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Biomedical subjects

A Agnifili

Publications and source records attributed to A Agnifili.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

An original reconstructive method after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy.

Acute pancreatitis and leakage of pancreaticojejunal anastomosis are the most important causes of operative morbidity and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy. We have introduced a modified technique for reconstruction that provides a functional exclusion of the pancreatic-jejunostomy in respect of the transit of gastric and biliary secretions. The immediate advantages of this technique are the reduction in the risk of leakage and the possibility of undertaking conservative treatment, in the case that leakage occurs. The preservation of the antral-pyloric unit, according to Traverso and Longmire, increases the functional features of the procedure, by reducing entero-gastric refluxes, and assuring a regulated gastric emptying. We herein present our series of 11 pancreatoduodenectomies (PD) for periampullary neoplasms and chronic pancreatitis. Throughout our series we experienced no cases of operative mortality. However, there was one specific instance of morbidity, consisting of one case of external biliary fistula by micro-dehiscence of the hepaticjejunostomy and which was later resolved by conservative treatment. Our most recent results have produced almost normal findings in terms of gastric secretion, gastric emptying and an absence of dumping syndrome, ulcers and refluxes.

Adult↗

[Perioperative pain and stress: a comparison between video laparoscopic cholecystectomy and "open" cholecystectomy].

Pain and endocrine-metabolic response to surgical stress, during surgery and in the early postoperative period, was compared in two groups of patients affected by gallstones and randomly assigned to Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy or Open Cholecystectomy. Pain was assessed by the VAS method also taking into account the need of analgesic administration in the postoperative period. The so called "stress hormones" (Prolactin (PRL), Cortisol (CORT), Human Growth Hormone (HGH)) and glycaemia were monitored during surgery and in the first postoperative 24 hours. The minimal invasive technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy accounted for a very limited analgesic administration. In the intraoperative period laparoscopic cholecystectomy plasma hormone levels overlapped the open cholecystectomy ones, while in the postoperative period a constant increase in PRL and CORT levels was registered in the open cholecystectomy group demonstrating a prolonged stressful condition. The end results of this study show that laparoscopic cholecystectomy has major advantages than open cholecystectomy in the treatment of gallstones as far as pain and endocrine-metabolic response are concerned.

Anesthesia, General↗

A rare cause of digestive hemorrhage: an aneurysm of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery rupturing into the duodenal stump of a Billroth II partial gastrectomy.

We report herein a case of an iatrogenic superior pancreaticoduodenal arterial aneurysm which ruptured into the duodenal stump of a Billroth II partial gastrectomy. Superselective angiography was used for the diagnosis, and successful embolization performed nonoperatively. A review of the literature revealed both the etiology and site of rupture in this case to be extremely uncommon.

Aneurysm↗

[A case of extrarenal angiomyolipoma with intestinal localization].

The Authors present a case of extrarenal angiomyolipoma. The tumor arose from the pericolonic fat of the sigmoid colon and, increasing in size, caused intestinal obstruction by extrinsic lesion. Extrarenal angiomyolipoma is extremely rare and to our knowledge this is the first reported case arising from the colonic wall.

Colon↗

[Digestive hemorrhage caused by rupture of an aneurysm of the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery].

Aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal artery are rare. Nonoperative management of an iatrogenic superior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm which ruptured into the duodenal stump of a Billroth II partial gastrectomy, is described here. Based on a literature review, both aetiology and site of rupture of this observation are very uncommon. Super-selective angiography was used for diagnosis and embolisation for definitive treatment.

Aneurysm↗

A rare case of splenic hematoma following chronic pancreatitis--the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

We describe herein a clinical case in which a subcapsular splenic hematoma complicated chronic relapsing pancreatitis. A pathogenetic mechanism is postulated that explains the subacute insorgence of the liquid collection with the diffusion of proteolytic enzymes between the splenic capsule and parenchyma. Radical therapy, consisting of exeresis of the cystic formation, splenectomy and caudal pancreatectomy, is recommended for this extremely rare complication.

Chronic Disease↗

Subcapsular splenic hematoma complicating chronic relapsing pancreatitis. Case report.

A case of subcapsular splenic hematoma complicating chronic relapsing pancreatitis is described. A pathogenetic mechanism is postulated to explain the subacute evolution of fluid collection with diffusion of proteolytic enzymes between the splenic capsule and parenchyma. Radical treatment comprised exercsis of the cystic structure, splenectomy and caudal pancreatectomy.

Chronic Disease↗

[Rare digestive hemorrhage caused by diverticular pathology of the small intestine].

The Authors report two cases of digestive hemorrhage secondary to diverticulosis of the small intestine. The incidence of this pathology in an overall population of 215 digestive hemorrhages was 0.9%. A clinical identity-kit is drawn of patients affected by jejunal diverticulosis, and the most important and characteristic anamnestic manifestations are defined. The most statistically significant complication is hemorrhage which was observed in 33% of cases. Clinical manifestations of hemorrhage are defined as variable and "bizarre", since they may appear as hematemesis, melena or enterorrhagia. The surgical procedure for radical definitive and prophylactic therapy is segmentary resection of the jejunum affected by pseudodiverticulosis.

Aged↗

[Breast metastases of skin melanoma].

Although breast metastases are not frequent, the most common ones are from cutaneous melanoma. In this paper two cases of breast metastases from malignant melanoma are reported. The literature is reviewed and the diagnostic and therapeutic problems related to metastatic mammary neoplasms are analyzed.

Adult↗

[Digestive physiopathology of the pancreatectomized patient. Comparison of the results of total pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy with preservation of the pylorus].

The authors analyze their experience with pancreatectomy, pointing out the digestive pathophysiologic sequelae of the operated patients. A follow-up protocol based on upper digestive endoscopy, laboratory tests, scintigraphic and pH-metric tests compares the results achieved after total pancreatectomy with the results of pancreaticoduodenectomy. Total pancreatectomy is complicated by peptic ulcer, stump gastritis and gastroenteric dyskinesia. The preservation of the pylorus and the separation of the gastric anastomosis from the biliary one avoid the pathologic biliary reflux and minimize the functional and organic sequelae of the operation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Acute hyperparathyroidism due to cervicomediastinal adenoma. A case report.

A case of primary hyperparathyroidism presenting with an acute clinical onset is reported. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach to this rare clinical entity are emphasized. Ultrasonography and CT allow a thorough morphologic and topographic preoperative definition of the lesion. Surgery should not be delayed beyond 96 hours from diagnosis and should be preceded by an intensive metabolic resuscitation for a successful result.

Adenoma↗

Gastric juice nitrite and bacteria in gastroduodenal disease and resected stomach.

The N-nitroso-compounds and the bacteriological contamination of gastric juice could represent a risk factor for cancer of the stomach when the mucosal barrier is altered. In the unresected stomach and gastric stump, the hypo-achlorhydria and bilopancreatic reflux permit the development of bacterial flora and the production of N-nitroso-compounds in the presence of nitrite. A survey was performed on 71 patients: 15 normal controls, 31 with gastroduodenal disease (9 gastrites, 10 gastric ulcers, 10 duodenal ulcers, 7 neoplasias), 20 patients with gastric resection (8 BI, 12 BII), using an endoscopic-histopathologic control and a chemical-bacteriological analysis of the gastric juice. We studied the gastric juice for the following parameters: pH, concentration of nitrite, identification of bacterial type, count and nitrate-reductase activity. An inverse relationship was found between the concentration of nitrite and the hydrogen ion concentration. In the alkaline gastric juice, we identified aerobic bacteria with nitrate-reductase activity and anaerobic bacteria. The latter has the ability to transform biliary salts into carcinogenic and cocarcinogenic compounds and to catalyze the nitrosations. The chemicobacteriological characteristics of the gastric juice from gastric ulcers (Johnson type I), atrophic gastrites, and resected stomachs lead one to think that there is a risk of carcinogenesis brought about by the N-nitroso-compounds.

Adult↗

[Is cell-mediated immunity affected by laparoscopic cholecystectomy?].

It is well known that surgery significantly decreases cell-mediated immunity. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a so-called minimally invasive surgical procedure, and on the basis of this consideration we investigated whether and how the immune system is modified in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to those undergoing open cholecystectomy. Immune activity (neutrophils, total lymphocyte count, lymphocyte subpopulations, multiple skin tests) was evaluated in 82 patients on postoperative day 1 and on postoperative days 1, 3 and 6. Forty-two patients underwent open cholecystectomy and 40 laparoscopic cholecystectomy. On postoperative day 1 patients treated by open cholecystectomy showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in plasma neutrophils, whereas this parameter was unchanged in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Skin tests revealed a hypo- or anergic response in the majority of patients (81.8%) undergoing open surgery compared to those treated laparoscopically (10.5%). Total lymphocyte count and lymphocyte subpopulations were normal in the two groups. Four cases of respiratory tract infection (4.8%) were detected after open cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy substantially reduces postoperative pain and hospitalisation, promotes an earlier recovery and return to normal activity and is not associated with postoperative immunosuppression, with a more positive postoperative morbidity profile compared to open surgery.

Adult↗

[Clinical assessment of juvenile polyposis with particular reference to the risk of neoplastic malignancy. Analysis of 412 patients reported in the international literature].

The authors extensively review the international literature on juvenile polyposis, with particular reference to the risk of malignancy in the various forms of the disease (colorectal vs. generalized, familial vs. sporadic). Sixty-eight out of a total of 412 patients presented adenomatous changes in the polyps. In addition, 68 cancers were found. The rate of degeneration was analysed for all variants of juvenile polyposis, but no statistically significant differences were detected. The authors conclude that juvenile polyposis should be considered as being as challenging to the surgeon as familial polyposis syndromes and outline protocols for the screening, endoscopic and surgical treatment and follow-up of these patients.

Age Factors↗

Evaluation of immune response in patients after open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a so called mini-invasive surgical procedure, and on this basis, we investigated whether and how the immune response is modified in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to patients who underwent open cholecystectomy. METHODOLOGY: In a prospective, nonrandomized trial, 35 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 31 open cholecystectomy. Immune activity (neutrophils, total lymphocytes, lymphocyte subpopulations, human leukocyte antigen (HLA-DR), interleukin 6, skin Multitest) was evaluated before surgery and respectively, 1, 3, and 6 days postoperatively. RESULTS: One day after surgery, an increase in interleukin 6 (P < 0.01) was noted in patients who had undergone open cholecystectomy, while this parameter was almost unchanged in patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Moreover, skin tests showed a hypo or anergic response in the majority (81.8%) of open cholecystectomy patients compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients (10.5%), (P < 0.01). Finally, monocyte antigen HLA-DR was also reduced in open cholecystectomy patients (P < 0.05). In this group, we noted 2 cases (6.45%) of respiratory tract infection. CONCLUSIONS: Even though laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires a longer surgery, it reduces postoperative pain, and hospitalization. It also facilitates rapid recovery, a return to normal activity, avoids postoperative immunosuppression and shows a better postoperative morbidity compared to open surgery.

Adult↗

[Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of juvenile solitary polyps, in the light of the unusual but proven neoplastic potential].

For many years a neoplastic potentiality of the juvenile polyps has been denied. The authors performed a critical review of the international literature about the neoplastic transformation of the juvenile polyps. Each examined case had to respect three conditions: 1) exhaustive hystological findings certifying a clear neoplastic degeneration of a juvenile polyp; 2) clear evidence of single juvenile polyposis (< 5), presence in the colon and rectum only and absence of familiarity; 3) reliable diagnostic practice (endoscopic and/or hystological evidence). During the review we collected 271 cases of juvenile polyposis observed in 12 countries, 97 of which (35.79%) showed neoplastic transformation, adenomatous type in 50 (18.45%) and carcinomatous type in 47 (17.34%), and 13 cases of neoplastic degeneration of single juvenile polyps. The review shows clearly and strongly that the risk of cancer in the juvenile polyposis can reach the risk of the adenomatous polyposis. The neoplastic degeneration exists in the single juvenile polyps even if in a lower degree.

Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal↗