Cakir M, et al. Korean J Gastroenterol. 2013 Jan;61(1):17-21. https://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2013.61.1.17

Aim. Constipation is one of the most common complaints of the digestive system indicated with an increase in defecation frequency, difficulty in defecation, and hard and strained defecation. Environmental, personal, and genetic factors may be affecting constipation although the affecting factors have not yet been thoroughly explained. The aim of this study was to investigate constipation frequency and lifestyles in medical students. Method. The population was selected among medical students for the study, which was planned as a survey study. Demographic data of all the participants and the factors suggested to affect constipation were questioned and analyzed. Results. The study covered a total of 425 medical students. Among the students reporting constipation, 2.86 were in their first year of medical school, while 7.53 were in the third year and 9.09 were in the sixth year. The rate of students reporting constipation and familial history was statistically significant. While regular eating habits were reported in the first and third years, this rate was much lower in the sixth year group working at clinical departments. The results of our study did not reveal any significant relationship between daily intake of water and constipation. There was, however, a significant relationship between stress and constipation. Conclusion. The results of our study showed that medical education did not curb constipation frequency. We believe that stress is significant in constipation. The data we collected indicate that regular eating habits and excess liquid intake are not as effective as suggested in the treatment of constipation.

Acute gastric dilatation was first defined by Duplay in 1833. We herein present the case of a 55-year-old male patient diagnosed with gastric necrosis and perforation caused by acute gastric dilatation. Since the stomach has a rich blood circulation, necrosis and perforation are rarely seen. Clinically, more than 90% of cases have complaints of vomiting. The most useful method in revealing the diagnosis and aetiology is computerized tomography. Medical treatment is appropriate for cases where no necrosis and peritonitis findings are detected through endoscopy. Delays in surgical treatment increase the risk of mortality.

Hydatid cyst disease (HCD) is a zoonotic infestation of Echinococcus granulosus, which is frequently seen in some regions of the world. Unusual localization of Echinococcus granulosus is very rare. Hence, we would like to present our experience of identifying an extra-hepatopulmonary location of hydatid cysts. A total of 157 patients with an unusual location of hydatid cysts treated between 2000 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated according to their age, sex, symptoms, diagnosis, stage, location of the cyst, and treatment modality. Out of 157 patients, 68 were male and 89 were female. The mean age was 43.65 (4-85) years. The most involved organ was the spleen. The cysts were classified in 96, 57, and 4 patients as type I-II, III, and IV-V, respectively. The Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, and Reaspiration regimen should be the primary treatment option for hydatid cysts with unusual locations. As much as possible, organ-preserving surgery should be a treatment of choice in extra-hepatopulmonary hydatid cysts.

Aim: Ileosigmoidal knotting is an unusual form of acute intestinal obstruction characterized by closed‐loop obstruction of both ileum and sigmoid colon. We present 36 cases of ileosigmoidal knotting.Methods: A retrospective analysis was designed to examine preoperative, operative, and postoperative findings of the 36 patients with ileosigmoidal knotting who were surgically treated in Necmettin Erbakan University's Meram Medical Faculty (Konya, Turkey) throughout a 26‐year period.Results: The mean age was 55 (range, 47–61) years. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, distention, obstipation, and vomiting, and the most common signs were abdominal tenderness and distention. The preoperative diagnosis was acute obstructed bowel in all patients. After resuscitation, all patients underwent emergency laparotomy. The most common type of ileosigmoidal knotting was type IA, in which the active ileum encircled the passive sigmoid in a clockwise manner. There was gangrene in both ileum and sigmoid colon in all patients. All ischemic bowels including ileum and sigmoid colon were resected and the continuity was carried out using primary anastomosis or Hartmann's procedure.Conclusions: Ileosigmoidal knotting is a rare disease but its preoperative diagnosis is difficult. In cases of knotting there is no form of conservative treatment. Resective surgery is absolutely necessary.