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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.
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Contents
01.01.2019.
Reprint: Materia Medica
Clinical Hospital Center Zemun through the centuries - 18th century
Zemun hospital, the present-day Clinical Hospital Zemun-Belgrade, was founded in 1784, is the oldest hospital in the Serbia. For over two centuries, it blazed the trial and still pioneers in the application of numerous advanced medical achievements and knowledge in this region.
Sanja Milenkovic, Jasmina Milanovic
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.
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
01.01.2019.
Reprint: Materia Medica
Clinical Hospital Center Zemun through the centuries - 19th century
The development of Zemun Hospital in the 19th century was followed by better work conditions and an increasing number of patients. The arrival of doctor Vojislav Subotić to the hospital and his work were key moments in the general improvement of the hospital. Since 1887, the hospital was administered by a society known as „Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul“. By the end of 1891, they had constructed a new hospital building.
Jasmina Milanovic, Sanja Milenkovic
01.01.2019.
Reprint: Materia Medica
Clinical Hospital Center Zemun through the centuries - 20th century
The 20th century was the most eventful period in the history of Zemun Hospital and it brought many changes. Working through out both world wars, the hospital staff aided those who were wounded or ill, both soldiers and civilians. Throughout this period, the hospital worked in three different countries, under various administrations and owners.
Sanja Milenkovic, Jasmina Milanovic
01.01.2019.
Reprint: Materia Medica
Clinical Hospital Center Zemun through the centuries - 21th century (2000-2010)
Sanja Milenkovic
01.01.2019.
Review Article
CHC Zemun Teaching Center of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade
Aleksandar N. Neskovic
01.04.2018.
Abstracts
Fine needle aspiration cytology: current perspective and the role in diagnosis of the breast lesions
Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer in the world among women and there are nearly 1.7 million new cases worldwide each year. Due to a number of remarkable advances made in both diagnosis and therapy, the survival rates for BC patients have increased in those regions with adequate medical facilities. According to contemporary recommendations, any pathological diagnosis of breast lesions, before any treatment, should be based on a Core Needle Biopsy (CNB), or on a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), if CNB is not available. The prognosis of the newly diagnosed breast cancer patient depends on a number of factors, among which the most important is the extent of the spread of the disease to the axillary lymph nodes. Because any further treatment is influenced by the presence and number of axillary lymph nodes involved, a complete evaluation of the axillary lymph nodes is performed on every patient that is able to tolerate it, after a formal diagnosis of invasive carcinoma. At the very least an ultrasound with guided fine needle aspiration or core biopsy of suspicious lymph nodes should be undertaken.Although CNB is the main method employed in breast lesions diagnostics, FNAC still plays a significant role in the evaluation of pathological processes in the breast, a fact that has been well documented in the relevant literature in the last 20 years. The advantages of FNAC are: the sampling is quicker; the sampling technique usually does not require the use of anaesthetics; the trauma is small, and therefore more convenient for women using anticoagulant therapy; complications are rare; the availability of the results is within a few hours; skilled operators and pathologists regard this method as being highly sensitive in the detection of any malignant cells and the equipment is less expensive. The United Kingdom National Health Service Breast Screening Program (UK NHSBSP), began in 1988. Its guidelines have been published with regards to the mode of categorizing cell changes that may be seen in cytological samples obtained by needle aspiration. Five categories have been identified: C1 (unsatisfactory specimen - non-representative), C2 (benign), C3 (atypical - most likely benign), C4 (suspected - most likely malignant) and C5 (malignant). In 1996, the American National Cancer Institute (NCI) also suggested 5 categories for cytological diagnostics of breast lesions: benign, atypical, suspected, malignant and unsatisfactory. Patients with C3 and C4 categories, namely, atypical and suspected, which carry the risk of a malignant tumour, need to undergo further examination. C1 and C2 categories have to be correlated with the results of clinical and radiological examinations. C3 and C4 categories should not be represented in more than 5% of all analyzed aspirates. Currently, there is no individual morphological criterion that cytological diagnostics of malignant breast tumours could be based on. The most important cytological criteria that indicate whether it is a benign pathological process or a malignant tumor are: cellularity of the sample (a very important criterion, but it should be carefully interpreted), loss of cell cohesiveness (characteristic of malignant tumors), cellular arrangements, cell size, biphasicity in smear, the characteristics of the nucleus (size, contour, the appearance of chromatin, the appearance of nucleolus), characteristics of cytoplasm, nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, APSTRAKTI 93 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. mitotic figures, background appearance (necrosis, peripheral blood cells, mucus…) and the presence of inflammatory cells. It is also possible to perform immuno-histochemical staining on cytological samples, flow cytometry and molecular analyses. The FNAC treatment is characterised by solid sensitivity, specificity and predictive value. The sensitivity of FNAC ranges from 89% to 98% and the specificity is between 98% and 100%. Major shortcomings of this method are the impossibility of diagnosing in situ carcinoma and lesions followed by any abundant production of connective tissue. The CNB treatment has gained remarkable popularity since the 1980s and in many institutions has replaced FNAC. The limitations of both methods are; atypical ductal hyperplasia, fibroepithelial tumours, radial scarring and papillary lesions. In the diagnosis of breast lesions apart from aspiration cytology, other sampling techniques for cytological analysis are also applied. In the era of breast conservation therapy, breast tissue is most commonly sent for intraoperative consultation. A frozen section analysis is performed through freezing and sectioning the surgical specimen with subsequent staining, in order to obtain an extemporaneous assessment of the margins. Although this technique is extensively used by many surgeons to avoid the need for a postponed rescission, some pitfalls have been reported, such as the occurrence of artefacts due to the freezing and thawing of the adipose tissue in the specimen. A different intraoperative method for margins evaluation is imprint cytology, which consists of pressing each of the 6 faces of the specimen on 6 different slides, so that any malignant cell on any involved margin is theoretically present on the cytology of the respective slide, because of the tendency of tumour cells to adhere to glass as compared to adipocytes. Imprint cytology can also be used in assessing the representational value of the CNB samples. A significant number of authors suggest that the application of the imprint of cytology reduces the number of inadequate samples obtained by CNB and can also provide a preliminary diagnosis, especially in cases of adequately sampled malignant tumours. Nipple discharge (ND) accounts for approximately 5% of the breast-related symptoms and is the third most common reason women seek medical attention. Approximately 7% to 15% of unilateral NDs are caused by malignant lesions, primarily ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS). A cytological examination of the obtained content is significant in the final treatment decision. Cytological analysis, in particular FNAC, continues to play an important role in the diagnoses of breast cancer. Skilled professionals can determine breast cancer through an analysis of the cytological sample as a reliable and accurate method.
Ljiljana Vuckovic, Filip Vukmirovic, Mileta Golubovic
01.04.2018.
Abstracts
Pediatric Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma- A Case Report
Aim and introduction: Pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL) is a rare, but distinct subtype of NMZL with characteristic clinical presentation, pathohistological and molecular features, therapy and prognosis. Results: We report the case of a 15-year-old boy with no remarkable past history, presented with painless enlargement of left submandibular lymph node (LN) for three months. He was admitted to the University Children’s Hospital in Belgrade in May 2016. The cervical ultrasound demonstrated moderate left submandibular lymphadenopathy, but also mild enlargement of two right submandibular LNs (17x7mm, 14x7mm). Physical examination, chest radiography and abdominal ultrasound revealed no hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy elsewhere. The result of blood count test was normal. Biochemistry showed elevated uric acid 499 umol/l, AST 45U/l, ALT 98U/l, and sedimentation rate (65mm/h). Urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, LDH and CRP were normal. The patient underwent left submandibular LN excisional biopsy. The size of the LN was 47x37x20mm. The histopathological examination revealed partial architectural effacement: follicular hyperplasia and nodular B-cell infiltration with features of progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) in the form of fragmentation of follicles. A CD20 immunostain shows an abnormal expansion of the marginal zone with infiltration of interfollicular space. These B-cells were negative for CD3, CD5, CD23, EBV-LMP1, bcl-6, CD10, EMA, CD30, CD15, MUM-1, and positive for bcl-2 and IgD. A CD21/ CD23/ fascin immunostain showed an expanded and disrupted follicular dendritic cell meshwork. Ki-67 highlighted residual follicular polarisation and a low proliferation rate in the interfollicular areas. Based on these pathohistological findings it was concluded that LN likely represent reactive follicular hyperplasia with atypical marginal zone hyperplasia or possible PNMZL, with APSTRAKTI 95 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. recommendation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of clonality. Additional IGH PCR analysis demonstrated biclonal heavy chain gene rearrangement. These findings were consistent with PNMZL. After consultation with members of International BFM study group for non-Hodgkin lymphomas, followup was recommended without any treatment. The patient has remained disease free for 22 months since diagnosis. Conclusion: We presented a rare case of PNMZL with morphological features of PTGC, but immunohistochemistry and additional PCR clonality analysis were crucial for final diagnosis. This case represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge because of their rarity in the pediatric population.
Tatjana Terzic, Jelena Lazic, Natasa Tosic
01.04.2018.
Abstracts
Genetic features of selected adnexal tumors of the skin
Adnexal tumors of the skin comprise heterogenous group with over 40 defined entities, classified by predominant differentiation into lesions with apocrine and eccrine, follicular, sebaceous, or multilineage differentiation. Some, but not all these entities are represented by benign and malignant counterparts. Their occurrence may be sporadic or as a part of inherited syndromes (e.g. Muir-Torre syndrome, Brooke-Spiegler Syndrome, or Cowden’s syndrome). Adnexal tumors may arise de novo or within hamartomatous lesions such as nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn. Adnexal carcinomas are very rare tumors (the incidence is less than 0.001%), with variable local recurrence, metastatic potential, and survival. Porocarcinoma, hidradenocarcinoma and sebaceous carcinoma (especially ocular type) are considered to have a poor prognosis, with the highest risk of local recurrence and distant metastases. Mortality of the patients with porocarcinoma is very high (65-80%) if regional or distant metastases are present. The treatment of malignant adnexal tumors is usually surgical or less frequently with radiation therapy. Patients with metastases are usually treated with chemotherapy, mostly with cytotoxic reagents, and rarely with estrogen receptor antagonists. The detailed knowledge of genetic features of adnexal tumors is still lacking. Most of the studies examined only few of the genes using low throughput techniques. Development of new generations of genome sequencing methods led to better understanding of tumors with apocrine and eccrine differentiation. For many of their subtypes, it is still unknown whether there are specific genetic changes, that could even be of diagnostic significance. Hotspot mutations in HRAS (p.G13X and p.Q61X) were found in a subset of eccrine poromas and porocarcinomas. These mutations were found in tumors with other lines of differentiation and suggesting overlapping genetical characteristics among adnexal tumors. Due to their similar histological features, cylindroma and spiradenoma are usually considered as phenotypic variations of the same entity. Their histological features can be mixed, in which case a diagnosis of spiradenocylindroma is made. In cylindroma, MYB is upregulated either by mutations in CYLD gene (syndromic cases) or due to a rearrangement of MYB gene (sporadic cases). Genetic characteristics of spiradenomas, including the status of CYLD and MYB genes, are largely unknown. It is still unclear if these two are both histological and genetical “relatives” and what is the level of heterogeneity among tumors arising sporadically or within syndromes. The presence of chromosomal rearrangements in adnexal tumors is also unexplored. TORC1-MAML2 and EWSR1-POU5F1 fusions were found in significant number of hidradenomas. Initially it was thought these fusions could be characteristic for clear cell variant of hidradenomas, but no true correlation with histology was found. Molecular alterations that differ between benign and malignant counterparts and could enable targeted therapy of adnexal carcinomas are unknown. Mutations in TP53, often UV-associated, are frequent in malignant tumors with eccrine and apocrine differentiation and can drive malignant transformation in such tumors. Porocarcinomas and ABSTRACTS 96 MATERIA MEDICA • Vol. 34 • Issue 1, suplement 1 • april 2018. hidradenocarcinomas harbor various molecular alterations affecting PI3K-AKT or MAPK pathways that could enable targeted therapy in the future. Actionable mutations in EGFR were not found in carcinomas with eccrine and apocrine differentiation thus far. Her2 amplifications are rarely found, mostly in hidradenocarcinomas, but its therapeutic potential has only been utilized only once.16,25 Mutations of PTCH1 and TCF7L1 in hidradenocarcinomas could also enable the treatment with the inhibitors of Hedgehog and WNT/Hippo signaling pathways. It seems that current knowledge gained from genomic studies of adnexal tumors is only a scratch on the surface. In addition, there is no data on epigenetic characteristics or transcriptome of adnexal skin tumors. Taken altogether, further and detailed investigation of genome, epigenome and transcriptome of adnexal tumors is necessary. Such integrated knowledge could explain mechanisms of their development, malignant alteration and progression, so the treatment of patients with metastatic adnexal carcinomas could be changed toward targeted therapy.
Martina Bosic