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Biomedical subjects

M Benedetti

Publications and source records attributed to M Benedetti.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

CEA tissue staining in colorectal cancer patients. A way to improve the usefulness of serial serum CEA evaluation.

The evaluation of serial plasma carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels is one of the most important parameter used to establish the prognosis of surgically cured colorectal cancer patients. Carcinoembryonic antigen is particularly useful in the identification of recurrences and metastasis. However, to improve the usefulness of this assay, it would be helpful to accurately determine, if possible, those patients whose cancers produce CEA. The evaluation of the presence of CEA in these cancer specimens by means of immunoperoxidase staining technique does seem to improve the sensitivity of the CEA test. Fifty-seven patients with colorectal cancer who underwent surgical treatment were studied. Tissue CEA evaluation was correlated with the plasma CEA levels, the pathologic stage and grade, and histologic type of the cancers. Results demonstrate that 66.6% of Dukes' B cancers, 78.9% of Dukes' C, and 77.7% of Dukes' D cancers stained positively for CEA by immunoperoxidase. Thirty of 57 patients with preoperative pathologic plasma CEA levels had positive tissue CEA, whereas 8/57 patients did not. Of patients with a well-differentiated cancer (G1), 81.4% had positive tissue CEA versus the 64% of G2 and 60% of G3 cancers. The authors conclude that the use of the immunoperoxidase stain to measure CEA in tissue, so that the CEA serum assay may be used in those patients known to produce CEA, results in a major increase in the sensitivity of the test.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Tissue CEA detection by immunoperoxidase (PAP) test in colorectal polyps: correlations with the degree of dysplasia.

We study the presence of Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on 39 colorectal polyps by the immunoperoxidase technique. The histological examination demonstrated 15 tubular adenomas, one villous adenoma, two tubulo-villous adenomas, six tubular adenomas with slight dysplasia, one tubular adenoma with moderate dysplasia, four tubular adenomas with severe dysplasia, three tubulo-villous adenomas with severe dysplasia, five tubular adenomas with neoplastic degeneration, and two tubulo-villous adenomas with neoplastic degeneration. Twenty-eight of thirty-nine polyps (71.79%) showed a positive staining reaction for CEA. Regarding the intensity of the reaction (classified as absent or negative [-], slightly positive [+], and markedly positive [+ +]), 11/39 polyps presented a negative reaction (28.21%), 19/39 (48.71%) presented a slight reaction, and 10/39 polyps (25.64%) presented a marked reaction. Results demonstrated a higher intensity of the staining reaction in severely dysplastic polyps and in neoplastic degeneration. In conclusion, it is possible that the presence of CEA can be useful to show an initial cellular restlessness of certain polyps.

Adenoma↗

Usefulness of preoperative CEA levels in the assessment of colorectal cancer patient stage.

In order to demonstrate a prognostic value of preoperative CEA levels, we have tried to define a correlation between CEA and histologic stage of tumor in 124 patients with colorectal carcinoma. CEA concentration has been evaluated by radioimmunologic assay and the histologic stage following Dukes' classification. The results show a 25.0% positivity rate for patients in stage A, 48.2% for stage B, 61.1% for stage C, and 85.7% for stage D. The mean CEA values are 7.8 ng/ml in the first group, 30.3 ng/ml in the second, 58.1 ng/ml in the third, and 134.3 ng/ml in the last group. Furthermore, we have tried to relate the histopathologic grade of the tumor (G) with CEA levels in 54 patients of the 124. We conclude that preoperative CEA has a prognostic value, and it is useful in the staging of colorectal cancer patients. A low concentration indicates an early stage of the tumor, while a high concentration indicates a wide spread of disease; on the other hand, there are not significant correlations with cancer grading.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗

[Current orientations in endodontics].

The Authors, after having underlined the importance of the endodontic discipline, that allows to obtain a reliable rehabilitation, illustrate the Schilder technique, used by them at the Odontoiatric Clinic, University of Brescia. The AA. take into consideration and face the problem of the reintervention on channels already treated, as well as the periapical infections complication. They conclude saying that endodoncy is an extremely difficult discipline, because it implies a lot of experience, practical ability and a constant application.

Dental Pulp Diseases↗

Effect of l-carnitine on lipid pattern in debilitated patients treated with Intralipid.

Ten surgical patients--4 males and 6 females, mean age: 46.7 years--affected by various pathological conditions were selected for this clinical trial. The patients were divided into two groups of 5 as follows: Group I on the third day received 10%. Intralipid (500 mg) + l-carnitine i.v. (100 mg/kg); on the sixth day 10% Intralipid (500 mg) infusion was given alone. Group II on the third day received 10% Intralipid (500 mg) infusion, and on the sixth day 10% Intralipid (500 mg) + l-carnitine (100 mg/kg). The laboratory parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL, apolipoprotein A and B) showed that the lipids administered with l-carnitine were more rapidly metabolized than those without.

Carnitine↗

Correlations between serial CEA levels and surgery in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Nowadays the evaluation of serial carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels represents an important parameter for the prognosis of patients with carcinoma of the large bowel. Changes in CEA values allow the drawing of conclusions regarding the effectiveness of therapy. We have studied 63 patients with colorectal carcinoma that underwent surgical treatment. Serial CEA levels were tested in each patient before surgery and 15 days after. The 53 patients were considered surgically cured; and among these 7 did not have a significant decrease of CEA values after surgery. The percentage of recurrences among these patients has been 71.4%; meanwhile patients who showed a decrease of CEA values below cutoff values had recurrences only in 17.3% of cases. For this reason is our opinion that patients considered surgically cured who have postoperative high CEA levels cannot be considered really cured from a biological point of view.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗

Determination of polychlorobiphenyls in Venice Lagoon sediments.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) congeners were measured in 14 sediment samples collected at five sites in the Venice Lagoon selected on the basis of a supposed diversity of inputs and of pollution levels. The PCBs were determined after a sonication assisted extraction by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). The sum of the congener concentrations determined in the samples range from 4.05 to 239.15 ng/g on a dry weight basis. The concentration values are very variable both comparing the sites and comparing different samples from the same site and can be connected to the sand percentage in the sediment samples. The correlation matrix obtained from data matrix using the congener concentrations as variables shows high values, mostly between 0.964 and 1, suggesting that the pattern of the PCB congeners and the ratios among the concentrations in Venice Lagoon sediments are more or less constant; the samples differ only in the concentration level.

Environmental Monitoring↗

Cancer risk associated with residential proximity to industrial sites: a review.

In this study, the authors sought to review available epidemiologic studies of cancer risk and its association with residence in a neighborhood characterized by industrial sites and to discuss options for future study design. The authors attempted to identify all case-control studies published from January 1980 through July 1997 in which investigators examined exposure resulting from residential proximity to an industrial site neighborhood relative to an increased risk of lung, urinary tract, and lymphohematopoietic malignancies. During these years, some authors reported significant associations between lung cancer risk and residential proximity to (a) smelters, (b) complex industrial areas, and (c) other localized emission sources. There was some evidence that leukemia and lymphomas occurred in the neighborhoods that contained industrial sites.

Bias↗

Entrapment of a coronary stent in the left main trunk: an easy method for surgical removal.

The use of an intracoronary stent is usually indicated after the acute closure of a coronary vessel following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Plaque disruption and dissection, with subsequent spasm and thrombosis, can be contained by this device. In the reported case, acute closure of the left anterior descending coronary artery and of a diagonal branch were caused by the entrapment of a stent proximal to the coronary lesion that it was supposed to treat. An emergency coronary artery bypass graft procedure was required together with removal of the device because of the impending closure of the left main trunk (the site of the stent entrapment). This was successfully performed by means of an easy method, which did not require direct incision of the left main trunk. The less invasive procedure described simplified the operation and probably played an important role in its favorable outcome.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Radioguided surgery for gastrinoma: a case report.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Gastrinomas are the most common neuroendocrine tumors of the duodenopancreatic region. Surgical resection is the primary type of radical treatment. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: At the Institute of General, Gastrointestinal and Breast Surgery we treated a patient with a duodenal gastrinoma that was diagnosed and localized by means of selective celiac-mesenteric angiography and labelled octreotide scintigraphy. Surgery was performed using a radioguided technique; in this way we easily detected the small tumor and discovered another tracer-uptaking lesion that turned out to be a metastatic lymph node. RESULTS: Surgical resection is the ideal treatment for sporadic gastrinoma: it improves quality of life, prolongs survival, and reduces the incidence of metastases, with a modest percentage of complications and practically zero mortality. Meanwhile, medical treatment is being reevaluated, particularly in the case of metastatic disease or polyendocrine MEN1 syndrome. A fundamental aspect in the management of gastrinomas is tumor localization. Endoscopic ultrasonography and labeled octreotide scintigraphy (Ostreoscan) proved to be more effective than the usual imaging modalities. Intraoperative ultrasonography gastroscopy for duodenal transillumination and repeated measurement of blood gastrin levels should be performed intraoperatively in the surgical treatment of gastrinomas. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical application of radioguided surgery for tracer-uptaking endocrine tumors is still controversial. In our case the decision to use this method was influenced by the fear that the patient's obesity and the effects of previous surgery could hamper the identification of the small tumor.

Aged↗

[Reconversion after Hartmann's procedure. Our experience].

An increasing number of intestinal reconversion after Hartmann have been performed in recent years, especially due to improved surgical techniques and progressively lengthened lifespan. The authors report 33 cases of intestinal recanalization of 100 interventions according to Hartmann from 1984 to 1996 (21 not neoplastic pathologies, 12 neoplasias). The variables considered included: patient age, type of disease requiring intervention according to Hartmann, oncologic characteristic of patients with neoplasia, interval between the two interventions, preoperative examinations performed, morbidity and mortality after reconversion. Furthermore, the fundamental indications for reconversion are described, in particular in patients with neoplasias (CEA, transanal echo, total body Ct, anal manometry). The low frequency of preoperative complications, zero mortality, satisfactory long-term follow-up (only one patient with neoplastic relapse) indicate that colon-rectal reconversion can also be performed in the elderly and patients with neoplasias with favorable prognosis.

Aged↗

[Aneurysms of the visceral arteries: report of 5 cases].

Visceral artery aneurysms are uncommon and usually result from atherosclerosis, periarteritis nodosa and fibromuscular dysplasia. Hepatic artery aneurysms were detected in two patient, splenic artery aneurysms in three. In four patients rupture occurred. In the two patients with hepatic artery aneurysm hemobilia from arterial rupture into the common bile duct and intraperitoneal bleeding in lesser sac was assessed. Ruptured aneurysms of the splenic artery with free intraperitoneal bleeding occurred in two patients, one patient had an asymptomatic splenic artery aneurysm. In four patients the diagnosis was made by contrast-TC and/or celiac and mesenteric angiography. In four patients excision of the aneurysm was successfully performed. One patient with ruptured hepatic artery aneurysm and in which resection and revascularization was made died.

Adult↗

[Clinical and functional results after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal J reservoir in the treatment of ulcerative colitis].

PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy is the procedure of choice in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The operation is successful in removing all diseased mucosa while preserving a normal bowel function and a good quality of life for the patient. In this article are presented the clinical and functional results obtained in 28 patients, 19 males (68%) and 9 females (32%) after stapled restorative proctocolectomy with ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis. RESULTS: There were no perioperative deaths. The overall morbidity rate was 31%. Six patients (21%) presented pelvic abscess; 2 (7%) pelvic hematoma, 4 patients (14%) ileo-anal anastomotic stricture, 1 patient (3.6%) pouch-vagina fistula, three patients (11%) intestinal obstruction and 7 (25%) pouchitis. All patients were able to evacuate their pouches spontaneously. The mean bowel movements were 6-9/24 hours at the first postoperative month and 3-5/24 hours at the sixth month. Infrequent nocturnal seepage occurred in 6 patients (21%). Stool consistency returned to normal within 3-6 months. The mean pouch capacity was 210 cc. The mean resting pressure was diminished in 11 patients (39%), the men and maximal squeeze pressures were improved in 9 (32%); the ileo-rectal-anal inhibitory reflex was normal in 5 patients (18%), not defined in 12 (43%). Impotence or impaired bladder function was not present. CONCLUSION: The use of staplers in the surgical technique of restorative proctocolectomy with J shaped ileo-anal pouch is associated with low morbidity and better long-term results. The procedure requires a good selection of patients, a correct surgical timing, a very carefully technique and a low pre and postoperative treatment with steroids.

Adult↗

[Surgical treatment of common bile duct calculosis: a comparative critical evaluation of long-term results of sphincterotomy and choledochotomy approaches].

From an analysis of operations performed by the Authors between 1974 and 1988, sphincterotomy emerged as the operation of choice given the small percentage of complications compared to the higher percentage of complications that arose with choledochotomy with external biliary derivation, in which use of the Kehr tube is hardly ever directly implicated. However the results of choledochotomy shown also demonstrate a possible improvement through better intraoperative procedures or by complementary endoscopic sphincterotomy where indicated; hence this procedure with external biliary deviation, according to the Authors, merits reevaluation.

Aged↗

[Experience of a peripheral center in the surgical treatment of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer].

Surgical resection is still the first therapeutic option in patients with resectable colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver. Application of radiofrequency energy has been used in patients who did not meet the criteria for resectability and yet were candidates for a liver-directed procedure based upon the presence of liver-only disease. Hepatic resection has evolved in the last two or three decades from a procedure with associated mortality rate of up to 20% in the early 80s to usually less than 5% in patients undergoing liver resection thereafter. This improvement in morbidity and mortality is multifactorial; despite the increased safety of liver operations, hepatic resection still remains a complex surgical procedure with serious potential morbidity. The experience with liver resections and/or radiofrequency ablations, for colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver, performed at a medium-volume center (15 cases in 4 years) is presented. Some features of the metastatic disease, including the number, size and location of metastases are identified. The perioperative mortality is 0, morbidity for non surgical complications is 40%. In this series the reported overall 1-yr survival is 80%, 2-yr is 67%. This paper reviews the experienced factors that have defined the morbidity and mortality associated with liver surgery.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗