Antibiotic Prescription and in-Hospital Mortality in COVID-19: A Prospective Multicentre Cohort Study

Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, empiric antibiotics (ATBs) have been prescribed on a large scale in both in- and outpatients. We aimed to assess the impact of antibiotic treatment on the outcomes of hospitalised patients with moderate and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: We conducted a prospective multicentre cohort study in six clinical hospitals, between January 2021 and May 2021. Results: We included 553 hospitalised COVID-19 patients, of whom 58% (311/553) were prescribed antibiotics, while bacteriological tests were performed in 57% (178/311) of them. Death was the outcome in 48 patients—39 from the ATBs group and 9 from the non-ATBs group. The patients who received antibiotics during hospitalisation had a higher mortality (RR = 3.37, CI 95%: 1.7–6.8), and this association was stronger in the subgroup of patients without reasons for antimicrobial treatment (RR = 6.1, CI 95%: 1.9–19.1), while in the subgroup with reasons for antimicrobial therapy the association was not statistically significant (OR = 2.33, CI 95%: 0.76–7.17). After adjusting for the confounders, receiving antibiotics remained associated with a higher mortality only in the subgroup of patients without criteria for antibiotic prescription (OR = 10.3, CI 95%: 2–52). Conclusions: In our study, antibiotic treatment did not decrease the risk of death in the patients with mild and severe COVID-19, but was associated with a higher risk of death in the subgroup of patients without reasons for it.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy In Patients With Hepatic Artery, Anatomic Variants: Tailoring, Perioperative Care and Surgical Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the procedure of choice in patients with tumors of pancreatic head or periampullary region. Hepatic artery anatomic variants (HAav) are frequently encountered during PD.

AIM

To evaluate the incidence of HAav in a series of PDs and their consequence on technical tailoring and outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-five patients with HAav were identified in a consecutive series of 140 PDs for periampullary and pancreatic head tumors performed between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2015. The groups with or without HAav were compared in terms of operative approach, complications and survival.

RESULTS

All patients underwent Whipple procedure, with right posterior approach for those having HAav. HAav was spared without damage in 41 cases. Four patients in whom the HAav were either sacrificed (2) or damaged (2) required arterial reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

HAav are frequently encountered during PD. Its safeguarding is mandatory but in malignancy it can be damaged or sacrificed, hence arterial reconstruction is required. HAav have no negative impact on surgical morbidity and outcome.

Radiofrequency ablation device assisted liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

The present study aim was to evaluate radiofrequency (RF)-assisted liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

35 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study. A Habib®4X RF ablation device (RFAD) was used for liver resection. The patients were divided into two groups: in group A (45.7%; n=16) liver resection was performed using the RFD, whereas in group B (54.3%; n=19), liver resection was performed without RFD. The data were analysed for statistical significance.

RESULTS

The study population had a male female ratio of 25 10 and a mean age of 62.6 ± 11.6 years old. The mean overall tumor volume was 161.8 ± 35.5 mL and there were no differences in tumor volume between groups. The operative time and intraoperative blood loss were lower in group A,but without statistical significance [132.5 ± 61.5 vs 167.9 ± 46.3 mins, (P=0.061) and 459 ± 342 vs 716 ± 648 mL (P = 0.135)]. No differences were reported between the two groups in operative accidents (P = 0.508) and postoperative morbidity (P=0.782); a higher rate of late postoperative complications was found in group A (56.3% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.016). The overall postoperative mortality rate was 2.8%. Local recurrence was noted in 32.4%. The three-year cumulative survival rate was 60%.

CONCLUSIONS

RFAD allows liver resection with low postoperative mortality and morbidity rates; RFD tends to decrease the operative time and blood loss.

Parastomal hernias -- clinical study of therapeutic strategies

Parastomal hernias are parietal defects adjacent to the stomasite, after ileostomy and colostomy. Their incidence is variable and they are generally underestimated.

METHODS

Between 2001 and 2010 at the First Surgical Clinic Iasi, we treated 861 incisional hernias, of which there were 31 parastomal hernias in 26 patients (3%), 5 of which were recurrent parastomal hernias. Parastomal hernias have been explored clinically, through imaging and intraoperatively.Because our experience and literature review have demonstrated that a mesh repair is a safe procedure in the treatment of parastomal hernia, in 2010 we initiated a prospective randomized trial on the use of prophylactic polypropylene mesh at the time of stoma formation to reduce the risk of parastomal hernia. We enrolled in the study 20 patients with mesh implanted at the primary operation and 22 patients without mesh. The inclusion criteria were: patients with low rectal cancer, stage II-III, irradiated, obese, with a history of hernias, patients who do physical work.

RESULTS

Most parastomal hernias were asymptomatic; only six cases with parastomal hernias required emergency surgical treatment. We performed local tissue repair in 16 cases (4 cases with recurrent parastomal hernia, stoma relocation in one case), sublay mesh repair in 15 cases (one case with recurrent parastomal hernia; stoma relocation in 5 cases). Postoperative morbidity registered included 4 wound infections (one case after mesh repair which required surgical reintervention) and stoma necrosis in one case with strangulation parastomal hernia with severe postoperative evolution and death. After local tissue repair recurrences were seen in 6 cases, after mesh repair we registered recurrence only in one case and no relapse after the relocation of the stoma. The patients with prophylactic mesh at the time of stoma formation to reduce the risk of parastomal hernia were followed for a median of 20 months(range 12 to 28 months) by clinical examination and ultrasound exam every 3 months. We registered 6 recurrences(27,2%), all in the no mesh cohort. We have not seen any morbidity in patients from the mesh group.

CONCLUSIONS

Parastomal hernia is a relatively rare disease compared to the number of incisional hernias. With increasing life expectancy stands we noted increased incidence of parastomal hernia as well. Prophylactic use of mesh during the primary operation is a safe procedure and reduces the risk of parastomal hernia.

Total necrotizing colitis proximal to obstructive left colon cancer: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing colitis (NC) is a rare complication of the obstructive cancer of the left colon and it is the result of intramural ischemia due to impairment of blood supply secondary to increased endoluminal pressure.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 70 years old patient with significant comorbidities (ASA 4) was admitted for intestinal obstruction.The extensive necrosis of the entire proximal colon secondary to an obstructive sigmoid colon cancer has been diagnosed intraoperatively. Total colectomy and terminal ileostomy have been performed. The postoperative course was uneventful and the ileostomy closure with ileo-rectal anastomosis was performed 7 months later. A review of the literature discussing the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic approach of this type of colitis, was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

NC implies diagnosis and therapeutic difficulties,especially from point of view of surgical strategy. We advocate of large colic resections, beyond the macroscopic limits of the necrosis in order to avoid the postoperative complications. We also consider seriate surgical procedures as a good choice for the high risk patients.

[Right colon cancer--clinicopathological findings]

BACKGROUND

The right colon cancer (RCC) has some particularities from point of view of epidemiology, clinical aspects, therapy and prognosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the patients operated in the First Surgical Unit Iaşi during 2004 until 2009, for right colon cancer. The patients' data from the medical files were digitally encoded and included into a MS Access database, and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

219 cases were included into the analysis, which represents 24.17% from all the patients with colorectal cancer. The median age was 66 years old. A palpable mass into the right abdominal quadrant was founded in 41.5% and anemia in 65.3%. Abdominal ultrasound exam has been performed in all the patients, with 71.3% sensitivity for primary tumor positive diagnosis. Resectability was 89.5% but without multivisceral resections. The intraoperative complication rate was 6.8%; postoperative morbidity was 19.4% with an incidence of anastomotic leak of 1.38%. The postoperative mortality rate was 2.77%. The mean overall survival was 40.13 +/- 1.93 months (median: 49.26). The prognosis factors for the survival rate were: histologic type of the tumor, stage and tumor grading, vascular and perineural invasion. The presence of metastasis in more than 3 lymphnodes as well as resection of fewer than 11 lymphnodes were found as negative prognosis factors for the survival rate.

CONCLUSIONS

RCC has an increasing incidence and it is associated especially with elderly patients. The RCC resectability is about 90% with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality. Perineural and vascular invasion as well as rate of positive lymphnodes and count of resected lymphnodes are prognosis factor for overall survival rate.

Retrosternal goiters

The term of retrosternal or substernal goiter means that more than 50% of thyroid gland descends in the thorax.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There is a retrospective study on retrosternal and substernal goiter and its patological features among 2482 patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 2000 and 2010 in the First Surgery Clinic of Iaşi. Retrosternal goiter was identified 54 patients (2.17%). All patients were refered to surgery from the Clinic of Endocrinology.

RESULTS

Mean age at diagnosis was 55.3 +/- 3.58 years, and most cases were found in women (83.3%). The clinical pictures of retrosternal goiter was dominated by compressive disorders. Thyroid function abormalities were identified by hormonal assays performed on Endocrinology Clinic lasi in 15 cases (27.7%). The diagnosis of retrosternal goiter was suggested by clinical examination and confirmed by imagery: thorax X ray, ultrasonography, CT scan. The cervical approach was being safely performed. Only in 8 cases (14,8%), sternotomy was necessary. There was no mortality and morbidity was 5.5% (3 cases). The length of stay in the hospital was 4.3 days. We compared our recent data with a previous report on retrosternal and thoracic goiter treated in First Surgery Clinic of lasi during 1950 to 1979 and published in the journal "Chirurgia" in 1981.

CONCLUSIONS

Retrosternal goiter is a particular form of thyroid surgical pathology presentation with declining incidence. Diagnosis and treatment of retrosternal goiter involve a multidisciplinary team. The endocrinologist has an important role in diagnosis and postoperative follow-up. Surgery is the treatment of choice for substernal goiters, but there are still some controversies on surgical approach, and complication rate. The cervical approach can be safely performed in almost all cases but when required, sternotomy should be performed without hesitation.

[The porcelain gallbladder-laparoscopic approach]

A long time porcelain gallbladder was considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, because of a high incidence of gallbladder cancer. From 12,000 patients underwent cholecystectomy in First Surgical Clinic of Iasi, 5 (0.04%) patients had porcelain gallbladder. All patients underwent ultrasound examen. Patients with porcelain gallbladder were classified as Type I to II according to preoperative ultrasound findings: three cases with porcelain gallbladder type I and two cases with porcelain gallbladder type II (in one case we found associated gallbladder carcinoma). We describe a three cases with porcelain gallbladder type I (complete calcification of gallbladder wall) treated by laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was difficult because of adhesions and problems with grasping the thick gallbladder wall, but the postoperative course was uneventful. The histopathologic result of the specimen established the diagnosis of porcelain gallbladder type I and no cancer in the calcified wall of the gallbladder. We conclude based on cases presented and the literature review, although there is a high conversion rate, that patients with a type I porcelain gallbladder should be considered for laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a preoperative selection based on the ultrasound findings.

Laparoscopic surgical education--the experience of the first surgical unit Iaşi

The classic apprenticeship model for surgical training takes place into the operating theater under the strict coordination of a senior surgeon. During the time and especially after the introduction of minimally invasive techniques as gold standard treatment for many diseases, other methods were developed to successful fulfill the well known three stages of training: skill-based behavior, rule-based behavior and knowledge-based behavior. The skills needed for minimally invasive surgery aren't easily obtained using classical apprenticeship model due to ethical, medico-legal and economic considerations. In this way several types of simulators have been developed. Nowadays simulators are worldwide accepted for laparoscopic surgical training and provide formative feedback which allows an improvement of the performances of the young surgeons. The simulators currently used allow assimilating only skill based behavior and rule-based behavior. However, the training using animal models as well as new virtual reality simulators and augmented reality offer the possibility to achieve knowledge-based behavior. However it isn't a worldwide accepted laparoscopic training curriculum. We present our experience with different types of simulators and teaching methods used along the time in our surgical unit. We also performed a review of the literature data.

Acute appendicitis--open or minimally-invasive approach?

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopy has become the standard approach in other procedures, this technique is not generally accepted for acute appendicitis.

AIM

To evaluate the results after minimally invasive appendectomies.

METHODS

All medical records of patients operated for acute appendicitis during the last year were retrospectively reviewed. We considered only patients with diagnosis of acute appendicitis confirmed by histopathology. We designed two groups: operated by open approach (OA) and operated by minimally-invasive approach (MIA). The two groups were compared for differenced in homogeneity and main end results: morbidity, mortality, hospital stay.

RESULTS

The men/women ratio was 112/88 (1.27), with a mean age of 31.83 +/- 1.06 years. There were more women in the MIA and more men in the OA group, p = 0.001. The Alvarado score was significant lower in MIA group (5.69 +/- 0.24 versus 6.57 +/- 0.23, p = 0.009). Comorbidities were noted in 51% from the patients, most of them in MIA group: 58.8%; N = 60, p = 0.016. Mean operation time was similar in both groups: 36.96 +/- 1.48 in OA versus 37.03 +/- 1.39 minutes in MIA. The postoperative mortality rate was 0.5%. The postoperative morbidity rate was 12%. Even though the number of cases with postoperative complications were double in OA group (16 cases versus 8 cases in MIA group) it did not reach statistical significance, p = 0.073. Histopathological examinations revealed early acute appendicitis in 45.5% cases (N = 91), suppurative appendicitis in 46.5% (N = 93) and gangrenous appendicitis in 8% (N = 16); early acute appendicitis was more frequent in MIA group and suppurative appendicitis in OA group: p = 0.017. The hospital stay was similar in both groups: 4.34 +/- 0.39 in OA versus 3.58 +/- 0.25 days in MIA group; p = 0.103.

CONCLUSIONS

MIA is a safe procedure and can be performed even in the patients with comorbidities. We didn't find any statistical significant difference from point of view of postoperative morbidity; however more postoperative complications were find in OA vs MIA group. The postoperative hospital stay was similar in both groups.

Training on a virtual reality simulator--is it really possible a correct evaluation of the surgeons' experience?

Laparoscopic simulators provide a safe and efficient means of acquiring surgical skills. It is well known that virtual reality training improves the performance of young surgeons. Most of the virtual reality simulators have construct validity and can differentiate between novice and expert surgeons. However, for some training modules and trainees categories the possibility to distinguish the real surgeon's experience is still discussed.

METHODS

A total of 14 young surgeons were evaluated during a 5 days postgraduate laparoscopic course using a LapSim Basic Skills, v. 3.0 simulator and a Virtual Laparoscopic Interface (VLI) hardware. The best performances of the surgeons were included in a MS Access database and statistical analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 6 males and 8 women with a mean age of 30.21 +/- 1.01 years old (range 26-38). Nine surgeons (64.28%) were young residents without any laparoscopic surgical experience (group I), and the other 5, had some laparoscopic surgical experience (10 to 30 laparoscopic procedures) (group II). During the instrument navigation task we found that both hands performances were significant better in group II--the navigation time was 12.43 +/- 1.31 vs 19.01 +/- 1.40 seconds for the left hand--p = 0.006 and 13.57 +/- 1.47 vs 22.18 +/- 3.16 seconds for the right hand--p = 0.032); the right instrument angular path degree was also shorter for experienced surgeons (153.17 +/- 16.72 vs 230.88 +/- 22.6 - p = 0.017). The same data were noted for the lifting and grasping module. However, the suturing module tasks revealed contradictory results: the group I residents recorded better performances then the group II surgeons: total time--677.06 +/- 111.48 vs 1122.65 +/- 166.62 seconds; p = 0.043; right instrument path (m)--15.62 +/- 2.47 vs 25.73 +/- 3.13; p = 0.028; right instrument angular path (degree)--3940.43 +/- 572.54 vs 6595.5597 +/- 753.26; p = 0.017.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic simulators are useful to evaluate the surgeons' experience; the parameters of the instrument navigation and lifting and grasping modules, which require a higher degree of eye-hand coordination, were better for residents with previous surgical experience and revealed a good transfer of training (TOT). The suturing module is less influenced by surgeons' experience. This result is probably explained by a lack of TOT.

[Pyogenic liver abscesses]

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic liver abscesses were a relative rare disease. In the last decades the management of the liver abscesses was changed due to the new imaging and surgical techniques.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical features, imaging techniques and treatment of the liver abscesses.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study during the last twenty years (1987-2007). The patients were divided in two groups: group I treated during the period 1997-2007 and group II, 1987-1996. We compare the clinical features, biological tests, imaging techniques and the treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 71 patients with liver abscesses, 39 (54.9%) were included in group I and 32 (45.1%) in group II. The male/female ratio was 49/22; liver abscesses were more frequent to the males, in group I (63.3%) and more frequent to the women, in group II (63.6%) (p = 0.035). The mean age was 47.49 +/- 2.09 years old (range 18-85) with no difference between the groups (p = 0.059). The symptoms were similar in the two groups. We noted, as associated disease: diabetes--16% (N = 12), liver cirrhosis--7% (N = 5), malignancies--4.2% (N = 3). White blood cells were higher than 10000/mm3 in 51 patients (71.83%); a severe anemia with hemoglobin levels less than 10 g/dL was found in 25 cases (35.21%). All cases were investigated by ultrasound exam, but CT scan was performed in only 25 cases (19.71%). The abscesses were situated into the right lobe in 53 cases (74.6%), into the left lobe in 13 cases (18.3%) and into the both lobes in 5 patients (7%). The etiology was diverse: 25.4% after hepatic hydatid cysts, 12.7% with biliary origin, 22.5% with hematogenous and phlebitis origin and 39.4% with unknown origin (cryptogenetic). Treatment of the liver abscesses was surgical, by open (87.3%) or laparoscopic approach (8.5%), and percutaneous (ultrasound guided punction)--2.8%. One case was medical treated (antibiotherapy). Bacteriological exam found aerobic germs in 45 patients (64.28%), anaerobic germs in 3 patients (4.28%); the pus was sterile in 22 patients (31.43%). The intraoperative mean dimension of the liver abscesses was 74.26 +/- 4.35 mm (range 30-160), similar with dimensions measured by echography 72.29 +/- 4.84 mm (range 12-179)--p < 10(-3). Intraoperative bleeding was noted in 29 patients (40.8%). Univariate analysis revealed as prognosis factors for intraoperative bleeding, diameter of the liver abscess (p < 10(-3)), dimension of the residual cavity (p < 10(-3)) and the pus volume (p < 10(-3)). The multivariate analysis, by logistic regression, revealed as prognosis factors for intraoperative bleeding, pus volume (p = 0.006) and hemoglobin level (p = 0.035). Postoperative morbidity was 43.7%. Univariate analysis and logistic regression revealed the pleural effusion as prognosis factors for postoperative complications (p = 0.046) and, respectively, intraoperative hemorrhage (p = 0.010) and splenomegaly (p = 0.007). Postoperative mortality rate was 2.81%.

CONCLUSIONS

Pyogenic liver abscess is a challenging disease with high rate of postoperative morbidity. Most of the abscesses are unique and situated in the right lobe of the liver. The imaging techniques, especially ultrasound exam and CT-scan, are essential for the diagnosis and the treatment of liver abscesses. The treatment is usually surgical, by open or laparoscopic approach; in selected patients the percutaneous approach can be performed.

[Unusual forms of liver abscesses]

Liver abscess is a rare disease. In this paper we present five unusual cases of liver absceses. These cases represents 5.68% from all patients with liver abscesses treated in the First Surgical Clinic Iaşi, from 1977 to 2007. The ethiology of the abscesses was different: intrahepatic biliary duct migration of Ascaris lumbricoides, migration of a foreign body (toothpick) from stomach into the liver, infected hydatid cyst with a large biliary leak and cholangitis and, residual cavities after surgical treatment of hepatic hydatid cyst associated with foreign bodies. Another case was a patient with a very large, multilocular liver abscess (2000 mL) with biliary ethiology. In all cases a surgical drainage was performed. In the cases with hydatid cysts and biliary leakage, ERCP procedures were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment remains a valuable option in the treatment of pyogenic hepatic abscesses especially in unusual form.

[Abdominal wall endometriosis after gynecologic procedures: an under-appreciated diagnosis in general surgery]

Incisional endometriosis is a clinical entity described in the gynecologic literature but it is not well recognized among general surgeons. The preoperative diagnosis is often mistaken for a suture granuloma, abscess, lipoma, cyst or incisional hernia.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This is a retrospective review of six cases of incisional endometriosis in our hospital aimed at determining which, if any, factors would suggest the diagnosis preoperatively. All general surgery patients with a diagnosis of endometriosis in their pathology specimens from January 1990 to February 2006 were reviewed.

RESULTS

All six patients had previous cesarean sections through either a Pfannenstiel (n = 4) or lower midline (n = 2) incision. Ages ranged from 28 to 43 years (mean 34.3 years). All patients presented with a palpable painful lesion located in the area of cesarean section incision. Three of the patients had a change in symptoms with their menstrual cycle. The duration of symptoms ranged between 2 months to 6 years. All patients underwent surgical excision. The size of the excised endometrioma ranged from 3 cm to 9 cm (mean 5.3 cm).

CONCLUSION

Incisional endometriosis seems to be common in women with a history of cesarean section. Most patients presented with a painful abdominal mass. Three patients presented cyclic changes in pain and size of the mass with menses, but this may be due to physician's lack of awareness and questioning. The management of choice is to remove the lesion completely even if fascial excision is required.

[Abdominal tuberculosis--a surgical reality]

Abdominal tuberculosis is a rare disease, with non-specific findings. Peritoneal tuberculosis is a frequent cause of low gradient ascites. The records of 22 patients (Il males, 11 females, mean age 41,17 years, and range 17-74 years) diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis (TBC) in First Surgical Clinic, "St. Spiridon" University Hospital Iaşi between 1995 and 2006 were analyzed retrospectively and the literature was reviewed. From these 22 patients diagnosed with abdominal tuberculosis, there were: peritoneal TBC in 16 cases, intestinal TBC in 5 cases, mesenteric lymph nodes TBC in 1 case. The patients with intestinal TBC, were presented with complications, 2 perforations with peritonitis, 1 intestinal obstruction, and 2 as ileo-cecal "tumors" solved by right colectomy, 4 enterectomy (3 entero-enterostomies and 1 ileo-colic anastomosis). The patients with peritoneal TBC were diagnosed by laparoscopy and peritoneal biopsy in 13 cases, and by laparotomy in 3 cases. In peritoneal tuberculosis ascites was present in 15 cases. Other common findings were weight loss (12 cases), weakness (5 cases), abdominal pain (15 cases), anorexia (5 cases) and night sweat (2 cases). Only two patients had chest radiography suggestive of a new TBC lesion. In those patients with peritoneal tuberculosis, subjected to operation, the findings were multiple diffuse involvements of the visceral and parietal peritoneum, white "miliary nodules" or plaques, enlarged lymph nodes, ascites, "violin string" fibrinous strands, and omental thickening. Biopsy specimens showed granulomas, while ascitic fluid showed numerous lymphocytes. Post operatory evolution and management were applied by the TBC Medical System and the patients were treated 6 months by tuberculostatics, with favorable evolution. Abdominal tuberculosis should be considered for diagnosis, in patients with non-specific symptoms of abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal distension and even symptoms of acute abdomen. Laparoscopy is the best approach for peritoneal tuberculosis, and emergency surgery is necessary for acute complication like obstruction and peritonitis. Specific antituberculosis drugs are indicated in postoperative period.

[Fibrin-collagen patch (TachoComb) in general surgery. Indications and results]

Adequate hemostasis is an important part of any surgical procedure, by open or minimally-invasive approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications and the effect of absorbable fibrin-collagen patch--FCP (TachoComb).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in the First Surgical Clinic Iaşi, during 2000-2006. We evaluated the use and the results of FCP in different types of surgical procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 245 patients underwent local hemostatic treatment during surgery. FCP was used in biliary surgery (50 patients), hepatic surgery (39 patients), surgery of the spleen (20 cases), pancreatic surgery (14), colo-rectal surgery (28), surgery of the thyroid gland (20), digestive sutures (39), thoracic surgery (3), surgery in retroperitoneum region (6), gynecologic and urologic procedures (7) and other types of surgical procedures (15). The results of the FCP use were: "very good" in 143 cases (58.4%), "good" at 64 cases (26.1%), "adequate" in 31 cases (12.6%) and "inadequate" at 7 patients (2.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of FCP in local hemostasis is excellent. The use of FCP decrease the rate of conversions in laparoscopic surgery and is essential for spleen preserving surgery. The use of FCP in the treatment of digestive fistula is inadequate. FCP (TachoComb) is too expansive for some surgical units.

[Gastric stromal tumor. Case report]

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastro intestinal tract and express the c-kit proto-oncogene protein (CD-117). We report herein a case of a 58 years old male with upper abdominal pain and anaemia. Preoperative endoscopic and barium meal exams showed a submucosal tumor in the gastric fornix. Endoscopic biopsy revealed spindle-shaped cells with elongated nuclei specific of GIST. We performed a stapled resection of the gastric fornix associated with Hiss angle reconstruction. Postoperative histologic exam revealed the same spindle-shape cells characteristic of GIST with 2-5 mitosis/50HPF. Almost all of the cells showed immunoreactivity for c-kit, CD-34 and a Ki-67 labeling index of 30%. Postoperative course was non eventful and after 3 month the patient has no recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

GIST are rare gastric tumors and are usually associated with bleeding and abdominal pain. The preoperative diagnosis is usually established by endoscopy with biopsy or endoscopic ultrasonography fine needle aspiration and barium meal exam. Only immunoreactivity is able to differentiate GIST from other mesenchymal tumors. Surgical resection is a safe and effective treatment. The chemotherapy with tyrosine kinases competitive inhibitors (e.g. imatinib mesylate) is also recommended.