Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Thyroidectomy-Related Voice Questionnaire (TVSQ) in Greek Population.

OBJECTIVES: The Thyroidectomy-Related Voice Questionnaire (TVSQ) is a useful tool in the detection of voice changes and dysfunctions and the diagnosis of other symptoms related to transient or permanent laryngeal nerve damage in patients after thyroidectomy. The aim of our study is the translation and validation of (TVSQ) in the Greek language and in Greek population for the first time. METHODS: The TVSQ was translated from English to Greek and vice versa by two independent researchers, while before the application of the TVSQ in clinical practice, a control group of 20 people was used. The following methods were used for the weighting and analysis of the TVSQ: Polychoric correlation, Cronbach's alpha, confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory (IRT). RESULTS: Polychoric correlations revealed that questions 1-10 have a strong positive correlation with each other, while the correlation of the rest of the TVSQ items is positive. Subsequently, for the first subgroup of questions ("voice change") Cronbach's alpha was equal to 0.950, while for the second ("throat and neck discomfort") Cronbach's alpha was equal to 0.846. Thus, we conclude that the internal consistency reliability is high for both subgroups of TVSQ questions. With the IRT method we showed that for the first subgroup of questions ("voice change"), the item with the least predictive value is question 5, while for the second subgroup of questions ("throat and neck discomfort"), the item with the least educational value was question 15. CONCLUSIONS: Our team translated and validated the TVSQ with the above statistical methods in the Greek language, so that it can be used as a valuable tool in clinical practice, and more specifically in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. TVSQ can play a significant role on the diagnosis of either postoperative voice disorders and other symptoms related to thyroidectomy.

Contemporary Role of Open Left Thoracoabdominal Approach in Esophageal Malignancy Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the widespread use of minimally invasive techniques, open left thoracoabdominal esophagectomy (LTE) can offer excellent visualization and adaptability. The current study aimed to present and evaluate the outcomes related to an open LTE in esophageal malignancy treatment. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of data collected from two institutions was performed, including patients with distal esophageal or junctional tumors who underwent open LTE between November 2018 and December 2023. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included (16 males; mean age 62.8 years). Postoperative complications occurred in eight patients (36%), with pulmonary complications being the most prevalent (seven patients; 32%). One patient experienced a clinical anastomotic leak. No reoperations or escalation to a higher level of care were required. In-hospital and 30-day mortality were zero. Tumor cells were found at the surgical margins in six patients (27%). The mean lymph node yield was 27. During the follow-up period, there were nine deaths and 11 cases of disease recurrence. Isolated locoregional recurrence was seen in five patients (23%). The one-year and two-year overall survival rates were 79% and 47%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In selected cases, open LTE remains a valid and safe operation with acceptable morbidity and oncological efficacy.

The Role of the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load in the Dietary Approach of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder that often develops during pregnancy, characterized by glucose intolerance and insulin resistance (IR). To ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus, the body undergoes multiple metabolic and immunological changes that result in peripheral IR and, under certain hereditary or acquired abnormalities, GDM in predisposed women. The adverse short- and long-term effects of GDM impact both the mother and the fetus. Nutrition seems to play an important role to prevent GDM or improve its evolution. An emphasis has been given to the proportion of carbohydrates (CHO) relative to protein and lipids, as well as dietary patterns, in GDM. The effects of CHO on postprandial glucose concentrations are reflected in the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). Diets rich in GI and GL may induce or exacerbate IR, whereas diets low in GI and GL appear to enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glycemic control. These positive outcomes may be attributed to direct interactions with insulin and glucose homeostasis or indirect effects through improved body composition and weight management. This comprehensive narrative review aims to explore the significance of nutrition, with a focus on the critical evaluation of GI and GL in the dietary management of women with GDM.

Changes in Cardiovascular and Renal Biomarkers Associated with SGLT2 Inhibitors Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health problem worldwide with a steadily increasing prevalence reaching epidemic proportions. The major concern is the increased morbidity and mortality due to diabetic complications. Traditional but also nontraditional risk factors have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. Hyperglycemia has been considered an important risk factor, and the strict glycemic control can have a positive impact on microangiopathy but not macroangiopathy and its related morbidity and mortality. Thus, the therapeutic algorithm has shifted focus from a glucose-centered approach to a strategy that now emphasizes target-organ protection. Sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors is an extremely important class of antidiabetic medications that, in addition to their glucose lowering effect, also exhibit cardio- and renoprotective effects. Various established and novel biomarkers have been described, reflecting kidney and cardiovascular function. In this review, we investigated the changes in established but also novel biomarkers of kidney, heart and vascular function associated with sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dietary Approach of Patients with Hormone-Related Cancer Based on the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Estimates.

Hormone-related cancers, namely breast, endometrial, cervical, prostate, testicular, and thyroid, constitute a specific group of cancers dependent on hormone levels that play an essential role in cancer growth. In addition to the traditional risk factors, diet seems to be an important environmental factor that partially explains the steadily increased prevalence of this group of cancer. The composition of food, the dietary patterns, the endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and the way of food processing and preparation related to dietary advanced glycation end-product formation are all related to cancer. However, it remains unclear which specific dietary components mediate this relationship. Carbohydrates seem to be a risk factor for cancer in general and hormone-related cancers, in particular, with a difference between simple and complex carbohydrates. Glycemic index and glycemic load estimates reflect the effect of dietary carbohydrates on postprandial glucose concentrations. Several studies have investigated the relationship between the dietary glycemic index and glycemic load estimates with the natural course of cancer and, more specifically, hormone-related cancers. High glycemic index and glycemic load diets are associated with cancer development and worse prognosis, partially explained by the adverse effects on insulin metabolism, causing hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, and also by inflammation and oxidative stress induction. Herein, we review the existing data on the effect of diets focusing on the glycemic index and glycemic load estimates on hormone-related cancers.

"Starting from the Image": A Tele-pathology Pre-graduate Course Aimed at Motivating Medical Students.

In the tele-course entitled "Starting from the image", medical students are confronted with practical tasks in relevant professional contexts. Initially, a macroscopic or microscopic image of a patient case is presented to learners who then receive relevant information on the patient's history, clinical findings, and other laboratory tests. A pathologist actively discusses the pathological findings; then, a clinician explains their implications for the patient's individualized treatment and prognosis. In this way, pathology's interaction with other medical specialties is highlighted. Students declared that through these simulated professional practice experiences, they strengthened their decision-making skills. Educators should consider upgrading from information-based teaching to practice-focused instruction.

Precision Surgery of Colorectal Liver Metastases in the Current Era: A Systematic Review.

Liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is widely considered the treatment with the highest curative potential. However, not all patients derive the same oncological benefit, underlining the need for better patient stratification and treatment allocation. In this context, we performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the role of RAS status in selecting the optimal surgical strategy. Evidence comparing anatomical with non-anatomical resections depending on RAS mutational status was scarce and conflicting, with two studies reporting superiority in mutated RAS (mutRAS) patients and two studies reporting equivalent outcomes. The rate of incomplete microscopic resection (R1) was found to be increased among mutRAS patients, possibly due to higher micrometastatic spread lateral to the primary lesion. The impact of R1 resection margins was evaluated separately for mutRAS and wild-type patients in three studies, of which, two indicated an additive detriment to long-term survival in the former group. In the current era of precision surgery, RAS status can be utilized to predict the efficacy of liver resection in the treatment of CRLM, avoiding a potentially morbid operation in patients with adverse tumor profiles.

The Protective Effect of Bariatric Surgery on the Development of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a known risk factor for developing colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with the formation of precancerous colonic adenomas. Bariatric surgery (BRS) is considered to reduce the cancer risk in morbidly obese patients. However, the currently available literature yields contradicting results regarding the impact of bariatric surgery on the incidence of CRC. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov databases was undertaken following the PRISMA guidelines. A random effects model was selected. RESULTS: Twelve retrospective cohort studies, incorporating a total of 6,279,722 patients, were eligible for inclusion in the final quantitative analysis. Eight studies originated from North America, while four reported on European patients. Patients in the Bariatric Surgery group exhibited a significantly reduced risk for developing colorectal cancer (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.4-0.8, p < 0.001), while sleeve gastrectomy was found to be significantly associated with a smaller incidence of CRC (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.83, p < 0.001), and gastric bypass and banding did not. CONCLUSIONS: A significant protective effect of BRS against the development of CRC is implied. In the present analysis, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer was approximately halved amongst the obese individuals that were operated on.

Experiential student study groups: perspectives on medical education in the post-COVID-19 period.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate medical curricula often fail to integrate experiential learning methodologies. Thus, a pilot series of interactive pathology lessons was designed and implemented in an attempt to promote experiential learning. METHODS: Thirty pre-graduate medical students voluntarily participated in the interactive study groups at the First Department of Pathology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the satisfaction of students regarding their participation in pathology study groups and to identify the characteristics that shape students' perceptions of the foundations of medical education. Descriptive statistics (mean values) were used to describe the students' evaluations of the pathology study groups, and thematic analysis was conducted to investigate the data collected using open-ended questions. RESULTS: Interactions with the professor and the option of co-observing the slides using dual-view optical microscopes and virtual slides were each evaluated as "Excellent" by ≅ 95% of the students. Four overarching themes were identified regarding the core characteristics of medical education according to the students' perspectives: 1) educational background in medical education, 2) interaction with educators in medical education, 3) educational material in medical education and 4) assessment in medical education. CONCLUSIONS: The high rates of acceptance of the pathology study groups reflect the desire and need for active learning methodologies to be implemented in modern medical education. Nearly all the students mentioned the need for practical skill acquisition, the integration of theory into practice and ethics in medical education. The success of these optional pathology study groups highlights the need for similar modalities to be incorporated into the main medical education curriculum.

Anesthetic management of a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis and an occult pheochromocytoma: a case report.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a complex genetic disorder affecting multiple organ systems. Cardiovascular manifestations include hypertension, often associated with concomitant pheochromocytoma. We present a hypertensive crisis during induction of anesthesia in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1, scheduled for abdominal myomectomy, which revealed an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. The case highlights the importance of assessing all patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 for pheochromocytoma, because if it is left undiagnosed, it can be disastrous in the setting of anesthesia and surgery.

Anesthetic management of a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis and an occult pheochromocytoma: a case report

Abstract Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a complex genetic disorder affecting multiple organ systems. Cardiovascular manifestations include hypertension, often associated with concomitant pheochromocytoma. We present a hypertensive crisis during induction of anesthesia in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1, scheduled for abdominal myomectomy, which revealed an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma. The case highlights the importance of assessing all patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 for pheochromocytoma, because if it is left undiagnosed, it can be disastrous in the setting of anesthesia and surgery.

Synchronous Sternal Metastasectomy and Total Thyroidectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Rare Case Report.

Bone metastases from thyroid cancer are mainly rare, while sternal metastases are extremely uncommon. Bone metastases might be either synchronous or metachronous to primary thyroid cancer. A 60-year-old male patient presented to our department with a painful, fixed and firm sternal mass. Preoperative imaging studies, such as neck ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) of the chest, revealed a 6.5 cm nodule of the right thyroid lobe with high-risk malignancy characteristics and a massive metastatic mass of the anterior mediastinal, which was extended from the sternal notch to the third intercostal space. The diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma with sternal metastatic lesions was established. After meticulous discussion in the multidisciplinary board of our hospital, a total thyroidectomy plus en-bloc resection of this massive sternal metastasis and adjuvant radioiodine therapy were decided. Eight months postoperatively, no recurrence has occurred in this patient. R0 resection of isolated bone metastasis of thyroid origin is still an optimal therapeutic decision for these patients. In cases of sternal metastasis, radical surgical resection with negative margins, including both resection of the lesion and reconstruction of the chest wall, in order to successfully maintain the chest wall's stability, is recommended.

Oncologic outcomes of patients with resectable primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

Background: Primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma (PGSCC) is an uncommon type of gastric malignancy estimated to comprise around 0.04-0.5% of all gastric malignancies. PGSCC's long-term survival has been quoted to range from 17-50% depending on stage, with surgery arguably representing the most useful modality for prolonging oncologic survival. Nevertheless, reliable data on its effectiveness are still lacking in the literature. Method: A systematic literature search of the Medline, Cochrane library and Scopus databases was undertaken, to identify cases of surgically managed PGSCC reporting patient-related outcomes. Results: In total, 23 case reports and 1 case series incorporating 38 patients were identified. Mean patient age was 61.2 years and the male/female ratio was 18:1. Most tumors were high-stage at the time of diagnosis, with the T4 stage predominating in the patient pool (n=15, 50%) along with a high percentage of lymphatic spread (N positive tumors, n=15, 47%). All patients underwent curative-intent surgical resection and were subsequently followed for an average of 30.7±14 months. Extrapolated survival data revealed a projected 3- and 5-year overall survival of 62.2% and 51.9%, respectively, while the 3-year probability for being disease-free was calculated to be 30.8%. T4 stage and lymphatic spread were found to be predictors of poor survival in univariate but not in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Notwithstanding the methodological limitations inherent to the present review, the obtained results, when superimposed on existing cross-sectional survival data, suggest significantly enhanced patient survival following surgery, solidifying its role in the management of patients with PGSCC.

Colorectal Surgery in the COVID-19 Era: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the management of colorectal cancer patients requiring surgery and to examine whether the restructuring of healthcare systems led to cancer stage upshifting or adverse treatment outcomes; (2) Methods: A systematic literature search of the MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, and CNKI databases was performed (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021288432). Data were summarized as odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs); (3) Results: Ten studies were examined, including 26,808 patients. The number of patients presenting with metastases during the pandemic was significantly increased (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.02−2.67, p = 0.04), with no differences regarding the extent of the primary tumor (T) and nodal (N) status. Patients were more likely to have undergone neoadjuvant therapy (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09−1.37, p < 0.001), while emergency presentations (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.07−2.84, p = 0.03) and palliative surgeries (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.13−3.36, p = 0.02) were more frequent during the pandemic. There was no significant difference recorded in terms of postoperative morbidity; (4) Conclusions: Patients during the pandemic were more likely to undergo palliative interventions or receive neoadjuvant treatment.

Reevaluating the prognostic role of BRAF mutation in colorectal cancer liver metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Mutations in the BRAF proto-oncogene have been shown to predict poor patient survival following curative-intent liver surgery for metastatic colorectal cancer. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of mutated BRAF status (mutBRAF) on the overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in these patients. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed for studies reporting outcomes of patients undergoing curative-intent surgery stratified by BRAF mutation status. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate whether inclusion of KRAS mutation status significantly influenced the results. RESULTS: Six studies incorporating 1857 patients with known BRAF status were identified. Pooled results revealed significantly worse OS (Hazard Ratio 2.8, 95% C.I. 2.09 to 3.77) and DFS (Hazard Ratio 2.29, 95% C.I. 2.09 to 3.77) in mutBRAF patients. Subgroup analysis revealed no statistically significant impact of including KRAS status testing on the obtained results. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer carrying BRAF mutations have significantly worse oncologic outcomes following surgery and more aggressive disease phenotype overall.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma in children: current state of the art and future perspectives.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a distinct type of malignant thyroid tumor in cell origin, biological behavior, and natural history. It accounts for 1.6% of all thyroid cancers and presents either sporadically or as a hereditary disease, the latter occurring as a part of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2A and MEN2B syndromes or as a familial MTC disease with no other manifestations. The gene responsible for the hereditary form is the rearranged during transfection (RET) gene, a proto-oncogene located to human chromosome 10. Most pediatric MTC cases have been discovered after genetic testing investigations, leading to the concept of prophylactic surgery in presymptomatic patients. Therefore, the genetic status of the child, along with serum calcitonin levels and ultrasonographic findings, determine the appropriate age for prophylactic surgical intervention. Nevertheless, a diagnosis at an early stage of MTC warrants total thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection with the addition of lateral/contralateral lymph node dissection depending on the tumor size, ultrasonographic evidence of neck disease, or calcitonin levels. Conversely, locally advanced/unresectable or metastatic MTC is primarily treated with multikinase inhibitors, while more specific RET inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials with promising results.

Giant Ovarian Thecoma Associated with Meigs Syndrome: A Striking Case.

Introduction: Meigs syndrome consists of the presence of a benign ovarian tumor, ascites and pleural effusion, and the latter two subdued after surgical excision of the ovarian tumor. Elevated Ca-125 in this context is confusing and is reported only in a handful of cases. A rare but striking case with the above features is presented herein. Case Presentation: A 46-year-old woman with a giant pelvic/abdominal mass originating from her right adnexa, ascites and pleural effusion, with elevated Ca-125 (938 IU/mL) was treated with the presumptive diagnosis of stage IV ovarian cancer. Imaging modalities showed a 22 cm solid adnexal mass and the patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpigooophorectomy, omentectomy and drainage of 4L of ascetic fluid. Surprisingly, final histopathology was negative for malignancy, characterizing the primary tumor as ovarian thecoma. Ascites and pleural effusion resolved by the seventh postoperative day, setting the diagnosis of Meigs syndrome. Discussion: Meigs syndrome accounts for 1% of all ovarian tumors, however it should be considered in the differential diagnosis when clinicians come across the classic triad of the syndrome, even when Ca-125 is elevated. These patients have normal life expectancy with meticulous management, while pathophysiology of this condition remains uncertain in various points.

Primary thyroid teratoma in adults: A case report and systematic review of the literature.

Extragonadal germ cell tumors are uncommon in adults and only 2-5% of teratomas develop in extragonadal sites. Primary thyroid teratomas represent <0.1% of all primary thyroid gland neoplasms. In the present report, a case of primary thyroid teratoma in a 65-year-old female is described. Furthermore, the current literature regarding patients who were diagnosed with primary thyroid teratoma and underwent surgical resection was systematically reviewed. A total of 15 studies of 27 patients (age range, 17-65 years). Growing mass or neck swelling were the primary symptoms in 14 patients (51.8%). Only one (5.5%) patient was preoperatively diagnosed with malignant thyroid teratoma. All patients underwent thyroidectomy, but 6 cases had more advanced surgery, including lymph node dissection. A total of 12 patients received a combination of adjuvant chemoradiation postoperatively, 10 (45.4%) patients reported recurrence of disease and 8 (29.6%) were postoperatively diagnosed with distant metastases. A total of 9 (39.1%) patients died due to progression of the disease. In conclusion, primary thyroid teratomas are rare and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. In particular, malignant cases are very aggressive tumors with a considerably poor prognosis, even after surgical resection combined with adjuvant chemoradiation.

Surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an endocrinological disorder with serious outcomes for both women and neonates. The aim of our study was to present the current evidence concerning the perioperative outcomes of pregnant women with PHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy during pregnancy. METHODS: A meticulous systematic review of the literature published before February 2020 and all studies which presented perioperative and pregnancy outcomes off pregnant women who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT, were included. RESULTS: A total of 53 were finally included, which reported 92 pregnant women who had parathyroidectomy during their pregnancy. A total of 46 patients were hospitalized due to significant complications of PHPT before their parathyroidectomy. With regards to surgical approach, 52.2% of patients underwent minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP), while bilateral neck exploration (BNE) was 41.3% of cases. Only 4 women was not cured, whereas transient hypocalcemia was occurred in 18 patients. All cases proceeded to deliveries of healthy neonates, after their parathyroidectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroidectomy during pregnancy is a safe and effective treatment option with minimum complications and probably should be considered as the treatment of choice in specific group of pregnant women with PHPT.

The effect of the COVID pandemic lockdown measures on surgical emergencies: experience and lessons learned from a Greek tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rise in healthcare demands leading to significant restructuring of hospital emergency departments worldwide. The aim of the present study is twofold: firstly, to discern any differences in regard to reason for surgical emergency department (SED) attendance and hospital admission during the pandemic and pre-pandemic eras in Greece, and secondly, to assess the impact of the lockdown measures implemented during the pandemic on SED patient attendance. METHODS: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece (1 March 2020) and up to 15 December 2020, the charts of all adult patients arriving at the SED of the third surgical department of the "Attikon" University Hospital (a tertiary referral center for surgical and COVID-19 cases) were retrospectively reviewed and broken down in four periods reflecting two nationwide lockdown (period A 1/3/2020 to 30/4/2020 and period D 16/10/2020 to 15/12/2020) and two interim (period B 1/5/2020 to 15/6/2020 and period C 15/9/2020 to 30/10/2020) periods. Demographic and clinical data were compared to those obtained from the same time periods of the year 2019. RESULTS: The total number of patients attending the SED decreased by 35.9% during the pandemic (from 2839 total patients in 2019 to 1819 in 2020). During the first lockdown, there was statistically significant reduction of motor vehicle accidents (p=0.04) and torso injuries (p=0.01). Contrarily, the rate of head injuries (p<0.001) and abdominal pain (p=0.04) were significantly increased. The same effect was observed regarding the rate of hospital admissions (p=0.002), although in terms of absolute numbers, admissions remained unchanged. During the second lockdown, there was a reduction in the number of perianal abscess cases (p=0.04) and hernia-related problems (p=0.001). An increase in the rate of fall injuries was also demonstrable (p=0.02). Overall, application of the lockdown led to a significant decrease in minor (p<0.001) and torso (p=0.001) injuries. CONCLUSION: The burden of the new COVID-19 disease has left a noticeable imprint in the function of emergency departments worldwide. In Greece, SED attendance was significantly reduced during the pandemic, an effect that was even more pronounced during the lockdown implementation; nevertheless, the overall rate of hospital admissions remained the same, denoting that patient care was not altered.