1. Introduction The tegmental wall of the tympanic cavity is a thin plate of the temporal bone that separates the middle cranial fossa(MCF) from the ear. This anatomical region consists of two areas: an anterior one, ...1. Introduction The tegmental wall of the tympanic cavity is a thin plate of the temporal bone that separates the middle cranial fossa(MCF) from the ear. This anatomical region consists of two areas: an anterior one, comprised of the tegmen tympani(To′th et al., 2007), and a posterior one, formed by the tegmen antri and the tegmen mastoideum(Makki et al., 2011). In some patients, the tegmental region of the temporal bone can be interrupted, causing a tegmen defect(TD). A TD is sometimes associated with a meningoencephalic herniation(MEH), in which brain tissue herniates through a TD.展开更多
Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are considered as result of the healthcare quality in hospitals. Objective: to study SSI at Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital Tanguieta (SJDHT), prior to the implementation of a p...Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are considered as result of the healthcare quality in hospitals. Objective: to study SSI at Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital Tanguieta (SJDHT), prior to the implementation of a permanent monitoring system. Method: transversal, and descriptive study with prospective data collection was performed from 1 July to 31 janvier 2017 in the department of general surgery of SJDHT. The hospital lacks in a microbiology unit. All patients who underwent surgery during this period were included and the monitoring lasted one month. SSIs diagnostic was carried out according to WHO criteria as described in the Practical Guide for the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections published in 2002. Statistical tests (χ-square and Student’s t-test) were applied and p 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: Of 343 patients recorded, 105 (30.6%) had SSI. Their age averaged 40.3 years and the sex-ratio (men/women) was 2.8. The emergency surgery resulted in a 50.0% rate of SSI (p = 0.00). The SSI rate for clean and clean-contaminated surgery was 6.3% against 94.6% for infected surgery (p = 0.00). The SSI rates were 100% and 66.7% for NNISS = 2 and NNISS = 1 (p = 0.00), respectively. Superficial SSI rate was 13.3%, while deep SSI and organ/space SSI were 46.7% and 40%, respectively. The hospital stay of patients with SSI was three times longer than the length of patients without SSI (p = 0.00). Conclusion: SSIs are real burden at SJDHT. Appropriate measures must be adopted to reduce its prevalence.展开更多
BACKGROUND Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)and laparoscopically inserted gastrostomy have become the gold standard for adult patients and children,respectively,requiring long-term enteral nutrition support.Pro...BACKGROUND Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)and laparoscopically inserted gastrostomy have become the gold standard for adult patients and children,respectively,requiring long-term enteral nutrition support.Procedure-related mortality is a rare event,often reported to be zero in smaller studies.National data on 30-d mortality and long-term survival rates after gastrostomy placement are scarce in the literature.AIM To study the use of gastrostomies in Sweden from 1998-2019 and to analyze procedure-related mortality and short-term(<30 d)and long-term survival.METHODS In this retrospective,population-based cohort study,individuals that had received a gastrostomy between 1998-2019 in Sweden were included.Individuals were identified in the Swedish National Patient Register,and survival analysis was possible by cross-referencing the Swedish Death Register.The cohort was divided into three age groups:Children(0-18 years);adults(19-64 years);and elderly(≥65 years).Kaplan-Meier with log-rank test and Cox regression were used for survival analysis.RESULTS In total 48682 individuals(52%males,average age 60.9±25.3 years)were identified.The cohort consisted of 12.0%children,29.5%adults,and 58.5%elderly.An increased use of gastrostomies was observed during the study period,from 13.7/100000 to 22.3/100000 individuals(P<0.001).The use of PEG more than doubled(about 800 to 1800/year),with a corresponding decrease in open gastrostomy(about 700 to 340/year).Laparoscopic gastrostomy increased more than ten-fold(about 20 to 240/year).Overall,PEG,open gastrostomy,and laparoscopic gastrostomy constituted 70.0%(n=34060),23.3%(n=11336),and 4.9%(n=2404),respectively.Procedure-related mortality was 0.1%(n=44)overall(PEG:0.05%,open:0.24%,laparoscopic:0.04%).The overall 30-d mortality rate was 10.0%(PEG:9.8%,open:12.4%,laparoscopic:1.7%)and decreased from 11.6%in 1998-2009 vs 8.5%in 2010-2019(P<0.001).One-year and ten-year survival rates for children,adults,and elderly were 93.7%,67.5%,and 42.1%and 79.9%,39.2%,and 6.8%,respectively.The most common causes of death were malignancies and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.CONCLUSION The annual use of gastrostomies in Sweden increased during the study period,with a shift towards more minimally invasive procedures.Although procedure-related death was rare,the overall 30-d mortality rate was high(10%).To overcome this,we believe that patient selection should be improved.展开更多
Photodynamic therapy(PDT)can take place in the presence of three elements:Light with an appropriate wavelength;a photosensitizer;and the presence of oxygen.This type of treatment is very effective overall against bact...Photodynamic therapy(PDT)can take place in the presence of three elements:Light with an appropriate wavelength;a photosensitizer;and the presence of oxygen.This type of treatment is very effective overall against bacterial,viral and mycotic cells.In the last 10 years many papers have been published on PDT with different types of photosensitizers(e.g.,methylene blue,toluidine blue,indocyanine green,curcumin-based photosensitizers),different wavelengths(e.g.,460 nm,630 nm,660 nm,810 nm)and various parameters(e.g.,power of the light,time of illumination,number of sessions).In the scientific literature all types of PDT seem very effective,even if it is difficult to find a standard protocol for each oral pathology.PDT could be an interesting way to treat some dangerous oral infections refractory to common pharmacological therapies,such as candidiasis from multidrug-resistant Candida spp.展开更多
Mitochondrial organelle transplantation (MOT) is an innovative strategy for the treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction such as cardiac ischemic reperfusion injuries, Parkinson’s diseases, brain and spinal cord injuri...Mitochondrial organelle transplantation (MOT) is an innovative strategy for the treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction such as cardiac ischemic reperfusion injuries, Parkinson’s diseases, brain and spinal cord injuries, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, one of the major challenges for widespread usage is a methodology for preservation of isolated mitochondria. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are phospholipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles released from cells. EVs carry a cargo of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, metabolites, and even organelles such as mitochondria. Purpose: To test if EVs enhance the stability of isolated mitochondria. Methods: We mixed isolated mitochondria of fibroblasts with EVs of mesenchymal stromal cells (imEVs) (9:1 in volume) and stored the mixture at 2°C - 6°C for different time periods. We measured morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial ATP content at 0, 2, 5 days. Key findings: After 2 days of storage, the mito-chondria without imEVs lost approximate 70% MMP (RFU: 1822 ± 68), compared to the fresh mitochondria (RFU: 5458 ± 52) (p 0.05). In agreement with MMP, mitochondria without imEVs lost significant mitochondrial ATP content (p 0.05), after 2 days of cold storage, compared to fresh mitochondria. Microscopy showed that imEVs promoted aggregation of isolated mitochondria. Summary: The preliminary data showed that imEVs enhanced the stability of isolated mitochondria in cold storage.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a challenging condition for surgeons. During the last decades, increasing knowledge about pathophysiology of CP, improved results of major pancreatic resections, a...BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a challenging condition for surgeons. During the last decades, increasing knowledge about pathophysiology of CP, improved results of major pancreatic resections, and integration of sophisticated diagnostic methods in clinical practice have resulted in significant changes in surgery for CP. DATA SOURCES: To detail the indications for CP surgery, the surgical procedures, and outcome, a Pubmed database search was performed. The abstracts of searched articles about surgical management of CP were reviewed. The articles could be identified and further scrutinized. Further references were extracted by cross-referencing. RESULTS: Main indications of CP for surgery are intractable pain, suspicion of malignancy, and involvement of adjacent organs. The goal of surgical treatment is to improve the quality of life of patients. The surgical approach to CP should be individualized according to pancreatic anatomy, pain characteristics, baseline exocrine and endocrine function, and medical co-morbidity. The approach usually involves pancreatic duct drainage and resection including longitudinal pancreatojejunostomy, pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure), pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, total pancreatectomy, duodenum- preserving pancreatic head resection (Beger's procedure), and local resection of the pancreatic head with longitudinal pancreatojejunostomy (Frey's procedure). Non-pancreatic and endoscopic management of pain has also been advocated. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical procedures provide long-term pain relief, a good postoperative quality of life withpreservation of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function, and are associated with low early and late mortality and morbidity. In addition to available results from randomized controlled trials, new studies are needed to determine which procedure is the most effective for the management of patients with CP.展开更多
A correspondence between the "meso" of the rectum and of the pancreas has recently been reported. Here we highlight the differences between mesorectum and mesopancreas. Based on anatomical findings from a se...A correspondence between the "meso" of the rectum and of the pancreas has recently been reported. Here we highlight the differences between mesorectum and mesopancreas. Based on anatomical findings from a series of 89 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies and 71 consecutive total mesorectal excisions, we observed that in contrast to the mesorectum, the mesopancreas did not have well-defined anatomic boundaries and was continuous and connected through its components with the para-aortic area. In rectal cancer,tumor deposits and nodal involvement could be confined to the mesorectum(i.e., within the mesorectal fascia), whereas in pancreatic carcinoma, tumor deposits and nodal metastases occurred in the boundless mesopancreatic area. Total mesorectal excision was made en bloc with the rectum by dissecting along the mesorectal fascia; this was not the case for mesopancreatic excision since anatomical demarcation of the mesopancreas did not exist. Moreover, the growth pattern of pancreatic cancer showed greater dispersion, which was more prominent at the invasive front of the tumor and could potentially affect the status of the resection margin. These findings indicate that the mesorectum and mesopancreas are completely distinct from the pathological, surgical, and oncological standpoints.展开更多
The liver is one of the organs most commonly involved in metastatic disease,especially due to its unique vascularization.It’s well known that liver metastases represent the most common hepatic malignant tumors.From a...The liver is one of the organs most commonly involved in metastatic disease,especially due to its unique vascularization.It’s well known that liver metastases represent the most common hepatic malignant tumors.From a practical point of view,it’s of utmost importance to evaluate the presence of liver metastases when staging oncologic patients,to select the best treatment possible,and finally to predict the overall prognosis.In the past few years,imaging techniques have gained a central role in identifying liver metastases,thanks to ultrasonography,contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT),and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).All these techniques,especially CT and MRI,can be considered the noninvasive reference standard techniques for the assessment of liver involvement by metastases.On the other hand,the liver can be affected by different focal lesions,sometimes benign,and sometimes malignant.On these bases,radiologists should face the differential diagnosis between benign and secondary lesions to correctly allocate patients to the best management.Considering the above-mentioned principles,it’s extremely important to underline and refresh the broad spectrum of liver metastases features that can occur in everyday clinical practice.This review aims to summarize the most common imaging features of liver metastases,with a special focus on typical and atypical appearance,by using MRI.展开更多
The controversy of surgical seeding or metastasis of a recurrent ameloblastoma is discussed in this paper, where we present a case with a history of 28 years since primary diagnosis including several tumor removals an...The controversy of surgical seeding or metastasis of a recurrent ameloblastoma is discussed in this paper, where we present a case with a history of 28 years since primary diagnosis including several tumor removals and reconstructive events. 23 years after primary diagnosis, we removed a metastasis from the neck with similar histological features as the primary tumor and the following recurrences of the mandible. We argue that the removed tumor in the neck most possibly has its origin in surgical seeding of cells during earlier resection and reconstruction and not by common ways of metastasis. The seeding of tumor cells during tumor surgery and metastasis rate of malignant ameloblastoma is discussed and the literature in this area is reviewed in the paper.展开更多
Since hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)represents an important cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world.Currently,it is fundamental not only to achieve a curative treatment but also to manage in the best way an...Since hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)represents an important cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world.Currently,it is fundamental not only to achieve a curative treatment but also to manage in the best way any possible recurrence.Even if the latest update of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines for HCC treatment has introduced new locoregional techniques and confirmed others as well-established clinical practices,there is still no consensus about the treatment of recurrent HCC(RHCC).Locoregional treatments and medical therapy represent two of the most widely accepted approaches for disease control,especially in the advanced stage of liver disease.Different medical treatments are now approved,and others are under investigation.On this basis,radiology plays a central role in the diagnosis of RHCC and the assessment of response to locoregional treatments and medical therapy for RHCC.This review summarized the actual clinical practice by underlining the importance of the radiological approach both in the diagnosis and treatment of RHCC.展开更多
During the first wave of the pandemic,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection has been considered mainly as a pulmonary infection.However,different clinical and radiological manifestations were observed over time,...During the first wave of the pandemic,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection has been considered mainly as a pulmonary infection.However,different clinical and radiological manifestations were observed over time,including involvement of abdominal organs.Nowadays,the liver is considered one of the main affected abdominal organs.Hepatic involvement may be caused by either a direct damage by the virus or an indirect damage related to COVID-19 induced thrombosis or to the use of different drugs.After clinical assessment,radiology plays a key role in the evaluation of liver involvement.Ultrasonography(US),computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)may be used to evaluate liver involvement.US is widely available and it is considered the first-line technique to assess liver involvement in COVID-19 infection,in particular liver steatosis and portal-vein thrombosis.CT and MRI are used as second-and third-line techniques,respectively,considering their higher sensitivity and specificity compared to US for assessment of both parenchyma and vascularization.This review aims to the spectrum of COVID-19 liver involvement and the most common imaging features of COVID-19 liver damage.展开更多
Benign biliary strictures(BBS)might occur due to different pancreaticobiliary conditions.The etiology and location of biliary strictures are responsible of a wide array of clinical manifestations.The endoscopic approa...Benign biliary strictures(BBS)might occur due to different pancreaticobiliary conditions.The etiology and location of biliary strictures are responsible of a wide array of clinical manifestations.The endoscopic approach endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography represents the first-line treatment for BBS,considering interventional radiology and surgery when endoscopic treatment fails or it is not suitable.The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of possible endoscopic treatments for the optimal management of this subset of patients.展开更多
Breastfeeding is drastically decreasing over time and nipple trauma constitutes one of the most significant reasons for its discontinuation. In this context, this study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and tolera...Breastfeeding is drastically decreasing over time and nipple trauma constitutes one of the most significant reasons for its discontinuation. In this context, this study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and tolerability of a topical treatment device, namely Silver Cap<sup>®</sup> (Depofarma S.P.A.), when used to prevent pain and nipple fissure formation. The medical device consists in a silver trilaminate cup to be placed on the nipple, providing physical protection and creating a moist environment. The study involved 187 women: 38 started to apply the device prior to lactation (PL group) and 149 during lactation (DL group). Aiming to collect safety and performance data, both groups were provided with questionnaires during 6 consecutive visits (120 days of follow-up). At last visit, absence of painful symptoms was reported by the 98.8% and the 100% of women in DL and PL groups, respectively. Moreover, no nipple fissures were observed and no adverse events directly correlated to use of the device were reported. According to these findings, it can be concluded that Silver Cap<sup>®</sup> is a safe and effective device for nipple pain and fissure prevention. .展开更多
BACKGROUND Hydatid cyst disease(HCD)is common in certain locations.Surgery is associated with postoperative biliary fistula(POBF)and recurrence.The primary aim of this study was to identify whether occult cysto-biliar...BACKGROUND Hydatid cyst disease(HCD)is common in certain locations.Surgery is associated with postoperative biliary fistula(POBF)and recurrence.The primary aim of this study was to identify whether occult cysto-biliary communication(CBC)can predict recurrent HCD.The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD.AIM To identify whether occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD.The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and ALP levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD.METHODS From September 2010 to September 2016,a prospective multicenter study was undertaken involving 244 patients with solitary primary superficial stage cystic echinococcosis 2 and cystic echinococcosis 3b HCD who underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy with omentoplasty.Univariable logistic regression analysis assessed independent factors determining biliary complications and recurrence.RESULTS There was a highly statistically significant association(P≤0.001)between cystic fluid biochemical indices and the development of biliary complications(of 16 patients with POBF,15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels),where patients with high bilirubin-ALP levels were 3405 times more likely to have biliary complications.There was a highly statistically significant association(P≤0.001)between biliary complications,biochemical indices,and the occurrence of recurrent HCD(of 30 patients with recurrent HCD,15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP;all 16 patients who had POBF later developed recurrent HCD),where patients who developed biliary complications and high bilirubin-ALP were 244.6 and 214 times more likely to have recurrent hydatid cysts,respectively.CONCLUSION Occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD.Elevated cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels predicted POBF and recurrent HCD.展开更多
Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults.The incidence in Europe and the United States is 6-7 per million population per year.Although most primary UMs can be successfully treated and ...Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults.The incidence in Europe and the United States is 6-7 per million population per year.Although most primary UMs can be successfully treated and locally controlled by irradiation therapy or local tumor resection,up to 50%of UM patients develop metastases that usually involve the liver and are fatal within 1 year.To date,chemotherapy and targeted treatments only obtain minimal responses in patients with metastatic UM,which is still characterized by poor prognosis.No standard therapeutic approaches for its prevention or treatment have been established.The application of immunotherapy agents,such as immune checkpoint inhibitors that are effective in cutaneous melanoma,has shown limited effects in the treatment of ocular disease.This is due to UM’s distinct genetics,natural history,and complex interaction with the immune system.Unlike cutaneous melanomas characterized mainly by BRAF or NRAS mutations,UMs are usually triggered by a mutation in GNAQ or GNA11.As a result,more effective immunotherapeutic approaches,such as cancer vaccines,adoptive cell transfer,and other new molecules are currently being studied.In this review,we examine novel immunotherapeutic strategies in clinical and preclinical studies and highlight the latest insight in immunotherapy and the development of tailored treatment of UM.展开更多
AIM:To find a possible relationship between inflammation and CA19-9 tumor marker by analyzing data from patients with benign jaundice(BJ) and malignant jaundice(MJ).METHODS:All patients admitted for obstructive jaundi...AIM:To find a possible relationship between inflammation and CA19-9 tumor marker by analyzing data from patients with benign jaundice(BJ) and malignant jaundice(MJ).METHODS:All patients admitted for obstructive jaundice,in the period 2005-2009,were prospectively enrolled in the study,obtaining a total of 102 patients.On admission,all patients underwent complete standard blood test examinations including C-reactive protein(CRP),bilirubin,CA19-9.Patients were considered eligible for the study when they presented obstructive jaundice confirmed by instrumental examinations and increased serum bilirubin levels(total bilirubin > 2.0 mg/dL).The standard cut-off level for CA19-9 was 32 U/mL,whereas for CRP this was 1.5 mg/L.The CA19-9 level was adjusted by dividing it by the value of serum bilirubin or by the CRP value.The patients were divided into 2 groups,MJ and BJ,and after the adjustment a comparison between the 2 groups of patients was performed.Sensitivity,specificity and positive predictive values were calculated before and after the adjustment.RESULTS:Of the 102 patients,51 were affected by BJ and 51 by MJ.Pathologic CA19-9 levels were found in 71.7% of the patients.In the group of 51 BJ patients there were 29(56.9%) males and 22(43.1%) females with a median age of 66 years(range 24-96 years),whereas in the MJ group there were 24(47%) males and 27(53%) females,with a mean age of 70 years(range 30-92 years).Pathologic CA19-9 serum level was found in 82.3% of MJ.CRP levels were pathologic in 66.6% of the patients with BJ and in 49% with MJ.Bilirubin and CA19-9 average levels were significantly higher in MJ compared with BJ(P = 0.000 and P = 0.02),while the CRP level was significantly higher in BJ(P = 0.000).Considering a CA19-9 cut-off level of 32 U/mL,82.3% in the MJ group and 54.9% in the BJ group were positive for CA19-9(P = 0.002).A CA19-9 cut-off of 100 U/mL increases the difference between the two groups:35.3% in BJ and 68.6% in MJ(P = 0.0007).Adjusting the CA19-9 value by dividing it by serum bilirubin level meant that 21.5% in the BJ and 49% in the MJ group remained with a positive CA19-9 value(P = 0.003),while adjusting the CA19-9 value by dividing it by serum CRP value meant that 31.4% in the BJ group and 76.5% in the MJ group still had a positive CA19-9 value(P = 0.000004).Sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive values of CA19-9 > 32 U/mL were 82.3%,45% and 59.1%;when the cutoff was CA19-9 > 100 U/mL they were,respectively,68.6%,64.7% and 66%.When the CA19-9 value was adjusted by dividing it by the bilirubin or CRP values,these became 49%,78.4%,69.4% and 76.5%,68.6%,70.9%,respectively.CONCLUSION:The present study proposes CRP as a new and useful correction factor to improve the diag-nostic value of the CA19-9 tumor marker in patients with cholestatic jaundice.展开更多
Laparoscopic resection for colon and rectal cancer is associated with quicker return of bowel function, reduced postoperative morbidity rates and shorter length of hospital stay compared to open surgery, with no diffe...Laparoscopic resection for colon and rectal cancer is associated with quicker return of bowel function, reduced postoperative morbidity rates and shorter length of hospital stay compared to open surgery, with no differences in long-term survival. Conversion to open surgery is reported in up to 30% of patients enrolled in randomized control trials comparing open and laparoscopic colorectal resection for cancer. In this review, reasons for conversion are anatomical-related factors, disease-related-factors and surgeon-related factors. Body mass index, local tumour extension and co-morbidities are independent predictors of conversion. The current evidence has shown that patients with converted resection for colon cancer have similar outcomes compared to patients undergoing a laparoscopic completed or open resection. The few studies that have assessed the outcomes after conversion of laparoscopic rectal resection reported significantly higher rates of complications and longer length of hospital stay in converted patients compared to laparoscopically treated patients. No definitive conclusions can be drawn when converted and open rectal resections are compared. Early and pre-emptive conversion appears to have more favourable outcomes than reactive conversion; however, further large studies are needed to better define the optimal timing of conversion. With regard to long-term oncologic outcome, overall and disease-free survival in the case of conversion in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery seems to be worse than those achieved in patients in whom resection was successfully completed by laparoscopy. Although a worse long-term oncologic outcome has been suggested, it remains difficult to draw a proper conclusion due to the heterogeneity of the long-term outcomes as well as the inclusion of both colon and rectal cancer patients in most of the studies. Therefore, we discuss the currently available evidence of the impact of conversion in laparoscopic resection for colon and rectal cancer on both short-term outcomes and long-term survival.展开更多
Prevention has a paramount role in reducing the incidence of corrosive ingestion especially in children, yet this goal is far from being reached in developing countries, where such injuries are largely unreported and ...Prevention has a paramount role in reducing the incidence of corrosive ingestion especially in children, yet this goal is far from being reached in developing countries, where such injuries are largely unreported and their true prevalence simply cannot be extrapolated from random articles or personal experience. The specific pathophysiologic mechanisms are becoming better understood and may have a role in the future management and prevention of long-term consequences, such as esophageal strictures. Whereas the mainstay of diagnosis is considered upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, computed tomography and ultrasound are gaining a more significant role, especially in addressing the need for emergency surgery, whose morbidity and mortality remains high even in the best hands. The need to perform emergency surgery has a persistent long-term negative impact both on survival and functional outcome. Medical or endoscopic prevention of stricture is debatable, yet esophageal stents, absorbable or not, show promising data. Dilatation is the first therapeutic option for strictures and bougies should be considered especially for long, multiple and tortuous narrowing. It is crucial to avoid malnutrition, especially in developingcountries where management strategies are influenced by malnutrition and poor clinical conditions. Late reconstructive surgery, mainly using colon transposition, offers the best results in referral centers, either in children or adults, but such a difficult surgical procedure is often unavailable in developing countries. Possible late development of esophageal cancer, though probably overemphasized, entails careful and long-term endoscopic screening.展开更多
To date the imaging diagnosis of liver lesions is based mainly on the identification of vascular features, which are typical of overt hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), but the hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex and multis...To date the imaging diagnosis of liver lesions is based mainly on the identification of vascular features, which are typical of overt hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), but the hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex and multistep event during which, a spectrum of nodules develop within the liver parenchyma, including benign small and large regenerative nodule(RN), low-grade dysplastic nodule(LGDN), high-grade dysplastic nodule(HGDN), early HCC, and well differentiated HCC. These nodules may be characterised not only on the basis of their respective different blood supplies, but also on their different hepatocyte function. Recently, in liver imaging the introduction of hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent offered the clinicians the possibility to obtain, at once, information not only related to the vascular changes of liver nodules but also information on hepatocyte function. For this reasons this new approach becomes the most relevant diagnostic clue for differentiating low-risk nodules(LGDN-RN) from highrisk nodules(HGDN/early HCC or overt HCC) and consequently new diagnostic algorithms for HCC have been proposed. The use of hepatobiliary contrast agents is constantly increasing and gradually changing the standard of diagnosis of HCC. The main purpose of this review is to underline the added value of Gd-EOB-DTPA in early-stage diagnoses of HCC. We also analyse the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of HCC, the key concepts of HCC development, growth and spread and the imaging appearance of precursor nodules that eventually may transform into overt HCC.展开更多
AIM To compare survival and recurrence after laparoscopic liver resection(LLR) and laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation(LRFA) for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS Between June 1, 2005 and N...AIM To compare survival and recurrence after laparoscopic liver resection(LLR) and laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation(LRFA) for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS Between June 1, 2005 and November 30, 2010, 46 patients(62.26 ± 8.55 years old; female/male: 12/34) treated for small HCC were enrolled following strict criteria. Patients with better liver function and larger tumors were referred for LLR(n = 24), while those with poorer liver function and multiple tumors were referred for LRFA(n = 22), and they were then followed for similar durations(44.74 ± 21.3 mo for LLR vs 40.27 ± 30.8 mo for LRFA). RESULTS The LLR and LRFA groups were homogeneous with regard to age, sex, etiology of liver cirrhosis, and AFP levels. The overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) probability was 0.354 and 0.260, respectively. A significantly higher OS was observed in the LLR group(LLR: 0.442; LRFA: 0.261; P = 0.048), whereas no statistical difference was found for DFS(LLR: 0.206; LRFA: 0.286; P = 0.205). In the LRFA group was treated a greater number of nodules(LLR: 1.41 ± 0.77; LRFA: 2.72 ± 1.54; P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis found the number of intraoperative HCC nodules as the unique variable statistically significant for OS(hazard ratio: 2.225; P < 0.001). The rank-hazard plot showed a steeper increase of relative hazard for intraoperative nodules > 2.CONCLUSION Our preliminary results confirm the superiority of hepatic resection on thermoablation in the treatment of small HCC in selected patients, when both approaches are made laparoscopically. LLR showed better results compared to LRFA in terms of OS. These data need to be confirmed by further studies on a larger number of patients.展开更多
文摘1. Introduction The tegmental wall of the tympanic cavity is a thin plate of the temporal bone that separates the middle cranial fossa(MCF) from the ear. This anatomical region consists of two areas: an anterior one, comprised of the tegmen tympani(To′th et al., 2007), and a posterior one, formed by the tegmen antri and the tegmen mastoideum(Makki et al., 2011). In some patients, the tegmental region of the temporal bone can be interrupted, causing a tegmen defect(TD). A TD is sometimes associated with a meningoencephalic herniation(MEH), in which brain tissue herniates through a TD.
文摘Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are considered as result of the healthcare quality in hospitals. Objective: to study SSI at Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital Tanguieta (SJDHT), prior to the implementation of a permanent monitoring system. Method: transversal, and descriptive study with prospective data collection was performed from 1 July to 31 janvier 2017 in the department of general surgery of SJDHT. The hospital lacks in a microbiology unit. All patients who underwent surgery during this period were included and the monitoring lasted one month. SSIs diagnostic was carried out according to WHO criteria as described in the Practical Guide for the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections published in 2002. Statistical tests (χ-square and Student’s t-test) were applied and p 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: Of 343 patients recorded, 105 (30.6%) had SSI. Their age averaged 40.3 years and the sex-ratio (men/women) was 2.8. The emergency surgery resulted in a 50.0% rate of SSI (p = 0.00). The SSI rate for clean and clean-contaminated surgery was 6.3% against 94.6% for infected surgery (p = 0.00). The SSI rates were 100% and 66.7% for NNISS = 2 and NNISS = 1 (p = 0.00), respectively. Superficial SSI rate was 13.3%, while deep SSI and organ/space SSI were 46.7% and 40%, respectively. The hospital stay of patients with SSI was three times longer than the length of patients without SSI (p = 0.00). Conclusion: SSIs are real burden at SJDHT. Appropriate measures must be adopted to reduce its prevalence.
文摘BACKGROUND Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy(PEG)and laparoscopically inserted gastrostomy have become the gold standard for adult patients and children,respectively,requiring long-term enteral nutrition support.Procedure-related mortality is a rare event,often reported to be zero in smaller studies.National data on 30-d mortality and long-term survival rates after gastrostomy placement are scarce in the literature.AIM To study the use of gastrostomies in Sweden from 1998-2019 and to analyze procedure-related mortality and short-term(<30 d)and long-term survival.METHODS In this retrospective,population-based cohort study,individuals that had received a gastrostomy between 1998-2019 in Sweden were included.Individuals were identified in the Swedish National Patient Register,and survival analysis was possible by cross-referencing the Swedish Death Register.The cohort was divided into three age groups:Children(0-18 years);adults(19-64 years);and elderly(≥65 years).Kaplan-Meier with log-rank test and Cox regression were used for survival analysis.RESULTS In total 48682 individuals(52%males,average age 60.9±25.3 years)were identified.The cohort consisted of 12.0%children,29.5%adults,and 58.5%elderly.An increased use of gastrostomies was observed during the study period,from 13.7/100000 to 22.3/100000 individuals(P<0.001).The use of PEG more than doubled(about 800 to 1800/year),with a corresponding decrease in open gastrostomy(about 700 to 340/year).Laparoscopic gastrostomy increased more than ten-fold(about 20 to 240/year).Overall,PEG,open gastrostomy,and laparoscopic gastrostomy constituted 70.0%(n=34060),23.3%(n=11336),and 4.9%(n=2404),respectively.Procedure-related mortality was 0.1%(n=44)overall(PEG:0.05%,open:0.24%,laparoscopic:0.04%).The overall 30-d mortality rate was 10.0%(PEG:9.8%,open:12.4%,laparoscopic:1.7%)and decreased from 11.6%in 1998-2009 vs 8.5%in 2010-2019(P<0.001).One-year and ten-year survival rates for children,adults,and elderly were 93.7%,67.5%,and 42.1%and 79.9%,39.2%,and 6.8%,respectively.The most common causes of death were malignancies and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.CONCLUSION The annual use of gastrostomies in Sweden increased during the study period,with a shift towards more minimally invasive procedures.Although procedure-related death was rare,the overall 30-d mortality rate was high(10%).To overcome this,we believe that patient selection should be improved.
文摘Photodynamic therapy(PDT)can take place in the presence of three elements:Light with an appropriate wavelength;a photosensitizer;and the presence of oxygen.This type of treatment is very effective overall against bacterial,viral and mycotic cells.In the last 10 years many papers have been published on PDT with different types of photosensitizers(e.g.,methylene blue,toluidine blue,indocyanine green,curcumin-based photosensitizers),different wavelengths(e.g.,460 nm,630 nm,660 nm,810 nm)and various parameters(e.g.,power of the light,time of illumination,number of sessions).In the scientific literature all types of PDT seem very effective,even if it is difficult to find a standard protocol for each oral pathology.PDT could be an interesting way to treat some dangerous oral infections refractory to common pharmacological therapies,such as candidiasis from multidrug-resistant Candida spp.
文摘Mitochondrial organelle transplantation (MOT) is an innovative strategy for the treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction such as cardiac ischemic reperfusion injuries, Parkinson’s diseases, brain and spinal cord injuries, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, one of the major challenges for widespread usage is a methodology for preservation of isolated mitochondria. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are phospholipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles released from cells. EVs carry a cargo of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, metabolites, and even organelles such as mitochondria. Purpose: To test if EVs enhance the stability of isolated mitochondria. Methods: We mixed isolated mitochondria of fibroblasts with EVs of mesenchymal stromal cells (imEVs) (9:1 in volume) and stored the mixture at 2°C - 6°C for different time periods. We measured morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial ATP content at 0, 2, 5 days. Key findings: After 2 days of storage, the mito-chondria without imEVs lost approximate 70% MMP (RFU: 1822 ± 68), compared to the fresh mitochondria (RFU: 5458 ± 52) (p 0.05). In agreement with MMP, mitochondria without imEVs lost significant mitochondrial ATP content (p 0.05), after 2 days of cold storage, compared to fresh mitochondria. Microscopy showed that imEVs promoted aggregation of isolated mitochondria. Summary: The preliminary data showed that imEVs enhanced the stability of isolated mitochondria in cold storage.
文摘BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a challenging condition for surgeons. During the last decades, increasing knowledge about pathophysiology of CP, improved results of major pancreatic resections, and integration of sophisticated diagnostic methods in clinical practice have resulted in significant changes in surgery for CP. DATA SOURCES: To detail the indications for CP surgery, the surgical procedures, and outcome, a Pubmed database search was performed. The abstracts of searched articles about surgical management of CP were reviewed. The articles could be identified and further scrutinized. Further references were extracted by cross-referencing. RESULTS: Main indications of CP for surgery are intractable pain, suspicion of malignancy, and involvement of adjacent organs. The goal of surgical treatment is to improve the quality of life of patients. The surgical approach to CP should be individualized according to pancreatic anatomy, pain characteristics, baseline exocrine and endocrine function, and medical co-morbidity. The approach usually involves pancreatic duct drainage and resection including longitudinal pancreatojejunostomy, pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure), pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, total pancreatectomy, duodenum- preserving pancreatic head resection (Beger's procedure), and local resection of the pancreatic head with longitudinal pancreatojejunostomy (Frey's procedure). Non-pancreatic and endoscopic management of pain has also been advocated. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical procedures provide long-term pain relief, a good postoperative quality of life withpreservation of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function, and are associated with low early and late mortality and morbidity. In addition to available results from randomized controlled trials, new studies are needed to determine which procedure is the most effective for the management of patients with CP.
文摘A correspondence between the "meso" of the rectum and of the pancreas has recently been reported. Here we highlight the differences between mesorectum and mesopancreas. Based on anatomical findings from a series of 89 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies and 71 consecutive total mesorectal excisions, we observed that in contrast to the mesorectum, the mesopancreas did not have well-defined anatomic boundaries and was continuous and connected through its components with the para-aortic area. In rectal cancer,tumor deposits and nodal involvement could be confined to the mesorectum(i.e., within the mesorectal fascia), whereas in pancreatic carcinoma, tumor deposits and nodal metastases occurred in the boundless mesopancreatic area. Total mesorectal excision was made en bloc with the rectum by dissecting along the mesorectal fascia; this was not the case for mesopancreatic excision since anatomical demarcation of the mesopancreas did not exist. Moreover, the growth pattern of pancreatic cancer showed greater dispersion, which was more prominent at the invasive front of the tumor and could potentially affect the status of the resection margin. These findings indicate that the mesorectum and mesopancreas are completely distinct from the pathological, surgical, and oncological standpoints.
文摘The liver is one of the organs most commonly involved in metastatic disease,especially due to its unique vascularization.It’s well known that liver metastases represent the most common hepatic malignant tumors.From a practical point of view,it’s of utmost importance to evaluate the presence of liver metastases when staging oncologic patients,to select the best treatment possible,and finally to predict the overall prognosis.In the past few years,imaging techniques have gained a central role in identifying liver metastases,thanks to ultrasonography,contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT),and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).All these techniques,especially CT and MRI,can be considered the noninvasive reference standard techniques for the assessment of liver involvement by metastases.On the other hand,the liver can be affected by different focal lesions,sometimes benign,and sometimes malignant.On these bases,radiologists should face the differential diagnosis between benign and secondary lesions to correctly allocate patients to the best management.Considering the above-mentioned principles,it’s extremely important to underline and refresh the broad spectrum of liver metastases features that can occur in everyday clinical practice.This review aims to summarize the most common imaging features of liver metastases,with a special focus on typical and atypical appearance,by using MRI.
文摘The controversy of surgical seeding or metastasis of a recurrent ameloblastoma is discussed in this paper, where we present a case with a history of 28 years since primary diagnosis including several tumor removals and reconstructive events. 23 years after primary diagnosis, we removed a metastasis from the neck with similar histological features as the primary tumor and the following recurrences of the mandible. We argue that the removed tumor in the neck most possibly has its origin in surgical seeding of cells during earlier resection and reconstruction and not by common ways of metastasis. The seeding of tumor cells during tumor surgery and metastasis rate of malignant ameloblastoma is discussed and the literature in this area is reviewed in the paper.
文摘Since hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)represents an important cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world.Currently,it is fundamental not only to achieve a curative treatment but also to manage in the best way any possible recurrence.Even if the latest update of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines for HCC treatment has introduced new locoregional techniques and confirmed others as well-established clinical practices,there is still no consensus about the treatment of recurrent HCC(RHCC).Locoregional treatments and medical therapy represent two of the most widely accepted approaches for disease control,especially in the advanced stage of liver disease.Different medical treatments are now approved,and others are under investigation.On this basis,radiology plays a central role in the diagnosis of RHCC and the assessment of response to locoregional treatments and medical therapy for RHCC.This review summarized the actual clinical practice by underlining the importance of the radiological approach both in the diagnosis and treatment of RHCC.
文摘During the first wave of the pandemic,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection has been considered mainly as a pulmonary infection.However,different clinical and radiological manifestations were observed over time,including involvement of abdominal organs.Nowadays,the liver is considered one of the main affected abdominal organs.Hepatic involvement may be caused by either a direct damage by the virus or an indirect damage related to COVID-19 induced thrombosis or to the use of different drugs.After clinical assessment,radiology plays a key role in the evaluation of liver involvement.Ultrasonography(US),computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)may be used to evaluate liver involvement.US is widely available and it is considered the first-line technique to assess liver involvement in COVID-19 infection,in particular liver steatosis and portal-vein thrombosis.CT and MRI are used as second-and third-line techniques,respectively,considering their higher sensitivity and specificity compared to US for assessment of both parenchyma and vascularization.This review aims to the spectrum of COVID-19 liver involvement and the most common imaging features of COVID-19 liver damage.
文摘Benign biliary strictures(BBS)might occur due to different pancreaticobiliary conditions.The etiology and location of biliary strictures are responsible of a wide array of clinical manifestations.The endoscopic approach endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography represents the first-line treatment for BBS,considering interventional radiology and surgery when endoscopic treatment fails or it is not suitable.The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of possible endoscopic treatments for the optimal management of this subset of patients.
文摘Breastfeeding is drastically decreasing over time and nipple trauma constitutes one of the most significant reasons for its discontinuation. In this context, this study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and tolerability of a topical treatment device, namely Silver Cap<sup>®</sup> (Depofarma S.P.A.), when used to prevent pain and nipple fissure formation. The medical device consists in a silver trilaminate cup to be placed on the nipple, providing physical protection and creating a moist environment. The study involved 187 women: 38 started to apply the device prior to lactation (PL group) and 149 during lactation (DL group). Aiming to collect safety and performance data, both groups were provided with questionnaires during 6 consecutive visits (120 days of follow-up). At last visit, absence of painful symptoms was reported by the 98.8% and the 100% of women in DL and PL groups, respectively. Moreover, no nipple fissures were observed and no adverse events directly correlated to use of the device were reported. According to these findings, it can be concluded that Silver Cap<sup>®</sup> is a safe and effective device for nipple pain and fissure prevention. .
文摘BACKGROUND Hydatid cyst disease(HCD)is common in certain locations.Surgery is associated with postoperative biliary fistula(POBF)and recurrence.The primary aim of this study was to identify whether occult cysto-biliary communication(CBC)can predict recurrent HCD.The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD.AIM To identify whether occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD.The secondary aim was to assess the role of cystic fluid bilirubin and ALP levels in predicting POBF and recurrent HCD.METHODS From September 2010 to September 2016,a prospective multicenter study was undertaken involving 244 patients with solitary primary superficial stage cystic echinococcosis 2 and cystic echinococcosis 3b HCD who underwent laparoscopic partial cystectomy with omentoplasty.Univariable logistic regression analysis assessed independent factors determining biliary complications and recurrence.RESULTS There was a highly statistically significant association(P≤0.001)between cystic fluid biochemical indices and the development of biliary complications(of 16 patients with POBF,15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels),where patients with high bilirubin-ALP levels were 3405 times more likely to have biliary complications.There was a highly statistically significant association(P≤0.001)between biliary complications,biochemical indices,and the occurrence of recurrent HCD(of 30 patients with recurrent HCD,15 patients had high cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP;all 16 patients who had POBF later developed recurrent HCD),where patients who developed biliary complications and high bilirubin-ALP were 244.6 and 214 times more likely to have recurrent hydatid cysts,respectively.CONCLUSION Occult CBC can predict recurrent HCD.Elevated cyst fluid bilirubin and ALP levels predicted POBF and recurrent HCD.
文摘Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults.The incidence in Europe and the United States is 6-7 per million population per year.Although most primary UMs can be successfully treated and locally controlled by irradiation therapy or local tumor resection,up to 50%of UM patients develop metastases that usually involve the liver and are fatal within 1 year.To date,chemotherapy and targeted treatments only obtain minimal responses in patients with metastatic UM,which is still characterized by poor prognosis.No standard therapeutic approaches for its prevention or treatment have been established.The application of immunotherapy agents,such as immune checkpoint inhibitors that are effective in cutaneous melanoma,has shown limited effects in the treatment of ocular disease.This is due to UM’s distinct genetics,natural history,and complex interaction with the immune system.Unlike cutaneous melanomas characterized mainly by BRAF or NRAS mutations,UMs are usually triggered by a mutation in GNAQ or GNA11.As a result,more effective immunotherapeutic approaches,such as cancer vaccines,adoptive cell transfer,and other new molecules are currently being studied.In this review,we examine novel immunotherapeutic strategies in clinical and preclinical studies and highlight the latest insight in immunotherapy and the development of tailored treatment of UM.
文摘AIM:To find a possible relationship between inflammation and CA19-9 tumor marker by analyzing data from patients with benign jaundice(BJ) and malignant jaundice(MJ).METHODS:All patients admitted for obstructive jaundice,in the period 2005-2009,were prospectively enrolled in the study,obtaining a total of 102 patients.On admission,all patients underwent complete standard blood test examinations including C-reactive protein(CRP),bilirubin,CA19-9.Patients were considered eligible for the study when they presented obstructive jaundice confirmed by instrumental examinations and increased serum bilirubin levels(total bilirubin > 2.0 mg/dL).The standard cut-off level for CA19-9 was 32 U/mL,whereas for CRP this was 1.5 mg/L.The CA19-9 level was adjusted by dividing it by the value of serum bilirubin or by the CRP value.The patients were divided into 2 groups,MJ and BJ,and after the adjustment a comparison between the 2 groups of patients was performed.Sensitivity,specificity and positive predictive values were calculated before and after the adjustment.RESULTS:Of the 102 patients,51 were affected by BJ and 51 by MJ.Pathologic CA19-9 levels were found in 71.7% of the patients.In the group of 51 BJ patients there were 29(56.9%) males and 22(43.1%) females with a median age of 66 years(range 24-96 years),whereas in the MJ group there were 24(47%) males and 27(53%) females,with a mean age of 70 years(range 30-92 years).Pathologic CA19-9 serum level was found in 82.3% of MJ.CRP levels were pathologic in 66.6% of the patients with BJ and in 49% with MJ.Bilirubin and CA19-9 average levels were significantly higher in MJ compared with BJ(P = 0.000 and P = 0.02),while the CRP level was significantly higher in BJ(P = 0.000).Considering a CA19-9 cut-off level of 32 U/mL,82.3% in the MJ group and 54.9% in the BJ group were positive for CA19-9(P = 0.002).A CA19-9 cut-off of 100 U/mL increases the difference between the two groups:35.3% in BJ and 68.6% in MJ(P = 0.0007).Adjusting the CA19-9 value by dividing it by serum bilirubin level meant that 21.5% in the BJ and 49% in the MJ group remained with a positive CA19-9 value(P = 0.003),while adjusting the CA19-9 value by dividing it by serum CRP value meant that 31.4% in the BJ group and 76.5% in the MJ group still had a positive CA19-9 value(P = 0.000004).Sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive values of CA19-9 > 32 U/mL were 82.3%,45% and 59.1%;when the cutoff was CA19-9 > 100 U/mL they were,respectively,68.6%,64.7% and 66%.When the CA19-9 value was adjusted by dividing it by the bilirubin or CRP values,these became 49%,78.4%,69.4% and 76.5%,68.6%,70.9%,respectively.CONCLUSION:The present study proposes CRP as a new and useful correction factor to improve the diag-nostic value of the CA19-9 tumor marker in patients with cholestatic jaundice.
文摘Laparoscopic resection for colon and rectal cancer is associated with quicker return of bowel function, reduced postoperative morbidity rates and shorter length of hospital stay compared to open surgery, with no differences in long-term survival. Conversion to open surgery is reported in up to 30% of patients enrolled in randomized control trials comparing open and laparoscopic colorectal resection for cancer. In this review, reasons for conversion are anatomical-related factors, disease-related-factors and surgeon-related factors. Body mass index, local tumour extension and co-morbidities are independent predictors of conversion. The current evidence has shown that patients with converted resection for colon cancer have similar outcomes compared to patients undergoing a laparoscopic completed or open resection. The few studies that have assessed the outcomes after conversion of laparoscopic rectal resection reported significantly higher rates of complications and longer length of hospital stay in converted patients compared to laparoscopically treated patients. No definitive conclusions can be drawn when converted and open rectal resections are compared. Early and pre-emptive conversion appears to have more favourable outcomes than reactive conversion; however, further large studies are needed to better define the optimal timing of conversion. With regard to long-term oncologic outcome, overall and disease-free survival in the case of conversion in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery seems to be worse than those achieved in patients in whom resection was successfully completed by laparoscopy. Although a worse long-term oncologic outcome has been suggested, it remains difficult to draw a proper conclusion due to the heterogeneity of the long-term outcomes as well as the inclusion of both colon and rectal cancer patients in most of the studies. Therefore, we discuss the currently available evidence of the impact of conversion in laparoscopic resection for colon and rectal cancer on both short-term outcomes and long-term survival.
文摘Prevention has a paramount role in reducing the incidence of corrosive ingestion especially in children, yet this goal is far from being reached in developing countries, where such injuries are largely unreported and their true prevalence simply cannot be extrapolated from random articles or personal experience. The specific pathophysiologic mechanisms are becoming better understood and may have a role in the future management and prevention of long-term consequences, such as esophageal strictures. Whereas the mainstay of diagnosis is considered upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, computed tomography and ultrasound are gaining a more significant role, especially in addressing the need for emergency surgery, whose morbidity and mortality remains high even in the best hands. The need to perform emergency surgery has a persistent long-term negative impact both on survival and functional outcome. Medical or endoscopic prevention of stricture is debatable, yet esophageal stents, absorbable or not, show promising data. Dilatation is the first therapeutic option for strictures and bougies should be considered especially for long, multiple and tortuous narrowing. It is crucial to avoid malnutrition, especially in developingcountries where management strategies are influenced by malnutrition and poor clinical conditions. Late reconstructive surgery, mainly using colon transposition, offers the best results in referral centers, either in children or adults, but such a difficult surgical procedure is often unavailable in developing countries. Possible late development of esophageal cancer, though probably overemphasized, entails careful and long-term endoscopic screening.
文摘To date the imaging diagnosis of liver lesions is based mainly on the identification of vascular features, which are typical of overt hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), but the hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex and multistep event during which, a spectrum of nodules develop within the liver parenchyma, including benign small and large regenerative nodule(RN), low-grade dysplastic nodule(LGDN), high-grade dysplastic nodule(HGDN), early HCC, and well differentiated HCC. These nodules may be characterised not only on the basis of their respective different blood supplies, but also on their different hepatocyte function. Recently, in liver imaging the introduction of hepatobiliary magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent offered the clinicians the possibility to obtain, at once, information not only related to the vascular changes of liver nodules but also information on hepatocyte function. For this reasons this new approach becomes the most relevant diagnostic clue for differentiating low-risk nodules(LGDN-RN) from highrisk nodules(HGDN/early HCC or overt HCC) and consequently new diagnostic algorithms for HCC have been proposed. The use of hepatobiliary contrast agents is constantly increasing and gradually changing the standard of diagnosis of HCC. The main purpose of this review is to underline the added value of Gd-EOB-DTPA in early-stage diagnoses of HCC. We also analyse the guidelines for the diagnosis and management of HCC, the key concepts of HCC development, growth and spread and the imaging appearance of precursor nodules that eventually may transform into overt HCC.
文摘AIM To compare survival and recurrence after laparoscopic liver resection(LLR) and laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation(LRFA) for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS Between June 1, 2005 and November 30, 2010, 46 patients(62.26 ± 8.55 years old; female/male: 12/34) treated for small HCC were enrolled following strict criteria. Patients with better liver function and larger tumors were referred for LLR(n = 24), while those with poorer liver function and multiple tumors were referred for LRFA(n = 22), and they were then followed for similar durations(44.74 ± 21.3 mo for LLR vs 40.27 ± 30.8 mo for LRFA). RESULTS The LLR and LRFA groups were homogeneous with regard to age, sex, etiology of liver cirrhosis, and AFP levels. The overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) probability was 0.354 and 0.260, respectively. A significantly higher OS was observed in the LLR group(LLR: 0.442; LRFA: 0.261; P = 0.048), whereas no statistical difference was found for DFS(LLR: 0.206; LRFA: 0.286; P = 0.205). In the LRFA group was treated a greater number of nodules(LLR: 1.41 ± 0.77; LRFA: 2.72 ± 1.54; P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis found the number of intraoperative HCC nodules as the unique variable statistically significant for OS(hazard ratio: 2.225; P < 0.001). The rank-hazard plot showed a steeper increase of relative hazard for intraoperative nodules > 2.CONCLUSION Our preliminary results confirm the superiority of hepatic resection on thermoablation in the treatment of small HCC in selected patients, when both approaches are made laparoscopically. LLR showed better results compared to LRFA in terms of OS. These data need to be confirmed by further studies on a larger number of patients.
