The role of colonic mast cells and myenteric plexitis in patients with diverticular disease.

BACKGROUND: Gut mast cells represent an important cell population involved in intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory processes. However, their possible role has not to date been investigated in colonic diverticular disease. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate colonic mast cells in patients undergoing surgery for diverticular disease. METHODS: Surgical resection samples from 27 patients undergoing surgery for diverticular disease (12 emergency procedures for severe disease and 15 elective procedures) were evaluated. The number of mast cells was assessed in the various layers by means of a specific antibody (tryptase) and compared with those evaluated in ten controls. In patients with mast cells degranulation, double immunohistochemistry, also assessing nerve fibres, was carried out. In addition, the presence of myenteric plexitis was sought. RESULTS: Compared with controls, the number of mast cells in diverticular patients was significantly increased, both as an overall figure and in the various layers of the large bowel. In patients in whom mast cells degranulation was present, these were always closed to nerve fibres. No differences were found between the two subgroups of patients with respect to the number and distribution of mast cells; however, all patients undergoing emergency surgery (but none of those undergoing elective procedures) had myenteric plexitis, represented by lymphocytic infiltration in 67 % and eosinophilic infiltration in 33 % of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diverticular disease display an increase of mast cells in the large bowel. The presence of myenteric plexitis in those with complicated, severe disease, suggest that this could represent a histopathologic marker of more aggressive disease.

Increase of colonic mast cells in obstructed defecation and their relationship with enteric glia.

BACKGROUND: Mast cells are involved in visceral hypersensitivity and motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract. However, there is almost no information concerning mast cells in constipated patients. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate mast cells distribution in all colonic layers in controls and severely constipated patients with obstructed defecation. METHODS: Full-thickness specimens from colons of patients undergoing surgery for obstructed defecation due to refractoriness to other therapeutic interventions (n = 11), compared to controls, were obtained and the number of mast cells (evaluated by specific monoclonal antibodies) were counted in the whole viscus and in the various colonic segments (cecum, ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid). RESULTS: Compared to controls, constipated patients had significantly higher numbers of mast cells, both as an overall number and in single colonic segments. This increase was especially evident in the mucosa and submucosa. Mast cells were homogeneously represented in the various segment of the large bowel, in both controls and patients. Degranulated mast cells were found to be close to enteric glial cells and glial filaments. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic mast cells are increased in obstructed defecation patients. This might represent a vicariating mechanism to the impaired colonic propulsive activity of these patients.

Financial and clinical implications of low-energy CT combined with 99m Technetium-sestamibi SPECT for primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: (99m)Technetium-sestamibi hybrid SPECT/CT has been favored over conventional SPECT in preoperative evaluation of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients. However, the financial implications of CT-image acquisition have never before been published. This prompted us to perform a cost analysis of the aforementioned nuclear procedures. METHODS: A total of 55 PHPT patients operated on between 2004 and 2009 were studied. Overall, 27 patients underwent SPECT and 28 SPECT/CT. Localization results, as well as diagnostic and clinical cost variations between SPECT and SPECT/CT patients, were compared. RESULTS: SPECT/CT revealed higher sensitivity than SPECT (96.7 vs 79.3%; P = .011), as well as higher specificity (96.4 vs 82.4%; P = .037) and positive predictive value (PPV) (96.7 vs 83%; P = .038) for correctly identifying the neck-side affected by PHPT. Likewise, SPECT/CT disclosed higher sensitivity (86.7 vs 61.1%; P < .0001), specificity (97.4 vs 90%; P = .022), and PPV (86.7 vs 65.7%; P = .0001) for correct neck-quadrant identification. The mean operative time decreased from 62 min following SPECT to 36 min following SPECT/CT (P < .0001), yielding a mean surgical expense saving of 109.9 /patient (updated at 2009/2010 billing database). SPECT/CT actually ensures a mean expenditure reduction of 98.7 /patient (95% CI: 47.96 -149.42 ), diagnostic costs variation amounting to 11.2 /procedure. CONCLUSIONS: SPECT/CT ensures better focus for the surgical exploration, shortens surgical times, and eventually cuts costs when used for localization of parathyroid adenomas.

Rectum-sparing surgery may be appropriate for biallelic MutYH-associated polyposis.

PURPOSE: The risk of cancer or severe polyposis of the rectal stump after total colectomy for MutYH-associated polyposis is scarcely defined. To evaluate this risk, we describe the findings of endoscopic surveillance of the rectal stump in a series of patients with biallelic MutYH mutations and polyposis. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational, multicenter case series derived from 2 familial cancer registries. Biallelic, germ-line MutYH mutations were found in 14 patients with no adenomatous polyposis coli gene mutations. Eleven of them underwent total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and yearly proctoscopic surveillance thereafter. Phenotype and histology of rectal polyps were recorded at diagnosis and during follow-up. Development of adenomas and carcinomas during endoscopic surveillance of the rectal stump was observed. RESULTS: At diagnosis, 6 patients had attenuated polyposis (10-100 adenomas), 5 patients had classical polyposis, 8 patients had colon carcinoma, and no patient had rectal carcinoma. The mean number of rectal polyps at diagnosis was 2.64 ± 2.11 (range, 0-6). No patients had rectal cancer. The most frequent MutYH mutations were Y165C/Y165C and G382D/G382D in 6 and 2 patients, respectively. During surveillance of the rectal stump after surgery (median duration, 5 y; range, 2-23 y), no patient developed rectal cancer. The mean number of adenomas per proctoscopy was 1.23 ± 2.19 (range, 0-10 adenomas per proctoscopy). This study was limited by the small size and retrospective nature of the case series. CONCLUSION: Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis may be appropriate for patients with MutYH-associated polyposis, provided that they have no rectal cancer or severe rectal polyposis at presentation and that they undergo yearly endoscopic surveillance thereafter.

Loupe magnification reduces postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

We aimed to evaluate the impact of loupe magnification (LM) on incidental parathyroid gland removal (from pathology reports), hypocalcemia, and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury after total thyroidectomy and answer the question of whether this tool should be always recommended for patient's safety. Between January 2005 and December 2008, 126 patients underwent total thyroidectomy with routine use of 2.5 x galilean loupes; their charts were compared with data on 118 patients operated on between January 1997 and December 2000 without LM (two different equally skilled surgical teams operating in the two periods). LM decreased the rate of inadvertent parathyroid glands removal (3.8 vs 7.8% of total parathyroid glands; P = 0.01), as well as of biochemical (20.6 vs 33.9%; P = 0.028) and clinical (12.7 vs 33%; P = 0.0003) hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. All cases (16 of 16) of symptomatic hypocalcaemia in the LM group proved to be associated with parathyroidectomy vs 76.9 per cent (30 of 39) without LM (P = 0.046). A trend toward decreased RLN injury rate, although statistically insignificant, was reported, being unilateral transient, unilateral permanent, and bilateral transient palsy rates 6.8, 2.5, and 1.7 per cent, respectively, without LM vs 4.8, 2.4, and 0.8 per cent, respectively, with LM (P = 0.69; P = 1, and P = 0.61, respectively). Our results do support the routine use of LM during total thyroidectomy.

'Ad hoc' sternal-split safely replaces full sternotomy for thyroidectomy requiring thoracic access.

Mediastinal goiter (MG) removal occasionally needs sternotomy, mainly in case of subaortic extension. We aimed to test the hypothesis that sternal-split may safely replace full sternotomy for MG removal (through total thyroidectomy) when thoracic access is required. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study comparing 15 subaortic MGs receiving sternal-split with 87 MGs undergoing cervicotomy alone between January 1997 and June 2009. Among 15 cases requiring sternal incision, sternal-split was extended to the angle of Louis in nine patients (60%), to the third intercostal space (IS) in one of five (20%) cases of MGs with anterior mediastinum involvement, and in five of 10 (50%) cases with posterior involvement (P = 0.6). Full sternotomy was never necessary. The median hospitalization was 5 days (range, 4-8 days) after sternal access as compared with 3 days (range, 2-4 days) after cervicotomy (P = 0.04). Complications were similar in these two study groups: one postoperative bleeding in each group and three recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies after cervicotomy (P = 0.5). There was no operative mortality, blood transfusion, tracheotomy requirement, wound infection, or persistent hypoparathyroidism. Proper extension of sternal-split to the second or third IS allows an adequate approach to both the anterior and to the posterior mediastinum, thus permitting safe management of MGs requiring thoracic access.

Hereditary multiple exostoses and juvenile colon carcinoma: A case with a common genetic background?

A case of obstructing colon cancer is described in a 31-year-old patient affected by hereditary multiple exostoses. The association of these two rare conditions, which has never been described previously, and their early onset prompt us to discuss the clinical and genetic elements of a potential common pathogenic scenario.

Extension of nonoperative management of blunt pancreatic trauma to include grade III injuries: a safety analysis.

BACKGROUND: In hemodynamically stable patients after blunt pancreatic trauma, the main pancreatic duct (MPD) disruption (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma [AAST] grade III-IV-V lesions) is usually treated surgically or by endoscopic stent placement, whereas injuries without duct involvement (grade I-II) are liable to medical treatment. To date, no evidence has been reported regarding nonoperative management (NoM) of grade III injuries. We aimed to evaluate the safety of extending medical management to include cases of distal MPD involvement (grade III). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected on patients admitted after blunt pancreatic trauma between January 1999 and December 2007. Patients exhibiting hemodynamic instability or hollow organ perforations were excluded from this study, as they were surgically managed. In all remaining cases NoM was attempted. Antibiotic prophylaxis and early total enteral nutrition were routinely adopted. Grade III patients received octreotide during hospitalization and for 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: Eleven patients (2 with grade I injury, 3 with grade II injury, and 6 with grade III injury, all diagnosed by contrast-enhanced helical CT) were included. Nonsurgical management was carried out in all of these patients. Among grade III patients, one developed a peripancreatic abscess; another, a pancreatic fistula. Both were successfully treated nonoperatively. The average length of hospital stay was similar in grade I-II and grade III patients. After a median follow-up of 57 months no mortality or pancreatic sequelae had occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Under the aforementioned conditions, an attempt to extend NoM to include patients with AAST-grade III lesions can be justified. However, such a strategy demands continuous patient monitoring, because should the case worsen, surgery might become necessary.

[Extraintestinal manifestations in Crohn's disease: risk factors and influence of intestinal surgery]. / Manifestazioni extraintestinali della malattia di Crohn. Fattori di rischio e impatto della chirurgia digestiva.

BACKGROUND: Extraintestinal manifestations significantly affect the quality of life of patients with Crohn's disease. The aim of the present study is to define the risk factors for extraintestinal manifestations and the relative influence of intestinal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cohort of 223 patients with Crohn's disease we analyzed the association between demographic/clinico-pathological factors and extraintestinal manifestations. In addition, we evaluated their association with the timing of appearance of the extraintestinal manifestations with respect to the intestinal surgery. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (25.6%) developed 91 extraintestinal manifestations. Demographic and clinico-pathological variables significantly associated with extraintestinal manifestations were: female gender (OR 2.84, 95% CI: 1.37-5.90) and colonic involvement (OR 2.68, 95% CI: 1.06-6.76). In patients not undergoing surgery and in patients with extraintestinal manifestations present only before surgery, the latency period between the onset of Crohn'S disease and extraintestinal manifestations were 3.7 +/-8.2 and 2.1 +/- 6.3 years, respectively. In patients developed extraintestinal manifestations only after surgery, the latency between surgery and extraintestinal manifestations was 12.0 +/-10.0 years. In 5 patients with early onset of extraintestinal manifestations, these did not regress or recur after surgery. CONCLUSION: Female gender and colonic involvement are confirmed as risk factors for the development of extraintestinal manifestations in Crohn's disease. Surgical treatment of the intestinal disease represents a therapeutic option for patients with extraintestinal manifestations, as it seems to prevent or delay these manifestations in most cases.

Outcome of duodenal switch with a transitory vertical gastroplasty, in super-super-obese patients in an 8-year series.

BACKGROUND: In super-super obese (SSO) patients [body mass index (BMI) superior of 60 kg/m2] results of bariatric surgery are still controversial. This study evaluated safety and efficacy of open duodenal switch associated with transitory vertical gastroplasty (DS-TVG) after 8 years of follow-up. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 32 SSO patients who underwent an open DS-TVG from January 1999 till March 2006 was performed. Study endpoints included preoperative comorbidities [diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)], postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term results of BMI and percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) (median 48 months). RESULTS: Results in terms of BMI and %EWL were, respectively, after 12 months, 46.3 +/- 10.2 and 57.1 +/- 9.8; after 36 months (n = 21), 37.5 +/- 7.5 and 73.5 +/- 6.2; and after 84 months (n = 5), 31.7 +/- 2.8 and 76.0 +/- 4.1. With regard to comorbidities, we observed complete control of lipid alterations and type-2 diabetes (suspension therapy within 1 year). All patients with OSAS improved within 1 year without needing domiciliary oxygen therapy. Neither malnutrition nor mortality was observed during the follow-up. Major complications occurred in a total of 5 patients (15.6%): pulmonary embolism (2 cases-9.4%); gastrointestinal bleeding, requiring transfusions (1 case-3.1%); 1 case (3.1%) of abdominal rupture; and 1 case of acute pancreatitis (3.1%). Minor complications occurred in 4 patients (12.5%): 1 case of pneumonia, 1 urinary tract infection, and 2 wound infections. CONCLUSION: Although this study evaluated the outcomes of a small series of patients after open DS-TVG, this procedure seems to be safe and effective in obese patients who have a BMI greater than 60 kg/m2. In our opinion, DS-TVG should be considered as a valid surgical option with two staged laparoscopic procedures.

Emergency surgery for complicated colorectal cancer. A two-decade trend analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Emergency procedures for colorectal cancer have worse outcomes than elective resections. Temporal trends in emergency surgery are analyzed by comparing two decade-related series of colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: The clinical data of 985 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery were collected during two decades (1975-1984 and 1995-2004). Rates of emergency surgery, operative mortality, 5-year cancer-related and overall survival were compared retrospectively. RESULTS: The rate of emergency surgery decreased from 81 out of 513 cases (16%) during 1975-1984 to 41 out of 471 cases (9%) during 1995-2004 (p = 0.005). Over the same time, the rate of curative resections in emergency increased from 46% (37/81 cases) to 76% (31/41 cases) (p < 0.001), while patient and tumor characteristics remained similar. Operative mortality after emergency procedures decreased from 14% (11 deaths) to 5% (2 deaths) and cancer-related survival increased from 21 to 42% (p = 0.03). However, when excluding palliative procedures, survival after emergency surgery increased from 52 to 58%, while after elective treatment it increased from 56 to 78% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Frequency and operative mortality of emergency colorectal cancer surgery decreased substantially from 1975-1984 to 1995-2004. No significant improvement in long-term survival was observed when curative emergency resections only were considered. Further efforts are needed to reverse the diverging trend of long-term outcomes between emergency and elective curative procedures.

Long-term outcome after colorectal cancer resection. Patients' self-reported quality of life, sexual dysfunction and surgeons' awareness of patients' needs.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Current follow-up care programs focus mainly on detection of tumor recurrence or metachronous cancer. Other aspects that affect the quality of life (QoL) of long-term survivors, such as sexual dysfunction, psychological distress or depressive symptoms, have been poorly investigated. We studied these issues, and also investigated the surgeons' awareness of their patients' needs in order to determine how to improve follow-up care programs. METHODS: QoL of 62 colorectal cancer patients was assessed during follow-up using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaire QLQ-C30 and the symptom-specific module (QLQ-CR38). Postoperative sexual problems were evaluated with a 6-item questionnaire. Relevant needs to be examined during follow-up were investigated among patients and surgeons, by filling in the same checklist. RESULTS: During long-term follow-up (range,14-74 months), rectal cancer patients reported lower QoL than colon cancer patients regarding defecation-related problems (P = 0.0001). Sixty-one percent of colon cancer patients reported no sexual dysfunction, whereas only 24% of individuals with rectal cancer reported no problems (P = 0.007). Patients reporting no sexual problems had significantly better QoL than the others, particularly with respect to physical functioning (P = 0.001), social functioning (P = 0.05), financial problems (P = 0.01) and body image (P = 0.0001). Addressing emotional problems during follow-up was important for 26% of the patients, while this was neglected by surgeons (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: QoL measurement in a clinical setting may help to detect QoL problems that could otherwise go unnoticed in the routine of follow-up care. Specifically, it was useful to detect defecation-related problems, sexual dysfunction and a mismatch in judging the importance of psychological distress between patients and their doctors. Neglecting these issues may cause long-term postoperative dissatisfaction.

Modifiable risk factors in colorectal surgery: central role of surgeon's volume.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to inform the ongoing debate regarding selective referral of colorectal cancer patients to high-volume surgeons in order to improve outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We evaluated data on patients treated by colorectal-dedicated surgeons (first study-group) and non specialized surgeons (second study-group). Particular attention has been paid to patients selection in order to collect two study-groups with similar demographic and clinical characteristics, differing only as regards providers' surgical experience in the colorectal field. We focused on postoperative mortality and 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival. We also analyzed resection rates of the primary tumor and colostomy rates for patients with stage I to III rectal cancer, and use of (neo)adjuvant (chemo)radiation therapy for patients with stage II-III rectal cancer by surgeon's volume. RESULTS: The analysis of these 2 study-groups shows better results for patients treated by colorectal-trained surgeons (high-volume surgeons) for each parameter taken into account: lower postoperative mortality (OR 0.32; 95% CI:0.7-0.1; p = 0.04), increased 5-year overall and cancer specific survival (rising from 41.2% and 46.4% to 56% and 61.2% respectively; OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3-2.6; p < 0.005). Patient treated by non specialized surgeons are more likely to receive a permanent colostomy (abdominoperineal resection: APR) (OR 5.9; 95% CI: 3.3-10.7) and to undergo a non-resective procedure (OR 4.8; 95% CI: 1.9-12)(p < 0.005). No difference was found between the 2 study-groups in the use of (neo)adjuvant (chemo)radiation therapy for patients with stage II-III rectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that surgeon's volume does impact on outcomes for patients undergoing surgery due to colorectal cancer.

[Surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism: our experience]. / Trattamento chirurgico dell'iperparatiroidismo primitivo: nostra esperienza.

The Authors report their experience on 136 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Nephrolitiasis was proven in 56 patients (41.3%), 20 patients (14.7%) were asyntomatic. Acute primary hyperparathyroidism was detected in 12 cases (8.8%). The preoperative localization of the diseased glands permits to minimize the procedure in terms of length and region of incision, extent of exploration and morbidity. 91.3% of the lesions were single adenoma, 7.3% double adenomas and 1.4% hyperplasia in MEN 1. The intraoperative PTH assay, performed in 90 patients (66.2%), showed a sensibility of 93.4%. Surgical treatment was successful in 93.4% of cases ( 127/136 patients), increasing to 97.0% (132/136patients) if only recurrent hyperparathyroidism was considered, with no mortality and morbidity of 4.4%.

[Takayasu's arteritis in Crohn's disease: a case report]. / Arterite di Takayasu in morbo di Crohn. Caso clinico.

The authors describe a case of Crohn's disease associated with Takayasu's arteritis. The coexistence of these two diseases has been previously reported in 28 subjects. The late onset of Crohn's disease, particularly in relation to that of the arteritis, and colonic involvement were peculiar features of the present case. Aetiopathogenetic theories regarding the association are discussed after reviewing previous case reports.

[Severe obesity and insulin resistance. Result obtained by the bilio-pancreatic diversion independentely for an associated gastroresection or gastropreservation]. / Obesità grave e insulino resistenza. Risoluzione indotta dalla diversione biliopancreatica indipendentemente dalla gastroresezione o gastroconservazione associata.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes is the paradigm of an obesity-related disease. In most cases it exists because of the obesity and will disappear with weight loss. AIM OF THIS STUDY: To evaluate the glicemic control in obese patients after two malabsorbitive procedure, the bilio-pancreatic diversion with ad hoc stomach resection (BPD-AHS) and the bilio-pancreatic diversion with transitory gastric restriction (BPD-TGR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The effect of weight loss following malabsorbitive procedures was studied on 38 patients operated on between the May 1999 and July 2002. Ten patients were diabetes 2 type (group A, 4 patients with oral antidiabetic therapy and 6 with insulin therapy; mean BMI: 49.4 +/- 8.2 Kg/m2), 18 patients were glucose intolerance (group B; mean BMI: 48.2 +/- 6.4 Kg/m2) and 10 patients were in normal glicemic control (group C; mean BMI: 51.2 +/- 8.3 Kg/m2). Five patients in group A were operated on BPD-AHS and 5 patients on BPD-TGR. Ten patients in the group B were operated on BPD-AHS and 8 patients on BPD-TGR. After 3 months from the malabsorbitive procedure group A patients stopped antidiabetic (mean BMI was: 42.3) and group B patients had normal values of glucose and insuline (mean BMI: 41.8). No significant statistically differences were observed in terms of glicemic control, BMI and Excess Weight Loss (EWL%), comparing the two malabsorbitive procedure. RESULTS: Weight loss after both BPD-AHS and BPD-TGR had a beneficial and durable effect on the fasting plasma glucose and serum insuline levels in diabetic and non-diabetic obese patients. The gastric procedure did not change the glicemic control.

Enteric neuropathology of the terminal ileum in patients with intractable slow-transit constipation.

Slow-transit constipation is usually considered a colonic motor disorder. However, there is some evidence that abnormalities may be present in locations other than the colon. In particular, several studies have reported abnormal motor activity of the small bowel in these patients. We evaluated the neuropathological aspects of the terminal ileum in patients with slow-transit constipation to see whether abnormalities are present that may explain an abnormal motility of the small intestine. Specimens of the terminal ileum were obtained from 16 female patients (age range, 42-76 years) with slow-transit constipation undergoing surgery for intractable symptoms. Fifteen age- and sex-matched controls were used for comparison. Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation of the myenteric plexus and the smooth muscle of the proximal ileal resection margin was carried out by means of hematoxylin and eosin, trichrome and periodic acid-Schiff stain, neuron-specific enolase, S-100, CD117, CD34, anti-alpha-actin, desmin, and vimentin antibodies. The patient group displayed a significantly reduced number of glial cells, compared with controls, in both the submucosal and the myenteric plexus. Only 1 of the 3 populations of interstitial cells of Cajal (that associated with the deep muscular plexus) was decreased in patients. No differences were found between patients and controls concerning ganglia neurons, fibroblast-like cells, enteric neurons, apoptotic phenomena, and smooth muscle. Patients with slow-transit constipation display neuropathological abnormalities of the terminal ileum to a lesser extent than those we previously found in the colon, which might explain the abnormal motor aspects sometimes found in these patients.

Duodenal switch without gastric resection after failed gastric restrictive surgery for morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND: Several surgical treatments have been proposed for patients in whom gastric restrictive operations have failed. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of duodenal switch (DS) with restoration of normal gastric capacity in such patients. METHODS: Between May 2001 and May 2003, 11 DS with restoration of normal gastric capacity were performed without other gastric procedures in patients who had had previous gastric restrictive operations which had failed because of inadequate weight loss or weight regain. Data were collected and follow-up was 2 years for all patients. RESULTS: At the original operation, mean BMI was 47.3 (range 38-53) kg/m2, and mean age was 42 years. 7 of the 11 patients (63.6%) had previous vertical banded gastroplasty, and 4 of the 11 (36.4%) had previous laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Mean percentage weight regain and mean BMI at the time of DS were 92.1% and 44.6 (range 35-53) kg/m2 respectively. After the second operation, mean BMI at 6 months was 35.4 kg/m2, at 12 months 31.7 kg/m2 and at 24 months 28.6 kg/m2. The % excess weight loss was 41.1 after 6 months, 56.6 after 12 months and 69.6 after 2 years. There was minor morbidity and no mortality. CONCLUSION: After this experience, we suggest that patients with failed gastric restrictive operations (weight regain or inadequate weight loss) may undergo DS with restoration of normal gastric capacity. This second operation proved to be safe and effective.

[Methods of intraoperative localization in the surgery treatment of persistent and recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism]. / Metodiche di localizzazione intraoperatoria nel trattamento chirurgico degli iperparatiroidismi secondari persistenti e recidivi.

The intraoperative localization of residual parathyroid tissue during re-operations for persistent or recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) could have difficult due to cicatricial phenomena, anatomic modifications, ectopic or super-numerous glands. The use of intraoperative localisatin methods, as ultrasonographic and gamm-camera, permits a great level of success in identifying residual gland tissue. The Authors report their experience in the treatment of 5 cases of persisten HPT and 3 cases of recurrent HPT using gamma-camera and ultrasonography intraoperatively. Gamma-camera presented a sensitivity of 88% while ultrasonography did 100%. According to the experience, even numerically limited, of the Authors, intraoperative ultrasonography offers better results than gamma-camera, with less technical complexity.

Constipation, anthranoid laxatives, melanosis coli, and colon cancer: a risk assessment using aberrant crypt foci.

The associations between colorectal cancer (CRC) and constipation, anthranoid laxative use, and melanosis coli are controversial. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are microscopic lesions of the colonic mucosa suspected of being preneoplastic, and their investigation has been advocated to evaluate the cause-effect relationship between putative risk factors and CRC. To this aim, we investigated the relationship between sigmoid cancer (SC) and constipation, anthranoid laxative use, and melanosis coli using ACF analysis as an additional tool of investigation. Fifty-five surgical patients with SC, 41 surgical patients with diverticular disease (DD), and 96 age- and sex-matched subjects without intestinal disease (controls) were interviewed on their history of constipation and anthranoid laxative use. Melanosis coli and ACF characteristics were investigated on sigmoid mucosa in patients with SC or DD. Constipation and anthranoid laxative use were similar between patients with SC (30.9% and 32.7%, respectively) and those with DD (39% and 26.8%) but higher than among controls (18.8% and 8.3%). Melanosis coli was found in 38.2% of patients with SC and in 39% of those with DD. Mean ACF frequency was higher in patients with SC (0.24/cm(2)) than in those with DD (0.10/cm(2); P < 0.0001), and it did not vary according to constipation, laxative use, or melanosis coli in either group. This study confirms the association of ACF frequency with colon cancer and does not support the hypothesis of a cause-effect relationship of CRC with constipation, anthranoid laxative, use or melanosis coli.