[Thromboembolic risk and prevention of deep venous thrombosis in open and laparoscopic surgery]. / Rischio tromboembolico e profilassi della trombosi venosa profonda in chirurgia tradizionale e in chirurgia laparoscopica.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are the dangerous and serious complications in patients undergoing surgery. It is known that prognosis is strictly linked to timely recognition of the pathogenetic-clinical phase of the thromboembolic disease and that prevention, therefore, plays the leading role in patients at risk. The most recent series show that, in absence of prophylaxis, the frequency of DVT, diagnosed by objective tests, is still significant in abdominal surgery. Modern diagnostic tools make possible to identify relatively silent clinical thrombosis, also with laboratory tests (i.e., D-dimer plasma levels). The Authors report a study on thromboembolic episodes in patients who underwent pneumoperitoneum with CO2 during laparoscopic abdominal surgery, compared to a control group submitted to open surgery. They underline the importance of a careful preoperative evaluation of the venous system, by Doppler study, in order to identify, patients at risk of DVT and establish a suitable anti-thrombotic prophylaxis.

[The Allgrove syndrome]. / La sindrome di Allgrove.

Allgrove syndrome, rare autosomal recessive pathology, characterized by adrenocortical insufficiency, achalasia and alacrimia, rises usually in pediatric age, while its observation in adults is very rare. A clinical case appeared in an adult, observed by the Authors, is the reason to evaluate the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of this syndrome, with particular attention about potential role of genetic abnormalities and about others factors, again not well known.

[Idiopathic varicocele. Diagnosis and follow-up with CW-Doppler and Echo-Color-Doppler: our experience]. / Varicocele idiopatico. Diagnostica e follow-up con Doppler-CW ed Eco-Color-Doppler: nostra esperienza.

The Authors outline their experience on routine use of Doppler velocimetry in pre- and post-operation studies on patients affected with idiopathic varicocele. This instrumental study, characterized by non-invasive techniques and repeatability, if correctly carried out, allows both accurate identification of anatomical alterations which are at the bottom of varicocele and correct indications for surgical treatment. Moreover the Authors confirm the importance of spermatic veins ligature following the Ivanissevich method in the treatment of male infertility.

[Diaphragm rupture caused by closed trauma. A more and more frequent condition]. / La rottura del diaframma da trauma chiuso. Una patologia di sempre più frequente riscontro.

The Authors report a case of rupture of the diaphragm in blunt trauma of the abdomen, to examine the more significant features of this condition whose incidence proves to be increasing, after a review of the literature data, parallel to the increase of accidents on the road and at work. They examine the most important pathogenic problems and these related to the mechanism leading to diaphragmatic lesion and they highlight the deeper pathophysiological changes suffered from the patient with such a condition. They draw attention to what they consider to be the most important aspect, and therefore the diagnosis. In fact, in accordance with the various series of cases reported in the literature, it is crucial in the diagnostic problem is when the possible cause of the rupture is suspected and necessary diagnostic cascade (Rx, echotomography, TC) is activated so to highlight the lesion. Therefore a quick diagnostic fitting is necessary for the survival of the acute patient with hernia of the thorax cavity, as well as quick surgical correction of the lesion that, as in the case described, serves to achieve the best possible anatomic-functional results.

[Clinical and etiopathogenetic evaluation of a rare cause of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum and volvulus of the ileum: pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis. Report of a case]. / Valutazioni cliniche ed etiopatogenetiche su una rara causa di pneumoperitoneo spontaneo e volvolo dell'ileo: la pneumatosi cistica intestinale. A proposito di un caso.

A case of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis with pneumoperitoneum and volvulus complications is reported. After careful examination of the literature, etiopathogenic, pathophysiological and clinical features of the disease are analyzed by the Authors, also in the light of recent findings. Major diagnostic and therapeutic implications are discussed regarding possible complications requiring a different therapeutic approach. PCI, a lesion which can be benign, primary or secondary in many conditions, may be characterized by the presence of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum which only requires a careful, but not aggressive therapy, unlike other complications such as volvulus or intestinal occlusion which, instead, require timely surgical action. The Authors describing the therapy adopted, highlight the positive role of the enteral nutrition (NE) and oxygen therapy in the clinical course of the disease.