BACKGROUND: Non-palpable breast lesions are more frequent now than in the past due to the attention toward the mammary pathology and the screening diffusion; the marking of such lesions is very important for a successful...BACKGROUND: Non-palpable breast lesions are more frequent now than in the past due to the attention toward the mammary pathology and the screening diffusion; the marking of such lesions is very important for a successful surgery. The SentiMag System uses a magnetic marker that is inoculated transdermal in the breast through an 18-gauge needle. METHODS: Between April 1 and June 30, 2018, 16 patients with non-palpable breast lesions were selected and subjected to surgery using the SentiMag System in our Unit. They were women with a mean age of 52 years (range 30-84 years). Seven of 16 (43.7%) had a borderline preoperative histological or cytological diagnosis (C3/B3), and nine (56.3%) a diagnosis of carcinoma (C5/B5). Six (37.5%) were marked on ultrasound guidance and 10 (62.5%) on a mammography stereotaxic guide. RESULTS: The time for the marker positioning ranged from 2 to 10 minutes. The radiological control of the surgical specimen always showed the presence of both the lesion and the marker, both centered within the specimen and intact. The pathology revealed seven benign lesions, one in-situ, and eight infiltrating carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: The SentiMag represents a fast and safe preoperative marking system of non-palpable breast lesions, cutting the radio exposure for personnel and patients. The marker is not displaced over time and it is rapid to place and easy to locate intraoperatively, allowing a clear dissection plane around the lesion. Thus, this reduces the amount of gland removed, improving the aesthetic result mostly in small breasts.
BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) obstruction is frequent but doubts remain on the best treatment. The aim of this study is to analyze the different operative approach used for CRC treatment and evaluate the outcomes f...BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) obstruction is frequent but doubts remain on the best treatment. The aim of this study is to analyze the different operative approach used for CRC treatment and evaluate the outcomes for the different cases. METHODS: Patients were collected from January 2014 to December 2019 and divided in four groups: two "P" groups, namely the Hartmann's procedure (PH) group and the primary anastomosis (PA) group, and two "S" groups, namely the deviating stoma (SD) group and the self-expanding metallic stent (SS) group. The main endpoints were the quality of life and the oncologic safety. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were enrolled. The mean follow-up time was 39 months. The stomas were performed less frequently in SS but lasted more in that group. Only 45% underwent reversal surgery. Cumulative operating time was greater in S versus P groups. The rate of major complications was similar. PA had greater overall survival and disease-free survival rates than PH. CONCLUSIONS: The various options of treatment should have different indications: primary anastomosis in stable patients, Hartmann in critical cases, SEMS for palliative intent and stoma when neo-adjuvant therapy is needed.
BACKGROUND: The aim of our retrospective study is to compare the efficacy and indications of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic full-thickness resection device...BACKGROUND: The aim of our retrospective study is to compare the efficacy and indications of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), and endoscopic full-thickness resection device (FTRD) with Over-The-Scope Clip (OTSC) System for en-bloc resection of rectal lesions. METHODS: This study collected 76 cases of rectal neoplasms from a single hospital institution. Primary endpoints were complete en-bloc resection, intraprocedural adverse events, R0 en-bloc resection and an early discharge of the patient. Secondary endpoints included procedure-related adverse events. RESULTS: Mean tumor sizes were statistically significant smaller among patients treated with FTRD rather than TEM and ESD. TEO and FTRD treated patients experienced a higher en-bloc resection rate, with a shorter procedure time and hospital stay. No significant difference concerning the R0 resection was found. TEO and FTRD recorded lower perforation rates as compared to ESD, whereas no difference emerged concerning the bleeding rate and the post-polypectomy syndrome rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that each technique has specific features, so that each one offers advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, all of them ensure high en-bloc resection rates, whereas no difference exists for R0 resection rate. TEO provides the possibility to remove low rectal large lesions as compared to ESD and FTRD.
BACKGROUND: Perforated peptic ulcer is a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease and carries high risk for morbidity and mortality. Although the incidence of peptic ulcer disease has decreased in recent decades, the...BACKGROUND: Perforated peptic ulcer is a serious complication of peptic ulcer disease and carries high risk for morbidity and mortality. Although the incidence of peptic ulcer disease has decreased in recent decades, the percentage of patients with perforated peptic ulcer requiring emergency surgery remains constant. The use of laparoscopic management as a first choice for the treatment of the perforation is growing but is not routine in many centers. METHODS: Clinical and surgical data on 42 patients underwent surgical treatment for perforated peptic ulcer from January 2012 to December 2016 were collected. Laparoscopic repair of the perforation with a three-port technique was made in all cases. The Boey scoring system was used to predict the prognosis. RESULTS: All patients underwent suture-closure of the ulcer, and omental patch through laparoscopy without conversion to open surgery. Duodenal leakages occurred in 3 patients (7.1%), then treated with a conservative approach and resolved on the 10 postoperative day. Two patients (4.7%) had deep space infections in the first week after surgery, therefore subdiaphragmatic and pelvic abscess were drained by ultrasound guidance. Four patients (9.5%) died up to 30-day post-surgery due to progression of multisystem organ failure in absence of leakages or infections. All these patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification >III and Boey Score 3. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that a primary laparoscopic approach in patients with peptic ulcer perforation is associated with postoperative advantages and acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality, essentially related to high Boey Score. Therefore, we suggest that the surgical repair of PPU could be always started laparoscopically.
BACKGROUND: In the past decades the right colon cancer showed a higher incidence rate than left colon cancer. This trend is known as "proximal shift" or "rightwards shift." We evaluated rightward shift phenomenon in our...BACKGROUND: In the past decades the right colon cancer showed a higher incidence rate than left colon cancer. This trend is known as "proximal shift" or "rightwards shift." We evaluated rightward shift phenomenon in our region. METHODS: We collected data from 1101 colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery at Parma University Hospital from 01 January 2004 through 01 January 2018. We divided patients into seven subgroups according to the time of surgery to evaluate epidemiological changes through the years of colon cancer. RESULTS: We found a non-linear rightward shift trend of CRC. The incidence of RCC was the 40% between 2004-2005 and 51% in the biennium 2016-2017 (60% in 2012-2013 and 57% in 2014-2015). The patients with RCC were significantly older than patients with LCC. RCCs have poor differentiated tumors. Metastatic disease showed a similar distribution both in left and right CRCs. Peritoneum was the most common metastasis location from right-sided colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest the existence of two different tumor entities in CRC between right-sided colon cancer and left-sided colon cancer. The proximal shift may be a reflection of improved screening programs, diagnostic accuracy and population aging. Ethnicity, gender, diet, environment, and socioeconomic status contribute to CRC incidence and prevalence in different regions.
BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to investigate the postoperative course of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after total thyroidectomy to define a proper and low cost protocol. METHODS: We studied 144 pat...BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to investigate the postoperative course of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after total thyroidectomy to define a proper and low cost protocol. METHODS: We studied 144 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between 2007 and 2010. Ionized calcium was determined preoperatively and on day 1 (POD1), day 2 (POD2) and day 7 (POD7) postoperatively; PTH preoperatively and on POD7. Patients with ionized calcium ≤1.11 mmol/L were considered hypocalcemic and treated only if symptoms, ≤1 mmol/L were treated in all cases. RESULTS: Ionized calcium and PTH declined postoperative in all patients compared to preoperative levels (P=0.000). Ionized calcium increased on POD7 compared to POD1 and POD2 (P=0.000). All hypocalcemic untreated 30 patients returned normocalcemic on POD7. Thirty-eight hypocalcemic patients were treated but 23 (61%) safely suspended therapy on POD7. We tested PTH and ionized calcium as independent factors of prolonged hypocalcemia (that required therapy beyond 7 days) with the following results (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy): PTH ≤11 pg/mL (80%, 100%, 100%, 96% and 97%, respectively), ionized calcium ≤1.11 mmol/L (80%, 88%, 59%, 95%, and 87%, respectively) and ionized calcium ≤1 mmol/L (28%, 100%, 100%, 87% and 88%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that our protocol, including serum ionized calcium on 1, 2, 7 days and PTH on 7 day after surgery, is safe and low cost and therefore may be useful in the post-surgical management of total thyroidectomy.
BACKGROUND: The metastasis of laryngeal nerve lymph node is mostly found in the upper-and middle esophageal cancer, the ratio of esophageal length from the upper incisors to the position where the esophageal tumor began...BACKGROUND: The metastasis of laryngeal nerve lymph node is mostly found in the upper-and middle esophageal cancer, the ratio of esophageal length from the upper incisors to the position where the esophageal tumor began to appear as proven via endoscopy to the height (LH) is likely to affect the possibility of detection of recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN) lymph node (LN) metastasis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of LH for RLN LN metastasis. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-eight patients (mean age: 64.89 years; range: 46-84 years) calculated LH before esophagectomy and LN dissection were retrospective analyzed. The clinicopathological data of the patients, LH calculations were compared with the RLN LN histopathologic results to investigate the effect of LH on the diagnosis of RLN LN metastasis. RESULTS: The LH correlated with that of the RLN LN metastasis in receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis. Our ROC analyses demonstrated the optimal cut-off value was 16.66 for LH with an area under the curve value of 0.69. Compared with the Height (H) and L, ROC curve for LH have better performance in predicting the RLN LN metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: LH is a useful predictive tool in the evaluation of RLN LN metastasis for esophageal cancer. The present findings support the result that LH can be an indicator of RLN LN dissection.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a simple laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) simulator and corresponding practicing program on the application of performing LCBDE in a...BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a simple laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) simulator and corresponding practicing program on the application of performing LCBDE in a low volume center. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed by analyzing data from the electronic medical record for 4118 patients with choledocholithiasis in Changxing County Hospital (Huzhou, Zhejiang, China) between January 2013 and December 2018. From January 2016, we have developed a simple LCBDE-specific simulator and corresponding practicing program in our hospital. The percentage of patients with choledocholithiasis managed by LCBDE before and after the introduction of a simple LCBDE-specific simulator and corresponding practicing program was compared. RESULTS: There were 8.9% (367/4118) patients with a diagnosis of choledocholithiasis confirmed by MRCP. Single-stage management with LC+LCBDE was performed in 23.7% (87/367) patients. Among them, 23 cases were performed between January 2013 and December 2015, and 64 cases were performed between January 2016 and December 2018. The introduction of simulator-enhanced practicing program in January 2016 has resulted in an increase in the percentage of performed LCBDE, from 12.9% to 33.9%. In addition, there was an 29.5% reduction in the mean operating time (from 193 min to 136 min) needed for LCBDE with T-tube when compared these two periods. CONCLUSIONS: LCBDE simulator can improve the application in a low volume center, and help to increase the utilization of this effective, one stage treatment for choledocholithiasis and reduce the need for costlier ERCP.
Uterine leiomyomata are the most frequent leiomyomata. However, this benign tumor can also arise in unusual locations (e.g. ovaries, urethra, bladder and vulva). The diagnostic process of ovarian leiomyomata can be diffi...Uterine leiomyomata are the most frequent leiomyomata. However, this benign tumor can also arise in unusual locations (e.g. ovaries, urethra, bladder and vulva). The diagnostic process of ovarian leiomyomata can be difficult, and it is mostly incidental: the lesions are usually small and the clinical presentation is mainly asymptomatic. Since the first case described in 1862, less than 100 cases have been described. Some of these lesions have been treated laparoscopically. To our knowledge, this is the first worldwide case of an ovarian leiomyoma treated with a robotic approach (surgeon: Prof. P.C. Giulianotti, M.D., F.A.C.S.). Moreover, we provide an overview of the recent literature, and an intraoperative video of the intervention.
BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was introduced to combine the curativeness of full thickness excision with minimum morbidity, while traditional rectal surgery is burdened by high morbidity and mortali...BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was introduced to combine the curativeness of full thickness excision with minimum morbidity, while traditional rectal surgery is burdened by high morbidity and mortality rates. However, while it is still a matter of considerable debate whether local excision is an adequate approach for curative resection of rectal cancer, new minimally invasive operative techniques have been introduced. The purpose of this paper was to show the indications, the tips and long term results of this technique through the review of the largest single-center database available to date. The showed results derived from the single center experience of the Clinica Chirurgica of Polytechnic University of Marche. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a 25-year database from May 1992 to May 2017. We divided the patients into three different groups of patients according to the preoperative diagnosis: rectal cancers, adenomas and other rectal lesions. Rectal adenomas were divided into two groups according to their diameter (> or <5 cm). Rectal cancer patients were divided into two groups according to the preoperative staging: early rectal cancer and irradiated rectal cancer. RESULTS: Among the 1324 patients who had rectal tumors excised with TEM at our institution, preoperative histology was rectal adenoma in 729 (55%) patients, adenocarcinoma in 536 (40.5%) patients and other lesions in the remaining 59 (4.4%) patients. 5 years overall survival (OS) and Recurrence free survival (RFS) were 93.3% and 98.6% for patients with rectal adenomas and 86.8% and 70.9% for patients with rectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: TEM can be a valid alternative for the treatment of both benign and malignant rectal lesions, further studies are needed to define more specific indications to justify the survival of this technique in the future.
Vaccari S, Cervellera M, Lauro A
… +15 more, Palazzini G, Cirocchi R, Gjata A, Dibra A, Ussia A, Brighi M, Isaj E, Agastra E, Casella G, Di Matteo FM, Santoro A, Falvo L, Tarroni D, D'andrea V, Tonini V
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy represents the gold standard technique for the treatment of lithiasic gallbladder disease. Although it has many advantages, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not risk-free and in sp...BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy represents the gold standard technique for the treatment of lithiasic gallbladder disease. Although it has many advantages, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not risk-free and in special situations there is a need for conversion into an open procedure, in order to minimize postoperative complications and to complete the procedure safely. The aim of this study was to identify factors that can predict the conversion to open cholecystectomy. METHODS: We analyzed 1323 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy over the last five years at St. Orsola University Hospital-Bologna and Umberto I University Hospital-Rome. Among these, 116 patients (8.7%) were converted into laparotomic cholecystectomy. Clinical, demographic, surgical and pathological data from these patients were included in a prospective database. A univariate analysis was performed followed by a multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, the factors significantly correlated with conversion to open were the ASA score higher than 3 and the comorbidity, specifically cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic renal failure (P<0.001). Patients with a higher mean age had a higher risk of conversion to open (61.9±17.1 vs. 54.1±15.2, P<0.001). Previous abdominal surgery and previous episodes of cholecystitis and/or pancreatitis were not statistically significant factors for conversion. There were four deaths in the group of converted patients and two in the laparoscopic group (P<0.001). Operative morbility was higher in the conversion group (22% versus 8%, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the factors significantly correlated to conversion were: age <65 years old (P=0.031 OR: 1.6), ASA score 3-4 (P=0.013, OR:1.8), history of ERCP (P=0.16 OR:1.7), emergency procedure (P=0.011, OR:1.7); CRP higher than 0,5 (P<0.001, OR:3.3), acute cholecystitis (P<0.001, OR:1.4). Further multivariate analysis of morbidity, postoperative mortality and home discharge showed that conversion had a significant influence on overall post-operative complications (P=0.011, OR:2.01), while mortality (P=0.143) and discharge at home were less statistically influenced. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that most of the independent risk factors for conversion cannot be modified by delaying surgery. Many factors reported in the literature did not significantly impact conversion rates in our results.
BACKGROUND: It is still unknown whether ERAS program is safe, feasible and effective in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In addition, the definition of the "old patient" in terms of age varies...BACKGROUND: It is still unknown whether ERAS program is safe, feasible and effective in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In addition, the definition of the "old patient" in terms of age varies across the studies and different age cut-off, such as 65, 70, and 75 years have been used worldwide. METHODS: All adult patients undergoing primary, elective colorectal laparoscopic surgery between January 2017 and December 2018 were considered eligible to follow the ERAS protocol according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society guidelines. Elderly were defined according three different cut-off values: <65 and ≥65 years, <70 and ≥70 years, <75 and ≥75 years. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were included in the study. Adherence to protocol did not differ significantly between younger and older patients, for most of the items. Thirty-day mortality was absent. The frequency of postoperative complications globally considered and the frequency of the various single complications did not differ significantly between younger and older patients, independently of the cutoff considered to define the older age. Similarly, the frequency of re-intervention and readmission was similar in younger and older patients. Time to flatus and time to stool were similar in young and older patients, independently of the age cut-off used. Time to oral liquid diet was similar in patients with age <65 and ≥65 years while it was moderately longer in patients ≥70 years (1.5±1.1 days;) than in those <70 years (1.1±0.4 days; P=0.030) as well as in patients ≥75 years with respect to the younger ones (1.2±0.5 vs. 1.6±1.2 days; P=0.045). The time to oral solid feeding was similar in young and old patients, independently of the age cut-off used. Time to bladder catheter removal was significantly longer in older patients, independently of the age cut-off used, although the differences do not seem to be clinically relevant. The length of stay was significantly higher in older patients, when the cutoff of 70 years or 75 years was used, but did not differ significantly when the cut-off of 65 years was used. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the ERAS protocol is safe, feasible, and effective in elderly patients as in the young ones, undergoing laparoscopic elective colorectal surgery. This suggests that the ERAS program can be applied usefully to elderly patients in the routine clinical practice.
BACKGROUND: In recent decades, transanal surgery for rectal lesions has become a valid alternative treatment for the treatment of small lesions of the rectum. Significant benefits in terms of morbidity and mortality are...BACKGROUND: In recent decades, transanal surgery for rectal lesions has become a valid alternative treatment for the treatment of small lesions of the rectum. Significant benefits in terms of morbidity and mortality are confirmed. There are multiple platforms for transanal surgery but the TEO system® is one of the best known. METHODS: Between November 2017 and July 2019, 25 patients with rectal lesions suitable to transanal treatment came to our observation. In all reported cases, full-thickness rectum resections were performed. Demographic, histopathological, surgical morbidity/mortality and clinical outcome in all patients who underwent TEO were retrospectively evaluated from a prospectively collected database. RESULTS: For a period of less than 2 years, 25 rectal lesions were excised by TEO. Sixteen lesions (64%) were low (<4 cm), 7 (28%) were mid-rectal (4-8 cm) and 2 (8%) were in the proximal rectum (>8 cm). Postoperative complications included: 3 (12%) bleedings, and 8 (32%) post-polipectomy syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience suggests TEO is safe and feasible. Full-thickness resection guarantees adequate deep margins. Moreover, the limited number of cases requires the development of adequate reference centers.