Single Institution Experience in the Management of Locally Advanced (pT4) Differentiated Thyroid Carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Locally infiltrating (T4) differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) represent a challenge. Surgical strategy and adjuvant therapy should be planned balancing morbidity and oncologic outcome. A series of patients with T4 DTC who underwent multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment is reported. The main study endpoints were the oncologic outcome, complication rates, and risk factors for tumor recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All DTC cases operated between 2009 and 2021 were reviewed and T4 DTC cases were identified. En bloc resection of inferior laryngeal nerve (ILN), tracheal, and/or internal jugular vein (IJV) was performed in cases of massive infiltration. In cases of pharyngoesophageal junction (PEJ) invasion, the shaving technique was always applied. RESULTS: Among 4775 DTC cases, 60 were T4. ILN infiltration was documented in 45 cases (en bloc resection in 9), tracheal infiltration in 14 (tracheal resection in 2), PEJ invasion in 11 (R0 resection in 7 cases and < 1 cm residual tissue in 4 cases), IJV resection in 6, and laryngeal in 2. In total, 11 postoperative ILN palsy, 23 transient hypoparathyroidisms, and 2 hematomas requiring reoperation were registered. Final histology showed 7 pN0, 22 pN1a, and 31 pN1b tumors. Aggressive variants were observed in 47 patients. All but 1 patient underwent radioiodine treatment, 12 underwent adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and 2 underwent chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 58 months, no tumor-related death was registered, and seven patients required reoperation for recurrence. Tracheal invasion was the only significant factor negatively impacting recurrence (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach is essential for the management of T4 DTC. Individualized and balanced surgical strategy and adjuvant treatments, in particular EBRT, ensure control of locally advanced disease with acceptable morbidity.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on thyroidectomy for malignant diseases in high-volume referral centers.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the availability of healthcare resources for non-COVID patients and decreased elective surgeries, including thyroidectomy. Despite the prioritization of surgical procedures, it has been reported that thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer (TCa) was adversely impacted. We assessed the impact of the pandemic on the surgical activities of two high-volume referral centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients operated at two National Referral Centers for Thyroid Surgery between 03/01/2020 and 02/28/2021 (COVID-19 period) were included (P-Group). The cohort was compared with patients operated at the same Centers between 03/01/2019 and 02/29/2020 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) (C-Group). RESULTS: Overall, 7017 patients were included: 2782 in the P-Group and 4235 in the C-Group. The absolute number of patients with TCa was not significantly different between the two groups, while the rate of malignant disease was significantly higher in the P-Group (1103/2782 vs 1190/4235) (P < 0.0001). Significantly more patients in the P-Group had central (237/1103 vs 232/1190) and lateral (167/1103 vs 140/1190) neck node metastases (P = 0.001). Overall, the complications rate was significantly lower (11.9% vs 15.1%) and hospital stay was significantly shorter (1.7 ± 1.5 vs 1.9 ± 2.2 days) in the P-Group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased the overall number of thyroidectomies but did not affect the number of operations for TCa. Optimization of management protocols, due to limited resource availability for non-COVID patients, positively impacted the complication rate and hospital stay.

Risk factors for postoperative cervical haematoma in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a retrospective, multicenter, international analysis (REDHOT study).

Background: Postoperative cervical haematoma represents an infrequent but potentially life-threatening complication of thyroidectomy. Since this complication is uncommon, the assessment of risk factors associated with its development is challenging. The main aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for its occurrence. Methods: Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in seven high-volume thyroid surgery centers in Europe, between January 2020 and December 2022, were retrospectively analysed. Based on the onset of cervical haematoma, two groups were identified: Cervical Haematoma (CH) Group and No Cervical Haematoma (NoCH) Group. Univariate analysis was performed to compare these two groups. Moreover, employing multivariate analysis, all potential independent risk factors for the development of this complication were assessed. Results: Eight thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine patients were enrolled: 8,561 were included in NoCH Group and 278 in CH Group. Surgical revision of haemostasis was performed in 70 (25.18%) patients. The overall incidence of postoperative cervical haematoma was 3.15% (0.79% for cervical haematomas requiring surgical revision of haemostasis, and 2.35% for those managed conservatively). The timing of onset of cervical haematomas requiring surgical revision of haemostasis was within six hours after the end of the operation in 52 (74.28%) patients. Readmission was necessary in 3 (1.08%) cases. At multivariate analysis, male sex (P < 0.001), older age (P < 0.001), higher BMI (P = 0.021), unilateral lateral neck dissection (P < 0.001), drain placement (P = 0.007), and shorter operative times (P < 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for cervical haematoma. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we believe that patients with the identified risk factors should be closely monitored in the postoperative period, particularly during the first six hours after the operation, and excluded from outpatient surgery.

Bariatric-metabolic surgery versus lifestyle intervention plus best medical care in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (BRAVES): a multicentre, open-label, randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies suggest that bariatric-metabolic surgery might greatly improve non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the efficacy of surgery on NASH has not yet been compared with the effects of lifestyle interventions and medical therapy in a randomised trial. METHODS: We did a multicentre, open-label, randomised trial at three major hospitals in Rome, Italy. We included participants aged 25-70 years with obesity (BMI 30-55 kg/m2), with or without type 2 diabetes, with histologically confirmed NASH. We randomly assigned (1:1:1) participants to lifestyle modification plus best medical care, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or sleeve gastrectomy. The primary endpoint of the study was histological resolution of NASH without worsening of fibrosis at 1-year follow-up. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03524365. FINDINGS: Between April 15, 2019, and June 21, 2021, we biopsy screened 431 participants; of these, 103 (24%) did not have histological NASH and 40 (9%) declined to participate. We randomly assigned 288 (67%) participants with biopsy-proven NASH to lifestyle modification plus best medical care (n=96 [33%]), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n=96 [33%]), or sleeve gastrectomy (n=96 [33%]). In the intention-to-treat analysis, the percentage of participants who met the primary endpoint was significantly higher in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group (54 [56%]) and sleeve gastrectomy group (55 [57%]) compared with lifestyle modification (15 [16%]; p<0·0001). The calculated probability of NASH resolution was 3·60 times greater (95% CI 2·19-5·92; p<0·0001) in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group and 3·67 times greater (2·23-6·02; p<0·0001) in the sleeve gastrectomy group compared with in the lifestyle modification group. In the per protocol analysis (236 [82%] participants who completed the trial), the primary endpoint was met in 54 (70%) of 77 participants in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass group and 55 (70%) of 79 participants in the sleeve gastrectomy group, compared with 15 (19%) of 80 in the lifestyle modification group (p<0·0001). No deaths or life-threatening complications were reported in this study. Severe adverse events occurred in ten (6%) participants who had bariatric-metabolic surgery, but these participants did not require re-operations and severe adverse events were resolved with medical or endoscopic management. INTERPRETATION: Bariatric-metabolic surgery is more effective than lifestyle interventions and optimised medical therapy in the treatment of NASH. FUNDING: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli, Policlinico Universitario Umberto I and S Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Medium-Term Nutritional and Metabolic Outcome of Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S).

INTRODUCTION: Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S), like other hypoabsorptive procedures, could be burdened by long-term nutritional deficiencies such as malnutrition, anemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperparathyroidism. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to report our experience in terms of mid-term (2 years) bariatric, nutritional, and metabolic results in patients who underwent SADI-S both as a primary or revisional procedure. METHODS: One hundred twenty-one patients were scheduled for SADI-S as a primary or revisional procedure from July 2016 to February 2020 and completed at least 2 years of follow-up. Demographic features, bariatric, nutritional, and metabolic results were analyzed during a stepped follow-up at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (47 female and 19 male) were included. The median preoperative BMI was 53 (48-58) kg/m2. Comorbidities were reported in 48 (72.7%) patients. At 2 years, patients had a median BMI of 27 (27-31) kg/m2 (p < 0.001) with a median %EWL of 85.3% (72.1-96.1), a TWL of 75 (49-100) kg, and a %TWL of 50.9% (40.7-56.9). The complete remission rate was 87.5% for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 83.3% for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and 64.5% for hypertension. The main nutritional deficiencies post SADI-S were vitamin D (31.82%) and folic acid deficiencies (9.09%). CONCLUSION: SADI-S could be considered as an efficient and safe procedure with regard to nutritional status, at least in mid-term (2 years) results. It represents a promising bariatric procedure because of the excellent metabolic and bariatric outcomes with acceptable nutritional deficiency rates. Nevertheless, larger studies with longer follow-ups are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Robotic vs laparoscopic approach for single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy: a propensity score matching analysis.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) are technically demanding hypo-absorptive bariatric procedures. They are often indicated in superobese patients (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2), as robotic platform could improve ergonomics against a thick abdominal wall, preventing bending of instruments and simplifying hand-sewn anastomoses. We aimed to report our experience with robotic SADI-S (R-group) and to compare outcomes with the laparoscopic (L-group) approach. Among 2143 patients who underwent bariatric procedures at our institution between July 2016 and June 2021, 116 (5.4%) consenting patients were scheduled for SADI-S as primary or revisional procedure: 94 L-group, 22 R-group. R-group and L-group patients were matched using PSM analysis to overcome patients selection bias. Postoperative complications, operative time (OT), post-operative stay (POS) and follow-up data were compared. After PSM, 44 patients (22 patients for each group) were compared (Chi-square 0.317, p = 0.985). Median age, gender, median BMI, preoperative rates of comorbidities, previous abdominal bariatric and non-bariatric surgeries and type of surgical procedures (SADI-S/SADI) were comparable. Median OT was shorter in the L-group (130 Vs 191 min, p < 0.001). 30-days' re-operative complications and late complications rates were comparable. At 25-months' mean follow-up, the median Percentage Excess Weight Loss (72%) was comparable between the groups (p = 0.989). L-group and R-group were comparable in terms of re-operative complication rate and short-term outcomes. The robotic platform may increase the rate of single step procedure in challenging cases. Larger studies with longer follow-up and cost-analysis are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Robot-assisted vs laparoscopic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the gold standard treatment for adrenal lesions. Robot-assisted adrenalectomy (RAA) is a safe approach, associated with higher costs in absence of clear-cut benefits. Several series reported some advantages of RAA over LA in challenging cases, but definitive conclusions are lacking. We evaluated the cost effectiveness and outcomes of robotic (R-LTA) and laparoscopic (L-LTA) approach for lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy in a high-volume center. METHODS: Among 356 minimally invasive adrenalectomies (January 2012-August 2021), 286 were performed with a lateral transabdominal approach: 191 L-LTA and 95 R-LTA. The R-LTA and L-LTA patients were matched for lesion side and size, hormone secretion, and BMI with propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Postoperative complications, operative time (OT), postoperative stay (POS), and costs were compared. RESULTS: PSM analysis identified 184 patients, 92 in R-LTA and 92 in L-LTA group. The two groups were well matched. The median lesion size was 4 cm in both groups (p = 0.533). Hormonal hypersecretion was detected in 55 and 54 patients of R-LTA and L-LTA group, respectively (p = 1). Median OT was significantly longer in R-LTA group (90.0 vs 65.0 min) (p < 0.001). No conversion was registered. Median POS was similar (4.0 vs 3.0 days in the R-LTA and L-LTA) (p = 0.467). No difference in postoperative complications was found (p = 1). The cost margin analysis showed a positive income for both procedures (3137 vs 3968 € for R-LTA and L-LTA). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, independent risk factors for postoperative complications were hypercortisolism (OR = 3.926, p = 0.049) and OT > 75 min (OR = 8.177, p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative outcomes of R-LTA and L-TLA were similar in our experience. Despite the higher cost, RAA appears to be cost effective and economically sustainable in a high-volume center (60 adrenalectomies/year), especially if performed in challenging cases, including patients with large (> 6 cm) and/or functioning tumors.

Prevalence and predictors of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in subjects with morbid obesity and with or without type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of biopsy-proven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a cohort of patients with morbid obesity and with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to find non-invasive predictors of NASH severity. METHODS: We evaluated a cohort of 412 subjects (age 19-67 years, body mass index-BMI: 44.98 kg/m2), who underwent fine-needle liver biopsy during bariatric surgery. Thirty-six percent of the subjects were affected by T2D. Liver biopsies were classified according to the Kleiner's NAFLD Activity Score (NAS). NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), AST/ALT ratio, AST to Platelet ratio (APRI), fibrosis-4 score (FIB4) were calculated. A neural network analysis (NNA) was run to predict NASH severity. RESULTS: The prevalence of biopsy-proven NASH was 63% and 78% in subjects with obesity and without or with T2D, respectively. T2D doubled the risk of NASH [OR 2.079 (95% IC=1.31-3.29)]. The prevalence of NAFL increased with the increase of BMI, while there was an inverse correlation between BMI and NASH (r=-0.145 p=0.003). Only mild liver fibrosis was observed. HOMA-IR was positively associated with hepatocyte ballooning (r=0.208, p<0.0001) and fibrosis (r=0.159, p=0.008). The NNA highlighted a specificity of 77.3% using HDL-cholesterol, BMI, and HOMA-IR as main determinants of NASH. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show a higher prevalence of NASH in patients with morbid obesity than reported in the literature and the pivotal role of T2D among the risk factors for NASH development. However, the inverse correlation observed between BMI and biopsy-proven NASH suggests that over a certain threshold adiposity can be somewhat protective against liver damage. Our model predicts NASH presence with high specificity, thus helping identifying subjects who should promptly undergo liver biopsy.

Single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S): experience from a high-bariatric volume center.

PURPOSE: Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch and single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) are technically demanding hypo-absorptive bariatric procedures generally indicated in super-obese patients (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2). Data from the literature prove the procedure to be safe and effective, with promising bariatric and metabolic effects. Anyway, international societies support the creation of multicentric national and international registries to obtain more homogeneous data over the long period. We aimed to report our experience with this procedure. METHODS: Among 2313 patients who underwent bariatric procedures at our institution, between July 2016 and August 2021, 121 (5.2%) consenting patients were scheduled for SADI-S as primary (SADIS) or revisional procedure after sleeve gastrectomy (SADI) (respectively 87 and 34 patients). Early and late post-operative complications, operative time, post-operative stay, and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, the median preoperative BMI was 52.3 (48.75-57.05) kg/m2 with a median age of 44 (39-51) years, the median operative time was 120 (100-155) min. Complications at 30th-day post-op were registered in 4 (3.3%) patients and late complications in 4 (3.3%) patients. At a median follow-up of 31 (14-39) months, the median percentage excess weight loss was 79.8 (55.15-91.45)%, and the median total weight loss was 57.0650 (43.3925-71.3475)%. CONCLUSION: Our data, coherently with the literature, confirm that SADI-S is a safe, effective procedure with acceptable complications rate. Larger studies with longer follow-ups are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia: Is a routine preferable over a selective supplementation?

BACKGROUND: Comparative studies among protocols for the management of post-total thyroidectomy (TT) hypocalcemia are lacking. We compared the effectiveness of PTH-driven selective supplementation (PD-SS) and routine calcium and calcitriol supplementation with preoperative calcitriol administration in preventing symptomatic hypocalcemia (SH) and readmission. METHODS: Three-hundred consecutive patients undergoing TT were assigned to 3 groups: the PD-SS group, the high-dose routine supplementation (HD-RS) group and the low-dose routine supplementation (LD-RS) group. RESULTS: Mean post-operative stay was shorter in HD-RS patients when compared to PD-SS and LD-RS (p < 0.001). Significantly more patients in the PD-SS group experienced SH (p = 0.042). The rate of post-operative hypocalcemia was not significantly different among the groups (p = 0.063). No readmission for SH or hypercalcemia occurred. CONCLUSIONS: HD-RS emerged as the most effective treatment to prevent SH, without increasing the risk of readmission for calcitriol-related hypercalcemia. Basing on the present results, HD-RS should be recommended as the preferable protocol.

Erratum: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-1300-1085.].

Is it possible to intraoperatively modulate the extent of thyroidectomy in small papillary thyroid carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Thyroid lobectomy is the preferred option for small, unifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma. Involvement of the central neck lymph nodes is an indication for total thyroidectomy plus central neck dissection. We aimed to verify if frozen section examination of ipsilateral central neck nodes can identify the subgroup of patients scheduled for thyroid lobectomy intraoperatively who could benefit of more extensive initial operative treatment. METHODS: Ninety-four consenting patients with clinically unifocal cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma underwent thyroid lobectomy plus ipsilateral central neck dissection with frozen section examination. If the frozen section examination was positive for metastases, a completion thyroidectomy and a bilateral central neck dissection were accomplished during the same procedure. RESULTS: Frozen section examination identified occult nodal metastases in 25 of the 94 patients who then underwent immediate completion thyroidectomy and bilateral central neck dissection. Overall, central neck node metastases were found at final histology in 35 cases: occult micrometastases were observed in additional 9 patients and nodal metastases ≥2 mm in additional 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative assessment of nodal status obtained with ipsilateral central neck dissection and frozen section examination is able to change the extent of thyroidectomy in about one-fourth of patients scheduled for thyroid lobectomy. Frozen section examination appears a safe and effective strategy to decrease the need of a second-step completion procedure and, theoretically, the risk of recurrence.

Role of CT imaging in discriminating internal hernia from aspecific abdominal pain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a single high-volume centre experience.

Internal hernia (IH) represents a delayed complication of the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and it is historically difficult to identify preoperatively. Numerous CT signs were considered suggestive of IH but none of them is pathognomonic. In this study, we aim to evaluate the accuracy of CT in diagnosing IH, differentiating from non-specific abdominal pain. This can lead to a way of personalized medicine and improve the outcome of anti-obesity treatments. We retrospectively reviewed CT scans of 50 patients previously subjected to LRYGB procedure, with a clinical suspicion of IH. 3 groups of patients were identified: IH group (21 patients with a surgical confirmed IH), negative group (12 patients in whom IH was not confirmed at surgery), and control group (17 patients who were not surgically explored because of low/no suspicion of IH). We divided CT signs into three groups: "bowel loop signs", "vessel signs", and "venous congestion/stasis signs". The accuracy of CT in detecting IH was tested by comparing each sign, either individually or in combination, with the surgical findings. Statistical analysis showed that "vessel signs" (swirl sign, superior mesenteric vein beaking, mesenteric arteries, and veins branches inversion) present the highest distribution in patients with IH demonstrated at surgery, with a higher accuracy in case of simultaneous presence of two or three signs. CT imaging is highly accurate in diagnosing IH. Despite no single sign being pathognomonic, the combination of two or more signs, especially among the "vessels signs", can suggest the IH, even in pauci-symptomatic patients.

Total thyroidectomy versus thyroid lobectomy in the treatment of papillary carcinoma.

Extent of thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma is still matter of debate. Indeed, recently, international guidelines endorsed thyroid lobectomy as initial surgical approach for low risk, small medium-sized (T1-T2), N0 papillary thyroid carcinoma in absence of extrathyroidal extension. When dealing with a conservative surgery for oncologic disease is of utmost importance to exclude effectively more advanced disease, which could benefit from a more aggressive initial operation. However, in the setting of surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma, despite an accurate preoperative work up could led to identify some suspicious characteristics as macroscopic evidence of multifocality or extrathyroidal extension, and/or evidence of lateral neck lymph node metastases, it is difficult to reliably assess the central neck nodal status both pre- and intra-operatively. Frozen section examination of the central neck nodes ipsilateral to the side of the tumor has been proposed in patients scheduled for thyroid lobectomy, in order to modulate the extension of both thyroidectomy and central neck dissection. Future molecular and genetic evidences are needed to establish high-risk patients with small papillary thyroid carcinoma in which thyroid lobectomy could be not and adequate surgical treatment.

Effect of single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy on glucose tolerance test: comparison with other bariatric procedures.

BACKGROUND: No data have been reported regarding the risk of hyperinsulinemic response and reactive hypoglycemia after single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S). Furthermore, comparative studies with other bariatric procedures are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To compare response to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in patients who underwent SADI-S, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). SETTING: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome. METHODS: Consenting, nondiabetic patients matched for age, sex, and preoperative body mass index, who underwent SADI-S, RYGB, SG, and BPD, were recruited. A 75 g OGTT was performed pre and postoperatively. Plasma insulin and glucose (pGlu-mg/dL) were measured at baseline, and at +30, +60, +90, +120, +150, and +180 minutes. Severe hypoglycemia was defined as pGlu concentration <55 mg/dL. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were recruited: 9 SADI-S, 11 RYGB, 7 SG, and 8 BPD. Comparing preoperative and postoperative responses to OGTT, all procedures improved the glycemic control with better early results after SADI-S and BPD compared with RYGB and SG. No patients showed severe hypoglycemia. Significantly more patients who underwent RYGB and SG showed asymptomatic pGlu <70 mg/dL during OGTT compared with SADI-S and BPD (63.6% and 57.1% vs 22.2% and 12.5%, respectively, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to BPD, SADI-S seems to be associated to insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis improvement, together with a reduced risk of hyperinsulinemia and, consequently, to hypoglycemia, often associated with RYGB and SG.

Early Routine Upper Gastrointestinal Contrast Study Following Bariatric Surgery: an Indispensable Postoperative Care or a Medicolegal Heritage?

Concerns still exist regarding the role of early routine upper gastrointestinal contrast study (UGI) after bariatric procedures for detection of early complications. We reviewed our database to identify patients who underwent laparoscopic primary or redo surgery (previously placement of adjustable gastric banding), between January 2012 and December 2017. All the patients underwent UGI within 48 h after surgery. Among 1094 patients, early UGI was abnormal in 5 patients: in 4 cases a leak (one false positive) and in one case stenosis (one true positive) were suspected. In this clinical setting, five leaks were observed and required surgical re-exploration: 3 correctly identified and 2 not detected at UGI. Overall, 3 patients developed anastomotic stenosis. Our data suggest that early routine UGI after bariatric procedures has limited utility.

Risk factors for local recurrence following lateral neck dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate risk factors for local recurrence following lateral neck dissection (LND) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: Two hundred and nine patients who underwent therapeutic primary or reoperative LND for PTC were included. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-one patients underwent primary LND at our Institution, the remaining 28 were referred for recurrence following LND outside the Institution. Comparing patients who required reoperation for recurrent lateral neck disease with those who did not recur, no significant difference was found concerning sex, tumor size, multifocal disease, extracapsular invasion, histological variant, pT stage (P = NS). At univariate analysis, age, mean number of removed lateral neck nodes at first operation, the extent of initial LND and surgery performed outside the Institution were risk factors for recurrence (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Limited LND and surgery performed at non referral Centers were non tumor-related risk factors for recurrence following therapeutic LND for PTC.