Needle size for thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology. A single institution experience.

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an invasive diagnostic technique which is widely used for the cytological diagnosis of thyroid nodules. This procedure is generally widely tolerated by patients, albeit often accompanied by local pain and discomfort. Despite various proposals of execution methods, no approach is universally accepted,especially regarding the size of the needle to be used for sampling. Needle gauge preferences vary across regions, with 25-gauge needles more common in Western countries and 22-gauge needles favored in Asian countries. Complications associated with larger needles have been studied but remain inconclusive. Materials and methods: Over one year, we conducted 300 FNAC procedures under ultrasound guidance, employing both 22-gauge and 25-gauge needles. In no patient was local anesthesia performed before starting the procedure, which in all was performed by the same operator. Similarly the cytological examination of the material taken was performed by a single operator. Patients, 105 males and 195 females, were divided into two groups of 150 each based on the needle size used. Results: Patients treated with 22-gauge needles reported higher levels of pain during the procedure and increased discomfort afterward. Similarly, a greater incidence of hematomas and vasovagal reactions was noted in this group. However, the cell sample obtained and diagnostic response rates were consistent across both groups. Conclusion: On the basis of our observations we concluded that the size of the needle used is irrelevant for the purposes of the diagnostic result, as long as the procedure is performed by expert personnel. However, the 25-gauge needle is preferable because it's more tolerated and accepted by patients. Our results do not represent a single and conclusive verdict, but they could represent the starting point for further research.

A 42-Year-Old Woman with Recurrent Pancreatitis Associated with Gallstones and Phrygian Cap Gallbladder.

BACKGROUND Gallbladder anomalies are rare congenital defects with an incidence rate of approximately 2% in the general population. Phrygian cap gallbladder is a common anatomical variant in which the fundus of the gallbladder folds on itself. Gallstone impaction is rare, and it can be associated with acute pancreatitis. This report describes a 42-year-old woman with recurrent pancreatitis associated with gallstones and Phrygian cap gallbladder. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 42-year-old woman with acute biliary pancreatitis and a history of repeated hospitalizations for episodes of pancreatitis. A preoperative MRI was conducted, which revealed the presence of a Phrygian cap gallbladder that had not been previously reported in imaging studies. The patient underwent cholecystectomy surgery with a laparo-endoscopic approach (rendezvous technique). No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS We report a case of acute biliary pancreatitis caused by stone migration and describe the anatomical variant of the Phrygian cap gallbladder with its clinical implications. The literature contains very few reports of cholecystitis or pancreatitis in patients with a gallbladder anomaly. Continuous reporting of anatomical variations of the gallbladder and biliary tract improves clinical knowledge, and knowledge of gallbladder anomalies is crucial to avoid injury to the biliary tract during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This case emphasizes the importance of accurate preoperative evaluation to prevent serious surgical complications.

Exploring 6 years of colorectal cancer surgery in rural Italy: insights from 648 consecutive patients unveiling successes and challenges.

The multidisciplinary management of patients suffering from colorectal cancer (CRC) has significantly increased survival over the decades and surgery remains the only potentially curative option for it. However, despite the implementation of minimally invasive surgery and ERAS pathway, the overall morbidity and mortality remain quite high, especially in rural populations because of urban - rural disparities. The aim of the study is to analyze the characteristics and the surgical outcomes of a series of unselected CRC patients residing in two similar rural areas in Italy. A total of 648 consecutive patients of a median age of 73 years (IQR 64-81) was enrolled between 2017 and 2022 in a prospective database. Emergency admission (EA) was recorded in 221 patients (34.1%), and emergency surgery (ES) was required in 11.4% of the patients. Tumor resection and laparoscopic resection rates were 95.0% and 63.2%, respectively. The median length of stay was 8 days. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 23.5% and 3.2%, respectively. EA was associated with increased median age (77.5 vs. 71 ys, p < 0.001), increased mean ASA Score (2.84 vs. 2.59; p = 0.002) and increased IV stage disease rate (25.3% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.001). EA was also associated with lower tumor resection rate (87.3% vs. 99.1%, p < 0.001), restorative resection rate (71.5 vs. 89.7%, p < 0.001), and laparoscopic resection rate (36.2 vs. 72.6%, p < 0.001). Increased mortality rates were associated with EA (7.2% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001), ES (11.1% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001) and age more than 80 years (5.8% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001). In rural areas, high quality oncologic care can be delivered in CRC patients. However, the surgical outcomes are adversely affected by a still too high proportion of emergency presentation of elderly and frail patients that need additional intensive care supports beyond the surgical skill and alternative strategies for earlier detection of the disease.