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Volume 39, Issue 1, 2025
Online ISSN: 3042-3511
ISSN: 3042-3503
Volume 39 , Issue 1, (2025)
Published: 31.03.2025.
Open Access
Welcome to Issue 39, No. 1 – the first of our two annual publications for this year. Inside, you'll find a curated selection of articles. Start your year with the essential knowledge and perspectives offered in this timely edition
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Contents
01.09.2019.
Actual
ERAS Protocol in Laparoscopic Colon Surgery
Colorectal cancer, as one of the leading oncological causes of disease worldwide, is a major challenge in terms of treatment and patient access. Technological advances have made it possible to apply a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical technique that has proven superior to open surgery. In order to optimize treatment, reduce mortality and morbidity, a perioperative strategy has been developed summarized in the principles of ERAS protocol (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery). The basic postulates of the ERAS protocol include prehabilitation, comorbidity control, prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, minimally invasive surgical method, multimodal analgesia, achieving euvolemia, prevention of hypothermia and early mobilization of the patient. The principles of the ERAS protocol are based on evidence to support safety, applicability and effectiveness, however, there are not yet enough studies to examine the long-term benefits of their implementation. The implementation of the ERAS protocol at KBC “Dr Dragisa Misovic -Dedinje” is not complete, but there is significant compliance with the guidelines of the 2018 ERAS Association, which has reduced inpatient stays and the number of postoperative complications. Although there is ample evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of this treatment approach, a multimodal strategy poses a major challenge to traditional surgical doctrine, making its implementation slow and incomplete in practice.
Irina Nenadic, Katarina Oketic, Ana Janicevic, Marko Djuric, Marina Bobos, Miljan Milanovic, Dragan Radovanovic, Dejan Stojakov, Predrag Stevanovic
01.09.2019.
Original Articles
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the development of collateral arteries in diabetic patients with leg claudication
The effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on the treatment of ischemic ulcers on patients with diabetic angiopathy is known, but the effect of HBO t (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) on diabetic claudicates is less known, i.e. to those that havethe second stage of peripheral vascular disease (without ulceration). In this study, we tried to point out the impact of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the development of collateral arteries, i.e. the process of arteriogenesis, and consequently the symptom of claudication. 30 subjects in total were included in the case-control study. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of diabetes mellitus for at least five years, as well as Doppler-verified distal angiopathy. The respondents were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n = 15) was treated by standard methods only.The respondents in the experimental group received 20 HBOTs each in a single-chamber hyperbaric chamber for 70 minutes at a pressure of 2.0 ATA. In this regard the assumptions of the arteriogenic effect of hyperbaric oxygenation, the eventual development of new arterial collaterals it was monitored by Doppler. after 20 HBO treatments and at the follow-up, 3 months after HBO therapy. It was observed that there was a statistically highly significant difference before treatment, in the number of registered functional small blood vessels of the lower leg and three months later, and after 20 HBO sessions, both on the left and the right leg, within the experimental group. There was observed also a highly statistically significant difference in the number of newly formed blood vessels on experimental patients in comparison with the patients from the control group. Our study shows that HBO therapy has a positive effect on the development of collateral blood vessels of the legs and that it may find application in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus with angiopathy and claudication disorders. Our study shows that HBO therapy has a positive effect on the development of collateral blood vessels of the legs and that it may find application in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus with angiopathy and claudication disorders.
Nina Vasic Milivojevic, Nenad Janeski
01.09.2019.
Review article
Preoperative evaluation of patients with cirrhosis
The liver is an organ with many indispensable functions in the body. Liver diseases can be caused by numerous ethiological factors, and are divided into two basic groups, according to an anatomical substrate which is primarily affected – on hepatocellular (parenchymal) and billiard diseases. Approximately 10% of patients with liver disease require a surgical procedure (not including a liver transplant) in the last 2 years of life. Because of its reserves and regenerative abilities, the liver can suffer a great deal of damage before the clinical manifestations of its own dysfunction, which is a challenge for the pre-operative assessment of its condition. The goal of preoperative screening is to determine the presence of preexisting liver disease without the need for extensive or invasive testing. Routine testing of liver function has a low prediction value. The post-operative outcome depends on the nature and severity of the existing liver disease, as well as the type of the operation. It is often necessary to treat complications of severe liver damage, such as coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, ascites, kidney failure, encephalopathy and malnutrition. Predisposition for infections of patients with cirrhosis requires prophilactic use of antibiotics. Induction of anesthesia, bleeding during surgery, hypoxia, hypotension, the use of vasoactive drugs, and even positioning of patients and surgical techniques can reduce intraoperative and perioperative delivery of oxygen in liver and increase the risk of hepatic dysfunction. Pharmacokinetic parameters of anesthetic agents, muscle relaxants, painkillers and sedatives may be altered in connection with plasma proteins, detoxification in liver etc.. The postoperative liver dysfunction depends on surgical trauma, ischemia during surgery or loss of hepatocite mass, and it can be divided into three groups – hepatocelulcular, cholesterol and mixed liver dysfunction. Posthepatectomy liver failure is one of the most serious complications after the liver resection and is a post-operative deterioration of liver capability to maintain its main functions. In recent years, liver function support systems have been developed. Molecular recirculation system with absorption (MARS), modified fractional plasma separations and adsorption (Prometheus) and bioartifical liver and extracorporal device for assistence of liver activity. Extensive clinical studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of these artefical systems for temporary replacement of the edible functions to its recovery or to transplantation.
Marina Bobos, Irina Nenadic, Marko Djuric, Aleksandra Vukotic, Radmila Culjic, Predrag Stevanovic
01.05.2019.
Original Articles
Dve decenije Ehokardiografskog udruženja Srbije
Na početku 21. veka, u vremenu društveno-političkih i ekonomskih previranja, u tadašnjoj Jugoslaviji nije bilo organizovanih naučnih i edukativnih aktivnosti u oblasti ehokardiografije. Zahvaljujući entuzijazmu nekoliko srpskih kardiologa, koji su prepoznali potrebu za promenom, aprila 2001. godine u Beogradu je osnovano ehokardiografsko udruženje, sa ciljem da postavi standarde ehokardiografskog pregleda, podrži naučne aktivnosti u oblasti ehokardiografije i osnaži saradnju sa međunarodnim ehokardiografskim organizacijama. Nakon raspada bivše Jugoslavije, prvobitan naziv «Jugoslovensko ehokardiografsko udruženje» (YUECHO), 2006. godine promenjen je u Ehokardiografsko udruženje Srbije (ECHOS).
Milica Stefanović, Aleksandar N. Nešković, Ivan Stanković
01.05.2019.
Original Articles
Inverted Meckel diverticulum as a lead-point of ileo-ileal double intussusception: A case report
Adult intussusception caused by inverted Meckel diverticulum is infrequent but important clinical entity, presenting with nonspecific symptoms. It may be observed in any age. We report a 26-year-old male patient with intussusception, who was examined several times for abdominal pain accompanied with nausea and vomiting. Basic diagnostics were inconclusive, so the patient was discharged each time with conservative therapy. After the last episode, CT scan showed suspicious intussusception, so the patient was admitted to general surgery ward. The next day there was a complete regression of all difficulties, and he was free of them in the month ahead. Finally, NMR enterography verified the presence of intussusception, and the operative procedure was performed. At laparotomy, ileo-ileal double intussusception was observed and the affected segment was resected with T-T anastomosis. Histopathological examination demonstrated an inverted Meckel diverticulum, measuring 8cm, with ectopic gastric antral type mucosa and ectopic pancreatic tissue. Postoperatively, the patient made an uneventful recovery.
Slobodan Radmilovic, Branko Lukic, Nemanja Jovanovic, Nikola Djukic, Ivana Blazic, Lidija Prijic Plecevic, Dejan Stevanovic
01.05.2019.
Original Articles
The risk of using a Class I medical device with the example of prescription reading glasses
The aim of the study was to investigate the degree of exposure to the health risk of the user by using a medical prescription reading goggles, which are classified as low risk, and whether the data from the package leaflet are correctly applied. Medical devices are instruments, apparatus, materials and other products intended to be used for humans and which do not achieve its basic purpose on the basis of pharmacological, immunological or metabolic activity, but are used alone or in combination, including the software required for proper use. Depending on the categories to which they belong, medical devices have greater or lesser risk of adverse health effects on patients. Medical devices are classified to classes according to the degree of risk for the user ranging from low risk to high risk. Research was conducted in retail stores: pharmacies, optical stores and facilities for selling consumer goods. The survey questionnaire methodology collected data on habits of customers - users of diopter reading glasses. The survey was conducted among the masters of pharmacies, opticians and retailers in the period from March to June 2019. Twenty-five facilities were included in the survey in the area of Tuzla, Sarajevo and Zenica.Statistical data processing was done in Microsoft Excel. Study showed that 35% of the respondents answered that patients visited ophthalmologists and brought medical report with needed corrective diopter, while significantly larger number of respondents – 65% answered that patients didn’t visit ophthalmologists and didn’t have a medical report with needed corrective diopter. Research has shown that 73.75% of patients don’t read the instructions for use, while only 26.25% of patients read instructions for use.
Azra Hodzic, Senada Dzebo, Dusan Djuric, Vladimir Biocanin, Samra Trtak, Amra Colic, Jovanka Trifunovic
01.04.2018.
Abstracts
Granulomatous inflammation in the thyroid gland
To present pathological processes of the TG with histological detection of granulomas, analysis of morphological forms of granulomas, and their diagnostic significance. This paper is based on literature review and insight into the archival materials of the Institute of Pathology and Forensic Medicine of the Military Medical Academy.The presence of granulomas in the thyroid gland (TG) includes specific pathological processes such as subacute thyroiditis (SAT) and palpation thyroiditis (PT). The clinical manifestations of the granulomas may be accompanied by symmetrical or asymmetrical enlargement and palpatory pain in the gland, which requires further clinical examination. Granulomas in the TG can be associated with various benign and malignant processes. There are two large groups of granulomas: foreign-body giant cell granulomas (FBG) and immune granulomas (IGR). FBG are histiocytic reactions to chemically inert, exogenous or endogenous materials. Etiologically, IGRs arise in the framework of infectious, autoimmune, toxic, drug-induced or pathological processes of unknown etiology. According to the presence of necrosis IGRs can be further divided as necrotizing or non-necrotizing type. TG granulomas of the infectious, autoimmune or inflammatory nature of the unknown etiology are extremely rare. 1. Granulomas in specific pathological processes of the TG Subacute (de Quervain’s) thyroiditis or granulomatous thyroiditis is an inflammatory process that is clinically presented as enlarged and painful TG. In most cases, the result is a complete recovery of the TG function. Permanent hypothyroidism is found in about 5% of patients. SAT is usually preceded by upper respiratory tract infection. The disease is etiologically related to viral infections, genetic predisposition and the use of immuno therapy. Macroscopically, TG is usually symmetrically enlarged, but there are also localized forms with nodular morphology, which imitate neoplastic lesions. The microscopic characteristic is the presence of multifocal and diffusely distributed folliculocentric granulomas. They are found in different phases and consist of epitheloid histiocytes, lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, and multinuclear giant cells (MGC). At the center of the granuloma, the colloid is reduced or absent. In later phases, fibrosis can develop perifollicularly. In terms of differential diagnosis (DDG), it is important to differentiate SAT from other granulomatous inflammations. Palpation thyroiditis (Multifocal granulomatous folliculitis) is the most common pathological process in TG with microscopic detection of granulomas. It is an incidental microscopic finding involving individual or minor follicular groups. Changes arise as a result of mechanical microtrauma after the palpation of the TG. Microscopic changes are characterized by damage to the follicles with interfollicular APSTRAKTI 73 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. accumulation mainly of histiocytes in the presence of lymphocytes, plasma cells and MGCs. In the DDG of PT, the following conditions must be considered: SAT, primary and secondary microscopic foci of papillary microcarcinoma, C-cell hyperplasia, and focal forms of Langerhans histiocytosis. 2. Foreign-body giant cell granuloma is frequent incidental microscopic finding in TG. It arises as a reaction to the accumulation of endogenous substances in the areas of spontaneous or degenerations induces by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). The most common forms of FBGs on endogenous material are cholesterol granulomas. These FBGs are composed of MGCs, foamy histiocytes, and hemosiderophages arranged around crystal deposits. Depending on how old the lesion is, there may be a focal necrosis, a different degree of fibrosis, extracellular deposits of hemosiderin, and other inflammatory cells. The presence of FBGs and histiocytic aggregates is not only important in the preoperative cytological diagnostics, but also in the post-operative pathohistological analysis of TG nodules. Large nuclei of histiocytes with hypochromasia, nuclear membrane irregularities and the presence of MGC can imitate the cytological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Exogenous biomaterials are rarely cause of FBGs in TG. After thyroidectomy, in cases of diagnosed TG malignancies, the presence of suture FBGs in thyroid bed imitates recurrence or the rest of malignancy and is the cause of repeated surgeries. 3. Necrotizing granulomas (NGR) in TG Granulomas with necrosis may be of infectious and noninfectious etiology. Tuberculosis is the most common cause of NGR in TG. Tuberculosis in TG can be presented as a solitary nodal lesion, diffuse microlesions, nodular goiter, and rarely as an abscess or a chronic skin sinus. As a infectious cause of NGR in TG, sporadically reported cases have been caused by histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis and nocardiosis. Rare non-infectious NGR in TG or in the TG bed, of autoimmune etiologies, have been described as part of Wegener’s granulomatosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Post-operative necrotizing granulomas also represent NGR of non-infectious cause. Microscopically, there is a morphology that matches post biopsy granulomas in other organs (prostate, urinary bladder). 4. Non-necrotizing granulomas (NNGR) in TG Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic chronic granulomatous inflammation of unknown etiology. Thyroid is rarely affected by sarcoidosis. Macroscopically, the gland is diffusely or nodularly enlarged or reduced in volume. Interstitially localized NNGR represent a typical histological presentation. Sarcoidosis of TG should be distinguished from the sarcoid-like stromal reactions of PTC in the gland or regional lymph nodes. In these cases, it is necessary to clinically exclude the systemic disease. 5. Granulomas and histiocytic reactions in neoplastic processes of TG Apart from the described FBGs, PT and sarcoid-like reactions, in epithelial tumors of the TG histiocytic aggregates (not granulomas) may also be seen as secondary changes after FNAB. Interfollicular/ intraluminal presence of MGCs with or without the presence of histiocytes and granuloma-like morphology represents a characteristic finding in PTC. The cytological and histological detection of MGCs is one of the diagnostic criteria for PTC. Their presence in tumors may be due to a reaction to an altered colloid produced by PTC or as a non-specific immune response to due tumor cells. Conclusion: Granulomas in the TG are not rare. Knowing the morphology of granulomas, pathological processes and the circumstances in which they occur is significant in DDG of primary tumors of the TG, their recurrence and metastases in the cervical lymph nodes. The diagnosis of granulomatous inflammation in TG can be based on the histological characteristics of granulomas in correlation with clinical and laboratory findings.
Bozidar Kovacevic
01.04.2018.
Abstracts
Differential diagnosis of benign spindle cell pancreatic lesions: report of two cases
Introduction: Pancreatic lesions, made of spindle cells, are a heterogeneous group of lesions, ranging from reactive, inflammatory changes to tumors. Differentiation of an individual lesion is difficult and requires the use of additional analytical methods (histochemical, immunohistochemical and molecular), and a comparison of morphological characteristics with other characteristics of the changes (radiologic and laboratory characteristics). We will present two cases of benign spindle cell lesions of the pancreas, with reference to the differential diagnosis. Material and Metods: The first patient was a female, aged 51 years, with a change localized in the pancreatic head, diameter of 9.5 cm. The second patient was a male, aged 35 years, with a change in the pancreatic tail, with maximum diameter of 5.5 cm. Results: In a female patient, the lesion was an inflammatory myofibroblastic pancreatic tumor, built of fascicles of mostly spindle cells (fibroblasts/myofibroblasts). The cells had uniform, elongated, spindle nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm. They were arranged in short fascicles that occasionally made storiformn formations. Mitotic activity of spindle cells was low (0 - 2 mitosis/ HPF 10, FD 0.65). In the stroma, there was a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells, histiocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. In between, there were fascicles of collagen, together with the parts of the pancreas (excretory ducts, lobules, acini, and parts of the endocrine pancreas) (Figure 1). Immunohistochemically, spindle cells showed a diffuse immunohistochemical positivity to: Vimentin, SMA and Desmin. Negative immunohistochemical reaction was showed to S-100, p53, CDX2 and ALK-1.
Radoslav Gajanin
01.04.2018.
Abstracts
Benign lymphadenitis imitating malignant lymphoma
Aim: The aim of this study is to present a case of benign lymphadenitis that cytologically was interpreted as suspicios for malignant lymphoma. Introduction: This study represents a case of a patient with cervical lymph node swelling in which the cyto-diagnosis performed by fine needle aspiration cytology was suspicious for lymphoma. The correct diagnosis was assessed by subsequent histology after the removal of the enlarged cervical lymph node. Material and Methods: For cytologic study the material was obtained by fine needle aspiration biopsy and syringe washings, air-dried smears and alcohol-fixed smears, which were prepared and appropriately stained by PAP and May Gruenwald-Giemsa stains. For correct diagnosis an extirpated lymph node was properly fixed and processed with routine haematoxylin eosin staining as well as with an additional immunohistochemical analyses. Results: The cyto-histologic features were characterized by a polymorphous population of cells, germinal center cells with large nuclei, a few epithelioid-type cells and histiocytes with intracellular inclusions The cytological diagnosis implied suspicion for malignant lymphoma probably of Hodgkin type. Histologic features revealed a reactive lymph node architecture that immunohistochemically revealed the diagnosis of Toxoplasma lymphadenitis. Serologic testing for toxoplasma in other institution revealed elevated titres that established the histopathological diagnosis. Conclusion: Lymphadenitis due to Toxoplasma infection is common and should be considered in the diagnosis of unexplained lymphadenopathy at all sites, especially the cervical region. Serologic confirmation should be recommended for all suspected cases and unlike in this case, fine needle aspiration cytodiagnosis can eliminate the need for hospitalization and surgery.
Djengis Jasar, Katerina Kubelka-Sabit, Vanja Filipovski
01.04.2018.
Abstracts
Diagnostic challenges in pulmonary pathology: between morphology and immunohistochemistry
Aim: The aim of this paper is to point out the importance and the role of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing rare benign epithelial tumours of the lung and a very similar malignant tumour of well-differentiated lepidic adenocarcinoma. Introduction: In pulmonary pathology diagnostic dilemmas are frequent. One of the most complex challenges is to differentiate between benign tumours of pneumocytes and other forms of similar tumours. In particular, it is difficult to differentiate between the tumours of the same or similar histogenetic origin and morphological characteristics. However, dilemmas can also be related to whether a tumour has benign or malignant potential. In order to be able to have proper diagnostics, we need to have a detailed insight in the morphological and immunohistochemical features of these tumours. One of the best KRATKI KURSEVI APSTRAKTI 85 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. examples of this are two very rare and morphologically very similar benign epithelial tumours: sclerosing pneumocytoma (according to the 2015 World Health Organisation Classification of Lung Tumours; new terms changed or entities added since 2004; the 2004 World Health Organisation Classification called it sclerosing haemangioma)1 and alveolar adenoma on the one hand; and well-differentiated lepidic adenocarcinoma on the other hand. These are most often cited as the most problematic in terms of their differential diagnostics. When it comes to first two tumours, as it can be concluded from their original names, they were considered to be the tumours of completely different histogenetic origin. However, their immunohistochemical profile and all current data show that they have identical structure and origin. Immunohistochemical diagnostics enabled the demystification of neoplastic processes, as is the case with rare benign tumours of pneumocytes. This diagnostics can also point out the biological potential and help differentiate between benign and malign tumours. Additional dilemma is posed by the fact that sclerosing pneumocytoma may even give metastases into regional lymph nodes, which do not affect disease prognosis 2,3. Histopathological differential diagnosis includes, apart for the above mentioned, other benign epithelial tumors, hemangioma, primary and metastatic carcinoma4. Materials and methods: We analysed two very rare and morphologically very similar benign epithelial tumours, (sclerosing pneumocytoma and alveolar adenoma) and welldifferentiated lepidic adenocarcinoma. It was also performed their immunohistochemical analysis using the following markers: Cytokeratin 7 (CK7), Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), Pan-cytokeratin (CK), Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), FVIII, Ki67 and p53. Results: The first tumour, at the microscopic level, showed sclerosing and haemorrhagic arrangement, with ectatic spaces filled by blood and solid areas and papillary-like formations. Basic cell population was epithelial cells, dominantly with eosinophilic and partially with granular cytoplasm. The nucleus was in the centre, round, without prominent nucleoli and mitoses. Stroma was moderately pronounced and centrally it was denser and composed of bundles of oval and spindle-shaped fibroblasts. Some of the cavities within the tumour had wide, cavernous space, lined with endothelium-like attenuated cells. Mainly in the middle part of the tumour, we could see the areas of hyalinisation of connective tissue. The tumour borders were expansive. The tumour did not infiltrate the pleura. On the final histopathological slides, the second tumour had a microcystic appearance. In central parts there was pale amorphous, homogenous content. Spaces were lined with cylindrical cells containing acidophilic and clear cytoplasm. Stroma was scarcely developed and sometimes with more pronounced parts and composed of groups of elongated spindle-like fibrocytes and fibroblasts. Immunohistochemical analysis of both tumours showed very similar reactivity: Ck7, TTF-1, EMA and CK showed diffuse positivity, k67 showed low proliferation index <1%. Cea in the major part of sclerosing pneumocytoma was negative and focally individual cells had reactivity, while alveolar adenoma was negative in its entirety. P53 and FVIII in both cases showed negative results. After all analyses, the definitive diagnosis of the first tumour is pneumocytoma and for the second one alveolar adenoma. The third tumour showed similar morphology as the previous two. At the microscopic hematoxylin eosin stain, it was dominantly composed of alveolar-adenoid formations. Tumour cells were bulky, cubic or polygonal; foamy, pale acidophilic, with homogenous cytoplasm and hyperchromatic roundish nuclei without prominent nucleoli. The immunohistochemical analysis of the third tumour showed positive reactivity with Ck7, TTF-1, CK, Cea, EMA, k67 proliferation index > 32%, while p53 proliferation index ≥1%, while the FVIII had a negative result. Final diagnosis for this tumour is well-differentiated lepidic adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Due to almost identical histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristic, there may be a diagnostic dilemma: are these two separate tumours or this is the same tumour. Taking into consideration that sclerosing pneumocytoma give positive epithelial immunohistochemical reaction, their earlier name is wrong. Previous examples are good indicators of how we should adapt the names of tumours to their real nature and this is a good recommendation in terms of how we should organise future classifications. All of the above mentioned points to the fact that with these tumours it is necessary to have immunohistochemical evaluation and that we have to introduce new immunohistochemical predictive and prognostic markers. It is necessary to determine the cut off values for proliferative markers.
Mileta Golubovic, Ljiljana Vuckovic, Filip Vukmirovic