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Biomedical subjects

M Miccini

Publications and source records attributed to M Miccini.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Rectal cancer in women].

A retrospective chart review was performed utilizing the First Department of Surgery of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" Medical School database. Ninety-two women who underwent abdominal surgery between 1980 and 1993 for rectal cancer were identified. Data collected included demographics, history, intraoperative findings and complications, cancer histology and stage and follow up. Special attention was focused on intraoperative incidental gynecological findings and follow up. Twenty-two patients being previously submitted to hysterectomy and three with oral intake of hormones were dismitted from the study. Of the remaining 67 patients gynecological procedure was associated to rectal surgery because of a previously undiagnosed gynecological condition. No prophylactic oophorectomies were performed. At follow up 7 patients experienced further surgery for gynecologic disease. The necessity to offer these patients the benefit of a preoperative informed decision about adjunctive gynecologic surgery and indications for bilateral oophorectomy is discussed.

Adult↗

[Pancreatic anastomotic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: incidence, significance and treatment].

The Authors reviewed the complications, and outcomes in a consecutives series of 97 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. The clinical leak rate in this series was 21.8%. There was a difference in the pancreatic leak rate in those patients who underwent pancreatic ductal closure or end to end pancreaticojejunal invagination compared with end to side pancreaticojejunal anastomosis. The postoperative complication rate was 41.8% and the most common complications were pancreatic fistula. 9 deaths occurred in hospital or within 30 days from operation. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that operative technique, the pathological status of the pancreatic remnant, and mayor complications were the significant risk factors for the development of pancreatic anastomotic leak. In the 2000s pancreatic leak remains a potentially lethal problem. After pancreaticoduodenectomy, pancreatic remnant management by end to side pancreaticojejunostomy appeared safe in low-risk patients. Morbidity was greatest after pancreatic duct closure without anastomosis.

Aged↗

Total mesorectal excision and low rectal anastomosis for the treatment of rectal cancer and prevention of pelvic recurrences.

HYPOTHESIS: Total mesorectal excision lowers the rate of pelvic recurrence and positively affects the survival after surgical treatment of rectal cancer. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty-three consecutive patients were admitted with curative intent to surgery at the First Department of Surgery of the University of Rome "La Sapienza," Rome, Italy, with diagnoses of rectal carcinoma. The mean follow-up was 68.9 months; follow-up was complete for all patients who entered the trial. INTERVENTIONS: Low anterior resection and total mesorectal excision were performed in all cases, regardless of the location of the rectal cancer. A straight mechanical colorectal anastomosis was performed on a rectal stump, never exceeding 5 cm. No kind of adjuvant therapy was given. Mesorectum and open rectum were studied by serial transverse section at 5-mm intervals. A search for depth of penetration and distal intramural extension of the tumor was made. Lymph nodes were detected by clearing method, and nodal metastases (NM) and nonnodal metastases (NNM) were recorded as situated proximally, distally, or at the level of the tumor. RESULTS: There was no postoperative mortality. Clinical and radiologic leaks occurred in 2 and 4 patients, respectively. Mean disease-free survival was 65.9 months. Pelvic recurrence occurred in 5 patients (9%). Overall 5-year survival rate was 75%. Involvement of mesorectum by NM and NNM was detected in 27 and 24 cases, respectively. Both NM and NNM were found to be distal in 33% and 40% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic spread to the distal mesorectum may exceed the intramural spread of rectal cancer. Failure to perform total mesorectal excision leaves a potentially residual disease in the distal mesorectum, thus predisposing the patient to pelvic recurrence.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery in colorectal resection for complicated diverticular disease.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and consequential blood flow to the rectum would reduce the risk of leakage of a colorectal anastomosis. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-three patients undergoing left colectomy for complicated diverticular disease of the colon were randomly placed into two groups: A, n = 86; and B, n = 77. In group A, the integrity of the IMA was preserved by artery skeletization (IMAS); in group B, the IMA was divided at its origin. Variables recorded included duration of the surgical procedure, need for blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, operative mortality and morbidity, staple-ring disruption, and radiologic and clinical leakage. Anastomotic stenosis and recurrence of diverticular disease were noted. RESULTS: Surgical time was superior in the IMAS group. Radiologic and clinical leakages were significantly higher in group B (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, respectively). In group A a significant lower number of staple-ring disruptions was observed, evolving into clinical dehiscence. CONCLUSION: Preserving the natural blood supply to the rectum and the ensuing use of a healthy well-nourished rectal stump are suggested as the main aspects of IMAS in preventing and healing leakage of colorectal anastomosis.

Aged↗

Late development of bile duct cancer in patients who had biliary-enteric drainage for benign disease: a follow-up study of more than 1,000 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between biliary-enteric surgical drainage and the late development of cholangiocarcinoma of the biliary tract. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: In patients with biliary-enteric drainage, reflux of intestinal contents into the bile duct may occur and cause cholangitis, which is regarded as the most serious complication of these procedures. Lithiasis of the biliary tract and a previous biliary-enteric anastomosis have both been suggested to favor the late onset of cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n = 1,003) undergoing three different procedures of biliary-enteric anastomosis (transduodenal sphincteroplasty, choledochoduodenostomy, and hepaticojejunostomy) between 1967 and 1997 were included in this study. The postoperative clinical course and long-term outcome were evaluated by a retrospective review of the hospital records and follow-up. Mean follow-up was 129.6 months. RESULTS: Fifty-five (5.5%) cases of primary bile duct cancer were found among the 1,003 patients at intervals of 132 to 218 months from biliary-enteric anastomosis. The incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in the three groups was 5.8% in transduodenal sphincteroplasty patients, 7.6% in choledochoduodenostomy patients, and 1.9% in hepaticojejunostomy patients. The incidence of malignancy related to the different underlying diagnosis was 5.9%, 7.2%, and 1.9% in patients with choledocholithiasis, sphincter of Oddi stenosis, and postoperative benign stricture, respectively. Although only one patient who developed cholangiocarcinoma had previous concurrent lithiasis of the biliary tract, 40 patients had experienced mostly severe, recurrent cholangitis. No case of malignancy occurred in patients scored as having no cholangitis in the early and long-term postoperative outcome. Univariate and multivariate analyses have shown the presence of cholangitis as the only factor affecting the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic inflammatory changes consequent to biliary-enteric drainage should be closely monitored for the late development of biliary tract malignancies.

Adult↗

The influence of somatostatin on bacterial translocation.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial translocation is defined as the passage of bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract to extraintestinal sites mostly as a consequence of the loss of the gut barrier function. Somatostatin and octreotide, exerting many inhibitory effects on the gastrointestinal tract, have been evidenced to promote bacterial translocation. METHODS DESIGN: experimental research. SETTING: University teaching Hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Sixteen pigs forming the study group received 25 mg/kg of octreotide twice a day for ten days. A control group (n=16) received an equal volume of saline solution for the same period. All animals were sacrificed and tissue cultures were obtained from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), liver and spleen. Portal venous and central venous blood samples were also withdrawn for culture. RESULTS: In the octreotide group, cultures were positive for bacteria in 43.7% (7/16) of animals. Viable bacteria were recovered from MLN, liver and spleen. Portal and systemic blood cultures showed no growth of bacteria. The mean value of bacterial detection in MLN, liver and spleen was 196+/-13 CFU/g, 190+/-26 CFU/g, and 173+/-0 CFU/g, respectively. P value was not statistically significant. Bacterial translocation did not occur in the animals of the control group. Fisher s exact test revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.007) between the two groups regarding bacterial translocation to MLN. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of octreotide is followed by a conspicuous increase in bacterial translocation in pigs. Further clinical studies are needed to demonstrate similar effects on humans.

Animals↗

Clinical significance of normobasemia in early post-operative outcome of hepatic resections.

BACKGROUND: Major hepatic resections are usually followed by acid-base unbalance. Adjustment of the acid-base disorders is considered central when dealing with these critical patients and normobasemia is thought to be a favourable prognostic factor when occurring in the immediate postoperative outcome after major surgery. The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of acid base balance on the early outcome after hepatic resection. METHODS: A series of fifty-seven cirrhotic patients was submitted to liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Forty-eight patients experienced an uneventful early postoperative outcome (CTR group). Nine died in the postoperative course (HD group). In all patients pulmonary, renal and hepatic functions were monitored pre- and postoperatively. The pH values were detected daily preoperatively and in the course of the first three days after hepatic resection. In the same days acid base balance and arterial ketone body ratio were assessed on arterial blood samples. Data were collected in a data base and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: A significantly higher metabolic alkalosis was found to characterize the first and second postoperative days (POD1 and POD2) in the CTR group (pH 7.43+/-0.007 vs pH 7.33+/-0.001; pH 7.45+/-0.006 vs pH 7.35+/-0.009; p<0.05). Lower values of pH and an associated impaired energetic status of the liver were found to characterise the postoperative course of the poor prognosis patients. At POD1 AKBR decreased in both groups but while recovering at POD2 in patients of CTR group maintained significantly lower values in HD group (AKBR 1+/-0.3 vs 0.5+/-0.2; p<0.01). A lower energetic status of the liver is associated with an inadequate tricarboxylic acid cycle and is responsible for an impaired production of HCO3-. CONCLUSIONS: Apparent normobasemia is then expressive of liver failure leading to poor postoperative outcome.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Impact of axillary level I and II lymphnode dissection on the therapy of stage I and II breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Routine performance of axillary node dissection (AND) in the treatment of stage I and II breast cancer has become controversial because of pretended morbidity of this procedure and progressing consent for sentinel lymphadenectomy. METHODS: Ninety-four consecutive patients who underwent AND for clinical stage I and II breast cancer were evaluated for a range of 48.3 months after surgery for movement and sensory alterations and arm swelling. Arm circumference was measured in all patients at the same four sites on both the operated and non operated sides preoperatively and in the immediate and late postoperative course. Capacity for movement was assessed pre- and postoperatively as active ranging at the shoulder joint. Postoperative numbness and paresthesias were assessed by standard questions. RESULTS: No patient had axillary recurrence. None of the detected differences between the preoperative and postoperative arm circumferences reached statistical significance. No persistent motion limitation was observed. Pain, numbness, paresthesia were detected in almost all patients in the immediate postoperative period but resolved spontaneously in all cases within 6 months. The obese body habit was detected on multivariate analysis as the only significant predictor of edema. CONCLUSIONS: No significant morbidity and no axillary recurrence were observed in current experience to follow AND. These findings suggest that axillary level I and II dissection remains an effective and safe tool for diagnostic, as well therapeutic, purposes in the treatment of stage I and II breast cancer. Further studies are necessary before it can safely be reported that axillary node dissection is an optional part of the treatment of stage I and II breast cancer.

Adult↗

Presacral myelolipoma in a patient with colon carcinoma.

Myelolipoma is an uncommon benign tumor, composed of an admixture of adipose tissue and hematopoietic cells, usually discovered within the adrenal glands. Extra-adrenal myelolipomas are rare and approximately half of the reported cases were presacral. We report a case of an asymptomatic presacral myelolipoma measuring 9x8x7 cm, incidentally found in a 71-year-old woman with a stenosing colon cancer. Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the presacral mass evidenced a well circumscribed tumor with heterogeneous features due to a nonuniform composition. Surgical excision of the mass was performed.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Management of benign biliary strictures: biliary enteric anastomosis vs endoscopic stenting.

HYPOTHESIS: Although advances in endoscopic procedures have provided alternative options for relieving biliary obstructions, the overall chance of cure for patients with benign biliary stricture is the same using surgical or endoscopic treatment. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Of 163 patients referred for treatment with diagnoses of benign strictures of the common bile duct between January 1, 1975, and July 1, 1998, we studied 42 patients with postcholecystectomy stricture and a follow-up longer than 60 months. Twenty of these patients were treated with endoscopic stenting and 22 with surgery (hepaticojejunostomy, choledochojejunostomy, or intrahepatic cholangiojejunostomy). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative mortality and morbidity and long-term outcome. The rate of restenosis was also determined. RESULTS: Morbidity occurred more frequently in patients treated with endoscopic procedures than with surgical ones (9 vs 2; P = .34). Hospital mortality was 0%. Surgery achieved excellent or good long-term outcome in 17 of 22 patients. Endoscopic biliary stenting was successful in 16 of 20 patients. Overall, excellent or good outcomes were achieved in 34 patients (81%). CONCLUSION: The ability to achieve steady, long-term results confirms hepaticojejunostomy as the best procedure in the treatment of benign biliary strictures, even if endoscopic procedures are gaining a new role in the treatment of a greater number of patients.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Prospective evaluation of omentoplasty in preventing leakage of colorectal anastomosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of omentoplasty, by means of intact omentum, in preventing anastomotic leakages after rectal resection. METHODS: Between 1992 and 1997 a total of 112 patients (64 males) with a mean age of 64.7 (range, 39-83) years were randomly assigned to undergo omentoplasty (Group A) or not (Group B) to reinforce the colorectal anastomosis after anterior resection for rectal cancer. The primary end point was anastomotic leakage; the secondary end point included morbidity and mortality related to omentoplasty. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in terms of preoperative and intraoperative characteristics. Staple-ring disruption at plain abdominal radiographs was detected in seven instances in Group A and in ten in Group B patients (P = not significant). Two leakages were evident clinically in Group A and seven in Group B (P < 0.05). Three leaks were documented radiologically in Group A and eight in Group B (P = not significant). No complications related to omentoplasty were observed in Group A. There were two repeat operations for anastomotic leakage in Group B. At followup, one stricture developed in Group A and three in Group B (P = not significant) CONCLUSIONS: Despite a similar incidence of staple-ring defects, a strikingly lower rate of clinically and radiologically detected leaks developed in patients submitted to omentoplasty. Although not affecting the incidence of anastomotic disruption, omentoplasty seems to contain the severity of anastomotic leakage.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Rectal cancer and inguinal metastases: prognostic role and therapeutic indications.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of patients with inguinal metastases from rectal cancer. METHODS: Clinical records and data concerning the follow-up of patients referred to our institution for rectal cancer were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into four groups based on the time interval between first admission and appearance of inguinal metastases. All patients were followed up until death. Age, gender, tumor stage, and disease-free intervals were examined to assess their impact on prognosis. RESULTS: Patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (N = 863) were observed from 1965 to 1990. In 21 patients the biopsy-proven diagnosis was of adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the inguinal nodes. Of these 21 patients, 15 were males. The mean age was 69.3 (range, 52-84) years. Primary lesions were exclusively T3, and no patient was found to have negative mesorectal lymph nodes. Survival from the time of diagnosis of inguinal metastases ranged from 2 to 42 (mean, 14.8) months. Patients with a disease-free interval of 12 months or more had a statistically significant longer survival time. CONCLUSIONS: Inguinal lymph-node metastases from rectal carcinoma occur as a consequence of locally advanced primary tumors or recurrent pelvic malignancy. Because of the frequency of distant metastases and the consequent poor prognosis, only systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be considered. In patients who seem to be free of local recurrence and distant metastases, groin dissection is suggested for debulking and control of disease.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

[Rare locations of hydatid disease].

The authors report their experience with uncommon hydatid cyst locations. Between 1970 and 1995 a total of 16 patients suffering from hydatid cysts located in various organs other than liver and lungs were observed. There were 7 women and 9 men with a mean of 53.3 years. In 10 cases uncommon locations were found to be isolated and in 6 associated to contemporary or previously treated hepatic cystic disease. Pathogenesis of these uncommon locations, whether being primary or secondary, as well as specific items of diagnosis and surgery are discussed.

Adult↗

[Anterior approach and simultaneous tension-free repair of bilateral inguinal hernia under local anesthesia].

An analysis of prospectively collected data of 56 patients submitted to bilateral hernia repair is reported. Simultaneous repair was performed in 32 patients (Group S) while a sequential repair in 24 (Group D). Mean operating time was longer for the combination of two sequential repairs than for simultaneous repair (132 min +/- 8.9 vs 123 min +/- 11, p < 0.001). Mean hospital stay was similar in unilateral and bilateral repairs (18.0 hrs +/- 4 vs 21.2 hrs +/- 3.4, p = ns). Ther were no difference in complications between the two groups. Time taken to return to full activity was nearly double in the combination of two sequential repairs than in simultaneous repair (25 days, sd +/- 4 vs 16 days +/- 3, p < 0.001), while postoperative analgesia requirements were similar. The Authors conclude that bilateral simultaneous anterior tension free repair under local anesthesia is the treatment of choice in case of bilateral inguinal hernias.

Age Factors↗

[Learning curve for "tension-free" reparation of inguinal hernia].

A prospective randomized study of 106 patients with unilateral primary inguinal hernia who underwent "tension-free" mesh repair was carried out. Fifty-nine procedures (group A) were performed by a single experienced surgeon and 47 (group B) procedures were performed by a team of residents each with an experience level of less than ten cases. In group A the length of operation was statistically shorter; local anesthesia was more frequently used in group A, while intra-operative sedation and general anesthesia were more frequently used in group B. A subgroup of twenty patients (group C) operated on by residents with a personal experience of at least 5 tension free repairs was selected. No statistically significant difference in operation time and in anesthesia used were found between group A and group C. No significant difference was found between group A and group B in morbidity rate, mean postoperative stay, median time to return to work, and recurrence rate. Because easy, efficacy, and minimally invasive, the tension-free mesh repair remains the gold standard in the treatment of inguinal hernia.

Adult↗

[Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin: clinical case].

A case of Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin is described. It is a rare primary skin tumor originating within the dermis with an aggressive biologic behavior. Clinical presentation of these tumors are not sufficiently distinctive to allow the preoperative diagnosis. Wide surgical excision with postoperative irradiation to the local site and regional lymphatics is recommended as the therapy of choice. Indications for chemotherapy are discussed and the guidelines for an appropriated follow-up are reported.

Aged↗