Diagnostic, therapeutic and healthcare management protocols in parathyroid surgery: II Consensus Conference of the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (U.E.C. CLUB).

AIM: To update the Diagnostic-Therapeutic-Healthcare Protocol (Protocollo Diagnostico-Terapeutico-Assistenziale, PDTA) created by the U.E.C. CLUB (Association of the Italian Endocrine Surgery Units) during the I Consensus Conference in 2008. METHODS: In the preliminary phase, the II Consensus involved a selected group of experts; the elaboration phase was conducted via e-mail among all members; the conclusion phase took place during the X National Congress of the U.E.C. CLUB. The following were examined: diagnostic pathway and clinical evaluation; mode of admission and waiting time; therapeutic pathway (patient preparation for surgery, surgical treatment, postoperative management, management of major complications); hospital discharge and patient information; outpatient care and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The PDTA for parathyroid surgery approved by the II Consensus Conference (June 2013) is the official PDTA of the U.E.C. CLUB.

The diagnostic accuracy of the immunocytochemical markers in the pre-operative evaluation of follicular thyroid lesions.

UNLABELLED: Aim of the study was to consider the diagnostic accuracy of galectine-3 (GAL3) in the pre-operative cytological evaluation of follicular lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 100 patients suffering from thyroid nodular disease submitted to thyroidectomy from 2006 to 2007 in our Institution. Before surgery all patients underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy. The immunocytochemical analysis was performed on fine needle aspiration specimens using species-specific monoclonal antibodies and a biotin-free detection system. Based on preoperative cytological reports, 40 patients had pre-operative malignant results, and 60 patients (46 females and 14 males) showed follicular lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of GAL3 was evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test was used to compare frequencies of GAL3 expression between the different hystopathological groups. RESULTS: GAL3 proved to have 55% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 70% negative predictive value, and 78% diagnostic accuracy. The GAL3 expression in neoplastic and benign lesions was significantly different (GAL3+ in 16 out of 29 neoplastic lesions, GAL3+ 0 out of 31 benign lesions, p<0.01). Even comparing the GAL3 positivity between the follicular adenomas (0 GAL3+ out of 20) and the group of follicular carcinomas (5 GAL3+ out of 6), we found a statistically significant difference (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data from our experience, the patients with a cytological diagnosis of GAL3 positive follicular neoformation should be referred for surgery without any further immunocytological testing.

[Reoperations in hyperparathyroidism]. / I reinterventi nell'iperparatiroidismo.

Reoperative parathyroidectomy (PTx) is challenging for the surgeon. Before reintervention it is essential to evaluate the operative notes and pathology reports from the previous operation, the localization exams (sestaMIBI scintigraphy and ultrasound) and IOPTH assay are also essential. The surgeon is supposed to perfectly know the anatomy and embryology of parathyroid glands and experience with parathyroid surgery is still the most important predictor of success in reoperative PTx. Reinterventions in HPT have good results with a resolution of hyperparathyroidism in 85-90% for primary HPT and in 70% for secondary and tertiary HPT. Authors present their experience of 76 reinterventions after HPT I and 85 reinterventions after HPT II and III over a total of 2072 parathyroidectomies, carried out between January 1975 and October 2009.

[Diagnostic, therapeutic and healthcare management protocols in thyroid surgery. 2nd Consensus Conference (U.E.C. CLUB)]. / Protocolli Gestionali Diagnostico-Terapeutico-Assistenziali in Chirurgia Tiroidea. 2 feminine Consensus Conference.

AIM: To review and to update the management protocols in thyroid surgery proposed two years ago by 1st Consensus Conference called on the topic by the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (UEC Club). METHOD: The 2nd Consensus Conference took place November 30, 2008 in Pisa within the framework of the 7th National Congress of the UEC Club. A selected board of endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons (chairmans: Paolo Miccoli and Aldo Pinchera; speaker: Lodovico Rosato) examined the individual chapters and submitted the consensus text for the approval of several experts. This plain and concise text provides the rationale of the thyroid patient management and wants to be the most complete possible tool for the physicians and other professionals in the field. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic, therapeutic and healthcare management protocols in thyroid surgery approved by the 2nd Consensus Conference are officially those proposed by the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (UEC Club) and are subject to review by two years.

[Diagnostic, therapeutic and healthcare management protocols in parathyroid surgery. 1st Consensus Conference]. / Protocolli Gestionali Diagnostico-Terapeutico-Assistenziali in Chirurgia Paratiroidea. 1 feminine Consensus Conference.

AIM: The aim of the study was to draw up a management protocol in parathyroid surgery promoted by the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (UEC Club), based on the guidelines of the main international scientific societies and shared by the experts and applied by the operators in the sector. METHODS AND CONSENSUS: The management protocols, already presented in 2003, on the occasion of the current review were examined by the 1st Consensus Conference called on the topic by the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (UEC). The Conference comprised two distinct sessions, the first in November 2006 within the framework of the 5th National Congress of the UEC Club in Verona, and the second in September 2007 within the framework of the 10th Multidisciplinary Scanno Prize Meeting. A selected board of endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons examined the individual chapters and submitted the consensus text for the approval of several experts. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic, therapeutic and healthcare management protocols in parathyroid surgery approved by the 1st Consensus Conference are officially those proposed by the Italian Association of Endocrine Surgery Units (UEC Club) and are subject to review by October, 2009.

[The choice of surgical therapy in adenocarcinoma of the cardia]. / La scelta della terapia chirurgica nell'adenocarcinoma del cardias.

AIM: From 1996 the adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction (AEG) is divided into 3 types according to Siewert's classification. For AEG type I and III the surgical treatment is codified, while for type II is still controversial. The aim of our study is to understand what is the better surgical treatment for AEG type II. METHODS: From 1990 to 2002 we have performed 111 resections for adenocarcinoma of the cardia: 25 for AEG type I (all esophago-gastric resection), 39 for type II (22 esophago-gastric resection, 17 extended total gastrectomy with esophageal resection) and 47 for type III (8 esophago-gastric resection, 39 extended total gastrectomy with esophageal resection). RESULTS: The morbidity and mortality rates are 17 and 5.4%, without significant difference between the different surgical treatment (p>0.01). The 5 year survival rate is 35%. Significant prognostic factors are the staging TNM (p=0.002) and principally the presence of metastatic lymph nodes (p=0.001). For AEG type II any significant difference in survival is associated with surgical strategy, also in early stage (p>0.01). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of our study and those of the other authors, who have showed that a 10 cm distance of the neoplasm by the gastric side and the esophageal one could assure oncologic radicality and also that metastatic lymph nodes below pylorus and near greater curvature are uncommon, we can consider esophago-gastric resection for AEG II a speedy, safe and oncologically correct surgical treatment.

Calcium blood level modulates endogenous nitric oxide action: effects of parathroidectomy in patients with hyperparathyroidism.

UNLABELLED: Platelet cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is produced by soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), the activity of which is modulated by the activity of nitric oxide (NO) constitutive synthase (cNOS) which, in turn, is activated by a calcium/calmodulin complex. In primary hyperparathyroidism (H-PTH) an increase in platelet free calcium levels is present. In this study we evaluate the platelet cGMP levels, as an expression of NO production, in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) alone (IBMXcGMP) and after stimulation by ionomycine (IONO; IONOcGMP) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; SNPcGMP), in eight subjects affected by H-PTH before and after removal of adenoma. Platelet cGMP levels were also measured in seven normal subjects. IBMXcGMP and IONOcGMP were elevated in H-PTH patients compared with normal subjects (1.9 +/- 0.3 vs 0.8 +/- 0.2 fmol/10(6) platelets and 2.7 +/- 0.4 vs 1.4 +/- 0.3; P < 0.02 and P < 0.05 respectively) but SNPcGMP was unaffected (3.9 +/- 0.6 vs 2.5 +/- 0.5). After parathyroidectomy, blood levels of intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH), total calcium (t-Ca), IBMXcGMP and IONOcGMP all decreased (177.5 +/- 23.9 vs 45.0 +/- 8.8 pg/ml, P < 0.005; 6.5 +/- 0.5 vs 4.6 +/- 0.1 mEq/1, P < 0.005; 1.9 +/- 0.3 vs 0.8 +/- 0.2, P < 0.005; 2.7 +/- 0.4 vs 1.8 +/ 0.3, P < 0.05 respectively), while SNPcGMP was not modified (3.9 +/- 0.6 vs 4.3 +/- 0.9). t-Ca and i-PTH were directly correlated with IBMXcGMP (P < 0.02, rs = 0.613; P < 0.02, rs = 0.576 respectively) and i-PTH was also correlated with t-Ca (P < 0.001), rs = 0.840). IN CONCLUSION: (1) levels of IBMXcGMP and IONOcGMP are high in subjects with H-PTH; (2) after surgery both IBMXcGMP and IONOcGMP decrease to normal values. As IBMXcGMP expresses basal cGMP and IONOcGMP expresses the cGMP after cNOS stimulation, it can be speculated that the increase in NO production could be a mechanism to downregulate the vasoconstriction which may be caused by the high calcium levels in smooth muscle cells. After surgery, together with the normalization of calcium levels, NO production also returned to normal values.

Proliferative activity in parathyroid tumors as detected by Ki-67 immunostaining.

Clear morphological criteria for differentiating benign from malignant parathyroid tumors are not yet available and unfavorable prognosis cannot be predicted by histopathological parameters alone. A retrospective study of a series of parathyroid lesions was designed to evaluate the diagnostic role of the cell cycle-associated Ki-67 antigen detected by MIB-1 monoclonal immunocytochemistry. The mean tumor proliferative fraction (TPF), expressed as the number of Ki-67-positive nuclei per 1,000 cells, was 0.8 in normal parathyroid glands (nine specimens), 26.0 in hyperplasias (11 specimens), 32.8 in adenomas (11 specimens), and 60.5 in a group of tumors with histological features consistent with carcinoma (12 specimens). The difference between the latter two values was statistically significant (P < .05). When the five most clinically aggressive tumors were considered, the difference was even more remarkable (TPF, 78.6; P < .001). Oncocytic and pleomorphic cell components were found to proliferate with a labeling pattern similar to that of the chief cells. We conclude that proliferative activity is an additional useful parameter for evaluating parathyroid tumors diagnostically. Aggressive behavior may be expected in those tumors with a TPF greater than 6%.

AgNOR quantity as a prognostic tool in hyperplastic and neoplastic parathyroid glands.

Prediction of evolution of secondary hyperplasia and tumours of the parathyroid glands is still a problem in histopathology. To assess whether the quantity of silver-stained nucleolar organiser region (AgNOR) proteins might be used as a prognostic tool in parathyroid pathology, a standardised AgNOR analysis has been performed on 19 cases of parathyroid hyperplasia caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism (PH), 8 cases of adenoma (PA) and 10 cases of carcinoma (PC). Clinico-pathological data and follow-up information were available. On formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections, the visualisation and quantification of AgNORs were achieved according to the 1995 guidelines of the Committee on AgNOR Quantification. Then, the mean area (square micrometres) of AgNORs per nucleus (NORA) was evaluated by means of an image analyser and specific softwares. After testing the normal distribution of NORA values, statistical parametric tests were utilised; Kaplan-Meier and Cox multivariate analyses were also performed. In parathyroid lesions, a progressive increase of mean NORA values was observed from PH (2.895 microm2; SE 0.171) through PA (3.638 microm2; SE 0.125) to PC (4.701 microm2; SE 0.179); these differences were highly significant (P<0.001), although some degree of overlap was found among single NORA values. A significantly higher mean NORA value was revealed in PC with distant metastases than was noted in cases with no current clinical evidence of disease progression. Furthermore, a significantly (P<0.001) higher mean NORA value was encountered in the group of PH with recurrences (3.600 microm2; SE 0.106) than in nonrecurrent PH (2.261 microm2; SE 0.087). Multivariate analyses indicated that the NORA value was an independent prognostic parameter determining the risk of recurrence in PH. We suggest that AgNOR quantity may be a promising additional tool for predicting the biological behaviour of parathyroid lesions.

Optimizing efficacy of quick parathyroid hormone determination in the operating theater.

The usefulness of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring has been extensively documented in primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), whereas few data have been published on its use in reoperations or in secondary and tertiary HPT. We report our initial experience with a rapid (12 min response) PTH immunochemiluminometric assay performed in the operating room during surgery in 12 patients with primary HPT, 16 end-stage renal disease patients with secondary HPT and five kidney transplanted subjects with tertiary HPT. Blood samples were taken at baseline, within 10 min after resection and subsequently at various intervals whenever needed. The mean PTH levels before and after parathyroidectomy were 230.5 pg/mL (range 69-842) and 47.3 pg/mL (range 5-184), respectively, in primary HPT, 855.0 pg/mL (416-1655) and 202.2 pg/mL (53-440) in secondary HPT, and 205.6 pg/mL (116-301) and 45.4 pg/mL (18-97) in tertiary HPT. All patients but one had a significant percentage decline from pre-excision values (mean 76.9%, 76.0%, and 76.1% in primary, secondary and tertiary HPT, respectively). While a reduction of more than 50% was observed in 30 out of 33 patients after the first intraoperative sampling, additional measurements were performed in 10 cases. On-site PTH monitoring with this user-friendly and reliable system has proved helpful in targeting PTH tests to give the surgeon a rapid and accurate assessment of the intervention. The development of optimal PTH sequence strategies with decision-focused analytical and clinical limits will improve the efficacy of "point-of-care" PTH assay and resource utilization.

Clinical importance of tumour markers in the diagnosis of squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of three tumour markers, CEA, CA 19-9 and TA4-scc, 50 patients affected by squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus were studied together with 70 normal controls and 22 patients affected by benign esophageal pathologies. The three tumour markers were assessed in all patients and data were evaluated statistically in order to reveal their sensitivities, specificities and diagnostic values. It was concluded that further studies should be carried out on the marker TA4-scc given its high specificity and sensitivity towards esophageal neoplasias at a relatively early stage.

Cancer of the esophagus: ten years' experience.

The paper reports the authors' ten-year experience of the surgical treatment of cancer of the esophagus. A total of 625 patients with esophageal carcinoma were observed during the period 1980-89 of whom 490 were admitted to hospital and, of the latter, 172 (35.1%) were operated with a sectile rate of 86% (148 patients). Data from this period were analysed both retrospectively and prospectively using a computerised system. There were 105 radical operations (70.9%) and 43 palliative operations (29.1%). The 3-year actuarial survival rate was 21.7% and the difference between radical and palliative resections was at the limit of significance (p less than 0.1).

Gastric angiography: data for oesophagogastroplasty.

A report is presented on an angiographic study of the gastric arterial system conducted on 20 human stomachs taken from cadavers during routine autopsies. The aim of the study was to define the anatomical bases for the supply of blood to the isoperistaltic gastric tubule in oesophagogastroplasty operations. The study reveals that on its own the right gastroepiploic artery cannot ensure adequate vascularisation of the gastric fundus. The importance of pressuring the right hand section of the vascular arch along the small curve was also noted and is due to the constant presence of major anastomoses at antral level with the right gastroepiploic artery. The study also revealed the constant presence of a direct intramural anastomotic circulation between the right and left gastroepiploic arteries.

[Adenocarcinoma of the cardia: surgical strategies compared]. / Adenocarcinoma del cardias: strategie chirurgiche a confronto.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the cardia is increasing. The choice of surgical strategy for AEG type II of Siewert classification is the subjects of controversial discussion. The aim of our retrospective study is to analyse the surgical results in 12 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 1990 to 2002, 111 patients underwent resection for adenocarcinoma of the cardia at III Division of General Surgery, University of Turin. Twenty-five patients had AEG type I, 39 had type II and 47 type III. Transthoracic or transhiatal oesophagectomy with resection of the proximal stomach were performed in 55 cases and extended total gastrectomy with transthoracic or transhiatal oesophagectomy in 56. RESULTS: The morbidity and mortality rates are 17% and 5.4%. The 5 years survival rate is poor (35%) for all Siewert type. Survival is significantly associated with stage and the presence of lymph node metastasis, but not correlated with Siewert classification and surgical approach. Also in the AEG II the survival is not modified by the surgical approach. CONCLUSION: In patient with AEG I the therapy of choice is a radical transthoracic or transhiatal oesophagectomy with resection of the proximal stomach. For type III extended total gastrectomy with transthoracic or transhiatal oesophagectomy is the procedure of choice. The superiority of the thoracoabdominal approach is therefore evident in terms of oncologic radicality. Survival is similar in AEG type II patients for both operations. A oesophagectomy with proximal gastric resection should be adopted for these tumors as the standard procedure in the majority of cases.

[Respiratory function evaluation in esophageal surgery. Predictive value of tests]. / Valutazione funzionale respiratoria nella chirurgia esofagea. Valore predittivo dei tests.

In the context of major surgery the predictive significance of respiratory function tests in relation to postoperative pleuro-pulmonary complications is assessed. A statistical analysis is performed on a series of 85 oesophagectomy after thoracotomy and laparotomy. The most significant respiratory function indices are found to be those relating to volume restriction and the Mottley index.

One year follow-up results in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common intestinal disorder. Although fundoplication immediately achieves good results, some problems arise about duration. METHODS: From 1990 to 1992, thirty-seven patients underwent operation for GERD, the indications for surgery being: persistence of reflux symptoms after at least 6 months of medical therapy, esophagitis, manometric evidence of LES incompetence, augmented esophageal exposure to gastric juice documented by 24 hours pH monitoring. Nissen-Rossetti was the technique used; intraoperative calibration was 29.8 mmHg. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were studied 12 months after the operation. They were submitted to clinical examination, gastroscopy, manometry, 24 hours pH monitoring. Clinically 2 patients were unable to belch. All of them showed LESP and intra-abdominal HPZ length decreased (32.3% and 13.5% respectively). The factors influencing LESP 12 months after surgery are age and intraoperative calibration. Pressure decrease is related to age and calibration. An older patient will show a smaller decrement, to a higher intraoperative pressure corresponds a higher pressure decrease with time. CONCLUSIONS: For these reasons we do not recommend hypercalibration especially in the elderly.

[Endoscopic control of esophago-gastric sutures after superior polar resection. Advantages of the Lortat-Jacob reconstruction technic]. / Controllo endoscopico delle suture esofago-gastriche dopo resezione polare superiore. Vantaggi della tecnica di ricostruzione secondo Lortat-Jacob.

The results of superior polar resection carried out for benign and malignant lesions of the lower 3rd of the oesophagus and cardias were controlled endoscopically. Cure time, elasticity, suture function and the onset of complications were assessed in relation to the technique employed. It is known that the most important late complications in this surgery are, apart from recurrences, cicatricial stenosis, perianastomotic granulomas and, particularly, serious oesophagitis secondary to reflux. It is concluded that Lortat-Jacob valvular anastomosis gives the best immediate and long-term results because of its good elasticity and anastomosis function; there are almost never any problems connected with the presence of reflux, which is so important and invalidating for patients operated on with other techniques.