Laparoscopic Appendectomy Performed by junior SUrgeonS: impact of 3D visualization on surgical outcome. Randomized multicentre clinical trial. (LAPSUS TRIAL).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 3D visualization applied to laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) performed by young surgeons (YS). We considered both operative features and clinical outcomes, aiming to highlight the benefits that this technology could bring to novice surgeons and their laparoscopic training. METHODS: All the surgical procedures were performed by residents who had performed less than 20 appendectomies prior to the beginning of the study under the supervision of an expert surgeon. At the time of enrolment patients were randomized into two arms: Experimental arm (EA): laparoscopic appendectomy performed with laparoscopic 3D vision technology. Control arm (CA): laparoscopic appendectomy performed with the "standard" 2D technology. The primary endpoint was to find any statistically significant difference in operative time between the two arms. Differences in conversion rate, intra-operative complications, post-operative complications and surgeons' operative comfort were considered as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: We randomized 135 patients into the two study arms. The two groups were homogeneous for demographic characteristics, BMI and ASA scores. The characteristics of clinical presentation and anatomical position showed no significant difference. The operative time was longer in the CA (57.5 vs. 49.6 min, p = 0.048, 95% CI). In the subgroup of complicated appendicitis, this trend toward inferior operative time was confirmed without reaching statistical significance (2D = 60 min, 3D = 49.5 min, p = 0.082 95% CI). No intra-operative complications were observed in either group. The conversion rate was 5.6% (4 patients) in the 2D group and 4.6% (3 patients) in 3D group. CONCLUSION: The utilization of 3D laparoscopy was associated with reduction in operative time without influencing other parameters, in particular without altering the safety profile of the procedure.

Distal pancreas surgery: outcome for 19 cases managed with a laparoscopic approach.

BACKGROUND: In the past decade, laparoscopy has shown its efficacy also for advanced surgery. In this report, the authors retrospectively review their experience with the distal pancreas. METHODS: From April 1999 to October 2004, 19 patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure for pathologies of the distal pancreas. The authors performed one distal pancreatectomy (DP) with conservation of the spleen and section of the splenic vessels, four distal splenopancreatectomies (DSP), one DSP plus a left adrenalectomy, two enucleations, seven DPs with conservation of the spleen and the splenic vessels, and four cystojejunostomies. RESULTS: One procedure was converted to open surgery because of a hemorrhagic complication. No other significant intraoperative complications occurred. The postoperative course was characterized by one bleed managed conservatively, two pancreatic fistulas (one requiring a second operation), one abscess drained under echographic view, and one reactive pancreatitis. The mean postoperative stay was 8.5 days. The histologic report showed 16 benign diseases and 3 malignant tumors. The mean follow-up period was of 42 months. The patient who had DP spleen preservation with section of the splenic vessels reported mild pain in the left hypochondrium, probably attributable to chronic splenic ischemia, during the first 3 postoperative months. One incisional hernia occurred in the patient who underwent conversion to an open procedure, and one patient affected by adenocarcinoma died 10 months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: The authors can affirm that laparoscopy for the distal pancreas is a successful procedure in terms of results and surgical feasibility. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm their positive impression.

[Mesenteric cysts: etiopathogenetic and clinical considerations and a case report]. / Le cisti mesenteriche: considerazioni etiopatogenetiche e cliniche e presentazione di un caso.

According to the literature authors describe the etiopathology and symptoms of a case of uncomplicated mesenteric cyst observed and treated by simple enucleation. Therefore after describing the peculiarity of this disease, authors underline the difficulty of diagnosis also using instrumental devices such as ultrasound and CT scan. In particular complicated mesenteric cyst is pointed out because it may be responsible of acute abdomen. About treatment of uncomplicated mesenteric cyst the always more frequent use of laparoscopy is underlined.

[Iatrogenic lesion of the thoracic duct in the neck. Presentation of a case]. / Lesione jatrogena del dotto toracico al collo. Presentazione di un caso.

Authors report a case of iatrogenic lesion of thoracic duct of the neck occurred during clearing the left latero-cervical zone for thyroid cancer. After reporting the relative unusuality of this complication, authors underline that in the literature there are always more frequent reports about lymphatic lesions in every district of the body due to more aggressive treatments. Although this case has been treated with a relatively simple operation (finding and binding the duct), treatment of these lesions is not always so simple and therefore knowledge of metabolic problems of these disorders, as well as the selection of the surgical strategy, should be always carefully evaluated for recovery of this disease.

[Colovesical fistulae as a complication of diverticula: a report of 2 cases]. / Le fistole colo-vescicali come complicanza della malattia diverticolare: presentazione di due casi.

The authors report two cases of colovesical fistula as a complication of diverticular disease. They underline the increasing frequency of this complication, although the less frequent one. They also stress the importance of clinical and instrumental examinations that are several and among which TC scan can be crucial for surgical treatment. The therapy, exclusively surgical, can be made in one or two steps, according to patient status.

[Retroperitoneal tumors: personal experience]. / I tumori retroperitoneali: esperienza personale.

The Authors experience in five retroperitoneal tumors with symptoms and histopathological characteristics not different from those described in the Literature, is here reported. Topographic findings, classification, and incidence of retroperitoneal tumors as referred by various Authors are discussed. Two aspects are particularly pointed out: the histological type and the surgical strategy for their removal. Concerning the first aspect, the Authors underline that benign lesion may have an optimal outcome and a long survival, unlike the malignant ones, which have always unfavourable prognosis, despite adjuvant and complementary therapy (radiotherapy, chemotherapy). As for the second aspect, surgery is the treatment of choice even when other organs different from those exclusively retroperitoneal, may be involved in the demolition.