Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy in patients with gastroparesis following lung transplantation: feasibility and clinical outcome.

The aim of the present study was to describe success rates, complications, and outcome in patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) because of gastroparesis due to previous lung transplantation. Between October 2008 and May 2011, 14 attempts at PEJ placement were made in 12 patients in our center. Of the 14 attempts, 11 were successful, giving a technical success rate of 78.6 %. Median duration of followup was8.5 months (2­15 months). No immediate complications were reported. Two severe complications occurred during follow up (one volvulus and one jejunocolic fistula). Jejunal nutrition was well tolerated in most of patients (9 /10). PEJ insertion is a feasible technique, which could help to provide nutritional support for patients with gastroparesis and previous lung transplantation.

Noneosinophilic asthma in children: relation with airway remodelling.

Noneosinophilic asthma is increasingly recognised as an important clinical-pathological phenotype in adults. However, this entity has scarcely been investigated in children. In particular, it is unknown whether airway remodelling would develop in children with non-eosinophilic asthma to the same degree as in children with eosinophilic disease. We analysed bronchial biopsies from 80 children undergoing bronchoscopy for appropriate clinical indications: 21 with noneosinophilic asthma, 34 with eosinophilic asthma and 25 control children. Features of airway remodelling - basement membrane thickening, epithelial loss and angiogenesis - and immune activation - inflammatory infiltrate, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, TGF-ß receptor type II - were quantified by histology and immunohistochemistry. The main components of airway remodelling were present in children with noneosinophilic asthma just as in those with eosinophilic disease. Indeed, compared with control children, both noneosinophilic and eosinophilic asthmatic children had thickened basement membrane, increased epithelial loss and higher number of vessels. Moreover, in both groups of asthmatics, expression of IL-4 and IL-5 was increased, while that of TGF-ß receptor type II was reduced, compared with controls. This study demonstrates that structural changes typical of asthma develop in asthmatic children even in the absence of a prominent eosinophilic infiltrate, indicating that other mechanisms, besides eosinophilic inflammation, may promote airway remodelling early in life.

Does a Self-etching Ceramic Primer Improve Bonding to Lithium Disilicate Ceramics? Bond Strengths and FESEM Analyses.

OBJECTIVE:: To compare the effect of hydrofluoric acid (HF) vs self-etching ceramic primer on resin cement microshear bond strength (µSBS) and ultramorphology of lithium disilicate (LD) ceramic. METHODS AND MATERIALS:: LD (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) blocks (14×4×2 mm3) were polished to 1200 grit and assigned to nine groups (n=5): CON: control, no LD surface treatment; IVO: 5.0% HF (IPS Ceramic Etching Gel, Ivoclar Vivadent); VIT: 5.0% HF (Vita Ceramics Etch, VITA Zahnfabrik); FGM: 5.0% HF (Condac Porcelana, FGM); ULT: 9.0% HF (Porcelain Etch, Ultradent); PRM: 9.6% HF (Premier Porcelain Etch Gel, Premier); BIS: 9.5% HF (Porcelain Etchant, Bisco Inc); DEN: 10.0% HF (Condicionador de Porcelanas, Dentsply Brazil); and MEP: self-etching ceramic primer (Monobond Etch & Prime, Ivoclar Vivadent). For all HF groups and control, an MDP-containing silane solution (MB+, Monobond Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied on rinsing the HF gel and air drying. Three transparent matrices for each specimen were filled with light-cured resin cement (Variolink Veneer, Ivoclar Vivadent). After storage in water for 48 hours at 37°C, specimens were tested in shear mode to measure µSBS. Mode of failure was analyzed at 50×. Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance and the Duncan post hoc test (α=0.05). Thirty-six additional LD specimens were assigned to the same experimental groups (n=4) and observed under a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) at magnifications ranging from 10,000× to 100,000×. RESULTS:: IVO resulted in statistically higher mean µSBS than all the other groups. MEP resulted in statistically lower µSBS than all HF groups. The failure mode for MEP was predominantly adhesive. The most frequent failure mode for the HF groups was mixed. CON resulted in 100% pretesting failures. For FESEM, no retentive pattern was observed for CON specimens. MEP resulted in the least pronounced etching pattern, few areas around crystals exhibited a slight increase in retention pattern compared to the control group. All HF gels created microporosities on the LD surface with distinct etching patterns. VIT and DEN resulted in an LD ultramorphology that suggested overetching. CONCLUSIONS:: HF etching followed by a silane solution resulted in higher bond strengths than a self-etching ceramic primer. Some HF gels may cause overetching of the LD intaglio surface.

Axillary sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer: a single lymphatic pathway drains the entire mammary gland.

AIM: To report the pattern of lymphatic mapping following intrasubdermal injections of radiocolloid and of blue dye in different sites of the breast. METHODS: Prior to surgery 137 breast cancer patients underwent intrasubdermal injection of 30-50 MBq 99mTc-colloidal albumin over the tumour site (ISI group). Ten minutes before surgery, 2 ml patent blue was injected in the subareolar area (SAI group) in 117/137 patients, while 20 patients received intrasubdermal blue-dye in the quadrant opposite the tumour site (OQI group). The different injection routes were considered concordant when the hottest sLN was also blue. RESULTS: In 134/137 patients radiocolloid drained to one or more axillary nodes, while blue nodes were found in 98/117 SAI patients and in 17/20 OQI patients. Multiple hot nodes were found in 63/134 cases and multiple blue nodes in 35/115. In patients in whom both tracers reached the axilla, the hottest node was also blue in 108/115 cases (93/98 SAI and 15/17 OQI patients). In the seven discordant cases, the hottest node was not blue, but in two cases the blue node was also radioactive. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial lymphatic drainage from the breast most frequently merges to a single axillary lymph node, irrespective of the site of tracer injection. In a few cases different injection sites identify different, often closely interconnected sLNs.

[Fournier's gangrene in a patient with Hodgkin's disease: a clinical case]. / Gangrena di Fournier in paziente con morbo di Hodgking: un caso clinico.

The authors report a case of Fournier's gangrene in a 54-year-old patient subjected 6 days earlier to chemotherapy for mediastinal Hodgkin's disease. The patient had fever and reported the onset of worsening pain and heat sensations in the inguinal, perineal and scrotal areas. Objectively, there was local oedema followed by the onset of crepitation. The patient had a very low white blood cell count (900/cu.mm). The Patient underwent emergency surgery with multiple, communicating incisions in the inguinal, perineal and scrotal areas, with the removal of necrotic tissue and daily washing with physiological solution and 12% H2O2. He also received antibiotic treatment with metronidazole and gentamicin and 5 cycles of high-pressure oxygen therapy, with disappearance of pain and fever and good local tissue repair.

[Appendiceal mucocele associated with colonic neoplasm. Report of 2 cases and review of the literature]. / Mucocele appendicolare associato a neoplasia del colon. Presentazione di due casi e revisione della letteratura.

Appendiceal mucocele is a rare entity frequently associated with colorectal cancer. We report two cases of mucocele associated with colorectal tumours. The first case (male, 64 yrs) is an appendiceal mucinous cystadenoma found incidentally during surgery for colon cancer. There is no evidence of disease after a 4-year follow-up. The second case (male, 66 yrs) is a mucocele associated with mucosal hyperplasia that was found during surgery for acute appendicitis with a periappendicular abscess. Endoscopic follow-up showed a rectal adenocarcinoma that was initially treated with local excision with T.E.M.. Examination of the pathology specimen documented vascular invasion and the patient underwent curative colorectal resection. The preoperative radiological and endoscopic diagnostic procedures and the current therapeutic approaches described in the literature are reviewed. The relevance of the association between appendiceal mucocele and colorectal cancer is emphasized. Thorough investigation of the colorectal tract is recommended after diagnosing an appendiceal mucocele.

Buried bumper syndrome: low incidence and safe endoscopic management.

AIMS: Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) is a rare long-term complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and consists of a progressive impaction of the inner bumper of the tube in the mucosa of gastric wall. The aim of our study was to report our own experience with BBS, focusing on its incidence and endoscopic management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of a large group of 879 patients having undergone PEG insertion (2002-2009) were retrospectively reviewed. All PEG's were followed by our special Nutrition Support Team. Patients presenting with BBS during their follow-up were included in the study. RESULTS: Only eight patients (8/879; 0.9%) developed BBS, which was confirmed during gastroscopy. Median time between PEG insertion and BBS diagnosis was 22.0+/-22.28 months. Five patients underwent successful treatment with: 1) flexible guide wire insertion through the internal orifice of the PEG to define its anatomical settings, 2) cruciform incisions of the gastric mucosa with a needle-knife starting at the center of the mucosal dome covering the internal bumper, and reaching its edges, 3) extrusion and complete extraction of the inner bumper through the gastric tract. No complications were observed. Median hospital stay related to BBS lasted 4.0+/-3.67 days. In two patients with peristomal abscess and deeply migrated bumper surgery was needed. CONCLUSIONS: Cruciform mucosal incisions with needle-knife is a safe endoscopic technique to treat the BBS that could avoid surgery in most of the cases. Preventive measures applied after PEG insertion and continued during the follow-up may result in a distinctly lower prevalence of BBS.

Lessons from a 20 year experience of Home Parenteral Nutrition in adult patients.

BACKGROUND: Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) is a method commonly used in patients with Chronic Intestinal Failure (CII) related to benign or malignant diseases. We report the experience from a 20 year programme of HPN in a single academic centre. METHODS: In this study, we have reviewed characteristics and outcome of a group of patients enrolled in a HPN program between 1987 and 2007. Focus was given to the prevalence and severity of cholestasis in these patients as well as on their oral food behaviour. RESULTS: In 20 years, 125 patients were included in a HPN programme; 65 patients had benign diseases (BD) and 60 advanced cancer (AC). Short bowel was the most common indications in patients with BD. Almost 40% of patients with BD were weaned off HPN. Median survival was excellent in BD patients and extremely short in AC. Death related to HPN was very rare. Cholestasis has been observed in 84% of patients but it was mild to moderate in the majority of cases. Hyperphagia was observed in 50% of the patients with BD on long-term HPN. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that HPN is the first line therapy in CII due to BD. Patients with AC should be carefully selected. Cholestasis is frequent but mostly without clinical impact. Half of the patients with CII due to BD become hyperphagic allowing to reduction of parenteral intake. The role of a multidisciplinary nutrition support team is essential for optimizing HPN.

Ethical aspects of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement for artificial nutrition and hydratation.

Of the many decisions that family members and physicians must make about medical care in patients with advanced disease and perceived poor quality of life, none is more heart-wrenching than the decision about artificial nutrition and hydratation. The endoscopist often is placed in a precarious position when percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement is requested in such patients. Clinical decision-making between the patient, the family and the physician should be consistent with legal and ethical principles. The purpose of this article is to provide an evaluation of medical and ethical issues regarding the decision on placing a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube for various indications, as well as suggesting strategies to optimize the decision-making process.

Submucosal reconstructive hemorrhoidectomy (Parks' operation): a 20-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Submucosal reconstructive hemorrhoidectomy has never been a popular operation due to its difficulty and duration, the amount of blood loss, and the risk of incontinence. The main indication for hemorrhoidectomy according to Parks is fourth-degree hemorrhoids with prolapse of the dentate line outside the anus and with simultaneous presence of external hemorrhoids. We report our experience in the treatment of hemorrhoids using submucosal reconstructive hemorrhoidectomy according to Parks. METHODS: A total of 640 patients (381 men and 259 women) of median age 42 years (range, 18-81) were treated between 1983 and 2002; 80% of patients had fourth-degree, 19% third-degree and 1% second- degree hemorrhoids. All patients underwent rectosigmoidoscopic examination before surgery; patients over 35 years of age or with a suspected inflammatory or neoplastic disease underwent colonoscopy or barium enema. All patients underwent anorectal manometry before operation, to measure anal resting pressure, maximal squeeze and sphincter length, with the purpose of determining if an internal sphincterotomy was also necessary (in case of high anal resting tone). One-third of the patients also had an internal sphincterotomy to correct anal hypertonia. RESULTS: Postoperative bleeding occurred in 19 patients (2.9%), 0.9% requiring a reintervention. Severe pain was reported by 9 patients (1.4%); fecal impaction occurred in 3 cases (0.5%) and suture disruption in 2 patients (0.3%). In 74 patients (11.6%), bladder catheterization was needed due to urinary retention. Of 550 patients who had a minimum follow-up of 3 years and were sent a postal questionnaire, 374 patients responded, with a median 7.3-year follow- up; 176 patients (32%) were lost to follow-up. Eleven patients (2.9% of 374 cases) reported pain during defecation, 6 (1.6%) developed skin tags or recurrence, 3 (0.8%) reported gas incontinence, 2 (0.5%) developed anal fistula and 1 (0.3%) had anal stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Submucosal reconstructive hemorrhoidectomy according to Parks still represents a good choice for the treatment of high-degree hemorrhoids with prolapse of the dentate line outside the anus and external circumferential hemorrhoids.

Calibrated lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure.

UNLABELLED: Lateral internal sphincterotomy is an effective procedure for the treatment of anal fissure, but may affected anal continence. We describe a procedure aimed at tailoring the division of the sphincter according to the degree of the hypertonia and to the sphincter length in order to offer an effective and safe treatment for chronic anal fissure. METHODS: The internal sphincter was divided on the basis of anal manometry results. The average of maximum values of resting pressure determined by the stationary motility protocol was considered the reference parameter to measure hypertonia. Mild hypertone was considered to be 50-60 mmHg, moderate hypertone 60-80 mmHg, and severe hypertone >80 mmHg. In case of mild hypertone, 20% of the internal sphincter was divided; in case of moderate hypertone; 40% and 60% for severe hypertone. Calibrated lateral internal sphincterotomy is the division of the internal sphincter based on these parameters. Over 5 years, 388 patients underwent this procedure (197 men, 191 women) with a median age of 43 years (range, 18-80). RESULTS: Postoperative complications consisted of abscess in 4 patients (1.0%), hemorrhage in 2 patients (0.5%), and pain in 6 patients (1.5%). Follow-up data are available for 261 patients (67.3%). Two months after surgery, 9 patients (3.4%) complained of persistent or recurring pain with or without fissure and 1 (0.4%) complained of gas incontinence. At postoperative manometry, 12 patients (4.6%) revealed persistence of anal resting pressure over 40 mmHg, 9 patients (3.4%) were still symptomatic and 97.6% were cured at a median follow-up of 8 months. An anal resting pressure lower than 30 mmHg was found in 10 patients (3.8%), only one of whom was incontinent. CONCLUSIONS: Calibrated sphincterotomy may represent an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

Resting metabolic rate and thermogenic effect of food in vegetarian diets compared with Mediterranean diets.

The purpose of our work is to compare the resting metabolic rate (RMR) and thermogenic effect of food (TEF) in a group of vegetarians and a group of subjects consuming a Mediterranean diet. The composition of the diets was similar. Thirty-two subjects were studied: 16 vegetarians (age 34 +/- 9 years, BMI 21 +/- 2) and 16 omnivors (age 30 +/- 5 years, BMI 22 +/- 3). All were in excellent general health. Each subject consumed a dish of pasta (100 g) and bread (30 g) after RMR had been measured. TEF was measured over the next 3 h and calculated as the incremental area above RMR. Energy (vegetarians and omnivors 7,727 +/- 3,516 vs 8,970 +/- 2,273 kJ/day, respectively) and carbohydrate (vegetarians and omnivors 285.1 +/- 141.3 vs. 300.1 +/- 74 g/day, respectively) intakes of the 2 groups were similar. The vegetarian group consumed a higher quantity of fiber (30.5 +/- 16.7 vs. 16.5 +/- 7.9) and a lower amount of protein (44.9 +/- 18.3 vs. 70.1 +/- 14.9) than the omnivorous group. No significant differences were observed in RMR (4.23 +/- 0.96 vs. 4.06 +/- 0.54 kJ/min) and TEF (0.50 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.38 +/- 0.25 Delta kJ/min) between the groups. Results did not change after correcting for weight, age and gender. Our study failed to show any significant differences in RMR and TEF between vegetarians and subjects consuming a Mediterranean diet. We conclude that vegetarianism per se is not accompanied by a difference in RMR and TEF when the carbohydrate content of the diet is similar to a control group of nonvegetarians.

Effect of vegetarian diet on homocysteine levels.

OBJECTIVE: To compare fasting total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) levels in vegans, lacto-ovovegetarians and control subjects, and to evaluate the relationships between tHcy levels and nutritional variables in vegetarians. METHODS: The study was conducted on 45 vegetarian subjects: 31 vegans (19 males, 12 females, mean age 45.8 +/- 15.8 years); 14 lacto-ovovegetarians (6 males, 8 females, mean age 48.5 +/- 14.5 years), and 29 control subjects (19 males, 10 females, mean age 43.4 +/- 16.7 years). tHcy was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum vitamin B(12) and folate were analyzed by automated chemiluminescence systems. Clinical records, nutritional and anthropometric variables were collected for all vegetarian subjects. RESULTS: tHcy was significantly higher in vegetarian subjects than in controls (23.9 +/- 21.3 vs. 11.6 +/- 4.9 micromol/l, p < 0.001). The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was higher in vegetarians than in controls (53.3 vs. 10.3%, p < 0.001). Serum vitamin B(12) levels were lower in vegetarians than in control subjects (171.2 +/- 73.6 vs. 265.0 +/- 52.2 pmol/l, p < 0.01; normal range 220-740 pmol/l). In vegetarian subjects, significant inverse correlations were found between tHcy and serum vitamin B(12) levels (r = -0.776, p < 0.001) and between tHcy and serum folate levels (r = -0.340, p < 0.05). Positive correlations were found between tHcy and mean red cell volume (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) and between tHcy and fat-free mass (r = 0.36, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vegetarian subjects presented significantly higher tHcy levels, higher prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, and lower serum vitamin B(12) levels than controls.