Advancements in the Management of Postoperative Air Leak following Thoracic Surgery: From Traditional Practices to Innovative Therapies.

Background: Postoperative air leak (PAL) is a frequent and potentially serious complication following thoracic surgery, characterized by the persistent escape of air from the lung into the pleural space. It is associated with extended hospitalizations, increased morbidity, and elevated healthcare costs. Understanding the mechanisms, risk factors, and effective management strategies for PAL is crucial in improving surgical outcomes. Aim: This review seeks to synthesize all known data concerning PAL, including its etiology, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and the range of available treatments from conservative measures to surgical interventions, with a special focus on the use of autologous plasma. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search of databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted for studies and reviews published on PAL following thoracic surgery. The selection criteria aimed to include articles that provided insights into the incidence, mechanisms, risk assessment, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for PAL. Special attention was given to studies detailing the use of autologous plasma in managing this complication. Results: PAL is influenced by a variety of patient-related, surgical, and perioperative factors. Diagnosis primarily relies on clinical observation and imaging, with severity assessments guiding management decisions. Conservative treatments, including chest tube management and physiotherapy, serve as the initial approach, while persistent leaks may necessitate surgical intervention. Autologous plasma has emerged as a promising treatment, offering a novel mechanism for enhancing pleural healing and reducing air leak duration, although evidence is still evolving. Conclusions: Effective management of PAL requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual patient's needs and the specifics of their condition. Beyond the traditional treatment approaches, innovative treatment modalities offer the potential to improve outcomes for patients experiencing PAL after thoracic surgery. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and integrate new therapies into clinical practice.

Stem Cell Therapies for Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Results from Animal Studies.

BACKGROUND: Despite considerable progress in surgical techniques, anastomotic leak (AL) is a common complication after gastrointestinal surgery. Stem cells are a promising therapy to improve healing and have been used in gastrointestinal anastomoses. In this study, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapies in preventing ALs among animal studies. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. We considered all anastomoses of the gastrointestinal tract (excl. biliary) from the esophagus to the rectum. Outcomes included AL rates on postoperative day (POD) 7 and the latest time point reported. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were identified, evaluating stem cells in gastrointestinal anastomoses, of which 1 was on esophageal, 2 on gastric, 2 on small intestinal, and 9 on colorectal anastomoses. Meta-analysis did not show significant differences in AL rates on POD 7 (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-3.15, p = 0.248, I2 = 34.1%, 95% CI: 0-75.2%, Q = 6.07, df = 4, p = 0.194), but there was a nonsignificant trend for lower AL rates at the latest time point reported (OR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08-1.01, p = 0.052, I2 = 34%, 95% CI: 0-70.8%, Q = 10.6, df = 7, p = 0.157). CONCLUSION: Stem cell therapy may be associated with lower AL rates in gastrointestinal anastomoses, though meta-analysis is severely inhibited by heterogeneous study design. More studies are needed to determine the therapeutic potential of stem cells.

Risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in patients with colorectal cancer: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with colorectal cancer are at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors of cardiovascular mortality in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was performed between 2010 and 2014. Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) for cardiovascular mortality were calculated by comparing the number of expected deaths in the United States according to the National Center for Health Statistics (ICD-10 codes I00-I99) to the number of observed deaths in the database. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors. RESULTS: Overall, 164,719 patients were identified (mean age at diagnosis 67 ± 13.9 years, 52.7% males, 47.3% females), of which 4854 (2.9%) died from cardiovascular disease. The majority of cardiovascular deaths occurred during the first year after diagnosis (2658, 54.8%). SMRs for cardiovascular mortality were 11.7 (95% CI 11.3-12) among all patients, 12.1 (95% CI 11.7-12.6) for male patients and 11.1 (95% CI 10.6-11.6) for female patients, with SMRs being higher for younger patients. Older age, male sex, African-American race, elevated CEA and not undergoing curative surgery were independent risk factors of cardiovascular mortality in patients with colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: Patients with colorectal cancer are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, especially during the first year after diagnosis. Older age, male sex, African-American race, elevated CEA and not undergoing curative surgery are independent risk factors of cardiovascular death.

Trends in incidence and associated risk factors of suicide mortality among breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer patients are associated with an increased risk for committing suicide. The purpose of this study was to study the trends in the incidence of suicide mortality and identify pertinent risk factors among patients with breast cancer. METHODS: A retrospective examination of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database between years 1973 and 2013 was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 474 128 patients were identified of which 773 had committed suicide. There were no significant differences in the incidence of suicide mortality over the last 3 decades (1984-1993: 0.14%, 1994-2003: 0.16%, 2004-2013: 0.17%, P = 0.173). On logistic regression, younger age (<30 y: OR 6.34, 95% CI: 1.98-20.33, P = 0.002; 30-49 y: OR 10.64, 95% CI: 7.97-14.2, P < 0.001; 50-69 y: OR 4.7, 95% CI: 3.64-6.07, P < 0.001), male sex (OR 4.34, 95% CI: 2.57-7.31, P < 0.001), nonwhite-nonblack race (OR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01-1.91, P = 0.046), marital status (single: OR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.04-1.76, P = 0.024; separated/divorced/widowed: OR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01-1.55, P = 0.043), undergoing surgery (OR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.23-3.67, P = 0.007), and short-time elapsed from diagnosis (first year: OR 4.67, 95% CI: 3.39-6.42, P < 0.001; second year: OR 2.35, 95% CI: 1.69-3.27, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors of suicide mortality. CONCLUSIONS: There have been no identifiable improvements in preventing suicide mortality in the United States. Younger age, male sex, race, marital status, and undergoing surgery are independent risk factors for committing suicide, especially in the first year after diagnosis.

Predictors of lymph node metastasis in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastasis is not common among patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and its prognostic value is controversial. The purposes of this study are to identify predictors of lymph node metastasis and determine its prognostic associations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database was performed. Patients with GISTs that underwent surgery and pathologic nodal staging were identified. Logistic regression and Cox regression were performed to identify independent predictors and prognostic factors, respectively. RESULTS: Of 1430 patients (age: 61.5 ± 14.5 years, 52% males), 140 (9.8%) had lymph node metastasis. On multivariable analysis, distant metastasis was the only independent predictor of lymph node metastasis (OR 4.95, 95% CI: 2.43-10.08, p < 0.001). In the entire cohort, lymph node metastasis did not reflect a worse overall survival (OS, HR 1.12, 95% CI: 0.49-2.58, p = 0.794) or disease-specific survival (DSS, HR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.31-2.88, p = 0.924), but was an independent predictor of worse OS in 51 patients (25.4% of 201 patients) who presented with both lymph node metastasis and synchronous distant metastasis (HR 2, 95% CI: 1.25-3.21, p = 0.004). Lymph node metastasis was also independently associated with worse survival among patients with small intestinal (OS: HR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.15-3.1, p = 0.013) and colorectal tumors (OS: HR 3.41, 95% CI: 1.56-7.46, p = 0.002, DSS: HR 3.58, 95% CI: 1.27-10.06, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic disease is an independent predictor of lymph node metastasis in patients with GISTs. Lymph node metastasis is also associated with worse overall survival in patients with metastatic GISTs.

Tumor necrosis factor A and interleucin 6 serum values in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral stones.

OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is highly effective for the treatment of uretral lithiasis and remains the first treatment option for the majority of patients when ureteral lithiasis can not be treated otherwise for more than two decades. In the present study we aim to evaluate the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) and interleucin 6 (IL-6) in patients undergoing ESWL and investigate whether preESWL levels of serum TNF-a and IL-6 correllate with any possible infectious complications after ESWL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (17 males and 13 females), with a mean age of 43 who underwent ESWL for ureteral stones and 10 healthy volunteers serving as the control group were enrolled in this study. Serum samples for TNF-a and IL-6 were obtained before ESWL and after ESWL, 1, 24, and 48 hours and 2, 24, and 48 hours, respectively. The preESWL and postESWL serum TNF-a levels and IL-6 were compared and correlated with possible tissue damage and infectious complications. RESULTS: We found that serum TNF-a levels were significantly decreased one hour (P<0,001) and increased 24 hours (P=0.007) after ESWL. Furthermore IL-6 was also significantly increased 2 hours (P<0,001), 24 and 48 hours after ESWL (P=0,003 and 0,002 respectively). In 3 patients we observed fever (39 (o)C) postESWL procedure with negative urine culture and high serum values of TNF-a and IL6 preESWL. IN CONCLUSION: A high specific markers such as serum TNF-a levels (15-25pg/ml) and IL-6 (25-35pg/ml) might be useful to identifying patients with possible infection following ESWL lithotripsy. However, further studies are needed to get more accurate results.

Can tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) be used as prognostic markers of infection following ureteroscopic lithrotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for ureteral stones?

OBJECTIVE: Ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS) and Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) are highly effective for the treatment of uretral lithiasis and remain the treatment option for the majority of patients for more than two decades. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor A (TNFa) and interleucin 6 (IL6) in patients undergoing ESWL and URS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total number of seventy patients were involved in our study. Thirty patients (17 males, 13 females), with a mean age of 43 had underwent ESWL and thirty patients (19 males, 11 females), with a mean age of 47 (range: 26-68) underwent URS lithotripsy. Ten healthy volunteers serving as the control group were enrolled in this study. Serum samples for TNF-a and IL-6 were obtained before URS and ESWL and after the procedure at 1, 24, and 48 hours and at 2, 24, and 48 hours, respectively. The pre ESWL/URS and post ESWL/URS levels were compared and correlated with possible tissue damage. According to ESWL procedure we found that serumTNF-a levels were significantly increased after one hour (P<0,001) and after 24 hours (P=0.007). Furthermore, IL-6was significantly increased at 2 (P< 0,001), 24 and 48 hours post ESWL (P=0,003 and 0,002) respectively. For URS serum TNF-a levels were statistical significantly correlated preoperatively with one hour (P=0,0083) and 48 hours (P<0,001) after URS and IL-6 with 2 and 24 hours (P<0,001). In 3 patients for URS and 1 for ESWL we observed post procedure fever (>38.5C(o)). All those patients had preoperatively high values of TNF-a and Il-6 that increased at 1 and 2-hours respectively. In conclusion, high pre ESWL/URS levels of serum TNF-a and IL-6 may indicate a predisposition for post ESWL/URS inflammation and infection following URS lithotripsy or ESWL procedure.

Coagulation and fibrinolysis activation after single-incision versus standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a single-center prospective case-controlled pilot study.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with attenuated acute-phase response and hypercoagulable state compared with the open procedure. Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a new technique aiming to minimize the invasiveness of the procedure. By comparing the degree of coagulation and fibrinolysis activation after conventional multiport (CLC) and single-incision (SILC) laparoscopic cholecystectomy, we aimed to determine whether the reduced incision size induces a lower thrombophilic tendency. Thirty-two adult patients with noncomplicated symptomatic cholelithiasis were nonrandomly assigned to CLC or SILC. Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT), D-dimers, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor levels were measured at baseline, at 1st, and 24th hour, postoperatively. Twenty-six patients were finally included in the study. Fifteen patients underwent CLC (male/female: 5/10) and 11 underwent SILC (male/female: 1/10). There were no perioperative complications. An almost similar postoperative pattern and degree of activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis pathways was noted in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found between SILC and CLC for F1 + 2, TAT, D-dimers, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor levels, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity. A similar pattern and extent of coagulation and fibrinolysis activation is present in SILC and CLC, and therefore there is no difference in tendency for thrombosis. Thromboembolic prophylaxis should be considered in SILC as recommended for CLC, pharmacologic or mechanical, considering the hemorrhagic risk and the presence of additional thromboembolism risk factors. SILC appears to be a safe, feasible technique that can be recommended for its potential advantages in cosmesis and reduced incisional pain.

A simple method for the quantitation of the stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth using a luminescent cell viability assay.

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth are a population of highly proliferative postnatal stem cells and have been characterized as multipotent stem cells. In this study we developed a fast and sensitive method for stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth count, using a luminescent viability assay. We isolated stem cells from normal exfoliated deciduous teeth using collagenase/dispase digestions solutions. Separated stem cells were placed in opaque-walled multiwall plates in culture alpha Modified Eagle's Medium. For dental pulp stem cells quantitation we used a simple method for determining the number of viable cells based on ATP concentration. Cells attached to the bottom of the multiwall plates were counted with the luminescent assay and were cultured for mesenchymal markers expression. Moreover cells attached to the bottom of the multiwall plates were directed toward the osteogenic, adipogenic, lineages at the respective passages. Flow cytometry was used for immunophenotyping of cultured dental stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth. Cells that were counted with the luminescent assay, after culture formed fibroblastic morphology and were expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers CD29, CD105, CD146, CD44. There was a correlation between the number of cells plated for culture and the number of mesenchymal stem cells after culture. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of the cells counted with the luminescent assay was performed. The luminescent signal of viable mesenchymal dental stem cells isolated from dental pulp of exfoliated teeth represents an ideal method for mesenchymal stem cells count before culturing.

Serum cytocines values in patients after endoscopic surgery for ureteral lithiasis.

Obstructive uropathy due to ureteral stones can cause renal infection and, if left untreated, can cause impairment of renal function. Endoscopic surgery such as ureteroscopy (URS) and laser lithotripsy are the primary therapeutic approach. Cytokines as non invasive markers may have a role to diagnose ureteral damage and infection. We aimed to evaluate serum cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNFa) and interleukin-6 (IL6) in patients undergoing URS and holmium laser lithotripsy. The study included 40 patients (male 25 and 15 female) with a mean age of 47 years and 10 healthy blood donors serving as the control group. None of them had any additional systemic diseases, previous insertion of a ureteral double "j" stent or of a nephrostomy tube, neoplasmatic disease ot renal insufficiency. Routine urine examination and urine culture were obtained to exclude urinary infection. Preoperatively and 1h, 2h, 24h and 48h postoperatively serum samples of TNF-a and IL-6 were collected and measured. Serum TNFa and IL-6 values were correlated with the other variables measured from blood samples after the URS using paired samples Students t-test with confidence interval 95%. A P value of less than 0.01 was considered statistically significant. Correlation between serum TNF-a and IL6 levels with healthy donors were statistically significant in 1h (0.004), 2h (0.001), 24h (0.001) and 48h (0.001 and 0.001) postoperatively, respectively. In conclusion, our study shows that cytokines could be helpful as markers of renal tissue damage. However, further studies are needed to get more accurate results.

Small bowel obstruction due to congenital adhesion bands in the virgin abdomen. There is more than meets the eye.

INTRODUCTION: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) represents a common surgical emergency leading to increased hospital admissions. Most patients presenting with adhesive SBO have a history of previous abdominal surgery. Although bowel obstruction secondary to congenital adhesion bands is rare, it should not be ruled out even in patients with a "virgin abdomen". CASE REPORT: We present two rare cases of adult patients with SBO due to congenital adhesions. The first patient was transferred to the operating room, secondary to a closed-loop obstruction diagnosis. Two congenital adhesion bands were detected intraoperatively, then coagulated and divided. The second patient was surgically treated due to worsening abdominal pain. An adhesive band was identified occluding the ileum on surgical exploration, then ligated and excised. Both patients recovered uneventfully, without any recurrence of symptoms on the follow-up. DISCUSSION: Single adhesive bands are more commonly found in cases with a "virgin abdomen". Meanwhile, solitary bands usually lead to bowel strangulation and ischemia, mostly mandating operative management. Interestingly, a computed tomography scan may confirm the diagnosis of bowel obstruction, whereas water-soluble contrast agents may help predict the need for surgical treatment. Besides exploratory laparotomy, laparoscopic surgery is gaining ground as an effective SBO diagnosis and management approach. CONCLUSION: Adhesive SBO due to congenital bands is a rare condition, particularly in adults, with potentially lifethreatening complications. With the aim of prompt diagnosis and treatment, a high index of suspicion and awareness should be maintained even in patients without previous medical or surgical history. KEY WORDS: Small bowel obstruction, Congenital adhesion bands, Virgin abdomen.

The role of prophylactic parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy for MTC in patients with MEN2A syndrome.

AIM: To define the role of prophylactic parathyroidectomy in the surgical treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIa (MEN2A) syndrome through a literature review.

Pedunculated Focal Nodular Hyperplasia: When in Doubt, Should We Cut It Out?

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is the second most common benign hepatic tumor and can rarely present as an exophytic solitary mass attached to the liver by a stalk. Most FNH cases are usually detected as incidental findings during surgery, imaging or physical examination and have a high female predominance. However, the pedunculated forms of FNH are particularly rare and commonly associated with severe complications and diagnostic challenges. Hence, our study aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the available data on the pedunculated FNH cases among adults and children. Furthermore, we will highlight the role of different therapeutic options in treating this clinical entity. The use of imaging techniques is considered a significant addition to the diagnostic toolbox. Regarding the optimal treatment strategy, the main indications for surgery were the presence of symptoms, diagnostic uncertainty and increased risk of complications, based on the current literature. Herein, we also propose a management algorithm for patients with suspected FNH lesions. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and awareness of this pathology and its life-threatening complications, as an uncommon etiology of acute abdomen, is of utmost importance in order to achieve better clinical outcomes.

Predictive Factors for Anastomotic Leakage Following Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?

Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains one of the most severe complications following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. Indeed, leaks that may occur after any type of intestinal anastomosis are commonly associated with a higher reoperation rate and an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. At first, our review aims to identify specific preoperative, intraoperative and perioperative factors that eventually lead to the development of anastomotic dehiscence based on the current literature. We will also investigate the role of several biomarkers in predicting the presence of ALs following colorectal surgery. Despite significant improvements in perioperative care, advances in surgical techniques, and a high index of suspicion of this complication, the incidence of AL remained stable during the last decades. Thus, gaining a better knowledge of the risk factors that influence the AL rates may help identify high-risk surgical patients requiring more intensive perioperative surveillance. Furthermore, prompt diagnosis of this severe complication may help improve patient survival. To date, several studies have identified predictive biomarkers of ALs, which are most commonly associated with the inflammatory response to colorectal surgery. Interestingly, early diagnosis and evaluation of the severity of this complication may offer a significant opportunity to guide clinical judgement and decision-making.

Correlation between gynecological tumors and atherosclerotic diseases.

Gynecological cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with malignancies of the ovary, uterus, fallopian tube, cervix, vagina, and vulva making up 10-18% of all cancers diagnosed in women globally. Gynecological cancer and atherosclerosis are two of the most frequent medical entities that afflict women worldwide; thus the possible correlations between them ought to be explored. Vulvar, cervical, vaginal, endometrial, and ovarian cancers have been found to have common points with atherosclerosis regarding their pathogenesis and predisposing factors. Obesity and metabolic syndrome, HPV infection, vitamin D deficiency, and increased telomere length constitute common ground between these two afflictions, which this article aims to analyze.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Extrahepatic Cancers: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now considered the main driver and leading cause of chronic liver disease globally. The umbrella term NAFLD describes a range of liver conditions closely related to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia. At the same time, several malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer, are considered to be common causes of death among patients with NAFLD. At first, our review herein aims to investigate the role of NAFLD in developing colorectal neoplasms and adenomatous polyps based on the current literature. We will also explore the connection and the missing links between NAFLD and extrahepatic cancers. Interestingly, any relationship between NAFLD and extrahepatic malignancies could be attributable to several shared metabolic risk factors. Overall, obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and related disorders may increase the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, early diagnosis of NAFLD is essential for preventing the progression of the disease and avoiding its severe complications. In addition, cancer screening and early detection in these patients may improve survival and reduce any delays in treatment.

The Implication of Gastric Microbiome in the Treatment of Gastric Cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and deadly malignancies worldwide. Helicobacter pylori have been documented as a risk factor for GC. The development of sequencing technology has broadened the knowledge of the gastric microbiome, which is essential in maintaining homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of the gastric microbiome in the development of GC. Therefore, the elucidation of the mechanism by which the gastric microbiome contributes to the development and progression of GC may improve GC's prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about changes in gastric microbial composition in GC patients, their role in carcinogenesis, the possible therapeutic role of the gastric microbiome, and its implications for current GC therapy.

Mesna preserves hepatocyte regenerating capacity following liver radiofrequency ablation under Pringle maneuver.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of the present study were to test the hypothesis that hepatocyte regenerating activity induced by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the liver is attenuated when performed under Pringle maneuver, and to investigate the potentially protective effect of mesna prophylactic administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were subjected to liver RFA (group RFA), RFA plus Pringle maneuver for 30 min (group RFA+P), RFA plus Pringle plus mesna (400mg/kg, per os, 3h prior to operation) (group RFA+P+M), Pringle only (group P), or sham operation (group S) after midline laparotomy. At 1h, liver oxidative state (glutathione to glutathione disulfide ratio-GSH/GSSG) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity were assessed in liver specimens. At 1, 3, and 6h, the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured in blood serum. At 24h, 48 h, 1 wk, and 3 wk, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured in blood serum and the histopathologic profile and hepatocyte mitotic activity were assessed in liver specimens. RESULTS: Mitotic activity was low but sustained in groups RFA and RFA+P+M, more intense in group P, while suppressed in group RFA+P. Histopathologic profile was deteriorated with lesions being more intense in group RFA+P but significantly less severe in group RFA+P+M. Oxidative stress was equally induced in all experimental groups. NF-κB was activated in groups RFA, RFA+P, and P, but not in group RFA+P+M. IL-6 and TNF-α serum levels were increased; the levels were significantly higher in group RFA+P, while lower in group RFA+P+M. Serum transaminases levels were increased during the first 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatocyte regenerating activity is suppressed following liver RFA under Pringle maneuver. Prophylactic administration of mesna preserves hepatocyte regenerating capacity by attenuating acute inflammatory response and minimizing hepatic tissue injury in the non-ablated liver parenchyma.

Artificial Intelligence in Colorectal Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment. A New Era.

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms has permeated the medical field with great success. The widespread use of AI technology in diagnosing and treating several types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer (CRC), is now attracting substantial attention. CRC, which represents the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy in both men and women, is considered a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Our review herein aims to provide in-depth knowledge and analysis of the AI applications in CRC screening, diagnosis, and treatment based on current literature. We also explore the role of recent advances in AI systems regarding medical diagnosis and therapy, with several promising results. CRC is a highly preventable disease, and AI-assisted techniques in routine screening represent a pivotal step in declining incidence rates of this malignancy. So far, computer-aided detection and characterization systems have been developed to increase the detection rate of adenomas. Furthermore, CRC treatment enters a new era with robotic surgery and novel computer-assisted drug delivery techniques. At the same time, healthcare is rapidly moving toward precision or personalized medicine. Machine learning models have the potential to contribute to individual-based cancer care and transform the future of medicine.

Are patients willing to be informed on the risks and complications associated with the proposed therapy? A survey on informed consent.

INTRODUCTION: Informed consent is essential to the patient-physician relationship. The paternalistic old-time approach used by physicians to achieve the optimal management is changing today; detailed medical information must be disclosed to the patients regarding their health problem. AIM: The aim of this study was to highlight the value of informed consent in the context of medical practice as well as to emphasize its importance through the prism of human rights. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient survey was conducted in two public and one private hospitals in Greece. Eighty-three inpatients from the Surgical Departments of Democritus University Hospital of Alexandroupolis (DUHA), Laikon University Hospital of Athens (LUHA) and a private hospital were included in the study. A questionnaire regarding patients' attitude towards informed consent was distributed to patients prior to surgery. RESULTS: The majority of the patients (63.86% in DUHA, 59.38% in LUHA, and 78.95% in the private hospital) opted for full disclosure regarding the course and development of their condition. CONCLUSION: Patients want to be informed about their treatment options and possible complications so that they can make decisions about their treatment after a comprehensive and understandable discussion.