Can robotic gastric bypass be considered a valid alternative to laparoscopy? Our early experience and literature review.

Background: Robotic bariatric surgery serves as an alternative to laparoscopy. The technology provides the surgeon with an accurate three-dimensional view, allowing complex maneuvers while maintaining full control of the operating room. Hypothesis: We report our experience with this innovative surgery compared with laparoscopy during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to demonstrate its safety and feasibility. The aim of this study is to evaluate potential differences between the robotic and laparoscopic techniques. Materials and methods: Our study retrospectively identified 153 consecutive obese patients who underwent either laparoscopic or robotic gastric bypass (RGB) procedures over a 2-year period at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia. Data on demographics, operative time, conversion rate, length of hospital stay, and mortality were collected and compared between two groups of patients: 82 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures and 71 who underwent robotic procedures. Results: We analyzed 153 patients who underwent gastric bypass with a mean age of 42.58 years, of whom 74 were female; 71 were treated with a robotic approach and 82 with a laparoscopic approach. The mean operative time was 224.75 ± 10.4 min for RGB (including docking time) and 101.22 min for laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) (p < 0.05), which is statistically significant. The median length of stay was 4.1 days for the RGB group and 3.9 days for the LGB group (p = 0.89). There is only one conversion to laparoscopy in the RGB group. We observed only one case of postoperative complications, specifically one episode of endoluminal bleeding in the laparoscopic group, which was successfully managed with medical treatment. No mortality was observed in either group. Conclusion: The statistical analysis shows to support the robotic approach that had a lower incidence of complications but a longer operative duration. Based on our experience, the laparoscopic approach remains a technique with more haptic feedback than the robotic approach, making surgeons feel more confident.This study has been registered on ClinicalTrial.gov Protocol Registration and Results System with this ID: NCT05746936 for the Organization UFoggia (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05746936).

Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement and Nutritional Support With nab-Paclitaxel-based First-Line Chemotherapy Regimens in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: At diagnosis, more than 80% of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) suffer from significant weight loss due to malnutrition which is a major concern for patient management, and this may negatively impact treatment outcomes and patient prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed an observational, retrospective study on patients with metastatic PC (mPC) undergoing first-line chemotherapy with nab-Paclitaxel containing schedules and receiving or not receiving nutritional support (NS) and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to investigate their relevance in this setting. RESULTS: We observed that PERT and ancillary dietary interventions are related to longer overall survival (OS; median: 16.5 vs. 7.5 months, P < .001) and have a significant, independent, prognostic impact for better outcomes (P = .013), independently from the therapeutic regimen. Furthermore, PERT and NS prevented weight loss during chemotherapy and obtained an improvement of nutritional parameters such as phase angle and free-fat mass index, after 3 months of anticancer treatment. Consistently, the positive impact on OS correlated also with the prevention of Karnofsky performance status deterioration and a lower incidence of maldigestion-related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that an early and well-conducted NS in patients with mPC may impact on survival and preserve performance status, thus improving quality of life.

Metastatic melanoma causing small bowel perforation: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Metastatic localization of melanoma often affects the gastrointestinal tract, with reference to the small intestine. CASE PRESENTATION: In this work we present the clinical course of a patient affected by a surgically treated melanoma of the right conjunctiva, suddenly manifesting abdominal symptomatology. The abdominal computed tomography scan (CT scan) show evidence of free air into the peritoneal cavity, cholecystitis and brain lesions highly suspicious for metastases. Patient underwent emergency surgery, consisting of ileo-cecal resection, cholecystectomy, with the construction of an ileostomy. The histological examination diagnosed multiple ileal and gallbladder localizations of pigmented epithelial melanoma, and localization. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The treatment of conjunctival melanoma consists in surgical removal. Distant metastases frequently affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the necessity to assess patients with abdominal symptoms, in order to avoid emergency scenarios such as the one reported in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-abdominal metastases from melanoma are an event that should not be underestimated, because if detected in time, they can be treated with surgery resulting in a clear improvement in the prognosis. Late diagnosis of intestinal metastases can cause an acute abdomen scenario frequently caused by intestinal obstruction or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Anastomotic leak test using indocyanine green during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A cohort study.

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG) can be injected into the human bloodstream and it allows us to show stomach vascularity in real time. The aim of our study is to observe the preliminary results of the application of indocyanine green fluorescence (IGF) during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB in our center and how the perfusion of the gastro-jejunal anastomosis affects the onset of fistula. Materials and methods: 30 consecutive patients underwent RYGB with ICG fluorescence angiography at our center from January 2020 to December 2021.5 ml of ICG were then injected intravenously to identify the blood supply of the stomach and the gastro-jejunal anastomosis. The UIN for ClinicalTrial.gov Protocol Registration and Results System is: NCT05476159 for the Organization UFoggia. Results: In the RYGB tested with ICG, we all have adequate perfusion but despite this a methylene blue test was positive and allowed us to reinforce the suture of the gastro-jejunal anastomosis. Conclusion: Intraoperative ICG testing during laparoscopic RYGB may be helpful in determining which patients are at an increased risk for leakage but multiple factors concur to the pathophysiology and the incidence of gastric fistula not only the perfusion.

Is Emergency Surgery Back to Pre-Covid-19 Era? Our Cohort Study.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to analyze the progress of hospitalizations and how the emergency operations in our Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Foggia Hospital have changed qualitatively and quantitatively from pre-Covid-19 to today. Methods: Our cohort-study was conducted by analyzing four groups of patients admitted in emergency to our department from 2019 to 2022. Results: We observed a total of 150 patients for the group 1, 25 patients for the group 2, 71 patients for the group 3 and 110 for the group 4, of these 20 were emergency admission during 2019, 16 during 2020, 31 during 2021 and 10 during 2020 (p 0.05); 130 were elective admission during 2019, 9 during 2020, 40 during 2021 and 100 during 2022 (p 0.05). Of the emergency admissions 11 were operated during the no covid period in 2019, 14 during 2020, 29 during 2021, 6 during 2022. Conclusions: The contraction of hospitalizations for urgent and emergency conditions during the first lockdown has been accompanied by positive implications. The measures employed in hospitals to contain the infection determined a reduction in COVID cases, allowing the nearly complete resumption of the surgical activity provided in the pre-COVID era.

Tube Duodenostomy to Treat Large Duodenal Perforation: Our Experience and Literature Review.

Background: Duodenal perforation is a life-threatening condition and ideal approaches for the management of duodenal perforations are nowadays unclear, so numerous variables must be considered. Peptic ulcer disease is the most common disease determining a duodenal perforation, however, there may be other less common causes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all the patients who presented at our Division of General Surgery for a Duodenal Perforation, from September 2018 to December 2019. We focused on patients requiring a tube duodenostomy. Five patients were included in this study. Results: Five patients suffering from a duodenal perforation were analyzed and their data collected. All patients were treated with tube duodenostomy, pyloric exclusion and omega loop gastro-enteroanastomosis. The duodenostomy was removed four weeks after surgery. All patients suffered postsurgical complications ranging from wound infection to pneumonitis; the incidence of severe complications was greater in the older patients. We did not record any deaths four months after the operation. Conclusions: The tube duodenostomy is an old and dated procedure but simple to implement, which may require an increase in post-operative hospitalization, but which subsists as an effective and safe way to treat patients in critical conditions.

Clinical Usefulness of the Valsalva Manoeuvre to Improve Hemostasis during Thyroidectomy.

Bleeding after total thyroidectomy remains a rare event that affects early postoperative morbidity, occurring in 0.3% to 4.2% of cases. Intraoperative bleeding is an unpleasant complication, and it is often easily manageable, although postoperative bleeding may represent a life-threatening condition for the patient. The purpose of our study was to clarify the role of the Valsalva manoeuvre to reduce postoperative bleeding. Between January 2019 to February 2022, 250 consecutive patients were listed for thyroid surgery at our surgical department. The study cohort consisted of 178 patients, divided into two groups based on the execution of the Valsalva manoeuvre. There was no difference in the duration of surgery between groups. Group B had fewer reinterventions for bleeding. Group A had a significantly greater volume of drainage output than Group B. Cervical haematoma can compromise a patient's life, so bleeding control is crucial. Our results show that using a simple and safe Valsalva manoeuvre can improve the postoperative course with a significant reduction in drainage output, but does not prevent the risk of reoperation for hemorrhage.

Can indocyanine green during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy be considered a new intraoperative modality for leak testing?

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green (ICG) when injected intravenously into the bloodstream allows us to show stomach vascularity in real time. The aim of our study was to observe the preliminary results of the application of indocyanine green fluorescence (IGF) during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in our center and how the perfusion of the staple line of the stomach affects the onset of fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 82 patients underwent LSG with ICG fluorescence angiography at our center from January 2020 to December 2021. 5 ml of ICG was injected intravenously to identify the blood supply of the stomach, carefully assessing the angle of His. RESULTS: In the ICG-tested LSG, we recorded adequate perfusion in all patients but one: the leakage rate was 1.2%. This data is inferior to the non-tested patients' group. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative ICG testing may be helpful in determining which patients are at an increased risk for leakage but there are multiple factors contribute to the pathophysiology and the incidence of gastric fistula not only the perfusion. Trial registration Retrospectively registrated.

Bariatric surgery: to bleed or not to bleed? This is the question.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery procedures are the most successful and durable treatment for morbid obesity. Hemorrhage represents a life-threatening complication, occurring in 1.3-1.7% of bariatric surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined patients undergoing Bariatric Surgery from July 2017 to June 2020 (Group A) and those operated from July 2020 to June 2022 (Group B) in our Department. Starting from July 2020 we have implemented intraoperative measures to prevent postoperative bleeding, increasing mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 30% compared to preoperative and reducing the pneumoperitoneal pressure of CO2 to 8 mmHg in the last 15 min of the operation. RESULTS: The study gathered 200 patients divided into the two described groups. The mean age of Group A is 44 ± 8.49 and 43.73 ± 9.28. The mean preoperative BMI is 45.6 kg/m2 ± 6.71 for Group A and 48.9 ± 7.15 kg/m2 for Group B. Group A recorded a mean MAP of 83.06 ± 18.58 mmHg and group B a value of 111.88 ± 12.46 mmHg (p value < 0.05 and z-score is 4.15226 and the value of U is 13,900). We observed 9 cases of bleeding in group A, most of them being treated with medical therapy and transfusions; only 1 hemodynamically unstable patient underwent re-laparoscopy. We reported only 2 cases of bleeding in group B, one of which required blood transfusions. CONCLUSION: From our study we can conclude that increasing mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 30% compared to preoperative and reducing the pneumoperitoneum pressure of CO2 to 8 mmHg in the last 15 min of the operation led to a decrease in bleeding cases in group B and, most importantly, all the bleedings were easily controllable with medical therapy and/or transfusions. These measures allowed us to reduce postoperative bleeding.

Lifestyle in Obese Individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Stay-at-home orders in response to the Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic have forced abrupt changes to daily routines. The aim of this study is to describe the behavior of lifestyles of individuals with obesity on the waiting list for bariatric surgery in the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of University of Foggia during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2020 to December 2020 an online survey format was administered to all the patients (n = 52) enrolled for bariatric surgery subjects with obesity, to obtain information about the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on patients with obesity starting 9 March 2020 until 18 May 2020. RESULTS: Our data showed that 58% of patients stated that the pandemic negatively affected their mood, 60% of patients confirmed that they changed their dietary behaviors during the stay-at-home period, as they consumed more unhealthy foods or spent less time cooking home cooked meals. In addition, 71% of patients stated that the closure of the gyms worsened their obesity condition and their mental well-being with an increase of a feeling of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on health behaviors, including quality of life, mental health physical activity, weight maintenance, and consumption of sweets in obese patients.

Emergency Surgery for Colon Diseases in Elderly Patients-Analysis of Complications, and Postoperative Course.

Background and Objectives: Colon diseases can turn in a clinical emergency with the onset of some important complications. Some critical conditions are more common in aged patients because they are frailer. The aim of this study is to examine patients over 80 years of age who are undergoing emergency colorectal surgery, and evaluating the aspects associated with post-operative complications and other problems in the short term. Methods: From November 2020 to February 2022, we included 32 consecutive patients older than 80 undergoing emergency surgery due to colon diseases. We collected and analysed all demographic and operative data, and then applied CR-POSSUM score and correlated this with postoperative hospital stay and the onset of postoperative complications according to the Clavien Dindo classification. Results: Postoperative factors were selectively evaluated based on the clinical scenario and different colic pathologies. There were no statistically significant differences, in terms of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, reoperation rate and 30-day mortality. The number of cases of blood transfusions was significant and was more numerous in cases of intestinal perforation and bleeding cases. The value of the Operative Severity Score in bowel perforations was significantly higher. Conclusions: The use of a score to stratify the risk is a useful tool, especially in elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery. The CR-POSSUM score was important for predicting morbidity in our study. Emergency manifestations of colon diseases in the elderly show higher morbidity and mortality rates. The effect of age on outcome is a concept that needs to be emphasized, so further investigation is needed.

Leak after sleeve gastrectomy with positive intraoperative indocyanine green test: Avoidable scenario?

BACKGROUND: The staple line gastric leak (GL) is estimated to be the most serious complication of the sleeve gastrectomy. The use of indocyanine green (ICG) has been introduced in minimally invasive surgery to show the vascularization of the stomach in real time and its application to the gastroesophageal junction (GE) during Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) seems very promising. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 40-year-old female underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Intraoperative indocyanine green test showed a small dark area in the proximal third of the staple line reinforced with fibrin glue. Two weeks later the patient presented to the emergency room (ED) with abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, intolerance to oral intake and the evidence of a leak on the abdomen Computer Tomography (CT). The UIN for ClinicalTrial.gov Protocol Registration and Results System is: NCT05337644 for the Organization UFoggia. CONCLUSIONS: This case report shows that intraoperative ICG test can be helpful in determining which patients are at greater risk of the leak and, more importantly, the cause of the leak but further tests are needed to determine if the ICG predicts leak due to ischemia.

Banded versus non-banded sleeve gastrectomy in obese patients: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Weight regain represents an important issue after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), hence banded sleeve gastrectomy (BSG) was proposed. Aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the performance ofBSG versus SG in obese patients. METHODS: We searched the PubMed/Medline and Embase database through October 2020 and identified 6 studies, of which 2 randomized-controlled trials (recruiting673 patients). The primary outcome was % excess weight loss (%EWL); secondary outcomes included % total weight loss (%TWL), HbA1c improvement, overall complication and major complication rate, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)occurrence. We performed pairwise meta-analysis through a random effects model and expressed data as standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A sharp decline in %EWL at 1 year was observed with both treatments with no significant difference (SMD 5.99, -1.17 to 13.16), whereas a clear benefit with BSG over SG was observed over time (SMD 15.95, 13.31 to 18.58 at 2 years; 18.37, 13.31 to 23.42 at 3 years; 24.75, 22.38 to 27.12 at 4 years; 29.85, 27.22 to 32.49 at 5 years). Meta-regression did not find any significant correlations between age, sex, and baseline BMI with %EWL. Similarly, no difference in terms of %TWL was observed at 1 year (SMD 1, -3.31 to 5.30), whereas the magnitude of the benefit with BSG increased significantly from the second year onwards (SMD 5.99, 3.7 to 8.27 at 2 year, 6.86, 5.13 to 8.59 at 3 year, and 9.36, 7.07 to 11.65 at 5 year). No difference in terms of HbA1c improvement was observed (SMD 0.40, -0.64 to 1.43). No difference in overall complication (OR 1.44, 0.55-3.76), major complications (OR 1.14, 0.52-1.87), and incidence of GERD was observed (OR 1.06, 0.56-2). CONCLUSION: BSG is superior to SG in obese patients, due to its ability to significantly increase %EWL with no additional safety issues.

The new onset of GERD after sleeve gastrectomy: A systematic review.

Background: The main adverse effect is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with concern on the development of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma in the long term. However, the relationship between SG and GERD is complex. The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate all published data existing in the literature to evaluate the effect of sleeve gastrectomy on GERD, esophagitis, BE in order to clarify the long-term clinical sequelae of this procedure. Materials and methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review. The work has been reported in line with the PRISMA criteria [19]. We evaluated the quality and risk of bias of this Systematic Review using AMSTAR 2 checklist [20]. Published studies that contained outcome data for primary sleeve gastrectomy associated with the primary and secondary outcomes listed below were included. The UIN for ClinicalTrial.gov Protocol Registration and Results System is: NCT05178446 for the Organization UFoggia. Results: 49 articles were eligible for inclusion that met the following criteria: publications dealing with patients undergoing laparoscopic SG, publications describing pre- and postoperative GERD symptoms and/or esophageal function tests, articles in English, human studies and text complete available. Conclusions: We have controversial data on LSG and GERD in the literature as there is a multifactorial relationship between LSG and GERD. The most recent studies have shown satisfactory control of postoperative reflux in most patients and low rates of de novo GERD. These data are leading to wider acceptance of LSG as a bariatric procedure even in obese patients with GERD.

Relationship between residual gastric area and weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy: A Cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the actual size and area of the remnant stomach, as measured by Upper gastrointestinal tract radiography, on weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2017 to December 2019, 56 patients with morbid obesity were admitted to the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia and underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. RESULTS: 56 patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy with a mean age of 43,5 ± 11 years of which 40 were female. The mean Excess Weight Loss (EWL) at 1 month was 24,09 ± 15,04%, at 6 months was 27,07 ± 19,55% and at 12 months was 69,9 ± 23,7%. The mean Excess Body Mass Index Loss (EBMIL) at 1 month was 23,1 ± 12,5%, at 6 months was 56,6 ± 19,7% and at 12 months was 69,7 ± 23,7%.The EWL % was correlated with the residual stomach area (RSA) at 1 month (r = -0,242 p = 0,072), at 6 months (r = -0,249 p = 0,064) and at 12 months (r = -0,451 p = 0,0005).The EBMIL % was correlated with the RSA at 1 month (r = -0,270; p = 0,043), at 6 months (r = -0,270; p = 0,043) andat 12 months (r = -0,46; p = 0,0004). CONCLUSION: A greater postoperative EWL % was correlated with a smaller RSA and this resulted in a statistically significant change at 12 months after surgery.

Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography in parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a systemic pathology caused by an excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone. Parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice in PHPT, and the success of surgery is based on precise localization of the abnormal parathyroid gland. Preoperative diagnosis makes use of imaging techniques and functional examinations, however these are insufficient in some cases for the precise location of the pathological gland. Therefore the need arises for an intraoperative localization technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have retrospectively analyzed 20 consecutive patients with PHPT undergoing parathyroidectomy from April 2019 to September 2021, and divided them in two groups, in base of the use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence during the surgery. RESULTS: Of the twenty patients considered in the two groups, all received a preoperative ultrasound evaluation, while second level examinations were reserved for the more difficult cases, with small volume parathyroid adenomas. In the group where the fluorescence method was employed, fluorescence was especially useful in doubtful cases, allowing easier identification of the parathyroid adenoma and consequently a reduction of time and operatory risks. In two procedures using Indocyanine green, a fluorescence signal was weak. CONCLUSIONS: ICG represents a convenient and safe way to detect parathyroid adenomas. We found that ICG fluorescence was very useful in all patients with non-localizing preoperative imaging studies. However further investigation is needed, to demonstrate how ICGfluorescence could be a useful localization method during parathyroid surgery. KEY WORDS: Endocrine surgery, Indocyanine green, Parathyroid surgery.

Management of post-bariatric complications. Our Center experience and literature review.

Bariatric surgery is recognized as the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, maintaining a stable weight reduction in the long term and reducing comorbidities, with a favorable impact on mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the complication rate and treatment techniques adopted in all patients undergoing bariatric surgery procedures in our center. From May 2017 to March 2020, 91 patients with morbid obesity are admitted to the Department of Medical and Surgical Science of the University Hospital of Foggia undergoing bariatric surgery. Seventyone patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy, nineteen gastric bypass and one mini-gastric bypass, five of these were redo operation procedures. Regarding postoperative complications (8,8%), there were 1 gastric leak (1,09%), 4 bleedings (4,39%) - 1 intraluminal bleeding and 3 intra-abdominal bleedings, 2 port-sites infections (2,19%) and 1 haemoperitoneum (1,09%). In our center we have also treated 3 cases of complications after bariatric surgery procedures performed in others centers. There were no deaths. Despite improvement in the performance of bariatric surgical procedures, complications are not uncommon. Flexible endoscopy has become an essential tool in managing bariatric surgery patients and offers the benefit of providing both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. KEY WORDS: Bariatric surgery, Bleeding post-bariatric surgery, Complications bariatric surgery, Gastric bypass, Leak post-sleeve gastrectomy, Mini invasive approach, Sleeve gastrectomy.

Functional results of surgical treatment of low-ultralow rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The improvement of surgical procedures and oncological outcomes in the treatment of low-ultralow rectal cancer, made important the evaluation of functional results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional results after open and laparoscopic approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From our global experience, over the period 2000/2018, within the patients surgically treated for rectal cancer, we have gathered and studied 37 patients with low-ultralow site of lesion, submitted to sphincterpreserving surgery, subdivided based on the approach: 20 open, 17 laparoscopic, of which 8 robotic . For each type of procedure, as low and ultralow anterior resection, intersphinteric resection, abdominoperineal resection, were investigated functional outcomes, as bowel continence, urinary functions, male and female sexual functions, based on the following tests: Wexner Incontinence Score, International Prostatic Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function- 5, Female Sexual Function Index. The controls were performed before surgery and 3-6-12 months postoperatively. Statistical analisis: X2-test, impaired and paired t-test two tailed, Bonferroni post-hoctest. RESULTS: The immediate surgical results and pathological features of the tumor are reported and evaluated. The evaluation of fecal continence in all patients submitted to rectal resection and primary anastomosis showed function compromission without differences statistically significant between the laparo and open approach. In the comparison between specific surgical procedures, the damage of continence function were more severe after intersphinteric resection mached with low-ultralow rectal resection. The rehabilitation therapies continued for several months after surgery showed clear improvement. The urinary continence, in male and female patients, did not show statistically significant alterations in the pre and postoperative comparison in relation to the approach and the type of resective intervention. The sexual function in male patients has had impairment after all type of surgical resection but the damage was more severe after intersphinteric resection. The female sexual function had not significant changes between pre and postoperative evaluation. CONCLUSION: Bowel continence damage, urinary and sexual dysfunctions after surgical treatment for low-ultralow rectal cancer are frequent and form the low anterior resection syndrome. The severity of the syndrome is connected with the site of anastomosis. The rehabilitation therapies can play an important role in achieving the appreciable improvements of the functional alterations. KEY WORDS: Laparoscopic surgery, Rectal cancer.

Effectiveness of hemostatic powders in lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of hemostatic powders in the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). We aimed to provide a pooled estimate of their effectiveness and safety based on the current literature. Patients and methods Literature review was based on computerized bibliographic search of the main databases through to December 2020. Immediate hemostasis, rebleeding rate, adverse events, and mortality were the outcomes of the analysis. Pooled effects were calculated using a random-effects model. Results A total of 9 studies with 194 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 95 % of patients (95 % confidence interval [CI] 91.6 %-98.5 %), with no difference based on treatment strategy or bleeding etiology. Pooled 7- and 30-day rebleeding rates were 10.9 % (95 %CI 4.2 %-17.6 %) and 14.3 % (95 %CI 7.3 %-21.2 %), respectively. Need for embolization and surgery were 1.7 % (95 %CI 0 %-3.5 %) and 2.4 % (95 %CI 0.3 %-4.6 %), respectively. Overall, two patients (1.9 %, 95 %CI 0 %-3.8 %) experienced mild abdominal pain after powder application, and three bleeding-related deaths (2.3 %, 95 %CI 0.2 %-4.3 %) were registered in the included studies. Conclusion Novel hemostatic powders represent a user-friendly and effective tool in the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Efficacy of hemostatic powders in lower gastrointestinal bleeding: Clinical series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on the efficacy of hemostatic powders in the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. AIMS: to revise our series of patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding treated with hemostatic powders and to provide a pooled estimate of their efficacy based on the current literature. METHODS: Sixty-five patients underwent topical endoscopic application of hemostatic powder between 2016 and 2020. The primary endpoint was treatment success, with 7- and 30-day rebleeding rate, adverse events and mortality as secondary outcomes. Literature review was based on computerized bibliographic search on the main databases through December 2020. Pooled effects were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Overall, the powder was applied as monotherapy in 37 patients (56.9%), as combination therapy in 15 patients (23.4%), and as rescue therapy in 13 cases (19.9%). Hemostasis was achieved in 100% of patients. Rebleeding rate at 7- and 30-day was 7.7% and 9.2%, respectively. A total of 10 studies with 259 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 96.3% (93.4%-99.2%) patients, whereas pooled 7- and 30-day rebleeding rates were 9.6% (4.5%-14.6%) and 12.9% (7.2%-18.5%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Novel hemostatic powders represent a user-friendly and effective tool in the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.