A Combined Open and Laparoscopic Technique for the Treatment of Umbilical Hernia: Retrospective Review of a Consecutive Series of Patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and outcomes of laparoscopic control of intraperitoneal mesh positioning in open umbilical hernia repair. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of a series of adult patients with uncomplicated umbilical hernia who underwent elective open repair with a self-expanding patch with laparoscopic control from March 2011 to December 2018. The adequacy of mesh positioning was inspected with a 5-mm 30° scope in the left flank. The primary endpoint was recurrence. Secondary endpoints were rate of mesh repositioning, intraoperative complications and time, length of stay and postoperative pain. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients underwent open inlay repair of primary umbilical hernia with laparoscopic control. Six patients (17.1%) were obese. The mean operating time was 63.3 min. The mean defect size was 2.6 cm (0.6-5) and the mean mesh overlap was 3.2cm (2.2-4.5). There were no intraoperative complications. Laparoscopic control required mesh repositioning in 5 cases (14.3%). The median length of stay was 2 days. Perioperative complications were recorded in three cases (8.6%): one seroma and two serous wound discharge (Clavien-Dindo I). The recurrence rate was 2.9% (1 case) at a median follow-up of 60 months. BMI>30 was associated with a higher rate of intraoperative mesh repositioning (p=0.001). Non-reabsorbable mesh and COPD were associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications (p=0.043). Postoperative pain scores were consistently at mild levels, with no statistically significant differences between patients who had their mesh repositioned and those who had not. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic control of mesh positioning is a safe addition to open inlay umbilical hernia repair and enables the accurate verification of correct mesh deployment with low complication and recurrence rates.

A new clinical-ultrasound score to predict difficult videolaparocholecystectomies: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis is videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy (VLC). The aim of this study is to produce a predictive clinical ultrasound (US) score for difficult VLC to reduce the rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy surgery and intra and/or post-operative complications. METHODS: In this prospective study carried out in 2017 we enrolled 135 patients (pts) who underwent VLC in our General Surgery Unit. A specific pre-operative abdominal ultrasound scan was performed to assess gallbladder characteristics for each patient. All US and patients' characteristics were recorded in a standard form in order to obtain a preoperative score and were then added to the intra-operative variables. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a statistical significance between post-operative characteristics and parietal thickness, adhesions, stratifications and volume of gallstones. Comparing the degree of difficulty VLC assessed in the pre-operative stage to the intraoperative score, the sensitivity of the preoperative US scan test is 91.8% while the specificity is 76.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The variables which proved statistically significant in predicting a difficult cholecystectomy were: age, parietal thickness >3 mm, adhesions, stratifications, gallstones >2 cm and fixed gallstones. We have definitively defined a predictive score for difficult VLC for which a VLC is to be considered potentially difficult whenever it presents a pre-operative score equal or greater than 4 (and a "easy" one with a pre-operative score less than 4). These findings may prove helpful in further reducing the conversion rate and the rate of intra- and/or post-operative complications.

Predictive factors for incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) in patients undergoing cholecystectomy for presumed benign disease. A single-center experience.

AIM: The incidence of incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) is estimated at 0.3-2.1%. The purpose of our study is to evaluate IGBC incidence in our department and to establish its predictive factors, considering patients' clinical characteristics and pre-operative ultrasound gallbladder features. MATERIAL OF STUDY: From January 2012 to December 2015, 434 patients (225 females and 209 males) were enrolled in this retrospective observational study in our General Surgery Department. To analyze potential predictive factors, we divided all the patients into two groups: patients with and without histological diagnosis of IGBC. We focused our attention on the patients' clinical characteristics and preoperative ultrasound gallbladder measurements RESULTS: Seven cases were post-operatively identified as incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) and after histological examination an IGBC incidence of 1.6% was encountered. DISCUSSION: Considering the increasing numbers of video laparoscopic cholecystectomies (VLC) performed worldwide, cases of IGBC are appearing more frequently. In most cases of IGBC, a second surgical look will be necessary because of feasibility and safety procedures. CONCLUSIONS: There is no possibility to establish which risk factors might be predictive for IGBC because of a discordance in the literature and a statistical analysis with low sample size. An accurate surgical procedure needs to be performed to reduce the spread of neoplastic cells and, as a result, improve long-term outcomes. KEY WORDS: Incidental Gallbladder cancer, Laparoscopy, Ultrasound.

Laparoscopic appendectomy for the treatment of acute appendicitis: A single center experience.

AIM: The aim of our study is to compare the pre, intra- and post-operative variables of the two surgical techniques, to demonstrate if laparoscopic appendectomy can be considered safer and associated to better outcome. MATERIAL OF STUDY: A retrospective analysis of 175 patients has been carried out. Alvarado score, time of surgery, analgesic therapy and length of hospital stay calculated. Finally, postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: From January 2011 - April 2016 175 patients were enrolled: 128pts underwent laparoscopic technique and 47pts open technique. The average value of Alvarado score is lower in LA group than in OA group just as the average time of surgery and the use of post-operative analgesic therapy. DISCUSSION: LA has become the surgical technique mostly performed for the treatment of simple and complicated acute appendicitis. Our study shows that LA pts are younger with a statistically significant difference CONCLUSIONS: Most of the emergency appendectomies were performed via laparoscopic technique, especially in young patients. Laparoscopy is safer and associated to better outcome. KEY WORDS: Alvarado Score, Laparoscopic appendectomy, Open appendectomy.

Laparoscopic and Open Surgical Treatment in Gastroduodenal Perforations: Our Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Peptic ulcer perforation (PPU) is a common surgical emergency and the mortality rate ranges 10% to 40%, especially in elderly patients. Laparoscopic repair achieved encouraging results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled patients performing surgical repair for PPU from January 2007 to December 2015 in our surgical unit. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to compare the results of PPU laparoscopic repair with open technique. The following characteristics of patients were evaluated: age, sex and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. The site and the diameter of perforation were recorded: gastric, pyloric, duodenal, and the location on the anterior or posterior wall. RESULTS: In total, 59 patients (39 males and 20 females) with a mean age of 58.85 years (±SD) were treated surgically. Laparoscopic repair was accomplished in 21 patients. The mean operative time for laparoscopic repair was 72 minutes (±SD), significantly shorter than open repair time (180 min ±SD). The results demonstrated that laparoscopic repair is associated with a shorter operative time, reduced postoperative pain (4.75 vs. 6.42) and analgesic requirements, a shorter hospital stay (7.5 vs. 13.1), and earlier return to normal daily activities. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic surgery minimizes postoperative wound pain and encourages early mobilization and return to normal daily activities. The benefit of early discharge and return to work may outweigh the consumable cost incurred in the execution of laparoscopic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Complications in both procedures are similar but laparoscopic procedure shows economic advantages for reducing postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pain, and for a good integrity of abdominal wall.

Perineal Paget's disease: A rare disorder and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) occurs commonly in perineum, vulva and perineal region and is considered as a complex disorder due to different clinical and histological features. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 61 years old woman had a dermatologic evaluation for anal itch and underwent a skin biopsy with diagnostic of Paget disease in perianal region. Pelvic magnetic resonance showed a huge tumor which involved skin, derma and gluteus and she firstly refused any surgical treatment. One year later, because of increasing of the tumor and bleeding, she underwent the surgical procedure with a complete excision, resection of the skin of the anus, inguinal lymphadenectomy and left colostomy. Because of lymph nodes metastasis, a VLS Miles was sequentially performed. She started oncological follow up that showed liver, lung and pelvic metastasis. She survived for 24 months after surgery. DISCUSSION: In literature, less than 200 cases of perineal Paget's disease have been reported. EMPD in some cases has an associated adenocarcinoma, which has been associated with a worse prognosis and high mortality. Wrong diagnosis and a superficial consideration of a benign evolution should be considered as the first mistake in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Our surgical approach is considered in literature as the best one for those cases, followed by the oncological treatment. Those patients need to be better studied and more attention should be paid to the clinical presentation.

Choledochal cysts in pregnancy A case report and literature review.

AIM: Aim is to demonstrate that surgery can be the best way to reduce the risk of malignancy in choledochal cysts (CC) and how hard can be the diagnosis and the treatment during pregnancy. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a pregnant young woman (36 week) with a Todani's score II CC. After caesarean, due to increasing jaundice, she underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) that confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical operation consisted in "cholecystectomy, resection of the choledocal cyst and poli-jejunum anastomosis. drainage of the abscess in the iv hepatic segment". DISCUSSION: This case report highlights the difficult diagnosis and consequently treatment of a CC, especially during pregnancy. A significant association of biliary duct cyst and hepato-bilio-pancreatic malignancy has been reported with an age-related incidence. CONCLUSION: Surgery is considered as the best treatment with a close follow-up because of the risk of recurrent cholangitis and malignant degeneration. This case represents also a challenge because of physiological changes in pregnancy and also because of the risk of fetal mortality and maternal morbidity. KEY WORDS: Choledochal cyst, Colangiocarcinoma, Pregnancy, Todani's score.

Intermittent pneumatic compression in laparoscopic surgery for prevention of deep vein thrombosis and cellular damage from iatrogenic compartment syndrome.

AIM: This study is aimed to evaluate the incidence of the postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the cell damage from compartment iatrogenic syndrome, analyzing two groups of patients operated laparoscopically, one of which assisted with a Sequential Compression Device (SCD). MATERIAL OF STUDY: A patients' series submitted to laparoscopic surgery over a period at least 90 minutes. The venous flow in the lower limbs was detected with the Echo Colour Doppler method, and only one of the two groups was assisted with the SCD. RESULTS: Between November 2006 and October 2007, 35 patients were evaluated, 21 of them wew assisted with SDC and the remaining 14 patients were the control group. All patients had a follow-up was extended for 5 years at the interval of 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, 3 and 5 years. DISCUSSION: The results were confirmed that the application of SCD is able to neutralize the negative effect of the PNP reducing the possible risk of thromboembolic venous stasis and the improvement of lactic acid and of myoglobinemia are attributable to a reduction of preload. With the use of IPC, it decreases venous stasis, improves venous return and cardiac output increases, preventing cell damage by hypoperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a SCD applied to the lower limbs allows an increase in venous return from the lower limbs so reducing the risk of DVT. KEY WORDS: Cellular damage, DVT, Pneumoperitoneum.

A rare case of colon cancer with splenic abscess.

Cancer of the colon does not always present with the familiar symptoms. Perforation and penetration of adjacent organs, with abscess formation as the initial presentation, is uncommon. Splenic abscess is a rare clinical entity. The four causes of a splenic abscess described are: primary pyogenic infection, splenic trauma, hemoglobinopathies and contiguous disease. In this paper we report a case of splenic abscess from colon cancer in an 50-year-old man who had a left lower chest contusion two-week before and review pertinent literature. Only 11 reported cases of splenic abscess from colorectal cancer were found in Medline.

Reconstructive surgery in anal giant condyloma: Report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Giant anal condyloma also called Buschke-Löwenstein tumor is a rare sexually transmitted disease involving anogenital region with potential malignant degeneration into invasive squamous carcinoma. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice and often wide wounds are necessary to reach clear margins and prevent recurrence. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The authors present two cases treated with an S-plasty rotating and a bilateral house advancement flap respectively with good functional result. DISCUSSION: Giant anal condyloma also called Buschke-Löwenstein tumor is a large exophytic, cauliflower-like mass that is characterized by local aggressive behavior. Immunosuppression favors rapid growth of the condylomas and increases the risk of their malignant transformation. In limited lesions primary excision can be safely performed leaving wounds open to granulate while in more extensive lesions flap or skin graft coverage is preferable to decrease the length of recovery and minimize risk of severe anal stricture. Abdominoperineal resection should be performed for more extensive lesions with deep invasion, malignant transformation or tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: Giant anal condyloma also called Buschke-Löwenstein is a rare pathology with mainly sporadic single center experience reported in literature. Surgical complete excision remains the best treatment although elevate should be eventual recurrence. No sufficient data are available to recommend any medical treatment such as interferon, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Basiliximab versus steroids in double therapy immunosuppression in liver transplantation: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: : Basiliximab (B), an anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody, may represent an alternative to steroids (S) in immunosuppression after liver transplantation (LTx). The aim of this prospective randomized clinical trial was to compare B with S in a cyclosporin A (CsA)-based immunosuppression regimen in primary LTx. METHODS: : Forty-seven adult recipients of LTx were randomly assigned to receive B or S. CsA was administered at the initial dose of 10 mg/kg/day and adjusted to the target C2 level of 800 to 1000 ng/mL by day 7. Clinically suspected acute cellular rejection (ACR) was histologically confirmed. Endpoints include ACR, survival, and disease-free survival. RESULTS: : In group B (26 patients), there were seven biopsy-confirmed ACR with an ACR rate of 15.4%; in group S (21 patients), 8 ACR with an ACR rate of 28.6% (P=n.s.). Cumulative survival at 36 months after transplantation was 84.3% for group B and 61.0% for group S. In hepatitis C virus patients (n=20: 12 in group B, 8 in group S), the ACR rate was 25% in group B and 50% in group S. The incidence of infection and other adverse events was similar in the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: : B may represent a valid alternative to S in the induction of immunosuppression in LTx. Further studies of basiliximab in a large cohort are needed.