Videolaryngoscopy versus Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy for Awake Tracheal Intubation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: In recent years, videolaryngoscopy has increasingly been utilized as an alternative to fiberoptic bronchoscopy in awake intubation. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether videolaryngoscopy represents a viable substitute for fiberoptic bronchoscopy. We conducted this systematic review with a meta-analysis to compare videolaryngoscopy and fiberoptic bronchoscopy for awake intubation. Methods: We systematically searched for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing videolaryngoscopy and fiberoptic bronchoscopy for awake intubation. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and MEDLINE were systematically queried through August 2023. Our primary outcome measure was the duration of intubation. Secondary outcomes encompassed the rate of successful intubation on the initial attempt, failed intubation, patient-reported satisfaction, and any complications or adverse events potentially stemming from the intubation procedure. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs was employed to evaluate all studies for evidence of bias. The GRADE approach was utilized to gauge the certainty of the evidence. Results: Eleven trials involving 873 patients were ultimately included in our review for data extraction. Meta-analysis demonstrated that videolaryngoscopy decreased the duration of intubation compared to fiberoptic bronchoscopy (SMD -1.9671 [95% CI: -2.7794 to -1.1548] p < 0.0001), a finding corroborated in subgroup analysis by the type of videolaryngoscope (SMD -2.5027 [95% CI: -4.8733 to -0.1322] p = 0.0385). Additionally, videolaryngoscopy marginally lowered the risk of experiencing a saturation below 90% during the procedure (RR -0.7040 [95% CI: -1.4038 to -0.0043] p = 0.0486). No statistically significant disparities were observed between the two techniques in terms of failed intubation, initial successful intubation attempt, or sore throat/hoarseness. With regard to patient-reported satisfaction, a pooled analysis was precluded due to the variability in evaluation methods employed across the trials to assess this outcome. Lastly, trial sequential analysis (TSA) conducted for intubation time (primary outcome) affirmed the conclusiveness of this evidence; TSA performed for secondary outcomes failed to yield conclusive evidence, indicating the necessity for further trials. Conclusions: Videolaryngoscopy for awake tracheal intubation diminishes intubation time and the risk of experiencing a saturation below 90% compared to fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Economic Indicators, Quantity and Quality of Health Care Resources Affecting Post-surgical Mortality.

OBJECTIVE: to identify correlations between quality and quantity of health care resources, national economic indicators, and postoperative in-hospital mortality as reported in the EUSOS study. METHODS: Different variables were identified from a series of publicly available database. Postoperative in-hospital mortality was identified as reported by EUSOS study. Spearman non-parametric and Coefficients of non-linear regression were calculated. RESULTS: Quality of health care resources was strongly and negatively correlated to postoperative in-hospital mortality. Quantity of health care resources were negatively and moderately correlated to postoperative in-hospital mortality. National economic indicators were moderately and negatively correlated to postoperative in-hospital mortality. General mortality, as reported by WHO, was positively but very moderately correlated with postoperative in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative in-hospital mortality is strongly determined by quality of health care instead of quantity of health resources and health expenditures. We suggest that improving the quality of health care system might reduce postoperative in-hospital mortality.

Electric impedance tomography and protective mechanical ventilation in elective robotic-assisted laparoscopy surgery with steep Trendelenburg position: a randomized controlled study.

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) reconstructs functional lung images and evaluates the variations of impedance during the breathing cycle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of protective mechanical ventilation on ventilation distributions recorded by the EIT during elective robotic-assisted laparoscopy surgery with steep Trendelenburg position. This prospective, randomized single center study included patients with healthy lungs undergoing elective robot-assisted laparoscopic urological surgery in general anesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to either protective lung ventilation or conventional ventilation. In the protective ventilation group, tidal volume (TV) was set at 6 ml/Kg predicted body weight (PBW), with PEEP 6 cmH2O, and recruitment maneuvers (RM) as needed. In the conventional ventilation group, TV was set at 9 ml/Kg PBW, with PEEP 2 cmH2O and RM only as needed. Ventilation distribution was assessed using an EIT device. This study included 40 patients in the functional image analysis. Significant differences were found in ventilation distribution in the region of interest (p < 0.05). Driving pressure was significantly lower in protective ventilation group (p < 0.05). Peak and plateau pressures were not different between the groups while statical significance was found in tidal volume and respiratory rate. EIT may be a valuable tool for monitoring lung function during general anesthesia. During elective robotic-assisted laparoscopy surgery with steep Trendelenburg position, protective mechanical ventilation may have a more homogenous distribution of intraoperative and postoperative ventilation. Larger sample size and long-term evaluation are needed in future studies to assess the benefit of EIT monitoring in operation room.Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04194177 registered at 11th December 2019.

Oncoplastic central quadrantectomies.

Tumors localized in the central quadrant (centrally located breast tumors) have always represented a challenge for the surgeon because of the critical aesthetical matters related to the nipple-areola complex (NAC). Many years of experience with breast cancer patients treated by using various oncoplastic techniques, has allowed us to develop the modified hemibatwing for the treatment of central breast tumors, where the NAC is involved. Modified hemibatwing-along with the removal of the NAC-is a useful oncoplastic technique and it represents an ideal option for the treatment of central tumors because it assures oncological safety, a reduced surgical timetable and greater aesthetical results.

Nipple-sparing Mastectomy in Patients with Preoperative Diagnosis of Non-invasive Breast Carcinoma. A Single-center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is a recognized treatment for selected patients with breast cancer (BC). Our study aimed to analyze 7 years' experience in NSM and breast reconstruction for patients with preoperative diagnosis of non-invasive BC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All NSMs with breast reconstruction, performed between January 2007 and December 2013 in patients with preoperative diagnosis of non-invasive BC, were considered. RESULTS: Thirty-five NSMs were performed, 23 cases confirming the diagnosis of non-invasive BC, and in 12 patients it also resulted in findings of an invasive component. Patients were stratified into two groups: breast reconstruction was performed i) with silicone definitive implant, ii) with a temporary breast tissue expander. An invasive component at the postoperative histological examination was significantly associated with tissue expander reconstruction (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: In selected cases, NSM is a valid and safe procedure. Further critical evaluations are required for more evidence on this argument.

Parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy. Results of a retrospective study.

Authors analyze their experience of parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy, with the purpose of seeing whether this practice influenced the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia and/or hypoparathyroidism. We identified three groups of patients: group A, consisting of 57 patients, underwent parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy; group B consisting of 87 patients not submitted to intraoperative autotransplantation in whom, as an incidental finding, a parathyroid gland was detected in the surgical specimen; group C consisted of 100 patients who did not undergo autotransplantation and whose surgical specimens were not found to contain parathyroid glands. The three groups were compared for sex and age as well as for a series of clinical and laboratory parameters on the first three postoperative days and at six months after surgery. The rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 3.5% in Group A, 3.45% in Group B, and 1% in Group C. Multivariate analysis revealed that all three groups showed postoperative recovery of calcium levels, although the rate and extent of this recovery differed between them. The control group showed a more rapid and more complete recovery of serum calcium values compared with Groups A and B. Calcium recovery in Groups A and B was comparable, in terms of both rate and extent. The same pattern of results emerged for the iPTH values. The analysis of the data showed that there were no significant differences in the analyzed parameters between Groups A and B. This suggests that parathyroid autotransplantation does not influence the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia and/or hypoparathyroidism.

A modified sentinel node and occult lesion localization (SNOLL) technique in non-palpable breast cancer: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The spread of mammographic screening programs has allowed an increasing amount of early breast cancer diagnosis. A modern approach to non-palpable breast lesions requires an accurate intraoperative localization, in order to achieve a complete surgical resection. In addiction, the assessment of lymph node status is mandatory as it represents a major prognostic factor in these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of a modified technical approach using a single nanocolloidal radiotracer to localize both sentinel node and breast occult lesion. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a single non-palpable breast lesions and clinically negative axilla were enrolled. In the same day of surgery, patients underwent intratumoral and peritumoral administration of (99m)Tc-labeled nanocolloid tracer under sonographic guidance. A lymphoscintigraphy was performed to localize the sentinel lymph node and its cutaneous projection was marked on the skin in order to guide the surgeon to an optimal incision. During surgery an hand-held gamma-detection probe was used to select the best surgical access route and to guide localization of both occult breast lesion and sentinel lymph node. After specimen excision, the surgical field was checked with the gamma-probe to verify the absence of residual sources of significant radioactivity, thereby ensuring a radical treatment in a single surgical session and minimizing normal tissue excision. RESULTS: Both targeted breast lesion and sentinel lymph node were localized and removed at the first attempt in every patients and histopathological diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed in 25/26 samples. Non-palpable lesions were included within the surgical margins in all patients and in all samples surgical margins were free from neoplastic infiltration thus avoiding any further reintervention. Only two patients showed metastatic involvement of sentinel lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: The modified sentinel node and occult lesion localization (SNOLL) technique performed with a single injection of nanocolloidal radiotracer has shown an excellent intraoperative identification rate of both non-palpable lesion and sentinel lymph node. This procedure offers, as opposed to standard techniques, an accurate, simple and reliable approach to the management of non-palpable breast cancer.

Personal technique for treatment of perianal fistulas in outpatients.

AIM: Presentation of a personal technique for the treatment of perineal fistulas in outpatients. MATERIAL OF STUDY: 17 patients with complete non-complex linear intersphincteric or trans-sphincteric fistulas were treated with this technique. First we facilitated the cannulation, then we used the same catheters to place the "seton". We had to use a more subtle and smooth, rugged nylon thread, instead of the floss, due to the difference between the large size of the silk thread and the small lumen of the cannula. RESULTS: The elastic traction has determined not only a valid mean of capillary drainage, but also a rapid passage through the tissues without any functional impairment, in times ranging from 2 to 4 weeks. DISCUSSION: The traditional surgery is burdened by a significant number of relapses . This is due to the anatomical characteristics of the anal canal, to the difficulty to ensure the integrity of the sphincteric structures and to the position of the fistula. It's essential to identify the whole extension of the fistula to avoid it's partial removal and the persistence of granulation tissue therefore. With our technique, we got a good drainage of the fistula, avoiding to leave any residues or to create false paths causing relapses as may happen with the explorers. CONCLUSIONS: The discomfort suffered by patients was minimal and the results achieved led us to support a greater diffusion of this technique in outpatients.

Cardiological assessment of cardiac patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery (usefulness of surveys).

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to considerate the effective usefulness of preoperative stress test and echocardiography in adult patients with coronary artery disease, undergoing non-cardiac surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the last three years, 200 patients aged 58-85, affected by stable ischemic pathology, undergoing non cardiac surgery, and treated with oral drugs, were enrolled for an assessment orotocol including anamnesis, objective examination, blood pressure, RCG, blood chemistry analysis, and was performed a cardiac risk evaluation. A second 50 patients control cohort of the same class was subjected to the same tests, and preoperative and exercise stress test. RESULTS: All patients showed a good hemodynamic compensation and a quick recovery, and the group of 200 patients for whom the risk was closed without further investigation has concluded the process on average three days before the group underwent echocardiography and exercise stress test. DISCUSSION: The clinical evaluation of cardiac patients waiting for non-cardiac surgery, performed through anamnesis, examinations and the ECGs, is the cornerstone of cardiac risk stratification. It also important the type of surgery, as well as some priority conditions like certain neoplastic: diseases, where it seems appropriate to speed up the diagnostic program. CONCLUSIONS: When patients are hemodynamically stable and their conditions controlled by appropriate therapy, it is sufficient to perform first-level tests for the preoperative stratification of cardiovascular risk. It's recommended to perform echocardiogram and stress test when the first level tests are abnormal, when there is a worsening of the conditions prior to admission, or when the patient is not hemodynamically stable.

An uncommon association between parathyroid adenoma and Hodgkin disease.

The Authors refer their experience of a patient operated for adenoma of the inferior parathyroid of left lobe associated to a limphoadenopathy fom HD. Diagnostic and therapeutical approach are described. The literature of these last decades reports a single case with similar characteristics, but not with the same association. Numerous neoplasias associated more frequently with parathyroid adenoma are mentioned and the probable causes of this association. Although the associations with other affections of the hemolymphopoietic system are relatively frequent, the causes of the rarity of the association between parathiroid adenoma and HD remain unknown.

Observations and considerations on a case of Mondor's syndrome associated with gigantomastia.

AIM: The study of the Mondor's syndrome as a possible complication of gigantomastia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A 49 year old woman, with gigantomastia, came to our observation for the presence of a large superficial vein of the left breast affected by thrombophlebitis, compatible with Mondor's syndrome. RESULTS: A "Thorek" breast reduction was performed; the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day and the follow up was smooth and fee from any complications. DISCUSSION: In the case we observed, gigantomastia had a clear role in the pathogenesis of the Mondor's disease; in fact, the excessive weight of the breasts caused stretching of the mammary dorsal vein evolving in phlebitis. In literature, among the causes related to Mondor's disease the pendulous breast is described, probably with the same dynamic we have seen in this patient, but has never reported, so obviously, the correlation between the two events. It's considered as good practice in the pre-operative evaluation, to make differential diagnosis with any cancer, that, in a certain percentage, is associated with Mondor's syndrome, and once established the causes of the pathology, it is imperative to eliminate them to prevent any relapses. CONCLUSION: Among the various causes recognized as predisposing to Mondor's syndrome, there has never been described gigantomastia so far. The observation and treatment of a patient in whom the gigantomastia certainly led to the onset of Mondor's disease, has led us to consider this as one of the possible complications of gigantomastia, providing an additional cue to the treatment of this condition even at an early stage.