Clinical Pathological and Immunohistochemical Correlations in Gastric Cancer.

Due to its high aggressiveness and polyclonal tumor state, stomach cancer is considered a severe health problem. In this study, we analyzed Her2 and Ki67 in correlation with patient data for the possibility of prognostic factors. The study included 48 cases of gastric tumors that had been surgically treated in a period of five years. The percentage was statistically significant for intestinal-type adenocarcinomas located in the medio-gastric region (p = 0.05); in the diffuse subtype, there were no Her2 positive samples, and in the mixed subtype only one out of three samples was Her2 positive. Our results confirm the existing data, and we can conclude that this link can be considered a prognostic factor in the progression and treatment effectiveness.

Predicting Tumor Dynamics Post-Staged GKRS: Machine Learning Models in Brain Metastases Prognosis.

This study assesses the predictive performance of six machine learning models and a 1D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) in forecasting tumor dynamics within three months following Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in 77 brain metastasis (BM) patients. The analysis meticulously evaluates each model before and after hyperparameter tuning, utilizing accuracy, AUC, and other metrics derived from confusion matrices. The CNN model showcased notable performance with an accuracy of 98% and an AUC of 0.97, effectively complementing the broader model analysis. Initial findings highlighted that XGBoost significantly outperformed other models with an accuracy of 0.95 and an AUC of 0.95 before tuning. Post-tuning, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) demonstrated the most substantial improvement, achieving an accuracy of 0.98 and an AUC of 0.98. Conversely, XGBoost showed a decline in performance after tuning, indicating potential overfitting. The study also explores feature importance across models, noting that features like "control at one year", "age of the patient", and "beam-on time for volume V1 treated" were consistently influential across various models, albeit their impacts were interpreted differently depending on the model's underlying mechanics. This comprehensive evaluation not only underscores the importance of model selection and hyperparameter tuning but also highlights the practical implications in medical diagnostic scenarios, where the accuracy of positive predictions can be crucial. Our research explores the effects of staged Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) on larger tumors, revealing no significant outcome differences across protocols. It uniquely considers the impact of beam-on time and fraction intervals on treatment efficacy. However, the investigation is limited by a small patient cohort and data from a single institution, suggesting the need for future multicenter research.

A Histological Evaluation of the Efficiency of Using Periprosthetic Autologous Fat to Prevent Capsular Contracture Compared to Other Known Methods-An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture remains a common complication in silicone breast implantation. The etiology, formation mechanisms, predisposing and favoring factors are still subjects of research. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of using autologous fat introduced periprosthetically in preventing capsular contracture compared to other known methods: antibiotics and corticosteroids. METHODS: A cohort of 80 Wistar rats was included in the study, divided into four subgroups. All subjects received a silicone implant, implanted in a pocket created along the abdominal midline. The first subgroup served as the control group, with subjects having the implant placed without any treatment. For the second and third subgroups, the implants were treated with an antibiotic solution and intramuscular injections of dexamethasone, respectively. The subjects in the last subgroup received centrifuged autologous fat introduced periprosthetically. RESULTS: The subgroup with autologous fat exhibited a significantly smaller capsule thickness, which was poorly represented, with a smooth surface. The use of autologous fat for treating silicone prosthesis was linked with the lack of acute inflammation around the prosthetic site. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat helps to minimize the "non-self" reaction, which results in the development of a periprosthetic capsule consisting of mature collagen fibers interspersed with adipocytes.

Endoscopic Vacuum-Assisted Closure (E-VAC) in Septic Shock from Perforated Duodenal Ulcers with Abscess Formations.

This case report underscores the importance of utilizing E-VAC (endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure) in the treatment of a perforated duodenal ulcer complicated by the formation of a subphrenic abscess and septic shock. It showcases how E-VAC can effectively mitigate the risk of further complications, such as leakage, bleeding, or rupture, which are more commonly associated with traditional methods like stents, clips, or sutures. As a result, there is a significant reduction in mortality rates. A perforated duodenal ulcer accompanied by abscess formation represents a critical medical condition that demands prompt surgical intervention. The choice of the method for abscess drainage and perforation closure plays a pivotal role in determining the patient's chances of survival. Notably, in patients with a high ASA (American Association of Anesthesiologists) score of IV-V, the mortality rate following conventional surgical intervention is considerably elevated. The management of perforated duodenal ulcers has evolved from open abdominal surgical procedures, which were associated with high mortality rates and risk of suture repair leakage, to minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy and ingestible robots. Previously, complications arising from peptic ulcers, such as perforations, leaks, and fistulas, were primarily addressed through surgical and conservative treatments. However, over the past two decades, the medical community has shifted towards employing endoscopic closure techniques, including stents, clips, and E-VAC. E-VAC, in particular, has shown promising outcomes by promoting rapid and consistent healing. This case report presents the clinical scenario of a patient diagnosed with septic shock due to a perforated duodenal ulcer with abscess formation. Following an exploratory laparotomy that confirmed the presence of a subphrenic abscess, three drainage tubes were utilized to evacuate it. Subsequently, E-VAC therapy was initiated, with the kit being replaced three times during the recovery period. The patient exhibited favorable progress, including weight gain, and was ultimately discharged as fully recovered. In the treatment of patients with duodenal perforated ulcers and associated abscess formation, the successful and comprehensive drainage of the abscess, coupled with the closure of the perforation, emerges as a pivotal factor influencing the patient's healing process. The positive outcomes observed in these patients underscore the efficacy of employing a negative pressure E-VAC kit, resulting in thorough drainage, rapid patient recovery, and low mortality rates.

Challenges and Solutions in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has gained attention in the last few years due to its increasing prevalence worldwide becoming a global epidemic. The increasing incidence of NAFLD and the concurrent increase in the number of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases at a global level is a matter of concern. HCC has several risk factors, of which NAFLD and its associated metabolic disturbances-type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia-are of great interest due to their accelerating rise in incidence worldwide. There is a high amount of data derived from basic and clinical studies that reveal the molecular pathways that drive NAFLD-associated HCC. Based on these findings, new prevention, surveillance, and treatment strategies are emerging. However, current data on treatment modalities in NAFLD-associated HCC are still scarce, though the results from non-NAFLD HCC studies are promising and could provide a basis for a future research agenda to address NAFLD/NASH patients. Clinicians should carefully assess all the clinical and radiological parameters and establish a prognosis based on the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification and discuss in a multidisciplinary team the treatment strategy. The specific factors associated with NAFLD-associated HCC which can have a negative impact on survival even in patients with early HCC, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, should be taken into consideration. This review aims to discuss the latest recommendations regarding the diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD-associated HCC and the remaining challenges.

Severe Intentional Corrosive (Nitric Acid) Acute Poisoning: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Despite being one of the most debilitating conditions encountered in the field of toxicology, there is a lack of neutralization measures for the toxins involved in acute corrosive poisoning, and this promotes progressive contact injury of deep tissues after poisoning has occurred. Multiple controversies still surround management strategies during the acute phase of poisoning and the long-term follow-up of the patient. Here, we report a severe case of intentional poisoning with nitric acid complicated by extensive injury of the upper digestive tract, multiple stricture formation, and complete dysphagia. Serial endoscopic dilation and insertion of a jejunostomy feeding tube were necessary, and underlying psychiatric illness negatively affected the outcome of the patient. We conclude that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to properly reduce the extent of lesions and sequelae induced by corrosion. Early endoscopic mapping of injuries is of major importance to better predict the evolution and possible complications of poisoning. Interventional and reconstructive surgical procedures may significantly improve the life expectancy and quality of life of patients following intoxication with corrosive substances.

Does the Overall Survival of the Resectable Periampullary Carcinomas Correlate with High Expression of p53 and ki67?

Introduction: Periampullary carcinomas represent a group of tumors that develop in a complex area, implying different anatomical structures. The most common histological type of periampullary carcinomas is the adenocarcinoma. The pancreatic type of periampullary adenocarcinomas has the worst prognosis. Immunohistochemical markers, such as ki-67 and p53, can be used in predicting survival. Material and method: we selected the patients with periampullary adenocarcinomas, intestinal or biliopancreatic type, with resectable tumors, and we performed immunohistochemical stains for ki-67 and p53 markers. The overall survival was analyzed according to the expression of immunohistochemical markers, TNM staging, tumor grade and perineural invasion. Results: Sixty-seven patients were included in the study. The median overall survival for the whole cohort was 12 months, with a 2-year survival rate of 25%. High rate of tumor proliferation (ki67 more than 80%) was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (median survival 3 months compared with 17 months for the group with ki67 index less than 80%). A high expression of p53 protein has been associated with low overall survival. The low survival was associated with poorly differentiated tumor grade and lymph node status. Conclusion: Both immunohistochemical expression of ki67 and p53 can be used as prognostic and predictive factors for overall survival of patients with resectable periampullary adenocarcinomas.

Protective or Risk Factors for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistulas in Malignant Pathology.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant tumors are associated with a low incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas. The presence of peritumoral fibrosis is considered the protective factor for the development of postoperative pancreatic fistulas after pancreatic resections for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. METHODS: We analyzed a series of 109 consecutive patients with pancreatic resections for malignant pathology: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and periampullary adenocarcinomas. The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas has been reported in tumor histological type, in the presence of peritumoral fibrosis, and in the association between adenocarcinomas and areas of acute pancreatitis. The data obtained were processed with the statistical analysis program SPSS, and statistically significant p were considered at a value <0.05. RESULTS: For the entire study group, the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas was 11.01%. The lowest incidence was observed in the group of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (4.06% vs. 25.72% in the group with periampullary adenocarcinoma), with a p = 0.002. The presence of peritumoral fibrous tissue was observed in 49.31% of cases without pancreatic fistulas, and in 54.54% of cases that developed this postoperative complication (p = 0.5). Also, the peritumoral fibrous tissue had a uniform distribution depending on the main diagnosis (56.14% in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma group vs. 37.04% in periampullary adenocarcinoma group, with a p = 0.08). In the group of patients who associated areas of acute pancreatitis on the resections, the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistulas was 7.8 times higher (30% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Peritumoral fibrous tissue was not a factor involved in the developing of postoperative pancreatic fistulas. The association of adenocarciomas with areas of acute pancreatitis has led to a significant increase in postoperative pancreatic fistulas, which is a significant and independent risk factor.

The Use of Mucolytic Agent in Percutaneous Drainage of Liver Abscess: A Case-Series Analysis.

Background: Liver abscess is a scarce but potentially fatal suppurative process. There is a general tendency for minimally invasive treatment, such as broad-spectrum antibiotherapy and percutaneous drainage. Multiloculated, multiple or incompletely liquefied abscesses often limit the efficacy of percutaneous drainage. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of percutaneous drainage and intracavitary instillation of a mucolytic agent for liver abscesses. Material and method: From our department database, we have identified patients with liver abscess admitted during the period 2015 - 2020, treated by ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage and intracavitary instillation of mucolytic agent. Data regarding imaging appearance, drainage technique, inflammatory markers and clinical course were assessed. Results: Twenty-one patients with multiloculated liver abscesses, sized 8 to 17 cm, were percutaneously drained, with local anaesthesia, under ultrasound guidance. The bacteriological exam of the aspirate showed bacterial infection in 19 cases, mostly Klebsiella pneumoniae, and 2 fungal infections. Acetylcysteine in dilution 1: 1 with saline was instilled daily on the 12F or 14 F drainage catheter. Clinical and radiological resolution was achieved within 14 to 29 days. Two cases required supplementary drainage of a non-communicating residual cavity. There were no complications, periprocedural deaths or relapse at 3 months follow-up. Conclusions: Percutaneous drainage is effective even in the management of multiloculated liver abscesses, facilitated by the use of intracavitary mucolytic agent.

Proposal of a Preoperative CT-Based Score to Predict the Risk of Clinically Relevant Pancreatic Fistula after Cephalic Pancreatoduodenectomy.

Background and Objectives: Postoperative pancreatic fistula after cephalic pancreatoduodenectomy (CPD) is still the leading cause of postoperative morbidity, entailing long hospital stay and costs or even death. The aim of this study was to propose the use of morphologic parameters based on a preoperative multisequence computer tomography (CT) scan in predicting the clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CRPF) and a risk score based on a multiple regression analysis. Materials and Methods: For 78 consecutive patients with CPD, we measured the following parameters on the preoperative CT scans: the density of the pancreas on the unenhanced, arterial, portal and delayed phases; the unenhanced density of the liver; the caliber of the main pancreatic duct (MPD); the preoperatively estimated pancreatic remnant volume (ERPV) and the total pancreatic volume. We assessed the correlation of the parameters with the clinically relevant pancreatic fistula using a univariate analysis and formulated a score using the strongest correlated parameters; the validity of the score was appreciated using logistic regression models and an ROC analysis. Results: When comparing the CRPF group (28.2%) to the non-CRPF group, we found significant differences of the values of unenhanced pancreatic density (UPD) (44.09 ± 6.8 HU vs. 50.4 ± 6.31 HU, p = 0.008), delayed density of the pancreas (48.67 ± 18.05 HU vs. 61.28 ± 16.55, p = 0.045), unenhanced density of the liver (UDL) (44.09 ± 6.8 HU vs. 50.54 ± 6.31 HU, p = 0.008), MPD (0.93 ± 0.35 mm vs. 3.14 ± 2.95 mm, p = 0.02) and ERPV (46.37 ± 10.39 cm3 vs. 34.87 ± 12.35 cm3, p = 0.01). Based on the odds ratio from the multiple regression analysis and after calculating the optimum cut-off values of the variables, we proposed two scores that both used the MPD and the ERPV and differing in the third variable, either including the UPD or the UDL, producing values for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.846 (95% CI 0.694-0.941) and 0.774 (95% CI 0.599-0.850), respectively. Conclusions: A preoperative CT scan can be a useful tool in predicting the risk of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula.

Surgical Treatment of Gastric GIST: Feasibility of Laparoscopic Resection and Postoperative Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical manifestations and the possibility of laparoscopic treatment of large gastric stromal tumors. STUDY DESIGN: A case-series. Place and Duration of the Study: Ist Surgical Unit, Saint Spiridon Hospital Iasi and the Ist Oncological Surgical Unit, Regional Institute of Oncology Iasi, Romania, from May 2012 to May 2017. METHODOLOGY: Patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) who underwent surgery were selected. The clinical manifestations, type of surgical treatment, postoperative assessment of the risk factors, and follow-up for at least two years were analysed. Tumors longer than 5 cm were classified as large tumors. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients with GIST were seen, of which 25 (52.08%) had gastric tumor. Nine laparoscopic resections and 16 open interventions were performed on tumors up to 10 cm in size. The histopathological examination revealed 10 patients (40%) as class risk 3a / 3b. Complications were more frequent in open surgery, with an overall rate of 43.75% (7 patients)  vs. 33.33% (3 patients) in laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgical procedures performed in experienced centres can also be applied  to gastric tumors over 5 cm in well-selected cases without repercussions on survival. Key Words: Laparoscopy, Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Gastric, Resection.

Emergency Backwards Whipple for Bleeding: Formidable and Definitive Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: During the past decades, the safety of pancreatoduodenectomy has improved, with low mortality and reduced morbidity, particularly in centers with extensive experience. Emergency pancreatoduodenectomy is an uncommon event, for treatment of pancreaticoduodenal trauma, bleeding, or perforation. We herein present a single center experience concerning nontrauma emergency pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreaticoduodenal bleeding. METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2015, from a population of 134 PD (70 males and 64 females, mean age 62.2, range 34-82), 5 patients (3.7%; 2 males and 3 females, mean age 64, range 57-70) underwent one-stage emergency pancreatoduodenectomy for uncontrollable nontrauma pancreaticoduodenal bleeding in our tertiary center. RESULTS: All the 5 patients underwent a backwards Whipple with a morbidity of 60% and a mortality of 20% (1/5). The other 4 patients were recovered and discharged with a median postoperative length of stay of 17 days (range 14-23). CONCLUSION: Emergency pancreatoduodenectomy is a definitive life-saving procedure allowing for a rapid control of bleeding when other less invasive approaches (transcatheter arterial embolization or interventional endoscopy) are exhausted, unavailable, or unsafe. It should be particularly considered in neoplastic disease and tailored by surgeons with a high level of experience in pancreatic surgery.

Early Spontaneous Graft Intra- and Perihepatic Hematoma after Liver Transplantation.

Hematoma of the graft is a life threatening complication of liver transplantation (LT) and there has been no overt conclusion in the literature about optimal management except in scarcely reported cases. It may be either intrahepatic or subcapsular, then again it may develop spontaneously or following parenchimal injuries or transhepatic percutaneous invasive manoeuvers. In this report we describe a rare case of large spontaneous graft intra- and perihepatic hematoma. A 62 year-old man underwent a whole graft orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for decompensated chronic liver disease due to alcoholic cirrhosis. The surgical procedure was uneventful. During the early postoperative course, routine Doppler ultrasound examination and CT-scan revealed an extrahepatic paracaval hematoma, 7 days after transplantation, which was stable and conservatively managed until the 18-th postoperative day, when rapidly expanding intraparenchimal hematoma involving the right hemiliver, several other perihepatic hematomas, significant right pleural effusion and hemorrhagic ascites were described. The patient was successfully treated conservatively (nonsurgically) with slow recovery of the liver allograft and discharged one month later in good general status.

Bleeding from isolated gastric varices as complication of a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Bleeding from isolated gastric varices, though uncommon, may be life threatening and may occur as a consequence of splenic vein thrombosis by tumoral compression and subsequent left-sided portal hypertension. CASE OVERVIEW: We report the case of a 37-year old woman, previously diagnosed with a benign pancreatic cyst, who presented with severe gastric variceal bleeding. DIAGNOSIS, THERAPEUTICS INTERVENTIONS, AND OUTCOMES: Abdominal ultrasound (US) and computed-tomography (CT) revealed enlargement and changed morphology of the cystic tumor located on the body of the pancreas. Left-sided portal hypertension was disclosed resulting from splenic vein occlusion. Salvage left spleno-pancreatectomy with lymphadenectomy was undertaken with an excellent postoperative outcome. Histological analysis established the diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm with foci of adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment proved to be the election one, leading to a steady hemostasis, removal of the lesion, positive diagnosis, and resolution of the varices. Imaging follow-up of pancreatic cyst should also assess vascular patency to identify the patient at risk for gastric bleeding and to select patients who benefits from surgical resection.

E-cadherin expression in primary colorectal cancer and metastatic lymph nodes.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies and fourth cause of cancer death worldwide but the current TNM staging system together with clinicopathological characteristics are not sufficient to identify cases that have a poor prognosis. The aim of the current study was to compare E-cadherin expression in primary CRC and lymph node metastases with the one exhibited by normal colic mucosa and normal lymph nodes, and to evaluate its association with disease severity. The authors retrospectively analyzed 65 patients that underwent colectomy for CRC at the First Surgical Clinic, "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital from Iassy, Romania, over a 10 years period, from January 2004 to December 2013. In all cases, immunohistochemical staining against E-cadherin was performed on primary CRC and associated lymph nodes slices. Primary CRC presented a higher rate (64.62%) of abnormal E-cadherin expression (no staining, cytoplasmic or mixed staining) compared to normal colic mucosa (16.67%) (p<0.001). Both primary CRC and corresponding metastatic lymph nodes displayed a predominantly membranous expression (pure or mixed) of E-cadherin (67.69% and 89.23%, respectively). Well and moderately differentiated tumors displayed an increased E-cadherin expression (44 of 56 cases) compared to poorly differentiated tumors that lacked E-cadherin expression in six out of nine cases. In conclusion, E-cadherin expression abnormalities in CRC are rather qualitative than quantitative and E-cadherin is an important marker of tumor aggressiveness and spreading potential.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy In Patients With Hepatic Artery, Anatomic Variants: Tailoring, Perioperative Care and Surgical Outcomes.

Introduction: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the procedure of choice in patients with tumors of pancreatic head or periampullary region. Hepatic artery anatomic variants (HAav) are frequently encountered during PD. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of HAav in a series of PDs and their consequence on technical tailoring and outcome. Material and Methods: Forty-five patients with HAav were identified in a consecutive series of 140 PDs for periampullary and pancreatic head tumors performed between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2015. The groups with or without HAav were compared in terms of operative approach, complications and survival. Results: All patients underwent Whipple procedure, with right posterior approach for those having HAav. HAav was spared without damage in 41 cases. Four patients in whom the HAav were either sacrificed (2) or damaged (2) required arterial reconstruction. Conclusions: HAav are frequently encountered during PD. Its safeguarding is mandatory but in malignancy it can be damaged or sacrificed, hence arterial reconstruction is required. HAav have no negative impact on surgical morbidity and outcome.