The FODRAT study (FOod addiction, DRugs, Alcohol and Tobacco): first data on food addiction prevalence among patients with addiction to drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

OBJECTIVES: The main focus of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of food addiction (FA) in a population of 575 subjects, all affected by drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco addiction. METHODS: Patients were enrolled in Addiction Service Centers and 25 items YFAS questionnaire was administered. Prevalence of FA was studied among patients who already have an addiction and then this prevalence was compared between groups of abusers (by type of substance), comparing mono abusers with polyabusers, as well as regressions by age, BMI, sex, through multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of FA in the sample is 20.17%. Risk of FA increases with the number of substances used (polyabuse). Results show a positive correlation, in addicted people, between BMI values and FA, with significant values (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.04-1.13; p = 0.006). Age is inversely correlated with FA (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.95-0.99; p = 0.01). Female sex is positively associated (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.59-4.27, p = 0.000). No significant association appears with any substance, even if the highest prevalence is recorded among cannabis users (31.03%), and heroin (21.07%), followed by cocaine (18.53%), alcohol (14.49%) and tobacco (11.61%). A comparison between the FA prevalence in our study and that from another study in the Italian general population (11%) shows a significant difference (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of FA among addicted people is greater than in the general population. Risk of FA increases with the increase in number of used substances (polyabuse). Age is inversely correlated with FA. There is a positive and significant correlation between BMI and FA among substance/tobacco abusers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, observational cross-sectional descriptive study.

Laparoscopic pediatric pyeloplasty using the Flexdex® articulating needle driver: step-by-step video.

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) stenosis is the most common cause of pathological neonatal hydronephrosis. UPJ obstruction may be treated conservatively in some cases, but surgery is indicated if symptoms occur or renal function deteriorates. Pyeloplasty is the procedure of choice for UPJ stenosis. Pyeloplasty can be performed by open laparoscopic or robotic technique. The laparoscopic technique is safe and may be associated with shorter length of hospital stay and reduced complications. Lately, robotic pyeloplasty has been performed with similar results, adding the benefits of easier suturing maneuverability, but with increased costs. Flexdex® is a laparoscopic articulating needle driver that improves maneuverability and ergonomics. In this video, a laparoscopic pyeloplasty with the Flexdex® needle drive is described. The case was treated without any intraoperative complications and with no significant blood loss, and the patient was discharged the day after the procedure. After 90 days of follow-up, there were no complications reported.