Right pneumothorax secondary to colonoscopic perforation: a case.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to determine the anatomical aspects, mechanisms, risk factors and appropriate management of development of pneumothorax during a routine colonoscopy. CLINICAL CASE: We report a case of an accidental bowel wall injury during diagnostic colonoscopic with consequent pneumoperitoneum; this was followed by expansion of gas through diaphragmatic fenestration perhaps congenital, in right pleural cavity causing pneumothorax. DISCUSSION: Rarely, colonic perforation during colonoscopy can occur into the extraperitoneal space, thus leading to the passage and diffusion of air along the fascial planes and large vessels, possibly causing pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema. The combination of intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal perforation has also been reported. Pneumothorax following a colonoscopy sigmoid perforation is an extremely rare but severe and often lifethreatening complication. CONCLUSION: If the patient develops dyspnea and pneumoderma during or after this procedure, a chest radiogram or thoracoabdominal CT should be taken for diagnostic purposes. Urgent treatment, starting with chest tube insertion(s) and laparotomy or laparoscopy could be lifesaving.

Fournier's gangrene: early diagnosis. How to diagnose, how to manage it.

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a rare surgical emergency and a life-threatening condition with a rapidly progressive gangrene defined as a necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal or genital areas leading to septic shock and death if untreated. Risk factors are diabetes, immune compromise, obesity, drug use, or genital trauma. Patients are treated by incision and drainage. Aim of the study is to analyze cases of early manifestations of FG and consider aspect of diagnosis based on clinical presentation and the importance of precocious surgical treatment. We had experience of early lesions of FG in 22 cases. We report three cases in which the initial clinical presentation was typical of precocious signs referable to FG. Foley catheter was used in all cases, no diverting colostomy was performed. The patients were treated by artificial i.v. feeding. No extensive demolition of perineal tissues were operated, neither plastic surgery was required. Antibiotic therapy combined to surgical treatment with incision and drainage were performed in all cases. Admission in the intensive care unit was effective when indicated. No mortality was registered in all 22 cases of the series. FG is rare, severe condition requiring a multidisciplinary approach. An early diagnosis and an aggressive surgical treatment, improved by antibiotic therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and proper wound care are the key points of FG management. In selected patients, colostomy or cystostomy must be considered when simple catheterization is not sufficient. Severe cases must be therefore referred to high-volume and specialized centres with specialist professional and intensive care facilities.

Clinical and surgical aspects of high and low ligation of inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic resection for advanced colorectal cancer in elderly patients.

AIM: Objective of the present study was the evaluation of the efficacy of the low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery with lymphadenectomy at the root in rectosigmoid resection for advanced cancer by laparoscopic approach. METHODS: Ninety-two elderly patients with stage III tumors were retrospectively divided into three groups: low ligation of inferior mesenteric artery with and without lymphadenectomy at its root and high ligation. Anastomotic fistula, lymph nodes harvested and oncologic outcome were examined. RESULTS: Significant differences were registered in the number of lymph nodes comparing high and low ligation with lymphadenectomy to simple low ligation. Only 8.3% of patients treated by lymphadenectomy had metastasis at the root of mesenteric artery. Not significant shorter operative time was observed in the high compared to low ligation. Significantly longer time was observed in low ligation when it was associated to lymphadenectomy. Not significant difference was observed in term of anastomotic leakage. Significant increase in cancer related deaths was observed in the low ligation group without lymphadenectomy. Not significant difference in morbidity was observed in the different groups. CONCLUSION: Low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery with lymphadenectomy is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of advanced rectosigmoid cancer with similar results compared to high ligation. It might be especially indicated in elderly patients with advanced tumors to better define lymph nodes involvement and to improve vascular flow to the anastomosis.

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair by lightweight polypropylene mesh with resorbable coating. Technical notes, preliminary results.

Laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias has gained popularity, since many studies have reported encouraging results. The choice of the mesh and fixation methods are crucial issues in preventing complications and recurrence. 30 laparoscopic ventral hernia repair performed consecutively in 28 patients (11 males, 17 females) for different kinds of incisional hernias from February 2011 to June 2012 were prospectively evaluated. All patients received total laparoscopic incisional hernia repair by the use of the new lightweight polypropylene mesh with resorbable coating (PhysiomeshTM, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Johnson Johnson, Inc.). No major postoperative complications were reported. Two recurrences were diagnosed after 5 months from the first repair. Both patients received laparoscopic repair by the same kind of mesh. Lightweight polypropylene mesh with resorbable coating, with its properties of easy positioning and bio-compatibility, represents an innovation in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, and should be considered for clinical intra-operative as well as long term evaluations.

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofool and remifentanil during operative endoscopy tracheobronchial laser therapy.

Background: The aim of our study was to assess how total intra-venous anaesthesia (TIVA) achieved by propofol and remifentanil continuous infusion could ensure proper success of the endobronchial laser therapy, in optimal conditions for the endoscopist, determining at the same time an adequate hypnosis and a good analgesia. Methods: We studied 50 patients (28M - 22F), ASA class I-IV, mean age 42 ± 32.5 years , subjected to laser endoscopy to repair tracheal stenosis. TIVA was performed in all patients, and spontaneous breathing was maintained. Results: 10.2% of patients experienced episodes of coughing during induction. The depth of the anaesthesia plan, monitored by BIS, was 55 ± 5. The awakening was fast in all patients, with an Aldrete score of 7.71 ± 1.14 at 1 minute and 9.31 ± 1.12 at 10 minutes. Conclusion: The results of this study allow us to state that the continuous infusion of propofol and remifentanil proved to be the gold standard in patients ASA I-II-III undergoing endobronchial laser therapy. The use of TIVA has also allowed to perform endoscopic intervention on patients who suffered from a significant decrease of both cardiac and respiratory functions.

Retrocaval mass in patient with von Recklinghausen disease: case report.

Type I Neurofibromatosis (NF1) is an autosomal-dominant inheritable disorder, with an incidence of 1:3,000, and a prevalence of 1:4,000 to 5,000. Pathogenesis is based on mutations of the NF1 gene, a tumor suppressor gene encoding a cytoplasmic protein named neurofibromin that controls cellular proliferation. Patients affected by NF1 typically present with cutaneous neurofibromas, cafè au lait spots and eye involvement, but they can also be affected by various visceral tumors, such as neurofibromas (nodular or plexiform type), gastrointestinal stromal tumors or endocrine tumors, such as pheochromocytomas. Visceral neurofibromas are often asymptomatic but when growing in size they may present with pain, palpable abdominal mass, symptoms secondary to bowel obstruction or main vessels compression, and even gastrointestinal bleeding when mucosa or submucosa are involved. In these cases surgery becomes mandatory in order to remove all neoplastic tissue. The Authors describe a case of a young man affected by NF1 with associated retrocaval abdominal mass with compression and displacement of the inferior vena cava, thus requiring a complex surgical procedure.

Vacuum-assisted closure treatment of leg skin necrosis after angiographic embolization of a giant plexiform neurofibroma.

Type 1 neurofibromatosis is a relatively common inherited disease of the nervous system, with a frequency of almost 1 in 3000. It is associated with neurofibromas of various sites. Our case report is about the surgical management of a giant neurofibroma of the right gluteal fold in a 46-year-old male with NF1. The patient presented with increasing edema and accelerated growth of the mass; he underwent percutaneous embolization of lesion vessels that induced necrosis of the neurofibroma. The patient was taken to the operating room, where surgical resection of the bulk of the lesion was undertaken. The postoperative course was complicated by delayed wound closure managed with antibiotics and vacuum-assisted wound closure. Giant neurofibromas similar to this tumor require complex preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management strategies. Surgical debulk is best managed with preoperative percutaneous embolization that help to avoid surgical bleeding. Postoperative delayed wound closure was managed with the application of negative pressure in a closed environment that triggers granulation and tissue formation.

Usefulness of ultrasounds in the management of breast phyllodes tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Breast phyllodes tumors (PT) are uncommon fibroepithelial lesions having potential malignant features. These tumors have characteristic features, like pleomorphism, mitoses and overgrowth of the stroma with possible infiltrative margins. The clinical behaviour could be unpredictable, since the relatively high recurrence rate despite correct surgical strategy. Conventional diagnostic examinations show high sensitivity and specificity, but cannot demonstrate the differences between benign and malignant PT. MRI is not more effective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients affected by PT have been surgically treated at our Institution. All patients received mammography and ultrasonography (US) as preoperative diagnostic work-up. RESULTS: in 13 patients, US was effective in preoperative diagnosis of PT. Mammography was uneffective in detecting breast lesions in 5 cases, while in 11 cases mammographic findings presented benign features, with a round opacity with moderate tissue density and well-defined wall. CONCLUSION: US remains the most useful diagnostic test in detecting PT. However, there is no test effective in identifying malignat PT. In case of suspicion, fine needle biopsy should be performed.

Fracture and migration in right atrium of a permanent venous central access system in a elderly patient: case report and literature review.

Abstract: Catheter dislocation and fracture with migration of central venous lines have been reported in the International literature. Catheter fracture with consequent migration has been observed in 0.5-3.0% and may either be consequent to catheter removal or it can occur spontane-ously. Our case report concerns the migration of a Hickman catheter connected to a venous port to the right atrium in a 61-year old patient. A literature up-to-date has been performed to assess the risk of port-a-cath positioning. The position of catheter tip is considered critical for the risk of migration, that is greater as higher the tip localization respect to the carina. The aim of our study is to underline the critical role of X-ray to visualize the exact location of the catheter tip, regard-less of the approach used for catheter positioning.

The European Hernia Society Prehabilitation Project: a systematic review of patient prehabilitation prior to ventral hernia surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ventral hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. To reduce the risk of complications, patient prehabilitation has received increasing focus in recent years. To assess prehabilitation measures, this European Hernia Society endorsed project was launched. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current literature on patient prehabilitation prior to ventral hernia repair. METHODS: The strategies examined were optimization of renal disease, obesity, nutrition, physical exercise, COPD, diabetes and smoking cessation. For each topic, a separate literature search was conducted, allowing for seven different sub-reviews. RESULTS: A limited amount of well-conducted research studies evaluating prehabilitation prior to ventral hernia surgery was found. The primary findings showed that smoking cessation and weight loss for obese patients led to reduced risks of complications after abdominal wall reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Prehabilitation prior to ventral hernia repair may be widely used; however, the literature supporting its use is limited. Future studies evaluating the impact of prehabilitation before ventral hernia surgery are warranted.

Achieving the learning curve in total thyroidectomy: a prospective evaluation on resident's training by CUSUM and KPSS analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Total thyroidectomy (TT) is one of the most common procedures among general and endocrine surgeons worldwide. The conventional approach by neck incision is still the most frequently used, despite the growth of mini-invasive approaches. Controversies exist about the optimal learning curve for resident surgeons approaching this procedure. The aim of this study was to compare TT performed by experienced surgeons and residents in two academic hospitals, to define the correct shape of the specific learning curve. METHODS: Between January 2016 and December 2018 patients undergoing TT in two academic departments were prospectively enrolled. In each department patients were divided into four groups: a reference group (A), consisting of 50 consecutive patients operated on by a senior surgeon, and three other groups (B, C, D) of 50 patients each where thyroidectomy was carried out by three different general surgery residents in their last 3 years of residency, respectively. Data were analysed by CUSUM and KPSS tests in order to compare operative time (OT) and its stabilisation during the learning curve. RESULTS: Data from CUSUM test reported that residents could perform TT with OT similar to the senior surgeon after approximately 25-30 procedures, while the KPSS test showed that residents became more stable after 30 procedures, with no increase in perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study shows how a specific training in thyroid surgery can be reliable thanks to experienced tutors, and confirmed that the effect of dedicated and programmed training may result in positive outcomes for patients requiring thyroidectomy.

The European Hernia Society Prehabilitation Project: A Systematic Review of Intra-Operative Prevention Strategies for Surgical Site Occurrences in Ventral Hernia Surgery.

Background: Ventral hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. To reduce the risk of complications, pre- and intra-operative strategies have received increasing focus in recent years. To assess possible preventive surgical strategies, this European Hernia Society endorsed project was launched. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current literature focusing on pre- and intra-operative strategies for surgical site occurrences (SSO) and specifically surgical site infection (SSI) in ventral hernia repair. Methods: A systematic review was conducted and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Databases used were Pubmed and Web of Science. Original retrospective or prospective human adult studies describing at least one intra-operative intervention to reduce SSO after ventral hernia repair were considered eligible. Results: From a total of 4775 results, a total of 18 papers were considered suitable after full text reading. Prehospital chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) scrub appears to increase the risk of SSO in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair, while there is no association between any type of surgical hat worn and the incidence of postoperative wound events. Intraoperative measures as prophylactic negative pressure therapy, surgical drain placement and the use of quilt sutures seem beneficial for decreasing the incidence of SSO and/or SSI. No positive effect has been shown for antibiotic soaking of a synthetic mesh, nor for the use of fibrin sealants. Conclusion: This review identified a limited amount of literature describing specific preventive measures and techniques during ventral hernia repair. An advantage of prophylactic negative pressure therapy in prevention of SSI was observed, but different tools to decrease SSIs and SSOs continuously further need our full attention to improve patient outcomes and to lower overall costs.

Adrenal ganglioneuroma incidentally discovered in a patient with dysuria: a case report.

A case of adrenal ganglioneuroma incidentally discovered during an abdominal ultrasound examination in a 26 year-old woman patient with recurrent episodes of dysuria. After a diagnostic work-up with laboratory and abdomen CT scan, the patient uderwent a laparotomic removal of the adrenal lesion. Histopathological examination of the adrenal mass confirmed the diagnosis.

Transversus abdominis release (TAR) for ventral hernia repair: open or robotic? Short-term outcomes from a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare early postoperative outcomes after transversus abdominis release (TAR) for ventral hernia repair with open (oTAR) and robotic (rTAR) approach. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify comparative studies until October 2020. A meta-analysis of postoperative short-term outcomes was performed including complications rate, operative time, length of stay, surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrence (SSO), SSO requiring intervention (SSOPI), systemic complications, readmission, and reoperation rates as measure outcomes. RESULTS: Six retrospective studies were included in the analysis with a total of 831 patients who underwent rTAR (n = 237) and oTAR (n = 594). Robotic TAR was associated with lower risk of complications rate (9.3 vs 20.7%, OR 0.358, 95% CI 0.218-0.589, p < 0.001), lower risk of developing SSO (5.3 vs 11.5%, OR 0.669, 95% CI 0.307-1.458, p = 0.02), lower risk of developing systemic complications (6.3 vs 26.5%, OR 0.208, 95% CI 0.100-0.433, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (SMD - 4.409, 95% CI - 6.000 to - 2.818, p < 0.001) but longer operative time (SMD 53.115, 95% CI 30.236-75.993, p < 0.01) compared with oTAR. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of SSI, SSOPI, readmission, and reoperation rates. CONCLUSION: Robotic TAR improves recovery by adding the benefits of minimally invasive procedures when compared to open surgery. Although postoperative complications appear to decrease with a robotic approach, further studies are needed to support the real long-term and cost-effective advantages.

Cystic duplication of transverse colon: an unusual case of abdominal pain and bowel obstruction.

Gatrointestinal duplications are rare congenital anomalies, usually detected prenatally or in the first two years of life, although they can be diagnosed even in older age. Within the abdomen, a small bowel location is the most frequent (more than 50% of cases), while colonic site accounts for 17% of patients; transverse colonic location is very rare. These lesions can vary in shape, being cystic or tubular, and typically show the same structure of the adjacent normal bowel, with which they can have direct communication. The most of case of intestinal duplication in adults present with acute abdomen and bowel obstruction, and are more common in the ileum than in the colon. When diagnosed these lesions should be surgically resected to avoid future possible complications. The Authors present a case of cystic duplication of transverse colon in a young adult male, cause of acute abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction, thus requiring urgent surgery.

Criticism of learning curve in laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the treatment of choice for benign adrenal lesions. Lateral Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy (LTLA) is considered the gold standard. The number of LTLAs a surgeon must perform, in order to complete his learning curve, is not well defined in Literature. Moreover, the few papers dealing with the learning curve for LTLAs show controversial results and consider different evaluation parameters. METHODS: The systematic review has been carried out according to PRISMA statement. The literature search included PubMed and Scopus database. Hand searching of reference lists of previous review articles and relevant studies was also performed. The search string was "learning curve AND laparoscopic adrenalectomy". RESULTS: A total of 9 papers met the inclusion criteria out of 94 non duplicate citations. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a multidimensional evaluation by bringing into focus evaluation parameters of surgical performance, (operative time, intraoperative complications, conversion rate and blood loss), factors related to patient's pathology (side, size, adrenal pathology) and surgeon-specific properties. CONCLUSIONS: Operative time, intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative complications and conversion rate are the main parameters that have been considered for the achievement of learning curve, and for each there are discrepancies, mainly due to the relative rarity of adrenal tumors, and so for difficulties in obtaining approper analysis that could establish an effective learning curve. So, further evaluations in larger experience are needed.

Learning curve in open inguinal hernia repair: a quality improvement multicentre study about Lichtenstein technique.

PURPOSE: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most performed procedure all over the world with more than 20 million procedures performed each year. Due to the lack of data in literature about the learning curve of the Lichtenstein procedure, we decided to reproduce a research on learning curves with the same methodology proposed in our previous study about laparoscopic hernia repair. The aim of this multicentre study was to analyse how many cases are required to achieve the learning curve for a Lichtenstein procedure. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the first 100 Lichtenstein procedures performed by 4 trainees from three different institutions and compared them with the same number of procedures performed by 3 senior surgeons from the same institutions. The data about the achieving of learning curve were evaluated with CUSUM and KPSS test. RESULTS: No differences about biometrical features were found between the seven groups of patients. CUSUM analysis showed that the trainees achieve the learning curve after 37-42 procedures, reaching an operative time similar to that one of the senior surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we have shown that the number of procedures required to reach the learning curve from the beginning of surgical residency is around 40 hernia repairs. This number, produced in a controlled environment under strict supervision, could be the minimum requirement to start the procedure of accreditation and specialization in hernia surgery and is higher and steeper than previously reported.

[Acute abdomen due to jejunal perforation secondary to metastatic lung carcinoma]. / Addome acuto da perforazione di metastasi digiunale di carcinoma polmonare operato.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer metastases of small bowel are rare (1,1%), often with few or not symptoms. This aspecific onset and the difficult physical-instrumental approach to small bowel, led often to diagnosis at autopsy. This is not true for intestinal metastases that cause complications (haemorrhage, obstruction, perforation); in this cases emergency surgery leds to the diagnosis. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of a male 56 years old patient with acute abdomen due to perforation (X-ray and CT). He refers, about 6 months before, an upper right lobectomy for lung cancer, followed by adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, because the presence of brain and bone metastases. During the emergency surgery we found out a perforation of the Treitz tract, treated with intestinal resection and immediate end-to-end anastomosis with manual suture. Histological examination shows the perforation of the intestinal wall tract with lung cancer metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Our case shows that any acute abdomen in patient with lung cancer can be considered as expression of intestinal metastases. Negative prognosis of this complication imposes to surgeons only a local treatment.

Pooled data analysis of primary ventral (PVH) and incisional hernia (IH) repair is no more acceptable: results of a systematic review and metanalysis of current literature.

PURPOSE: Primary (PVHs) and incisional (IHs) ventral hernias represent a common indication for surgery. Nevertheless, most of the papers presented in literature analyze both types of defect together, thus potentially introducing a bias in the results of interpretation. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to highlight the differences between these two entities. METHODS: Methods MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were reviewed to identify studies evaluating the outcomes of both open and laparoscopic repair with mesh of PVHs vs IHs. Search was restricted to English language literature. Risk of bias was assessed with MINORS score. Primary outcome was recurrence, and secondary outcomes were baseline characteristics and intraoperative and postoperative data. Fixed effects model was used unless significant heterogeneity, assessed with the Higgins I square (I2), was encountered. RESULTS: The search resulted in 783 hits, after screening; 11 retrospective trials were selected including 38,727 patients. Mean MINORS of included trials was 15.2 (range 5-21). The estimated pooled proportion difference for recurrence was - 0.09 (- 0.11; - 0.07) between the two groups in favor of the PVH group. On metanalysis, PVHs were smaller in area and diameters, affected younger and less comorbid patients, and were more frequently singular; the operative time and length of stay was quicker. Other complications did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Our paper supports the hypothesis that PVH and IH are different conditions with the latter being more challenging to treat. Accordingly, EHS classifications should be adopted systematically as well as pooling data analysis should be no longer performed in clinical trials.