Objectives: Postoperative seroma is a common complication following breast surgery and axillary dissection. This issue persists despite attempts to prevent seroma, including intraoperative fibrin isolation, application of thrombin spray, fascia treatment techniques, and shoulder immobilization. This study aims to evaluate the impact of pressure wound dressings on the development of postoperative seroma after axillary dissection. Methods: This is a randomized, controlled prospective study involving 63 patients. Pressure wound dressings were applied to patients in the intervention group (n=32), while standard dressings were applied to those in the control group (n=31). Both groups were compared regarding the postoperative length of stay for the drain catheter, the amount of drainage, duration of hospital stay, postoperative pain levels on the 1st, 3rd, and 10th days, as well as rates of reoperation and rehospitalization. Results: The study indicated that the daily and total fluid drainage was significantly lower in the pressure wound dressing group. Moreover, postoperative pain scores on the 1st, 3rd, and 10th days, as well as the duration of hospital stay for patients after surgery, were notably lower in this group. Conclusions: The use of pressure wound dressings significantly reduces fluid drainage and postoperative pain in patients undergoing axillary dissection. This approach holds promise for decreasing postoperative complications.
Objectives: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common condition in emergency departments and can be fatal if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels and Glasgow Blatchford Score (GBS) and AIMS65 scores, as well as its impact on assessing morbidity and mortality in patients presenting to the emergency department with gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods: The research involved 103 eligible patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding. ETCO2 measurements were taken on admission and data on hospitalization, GBS/AIMS65 scores, endoscopically detected active bleeding and 30-day mortality were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed on the collected data. Results: When ETCO2 values obtained from the patients were compared according to hospitalization status, GBS score, AIMS65 score, presence of endoscopically detected active bleeding and mortality status; ETCO2 levels were significantly lower in patients with active bleeding, those who died, patients with AIMS65 scores ≥2, and those with GBS scores ≥12 (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that ETCO2 levels are significantly lower in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in those with active bleeding, high mortality risk, and elevated GBS or AIMS65 scores. ETCO2 may serve as a rapid and practical marker for assessing hypovolemia and clinical status in emergency settings.
Abstract Purpose: Cancer is a global health problem that threatens lives worldwide. Awareness of cancer diagnosis varies over time. It differs according to the attitudes of societies, and there are not enough studies on this subject in Turkey, a Eurasian country. Methods: Between January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2018, 159 newly diagnosed cancer patients who were admitted to the DEÜTF Medical Oncology Outpatient Clinic were included in the study. In order to evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness of the patients about their diseases, a questionnaire consisting of 21 questions was administered to them. Results: 151 patients (95%) stated that they were informed about their disease, while 8 patients (5%) stated that no information was given. 11 (7%) relatives preferred to conceal the cancer diagnosis from the patient. Although awareness of cancer diagnosis was high, 25% of patients classified the level of knowledge provided as insufficient. It was found to be associated with advanced age, low income level, diagnosis in non-surgical clinics, lack of sufficient time during explanation and lack of using understandable language. Conclusion: This study proved that attitudes towards providing information to cancer patients are similar to those in Western countries and have improved over time. Awareness of the cancer diagnosis contributes to patients' participation in treatment and decision-making processes, as well as a reduction in patient distress. For all these reasons, patients should be adequately informed about the diagnosis of cancer.
ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results in patients with trimalleolar fractures with a small posterior malleolar fragment of the ankle joint with and without percutaneous screw fixation. Materials and Methods: The study involved patients (18-65 years) with (Group 1) or without (Group 2) percutaneous screw fixation of posterior malleolus fractures between January 2017 and December 2023. Clinical and radiological evaluation was conducted at various time points up to the last follow-up. Functional evaluation was conducted using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Scores (AOFAS), Visual Analogue Scores (VAS), and dorsiflexion restriction. Radiological evaluation included the measurement of the gap and step between at the fracture site and presence of ankle osteoarthritis. Results: In this study, sixty-five patients (Group 1: 33, Group 2: 32) who met the inclusion criteria were followed up for a mean of 31.65±6.4 (24–44) months. There were no significant differences in the clinical results between the groups (p > 0.05). At the final radiograph, the mean gap and step distances in Group 1 were lower than in Group 2 (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the presence of ankle osteoarthrosis (p = 0.658). Conclusion: This study indicates that while percutaneous screw fixation of small posterior malleolus fragments does not significantly improve clinical outcomes compared to non-fixation, it does result in better radiological alignment. The findings suggest that maintaining joint congruity may be more crucial than fixation in preventing posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis. Further research is needed to explore these findings.
Purpose: Identification of decomposed human bodies and bone remains is very important in medicolegal examinations. The cranium has an important place in sex estimation due to its dimorphic features. Recent studies in this field have used radiological methods. The present study aimed to examine sexual dimorphism through morphometric analysis of the intracranial volume and Foramen Magnum on Three-Dimensional (3D) Volume Rendering Computed Tomography (CT) images. Methods: For this purpose, 3D images were generated after the reconstruction of CT Angiography scans of 87 female and 107 male cases. The length, width, circumference, area, and intracranial volume of the foramen magnum were measured on these 3D images. Results: All measurements except foramen magnum index were greater in males than in females (p
