Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) and Colon Cancer: From Concepts and First Experiments to Clinical Application.

Multiple human health-beneficial effects have been related to highly phosphorylated inositol hexaphosphate (IP6). This naturally occurring carbohydrate and its parent compound, -inositol (Ins), are abundantly present in plants, particularly in certain high-fiber diets, but also in mammalian cells, where they regulate important cellular functions. However, the striking and broad-spectrum anticancer activity of IP6, consistently demonstrated in different experimental models, has been in a spotlight of the scientific community dealing with the nutrition and cancer during the last several decades.

Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia Mesh Repair: Effect on Testicular Blood Flow and Sperm Autoimmunity.

BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to determine an influence of incarcerated inguinal hernia mesh repair on testicular circulation and to investigate consequent sperm autoimmunity as a possible reason for infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective study was performed over a 3-year period, and 50 male patients were included; 25 of these patients underwent elective open mesh hernia repair (Group I). Group II consisted of 25 patients who had surgery for incarcerated inguinal hernia.

Antisperm antibodies and testicular blood flow after inguinal hernia mesh repair.

Background: Testicular flow studies after hernia mesh repair mostly showed different outcomes. The reason of infertility in some men after hernia repair is immunological factors. Aim of the study was to investigate the influence of mesh hernia repair on antisperm antibodies production and testicular blood flow and a connection among these parameters.

Analysis of endoloops and endostaples for closing the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy.

Purpose: An inadequate closure of the appendiceal stump can lead to intra-abdominal surgical site infections. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of different closure techniques by focusing on the intraoperative and postoperative complications versus cost.

Methods: From June 2011 to June 2013, 333 patients from two different hospitals undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy were included in this study.

Comparison of thermal damage of the internal thoracic artery using ultra high radiofrequency and monopolar diathermy.

Background: The internal thoracic artery (ITA) has been accepted worldwide as a first choice conduit for myocardial revascularisation. It still remains questionable what is the best method for ITA harvesting in a skeletonized fashion according to structural integrity of artery, as a risk factor of early and late graft failure. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the ultra-high radiofrequency energy used for ITA harvesting on arterial structural integrity, in particular on the endothelial layer.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome complicated with intussusception: enteroscopic polyps resections through laparotomy.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by intestinal hamartomatous polyps in association with mucocutaneous pigmentations. Here we present a case of a 30-year-old woman who was hospitalized and underwent diagnostic procedures because of crampy abdominal pain. Physical examination on admission revealed pigmented spots around lips and on the oral mucosa.

Prognostic value of MVD, LVD and vascular invasion in lymph node-negative colon cancer.

Background/aims: To clarify the influence of microvessel density (MVD), lymphangiogenesis (LVD), and vascular invasion on prognosis in lymph node-negative colon cancer.

Methodology: We performed immunohistochemical analysis from 152 Duke's B colon carcinomas, CD34 and LYVE-1 antibodies. Carcinomas were graded as low or high grade.

Comparison of lateral thermal damage of the human peritoneum using monopolar diathermy, Harmonic scalpel and LigaSure.

Background: New hemostatic technologies are often employed in open and laparoscopic surgery to reduce duration of surgery and complications. Monopolar diathermy, Harmonic scalpel and LigaSure are routinely used in open and laparoscopic surgery for tissue cutting and hemostasis. We compared lateral thermal damage following in vivo application of 3 commonly used instruments.

Squamous metaplasia of the peritoneum: report of a case.

The ability of the peritoneum to undergo metaplasia, especially to Müllerian-type epithelium has been recognized for a long time. The ability of mesothelial cells to modulate cytoskeletal filaments and shape is provided through the distinct form of subserosal cells, called multipotential subserosal cells, that have the function of replicative cells that differentiate into surface epithelium when affected by various stimuli. Rare forms of peritoneal metaplasia include squamous and cartilaginous metaplasia.

Percutaneous embolization of persistent low-output enterocutaneous fistulas.

Objectives: To present and retrospectively evaluate the technique of percutaneous embolization of chronic enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and Lipiodol under fluoroscopic guidance.

Methods: Six patients with a total of seven post-operative low-output ECFs of the large intestine were treated. After fistulography a hydrophilic guide wire and a catheter were advanced through the ECF into the intestine.

Differentiation of inflammatory from non-inflammatory causes of acute scrotum using relatively simple laboratory tests: prospective study.

Objective: The differential diagnosis of an acute scrotum is of great importance in clinical practice and may be difficult in some cases. The aim of this study was to differentiate inflammatory from non-inflammatory causes of acute scrotum using relatively simple laboratory tests which can be performed quickly and easily outside a hospital setting.

Patients And Methods: From 2007 to 2010, 85 boys with acute scrotum were included in this prospective study.

Torsion of epiploic appendage mimic acute appendicitis.

Epiploic appendagitis is a rare cause of focal abdominal pain which, depending on its localisation, can mimic a variety of abdominal diseases. We report a case of 36-year-old woman who presented with a classic signs of acute appendicitis. On examination, the obese, afebrile, and had very strong right iliac fossa tenderness and guarding.

[Clinical recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients with colorectal cancer].

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumour in males and the fourth most common malignancy in women in the Republic of Croatia. It is usually manifested as stool forming disorders, feeling that bowel does not empty completely, finding blood in the stool, weight loss and fatigue. In-time diagnosis, confirmed by pathohistological findings, is cornerstone of successful treatment.

Preperitoneal approach for femoral hernia repair.

Background/aims: Although Lichtenstein's procedure is the standard procedure in surgical hernia treatment, and the role of laparoscopic hernia repair is constantly increasing, preperitoneal approach for femoral hernia repair should be equally considered.

Methodology: After the horizontal incision of transversal fascia, preperitoneal space is visualized. The hernial sac is opened and its content is placed in the abdominal cavity, or if there is a need, resection is performed.

Formation of adhesions at surgical meshes in a rat experimental model.

Abdominal wall hernias are surgical problem that are easily solved with laparoscopic surgery. The determining factor for the success of the operation is the right choice and use of surgical mesh as the support material. The most common complication of surgical mesh placement is the formation of adhesions.

Cyclooxygenase-2 in Dukes B colon cancer.

Background/aims: To demonstrate immunohistochemical expression of COX-2 protein in Dukes B colon cancer and to establish a correlation with clinicopathological parameters such as: age, gender, gradus, presence of vascular invasion and patient's overall survival.

Methodology: We performed immunohistochemical analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded specimens form 152 Dukes B colon carcinomas, using the COX-2 monoclonal antibody. Immunohistochemical results were scored semi-quantitatively.

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach for inguinal hernia repair: a five-year experience at a single center.

Purpose: Laparoscopic hernia repair has emerged as an effective alternative method for treating inguinal hernias. It has several significant advantages over the tension-free open repair now in use. In this report we summarize our laparoscopic hernia repair results and recommendations.

New paradigm in training of undergraduate clinical skills: the NEPTUNE-CS project at the Split University School of Medicine.

Clinical skills' training is arguably the weakest point in medical schools' curriculum. This study briefly describes how we at the Split University School of Medicine cope with this problem. We consider that, over the last decades, a considerable advancement in teaching methodologies, tools, and assessment of students has been made.

Efficacy of IP6 + inositol in the treatment of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: prospective, randomized, pilot clinical study.

Background: Prospective, randomized, pilot clinical study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) + Inositol in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant therapy.

Patients And Methods: Patients with invasive ductal breast cancer where polychemotherapy was indicated were monitored in the period from 2005-2007. Fourteen patients in the same stage of ductal invasive breast cancer were involved in the study, divided in two randomized groups.

Pelvic peritonization after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for low-rectal carcinoma treatment: surgical technique.

Abdominoperineal resection is a standard method of low-rectum carcinoma treatment. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates, which decreased with the development of preoperative diagnostic procedures, new surgical techniques and new surgical instruments. In this article, laparoscopic pelvic peritonization was used after laparoscopic rectum amputation for low-rectum carcinoma treatment.

Use of modified multidetector CT colonography for the evaluation of acute and subacute colon obstruction caused by colorectal cancer: a feasibility study.

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of using CT colonography with a modified procedural protocol for diagnosis and cancer staging in patients with suspected acute or subacute colon obstruction caused by colorectal cancer.

Methods: Following colonic cleansing with lukewarm water enemas, thin-collimation CT colonography was performed on 47 patients (15 women and 32 men, mean age, 68 years) in the precontrast prone position and in the supine position after the intravenous administration of a contrast agent. The surgical and pathologic findings served as a reference standard.

Quality of life analysis after open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair--retrospective study.

Background/aims: An inguinal hernia is a usual medical problem. The golden standard for its treatment is Lichtenstein's repair. But, there are still some dilemmas about inguinal hernia repair technique, including the role of laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma treatment.

Laparoscopic surgery of the stomach is not well accepted in patients with malignant disease. This paper shows the first experiences with this procedure at the Clinical Hospital and Medical School, Split, in two patients with early stage gastric carcinoma. The first patient was a 57 year old man who had had some gastric symptoms for a while.

Harmonic scalpel in transanal microsurgery.

Background/aims: Retrospective clinical study of patients with rectal tumors treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) using Ultracision.

Methods: From 1997-2006 54 patients were treated by excision of the rectal tumors situated in the middle and distal portion, using the harmonic scalpel. We treated 25 male (range 40-76 years) and 29 female (range 46-80 years) patients.