Surveillance of Surgical Meshes in Ventral Hernias and Unpredictability of Their History.

: The authors read the article "The importance of registries in the postmarketing surveillance of surgical meshes" by Kockerling et al, and they completely agree on the role of a clinical follow-up of surgical meshes even if they suggest that a surveillance longer than one year is advisable, particularly in IPOM repair, to collect not only late complications but also more serious adverse events. This seems be the only way to properly assess the safety of the mesh.

Combined DFT-D3 Computational and Experimental Studies on g-C3N4: New Insight into Structure, Optical, and Vibrational Properties.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has emerged as one of the most promising solar-light-activated polymeric metal-free semiconductor photocatalysts due to its thermal physicochemical stability but also its characteristics of environmentally friendly and sustainable material. Despite the challenging properties of g-C3N4, its photocatalytic performance is still limited by the low surface area, together with the fast charge recombination phenomena. Hence, many efforts have been focused on overcoming these drawbacks by controlling and improving the synthesis methods. With regard to this, many structures including strands of linearly condensed melamine monomers, which are interconnected by hydrogen bonds, or highly condensed systems, have been proposed. Nevertheless, complete and consistent knowledge of the pristine material has not yet been achieved. Thus, to shed light on the nature of polymerised carbon nitride structures, which are obtained from the well-known direct heating of melamine under mild conditions, we combined the results obtained from XRD analysis, SEM and AFM microscopies, and UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopies with the data from the Density Functional Theory method (DFT). An indirect band gap and the vibrational peaks have been calculated without uncertainty, thus highlighting a mixture of highly condensed g-C3N4 domains embedded in a less condensed "melon-like" framework.

A Western single-center experience with endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastrointestinal cancers.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has gained worldwide acceptance as a treatment for early gastrointestinal cancers (EGICs). However, the management of these tumors in the Western world is still mainly surgical. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ESD at a European center. Based on the knowledge transferred by one of the most experienced Japanese institutions, we conducted a pilot study on 25 consecutive patients with EGICs located in the esophagus (n = 3), stomach (n = 7), duodenum (n = 1), and colon (n = 14) at our tertiary center over a 2-year-period. The main outcome measurements were complete (R0) resection, as well as en-bloc resection and the management of complications. The R0 and en-bloc resection rates were 100% and 84%, respectively. There were three cases of bleeding and five cases of perforation. With a median follow up of 18 months, two recurrences were observed. We conclude that ESD for early esophageal and gastric cancers is feasible and effective, while colonic ESD requires more expertise.

Biological Scaffolds for Abdominal Wall Repair: Future in Clinical Application?

Millions of abdominal wall repair procedures are performed each year for primary and incisional hernias both in the European Union and in the United States with extremely high costs. Synthetic meshes approved for augmenting abdominal wall repair provide adequate mechanical support but have significant drawbacks (seroma formation, adhesion to viscera, stiffness of abdominal wall, and infection). Biologic scaffolds (i.e., derived from naturally occurring materials) represent an alternative to synthetic surgical meshes and are less sensitive to infection. Among biologic scaffolds, extracellular matrix scaffolds promote stem/progenitor cell recruitment in models of tissue remodeling and, in the specific application of abdominal wall repair, have enough mechanical strength to support the repair. However, many concerns remain about the use of these scaffolds in the clinic due to their higher cost of production compared with synthetic meshes, despite having the same recurrence rate. The present review aims to highlight the pros and cons of using biologic scaffolds as surgical devices for abdominal wall repair and present possible improvements to widen their use in clinical practice.

Treatment of pilonidal sinus with primary closure. A twenty-year experience.

From 1985 to 2004, 229 patients (171 M, 58 F) aged from 16 to 35 years, affected by pilonidal sinus were treated by complete excision of the sinus and primary closure. Primary healing was achieved in 208 patients (91%) in an average time of 11.9 days. Secondary healing was achieved in 21 patients (9%) in 16-19 days. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.9 days and the average time off work 16 days. Recurrent pilonidal sinus was observed in 10 patients with a mean follow-up of 18 months (range: 12-24). On the basis of their experience, the authors conclude that complete excision of the pilonidal sinus with primary closure yields good results in terms of healing, morbidity, early return to work and recurrence rate and can be considered the treatment of choice for pilonidal sinus.

[Familial polyposis coli associated with carcinoma of the uterine cervix]. / Poliposi familiare del colon in associazione a carcinoma della cervice uterina.

Familial polyposis coli is a heterogeneous disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations including not only multiple polyposis of the small bowel, but also multiple primary tumours, such as carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, subcutaneous tumours, bone tumours, central nervous system tumous and gynaecological malignancies. This report is of two brothers with familial polyposis, each showing peculiar distinctive features. In one case, polyposis was diagnosed during emergency surgery for ileo-colic intussusception. The patient later developed a tumour of the uterine cervix. Polyposis coli was identified late in the second patient who showed an evolution towards colonic adenocarcinoma with multiple hepatic metastases. The possible association of familial polyposis and extracolonic malignancies has already been emphasized in the literature. In this report we wish to stress the advisability of periodic gynaecological check-ups in affected patients.

A new mesh design for plug and patch groin hernia repair: Parietene PP.

Plug and patch hernioplasty is a technique showing very good results. Actually some criticisms mainly concern the amount of prosthetic material and the shrinkage of the plug resulting in recurrence of hernia, groin pain, and/or migration. The new tridimensional mesh Parietene PP allows to achieve a plug and patch hernioplasty, without any risk of plug migration. The Parietene PP hernia repair in simple and easy to learn. Preliminary results are very satisfactory and comparable with the best outcome from mesh plug repair, without any risk of plug migration.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm following acute pancreatitis.

Vascular lesions may complicate the course of acute pancreatitis. The activated pancreatic enzymes, particularly elastase, might cause lysis of the elastic component of the arterial wall thus leading to aneurysmal changes. This report is on a case of aneurysm of the infrarenal aorta following complicated acute pancreatitis and treated by endovascular technique.

Chronic anemia due to transmural e-PTFE anti-adhesive barrier mesh migration in the small bowel after open incisional hernia repair: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Meshes are commonly employed in abdominal hernia repair to reduce recurrence rates. Prosthetic repair, however, increases the risk of mesh related complications, including migration into adjacent viscera and erosion which can occur as uncommon and can be difficult to be diagnose. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This is a case of transmural migration of composite mesh into the bowel, presenting as chronic abdominal pain and anemia 14 years after incisional hernia repair. DISCUSSION: Mesh implantation in hernia repair has increased the incidence of complications, such as seroma, hematoma and infection. Migration into adjacent viscera and erosion may present as complications related to the use of meshes. Their precise frequency after abdominal wall hernia repair is not well known and their late occurrence can make the diagnosis difficult. CONCLUSION: Transmural migration of composite mesh is an uncommon complication of incisional hernia repair. Its pathogenesis is still not completely clear but it has been reported many years after implant surgery. It should be considered in a typical presentation of patients with history of previous prosthetic ventral hernia repair.

Central mesh failure (CMF) after abdominal wall repair. A rare cause of recurrence.

Central Mesh Failure (CMF) after abdominal wall repair (AWR) is uncommon but should be considered in case of recurrence. The mechanism is unclear and different theories are actually proposed, as the action of opposite forces acting in the abdominal wall on the prosthesis, and the characteristics of the device to be implanted. The use of lightweight meshes in some cases could be inadequate to withstand the bursting strenght of the abdominal wall. Three cases of incisional hernia recurrence due to central mesh failure are here reported. KEY WORDS: Abdominal wall repair (AWR), Central mesh failure (CMF), Hernia recurrence, Lightweight mesh.

Defining the characteristics of certified hernia centers in Italy: The Italian society of hernia and abdominal wall surgery workgroup consensus on systematic reviews of the best available evidences.

BACKGROUND: The terms "Hernia Center" (HC) and Hernia Surgeon" (HS) have gained more and more popularity in recent years. Nevertheless, there is lack of protocols and methods for certification of their activities and results. The Italian Society of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery proposes a method for different levels of certification. METHODS: The national board created a commission, with the task to define principles and structure of an accreditation program. The discussion of each topic was preceded by a Systematic Review, according to PRISMA Guidelines and Methodology. In case of lack or inadequate data from literature, the parameter was fixed trough a Commission discussion. RESULTS: The Commission defined a certification process including: "FLC - First level Certification": restricted to single surgeon, it is given under request and proof of a formal completion of the learning curve process for the basic procedures and an adequate year volume of operations. "Second level certification": Referral Center for Abdominal Wall Surgery. It is a public or private structure run by at least two already certified and confirmed FLC surgeons. "Third level certification": High Specialization Center for Abdominal Wall Surgery. It is a public or private structure, already confirmed as Referral Centers, run by at least three surgeons (two certified and confirmed with FLC and one research fellow in abdominal wall surgery). Both levels of certification have to meet the Surgical Requirements and facilities criteria fixed by the Commission. CONCLUSION: The creation of different types of Hernia Centers is directed to create two different entities offering the same surgical quality with separate mission: the Referral Center being more dedicated to clinical and surgical activity and High Specialization Centers being more directed to scientific tasks.

Laparoscopically assisted treatment of entero-atmospheric fistula following abdominal wall repair of complex incisional hernia: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Entero-atmospheric fistula (EAF) is an uncommon complication. Its timing and surgical management could be extremely challenging because extensive adhesions may heavily affect the approach to the abdominal cavity. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We hereby report a case of EAF in a 70 year-old man. In order to control the fistula output and the surrounding tissue damage from enteric content, the patient was managed conservatively using different technical solutions. Finally, the patient underwent surgery that started with a laparoscopic approach in order to avoid the hostile abdomen. DISCUSSION: Due to the lack of guidelines, treatment of EAF requires a multidisciplinary approach and different technical options based on the experience and inventiveness of the surgeon. Among others, the vacuum assisted wound management proved to be a useful support andlaparoscopy demonstrated to be valuable in approaching the abdominal cavity. CONCLUSION: According to our experience the success of the treatment of EAF may be improved adopting a multidisciplinary approach and well-planned surgery in referral centers.

Surgical approach to piles at risk of severe postoperative pain: tricks and tips.

AIM: Aim of the present study is to propose a clinic-therapeutic course for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease able to combine radical anatomic surgery with a painless postoperative path. MATERIAL OF STUDY: The present study is based on the evaluation of 20 selected patients who underwent radical hemorrhoidectomy for very high grade hemorrhoidal disease. The clinical course was characterized by careful bowel cleansing, hemorrhoidectomy according to Milligan-Morgan using LigaSure, intraoperative perianal infiltration of Ropivacaine and postoperative use of analgesic drugs. DISCUSSION: A low postoperative pain may descend from a scheduled timing of clinical procedures. Preoperative bowel cleansing delays the first postoperative evacuation, thus avoiding the perianal nerve stimulation. The use of LigaSure allows to perform surgical excision in a perfect way: lack of hemostatic stitches, less tissue trauma, very low early morbidity. A rational and scheduled intra and postoperative drug administration offers a highly significant contribution to the pain control. The intra and postoperative use of drugs makes it possible to perform the so-called "preventive anesthesia with activation of the pain memory" and postoperative evacuations with low pain perception. All patients, in fact, reported low and well tolerated pain, satisfaction and return to normal activities in a short period. CONCLUSIONS: Radical hemorrhoidectomy with LigaSure and attention to pre, intra and postoperative protocol makes the procedure painless, safe and with low morbidity. KEY WORDS: Hemorrhoidectomy, LigaSure, Painless procedure.

[Colorectal cancer surgery. Analysis of risk factors in relation to incidence of morbidity and mortality]. / Chirurgia oncologica colo-rettale. Analisi dei fattori di rischio nell'incidenza di morbi-mortalità.

The aim of the study was to investigate risk factors in relation to the incidence of morbidity and mortality in surgery for colorectal cancer. Between 1986-2005, 328 patients underwent colorectal cancer surgery, 308 of whom (93.9%) in elective and 20 (6.1%) in emergency surgery. Radical resection was performed in 276 (84.2%) and palliative surgery in 52 (15.8%) patients. Bivariate statistical analysis was used for morbidity and mortality factors and multivariate analysis was performed in order to find independent variables (age, gender, ASA grade, elective or emergency surgery, tumour excision, cancer stage according to Dukes) associated with dependent variable interactions. Differences were considered statistically significant for p values < 0.05. The incidences of mortality and morbidity were 0.91% and 20.1%, respectively. In our study we observed a leakage incidence of 2.74% (9/328). In emergency surgery we found morbidity and mortality rates of 20% and 10%, respectively. Age and advanced cancer stage influenced results but were not found to be statistically significant. 18.3% of patients (60/328) were ASA I, 32% (105/328) ASA II, 39.6% (130/328) ASA III and 10.1% (33/328) ASA IV. Among the independent variables observed in the multivariate analysis, ASA grade was found to be the only positive predictive factor correlated with morbidity. Logistic regression showed an exponential increase in operative risk: odds ratio (OR) 2.9 in ASA I vs ASA II, OR 4.2 in ASA I vs ASA Ill, OR 10.3 in ASA I vs ASA IV (95% confidence interval). As regards the mortality rate, none of the independent variables were found to be statistically significant risk factors (p < 0.05).

Made in Italy for hernia: the Italian history of groin hernia repair.

UNLABELLED: The history of groin hernia surgery is as long as the history of surgery. For many centuries doctors, anatomists and surgeons have been devoted to this pathology, afflicting the mankind throughout its evolution. Since ancient times the Italian contribution has been very important with many representative personalities. Authors, investigators and pioneers are really well represented. Every period (the classic period, the Middle Age, the Renaissance and the post-Renaissance) opened new perspectives for a better understanding. During the 18th century, more information about groin anatomy, mainly due to Antonio Scarpa, prepared the Bassini revolution. Edoardo Bassini developed the first modern anatomically based hernia repair. This procedure spread worldwide becoming the most performed surgical technique. After World War II synthetic meshes were introduced and a new era has begun for hernia repair, once again with the support of Italian surgeons, first of all Ermanno Trabucco. But Italian contribution extends also to educational, with the first national school for abdominal wall surgery starting in Rome, and to Italian participation and support in international scientific societies. Authors hereby wish to resume this long history highlighting the "made in Italy" for groin hernia surgery. KEY WORDS: Bassini, Groin hernia, History, Prosthetic repair.

New "all-in-one" device for mesh plug hernioplasty: the Trabucco repair.

UNLABELLED: Although Mesh Plug Repair (MPR) represents an effective method for the treatment of groin hernia, some criticisms still concern adverse effects related to the plug (shrinkage, chronic pain, migration and erosion). Different mesh and plug devices have been proposed in the past mostly to prevent migration but none of these achieved the same popularity as the cone or flower-shaped plug. Authors hereby present a pilot study with a new tridimensional device, denominated NeT Plug and Patch, that avoids any risk of migration. Results after 12 months follow-up have demonstrated low incidence of postoperative and chronic pain, with both patients and surgeons greatly satisfied. NeT Plug and Patch has proven to achieve a simple and effective repair for primary inguinal hernias. KEY WORDS: Mesh-plug, Plug migration, Trabucco repair.

[Drug-induced acute pancreatitis: a personal contribution]. / Pancreatite acuta da farmaci: contributo personale.

Drugs are commonly considered a rare cause of acute pancreatitis but there are an increasing number of reports of numerous medications that seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis with different degrees of causative relationship to the disease (definite--probable--possible). The number of drugs that have been associated to date with acute pancreatitis exceeds 260. The authors report here on their personal series of four cases of drug-induced acute pancreatitis (warfarin, lysinopril/hydrochlorothiazide, lamivudine/stavudine/indinavir, valproic acid), focusing on a number of epidemiological and clinical aspects.

[Extrauterine endometriosis: what interest for the general surgeon? Presentation of 3 clinical cases and review of the literature]. / Endometriosi extrauterina: quale interesse per il chirurgo generale? Presentazione di 3 casi clinici e revisione della letteratura.

Extragonadal endometriosis is rarely diagnosed preoperatively for the variety of its localizations. Presentations to general surgeons may be atypical and pose diagnostic difficulty, mimicking other acute diseases. We report three cases treated with surgical operation. Case 1: a 28-year-old woman admitted for bowel obstruction due to coecal endometriosis, with appendix mucocele, peritoneal pseudomyxoma and ovarian endometrioma. The patient underwent right colectomy and right adnexectomy in the emergency setting. Case 2: a 31-year-old woman with endometriosis of the distal extraperitoneal portion of the round ligament presenting as an irreducible inguinal hernia. An operation was performed: the round ligament and a polycystic structure encompassing it were completely excised. Case 3: a 41-year-old woman, with umbilical endometriosis diagnosed by her gynaecologist, was admitted to our department for excision. Surgical treatment of extragonadal endometriosis is adequate. However, postoperative follow-up is mandatory and hormonal suppressive therapy may be indicated by the gynaecologist.

[Treatment of esophageal perforations. Considerations on a clinical case]. / Trattamento delle perforazioni esofagee. Considerazioni su un caso clinico.

The Authors describe a rare case of esophageal perforation occurred after Transoesophageal echocardiography in 68 years old patient and review the literature relating to the causes and management of this pathology. Transoesophageal echocardiography, which is a semi-invasive investigation increasingly used in cardiology and cardiac surgery and intensive care units, is a rare though extremely dangerous cause of such complications. Perforation of the esophagus continues to present a formidable diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The diagnosis depends on a high degree of suspicion and on the recognition of clinical features and is confirmed by contrast esophagography. The outcome after esophageal perforation depends on the location of the injury, the presence or otherwise of concomitant esophageal disease and the time elapsing between the injury and inititian of treatment. Reinforced primary repair of the perforation is the procedure most frequently employed and preferred for the surgical management of the esophageal perforation. In the case reported here, early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment consisting in primary repair of the esophageal perforation contributed to the successful management of this serious pathology.