Our results identify an important neuroprotective role of cinnamon polyphenol extract in TBI which is mediated by its capability to suppress the inflammation and oxidative injury. Further, specially designed experimental studies to understand the molecular cross-talk between signaling pathways would provide valuable evidence for the therapeutic role of cinnamon in TBI and other TBI related conditions.

Advances in preoperative localization studies and demands for scarless surgery have promoted the investigation for remote techniques in parathyroid surgery. Transoral vestibular approach seems to provide the most comfortable and safest access to the neck. In this paper, we report our initial experience with robotic transoral vestibular parathyroidectomy (RTVP) in four patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The surgery was performed with the Da Vinci system through three trocars introduced from the lower lip vestibule. The procedure was converted to open in two patients due to inappropriate preoperative localization. The mean operative time was 169 min. No postoperative complications were seen. Patients were discharged on postoperative day 1. RTVP is a feasible and safe technique, which allows better surgical exposure and manipulation of the instruments. The advantages of transoral vestibular approach can be enhanced by robotics. Further studies are needed to analyze complications and costs.

Here we provide evidence that EPO is a promising candidate for the treatment of endometriosis. Particularly, our histopathological results indicate that EPO is more effective than its receptor activator Mircera in the development endometriosis.

Introduction: New surgical treatment methods are being investigated in sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease. Minimal invasive methods such as endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSIT) and sinus laser therapy (SiLaT) have promising results and advantages of laparoscopic surgery. Aim: To compare the efficiency and safety of EPSIT with SiLaT. Material and methods: Seventy-three patients with pilonidal sinus who had undergone EPSIT or SiLaT within two years were evaluated retrospectively. Data of patients' demographics, complications and postoperative course were collected and compared between the two groups. Results: We analyzed seventy-three patients who underwent EPSIT or SiLaT, with a mean age of 23.4 ±8.4 (12-46) years and body mass index (BMI) of 25.5 ±4.5 (18-38) kg/m 2 . Among them, 36 patients (26 males, ten females) underwent EPSIT and 37 patients (27 males, ten females) underwent SiLaT. Mean operative time was similar for both groups (32.3 ±14.8 vs. 31.0 ±14.8; p = 0.757). Early complications (minimal bleeding) were recorded in two patients in the SiLaT group. The duration of analgesic use was significantly lower in the EPSIT group compared to the SiLaT group (1.3 ±0.5 (1-3) vs. 1.9 ±1.1 (1-5); p = 0.005). The mean postoperative time of total wound healing was similar for both groups: 23.6 ±14.7 (12-90) vs. 25.2 ±14.5 (14-90) days (p = 0.385). There was no significant difference in the average time of return to total daily activity (3.4 ±0.9 (2-5) vs. 3.6 ±1.2 (2-7) days, p = 0.679). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding late postoperative complications (recurrence: 7). Conclusions: Both methods have similar early and late complications. The duration of need for analgesic usage was shorter in EPSIT patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Laparoscopic reconstruction of ventral hernia is a popular technique today. Patients with large defects have various difficulties of laparoscopic approach. In this study, we aimed to present a new reconstruction technique that combines laparoscopic and open approach in giant incisional hernias.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Between January 2006 and August 2012, 28 patients who were operated consequently for incisional hernia with defect size over 10 cm included in this study and separated into two groups. Group 1 (n = 12) identifies patients operated with standard laparoscopic approach, whereas group 2 (n = 16) labels laparoscopic technique combined with open approach. Patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), mean operation time, length of hospital stay, surgical site infection (SSI) and recurrence rate.RESULTS:There are 12 patients in group 1 and 16 patients in group 2. Mean length of hospital stay and SSI rates are similar in both groups. Postoperative seroma formation was observed in six patients for group 1 and in only 1 patient for group 2. Group 1 had 1 patient who suffered from recurrence where group 2 had no recurrence.DISCUSSION:Laparoscopic technique combined with open approach may safely be used as an alternative method for reconstruction of giant incisional hernias.