The Impact of Saphenous Vein Sparing During Inguinal Lymphadenectomy on Postoperative Morbidity in Women With Vulval Cancer: An Updated Per-Groin Meta-analysis of Short-term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL) is included in the standard surgical management of early-stage vulval cancer (VC) but is often accompanied by surgical complications. Efforts have been made to limit the postoperative morbidity by adopting more conservative IFL techniques without compromising the surgical outcomes. Saphenous vein (SV) preservation during IFL for VC appears to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications including lymphedema. To ascertain the efficacy of SV preservation, we aimed to revisit the impact of SV preservation on short-term per groin complications by updating on a previous meta-analysis to further guide current clinical practice. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies that reported postoperative complications following IFL with SV preservation and controls (SV ligation during IFL) in VC patients. We included articles in English language and avoided date restrictions. Direct-comparison meta-analysis was performed between the use of SV preservation and SV ligation for the short-term outcomes of lymphedema, cellulitis, and wound dehiscence/breakdown. Fixed- and random-effects models were fitted to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Five studies were included in the final analysis. Direct-comparison per-groin meta-analysis between SV preservation and SV ligation significantly decreased the odds for developing lymphedema (OR, 0.363; 95% CI, 0.228-0.578; P < 0.001), cellulitis (OR, 0.481; 95% CI, 0.28-0.825; P = 0.008), and wound dehiscence/breakdown (OR, 0.296; 95% CI, 0.191-0.458; P < 0.001). When SV sparing was clearly the sole intervention, lymphedema was the only complication in which the positive effect of SV sparing is exerted (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.149-0.526; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This per groin meta-analysis updates on the current evidence suggesting the SV sparing improves postoperative outcomes following IFL in VC patients. Where sentinel biopsy is not indicated, this risk-reducing strategy should be considered in selected VC patients undergoing IFL until a multicenter randomized controlled trial becomes available.

When rare diseases crisscross within the same patient: von Hippel-Lindau and type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumor.

Von-Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is a genetic multisystem disorder characterized by visceral cysts and benign and malignant tumors in various organs. Herein, we present the case of a 23-year-old woman with VHL presenting with multiple gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (gNENs) type 1 in the context of chronic autoimmune gastritis (CAG). Although gNENs are not acknowledged as a typical entity in VHL patients, in the present case, gNENs were composed of neoplastic cells with clear cytoplasm usually seen in tumors related to VHL disease. We additionally performed a literature review on the presence of neuroendocrine clear cell tumors and report on further cases of clear cell NENs. The present case illustrates that clear-cell transformation in gNENs may be due to the dual genetic background of the patient; the real oncogenic stimulus may be more closely related to CAG than to VHL disease accompanied by an interplay between neoplastic and autoimmune processes. Therefore, close monitoring of patients with clear cell NENs appears to be important before excluding VHL disease, even in the context of phenotypically unrelated diseases.

Diaphragmatic stripping in epithelial ovarian cancer at first diagnosis: Impact on morbidity and survival outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Diaphragmatic stripping is a standard procedure that is performed in a significant proportion of patients undergoing surgical cytoreduction for advanced ovarian cancer. The objective of the present study is to evaluate morbidity and survival outcomes among patients offered diaphragmatic surgery for primary diagnosed optimally resected ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, identifying patients that were offered surgery between 2016 and 2021 for primary diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Cases that had diaphragmatic stripping or partial diaphragmatic resection were selected and compared to cases that did not require this procedure. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression analyses were applied to evaluate survival outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 61 patients that had diaphragmatic stripping were identified. Severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo 3 + ) were noted in 19 patients (31 %). Survival analyses denoted that the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, as well as the timing of the surgical procedure (PDS vs IDS) and the completion of tumor debulking were factors that significantly affected the recurrence free and overall survival of patients. Severe postoperative morbidity was a significant predictor of the overall survival. Multivariate cox-regression analysis that was adjusted for the stage of the disease revealed that preoperative pleural effusion, optimal (compared to complete) tumor resection and the occurrence of postoperative complications significantly affected the overall survival of patients. Compared to patients that did not have diaphragmatic surgery, patients submitted to diaphragmatic stripping or resection had improved progression free and overall survival rates, irrespective of the stage of the disease at diagnosis or the adequacy of resection status. CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragmatic surgery is feasible in advanced ovarian cancer patients with acceptable morbidity that mainly refers to postoperative pleural effusion. Its positive impact on patients' survival requires further investigation.

Association of the clock genes polymorphisms with colorectal cancer susceptibility.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The circadian rhythm regulates the cell cycle progression and DNA damage response. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the CLOCK1, PER2, and PER3 genes with the colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility and clinicopathological variables. METHODS: Four hundred two CRC patients and 480 healthy controls were included in a case-control study. Genotype and allelic frequencies of 311T>C (rs1801260) in CLOCK1 gene, G3853A (rs934945) in PER2 gene and 4/5 repeats polymorphisms in PER3 gene were evaluated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism method in the DNA extracted from the peripheral blood of patients and controls. RESULTS: The frequencies of the 311T>C CLOCK1 gene, CC genotype and C allele were significantly higher among CRC patients compared to controls (P < 0.0001) elevating the CRC risk by 2.78- and 1.78-fold respectively. No correlation was found between G3853A and 4/5 repeats polymorphisms and CRC risk. The C/G/5 and C/G/4 repeats haplotypes were higher in CRC patients (P = 0.0009 and P = 0.038) elevating the CRC risk by 60% and 89% respectively. No correlation was found between any polymorphism and clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients. CONCLUSION: The 311T>C polymorphism in the CLOCK1 gene significantly increases the risk for CRC development while it does not affect the outcome of CRC patients.

Completion Pancreatectomy. Indications and Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE (S): Completion pancreatectomy (C.P.) is one acceptable treatment of choice in clinical scenarios such as management of post-pancreatectomy complications and recurrence in the pancreatic remnant. Studies referring to completion pancreatectomy as a distinct operation are limited, without emphasizing at the operation itself, rather reporting completion pancreatectomy as a possible option for treatment of various diseases. The identification of indications of CP in various pathologies and the clinical outcomes are therefore mandatory. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in the Pubmed and Scopus Databases (February 2020),guided by the PRISMA protocol, for all studies reporting CP as a surgical procedure with reference at indications for performing it combined with postoperative morbidity and/or mortality. RESULTS: Out of 1647 studies, 32 studies from 10 countries with 2775 patients in total, of whom 561 (20.2%) CPs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Inclusion year ranged from 1964 to 2018 and were published from 1992 until 2019. 17 studies with a total number of 249 CPs were performed for post-pancreatectomy complications. Mortality rate was 44.5% (111 out of 249). Morbidity rate was (72.6%). 12 studies with 225 CPs were performed for isolated local recurrence after initial resection with a morbidity rate of 21.5% and 0% mortality rate in the early postoperative period. Two studies with a total number of 12 patients reported CP as a treatment option for recurrent neuroendocrine neoplasms. The mortality in those studies was 8% (1/12) and the mean morbidity rate was 58.3% (7/12). Finally, CP for refractory chronic pancreatitis was presented in one study with morbidity and mortality rates of 19% and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Completion pancreatectomy is a distinct treatment option for various pathologies. Morbidity and mortality rates depend on the indications of performing CP, the status performance of the patients and whether the operation is performed electively or urgently.

Completion Pancreatectomy as a Treatment Option for Complications Following Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Pancreatoduodenectomy remains a complex abdominal operation for hpb surgeons. Significant complications keep on occurring to many patients undergoing Whipple procedure. We present ten patients, who required completion pancreatectomy in the early postoperative period after Whipples procedure, due to postoperative complications. Indications for completion pancreatectomy included: Sepsis secondary to uncontrolled GRADE C postoperative pancreatic fistula, pancreatic leak and bleeding, postoperative hemorrhage, pancreatic leak with gastrointestinal anastomosis dehiscence, and hepaticojejunal anastomosis dehiscence combined with hemorrhage. Completion pancreatectomy was carried out at a mean interval of 9 days following Whipple procedure. Six patients (60%) survived the operation and discharged from the hospital, with a median survival of 21.3 months. Four patients (40%) died in the early post-operative period due to sepsis (10%) and multiple organ failure (30%). Completion pancreatectomy after pancreatoduodenectomy is rarely indicated and it can be considered as a salvage procedure in the management of severe life-threatening post pancreatic surgery complications.

Surgical Treatment of Solitary Metachronous Adrenal Metastasis from Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder.

Urothelial cancer is a common neoplasm and metastatic disease correlates with a poor prognosis. Isolated adrenal gland metastases of urothelial carcinoma are quite rare, and management options can decide a patient's prognosis. Herein we report the case of a 76-year-old man with a metachronous solitary adrenal metastasis from a bladder carcinoma, who underwent adrenalectomy as part of his treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the cases of solitary adrenal metastases of urothelial carcinoma available in the literature, to identify key features to direct appropriate treatment of this rare metastatic site of urothelial cancer and improve prognosis and survival. Still, further prospective studies are needed to design effective therapeutic strategies.

Hobnail Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is considered to have an excellent prognosis, some recently identified more aggressive variants show reduced overall survival rates. Hobnail PTC (HPTC) was newly recognized as one of these aggressive forms, affecting recurrence, metastasis, and overall survival rates. Herein, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including cases or case series with patients with HPTC. Furthermore, we included our individual case series consisting of six patients. The pooled mortality rate in the cohort, consisting of 290 patients, was 3.57 (95% CI 1.67−7.65) per 100 person/years. No sex differences could be observed concerning mortality (p = 0.62), but older age and tumor size significantly affected mortality (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02, respectively). The percentage of hobnail cells did not affect mortality (p = 0.97), neither did the presence of BRAF mutations. Classical characteristics such as the presence of extrathyroidal extension (p = 0.001), distant metastases (p < 0.001), and lymph node metastases (p < 0.001) all had a significant impact on mortality. Thus, HPTC appears to correlate with worse overall survival, and all PTC cases should be carefully assessed for this variant.

Acute recurrent pancreatitis: a possible clinical manifestation of ampullary cancer.

CONTEXT: Acute recurrent pancreatitis still poses diagnostic difficulties. The coexistence or moreover the causative relationship of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater and acute recurrent pancreatitis is fairly rare. CASE REPORT: We present a case of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater that presented with acute recurrent necrotizing pancreatitis complicated with pseudocysts. A diagnosis of malignancy in the ampulla was only made after several ERCP attempts due to residual inflammation at the periampullary area. CONCLUSION: Malignancy at the ampulla of Vater causing recurrent episodes of pancreatitis represents a realistic risk and attempts to diagnose the underlying cause should always take into account the possibility of cancer.

Primary appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma alongside with situs inversus totalis: a unique clinical case.

INTRODUCTION: Mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract and one of the three major histological subtypes of the primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma. The most common type of presentation is that of acute appendicitis and the diagnosis is usually occurred after appendectomy. The accurate preoperative diagnosis and management of the above condition represents a real challenge when uncommon anatomic anomalies such intestinal malrotation and situs inversus take place. Situs inversus totalis with an incidence of 0.01% is an uncommon condition caused by a single autosomal recessive gene of incomplete penetration in which the major visceral organs are mirrored from their normal positions. CASE PRESENTATION: We present an unusual case of a 59 years old, previously healthy man presented with a left lower quadrant abdominal pain, accompanied with low fever, leukocytosis, anorexia and constipation. A chest radiograph demonstrated dextrocardia with a right side positioned stomach bubble. Both preoperative US and CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis declared situs inversus, with a characteristic thickening in its wall, appendix situated in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. These findings reached to the diagnosis of acute appendicitis with situs inversus and a standard appendicectomy was performed. Pathologic evaluation established primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix and three months afterwards the patient underwent a subsequent extended left hemicolectomy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the occurrence of primary appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma along with situs inversus, definitely accounts as a unique clinical case. Even synchronous manifestation of primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix and situs inversus totalis represents an unusual anatomo-pathological entity, all physicians should be familiar having the knowledge to make an appropriate and accurate diagnosis that will lead to prompt and correct treatment.

P53 and EGFR expression in colorectal cancer: a reappraisal of 'old' tissue markers in patients with long follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Extensive research into the biology of colorectal cancer has identified a plethora of molecular markers reputed to provide prognostic information. During the last two decades conflicting results have been drawn on the role of the p53 tumour suppressor gene and of the first identified member of the type receptor tyrosine kinase family, EGFR, on colorectal cancer prognosis, p53 Mutational status has been associated with both improved and reduced survival. EGFR has been associated with reduced length of survival, increasing Dukes' stage and lymph node metastases in several reports, but as many studies have reported no association with unfavourable prognostic parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the p53 and EGFR expression in patients with an at least 5-year follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Paraffin-embedded material was retrospectively collected from 164 colorectal adenocarcinoma (50 rectal) patients, who had been operated on between 1994 and 2003. The median follow-up was 5 years (range: 1-14). p53 and EGFR expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Positive p53 immunostaining and EGFR expression was observed in 63.4% and 43.9% of patients, respectively. p53 and EGFR positivity rates were significantly interrelated (p = 0.004). No significant correlation was found with the examined clinicopathological parameters except for advanced T-stage, which demonstrated significant associations with p53 expression (p = 0.004), EGFR expression (p = 0.0001) and p53/EGFR coexpression (p = 0.001). In univariate survival analysis (log rank test), stage (p = 0.0001), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.005) and perineural infiltration (p = 0.004) were associated with the overall cancer-specific survival, while a trend existed for EGFR (p = 0.06) and p53/EGFR coexpression (p = 0.07). On multivariate analysis, only stage was associated with increased risk of cancer death (Cox regression analysis p = 0.0001, b-coefficient (SE): 1.898 (0.383). CONCLUSION: p53 and EGFR were overexpressed in this colorectal cancer patient population and were significantly associated with advanced T stage. In the context of new therapeutic strategies using EGFR-targeted therapies, although EGFR remains a controversial prognostic factor, this expression-stage association may play a crucial role in a decision to initiate an adjuvant treatment.

Prospective evaluation of sexual function after open and laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sexual function may be harmed after treatment for rectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate prospectively the incidence of sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer treatment and to compare the effects of laparoscopic and traditional open approaches in terms of postoperative sexual function. METHODS: Baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-month assessments of sexual dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and its specific domains prospectively took place for 56 patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery (38 open vs. 18 laparoscopic procedures, 38 low anterior vs. 18 abdominoperineal resections). The preliminary results are presented. RESULTS: The average total IIEF and isolated IIEF response domain scores were significantly decreased after surgery (p < 0.01) except for the intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction scores at 12 months. An improvement in IIEF scores was observed between the 3- and 6-month assessment points (p < 0.01) except for the erectile function and orgasmic function scores. No significant differences were observed between the open and laparoscopic groups in the total IIEF and domain scores preoperatively and at the 3- and 6-month assessment points. The rates of sexual dysfunction did not differ significantly preoperatively or at 3 months postoperatively when open and laparoscopic procedures were compared, although there was a trend in favor of laparoscopic surgery at 6 months (p = 0.076). The baseline IIEF score and the baseline, 3-, and 6-month sexual desire scores were better (p = 0.035, 0.004, 0.017, and 0.061, respectively) in the low anterior resection group than in the abdominoperineal resection group. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal cancer resections were postoperatively associated with a significant reduction in IIEF scores and high rates of sexual dysfunction at 3 and 6 months. The IIEF and domain scores at different assessment points were comparable between the laparoscopic and open surgery groups. Extending the monitoring period and adding more patients in this ongoing prospective study will further elucidate postoperative sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery.

Malignant carcinoid tumor of the cystic duct: a rare cause of bile duct obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Carcinoid tumors of the extrahepatic biliary tree are extremely rare malignancies, accounting for 0.2%-2% of all gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors, while carcinoids of the cystic duct are an uncommon entity and an extremely unusual cause of bile duct obstruction. METHODS: After an extensive literature review, we retrospectively analysed 61 cases of carcinoid tumor of the biliary tree as well as one additional case of a 60-year-old female with symptoms and laboratory/imaging examination findings compatible with those of a malignant biliary tract obstruction. At laparotomy, resection of the gallbladder and common bile duct was performed. Histological study revealed a well-differentiated neuro-endocrine carcinoma of the cystic duct. The patient remained disease-free at 16 months. RESULTS: Our presentation is the seventh case reported in the world literature. Compared to cholangiocarcinoma, analysis of the reviewed group indicates an increased incidence of extrahepatic carcinoid tumors in younger persons along with a slight female predominance. Statistically, the most common anatomic location is the common bile duct, followed by the perihilar region and the cystic duct. Jaundice is the most common finding. Curative surgery was realized in the majority of cases and long-term disease-free survival was achieved when surgery was curative. CONCLUSIONS: Carcinoid tumors obstructing the biliary tree are extremely difficult to diagnose preoperatively, and nearly impossible to differentiate from non-neuroendocrine tumors. As surgery offers the only potential cure for both biliary carcinoids and cholangiocarcinoma, we recommend aggressive surgical therapy as the treatment of choice in every case of potentially resectable biliary tumor.

Dermal flap advancement combined with conservative sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is considered the surgical treatment of choice for chronic anal fissure (CAF). Flap techniques for fissure coverage have the advantage of primary wound healing, potentially providing better functional results and faster pain relief. The standard surgical strategy for CAF consisting of conventional LIS (CLIS) up to the dentate line was modified by "tailoring" the LIS to the apex of the CAF, but never greater than 1 cm, and by advancing a dermal flap for coverage of the CAF (LIS + flap) after fissurectomy. Thirty consecutive patients who underwent "LIS + flap" were compared with 32 patients who had been previously treated by CLIS. A modified, trapezoid-like Y-V flap from perianal skin was advanced into the CAF base. Pain at the first postoperative day, pain at defecation during the first week, postoperative use of analgesics, and time for patients' pain relief were significantly less at the "LIS + flap" group (P < 0.01). Objective healing was achieved faster (P < 0.01) and soiling episodes were less (P < 0.05) after "LIS + flap." The addition of a dermal flap after "conservative" LIS resulted in better healing and significantly less postoperative discomfort than the isolated application of CLIS.

Using Ligasure™ or Harmonic Ace® in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomies? A Prospective Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most recent advances of surgery for treating morbid obesity. Many laparoscopic devices have evolved to provide vascular control and tissue dissection. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized study comparing the intraoperative and postoperative complications and operative time of two groups of patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. In the first group after randomization, sleeve gastrectomy was performed using Ligasure™ and in the second group Harmonic Ace® was used. RESULTS: In total, 94 patients were enrolled in the study allocated in two groups. In group 1, 43 patients were operated using Ligasure™, and in group 2, 51 patients were operated using Harmonic Ace®. No significant differences were highlighted between these two groups with regards to operative time (45.0 ± 15.0 vs 40.0 ± 20.0 min, p = 0.199), intraoperative complications (32.6 vs 15.7 %, p = 0.054) and postoperative complications (4.7 vs 17.6 %, p = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS: Both Ligasure™ and Harmonic Ace® provide surgeons ergonomy, and no significant differences were shown in operative time and complications. Safety and efficacy in such demanding operations is of critical importance. Choice between these two shears lies with surgeon's preference.

Early or Delayed Intervention for Bile Duct Injuries following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy? A Dilemma Looking for an Answer.

Background. To evaluate the effect of timing of management and intervention on outcomes of bile duct injury. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 92 patients between 1991 and 2011. Data concerned patient's demographic characteristics, type of injury (according to Strasberg classification), time to referral, diagnostic procedures, timing of surgical management, and final outcome. The endpoint was the comparison of postoperative morbidity (stricture, recurrent cholangitis, required interventions/dilations, and redo reconstruction) and mortality between early (less than 2 weeks) and late (over 12 weeks) surgical reconstruction. Results. Three patients were treated conservatively, two patients were treated with percutaneous drainage, and 13 patients underwent PTC or ERCP. In total 74 patients were operated on in our unit. 58 of them underwent surgical reconstruction by end-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, 11 underwent primary bile duct repair, and the remaining 5 underwent more complex procedures. Of the 56 patients, 34 patients were submitted to early reconstruction, while 22 patients were submitted to late reconstruction. After a median follow-up of 93 months, there were two deaths associated with BDI after LC. Outcomes after early repairs were equal to outcomes after late repairs when performed by specialists. Conclusions. Early repair after BDI results in equal outcomes compared with late repair. BDI patients should be referred to centers of expertise and experience.

Systematic review of novel ablative methods in locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer with or without metastatic disease is associated with a very poor prognosis. Current standard therapy is limited to chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Few regimens have been shown to have a substantial survival advantage and novel treatment strategies are urgently needed. Thermal and laser based ablative techniques are widely used in many solid organ malignancies. Initial studies in the pancreas were associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which limited widespread adoption. Modifications to the various applications, in particular combining the techniques with high quality imaging such as computed tomography and intraoperative or endoscopic ultrasound has enabled real time treatment monitoring and significant improvements in safety. We conducted a systematic review of the literature up to October 2013. Initial studies suggest that ablative therapies may confer an additional survival benefit over best supportive care but randomised studies are required to validate these findings.

A prospective longitudinal evaluation and affecting factors of health related quality of life after appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to longitudinally evaluate the pattern of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) alterations, as an indirect convalescence index after appendectomy, to assess the timing of its restoration to the healthy population levels and to attempt a profound investigation into factors determining HRQoL outcomes. METHODS: Uncomplicated cases of histologically verified acute appendicitis (AA) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. HRQoL indices were collected at baseline, 15 days, 1 and 3 months using EQ-5D, SF-36 and, GIQLI questionnaires. Data were processed with non-parametric tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: For the 147 patients eventually included, significant improvements compared to baseline at EQ-5D and SF-36 general health and physical function domains were noted at 15 days, while bodily pain was worse. The majority HRQoL parameters were significantly better at the 1st and the 3rd-month compared to baseline and the 15th-day assessments. General health, physical and emotional function were restored at the general population levels between 15 days and 1 month, while bodily pain, social function and EQ-5D indices between the 1st and 3rd month. Logistic regression analysis indicated that high Alvarado score was the most powerful predictor of HRQoL impairment with older age coming second. CONCLUSIONS: Post-appendectomy HRQoL disturbances predominate and the burden of AA should not be underestimated. Convalescence period as translated by HRQoL restoration may be extended beyond the second week and up to the first month. Degree of inflammation and patient's age emerged as key mediators of HRQoL outcomes.

Association of rs1568885, rs1813443 and rs4411591 polymorphisms with anti-TNF medication response in Greek patients with Crohn's disease.

AIM: To investigate the correlation between rs1568885, rs1813443 and rs4411591 polymorphisms and response to infliximab in a cohort of Greek patients with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six patients diagnosed with CD based on standard clinical, endoscopic, radiological, and pathological criteria were enrolled in this study at the Gastroenterology Unit of the 2(nd) Department of Surgery and at the Colorectal Unit of the 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery. Infliximab at a dose of 5 mg/kg was administered intravenously at weeks 0, 2, 6 and then every 8 wk. Clinical and serological responses were assessed using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, respectively, and the endoscopic response was evaluated by ileocolonoscopy performed at baseline and after 12-20 wk of therapy. The changes in endoscopic appearance compared to baseline were classified into four categories, and patients were classified as responders and non-responders. Genomic DNA from whole peripheral blood was extracted and genotyping was performed by allele-specific polymerase chain reactions. χ (2) test with Yate's correction based on the S-Plus was used to compare the genotype frequencies. RESULTS: Eighty patients (63.49%) were classified as complete and 32 (25.39%) as partial responders to infliximab, while 14 (11.11%) were primary non-responders. No correlation was found between response to infliximab and patients' characteristics such as age, gender and disease duration. There was consistency between Harvey-Bradshaw index scores and serum CRP levels. The TT genotype of the rs1568885 polymorphism was significantly related to partial response (P = 0.024) and resistance to infliximab (P = 0.007) while the AT genotype was more frequent in partial responders (P = 0.035) and in primary non-responders (P = 0.032). Regarding rs1813443, the CC genotype was found to be associated with partial response (P = 0.005) and primary resistance (P = 0.002) to infliximab while no association was found between the rs4411591 polymorphism and the clinical response to infliximab. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, the rs1568885 and rs1813443 polymorphisms are associated with clinical and biochemical response to infliximab in Greek patients with Crohn's disease.

Surgery via natural orifices in human beings: yesterday, today, tomorrow.

BACKGROUND: We performed an evaluation of models, techniques, and applicability to the clinical setting of natural orifice surgery (mainly natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery [NOTES]) primarily in general surgery procedures. NOTES has attracted much attention recently for its potential to establish a completely alternative approach to the traditional surgical procedures performed entirely through a natural orifice. Beyond the potentially scar-free surgery and abolishment of dermal incision-related complications, the safety and efficacy of this new surgical technology must be evaluated. METHODS: Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Entrez PubMed from 2007 to February 2011. Most of the references were identified from 2009 to 2010. There were limitations as far as the population that was evaluated (only human beings, no cadavers or animals) was concerned, but there were no limitations concerning the level of evidence of the studies that were evaluated. RESULTS: The studies that were deemed applicable for our review were published mainly from 2007 to 2010 (see Methods section). All the evaluated studies were conducted only in human beings. We studied the most common referred in the literature orifices such as vaginal, oral, gastric, esophageal, anal, or urethral. The optimal access route and method could not be established because of the different nature of each procedure. We mainly studied procedures in the field of general surgery such as cholecystectomy, intestinal cancers, renal cancers, appendectomy, mediastinoscopy, and peritoneoscopy. All procedures were feasible and most of them had an uneventful postoperative course. A number of technical problems were encountered, especially as far as pure NOTES procedures are concerned, which makes the need of developing new endoscopic instruments, to facilitate each approach, undeniable. CONCLUSIONS: NOTES is still in the early stages of development and more robust technologies will be needed to achieve reliable closure and overcome technical challenges. Well-designed studies in human beings need to be conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of NOTES in a clinical setting. Among these NOTES approaches, the transvaginal route seems less complicated because it virtually eliminates concerns for leakage and fistulas. The transvaginal approach further favors upper-abdominal surgeries because it provides better maneuverability to upper-abdominal organs (eg, liver, gallbladder, spleen, abdominal esophagus, and stomach). The stomach is considered one of the most promising targets because this large organ, once adequately mobilized, can be transected easily with a stapler. The majority of the approaches seem to be feasible even with the equipment used nowadays, but to achieve better results and wider applications to human beings, the need to develop new endoscopic instruments to facilitate each approach is necessary.