The Inhibitory Effects of Naringin in a Rat Model of Postoperative Intraperitoneal Adhesion Formation

Background. Many attempts have been made to inhibit the formation of postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions, but the results have been discouraging. Therefore, the identification of effective preventative measures or treatments is of great importance. In this study, the substantial potential of naringin (NG) to reduce peritoneal adhesions was validated in a rat model. Materials and Methods. A rat peritoneal adhesion model was established by abrasion of the cecum and its opposite intraperitoneal region under aseptic surgical conditions. After the operation, three groups of NG-treated rats were given 2 mL of NG by gavage at different concentrations (40, 60, or 80 mg/kg/d). The sham, control, and hyaluronan (HA) groups were given equal volumes of normal saline daily. On the 8th day, all rats were sacrificed 30 min after the administration of an activated carbon solution (10 mL/kg) by oral gavage. Intraperitoneal adhesion formation was adequately evaluated by necropsy, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Sirius red staining, immunofluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) probes. The gastrointestinal dynamics of the rats were assessed on the basis of a small intestinal charcoal powder propulsion test and the detection of motilin and gastrin levels in serum. Results. Intraperitoneal adhesions were markedly reduced in the group of rats receiving high-dose NG. Compared with the control group, the high-dose NG group showed clear reductions in inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, collagen deposition, and fibroblast formation in the adhesion tissue and enhanced gastrointestinal dynamics ( P < 0.05). Conclusion. NG alleviated the severity of intraperitoneal adhesions in a rat model by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, collagen deposition, and fibroblast formation, highlighting the potential of NG as a drug candidate to prevent postoperative peritoneal adhesion formation.

Prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions using striae gravidarum and scar characteristics in women undergoing repeated cesarean sections

Background The current fact of increasing rates of cesarean deliveries is a catastrophe. Recurrent cesareans result in intraperitoneal adhesions that would lead to maternal morbidity during delivery. Great efforts are directed towards the prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions to provide the best care for laboring women. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of abdominal striae and cesarean scar characters in the prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions. Methods This was a case- control study conducted in the emergency ward of the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary hospital from June to December 2019. The study was carried on patients admitted to the ward fulfilling particular inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study included two groups, group one was assessed for the presence of striae, and the degree of intraperitoneal adhesions was evaluated during the current cesarean section. Group two included patients without evidence of abdominal striae. They were evaluated for the severity of adhesions also after evaluation of the previous scar. Evaluation of the striae was done using Davey’s scoring system. The scar was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale. The modified Nair’s scoring system was used to evaluate intraperitoneal adhesions. Results The study group included 203 women, while the control group included 205 women. There were significant differences in the demographic characters of the recruited patients (p-value 0.001 for almost all variables). The mean Davey score in those with mild, moderate, and severe striae was 1.82 ± 0.39, 3.57 ± 0.5, and 6.73 ± 0.94, respectively (p-value < 0.001). Higher scores for the parameters of the Vancouver scale were present in patients with severe striae (1.69 ± 1.01, 1.73 ± 0.57, 2.67 ± 1.23, and 1.35 ± 1.06 for scar vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and height respectively with a p-value of < 0.001 each). Thick intraperitoneal adhesions were noted significantly in women with severe striae [21 (43.75%), p-value < 0.001)]. The Davey’s and Vancouver scores showed highly significant predictive performance in the prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion Abdominal striae and cesarean scar were significant predictors for intraperitoneal adhesions.

Tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in the peritoneal fluid in patients with peritonitis – is the key towards intraperitoneal adhesions and complications?

IntroductionThe concentrations of tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in the peritoneal fluid and blood plasma in patients with peritonitis were examined. The fibrinogenesis of the peritoneal cavity is not well-known although it is regarded as the main cause of intraperitoneal adhesions and the complications that arise from this.Materials and methodsThe study enrolled a group of 77 consecutive patients with peritonitis, 28 women and 49 men aged 18–79 years (with an average age of 45 ±18 years). The patients were divided into 2 subgroups: those with complications (n = 64) and those without (n = 13). Concentrations of TF and TFPI in the peritoneal fluid and blood plasma of patients were examined.ResultsIn the peritoneal fluid, patients with complications had a higher concentration of TF (p < 0.007), but a lower concentration of TFPI (p < 0.0006). In blood plasma, TF was higher but TFPI was lower (p < 0.00001 in both). The area under curve (AUC) for TF and TFPI was 0.763 and 0.93 respectively, the cut-off point was 809.08 pg/mL and 21.6 pg/mL, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for TF was 68% and 75% and for TFPI, 80% and 85%, respectively.ConclusionsThe data can be taken as an example of cross-linking between extravascular coagulation and intraperitoneal adhesions. On the basis of TF and TFPI, it is clearly illustrated that there is some connection between coagulation and peritoneal fibrinogenesis, which could be involved in the pathogenesis of many complications in abdominal surgery and also indicate therapeutic targets.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Abdominal Wall Pexy of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter

Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD) for rural patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is convenient, efficient, and durable. However, patients with a history of previous abdominal surgeries or peritonitis are at an increased risk of PD malfunction. This case highlights the impact of securing the catheter to the abdominal wall laparoscopically to keep the PD catheter in an adhesion-free area to maintain patency and function in a patient with extensive intraperitoneal adhesions. Subject A 76-year-old white male was on PD which later was complicated with peritonitis and sepsis and subsequent catheter removal. A year later, the patient desired replacement of the PD catheter. Intraoperatively, diagnostic laparoscopy revealed significant intraperitoneal adhesions mainly located at the left side of the abdomen with the right side of the abdomen spared. The Tenckhoff PD catheter, which was straightened by a steel stylet, was inserted via a 5-mm trocar. The stylet was removed. The pig tail of the PD catheter was navigated away from the adhesion and directed to the right side of the abdomen for internal fixation. The catheter at 9 cm from the PD catheter cuff was attached to the right paramedian peritoneum. Results PD started 1 week after placement. The patient had excellent inflow and outflow for 14 months to date without complication or need for revision. Conclusion The laparoscopic pexy of the PD catheter to the abdominal wall to keep the catheter in an adhesion-free compartment is beneficial in selected patients. A future study with a larger number of patients is needed to further validate this strategy.

Prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions using striae gravidarum and scar characteristics in women undergoing repeated cesarean sections

Background: The current fact of increasing rates of cesarean deliveries is a catastrophe. Recurrent cesareans result in intraperitoneal adhesions that would lead to maternal morbidity during delivery. Great efforts are directed towards the prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions to provide the best care for laboring women. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of abdominal striae and cesarean scar characters in the prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions.Methods: This was a case- control study conducted in the emergency ward of the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary hospital from June to December 2019. The study was carried on patients admitted to the ward fulfilling particular inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study included two groups, group one was assessed for the presence of striae, and the degree of intraperitoneal adhesions was evaluated during the current cesarean section. Group two included patients without evidence of abdominal striae. They were evaluated for the severity of adhesions also after evaluation of the previous scar. Evaluation of the striae was done using Davey's scoring system. The scar was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale. The modified Nair's scoring system was used to evaluate intraperitoneal adhesions.Results: The study group included 203 women, while the control group included 205 women. There were significant differences in the demographic characters of the recruited patients (p-value 0.001 for almost all variables). The mean Davey score in those with mild, moderate, and severe striae was 1.82 ± 0.39, 3.57 ± 0.5, and 6.73 ± 0.94, respectively (p-value <0.001). Higher scores for the parameters of the Vancouver scale were present in patients with severe striae (1.69 ± 1.01, 1.73 ± 0.57, 2.67 ± 1.23, and 1.35 ± 1.06 for scar vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and height respectively with a p-value of <0.001 each). Thick intraperitoneal adhesions were noted significantly in women with severe striae [21 (43.75%), p-value <0.001)]. The Davey's and Vancouver scores showed highly significant predictive performance in the prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions (p-value < 0.001).Conclusion: Abdominal striae and cesarean scar were significant predictors for intraperitoneal adhesions.

Is striae gravidarum related to cesarean scar and peritoneal adhesions?

Objectives: Determination of the relationship among the peritoneal adhesions, cesarean scar and striae gravidarum. Study Design: Cross sectional Study. Settings: Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Period: June 2018 to May 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 150 cases of cesarean section which presented at gynecology and obstetrics department of Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur were involved in this study. Davey scoring system was applied in order to determine the severity of striae gravidarum. Intraperitoneal adhesions were classified into five subcategories on the basis of Modified Blauer classification. Grouping was done on the random basis. Three groups were made. Group 1 consisted of the women with no striae gravidarum, group 2 had women with number of striae gravidarum from mild to moderate and group 3 had women of severe number of striae gravidarum. Comparison between different groups was done using the Mann-Whitney and student T test. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for quantitative variables while qualitative variables were assessed by their frequency and percentage. Statistically significant P value was 0.05 or less. Results: Intraperitoneal adhesions of grade 2-4, pigmentations and keliods were frequent in group 2 and 3 but the difference between these groups was not statistically significant (p-value 0.517, 0.427 and 0.372, respectively). There was no difference present among the group regarding the appearance of scar as well (p=0.541). As far as the length and width of the scar was concerned, the length was relatively more in patients of group 3 while width was relatively more in patients of group 1 but there were no statistically significant differences (Table-II) (p=0.289 and p=0.248 respectively). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is no association between intraperitoneal adhesions and striae gravidarum but correlation between scar characteristics and striae gravidarum are evident.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy following multiple failed endoscopic sleeve gastroplasties

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a new obesity control modality. Limited data are available to describe post ESG findings and approaches to surgically revise this procedure. Two female patients with persistent obesity despite multiple ESG procedures underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Pre- and post-ESG, LSG body mass index (BMI), weight, and excess weight loss percentage (EWL%) were recorded. Endoscopic findings and revisional LSG technique were carefully documented. Pre-ESG BMI of the patients were 44 and 52 kg/m2. Pre-LSG BMI were 44.6 and 50 kg/m2. Pre-LSG gastroscopy and laparoscopy revealed complete dehiscence of ESG sutures with full-thickness invasion of these sutures and titanium clips through the gastric wall and some intraperitoneal adhesions. At 7-month follow-up, BMI are 40.3 and 35.7 kg/m2 and EWL% are 39 and 43%, respectively. This is the first study reporting LSG following failed ESG. ESG can lead to significant complications. LSG is achievable post-ESG and has superior results to it.

Does an increased number of cesarean sections result in greater risk for mother and baby in low-risk, late preterm and term deliveries?

Objective: To compare surgical complications and maternal and neonatal outcomes of low-risk, late preterm and term pregnant women who have had one or two previous cesarean sections (CSs) with those who have had three or more CSs. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 850 patients undergoing repeat CS at a tertiary level maternity hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Of those, 380 had previously undergone one or two CSs (Group-I: second or third CS) and 470 had previously undergone three or four CSs (Group-II: fourth or fifth CS). Outcomes and complications were compared between the groups. Results: The two groups were statistically significantly different in terms of maternal age, parity, body mass index, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, and length of hospital stay (all p<0.001). Although the prevalence of intraperitoneal adhesions and placenta previa was higher in Group-II than in Group-I (p<0.001), there was no statistically significant difference in terms of cesarean hysterectomy and adjacent organ injuries (p>0.05). There were also no significant differences between the groups in terms of neonatal outcomes (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although the increase in the number of CSs appears to be associated with intraperitoneal adhesions and placenta previa, adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were not observed in those women with low-risk pregnancies who underwent CS for the fourth or fifth time. Therefore, fourth and fifth CSs may be considered relatively safe surgical procedures in this cohort. How to cite this:Hancerliogullari N, Yaman S, Aksoy RT, Tokmak A. Does an increased number of cesarean sections result in greater risk for mother and baby in low-risk, late preterm and term deliveries? Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.1.364 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.