Sutureless Repair for Open Treatment of Inguinal Hernia: Three Techniques in Comparison

Currently, groin hernia repair is mostly performed with application of mesh prostheses fixed with or without suture. However, views on safety and efficacy of different surgical approaches are still partly discordant. In this multicentre retrospective study, three sutureless procedures, i.e., mesh fixation with glue, application of self-gripping mesh, and Trabucco's technique, were compared in 1034 patients with primary unilateral non-complicated inguinal hernia subjected to open anterior surgery. Patient-related features, comorbidities, and drugs potentially affecting the intervention outcomes were also examined. The incidence of postoperative complications, acute and chronic pain, and time until discharge were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression was used to compare the odds ratio of the surgical techniques adjusting for other risk factors. The application of standard/heavy mesh, performed in the Trabucco's technique, was found to significantly increase the odds ratio of hematomas (p = 0.014) and, most notably, of acute postoperative pain (p < 0.001). Among the clinical parameters, antithrombotic therapy and large hernia size were independent risk factors for hematomas and longer hospital stay, whilst small hernias were an independent predictor of pain. Overall, our findings suggest that the Trabucco's technique should not be preferred in patients with a large hernia and on antithrombotic therapy.

Mixed mucinous adenocarcinoma/large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix: case report and molecular characterization of a rare entity

Mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine carcinomas of the cervix are rare and generally aggressive diseases. They often present at an advanced stage with hematogenous or lymphatic metastases. The prognosis is poor, mostly influenced by the neuroendocrine component. Unfortunately, the rarity of the disease caused a lack of information about its pathogenesis and molecular landscape. The latest guidelines recommend a multimodal approach that usually includes radical surgery, platinum/etoposide-based chemotherapy, or chemoradiation. Here, we are presenting a case of metastatic mixed adenocarcinoma-large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix in a 49-year-old female patient. The molecular characterization of the lesion highlighted the ubiquitous presence of human papillomavirus-18 DNA both in the adenocarcinomatous and the neuroendocrine components, suggesting a role for the virus in the pathogenesis. Moreover, a different set of mutations was detected in the two parts, thus ruling out a possible clonal evolution of the neuroendocrine component from the adenocarcinoma one. More studies are needed to clarify the molecular landscape of these rare lesions and identify putative targets for therapy.

Immune landscape and oncobiota in HPV-Associated Colorectal Cancer: an explorative study

Worldwide more than 550,000 new patients suffering from malignant tumors are associated with human papillomaviruses (HPV) infection. However, only a small portion of patients infected progress to cancer, suggesting that other factors other than HPV may play a role. Some studies have investigated HPV infection in colorectal cancer (CRC) with discordant results; moreover, the role of HPV in CRC development is still unknown. We investigated HPV infection in 50 CRC from different regions, excluding the anal one, by immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time PCR and RNA-seq. For each patient, we studied the tumor microenvironment in neoplastic and matched non-neoplastic samples, and we compared the tumor-infiltrating immune cell phenotypes among HPV-positive and negative samples. Finally, we compared the CRC-associated microbiota in HPV-positive and negative neoplastic samples by 16S rRNA sequencing. HPV infection was identified in 20% of CRC from the right side (caecum, ascending and transverse colon) and in 40% from the left side (descending colon and rectum). In all HPV-positive CRCs we found no expression of p53 and RB, thus suggesting HPV involvement in tumorigenesis. As far as the tumor microenvironment is concerned, in HPV-related cancers we observed a neoplastic environment with a reduced immune surveillance but an enhanced cytotoxic response by lymphocytes. HPV-positive and -negative CRC showed a different microbiota with lack of species normally found in CRC in the HPV-positive ones. Our results support the carcinogenic significance of HPV in CRC, suggesting a role of HPV in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment.

Paving the Path for Immune Enhancing Nutrition in Colon Cancer: Modulation of Tumor Microenvironment and Optimization of Outcomes and Costs

INTRODUCTION

Published evidence suggests that immunonutrition has the potential to decrease postoperative complications and reduce length of stay in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. However, only a few studies have analyzed the effects of immunonutrition on tumor microenvironment and evaluated its prognostic impact.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a single center retrospective study enrolling 50 patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer managed with immunonutrition and 50 patients managed with standard nutrition for comparison. Tumor microenvironment was analyzed before (on the biopsy at the time of diagnosis) and after (on the matched surgical specimen) administration of immunonutrition. Immune function related indicators, including cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, helper T-cells, antigen presenting cells, natural killer cells, T-exhausted lymphocytes, T-regulatory cells, M1 and M2 tumor associated macrophages and PD-L1 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. For both groups, clinicopathological data were collected and a 5-year follow-up was available.

RESULTS

We found that immunonutrition significantly activated the T-cell response against cancer, alter tumor microenvironment phenotype towards M2 polarization and inhibits the PD1/PD-L1 axis. A lower rate of postoperative complications and a shorter length of stay (p = 0.04) were observed in the immune nutrition group. Compared to standard nutrition group, patients managed wit immune nutrition showed a higher 5-year overall survival (p = 0.001). Finally, immune nutrition allowed to reduce the hospital care costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunonutrition modulates tumor microenvironment by improving immune function and could prolong survival in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Further studies are needed to optimize IN protocols and confirm their prognostic impact.

Surgeon-Pathologist Team Approach Dramatically Affects Lymph Nodes Detection and Improves Patients' Short-Term Outcome

Simple Summary

Appropriate lymph node harvesting for patients with gastric cancer is fundamental for a correct staging and is strongly related to survival. In this study, we present a new protocol for on-site macroscopic evaluation and sampling of lymph nodes for gastric cancer patients. With the joint collaboration of surgeons and pathologists, our method aims to provide the largest possible number of analyzed lymph nodes per patient, allowing for a better staging. We are convinced that this approach is routinely feasible, and our preliminary results seem to confirm better patient stratification compared to other lymph node dissection methods.

Abstract

The downstaging of gastric cancer has recently gained particular attention in the field of gastric cancer surgery. The phenomenon is mainly due to an inappropriate sampling of lymph nodes during standard lymphadenectomy. Hence, collection of the maximum number of lymph nodes is a critical factor affecting the outcome of patients. None of the techniques proposed so far have demonstrated a real efficiency in increasing the number of identified lymph nodes. To harvest the maximum number of lymph nodes, we designed a protocol for on-site macroscopic evaluation and sampling of lymph nodes according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association protocol. The procedure was carried out by a surgeon/pathologist team in the operating room. We enrolled one hundred patients, 50 of whom belonged to the study group and 50 to a control group. The study group included patients who underwent lymph node dissection following the proposed protocol; the control group encompassed patients undergoing standard procedures for sampling. We compared the number and maximum diameter of lymph nodes collected in both groups, as well as some postoperative variables, the 30-day mortality and the overall survival. In the study group, the mean number of lymph nodes harvested was higher than the control one (p = 0.001). Moreover, by applying the proposed technique, we sampled lymph nodes with a very small diameter, some of which were metastatic. Noticeably, no difference in terms of postoperative course was identified between the two groups, again supporting the feasibility of an extended lymphadenectomy. By comparing the prognosis of patients, a better overall survival (p = 0.03) was detected in the study group; however, to date, no long-term follow-up is available. Interestingly, patients with metastasis in node stations number 8, 9, 11 or with skip metastasis, experienced a worse outcome and died. Based on our preliminary results, the pathologist/surgeon team approach seems to be a reliable option, despite of a slight increase in sfaff workload and technical cost. It allows for the harvesting of a larger number of lymph nodes and improves the outcome of the patients thanks to more precise staging and therapy. Nevertheless, since a higher number of patients are necessary to confirm our findings and assess the impact of this technique on oncological outcome, our study could serve as a proof-of-concept for a larger, multicentric collaboration.

A look towards the clonal origin of metastatic pulmonary carcinosarcoma: Report of a patient with an unexpected long-term survival

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary carcinosarcoma is a rare histological subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, defined by the combination of epithelial and mesenchimal elements. Prognosis is usually dismal, with a median survival of about 6 months. The use of immunotherapy by blockade of PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint signaling has been shown to improve patients' survival. However, local aggressiveness and distant metastases are frequent. Spread to the gastrointestinal tract is seldom reported. The genetic landscape of the disease has only recently begun to emerge, pointing at TP53, KRAS, EGFR and MET as the most common mutated genes.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe the case of a metastatic patient with 37 months overall survival, treated by an aggressive multimodal approach combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. To shed new light on the molecular basis for sarcomatoid component in lung carcinoma, we performed next generation sequencing analysis of the squamous and sarcomatoid component by the two sites. We demonstrated a clonal origin and hypermutability of the sarcomatous elements that may account for the good response to immunotherapy. Moreover, we identified some mutations involving TP53 and EGFR genes, targetable by already available drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

We depicted a model of how a squamous cell carcinoma can differentiate during its natural history into sub-clonal populations with different features and may ultimately result in a neoplasm (i.e. pulmonary carcinosarcoma) showing clonal heterogeneity. Our data might contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of this rare tumor and open new ways for a more tailored approach.

Tailored Surgery in Inguinal Hernia Repair. The Role of Subarachnoid Anesthesia: A Retrospective Study

Safety and effectiveness evaluation of subarachnoid anesthesia implemented with hyperbaric Prilocaine in reduced dose (30mg) in combination with Fentanyl (20mcg), for the purpose of ensuring an optimal analgesia in open inguinal hernia repair. Although the local anesthesia is the first line treatment for open inguinal hernia repair, a minority of patients is not eligible because of obesity or big groin hernia, requiring a high dose of local anesthetic. Subarachnoid anesthesia implemented with hyperbaric Prilocaine in reduced dose in combination with Fentanyl may be a good alternative. Thirty patients were treated with intrathecal association of Prilocaine 30 mg and Fentanyl 20 mcg (group PF); they were compared to a group of fifty three ones, previously treated with a classic procedure with intrathecal Prilocaine 60 mg (group P). The sensitive blockage remained within an higher limit at T12 level in the patients of PF group, and a lower limit at S1 level 50 minutes after the anesthesia, while in the P group the anesthetic tended to migrate (p<0.0001). In PF group 70 minutes after the anesthesia 21 patients had a Bromage score equal to 0 and 9 patients equal to 9 (in P group, 19 patients had a score equal to 3, 8 to 2 and 3 to 1, p<0.0001). Subarachnoid anesthesia using Prilocaine 30 mg + Fentanyl 20 mcg could be stated as a viable alternative to local anesthesia in selected patients.

Laparoscopic modified double stapling technique with transanal resection for low anterior resection of rectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Anterior resection of the rectum with a total mesorectal excision is the standard surgical technique for the treatment of rectal cancer. Laparoscopic low anterior resection (LALAR) is an alternative to open surgical approach and was validated in diverse randomized control trials to be as safe and oncologically effective. That said, confronting a low rectal tumor in an obese patient with a narrow pelvis can be technically challenging even for the most expert surgeon.

METHODS

We propose a modified double stapling technique with transanal eversion and staple resection of the rectal stump.

RESULTS

We applied the above technique in 3 patients with a dubious distal resection margin due to patient/tumor characteristics. The mean length of operation was 272 minutes and a R0 resection with a mean number of 16 nodes could be obtained in all the patients. No recurrence occurred during a follow-up of 28 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that this technique is a feasible, safe and valid adjunct to the double staple technique whenever intraabdominal application of the linear staple is difficult or unsafe.

KEY WORDS

Colorectal cancer, Laparoscopic anterior resection, Double, Low colorectal anastomosis, Stapling technique.

Simultaneous resection of an adenocarcinoma of the cardia and a synchronous adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid: Report of a case

INTRODUCTION

Adenocarcinoma of the cardia synchronous with other intraabdominal neoplasms is very rare. We report the case of a Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the cardia synchronous with an adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid both treated simultaneously by transjatal oesophago-gastrectomy and anterior resection of the sigmoid.

CASE REPORT

A 62 year-old male was admitted for a progressing dysphagia and weight loss. Oesophago-gastric fibroscopy detected an adenocarcinoma of the cardia extending to the distal 2 cm of the esophagus (Siewert typeII). A CT-scan of the chest and abdomen confirmed the cancer of the cardia and also decealed a synchronous tumor of the sigmoid. Both neoplasms were resected through a xipho-pubic laparotomy, with an ileostomy completing the procedure. Postoperative course was uneventful and ileostomy was closed four weeks later. The patient was subsequently addressed to oncological for adjuvant treatment.

DISCUSSION

This report supports the indication of aggressive, simultaneous treatment of an adenocarcinoma of the cardia associated with a synchronous abdominal neoplasm, provided that both are resectable through the same surgical access, as anticipated at a preoperative, through diagnostic work-up.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous resection of synchronous adenocarcinoma of the cardia and the sigmoid is feasible and avoids possible progression of the untreated neoplasm during the interval between two separate resections, provided that a curative resection can be obtained for both diseases.

Inguinal hernia repair in day surgery: the role of MAC (Monitored Anesthesia Care) with remifentanil

BACKGROUND

The extension of indications for procedures in a Day Surgery (DS) setting has led to changes in the anesthetic and surgical treatment of Inguinal Hernias (IH). According to the recommendations of the European Hernia Society, the treatment of IH in DS units should be performed under Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

960 patients underwent IH repairs over a period of 24 months. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: R (remifentanil) and F (fentanyl); the group F was considered as a control group. The exclusion criteria in both group were: morbid obesity (BMI>40 or BMI>35 in association with high blood pressure or diabetes); coagulopathy; OSAS (obstructive sleep apnea syndrome) with AHI >10; cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic or metabolic disease; history of substances abuse; GERD-related esophagitis (gastro-esophageal reflux disease); chronic analgesic use; allergy to local anesthetic and ASA>III. Patients reported their level of pain on a verbal numeric scale (VNS), with scores ranging from 0 to 10. For each patient systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded. The results are presented as the mean value ± standard deviations; statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Amongst the 960 procedures, complications or side effects related to the anesthetic techniques didn't occur; no procedure-related complications requiring mechanical ventilation support were reported. Our research focused on evaluating remifentanil effectiveness in pain control and its impact on hemodynamic stability and respiratory function. There was a significant difference between the two groups with regard to the VNS.

CONCLUSIONS

Remifentanil, is an excellent drug for pain control during intra-operative procedures, that allows an optimal hemodynamic stability for IH repairs in a DS setting, due to its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and few adverse effects.

Measurement of intra-abdominal pressure in large incisional hernia repair to prevent abdominal compartmental syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The repair of large incisional hernias may occasionally lead to a substantial increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and rarely to abdominal compartmental syndrome (ACS) with subsequent respiratory, vascular, and visceral complications. Measurement of the IAP has recently become a common practice in monitoring critical patients, even though such measurements were obtained in the early 1900s.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study involving 54 patients undergoing elective abdominal wall gap repair (mean length, 17.4 cm) with a tension-free technique after incisional hernia was conducted. The purpose of the study was to determine whether or not urinary pressure for indirect IAP measurement is a reliable method for the early identification of patients with a higher risk of developing ACS. IAP measurements were performed using a Foley catheter connected to a HOLTECH® medical manometer. IAP values were determined preoperatively, after anesthetic induction, upon patient awakening, upon patient arrival in the ward after surgery, and 24 h after surgery before removing the catheter. All patients were treated by the same surgical team using a prosthetic composite mesh (PARIETEX®).

RESULTS

Incisional hernia repair caused an increase in the mean IAP score of 2.68 mmHg in 47 of 54 patients (87.04%); the IAP was decreased in two patients (3.7%) and remained equal in five patients before and 24 h after surgery (9.26%). FEV-1, measured 24 h after surgery, increased in 50 patients (92.6%), remained stable in two patients (3.7%), and decreased in two patients (3.7%). The mean increase in FEV-1 was 0.0676 L (maximum increase = 0.42 L and minimum increase = 0.01 L) in any patient who developed ACS.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of urinary bladder pressure has been shown to be easy to perform and free of complications. Measurement of urinary bladder pressure can also be a useful tool to identify patients with a higher risk of developing ACS.

Perceived quality in Day Surgery Units Proposal of an enquiry postoperative questionnaire

INTRODUCTION

Assessing patient satisfaction could be particularly useful in Day Surgery Units, as it helps maintaining and increasing medical care demand. Moreover, it provides feedback that turns out useful for improving quality in departments, and for assessing competence and skill of the whole staff. Background and aim - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality perceived in a day surgery unit through a questionnaire, covering the 10 main aspects of the care pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The results of a questionnaire filled by patients undergoing Day Surgery between January 2007 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients undergoing surgery between 2007 and 2009 filled up the questionnaire at the time of the discharge, whereas those operated on between 2009 and 2012 filled up the same questionnaire 30 days after discharge.

RESULTS

The results were good in terms of number of returned questionnaires, underlining its comprehensibility and suitability to be filled out. The questionnaires' scores were good in both groups, although quality perceived by the group that completed it in 30 days after surgery were lightly better than the other group's.

CONCLUSIONS

The advantages of the questionnaire consisted of an overall improvement of the quality of care, whereas limitations consisted of the difficulty in setting up the questionnaire accurately, interpreting patients' answers correctly, and dispensing the questionnaire in a timely fashion, in order to evaluate the quality perceived by the patients without any bias related to delay, pain and anxiety.

KEY WORDS

Day Surgery, Nursing, Questionnaire, Quality.

Modified PADSS (Post Anaesthetic Discharge Scoring System) for monitoring outpatients discharge

The decision to discharge a patient undergoing day surgery is a major step in the hospitalization pathway, because it must be achieved without compromising the quality of care, thus ensuring the same assistance and wellbeing as for a long-term stay. Therefore, the use of an objective assessment for the management of a fair and safe discharge is essential. The authors propose the Post Anaesthetic Discharge Scoring System (PADSS), which considers six criteria: vital signs, ambulation, nausea/vomiting, pain, bleeding and voiding. Each criterion is given a score ranging from 0 to 2. Only patients who achieve a score of 9 or more are considered ready for discharge. Furthermore, PADSS has been modified to ensure a higher level of safety, thus the "vital signs" criteria must never score lower than 2, and none of the other five criteria must ever be equal to 0, even if the total score reaches 9. The effectiveness of PADSS was analyzed on 2432 patients, by recording the incidence of postoperative complications and the readmission to hospital. So far PADDS has proved to be an efficient system that guarantees safe discharge.

The Lynch syndrome: a management dilemma

The case of a familial Lynch syndrome is reported. The criteria for early diagnosis, management and surveillance are briefly reviewed. A germline mutation of genes responsible for mismatch repair is at the basis of the Lynch syndrome. Carriers are predisposed to colorectal cancer and other tumors. Two members of the presently reported family developed colorectal cancer, whereas two others developed other neoplasms. The syndrome was confirmed in members of the same family with appropriate genetic workup. Clinical examination and endoscopy were consequently scheduled once-a-year. Given the high risk of neoplastic disease, such yearly controls can be proposed as the standard follow-up of this condition.

Biological and environmental agents in the preservation of ancient human remains

In osteological studies, the state of preservation of the material assumes great importance in the case of histopathological, histomorphological and histomorphometric analyses of thin sections. The aims of the present study were to compare osteological samples from graves of different eras and geographical sites in order to identify possible similarities or differences in the quantitative and qualitative action of fungal and bacterial contaminants and to throw light on the importance of the diagenetic processes that the bone undergoes from the moment of its deposition in the ground to its conservation in laboratories and museums. Analysis by polarized light microscopy revealed large qualitative and quantitative differences between the samples and great variability in the modalities of infestation. The present study demonstrates that post-mortem alterations due to the action of biological agents can in some cases invalidate the analysis of osteological samples, by rendering the material unsuitable for observation and diagnosis.

Brief communication: a test and correction of the clavicle method of Stout and Paine for histological age estimation of skeletal remains

The histological method developed by Stout and Paine ([1992] Aln. J. Phys. Antropol. 87:111-115) for estimating age at death using the clavicle is tested on a known age independent sample from a nineteenth century cemetery near Spitalfriedhof St. Johann in Basel, Switzerland. The mean absolute difference between reported ages and histologically predicted ages is 5.5 years. Mean predicted age for the sample is different from mean reported age. This difference is accounted for by differences in the age distributions between the original autopsy sample used to derive the histological age-predicting formula and the cemetery sample, and an inherent loss of reliability of histological age predictions for the skeletal remains of older individuals. A new formula based upon the combined original autopsy sample of Stout and Paine (1992) and the Swiss cemetery sample is presented. It is recommended that this formula be used when estimating ages for older individuals or archaeological skeletal samples.