The objective of this study is to assess long-term prognosis and patterns of failure in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma who underwent surgery with curative intent at a single institution. We also provide a thorough review of the literature including several series and widely variable data regarding local and distant failure. During a 25-year period , 45 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for retroperitoneal sarcoma at a single referral center were reviewed retrospectively. We recorded and analyzed the presenting symptoms, type of surgical excision, and the 5-year survival rate as well as the local recurrence rate of patients with complete tumor resection. Overall survival is significantly diminished in patients in whom resection margins are not adequate. In our series, 5-year recurrence rate for patients with complete and incomplete resection of the tumor was 30.76 and 68.42 %, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 51.12 %, and the 5-year survival rate according to type of resection was 76.93 % for complete and 15.79 % for incomplete resections. Local recurrence after first surgery and high-grade malignancy are associated with poor survival. The role of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) should be investigated further. Complete en bloc resection of the tumor mass and adjacent structures is the single most important factor that improves survival.

Pectoralis-major muscle flaps remain relevant in the modern management of post-sternotomy mediastinitis. The addition of an omental flap should be considered in cases in which the lower sternum is involved. Prompt diagnosis and a meticulous surgical technique ensure favorable results for the majority of patients.

Aim. Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory intra-abdominal disease, which takes a severe form in 15–20% of patients and can result in high mortality especially when complicated by acute renal failure. The aim of this study is to assess the possible reduction in the extent of acute kidney injury after administration of eugenol in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis. Materials and Methods. 106 male Wistar rats weighing 220–350 g were divided into 3 groups: (1) Sham, with sham surgery; (2) Control, with induction of acute pancreatitis, through ligation of the biliopancreatic duct; and (3) Eugenol, with induction of acute pancreatitis and eugenol administration at a dose of 15 mg/kg. Serum urea and creatinine, histopathological changes, TNF-α, IL-6, and MPO activity in the kidneys were evaluated at predetermined time intervals. Results. The group that was administered eugenol showed milder histopathological changes than the Control group, TNF-α activity was milder in the Eugenol group, and there was no difference in activity for MPO and IL-6. Serum urea and creatinine levels were lower in the Eugenol group than in the Control group. Conclusions. Eugenol administration was protective for the kidneys in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis in rats.

Introduction. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the esophagus are rare. Case Presentation. This is a case of a 50-year-old male patient who was referred to our department complaining of atypical chest pain. A chest computed tomographic scan and endoscopic ultrasound revealed a submucosal esophageal tumor measuring 5 cm in its largest diameter. Suspecting a leiomyoma, we performed enucleation via right thoracotomy. The pathology report yielded a diagnosis of an esophageal gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The patient has shown no evidence of recurrence one year postoperatively. Conclusions. This report illustrates the complexity and dilemmas inherent in diagnosing and treating esophageal GISTs.