A retrospective analysis of bile duct injuries treated in a tertiary center: the utility of a universal classification-the ATOM classification.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injuries (BDI) are the most feared complications that can occur after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). BDI have a high variability and complexity, several classifications being developed along the years in order to correctly assess and divide BDI. The EAES ATOM classification encompasses all the important details of a BDI: A (for anatomy), To (for time of), and M (for mechanism) but have not gained universal acceptance yet. Our study intents to analyze the cases of BDI treated in our institution with a focus on the clinical utility of the ATOM classification. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study, on a 10-year period (2011-2020), including patients diagnosed with BDI after LC, with their definitive treatment performed in our tertiary center. All injuries were retrospectively classified using the Strasberg, Hannover, and ATOM classifications. RESULTS: We included in our study 100 patients; 15% of the BDI occurred in our center. No classification system was used in 73% of patients; 23% of the BDI were classified by the Strasberg system, 3% were classified by the Bismuth classification, 1% being classified by the ATOM classification. After retrospectively assessing all BDI, we observed that especially the Strasberg classification, as well as Hannover, over-simplifies the characteristics of the injury, many types of BDI according to ATOM being included in the same Strasberg or Hannover category. Most main bile duct injuries underwent a bilio-digestive anastomosis (60%), as a definitive treatment. An important percentage of cases (31%) underwent a primary treatment in the hospital of origin, reintervention with definitive treatment being done in our department. CONCLUSION: The ATOM classification is the best suited for accurately describing the complexity of a BDI, serving as a template for discussing the correct management for each lesion. Efforts should be made toward increasing the use of this classification in day-to-day clinical practice.

The role of artificial intelligence in pancreatic surgery: a systematic review.

Artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning (ML), is being slowly incorporated in medical practice, to provide a more precise and personalized approach. Pancreatic surgery is an evolving field, which offers the only curative option for patients with pancreatic cancer. Increasing amounts of data are available in medicine: AI and ML can help incorporate large amounts of information in clinical practice. We conducted a systematic review, based on PRISMA criteria, of studies that explored the use of AI or ML algorithms in pancreatic surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on this topic. Twenty-five eligible studies were included in this review; 12 studies with implications in the preoperative diagnosis, while 13 studies had implications in patient evolution. Preoperative diagnosis, such as predicting the malignancy of IPMNs, differential diagnosis between pancreatic cystic lesions, classification of different pancreatic tumours, and establishment of the correct management for each of these lesions, can be facilitated through different AI or ML algorithms. Postoperative evolution can also be predicted, and some studies reported prediction models for complications, including postoperative pancreatic fistula, while other studies have analysed the implications for prognosis evaluation (from predicting a textbook outcome, the risk of metastasis or relapse, or the mortality rate and survival). One study discussed the possibility of predicting an intraoperative complication-massive intraoperative bleeding. Artificial intelligence and machine learning models have promising applications in pancreatic surgery, in the preoperative period (high-accuracy diagnosis) and postoperative setting (prognosis evaluation and complication prediction), and the intraoperative applications have been less explored.

Surgical technique in the laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia in adults. How do we do it?

INTRODUCTION: Adult Morgagni hernias are rare congenital diaphragmatic hernias, which can present with an array of symptoms based on the size and the contents of it. This article focuses primarily on the laparoscopic repair with transfascial suturing. METHODS: A number of five patients over the course of 10 years were admitted in our clinic, one of them being admitted with emergency symptoms. Four of the patients were treated laparoscopically, one of them requiring conversion to open approach. RESULTS: The median age was 53 (range 44-71), 80% of the patients being females. Four of the patients received laparoscopic treatment with transfascial suturing, the fifth being converted, but respecting the same technique. The median surgery duration was 110 min, with a median blood loss of 30 ml. Removal of the sac was attempted in two cases. Median hospitalization stay was 3 days, with a median follow-up of 21 months, with no postoperative complications reported. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair with transfascial suturing provides an feasible and efficient repair, compared to the other laparoscopic techniques. Although no postoperative complications were reported, the removal of the sac still remains an controversial issue.

Adsorption mechanisms of L-Glutathione on Au and controlled nano-patterning through Dip Pen Nanolithography.

Dip Pen Nanolithography technique has been employed for patterning L-Glutathione tripeptide (l-y-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine) nanostructures at specific locations on metallic Au(111) substrate. The formed supramolecular architectures were designed through straight lines and dots serving as precursors for building blocks assemblies in nano-bio-electronics applications or as template structures for functionalized particles in the form of host-guest networks. Tween 20 polyoxyethylene surfactant concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 0.1% (v/v) into initial l-Glutathione tripeptide (2 mg mL(-1)) ink solutions were sequentially tested for the improvement of the ink delivery process and to assure an optimum uniformity and homogeneity over the patterned space. A strong relationship was found between the coated atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever within the highly effective Tween 20 activator adjuvant and the molecular diffusion along concentration gradients. An increase in the driving force for ink transport from the AFM tip has been demonstrated within the highest 0.1% (v/v) TW 20 surfactant concentration, favoring the patterning of GSH molecules routinely with sub-100 nm resolution. Self-assembled monolayers of GSH were also fabricated and characterized in the light of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and ellipsometric optical measurements. Adsorption from water of l-Glutathione to the gold substrate is proven to be made by the thiol group of cysteine. Theoretical DFT approaches were applied for quantum chemical studies dedicated to electronic processes underneath molecular GSH/Au(111) systems.

Biliary cast - complication of cholangitis and pancreatitis in a pancreas divisum patient.

We report a rare cause of biliary cast secondary to cholangitis and pancreatitis, in a 60 year old female patient with pancreas divisum. She was admitted in our hospital with an acute pancreatitis (alcoholic etiology was excluded) complicated with pancreatic abscess and obstructive jaundice. The patient had undergone a complex surgical intervention: cholecystectomy,choledocotomy with extraction of the biliary thrombus,external biliary drainage through a T tube, evacuation of the pancreatic abscess, sequestrectomy, peritoneal lavage and multipledrainages. In spite of the surgical and intensive care support,the biliary drainage through the T tube had ceased and the obstructive jaundice had reappeared in a more accentuated fashion. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed complete pancreas divisum and diffuse multiple stenosis alternating with dilatation of the intrahepatic biliary tree (a pattern of sclerosing cholangitis). An endoscopic prosthesis was placed inside the right hepatic bile duct. Despite the use of the combined endoscopic plus UDCA (ursodeoxycholic acid) treatment for the management of the biliary cast syndrome, the evolution was unfavorable with hepatic coma,septic shock and finally death. The necropsy revealed an extensive biliary cast in the entire biliary tree and pyogeniccholangitis. The patient had a fatal outcome despite all the surgical, endoscopic and conservative efforts, with development of intraductal biliary obstruction and secondary pyogenic cholangitis. Biliary cast syndrome is a rare but very aggressive entity and its management is often difficult despite the advances in surgery and endoscopy treatments.

Management of bile duct injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: long-term outcome and risk factors infuencing biliary reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury following cholecystectomy remains a severe complication with major implications for the patient outcome. AIM: To assess the outcome of surgical treatment and study the risk factor infuencing biliary reconstruction in patients with bile duct injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2010, 43 patients with bile duct injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy were treated to our center. According to Strasberg classification, the types of injuries were as follows: type A in 7 patients (16.28%), type D in 4 (9.3%), type E1 in 9 (20.93%), type E2 in 11 (25.58%), type E3 in 10 (23.25%),and type E4 in 2 (4.65%) patients respectively. Management after referral included endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with minor lesions (Strasberg type A) and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in 36 patients with major duct injuries(Strasberg type D and E). 55.55% of patients with major bile duct injuries have endoscopic or surgical attempts of repair sprior to referral. In case of biliary peritonitis or acute cholangitis, the reconstruction was preceded by prolonged external biliary drainage. RESULTS: All minor lesions were successfully treated endoscopically,with outstanding long term results. For patients with major duct injuries, the postoperative mortality and morbidity rate were 5.55% and 25%, respectively. After a median follow-up period of 34.1 (range, 12-68) months, 30 patients(88.23%) remain in good general condition (using McDonald classification) and 4 patients (11.77%) developed a late anastomotic stricture. Multivariate analyses have identified postoperative biliary leak (p=0.012) as an independent predictor factor for the occurrence of late anastomotic stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Minor bile duct injuries can be successfully treated endoscopically if proper abdominal drainage is maintained. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is feasible and safe with contained morbidity and durable results even when previous surgery has failed. Postoperative biliary leak is a significant predictor for poor long term outcome.

E-NOTES transumbilical laparoscopic appendectomy.

We present a case of laparoscopic transumbilical single incision appendectomy. A 17-year-old patient with an insidious onset of symptoms 4 months ago by diffuse abdominal pain that later was localized in the right iliac fossa accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Following clinical examination and abdominal ultrasound, she was diagnosed with chronic appendicitis and surgical treatment was recommended. Pneumoperitoneum was performed under general anesthesia. Three trocars of 5 mm diameter were inserted through a single umbilical incision of 10 mm length into the peritoneal cavity. The exploration has revealed a swollen appendix. After transsection of the mesoappendix with LigaSure forceps, two Roeder knots were placed at on the base of the appendix. Intervention duration was 60 minutes. Postoperative course was favorable. Patient assessment within 2 months after discharge showed disappearance of symptoms and the postoperative scar hidden in the umbilical scar.

[Transanal endoscopic microsurgery--our initial experience]. / Chirurgia transanala endoscopica--experienta noastra initiala.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to describe a single institution's experience with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) in patients with benign and malignant rectal tumors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a prospective descriptive survey. Between January 2006 and January 2010, 14 patients underwent transanal endoscopic microsurgery excision of benign (8) or malignant (6) rectal tumors, located 4 to 15 cm from the dentate line. Median age was 59.7 years and the mean follow up was 29 months. RESULTS: The average tumor size was 3.4 cm, median operating time was 40 min. Median length of hospital stay was 4.35 days. During the follow-up period, benign tumor recurrence was observed in one patient (7.14%), managed by repeated TEMS. Histologic staging of malignant tumors was T1 (2) and T2 (4). In two patients with inadequate resection margins open radical surgery was performed. One had recurrent disease, which was managed by radical surgery. No cancer-related deaths were observed during the follow-up period. There was no operative mortality. No major postoperative complications were recorded. Anal incontinence persisted for 3 weeks in one patient. CONCLUSION: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery excision is a safe and precise technique and should become a procedure of choice for benign rectal tumors and selected early malignant neoplasms.

Laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of rectal cancer: short-term results.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to establish the efficiency, safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer by assessing the short-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective clinical study, from 2008 to 2011, 60 patients with laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer were included, treated in "Prof. Dr. Octavian Fodor" Gastroenterology and Hepatology Institute, Department of Surgery and Surgery Clinic I, Cluj-Napoca. RESULTS: Surgical procedures included 38 abdominal-perineal resections, 21 anterior resections and 1 Hartmann procedure. Average blood loss was 250 ml (100-800 ml) and median length of postoperative hospital stay was 9 days (4-91 days). Blood loss was significantly higher in patients with low rectal cancer than those with upper rectal cancer (300 ml vs 200 ml, p=0.031). Conversion to open surgery was required in 8 patients (13.3%). Overall postoperative complications were 28.8%. Positive circumferential margins occurred in 1 patient (1.7%), while distal margins were negative in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible in selected patients with rectal cancer, with favorable shortterm results.

PARASURG hybrid parallel robot for minimally invasive surgery.

This paper presents the parallel hybrid robot, PARASURG 9M, for robotically assisted surgery, a robot which was entirely designed and produced in Romania. It is a versatile robot, being composed of a positioning and orientation module, PARASURG 5M with five degrees of freedom, having the possibility of attaching at its end either a laparoscope or an active surgical instrument for cutting/grasping, PARASIM, with four degrees of freedom. Based on its mathematical modelling, the first low-cost experimental model of the surgical robot has been built. The robot is part of the surgical robotic system, PARAMIS, with three arms, one used as a laparoscope holder, and other two for manipulating active instruments. When it is used as a manipulator of the camera, the user has the possibility to give commands in a large area for the positioning of the laparoscope using different interfaces: joystick, microphone, keyboard & mouse and haptic device. If the active surgical instrument, PARASIM, is attached, the robot commands are given through a haptic device. The main features that make the PARASURG 9M surgical robot suited for minimally invasive surgery are: precision, the elimination of the natural tremor of the surgeon, direct control over a smooth, precise, stable view of the internal surgical field for the surgeon. It also eliminates the need of a second surgeon to be present for the entire procedure (in the case of using the robot as a camera holder). In addition, there is improvement of surgeon dexterity in the case of using the PARASIM active instrument and better ergonomics in using the robot (in the case of the classic laparoscopy, the surgeon must adopt a difficult position for a long period of time, while the robot never gets tired). Having a relatively easy to understand, intuitive commanding system, the surgeons can rapidly adapt to the use of the PARASURG 9M robot in surgical procedures.

[The advantages of implementing an e-learning platform for laparoscopic liver surgery]. / Avantajele implementarii unei platforme de e-learning pentru chirurgia laparoscopica hepatica.

The rapid expansion of laparoscopic surgery has led to the development of training methods for acquiring technical skills. The importance and complexity of laparoscopic liver surgery are arguments for developing a new integrated system of teaching, learning and evaluation, based on modern educational principles, on flexibility allowing wide accessibility among surgeons. This paper presents the development of e-learning platform designed for training in laparoscopic liver surgery and pre-planning of the operation in a virtual environment. E-learning platform makes it possible to simulate laparoscopic liver surgery remotely via internet connection. The addressability of this e-learning platform is large, being represented by young surgeons who are mainly preoccupied by laparoscopic liver surgery, as well as experienced surgeons interested in obtaining a competence in the hepatic minimally invasive surgery.

PARAMIS parallel robot for laparoscopic surgery.

The paper presents the parallel robot, which has been developed in Romania and it is used for laparoscope camera positioning. Based on its mathematical modeling, the first low-cost experimental model of the PARAMIS surgical robot has been built. The system has been built in such a way that it has the possibility to transform it in a multiarm robot controlled from the console. The control input allows the user to give commands in a large area for the positioning of the laparoscope using different interfaces: joystick, microphone, keyboard & mouse and haptic device. The first results have been obtained through the performing of an experimental laparoscopic cholecystectomy using PARAMIS surgical robot. The model which was used was a porcine liver, removed with the gall-bladder and the bile ducts. Due to its very easy use control system, surgeons have adapted rapidly to the use of PARAMIS in surgical procedures. Some of its advantages could be emphasized: precision of the movements; absence of the laparoscope operator's natural tremor, direct control over a smooth, precise, stable view of the internal surgical field for the surgeon; no fatigue; allows the use of both hands for the actual procedure; reduces eye fatigue; eliminates the need for a second surgeon to be present for the entire procedure.

[Coumarin-induced necrosis--a rare complication of oral anticoagulant therapy]. / Necroza cumarinica--complicatie rara a terapiei anticoagulante orale.

Coumarin-induced skin necrosis represents a clinical entity that occurs very rarely, with an approximate incidence of 0.01-0.1% at patients following oral anticoagulant therapy. Most of the cases become clinical manifest between the 3rd and 6th of anticoagulant treatment (there were reports of late onset of skin necrosis after 15 years of anticoagulant therapy) and the most involved areas include breast, buttocks and thighs microcirculation-rich areas. Early symptoms include paresthesia and sensation of tension associated with an erythematous flush in the affected area. Lesions are well demarcated, painful, initially erythematous or hemorrhagic, with the onset of skin necrosis in the end stage. Early lesions can be reversible with the discontinuation of anticoagulant therapy, but skin necrosis can reoccur even without any other coumarin based treatment. We report the case of a 55-year-old female who presented with coumarin-induced skin necrosis affecting the right breast and the right deltoid area.

[Left laparoscopic lobectomy]. / Lobectomie stânga pe cale laparoscopica pentru hepatocarcinom dezvoltat pe ficat non-cirotic--prezentare de caz.

The authors present a case of a 61-year-old patient diagnosed with a hepatic tumor located in the second segment with expression on the anterior (diaphragmatic) side. The diagnosis and treatment applied in this case are presented. The specific feature was the surgical intervention because it was performed a left laparoscopic lobectomy using the LigaSure Atlas sealer. The short hospitalization period and quick recovery make this method an efficient one, with a wide application. Laparoscopic surgery started with a cholecystectomy which was performed by Mouret in 1987. Since then it knew a continuous development with progressive extension of this type of approach to almost all of the digestive tract organs, cavitary as well as parenchymal organs like liver or spleen. Second and third bisegmentectomy was made for the first time in 1996 by Azagra. The segments II, III, IVb, V and VI are the most frequently resected in hepatic laparoscopic surgery. Surgeons are more interested in left hepatic lobe diseases because of the anatomy which makes the approach of the biliary and blood vessels easier. Lately we assist to an increase of hepatic cancer incidence, primary or secondary; therefore we consider necessary the development of hepatic laparoscopic surgical techniques.

[Intrabiliary rupture of hepatic hydatid cysts: results of 17 years' experience]. / Chisturile hidatice hepatice rupte în arborele biliar: experienta a 17 ani.

UNLABELLED: Between 1990 and 2006 in the III-rd Surgical Clinic Cluj-Napoca, 366 pacients with hepatic hydatid cyst were admitted and underwent surgery; 81 (22.13%) of them, who had a cyst-biliary comunication, were retrospectively reviewed: 52 (64.2%) had an occult communications and 29 (35.8%) had a frank intrabiliary rupture. The sex ratio was M/F=46/35 with a mean age of 44.5 years and with ages between 17 and 73 years. Choledochotomy, evacuation of parasitic material and lavage of the CBP were performed in all patients with frank intrabiliary rupture. In 25 patients, partial pericystectomy and choledochoduodenostomy/T-tube drainage of CBP was performed. Internal drainage by a Roux-en-Y pericystectojejunostomy and biliodigestive anastomosis was carried out in 2 patients, while other two patients underwent external drainage of cystic cavity and T-tube drainage of CBP. 15 patients (51.7%) had postoperative external bile leaks (fistulas). Occult communications were managed by partial pericystectomy +/- narrowing of the residual cavity (capitonage with an omentum flap or invagination of the fibrosis capsule margins into the cavity) in 35 patients (67.3%) while in 10 patients (19.2%) internal drainage by a Roux-en-Y pericystectojejunostomy was carried out. Regional resection of the liver was performed in 4 cases (7.7%) and external drainage of residual cavity in 3 patients (5.7%). 13 patients (25%) had postoperative external bile leaks (fistulas). The mean postoperative hospitalisation was 20 days with the range 5-85 days. The mortality rate was 2.4% (2 patients): one died due to septicemia and MOFS and the other due to pulmonary thromboembolism. CONCLUSION: Postoperative bile leaks (fistulas) fallowing conservative surgery of ruptured hydatid hepatic cyst into the biliary tract are not rare regardless of the type of rupture (frank or occult). Although the opening of the biliary duct is sutured, the risk of biliary fistulas is not clearly corelated with this approach; in such cases internal drainage provides a good alternative with low morbidity.

[Liver resection for benign hepatic lesion: mortality, morbidity and risk factors for postoperative complications]. / Hepatectomiile pentru leziuni focale hepatice benigne: mortalitate, morbiditate si factorii de risc corelati cu complicatiile postoperatorii.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of liver resection for benign hepatic lesion and to determine the risk factors for postoperative complication. Between January 2001 and December 2006 (6 years), a total of 50 patients with benign hepatic lesion underwent hepatic resection and were retrospectively reviewed. The sex ratio was M/F=31/19 with a mean age of 44 years (range 2-74). The diagnosis was: hydatid cyst in 24 patients (48%); hemangioma in 14 patients (28%), focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in 6 (12%), hepatic adenoma in 3 cases (6%), and hepatoblastoma in 3 patients (6%). Fourty patients (80%) had symptoms prior to surgery (mainly abdominal pain). The abnormalities were located in 34 cases on the left liver (II-IV Couinaud segments) and in 16 cases on the right liver (V-VIII Couinaud segments). Twenty-nine patients (58%) underwent atypical resections, 4 underwent left hemihepatectomy (8%), 16 underwent left lobectomy (32%) and 1 patient was treated by segmentectomy (2%). Median operating time was 108 minutes (range 60-220) and the median blood lost was 310 ml range (30- 1500). The morbidity rate was 18% (9 patients). Independent risk factors associated with the development of postoperative complication were intraoperative blood lost more than 1200 ml (p=0,015; OR=1,7) and the operating time more than 150 minutes (p=0,048; OR=1,09). There was no mortality. The mean postoperative hospitalization was 7,86 days with the range 3-23 days. CONCLUSION: 1. Liver resections for benign hepatic lesion performed in specialized centers are safe and efficient, with low morbidity and mortality. 2. Postoperative morbidity was related to the intraoperative blood lost more than 1200 ml and to the operating time more than 150 minutes.

[Laparoscopic antireflux surgery--long-term results]. / Montaje antireflux efectuate pe cale laparoscopica--rezultate pe termen lung.

METHOD AND MATERIAL: Between 1995 and 2005 a number of 98 antireflux laparoscopic procedures have been performed. The patients have answered to a 7 point questionnaire regarding the disappearance of specific gastro-esophageal symptoms, the necessity of medical adjuvant treatment as well as regarding the measure in which surgery brought a real subjective improvement. The average follow-up was 57 months (4.7 years). RESULTS: 43 laparoscopic patients have answered the questions. 10 patients had dysphagia, most of which had a spontaneous remission. Only 3 of those patients needed an endoscopic dilatation. Bloating was still possible for 33 of the patients. Retrosternal pain remained present for 14 patients. Intestinal transit disorders have showed up in 11 cases. Reflux persisted at a variable degree in 12 patients. Only 7 patients continue to follow a systematic drug treatment. 35 patients consider that the surgery has brought an improvement of their disease.

[Clinical aspects with prognostic value in gastric cancer--analysis of 468 cases with gastric adenocarcinoma]. / Aspecte clinice cu implicatie prognostica în cancerul gastric--analiza a 468 cazuri de adenocarcinom gastric.

The aim of this study is to assess clinico-pathological parameters and find out the correlation between them and their possible prognostic value. We made a retrospective analysis of a group of 468 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma which were operated in the 3rd Surgical Clinic--Cluj Napoca--01.01.1998-31.12.2003. The median age was 62 years. Patients in pTNM 0 stage were significantly younger than the rest of patients, with an average of 7.5 years. The male/female ratio was 1.7:1, this ratio being significantly higher in cases with proximal gastric cancers. There was not found any significant correlation between the interval : onset of symptoms and surgery, and pTNM stage. The most frequent signs and symptoms were epigastric pain, weight loss, indigestion, fatigue, pallor and loss of appetite, each of them were found in more than 40% patients. Multivariate analysis of symptoms showed that weight loss (p=0.00638) was independently correlated to advanced pTNM stages. The number of signs and symptoms was significantly correlated to advanced pTNM stages (p=0.000026). This significant group of patients studied has maintained characteristics encountered in populations with higher incidence of gastric adenocarcinoma, men being more frequently affected, distal localization and intestinal histologic type being encountered more frequently.

[Management of colorectal resections for treatment of neoplastic intestinal occlusions. Experience of surgery clinic No III, Cluj-Napoca]. / Managementul rezectiilor colorectale în tratamentul ocluziilor intestinale neoplazice. Experienta Clinicii Chirurgie III Cluj-Napoca.

PURPOSE: We analyzed the clinical results of different techniques of resection for malignant colorectal (primary or staged) obstruction. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective nonrandomized clinical study were 165 patients with malignant colorectal occlusion who underwent surgery treatment in our Department between 2002-2006. Patients with peritonitis or treated by means of permanent colostomy, palliative anastomosis, primary Hartman resection and rectal excision were excluded. RESULTS: Patients with large bowel obstruction caused by obstructive malignant colorectal lesions underwent either one-stage primary resection with anastomosis (77 patients) or staged interventions (88 patients). There were no differences in age, sex, comorbidities, tumor staging, serum preoperative levels of hemoglobin and proteins between the two groups of patients defined by the different surgical techniques. Regarding mortality and morbidity following surgical treatment for large bowel obstruction no significant difference among the two groups (p > 0.05) or the fistula rate (p = 0.435) was obtained. Moreover, results showed a higher incidence of mortality (11.8% vs 7.8%), morbidity (13.6 vs 10.4) and increased hospitalization period (p = 0.03) among the patients that undergone series resections. CONCLUSIONS: One stage primary resections with anastomosis of the large bowel can be performed safely in case of emergency whenever patient comorbidities and local conditions do not stand as major restrictions.