The effects of COVID-19 pandemic on elective post-bariatric surgery waiting list: a single Plastic Surgery Center investigation.

OBJECTIVE: After massive weight loss, patients that meet specific criteria can be inserted in an ad-hoc post-bariatric surgery list in order to be subjected to body contouring procedures. During COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian National Health System has been overwhelmed by the continue load of life-threatening patients that needed medical assistance. Plastic surgery practice enormously scaled back during this period and this fact greatly affected elective procedures waiting lists. The aim of our study is to analyze how the lockdown and its related sanitary policies affected post-bariatric patients' behaviors towards the delay of their procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 7-item questionnaire was administered to all patients. Change in the desire to be subjected to body contouring procedures was recorded. Smoking status, level of training during quarantine and psychological co-morbidities were also evaluated. RESULTS: 124 patients completed the questionnaire. Data analysis showed that none of them encountered a decrease of the desire to be subjected to post-bariatric plastic surgery procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that all the patients in the waiting list did not modify their interest in being subjected to post-bariatric surgery procedures, even though the waiting time increased.

Breast surgeons updating on the thresholds of COVID-19 era: results of a multicenter collaborative study evaluating the role of online videos and multimedia sources on breast surgeons education and training.

OBJECTIVE: Current trends show a rise of attention given to breast cancer patients' quality of life and the surgical reconstructive result. Along with this trend, surgical training quality and efficacy are gaining importance and innovative training methods such as online videos shared on social media portals, are becoming main updating tools. In hazardous times like COVID-19 pandemic nowadays, online communication becomes of vital importance and adaptation and innovation are fundamental to keep research and education alive. The authors aimed to investigate the role of video and multimedia sources on the daily activity and surgical training of a representative group of surgeons specifically dedicated to oncologic, oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was produced and administered to 20 major Italian Breast Centers. Collected data were analyzed with Fisher's Exact Test. RESULTS: From October 2019 to March 2020, a total of 320 surveys were collected. Among the responders, there were 188 trainees (intern medical doctors and residents) and 110 faculty, 72% of them belonged to a plastic surgery environment, while 28% to general surgery environment. Almost all respondents have ever watched videos concerning breast surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show how breast surgeons rely on videos and web platforms, mostly YouTube, when searching for training info about surgical procedures. Social media offer great opportunities for sharing knowledge and diffusion of new ideas but greater attention to their reliability is mandatory.

The role of laparoscopic surgery in isolated adrenal metastasis: our personal experience.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 25 years, mini-invasive adrenalectomy has become the treatment of choice for most adrenal diseases, and even adrenal malignancies in selected cases. The aim of this retrospective evaluation is to assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic adrenalectomy as a treatment of choice for adrenal metastases. METHODS: From 2008 to 2018, 207 laparoscopic adrenalectomies have been performed in our Department of Surgery. Among these, in 12 cases the indication to adrenalectomy was metastatic adrenal lesion. RESULTS: The right adrenal gland was removed in 8 cases and the left adrenal gland in 4 cases. A complete resection (R0) was achieved in all patients. The median operative time was 130.6 ± 23.3 min. The median postoperative hospitalization was 3.5±2.0 days. Only one patient showed postoperative grade II complications, according to Clavien-Dindo classification. All patients underwent follow-up at 6-12-18 months without showing disease recurrence. There was no intra and perioperative mortality. Conversion to laparotomic surgery has never been performed. Mean tumor size was 2.4 cm ±1.6 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for metastasis permits to achieve similar results to the open approach in term of oncological outcomes, but gaining in terms of postoperative hospitalization, intra and post-operative complications as well a greater patient compliance.

Oncological safety of stromal vascular fraction enriched fat grafting in two-stage breast reconstruction after nipple sparing mastectomy: long-term results of a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is commonly used to treat implant palpability and prevent fibrosis and thinning in mastectomy skin flaps. A major limit to this procedure is volume retention over time, leading to the introduction of fat enrichment with stromal vascular fraction (SVF+AFT). Oncological concerns have been raised over the injection of an increased concentration of progenitors cells (ASCs) in the SVF. The aim of the study is to evaluate the long-term cancer recurrence risk of SVF+AFT cases compared to AFT, in patients undergoing Nipple Sparing Mastectomy (NSM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was designed to compare three groups of patients undergoing NSM followed by SVF+AFT, AFT or none (control group), after a two-stage breast reconstruction. Patients were strictly followed-up for at least 5-years from the second stage reconstructive procedure. Loco-regional and systemic recurrence rate were evaluated over time as the primary outcome. Logistic regression was used to investigate which factors were associated with recurrence events and independent variables of interest were: surgical technique, age above 50 years old, lympho-vascular invasion, oncological stage, adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant hormone therapy. RESULTS: 41 women were included in G1 (SVF+AFT), 64 in G2 (AFT), and 64 in G3 (control group). Loco-regional recurrence rate was 2.4% for G1, 4.7% for G2, and 1.6% for G3. Systemic recurrence was 7.3%, 3.1%, and 3.1%, respectively. Among the variables included, there were no significant risk factors influencing a recurrence event, either loco-regional or systemic. In particular, SVF+AFT (G1) did not increase the oncological recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that both centrifuged and SVF-enhanced fat transfer have a similar safety level in comparison to patients who did not undergo fat grafting in breast reconstruction after NSM.

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.

Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: review on clinical and surgical aspects.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) arising in the duodenum represent a rare entity and can be very demanding to manage. The diagnosis can be difficult (as these tumors can be misdiagnosed as pancreatic head tumors), and to treat owing to the complex anatomy of the duodenum and of the pancreatic head. Complete resection may require extensive procedures such as pancreaticodudodenectomy. METHODS AND RESULTS: An extensive literature review regarding clinico-pathological features, diagnostic investigations and surgical options in the management of duodenal GISTs has been performed. CONCLUSIONS: Duodenal GISTs have uncertain malignant potential, and they may be asymptomatic, or present with abdominal pain or bleeding. A preoperative diagnosis can be difficult to obtain. Endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) may be helpful. Surgical R0 resection remains the only curative approach. However, owing to the complex anatomy of the duodenum, limited resection is not always feasible. In these cases, extensive procedures such as pancreaticoduodenectomy or pancreas-preserving duodenectomy are the treatment of choice.

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.

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.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the mesentery: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH) rarely affects the abdomen and only a few cases arising in the mesentery have to date been discovered. In this paper, two cases of MFH of the mesentery are described and a review of the literature is reported.

[Posterior mediastinum neoplasms: a case of schwannoma]. / I tumori del mediastino posteriore: un caso di schwannoma.

The Authors report the case of a 33-year-old male affected with an asymptomatic schwannoma of the posterior mediastinum, and review the relevant Literature, discussing the difficulties in making the differential diagnosis of the posterior mediastinum lesions, particularly in the pre-clinical phase. Neurogenic tumors represent about 75 percent of all tumors of mediastinum and about one third of all tumors of the mediastinum. They can originate from the peripheral nervous system group, from the sympathetic nervous system group or, in rare cases, from the vagus nerve. In adult patients, they are usually found by chance during radiographic examination of the thorax, and they are usually asymptomatic and benign. During preoperative evaluation, a magnetic resonance examination of rachis should be done to exclude the possibility of intraspinal involvement. If there are no contraindications, the treatment of choice should be surgical resection by means of thoracoscopy or thoracotomy, when size and location of the tumors allow it in order to prevent malignant evolution.

[Day surgery in breast reconstructive surgery: our experience]. / La day surgery nella chirurgia ricostruttiva della mammella: nostra esperienza.

Breast cancer is the most common tumour in Italy in the female population, counting for about 40000 new cases every year. The psychological aspects of breast mutilation and the social and economic implications are receiving increasing attention. Despite of the diffusion of screening programs to detect pre-clinical breast cancers, 30% of patients still undergo radical interventions. Therefore, many women present serious limitations of their social-life that can lead to severe depression since, in occidental countries, the biological function of the breast is less considered than its primary role of femininity and sexuality. The gold-standard is to conceal oncological radicality and aesthetic preservation. The Authors present their experience analysing the techniques employed.

[Therapeutic strategies in neoplasms of the distal bile duct and the Vater's ampulla]. / Strategie terapeutiche nelle neoplasie della via biliare distale e dell'ampolla di vater.

Malignant periampullary and ampullary tumors represent an anatomic and clinical entity of complex surgical approach due to the difficulty in setting out an early diagnosis, for the back of symptoms at early stages. The Authors at the Department of Surgery and Medical Technology Applications "F. Durante", University of Rome "La Sapienza", since 1990 to 2001 observed 19 cases. The results of surgical treatment of these tumors are here reported. By the analysis of the cases it is evident that long-term survival if mainly conditioned by prompt diagnosis stage of the tumor, and patient status before the operation.

[Neurinoma of the brachial plexus: 2 case reports]. / Neurinoma del plesso brachiale: due casi clinici.

Neurinomas, also referred to as neurilemmomas and schwannomas, are rare benign tumours of the peripheral nerves. A small percentage of these lesions arise from the brachial plexus. The Authors report two cases of schwannoma arising from the brachial plexus. Such lesions, usually asymptomatic, may cause sensitivity alterations or, less frequently, motor deficits in the involved arm. Tumour enucleation, avoiding damage to any of the nervous fascicles, is the treatment of choice.

[Atrial fibrillation and hyperthyroidism: results after thyroidectomy]. / Fibrillazione atriale ed irpertiroidismo: risultati dopo intervento di tiroidectomia.

Hyperthyroidism patients can develop atrial fibrillation (AF) with a frequency range between 10 and 25%. The Authors consider 256 hyperthyroid patients operated in their Department, from 1985 to 2001. Before and after surgery, thyroid examination, routine blood tests and common diagnostic evaluations were performed. The follow-up has been 12 months and during this period a L-Thyroxine (50-200 mg/die) therapy has been arranged. Before surgery 59 patients (23%) showed an AF associated with palpitations (76%), asthenia (66%), tremors (54%) and dyspnea (43%). The onset of AF was less than 1 months in 18% of cases, less than 3 months in 30% and chronic in remaining 52%. The 87% of patients was already pharmacologically treated. All the patients were treated with anticoagulants, with a INR value between 2 and 3. After the surgery, 47% of patients presented a restoration of the sinusal rhythm, while the 53% showed a stronger therapeutic responsiveness to specific antiarrhythmic therapy. Treatment of FA hyperthyroid patients with FA tends to normalize the function of the thyroid gland (euthyroidism). In our experience the restoring of sinusal rhythm usually develops in patients with 50 years of age (45 +/- 5 years), while in older patients AF tends to be resistant to treatment.

[Primary microinvasive adenocarcinoma of the cervix. A clinical case]. / Adenocarcinoma primitivo microinvasivo dell'esocervice. Caso clinico.

In this case the authors describe a patient with primary microinvasive adenocarcinoma of the eso-cervix, with the cervical canal not involved by the pathology, diagnosed by colposcopy followed by biopsy. Before the diagnosis of microinvasive adenocarcinoma the patient was scheduled for electrocautery of the suspicious area due to the fact that previous Pap-smears had always been negative. The authors underline the important role of colposcopy as a diagnostic tool that should be mandatory before any surgical therapy on the cervix and that allowed to diagnose such a rare cervical tumor.

[Cystic tumors of the pancreas: a case of cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head]. / Tumori cistici del pancreas: su un caso di cistoadenocarcinoma della testa.

Cystic tumors of the pancreas are important, although rare, lesions representing nearly 1% of all neoplasms and 10-15% of pancreatic cysts. The Authors compare clinical data of the case observed with those reported in literature. The described case confirms the peculiar characteristics of pancreatic mucinous cystoadenomas: slow growth, not specific symptoms, poor trend to give local or distant metastases, difficult preoperative differential diagnosis and satisfying oncological resection. Taking into account these parameters and the potential malignant evolution of such tumors, the Authors underline the importance of a radical surgical therapy.