Survival benefit of second line therapies for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: repeated hepatectomy, thermoablation and second-line transplant referral in a real life national scenario.

BACKGROUND: Despite second-line transplant(SLT) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma(rHCC) leads to the longest survival after recurrence(SAR), its real applicability has never been reported. The aim was to compare the SAR of SLT versus repeated hepatectomy and thermoablation(CUR group). METHODS: Patients were enrolled from the Italian register HE.RC.O.LE.S. between 2008 and 2021. Two groups were created: CUR versus SLT. A propensity score matching (PSM) was run to balance the groups. RESULTS: 743 patients were enrolled, CUR = 611 and SLT = 132. Median age at recurrence was 71(IQR 6575) years old and 60(IQR 53-64, p < 0.001) for CUR and SLT respectively. After PSM, median SAR for CUR was 43 months(95%CI = 37 - 93) and not reached for SLT(p < 0.001). SLT patients gained a survival benefit of 9.4 months if compared with CUR. MilanCriteria(MC)-In patients were 82.7% of the CUR group. SLT(HR 0.386, 95%CI = 0.23 - 0.63, p < 0.001) and the MELD score(HR 1.169, 95%CI = 1.07 - 1.27, p < 0.001) were the only predictors of mortality. In case of MC-Out, the only predictor of mortality was the number of nodules at recurrence(HR 1.45, 95%CI= 1.09 - 1.93, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: It emerged an important transplant under referral in favour of repeated hepatectomy or thermoablation. In patients with MC-Out relapse, the benefit of SLT over CUR was not observed.

A national survey on the current status of minimally invasive gastric practice on behalf of GIRCG.

Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer (GIRCG), during the 2013 annual Consensus Conference to gastric cancer, stated that laparoscopic or robotic approach should be limited only to early gastric cancer (EGC) and no further guidelines were currently available. However, accumulated evidences, mainly from eastern experiences, have supported the application of minimally invasive surgery also for locally advanced gastric cancer (AGC). The aim of our study is to give a snapshot of current surgical propensity of expert Italian upper gastrointestinal surgeons in performing minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of gastric cancer in order to answer to the question if clinical practice overcome the recommendation. Experts in the field among the Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer (GIRCG) were invited to join a web 30-item survey through a formal e-mail from January 1st, 2020, to June 31st, 2020. Responses were collected from 46 participants out of 100 upper gastrointestinal surgeons. Percentage of surgeons choosing a minimally invasive approach to treat early and advanced gastric cancer was similar. Additionally analyzing data from the centers involved, we obtained that the percentage of minimally invasive total and partial gastrectomies in advanced cases augmented with the increase of surgical procedures performed per year (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04 respectively). It is reasonable to assume that there is a widening of indications given by the current national guideline into clinical practice. Propensity of expert Italian upper gastrointestinal surgeons was to perform minimally invasive surgery not only for early but also for advanced gastric cancer. Of interest volume activity correlated with the propensity of surgeons to select a minimally invasive approach.

Colonic J-Pouch or Straight Colorectal Reconstruction After Low Anterior Resection For Rectal Cancer: Impact on Quality of Life and Bowel Function: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes associated with different bowel reconstruction techniques following anterior resection for rectal cancer are still a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess quality of life and bowel function in patients who underwent colonic J-pouch or straight colorectal anastomosis reconstruction after low anterior resection. DESIGN: Bowel function and quality of life were assessed within a multicenter randomized trial. Questionnaires were administered before the surgery (baseline) and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. SETTINGS: Patients were enrolled by 19 centers. The enrollment started in October 2009 and was stopped in February 2016. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01110798). PATIENTS: Patients who underwent low anterior resection for primary mid-low rectal cancer and who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either stapled colonic J-pouch or straight colorectal anastomosis were selected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were quality of life and bowel function. RESULTS: Of the 379 patients who were evaluable, 312 (82.3%) completed the baseline, 259 (68.3%) the 6-month, 242 (63.9%) the 12-month, and 199 (52.5%) the 24-month assessment. Bowel functioning and quality of life did not significantly differ between arms for almost all domains. The total bowel function score, the urgency, and the stool fractionation scores significantly worsened after surgery and remained impaired over time in both arms (p < 0.0032), whereas constipation improved after surgery but recovered to baseline levels from 1 year onward (p < 0.0036). All patients showed a significant and continuous improvement in emotional functioning (p < 0.0013) and future perspective (p < 0.0001) from baseline to the end of the study. LIMITATIONS: Limitations of the study include missing data, which increased over time; the possibility that some treatments have slightly changed since the study was conducted; and investigators not blind to treatment allocation. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study do not support the routine use of colonic J-pouch reconstruction in patients with rectal cancer who undergo a low anterior resection. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B328. BOLSA J COLÓNICA O RECONSTRUCCIÓN COLORRECTAL RECTA DESPUÉS DE RESECCIÓN ANTERIOR BAJA PARA CÁNCER RECTAL: IMPACTO EN LA CALIDAD DE VIDA Y LA FUNCIÓN INTESTINAL: UN ESTUDIO ALEATORIZADO PROSPECTIVO MULTICÉNTRICO: Los resultados informados por el paciente asociados con diferentes técnicas de reconstrucción intestinal después de la resección anterior para el cáncer de recto aún son tema de debate.Evaluar la calidad de vida y la función intestinal en pacientes que se sometieron a una bolsa en J colónica o reconstrucción de anastomosis colorrectal recta después de una resección anterior baja.La función intestinal y la calidad de vida se evaluaron en un ensayo aleatorizado multicéntrico. Los cuestionarios se administraron antes de la cirugía (basal) y a los 6, 12 y 24 meses después de la cirugía.Los pacientes fueron incluidos en 19 centros. La inscripción comenzó en Octubre de 2009 y se detuvo en Febrero de 2016. El estudio se registró en www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identificador: NCT01110798).Pacientes que se sometieron a resección anterior baja por cáncer rectal primario medio-bajo y que fueron aleatorizados en una proporción de 1: 1 para recibir bolsa J colónica con grapas o anastomosis colorrectal recta.calidad de vida y función intestinal.De los 379 pacientes que fueron evaluables, 312 (82.3%) completaron la evaluación inicial, 259 (68.3%) a los 6 meses, 242 (63.9%) a los 12 meses y 199 (52.5%) a los 24 meses. . El funcionamiento intestinal y la calidad de vida no difirieron significativamente entre los dos grupos en casi todos los dominios. La puntuación total de la función intestinal, la urgencia y las puntuaciones de fraccionamiento de las heces empeoraron significativamente después de la cirugía y continuaron con el tiempo extra en ambos grupos (p <0.0032), mientras que el estreñimiento mejoró después de la cirugía pero se recuperó a los niveles basales a partir de 1 año en adelante (p <0.0036). Todos los pacientes mostraron una mejora significativa y continua en el funcionamiento emocional (p <0.0013) y la perspectiva futura (<0.0001) desde el inicio hasta el final del estudio.Datos faltantes, que aumentaron con el tiempo; la posibilidad de que algunos tratamientos hayan cambiado ligeramente desde que se realizó el estudio; investigadores no cegados a la asignación del tratamiento.Los hallazgos de este estudio no respaldan el uso rutinario de la reconstrucción de la bolsa J colónica en pacientes con cáncer rectal que se someten a una resección anterior baja. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B328. (Traducción-Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Khalil).

The detection of interval colorectal cancers following screening by fecal immunochemical test may predict worse outcomes and prompt ethical concerns: a 6-year population-based cohort study in a full district.

The rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) interval surveyed in screen-detected patients using a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are not negligible. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of interval cancer on outcomes compared with a population with cancer diagnosed after a positive test result. All patients between 50 and 71 years of age, who were residents of the Mantua district, affected by CRC and operated on from 2005 to 2010 were reviewed. Other than patient-related, disease-related, and treatment-related factors and tumor location, this population was differentiated as either participating or not to screening and then into populations developing interval cancer after a negative FIT result. Mortality was investigated by univariate analysis and by overall survival rates. The mean age of the 975 patients enrolled was 62 years (61.7% males). Most patients (n=575, 59%) were not screen detected, and 400 (41%) were screen detected. Fifty-six (5.7%) patients in the latter group, representing 14% of the participants, developed interval cancer after a negative FIT result. Their cancer was mostly localized in the right colon (41.1%) instead of the left colon and rectum (P=0.02). They also showed higher stages (P=0.001), a moderate degree of differentiation (P=0.001), and overall higher mortality rates than patients with cancer diagnosed after a positive test result (P=0.001). The effect of interval CRC after screening with FIT resulted in worse outcomes compared with the FIT-positive group. With such findings, patients who had negative results for FIT should be informed of the risk of developing cancer within the rounds of screening to independently gain educational skills in the area of health prevention.

Inguinal Bladder and Ureter Hernia Permagna: Definition of a Rare Clinical Entity and Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Inguinoscrotal herniation of the bladder is a rare clinical entity, with a frequency between 0.5% and 4% of all inguinal hernias. The bladder can partially or entirely herniate into the inguinal canal; when the whole bladder and ureters migrate into the scrotum, it may cause urinary disorders. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old male patient presented with urinary disorders and right-sided inguinoscrotal hernia. Under clinical suspicion of bladder involvement in the inguinal canal, abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan with endovenous contrast was performed, revealing a right inguinoscrotal hernia, containing the whole urinary bladder and the right pelvic ureter. Without violating the urinary bladder wall integrity, the content of the hernial sac was reduced into the abdominal cavity. Hernioplasty was performed by means of Lichtenstein's method. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral involvement should be suspected when a clinical inguinal hernia is diagnosed concurrently with unexplained hydronephrosis, renal failure, or urinary tract infection, as in the case described. When suspected, the preoperative diagnosis, particularly with CT scan, is essential to avoid complications and to reduce risk of bladder and ureter injuries during hernia repair.

Amyand's Hernia, State of the Art and New Points of View.

BACKGROUND: Amyand's hernia (AH) is an inguinal hernia containing the vermiform appendix, with an incidence between 0.4% and 1% of all inguinal hernias. Acute or perforated appendicitis can complicate AH. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old Caucasian man presented with incarceration of vermiform appendix in inguinal hernia sac. Diagnosis was posed preoperatively with computed tomography (CT) scan. Patient underwent urgent surgery and simultaneous appendectomy and hernia repair by Bassini's technique were performed. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative diagnosis of AH is rare; however it could be useful for surgeon to choose operative approach. Treatment of AH depends on grade of appendix inflammation and/or perforation. The technique utilized to repair hernia depends largely on surgeon's preferences; the presence of inflamed or perforated appendix is not an absolute contraindication for using a prosthetic mesh.

Ingenol mebutate treatment in keloids.

BACKGROUND: Ingenol-mebutate has been used for the treatment of actinic keratosis. It has been shown that ingenol-mebutate inhibits the growth of cancer cells or induces tumor cell death through pro-apoptotic effects. Keloids are benign skin tumours and are the effect of a deregulated wound-healing process in genetically predisposed patients. Increased cell proliferation, which accounts for the progressive and hypertrophic nature of keloids, correlates with the failure of apoptosis and plays a role in the process of pathological scarring. Keloid cells show a mutated p53 gene resulting in functionally inactive p53 protein which cannot control genomic integrity. They tend to escape from apoptosis which leads to keloid development by means of accumulation of continuously proliferating cells. Currently, the treatment of keloids remains a challenge for high recurrence rates. However, the design and the development of pro-apoptotic therapeutic strategies would be beneficial to keloids treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old caucasian woman presented recurrent keloids on a presternal scar. Standard surgical intervention was used to treat the scar. However, this was unsuccessful and a year later the patient sought treatment again, but only by alternative means as the patient refused further surgical intervention. Consequently, based on past research and experience, the authors attempted to treat these lesions with ingenol mebutate gel, due to the pro-apoptotic effects. CONCLUSION: After 1 month, there was a clinical resolution of lesions, with a slightly squamous, post-inflammatory erythema. A cutaneous biopsy proved the absence of residual keloids and deregulated expression of molecular markers. The last follow-up of the patient, 1 year after treatment, showed that the patient was still free of keloids recurrence.

The impact of colorectal screening program on the detection of right-sided colorectal cancer. A 5-year cohort study in the Mantua District.

BACKGROUND: High rates of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) are still diagnosed in the right side of the colon. This study aimed to investigate whether screening programs increase CRC detection and whether tumor location is associated with survival outcome. METHODS: Patients affected by CRC, aged from 50 to 69 years and operated on from 2005 to 2009 were reviewed. Other than patient-, disease-, and treatment-related factors, detection mode and tumor location were recorded. Overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were investigated, using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Mean age of 386 patients included was 62.0 years, 59 % were males. CRC was detected by screening in 17 % of cases, and diagnosis was made from symptoms in 67 % and emergency surgery for 16 %. Screen-detected CRCs were located in the left colon (59 %), then in rectum (25 %) and in proximal colon (16 %) (p = 0.02). Most of CRC patients urgently operated on had cancer located in proximal colon (45 %), then in the left colon (36 %) and in rectum (18 %) (p = 0.001). Right-sided CRC demonstrated higher pTNM stage (p = 0.001), adequate harvest count nodes (p = 0.0001), metastatic nodes (p = 0.02), and poor differentiation grading (p = 0.0001). With multivariate analysis, poor differentiation grade was independently associated with both worse OS (HR 3.6, p = 0.05) and worse DFS (HR 8.1, p = 0.0001), while distant recurrence was associated with worse OS (HR 20.1, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Low rates of right-sided CRC are diagnosed following screening program. Proximal CRC demonstrates aggressive behavior without impact on outcome. These findings prompt concern about population awareness for CRC screening.