Advancements in the Management of Postoperative Air Leak following Thoracic Surgery: From Traditional Practices to Innovative Therapies.

Background: Postoperative air leak (PAL) is a frequent and potentially serious complication following thoracic surgery, characterized by the persistent escape of air from the lung into the pleural space. It is associated with extended hospitalizations, increased morbidity, and elevated healthcare costs. Understanding the mechanisms, risk factors, and effective management strategies for PAL is crucial in improving surgical outcomes. Aim: This review seeks to synthesize all known data concerning PAL, including its etiology, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and the range of available treatments from conservative measures to surgical interventions, with a special focus on the use of autologous plasma. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search of databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted for studies and reviews published on PAL following thoracic surgery. The selection criteria aimed to include articles that provided insights into the incidence, mechanisms, risk assessment, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for PAL. Special attention was given to studies detailing the use of autologous plasma in managing this complication. Results: PAL is influenced by a variety of patient-related, surgical, and perioperative factors. Diagnosis primarily relies on clinical observation and imaging, with severity assessments guiding management decisions. Conservative treatments, including chest tube management and physiotherapy, serve as the initial approach, while persistent leaks may necessitate surgical intervention. Autologous plasma has emerged as a promising treatment, offering a novel mechanism for enhancing pleural healing and reducing air leak duration, although evidence is still evolving. Conclusions: Effective management of PAL requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual patient's needs and the specifics of their condition. Beyond the traditional treatment approaches, innovative treatment modalities offer the potential to improve outcomes for patients experiencing PAL after thoracic surgery. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and integrate new therapies into clinical practice.

Small bowel obstruction due to congenital adhesion bands in the virgin abdomen. There is more than meets the eye.

INTRODUCTION: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) represents a common surgical emergency leading to increased hospital admissions. Most patients presenting with adhesive SBO have a history of previous abdominal surgery. Although bowel obstruction secondary to congenital adhesion bands is rare, it should not be ruled out even in patients with a "virgin abdomen". CASE REPORT: We present two rare cases of adult patients with SBO due to congenital adhesions. The first patient was transferred to the operating room, secondary to a closed-loop obstruction diagnosis. Two congenital adhesion bands were detected intraoperatively, then coagulated and divided. The second patient was surgically treated due to worsening abdominal pain. An adhesive band was identified occluding the ileum on surgical exploration, then ligated and excised. Both patients recovered uneventfully, without any recurrence of symptoms on the follow-up. DISCUSSION: Single adhesive bands are more commonly found in cases with a "virgin abdomen". Meanwhile, solitary bands usually lead to bowel strangulation and ischemia, mostly mandating operative management. Interestingly, a computed tomography scan may confirm the diagnosis of bowel obstruction, whereas water-soluble contrast agents may help predict the need for surgical treatment. Besides exploratory laparotomy, laparoscopic surgery is gaining ground as an effective SBO diagnosis and management approach. CONCLUSION: Adhesive SBO due to congenital bands is a rare condition, particularly in adults, with potentially lifethreatening complications. With the aim of prompt diagnosis and treatment, a high index of suspicion and awareness should be maintained even in patients without previous medical or surgical history. KEY WORDS: Small bowel obstruction, Congenital adhesion bands, Virgin abdomen.

Pedunculated Focal Nodular Hyperplasia: When in Doubt, Should We Cut It Out?

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is the second most common benign hepatic tumor and can rarely present as an exophytic solitary mass attached to the liver by a stalk. Most FNH cases are usually detected as incidental findings during surgery, imaging or physical examination and have a high female predominance. However, the pedunculated forms of FNH are particularly rare and commonly associated with severe complications and diagnostic challenges. Hence, our study aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the available data on the pedunculated FNH cases among adults and children. Furthermore, we will highlight the role of different therapeutic options in treating this clinical entity. The use of imaging techniques is considered a significant addition to the diagnostic toolbox. Regarding the optimal treatment strategy, the main indications for surgery were the presence of symptoms, diagnostic uncertainty and increased risk of complications, based on the current literature. Herein, we also propose a management algorithm for patients with suspected FNH lesions. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and awareness of this pathology and its life-threatening complications, as an uncommon etiology of acute abdomen, is of utmost importance in order to achieve better clinical outcomes.

Predictive Factors for Anastomotic Leakage Following Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Where Are We and Where Are We Going?

Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains one of the most severe complications following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. Indeed, leaks that may occur after any type of intestinal anastomosis are commonly associated with a higher reoperation rate and an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. At first, our review aims to identify specific preoperative, intraoperative and perioperative factors that eventually lead to the development of anastomotic dehiscence based on the current literature. We will also investigate the role of several biomarkers in predicting the presence of ALs following colorectal surgery. Despite significant improvements in perioperative care, advances in surgical techniques, and a high index of suspicion of this complication, the incidence of AL remained stable during the last decades. Thus, gaining a better knowledge of the risk factors that influence the AL rates may help identify high-risk surgical patients requiring more intensive perioperative surveillance. Furthermore, prompt diagnosis of this severe complication may help improve patient survival. To date, several studies have identified predictive biomarkers of ALs, which are most commonly associated with the inflammatory response to colorectal surgery. Interestingly, early diagnosis and evaluation of the severity of this complication may offer a significant opportunity to guide clinical judgement and decision-making.

Correlation between gynecological tumors and atherosclerotic diseases.

Gynecological cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with malignancies of the ovary, uterus, fallopian tube, cervix, vagina, and vulva making up 10-18% of all cancers diagnosed in women globally. Gynecological cancer and atherosclerosis are two of the most frequent medical entities that afflict women worldwide; thus the possible correlations between them ought to be explored. Vulvar, cervical, vaginal, endometrial, and ovarian cancers have been found to have common points with atherosclerosis regarding their pathogenesis and predisposing factors. Obesity and metabolic syndrome, HPV infection, vitamin D deficiency, and increased telomere length constitute common ground between these two afflictions, which this article aims to analyze.

The role of prophylactic parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy for MTC in patients with MEN2A syndrome.

AIM: To define the role of prophylactic parathyroidectomy in the surgical treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIa (MEN2A) syndrome through a literature review.

Stem Cell Therapies for Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Results from Animal Studies.

BACKGROUND: Despite considerable progress in surgical techniques, anastomotic leak (AL) is a common complication after gastrointestinal surgery. Stem cells are a promising therapy to improve healing and have been used in gastrointestinal anastomoses. In this study, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapies in preventing ALs among animal studies. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. We considered all anastomoses of the gastrointestinal tract (excl. biliary) from the esophagus to the rectum. Outcomes included AL rates on postoperative day (POD) 7 and the latest time point reported. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were identified, evaluating stem cells in gastrointestinal anastomoses, of which 1 was on esophageal, 2 on gastric, 2 on small intestinal, and 9 on colorectal anastomoses. Meta-analysis did not show significant differences in AL rates on POD 7 (odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-3.15, p = 0.248, I2 = 34.1%, 95% CI: 0-75.2%, Q = 6.07, df = 4, p = 0.194), but there was a nonsignificant trend for lower AL rates at the latest time point reported (OR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08-1.01, p = 0.052, I2 = 34%, 95% CI: 0-70.8%, Q = 10.6, df = 7, p = 0.157). CONCLUSION: Stem cell therapy may be associated with lower AL rates in gastrointestinal anastomoses, though meta-analysis is severely inhibited by heterogeneous study design. More studies are needed to determine the therapeutic potential of stem cells.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Extrahepatic Cancers: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now considered the main driver and leading cause of chronic liver disease globally. The umbrella term NAFLD describes a range of liver conditions closely related to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia. At the same time, several malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer, are considered to be common causes of death among patients with NAFLD. At first, our review herein aims to investigate the role of NAFLD in developing colorectal neoplasms and adenomatous polyps based on the current literature. We will also explore the connection and the missing links between NAFLD and extrahepatic cancers. Interestingly, any relationship between NAFLD and extrahepatic malignancies could be attributable to several shared metabolic risk factors. Overall, obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and related disorders may increase the risk of developing cancer. Therefore, early diagnosis of NAFLD is essential for preventing the progression of the disease and avoiding its severe complications. In addition, cancer screening and early detection in these patients may improve survival and reduce any delays in treatment.

The Implication of Gastric Microbiome in the Treatment of Gastric Cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and deadly malignancies worldwide. Helicobacter pylori have been documented as a risk factor for GC. The development of sequencing technology has broadened the knowledge of the gastric microbiome, which is essential in maintaining homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of the gastric microbiome in the development of GC. Therefore, the elucidation of the mechanism by which the gastric microbiome contributes to the development and progression of GC may improve GC's prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about changes in gastric microbial composition in GC patients, their role in carcinogenesis, the possible therapeutic role of the gastric microbiome, and its implications for current GC therapy.

Artificial Intelligence in Colorectal Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment. A New Era.

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms has permeated the medical field with great success. The widespread use of AI technology in diagnosing and treating several types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer (CRC), is now attracting substantial attention. CRC, which represents the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy in both men and women, is considered a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Our review herein aims to provide in-depth knowledge and analysis of the AI applications in CRC screening, diagnosis, and treatment based on current literature. We also explore the role of recent advances in AI systems regarding medical diagnosis and therapy, with several promising results. CRC is a highly preventable disease, and AI-assisted techniques in routine screening represent a pivotal step in declining incidence rates of this malignancy. So far, computer-aided detection and characterization systems have been developed to increase the detection rate of adenomas. Furthermore, CRC treatment enters a new era with robotic surgery and novel computer-assisted drug delivery techniques. At the same time, healthcare is rapidly moving toward precision or personalized medicine. Machine learning models have the potential to contribute to individual-based cancer care and transform the future of medicine.

Are patients willing to be informed on the risks and complications associated with the proposed therapy? A survey on informed consent.

INTRODUCTION: Informed consent is essential to the patient-physician relationship. The paternalistic old-time approach used by physicians to achieve the optimal management is changing today; detailed medical information must be disclosed to the patients regarding their health problem. AIM: The aim of this study was to highlight the value of informed consent in the context of medical practice as well as to emphasize its importance through the prism of human rights. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient survey was conducted in two public and one private hospitals in Greece. Eighty-three inpatients from the Surgical Departments of Democritus University Hospital of Alexandroupolis (DUHA), Laikon University Hospital of Athens (LUHA) and a private hospital were included in the study. A questionnaire regarding patients' attitude towards informed consent was distributed to patients prior to surgery. RESULTS: The majority of the patients (63.86% in DUHA, 59.38% in LUHA, and 78.95% in the private hospital) opted for full disclosure regarding the course and development of their condition. CONCLUSION: Patients want to be informed about their treatment options and possible complications so that they can make decisions about their treatment after a comprehensive and understandable discussion.

Gallbladder perforation. A case series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Gallbladder perforation (GBP) is an uncommon life-threatening and almost exclusive complication of cholecystitis. It is often associated with relatively high morbidity and mortality rates due to delay in diagnosis. GBP still continues to be a challenging issue for the surgeons. Most cases can only be diagnosed during surgery. The aim of this retrospective, case series was to present our clinical experience with gallbladder perforation and to provide an overview of promoting factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic workup and management of GBP on the basis of recent literature review. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study involved four patients with gallbladder perforation (three males and one female), who were treated in our department from May 2019 to November 2019. We made a retrospective analysis of these patients and a review of the related literature. RESULTS: According to Niemeier's classification, all patients had type II gallbladder perforation. Mean age was 70 years (range 50-85 years). They had also significant comorbidities, of which diabetes mellitus was the most common (three patients). Ultrasonography was the initial mode of investigation in these four patients. Out of the four cases, three patients underwent immediate intervention and only one patient was initially managed conservatively with intravenous antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of gallbladder perforation and immediate intervention are of crucial importance. Clinical examination, diagnostic imaging and high index of suspicion of this severe condition would be significant in establishing an early diagnosis of the perforation. KEY WORDS: Cholecystitis, Gallbladder perforation, Niemeier.

Comparison of Two Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty Techniques in Hypospadias Reconstructive Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hypospadias repair is a challenging type of urogenital reconstructive surgery for which different techniques are currently used. The purpose of this study is to determine the outcomes of distal, mid-shaft and proximal hypospadias repair using two new variations of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty (TIP-δ and TIP-ελ) and to compare their complication rates with other already known operative techniques made from the same surgical team. METHODS: This study included 269 boys with hypospadias. The preoperative meatal site was distal in 179 patients, mid-shaft in 44 and proximal in 46. The average age at the operation was 17 months. The technique applied in distal hypospadias was Mathieu in 77 patients, Snodgrass in 28 and (TIP)-δ in 74. The technique applied in mid-shaft hypospadias was a tubularized island flap (TIF) in 12 patients, onlay island flap (OIF) in 5 and TIP-ελ in 27. The operative technique for proximal hypospadias was TIF in 15 patients, OIF in 10 and TIP-ελ in 21. TIP-δ and TIP-ελ are two new variants of TIP operation that we have used in our clinic since 2010. Postoperative complications were recorded, and we compared the outcomes obtained by applying the techniques. RESULTS: The use of TIP-δ in the distal hypospadias and long TIP-ελ in the mid-shaft and proximal hypospadias resulted in significantly fewer complications than the other surgical methods across all cases of hypospadias (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The type of tissue used for neourethral coverage seems to play an important role in the outcome of hypospadias surgery.

Use of natural anti-oxidants in experimental animal models of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a clinical challenge in liver surgery, trauma and transplantation, contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thus, its impact, not only on the liver itself but also on remote tissues, has been studied during the last years. Different natural anti-oxidant substances have been researched in animal models, implementing different times of ischemia, aiming to test new therapeutic interventions. OBJECTIVE: A literature review has been conducted with two goals: (1) to identify different natural anti-oxidants studied in experimental models; and (2) to summarize the various times of ischemia employed. METHODS: Scientific papers published in PubMed for the period 2000-2020 were searched and reviewed. RESULTS: More than 30 natural anti-oxidants have been tested. The time of ischemia ranged from 15 to 90 min with 60 min used most frequently, followed by 45 min. No studies were found with time exceeding 90 min. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of research has been conducted on the use and protective effect of natural anti-oxidants in experimental animal models. Based on the published papers, 45-60 min seems to be the optimal duration of ischemia.

A Case of Symptomatic Gallbladder Agenesis with Chronic Abdominal Symptoms.

The anatomical area of the extrahepatic bile ducts exhibits plethora of anatomic variants. The detailed study and comprehension of anatomic variations of extrahepatic bile ducts is a prerequisite in order to avoid the intraoperative biliary or tract damages, but they are also necessary for the targeted treatment of any complications. Gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly of the biliary tree with an estimated incidence of 0.007-0.027% in surgical series which is much lower compared to the incidence of other gallbladder anomalies. It may be asymptomatic, but sometimes is associated with symptoms such as upper quadrant abdominal pain, which may be mistaken for cholecystitis and can lead the patient to the operating room. We present a case of a 30-year-old male patient without any significant past medical history presented with a 2-year history of upper abdominal complaints, dyspepsia, epigastric abdominal pain and weight loss, normal laboratory workup and unclear radiological signs which led him to exploratory laparoscopy due to the patient's chronic symptoms, in order to exclude the presence of another underlying pathologic process. In addition to our case presentation, a relative  review of literature was conducted. As a conclusion, examinations, such as transabdominal ultrasonography, may be misleading and MCRP should be the principal method of investigation to establish a presumptive diagnosis. However, in cases with a strong suspicion for a different underlying pathology, further investigation with exploratory laparoscopy may be warranted.

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule: the tip of an iceberg.

Sister Mary Joseph's nodule is a rare palpable umbilical cutaneous lesion as a result of an advanced intra-abdominal and/or pelvic malignancy. It may be the initial clinical manifestation of an underlying malignancy, originating mainly from the gastro-digestive or genito-urinary tract. We present here a rare case of a 67-year-old woman with a Sister Mary Joseph's nodule. On surgical exploration, a left ovarian mass with anterior abdominal wall metastasis, ascites and extensive intra-abdominal metastatic lesions were observed. Our case report shows the importance of a careful physical examination as an invaluable diagnostic tool in modern medicine. High index of suspicion and awareness of this clinical sign may lead to the detection of the primary source, to its diagnosis and more appropriate treatment options in order to achieve the best survival possibility. KEY WORDS: Ovarian cancer, Sister Mary Joseph's nodule, Umbilical metastasis.

Predictive Nomograms for Synchronous Liver and Lung Metastasis in Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The risk of distant metastasis may be estimated using predictive nomograms. The purpose of this study is to develop nomograms that may assess the risk of synchronous metastasis in patients with colon cancer. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database between 2010 and 2014. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with synchronous liver and lung metastasis. RESULTS: Overall, 117,934 patients with colon cancer (59,076 [50.1%] males, mean age 68.3 ± 13.7 years) were included, of which 16,135 (13.7%) had liver metastasis and 4601 (3.9%) had lung metastasis at diagnosis. Age, sex, race, tumor location, tumor grade, CEA levels, perineural invasion, and T and N stage were associated with the presence of liver metastasis. Age, sex, race, tumor location, tumor grade, CEA levels, perineural invasion, T stage, N stage, and presence of liver metastasis were associated with the presence of lung metastasis. These variables were used to construct predictive nomograms. The c-indexes for both predictive models were 0.97. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we constructed predictive nomograms for the presence of synchronous liver and lung metastasis in patients with colon cancer that may be used to quantitatively assess the risk of synchronous metastatic disease.

Risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in patients with colorectal cancer: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with colorectal cancer are at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors of cardiovascular mortality in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was performed between 2010 and 2014. Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) for cardiovascular mortality were calculated by comparing the number of expected deaths in the United States according to the National Center for Health Statistics (ICD-10 codes I00-I99) to the number of observed deaths in the database. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors. RESULTS: Overall, 164,719 patients were identified (mean age at diagnosis 67 ± 13.9 years, 52.7% males, 47.3% females), of which 4854 (2.9%) died from cardiovascular disease. The majority of cardiovascular deaths occurred during the first year after diagnosis (2658, 54.8%). SMRs for cardiovascular mortality were 11.7 (95% CI 11.3-12) among all patients, 12.1 (95% CI 11.7-12.6) for male patients and 11.1 (95% CI 10.6-11.6) for female patients, with SMRs being higher for younger patients. Older age, male sex, African-American race, elevated CEA and not undergoing curative surgery were independent risk factors of cardiovascular mortality in patients with colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: Patients with colorectal cancer are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, especially during the first year after diagnosis. Older age, male sex, African-American race, elevated CEA and not undergoing curative surgery are independent risk factors of cardiovascular death.

What are the Risk Factors Responsible for the Delay in Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in Children? Eleven-year Research from a Single Institution.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 602 children operated on for acute appendicitis (AA) in our department between 1/2007 and 12/2017. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify factors that are related to a delay in diagnosing AA in children. Furthermore, we'd like to strengthen our previous preliminary results by a) adding gender as a new factor and b) studying a much larger population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The time that elapsed from the onset of symptoms to the surgical intervention was associated with gender, age, obesity, use of antibiotics prior to diagnosis, and the initial examination by a paediatric surgeon or another physician. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression method (backward method) was applied. RESULTS: The diagnosis of AA was delayed by at least 48 hours in 287 patients (group A, 47.7%) and was made within 48 hours in 315 patients (group B, 52.3%). In multivariate model we noticed that boys who were examined by a paediatric surgeon and didn't take antibiotics had decreased odds of having length of diagnostic period >48 hours, girls who received antibiotics compared to girls who do not use antibiotics are almost 12 times more likely to have length of diagnostic period >48 hours, the very young age has а main effect оn the diagnostic delay and girls who have been examined by other physician compared to females who have been examined by paediatric surgeon have decreased odds of having length of diagnostic period >48 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, physicians examining children with abdominal pain must keep in mind the multiple causes of diagnostic delay that may exist alone or in combination, and which can lead to serious complications and lengthen the hospital stay. Performing repeated examinations and asking for advice from a specialist specifically for children who are a special category of patients, in areas where it is rather impossible to use imaging techniques, could be the key to correctly diagnosing and treating AA.

Outcomes After Surgical Resection Differ by Primary Tumor Location for Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): a Propensity Score Matching Population Study.

PURPOSE: Primary tumor location has been identified as an important prognostic factor among patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The purpose of this study is to identify how primary tumor location may affect outcomes after resection for patients with metastatic GISTs. METHODS: Patients with GISTs and distant metastases at diagnosis were identified in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Patients that underwent surgery were matched to patients that did not undergo surgery using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. RESULTS: After PSM, 570 patients were identified (males 334 [58.6%], females 236 [41.4%], age 62 ± 13.9 years). Gastric tumors constituted the majority (325 [57%]), followed by small intestinal (136 [23.9%]), colorectal (19 [3.3%]), and retroperitoneal/peritoneal tumors (23 [4%]). Median follow-up was 25.5 months (95% CI 23-29 months). Undergoing surgery was associated with improved disease-specific survival (DSS) on both univariate (median not reached vs. 51 months, p < 0.001) and multivariate analyses (HR 4.98, 95% CI 2.23-11.12, p < 0.001). A sub-analysis of patients with gastric GISTs showed that undergoing surgery was the only significant factor associated with improved DSS (median not reached vs. 39 months, p < 0.001, HR 2.95, 95% CI 1.92-4.53). In contrast, undergoing surgery was not associated with improved survival for small intestinal, colorectal, or retroperitoneal/peritoneal tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for gastric metastatic GISTs is associated with improved survival. No discernible benefit after surgical resection was identified for patients with small intestinal, colorectal, retroperitoneal, or peritoneal metastatic GISTs.