ABSTRACT Meckel's diverticulum is the most common anomalous development of the gastrointestinal system that results from an incomplete vitelline canal. A diagnosis is usually made during the clinical examination of presentations such as unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction, inflammation or perforation. The purpose of this review is to provide an adequate level of knowledge of the clinical and diagnostic features as well as the management of Meckel's diverticulum. Diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum may be challenging as the condition remains asymptomatic or may mimic various diseases and obscure the clinical picture. Life-threatening complications include bleeding, obstruction, inflammation and perforation. Therefore, it is essential that anatomical and pathophysiological characteristics are known in detail in order to prevent complications which will result in morbidity and mortality.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the possible effects of argan oil on the healing of colorectal anastomoses. Methods: I n Group 1 (sham), laparotomy was performed and the colon was mobilized. In the control (Group 2) and argan oil (Group 3) groups, colonic resection and anastomosis were applied. To the control and sham groups, 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl was administred rectally, and in the argan oil group, 2 mL/day argan oil was applied rectally for 7 days. Results: The mean bursting pressures of the argan oil and sham groups were significantly higher than the values in the control group. A significant difference was determined between the tissue hydroxyproline and prolidase levels of control group and other groups. Histopathologically, argan oil showed significant beneficial effects on colonic wound healing. In the argan oil and sham groups, the tissue malondialdehyde and fluorescent oxidation product levels were found to be lower and total sulfhydryl levels were higher than the control group. Conclusions: The rectally administered argan oil was observed to have significantly ameliorated wound healing parameters and exerted a significant antioxidant effect. This is the first study in the literature about the beneficial effects of argan oil on colorectal anastomoses.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the potential protective effects of erdosteine against the harmful effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury on the liver in an experimental rat model. Methods: Forty rats were divided into 4 groups. In the sham group, only the hepatic pedicle was mobilized. No other manipulation or treatment was performed. In the other groups, ischemia was achieved by clamping the hepatic pedicle for 60 min. After that, 90 min reperfusion was provided. In the control group, no treatment was given. In the perioperative treatment group, 100 mg/kg erdosteine was administered 2 hours before ischemia induction. In the preoperative treatment group, 100 mg/kg/day erdosteine was administered daily for ten days before the operation. At the end of the procedures, blood and liver samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological assessment. Results: Treatment with erdosteine ameliorated the histopathological abnormalities when compared with the control group. Furthermore, this treatment significantly decreased the serum liver function test values. It was also found that erdosteine ameliorated the oxidative stress parameters in both the perioperative and preoperative treatment groups. Conclusion: The current study is the first to have shown the favorable effects of erdosteine on the harmful effects of experimental hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.