A big floating thrombus in the common carotid artery

The management of the free-floating thrombus (FFT) is difficult, and it is unclear whether surgical or medical treatment is superior. The common carotid artery is rarely involved. An 80-year-old woman presented with right hand weakness and syncope. Ultrasound showed the presence of FFT in the left common carotid artery. A carotid endarterectomy with Dacron patch angioplasty was immediately performed without complications. In the presence of symptoms, the interventional management of FFT is advised.

Thrombectomy and surgical reconstruction for extensive iliocaval thrombosis in a patient with agenesis of the retrohepatic vena cava and atresia of the left renal vein

In 80% of the patients presenting with deep-venous thrombosis (DVT), a risk factor can be identified. An absent or hypoplastic infrarenal vena cava is a rare risk factor for DVT in young adults. In these cases, the prevalence of congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is estimated at 0.5% of the general population, up to 5% in young people. The association with coagulopathy increases the risk of DVT. We report a case of a young man who presented with a massive caval and iliofemoral-popliteal thrombosis in presence of the agenesis of retrohepatic inferior vena cava and atresia of the left renal vein. Open thrombectomy and caval reconstruction with a polytetrafluoroethylene graft were performed. Surgical option with vein reconstruction was preferred to prevent new episodes of thrombosis and the risk of acute renal failure.

Early and one-year results of infrainguinal bypass after failure of endovascular therapy

AIM

The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare early and one-year results of open surgery (OS) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) in patients who underwent primary surgery and in patients operated after a previous failure of endovascular treatment (EV).

METHODS

Between January 2004 and December 2007, 460 patients (304 males, 156 females) aged between 46 and 95 (average age 72) underwent OS or EV for CLI. We performed 273 EV (47%) and 307 OS (53%) procedures. In 98 patients (21.3%) the procedures were bilateral. EV procedures were intraluminal, subintimal or both, with selective stenting. OS procedures were distal bypass grafts. OS involved 34 dialysed patients, 159 patients with CLI non-dialysed and not previously submitted to EV treatment (group 1, control group) and 114 patients with failure of previous EV treatment (group 2), frequently performed in different and non surgical centers, 8% of EV failure in our series in this time. We retrospectively compared the early and one-year results in the last two groups of patients in terms of level of revascularization, primary patency, amputation and mortality.

RESULTS

By-pass grafts were autologous vein in 94% and PTFE in 6%. Revascularizations have been directed to the tibial or to the plantar arteries at the ankle or foot. Those directed to the plantars were respectively 54% (52% dorsalis pedis, 36% retromalleolar posterior tibial, 12% medial plantar artery) in the control group and 76% (66% dorsalis pedis, 18% retromalleolar posterior tibial, 16% medial plantar artery) in patients with previous failed PTA (P<0.001). Early primary patency, mortality and amputation free survival were respectively in the control group and in patients with previous failure of PTA: 93.7% vs. 76.3% (P<0.001), 2.5% vs. 3.5% (P>0.5), 95% vs. 93% (P>0.5). One-year primary patency, mortality and amputation free survival were respectively in the control group and patients with previous failure of PTA: 86.03% vs. 70.87% (P>0.25), 14.93% vs. 17.56% (P>0.5), 78.1% vs. 68.5% (P>0.1).

CONCLUSION

After failure of EV therapy, the subsequent open surgery was more distal and technically demanding. Its results were significantly worse when compared with standard CLI patients, with an increase rate of redo. Our data suggest that EV should not be attempted as the first choice in every patient affected by CLI, and we believe that OS still is the primary treatment for the most advanced clinical situations.

Use of FloSeal in the endovascular treatment of voluminous aneurysm of a lower gluteus artery

We suggest an alternative endovascular treatment for gluteal artery aneurysm using Floseal a matrix of bovine gel and thrombin component. A 70-year-old woman, presented with claudicatio of the lower left limb after 150 m walking and pain at the sciatic nerve irradiation. A pulsating and painful mass was present in the lower gluteal region. No history for previous trauma, nor for orthopedic surgery. The suspect of aneurysm of the left gluteal artery was confirmed by Color Doppler Ultrasound and by computed tomography (CT) showing a fusiform aneurysm in the lower gluteus artery. In order to rule out infective cause, blood coltures were taken. Compression of the sciatic nerve was confirmed by electromyography study. Patient was treated by endovascular treatment. We performed angiography, with a selective study of the lower left gluteus artery, and embolization of the aneurysm by an injection of FloSeal (hemostatic) and fibered platinum coil. At the discharge, we observed absence of pulsation in gluteus region and the complete resolution of clinical symptom. The Color Doppler Ultrasound scan showed a complete occlusion of the aneurysm. This case appears quite peculiar, for the absence of any pelvic trauma, orthopedic operations or previous penetrating lesions, responsible of vascular lesions as reported in literature. The large aneurysm dimensions made the embolization procedure quite difficult, and brought us to use FloSeal. The treatment we proposed may be useful in the treatment of peripheral aneurysms of great dimension, and may be an alternative to the more traditional ones.

[The role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of occlusive and abdominal aortic aneurys. Review of the literature]

The objective of this systematic review of the literature is to evaluate whether a laparoscopic operation can be performed on patients with occlusive or abdominal aortic aneurysm as a minimally invasive and durable alternative. For this purpose, the literature was reviewed and laparoscopic surgery results were compared with those of conventional and endovascular surgery. All series were included, even when containing also one case. Operative and clamping times, mortality and morbidity and hospital stay were evaluated. Thirty-five studies were identified about conventional (4), minilaparotomy (4), endovascular (4), total (12) and video-assisted (11) laparoscopic surgery. Operative and clamping times were shorter for video-assisted procedures than total-laparoscopic procedures. The mortality rate ranged from 3% to 4.5% for conventional surgery, from 0% to 3% for endovascular surgery, from 0% to 6% for total-laparoscopic surgery and from 0% to 4.2% for video-assisted laparoscopic surgery. A variable morbidity was described for all techniques, with a higher incidence in total-laparoscopic surgery. Mean hospital stay was similar for laparoscopic surgery procedures. The learning curve of a surgical team performing laparoscopic surgery improves the

RESULTS

Laparoscopic abdominal aortic surgery is feasible and may offer good postoperative recovery with excellent mid-term patency. Shorter hospital stay and simple mid-term follow-up allow more comfort for the patient and probably monetary savings for the community. A steep learning curve is needed. For these reasons laparoscopic video-assisted technique can be considered a third means of treating severe occlusive and aortic aneurysm, but only new instruments for performing aortoprosthetic anastomoses can diffuse the total laparoscopic technique as a routine approach.

Endovascular repair in atypical traumatic rupture of thoracic aorta

INTRODUCTION

The traumatic rupture of thoracic aorta is a surgical emergency with high risk of morbidity and mortality.

CASE REPORT

We describe the case of an atypical rupture of retro-cardiac thoracic aorta with dissection of brachiocephalic trunk and spleen trauma occurred after a road accident. TC scan and perioperative angiography showed an atypical rupture of thoracic aorta.

CONCLUSION

A combined treatment, endovascular for retro-cardiac thoracic aorta and surgical for brachiocephalic artery, has been useful to diminish the hemodynamic and organ ischemic problems associated with open surgery.

Perioperative iloprost and endothelial progenitor cells in uremic patients with severe limb ischemia undergoing peripheral revascularization

The incidence of severe limb ischemia (SLI) is high among haemodialysis (HD) patients. Limb rescue rate after surgical revascularization is relatively poor compared with patients with normal renal function. Prostanoids are an interesting category as adjuvants to revascularization. New vessel growth develops not exclusively by proliferation of endothelial cells in vascular extremities but also by cells mobilized from the bone marrow (HSC), transformed into endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) contributing to both re-endothelialization and neovascularization. Basal number of HSC and EPC is significantly reduced in HD patients and correlated with a subsequent defective neovascularization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of perioperative treatment with iloprost in uremic patients with acute ischemia of lower limbs, undergoing surgical revascularization, on endothelial progenitor cells, hypothesizing a possible biological mechanism induced by the prostanoids. A search was also made for vascular remodeling processes through the analysis of the concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules (i-CAM, v-CAM, e-selectin), biochemical markers of endothelial activation. Thirty HD patients with SLI undergoing peripheral revascularization were enrolled (15 were treated with iloprost and 15 with a placebo). Iloprost was administered as an intra-arterial bolus of 3000 ng over 1 to 3 min immediately after revascularization and in the same affected artery. Serum samples were taken before revascularization (T0), at 6 (T6) and 24 h (T24) after infusion to measure sICAM-1, sE-selectin, and sVCAM-1, and for quantification of HSC and EPC. Progenitors were identified by specific surface markers CD34+, CD133+ and VEGFR2+. Count was conducted using PROCOUNT performed in a TRUCOUNT tube and with a FACSort flow cytometer. Before revascularization, all patients showed a decreased number of HSC and EPC. After 6 h, HSC augmented significantly compared with T0 in both groups. The iloprost group attained a significant increase compared with the placebo group. HSC levels reduced drastically at T24. EPC augmented significantly compared with basal level after 24 h. In the iloprost group, the increase was considerable compared with the placebo group. A close negative correlation, assessed by Pearson coefficient (r), was found between HSC and EPC at T24 in the iloprost group (R = 0.82 P < 0.01). Adhesion molecules had increased levels at T6 and T24 in both groups. Moreover, a close positive correlation, assessed by Pearson coefficient, was found between EPC and adhesion molecules in both groups but the iloprost group maintained a better statistical association. Revascularization stimulated HSC and EPC release from bone marrow but at a different time: HSC increased suddenly at 6 h and diminished to a minimal amount at T24, conversely, EPC increased significantly only at T24. Iloprost treatment was able to amplify this mechanism validating recent findings (North TE et al., [31]). Adhesion molecules as markers of endothelial activation and vascular development confirmed this tendency.

Surgical treatment of tumors involving the inferior vena cava. Personal experience

AIM

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare tumor that frequently produces non-specific symptoms. Surgical treatment is complex. In this review of our experience, we highlight replacement modalities of the vena cava or other vessels after complete tumor resection.

METHODS

During the last 20 years, we treated 12 patients (6 women and 6 men; age range, 38-72 years) with IVC leiomyosarcoma, all apparently free of distant metastases. Tumor location, graft patency, long-term survival and tumor recurrence were recorded. The tumor arose from the IVC in 8 patients; in 2 cases the intracaval mass reached the right atrium; in 4 patients the tumor arose from the femoroiliac axis. Surgical approach was by sternolaparotomy in 5 cases and by median xyphopubic access in 7. Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was needed in 2 cases. All tumors were removed by en bloc resection. The IVC was directly sutured in 2 patients and patched in 4; no reconstruction was necessary in 2 patients; the IVC was replaced in the remaining cases. Four patients had an additional arteriovenous fistula. One patient underwent bifurcated Dacron graft replacement of the aortic carrefour involved by tumor.

RESULTS

Two patients died postoperatively. One patient developed late stenosis of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft, which was treated by stenting. The mean follow-up period was 35 months. The 4-year survival rate was 51% and survival free of recurrence was 63%.

CONCLUSION

Leiomyosarcoma of the IVC is an uncommon tumor that produces non-specific symptoms. In the absence of distant malignancy, an aggressive approach can obtain late survival free of recurrence.

Vascular lesions secondary to osteotomy by corticotomy

Management of vascular traumas is frequently delayed. Vascular injuries after elective operation for bone lengthening or correction of a deformity are very'rare situations. We describe 3 cases. Case 1: male, aged 22, undergoing corticotomy for bone lengthening; immediately presented acute limb ischaemia due to a partial lesion of the popliteal artery, documented by U.S. After 7 h, direct reconstruction of the artery and fasciotomies were performed. Case 2: male, aged 27, undergoing directional osteotomy for genu varus correction. For 30 days, constant increase in leg volume and decrease in function. US showed an important haematoma at the popliteal level; arteriography documented a partial lesion of the infra-genicular popliteal artery and a voluminous false aneurysm. Direct correction of the artery and fasciotomies were performed. Case 3: male, aged 22, undergoing corticotomy for leg lengthening; immediately presented leg pain with decreased distal pulses. After 4h, there was an increase in leg volume, and arteriography showed a total lesion of the infra-genicular popliteal artery and an arteriovenous fistula. Popliteo-tibial bypass with the contralateral greater saphenous vein and fasciotomies were performed. After 1 month endovascular closure of the fistula was obtained. All patients had recovered after two months with only minor leg insufficiency. Patency of the bypass and absence of infections or delayed false aneurysms were achieved. Vascular injuries after elective orthopaedic procedures are very rare situations. Such lesions are caused by an osteotomy via corticotomy performed percutaneously. The variety of clinical presentations accounts for the difficulty in diagnosing such lesions and for the delays in implementing treatment. It is very important to obtain an early diagnosis complete with an arteriography.

[Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy, modified by using the Ligasure radiofrequency coagulator]

The aim of the study was the evaluation of results of modified Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy, with use of the Ligasure radiofrequency coagulator, compared to the Milligan-Morgan and Longo techniques. From January 1988 to December 2005, 3011 patients underwent Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy (1849 F, 1162 M; age range: 18 to 84 years). One thousand three hundred patients had previously been treated by medical therapy with poor results and in 225 patients (7.5%) the indication was recurrence after previous surgical treatment. All patients underwent a closed Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy (combined with anoplasty in 28 cases of post-hemorrhoidal stenosis). Eighty percent of patients were operated on with loco-regional assisted anaesthesia, and the remainder with narcosis (cases of recurrence). During the last two years we performed hemorrhoidal excision in 116 patients (4%) with the Ligasure radiofrequency coagulator, followed by continuous suturing with Vicryl 4/0. There was no intraoperative mortality. Mean operation time was 25 minutes. Postoperative complications were hemorrhage in 6 patients (0.2%) and acute urinary retention in 9 patients (0.3%). No important complications were observed in any of the patients treated with Ligasure. The hospital stay was 24 hours for 2852 patients, and 36-86 hours in the other 5%. Seventy-two percent of patients (2160) had moderate postoperative pain, while 14% (420) had severe postoperative pain necessitating repeated administration of analgesics. The 115 patients undergoing Ferguson haemorrhoidectomy plus Ligasure were discharged within 24 hours of surgery. No cases of major domiciliary haemorrhage were observed. There were 13 cases of suture dehiscence (none in the Ferguson plus Ligasure group). Five patients presented suture infection, not requiring surgical drainage, but only medical treatment with local antibiotics. These results, obtained with the modified Ferguson technique, as compared to the classical and even the most innovative hemorrhoidectomy, appear to confirm the feasibility and accuracy of this operation in almost all patients, with both a considerable reduction in costs and enhanced patient comfort and compliance.

[Haemorrhoidectomy according to Ferguson in day-surgery. Experience and results]

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate of results of 1511 surgical haemorrhoidectomies performed in day-surgery setting (7-24 hours hospital stay) with improvement of both cost effectiveness and patient comfort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 1980 to December 2002, 1511 patients underwent haemorrhoidectomy according to Ferguson, 1011 patients for grade III-IV haemorrhoids 10% of them for recurrence and 5% previous treated by cryotherapy or elastic ligature, 500 patients for grade II haemorrhoids 25% of them previous treated by cryotherapy or elastic ligature and 7% for recurrence. 97.6% of patients were operated on with loco-regional anaesthesia; the others with narcosis and peripheral anaesthesia. The hospital-stay was 24 hours in 34% of patients, while the remaining 66% operated on under loco-regional anaesthesia were hospitalised for 7-10 hours. Twenty-seven patients (1.8%) have had postoperative haemorrhage, only three patients (0.2%) underwent reoperation under general anaesthesia with a hospital stay of 7 days. In 52% of patients clinical recovery was observed at first follow-up (7 days); 48% had recovered at the second follow-up (14 days).

RESULTS

In 1286 patients (98% of patients came back to control) anatomical recovery was observed at the follow-up three months after surgery. Patients satisfaction 6 months after operation was high in 73%; good in 26%; low in 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

These results seems confirm the feasibility of haemorrhoidectomy in day-surgery in almost all patients, with both a considerably cost reduction and enhanced patient comfort and compliance.

[Symptomatic aorto-iliac aneurysm and situs viscerum inversus: case report]

We report a case of infrarenal symptomatic aorto-iliac aneurysm in a patient with acute abdominal pain. The patient was admitted to the emergency care unit for abdominal pain and CT scans showing an infrarenal aorto-iliac aneurysm in a situs viscerum inversus (SVI) totalis syndrome. The patient underwent open aneurysm repair with an aorto-iliac bifurcated graft. This case shows that situs viscerum inversus cannot be considered a technical problem for the surgical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Iloprost infusion in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease and foot ulcers

The aim of the study was to evaluate iloprost infusion as an alternative to open surgical revascularisation in diabetic patients with foot ulcers, also as a support measure in conjunction with endovascular procedures. We studied 244 patients with critical ischaemia of the lower limbs, 146 of whom (59.8%) affected by diabetes. A femoro-distal bypass was performed in 175 patients. In the 69 nonsurgical diabetic patients (47.3% of the diabetics) an iloprost infusion was started. These diabetics presented foot ulcers, a palpable or slightly hypo-sphygmic popliteal pulse and high distal arterial flow at the ankle. In 55 of these patients (79.7% of those not operated on and 37.6% of the diabetics) who were non-responders to medical therapy, an endovascular procedure was also performed. The results of the iloprost infusion (69 pts.) were evaluated after one week. In 14 responders treated only with iloprost infusion, complete healing of the lesions occurred during the 3 weeks following the end of the 4-week course of therapy. No severe ischaemia recurrences were reported in the follow-up of these 69 patients. In the 47.3% of subjects with diabetic arteriopathy presenting foot ulcers and high distal flow, it proved possible to avoid an open surgical revascularisation procedure and to resort to medical therapy with iloprost, completed in 79.7% of cases with endovascular procedures. Iloprost infusion improves limb perfusion and, in selected cases may be an important therapeutic tool for the care of ulcerative lesions of the diabetic foot, also as a support measure in conjunction with endovascular procedures.

The possible role of radiofrequency as complementary treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer

AIM

The prognosis of locally advanced gastric cancer (T3-T4) is bad. The presence of lymph nodes (N3-N4) or haematogenous metastases (liver, lung) gets worse the evolution; principally the hepatic malignancies are cause of scarce survival. The possible use of a palliative treatment as radiofrequency ablation (the good results are note about the treatment of hepatic malignancies by colo-rectal cancer) is reported in recent series. Therefore we decide to use radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of hepatic metastases by gastric cancer, difficulty treated surgically.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2001 to December 2002, 25 patients affected by hepatic metastases underwent to radiofrequency thermal ablation, 2 of them were affected by gastric adenocarcinoma. Case 1: A.P., 58 year-old man, one year before underwent to subtotal gastric resection according to Billroth II. After repeated postoperative chemotherapy cycles, he presented metastases at IV hepatic segment. The patient underwent to percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. The control CT scan confirmed metastasis disappearance. After three months, a partial recurrence was treated by the alcoholization. Three months after, we observed marked jaundice for multiple diffused metastases, followed by the exitus. Case 2: B.G., 63 year-old man, with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (T4) at the pylorus and hepatic metastasis at IV segment. The patient underwent to gastrojejunostomy and to intraoperative radiofrequency ablation. Ultrasonography and CT scan controls were performed before discharge. The patient didn't undergo to successive controls. After 7 months, the patient returned with marked jaundice for diffused hepatic metastases; he refused any treatment, and then he died one month after.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary results don't show complications related to the intra and peri-operative radiofrequency, with an important increase of the mean survival. The results, limited by poor experience, may indicate the complementary role of the radiofrequency in the palliative treatment of the hepatic metastases by advanced gastric cancer, difficulty treated surgically.

[Hypoparathyroid risk after total thyroidectomy]

From January 1970 to December 1999, 881 patients with thyroid pathology underwent surgery consisting in 551 subtotal thyroidectomies and 330 total thyroidectomies. Permanent hypocalcaemia was present in 32 patients (3.6%). The importance of accurate isolation and ultraligature of the branches of the inferior thyroid artery in the prevention of parathyroid damage is stressed.

[Tubulo-villous rectal tumours. Results of surgical resection in relation to histotype (30 years' experience)]

Adenomas of the rectum are frequently found during endoscopic examination. We report on our 30 years of experience with the treatment of tubulo-villous adenomas based on histotype. Between 1971 and 2001, 104 villous tumours of the rectum were treated surgically. The patients' average age was 65 years. These were sessile tumours in 69% of cases, pedunculated in 17.5% and flowing tumours in 13.5%. The mean tumour size was 3 cm. They were associated with colon cancer in 15% of cases and with polyadenoma in 10%. They were located in the rectum within 0 to 6 cm of the anal margin in half the cases. These tumours were treated by local excision in 74 cases and by wide excision in 30 cases. The malignant potential of the tumours was 30%, including 10% invasive malignancy. There were no surgical fatalities, but a 6% medical fatality rate was registered. There was a 20% complication rate related to the surgical technique. Twenty patients were lost to follow-up. Out of 84 villous tumours, monitored over a mean survival period of 6.5 years, there were 24 recurrences: 18 underwent endoscopic excision and in 6 cases a wide resection. The various tumour resection techniques and the operative indications of variable difficulty are presented. It would seem, at present, that total resection of the rectum with a colo-anal anastomosis is the best treatment for large flowing villous tumours occupying almost the entire rectum. Thorough preoperative examination and the mastering of various surgical procedures should allow the most suitable choice of treatment for each individual case.

[Bronchial arteries: anatomical and clinical studies and strategies in surgical approach]

One of the most important and controversial aspects of thoracic surgery is due to the topographical and surgical anatomy of the vascular structures involving the mediastinum. The knowledge of the so-called "vascular time", in fact, allows to face more complicated surgical situations, typical of the most specialistic thoracic surgery. The bronchial arteries represent a paradigm of what we have just stated. The study of their anatomy (number, position, origin, distribution and relationships with the mediastinal structures) is of relevant importance, not only for the interest the bronchial vascular tree arises in tracheo-bronchial surgery and in pulmonary transplantology, but also for the knowledge of the pathogenesis of some processes regarding pulmonary and pleural pathologies. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the real clinical interest of bronchial arteries, with an analytic study of the anatomy of vessels, and with the possibility to show the most frequent and characteristic anomalies involving the origin and course of these arteries.

[Combined video-thoracoscopic, surgical and endovascular treatment in a case of ascites and recurrent bilateral pleural effusion]

Among recurrent pleural effusions a role of remarkable importance is held by those combined with ascitis due to the difficulty of their treatment, even using widely tested techniques. The incidence of such pathology varies from 4% to 6% of patients suffering from cirrhotic pathology, reaching 10% in cases with advanced illnesses. Pleural effusions involve the right emithorax more frequently than the left one, but it can show up bilaterally too. Its etiopathogenesis is tied up to the direct passage of ascitic liquid into the chest and, during the past years, numerous theories have been described to explain this migration. The Authors report the case of a patient with interesting considerations for the diagnostic difficulties and the peculiarity of the treatment performed.

[Varicose vein recurrence after surgery of the sapheno-femoral junction: color Doppler ultrasonography study]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and sensitivity of colour Doppler ultrasonography for the diagnosis of postoperative recurrent varicose veins in patients submitted to surgical ligation of the saphenofemoral junction with a view to classifying the recurrences according to the causes. We studied 401 lower limbs in the orthostatic position with colour Doppler ultrasonography in 318 patients (64 M and 254 F) presenting postoperative varicose vein recurrence during the follow-up (12-60 months). We evaluated the type of reflux at the inguinal level under the Valsalva manoeuvre and divided them into 5 types. We observed an incomplete crossectomy (type 1) in 23.2% of the cases; an incontinent saphenofemoral junction, intact and in an anatomical site in 12.5% (type 2); a major tributary (double saphena) originating from the common femoral vein near to the crossectomy site in 10.2% (type 3); neovascularization in 9.7% (type 4) and the presence of a number of major tributaries from the veins of the perineal and pudendal region or from the abdominal parietal veins in 44.4% (type 5). In all cases it was possible to note and classify the type of recurrence. Colour Doppler ultrasonography is an accurate, reliable tool for the diagnosis and classification of postoperative varicose vein recurrences in patients submitted to surgical obliteration of the saphenofemoral junction. It is decisive in the preoperative evaluation and follow-up of patients. In our experience, more than one half of the cases of recurrence were not due to an error of surgical technique.

[Abdominal artery aneurysm and associated surgical abdominal diseases: towards optimal timing]

The purpose of this study was to assess which modalities offered the best timing in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms associated with other abdominal surgical diseases. From January 1984 to December 2002, 372 patients underwent surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms, 350 men (94%) and 22 women (6%), mean age 72 years. Of these 10% were operated on urgently. The traditional open technique was used in 307 patients, and the endovascular method in the remaining 65 cases. In 40 patients (11%) we observed other associated abdominal diseases which were treated during the same operation in 34 cases (85%). We had three deaths in the 34 cases treated in the same operation (9%). In the remaining cases no perioperative mortality was registered. There were no cases of prosthesis infection. The mean hospital stay was 9 days. Simultaneous treatment appears, on the one hand, to carry an increased operative risk and increased mortality and, on the other, to present the advantage of having to perform only one surgical procedure. The advent of the endovascular method allows us to postpone the treatment of the associated disease without increasing the technical difficulty of the second operation.

[Surgical treatment of rectal prolapse with transanal resection according to Altemeier. Experience and results]

In recent years the number of patients with partial or total rectal prolapse has increased. Numerous techniques and surgical approaches have been described for its treatment. In this study we examine the main ones and stress the advantages of the transanal-perineal resection technique according to Altemeier and modified by Prasad, which we have used to treat the condition in the last 15 years. From 1988 to 2002, 269 patients with "haemorrhoidal prolapse" were referred to our department; 146 were females (54%), and the mean age was 58 years. Clinical examination and proctosigmoidoscopy revealed the presence of total rectal prolapse in 41 patients (15%, 32 F, 9 M), complicated in 4 cases by moderate incontinence and associated in 3 cases with post-haemorrhoidectomy stenosis. These 41 patients underwent transanal resection according to Altemeier. Thirty-four of them (83%) were operated on under local anaesthesia with sedation, 5 patients (12%) under peridural anaesthesia and 2 patients (5%) under narcosis. The mean hospital stay was 5 days and depended on the time of the first spontaneous evacuation. Check-ups were performed after 7 days, 1 months and every 3 months for 1 year. There was no postoperative mortality, and only 1 case of postoperative haemorrhage, which did not require reoperation, in a patient with a previous myocardial infarct who spontaneously continued to take salicylates up to 24 h before surgery. Thirty-three patients (80%) had their first postoperative evacuation within 48 h of surgery after taking sorbitol orally in the evening, 6 patients (15%) within 72 h, and 2 patients (5%) on postoperative day 4. No evacuative enemas were performed. We observed clinical healing in all patients 1 month after the operation, and regular, spontaneous evacuations without the use of oral laxatives. Stool or gas incontinence were never observed or reported. During the follow-up, only in 2% of cases did we observe partial recurrence of the prolapse. The choice between the numerous surgical techniques for correcting rectal prolapse, depends on the state of the disease, on the patient's general condition and on the surgeon's experience with the various techniques. The perineal approach proposed by Altemeier and modified by Prasad presents a low risk of mortality and immediate complications, as confirmed by our experience, even in high risk patients, and relatively easy execution. It would appear, moreover, to be the only technique capable of correcting the preoperative incontinence sometimes present.

[Iatrogenic lesions of the femoral vessels during hernia surgery]

The vascular lesions in hernia surgery are difficult to be found: on the basis of three cases personally treated and on literature data, the authors dwell upon the factors that influence the frequency of this event, they discuss about the therapeutic choices and they illustrate the short and long term prognosis.

[Surgical treatment of acute respiratory failure caused by mediastinal goiter. Clinical experience and results]

In the regions where goitre is endemic, onset of the disease with acute respiratory insufficiency caused by thyroid compression is an uncommon situation requiring a rapid diagnosis and urgent surgical treatment. From January 1997 to December 2000 we observed 81 patients with thyroid pathologies, (69 males and 12 females; mean age 64 years). We found colloid-cystic goitre in 39 cases, adenomatous goitre in 26, carcinoma in 12, Hürthle's cell tumours in 3 and inflammatory disease in 1. All patients underwent thyroidectomy. Nine patients (11%) presented acute respiratory insufficiency caused by thyroid compression, with various associated phonesis disorders; in these cases we performed emergency surgery with postoperative maintenance of tracheal intubation or tracheotomy or the possible positioning of a self-expanding tracheal stent. In these 9 patients there were 4 deaths (44%), 3 in the immediate postoperative period and one after 10 months. We also observed one hydropneumothorax. Functional recovery was achieved in the remaining 5 patients. The treatment of this clinical picture requires urgent tracheal intubation, before the use of diagnostic tools, and it is important to maintain it after the surgical procedure for as long as is necessary for the tracheal wall to be reconstituted. In the severest cases a temporary tracheotomy is needed or the positioning of a tracheal stent, which offers a valid and effective alternative.

[Surgical treatment of anal stenosis following hemorrhoid surgery. Results of 150 combined mucosal advancement and internal sphincterotomy]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of anoplasty by mucosal advancement combined with internal sphincterotomy for the treatment of iatrogenic anal stenosis. From January 1990 to December 2000, 149 patients with post-haemorrhoidectomy anal strictures underwent internal sphincterotomy and mucosal advancement flap anoplasty. Seventy-one percent of patients were operated on under local anaesthesia by perineal block according to Marti. In 90 percent of the patients, postoperative pain was mild. No significant complications were seen. The mean hospital stay was two days. Ninety-seven percent of patients were well satisfied with the surgical result one year after operation. Current surgical options for the treatment of post-haemorrhoidectomy anal stricture are reported and the advantages of mucosal advancement flap anoplasty outlined.

Primary aortoduodenal fistula including the afferent loop of a Billroth II anastomosis. A case report

Primary aortoenteric fistula is a very rare consequence of the evolution of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The 3rd and 4th portion of the duodenum are involved in up to 80% of all cases. Frequently, gastrointestinal bleeding represents the first symptom, and diagnosis is difficult because of the aspecific clinical presentation and course, characterized by alternating remission and relapse; this is the reason why surgical treatment is usually delayed and therefore such events are managed as emergencies with a preoperative and intraoperative high death rate. We report the case of a 76-year-old man with a primary aortoduodenal fistula, who was submitted to gastric resection according to Billroth II 20 years before. This case could be interesting for its anatomical peculiarities favourable to the formation of the fistula.

[Radiofrequency ablation in primary and secondary liver tumors]

The authors report the preliminary results of a new treatment for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies called radiofrequency ablation. Seven patients undergoing the new radiofrequency ablation procedure (4 M and 3 F; mean age 62 years) were studied. The 3 female patients were suffering from breast cancer metastases (1 case), left colon cancer metastases to the first hepatic segment with caval and portal compression (1 case), and metastases to the eighth hepatic segment from an operated left colon cancer (1 case). The 4 male patients were suffering from carcinoma of the first hepatic segment on a cirrhotic liver (1 case), two liver metastases from left a colon cancer (1 case), a single 3-cm diameter metastasis treated by laparotomic radiofrequency ablation after resection of a gastric cancer (1 case), and one metastasis to the eighth hepatic segment from an operated left colon cancer (1 case). Prior to treatment all patients were subjected to investigation of routine blood-chemistry parameters, hepatic enzymes, cancer markers (Ca 19.9, alphafetoprotein, cytokines), abdominal spiral CT or MRI or PET (18 FDG); and thorough ultrasonography. Four patients underwent percutaneous radiofrequency ablation; one patient with concomitant gastric cancer underwent laparotomic radiofrequency ablation and simultaneous removal of the tumour; one patient was treated by celioscopic radiofrequency ablation in the course of laparoscopic cholecystectomy; and one underwent transpleural-diaphragmatic radiofrequency ablation for metastases to the seventh and eighth hepatic segments. None of the patients undergoing ultrasonography and CT follow-up examinations after 6 months presented recurrence of hepatic metastases. This treatment, though its use has so far been limited to only a few cases with a short follow-up, opens up new prospects for the surgical treatment of primary and secondary malignancies, also in the light of experience based on a substantial number of patients, recently reported in the literature.

[Mucin-secreting tumor of the appendix with large gelatinous effusion]

The authors report a case of a mucinous tumour of the appendix with a large muco-gelatinous effusion detected as a result of massive abdominal compression. The mucinous mass occupied the entire abdominal cavity and was compressing the abdominal vascular trunks. Increases in CEA, Ca 19.9 and Ca 50 were recorded. The abdominal CT scan was of fundamental importance for diagnosing the condition. Surgery was performed consisting in removal of the mucinous abdominal mass, the appendix and part of the caecum. The postoperative course was favourable with rapid restoration of abdominal organic functions and normalisation of CEA. The rarity of these tumours is stressed.

[New perspectives in the treatment of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer: radiofrequency thermal ablation]

Preliminary results of new treatment of metastatic hepatic malignancies from colo-rectal cancer, the radiofrequency ablation (RFA), are reported. The method is limited by few cases treated and short follow-up but it opens new perspectives in metasurgical treatment of these lesions as regards the previous experiences based on wide numbers of patients, recently reported in the literature.

[One-day surgery: results of 3,000 surgical procedures]

AIMS

To evaluate the advantages and limits of one day surgery operations performed between January 1990 and December 2000.

METHODS

Pre-operative study of out patients with indications to surgical treatment with short-stay hospitalisation and research of criteria of feasibility of day-surgical program: a) morning hospitalisation; b) surgical intervention; c) post-operative control; d) night control; e) careful evaluation of admission 24 hour after operation and instruction for house-therapy; f) program of follow-up (7 and 14 days after operation).

RESULTS

Mortality 0%; immediate post-operative complications 1.8%; post-operative sequelae (one year after surgery): 0.5%; high satisfaction gradient of patients one year after treatment: 89%.

DISCUSSION

The Day-Surgery seems to be, after ten years of experience, available in high number of patients, with progressive extension of indications to ever more surgical fields and results very satisfactory, in term of cost-effectiveness too, with an high compliance of the patients to surgical program.