Department of General Surgery, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
alessandro.uzzau@uniud.it
Born in Cagliari (Italy), on February 18, 1957. Citizenship: Italian. Marital status: Married. Department of Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Udine, 33100-Udine, Italy. Position/Title: Associate Professor of Surgery. M.D. Degree: 1982, summa cum laude, Medical School, University of Sassari, Italy. Medical Board: 1982, University of Sassari, Italy. Specialization in General Surgery: 1988, summa cum laude, Medical School, University of Sassari, Italy.
Working experience: 1979-1982, Fellowship, Division of Surgery, Medical School, University of Sassari, Italy 1983-1988, Residency, Division of Surgery, University of Sassari, Italy 1989, Assistant Professor, General Surgery Department, University of Udine, Italy 2000 to date, Associate Professor, General Surgery Department, University of Udine, Italy 1992, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Transplantation Surgery at the University of Iowa (USA) 1995, Postdoctoral Researcher, Liver Transplant Program at the University of California, San Francisco (USA) 1995, Ministerial Authorization for Kidney Transplantation, transplantation of kidney-pancreas, and liver for therapeutic purposes.
Current position: Associate Professor of General Surgery, University of Udine, Udine, Italy. Health Manager responsible for the organization of the Department, Surgical Clinic, University Hospital of Udine. Director of the Department in management of operation rooms from 01/03/2005 to 31/12/2006.
Teaching experiences: 1. DEGREE IN MEDICINE AND SURGERY
1988-89 supplementary lessons of Applied Pathophysiology 1989-90 supplementary lessons of Endocrine Surgery, Digestive Surgery, Vascular Surgery and Surgical Approach 1990-91 supplementary lessons of Thoracic Surgery 1991-92 supplementary lessons of Digestive Surgery 1992-93 Regular Teacher of Thoracic Surgery 1993-97 Additional Teacher of Endocrine Surgery From 1999 Regular Teacher of Endocrine Surgery, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Oncology.
2. SPECIALIZATION IN GENERAL SURGERY
1993-94 Regular Teacher of Anatomy and Surgical Operations Course 1994-2007 Regular Teacher of Endocrine Surgery 1995-2006 Regular Teacher of pre-and post-operative care 1996/2001 Regular Teacher of Thoracic Surgery From 1996-97 courses of Geriatric Surgery, and Emergency Surgery
3. PROFESSOR OF GENERAL SURGERY FOR THE SCHOOLS OF SPECIALIZATION IN:
-Radiology -Anesthesiology -Internal Medicine -Medical Emergency -Otorhinolaryngology -Plastic Surgery
Research interests: Oncologic Surgery, Liver cancer Clinical Activities: Hepatobiliary surgery, Liver transplantation, Liver resection surgery, Complex biliary surgery.
Abstract: Background. Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of chondrogenic origin and the mesenchymal type is a very rare finding. Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma tends to develop mostly in the skeleton but may also occur as a primary tumor in periosteal nervous and muscular tissues, the anterior cerebral falx, meninges, brain, maxillary sinus, eyelid, thyroid, pleura and mediastinum, while in the abdomen the most frequent locations are the kidney, retroperitoneum and even the perineum and the anogenital area. Apparently, the only splenic mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in the literature occurred in a dog. Methods and study design. Our paper reports the case of a patient who had a diagnosis of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the spleen. Results. We adopted surgery as the main therapeutic procedure without achieving complete recovery but preserving a good quality of life for our patient, minimizing the repercussions of the disease on her working and relational life. Conclusions. The absence of important or invalidating symptoms and the persistence of good general conditions before and after each surgical operation encouraged us to adopt the surgical option as the most rational.
Abstract: Recent evidence indicates a greater frequency of primary aldosteronism (PA) among patients with hypertension than the previously accepted prevalence. PA was once considered a relatively benign form of hypertension associated with low incidence of organ complications. Recent views, however, suggest that long-term exposure to increased aldosterone levels might result in cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic sequelae that occur independently of the blood pressure level. Cross-sectional comparisons with patients with essential hypertension have demonstrated that patients with PA are at higher risk of cardiovascular events, have more frequent left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, have greater urinary albumin losses as a marker of a hemodynamic intrarenal adaptation, and are insulin resistant. Some of these findings have been corroborated by the results of short-term, follow-up studies where it was shown that unilateral adrenalectomy or treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists are effective in correcting hypertension and hypokalemia. Normalization of blood pressure and correction of hypokalemia, however, are not the only goals in managing PA and effective prevention of organ complications is mandatory in these patients. The relative efficacy of adrenalectomy and MR antagonists, in the long-term, on the cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic outcomes still needs evaluation, being the aldosterone-induced tissue damage the main factor that could justify the cost of increasing efforts in screening of disease and differentiation of subtypes. In this narrative review, we summarize the results obtained with either surgical or medical treatment of PA and outline the findings of long-term, prospective studies on the effects of treatment on cardiovascular and renal outcomes and on insulin sensitivity.
Abstract: Elevated urinary albumin excretion has been reported in primary aldosteronism and might partially reflect reversible abnormalities initiated by glomerular hyperfiltration.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The development of minimally invasive surgery gave birth to an interest in a mini-invasive approach to esophageal cancer; however, it is still considered to be one of the most complex gastrointestinal surgical operations, and many questions still remain unanswered, regarding the oncologic results of a mini-invasive approach in long-term follow-ups. Here, the authors report on the short-term and long-term results of a series of laparoscopic esophagectomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to March 2006, 22 nonrandomized patients were recruited to undergo an esophagectomy for neoplastic disease. The esophagectomy and esophagogastroplasty were carried out using the laparoscopic transhiatal technique in 9 patients; whereas, a combined laparoscopic and right-transthoracic incision was performed in the other 13 patients. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 21+/-3.23 months (mean+/-SD); range, 2 to 46 months. The overall survival rate resulted 84.0% at 12 months, 61.3% at 24 months, and 51.0% at 36 months. The proportions of cumulative survival showed significant differences when the following variables were considered: site of neoplasm (lower esophagus), American Society of Anesthesiologists 2, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type of surgical procedure, and inclusion in neoadjuvant protocol and staging. Recurrence rates were 3 (25%) in the radio-chemotherapy-treated group, and 5 (50%) in the primary surgery group (P=n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: The two-year survival rates (61.3%) recorded in our series are comparable with those reported in other series of both laparoscopic and open surgeries. The logical conclusion was that a less invasive procedure did not imply a less curative one.
Abstract: The best therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still debated. Hepatic resection (HR) is the treatment of choice for single HCC in Child A patients, whereas liver transplantation (LT) is usually reserved for Child B and C patients with single or multiple nodules. The aim of this study was to compare HR and LT for HCC within the Milan criteria on an intention-to-treat basis. Forty-eight patients were treated by LT and 38 by HR. The median time on the waiting list for transplantation was 118 days. The estimated overall survival was significantly higher (P = 0.005) in the LT group than in the HR one. The estimated freedom from recurrence was also significantly higher (P < 0.0001) for LT patients than for HR ones. Indeed, the probability of HCC recurrence after resection was higher than after transplantation achieving 31% and 76% for HR and 2% and 2% for LT at 3 and 5 years after surgery. Multivariate analysis confirmed that transplantation was superior to resection in terms of patient's survival and risk of HCC recurrence. We conclude that LT is superior to HR for small HCC in cirrhotic patients assuming that LT should be performed within 6-10 months after listing to reduce the dropouts for reasons of tumor progression.
Abstract: AIMS: To analyze the role of different procedures in the management of pancreatic stump according to the incidence of postoperative morbidity derived from the data of a single center surgical population. METHODS: From 1989 to 2005 we performed 76 pancreaticoduodenectomies (PD) and 26 distal pancreatectomies (DP). The surgical reconstruction after PD was as follows: 11 manual non-absorbable stitches closure of the main duct, 24 closures of the main duct with linear stapler, 17 occlusions of the main duct with neoprene glue and 24 duct-to-mucosa anastomosis. RESULTS: In the PD group, the morbidity rate was 60%, caused by: pancreatic leakage in 48% of patients, hemorrhagic complications in 10% following surgical procedure and infectious complications in 15%. After DP we recorded: leakage in 3.9%, haemoperitoneum in 15.4% and no complications in 80.7%. The multivariate analysis showed that the in-hospital mortality was linked to the surgical procedure (PD, p=0.003) and to the following complications: pancreatic leakage (p=0.004), haemoperitoneum (p=0.00045) and infectious complications (p=0.0077). Bleeding complications, biliary anastomosis leakage and infectious complications were consequences of pancreatic leakage (p=0.025, p=0.025 and p=0.025 respectively). CONCLUSION: Manual non-absorbable stitch closure of the main duct and occlusion of the main duct with neoprene glue should be avoided in the reconstructive phase.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and a prothrombotic state are predictors of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. A relationship between the RAAS and the coagulation/fibrinolytic systems has been demonstrated, but its clinical relevance in hypertension is unclear. We investigated the relationships of the RAAS and the hemostatic system with hypertensive organ damage. METHODS: Plasma components of the RAAS and parameters that directly assess the activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis were measured in 247 essential hypertensive patients in whom the extent of organ damage had been characterized at the cardiac, renal, and vascular level. RESULTS: Positive association with increasing plasma renin activity (PRA) was demonstrated for plasma fibrinogen, D-dimer, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels. PRA was directly correlated with plasma aldosterone, fibrinogen, d-dimer, and PAI-1. The relationship of PRA with fibrinogen and PAI-1 remained significant after correction for age, gender, duration of hypertension, and smoking status. Plasma aldosterone levels were directly correlated with fibrinogen, D-dimer, and PAI-1, whereas plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme was not related with any of the coagulation parameters. Elevated PRA, aldosterone, fibrinogen, D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1+2, and PAI-1 levels were associated with clinical and/or instrumental evidence of hypertension-related cardiac and renal damage. Both fibrinogen and PAI-1 were independent predictors of the presence of organ damage and their inclusion in a multivariate model eliminated PRA and aldosterone as independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: A strong and independent association exists between renin, aldosterone, and markers of a prothrombotic state in essential hypertension. This relationship might contribute to the development of hypertensive organ damage.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The variations in methods of pancreatic stump management and the volume of literature available on both main pancreatic duct and pancreaticoenetric anastomosis leak indicates the concern associated with the leak and the continuing efforts to prevent it. Herein we analyzed the role of pancreatic leakage followed by pancreatic surgery on the incidence of postoperative morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1989 to 2005, we performed 76 pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and 26 distal pancreatectomy (DP), assumed as control case). During DP the parenchymal transection was performed with a linear stapler. The surgical reconstruction after PD was as follows: 11 manual nonabsorbable stitch closure of the main duct, 24 closure of the main duct with linear stapler, 17 temporary occlusion of the main duct with neoprene glue, and 24 duct-to-mucosa anastomosis. RESULTS: In the PD group, morbidity rate was 60%, caused by pancreatic leakage, with an incidence of 48%, hemorrhagic complication, occurred in 10% of patients following surgical procedure and infectious complication, with an incidence of 15%. After distal pancreatectomy we recorded 80, 7% no complications, 3, 9% leakage, 15, 4% hemoperitoneum. By multivariate analysis bleeding complications, biliary anastomosis leakage, and infectious complications were consequences of pancreatic leakage (P = 0.025, P = 0.025, and P = 0.025, respectively). A significant statistical difference was recorded analyzing re-operation rates between closure of the main duct with linear stapler versus temporary occlusion of the main duct with neoprene glue (t = 0.049) and closure of the main duct with linear stapler versus duct-to-mucosa anastomosis (t = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: On the ground of our results of bleeding complication, biliary anastomosis leakage and infectious complication were consequences of pancreatic leakage: failure of a surgical anastomosis has serious consequences, particularly in case of anastomosis of the pancreas to the small bowel, because of the digestive capacities of activated pancreatic secretions.
Abstract: Extrahepatic disease (EHD) has been considered a contraindication to hepatectomy. Over the last few years, some series reported interesting 5-year survival rates after resection with hepatic colorectal metastases and EHD free margins. Between August 1989 and October 2005, 116 patients underwent liver resection for colorectal metastases at Surgical Department of the University of Udine, Italy. Among these, we reviewed the data of 5 patients affected by EHD. In 3 patients there were also an anastomotic recurrence of the primary tumor, in 3 patients diaphragm was infiltrated by contiguous liver metastases. We performed in all the patients minor liver resections. We have associated the radiofrequence ablation of a lesion not surgically resectable with liver resection in one case. The surgical procedure was always considered as curative. We observed no case of operative mortality. The mean survival of the entire cohort is 23.2 months (range 4-42 months). Our study, even if based upon a limited number of patients, supports the thesis that extrahepatic disease in patients affected by colorectal cancer with hepatic metastases should not be considered as an absolute contraindication to liver resection especially for the cases in with local radical cure exeresis is achievable.
Abstract: The best therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still debated. Hepatic resection (HR) is the treatment of choice for single HCC in Child A patients, whereas liver transplantation (OLT) is usually reserved for Child B and C patients with multiple nodules. The aim of this study was to compare HR and OLT for HCC within the Milan criteria on an intention-to-treat basis. Forty-eight patients were treated by OLT and 38 by HR. Three- and 5-year patient survival rates were significantly higher (P = .0057) in the OLT group (79% and 74%) than after HR (61% and 26%). The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rate was better (P = .0005) for OLT (74% and 74%) versus HR (41% and 11%). The probability of HCC recurrences after resection was greater (P = .0002) than after transplantation, achieving 31% and 76% for HR and 2% and 2% for OLT at 3 and 5 years after surgery. The median waiting list time was 118 days; two patients dropped out for HCC progression. We concluded that OLT is superior to HR for small HCC in cirrhotic patients assuming that OLT can be performed within 6 to 10 months after listing to reduce dropouts due to tumor progression.
Abstract: AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (Hcc) is the third most common cause of cancer death. The aim of this study is to examine the factors associated with improved prognosis in Hcc after liver resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September 1989 to March 2005, 134 consecutive patients had liver resection for Hcc on cirrhosis at our department. We performed 54 major liver resections and 80 limited resections. All patients enrolled in the study were followed-up three times during the first year after resection and twice the next years. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality rate was 7.4%, about 50% of these cases were Child-Pugh B patients. Morbidity rate was 47.7%, caused by the rising of ascites, temporary liver impairment function, biliary fistula, hepatic abscess, hemoperitoneum and pleural effusion. Overall survival resulted to be influenced by etiology (P = 0.03), underlying liver disease, in particular Child A vs BC (P = 0.04), Endmondson-Steiner grading (P = 0.01), the absence of a capsule (P = 0.004), the presence of more than one lesion (P = 0.02), lesion's size over 5 cm (P = 0.04), Pringle maneuver length over than 20 minutes (P = 0.03), an amount of resected liver volume lesser than 50% of total liver volume (P = 0.03), and the relapse of Hcc (P= 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma should be both the most radical to obtain the best outcome and to reduce the recurrence's rate, and the most suitable according to the patient's condition, lesion's characteristics and underlying liver disease: because of the large number of factors affecting the outcome of Hcc, unfortunately, we are still far from an agreement upon a group of criteria useful to select the best candidates for liver resection.
Abstract: AIM: Regarding the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, a question was raised by the introduction of minimally invasive surgery, because of the technical complexity of the techniques involved and its uncertain benefits. We evaluated the impact of laparoscopic esophagectomy on the surgical approach to esophageal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to March 2006, 22 non-randomized patients were recruited to undergo esophagectomy for neoplastic disease. The esophagectomy and esophagogastroplasty were performed using the laparoscopic transhiatal technique (THE) in 9 cases, while a combined laparoscopic gastric mobilisation and right transthoracic incision (TT/LE) was performed in the other 13. RESULTS: Mean follow up was 21+/-3.23 months, range 2-46 months. Overall cumulative survival was 84.0% at 12 months, 61.3% at 24 months, 51.0% at 36 months. THE achieved better results than TT/LE on the ground with regard to the time it took to complete the procedure (p=0.046) and the hospital stay times (p=0.039), and the time in ICU, postoperative oral feeding resumption, number of retrieved lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: The clinical benefits of minimally invasive techniques regard the time it takes to complete the procedure, the time in ICU, postoperative oral feeding resumption and the hospital stay times. Minimally invasive surgery might be not less curative and effective than open surgical procedures, as found in our small non-randomzed series of patients. Larger series should confirm these results.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Notwithstanding technical advances and high experience of liver resection of specialized centers, the rate of complications after surgical resection could be high. In this study, we analyzed causes and foreseeable risk factors linked to postoperative morbidity on the ground of data derived from a single center surgical population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 1989 to March 2005, 134 consecutive patients had liver resection for Hcc and 153 consecutive patients with liver metastasis (derived from either colorectal cancer or noncolorectal cancer) at our department. We performed 22 major hepatectomy, 20 left hepatectomy, 14 trisegmentectomy, 77 bisegmentectomy and/or left lobectomy, 74 segmentectomy, and 80 wedge resection. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality rate was 4.5%, about 7% in Hcc cases and 2.6% in liver metastasis. Morbidity rate was 47.7%, caused by the rising of ascites (10%), temporary impairment liver function (19%), biliary fistula (6%), hepatic abscess (25%), hemoperitoneum (10%), and pleural effusion (30%) sometimes combined each other. Some variables, associated with the technical aspects of surgical procedure, are responsible of the rising of complication as: Pringle maneuver length of more than 20 minutes (p=0.001); the type of liver resection procedure [major hepatectomy (p=0.02), left hepatectomy (p=0.04), trisegmentectomy (p=0.04), bisegmentectomy and/or left lobectomy (p=0.04)]; and the request of an amount of blood transfusion of more than 600 cc (p=0.04). Also, both liver dysfunction, in particular Child A vs B and C (p=0.01), and histopathological grading (p=0.01) are associated with a high rate of postsurgical complication in Hcc cases. CONCLUSION: We make the following recommendations: every liver resection should be planned after intraoperative ultrasonography, anatomical surgical procedure should be preferred instead of wedge resection, and modern devices should be used, like Argon Beam and Ligasure dissector, to reduce the incidence of both intraoperative and postoperative bleeding and biliary leakage.
Abstract: Liver retransplantation is considered to carry a higher risk than primary transplantation. The aim of this study was to analyse a single-center experience with late liver retransplantation. The overall rate of primary retransplantation was 11% (30 re-OLT out of 272 primary OLT). fiftten of these (50%) had retransplantation more than 3 months after the first transplant and were analyzed by reviewing their medical records. Causes of primary graft failure leading to retransplantation were chronic hepatic artery thrombosis in 6 cases (40%), HCV cirrhotic recurrence in 4 cases (28%), chronic rejection in 2 cases (14%), veno-occlusive disease, hepatic vein thrombosis and idiopathic graft failure in 1 case each (6%). UNOS status at re-OLT was 2A in all cases. All patients were hospitalised, and three of them were in intensive care. One- and two-year patient and graft survival rates were 80% and 66% and 66% and 59%, respectively. Death occurred in 5 patients, including 2 of the 3 admitted to the intensive care unit at the time of retransplantation, who died after a mean interval of 15 +/- 9 days from retransplantation. Retransplantation should be considered a very efficient way of saving lives, especially when the optimal timing for its execution is defined.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In spite of accurate selection of patients eligible for resection, and although advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management have greatly contributed to reducing the rate of perioperative deaths, stress must be placed on reducing the postoperative complication rates reported to be still as high as 50%. This study was designed to analyze the causes and foreseeable risk factors linked to postoperative morbidity on the grounds of data derived from a single-center surgical population. METHODS: From September 1989 to March 2005, 287 consecutive patients, affected either with HCC or liver metastasis, had liver resection at our department. Among the HCC series we recorded 98 patients (73.2%) in Child-Pugh class A, 32 (23.8%) in class B and 4 in class C (3%). In 104 colorectal metastases, 71% were due to colon cancer, 25% rectal, 3% sigmoid, and 1% anorectal. In 49 non-colorectal metastases, 22.4% were derived from breast cancer, 63.2% gastrointestinal tumors (excluding colon) and 14.4% other cancers. We performed 80 wedge resections, 77 bisegmentectomies and/or left lobectomies, 74 segmentectomies, 22 major hepatectomies, 20 left hepatectomies, and 14 trisegmentectomies. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate in this series was 4.5%, and the morbidity rate was 47.7%, because of pleural effusion (30%), hepatic abscess (25%), hepatic insufficiency (19%), ascites (10%), hemoperitoneum (10%), or biliary fistula (6%). The variables associated with the technical aspects of the surgical procedure that were responsible for the complications were: a Pringle maneuver length more than 20 minutes (P=0.001); the type of liver resection procedure, including major hepatectomy (P=0.02), left hepatectomy (P=0.04), trisegmentectomy (P=0.04), bisegmentectomy and/or left lobectomy (P=0.04); and a blood transfusion of more than 600 ml (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The evaluation of causes and foreseeable risk factors linked to postoperative morbidity during the planning of surgical treatment should play the same role as other factors weighed in the selection of patients eligible for liver resection.
Abstract: We discuss about the diagnosis and treatment of Schwannoma arising from the sympathetic cervical chain on the basis of a case report on a patient whose previously diagnosis was paraganglioma.
Abstract: Surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is the standard treatment of esophageal cancer. Preoperative radio- and chemotherapy (CT) have been introduced to improve prognosis. We report a phase II prospective non-randomized trial of preoperative RT (42 Gy/25) plus CT (cisplatin 20 mg/mq/day plus 5-fluorouracil 600 mg/mq/day, 1-5 weeks) for the treatment of thoracic esophageal cancer. From 1993, 50 patients were enrolled (40 men and 10 women, mean age 57 years, range 30-75 years). Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 90% of cases; 10% were adenocarcinoma. Downstaging of the disease was obtained in 77.3% of cases; there were 13 (29.5%) complete responses (CR) and 21 (47.7%) partial responses (PR). Median survival was 28 and 25 months, respectively, for CR and partial response (PR) plus stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) (P = 0.05). Progressive-free median survival was 22 and 17 months, respectively, for CR and PR + SD + PD (P = 0.08). Multimodal treatment of esophageal cancer showed promising results, although not significant, in terms of survival and disease progression for patients achieving a complete pathologic response.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Enlarged spleens increase the technical difficulties associated with laparoscopic splenectomy (LS). The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of splenic weight on the results of LS. METHODS: We performed a prospective analysis of 20 LS for splenomegaly and 40 LS for normal spleen in terms of intraoperative and early postoperative outcome. RESULTS: Patients with splenomegaly had longer operative times and higher conversion and transfusion rates than those with normal spleens. Patients with spleens weighing < 2000 G experienced less blood loss, fewer conversions, and a shorter postoperative hospital stay than those with spleens > 2000 g. No differences-except for the longer operative time-were observed between normal-sized spleens and those weighing < 2000 G. CONCLUSIONS: LS for splenomegaly is feasible for experienced laparoscopic surgeons. For spleens weighing < 2000 G, the outcome was comparable to that of normal spleens, whereas LS for spleens >2000 g was associated with a higher conversion rate, greater blood loss, a longer hospital stay, and increased morbidity.
Abstract: Cancer of the cervical esophagus has a poor prognosis in relation to stage. Correct staging is thus essential in order to establish the prognosis and the treatment program. Distant metastases can involve the lymph nodes (mediastinal and celiac lymph nodes) or they can be extranodal visceral types. Correct lymph node staging can be performed with esophageal endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) scan and, currently, with positron emission tomography (PET) and minimally invasive surgery. For hematogenous metastases, CT scan and PET are mainly used, as well as minimally invasive surgery, with the eventual aid of intraoperative ultrasonography.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and influence on surgical strategy of laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound on staging of abdominal malignancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic ultrasound staging, according to the TNM classification, of 80 consecutive cases of abdominal malignancies in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and influence on surgical strategy. Pathologic examination of final surgical specimens or laparoscopic biopsies was used as control. RESULTS: Laparoscopic ultrasound evaluation was carried out successfully in 95% of cases with no mortality and morbidity. Twenty one out of 76 patients (28%) had their stage changed based on laparoscopic ultrasound findings. Unnecessary laparotomy was avoided in 11 cases (14%) due to evidence of advanced disease at laparoscopic ultrasound. For pancreatic cancer laparoscopic ultrasound was more sensitive for TNM, specificity was higher just for nodal evaluation. For liver tumor laparoscopic staging revealed more sensitive for N and M evaluation. Laparoscopic ultrasound staging had low specificity and sensitivity for T evaluation, while it was more sensitive and specific than clinical staging for nodal and distant metastasis assessment respectively for gastric and colon cancer. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ultrasound staging is a safe, feasible and effective staging tool for several abdominal malignancies. The introduction of laparoscopic ultrasound probes overcomes the lack of tactile sensation proper of laparoscopy, allowing precise evaluation of both solid and deeply located abdominal structures. The use of laparoscopic ultrasound staging may help to reduce the number of unnecessary laparotomies.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicates frequently hereditary hemochromatosis, a disease for which a strong candidate gene, named HFE, has recently been identified. Patients with HCC who are heterozygotes for mutations in the HFE gene might have distinct features and a distinct disease course. METHODS: The presence of the 2 mutations associated with hereditary hemochromatosis (C282Y and H63D) was sought by restriction fragment length polymorphism in 61 cirrhotic patients (46 males and 15 females) who underwent resection for HCC at a single institution. RESULTS: There were 4 heterozygotes for the C282Y mutation and 6 homozygotes + 20 heterozygotes for the H63D mutation, with no compound heterozygotes. Carriage of >/= 1 HFE mutated allele was significantly more frequent in HCC patients than in 149 control subjects (44% vs. 29%, P = 0.005). Among C282Y heterozygotes, 3 of 4 were female, compared with 12 of 57 wild-type carriers (P = 0.015); no gender distribution existed among patients carrying H63D alleles (6 of 26 vs. 9 of 35, P = 0.813). Survival was longer for patients with wild-type HFE than for those with mutated HFE (67% vs. 22% at 3 years; hazard ratio = 0.42, 95% confidence interval = 0.21-0.80) (P < 0.01). The negative effect on survival that resulted from possessing >/= 1 HFE mutated allele was maintained even after adjustment for gender, age, presence of tumor capsule, presence of comorbid factors, Okuda stage, Edmonson grading, and number of lesions (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Testing for HFE mutations may help identify HCC patients with dismal prognoses for whom surgical resection may not represent the best treatment option.
Abstract: Primary lymphoma of the liver (PLL) is a rare disease and estimation of the real number of cases may be difficult because strict diagnostic criteria for the definition of a primary lesion are quite often not followed. We report here on a case of a patient affected by PLL who underwent successful surgical resection of the lesion followed by chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation. The patient is alive and disease free 62 months after resection.
Abstract: The authors report their experience about laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of adrenal tumours. Three laparoscopic right adrenalectomies were performed. From a comparison with five open adrenalectomies, microinvasive surgery is more advantageous than traditional management: recovery is earlier, incisions are smaller, post-operative discomfort is less, physiologic functions recover in a short time, return to full professional activity in one week.
Abstract: The authors report their experience in the surgical treatment of breast cancer liver metastases. Although with a restricted number of cases (4 patients), the short-term results are satisfactory; this is in agreement with the literature. The survival of those patients treated with a loco-regional approach to metastases (chemotherapy and surgery), is longer than one obtained using systemic chemotherapy. This is still an open question requiring further experience.
Abstract: The authors report their experience on percutaneous large core biopsy with standard needle in the diagnosis of breast lesions. This method, that has the same advantages of open biopsy, allows a better cytological examination, prevent sequelae of surgery and lower costs.
Abstract: Mesenteric arteriovenous fistulas or arterioportal fistulas (APF) are rare and mostly secondary to penetrating abdominal wounds. A rare case of APF presenting 2 years later a blunt abdominal trauma has been reported. On the basis of a review of the literature (65 cases) the etiology, clinical findings, diagnostical aspects and the results of conservative and surgical treatment have been analyzed.
Abstract: Experience with 5 cases of medullary carcinoma of the breast is reported. Reviewing the literature, medullary carcinoma appears to have a better prognosis than infiltrating ductal carcinoma so the proper surgical approach is represented by conservative procedures for lesions < 3 cm with no more than 3 nodes involved. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy don't seem to improve the survival rate.
Abstract: The successful replacement of islet tissue by pancreas transplantation appears to be beneficial in the early course of those uremic diabetic recipients who receive a simultaneous renal transplant. The long-term advantages of SKP transplantation remain to be determined, however, current improvement in patient and graft survival following SPK and the difficulties thus far reported in islet cell transplantation have renewed clinical interests in SPK, PAK and PA transplantation. In our experience, pancreas transplantation has been a challenging technical, immunological and physiological endeavor which was well received by our patients despite the initial problems and complications we and they encountered. Notwithstanding extensive preparation, our team experienced a "learning curve" and we present many of the lessons we learned. This knowledge has aided our transplant team in the successful management and avoidance of these complications and other inherent problems associated with SKP transplantation in subsequent patients.
Abstract: Hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the intestine is a rare anomaly (0.025 to 0.28 percent of the general population) described by Chilaiditi in 1911 and often believed to be of irrelevant clinical interest. To the contrary, recent studies stated that this syndrome is a potential source of abdominal problems requiring emergency or elective operation. From a retrospective analysis of records since 1976, four instances of Chilaiditi's syndrome have been found (three males and one female). Interposition of the proximal transverse colon was found in three patients and the small intestine in one patient. The findings of plain roentgenograms of the chest were determinants for diagnosis in three patients. In one patient, a barium meal was given to obtain a better definition. Two patients were admitted for malignant neoplasms (metastatic carcinoma of the breast, carcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract and cirrhosis of the liver) and died within a few months. The other two patients complained of abdominal pain. Patient No. 4 had gastric volvulus. Chilaiditi's syndrome was diagnosed intraoperatively in that patient and a surgical treatment with hepatopexy was performed, by suturing the falciform, the coronaria ligament and the anterior margin of the liver to the diaphragm with interrupted absorbable stitches. After a two year follow-up evaluation, this patient is as well as the patient who underwent medical therapy. Volvulus of the stomach, as was found in Patient No. 4, is an unusual condition and, to our knowledge, the patient is the second reported instance.
Abstract: One case of extracranial carotid artery aneurysm observed is reported. This uncommon and interesting vascular disorder is still under discussion even if the present tendency is to treat it actively by reconstructive surgical procedures that make it possible to avoid the natural aneurysm complications with a low risk of postoperative neurological lesions.
Abstract: Two cases of carotid body tumor (chemodectomas) have been reported and at this regard the international literature reviewed. Concerning the diagnosis selective angiograms represent the investigation of choice in clinical assessment and planning operative approach. Doppler-ultrasound results particularly useful in the follow up of patients after surgery. With advances in vascular technique, complete excision of the tumor has become possible and is now associated with minimal morbidity and mortality. Survival rate of resected patients is equivalent to that for sex age matched control subjects.
Abstract: A rare case of haemoperitoneum due to gallbladder rupture with intraluminal bleeding is reported. The importance of a coagulopathy in the etiology of the disease is pointed out: in the present case it was related to cirrhosis and anticoagulant treatment during dialysis sessions.
Abstract: The most important physical and chemical properties of the new synthetic absorbable suture materials are shown. Particularly this paper make a comparison between multifilament and monofilament suture wire from the point of view of tensile strength, "in vivo" tensile strength retention, reabsorbability, foreseeability of the reabsorption time of the capillarity. On these theoretical basis the AA. think that actually the best suture wire for the gastrointestinal surgery must be a synthetic absorbable monofilament suture material. Clinical and experimental experience of the AA. utilizing in the surgery of the gastrointestinal tract a copolymer monofilament of the glycolic acid and of the trimethylene carbonate (polyglyconate-Maxon), resorbable by not-enzymatic hydrolysis in about 180 days are described. The clinical experience was acquired performing 43 manual gastroenteric anastomosis by polyglyconate suture material and making an endoscopic follow-up in 19 cases (12 oesophago-jejunal anastomoses and 7 colo-rectal anastomoses). The experimental study consist of 30 enteric anastomosis performed on rats. The results evaluation was made from three points of views: bacteriological, optical diffuse light microscopy and electronic transmission microscopy. The conclusions of the clinical and experimental studies are favourable for the use the polyglyconate suture wire in digestive surgery, and confirm also "in vivo" its theoretical properties.
Abstract: The Authors report their experience with 222 esophagoenteric anastomoses, performed in 211 cases for malignant neoplasms (middle and lower third) of the esophagus or stomach. Particularly, they have performed 4 Sujura operations, 31 esophagogastric, 4 esophagocolic, 183 esophagojejunal anastomoses utilizing SPTU, ILS and EEA circular stapler. GIA was used in the preparation of the stomach before esophagogastroplasty. Mortality rate of the manual period (1970-1980: 114 cases operated) was 14.5% versus 2.2% of the stapling period (1981-1987: 222 cases operated). From the technical point of view reasons of the superiority of stapled technique are discussed and summarized as follows: 1) space not favourable for handsewn anastomoses; 2) stapled technique allows the surgeon to save anastomoses vascularization; 3) the stapler performs the suture simultaneously so to reduce tensile strength on the anastomoses and the fragile esophageal wall especially; 4) stapled agraphes are fixed in three points vs. the two points of the handsewn stitches.
Abstract: Staplers have improved the results of esophageal surgery, in our experience and in others experience, as esophago-enteric anastomoses have become safer and faster than when manual suturing is used. Probably one of the last problems in the stapler technique, especially in the thoracic area, is the performance of on adequate esophageal purse-string suture: an improper performance of this suture can cause a dangerous leak of the anastomosis. So, many surgeons, to reduce the risk of esophageal dehiscence connected with the esophageal purse-string, use either purse-string devices or alternative methods such as a second handsewn purse-string, U stitches of the esophagus, etc. We think that the risk of improper anastomoses after esophageal resection can be reduced if the need for the esophageal purse-string can be eliminated. This work shows our personal technique for performing esophagoenterostomy, especially in the thoracic area, using the new CEEA stapler (Autosuture) without esophageal purse-string sutures. According to the modified procedure the stapler anvil and the mini rod are introduced in the esophagectomy and a 2-0 thread is knotted around the CEEA mini rod. Then the esophageal mutilated part is closed by a linear stapler keeping a syringe needle, which contains the thread, through the linear suture. Then, using the thread as a pulling system, the surgeon makes the needle and the tip of the mini rod slide out of the esophageal suture. Now the surgeon can reassemble the CEEA and perform the anastomosis. There are many clinical reports that cite no leaks following circular stapled anastomoses across linear stapled closures.
Abstract: Two cases of thyroid metastasis from breast cancer are reported, both occurring in patients previously given radical mastectomies. It is emphasised that postoperative follow-up should also monitor rarely affected sites of metastasis from breast cancer.
Abstract: The authors describe their experience with colorectal cancer screening by means of the Hemoccult test for the detection of occult fecal blood according to Gregor's method. In particular, the decentralized aspect of the screening is examined, and the results discussed are in agreement with those observed in larger study populations. The authors go on to stress the effective possibility of conducting this type of screening also on the basis of collaboration with general practitioners.
