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Volume 39, Issue 2, 2025
Online ISSN: 3042-3511
ISSN: 3042-3503
Volume 39 , Issue 2, (2025)
Published: 12.11.2025.
Open Access
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Contents
31.03.2025.
Original Article
Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Bowel Bleeding: The Role of Predictive Scores in Clinical Decision-Making
Introduction: Gastrointestinal bleeding represents a serious clinical challenge due to the complexity of diagnosis and the therapeutic options required for effective management. Small bowel bleeding, although relatively rare, poses a significant diagnostic dilemma due to the difficulty in identifying the source and the variability of causes, which differ depending on the patient's age. In the elderly population, vascular malformations are the most common causes, whereas in younger patients, the etiology can be broader, including inflammatory diseases, tumors, and congenital abnormalities. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with hemodynamic instability due to small bowel bleeding, with a particular focus on the application of predictive scores (GBS and CRS). Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study, conducted from January 2023 to January 2024, included 24 hemodynamically unstable patients with diagnosed small bowel bleeding. All patients were assessed using the Glasgow Blatchford Score (GBS) and Clinical Rockall Score (CRS) to evaluate risk and predict clinical outcomes. Demographic data, clinical and diagnostic information were analyzed, with comparative analyses of preoperative, intraoperative, and histopathological findings. Results: The mean age of the patients was 69.8 years, and 79.2% presented with hematochezia. All patients had GBS > 15 and CRS > 6. Conservative treatment was effective in 62.5% of patients, while 37.5% required surgical intervention. The mortality rate was 12.5%. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between GBS and mortality (r = +0.76, p < 0.05) and between GBS and surgical intervention (r = +0.32, p < 0.05). The most common causes of bleeding were vascular lesions, although the source of bleeding was unidentified in 11 patients. Conclusion: Small bowel bleeding remains a major challenge for clinicians, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. The use of predictive scores such as GBS and CRS aids in assessing severity, guiding decision-making, and planning further treatment.
Nemanja Trifunović, Nebojša Mitrović, Dejan Stevanović, Damir Jašarović, Goran Aleksandrić, Marija Nikolić, Sara Filipović, Jovana Trifunović
31.03.2025.
Review Article
Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction presented as a vegetative tumor in the hiatal hernia sac
Introduction: The incidence of esophageal and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas has been increasing in developed countries, with primary risk factors including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, and obesity. Chronic GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus (BE), a premalignant condition that elevates the risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Case Report: We present a case of a 63-year-old woman with nausea and epigastric pain. Her history was notable for Sjögren’s syndrome and a positive family history of prostate cancer, without smoking or alcohol use. Endoscopy revealed a distal hiatal hernia and long-segment Barrett’s esophagus (LSBE) with a 3 cm ulcerated lesion at the gastroesophageal junction, located within the hernia sac. Biopsies confirmed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in LSBE. CT imaging showed a tumor extending through the hiatal hernia with distal esophageal wall thickening and lymph node metastases but no distant metastases. The patient underwent a subtotal esophagectomy with lymphadenectomy and esophagogastric anastomosis using the Ivor Lewis procedure. Pathology confirmed adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastasis and a close circumferential resection margin. Six cycles of postoperative chemotherapy with platinum and fluoropyrimidine were administered. The patient was recurrence-free at a three-year follow-up. Conclusion: This case underscores the association between hiatal hernia, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma, particularly in the setting of disrupted antireflux mechanisms. The findings support the importance of early investigation and monitoring in patients with GERD and BE to mitigate cancer progression.
Aleksandar Pavlović, Sara Filipović, Jovana Trifunović, Nemanja Trifunović, Miroslav Kreačić
31.03.2025.
Review Article
The Importance of Intraoperative Exploration and Intensive Postoperative Monitoring in the Detection and Management of Synchronous and Metachronous Colorectal Tumors
Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common malignancies, with a rising global incidence. Synchronous tumors refer to the presence of multiple tumors simultaneously in different segments of the colon or rectum, while metachronous tumors occur during follow-up after initial treatment. These tumors are often undetected during standard diagnostic procedures, making intraoperative exploration and postoperative monitoring crucial for timely diagnosis and successful treatment. Case Report: A 63-year-old patient was admitted for sideropenic anemia and weight loss. Colonoscopy revealed a tumor in the cecum, confirmed as adenocarcinoma. During surgery, two additional tumor lesions were discovered in the ascending and transverse colon. Following an extended right hemicolectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy according to the FOLFOX protocol, the patient remained disease-free until May 2023, when a metachronous tumor in the rectum was detected. The lesion was removed via transanal excision, and histopathological findings indicated intramucosal carcinoma. Continuous follow-up until November 2024 showed no disease progression. Conclusion: Intraoperative exploration enabled the identification of previously undetected synchronous tumors, influencing the extent of surgery and the postoperative treatment plan. Regular monitoring, including colonoscopy and radiological methods, is essential for the early detection of metachronous tumors and achieving optimal outcomes. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with synchronous and metachronous CRC.
Marija Nikolić, Nebojša Mitrović, Dejan Stevanović, Nemanja Trifunović, Jovana Trifunović, Milica Radivojević, Damir Jašarović
12.11.2025.
Review Article
Angiosome-oriented lower limb revascularization for the management of chronic ischemia and diabetic foot
Introduction: Chronic limb ischemia (CLI) and diabetic foot significantly impact patients’ quality of life, with high rates of amputation and mortality. Angiosome-oriented revascularization represents an anatomically precise approach, targeting the artery that directly supplies the lesion area. Direct revascularization (DR) is increasingly considered superior to indirect revascularization (IR) due to potentially better wound healing and limb salvage outcomes. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, with the keywords: angiosome, critical limb ischemia, diabetic foot, direct revascularization, endovascular, bypass surgery. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 were included, focusing on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and prospective cohort and clinical studies. In addition to clinical studies, anatomical data on the distribution of foot and lower leg angiosomes were analyzed, including a table illustrating the correlation between wound location and target artery. Results: Six main angiosomes of the lower limb were identified, each corresponding to a specific artery. DR was associated with higher rates of wound healing and limb preservation, reducing the risk of amputation by 20–30% compared to IR. Optimal candidates for DR are those with localized lesions, patent distal target arteries, and adequate microcirculation. DR is less effective or technically unfeasible in patients with diffuse microvascular disease, multisegment occlusions, poor distal vessels, or active severe infections. Advanced technologies such as hyperspectral imaging and indocyanine green (ICG) mapping improve intraoperative perfusion assessment. Conclusion: Angiosome-oriented revascularization is a logical and anatomically grounded approach for treating CLI and diabetic foot. When feasible, DR of the target artery provides better clinical outcomes than IR. Success requires precise diagnostics, patient selection, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Further randomized studies are needed to define optimal application algorithms for this concept.
Dimitrije Surla, Marija Nikolić, Nemanja Trifunović
12.11.2025.
Case Report
Long-term progression-free survival following multimodal therapy for mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix: A case report
Introduction: Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is a rare and heterogeneous malignancy, most commonly presenting as mucinous adenocarcinoma. Due to its nonspecific clinical manifestations, the diagnosis is often established at an advanced stage, frequently with already present peritoneal dissemination. Standard treatment for advanced mucinous appendiceal carcinoma involves cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC followed by systemic chemotherapy, or initial systemic therapy for downstaging, followed by repeat CRS and HIPEC. In cases where radical surgery is not feasible, the average survival is less than one year. Case report: We report a case of a 72-year-old woman with no relevant family history, who presented with acute right lower abdominal pain and distension. Imaging revealed multiple cystic peritoneal implants, ascites, and small bowel obstruction. Palliative emergency surgery demonstrated an appendiceal mass invading the right ovary, with widespread peritoneal mucinous deposits. Histopathological analysis confirmed mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Postoperatively, the patient received 12 cycles of bevacizumab plus FOLFOX chemotherapy, achieving marked radiologic and biochemical improvement. Maintenance therapy with bevacizumab plus 5-FU/LV led to sustained disease stabilization. After 32 cycles, the patient developed an entero-vaginal fistula, which was surgically managed due to poor quality of life. Intraoperatively, the decision was made for cytoreductive surgery and fistulectomy. Postoperative imaging showed no evidence of disease. The patient remains progression-free for nearly three years, and disease-free for one year. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential for long-term survival in initially inoperable patients with advanced mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma and peritoneal carcinomatosis when treated with combined cytoreductive surgery and bevacizumab plus chemotherapy. Multimodal and individualized treatment strategies may significantly improve outcomes in this rare malignancy.
Sara Filipović, Jovana Trifunović, Miroslav Kreačić, Nemanja Trifunović, Nataša Rakonjac
12.11.2025.
Review Article
Pseudoaneurysms after coronary interventions: risk factors, diagnosis, and criteria for surgical treatment
Introduction: Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is defined as a defect in the arterial wall at the puncture site, leading to an extraluminal blood collection surrounded by fibrous tissue, and represents the most common vascular complication after coronary angiography. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for PSA development after coronary interventions and to define criteria for surgical treatment. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 patients treated at CHC Zemun over a ten-year period (2012–2022). During the observed period, 16,787 coronary procedures were performed (10,498 coronary angiographies, 6,289 PCIs). The study group included 17 patients with PSA, and 15 patients in the control group with a hematoma that did not progress to PSA. Demographic data, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, therapy, smoking habits, procedural details, and PSA characteristics were recorded, with comparison between surgically and conservatively treated patients. Results: The mean time to PSA diagnosis was 3.29 ± 4.7 days, whereas hematomas were diagnosed within 24 hours. No significant differences in sex or age were observed between groups. More than half of the patients had hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and chronic cardiac or renal diseases. Low hemoglobin, thrombocytopenia, and INR >3 were identified as independent risk factors. Most interventions were performed via the right femoral artery, with PSA most commonly located in the common femoral artery. Median PSA diameter was 44 mm in surgically treated patients and 19 mm in conservatively treated patients. No deaths occurred; the most common postoperative complication was residual hematoma. Conclusion: The first 72 hours after intervention represent the most critical period for PSA detection. PSA diameter is a key factor in therapy selection, lesions >2 cm and complicated ones require surgical intervention, while smaller lesions can be treated conservatively. Timely diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes, and our findings may help optimize patient monitoring protocols and early surgical intervention selection.
Dimitrije Surla, Marija Nikolić, Nemanja Trifunović, Dimitrije Surla, Dejan Stevanović