,percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy）,pressure ulcers,and discharge status.These patients were aged 45.4 ± 20.2 years.The median length of stay in the PCC was 34.0 days.These included TBI patients had a Glasg ow Coma Scale score ≤ 8,were not mobilized,received tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy nutrition,and had pressure ulcers.No difference was found between those who were discharged to their home or other places（rehabilitation centre,intensive care unit and death） in respect of mobilization,percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy,tracheostomy and pressure ulcers.TBI patients who were followed up in PCC were determined to be relatively young patients（45.4 ± 20.2 years） with mobilization and nutrition problems and pressure ulcer formation.As TBI patients have complex health conditions that require palliative care from the time of admittance to intensive care unit,provision of palliative care services should be integrated with clinical applications.

Adipose-derived stem cells in the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases and sepsis

Determination of the mesenchymal stem cells is one of the greatest and most exciting achievements that tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have achieved.Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(AD-MSC)are easily isolated and cultured for a long time before losing their stem cell characteristics,which are self-renewal and pluripotency.AD-MSC are mesenchymal stem cells that have pluripotent lineage characteristics.They are easily accessible,and the fraction of stem cells in the adipose tissue lysates is highest among all other sources of mesenchymal stem cells.It is also HLA-DR negative and can be transplanted allogenically without the need for immunosuppression.These advantages have popularized its use in many fields including plastic reconstructive surgery.However,in the field of hepatology and liver transplantation,the progress is slower.AD-MSC have the potential to modulate inflammation,ameliorate ischemia-reperfusion injury,and support liver and biliary tract regeneration.These are very important for the treatment of various hepatobiliary diseases.Furthermore,the anti-inflammatory potential of these cells has paramount importance in the treatment of sepsis.We need alternative therapeutic approaches to treat end-stage liver failure.AD-MSC can provide a means of therapy to bridge to definitive therapeutic alternatives such as liver transplantation.Here we propose to review theoretic applications of AD-MSC in the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases and sepsis.

Comparison of Nasal and Frontal BIS Monitoring in Neurosurgery: Does the Site of Sensor Placement Affect the BIS Values?

Background and Goal of Study: Intraoperative awareness is a serious but preventable complication of general anaesthesia. Bispectral index (BIS) is the most widely used method monitoring anaesthesia depth. BIS monitoring requires attachment of forehead sensors, which poses a challenge when the surgical field involves the forehead. We aimed to compare the gold standard forehead position of BIS sensors with an alternative position across the nasal dorsum for neurosurgical procedures. Materials and Methods: After ethical committee approval and informed consent were obtained, 62 patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Frontal and nasal BIS values were compared in all patients. Results and Discussion: The mean BIS value from frontal versus nasal sensors was 49 ± 22 and 49 ± 21 respectively (n: 62). These values were statistically correlated (ICC 0.78, p < 0.001) indicating that nasal BIS measurement does not present a disadvantage for routine use when needed. Conclusion: Our data reveal that for measuring anesthesia depth, BIS sensor placement on the nasal dorsum shows comparable efficiency in comparison to standard frontal

Plasma Concentrations of Some Trace Element and Heavy Metals in Patients with Metastatic Colon Cancer

Purpose: It is well known that trace elements and heavy metals play a significant role in human health and disease. These elements play an important role in different metabolic pathways of cells and tissues. Trace element deficiency or excess is implicated in the development or progression of some cancers. We present a study which investigates serum/ plasma levels of trace-heavy elements in metastatic colon cancer patients and healthy subjects. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 29 healthy subjects and 40 patients with metastatic colon cancer in Oncology Department of Medical School of Yuzuncu Yil University. In both groups, the serum levels of copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd) were determined. Results: Higher levels of Cu, Mg, Pb, Cr, Zn, Mn and Cd were seen in patients with metastatic colon cancer compared to healthy subjects and these findings were statistically significant (p 0.05). Se levels were noted to be lower in patients with colon cancer in comparison to healthy subjects and this finding was also statistically significant (p 0.05). Conclusions: According to our findings there was significant diffence in trace elements and heavy metals levels between healthy subjects and metastatic colon cancer patients. Therefore heavy metal and trace elements may have prognostic significance in complex disorders including colon cancer. However, further comprehensive studies are needed in order to advance our understanding of the relationship between heavy metal and trace elements and their role in cancers.

Effect of pH,lactate,electrolyte,and strong ion difference variability on prediction of intensive care unit mortality:A retrospective study

Objective:To investigate the effect of the variability of Nas,Cls,Ks,lactate values and sodium effect(NaEffect),chloride effect(ClEffect),non-lactate strong ion difference(SIDnl)values calculated according to Stewart’s approach on predicting intensive care unit(ICU)mortality.Methods:The study was conducted on 1539 patients,retrospectively.Serum Na(Nas),serum Cl(Cls),serum K(Ks),serum Ca(Cas),serum Mg(Mgs),lactate,pH values and SIDnl,NaEffect,ClEffect,APACHEⅡ(first,last),and SOFA(first,last)scores were recorded.Radiometer ABL 800(Denmark)was used for blood gas analysis.The variability of each parameter was calculated.The effect of variability of each parameter on 30-day ICU mortality was analyzed.Results:The variability of lactate(P<0.001,OR=0.580,95%CI=0.505-0.652),pH(P=0.001,OR=0.004,95%CI=0.000-0.104),NaEffect(P<0.001,OR=0.550,95%CI=0.378-0.592),Ks(P<0.001,OR=0.385,95%CI=0.244-0.565)values were protective factors of ICU mortality and Cls value was a risk factor(P=0.004,OR=1.095,95%CI=1.024-1.164).Variability of ClEffect,SIDnl values did not affect ICU mortality.Conclusions:The variability of electrolytes is important.Electrolyte,effects,and lactate variability can guide treatment and fluid applications in ICU.

Goal-directed fluid therapy in gastrointestinal cancer surgery:A prospective randomized study

Objective:To investigate the effects of perioperative goal-directed fluid therapy(GDFT)on intraoperative fluid balance,postoperative morbidity,and mortality.Methods:This is a prospective randomized study,and 90 patients who underwent elective open gastrointestinal cancer surgery between April 2017 and May 2018 were included.Patients were randomized into 2 groups that received liberal fluid therapy(the LFT group,n=45)and goal-directed fluid therapy(the GDFT group,n=45).Patients’Colorectal Physiologic and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity(CR-POSSUM)physiological score,Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI),perioperative vasopressor and inotrope use,postoperative AKIN classification,postoperative intensive care unit(ICU)hospitalization,hospital stay,and 30-day mortality were recorded.Results:The volume of crystalloid used perioperatively and the total volume of fluid were significantly lower in the GDFT group compared to the LFT group(P<0.05).CR-POSSUM physiological score and CCI were significantly higher in the GDFT group(P<0.05).Although perioperative vasopressor and inotrope use was significantly higher in the GDFT group(P<0.05),postoperative acute kidney injury development was not affected.Postoperative mortality was determined to be similar in both groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Although GDFT was demonstrated to be a good alternative method to LFT in open gastrointestinal cancer surgery,and it can prevent perioperative fluid overload,and the postoperative results are comparable in the two groups.

Intensive care outcomes of refugee patients in Turkey between 2013 and 2019: A retrospective descriptive study

Objectives:To assess the outcomes of the intensive care of Syrian refugees under temporary protection (SRUTP). Methods: The sample of the study was composed of 110 SRUTP patients who were treated at a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) between 2013 and 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey. Baseline information and clinical data of the patients were collected by scanning the hospital's electronic database and clinical decision support system. Results:The mean length of ICU stay was 97.6 (36.3-187.8) h. Among the patients, 71 (64.5%) had comorbid diseases, and ICU mortality was 40%. The median cost of health care for each patient was 2144 (1060-4471) USD, and the total health care cost of all patients was 534012USD. Conclusions: Use of vasoactive drug, hemodialysis application, and low Glasgow Coma Scale scores are independent risk factors of the mortality. More researches are needed to clearly reveal the health and cost consequences of war.

Oxidative stress and its complications in human health

Under normal physiological conditions, a homeostatic balance exists between the formation of oxgyen radicals (ROS) and their removal by endogenous scavenging antioxidants. An imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants that is in favor of the oxidants potentially leading to damage is termed “oxidative stress”. Mitochondria are a major producer of ROS, which mainly consists of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. Especially, during systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, septic shock, there is an overproduction of ROS while the natural antioxidant mechanisms are weakened, mainly because of endothelial cell damage. General anesthesia can impair the immunological defense mechanisms while inducing an inflammatory reaction in alveolar macrophages. In chronic diseases and high mortality situations like sepsis, oxidative/antioxidative equilibrium shifts to the direction of oxidative stress. When elderly patients with chronic diseases and patients with sepsis undergo surgical operations, anesthesia and anesthetic agents used increases the oxidative stress in addition to the surgical trauma. Thence many studies are ongoing on the antioxidant drugs and enzymes. We must never forget to take the oxidative stress of our patients into account while planning their treatments.

<i>Raoultella planticola</i>Bacteremia-Induced Fatal Septic Shock and Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy in a Patient with Pancreatic Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Raoultella planticola is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in water and soil and considered to be a rare and possibly underestimated cause of severe human infection. Its presence should be suspected in older patients with a history of cancer, immune suppression and recent exposure to traumatic injuries or invasive medical procedures. Case presentation: A 78-year-old male with a history of hypertension was diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) was performed afterwards. On the 8th day of surgery, the patient was admitted to our tertiary ICU with septic shock. His initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 12 with predicted mortality 95.7%. Empirical antibiotic therapy with colymicin, meropenem and teikoplanin was administered immediately and two sets of blood cultures were obtained. Patient developed refractory septic shock despite the addition of vasopressin and the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate. Patient died on the third day of sepsis. His blood culture was positive for R. planticola, which was identified using the VITEK-2 biochemical identification system. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of fatal unusual infections in immunocompromised patients.

Female infertility and laparoscopic surgery: A series of 415 operations at the Yaounde Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Cameroon

Objective: To describe the practice of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of infertility at the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetrics and Pediatric Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study with retrolective data collection. All patients who underwent laparoscopy for infertility with a complete file were recruited. Data were collected on a pre-established form and analyzed with Microsoft Excel 2007 software. Results: Six hundred and thirty-three women, representing 6.9% of gynecologic operations, underwent laparoscopic surgery during the study period. Infertility accounted for 69.8% (442 cases) of the indications. Four hundred and fifteen files were analyzed. The commonest intraoperative findings were: tubo-peritoneal adhesions (71.6%), hydrosalpinx with distal tubal occlusion (41.5%), peri-hepatic adhesions (22.4%), uterine fibroids (20.2%) and tubal phimosis (14.0%). Adhesiolysis, neosalpingostomy and fimbrioplasty were the commonest surgical gestures. At the end of the procedure, the best tube was staged as favorable in 57.6% of our patients. A complication rate of 4.3% was observed. Conclusion: Infertility is the main indication for laparoscopic surgery in our setting. The main operative findings are tubo-peritoneal adhesions and hydrosalpinx. The most practiced tubal surgical gesture is neosalpingostomy. Half of the recruited women have a favorable stage for the best tube. The complication rate is low.

Comparison between intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine and levobupivacaine for ambulatory knee arthroscopy

AIM: To compare the effect of hyperbaric levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on the quality of the block, patient satisfaction, and discharge time in patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery under unilateral spinal anesthesia.METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two patients, American Society of Anaesthesiologists Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective ambulatory knee arthroscopy were randomly assigned to four double-blind groups. To achieve a unilateral spinal block, Group BF received 5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 20 μg of fentanyl intrathecally, Group LF received 5 mg of hyperbaric levobupivacaine plus 20 μg of fentanyl intrathecally, Group B received 5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine intrathecally, and Group L received 5 mg of hyperbaric levobupivacaine intrathecally. The level and duration of the sensory block, the intensity and duration of the motor block, the time to first analgesic requirement, and the time elapsed until the patient's discharge were recorded. Hemodynamic values and adverse effects were also recorded. RESULTS: The duration of time needed to reach the T12 dermatome level was significantly longer in Group L [7(3-20) min] than in Group B [6(3-12) min](P = 0.006). The maximum sensory level reached on the side undergoing the operation was significantly higher in Group BF than in Group B(P < 0.05). The intensity of the motor blockade was greater in Group BF than in Group LF and L. Complete recovery from motor blockade occurred earlier in Groups LF [75(45-165) min] and L [63(35-120) min] than in Group BF [115(60-180) min](P < 0.05). The length of time needed for the sensory block to regress to the level of S2 was shorter in Group L(154 ± 50) than in Group BF(192 ± 66)(P < 0.05). The quality of the block was significantly lower in Group L than in Groups BF, LF and B(P = 0.012, P = 0.003, and P < 0.001, respectively). The time elapsed until Visual Analog Scale ≥ 4 was significantly shorter in Group L(110 ± 48) than in Groups BF(200 ± 60), LF(156 ± 61) and B(162 ± 52)(P < 0.05). The time elapsed until the patient's discharge was shorter in Groups B(244 ± 54) and L(229 ± 55) than in Group BF(288 ± 64)(P = 0.021 and P = 0.001, respectively). There were no differences among the groups regarding hemodynamic parameters and adverse events, except for pruritus. The occurrence of pruritus was significantly more frequent in Groups BF and LF than in other groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, 5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine and 5 mg of hyperbaric levobupivacaine plus 20 μg of fentanyl provided a better spinal anesthesia than 5 mg of hyperbaric levobupivacaine alone.

Effect of age on computed tomography findings:Specificity and sensitivity in coronavirus disease 2019 infection

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus in 2019.Although the real-time reverse transcription PCR test for viral nucleic acids is the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis,computed tomography(CT)has grown in importance.AIM To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of thoracic CT findings of COVID-19 pneumonia according to age groups.METHODS PCR and CT results from 411 patients were reviewed.The diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia was made by three radiologists.Lymphadenopathy,pericardial effusion,pleurisy,pleural thickening,pleural effusion,location features of the lesions,ground glass,consolidation,air bronchogram,vascular enlargement,bronchial dilatation,halo finding,inverted halo sign,nodularity,air bubble,subpleural band(curvilinear density),reticular density,crazy paving pattern,and fibrosis findings were recorded.The patients were divided into nine groups by decades while calculating the sensitivity,specificity,and diagnostic efficacy for CT positivity.RESULTS The mean age of the cases was 48.1±22.7 years.The CT finding with the highest diagnostic power was ground glass.Vascular enlargement and bronchial dilatation followed ground glass.Pericardial effusion was the finding with the lowest diagnostic accuracy.The incidence of lymphadenopathy,pleurisy,pleural thickening,peripheral localization,bilateral,ground glass,vascular enlargement,bronchial dilatation,subpleural band,reticular density,crazy paving appearance,and fibrosis all increased increase significantly with age in patients with positive real-time reverse transcription PCR test.CONCLUSION There are few publications comparing sensitivity and specificity of thoracic CT findings according to age.In cases of COVID-19 pneumonia,there is an increase in the variety and frequency of CT findings with age,and parallel to this the sensitivity and specificity of the findings increase.COVID-19 cases in the pediatric age group have fewer lung findings than adults,and this situation decreases the diagnostic value of CT in pediatric patients.

Epidemiology and risk factors for mortality in critically ill patients with pancreatic infection

Background:The AbSeS-classification defines specific phenotypes of patients with intra-abdominal infection based on the(1)setting of infection onset(community-acquired,early onset,or late-onset hospital-acquired),(2)presence or absence of either localized or diffuse peritonitis,and(3)severity of disease expression(infection,sepsis,or septic shock).This classification system demonstrated reliable risk stratification in intensive care unit(ICU)patients with intra-abdominal infection.This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of ICU patients with pancreatic infection and assess the relationship between the components of the AbSeS-classification and mortality.Methods:This was a secondary analysis of an international observational study(“AbSeS”)investigating ICU patients with intra-abdominal infection.Only patients with pancreatic infection were included in this analysis(n=165).Mortality was defined as ICU mortality within 28 days of observation for patients discharged earlier from the ICU.Relationships with mortality were assessed using logistic regression analysis and reported as odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(CI).Results:The overall mortality was 35.2%(n=58).The independent risk factors for mortality included older age(OR=1.03,95%CI:1.0 to 1.1 P=0.023),localized peritonitis(OR=4.4,95%CI:1.4 to 13.9 P=0.011),and persistent signs of inflammation at day 7(OR=9.5,95%CI:3.8 to 23.9,P<0.001)or after the implementation of additional source control interventions within the first week(OR=4.0,95%CI:1.3 to 12.2,P=0.013).Gramnegative bacteria were most frequently isolated(n=58,49.2%)without clinically relevant differences in microbial etiology between survivors and non-survivors.Conclusions:In pancreatic infection,a challenging source/damage control and ongoing pancreatic inflammation appear to be the strongest contributors to an unfavorable short-term outcome.In this limited series,essentials of the AbSeS-classification,such as the setting of infection onset,diffuse peritonitis,and severity of disease expression,were not associated with an increased mortality risk.

Endovascular treatment of carotid cavernous sinus fistula: A systematic review

Carotid cavernous sinus fistulas are abnormal communications between the carotid system and the cavernous sinus. Several classification schemes have described carotid cavernous sinus fistulas according to etiology, hemodynamic features, or the angiographic arterial architecture. Increased pressure within the cavernous sinus appears to be the main factor in pathophysiology. The clinical features are related to size, exact location, and duration of the fistula, adequacy and route of venous drainage and the presence of arterial/venous collaterals. Noninvasive imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, Doppler) is often used in the initial workup of a possible carotid cavernous sinus fistulas. Cerebral angiography is the gold standard for the definitive diagnosis, classification, and planning of treatment for these lesions. The endovascular approach has evolved as the mainstay therapy for definitive treatment in situations including clinical emergencies. Conservative treatment, surgery and radiosurgery constitute other management options for these lesions.

Acute right lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age:Clinical clues

AIM: To study possible gynecological organ pathologies in the differential diagnosis of acute right lower abdominal pain in patients of reproductive age.

Protective effects of intravenous anesthetics on kidney tissue in obstructive jaundice

AIM: To evaluate the protective effects on kidney tissue of frequently used intravenous anesthetics (ketamine, propofol, thiopental, and fentanyl) in rats with obstructive jaundice.

Does the intrathecal propofol have a neuroprotective effect on spinal cord ischemia?

The neuroprotective effects of propofol have been confirmed. However, it remains unclear whether intrathecal administration of propofol exhibits neuroprotective effects on spinal cord ischemia. At 1 hour prior to spinal cord ischemia, propofol（100 and 300 μg） was intrathecally administered in rats with spinal cord ischemia. Propofol pre-treatment greatly improved rat pathological changes and neurological function deficits at 24 hours after spinal cord ischemia. These results suggest that intrathecal administration of propofol exhibits neuroprotective effects on spinal cord structural and functional damage caused by ischemia.

Effect of laparoscopic abdominal surgery on splanchnic circulation: Historical developments

With the developments in medical technology and increased surgical experience, advanced laparoscopic surgical procedures are performed successfully. Laparoscopic abdominal surgery is one of the best examples of advanced laparoscopic surgery (LS). Today, laparoscopic abdominal surgery in general surgery clinics is the basis of all abdominal surgical interventions. Laparoscopic abdominal surgery is associated with systemic and splanchnic hemodynamic alterations. Inadequate splanchnic perfusion in critically ill patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still not well understood. With experience and with an increase in the number and diversity of the resulting data, the pathophysiology of laparoscopic abdominal surgery is now better understood. The normal physiology and pathophysiology of local and systemic effects of laparoscopic abdominal surgery is extremely important for safe and effective LS. Future research projects should focus on the interplay between the physiological regulatory mechanisms in the splanchnic circulation (SC), organs, and diseases. In this review, we discuss the effects of laparoscopic abdominal surgery on the SC.

Anesthetic management of the SRS^(TM) endoscopic stapling system for gastro-esophageal reflux disease

The SRS TM Endoscopic Stapling System(Medigus,Tel Aviv,Israel) is a new tool capable of creating a totally endoscopic fundoplication,combined with an endoscope,endoscopic ultrasound and a surgical stapler.SRS TM endoscopic stapling for gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a minimally invasive,outpatient procedure,which requires general anesthesia with positive-pressure ventilation.Keeping the patient on positive endexpiratory pressure(PEEP) may minimize the pressure gradient between the esophagus and the mediastinum,as well as help to prevent air from leaking around the screws and causing pneumomediastinum.In addition,in patients with hiatal hernia,higher PEEP levels may be required to increase intra-thoracic pressure and to force the stomach to slide into the abdomen for ease of endoscopy.We advise smoother emergence from anesthesia,taking precautions for retching,postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV),while coughing and gagging during extubation and PONV may affect the success of the procedure.Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil seems to be a good choice for these reasons.