Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: Differences between Lesions in Incidental and Nonincidental Settings-Considerations on These Clinical Entities and Personal Experience.

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) represents 35-40% of all papillary cancers; it is defined as a nodule ≤ 10 mm at the time of histological diagnosis. The clinical significance of PTMC is still controversial, and it may be discovered in two settings: incidental PTMC (iPTMC), in which it is identified postoperatively upon histological examination of thyroid specimens following thyroid surgery for benign disease, and nonincidental PTMC (niPTMC), in which it is diagnosed before surgery. While iPTMC appears to be related to mild behavior and favorable clinical outcomes, niPTMC may exhibit markers of aggressiveness. We retrospectively review our experience, selecting 54 PTMCs: 28 classified as niPTMC (52%) and 26 classified as iPTMC (48%). Patients with niPTMC showed significant differences, such as younger age at diagnosis (p < 0.001); a lower male/female ratio (p < 0.01); a larger mean nodule diameter (p < 0.001); and a higher rate of aggressive pathological findings, such as multifocality, capsular invasion and/or lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.035). Other differences found in the niPTMC subgroup included a higher preoperative serum TSH level, higher hospital morbidity and a greater need for postoperative iodine ablation therapy (p < 0.05), while disease-free long-term survival did not differ between subgroups (p = 0.331) after a mean follow-up (FU) of 87 months, with one nodal recurrence among niPTMCs. The differences between iPTMC and niPTMC were consistent: patients operated on for total thyroidectomy and showing iPTMC can be considered healed after surgery, and follow-up should be designed to properly calibrate hormonal supplementation; conversely, niPTMC may sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior, and so the FU regimen should be closer and aimed at early detection of cancer recurrence.

Management of low colorectal anastomotic leakage using negative pressure therapy with Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS): description of a case and review of the literature.

Anastomotic leakage (AL) represents a major post-operative complication after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. It is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay and risk of permanent stoma. Herein we report the case of a 75-year-old male patient submitted to a minimally invasive LAR who developed an AL on the fifth post-operative day. This complication has been successfully managed by placing a Vacuum-Assisted Therapy device (Endo-SPONGE®) with an unusual Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) approach; the size of the abscess cavity was measured and the Endo-SPONGE® was cut according to the size of the fistulous defect. This procedure has been performed at regular intervals, achieving quick reduction of anastomotic defect. After the discharge from our department, the patient was addressed to adjuvant treatment. TAMIS may represent an alternative to the endoscopic approach to position an Endo-SPONGE® whenever a conservative management of an AL is required.

Surgical treatment of elastofibroma dorsi. Personal experience and a review of the literature.

AIM: To report our experience in treating elastofibroma, an uncommon lesion, usually arising into subscapular area; it has been included between soft tissue tumors and is characterized by progressive growth and benign behavior METHODS: Patients with an histologically proved elastofibroma, operated at our ward unit over a 3-year period, entered this study. Early results of surgical treatment have been analyzed and compared to those of Literature, focusing on selection criteria, hospital morbidity and relative risk factors RESULTS: Fourteen surgical procedures have been performed on 11 patients; EF presented as bilateral on 3 patients (27.3%) and these patients were treated with sequential 2-stages excision. All patients received complete surgical resection according to marginal excision technique; mean operative time was 75.8 ± 21.4 min. (range 55-135) while mean size of resected EF was 8.57 ± 2.2 cm. (range 5-12). Three patients developed significative postoperative seroma (21.4%), while neither hemorrhages nor recurrences have been observed. Increased B.M.I. was the only factor significantly related to hospital morbidity at univariate analysis (p = 0.0339) CONCLUSIONS: Patients carring elastofibroma larger than 5 cm. and symptomatic should undergo surgical treatment; marginal excision represents the standard technique; we recommend the use of ultrasound energy device for tissue dissection: its current use seems to prevent postoperative bleeding. Development of postoperative seroma seems related to increased patient's B.M.I. and to larger size of EF, rather than to different methods of dissection. KEY WORDS: Chest wall tumors, Elastofibroma dorsi, Elastin, Marginal resection, Soft-tissue tumors.

Small bowel adenocarcinoma: natural history of recurrence after surgical resection.

Small bowel adenocarcinomas (SBA) are a rare entity associated with a poor prognosis and an advanced stage of disease at diagnosis. Surgical resection is considered the gold standard of treatment for stage I-III, while stage IV disease approach is still debated. We present a case of a young woman affected by a duodenojejunal junction SBA treated with surgical resection and FOLFOX adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient later underwent a palliative duodenojejunal bypass for peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Hybrid sequential treatment of a giant serous mesenteric cyst: description of a case and review of the literature.

Mesenteric cysts are uncommon benign abdominal tumors that may extend from the root of the mesenteric layers of the gastrointestinal tract into the retroperitoneum or the peritoneal cavity; they are usually asymptomatic and often represent an occasional finding. Definitive diagnosis is confirmed by the surgical intraoperative view and by histopathological examination. Surgical excision of the cyst is the treatment of choice. We present a case of a female patient who presented with back pain and a palpable abdominal mass. Due to large size of the mass and its contiguity with midline, patient underwent an hybrid combined surgical technique, with a first open phase followed by a laparoscopic excision. Complete surgical removal of the cyst was successfully performed without bowel resection, intraoperative spillage of cystic content and without morbidity. Histopathology confirmed diagnosis of simple mesenteric cyst. We strongly recommend a combined approach whenever a large intraperitoneal benign cystic lesion has been diagnosed.

Extended surgical resection for nonfunctioning duodenal neuroendocrine tumor.

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) account for <3% of all gastrointestinal NET. Most lesions are small-sized and are located in the first or second duodenal part. Tumoral grading, evaluated by Ki67 index, strongly influences patient's outcome. Endoscopic resection is recommended for lesions measuring <2 cm, while pancreaticoduodenectomy should be the treatment of choice for large duodenal NET; Whipple procedure should be preferred in case of duodenal origin and contiguity with gastric antrum. Involvement of surrounding structures, as well as the presence of resectable liver metastases, does not contraindicate surgical resection. Herein we report a case of a 68-year-old male, presenting with an extensive mass of the descending pre-ampullary duodenal part, with involvement of the right colon and the presence of a pericholecystic single liver metastasis. In spite of such advanced disease, surgery on the patient was successful, with an uneventful postoperative outcome.

Functional results after mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: comparative study among surgical approaches.

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the evolution of genitourinary dysfunctions in patients undergoing surgical treatment for rectal cancer, and compared open surgery, laparoscopy, robotic and TaTME. METHODS: Functional outcomes were evaluate using standardized questionnaires, compiled at the start of treatment, after the end of Radiotherapy, at 1 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: In 72 patients 37.5% had low, 27.8% middle, and 34.7% high rectal cancers. Open technique was performed in 25% of cases, while 29.2% underwent laparoscopy, 20.8% TaTME and 25% robotic. We noted a deterioration in urogenital function: surgical technique can influence the result both in urinary and male sexual function but not ejaculation. Robotics and laparoscopy bring better outcomes than open surgery and TaTME. Female sexuality worsening seems not influenced by the technique. In general age, stage, complications, and anastomotic leakage appear to be predictive factors for functional dysfunctions. As reported in literature rectal cancer treatment leads to urogenital worsening: this seems to be progressive in male sexuality only, while female one and urinary function show a slight improvement in the first months, although a full recovery possibility is discussed. Is also reported how robotic and laparoscopy have a lower functional impact. TaTME has gained consensus thank to the excellent oncological and function outcomes, but in our study leads to worse results. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-invasive techniques guarantee the same oncological result than more invasive ones, but with better functional outcomes and tolerability; robotic surgery seems to be slight superior to laparoscopy, but with longer operative time.

Total mesorectal excision: a comparison of oncological and functional outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Long-term data from the CLASICC study demonstrated the oncologic equivalence of laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery despite an increased circumferential resection margin involvement in the laparoscopic group in the initial report. Moreover, laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) may be associated with increased rates of male sexual dysfunction compared to conventional open TME. Robotic surgery could potentially obtain better results than laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic surgery in a single-center experience. METHODS: This study was based on 100 patients who underwent minimally invasive anterior rectal resection with TME. Fifty consecutive robotic rectal anterior resections with TME (R-TME) were compared to the first 50 consecutive laparoscopic rectal resections with TME (L-TME). RESULTS: Median operative time was 270 min in R-TME and 275 min in L-TME. No conversions occurred in the R-TME group whereas six conversions occurred in the L-TME group. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 16.5 ± 7.1 for R-TME and 13.8 ± 6.7 for L-TME. The circumferential margin (CRM) was <2 mm in six L-TME patients, whereas no one in R-TME group had a CRM <2 mm. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scores were significantly increased 1 month after surgery in both the L-TME and R-TME groups, but they normalized 1 year after surgery. Erectile function worsened significantly 1 month after surgery in both the groups but it was restored completely 1 year after surgery in the R-TME group and partially in the L-TME group. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic TME is oncologically safe and adequate for rectal cancer treatment, showing better results than laparoscopic TME in terms of CRM, conversions, and hospital length of stay. Better recovery in voiding and sexual function is achieved with the robotic technique.

Robotic adrenalectomy: technical aspects, early results and learning curve.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal surgery is undergoing continuous evolution, and robotic technology may extend indications for a minimally invasive approach to adrenalectomy. METHODS: Thirty robot-assisted unilateral transperitoneal adrenalectomy procedures have been performed at our Department over the last 5 years. The presence of bilateral lesions and vascular involvement were the only contra-indications for a minimally invasive approach. Several patients presented with significant co-morbidities: BMI > 35 kg/m(2) (20%); ASA score III-IV (58.7%); and moderate to severe impaired respiratory function (36.6%). In addition, 40% of patients had undergone previous abdominal surgery. RESULTS: Two patients presented with intra-operative complications (6.6%) and only one patient required conversion to an open procedure (3.3%). None of the patients required intraoperative transfusions. Hospital morbidity was 10% but no mortality was recorded. The mean hospital stay was 5.2 ± 2.2 days. The mean size of the resected adrenal mass was 5.1 ± 2.4 cm. A significant reduction in operative times was found with gaining experience. CONCLUSIONS: Thanks to robotic technology, some subpopulations of patients with clinical or oncological contra-indications to laparoscopic treatment may be addressed with minimally invasive treatment.

Robotic splenectomy for mesothelial cyst: a case report.

Cystic lesions of the spleen represent a rare entity with an overall incidence of 0.5% among splenectomies. They can remain asymptomatic in 30% to 60% of patients or may cause symptoms for secondary compression of adjacent structures. Peripheral cysts may be suitable for conservative treatment whereas splenectomy is the accepted procedure for bulky and/or central lesions. Laparoscopy is the standard approach for elective splenic surgery, but in the last decade, introduction of the da Vinci robotic system has represented a further improvement in minimally invasive surgery, thanks to 3-dimensional vision and more accurate motion control. Herein, we report a case of a mesothelial splenic cysts successfully treated by robotic splenectomy; some anatomical considerations and technical aspects of robotic procedures have been discussed: it is a feasible and safe approach, particularly indicated in the presence of anatomic features such as an enlarged pancreatic tail and a type II vascular pattern of splenic pedicle. In such patients, the choice of a robotic approach may decrease the risk of intraoperative bleeding, thereby representing a further improvement in laparoscopic techniques.

Full robotic gastrectomy with extended (D2) lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer: surgical technique and preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Widespread diffusion of minimally-invasive surgery for gastric cancer treatment is limited by the complexity of performing an extended D2-lymphadenectomy. This surgical step can be facilitated by using robot-assisted surgery. The aim of this study is to describe our technique and short-term results of a consecutive series of full robotic gastrectomies with D2-lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer, using the da Vinci Surgical System. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2004 and December 2009, we performed 24 consecutive full robot-assisted total and subtotal gastrectomies with extended D2-lymphadenectomy for histologically-proven gastric adenocarcinoma. Data referring to 11 robot-assisted total gastrectomies and 13 subtotal gastrectomies were collected in a database and analyzed. RESULTS: Median operative time was 267.50 min (255-305). Median intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL. Median number of harvested lymph nodes was 28 (23-34). Resection margins were negative in all cases. No conversions occurred. Surgery-related morbidity was 8%. Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Liquid diet started on postoperative d 5 (2-5). Median length of stay was 6 d (5-8). CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted gastrectomy with D2-lymphadenectomy is a safe technique and allows achieving an adequate lymph node harvest and optimal R0-resection rates with low postoperative morbidity and the learning curve appears to be shorter than in laparoscopic surgery. Longer follow-up and randomized clinical trials are needed to define the role of robot-assistance in gastric cancer surgery.

Robotic right colon resection: evaluation of first 50 consecutive cases for malignant disease.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in the world. Minimally invasive surgery has been demonstrated to have the same oncological results as open surgery, with better clinical outcomes. Robotic assistance is an evolution of minimally invasive technique. This study aims to evaluate surgical and oncological short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted right colon resection in malignant disease. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients affected by right-sided colon cancer were operated from May 2001 to May 2009 using the da Vinci(®) surgical system. Data regarding surgical and early oncological outcomes were systematically collected in a specific database for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four male and 26 female patients underwent robotic right colectomy. Median age was 73.34 ± 11 years. Median operative time was 223.50 (180-270) min. No conversion occurred. Specimen length was 26.7 ± 8 cm (range 21-50 cm), number of harvested lymph nodes was 18.76 ± 7.2 (range 12-44), and mean number of positive lymph nodes was 1.65 ± 3 (range 0-17). Surgery-related morbidity was 1/50 (2%): one twisting of the mesentery in one case with extracorporeal anastomosis. All patients were included in a follow-up regimen. Disease-free survival was 90% (45/50), and overall survival was 92% (46/50). Cancer-related mortality was 8% (4/50). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic assistance allows performance of oncologically adequate dissection of the right colon with radical lymphadenectomy and to fashion a handsewn intracorporeal anastomosis as in open surgery, confirming the safety and oncological adequacy of this technique, with acceptable results and short-term outcomes.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography for intrabiliary rupture of hydatid cyst.

BACKGROUND: Hydatid disease affects most commonly the liver, and rupture into the bile ducts is a frequent complication, occurring in 5% to 25% of cases. These complications can cause major clinical problems either preoperatively or postoperatively with post-resectional abscess or prolonged biliary fistula. We reviewed our experience with preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and the diagnosis of major cyst-biliary fistula. METHODS: During a 7-year period, 78 patients underwent surgery for hepatic hydatid disease. Ten patients, in whom a major intrabiliary rupture of the cyst was suspected on the basis of clinical and radiological criteria, underwent preoperative ERC, with clearing of the biliary tree. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 7 cases when the fluid contained daughter cysts or pus. Three patients, in whom the biliary content was fluid only, did not undergo sphincterotomy. One patient in whom a preoperative ERC was not feasible underwent operative transduodenal sphincterotomy. In all 11 patients the cyst was resected. Two patients underwent preoperative ERC, but no fistula was detected . They were compared with the remaining group of 67 patients who underwent resectional surgery during the same period, for apparently uncomplicated echinococcal cysts, and with an historical group of 569 patients operated on from January 1966 to January 1995. RESULTS: According to the clinical and radiological preoperative criteria, there were 2 false positives. Preoperative ERC allowed visualization of the fistula, clearing of the biliary tree, and sphincterotomy in selected cases. The incidence of postoperative fistula was significantly decreased after the introduction of selective preoperative ERC, on the basis of preoperative clinical and radiological criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative ERC is very helpful in patients with cyst-biliary fistula, allowing visualization of the fistula and drainage of the biliary tree, and reducing the incidence of postoperative complications from 11.1% to 7.6%. In selected cases it can solve the problem, without further surgical therapy.

Unusual ulcerated Merkel cell carcinoma of the skin: report of a case.

Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive skin cancer, usually related to a severe prognosis. Treatment consists of wide surgical excision, adjuvant radiotherapy and/or polychemotherapy, but local-regional and distant relapses are common. Detection of histopathological and biological factors may select subgroups of patients suitable for different treatments. Herein we report the case of a patient treated for a wide bleeding and ulcerated Merkel cell carcinoma. Ulceration represents an uncommon feature because the tumor usually spreads from the dermis into subcutaneous fat, so it may be added to poor prognostic indicators. After surgical excision and postoperative radiotherapy, the patient recurred at regional nodes. Axillary lymphadenectomy was followed by courses of polychemotherapy. We obtained a satisfactory survival (31 months) by timing these different therapeutic possibilities.

Local excision of rectal cancer with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM).

BACKGROUND: Local excision for T1 rectal cancers with Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is an accepted standard of care. However for T2/T3 rectal cancers, the high local failure indicates that this is not a valid option. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 2000, 83 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma underwent complete full thickness local excision. The mean diameter of the tumor was 3.4+/-1.7 cm, 60% were located more than 5 cm from the anal verge; 43% of patients received radiation therapy (26 pre- and 10 postoperatively). RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred in 15 patients (18%); there were no postoperative deaths. Mean follow-up was 37 months (range 18-118). The pathological stage was: Tis 9, T1 39, T2 23, T3 12. The overall local recurrence rate was 0% for Tis, 13% for T1, 17% for T2 and 50% for T3. Recurrence was managed surgically in 65% and nonsurgically in 35% because of advanced disease or poor general condition. Overall 5-year survival rates were 100%, 92%, 75% and 69% for Tis, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Local excision with TEM is effective for early (Tis, T1) rectal cancers. Patients with T2 tumors can be treated with preoperative chemoradiation and subsequently local resection. Patients with T3 should not be treated with local excision unless they are unable to tolerate more extensive surgery.

[Congenital esophageal cyst: a case report]. / Le cisti congenite dell'esofago: segnalazione di un caso.

Congenital oesophageal cysts are extremely rare findings in the context of masses developing in the mediastinum. The embryogenetic and physiopathological aspects of these lesions have yet to be fully clarified. Preoperative diagnostic investigations may be only partly successful in indicating the correct diagnosis. Surgical excision is always indicated, via either the thoracoscopic or thoracotomic routes. We report here on case of a duplication oesophageal cyst which we diagnosed and treated successfully in our department. The clinical and therapeutic aspects of these lesions are discussed and compared with other cases reported in the literature.

[Local excision of rectal tumors]. / Escissione locale dei tumori del retto.

Local excision is a suitable approach for treating sessile adenomas and early adenocarcinomas of the rectum. The indication for transmural rectal carcinomas (T2 and T3) is a matter of debate and no randomized studies have been reported to date. The early and long-term results of a consecutive series of 160 patients who underwent local excision in our departments are reported. Sixty-three patients (39%) had adenoma and 97 patients (61%) carcinoma. Forty-seven patients with carcinoma (48%) received adjuvant therapy. Postoperative complications occurred in 25 patients (15%). The complication rates were 13% (8/63) for adenomas and 18% (17/97) for carcinomas. Only 1 patient died during the postoperative period as a result of unrelated causes. The overall local recurrence rates were 3% and 24%, respectively. Among the adenocarcinomas recurrence was related to staging, tumour clearance at the resection margins and use of chemo- and radiotherapy. No recurrences were reported among the T2 patients submitted to neoadjuvant treatment. A difference versus radical surgery was observed for T3 patients only. Local excision and transanal endoscopic microsurgery in particular is worthwhile in adenomas and T1 carcinomas of the rectum. Patients with T2 tumors should be treated with preoperative chemo- and radiotherapy. Patients with T3 tumors should be treated with transanal endoscopic microsurgery for palliative purposes only.

Cancer surveillance in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer incidence in patients submitted to chronic hemodialysis still remains a subject of debate: there is evidence for increased risk, but the results are still controversial. Adoption of a specific surveillance protocol would appear useful. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our Department we prospectively followed patients subject to long-term hemodialysis for a 10-year period, having adopted strict inclusion criteria. The protocol of surveillance included available, low cost and low-invasive examinations. RESULTS: The cancer incidence among our study group was significantly higher than expected (1.58%), similar to that reported in the literature, with prevalence of cancer of the kidney (2 patients), prostate, corpus uteri and colon (1 patient each). CONCLUSION: Through following the surveillance protocol, all patients were able to undergo radical oncological surgery, with prevalence of early stage disease at histopathological examination. Our data support the adoption of such protocols for cancer surveillance in hemodialysis units.