Evaluation of predictive factors for i-CLARAS (intraoperative complications in laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgery): a multicentre international retrospective cohort study.

The laparoscopic approach represents the standard of treatment for renal and adrenal diseases, and its use is increasing even outside referral centres. Although most procedures are routinely performed, intraoperative complications do not occur, and the rate and predictive factors of these complications have not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and type of intraoperative complications and to identify predictive factors in patients undergoing laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgery. This was a cohort, multicentre, international retrospective study. Patients who underwent laparoscopic renal and adrenal surgeries between April 2017 and March 2022 were included in the study. Bivariate analysis was performed using contingency tables and the χ2 test for independent samples to compare qualitative variables and the T test and Mood test for continuous variables. Multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to obtain adjusted odds ratios. A total of 2374 patients were included in the study. Intraoperative complications were reported for 8.09% of patients who underwent renal surgery, with the most common complications reported being hollow viscus and vascular complications, and for 6.75% of patients who underwent adrenal surgery, with the most common complication reported being parenchymatous viscous complications. Multivariate analysis revealed that both adrenal and renal surgery radiological preoperative factors, such as invasive features during adrenalectomy and the RENAL score during nephrectomy, are predictive factors of intraoperative complications. In contrast to existing data, surgeon experience was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of perioperative complications.

Characterising oesophageal motility disorders by high-resolution impedance manometry in dermatomyositis patients.

OBJECTIVES: We studied high-resolution impedance manometry (HRiM) findings in dermatomyositis (DM) to detect oesophageal dysmotility, even in asymptomatic patients, and correlated the alterations to clinical and serological disease domains. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of DM patients, enrolled between December 2021 and December 2022. All patients underwent rheumatological, laboratory and HRiM assessment. HRiM findings were compared with different clinical and serological profiles. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 15 DM patients (13 women and 2 men, age 54±15.2 years). The mean disease duration was 6.6 years. According to HRiM findings, three different groups of oesophageal disease severity were identified (in order of severity G0, G1 and G>1, 5 patients per group). G>1 group was significantly associated with MDA5 antibodies (80% vs. 20%, p<0.05). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) did not show any significant association with HRiM findings. However, a diffusing lung capacity for carbon oxide (DLCO) < 80% was present in 100% of G>1 (p<0.05). No associations between dysphagia, creatine kinase (CK) level, muscle weakness, skin, articular involvement and treatment were found. CONCLUSIONS: Oesophageal involvement is frequent and should be evaluated in the comprehensive work-up of DM. We used for the first time HRiM in DM, which proved to be an accurate and objective technique in assessing oesophageal disease, even in the subclinical stage. Interestingly, the MDA5-positive group had a higher burden of HRiM pathological findings, suggesting a greater severity of oesophageal involvement, often asymptomatic.

Surgical Challenges in Infective Endocarditis: State of the Art.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is still a life-threatening disease with frequent lethal outcomes despite the profound changes in its clinical, microbiological, imaging, and therapeutic profiles. Nowadays, the scenario for IE has changed since rheumatic fever has declined, but on the other hand, multiple aspects, such as elderly populations, cardiovascular device implantation procedures, and better use of multiple imaging modalities and multidisciplinary care, have increased, leading to escalations in diagnosis. Since the ESC and AHA Guidelines have been released, specific aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic management have been clarified to provide better and faster diagnosis and prognosis. Surgical treatment is required in approximately half of patients with IE in order to avoid progressive heart failure, irreversible structural damage in the case of uncontrolled infection, and the prevention of embolism. The timing of surgery has been one of the main aspects discussed, identifying cases in which surgery needs to be performed on an emergency (within 24 h) or urgent (within 7 days) basis, irrespective of the duration of antibiotic treatment, or cases where surgery can be postponed to allow a brief period of antibiotic treatment under careful clinical and echocardiographic observation. Mainly, guidelines put emphasis on the importance of an endocarditis team in the handling of systemic complications and how they affect the timing of surgery and perioperative management. Neurological complications, acute renal failure, splenic or musculoskeletal manifestations, or infections determined by multiresistant microorganisms or fungi can affect long-term prognosis and survival. Not to be outdone, anatomical and surgical factors, such as the presence of native or prosthetic valve endocarditis, a repair strategy when feasible, anatomical extension and disruption in the case of an annular abscess (mitral valve annulus, aortic mitral curtain, aortic root, and annulus), and the choice of prosthesis and conduits, can be equally crucial. It can be hard for surgeons to maneuver between correct pre-operative planning and facing unexpected obstacles during intraoperative management. The aim of this review is to provide an overview and analysis of a broad spectrum of specific surgical scenarios and how their challenging management can be essential to ensure better outcomes and prognoses.

Tentacle Mesh for Fixation-Free Spigelian Hernia Repair: Mini-Invasive Approach Granting Broad Defect Overlap.

BACKGROUND: Compared to other types of abdominal protrusions, Spigelian hernias are not very common. In prosthetic repair of abdominal protrusions, mesh fixation and defect overlap are an open issue, as they are a source of complications. A newly developed tentacle-shaped mesh has been used to ensure a fixation-free repair with a broader defect overlap in the repair of abdominal hernias. This study describes the long-term results of a fixation-free repair of Spigelian hernias carried out with a tentacle mesh. METHODS: A proprietary mesh composed of a central body with integrated radiating arms was used for repairing Spigelian hernias in 54 patients. The implant was positioned in preperitoneal sublay, and the straps were delivered across the abdominal musculature with a needle passer, and then, after fascia closure, cut short in the subcutaneous layer. RESULTS: The friction of the straps passing through the abdominal wall served to hold the mesh in place, guaranteeing a wide overlap over the defect without fixation. In a long-term follow-up of 6 to 84 months (mean 64 months), a very low rate of complications occurred, but no recurrence was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The tentacle strap system of the prosthesis allowed for an easy, fast and safe fixation-free placement granting a wide overlap, avoiding intraoperative complications. Greatly reduced pain and a negligible amount of postoperative complications characterized the postoperative outcome.

Laparoscopic prosthetic repair of laparocele. A comparison of techniques and a review of the literature.

Incisional hernia, or post-laparotomy hernia, is a defect in the abdominal wall, which can produce mechanical and systemic changes in both respiratory and splanchnic circulation. This pathology has an important impact on Health and Society, with an incidence ranging from 2% to 20%, stimulating the improvement or development of surgical techniques, to reduce discomfort and complications, e.g. imprisonment, strangulation and recurrences. The growing availability of prostheses, with greater resistance and lower risk of visceral adhesions, has improved the result and reduced relapses. Over the past 15 years, further improvements have been achieved, thanks to the greater use of laparoscopy, decreasing relapses and complications and improving patient comfort. In this regard, the Ventralight Echo PS prosthesis, introduced for the first time in 2013 and routinely used by our team, have shown encouraging results. In this work, a retrospective study aims to compare in different aspects two groups of patients, suffering from defects on the abdominal wall and undergoing reconstructive surgery with laparoscopic technique. It has been used simple prostheses for the first, whereas the Echo PS~ Positioning System with Ventralight - ST Mesh or Composix - L/P Mesh for the second group. In our experience, we conclude that the use of prostheses, such as the Ventralight Echo PS, in the treatment of incisional hernias, regardless of the location of the defect, is a valid and safe alternative to the use of non-self-expandable prostheses. KEY WORDS: Incisional Hernia, Hernia Repair, Laparoscopic Technique.

Physiologic Cyclical Load on Inguinal Hernia Scaffold ProFlor Turns Biological Response into Tissue Regeneration.

Surgical repair of groin protrusions is one of the most frequently performed procedures. Currently, open or laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias with flat meshes deployed over the hernial defect is considered the gold standard. However, fixation of the implant, poor quality biologic response to meshes and defective management of the defect represent sources of continuous debates. To overcome these issues, a different treatment concept has recently been proposed. It is based on a 3D scaffold named ProFlor, a flower shaped multilamellar device compressible on all planes. This 3D device is introduced into the hernial opening and, thanks to its inherent centrifugal expansion, permanently obliterates the defect in fixation-free fashion. While being made of the same polypropylene material as conventional hernia implants, the 3D design of ProFlor confers a proprietary dynamic responsivity, which unlike the foreign body reaction of flat/static meshes, promotes a true regenerative response. A long series of scientific evidence confirms that, moving in compliance with the physiologic cyclical load of the groin, ProFlor attracts tissue growth factors inducing the development of newly formed muscular, vascular and nervous structures, thus re-establishing the inguinal barrier formerly wasted by hernia disease. The development up to complete maturation of these highly specialized tissue elements was followed thanks to biopsies excised from ProFlor from the short-term up to years post implantation. Immunohistochemistry made it possible to document the concurrence of specific growth factors in the regenerative phenomena. The results achieved with ProFlor likely demonstrate that modifying the two-dimensional design of hernia meshes into a 3D outline and arranging the device to respond to kinetic stresses turns a conventional regressive foreign body response into advanced probiotic tissue regeneration.

Acute appendicitis and situs viscerum inversus: radiological and surgical approach-a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Acute appendicitis is one of the most frequent intra-abdominal diseases requiring emergency surgical consult and treatment. The diagnosis of this condition is based on clinical features and radiologic findings. One-third of patients with acute appendicitis present unusual symptoms. There are several circumstances that may cause misdiagnosis and unclear prognostic prediction. Among these, situs viscerum inversus totalis and midgut malrotation can be challenging scenarios, leading to a delay in treatment, especially when these conditions are unknown. We decided to carry on a systematic review of published cases of acute appendicitis in the context of anatomical anomalies. METHODS: We used the MESH terms "appendicitis" AND "situs inversus" AND/OR "gut malrotation" to search for titles and abstracts. Inclusion criteria were patients with clinical and/or radiological diagnosis of acute appendicitis, with conservative or surgical management and with preoperative/intraoperative findings of situs viscerum inversus or gut malrotation. Additionally, previous reviews were examined. Exclusion criteria of the studies were insufficient patient clinical and demographic data. RESULTS: We included in this review 70 articles concerning 73 cases of acute appendicitis with anatomical anomaly. Patients were aged from 8 to 86 years (median: 27.0 years). 50 were male and 23 were female. 46 patients (63%) had situs viscerum inversus, 24 (33%) had midgut malrotation, 2 (2.7%) had Kartagener's syndrome, one of them (1.4%) had an undetermined anomaly In 61 patients the anatomical anomaly was unknown previously (83.6%), while 16,4% already were aware of their condition. CONCLUSION: Acute appendicitis can occur in association of rare anatomical anomalies and in these cases diagnosis can be challenging. Situs viscerum inversus and midgut malrotation should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with left lower quadrant pain, especially in younger population. Besides clinical features, it is fundamental to implement the diagnostic progress with radiological examination. Laparoscopic approach is useful to identify and treat acute surgical emergency and it is also a diagnostic tool and can be tailored in order to offer the best exposition of the operatory field for each single case.

Role of preoperative CT angiography with multimodality imaging reconstruction to perform laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision (CME) and Central Vascular Ligation (CVL) in right-sided colon cancer: Is it really useful? A prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The concept of complete mesocolic excision (CME) and central vascular ligation (CVL) in right colonic resections appears to improve the oncological outcomes. The highest rate of complications reported in the literature in patients undergoing CME is related to difficult surgical manuevers and intraoperative bleeding due to the central vascular dissection. METHODS: We used preoperative findings obtained with the CT angiography, multiplanar reformation (MPR), maximum intesity projection (MIP) and 3D volume rendering (VR) technique to verify if this preoperative radiological assessment had significant benefits regarding the difficulty of dissection of the embryological planes, the identification of vascular structures and central lymph nodes with reduction in mean operative time, intraoperative complications and better short-term outcomes versus standard contrast enhanced CT scan. We also have administered a questionnaire to investigate the subjective responses on the degree of difficulty of the surgical procedure both by the surgical team expert in CME and by a group of young surgeons. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that overall operative time was significant shorter in patients underwent to radiological assessment (224,5 min; range 160-300 versus 252,6 min; range 200-340; p-value 0.023) with a significant lower rate of intraoperative complication (2.7% versus 4.2%; p-value 0.043). No differences were reported with respect to blood loss, conversion rate, anastomotic leakage or other surgical results. Analysis of the questionnaire underlined a progressive awareness of the correspondence between the radiological imaging and the surgical field. CONCLUSION: The possibility of identifying the characteristics and course of the vascular structures along the axis of the superior mesenteric vessels certainly increases the surgeon's knowledge of the operating field, making him more confident with surgical maneuvers and significantly reducing the duration of the operating time and intraoperative complications.

Fixation free laparoscopic obliteration of inguinal hernia defects with the 3D dynamic responsive scaffold ProFlor.

Laparoscopic TAPP/TEP approaches are well-established options for the cure of inguinal hernias. As in the open approach, mesh fixation and poor-quality biologic response represent controversial questions and are a source of concerns. Furthermore, hernia defect patency represents another problem which seems not well acknowledged among surgeons. These problems are considered the cause of frequent intra and postoperative complications. To overcome these concerns, recently a different concept of cure has emerged. Based on a newly developed dynamic responsive 3D scaffold named ProFlor, a permanent hernia defect obliteration has been finalized. Following its inherent centrifugal expansion due to its dynamic responsivity, this hernia device is positioned fixation free within the defect and induces a probiotic biological response allowing for the re-establishment of the degenerated inguinal barrier. A laparoscopic approach with the 3D scaffold has been tested on 71 patients to demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing intra and postoperative complications. The operated patients presented with bilateral and/or recurrent inguinal hernia. Overall, 122 hernia defects were obliterated with 119 dynamic responsive scaffolds. The procedures were carried out from January 2018 to January 2022 with a defined protocol and detailed procedural steps. The laparoscopic technique with the 3D hernia scaffold allowed for fixation free placement, permanent defect obliteration and dynamically induced regenerative effects. The technique proved effective in reducing intra and postoperative complications. In particular, early postoperative pain and discomfort significantly decreased. No chronic pain and no recurrences were reported during follow up. The results achieved with the described laparoscopic technique seem to embody an innovative concept for inguinal hernia repair. Fixation free, dynamic responsive, permanent defect obliteration, histologically proven regenerative effects are the distinctive features of this 3D scaffold. It seems to embody a more physiological and pathogenetically coherent concept of cure, thus improving treatment results of this widespread disease.

Dynamic Responsive Inguinal Scaffold Activates Myogenic Growth Factors Finalizing the Regeneration of the Herniated Groin.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative chronic pain caused by fixation and/or fibrotic incorporation of hernia meshes are the main concerns in inguinal herniorrhaphy. As inguinal hernia is a degenerative disease, logically the treatment should aim at stopping degeneration and activating regeneration. Unfortunately, in conventional prosthetic herniorrhaphy no relationship exists between pathogenesis and treatment. To overcome these incongruences, a 3D dynamic responsive multilamellar scaffold has been developed for fixation-free inguinal hernia repair. Made of polypropylene like conventional flat meshes, the dynamic behavior of the scaffold allows for the regeneration of all typical inguinal components: connective tissue, vessels, nerves, and myocytes. This investigation aims to demonstrate that, moving in tune with the groin, the 3D scaffold attracts myogenic growth factors activating the development of mature myocytes and, thus, re-establishing the herniated inguinal barrier. METHODS: Biopsy samples excised from the 3D scaffold at different postoperative stages were stained with H&E and Azan-Mallory; immunohistochemistry for NGF and NGFR p75 was performed to verify the degree of involvement of muscular growth factors in the neomyogenesis. RESULTS: Histological evidence of progressive muscle development and immunohistochemical proof of NFG and NFGRp75 contribution in neomyogenesis within the 3D scaffold was documented and statistically validated. CONCLUSION: The investigation appears to confirm that a 3D polypropylene scaffold designed to confer dynamic responsivity, unlike the fibrotic scar plate of static meshes, attracts myogenic growth factors turning the biological response into tissue regeneration. Newly developed muscles allow the scaffold to restore the integrity of the inguinal barrier.

Totally laparoscopic treatment of intestinal tuberculosis complicated with bowel perforation: The first case report in worldwide literature with a brief review.

Introduction: Bowel perforation is a relatively rare presentation of abdominal tuberculosis, whose diagnosis is challenging but fundamental to minimize morbidity and mortality. Laparoscopy is considered an effective modality for diagnosis, but its role in surgical treatment is still not established. We reported the first worldwide case of totally laparoscopic treatment of intestinal tuberculosis complicated with bowel perforation. Case presentation: A 30-year-old man with a history of weight loss, preceded by 2 years of nonproductive cough, was admitted to the Infectious Disease Department with a presumed diagnosis of tuberculosis. A microbiological culture test confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient undertook quadruple antituberculous therapy. During hospitalization, he presented sudden abdominal pain, fever, and vomit. An abdominal CT scan showed small bowel perforation with granulomatous reaction. Laparoscopy was performed and revealed a 2 cm perforation on the medium ileum. Small bowel resection and totally intracorporeal side-to-side anastomosis were performed. No complication occurred until a clinical follow-up of 2 months. Conclusion: In consideration of the increasing incidence of intestinal TB in both underdeveloped and Western countries, the diagnosis of this pathology should be taken into account in high-risk patients. Probably, the diagnostic challenges and emergency settings of intestinal TB with perforation and peritonitis, together with the lack of standardized guidelines regarding surgical management, make the use of laparoscopy apparently arduous, but the known advantages of laparoscopy and its technical feasibility should make it a conceivable option for the treatment of complicated cases.

Uterine Involvement in Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: A Rare But Relevant Event. Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare vascular congenital disorder characterized by the classical triad of port-wine stains, abnormal growth of soft tissues and bones, and vascular malformations. The involvement of the genitourinary tract and of the uterus in particular is extremely infrequent but relevant for possible consequences. Methods: We performed an extensive review of the literature using the Pubmed, Scopus and ISI web of knowledge database to identify all cases of KTS with uterine involvement. The search was done using the MeSH term "Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome" AND "uterine" OR "uterus." We considered publications only in the English language with no limits of time. We selected a total of 11 records of KTS with uterine involvement, including those affecting pregnant women. Results: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome was described for the first time in the year 1900 in two patients with hemangiomatous lesions of the skin associated with varicose veins and asymmetric soft tissue and bone hypertrophy. Uterine involvement is a rare condition and can cause severe menorrhagia. Diagnosis is based on physical signs and symptoms. CT scans and MRI are first-choice test procedures to evaluate both the extension of the lesion and the infiltration of deeper tissues before treatment. The management of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome should be personalized using careful diagnosis, prevention and treatment of complications. Conclusion: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a rare vascular malformation with a wide variability of manifestations. There are no univocal and clear guidelines that suggest the most adequate monitoring of the possible complications of the disease. Treatment is generally conservative, but in case of recurrent bleeding, surgery may be needed.

Intact parathyroid hormone value on the first postoperative day following total thyroidectomy as a predictor of permanent hypoparathyroidism: a retrospective analysis on 426 consecutive patients.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoparathyroidism represents a common complication following total thyroidectomy. To date, there is still no reliable and immediate postoperative parameter to establish which patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism will develop permanent hypoparathyroidism. The main purpose of the present study was to assess whether the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) value on the first postoperative day is a good predictor of permanent hypoparathyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in our unit between March 2018 and January 2020 were analysed. According to the iPTH value on the first postoperative day and on the basis of the detection threshold of the iPTH test used, patients were divided into two groups: Group A (iPTH ≥ 4.6 pg/mL) and Group B (iPTH < 4.6 pg/mL, undetectable). RESULTS: In total 426 patients were included: 364 in Group A and 62 in Group B. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 3 (0.82%) patients from Group A and in 26 (41.94%) from Group B (p < 0.001). When iPTH levels were < 4.6 pg/mL on the first postoperative day the sensitivity for the prediction of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 89.66%, the specificity was 90.93%, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 41.94%, the negative predicitive value (NPV) was 99.18% and the accuracy was 90.85%. CONCLUSIONS: An iPTH value < 4.6 pg/mL on the first postoperative day following total thyroidectomy has proven to be a good parameter for early identification of patients at high risk for permanent hypoparathyroidism. Moreover, we want to underline that in our experience no patient with an iPTH level > 6.5 pg/mL developed this complication.

Grynfeltt-Lesshaft hernia Personal experience of nine cases and a review of the literature.

Grynfeltt's lumbar hernia, from the author who first described it in 1866, is the rarest among all hernias of the abdominal wall and it represents, according to the most recent literature, only 2% of all hernias. Of these, about 20% are congenital, secondary mainly to defects of embryonic development, while 80% are acquired defects. Surgeries, penetrating wounds, and infections are risk factors for the development of secondary and therefore iatrogenic lumbar hernias. In the literature, there is a predominance of the left Grynfeltt hernia while a bilateral presentation is exceptional. Our recent observation of a massive Grynfeltt hernia brought us to perform a revision of the literature and of our case studies. Based on our personal experience, with the most recent literature, we believe that in the case of Grynfeltt's lumbar hernias, the laparotomy approach with the use of prosthetic materials is the most appropriate, thus making the procedure fast, easy, and safe, compared to the treatment of all other wall defects that often require a laparoscopic approach. To confirm this, it is perceived that the open technique is currently more widespread; in fact, a small lumbotomy is easy to perform, fast, and can also be performed under loco-regional or epidural anaesthesia. KEY WORDS: Lumbar hernioplasty, Grynfeltt hernia, Hernia repair.

A regenerative 3D scaffold for inguinal hernia repair. MR imaging and histological cross evidence. Qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia is a degenerative disease occurring in a high motile surround. Stopping degeneration and promoting tissue regeneration should be the treatment goal. Groin hernias are conventionally managed with static flat meshes, mostly fixated to the delicate inguinal environment. Far from a regenerative effect, the biologic response of conventional hernia meshes is characterized by a foreign body reaction leading to a stiff/shrunken scar plate, which is often the source of unpleasant complications. Recently, a newly engineered 3D device for inguinal hernia repair - ProFlor-has been developed to produce a regenerative biological response. Unlike conventional hernia meshes, this regenerative 3D hernia scaffold seems to demonstrate suitable features for a pathogenetical and physiological coherent treatment of the disease. The aim of this manuscript is to cross evidence these features through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology. STUDY DESIGN: The biological response of ProFlor at three defined post-implantation stages has been evaluated through MRI signal intensity and compared to neighbouring muscles and fat. As additional proof, histology of tissue specimens excised at the same post-implantation periods from porcine models during an experimental attempt were also evaluated. RESULTS: MRI of newly ingrown tissue in ProFlor demonstrated similar signal intensity of muscles while fat tissue showed remarkably higher values. These data matched with the histology of ProFlor biopsies excised from pigs. CONCLUSIONS: The motile compliance to groin movements of ProFlor appears to induce a probiotic biologic response comparable to a regenerative scaffold, allowing to physiologically resolve the degenerative source of inguinal hernia disease.

Perioperative Management of Pheochromocytoma: From a Dogmatic to a Tailored Approach.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative management of pheochromocytoma (PCC) remains under debate. METHODS: A bicentric retrospective study was conducted, including all patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for PCC from 2000 to 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 treated with alpha-blockade, and Group 2, without alfa-blockers. The primary end point was the major complication rate. The secondary end points were: the need for advanced intra-operative hemostasis, the admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), the length of stay (LOS), systolic (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Major postoperative complications were similar (p = 0.49). Advanced hemostatic agents were 44.9% in Group 1 and 100% in Group 2 (p < 0.001). In Group 2, no patients were admitted to the ICU, while only 73.5% of Group 1 (p < 0.001) were admitted. The median length of stay was larger in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p = 0.026). At the induction, SBP was 130 mmHg in Group 1, and 115 mmHg (p < 0.001). The pre-surgery treatment was the only almost statistically significant variable at the multivariate analysis of DBP at the end of surgery. CONCLUSION: The preoperative use of alfa-blockers should be considered not a dogma in PCC.

Inguinal Hernia: Defect Obliteration with the 3D Dynamic Regenerative Scaffold Proflor™.

Prosthetic inguinal hernia repair presents significant challenges. Some of these, such as mesh fixation and quality of the biologic response, are still debated among surgeons. For example, there is no strong consensus regarding a specific condition that characterizes the surgical procedure during herniorrhaphy. This issue concerns management of the hernia defect, which in conventional hernia repair with flat meshes remains patent. However, a critical analysis of typical postoperative complications after inguinal hernia repair reveals that some of these adverse events are related to patency of the hernial opening. Postoperative discomfort, pain with specific movements and even hernia recurrence can be caused by incomplete or defective management of the hernia defect. For this reason, a deeper understanding of this topic would be useful for improving postoperative outcomes. A recently updated concept for inguinal hernia repair takes this technical aspect into consideration. It is based on the use of a newly developed 3D scaffold-ProFlor™ (Insightra Medical, Inc., Clarksville, TN, USA)-that is intended to be deployed into the defect. This novel hernia repair device has interesting and original features, such as dynamic responsivity in compliance with inguinal movement, fixation-free mode and regenerative behavior that counteracts the degenerative effects of the disease. Another additional proprietary feature of this 3D scaffold is the full and permanent obliteration of the defect, which is a crucial aspect to improve outcomes by avoiding the typical adverse effects of this surgical procedure. Obliteration of the hernia defect with the 3D dynamic regenerative scaffold ProFlor™ appears to be superior to coverage by means of static (passive) flat meshes/plugs used in conventional hernia repair. This report highlights the principles of this procedural approach.

Enhanced angiogenesis in the 3D dynamic responsive implant for inguinal hernia repair ProFlor.

Biologic response to hernia prostheses represents a continuous source of debate. Conventional hernia meshes, in their typical static, passive configuration have been used for decades to reinforce the herniated abdominal wall. These flat implants, mainly fixated with sutures or tacks, induce poor quality fibrotic ingrowth that shrinks the mesh. In groin hernia repair, flat meshes are applied in the delicate inguinal surrounding where uncontrolled development of a scar plate can impair movement and may incorporate the sensitive nerves crossing this area. Complications deriving from mesh fixation and nerve entrapment are frequent and unpleasant for patients. To remedy these problems, a multilamellar shaped 3D device with a dynamic responsive behavior has recently been developed to repair inguinal hernia. Its inherent dynamic compliance during inguinal movements has shown to induce enhanced biological response with ingrowth of newly formed connective tissue, muscle fibers, and nerves. The function of these highly specialized tissue structures is supported by the contextual development of newly formed arteries and veins. The scope of the study was to assess quantity and quality of vessels, which had ingrown in the 3D hernia device in the short-term, medium-term, and long-term post-implantation, in biopsy specimens gathered from inguinal hernia patients operated with the 3D device. Starting from an early stage, widespread angiogenesis was evident within the 3D structure. Arteries and veins increased in quantity showing progressive development until full maturation of all specific vascular components throughout the mid-term, to long-term, post-implantation. High quality biologic ingrowth in hernia prosthetics needs an adequate vascular support. The broad network of mature arteries and veins evidenced herewith seems to confirm the enhanced biological features of the dynamic responsive 3D device whose features resemble a regenerative scaffold, an ideal feature for the treatment of the degenerative source of inguinal hernia disease.

Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and preoperative predictive factors.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard technique for treatment of gallbladder disease. In case of acute cholecystitis we can identify preoperative factors associated with an increased risk of conversion and intraoperative complications. The aim of our study was to detect preoperative laboratory and radiological findings predictive of difficult LC with potential advantages for both the surgeons and patients in terms of options for management. We designed a retrospective case-control study to compare preoperative predictive factors of difficult LC in patients treated in emergency setting between January 2015 and December 2019. We included in the difficult LC group the surgeries with operative time > 2 h, need for conversion to open, significant bleeding and/or use of synthetic hemostats, vascular and/or biliary injuries and additional operative procedures. We collected 86 patients with inclusion criteria and difficult LC. In the control group, we selected 86 patients with inclusion criteria, but with no operative signs of difficult LC. The analysis of the collected data showed that there was a statistically significant association between WBC count and fibrinogen level and difficult LC. No association were seen with ALP, ALT and bilirubin values. Regarding radiological findings significant differences were noted among the two groups for irregular or absent wall, pericholecystic fluid, fat hyperdensity, thickening of wall > 4 mm and hydrops. The preoperative identification of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides an important advantage not only for the surgeon who has to perform the surgery, but also for the organization of the operating block and technical resources. In patients with clinical and laboratory parameters of acute cholecystitis, therefore, it would be advisable to carry out a preoperative abdominal CT scan with evaluation of features that can be easily assessed also by the surgeon.

Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision (CME) for Right-sided Colon Cancer: Short-term Outcomes. A Randomized Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective clinical study is to compare short-term outcome of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy using the Complete Mesocolic Excision (CME group) with patients who underwent conventional right-sided colonic resection (NCME group). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although CME with central vascular ligation in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is associated with a significant decrease in local recurrence rates and improvements in cancer-related 5-year survival, there may be additional risks associated with this technique because of increased surgical complications. As a result, there is controversy surrounding its use. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, several primary endpoints (operative time, intraoperative blood loss, other complications, conversion rate, and anastomotic leak) and secondary endpoints (overall postoperative complications) were evaluated. In addition, we evaluated histopathologic data, including specimen length and the number of lymph nodes harvested, as objective signs of the quality of CME, related to oncological outcomes. RESULTS: The CME group had a significantly longer mean operative time than the NCME group (216.3 minutes vs 191.5 minutes, P = 0.005). However, the CME group had a higher number of lymph nodes (23.8 vs 16.6; P < 0.001) and larger surgical specimens (34.3 cm vs 29.3 cm; P = 0.002). No differences were reported with respect to intraoperative blood loss, conversion rate, leakage, or other postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: In this study laparoscopic CME were a safe and feasible technique with improvement in lymph nodes harvesting and length of surgical specimens with no increase of surgical intraoperative and postoperative complications.