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Biomedical subjects

F Venuta

Publications and source records attributed to F Venuta.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

MDCT assessment of lung volume in patients undergoing bronchial stenting for treatment of pulmonary emphysema: correlation with respiratory tests and personal experience.

PURPOSE: The aid of this study was to evaluate lung volume reduction with multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in patients with emphysema who have undergone endobronchial valve placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients with emphysema were studied by low-dose chest MDCT (64-slice Somatom Sensation Cardiac, Siemens) with a collimation of 64 x 0.6 mm and a slice thickness of 1 mm. After treatment, MDCT scans were repeated at 7 and 30 days. A single observer calculated the volume of the treated lobe and of both lungs on a dedicated console. Volume calculations were then compared with the results of lung function tests. RESULTS: Four patients in whom MDCT showed severe emphysema of the right upper lobe (RUL) were selected for endobronchial valve insertion. Volume assessment at 30 days showed a 29% reduction in RUL volume in patient A, a 15% reduction in patient B, a <1% reduction in patient C and a 30% reduction in patient D. Correlation with lung function tests confirmed a major reduction of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) and vital capacity (VC) and improved walking test results after 7 and 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing endobronchial valve placement, MDCT with dedicated software allows for a better evaluation of volume reduction of a single lobe and of the whole lung.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Extracorporeal circulation with low systemic heparinization during lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Some lung transplantation (LT) recipients suffer from pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction or failure requiring extracorporeal circulation (ECC) to avoid catastrophic complications during surgery. The extracorporeal support usually requires systemic heparinization which is potentially associated with important side effects. We performed eight LT using preheparinized ECC circuits and an oxygenator associated with a lower level of systemic heparinization without evidence of perioperative complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 2002 to May 2005, 8 patients (5 men and 3 women) of mean age 22.5 +/- 9.5 years underwent bilateral sequential lung transplantation (BSLT) for cystic fibrosis (n = 6) or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 2). All procedures were performed with ECC through a femoro-femoral veno-arterial bypass with preheparinized circuits and an oxygenator. RESULTS: No intraoperative mortality occurred. The mean ECC time was 147.8 +/- 31.3 minutes and the mean heparin administered was 3525 +/- 969.16 UI. No coagulopathy or thrombotic events were observed perioperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed the efficacy and safety of prehepanized circuits and oxygenator for femoro-femoral veno-arterial bypass during LT for patients with severe pulmonary hypertension requiring ECC.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Mechanical cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy for cancer].

AIM: Fibrous stenosis of the esophagogastric cervical anastomosis remains a significant complication occurring in up to one third of cases. Trying to reduce the incidence of this complication, we describe our technique of cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis using endoscopic linear stapler which seems to reduce the incidence of fibrous stricture formation after resection of esophageal cancer. METHODS: Between March 2000 and December 2004, 34 patients (20 males and 14 females) underwent esophagectomy using tubulized stomach for reconstruction. Mean age was 57 years. Eight patients with advanced stage (5 T3 and 3 T4) underwent induction chemotherapy. The most of patients was affected by squamous cell carcinoma. In all cases we performed cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using linear endoscopic stapler. The occurrence of postoperative anastomotic leak and development of anastomotic stricture were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: All patients survived esophagectomy and 30 of them (88%) were available for postoperative follow-up at 6 months. Anastomotic leak developed in 1 case. No patient developed fibrous stenosis that required dilatation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Complete mechanical esophago-gastric anastomosis, using endoscopic linear stapler is effective and safe, even when a narrow gastric tube is used as esophageal substitute. These technique seems superior to other techniques to reduce the incidence of postoperative anastomotic complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Surgical treatment of iatrogenic perforations of the distal third of the esophagus. Personal experience].

AIM: The esophageal perforations are associated with a high mortality and morbidity when they are not diagnosed and treated quickly. The aim of our study is to analyze the treatment and prognosis of the distal iatrogenic esophageal perforations on the basis of time of onset, concomitant disease and size of perforations. METHODS: The retrospective review was performed on 10 patients treated for distal iatrogenic esophageal perforations at our Institution from 1994 to 2003. The cause of perforations was: pneumatic dilation (7 patients) and esophageal endoprosthesis placing (3 patients). Seven patients presented within 24 h (Group A), and 3 patients presented after 24 h (Group B). In Group A, 4 patients underwent primary repair, 2 patients required esophagectomy and 1 patient was treated conservatively. In Group B, 2 patients were treated conservatively and 1 patient required an esophagectomy. RESULTS: Hospital morbidity was 20% and mortality was 30%. In Group A no patients died. In Group B hospital mortality was 100%. The most common cause of death was multiorgan failure resulting from sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for esophageal perforations is influenced by the time elapsed between diagnosis and treatment. Esophagectomy is indicated for patients with extensive perforation and necrosis of the esophagus when primary repair cannot be carried out. It is indicated also as treatment for the concomitant disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Lung cancer after treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

AIM: Because of the improvement in treatment and survival of patients with lymphoma, late sequelae, including secondary cancers have been extensively studied. Lung cancer is one of the two most common solid tumors after Hodgkin's disease but fewer studies have been published about lung cancer after non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). METHODS: Over the last five years at our Institution we have observed 16 patients, 13 male and 3 female, with a mean age of 61 years, previously treated for NHL and lung cancer. Median latency between NHL and lung cancer was 7 years. In 6 patients (37.5%) the latency period was shorter than 5 years and 3 of them developed lung cancer within 2 years after the end of NHL therapy. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent lung complete resection. Two, 3 and 5 year survival rate was respectively 52.7%, 26.3% and 13%. In contrast, the median survival of non surgical patients was 9 months. Comparison of survival between surgical and non-surgical group demonstrated a statistically significant better survival for surgically treated patients (P<0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery can improve survival in patients with history of NHL and lung cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. NHL survivors should undergo careful follow-up and surveillance for secondary malignancy.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

Lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation is a robust therapeutic option to treat patients with cystic fibrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since 1996, 109 patients with cystic fibrosis were accepted onto our waiting list with 58 bilateral sequential lung transplants performed in 56 patients and two patients retransplanted for obliterative bronchiolitis syndrome. RESULTS: Preoperative mean FEV(1) was 0.64 L/s, mean PaO(2) with supplemental oxygen was 56 mm Hg, and the mean 6-minute walking test was 320 m. Transplantation was performed through a "clam shell incision" in the first 29 patients and via bilateral anterolateral thoracotomies without sternal division in the remaining patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass was required in 14 patients. In 21 patients the donor lungs had to be trimmed by wedge resections with mechanical staplers and bovine pericardium buttressing to fit the recipient chest size. Eleven patients were extubated in the operating room immediately after the procedure. Hospital mortality of 13.8% was related to infection (n = 5), primary graft failure (n = 2), and myocardial infarction (n = 1). Acute rejection episodes occurred 1.6 times per patient/year; lower respiratory tract infections occurred 1.4 times per patient in the first year after transplantation. The mean FEV(1) increased to 82% at 1 year after operation. The 5-year survival rate was 61%. A cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive regimen was initially employed in all patients; 24 were subsequently switched to tacrolimus because of central nervous system toxicity, cyclosporine-related myopathy, or renal failure, obliterative bronchiolitis syndrome, gingival hyperplasia, or hypertrichosis. Ten patients were subsequently switched to sirolimus. Freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans at 5 years was 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that bilateral sequential lung transplantation is a robust therapeutic option for patients with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis↗
PubMed2004

[Mini-invasive treatment of pectus excavatum in adolescence. Initial experience].

BACKGROUND: Personal preliminary experience with Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum (MIRPE), "Nuss" procedure, using VATS is reported. METHODS: From January 2001 to February 2002, MIRPE has been performed on 5 patients (age range 13-18 y; mean 14.8 y). Under general anesthesia, a curved steel bar is inserted into the retrosternal tunnel between 2 bilateral midaxillary line incisions. The tunnel passes initially under the pectoral muscles and enters the pleural space at level of the mammilary line. Under thoracoscopic vision, the bar is passed through the tunnel with the concavity facing the front and then is turned over thereby correcting deformity. An epidural catheter relieved perioperative pain successfully. RESULTS: In all patients the repair has been good. Mean hospital length of stay has been 6.8 d. Pneumothorax occurred in 1 patient requiring tube thoracostomy. After 45 d 1 patient had a bar displacement requiring a reoperation. All patients have a normal life. CONCLUSIONS: The Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum is an effective procedure even in adolescence. Thoracoscopic vision makes safer the creation of the retrosternal tunnel and the passage of the bar. Short-term results have been good. Further follow-up is necessary to determine long-term results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

[Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Personal experience].

BACKGROUND: Esophageal surgery was recently modified by minimally-invasive approach. Personal experience with the thoracoscopic technique for esophagectomy in patients with early stage esophageal cancer is described. METHODS. From 1996 to 2000 at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the University of Rome "La Sapienza", 10 patients, 7 male and 3 female, underwent video-thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Median age was 64 years (range 53-72). With the patient in left lateral decubitus 4 ports were positioned between the 4th and 8th intercostal space. The thoracic esophagus was mobilized in the entire length and circumference with the connective tissue and peri-esophageal nodal stations. A cervicotomy followed by a median laparotomy for tubulization of the stomach was performed. RESULTS: Nobody required conversion to thoracotomy. No complication or intraoperative death were observed. The median thoracic time was 110 minutes (range 55-165). No death within 30 days after discharge was recorded. One patient presented left vocal cord paralysis. In one case a recurrence in cervical anastomosis two months after the operation was observed. One patient died after 36 month for metastatic spread. Eight patients are alive with no evidence of disease, with median follow-up of 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the video-toracoscopic approach is a viable and safe option for the treatment of early stage esophageal cancer. Low incidence of complications and local recurrence should encourage a most frequent use of this procedure.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Microbiologic investigation on patients with cystic fibrosis subjected to bilateral lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: In cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, lung transplantation is the only way to improve both quality and length of life. Data in the literature show that, in 80% of the cases, mortality after lung transplantation in CF patients is due to infections. METHODS: We microbiologically monitored 34 patients subjected to bilateral lung transplantation in during 1996 to 1999 to ascertain whether a change in the bacterial species isolated from the lower respiratory tract took place that might have influenced the clinical conditions of the patients. RESULTS: Our results show that the percentage of nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the lower respiratory tract remains high even in the posttransplantation phase. Nevertheless, the general clinical conditions of most of the patients were good and the three patients who died did not do as a consequence of an infection. CONCLUSIONS: Lung transplantation constitutes a valid therapeutic choice for CF patients because the microorganisms that we isolated from the lungs of the patients in our study behave mostly as contaminants rather than as colonizers. However, the transplanted patients remain at risk and thus require constant microbiological surveillance.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans↗
PubMed2001

Acute hemodynamic effects of inhaled nitric oxide, dobutamine and a combination of the two in patients with mild to moderate secondary pulmonary hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: The use of low-dose dobutamine to maintain hemodynamic stability in pulmonary hypertension may have a detrimental effect on gas exchange. The aim of this study was to investigate whether inhaled nitric oxide (INO), dobutamine and a combination of the two have beneficial effects in patients with end-stage airway lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. METHOD: Hemodynamic evaluation was assessed 10 min after the administration of each drug and of their combination, in 28 candidates for lung transplantation. RESULTS: Administration of INO caused a reduction in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), an increase in PaO2 with a significant reduction in venous admixture effect (Qs/Qt).Dobutamine administration caused an increase in cardiac index and MPAP, with a decrease in PaO2 as a result of a higher Qs/Qt. Administration of a combination of the two drugs caused an increase in the cardiac index without MPAP modification and an increase in PaO2 and Qs/Qt. CONCLUSION: Dobutamine and INO have complementary effects on pulmonary circulation. Their association may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate pulmonary hypertension.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2001

Pneumoperitoneum for the management of pleural air space problems associated with major pulmonary resections.

BACKGROUND: The use of pneumoperitoneum to treat prolonged air leaks or space problems, or both, after pulmonary resection has been recently resurrected and used successfully. METHODS: During the last 3 years, 14 patients experienced short-term pleural space problems associated with prolonged air leaks after pulmonary resection for lung cancer. All patients, under sedation and local anesthesia, had a mean of 2,100 mL of air injected under the diaphragm, using a Veres needle after a mean time of 7 days (range, 5 to 10 days) from the operation. In 3 patients talc slurry was added to help control the air leak. RESULTS: No patients experienced complications during the induction of the pneumoperitoneum. No patients complained of dyspnea, although blood gas analysis showed a slight increment of carbon dioxide partial pressure (p < 0.0004). Obliteration of the pleural space was observed in all cases after a mean time of 4 days (range, 1 to 7 days). Air leaks stopped in all patients after a mean time of 8 days (range, 4 to 12 days). The mean postoperative hospital stay after lung resection was 18 days (range, 14 to 22 days). No patients had significant complications or long-term sequelae. We found that patients who had undergone induction chemotherapy had longer air leak durations than observed in noninduction patients (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience supports the use of postoperative pneumoperitoneum whenever a space problem associated with prolonged air leaks is present. The procedure is effective, safe, and easy to perform.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Endoscopic treatment of lung cancer invading the airway before induction chemotherapy and surgical resection.

OBJECTIVE: Many patients with advanced lung cancer invading the airway require only palliation; however, induction chemotherapy and surgery may sometimes be considered. Preliminary endoscopic palliation may improve quality of life and functional status, allows better evaluation of tumor extension and contributes to prevent infectious complications. We reviewed our experience with preliminary laser treatment, induction chemotherapy and surgical resection in patients with lung cancer invading the airway. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with stage IIIA and IIIB lung cancer presenting with an 80% unilateral airway obstruction were treated with laser resection, induction chemotherapy and surgery. Spirometry, arterial blood gas analysis, quality of life (QLQ-C30 score) and performance status were recorded before and after laser treatment and after chemotherapy. Complications during chemotherapy, surgical morbidity and mortality, and survival were also recorded. RESULTS: No complications were observed after endoscopic treatment. FEV(1) significantly improved from 1.4+/-0.4 l/s to 2.2+/-0.7 l/s, as well as FVC (from 2+/-0.5 to 3.1+/-0.8 l), and remained stable after chemotherapy. The QLQ-C30 score significantly improved after laser treatment (from 45+/-4.8 to 31+/-2.5) as well as the Karnofsky status (from 76+/-5 to 90). One patient developed pneumonia during induction chemotherapy. Three patients were not operated on. We performed five pneumonectomies (one right tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy) and 13 lobectomies (five associated to a bronchial sleeve resection). One patient (5.5%) died after the operation. Four patients experienced minor postoperative complications. Three-year survival after the operation was 52%. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary endoscopic palliation of lung cancer invading the airway is feasible, improves evaluation and staging, helps to reduce the incidence of complications during induction chemotherapy without increasing surgical morbidity and mortality.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

Inhaled nitric oxide administration during one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) on hemodynamics and oxygenation during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in the lateral decubitus position in patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty consecutive patients scheduled for thoracotomy. INTERVENTIONS: Anesthesia consisted of thoracic epidural analgesia combined with general anesthesia (isoflurane, fentanyl, and vecuronium bromide). Systemic and pulmonary circulations were monitored with a radial artery catheter and a pulmonary artery catheter. Inhaled NO, 40 ppm, was administered during OLV, and the inhaled gas mixture was monitored for NO and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Hemodynamic and oxygenation data were collected before and during inhaled NO administration. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Inhaled NO caused a reduction of pulmonary vascular resistance index from 249 +/- 97.6 dyne. sec. cm(-5) to 199.3 +/- 68.9 dyne. sec. cm(-5) (p < 0.05), without effects on systemic hemodynamics or impairment of oxygenation. A stratification of the patients according to values of QS/QT (< 30%, 30% to 44%, > or = 45%), PaO(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (> or = 200, 100 to 199, < 100), and pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary arterial pressure < 24 or > or = 24 mmHg) showed that inhaled NO causes a significant reduction of mean pulmonary artery pressure in patients with pulmonary hypertension, mainly as a result of a reduction of pulmonary vascular resistance index, and improves oxygenation by reducing intrapulmonary shunt in patients with severe hypoxemia during OLV. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled NO administration neither significantly decreased mean pulmonary arterial pressure in patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure nor improved oxygenation in nonhypoxic patients. Nevertheless, inhaled NO is effective in patients with pulmonary hypertension and hypoxemia during OLV.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Hemodynamic and oxygenation changes of combined therapy with inhaled nitric oxide and inhaled aerosolized prostacyclin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hemodynamic and oxygenation changes of combined therapy with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and inhaled aerosolized prostcyclin (IAP) during lung transplantation. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Ten patients scheduled for lung transplantation. INTERVENTIONS: Ten patients, with a mean age of 38 years (range, 24 to 56 years), were scheduled for lung transplantation (2 single-lung transplantations and 8 double-lung transplantations). During first lung implantation with single-lung perfusion and ventilation, hemodynamic and oxygenation data were analyzed in 3 phases: (1) baseline, 5 minutes after pulmonary artery clamping; (2) inhaled NO phase, 15 minutes after inhaled NO administration (20 ppm) in 100% oxygen; and (3) IAP-inhaled NO phase, 15 minutes after combined administration of inhaled NO (20 ppm) and IAP (10 ng/kg/min) in 100% oxygen. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During the inhaled NO phase, reductions of mean pulmonary arterial pressure (p < 0.05) and intrapulmonary shunt (p < 0.05) were noted. After the start of prostacyclin inhalation, a further decrease in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (p < 0.05) was observed. PaO2/FIO2 increased during the IAP-inhaled NO phase (p < 0.05), whereas intrapulmonary shunt decreased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the action of inhaled NO as a selective pulmonary vasodilator during lung transplantation. Combined therapy with IAP and inhaled NO increases the effects on pulmonary arterial pressure and oxygenation compared with inhaled NO administered alone without any systemic changes.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2001

Thymectomy in the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis.

BACKGROUND: Thymectomy is an effective and accepted treatment for myasthenia gravis, but thymectomy for ocular myasthenia gravis (Osserman stage I) is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and propriety of thymectomy for the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis. METHODS: We conducted a review and follow-up of all patients who had thymectomy for the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis between 1970 and 1998 at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center, and the University of Rome, "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy. Patient response to thymectomy was categorized as follows: cured, patients who became symptom-free and required no further medication; improved, patients who required less medication and whose symptoms were less severe; unchanged, patients whose symptoms and medications were the same; worse, patients who had more severe symptoms, needed more medication, or died. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients (mean age 37 years; range 14-73 years) were followed up for a mean duration of 9 years (range 0.5-29 years). Ocular myasthenia gravis with mixed and cortical thymomas, stages I to IV, occurred in 12 patients, and ocular myasthenia without thymomas occurred in 49 patients. Transsternal thymectomy (n = 55) and transcervical thymectomy (n = 6) resulted in cure in 31 (51%) patients, improvement in 12 (20%) patients, no change in 16 (26%) patients, and worsening of symptoms (including 1 postoperative death) in 2 patients. Patient outcomes were statistically independent of the duration of preoperative symptoms (mean 9.5 months), patient age, or the presence or absence of thymoma. In patients with ocular myasthenia, 70% were cured or improved after thymectomy; in the subgroup of patients with ocular myasthenia and thymoma, 67% were cured or improved. CONCLUSION: Thymectomy is an effective and safe treatment for patients with ocular myasthenia gravis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Stage IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer.

Highly selected patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer achieving cure do not contribute meaningfully to the overall prognosis of stage III. This finding is true particularly if clinicians rely on currently available therapeutic modalities (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery) or refinements thereof. Understanding of the molecular biology continues to improve; it is more likely that in the new millenium, the real breakthroughs in staging and therapy for this high-risk, poor-prognosis group will come from the integration of molecular modalities in the clinical application.

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung↗
PubMed2001

[Diagnostic delay in post-traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures].

Traumatic ruptures of the diaphragm are associated with closed chest and abdominal traumas, often the outcome of road accidents, with an incidence varying from 1 to 5% depending on the series. Diagnosis is frequently late if the possibility of breakages in two stages is also considered. This delay in diagnosis is encountered in a variable percentage of cases, between 9.5 and 60%. The clinical case of a post-traumatic ruptures of the diaphragm diagnosed 26 years after a car accident is described.

Aged↗