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Biomedical subjects

A Uccheddu

Publications and source records attributed to A Uccheddu.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Digestive hemorrhages and intestinal metastases of chorioepithelioma].

An unusual case of digestive haemorrhage due to colic metastasis of choriocarcinoma is reported. Reference is made to the fact that the literature contains only three other cases of intestinal metastasis from choriocarcinoma and one from haemorrhagic destructive mole. Note is taken of the fact that the multiplicity of secondary sites may lead to haemorrhage in other districts, particularly the brain. Even so, the digestive haemorrhage is often the introductory sign of the primary neoplasia. The various ways of preoperatively diagnosing its nature and site are discussed. It is also shown that surgical management can be combined with suitable chemotherapy to achieve encouraging results.

Adult↗

[The choice of operation in perforated gastroduodenal ulcer].

The main point for a surgeon treating a perforated peptic ulcer is to choose between a simple treatment of the complication and a treatment both of complication and ulcer disease. So, the A. have analysed their series of 58 patients with perforated peptic ulcer: one patient underwent nasogastric suction as suggested by Taylor, 16 patients underwent suture plication of the perforation, 41 underwent immediate gastrectomy. A fully follow-up was performed: in the suture-plication group only 28.5% was symptonfree, the remaining 71.5% had recurrent dyspepsia or underwent definitive gastrectomy. Follow-up results of the immediate gastrectomy patients and elective gastrectomy patients are the same. The A. discuss the different procedures of treatment and their specific indications. Surgical treatment is the selected one and simple suture and immediate gastrectomy are not opposite.

Gastrectomy↗

[Anicteric calculosis of the common bile duct].

In a series of 158 patients who underwent surgical treatment for biliary lithiasis, we have had 109 (69%) lithiasis of the gallbladder (CC) and 48 (31%) lithiasis of the common bile duct. In the last group 19 (38%) were without jaundice (CAEC) and 30 (62%) with jaundice (CIEC). We have compared the three group of patients (CC, CAEC and CIEC). It has come out that CAEC is between CC and CIEC and that attacks of biliary fever and high levels of alkaline phosphatase and transaminases in the serum are the helpful findings for preoperative diagnosis. Intravenous cholangiograms can confirm the diagnosis in 80% of one series but the operative cholangiography remains the definitive test. Finally CAEC seems to be the "benign" lithiasis of the common bile duct, a first stage that getting worse will became CIEC.

Adult↗

[Current trends of complementary therapy in radical surgery of colo-rectal cancer].

Large surgical series are agreed on the fact that the prognosis for radically operated colorectal cancer has improved little in the last twenty years. Reasons for these failures are, of course, local or remote recurrences. To improve the number of stable cures, experiments have been carried out with complementary or coadjuvant techniques whose purpose is to limit intra-operative dissemination of the tumour and to monitor the number of cancer cells that might remain after radical surgery. Such techniques have been applied at preoperative, intra-operative and post-operative phases. Results obtained so far have been uncertain but seem to point to the usefulness of intraoperative procedures in reducing the number of local recurrences and of postoperative chemotherapy with 5 FU which has improved five-year survival indices by 5-7%.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver. A report of two cases with unusual histologic picture.

Two cases of inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the liver are reported. Clinical presentation was vague and aspecific. Laboratory tests and data from imaging techniques provided no specific information on the actual nature of the lesions and were misleading, suggesting a malignant lesion in one patient and a complicated hydatid cyst in the other. On gross examination, the tumors appeared yellowish ore grey-yellow in color, with a firm cut surface and well circumscribed from the surrounding parenchyma, although a true capsule was not evident. Variability in the histological pattern was also observed, even though the major finding was in both cases an admixture of lymphocytes, plasmacells, granulocytes and monocytes. Lymphocytes were immunohistochemically heterogeneous; monocytes showed in one case large hyperchromic atypical nuclei, confirming the previously, reported possibility that some cases of IPT may be mistaken for sarcomas. Further evidence is added in support of the hypothesis that some liver IPT may result from the evolution of cholangitic abscesses.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Expression of ATP7B in normal human liver.

ATP7B is a copper transporting P-type ATPase, also known as Wilson disease protein, which plays a key role in copper distribution inside cells. Recent experimental data in cell culture have shown that ATP7B putatively serves a dual function in hepatocytes: when localized to the Golgi apparatus, it has a biosynthetic role, delivering copper atoms to apoceruloplasmin; when the hepatocytes are under copper stress, ATP7B translocates to the biliary pole to transport excess copper out of the cell and into the bile canaliculus for subsequent excretion from the body via the bile. The above data on ATP7B localization have been mainly obtained in tumor cell systems in vitro. The aim of the present work was to assess the presence and localization of the Wilson disease protein in the human liver. We tested immunoreactivity for ATP7B in 10 human liver biopsies, in which no significant pathological lesion was found using a polyclonal antiserum specific for ATP7B. In the normal liver, immunoreactivity for ATP7B was observed in hepatocytes and in biliary cells. In the hepatocytes, immunoreactivity for ATP7B was observed close to the plasma membrane, both at the sinusoidal and at the biliary pole. In the biliary cells, ATP7B was localized close to the cell membrane, mainly concentrated at the basal pole of the cells. The data suggest that, in human liver, ATP7B is localized to the plasma membrane of both hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

[Ultrasonography of acute colonic diverticulitis. Effect on surgical treatment].

The clinical diagnosis of acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD) is at times difficult and an early detection by a non-invasive method as ultrasonography (US) is required. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic sensibility of US performed on admission in patients with ACD, its value in monitoring assessment of severity and its influence on surgical decision. The Authors have carried out a retrospective study on 22 patients (8 men and 14 women, median age 58 years) admitted from January 1997 to June 1999 for ACD. In 21 cases the diagnosis was made on admission by US. The diagnostic sensibility was 95.5% (false-negative: 1 case). The true diagnosis in 2 false-positive patients was: ischemic colitis (1 case), aspecific thickening of colonic wall in patient with left renal carcinoma (1 case). The sensibility of clinical evaluation on admission was 68% (false-negative: 7 cases). The clinical diagnosis was unequivocal in only 36.4% of cases. In 14 patients, successfully treated conservatively, the US gave monitoring the reduction of hypoechogenic thickening of the colonic wall. Seven patients who underwent urgent surgery: in 3 cases for generalized peritonitis, but in 4 patients (18.2%) the immediate management was influenced by US detection of a clinical misdiagnosed abscess. The Authors conclude that, in the hands of an expert investigator, the extensive use of US in acute abdominal pain facilitate an accurate diagnosis of ACD and its appropriate management.

Adult↗

Early surgical treatment of acute cholecystitis. A retrospective comparative study of the laparoscopic and open approaches.

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the results of laparoscopic and open early cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis. From January 1997 to October 2000, 168 patients underwent cholecystectomy in our institution. Of the 35 patients (20.8%) with acute cholecystitis, 20 patients (57.1%) were operated on laparoscopically and the other 15 patients (42.9%) with the traditional open approach. The two groups were similar in terms of age, sex and onset of symptoms. The postoperative morbidity was 15.0% in the laparoscopic group versus 40.0% in the open group. The average postoperative hospital stay in the laparoscopic group was 5.1 days as compared to 10.5 days in the open group (P = 0.013). The conversion rate to laparotomy was 5.0% (1 case). At follow-up there has been one case of incisional hernia in the open group. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis was associated with a lower postoperative morbidity rate and significantly earlier patient discharge.

Acute Disease↗

Uncommitted gastrointestinal stromal tumour. Case report.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) are mesenchymal tumours with uncertain prognosis. Malignant variety represents about 2.0% of malignant gastroenteric tumours. The Authors report a clinical case of malignant gastric and duodenojejunal GIST, in which the only surgical treatment seems to be definitive. R. S., a 69-year-old female, was admitted for asthenia and fever in January 1997. Endoscopic exploration, ultrasonography and CT-scan of the abdomen demonstrated an exophytic tumour in the greater gastric curvature and one tumour of 5.5 cm of diameter in the Treitz's angle. We performed a resection of the gastric tumour and the duodenojejunal angle. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged after 14 postoperative hospital days. Histological analysis showed two spindle cells stromal tumours with mitotic rate > 20/10 HPF. The immunohistochemistry demonstrated the uncommitted origin of tumour cells. The patient refused the chemotherapy treatment. There was no local recurrence or metastasis at a follow up of 47 months, in spite the high malignancy degree. For this reason and because of the uncertain behaviour of benign GIST, the authors propose a lifelong follow up of the patients managed with potentially curative surgical resection.

Aged↗

[Predictive factors for malignancy in Hürthle-cell thyroid neoplasia. Effect of surgical treatment].

The aim of this study has been to evaluate factors predicting malignancy in patients with Hürthle cell neoplasms. Medical records from 36 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for Hürthle cell neoplasms between January 1998 and December 2002 were analyzed. Of the 36 patients, 19 had carcinomas and 17 had adenomas, resulting in a 52.7% prevalence of malignancy. Both fine-needle aspiration and intraoperative frozen section had low sensitivities in cancer detection (22.2% and 33.3% respectively). Hürthle cell carcinomas were significantly larger than adenomas (30.3 mm +/- 3.9 vs 17.6 mm +/- 2.3, P = 0.012), however 42% of carcinomas had a diameter between 10 and 20 mm. Size of Hürthle cell tumors is predictive of malignancy, but it is not the only factor to make surgical decision effective. Because of these uncertainties, authors believe that total thyroidectomy is the treatment of choice of all Hürthle cell neoplasms.

Adenoma↗

GIST: a clinical dilemma.

The authors report a clinical case of malignant gastric and duodenojejunal GIST, in which the only surgical treatment seems to be definitive. In a 69-year-old female, a surgical resection of the gastric and duodenojejunal tumor was performed. Histological analysis showed two spindle cells stromal tumors with mitotic rate >20/10 HPF and its uncommitted origin was demonstrated. Despite the high malignancy degree, the patient refused chemotherapy treatment and there were no local recurrence nor metastasis at a follow-up of 8 years. For this reason and because of the uncertain behavior of histologically benign GIST, the authors propose a lifelong follow-up of all patients managed with potentially curative surgical resection.

Aged↗

One-stage treatment in emergency setting for obstructing colorectal cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications for one-stage treatment of obstructing colorectal cancer. From January 1998 to December 2003, 19 patients were operated on at our department for obstructing colorectal cancer. Thirteen patients underwent one-stage operation with immediate anastomosis without diversion, while 6 patients were managed palliatively. We performed resection and anastomosis following intraoperative irrigation in obstructing sigmoid cancer without colonic wall lesions, while subtotal colectomy was carried out in case of massively distended colon with ischemic lesions. Colostomy was indicated in 6 high-risk patients with unresectable lesions. In case of obstructing left colorectal cancer, an experienced surgeon can perform one-stage resection and anastomosis on good general status patients, conversely defunctioning colostomy may be ideal for surgeons with little experience in colorectal surgery and in very poor prognosis patients.

Aged↗

[The incidence of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colonic neoplasms in the rat: the effect of constipation].

The authors studied the role of slow bowel transit in the development of colonic neoplasias in rats treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Forty Sprague-Dawley male rats, weighing 400 g, were used in the experiment and were divided into 4 groups of 10 rats each. The first and the second group were given, weekly, subcutaneous injections of DMH at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 25 and 27 weeks respectively; in these groups constipation was obtained by reducing water intake throughout the period of the experiment. The third and the fourth group (control groups) received DMH at the dose of 25 mg/kg for 25 and 27 weeks respectively and water "ad libitum". The rats were weighed once a week and stool output, weight, and number of scybala/day were recorded once every four weeks. Rats were sacrificed one week after the final injection of DMH and every intestinal lesion macroscopically identified was histologically examined. All rats showed weight loss from the 22nd week to the sacrifice. The mean stool weight/day was 21.2 g +/- 1.47 in the groups A and B; while for the groups C and D it was 23.6 g +/- 1.81 (p = 0.019). The number of scybala/day was 26 +/- 3 in the groups A and B, whereas in the groups C and D was 34 +/- 4 (p = 0.05). An increased number of cancers per rat was recorded in the groups A and B compared to control groups, respectively from 0.66 to 1.4 at 25 weeks (p = 0.02) and from 0.9 to 2.44 at 27 weeks (p = 0.07). A corresponding increase in the number of polyps after 25 weeks was demonstrated, taking into account the possible polyp-cancer sequence. Our study suggests that the slow bowel transit induced an increased number of colonic neoplasia in relation to the prolonged contact of the carcinogen with the mucosa or to its greater concentration in the colonic lumen due to the fecal output reduction.

1,2-Dimethylhydrazine↗

The "ultraperipheral" revascularization in arteriosclerotic obstruction of tibial vessels. Experimental study.

In arteriosclerotic obstruction of the main tibial arteries, the tibial collateral vessels are usually patent, and about 70% of these arteries are potentially suitable for surgical revascularization. The present study aimed at investigating the practical feasibility of a selective revascularization procedure on these tibial muscular arteries (ultraperipheral revascularization). Six lower limbs amputated at thigh level for arteriosclerotic gangrene with complete obstruction of the main tibial arteries, were studied: the tibial collateral muscular vessels showed patency in 65% of cases. The authors propose a surgical technique for the revascularization of these peripheral vessels with the use of a vascular prosthesis. The "post-operative" angiographic studies showed that revascularization of these peripheral muscular arteries was possible.

Aged↗

[Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in the diagnosis of hepatic hydatidosis].

The Authors studied the role of E.R.C.P. in the presurgical investigations of hepatic hydatid cyst in a consecutive series of 24 patients. The reasons for admission and presurgical investigation (blood test, chest X-ray, plain abdominal X-ray, intravenous cholangiography, ultrasonography, liver scintigraphy, C.T., E.R.C.P.) are evaluated and compared. The results showed a good correlation, as related to the cyst and biliary tree relationship between operative findings and E.R.C.P. The E.R.C.P. provided an etiological diagnosis in obstructive jaundice and showed a biliary tract involvement by the cyst both in patients with a complication at admission or in the past history and in 25% of the asymptomatic patients (pericystic bilioma, exterior compression of bile ducts, direct communications between cyst and biliary tree).

Adult↗