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Background/Aim: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement is one of the non-invasive techniques used for intracranial pressure (ICP) measurement. ICP changes have been evaluated based on ONSD measurements during many laparoscopic surgeries. However, such analyses in the obese patient populations are limited. This study aimed at investigating the effects of pneumoperitoneum and reverse Trendelenburg and head-up position on ICP based on ONSD measurements in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: This observational study included 60 female patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above were assigned to Group 1, while BMI < 30 patients were assigned to Group 2. The first ONSD measurement was performed just before insufflation (T1). The second measurement was taken 5 min after insufflation (T2), the third measurement 5 min after placing patients in the reverse Trendelenburg and head-up position (T3), and the last measurement 5 min after the deflation while the reverse Trendelenburg and head-up position was maintained (T4). Results: ONSD measurements at the T2 and T3 time points in Group 1 patients were higher than in Group 2 patients (P = 0.012 versus P = 0.020). Both measurement values were higher in obese patients. In Group 1 patients, T2 and T3 measurements were significantly higher than T1 and T4 measurements (T2 > T1; P < 0.001, T2 > T4; P < 0.001, T3 > T1; P < 0.001, and T3 > T4; P < 0.001). No significant difference between T2 and T3 and between T1 and T4 measurements were found. In Group 2 patients, T2 measurements were significantly higher than the T1, T3, and T4 measurements, while T3 measurements were significantly higher than T1 and T4 measurements (T2 > T1; P < 0.001, T2 > T3; P = 0.022, T2 > T4; P < 0.001, T3 > T1; P < 0.001, and T3 > T4; P = 0.048). No significant difference between T1 and T4 measurements was noted. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not cause an increase in ICP of obese patients with limited pneumoperitoneum pressure, reverse Trendelenburg and head-up position, and controlled anesthesia.

Objective: Position changes and increased intra-abdominal pressure in laparoscopic interventions lead to some physiopathological changes. There is no definite information in the literature regarding cerebral oxygen saturation in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Our aim was to investigate whether there is oxygen saturation change in the brain tissue in pneumoperitoneum and the Trendelenburg position during laparoscopic rectal surgery. Material and Methods: Cerebral oxygen saturation was measured in 35 patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal surgery in the Trendelenburg position. Measurements were made under general anesthesia in the pneumoperitoneum and the Trendelenburg position. Results: The values that are statistically affected by the position are systolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and cerebral oxygen saturation. The Trendelenburg position does not disturb the cerebral oxygen saturation and it causes an increase in saturation. After pneumoperitoneum occurred, changes in systolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and brain oxygen saturation were detected. Cerebral oxygen saturation increases with the formation of pneumoperitoneum. Conclusion: The Trendelenburg position and increased intraabdominal pressure during laparoscopic rectal surgery do not impair brain oxygen saturation.

Aims: Constipation is one of the most common complaints of the digestive system. The prevalence of constipation in the general population is approximately 15%. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of constipation in medical students, their defecation habits and the correlation between the two. Methods: The study was conducted between 1 January and 1 June 2019 through questionnaires. The relationship between individuals’ defecation habits and chronic constipation was investigated within the scope of the study. Data on age, sex, constipation status, change in bowel habits within the last three months, defecation frequency, time of daily defecation, period spent in the toilet, reading in the toilet, and the type of toilet used were collected. Results: 425 medical students were included in the study. 2.86% of the students reporting constipation were first year undergraduates in medical school, while 7.53% were third and 9.09% were sixth year students. Irregular defecation was higher in all groups. The rate of constipation was high in groups with irregular defecation. It was observed that those with regular defecation habits defecated more in the mornings. When the time spent for defecation was studied, it was seen that it was mostly less than 10 minutes. Conclusion: In the younger population the incidence of constipation is lower compared to the elderly population. Bowel habits, however, vary according to societies and personal characteristics. Reading in the toilet has become a common habit among the younger population. Reading in the toilet elongates the time spent in the toilet.