Hybrid treatment of tandem, common carotid/innominate artery and ipsilateral carotid bifurcation stenoses by simultaneous, retrograde proximal stenting and eversion carotid endarterectomy: Preliminary results of a case series.

BACKGROUND: Tandem stenoses of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and proximal, ipsilateral common carotid artery (CCA) or innominate artery can be treated with a hybrid approach, combining conventional carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and retrograde stenting of the proximal stenosis, through surgical exposure of the carotid bifurcation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of combining eversion CEA with retrograde CCA/innominate artery stenting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2015 to July 2017, 7 patients, 6 men of a mean age of 72 years (range 59-83 years) underwent simultaneous, retrograde stenting of the proximal CCA/innominate artery and an eversion CEA of the ipsilateral ICA, through surgical exposure of the carotid bifurcation, for severe tandem stenoses. The proximal stenosis involved the left proximal CCA in 4 patients, the proximal innominate artery in 2 patients and the right CCA in one patient. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia in a conventional operating room equipped with a mobile C-arm. A covered, balloon expandable stent was deployed over the proximal stenosis via a 6-F sheath directly introduced into the proximal CCA through the obliquely transected carotid bulb. After removing the sheath, debris were flushed through the carotid bulb and eversion CEA completed the procedure. Study endpoints were: postoperative stroke/mortality rate, cardiac mortality and morbidity, peripheral nerve injury, cervical hematoma, overall late survival, freedom from ipsilateral stroke and patency of arterial reconstruction. RESULTS: No postoperative mortality or neurologic morbidity was observed in any patient. Cervical hematomas and peripheral nerve injuries were likewise absent. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, all the patients were alive, free from neurologic events of new onset and free from restenosis. CONCLUSION: Combined proximal stenting and eversion CEA for tandem lesions seems a valid treatment, with the advantages of eversion CEA over other techniques of carotid bifurcation revascularization.

Results of subclavian to carotid artery bypass for occlusive disease of the common carotid artery: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal treatment of significant atherosclerosis of the common carotid artery (CCA) is not well-defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of prosthetic subclavian to carotid bypass for occlusive disease of the CCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1994 to December 2015, 45 patients, mean age 67 years, underwent an ipsilateral subclavian to carotid bypass for occlusive disease of the CCA. Thirty-eight patients (84%) presented with neurologic symptoms, including transitory ischemic attacks in 29 cases and minor strokes in 9 cases. The graft material consisted of a 7 mm polytetrafluoroethylene conduit, and the distal anastomosis was done on the carotid bulb in 21 patients, on the internal carotid artery in 19 cases, and on the distal CCA in 5 cases. Median length of follow-up was 58 months. Study endpoints were the combined postoperative stroke/mortality rate, graft infection, overall late survival, freedom from ipsilateral stroke, and graft patency. RESULTS: Postoperative stroke/mortality rate was 2%. No graft infection was observed throughout follow-up. At 60 months, overall survival, freedom from stroke, and graft patency were 71% (standard error [SE] = 0.07), 98% (SE = 0.02), and 95.5% (SE = 0.06), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Subclavian to carotid bypass allows very good patency rates and excellent protection from postoperative and late stroke, remaining a benchmark for any other treatment method.

True aneurysm of the proximal occipital artery: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: True aneurysms of the proximal occipital artery are rare, may cause neurological symptoms due to compression of the hypoglossal nerve and their resection may be technically demanding. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The case of an aneurysm of the proximal occipital artery causing discomfort and tongue deviation by compression on the hypoglossal nerve is reported. Postoperative course after resection was followed by complete regression of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection, as standard treatment of aneurysms of the occipital artery, with the eventual technical adjunct of intubation by the nose is effective in durably relieving symptoms and preventing aneurysm-related complication.

A possible role for selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) and thioredoxin reductases (TrxR1) in thyroid cancer: our experience in thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is responsible for some alterations in the chemical structure and, consequently, in the function of proteins, lipids, and DNA. Recent studies have linked oxidative stress to cancers, particularly thyroid cancer, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we further characterize the role of oxidative stress in thyroid cancer by analyzing the expression of two selenium antioxidant molecules, glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) in thyroid cancer cells. METHODS: Samples of both healthy thyroid tissue and thyroid tumor were taken for analysis after total thyroidectomy. The expression of GPx1 and TrxR1 was revealed by Western blot analysis and quantified by densitometric analyses, while the evaluation of free radicals was performed by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR)-spin trapping technique. RESULTS: Our results show a decrease in the expression of GPx1 and TrxR1 (- 45.7 and - 43.2% respectively, p < 0.01) in the thyroid cancer cells compared to the healthy cells. In addition, the EPR technique shows an increase of free radicals in tumor tissue, significantly higher than that found in healthy thyroid tissue (+ 116.3%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the relationship between thyroid cancer and oxidative stress, showing the imbalance of the oxidant/antioxidant system in thyroid cancer tissue. These results suggest that either the inability to produce adequate antioxidant defense or an increased consumption of antioxidants, due to the hyper-production of free radicals, may play a crucial role in thyroid cancer.

Results of Infrageniculate Bypasses Using the Profunda Femoris Artery as Inflow Source.

BACKGROUND: When the common femoral artery is not accessible for infrainguinal bypass grafting, the profunda femoris artery (PFA) can be a valuable alternative inflow source for distal arterial revascularization. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of infrageniculate bypass grafting via the PFA as inflow source for critical limb ischemia. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2016, 68 patients, 51 men of a mean age of 74 years, underwent an infrageniculate arterial bypass grafting for critical limb ischemia, using the PFA as inflow site. PFA was exposed at the Scarpa's triangle in 38 patients (56%) and at its medio-crural segment in 30 patients (44%). The distal anastomosis was performed on the infragenicular popliteal artery in 33 patients (48%), the peroneal artery in 14 patients (20%), the tibioperoneal trunk in 8 patients (12%), the posterior tibial artery in 8 patients (12%), and the dorsalis pedis artery in 5 patients (8%). The graft material consisted of a reversed great saphenous vein (GSV) in 62 patients (91%) and a 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft in 6 patients (9%). The median duration of follow-up was 51 months (range, 6-72 months). As main results, postoperative mortality and morbidity, overall late patients' survival, primary grafts' patency, and limb salvage rate were considered. RESULTS: Operative mortality and morbidity were 3% and 4%, respectively. Overall patients' survival, primary patency and limb salvage rate, at 36 and 60 months were, respectively, 62% and 53%, 66% and 59%, and 92% and 77%. CONCLUSIONS: The PFA, both exposed at the Scarpa's triangle and at mid-thigh, is an excellent inflow source for infrageniculate revascularizations. It should remain an important part of the technical armamentarium of vascular surgeons, even in the endovascular era.

Can virtual reality simulators be a certification tool for bariatric surgeons?

BACKGROUND: Construct validity of virtual laparoscopic simulators for basic laparoscopic skills has been proposed; however, it is not yet clear whether the simulators can identify the actual experience of surgeons in more complex procedures such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This study tested the ability of the Lap Mentor simulator to recognize the experience in advanced laparoscopic procedures and to assess its role in the certification of bariatric surgeons. METHODS: Twenty surgeons were divided into two groups according to their experience in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. The general group included 10 general surgeons performing between 75 and 100 nonbariatric laparoscopic procedures. The bariatric group included 10 bariatric surgeons performing between 50 and 100 laparoscopic bariatric procedures. Participants were tested on the simulator in one basic task (task 1: eye-hand coordination) and in two tasks of the gastric bypass module (task 2: creation of the gastric pouch; task 3: gastrojejunal anastomosis). RESULTS: Comparing the groups, no significant differences were found in task 1. Analyzing the results from the gastric bypass module (bariatric vs. general), in task 2, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the median volume of the gastric pouch (21 vs. 48 cm(3)), in the percentage of fundus included in the pouch (8.4 vs. 29.4 %), in the complete dissection at the angle of His (10 vs. 3), and in safety parameters. In task 3, significant differences were found in the size and position of enterotomies. CONCLUSIONS: The Lap Mentor may be proposed as a certification tool for bariatric surgeons because it also recognizes their specific skills in the technical details of the procedure that affect long-term results. Furthermore, the possibility of analyzing the performance in detail can help define areas where the surgeon is lacking. These findings indicate a potential role of the Lap Mentor in tailoring the training to maximize improvement.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 expression in thyroid tumor progression: potential diagnostic application.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR-2) plays an important role in tumorigenesis. In thyroid cancer it has been observed a FGFR-2 down-modulation, but the role of this receptor has not been yet clarified. Therefore, we decided to examine the expression of both FGFR-2 isoform, FGFR-2-IIIb and FGFR-2-IIIc, in different histological thyroid variants such as hyperplasia, follicular adenoma and papillary carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative Real-Time PCR analyses were performed on samples of hyperplasia, follicular adenoma and papillary carcinoma, compared with normal thyroid tissue. Thyroid hyperplasia did not show statistically significant reduction in FGFR-2 protein and mRNA levels. Interestingly, in both follicular adenoma and papillary carcinoma samples we observed a strongly reduced expression of both FGFR-2 isoforms. We speculate that FGFR-2 down-modulation might be an early event in thyroid carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we suggest the potential use of FGFR-2 as an early marker for thyroid cancer diagnosis.

[Stenting versus carotid endarterectomy for carotid stenosis. A single center experience]. / Stenting Carotideo e Endoarterectomia Carotidea Esperienza di un singolo Centro.

AIM: The objective was to compare Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) with Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) in terms of efficacy and safety in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis. MATERIALS: This study enrolled 285 patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis that underwent either to CAS or CEA. The primary end-points were death, stroke and myocardial infarction. The secondary end-points were restenosis and nerve injury. The Data emerged from the follow-up at 1,3,6,12,24 months that provided for clinical and EcocolorDoppler monitoring. A separate analyse was performed evaluating the prediction of the Ultrasonographic appearance of the atheroma on the symptomatic nature of the lesion. RESULTS: The percentage of neurological symptomatology in the periprocedural period was higher in CAS than in CEA group (9% vs 3%). We didn't report any case of periprocedural death. The results from the follow-up are: myocardial infarction 5% CAS vs 7% CEA; stroke 5% CAS vs 4% CEA; restenosis 3% CAS vs 6% CEA; nerve injury 0% CAS vs 1% CEA; mortality 0% CAS vs 1% CEA. DISCUSSION: CEA is the gold standard for treatment of significant carotid stenosis, although endovascular technique is emerging as a less invasive alternative. CAS has presented a less frequence of myocardial infarction, nerve injury and long-term mortality, but it showed an higher percentage of neurological events both in short and long-term. This last aspect is correlated with the plaque structure. Ultrasonographic study of the atheroma has become a defining moment in the choice of the therapeutic strategy.

Prospective evaluation of multiparametric ultrasound and quantitative elastosonography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules: preliminary experience.

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical value of quantitative elastosonography compared with multiparametric ultrasound in differentiating the nature of thyroid nodules. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ninety-seven consecutive patients (32 males, 65 females, mean age, 54 years, range 20-81 years) with thyroid nodules previously detected at color-Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), were prospectively examined with elastosonography with dedicated quantitative software (Elasto-Q, Toshiba) before surgery. Ultrasound examination and elastosonography were evaluated by two investigators in consensus. US features, color-Doppler pattern, and strain ratio value were evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity of CDUS and sono-elastography were compared using X(2) test and ROC curves. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of hypoechogenicity, irregular margins or suspicious halo features, CDUS blood flow pattern, and strain ratio in the diagnosis of malignant nodules were 56.8%, 62.2%, 54.1% and 97.3% and 71.7%, 93.3%, 28.3%, and 91.7%, respectively. Elastosonography was more sensitive and specific than all ultrasonographic features in predicting malignancy of the thyroid nodules (p<0.0001). According to elastosonographic features the lesions characterized by strain ratio ≥ 2 were highly likely to be of malignant nature (p<0.0001, O.R. 396, 95%, CI: 44-3530). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that elastosonography with Q system is a valuable tool in the characterization of thyroid nodules and it seems to be far more accurate than CDUS. These findings as well as those of previous studies support its use in selecting patients who are candidates for surgery.

[Carotid endarterectomy: evaluation of a "combined" technique of general anesthesia]. / Endoarterectomia carotidea: valutazione di una tecnica di anestesia generale "combinata".

INTRODUCTION: The literature suggests several techniques to ensure the optimal anesthetic procedure for carotid surgery. The aim of our study is to combine, in the carotid endarterectomy, a model of general anesthesia with the loco-regional anesthesia in order to test the safety of the method, the eventual brain damage and hemodynamic stability. We also wanted to test whether the immediate postoperative analgesia was adequate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy eight (78) patients were enrolled in the study (from 60 to 75 years), ASA II-III, candidates for unilateral carotid endarterectomy in a period from June 2008 to January 2009. During the procedure data about perioperative neurologic and hemodynamic complications were collected. At the end of the surgical treatment the pain at the awakening moment through verbal numerical scale VNS was estimated. Data are presented as mean values +/- sd and validated using the chi2 test, when required. Significance was accepted at a value of P < or = 0.05. RESULTS: 85% of patients reported a VNS between 1 and 2 and 10% equal to 3-5. In the study 95% of patients (P<0.05) appreciated the technique and only 3 patients reported their dissatisfaction. There was no mortality and in 5 patients a postoperative morbidity was registered. DISCUSSION: The study demonstrated the advantages in combining loco-regional anesthesia (valid monitoring of neurological and hemodynamic stability) with general anesthesia (complete airways control and patient comfort) during carotid surgery.

[Two strategies of morphine administration on the control of post-surgical pain after anesthesia with remifentanil]. / Due strategie di somministrazione della morfina per il controllo del dolore post-chirurgico dopo anestesia con remifentanil.

AIM: The post-operative pain (POP) is accompanied by autonomic, psychological and behavioural responses which can result in a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous bolus administration of morphine versus subcutaneous administration. MATERIAL OF STUDY: Fifty subjects scheduled for elective abdominal surgery were randomized into a group S (n = 26) and group E (n = 24). The first group was administered morphine (0.35 mg/kg) subcutaneously immediately after induction of anesthesia, while the second group the same drug at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg was administered intravenously 45' before the end of the intervention. All patients received intraoperative remifentanil (0.25-0.50 microg/kg/min), and at the end of surgery paracetameolo 1 g and ondansetron 4 mg. Upon awakening, the DPO has been reviewed by the NRS (numerical scale of pain) at time zero (TO), after 30' (t1), 1h (T2) and 24h (T3). Furthermore, it was annotated request for rescue doses of morphine and the collateral effects. RESULTS: The two study groups did not show significant differences related to the anthropometric characteristics, duration of surgery, type of surgery, ASA class. No difference between the two groups was highlighted during the evaluation of POP through NRS scale and quantity of "rescue" doses requested. In group E there was a single case of respiratory depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that whether intravenous or subcutaneous administration of morphine, both simple and economical analgesic techniques, they are able to guarantee the same quality control of POP in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.