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Postmastectomy radiotherapy causes capsular contracture due to fibroproliferation of the capsular tissue around the implant. In fibrosis, unlike normal wound healing, structural and functional disorders are observed in the tissues caused by excessive/irregular accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. It has been reported that transforming growth factor-ß3 (TGF-ß3) prevents and reverses fibrosis in various tissues or provides scarless healing with its antifibrotic effect. Additionally, TGF-ß3 has been shown to reduce fibrosis in radiotherapy-induced fibrosis syndrome. However, no study in the literature investigates the effects of exogenously applied TGF-ß3 on capsular contracture in aesthetic or reconstructive breast implant application. TGF-ß3, which has a very short half-life, has low bioavailability with parenteral administration. Within the scope of this study, free TGF-ß3 was loaded into the nanoparticles to increase its low bioavailability and extend its duration of action by providing controlled release. The aim of this study is to investigate the preventive/improving effects of radiation induced capsular contracture using chitosan film formulations containing TGF-ß3 loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-b-PEG) nanoparticles in implant-based breast reconstruction. In the characterization studies of nanoparticles, the particle size and zeta potential of the TGF-ß3-loaded PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticle formulation selected to be used in the treatment group were found to be 123.60 ±â€¯2.09 nm and -34.87 ±â€¯1.42 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of the formulation was calculated as 99.91 %. A controlled release profile was obtained in in vitro release studies. Chitosan film formulations containing free TGF-ß3 or TGF-ß3-loaded PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticles were used in in vivo studies. In animal studies, rats were randomly distributed into 6 groups (n = 8) as sham, implant, implant + radiotherapy, implant + radiotherapy + chitosan film containing unloaded nanoparticles, implant + radiotherapy + chitosan film containing free TGF-ß3, implant + radiotherapy + chitosan film containing TGF-ß3 loaded nanoparticle. In all study groups, a 2 cm incision was made along the posterior axillary line at the thoracic vertebral level in rats to reach the lateral edge of the latissimus dorsi. The fascial attachment to the chest wall was then bluntly dissected to create a pocket for the implants. In the treatment groups, the wound was closed after films were placed on the outer surface of the implants. After administering prophylactic antibiotics, rats were subjected to irradiation with 10 Gy photon beams targeted to each implant site. Each implant and the surrounding excised tissue were subjected to the necessary procedures for histological (capsule thickness, cell density), immunohistochemical, and biochemical (α-SMA, vimentin, collagen type I and type III, TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3: expression level/protein level) examinations. It was determined that the levels of TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3 collagen type III, which decreased as a result of radiotherapy, were brought to the control level with free TGF-ß3 film and TGF-ß3 nanoparticle film formulations. Histological analyses, consistent with biochemical analyses, showed that thick collagen and fibrosis, which increased with radiotherapy, were brought to the control level with free TGF-ß3 film and TGF-ß3 nanoparticle film treatments. In biochemical analyses, the decrease in thick collagen was compatible with the decrease in the collagen type I/type III ratio in the free TGF-ß3 film and TGF-ß3 nanoparticle film groups. Changes in protein expression show that TGF-ß3 loaded nanoparticles are more successful than free TGF-ß3 in wound healing. In line with these results and the literature, it is thought that the balance of TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3 should be maintained to ensure scarless wound healing with no capsule contracture.

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Gel fuels, composed of flammable substances like ethanol and methanol, are commonly used for heating in various settings. Despite their convenience, improper handling can lead to severe burn injuries. This study examines the characteristics of gel fuels, particularly focusing on the "napalm effect" where the fuel continues to burn on surfaces it adheres to. A review of gel fuel burn literature was conducted, along with an analysis of two recent cases admitted to a burn unit. Gel fuel burns, though rare, can result in deep and extensive injuries, especially affecting the hands, face, and upper body. The cases presented highlight the severity of such burns and the challenges in their management, including respiratory complications and the need for early excision and grafting. Gel fuel burns, while infrequent in medical literature, pose significant risks and require specialized care. Further research and possibly regulatory measures may be warranted to mitigate these risks and prevent severe injuries.

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BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSI) are characterized by infections occurring in the surgical incision site, organ or cavity in the postoperative period. Adherence to surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is paramount in mitigating the occurrence of SSIs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of SAP use in patients undergoing surgical procedures in the field of general surgery according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guideline and to determine the difference between the pre-training period (pre-TP) and the post-training period (post-TP) organized according to this guideline. METHODS: It is a single-center prospective study conducted in general surgery wards between January 2022 and May 2023, with 404 patients pre-TP and 406 patients post-TP. RESULTS: Cefazolin emerged as the predominant agent for SAP, favored in 86.8% (703/810) of cases. Appropriate cefazolin dosage increased significantly from 41% (129 patients) in pre-TP to 92.6% (276 patients) in post-TP (p < 0.001), along with a rise in adherence to recommended timing of administration from 42.2% (133 patients) to 62.8% (187 patients) (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients receiving antibiotics during hospitalization in the ward postoperatively decreased post-TP (21-14.3%; p = 0.012), as did antibiotic prescription at discharge (16.8-10.3%; p = 0.008). The incidence of SSI showed a slight increase from 9.9% in pre-TP to 13.3% in post-TP (p = 0.131). CONCLUSIONS: Routine training sessions for surgeons emerged as crucial strategies to optimize patient care and enhance SAP compliance rates, particularly given the burden of clinical responsibilities faced by surgical teams.

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BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the educational and academic quality of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) videos on YouTube® and WebSurg® platforms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: YouTube and WebSurg platforms were searched with the keyword "laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy". According to the exclusion criteria, 12 videos were found on WebSurg. To ensure a 1:1 ratio, the first 12 videos that met the criteria on YouTube were also analyzed. Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria were used to evaluate the reliability of the videos. The non-educational quality of the videos was calculated using the Global Quality Score (GQS), the educational and academic quality of videos was calculated using Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy-specific score (LDP-SS) and Laparoscopic Surgery Video Educational Guidelines scoring system (LAP-VEGaS). RESULTS: The mean JAMA score was 1.58 on YouTube and 2.83 on WebSurg (P < .001). The median GQS was 2 on YouTube and 5 on WebSurg (P < .001). The median LAP-VEGaS score was 8 on YouTube and 14.5 on WebSurg (P < .001). The median LDP-SS score was 6 on YouTube and 9.5 on WebSurg (P = .001). According to the LAP-VEGaS, eleven (91.7%) of the WebSurg videos had a high score of 11 or more (P = .04). According to Spearman correlation analysis, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between LDP-SS and JAMA, GQS and LAP-VEGaS (r: .589, P = .002; r: .648, P = .001; r: .848, P < .001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The WebSurg is superior to the YouTube in terms of educational and academic value, quality, accuracy, reliability and usability in scientific meetings for LDP videos.

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Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) are rare diseases with several similarities. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), a novel index that more accurately depicts inflammatory and immunological balance, in distinguishing between XGC and GBC. This retrospective study included 33 XGC, 22 GBC patients diagnosed according to histopathological findings and 33 age-sex-matched healthy controls at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, General Surgery Department. The demographic, clinical and laboratory findings were recorded. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio and SII were calculated from preoperative complete blood count parameters. The receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to evaluate the utility of SII in differentiating GBC and XGC. A P value < .05 was accepted as statistically significant. The preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio and SII were significantly higher in patients with GBC compared to XGC patients and healthy controls (P < .001, P = .001, P = .001, P < .001, respectively). When receiver operating characteristic analysis was made, the optimal cutoff value of SII was 640 for differential diagnosis of XGC and GBC preoperatively with a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 66.7%, among which the positive likelihood ratio was 2.32, and Youden index was 0.44 (P = .006). The positive predictive value was 60.7%, the negative predictive value was 81.5%, and the diagnostic accuracy was 79.9%. SII may be a valuable, practical, and affordable method to differentiate between XGC and GBC, in addition to clinical and radiological signs, prior to surgery. When supported by prospective trials with a larger study population, distinguishing GBC from XGC using SII preoperatively may lead to a change in the management practice of GBC.

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BACKGROUND: Despite the risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in surgical patients are well defined, primary thromboprophylaxis (TP) can be neglected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of VTE and appropriateness of TP and to assess the effects of education and clinical pharmacy (CP) services. METHODS: This study was conducted in a total of 3 periods (n = 800): pre-education (n = 340), post-education (n = 269) and CP intervention period (n = 191) and the risk of VTE and the appropriateness of TP were evaluated. At the end of pre-education period, patients were re-evaluated after education was given about the guidelines on TP and an educative poster was posted in the services (post-education period). During the CP intervention period, the CP made recommendations in terms of optimal TP use to the physicians in charge. RESULTS: While there was no significant difference in the optimal TP rate administered to the patients before and after education (138/340, 40.6% vs. 122/269, 45.4%; p = 0.238); this rate was increased to 113/191 (59.2%) in the CP intervention period (p = 0.004). High-risk patients who received one type of TP constituted the majority of patients who did not receive optimal TP. While the ratio of high-risk patients undergoing a single type of TP in the pre- and post-education periods (104/340, 30.6% vs. 83/269, 30.9%), was similar (p = 0.819); with the CP interventions, this rate was reduced to 35/191 (18.3%) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Even though education has positive influence on surgeons, the implementation of CP practices is more effective especially in terms of maintaining optimal TP.

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OBJECTIVE: To compare uncultured cell spray and conventional surgery in deep second-degree burns in rats and create an experimental model for the use of this method. STUDY DESIGN: An experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Hacettepe University Experimental Animals Application and Research Center, Ankara, Turkey, from October 2018 to December 2020. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Two deep second-degree burns were created on the dorsal skin in different locations. On the 5th day of the burn wound, a split-thickness skin graft was applied to one of the burn wounds with half of the donor graft. Two-stage enzyme application was performed on the other half of the donor graft and keratinocytes were applied as a spray to the other tangential excision burn wound. Samples taken by excisional biopsy on certain days were examined macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS: In all the experimental groups according to sacrification days, macroscopic healing percentages, non-epithelised areas, inflammation and neovascularisation scoring were similar between graft side and spray side. CONCLUSION: The effects of conventional split-thickness skin graft and uncultured cell spray on wound healing were comparable, suggesting that the uncultured cell spray method can be used as an alternative method to the classical burn treatment. KEY WORDS: Deep second-degree burn, Grafting, autologous cell, Non-cultured cell spray, Keratinocyte.

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Minimally invasive adrenalectomy has become the main treatment modality for most adrenal lesions. Both laparoscopic transabdominal and retroperitoneoscopic approaches are safe and feasible options, each with respective advantages, including better surgical outcomes, fewer complications, and faster recovery over open adrenalectomy. While open surgery remains a valid modality in treatment of adrenocortical cancer in the presence of some findings such as invasion, robotic platforms, and minimally invasive surgery have gained popularity as technology continues to evolve. Organ preservation during adrenalectomy is feasible in some conditions to prevent adrenal insufficiency. Ablative technologies are increasingly utilized in benign and malignant tumors, including the adrenal gland, with various outcomes. A multidisciplinary team, an experienced surgeon, and a high-volume center are recommended for any surgical approaches and management of adrenal lesions. This review article evaluated recent findings and current evidence on minimally invasive adrenalectomy.

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SUMMARY: The aim of this study is to reveal the morphometry of the mental nerve to describe a safe zone for minimizing mental nerve damage during transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy-vestibular approach (TOETVA). This study was performed on 12 cadavers. Localization of mental foramen according to teeth, distances of buccogingival sulcus-lip (BG-L), mental foramen-midline (MF-Midline), mental foramen - buccogingival sulcus (MF - BG), commissure - branching point (Cm - Br), branching point - vertical projection of branching point on lower lip (Br - LVP), vertical projection of branching point on lower lip - commissure (LVP - Cm), commissure - midline (Cm - midline), angles of mental (AM), angular (AA) and labial branches (AL) and branching patterns were recorded. Type 1 was mostly found as branching pattern in this study (45.8 %). A new branching pattern (type 9) was found on one cadaver. Mental foramen was mostly located at level of second premolar teeth. According to morphometric results of this study; supero- lateral to course of angular branch and infero-medial to course of mental branch of mental nerve on lower lip after exiting the mental foramen were described as safe zones during surgery for preserving mental nerve and its branches.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue revelar la morfometría del nervio mental o mentoniano para describir una zona segura y de esta manera, minimizar el daño de este nervio durante la tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral-abordaje vestibular (TOETVA). Este estudio se realizó en 12 cadáveres. Se realizó la localización del foramen mentoniano según los dientes, distancias surco gingival-labio (BG-L), foramen mentoniano-línea mediana (MF-Midline), foramen mentoniano-surco gingival (MF-BG), comisura-punto de ramificación (Cm-Br), punto de bifurcación - pro- yección vertical del punto de bifurcación en el labio inferior (Br - LVP), proyección vertical del punto de bifurcación en el labio inferior - comisura (LVP - Cm), comisura - línea mediana (Cm - línea mediana), ángulos del mentón (AM). Se registraron ramos angulares (AA) y labiales (AL) y patrones de ramificación. El tipo 1 se encontró principalmente como patrón de ramificación en el 45,8 %. Se describe un nuevo patrón de ramificación (tipo 9) encontrado en un cadáver. El foramen mentoniano se localizaba mayoritariamente a nivel de los segundos premolares. Según los resultados morfométricos, supero-lateral al curso de la rama angular e infero-medial al curso de la rama mentoniana del nervio mentoniano en el labio inferior, después de salir del foramen mentoniano, se describieron las zonas seguras, para la cirugía y preservación del nervio mentoniano y de sus ramos.

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