Resolution of late-onset heart and liver failures after reversion of jejuno-ileal bypass: a case report.

OBJECTIVES: Jejuno-ileal bypass (JIB) was a kind of bariatric surgery performed from 1960s to 1980s, able to induce sustainable weight loss by creating a surgical short bowel syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report a case of an octogenarian woman who underwent in the early eighties this kind of surgery with consequent 40 kg weight loss. After 27 years, she first developed a reversible metabolic cardiomyopathy that began with signs and symptoms of heart failure. Thereafter, she was diagnosed with severe intractable liver insufficiency. RESULTS: Despite her old age, the patient underwent reversal of JIB with consequent early improvement of hepatic function. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrate that in case of long-term and life-threatening complications, it is possible to successfully reverse JIB surgery after upto 30 years. The hypothesis on pathophysiology of heart and liver insufficiency are discussed.

Obstructive jaundice by lymph node recurrence of gastric cancer: can surgical derivation still play a role?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In some cases of bile duct compression by lymph node recurrence of gastric cancer, a second line chemotherapy can lead to prolonged survival; thus, a surgical derivation could represent a reasonable alternative to non surgical drainage, owing to its better long term efficacy. Our study retrospectively compares the surgical approach (SA) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in this particular oncological condition. METHODOLOGY: 11 patients undergoing biliary-jejunal anastomosis for obstructive jaundice by lymph node recurrence of gastric cancer at our Institution were compared with 10 patients undergoing PTBD. Clinical records and outcome parameters (success rate, complications, survival) were statistically matched in order to assess possible advantages for each technique and to evaluate any particular variable influencing survival. RESULTS: The SA patients experienced a better jaundice resolution (91% vs 50%, p.0.063), a lower major complication rate (9% vs 30%, p:0.311), and a significantly longer survival (317 days vs 85 days, p:0.001). Procedural success and complication rates were found to be correlated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience the SA represents a valid alternative to PTBD in the case of lymph node recurrence of gastric cancer, being favoured for patients with better performance status and longer life expectancy.

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis: a new step in the treatment of slow-transit constipation.

BACKGROUND: Subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis (SCCRA) has proved to be an effective alternative to total colectomy for the treatment of severe slow-transit constipation. The laparoscopic approach has made this procedure even more attractive. This is the first controlled trial on laparoscopic SCCRA. The study compares the laparoscopic and the open approach. METHODS: Since 2001, all SCCRAs have been performed laparoscopically at our institution. Only severely symptomatic patients are offered surgery, after stringent patient selection. Laparoscopic SCCRA was performed following the same steps that we first described for the open approach, by utilizing a five-trocar technique. Outcome parameters were prospectively collected every 3 and 6 months. Wexner constipation and incontinence scales (WCS, WI) and gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) were adopted for functional results. We conducted a case-control study of 15 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic SCCRA (VL) and 15 patients previously operated on by the open approach (Op) to compare postoperative and functional outcomes. RESULTS: The VL group had better postoperative outcomes (pain, ileus) while complication rates were similar. Resolution of constipation was impressive in both groups, with no significant difference at follow-up. The VL group presented with a higher number of bowel movements at 3 months (3.8 vs. 2.8, p = 0.039), resulting in a significantly higher incontinence rate at 3 months (WI 6.4 vs. 2.73, p = 0.004), although the difference was no longer significant at 1-year follow-up. The quality of life was good for both groups; the VL group showed a significant improvement at 1-year follow-up (64.18 vs. 114.79, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic SCCRA confirmed the good functional results of the open approach, with no increase in morbidity rate and a faster postoperative recovery. An early higher incontinence rate did not affect quality of life.

Computed tomography volumetric fat parameters versus body mass index for predicting short-term outcomes of colon surgery.

BACKGROUND: At present, the impact of obesity on short-term outcomes of general surgery remains controversial, especially in the field of laparoscopy. Most studies on the subject have used the body mass index (BMI) to define obesity without distinguishing between visceral and subcutaneous storage. Computed tomography (CT) volumetric analysis permits accurate evaluation of site-specific volume of adipose tissue. The purpose of this study was to compare CT volumetric fat parameters and the BMI for predicting short-term outcomes of colon surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 231 consecutive patients undergoing elective colon resection, with open or laparoscopic technique, from January 2007 to April 2009. CT volumetric quantification of abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue was performed. Intraoperative and perioperative data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 187 patients were enrolled. BMI showed a direct correlation with fat volumetric parameters but not with the visceral/subcutaneous fat ratio. Operating time was correlated with subcutaneous fat storage and BMI in the laparoscopic right colectomy subgroup. No associations were found with the conversion rate. Length of the hospital stay was correlated with the visceral/subcutaneous fat ratio in the laparoscopic left colectomy subgroup. Whereas the overall postoperative complication rate and mortality were not associated with fat parameters, the postoperative surgical complication rate was associated with visceral volumetric parameters in the laparoscopic left colectomy subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term outcomes of colon surgery are better predicted by fat volumetric parameters than by the BMI. This study has provided new elements for discussion on the impact of visceral and subcutaneous adiposity in laparoscopic and traditional colon surgery.

Elective palliative resection of incurable stage IV colorectal cancer: who really benefits from it?

PURPOSE: Despite the encouraging results of chemotherapy in patients affected by incurable colorectal cancer (CRC), surgical resection of a primitive tumor is still a common approach worldwide. The identification of prognostic factors related to short survival (<6 months) may allow excluding from resective surgery those who may not benefit from it. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 15 variables in a population of 71 patients undergoing nonemergency palliative primary resections of incurable CRC, including patients' demographics and clinical/histopathological characteristics of the tumor. RESULTS: No variables were related to perioperative mortality (8.5% overall). A multivariate analysis revealed that older age (≥80 years) and metastasis to more than 25% of the lymph nodes were associated with survival (4 and 6 months, respectively). Mucoid adenocarcinoma therefore tends to be associated with the prognosis (P = 0.070). CONCLUSIONS: An elderly age tends to be a contraindication to an elective primary tumor resection in patients affected by incurable CRC. Massive lymph node involvement and mucoid adenocarcinoma should also be considered before planning major colonic surgery.

Impact of palliative chemotherapy and surgery on management of stage IV incurable colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recent trials proposed chemotherapy (CHT) as the treatment of choice for patients affected by incurable colorectal cancer (ICRC). Nevertheless, surgery is still commonly offered to these patients. On the other hand, CHT is offered to ICRC patients regardless of the pattern of spread of the disease, local or distant, despite some evidence suggesting that metastatic pattern may influence the response to treatment. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 133 patients undergoing palliative treatment for ICRC from 1994 through 2007. Palliation consisted of surgery alone until 2002 and surgery with CHT (FOLFOX-FOLFIRI) thereafter. The impact of CHT and surgery was evaluated in the whole series as well as with respect to metastatic pattern (locally aggressive primary tumor and distant metastasis only), tumor site, and grading. RESULTS: Chemotherapy prolonged survival by 9 months (p = 0.001). In patients undergoing CHT, resective surgery did not prolong survival (p = 0.931), whereas in patients not undergoing CHT, it improved prognosis by 5 months (p = 0.023). Considering patients with distant metastasis only, CHT significantly prolonged survival (p < 0.001), whereas it did not improve the prognosis of patients with a locally aggressive primary tumor (p = 0.943). No difference in CHT effectiveness with respect to tumor site and grading was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: CHT should be the preferred option in patients undergoing elective treatment for ICRC, whereas surgery should be considered whenever CHT is not administered. CHT significantly increases survival of patients with unresectable distant metastasis only, whereas it seems to be useless in patients with locally aggressive primary tumors.

Biofeedback therapy plus anal electrostimulation for fecal incontinence: prognostic factors and effects on anorectal physiology.

BACKGROUND: The current literature does not provide unequivocal data on prognostic factors in conservative management of fecal incontinence. Moreover, the physiopathologic effects of pelvic floor rehabilitation on anorectal function are not well understood. Our aim is to identify some prognostic parameters and assess their effects on anorectal physiology of biofeedback therapy plus anal electrostimulation for fecal incontinence. METHODS: We studied prospectively 45 consecutive adult patients with fecal incontinence treated at our institution with biofeedback plus electrostimulation. The outcome parameter was modification of the Wexner Incontinence Score (WIS) at the end of treatment. In addition, we studied the modifications of anorectal manometry and the rectal sensitivity threshold after treatment. RESULTS: At univariate analysis, age, the pretreatment WIS, and the pretreatment resting and maximum squeeze pressures were correlated with the clinical outcome. Patients showed a significant reduction in the rectal sensitivity threshold but no significant change in manometric parameters after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We identify good sphincter function and mild to moderate symptomatology as favorable prognostic factors in biofeedback and anal electrostimulation therapy. Improvement in rectal sensitivity can be implicated in symptomatic improvement. The impossibility of correlating the clinical results with the effects on anorectal physiology suggests a nonspecific effect of conservative treatment.

An exceptional postoperative gastric tube bleeding after esophageal resection for cancer.

A case of gastric tube bleeding after an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with gastroesophageal anastomosis is reported. During the early postoperative course, the patient had a gastric tube stasis that improved progressively. The subsequent onset of a serious and intermittent hematemesis, which was endoscopically deemed to be the result of a hemorrhagic gastritis, required multiple blood transfusions. The evolution to a severe hemodynamic instability obliged us to reoperate on the patient. During surgery, a band-related obstruction of the first jejunal loop with local signs of vascular hypertension was noted. As soon as the obstruction was solved, the gastric bleeding stopped. The authors discuss the clinical aspects and physiopathology of the gastric tube bleeding and, in particular, they evaluate the influence of the intestinal obstruction with vascular involvement on the development of this exceptional and severe complication.

Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of primary torsion of the greater omentum.

Clinical presentation of primary torsion of the greater omentum is nonspecific, thus rarely allowing for a preoperative diagnosis. Three patients presented with acute but nonspecific abdominal symptoms. Because ultrasonographic and radiologic findings were unclear, all patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. In all cases, laparoscopy enabled us to achieve the diagnosis and to perform a resection of necrotic omentum. The mean duration of the procedure was 56 minutes (range: 42 to 76). The postoperative course was uneventful and the patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 (2) and 3. The value of diagnostic laparoscopy increases when the disease can be treated laparoscopically. The laparoscopic vision allowed us to explore the whole peritoneal cavity, so achieving the diagnosis, and to place the operative trocars at the most convenient sites. The laparoscopic resection of the greater omentum is an easy task even for inexperienced laparoscopic surgeons, allowing patients to benefit from the advantages of a mini-invasive approach.

Operative treatment of periampullary retroperitoneal perforation complicating endoscopic sphincterotomy.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based strategies are lacking regarding the appropriate management of periampullary retroperitoneal perforations complicating endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). We propose a transduodenal operative repair of periampullary retroperitoneal perforation. METHODS: Six patients with duodenal periampullary perforation induced by endoscopic sphincterotomy underwent operation after failure of an attempt of conservative management. After mobilization of the second and the third part of the duodenum, a minimal transversal duodenotomy was carried out, the papilla was exposed, periampullary perforation was readily identified, and was sutured easily as a sphincteroplasty or by 2 or 3 Vicryl 3/0 sutures. Patient outcomes were measured. RESULTS: Periampullary perforation was repaired as sphincteroplasty in 2 cases, and with Vicryl 3/0 sutures in 4 cases. The mean duration of operation was 176 minutes. There were no intraoperative complications. None of the patients required reoperation after transduodenal repair of the perforation. The patients had a normal postoperative course. The median hospital stay was 10.5 days (range, 9 to 20 days) and the mortality rate was nil. There were no delayed complications during a median follow-up of 60 months. CONCLUSIONS: The transduodenal operative approach to periampullary perforation after ERCP/ES at an early stage in the clinical evolution of the perforation is a safe and effective procedure. We consider this approach a useful option for the treatment of periampullary perforation after ERCP/ES when initial endoscopic and conservative management do not yield good results within 24 hours.

Intracorporeal laparoscopic cecorectal anastomosis.

We recently described a laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy with extracorporeal antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis (CRA). We modified this technique by performing an intracorporeal CRA: the anvil head assembly removed from the circular stapler with an ancillary trocar placed into the anvil shaft is pushed through the bottom of the cecum, the cecum with the anvil head assembly is brought into the pelvis, the circular stapler is inserted into the rectum and the cecoproctostomy is performed. Two patients underwent this new laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with CRA. The operating times were 230 and 260 minutes, respectively. There was no postoperative morbidity. Our results allow us to state that intracorporeally performed antiperistaltic cecoproctostomy after laparoscopic subtotal colectomy is feasible.

Surgical treatment of multiple sporadic colorectal carcinoma.

AIM: Many aspects of the surgical management of multiple sporadic colorectal cancer syndrome, either synchronous and metachronous, remain to be cleared, in particular the prognostic influence of the extent of surgical resection. METHOD: A retrospective review was performed of patients diagnosed with multiple colorectal cancer from 1982 to May 2010. Clinical and pathologic data were collected and reviewed. Survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: We identified 23 patients with multiple sporadic colorectal cancers, of which 8 had synchronous (SC) and 15 metachronous cancers (MC). Of the MC patients, 2 (13%) had the second cancer within 2 years, 4 (27%) in the time period of 2-5 years and 9 (60%) after 5 years. Twenty-one patients underwent multiple segmental resections; 2 patients underwent subtotal colectomy. The 5-year overall survival rate of SC and MC patients was 100% and 87% (p<0.001) respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate of multiple segmental resection patients and subtotal colectomy was 94% and 75% (p=0.655) respectively. CONCLUSION: Either synchronous and metachronous MSCRC patients showed good prognosis independently from to the extent of resection. Our results support a less aggressive biological behaviour allowing a more conservative management. Multiple segmental colorectal resections seem appropriate from an oncologic point of view in MSCRC patients.

Morphological Changes in the Carotid Artery Intima after Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) can be considered as an early marker of atherosclerosis, thus representing a reliable cardiovascular risk predictor. Bariatric surgery decreases the burden of cardiovascular disease in obese patients through complex mechanisms, of which weight loss is merely the most evident epiphenomenon. The aim of this study is to evaluate C-IMT variations in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and possible correlations with biometric parameters and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing RYGB for morbid obesity were enrolled for carotid artery B-mode ultrasound evaluation before surgery and at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up; C-IMT was recorded at three levels (bulb, common, and internal carotid). At each one of the follow-ups, biometric and serohematic parameters were also collected. RESULTS: The 22 patients who completed the follow-up and were included in the study showed significant C-IMT reduction at all three levels at 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). Along with a significant BMI reduction and diabetes/hypertension remission, we found a considerable decrease in total cholesterol (219 vs 164 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and uric acid (5.6 vs 4.5 mg/dl; p < 0.01) and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (43.9vs59.2 mg/dl; p < 0.001). The data imply that the mean 10-year cardiovascular risk score drops by nearly 50 % (5.7 ± 5.6 vs. 2.9 ± 2.7 %, p < 0.001) according to Framingham cardiovascular risk stratification. CONCLUSIONS: RYGB is associated with significant decrease in C-IMT at 1 year. Pathophysiologic processes underlying such a variation, probably involving lipid and urate metabolism and their correlation with cardiovascular risk reduction should be confirmed by long-term prospective trials.

Loss of p27 expression and microsatellite instability in sporadic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The role of the loss of p27 protein expression in the oncogenesis of colorectal cancer is still in debate. In this study, we prospectively examined the immunohistochemical expression of p27 in 108 consecutive colorectal cancers, and we analysed the relationship with the results, the clinicopathological data, microsatellite instability (MSI) and other genetic alterations of tumours. METHODS: Unselected patients (108) who underwent curative colorectal resection for sporadic colorectal cancer in a three-year period were evaluated for MSI using 6 microsatellite markers, and for the presence of p27, p53, Fhit, Mlh1 and Msh2 proteins by means of immunostaining. The relationships between these markers were analysed. p27 protein expression was examined for association with disease recurrences and survival. RESULTS: Lack of p27 expression was noted in 33 out of 108 (30.5%) colorectal cancer cases (P<0.05). This altered expression was significantly higher in proximal cancers (P<0.05), mucinous tumours (P<0.001), poorly differentiated histology (P<0.01), cancers with MSI (P<0.05), tumours with altered expression of Mlh1 (P<0.01), of Msh2 (P<0.05), and of Fhit (P<0.01). Overall survival was better in the patient group with altered level of phenotypic p27 expression, although the difference does not reach statistical significance (P=0.069). The analysis performed only for patients with tumour at stage II showed significantly better survival when the tumour exhibited altered p27 expression (P<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study support the hypothesis that altered expression of p27 may be part of the genetic pathway involving MSI, which is responsible for the development of some colorectal cancers.

Anorectal function problems after left hemicolectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective anorectal function in patients with left hemicolectomy and to clarify the clinical factors influencing postoperative anorectal function problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty one patients who underwent left hemicolectomy from April 2002 to December 2003 were enrolled in this study and sent questionnaires concerning anorectal function. Left hemicolectomy in patients with cancer was performed by high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery; in patients with diverticulitis or polyposis, the inferior mesenteric artery was cut just below the branch of the left colonic artery. One hundred patients replied to the questionnaire: 52 men and 48 women, aged 37 to 85, with a mean age of 66.6 years. Differences were analyzed for statistical significance by the Chi square test and by logistic regression. RESULTS: Anorectal function problems was present in 33% of patients: female gender (P = 0.02), laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.04), and postoperative diarrhea (P = 0.04) had significant independent effects on anorectal function problems. Transient early fecal incontinence was observed in 16% of patients and laparoscopic surgery had significant independent effects on this problem (P = 0.04). Inability to discriminate between gas and stool, tenesmus, or urgency were present in 21%, 18%, and 17% of cases, respectively, and were independently associated respectively with laparoscopic surgery (P = 0.005) and postoperative diarrhea (P = 0.019) (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: In our study the following two issues were clarified: anorectal function problems are frequent after left hemicolectomy, and the laparoscopic technique is linked to poor postoperative anorectal function. The technical methods of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery could explain this result.

Predicting conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic left hemicolectomy.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to quantify the risk of conversion to open surgery of laparoscopic left hemicolectomy at an early stage of the learning curve. METHODS: A multiple logistic regression analysis of 100 laparoscopic left hemicolectomies completed between April 2001 and May 2004 was performed. RESULTS: The overall conversion rate was 12%. At univariate analysis, 2 factors were found to be predictive of conversion to open surgery: malignancy (17.2% vs. 5%; P=0.046), and weight level (<60 kg=6.1%; 60 to 90 kg=11.3%; >90 kg=28.6%; P=0.049). At multiple logistic regression, the risk of conversion rose only for patients weighing more than 90 kg. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the results of this study, the surgeon will be able to quantify the risk of conversion to laparotomy with some precision in order to obtain the informed consent of the first 100 patients to whom laparoscopic left hemicolectomy is proposed.

Staged hepatectomy and whipple procedure in metastatic gastroenteropancreatic endocrine carcinoma: report of a case.

Because of their extremely variable and often indolent natural course, therapeutic management of neuroendocrine tumors is still controversial. Hepatic metastases, especially for gastro-entero-pancreatic-endocrine neoplasms, are common and often responsible for symptomatology onset. Although it has not been clearly shown, liver resection probably represents the best treatment of hepatic metastases, in terms of symptom palliation and survival prolongation. We present a case, to our knowledge the first in the recent literature, of a 60-year-old patient submitted to a pancreatico-duodenectomy for a pancreatic endocrine carcinoma 20 months after a right hepatectomy for an isolated symptomatic metastasis.

Hypovolemic shock caused by a true aneurysm of the pancreatico-duodenal artery: case report and review of the literature.

True pancreatico-duodenal artery aneurysm (PDAA) is a rare condition that since 1973 has been described in only 54 cases. It is frequently associated with celiac axis stenosis and often present with rupture. Even if most PDAAs that are not ruptured are asymptomatic and are diagnosed during investigation for other diseases, they may have some symptoms, such as chronic abdominal discomfort and an abdominal pulsating mass, that can be helpful for diagnosis. The treatment of this condition has evolved in time from a merely surgical one to an angiographic noninvasive approach. We present a case of a PDAA that manifested with sudden hypovolemic shock requiring an emergency operation, and through a review of the literature, we discuss the different diagnostic/therapeutic protocols to use in different situations.

Late surgical complications of subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic caeco-rectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation A critical analysis.

PURPOSE: Despite a good percentage of success, mainly related to the amelioration of patient selection, surgery for slow transit constipation still presents failures and late complications, often unpredictable, and sometimes related to technical variants. The aim of the study is to critically analyze late surgical complications of subtotal colectomy with caeco-rectal anastomosis (SCCRA), examining the peculiar risks of the procedure and possible prevention measures. METHODS: Follow-up data of 43 compliant patients submitted to SCCRA at our Institution were reviewed. Patients undergoing further surgery for a complication clearly related to SCCRA at our centre were included. RESULTS: We identified three late surgical complications (7%): a caecal distension, an ileo-caecal volvulus and an ileal volvulus. all patients were successfully treated. an evident predisposing condition was found only in the first case. CONCLUSIONS: Peculiar long term complications related to the presence of a dysfunctional or mobile caecal stump may be prevented by careful patient selection and surgical technique. KEY WORDS: Constipation, Complication, Caecal distension, Ileo-caecal volvulus, Subtotal colectomy.

Prognostic assessment of gastric cancer: retrospective analysis of two decades.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer mortality rates have remained relatively unchanged over the past decades, in spite of progressive decrease in incidence. Nodal status represents a key factor for prognostic assessment, allowing a tailored-made adjuvant therapy for the patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic influence of different nodal involvement indicators on the overall survival in a large series of patients submitted to gastrectomy at our Institution. METHODS: we retrospectively collected data from 634 newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy, with D1/D2 lymphadenectomy during the last 20 years. Prognostic values of age, histologic type, pN, nodal ratio (LNR) and log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) of were analyzed. RESULTS: The median overall survival was 40.2 +/-31 months. Multivariate analysis identified age at diagnosis, diffuse-type tumor, pN and LODDS as independent predictors of worse prognosis. Scatter plots of relationships between LODDS and LNR showed that LODDS seems to better assesses prognosis for patients at LNR stage 0 or 1. CONCLUSIONS: Nodal involvement confirmed to be a strong indicator of prognosis. LODDS demonstrated a theoretical advantage over pN and LNR system allowing more accurate patients stratification, but our results have to be confirmed by further trials.