Behavioral and hormonal effects of prolonged Sildenafil treatment in a mouse model of chronic social stress

Chronic social defeat can inhibit the reproductive system of subordinate males and causes behavioral deficits. Sildenafil treatment increases mice testosterone levels through its effects on Leydig cells of mice and it has been found to work as an antidepressant drug both in humans and in animal models. Since previous findings showed that sildenafil can counteract the inhibitory effects of chronic social defeat on agonistic, reproductive and anxiety-like behaviors of subordinate male mice, we investigated whether these behavioral outcomes can be explained by Sildenafil stimulation of testosterone. CD1 mice underwent an intruder-resident paradigm. After the fifth day of test, subordinate mice were injected with either a 10 mg/kg Sildenafil or a saline solution for 4 weeks. The results of the present study showed that Sildenafil treatment increased counterattacking behaviors and sexual motivation of subordinate males in addition to limiting the increase in body weight often observed in subordinate mice following chronic psychosocial stress. Moreover, sildenafil treated mice showed a pattern of behaviors reflecting lower anxiety. In agreement with previous studies, Sildenafil also increased testosterone levels. These data demonstrate that sildenafil can counteract the effects of chronic stress, possibly through its stimulatory effects on Leydig cells. These data demonstrate that sildenafil might counteract the effects of chronic psychosocial stress through centrally and peripherally mediated mechanisms.

Mid-transverse colon cancer and extended versus transverse colectomy: Results of the Italian society of surgical oncology colorectal cancer network (SICO CCN) multicenter collaborative study

INTRODUCTION

Transverse colon cancer (TCC) is poorly studied, and TCC cases are often excluded from large prospective randomized trials because of their complexity and their potentially high complication rate. The best surgical approach for TCC has yet to be established. The aim of this large retrospective multicenter Italian series is to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of both hemicolectomy and transverse colectomy in order to identify the best surgical approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with mid-transverse colon cancer treated with a segmental colon resection or an extended hemicolectomy (right or left) between 2006 and 2016 in 28 high-volume (more than 70 procedures/year) Italian referral centers for colorectal surgery.

RESULTS

The study included 1529 patients, 388 of whom underwent a segmental resection while 1141 underwent an extended resection. A higher number of complications has been reported in the segmental group than in the extended group (30.1% versus 23.6%; p 0.010). In 42 cases the main complication was the anastomotic leak (4.4% versus 2.2%; p 0.020). Recovery outcomes also showed statistical differences: time to first flatus (p 0.014), time to first mobilization (p 0.040), and overall hospital stay (p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the extended group. Even if overall survival were similar between the groups (95.1% versus 97%; p 0.384), 3-year disease-free survival worsened after segmental resection (78.1% versus 86.2%; p 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, an extended right colon resection for TCC seems to be surgically safer and more oncologically valid.

Sterile carbon particle suspension vs India ink for endoscopic tattooing of colonic lesions: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Different markers have been used preoperatively to mark colonic lesions, especially India ink. In recent years, another kind of marker has been developed: sterile carbon particle suspension (SCPS). No comparison between these two markers has yet been made. The aim of the present study was to compare the pyrogenic, inflammatory and intraperitoneal effect of these two markers.

METHODS

From September 2015 to December 2018, adult patients who were candidates for elective laparoscopic colon resection were randomized to the SCPS or conventional India ink injection group using computer-based randomization. The primary endpoint of the study was the presence of intraoperative adhesions related to the endoscopic tattoo. Secondary endpoints were differences in white blood cell, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen levels as well as, abdominal pain and body temperature at baseline (before endoscopic tattooing) and 6 and 24 h after colonoscopy. Finally, the visibility of the tattoo during the minimally invasive intervention was assessed.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients were included in the study, 47 for each arm. There were 45/94 females (47.9%) and 49/94 males (52.1%), with a median age of 67.85 ± 9.22 years. No differences were found between groups in WBC, fibrinogen levels, body temperature or VAS scores, but we documented significantly higher CRP values at 6 and 24 h after endoscopic tattooing with India ink injection. There were significantly fewer adhesions in the SCPS Endoscopic Marker group. All the endoscopic tattoos were clearly visible.

CONCLUSIONS

SCPS is an effective method for tattooing colonic lesions and has a better safety profile than traditional India ink in terms of post-procedure inflammatory response and intraoperative bowel adhesions.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT03637933).

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway vs traditional care in laparoscopic rectal resection: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway with traditional perioperative care in laparoscopic rectal resection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted. Single-center consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal surgery after an ERAS program were compared with patients who received traditional care over an 8-year period. Primary and total length of stay, and readmission, morbidity and mortality rates were analyzed. For ERAS group, the actual adherence to protocol was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ninety-seven patients, 162 in the ERAS group and 135 in conventional care, were studied. Median primary and total length of stay were significantly shorter in the ERAS group (9 vs 12 days; p = 0.0001; 10 vs 12 days; p = 0.01; respectively). The ERAS group experienced a faster recovery of bowel function than the traditional care group (p = 0.0001). A similar morbidity rate was observed in the two groups (32.3 % in ERAS vs 36.1 % in traditional care p = 0.41). Readmission rates were 4.9 % in the ERAS versus 1.5 % in the traditional care group (p = 0.19). There was no mortality in either group. Overall mean compliance with the ERAS protocol was 85.7 % (range 54.4-100 %).

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of the ERAS protocol in laparoscopic rectal resection led to a reduction in primary and total length of hospital stay without an increase in morbidity or readmission rates when compared to traditional care.

Laparoscopic treatment of advanced colonic cancer: a case-matched control with open surgery

AIM

The safety, feasibility and oncological results of laparoscopic resection for advanced colon cancer were evaluated.

METHOD

Seventy consecutive patients with a histologically proven T4 colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic (LPS) right or left colectomy were matched for comorbidity on admission (American Society of Anesthesiologists score), tumour stage and grading with 70 patients who underwent open colectomy over a 10-year period. Short- and long-term outcome measures were evaluated.

RESULTS

The overall conversion rate was 7.1%. Less intra-operative blood loss (P = 0.01), a trend toward a longer operation time (P = 0.09) and a lower peri-operative blood transfusion rate (P = 0.06) were observed in the LPS group. A similar number of lymph nodes were retrieved (P = 0.37) and the R1 resection rate (P = 0.51) was no different in the two groups. The overall mortality rate was 1.4%. The overall morbidity rate was 21.4% (15/70 patients) in the LPS group and 27.5% (19/70 patients) in the open group (P = 0.42), with anastomotic leakage rates of 7.1% and 4.2% (P = 0.32). Length of stay was shorter after LPS (P = 0.009). Five-year overall survival rate (P = 0.18) and disease-free survival rate (P = 0.20) did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic treatment of T4 colon cancer is safe and feasible and provides a similar surgical and oncological outcome compared with the open technique.

Is the haematopoietic effect of testosterone mediated by erythropoietin? The results of a clinical trial in older men

The stimulatory effects of testosterone on erythropoiesis are very well known, but the mechanisms underlying the erythropoietic action of testosterone are still poorly understood, although erythropoietin has long been considered a potential mediator. A total of 108 healthy men >65 years old with serum testosterone concentration <475 ng/dL were recruited by direct mailings to alumni of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, and randomized to receive a 60-cm(2) testosterone or placebo patch for 36 months. Ninety-six subjects completed the trial. We used information and stored serum specimens from this trial to test the hypothesis that increasing testosterone increases haemoglobin by stimulating erythropoietin production. We used information of 67 men, 43 in the testosterone group and 24 in the placebo group who had banked specimens available for assays of testosterone, haemoglobin and erythropoietin at baseline and after 36 months. The original randomized clinical study was primarily designed to verify the effects of testosterone on bone mineral density. The primary outcome of this report was to investigate whether or not transdermal testosterone increases haemoglobin by increasing erythropoietin levels. The mean age ± SD of the 67 subjects at baseline was 71.8 ± 4.9 years. Testosterone replacement therapy for 36 months, as compared with placebo, induced a significant increase in haemoglobin (0.86 ± 0.31 g/dL, p = 0.01), but no change in erythropoietin levels (-0.24 ± 2.16 mIU/mL, p = 0.91). Included time-varying measure of erythropoietin did not significantly account for the effect of testosterone on haemoglobin (Treatment-by-time: β = 0.93, SE = 0.33, p = 0.01). No serious adverse effect was observed. Transdermal testosterone treatment of older men for 36 months significantly increased haemoglobin, but not erythropoietin levels. The haematopoietic effect of testosterone does not appear to be mediated by stimulation of erythropoietin production.

The relationship between sex hormones, sex hormone binding globulin and peripheral artery disease in older persons

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) increases with aging and is higher in persons with metabolic syndrome and diabetes. PAD is associated with adverse outcomes, including frailty and disability. The protective effect of testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) for diabetes in men suggests that the biological activity of sex hormones may affect PAD, especially in older populations.

METHODS

Nine hundred and twenty-one elderly subjects with data on SHBG, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) were selected from InCHIANTI study. PAD was defined as an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) < 0.90. Logistic regression models adjusted for age (Model 1), age, BMI, insulin, interleukin-6, physical activity, smoking, chronic diseases including metabolic syndrome (Model 2), and a final model including also sex hormones (Model 3) were performed to test the relationship between SHBG, sex hormones and PAD.

RESULTS

The mean age (±SD) of the 419 men and 502 women was 75.0 ± 6.8 years. Sixty two participants (41 men, 21 women) had ABI < 0.90. Men with PAD had SHBG levels lower than men without PAD (p = 0.03). SHBG was negatively and independently associated with PAD in men (p = 0.028) but not in women. The relationship was however attenuated after adjusting for sex hormones (p = 0.07). The E2 was not significantly associated with PAD in both men and women. In women, but not in men, T was positively associated with PAD, even after adjusting for multiple confounders, including E2 (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Low SHBG and high T levels are significantly and independently associated with the presence of PAD in older men and women, respectively.

The hormonal pathway to cognitive impairment in older men

In older men there is a multiple hormonal dysregulation with a relative prevalence of catabolic hormones such as thyroid hormones and cortisol and a decline in anabolic hormones such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, testosterone and insulin like growth factor 1 levels. Many studies suggest that this catabolic milieu is an important predictor of frailty and mortality in older persons. There is a close relationship between frailty and cognitive impairment with studies suggesting that development of frailty is consequence of cognitive impairment and others pointing out that physical frailty is a determinant of cognitive decline. Decline in cognitive function, typically memory, is a major symptom of dementia. The "preclinical phase" of cognitive impairment occurs many years before the onset of dementia. The identification of relevant modifiable factors, including the hormonal dysregulation, may lead to therapeutic strategies for preventing the cognitive dysfunction. There are several mechanisms by which anabolic hormones play a role in neuroprotection and neuromodulation. These hormones facilitate recovery after brain injury and attenuate the neuronal loss. In contrast, elevated thyroid hormones may increase oxidative stress and apoptosis, leading to neuronal damage or death. In this mini review we will address the relationship between low levels of anabolic hormones, changes in thyroid hormones and cognitive function in older men. Then, giving the contradictory data of the literature and the multi-factorial origin of dementia, we will introduce the hypothesis of multiple hormonal derangement as a better determinant of cognitive decline in older men.

Relationship between testosterone deficiency and cardiovascular risk and mortality in adult men

Classic male hypogonadism is associated with known adverse effects including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, and changes in body composition. Recently, we have come to appreciate that reduction in serum testosterone (T) levels resulting from aging or chronic disease or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) have consequences similar to those seen in classic male hypogonadism which include increased fat mass, decreased lean body mass, decreased muscle strength, and sexual dysfunction. These data suggest that low T levels may represent a newly recognized cardiometabolic risk factor. Therefore, we carried out a careful review of the literature, focusing on major turning points of research and studies which gave more important and controversial contribution to the cardiovascular role of T. Observational studies and clinical trials investigating the relationship between T levels and cardiovascular disease and mortality were identified byMedline search. The results were synthesized, tabulated, and interpreted. The aim of this review is to discuss the association between low T levels and adverse metabolic profile such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. We will also investigate the potential mechanisms by which male hypogonadism, especially age related or induced by ADT, may increase cardio-metabolic risk. Finally we will detail the emerging relationship between low T and mortality in men addressing also the reverse hypothesis that low T has a protective role by turning off T-dependent functions.

Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic versus open left colonic resection

BACKGROUND

The main aim of this study was to compare short-term results and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic versus open left colonic resection.

METHODS

Between February 2000 and December 2004, all adult patients undergoing elective left colonic resection were assessed for eligibility to the study. The protocol for postoperative care was the same in both groups. Cost-benefit analysis was based on hospital costs. Quality of life, long-term morbidity and 5-year survival were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Some 268 patients undergoing left colonic resection were assigned randomly to the laparoscopic (n = 134) or open (n = 134) approach. The short-term morbidity rate was 20.1 per cent in the open group and 11.9 per cent in the laparoscopic group (P = 0.094). Hospital stay was longer in the open group (8.7 versus 7.0 days for the laparoscopic approach; P = 0.002). Cost-benefit analysis showed an additional cost of euro66 per patient randomly allocated to the laparoscopic group. Quality of life was significantly improved in the laparoscopic group 6 months after surgery, but no difference was found subsequently. The long-term morbidity rate was 11.9 per cent in the open group and 7.5 per cent in the laparoscopic group (P = 0.413). The 5-year survival rate of patients with cancer was 66 and 72 per cent for open and laparoscopic groups respectively (P = 0.321).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic left colonic resection resulted in an earlier recovery after surgery. As cost-benefit analysis and long-term follow-up showed similar results, the laparoscopic approach should be preferred to open surgery.

Impact of previous abdominal surgery on the outcome of laparoscopic colectomy: a case-matched control study

BACKGROUND

Adhesions are a major risk for visceral injury and can increase the difficulty of both laparoscopic and open colectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of previous abdominal surgery on laparoscopic colectomy in terms of early outcome.

METHODS

We performed a case-control study of patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal disease. The case group comprised 91 patients with a history of prior abdominal surgery, while the 91 controls had no such history. Case and controls were matched for age, gender, site of primary disease, comorbidity on admission and body mass index.

RESULTS

The two groups were homogeneous for demographic and clinical characteristics. Conversion rate was 16.5% in the case group and 8.8% in the control group (p=0.18). Of the 7 patients who underwent conversion because of adhesions, six had prior surgery (cases) and one did not (p=0.001). Operative time was 26 minutes longer in the case group than in the control group (p=0.001). Morbidity rate was 25.3% among cases and 23.1% for controls. Patients in the two groups experienced a similar time to recovery of bowel function, length of postoperative stay, and 30-day readmission rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic colectomy in previously operated patients is a time-consuming operation, but it does not appear to affect the short-term postoperative outcome.

Laparoscopic excision of duodenal schwannoma

BACKGROUND

Benign duodenal tumours are rare and less common than malignant tumours. They comprise a wide variety of pathologies. Schwannoma is an ectodermal neoplasm arising from the nerve sheath that envelops axons. A duodenal location is extremely rare. Therapy consists in the radical excision of the tumour. Our aim was to describe a minimally invasive technique used for the excision of duodenal schwannoma, so that a laparotomy has been avoided.

METHODS

A laparoscopic operation under general anaesthesia was undertaken with the patient in supine position with the legs abducted. No macroscopic peritoneal seedling was found. Therefore, a laparoscopic Kocher maneuver was performed. The retroperitoneum was entered using the harmonic scalpel and the dissection extended beyond the vena cava and the duodenum. The location and the size of the lesion have been confirmed using an intraoperative endoscopic ultrasound examination. The excision of the lesion was performed by use the harmonic scalpel. Then, the duodenal wall was sutured by use endoscopic stitches. The resected lesion was then placed in a retrieval bag and extracted through the port incision. Operating time was 300 min and blood loss 200 ml.

RESULTS

The postoperative course was uneventful. Histological findings showed a benign schwannoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The minimally invasive technique may be a valid alternative to open surgery in the treatment of benign duodenal tumors.

[Laparoscopic-assisted versus open surgery for colorectal cancer: postoperative morbidity in a single center randomized trial]

AIM

The primary objective of the study was to compare the effect of laparoscopic-assisted (LPS) versus open surgery (LPT) for colorectal cancer on postoperative morbidity. The secondary objectives were to evaluate immune response and intestinal wall oxygen perfusion.

METHODS

A total of 610 patients with colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to receive colon resection by either LPS (n=306) or LPT (n=304). Four surgical staff members not involved in the study recorded postoperative complications up to 30 days after the operation. Immune response was evaluated by measuring lymphocytic proliferation after challenge with Candida albicans and phytohemoagglutinin before, at 3 and 15 days after the operation. Intestinal wall oxygen perfusion was continuously monitored using a probe.

RESULTS

The conversion rate was 4.6% in the LPS group. Morbidity was 18.6% in the LPS group and 34.5% in the LPT group (P<0.0005). Infections developed in 9.1% of LPS-treated patients and in 20.2% of LPT-treated patients (P<0.0005). The mean length of stay was 9.7+/-2.6 days in the LPS group and 12.2+/-4.2 days in the LPT group (P<0.0001). In both groups lymphocytic proliferation was low at 3 days postoperative but returned to normal range at 15 days only in the LPS group. Interoperative intestinal oxygen perfusion values were higher in the LPS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery reduced both postoperative morbidity and length of stay. Lymphocytic proliferation and intestinal wall oxygen perfusion were higher in patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery.

[Colorectal laparoscopic surgery. Single center experience with 599 cancer patients]

PURPOSE

To analyze the results of laparoscopic colectomy for cancer of colon and rectum on early outcome.

METHODS

Fifty hundred and ninety-nine consecutive unselected patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy for cancer of the colon or rectum between January 1998 and December 2004 in a single Institution were prospectively evaluated. Tumor classification was by TNM stage. Patients were monitored for postoperative complications for 30 days after surgery. Follow-up was done by direct patient contact.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) age was 65.8 (11.7) years. Mean (SD) ASA score was 2.0 (0.5). The following operations were performed: 248 left colectomies, 131 right colectomies, 26 sigmoid resections, 164 rectal resections, 21 abdominoperineal resections (Miles operation) and 9 total colectomies. Conversion rate was 7.2% (43/599 pts). The overall morbidity rate was 23.3% (143/599 pts). The mortality rate was 0.3% (2/599 pts). Anastomotic leak occurred in 45/599 (7.3%) patients. Re-operation rate was 4.6% (26/599 pts). Mean (SD) length of stay was 9.9 (5.8) days. The mean number (SD) of lymphnodes intraoperatively collected was 16.7 (9.8). Median (range) time of follow-up period was 20.2 months (6-68). One port-site metastasis was found at 18 months after surgery. Overall 5-years survival was 81%. Local recurrence rate in patients who underwent TME of the rectum was 4.4%.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic colectomies is safe and effective in the treatment of colon and rectal cancer.

Short- and long-term effects of perioperative homologous blood transfusion in surgical patients with cancer

Background

The immunosuppressive effect of transfusion with homologous blood is debated. The aim of this study was to find the potential correlation between the use of homologous blood in the perioperative period and postoperative infection (short-term effect) and survival (long-term effect) in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery for cancer.

Methods

A total of 1010 patients with a gastrointestinal neoplasm (316 gastric, 694 colorectal) having major surgical procedures were observed prospectively. The following variables were recorded: sex, age, type and duration of operation, operative blood loss, type and amount of blood transfusion, type and rate of postoperative complications, disease stage (tumour node metastasis (TNM) or Dukes), and use of adjuvant therapy (radiochemotherapy). The χ2 test was applied to correlate discrete variables. Cox multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of each single variable on survival. Five-year survival curves were studied by the Kaplan–Meier method and their correlation was made by the log rank test.

Results

According to the Cox model, in patients who underwent gastrectomy there was a significant correlation (P &lt; 0·01) only between age, disease stage and 5-year survival rate. The odds ratio for the relationship between homologous transfusion and survival was 1·43 (P = 0·08). When overall 5-year survival was split by TNM class, homologous transfusion significantly affected the mortality rate for patients in stage II and III (P &lt; 0·05), while survival in patients of stage I and IV was not influenced by the use of homologous blood. Similar results were obtained in subjects with colorectal cancer, with the difference that in the Cox multivariate analysis homologous transfusion was significantly correlated with the overall 5-year survival rate (P &lt; 0·005). Again, the strongest correlation was observed for intermediate disease stages (Dukes B and C). The χ2 value for the linear trend also showed a significant relationship between the amount of blood transfused and 5-year survival rate. In this population there was also a statistically significant correlation between transfusion and the rate of postoperative infections (P = 0·001).

Conclusion

The correlation between homologous blood transfusion and short- and long-term immunosuppression appears to be valid dependent on the site of the neoplasm, particularly for patients with an intermediate disease stage.

Training period in laparoscopic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Thorough training is essential to the success of colorectal laparoscopic surgery (LPS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a 3-month training period in LPS.

METHODS

Before beginning the study, the surgical team attended several courses of LPS and spent a long time working at a large animal facility to perfect laparoscopic techniques. Twenty-six consecutive patients underwent LPS in a 3-month training period. Controls (n = 26) who underwent open colorectal surgery (LPT) were selected to match the LPS patients for age, gender, primary disease, type of surgery, comorbidity, and nutritional status.

RESULTS

Conversion to open surgery was necessary in one patient (3.8%). The operative time was 1 h longer for LPS than LPT (p < 0.001). The mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 17 in LPS and 18 in LPT (p = 0.76). The first flatus (p < 0.02) and bowel movement (p < 0.002) occurred earlier in the LPS group. The postoperative infection rate was 11.5% for LPS and 19.2% for LPT (p = 0.33). Two anastomotic leaks occurred in each group. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 9.6 days (standard deviation [SD], 2.6) for LPS and 11.0 days (SD, 5.2) for LPT (p = 0.68). Recovery of postoperative physical performance and social life occurred earlier in the LPS than the LPT group (p < 0.001). At 1-year follow-up, no difference was found in terms of cancer recurrence or long-term complications.

CONCLUSION

Oncologic results and postoperative morbidity were comparable for LPS and LPT. LPS allows a faster postoperative recovery.

Locally recurrent rectal cancer: predictors and success of salvage surgery

PURPOSE

After curative surgery for rectal cancer, patients with pelvic recurrence may undergo curative surgical resection. We determined whether salvage surgery in appropriately selected patients could significantly lengthen disease-free survival time and if so what factors predicted this outcome.

METHOD

We reviewed the records of all patients treated for rectal cancer at our institution between 1980 and 1993. Of 937 patients who underwent surgery with curative intent after proctectomy or transanal local excision, 81 (8.6 percent) experienced local recurrence. During the same period 36 patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer were referred from other institutions. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of salvage surgery. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate cancer-specific and disease-free survival times in 43 patients who underwent salvage surgery. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify factors associated with these outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 117 patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer, 43 (36.7 percent) underwent salvage surgery. Factors associated with higher chance of receiving salvage surgery were female gender, the first operation performed at outside institutions, and transanal local excision as the initial operation. For 43 patients who underwent salvage surgery, five-year cancer-specific and disease-free survival rates were 49.7 and 32.2 percent, respectively. No factors were significantly associated with death caused by cancer. However, a trend for poor prognosis was observed in patients with recurrence diameter >3 cm and tumor fixation Degree 2.

CONCLUSION

Salvage surgery for properly selected patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer allows long-term palliation and significantly lengthens disease-free survival.

Altered microperfusion at the rectal stump is predictive for rectal anastomotic leak

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of intraoperative laser-Doppler measurements in predicting the occurrence of anastomotic leak in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing stapled straight anastomosis to the rectum.

METHODS

A prospective study was undertaken on 55 patients with rectal cancer or distal sigmoid cancer programmed for elective curative surgery. In all patients transmural colonic blood flow was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry technique before bowel manipulation (baseline measurement) and after vascular ligation and division. Comorbidities at admission, intraoperative events, associated surgical procedures, and clinical outcome were tested for any association with anastomotic leak.

RESULTS

Postoperative mortality was 1.8 percent (1/55 patients), and the overall morbidity was 21.3 percent. Anastomotic leak occurred in eight patients (14.5 percent). After colonic division a blood flow reduction at the rectal stump was observed in 42 patients (76.3 percent) as compared with baseline measurement. The mean rectal stump flow reduction was 6.2 percent in patients without anastomotic leak, whereas in patients who developed anastomosis breakdown it was 16 percent (P < 0.001). Mean proximal stump flow reduction was 5.1 percent in the uncomplicated patients, whereas in patients who had an anastomosis breakdown it was 12.9 percent (P < 0.01). A positive linear correlation was found between decrease in blood flow and rate of anastomotic leak.

CONCLUSION

Blood flow reduction at the rectal stump is associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak.

A prospective, randomized clinical trial on perioperative feeding with an arginine-, omega-3 fatty acid-, and RNA-enriched enteral diet: effect on host response and nutritional status

BACKGROUND

The use of immune-enhancing enteral diets in the postoperative period has given contrasting results. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical study was to evaluate the effect of immunonutrition given perioperatively on cytokine release and nutritional parameters.

METHODS

Patients with cancer of the stomach or colo-rectum were eligible. Subjects consumed 1 L/d of either a control enteral formula (n = 25; control group) or a formula supplemented with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and RNA (n = 25; verum group) for 1 week before surgery. Both formulas were given by mouth. Six hours after the operation, jejunal infusion with the same diets was started and maintained for 7 days. Blood was drawn at different time points to assess albumin, prealbumin (PA), transferrin, cholinesterase activity, retinol binding protein (RBP), interleukin-2 receptors alpha (IL-2Ralpha), IL-6, and IL-1 soluble receptors (IL-1RII). The composite score of delayed hypersensitivity response (DHR) to skin test also was determined (the higher the score, the lower the immune response).

RESULTS

During the 7 days of presurgical feeding, none of the above parameters changed in either group. Eight days after operation, in the control group, the concentration of PA and RBP was lower than in the verum group (0.18 vs 0.26 g/L for PA and 30.5 vs 38.7 mg/L for RBP; p < .05). IL-2Ralpha concentration was 507 pg/mL in the verum group vs 238 pg/mL in the control group (p < .001), whereas IL-6 and IL-1RII were higher in the control group than in the verum group (104 vs 49 and 328 vs 183 pg/mL, respectively; p < .01). The DHR score was 0.68 in the control group vs 0.42 in the verum group (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative feeding with a supplemented enteral diet modulates cytokine production and enhances cell-mediated immunity and the synthesis of short half-life proteins.

Perioperative immunonutrition in patients undergoing cancer surgery: results of a randomized double-blind phase 3 trial

HYPOTHESIS

Perioperative administration of a supplemented enteral formula may reduce the rate of postoperative infections.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

SETTING

Department of surgery at a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Two hundred six patients with neoplasm of colorectum, stomach, or pancreas.

INTERVENTION

Patients were randomized to drink 1 L/d of either a control enteral formula (n = 104) or the same formula enriched with arginine, RNA, and omega3 fatty acids (n = 102) for 7 consecutive days before surgery. The 2 diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Jejunal infusion with the same formulas was started 6 hours after operation and continued until postoperative day 7.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rate of postoperative infectious complications and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable for age, sex, weight loss, Karnofsky scale score, nutritional status, hemoglobin level, duration of surgery, blood loss, and rate of homologous transfusion. Intent-to-treat analysis showed a 14% (14/102) infectious complication rate in the supplemented group vs 30% (31/104) in the control group (P = .009). In the eligible population, the postoperative infection rate was 11% (9/85) in the supplemented group vs. 24% (21/86) in the control group (P = .02). The mean +/- SD length of postoperative stay was 11.1+/-4.4 days in the supplemented group and 12.9+/-4.6 in the control group (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

Perioperative administration of a supplemented enteral formula significantly reduced postoperative infections and length of stay in patients undergoing surgery for cancer.

Splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: comparison of laparoscopic and conventional surgery

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the safety, efficacy, and clinical benefits of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) to open splenectomy (OS) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

METHODS

The results from 14 consecutive patients who underwent LS for ITP were reviewed and compared with the results from patients who underwent OS for the same disease. Demographics, concomitant disease on admission, and platelet counts were evaluated, as were details of the surgical procedure, postoperative physiologic status, and hospital stay.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 88.3 min for OS and 146.4 min in LS group (p < 0.05). The conversion rate to open splenectomy was 7.1. Therapeutic response to splenectomy was 92.8% in the LS group and 86.6% in the OS group. Bowel canalization, return to liquid diet, and length of hospital stay were all significantly delayed in the OS group as compared with those who underwent LS (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.005, respectively). In the OS group the morbidity rate was 13.3%, whereas in the LS group it was 7.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic splenectomy represents a valid alternative to conventional splenectomy in the treatment of ITP.

Erythropoiesis after therapy with recombinant human erythropoietin: a dose-response study in anemic cancer surgery patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Preoperative treatment with 600 U/kg of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) effectively increases erythropoiesis in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the erythropoietic response after different doses of r-HuEPO in order to find the minimum effective dose.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty anemic sideropenic patients (hemoglobin </=110 g/l; serum iron <600 microg/l) with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract were randomly allocated to two groups: the first (n = 10) received 400 U/kg of r-Hu EPO divided in 4 doses (100 U/kg each, every 4 days); the second (n = 10) received 200 U/kg of r-HuEPO (50 U/kg each, every 4 days). Both groups were given intravenous iron gluconate (125 mg) every day for 15 days.

RESULTS

After treatment, the serum iron level significantly rose in both groups. The production of new red blood cells was 176.3+/-90.8 ml in the 200 U/kg group and 268.4+/-79.4 ml in the 400 U/kg group (p = 0.036). The increase of hemoglobin was significantly higher in the 400 U/kg group (22.3+/-2.0 g/l) than in the 200 U/kg group (14.1+/-2.7 g/l) (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

The r-HuEPO dose of 400 U/kg appears significantly more effective than the 200 U/kg to stimulate erythropoiesis in anemic sideropenic cancer patients.

Immunonutrition in gastric cancer surgical patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential advantages of perioperative versus postoperative administration of an enteral immune-enhancing diet on host defense and protein metabolism. Thirty subjects, candidates for gastrectomy for cancer, were randomly allocated into two groups. The first group (n = 15) received an enteral formula enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and RNA 7 d before and 7 d after surgery; the second group (n = 15) received the same diet but only 7 d after surgery. Postoperative immune and inflammatory responses were investigated by phagocytosis ability of polymorphonuclear cells, interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R), lymphocyte subsets, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and delayed hypersensitivity response (DHR). Prealbumin (PA), retinol binding protein, albumin, and transferrin were determined as protein synthesis indicators. Perioperative immunonutrition prevented the early postoperative impairment of phagocytosis, DHR, total number of lymphocytes, and CD4/CD8 ratio (P < 0.05 versus postoperative group). The IL-2R levels were significantly higher in the perioperative group (P < 0.05 versus postoperative on postoperative day [POD] 4 and 8). Perioperative group also showed lower levels of IL-6 (P < 0.05 versus postoperative on POD 1, 4, and 8) and higher levels of PA (P = 0.04 versus postoperative on POD 8). The perioperative administration of immunonutrition ameliorated the host defense mechanisms, controlled the inflammatory response, and improved the synthesis of short half-life constitutive proteins.

Artificial nutrition after major abdominal surgery: impact of route of administration and composition of the diet

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of the route of administration of artificial nutrition and the composition of the diet on outcome.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, clinical trial.

SETTING

Department of surgery, university hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred sixty-six consecutive patients undergoing curative surgery for gastric or pancreatic cancer.

INTERVENTIONS

At operation, the patients were randomized into three groups to receive: a) a standard enteral formula (control group; n = 55); b) the same enteral formula enriched with arginine, RNA, and omega-3 fatty acids (enriched group; n = 55); and c) total parenteral nutrition (TPN group; n = 56). The three regimens were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Enteral nutrition was started within 12 hrs following surgery. The infusion rate was progressively increased to reach the nutritional goal (25 kcal/kg/day) on postoperative day 4.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Tolerance of enteral feeding, rate and severity of postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Early enteral infusion was well tolerated. Side effects were recorded in 22.7% of the patients, but only 6.3% did not reach the nutritional goal. The enriched group had a lower severity of infection than the parenteral group (4.0 vs. 8.6; p < .05). In subgroups of malnourished (n = 78) and homologous transfused patients (n = 42), the administration of the enriched formula significantly reduced both severity of infection and length of stay compared with the parenteral group (p < .05). Moreover, in transfused patients, the rate of septic complications was 20.0% in the enriched group, 38.4% in the control group, and 42.8% in the TPN group.

CONCLUSIONS

Early enteral feeding is a suitable alternative to TPN after major abdominal surgery. The use of the enriched diet appears to be more beneficial in malnourished and transfused patients.

Radical oncologic surgery affects the circulatory levels of interleukin 10

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) has been shown to be elevated in the plasma of cancer-bearing patients. The source of systemic IL-10 may be the tumor microenvironment. We therefore tried to evaluate if ablative surgery for gastrointestinal cancer could affect the levels of circulating IL-10.

METHODS

Plasma IL-10 concentration was measured in 45 patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Forty healthy subjects, 15 women undergoing hysterectomy for uterine fibroma, and 15 patients undergoing palliative operation for pancreatic cancer were used as control groups. Plasma IL-10 was assessed 1 day before surgery (baseline) and 1, 4, and 8 days after operation.

RESULTS

The baseline concentration of IL-10 was significantly higher in cancer patients than in healthy subjects and in women with fibroma (8.6 ng/mL, 2.1 and 1.8 respectively; P = 0.015). After radical surgery, the IL-10 levels significantly dropped in cancer patients (from 8.6 ng/mL to 3.8; P = 0.024), whereas in subjects undergoing palliative operation, the concentration remained elevated (8.5 ng/mL baseline versus 7.9 on day + 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The origin of circulating IL-10 may be the tumor microenvironment.

Effect of route of delivery and formulation of postoperative nutritional support in patients undergoing major operations for malignant neoplasms

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of the route of delivery and formulation of postoperative nutritional support on host defense, protein metabolism, infectious complications, and outcome.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, clinical trial.

SETTING

Department of Surgery at a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Two hundred sixty candidates for pancreaticoduodenectomy or gastrectomy for cancer.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly allocated into 3 groups during surgery. Starting 6 hours after operation, the first group received a standard enteral formula (standard group; n = 87); the second, the same enteral formula enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and RNA (immunonutrition group; n = 87); and the third, total parenteral nutrition (parenteral group; n = 86). The 3 regimens were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The nutritional goal was 105 kJ/kg per day.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Immune response by phagocytosis ability of polymorphonuclear cells, interleukin (IL)-2 receptor levels, and delayed hypersensitivity response; protein synthesis by IL-6 and prealbumin; tolerance of enteral feeding; incidence of postoperative complications; and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The immunonutrition group had a significantly better recovery of the immune parameters on postoperative day 8 compared with the other groups. Linear regression analysis showed an inverse correlation between IL-6 and preambulin levels (r = 0.766) only in the immunonutrition group. Only 11 patients (6.3%) in both enteral groups did not reach the nutritional goal. Postoperative infection rate was 14.9% (13/87) in the immunonutrition group, 22.9% (20/87) in the standard group, and 27.9% (24/86) in the parenteral group (P = .06). Mean +/- SD length of hospital stay was 16.1 +/- 6.2, 19.2 +/- 7.9, and 21.6 +/- 8.9 days in the immunonutrition, standard, and parenteral groups, respectively (P = .01 vs standard group; P = .004 vs parenteral group).

CONCLUSIONS

Early postoperative enteral feeding is a valid alternative to parenteral feeding in patients undergoing major surgery. Immunonutrition enhances the host response, induces a switch from acute-phase to constitutive proteins, and improves outcome.

Factors associated with the occurrence of leaks in stapled rectal anastomoses: a review of 1,014 patients

BACKGROUND

Despite improvement in surgical techniques and stapling devices during the last 10 years, colorectal anastomoses are still prone to leakage. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance and safety of stapled anastomoses in rectal surgery and to identify factors that influence the occurrence of anastomotic leaks.

STUDY DESIGN

A review was undertaken of 1,014 patients who underwent stapled anastomoses to the rectum or anal canal for colorectal cancer or benign disease between 1989 and 1995 in a tertiary care institution. Indications for operations, comorbidities at admission, preoperative bowel preparation, stapler size, intraoperative events, associated surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes were tested for any association with anastomotic leak.

RESULTS

A double stapled technique was used in 154 patients and a conventional single stapler technique was used in 860. Postoperative mortality was 1.6%, and the overall morbidity was 18.4%. Clinically apparent anastomotic leak developed in 29 patients (2.9%). Anastomotic dehiscence occurred in 22 of 284 patients (7.7%) after low stapling (within 7 cm from the anal verge) and in 7 of 730 patients (1%) after high stapling (p < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus, use of pelvic drainage, and duration of surgery were significantly related to the occurrence of anastomotic leak by the univariate analysis. Multivariate regression analysis identified an anastomotic distance from the anal verge within 7 cm as the only variable related to the occurrence of postoperative leak (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Low anastomoses were associated with a leak rate greater than with high colorectal anastomoses. We conclude that anastomoses to the rectum using the circular stapler can be done with low mortality and morbidity.

Modified neck dissection in the treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma

The prognosis of differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid has been reported to be extremely favourable. Previous studies have concluded that lymph node metastasis do not affect survival rates in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Therefore, nodal metastasis has not been evaluated as a prognostic factor in recent definitions of risk groups. To determine the significance of nodal disease, we reviewed 219 consecutive patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (191 papillary, 14 follicular and 14 Hurtle cell carcinomas). Fifty-five patients were treated with modified neck dissection and all of them received adjuvant radioiodine. There were recurrences in 25 patients (11.4%), with follow-up ranging from 6 months to 14 years. Systemic disease occurred synchronously in two patients, and four patients died of thyroid carcinoma.

Factors associated with the occurrence of leaks in stapled rectal anastomoses: a review of 1,014 patients

BACKGROUND

Despite improvement in surgical techniques and stapling devices during the last 10 years, colorectal anastomoses are still prone to leakage. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance and safety of stapled anastomoses in rectal surgery and to identify factors that influence the occurrence of anastomotic leaks.

STUDY DESIGN

A review was undertaken of 1,014 patients who underwent stapled anastomoses to the rectum or anal canal for colorectal cancer or benign disease between 1989 and 1995 in a tertiary care institution. Indications for operations, comorbidities at admission, preoperative bowel preparation, stapler size, intraoperative events, associated surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes were tested for any association with anastomotic leak.

RESULTS

A double stapled technique was used in 154 patients and a conventional single stapler technique was used in 860. Postoperative mortality was 1.6%, and the overall morbidity was 18.4%. Clinically apparent anastomotic leak developed in 29 patients (2.9%). Anastomotic dehiscence occurred in 22 of 284 patients (7.7%) after low stapling (within 7 cm from the anal verge) and in 7 of 730 patients (1%) after high stapling (p < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus, use of pelvic drainage, and duration of surgery were significantly related to the occurrence of anastomotic leak by the univariate analysis. Multivariate regression analysis identified an anastomotic distance from the anal verge within 7 cm as the only variable related to the occurrence of postoperative leak (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Low anastomoses were associated with a leak rate greater than with high colorectal anastomoses. We conclude that anastomoses to the rectum using the circular stapler can be done with low mortality and morbidity.

Erythropoietic response induced by recombinant human erythropoietin in anemic cancer patients candidate to major abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This trial was designed to quantify the production of new red blood cells (RBCs) after treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO).

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Twenty anemic patients with gastric or colorectal cancer were prospectively studied. The control group (n = 10) underwent surgery without delay. The experimental group (n = 10) received treatment with 500 U/kg of r-HuEPO divided in three doses which were administrated as follows: 300 U/kg 12 days before surgery and 100 U/kg 4 and 8 days later.

RESULTS

RBC gain was 210 +/- 75 mL in the experimental group which received treatment. The erythropoietic response was similar after 300 U/kg (59 +/- 36 mL) or 100 U/kg 75 +/- 24 mL). No correlation was found between RBC gain and age (r = 0.18) or baseline levels of erythropoietin (r = 0.08), hemoglobin (r = 0.06), erythrocytes (r = 0.01), reticulocytes (r = 0.01), iron (r = 0.28) and ferritin (r = 0.08). One treated patient in the experimental group was transfused with allogeneic blood (2 units) versus 5 control patients (overall 13 units) (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative treatment with r-HuEPO improved erythropoiesis and reduced allogeneic transfusions in anemic cancer patients. No significant difference in RBC gains was noted between r-HuEPO administration at 300 U/kg and r-HuEPO administration at 100 U/kg. This result suggests a possible dose reduction for future trials.

Gut function and immune and inflammatory responses in patients perioperatively fed with supplemented enteral formulas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if the perioperative administration of a supplemented enteral formula modulates selective inflammatory and immune variables and gut function after surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.

SETTING

Department of surgery, university hospital.

PATIENTS

Forty patients with neoplasm of the colorectum or stomach.

INTERVENTION

Seven days before surgery, the patients drank 1 L/d of a control enteral formula (n = 20) or the same formula enriched with arginine, RNA, and omega-3 fatty acids (n = 20). Jejunal infusion with the same formulas was started 6 hours after operation and continued until day 7.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Immune response was determined by phagocytosis ability and respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear cells, and inflammatory response by plasma levels of C-reactive protein. Operative intestinal microperfusion, postoperative intestinal mucosa oxygen metabolism, and plasma intestinal isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase were used as indicators of gut function. Plasma nitric oxide also was determined.

RESULTS

In the enriched group, phagocytosis ability and respiratory burst after surgery was higher (P < .01) and C-reactive protein level was lower (P < .05) than in the control group. The enriched group had higher mean (+/-SD) intestinal microperfusion (180 +/- 46 vs 146 +/- 59 perfusion units, P < .05), intestinal mucosa oxygen metabolism (pHi 7.39 +/- 0.2 vs pHi 7.33 +/- 0.1, P < .05), and 5-fold lower levels of intestinal isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (P < .05). Postoperative levels of nitric oxide were higher in the enriched group (P < .05, analysis of variance).

CONCLUSION

The perioperative administration of an enriched enteral formula significantly improved gut function and positively modulated postsurgical immunosuppressive and inflammatory responses.

A single unit of transfused allogeneic blood increases postoperative infections

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate if there was a statistical correlation between allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infections, and if this could have a dose-dependent pattern. The evaluation was based on multiple logistic and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses. On hospital admission the following parameters were determined in 267 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer: hemoglobin, serum albumin, serum cholinesterase activity, total iron binding capacity and weight loss. Duration of operation, operative blood loss, amount of transfused blood, Dukes' cancer stage and occurrence of postoperative infections were also recorded. One hundred and thirty-two patients (49.4%) were given perioperatively allogeneic blood. Postoperative infections developed in 47 (17.6%) patients. Multivariate analysis identified allogeneic blood transfusion as the only variable related to the occurrence of postoperative infections (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the risk for the occurrence of infection was significantly higher in patients transfused one unit of blood (p < 0.01). Moreover, a significant trend between increasing number of transfused blood units and susceptibility to infection was found (p < 0.00019).

Immune and nutritional effects of early enteral nutrition after major abdominal operations

AIM

To investigate the effect of early postoperative enteral nutrition enriched with arginine, RNA and omega-3 fatty acids on immunological and nutritional variables after elective curative operations for gastric or pancreatic cancer.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

University hospital, Italy.

SUBJECTS

78 Consecutive patients who were to undergo curative operations for gastric or pancreatic cancer, 60 of whom were suitable for the study.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 20 each) according to the type of postoperative nutritional support: standard enteral diet, the same diet enriched with arginine, RNA, and omega-3 fatty acids or total parenteral nutrition. The daily nutritional goal was 25 kcal (105 kJ)/kg and 0.25 g nitrogen/kg for all patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins, albumin, transferrin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein (RBP); cholinesterase activity, weight loss, duration of operation, operative blood loss; blood transfusion; delayed hypersensitivity responses, number of lymphocyte subsets, phagocytic ability of monocytes, number of interleukin-2 (IL-2) plasma receptors, interleukin-6 (IL-6) plasma concentrations, postoperative infections and sepsis scores.

RESULTS

All enterally fed patients but one completed the nutritional programme. There were significant postoperative reductions in both nutritional and immunological variables in all groups. On postoperative days 4 and 8 prealbumin concentration (p < 0.05), RBP concentration (p < 0.05), delayed hypersensitivity responses (p < 0.05), phagocytic ability of monocytes (p < 0.01) and concentration of IL-2 receptors (p < 0.009) had all recovered more in the group receiving the enriched solution. There was no difference in the postoperative infection rates among the three groups, but the infections were less severe in the enriched group (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Early enteral feeding was well tolerated. Patients who received the enriched solution recovered both their nutritional and immunological status quicker than those in the other two groups.

Evaluation of recombinant human erythropoietin to facilitate autologous blood donation before surgery in anaemic patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract

The aim of this study was to determine whether the preoperative administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) could increase the rate of autologous blood donation and reduce the perioperative need for homologous blood in anaemic patients with cancer. Twenty-two anaemic (haematocrit less than 34 per cent), iron-deficient (iron less than 700 micrograms/l) patients, with gastric or colorectal cancer scheduled for elective surgery, were allocated randomly to two groups. The first (n = 11) received iron saccharate 200 mg/day intravenously for 12 consecutive days. The second (n = 11) received rHuEPO subcutaneously (300 units/kg as first administration, and 100 units/kg 4, 8 and 12 days later) with supplemental iron. On days 4, 8 and 12, if the haematocrit was greater than 34 per cent, patients donated one unit (350 ml) of autologous blood. In the iron group the mean haematocrit did not change from admission (31 per cent) to day 12 of treatment (31 per cent), and no patient could donate autologous blood. In the rHuEPO group, eight patients donated two units of autologous blood and three donated one unit. Four patients in the iron group received perioperative transfusion of homologous blood compared with none in the rHuEPO group. Administration of rHuEPO facilitated the donation of autologous blood and reduced perioperative homologous blood transfusion in anaemic patients with cancer.

Benefits of early postoperative enteral feeding in cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of the early postoperative administration of an enriched enteral diet in cancer patients.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled study.

SETTING

Surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital.

PATIENTS

77 consecutive patients undergoing curative surgery for gastric or pancreatic cancer.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomised into 3 groups to receive: a standard enteral formula (n=24); the same formula enriched with arginine, RNA, and omega-3 fatty acids (n = 26), isonitrogen isocaloric total parenteral nutrition (n = 27). Enteral nutrition was started within 12 h following surgery. Infusion rate was progressively increased reaching the full regimen on postoperative day (POD) 4. On admission and on POD 1 and 8, the following measurements were performed: serum level of total iron-binding capacity, albumin, prealbumin, retinol-binding protein (RBP), and cholinesterase. Delayed hypersensitivity response (DHR), IgG, IgM, IgA, lymphocyte subsets. and monocyte phagocytosis ability were also evaluated. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed preoperatively and on POD 2, 7, and 11. The rate and severity of postoperative infections and the length of hospital stay were evaluated.

RESULTS

In all patients, a significant drop of nutritional and immunologic parameters was observed on POD 1. A significant increase of prealbumin (p<0.02), RBP (p<0.005), monocyte phagocytosis ability (p<0.001), and DHR (p<0.005) was found on POD 8 only in the group fed with the enriched diet. A significant reduction of severity of postoperative infections and length of postoperative stay was found in the group with the enriched diet compared to the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These data are suggestive of an improvement of the nutritional and immunologic status and clinical outcome in cancer patients who receive an enriched enteral diet in the early postoperative course.

Impact of a programme of autologous blood donation on the incidence of infection in patients with colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of both autologous and homologous blood transfusion on the incidence of infective complications after elective operations for colorectal cancer.

DESIGN

Prospective open study.

SETTING

University hospital, Italy.

INTERVENTIONS

Recording of variables known to influence the development of infection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Infective morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients (33%) deposited their own blood. Eighty-six of the 161 (53%) patients were transfused, 36 were given autologous blood, 48 homologous blood and 2 both autologous and homologous blood. These two were excluded from the analysis. Infective complications developed in 28 patients (17%), of which 7/75 (9%) were in patients who had not been transfused, 5/56 (14%) in patients given autologous transfusion, and 16/48 (33%) in patients given homologous transfusions (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified homologous blood transfusion as the only variable significantly associated with the development of postoperative infective complications. No patient died.

CONCLUSION

Transfusion of autologous blood was associated with significantly fewer postoperative infective complications than transfusion of homologous blood or no blood transfusion.

Surgery in the very old patient: evaluation of factors linked to postoperative morbidity and mortality

One hundred and sixty-seven patients over 79 years of age were studied prospectively in our Emergency Surgery Department in order to evaluate their outcome, and the possible existence of factors linked to morbidity and mortality. The most common indications for surgery were gallstones (22.1%), hernias (14.9%), colo-rectal cancer (13.7%), peptic ulcer (6.5%), gastric cancer (5.9%) and ischemic or hemorrhagic vascular diseases (13.1%). Emergency surgery was performed in 93 (55.6%) patients. Forty-nine patients (29.3%) developed 83 postoperative complications. The risk of morbidity was statistically higher in patients who had more than two associated diseases (p < 0.05) and received blood transfusions (p < 0.01). The mortality rate was 16.1%, and was significantly related to ASA scores > or = 4 (p < 0.001) and a high degree of intraoperative bacterial contamination (Classes III-IV) (p < 0.05). Compared to elective surgery emergency operations had a higher morbidity (33.3% vs 24.3%) and mortality (21.5% vs 9.4%), but the difference was not significant. Mortality/morbidity ratio was significantly higher in emergency, as compared to elective surgery (64.5% vs 38.8%, p < 0.001).

Lack of improvement of prognostic performance of weight loss when combined with other parameters

This prospective study was designed to evaluate the ability of single and combined prognostic parameters in predicting postoperative infections in cancer surgical patients. The evaluation was based on multiple logistic analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The Younden's index (YI) was used to select threshold values of the parameters. This analysis was applied in 398 patients undergoing curative elective surgery for gastric, colorectal, or pancreatic cancer. At admission, the percentage of body weight loss, serum albumin, total lymphocyte count, total iron-binding capacity, and serum cholinesterase activity were evaluated. In all patients, the type and rate of postoperative infection were recorded. Multiple logistic analysis showed weight loss as the most predictive variable (p = 0.02), when taken individually. Its best cutoff value was 10% (YI = 1.27, p = 0.00001, ROC area = 0.62). When serum albumin was added as the second-best variable, with a threshold of 35 g/L, the combined YI was 1.27, and the ROC area was 0.65 (p NS vs. weight loss). Total lymphocyte count dichotomized at 2200 million/L was the third variable added to weight loss and serum albumin (YI = 1.31, ROC area = 0.59). In conclusion, weight loss split at 10% appears as the only index with a moderate prognostic performance that is worth evaluating in the preoperative nutrition assessment. A nonsignificant improvement of predictive ability was obtained by the combination of serum albumin, total lymphocyte count, total iron-binding capacity, or serum cholinesterase activity.

Thymopentin increases the survival of mice after allogeneic blood transfusion, bacterial gavage, and burn injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of blood transfusion on mortality and the incidence of bacterial translocation in mice subjected to thermal burn or bacterial gavage, or both, and to assess the influence of thymopentin on mortality.

DESIGN

Randomly controlled experiments.

SETTING

University departments of surgery, immunology and nuclear medicine.

MATERIAL

235 Balb/c (H-2d) and C3H/HeJ (H-2k) mice.

INTERVENTIONS

8 groups of 20 mice each received: saline infusion (controls), blood transfusion (BT) alone, 20% burn alone, gavage with 1 x 10(10) Escherichia coli alone, BT and gavage, BT and burn, burn and gavage, or BT, burn, and gavage. A further 3 groups of 10 mice were all gavaged with 111In-biotin labelled E coli and randomised to additional BT and burn, BT alone, or burn alone. 98 mice that had had BT, burn, and gavage, were then randomised to receive thymopentin 0, 0.1, 1, or 5 mg/kg/day for 15 days. The impact of the pretreatment with thymopentin on PGE2 concentration was also evaluated in a separate group of 45 mice that received BT, burn, and gavage; or burn and gavage.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Survival, degree of translocation.

RESULTS

The highest mortality (75%) was in the BT, burn, and gavage group. BT alone significantly reduced survival in burned mice, whereas BT alone or associated with gavage had no effect. Thermal injury had the most influence on bacterial translocation, whereas BT did not increase it. Thymopentin significantly improved survival, particularly in the higher doses. The pretreatment with thymopentin significantly reduced PGE2 concentration after BT, burn and gavage.

CONCLUSION

Burn injury significantly increased mortality in the presence of immune deficiency caused by BT. Thymopentin reduced mortality, possibly by immunomodulation.