R0 surgical resection of giant dedifferentiated retroperitoneal liposarcomas in the COVID era with and without nephrectomy: A case report

Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPSs) are rare findings that can grow into large masses without eliciting severe symptoms. At present, surgical resection is the only radical therapy, whenever it can be performed with the aim to achieve a complete removal of the tumor. The present report describes two consecutive cases of RPSs that resulted in dedifferentiated liposarcomas (DDLPSs) and these patients underwent R0 surgical resection with and without a nephron-sparing procedure. The diagnostic workup, the surgical approach, the impact of late surgical management due to the COVID pandemic and the latest literature on the topic are discussed and analyzed. The patients, who refused to undergo any medical examination during the prior 2 years due to the COVID pandemic, were admitted to Federico II University Hospital (Naples, Italy) complaining about weight loss and general abdominal discomfort. In the first case, a primitive giant abdominal right neoplasm of retroperitoneal origin enveloping and medializing the right kidney was observed. The second patient had a similar primitive retroperitoneal giant left neoplasm, which did not affect the kidney. Given the characteristics of the masses and the absence of distant metastases, after a multidisciplinary discussion, radical surgical removal was carried out for both patients. The lesions appeared well-defined from the surrounding tissues, and markedly compressed all the adjacent organs, without signs of infiltration. In the first patient, the right kidney was surrounded and undetachable from the tumor and it was removed en bloc with the mass. The second patient benefited from a nephron-sparing resection, due to the existence of a clear cleavage plane. The postoperative courses were uneventful. Both the histological examinations were oriented towards a DDLPS and both patients benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy. In conclusion, the treatment of giant RPS is still challenging and requires multidisciplinary treatment as well as, when possible, radical surgical removal. The lack of tissue infiltration and the avoidance of excision or reconstruction of major organs (including the kidney) could lead to an easier postoperative course and an improved prognosis. When possible, surgical management of recurrences or incompletely resected masses must be pursued. Since the COVID pandemic caused limited medicalization of a number of population groups and delayed diagnosis of other oncologic diseases, an increased number of DDLPSs could be expected in the near future.

Relation Between Wound Complication and Lymphocele After Kidney Transplantation: A Monocentric Study

INTRODUCTION

Wound complication frequently arises after kidney transplantation and its risk factors are well known. In a previous paper we analyzed these factors, and in this new retrospective study we evaluate the influence of lymphocele in the development of wound complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2000 to December 2018, 731 consecutive kidney transplants have been performed in our center. We have analyzed the incidence of wound complication and lymphocele and their risk factors.

RESULTS

Out of 731 kidney transplants, we have observed wound complications in 115 patients (15.7%) and lymphocele in 158 patients (21.7%). Of these, 70 patients developed both complications (9.5%), but 6 patients have been excluded because they were in therapy with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors. Twenty-nine patients (45.3%) presented a first level and 35 patients (54.7%) showed second level wound complications. Lymphocele was the only present factor in just 3 cases (4.6%). The other patients showed diabetes in 28 cases (43.7%), overweight/obesity in 38 (59.3%), delayed graft function in 17 (26.5%), and 60 years or more in 38 (57.8%). The association has been found in 30 out 64 patients treated with tacrolimus (46.8%) and in 34 with cyclosporine (53.1%); 40 patients did not receive muscular layer's reconstruction (62.5%).

CONCLUSION

Our experience shows that lymphocele alone is not a predisposing factor for wound dehiscence after kidney transplantation, and they often coexist because they share the same risk factors, the most important being obesity, diabetes and delayed graft function, older age, and surgical techniques. No relation has been observed with calcineurin inhibitor therapy.

Our Timing to Remove Peritoneal Catheter Dialysis After Kidney Transplant

BACKGROUND

Patients on peritoneal dialysis treatment represent 15% of the global dialysis population. The major complication of peritoneal dialysis is catheter and peritoneal infection. Peritoneal dialysis patients who receive kidney transplants are at increased risk of infection because of immunosuppressive therapy.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to show our ideal timing to remove peritoneal catheter after kidney transplant, which gives adequate security on renal function recovery and reduction of septic risk.

METHOD OF STUDY

We analyzed the outcomes of 65 patients on peritoneal dialysis who underwent kidney transplant between 2000 and 2016.

RESULTS

In 61 cases there was an immediate graft functional recovery. In 4 cases there was a delayed graft function (DGF), and we performed a hemodialysis with temporary placement of a venous catheter. In all patients we removed peritoneal dialysis catheter 30 to 45 days after transplant. There has been 1 case of catheter infection, which was treated with antibiotic therapy.

DISCUSSION

Our average time to remove the peritoneal dialysis catheter was shorter than times in previous studies, between the 30th and 45th postoperative day. In the 4 cases in which there has been a DGF, we performed hemodialysis treatment to avoid, in the immediate postoperative period, direct insults to the peritoneum by local dialysis procedures.

CONCLUSION

Our experience show that the 30th to 45th postoperative day is a good time frame, better yet a good watershed between the safe removal of peritoneal catheter when patients have a stabilized renal function and the possibility of leaving it in situ, to resume peritoneal dialysis in case of persistent DGF.

Ethical Issues in the Use of Suboptimal Kidneys for Transplants: An Italian Point of View

The shortage of organs leads to the need for utilizing suboptimal kidneys for transplantation. The distinction between optimal, marginal, and suboptimal kidneys leads surgeons to face not only technical problems but also ethical and legal issues related to clinical advantages offered by the transplant of a nonstandard kidney and the acquisition of consent. Between 1999 and 2015, we performed 658 transplants, 49 (7.5%) using suboptimal kidneys. All patients were alive and with vital graft throughout follow-up. We did not encounter any major surgical complications. From a technical point of view, our experience and literature review confirm that transplant of suboptimal kidney leads to good clinical results but exposes patients to a increased risks of surgical complications. Therefore, these interventions must take place in hospitals fully prepared for this type of surgery and performed by experienced transplant surgeons with proper matching between organ and recipient. Considering the insufficient resources available, from an ethical and legal point of view, doctors play an essential role in optimizing the use of these kidneys by avoiding wastage of organs, ensuring that transplants are done in suitable patients, and that patients are fully informed and aware of the risks and benefits associated with the specific suboptimal kidney being transplanted. We believe that, in highly specialized centers, the number of suboptimal kidney transplants should be increased, as their use has shown good clinical results and carries fewer ethical issues compared with marginal kidneys. Further, suboptimal kidneys may also be proposed for use in young patients with end-stage renal disease.

Bowel obstruction and peritoneal carcinomatosis in the elderly. A systematic review

BACKGROUND

There are not guidelines for surgical management of malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), mainly when it involves elderly; so its treatment is still debated.

AIM

To outline indications and benefits of palliative surgery for obstructive carcinomatosis and determine what prognostic factors, including age, have independent and significant association with outcome.

METHODS

We conducted English-language MEDLINE and EMBASE searches of articles published between 1998 and 2016, which reported outcome data after palliative surgery for MBO due to PC. We excluded all articles lacking of surgical cohort and those with main interest in conservative treatment. Of 1275 articles identified, 12 satisfied selection criteria and were included in our analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, these studies involved 548 patients undergoing palliative surgery for MBO caused by PC. The median age was 58 (range 19-93). Relief of symptoms was achieved in 26.5-100% of cases. Postoperative morbidity ranged between 7 and 44%. Mortality was high (6-22%). The median survival was longer in surgical patients than in those receiving conservative therapy (8-34 vs 4-5 weeks). Factors associated with surgery failure were poor performance status, diffuse carcinomatosis, previous radiotherapy, and obstruction of small bowel. Old age was significantly associated with a poor prognosis upon univariate analysis, while this association vanished upon multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical palliation can provide relief of obstructive symptoms as well as improved survival in well-selected patients, even if elderly.

The role of mutation analysis of the APC gene in the management of FAP patients. A controversial issue

BACKGROUND

A correlation between the location of mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene and clinical manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) has repeatedly been reported. Some Authors suggest the use of mutational analysis as a guide to select the best surgical option in FAP patients. However, data coming from studies on large series have raised questions on this issue. The aim of this study is to discuss the role of the genetic tests in the management of FAP.

METHODS

A literature review was performed considering only peer-reviewed articles published between 1991-2015. All the studies examined the role of genetic as a guide for surgical management of FAP.

RESULTS

Of 363 articles identified, 21 were selected for full-text review. We found different positions with regard the use of genetic tests to determine surgical management of FAP. In particular, while consistent correlations between the APC mutation site and FAP phenotype were observed in large series, 8 studies reported a wide variation of genotypephenotype correlation in patients with the same mutation and they recommended that decisions regarding surgical strategy should be based not only on genotype but also on the clinical factors and the will of the patient who must be fully informed.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision on the type and the timing of surgery should be based on the assessment of many factors and genotype assessment should be used in combination with clinical data.

KEY WORDS

Disease severity, Familial adenomatous polyposis, Genetic tests, Genotype-phenotype correlations, Surgical management.

Multiple splenic hamartomas and familial adenomatous polyposis: a case report and review of the literature

Introduction

Splenoma or splenic hamartoma is a rare primary splenic tumor most often discovered radiologically and incidentally. Splenic hamartomas have a strong association with solid and hematological malignancies and, in rare cases, with tuberous sclerosis, but to the best of our knowledge no reports of splenic hamartomas associated with familial adenomatous polyposis have been documented, although it is recognized that familial adenomatous polyposis presents a variety of extracolonic manifestations.

Case presentation

We report on a very rare case of multiple splenic hamartomas in a 46-year-old white woman who had previously undergone surgery for restorative proctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis. A computed tomography scan of her spleen revealed multiple small lesions which measured less than 1cm in diameter. A splenectomy was performed and a histologic examination of the splenectomy specimen revealed the presence of multiple hamartomas.

Conclusion

Incidence, differential diagnosis, diagnostic procedures, pathologic findings and treatment of splenic hamartomas are discussed here and hamartomas are considered in a differential diagnosis of splenic tumors. A splenectomy is indicated in cases where malignancy cannot be excluded and in cases of associated hematologic disorders. To the best of our knowledge our patient is the first reported case to have splenic hamartomas identified in a familial adenomatous polyposis-affected patient with mutation in exon 15 of the APC gene. At this time it is not possible to correlate with certainty our multiple splenic hamartomas and familial adenomatous polyposis case as a clinical manifestation of the mutation of APC gene; however, we believe that this case report could be important for further observation of similar cases in the future.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13256-015-0627-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A multidisciplinary approach to an unusual medical case of locally advanced gastric cancer: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Complete abdominal wall infiltration with neoplastic gastrocutaneous fistula is an unexpected and out of the ordinary presentation of locally advanced gastric cancer. It is very rare to encounter case reports presenting diffuse abdominal wall invasion, but a complete parietal destruction is an exceptional event.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we describe the case of an 81-year-old Caucasian woman presenting a carcinoma perforating her anterior gastric wall and infiltrating all layers of her abdominal wall. The gastric tumor infiltrated her transverse mesocolon, the rectus abdominis muscles bilaterally and overran them anteriorly, causing a large parietal deficit and a complete external fistula. Treatment consisted of a complex surgical procedure requiring general and reconstructive surgery cooperation in order to perform an en bloc gastric resection including colon and abdominal wall, followed by a parietal reconstruction through positioning of prosthesis and reverse abdominoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical presentation, histology and therapeutic options are discussed. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach when encountering extremely rare clinical presentations is emphasized.

Rare multiple primary malignancies among surgical patients-a single surgical unit experience

BACKGROUND

A remarkable number of patients presents with multiple primary malignancies (MPM) over their lifetimes. In most cases inherited syndromes, iatrogenic, or viral factors are implicated, while in some cases it is not possible to ascertain a clear aetiopathogenesis.

METHODS

Starting from a series of 315 patients with MPM, we focused our attention on those with extremely infrequent combinations of tumours. We retrospectively analysed patients' characteristics, type of first and second tumour and the interval between the two tumours. We made a comparison between our own data and data from surveillance, epidemiology, and end results cancer registries, the largest global series on this topic.

RESULTS

Six patients presented with unusual associations, namely, central nervous system (CNS)/colon, testis/stomach, colon/CNS, CNS/kidney, uterus/soft tissue, and bone/breast. The median age was 50.5 years at the diagnosis of second neoplasm and the male:female ratio was 1:1. All six patients underwent surgery for both tumours. The median interval between the first and the second tumour was 11.3 years (range 1-36 years). Five patients were given chemotherapy as adjuvant systemic treatment, and two of them with CNS tumours also received radiotherapy.

DISCUSSION

We analysed the behaviour of these rare tumours as first and second neoplasms. More frequent combinations and possible aetiological factors were evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Follow-up for patients recovering from a first tumour must be strict, as there is the risk of developing MPM, even after a long time period. Advancement in biomolecular knowledge and cooperation among different specialists are strongly needed to reduce mortality related to MPM and to foresee their occurrence.

Use of biological prostheses in transplant patients with incisional hernias. Preliminary experience

AIM

The use of synthetic mesh in transplant patients is still under debate. In this paper the authors report their preliminary experience on biological prosthesis for surgical treatment of incisional hernias in transplant patients.

MATERIAL OF STUDY

Between 2009-2010, 10 patients with incisional hernia underwent surgery using a biological prosthesis (porcine dermis collagen). All patients were transplanted: 9 kidney transplants and 1 liver transplant.

RESULTS

In all patients postoperative course was uneventful and were not observed complications related to surgery, kind of prosthesis or transplanted organs. At follow up, laparoplasty was associated with good functional outcome.

DISCUSSION

Transplant patients are at risk for use of synthetic prostheses, as immunosuppressed. In our preliminary experience biological prostheses compared to synthetic ones showed a greater ability to integrate into tissues, to resist bacterial colonization and to reduce cytotoxic or allergenic reactions, providing similar functional results. Moreover it must be added that biological prostheses did not require reductions/suspensions of immunosuppressive therapy and resulted to be versatile. All these features are particularly sought in incisional hernias surgery of transplanted patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery of incisional hernias in transplanted patients requires a prosthesis with characteristics as close as possible to the ideal one and, in this sense, biological prostheses would seem to outweigh synthetic ones. In our experience, biological prostheses have shown to be safe, effective and reliable; therefore they seem to be able to open new horizons in the treatment of wall defects in this group of patients.

Kidney transplantation and large anastomotic pseudoaneurysm. Transplant management considerations

AIM

Pseudoaneurysm (PA) at the anastomosis site in kidney transplantation is a rare but serious complication that usually requires graft nephrectomy. Literature reports are sporadic and usually focused on limb rather than graft salvage. In this paper we focus on this last point.

MATERIAL OF STUDY

6 patients presenting large PA at the anastomosis between iliac and graft artery were identified in our series. The diagnosis was performed with US, AngioTC scan and angiography. Blood cultures and labeled leukocyte scintigraphy were also performed. All patients underwent open surgery.

RESULTS

Transplant nephrectomy was needed in all cases except one, in which it was possible to perform a graft replanting on hypogastric artery. Our perioperative mortality and morbidity rate was recorded.

DISCUSSION

Etiology of PA is multifactorial, however an association with chronic rejection or infection must be also considered. Our mortality and morbidity rates are in accordance to literature. In our experience we observed only large PA so to require an open surgery but this approach has allowed the rescue of graft functioning just in a single case. Endovascular procedures are linked to higher rate of graft salvage than surgery but they can be used just in selected cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience and literature review led us to believe that the rate of graft salvage in patients with large PA at anastomosis site could be improved only by a planned therapeutic program that includes surgical and endovascular approach, taking the advantages of both technique and overcoming their limits.

Intraluminal migration of a surgical drain. Report of a very rare complication and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Gastric or intestinal foreign bodies may cause heterogeneous symptoms ranging from asymptomatic conditions to chronic pain and, in some cases, occlusion and/or perforation. There are sporadic reports of intraluminal migration of medical devices. Most commonly they are sponges, hernia meshes, gastrotomy tubes, while surgical drains are very rarely reported.

METHODS

A 79 year-old female who consulted our department in May 2009 for abdominal pain and constipation. Her symptomatology started in 2006 some months after an anterior resection for sigmoid diverticulitis associated to obstructed incisional hernia. The symptoms had begun a few months after the operation and were progressively increased month by month. An abdominal CT- scan showed the presence of an intra-peritoneal foreign body and at laparotomy a drain fragment was found inside a small bowel loop and pulled out through a small enterotomy.

RESULTS

Post-operative course was regular and the patient was discharged at 7th day.

DISCUSSION

The observation of this case and a literature review led us to analyze the origin and the clinical problems of this very rare complication. Incidence, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment were analysed.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraluminal migration of a surgical drain is very rare. The diagnosis is easy by abdominal plan radiogram or CT-scan, but it is casually achieved, because, as it almost always occurs in case of intra-peritoneal foreign bodies, the clinical suspicion is focused on other conditions that most frequently cause abdominal symptoms. When a foreign body is found in intraluminal position and its endoscopic removal is not feasible, then surgery is mandatory and resolutive.

[Functional results of colorectal and coloanal anastomosis with and without pouch]

In the last two decades one of the main targets of anorectocolonic surgery has been to develop sphincter saving procedure able to achieve good results with acceptable five-years survivals, optimal local control of the diseases and low rate of local cancer recurrence. Partially the development of new operative techniques such as low colorectal and coloanal anastomoses with or without pouch, the TME operation and the nerve sparing procedure have reach this target. In fact, often after these operations we can observe a functional syndrome called "Post Anterior Resection Syndrome". The basis of this syndrome have to researched in anatomical and physiological alterations that followed a reconstructive operation. It is characterized by frequency and fragmentation of the stool, feeling of incomplete evacuation, tenesmus and urgency. Fecal continence may be compromised to different levels: usually with alteration limited to soiling and impaired control of flatus, occasionally with loss of liquid stool, rarely with loss of solid stools. The anorectal function will be altered for long time following the surgical procedure and the stabilization of functional results may require 1-3 years. On the basis of these considerations, the authors examine the etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation of the "Post Anterior Resection Syndrome", suggesting some expedients to prevent the functional problems. Analysing our experience and a wide specific bibliography, they also underline the indispensable point to achieve a good functional results after a reconstructive procedure. The author conclude asserting that the absence of these points have to be carefully valued because, in these situations, a simply colostomy is able to guarantee a better quality of life that a colorectal/coloanal anastomoses with or without pouch but associated to functional problems.

Cystic dilation of extrahepatic bile ducts in adulthood: diagnosis, surgical treatment and long-term results

To evaluate the long-term results of surgery for choledohal cyst in adulthood, a series of 13 patients over the age of 16 operated on for choledochal cyst during a period of six years and followed-up for a minimum of 3 years was analyzed. Patients with type I and IVa cysts underwent extrahepatic cyst resection and Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy. Choledochoceles (type III) were managed endoscopically. No operative mortality or morbidity occurred. Type I and III cysts showed almost ideal follow-up with no sign of stricture on HIDA scan. One type IVa cyst patients developed recurrent cholangitis due to anastomotic stricture, managed percutaneously. Whenever possible, complete cyst resection and Roux-en-Y reconstruction is the treatment of choice for all extrahepatic biliary cysts. Intra- and extrahepatic dilatations are adequately treated by extrahepatic resection and careful endoscopic or radiologic surveillance. Small choledochoceles can be safely managed by endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Pelvic recurrence following resection of rectal cancer: a multivariate predictive model

Local recurrence of rectal cancer (LR) after "curative" surgery is a major clinical problem, with a low resectability rate and a dismal prognosis. Prediction of LR might permit more targeted postoperative surveillance with earlier diagnosis of recurrent disease and might help in selecting the patients to be assigned to the most suitable adjuvant treatment protocol. To evaluate if a simple multivariate model could predict the LR and survival probability in the single case, we retrospectively evaluated 118 consecutive patients (63 males, 55 females; mean age 62 +/- 12 years) operated on for rectal cancer and followed up for a minimum of 4 years (range 51-111 months). Local recurrence rate was 28%, with a 6% of local + distant failure. Age and sex of patients, type of surgery, location of tumour in the rectum, size, morphology and grading of the tumour were all unrelated to the event under investigation. At Cox regression, the Dukes' stage and the postoperative radiotherapy were the only independent prognostic factors for LR (p < 0.001). The multivariate model was able to correctly reclassify the patients and predict local recurrence in 86.2% of the cases. Prevention of LR by adequate surgery and adjuvant therapy as well as its early detection offer the best prospect of improving the results of surgery for rectal cancer.

Transanal excision and postoperative radiation therapy in selected patients with cancer of the low rectum

Preliminary results of 24 patients (15 males, 9 females; age range 30-81 years) with localized low rectal cancer treated with transanal excision and postoperative radiation therapy are reported. Preoperative endosonographic staging was T1 (10), T2a (12) and T2b (2). All had negative resection margins, except one patient who underwent salvage major resection (no tumor found in the specimen). The mean follow-up was 33 months (range 29-61 months). Twenty patients (83.3%) are alive with no sign of local or distant failure. Two patients (9%) developed a local recurrence and were both salvaged with major surgery. Operative and radiotherapy-related morbidity was minor, with diarrhoea and perianal discomfort occurring in most patients following irradiation. Long-term sphincter function was satisfactory in 90% of cases. Rectal endosonography provided a reliable preoperative staging of T (100% correlation with histology) and, indirectly, N parameter, appearing as the key investigation in selecting candidates for conservative treatment. Postoperative radiotherapy might also be proposed after excision of T1 cancers as it produced few side effects and has the potential to control any residual disease. Additional experience is needed to determine long-term results of this combined radiosurgical approach.

Impact of computed tomography vs. intrarectal ultrasound on the diagnosis, resectability, and prognosis of locally recurrent rectal cancer

The use of modern techniques of imaging in the postoperative follow-up is reported to allow an earlier diagnosis of local recurrence in patients operated on with anterior resection for rectal cancer and, consequently, to allow a higher percentage of local recurrence resection to be performed. Although intrarectal ultrasound (IU) has proved highly reliable in preoperative staging, its value in relapse detection has been investigated only in retrospective studies and rarely compared with that of computed tomography (CT). The present prospective study aims at evaluating the role of IU vs. CT in the diagnosis of local recurrence and at verifying whether an earlier diagnosis and a higher resectability rate of recurrence result in an acceptable long-term survival. Thirty-seven patients who had undergone low and ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancer (anastomosis within 10 cm of the anal verge) were investigated prospectively. All the patients have been followed up by IU and CT at predetermined intervals. Six local recurrences were detected. CT correctly identified all the local recurrences (sensitivity = 100 percent, specificity = 93 percent, and accuracy = 94.5 percent); IU correctly identified only four of six local recurrences (sensitivity = 66.6 percent, specificity = 93 percent, and accuracy = 89 percent). Four patients with local recurrence underwent surgical treatment (resectability rate = 66.6 percent). Abdominoperineal resection in three patients and Hartmann's procedure in one patient were performed. In the other two patients, extensive metastatic liver involvements contraindicated surgery. All the resected patients were alive after one year; two of them are disease free, and the other two experienced recurrent disease. In conclusion, CT seems to have a higher sensitivity and accuracy in relapse detection. The increase in the local recurrence resectability rate does not result in a significant improvement in long-term survival. However, the good quality of life justifies the high cost of an intensive follow-up and a more aggressive surgical approach.

Severe hemorrhage associated with pancreatic pseudocysts: report of two cases

Severe hemorrhage from pancreatic pseudocysts is a rare condition that poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Two cases of preoperative intracystic bleeding and massive postoperative gastrointestinal hemorrhage observed during the last year form the basis of the present report. In the first patient, transcystic suture ligation of the bleeding vessel was necessary to control this life-threatening and dramatic condition--External drainage of the cyst was followed by an uneventful postoperative course. In the second patient, massive gastrointestinal bleeding occurred after cysto-gastrostomy, and neither endoscopy nor arteriography was able to identify the source. Despite aggressive medical and surgical therapy, the patient died. Massive intracystic or gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by rupture of pseudoaneurysms into pancreatic pseudocysts still remains a rare but severe condition, difficult to treat and affected by high mortality rates. Angiography should be performed routinely in the preoperative assessment of pancreatic pseudocysts, even when the other diagnostic techniques do not raise the suspicion of pseudoaneurysm formation. After internal drainage procedures early surgery is recommended whenever GI bleeding occurs in the postoperative course.

HIDA scan in the follow-up of biliary-enteric anastomoses

In order to assess the patency and function of biliary-enteric anastomoses performed in our Department of Surgery, 21 patients entered the following study, provided an informed consent was obtained. All the patients were affected by benign biliary tract diseases and underwent either Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (11 cases), or side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy (10 cases). The 21 patients were evaluated with Tc-99m-HIDA scanning at intervals of 20 days-36 months after the surgical procedure (mean 14 months). The images were obtained after intravenous injection of the radioactive medium (5 mCi) and the scans were taken at 1 min (1 frame/s), 3 min (1 frame/10 s), and 56 min (1 frame/2 min). THe data were analyzed by a Digital PDP 11/34 Computer System. This method allowed us to assess each individual patient for the patency of the anastomosis and, by computer analysis, to build up a profile of the timing of the passage of the radioactive medium through the anastomosis, a delayed passage across the anastomosis was always pathological. In conclusion, the 99m-Tc-HIDA scanning used in our study for long-term follow-up of biliary-enteric anastomoses is reliable and allows an assessment of prognosis.

Sexual function after resection for rectal cancer

Major rectal operation, that is, abdominoperineal or anterior resection, for cancer frequently damages the autonomic pelvic nerve supply with resultant sexual dysfunction. The anatomic characteristics and function of the autonomic nervous system in the pelvis has been reviewed. Sexual function after rectal excision for cancer was studied in 25 male patients who were less than 60 years of age and exhibited normal sexual activity preoperatively. Of nine patients who had abdominoperineal resection, four were impotent and two reported no ejaculation with normal potency postoperatively. Of 4 patients who had high anterior resection, only 1 reported no ejaculation, whereas of 12 patients with low anterior resection, 4 were impotent and 3 reported no ejaculation. A higher incidence of sexual dysfunction was noted after abdominoperineal resection compared with after anterior resection (66 percent and 50 percent, respectively). However, the incidence after low and very low anterior resection was comparable with that after abdominoperineal resection (58 percent and 66 percent, respectively). Advanced patient age and very low resection were the two main factors effecting sexual dysfunction after major rectal operation. Although we believe that careful operative technique might reduce the incidence of sexual disturbances attributable to sympathetic fiber damage, avoidance of parasympathetic damage during operation cannot be accomplished because the most likely site of injury, namely the periprostatic plexus, is usually within the operative field, the exception being cases in which the tumor is small, thus allowing preservation of the rectoprostatic fascia.

Intrarectal ultrasound and computed tomography in the pre- and postoperative assessment of patients with rectal cancer

The ability of intrarectal ultrasound to recognize the local extent of disease was investigated in 23 patients with histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the lower two-thirds of the rectum before operation. Two probes, 12 cm long, working at a frequency of 3.5 and 7.5 MHz, were used. The results were compared with those of pre-operative computed tomography (CT) and with the pathological report of the resected specimens. Sonography correctly staged 20 of 23 tumours with two false negatives and one false positive, while CT correctly staged 19 of 23 tumours with two false negatives and two false positives. The results of ultrasound were found to be as accurate as those of CT; the low cost and simple use of ultrasound makes it preferable in the pre-operative assessment of the depth of invasion of rectal cancer. In addition, intrarectal ultrasound was routinely performed in 42 patients, operated on for rectal cancer by means of sphincter-saving procedures, at variable intervals in the first 2 years postoperatively. Eight local recurrences were recognized and confirmed by CT. Based on the low cost, reliability and simple use, intrarectal ultrasound is proposed as first examination for local recurrence detection in the follow-up of patients with low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

A study of the pathology of the crush syndrome

Subsequent to the earthquake which occurred in Southern Italy in November 1980, 19 patients were admitted to the University of Naples--II Medical School with crush syndrome. Clinical and biochemical studies were carried out in eight of them. The most interesting observation was the inconstant relation between the type of lesion and the clinical course, leading to the assumption of two diverse physiopathologic mechanisms--one for crush and the other for compression. The timely recognition of the two syndromes is difficult; an elevated creatine-creatinine ratio has been found in those patients with an irreversible crush syndrome. We believe this to be the only element which would permit a prompt distinction between the two pathologic states and which would provide an indication for early, life-saving amputation.