[Routine use of open laparoscopy: technique and results in 1006 consecutive cases]

Blind insertion of the Veress needle and/or the first trocar is one of the most frequent causes of laparoscopic surgery complications. Nevertheless, the closed technique is still more preferred than the open one. The Authors retrospectively analyzed 1006 consecutive laparoscopic procedures in which Hasson's technique was routinely utilized. The overall complication rate was 2.2%, but the vast majority of complications occurred during the learning curve (6% vs. 1.9%). The Authors conclude that after the first 50 cases the open technique is a quick and safe procedure.

Routine use of open laparoscopy: 1,006 consecutive cases

Blind insertion of the Veress needle and of the first trocar is a significant cause of laparoscopic surgery complications. Despite this risk, the closed technique is still more popular than the open one. The authors retrospectively evaluated 1006 consecutive laparoscopic operations in which Hasson's technique was routinely performed. The overall complication rate was 2.2%, but the vast majority of complications occurred during the first 50 cases (6% vs. 1.9%). They conclude that after a learning phase of about 50 cases, Hasson's technique is a quick and safe procedure.

Benign pancreatic tumor treated with duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas. Case report

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas constitute about 9% of all cystic lesions of the pancreas and less than 1% of all pancreatic neoplasms. Authors report the case of a 70 year-old woman with microcystic cystadenoma. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen diagnosed a 5 cm multilocular septated cyst, with calcifications in the context, localized in the head-uncinate process of the pancreas. The mass was well separated by a sharp cleavage plane with portal vein and superior mesenteric vessels. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) showed cephalic symmetrical stenosis (diameter: 3 mm) of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), mildly dilated in the remaining tract (diameter: 6 mm). An intra-operative biopsy of the cystic wall had been performed. Therefore, it was decided to proceed with a duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas (DPPHR), including stenosis tract of the MPD in the surgical specimen. The reconstructive procedure consisted, by i.v. jejunal loop transposition, of a side-to-side pancreatico-jejunostomy, including in the anastomosis both corpocaudal stump and the resection cavity of the pancreatic head, and an end-to-side Roux-en-Y jejuno-jejunostomy. With respect to long-lasting pain relief and preservation of the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas, duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas is a highly effective surgical procedure with low early and late morbidity and mortality due to limited surgical resections. This technique, introduced into surgical practice in 1972 by Beger, is indicated in patients with chronic pancreatitis with an inflammatory mass in the head of the pancreas. The authors conclude that this procedure can also be performed in cases of pancreatic benign tumors, such as microcystic cystadenoma. Advantages of this technique make DPPHR an attractive alternative to pylorus-preserving pancreatico-duodenectomy (PPPD).

Prospective evaluation of total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism and the recurrence rate of hyperparathyroidism after this procedure.

DESIGN

A prospective study of total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation in 19 consecutive patients with severe secondary (renal) hyperparathyroidism.

SETTING

University hospital department of surgery.

PATIENTS

Nineteen patients operated on for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism between March 1993 and March 1996. Eighteen had been receiving longterm hemodialysis, and 1 had a functioning renal graft.

INTERVENTION

Total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation of excised parathyroid tissue into the brachioradialis muscle of the arm opposite that in which the arteriovenous fistula had been placed for dialysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical and biochemical improvement, morbidity, mortality, and recurrence rates of hyperparathyroidism after the procedure.

RESULTS

The conditions of 13 (72%) of 18 patients followed up improved, and the clinical and laboratory variables indicating secondary hyperparathyroidism returned to normal. One patient died 50 days after surgery. In 2 patients (10%), mild hypoparathyroidism developed, and in 1 patient (5%), persistent hyperparathyroidism developed and required reoperation. In 2 patients (10%), recurrent hyperparathyroidism developed, and 1 (5%) required reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation effectively relieves the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism, and the recurrence rate of hyperparathyroidism is low. Because all procedures used resulted in good control of clinical and biochemical variables, the method used for the surgical treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism depends on the surgeon's preference.

Lessons learned from a complicated case of cephalic obstructive chronic pancreatitis

The authors report the complex case of a 51 year-old man admitted to his local hospital for gallbladder and common bile duct lithiasis, 1 year before admission to our hospital. There, he was treated by cholecystectomy and transduodenal biliary sphincteroplasty. He was readmitted after 3 months because of a painful episode and was discharged with the diagnosis of "relapsing acute pancreatitis in chronic pancreatitis." At our hospital, he underwent laparotomy and revision of the previous transduodenal biliary sphincteroplasty. Pancreatic sphincteroplasty and septectomy were also performed. The night after surgery, the patient suffered from acute post-operative pancreatitis complicated by severe hemorrhage due to erosion of the superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, treated with gastroduodenal artery embolization by tungsten coils. Three months later, the patient suffered from another acute episode. An endoscopic retrograde colangio pancreatography (ERCP) showed the complete patency of the sphincteroplasties but clearly identified the persistence of a severe cephalic stricture. Therefore, the patient was readmitted to our hospital and underwent another laparotomy. A pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) was performed. The post-operative course was uneventful and at 14 months follow-up the patient was in good health. The discussion focuses on the surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis with cephalic Wirsung duct stenosis, stressing the increasing role of PPPD as a first-choice option.

[A case of microcystic cystadenoma treated by duodenum preserving pancreatic head resection]

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas constitute about 9% of all cystic lesions of the pancreas and less than 1% of all pancreatic neoplasms. The case of a 70 years-old woman with microcystic cystadenoma is reported. CT-scan of the abdomen diagnosed a 5 cm multilocular septated cyst, with calcifications in the context, localized in the head-uncinate process of the pancreas. The mass was well separated by a sharp cleavage plane with portal vein and superior mesenteric vessels. An ERCP showed cephalic symmetrical stenosis (diameter 3 mm) of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), mildly dilated in the remaining tract (diameter 6 mm). An intraoperative biopsy of the cystic wall was performed. Therefore, it was decided to proceed with a duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas (DPPHR), including the stenosis tract of the MPD in the surgical specimen. The reconstructive procedure consisted, by i.v. jejunal loop transposition, in a side-to-side pancreatico-jejunostomy, including in the anastomosis both corpocaudal stump and the resection cavity of the pancreatic head, and an end-to-side Roux-en-Y jejuno-jejunostomy. With respect to long-lasting pain relief and preservation of the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas, DPPHR is a highly effective surgical procedure with a low early and late morbidity and mortality due to limited surgical resection. This technique, introduced into surgical practice by Beger, is indicated in patients with chronic pancreatitis with an inflammatory mass in the head of the pancreas. The authors conclude that this procedure can be performed also in case of pancreatic benign tumors, as microcystic cystadenoma. Advantages of this technique makes DPPHR an attractive alternative to Pylorus-Preserving-Pancreatico-Duodenectomy (PPPD).

Prospective randomized evaluation of preoperative endoscopic vital staining using CH-40 for lymph node dissection in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

CH-40 is a suspension of activated carbon particles that was developed in Japan to carry anticancer drugs to regional nodes and peritoneal seedings of gastric cancer.

METHODS

Forty-five consecutive patients who had surgical resection and D2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer over a 2-year period were randomly assigned to preoperative endoscopic submucosal injection of CH-40 (group A) or no staining (group B). A total of 21 patients in group A and 24 in group B were available for analysis.

RESULTS

The number of resected nodes per patient was significantly higher (t = 6.06; 40 df; P < .0001) in group A (mean+/-S.E. = 35.3+/-1.24) than in group B (mean+/-S.E. = 25.5+/-1.02). The rate of metastatic nodes resected was significantly higher (chi2 = 6.903 ; 1 df; P = .009) in stained (22.5%) than in non-stained (14.7%) nodes of group A and also (chi2 = 6.906; 1 df; P = .009) in stained nodes of group A than in group B (15.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative endoscopic vital staining with CH-40 proved to be rapid, safe, and effective in all cases in this series. Its use allowed surgeons to resect a higher number of lymph nodes. and to identify and examine more metastatic nodes. It also permitted identification of nodal micrometastases on routine histopathologic examination.

A simple ultrasonographic test for preoperative haemodynamic evaluation of varicocele

According to the haemodynamic classification of varicocele type I is caused by renospermatic reflux due to a proximal nutcracker phenomenon or to valvular insufficiency of the left internal spermatic vein. Type II is due to ileospermatic reflux and type III may be characterized by a combination of I and II refluxes. Although this classification proposed by Coolsaet is precious for decision making, it is seldom used in clinical practice being based on a complex angiographic evaluation which is invasive and exposes the patient (often a teenager or with infertility disturbances) to excessive radiations. The aim of the present study was to work up an original ultrasonographic test for preoperative haemodynamic evaluation of varicocele in order to indicate the most appropriate microsurgical treatment. Sixty-three patients underwent a preoperative clinico-echographic dynamic test which allowed to classify 76.9% of the cases as haemodynamic type I, 10.7% as type II and 12.3% as type III. Microsurgical shunts were performed in all cases and evaluation of recurrences was accurately carried out with ultrasonographic measurement of residual varicosities. In 6% of the cases varicosities were consistently reduced in size and in 94% absence of varicosities was demonstrated. Varicocele increased in size or was unchanged in none of the cases. In conclusion the test hereby described was shown to be simple and easily reproducible. It allowed a haemodynamic and objective classification of varicocele offering a unique opportunity for tailoring to the individual patient the most appropriate treatment. Furthermore, ultrasonographic postoperative follow-up is the most reliable and objective method to control the "true" incidence of post-varicocelectomy recurrences.

[Palliative procedures in the treatment of non-resectable pancreatic tumors. Retrospective study of 294 cases and review of the literature]

At least two thirds of patients with pancreatic cancer are still unsuitable for resection, because of the extent of their disease or because of their high-risk conditions. In these cases, a palliative treatment is indicated to maximize the quality of life, in spite of the poor prognosis. During the years 1959-95, two-hundred-ninety-four patients, affected with pancreatic neoplasm, were observed. Resectability rate was 18%. One-hundred patients underwent surgical palliation (34%): 58 biliary-bypasses, 15 gastroenterostomies and 27 double-bypasses. Sixty-nine explorative laparotomies were performed (23.4%), of which thirty-six were carried out during the years 1959-70. Sixty-three patients did not undergo surgical treatment (21.6%), of which twenty-two underwent percutaneous biliary drainage, during the years 1981-95. Overall morbidity rate was 13% with decrease during the years of major postoperative complications. During the years 1959-70 operative mortality rate after surgical bypass was 13.6%, during 1971-80 was 10.5% and during 1981-95 decreased to 8.1%. Major percentages were reported after explorative laparotomies. During the years 1959-70 and 1971-80, operative mortality rate was 16.6%, compared with 9.5% during the years 1981-95. Patients with stage II tumours survived palliative surgery for about 12.8 months, compared with those with stage III and IV tumours, who survived for about 10.6 and 5 months, respectively. Patients who did not undergo surgical treatment survived 8.3, 4 and 1.3 months, respectively in II-III and IV stages. In this paper the authors examine advantages and disadvantages of palliative procedures, on the bases of their aims: relief of obstructive jaundice, duodenal obstruction and pain.

[Resective surgical treatment of exocrine pancreas neoplasms. Retrospective study of 294 cases and review of the literature]

Authors report their own experience on the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms. Two-hundred-ninety-four patients were observed during the years 1959-95. Resectability rate was 18%. Fifty-three patients underwent pancreatic resection: 22 distal pancreatectomies (41.5%), 2 total pancreatectomies (3.7%) and 29 pancreaticoduodenectomies (54.7%) (7 PPPD). Overall morbidity rate was 15.6% with decrease during the years of major postoperative complications. More frequent complications were renal failure (4%), bleeding (1.7%) and acute pancreatitis (5.6%), which was absent during the 1981-95 period. Pancreatic fistula occurred in 5.6%, but in the years 1981-95 only one patient suffered from it (1.8%). During the years 1959-70 operative mortality rate after pancreatic resection was 22.7%, during 1971-80 was 12.5% and during 1981-95 decreased to 4.3%. Patients with stage I tumours survived curative pancreatic resection for about 18.2 months, compared with those with stage II and III tumours, who survived for about 15 and 13 months, respectively. Recent studies have demonstrated a reduction in the morbidity and mortality of pancreatic resections and improvement in the actuarial 5-year survival for patients with resected ductal adenocarcinoma. In the presence of lymphnode metastases, pancreaticoduodenectomy offers good palliation and meaningful survival. In the absence of lymphnode metastases, pancreaticoduodenectomy offers encouraging long-term survival rates and a chance for cure.

Predictive value of early postoperative esophagoscopy for occurrence of benign stenosis after cervical esophagogastrostomy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Benign anastomotic stenosis (BAS) represents a frequent complication following esophagectomy and cervical esophagogastrostomy for cancer. This study was undertaken to evaluate through early postoperative esophagoscopy the morphologic change of the anastomosis which could be related to BAS development.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-nine patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy and cervical esophagogastrostomy were prospectively evaluated. The analyzed factors were: age; sex; the anastomotic size; the presence and number of endoscopically visible stitches; the presence and percentage of mucosal ulcerations involving the anastomotic suture line; the presence of anastomotic leak or dehiscence; the vascularization of the gastric tube; the patency of pylorus.

RESULTS

No complications related to the early esophagoscopy were observed. Twelve patients (30.7 %) developed a stenosis postoperatively. The univariate analysis demonstrated anastomotic leak (p < 0.006), more than one endoscopically visible stitch (p < 0.0003), and mucosal ulceration involving more than 50% of the anastomosis (p<0.00009) as factors significantly correlated with BAS development. However stepwise logistic regression extracted the presence of ulcerations involving more than 50% of the anastomosis as the most important independent factor in predicting BAS development (Odds Ratio = 9.03+/-5.5, p = 0.009). All patients who developed a BAS were treated with early pneumatic dilatations, with an 83.3% success rate after a mean of 3.6 sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

Early postoperative esophagoscopy seems a safe and effective tool for the monitoring of the anastomosis healing after cervical esophagogastrostomy. The presence of extended mucosal ulcerations appeared as the most important factor in predicting BAS formation.

DNA ploidy, proliferative index and EGF-R status in 130 cases of resected gastric cancer--a multivariate analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The purpose of this study was to define the prognostic role of DNA ploidy, proliferative index and EGF-R status in resected gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten clinico-pathological parameters and three biological factors obtained from flow cytometry and immunohisto-chemistry were evaluated in a series of 130 gastric cancer patients who received surgical treatment, including 28 stage IV cases (21.6%), using paraffin-embedded and fresh specimens in 77.7% and 22.3% of the cases, respectively. These variables were first analyzed and tested for correlation within the whole series and then weighted against survival in 117 applicable cases through univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Aneuploidy was significantly related to higher proliferative activity, EGF-R expression and deeper stomach wall infiltration. Higher proliferative activity was significantly related to deeper stomach wall infiltration and larger tumor diameter. The latter showed a significant relationship to EGF-R expression. Univariate analysis showed the significant variables for survival to be DNA ploidy, pT, pN, M, stage, histological type according to Lauren and tumor diameter. Multivariate analysis calculated on these significant variables using the Cox multiple stepwise regression model detected three factors which independently influence survival: pathological stage (p < 0.00001), histological type according to Lauren (p < 0.002) and DNA ploidy (p < 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

DNA ploidy was shown to be a significant prognostic parameter in resected gastric cancer after pathological stage and histological type according to Lauren. The prognostic roles of proliferative activity and EGF-R status require further investigation.

Causes of death and recurrence after surgery for early gastric cancer

The postoperative course of 172 patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) was followed for a median 7 years to evaluate the causes of death, incidence and patterns of recurrence, and characteristic findings in the recurrent cases. The cumulative 10-year mortality rate (+/- SE) was 22 +/- 3.7%. Seven patients (4.1%) died of operative mortality, 11 (6.4%) died of a recurrence of the gastric cancer and 13 (7.6%) died of unrelated causes. Unrelated causes of death were metachronous primary cancer (n = 6), cardiovascular disease (n = 2), pneumonia (n = 3), sepsis (n = 1), and car accident (n = 1). Four patients died from gastric stump recurrence, three from liver metastases, two from lymph node metastases, and two from peritoneal dissemination. Using Cox multivariate analysis, histologic type had the most significant effect on recurrence. Although influenced by the tumor nature, the EGC prognosis is relatively good. Based on the results of this study, particularly in Western institutions, histologic examination of resection margins and lymphadenectomy should be improved. Moreover, patients must be carefully followed for late recurrence and metachronous cancer.

History of reconstruction after total gastrectomy

Nearly a century has passed since Schlatter carried out the first successful total gastrectomy and antecolic end-to-side oesophagojejunostomy in 1897 in Zurich. Actually, fourteen years before, Conner attempted a total gastrectomy, but his patient died on the operating table. From the first success, a large number of different procedures have populated the worldwide literature, with a lot of papers reporting "original' techniques or data about the functional outcome.

Long-term results of microsurgical drainage for idiopathic varicocele

The long-term results of microsurgical shunts for idiopathic varicocele are reported in the present paper. Sixty-two patients with a total of 65 varicoceles (three were bilateral) were followed up for 1 to 8 years. Pre- and postoperative ultrasonographic evaluation of varicocele size was considered of great importance in order to reduce the bias of subjective clinical diagnosis and to achieve a reliable and objective follow-up. Microsurgical shunts were tailored to the type of reflux: renospermatic (76.9%), iliospermatic (10.8%) or mixed type (12.3%), 94% of patients experienced a complete morphologic disappearance of varicosities, while in 6% of the cases a consistent reduction of size was objectified although varicosities were still detectable at ultrasonographic examination. In patients with severe infertility a significant increase of seminal parameters was observed postoperatively and this improvement showed a higher statistical significance in patients aged < 30 years.

[Diverticular disease. Our experience]

The authors herein present their personal experience on the surgical treatment of complicated diverticular disease. The series consists of 243 patients seen between January 1974 and May 1994. One hundred and fifty nine (65.4%) were admitted in an elective and 84 (34.6%) in an emergency setting. Medical therapy was efficacious in resolving the clinical symptoms in 133. One hundred and ten pts. were treated surgically: 91 (82.7%) underwent a left hemicolectomy (one-step surgery), 13 (11.8%) the Hartmann's procedure and 6 (5.4%) a sigmoid resection. Between 1974 and 1980, when anastomoses were performed manually and an excluding colostomy was the procedure of choice, the reported rate of anastomotic dehiscence was 21%. With the technological break-through of mechanical staplers, that enabled the performance of colostomies "on demand" such rate decreased to 8% and finally to 2%, as reported during 1987-94. The operative mortality, between 1974-84, of those patients who underwent emergency surgery was 14% and decreased to 3% between 1985-94. The operative mortality of patients who underwent elective surgery between 1974-84 was 1.3% and decreased to 0% between 1985-1994. The authors underline the importance of respecting the surgical indications and the proper evaluation of pre-operative parameters aiming at a one-step surgery, that reduces both post-operative complications and recovery time.

Double synchronous occluding tumors of the large bowel: a report of three cases

The development of acute large bowel obstruction secondary to colorectal cancer is very common and, while right hemicolectomy with a primary anastomosis is the accepted procedure for right-sided obstructing tumors, the different strategies performed for left-sided tumors, including staged procedures, Hartmann's procedure, and resection with anastomosis, remain a subject of controversy. We present herein the case reports of three patients who developed two synchronous occlusive tumors of the large bowel. Complete exploration of the entire colon is highly recommended to assess the most feasible therapeutic option in such cases, as the second occlusive tumor, often hidden within the bowel segments, can cause failure of limited resection or intestinal decompression.

Hürthle cell adenoma of the thyroid: in 32 consecutive cases

Hürthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid gland are uncommon but potentially lethal lesions, the treatment of which is controversial because of a lack of information about their biological and clinical behaviour. Based on histological criteria Hürthle cell tumours cannot always be separated accurately into benign and malignant. Unexpected evolutions with malignant late recurrence of an adenoma previously labelled as benign have been reported. The authors reviewed the clinical and pathological features of 32 patients with Hürthle cell adenomas. The results suggest that total thyroidectomy 'de principe' is not necessary and that some electron microscopy criteria are useful to understand the nature and to predict the biological deportment of Hürthle cell adenomas.

[Diagnostic accuracy of computerized tomography. Preoperative staging of gastric cancer]

"Imaging techniques" have assumed greater clinical value in the further assessment of an endoscopically or radiologically verified neoplastic lesion of the stomach through the ability to evaluate its extent of invasion, metastatic involvement of lymphnodes and/or distant organs. US, CT, and more recently NMR are non-invasive modalities that provide an accurate preoperative assessment of potential surgery decision making. Common current practice of preoperative CT in gastric cancer and relevant results documented in letterature, have inclined many clinicians in its use in staging this disease. The aim of the study is to evaluate and assign the efficacy of CT imaging in the preoperative staging of gastric cancer by comparing the results obtained with this imaging technique with the postoperative histopatologic findings of 25 patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach. CT demonstrates the primitive lesion as a gastric wall differentiate T1 (parietal invasion extending to the lamina propria and submucosa) and T2 (invasion of the muscolaris propria and the submucosa). The performance values of CT in detecting tumor extension to the sierosa were as follows: sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 63%; and overall accuracy of 72%. The sensitivity and specificity of CT in demonstrating adjacent organ involvement were approximately 75% and 85% respectively, and overall accuracy of 84%. In the detection of metastatic involvement of lymphnodes CT demonstrated to be 70% sensitive, 62% specific with an efficacy of 68%. In terms of M-stage, CT imaging identified liver metastases in 3 patients (2 located in the VII segment and 1 in the IV) and 1 metastasis to the adrenal gland. All were confirmed by specimen histopathologic findings.

Senior versus proctored young and resident surgeons' experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: is there any need of previous exposure to open biliary surgery?

Since its introduction in 1987 laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has gained rapid acceptance as the preferred management of symptomatic cholelithiasis. In our department, during the past 3 years, the number of open cholecystectomies (OCs) has dramatically decreased. The impact of the introduction of LC as a part of the overall surgical procedures performed by residents is analyzed. To date junior-level residents have already more experience in LC than in OC. Indeed in our teaching unit junior-level residents performed only 5% of biliary surgical procedures in open surgery. Residents participated in the "surgeon's" position in 47.9% of the LCs and as either surgeon or first assistant in 100%. We analyzed both the cases where residents acted as surgeons and where they did not. It appeared that there was no difference in the complication and conversion rates. More intraoperative cholangiographies (IOCs) were performed by residents. This was probably due to the anxiety of making a mistake because of their lack of experience. This report suggests that the decrease in the number of OCs is not a drawback and that it is possible to acquire an adequate knowledge of biliary anatomy and surgery from LC training, if strict proctoring criteria are respected.

[History of reconstruction following total gastrectomy]

Near a century after the first successful total gastrectomy for gastric cancer, the authors review the various technical proposals for digestive tract reconstruction following total gastrectomy. Following a classification based on duodenal circuit, on the viscerum employed and on the creation of pouches and/or anti-reflux mechanisms, pros and cons of the various classes of reconstructions are clearly depicted, suggesting the reasons that made Roux-en-Y esophago-jejunostomy and jejunal interposition the most used reconstructive procedure in worldwide clinical practice.

Colonic lesions in pancreatitis

Lesions of the colon are generally considered to be uncommon sequelae of pancreatitis. They include: localized paralytic ileus (colon cut-off sign), necrosis, fistulae, stenosis and varices. On the basis of an extensive review of the literature (432 cases), it is suggested indeed that the real incidence is significant. The anatomic relationship of the large bowel to the pancreas is an important factor in the genesis and localization of the lesions. Enzymatic-inflammatory and ischemic processes are involved in the most highly supported theories. Colon cut-off sign is almost always spontaneously reversible and may represent an "alarm" for more serious complications. Massive necrosis develops during the early stage of severe pancreatitis and its mortality rate has been reported to be high. Fistulae are late complications of the disease, associated with a protracted course and probably a consequence of pancreatic suppuration or pseudocysts. Stenoses are the most interesting colonic complications following pancreatitis and caused by either acute obstruction of the colon due to an inflammatory mass or progressive obstruction due to pericolic fibrosis. In this case, the clinical picture may mimic carcinoma.

Severe hemorrhagic complications in pancreatitis

Severe bleeding may complicate the course of either acute or chronic pancreatitis, the latter being more frequently involved. Pseudocysts, severe inflammation, regional necrosis and infection may cause major vessel erosion with or without pseudoaneurysm formation which eventually may result in severe bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract, retroperitoneum and peritoneal cavity. The AA report their experience on 8 cases and analyze the data of a comprehensive review of 389 cases of massive bleeding reported in the literature during the last 100 years until December 1993. Mortality rate seems to be related to the etiology of the bleeding along with its localization and the underlying anatomo-pathologic findings. In patients with chronic pancreatitis it is 22% while in patients with acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis with acute exacerbation it is 60.4% and 57.1% respectively. Splenic, gastroduodenal and superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries are the most commonly involved vessels being associated respectively with a mortality rate of 20.5%, 27.9% and 46.1%. Massive haemorrhage complicating infected necrosis or abscesses implies a worse prognosis when compared to severe bleeding associated with pseudocyst with or without pseudoaneurysm. The increasing use of diagnostic and interventional radiology appears to be the way forward to improve survival rates. Awareness of high risk predisposing condition, activism in achieving an early identification of the bleeding sources, and eventually its angiographic control are essential guidelines for successful approach to the most unpredictable complication of pancreatitis. When embolization fails or is followed by recurrence of hemorrhage, definitive surgical procedures should be immediately instituted.

[Constipation following hysterectomy. Retrospective study based on 105 cases]

Constipation after surgery is considered as a subgroup of patients in whom the disorder begins after pelvic surgery. A group of patients (median age 52 years with a range of 34-65 years) who had a hysterectomy underwent a retrospective study with the aid of a questionnaire and clinical records, to evaluate the incidence of constipation before and after the operation. Forty patients were operated on for benign pathology and 65 for malignant pathology. Forty-two patients underwent a Wertheim-Meigs, 39 had laparohysterectomy, 20 had a colpohysterectomy and 4 had a Schauta. The incidence of constipation increased from 25% preoperatively to 38% postoperatively (p < 0.05). There is no difference in the incidence of postoperative constipation among the various operations. Constipation after hysterectomy is associated with urinary disorders. These data confirm previous studies on the effect of hysterectomy on urinary and defaecatory functions and they show how a simple colpohisterectomy can cause constipation.

Laparoscopic management of volvulated Meckel's diverticulum

Laparoscopy in the emergency setting is a logical extension of this technique. Open laparoscopy is particularly useful in the management of the acute abdomen. In our institution, after a sequential work-out that includes physical examination, laboratory data, plain abdominal roentgenograms and ultrasonography, diagnostic laparoscopy is advocated. We present the laparoscopic treatment of an intestinal obstruction caused by a volvulus around Meckel's diverticulum. The efficacy and safety of the diagnostic and/or therapeutic laparoscopic procedures in the emergency setting are discussed.

[Massive pseudocysto-jejunal hemorrhage caused by rupture of pseudoaneurysm of the splenic artery]

The authors report a case of massive intestinal hemorrhage caused by rupture of a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm into a pseudocystojejunostomy. The pathologic and clinical features of this unusual complication of pancreatitis are discussed. One hundred and seventy one cases of major bleeding associated with pseudocysts and/or pseudoaneurysms have been reported in the literature during the period 1989-May 1991. Acute and chronic pancreatitis may be the underlying etiologies and the overall mortality rate of this complication is 35.1%. According to the authors experience, angiographic localization of the bleeding sources and steel coil embolization play a key role in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to what is generally regarded as the most rapidly lethal sequelae of pancreatitis.

Surgical anatomy of the papilla of Vater and biliopancreatic ducts

The present research was aimed at defining the surgical anatomy of the biliopancreatic ducts and of Oddi's sphincter. The numerous anatomic variations of the papilla, the millimetric distribution of its muscle fibres, and any morphological detail of clinical significance have been investigated. An integrated analysis of radiographic, tridimensional (casts), and histologic findings has been carried out in 49 of 64 autoptic bilio-duodenopancreatic specimens. Exact limits of the choledocus and Wirsung sphincters were defined. A consistent accumulation of circular muscle fibres could be seen, on the choledocus duct side, up to a mean distance of 13.6 mm from the papillary pore. However, more rarefied fibres were present up to 20.5 mm. Muscle fibres were seen to stop roughly on the pancreatic duct side at 7.3 mm from the papillary pore. The beginning of the sphincter was observed 2-3 mm above the papillary pore. There was no evidence suggesting the presence of upper, middle, and lower biliary sphincters. Five anatomic diversities of the Wirsung-choledocus confluence were found. The Y type was the most frequent (61.2%), followed by the U type (22.4%), V (14.3%), and II (2.1%). Santorini's duct with a normal papilla was present in 16 per cent of the cases. These data along with other interesting observations on antireflux mechanisms (Santorini's valves) and on the ductal space orientation appear to be useful guidelines for a physiopathological understanding of bilio-pancreatic diseases and for any therapeutic procedure on these structures.

[Role of arteriography and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the diagnosis and treatment of arterial vasculogenic impotence]

High quality arteriographic studies of the iliopudendal vascular tree are mandatory for the correct examination of arteriogenic impotence patients before revascularization procedures. Twenty-three patients with chronic erectile dysfunctions due to stenosis or occlusive arteries diseases of the iliac arteries were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in our Department. A positive clinical result was obtained in 15 of 23 cases (65.2%). The maneuver was successful in 8 of 14 patients with vascular lesions of the common and/or external iliac artery (57%). The erectile dysfunction was resolved in 4 of 6 patients with stenosis of the external iliac artery associated with a stenosis of the hypogastric artery (66.6%). The erectile dysfunction was also resolved in 3 patients with a single vascular lesion in the hypogastric artery. No major post-angioplasty complications were observed. PTA is a repeatable and not very invasive method with a low complication rate and could represent a valuable alternative to surgical revascularization in the patients with associated impotence and claudication of leg and hip. Moreover, it makes the treatment of choice in the patients with erectile dysfunctions due to isolated lesions of the hypogastric arteries.

Is intraoperative ultrasonography useful in pancreatic cancer surgery?

Preoperative staging of pancreatic cancer represents a major challenge for a suitable surgical management of the disease. In a consistent number of patients laparotomy is still necessary in order to decide whether the tumor is resectable or not. In the present paper the Authors report their experience with intraoperative ultrasonography (IOU) in evaluating pancreatic cancer resectability. Very important data for intraoperative decision making were obtained in 37.9% of the patients, useful information in 31%, while in 31% IOU may be looked forward to as an important aid in decision making and for a safely guided dissection.

New device for rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids

We describe a new accessory for rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids. By using the new instrument it is possible to abscind the elastic band applied to the base of the hemorrhoidal node without entailing traumatic interventions. Of a total of 62 elastic ligatures, this device was used in the last 18 procedures, and provided excellent results. This instrument enables the surgeon to carry out the technique in a more accurate way and, if necessary, rectify "dangerous mistakes" that can occur while accomplishing the procedure itself.

[Surgical treatment of 4th-stage hemorrhoids: the role of anatomical techniques]

Surgical options for fourth-degree hemorrhoids are still matter of debate. The high incidence of the disease encouraged research and brought to technical improvements able to achieve a painless, reliable, harmless and well tolerated surgical treatment. The Authors report a retrospective study of 193 patients who underwent surgery for fourth-degree hemorrhoids. In these cases the Authors advise anatomic techniques using local anaesthesia with i.v. administration of sedatives, thus allowing a 24-hour hospitalization.

[Laparoscopic diverticulectomy for ileal volvulus on Meckel's diverticulum]

Laparoscopy in the emergency setting is a logical extension of this technique. Open laparoscopy is particularly useful in the management of acute abdomen. In fact, after a sequential work-out that includes physical examination, laboratory data, plain abdominal x-rays and ultrasonography, diagnostic laparoscopy is advocated. The Authors herein report a case of intestinal obstruction (volvulus due to Meckel's diverticulum) treated with laparoscopy. The efficacy and safety of the diagnostic and/or therapeutic laparoscopic procedure in the emergency setting are discussed.

Thoracoscopic resection of mediastinal cystic schwannoma

Mediastinal cystic schwannoma is of very rare occurrence. Our patient came with chest pain of 6 months duration. Abnormal shadow on chest x-ray was found. A sharp dissection space was evident by computed tomography (CT-scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between the tumor, the left pulmonary artery, and the descending aorta. The patient underwent surgical removal using thoracoscopic surgery. Postoperative discomfort was markedly reduced and hospitalization short. We can conclude that interventional thoracoscopy is a safe, well-tolerated procedure, with excellent therapeutic potentials.

Lost intraperitoneal stones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: harmless sequela or reason for reoperation?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the "gold standard" in the therapy of noncomplicated cholelythiasis. Gallbladder perforation with bile and calculi spreading in the abdominal cavity is one of the most frequent intraoperative complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. When not recognized during surgery or unproperly treated, it may lead to intraperitoneal abscess formation and may require a reoperation. We report a case of an intraperitoneal abscess with a cutaneous fistula, a site of a mucopurulent exudate, and stone spillage after an unrecognized gallbladder perforation and residual lithiasis in the peritoneal cavity found 3 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Early gastric cancer: follow-up after gastrectomy in 159 patients

The postoperative course of 159 patients with early gastric cancer operated on between 1974 and 1987 was followed for a median of 7.3 years. The cumulative 10-year survival rate(s.e.) calculated using follow-up data to the end of 1989 was 90.6(2.7) per cent excluding operative death and that from causes other than gastric cancer, or 86.3(3.0) per cent when operative mortality was included. The overall 10-year survival rate(s.e.) was 77.3(3.7) per cent. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference in survival rates between cancers confined to the mucosa and those with submucosal invasion (P = 0.02), between patients with and without lymph node metastases (P = 0.05) and between those < or = 50 and > 50 years of age (P = 0.02). Using Cox multivariate analysis and a stepwise procedure for eight variables (sex, age, depth of invasion, lymph node metastases, presence of ulceration, location, histological type, type of surgery), age and histological type had the most significant effect on survival. Seven operative deaths were recorded. Eleven patients died from recurrent cancer and one is still alive with a gastric remnant recurrence. Other causes of death were metachronous primary cancer (six patients), cardiovascular disease (two), pneumonia (three), sepsis (one) and car accident (one). Although the prognosis of early gastric cancer is relatively good in western countries, patients should be carefully followed over a long period for late recurrence and for metachronous cancer, which has a high incidence.

Primary adenocarcinoma arising in the jejunal limb of a Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy: a case report

Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel is uncommon. Due to the paucity and lack of specificity of symptoms, patients are usually seen late in the course of their illness when curative therapy, mainly represented by wide surgical resection, is unlikely. The authors report a case of primary adenocarcinoma arising in the jejunal limb transposed for a Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy reconstruction eight years after a total gastrectomy performed for an advanced gastric cancer (pT2N1M0), with mixed histological pattern (tubular-mucinous) and negative CEA staining of cancer cells. Evidence for excluding the possibility of a recurrence of the primitive gastric cancer was based on the different histologic pattern, positive CEA staining of cancer cells and other features of the second neoplasm. Early diagnosis of the neoplasm was made possible by its favorable anatomic location and the early onset of symptoms, which prompted effective surgical therapy (wide resection). The authors, furthermore, analyze and discuss the possible pathogenesis of the neoplasm, based on the evidence of slow jejunal limb emptying, elevated concentration of N-Nitroso compounds and contamination by N-nitrosating bacteria in the jejunal limb juice, suggesting that each of these factors could have had a role to play in the development of the jejunal malignancy.

Circumferential choledochoplasties with autologous venous and arterial grafts

Circumferential choledochoplasties with vascular grafts have rarely been attempted either experimentally or in clinical practice. In this study, choledochoplasties using autologous venous and arterial grafts were performed in rats. Sixty-four rats were randomly selected into five treatment groups: A) venous interpositional graft replacement of a choledochus gap without a stent; B) venous graft with prolene stent; C) venous graft with polyethylene stent; D) arterial graft; E) a control group with simple resection between ligatures in the choledochus. The operative mortality in treatment groups B, C, D, and E, was 0, and 13% in group A. At 12 weeks follow-up, all the rats in group E had died, whereas, 52.2% (P < .05) of the rats in group A, 30% of the rats in group B, 57% of the rats in group C, and 92.8% of the rats in group D survived treatment. Surviving animals were sacrificed at 3 months for further examination. The morphology and caliber of the common bile duct of these rats were normal in 25% of the rats in group A, 33% of the rats in group B, 25% of the rats in group C, and 84.6% of the rats in group D. Proximal dilations were found in the rats presenting with abnormal morphology. The dilations were less marked in the group treated by arterial choledochoplasties. Laboratory and clinical cholestatic parameters were within normal ranges in the presence of common bile duct dilations less than four times the normal duct caliber.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)