: Basiliximab (B), an anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody, may represent an alternative to steroids (S) in immunosuppression after liver transplantation (LTx). The aim of this prospective randomized clinical trial was to compare B with S in a cyclosporin A (CsA)-based immunosuppression regimen in primary LTx. : Forty-seven adult recipients of LTx were randomly assigned to receive B or S. CsA was administered at the initial dose of 10 mg/kg/day and adjusted to the target C2 level of 800 to 1000 ng/mL by day 7. Clinically suspected acute cellular rejection (ACR) was histologically confirmed. Endpoints include ACR, survival, and disease-free survival. : In group B (26 patients), there were seven biopsy-confirmed ACR with an ACR rate of 15.4%; in group S (21 patients), 8 ACR with an ACR rate of 28.6% (P=n.s.). Cumulative survival at 36 months after transplantation was 84.3% for group B and 61.0% for group S. In hepatitis C virus patients (n=20: 12 in group B, 8 in group S), the ACR rate was 25% in group B and 50% in group S. The incidence of infection and other adverse events was similar in the two treatment groups. : B may represent a valid alternative to S in the induction of immunosuppression in LTx. Further studies of basiliximab in a large cohort are needed.
Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) occurs commonly in perineum, vulva and perineal region and is considered as a complex disorder due to different clinical and histological features. A 61 years old woman had a dermatologic evaluation for anal itch and underwent a skin biopsy with diagnostic of Paget disease in perianal region. Pelvic magnetic resonance showed a huge tumor which involved skin, derma and gluteus and she firstly refused any surgical treatment. One year later, because of increasing of the tumor and bleeding, she underwent the surgical procedure with a complete excision, resection of the skin of the anus, inguinal lymphadenectomy and left colostomy. Because of lymph nodes metastasis, a VLS Miles was sequentially performed. She started oncological follow up that showed liver, lung and pelvic metastasis. She survived for 24 months after surgery. In literature, less than 200 cases of perineal Paget's disease have been reported. EMPD in some cases has an associated adenocarcinoma, which has been associated with a worse prognosis and high mortality. Wrong diagnosis and a superficial consideration of a benign evolution should be considered as the first mistake in clinical practice. Our surgical approach is considered in literature as the best one for those cases, followed by the oncological treatment. Those patients need to be better studied and more attention should be paid to the clinical presentation.
1 April 2017 in Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy & Percutaneous Techniques
Introduction: Peptic ulcer perforation (PPU) is a common surgical emergency and the mortality rate ranges 10% to 40%, especially in elderly patients. Laparoscopic repair achieved encouraging results. Materials and Methods: We enrolled patients performing surgical repair for PPU from January 2007 to December 2015 in our surgical unit. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to compare the results of PPU laparoscopic repair with open technique. The following characteristics of patients were evaluated: age, sex and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. The site and the diameter of perforation were recorded: gastric, pyloric, duodenal, and the location on the anterior or posterior wall. Results: In total, 59 patients (39 males and 20 females) with a mean age of 58.85 years (±SD) were treated surgically. Laparoscopic repair was accomplished in 21 patients. The mean operative time for laparoscopic repair was 72 minutes (±SD), significantly shorter than open repair time (180 min ±SD). The results demonstrated that laparoscopic repair is associated with a shorter operative time, reduced postoperative pain (4.75 vs. 6.42) and analgesic requirements, a shorter hospital stay (7.5 vs. 13.1), and earlier return to normal daily activities. Discussion: Laparoscopic surgery minimizes postoperative wound pain and encourages early mobilization and return to normal daily activities. The benefit of early discharge and return to work may outweigh the consumable cost incurred in the execution of laparoscopic procedures. Conclusions: Complications in both procedures are similar but laparoscopic procedure shows economic advantages for reducing postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pain, and for a good integrity of abdominal wall.
We studied 21 episodes of ingestion of foreign bodies (IFO) among 15 prisoners. Rectrospective research in pts admitted to emergency from June 2005 to May 2105. Ingestion, management and pts outcome were analyzed. Prisoners with previous esophagogastroduodenal disease were excluded. All pts were males and ingestions were intentional. Esophagogastroduoduenoscopy (EGDS) was performed in 10pts (8 cases with successful removal, 1 case we did not find anything e 1 of unsuccessful EGDS, that required emergency surgey. 9 pts rejected EGDS: in 2 pts were not necessary.Among the 9 pts that rejected EGDS, 5 discharged voluntary. No mortality neither morbidity. Only 1 pt required surgery.The IFO were 34 (23 sharp, 6 flat,5 indefined). We did not observe any food bolus impaction. Multiple ingestion was found in 11 pts. Recurrent episodes were found in 4 pts. Almost all episodes can be treated conservatively with observation and endoscopy but the management of this pts has a financial impact on healthcare cost and on security costs. Prevention strategies are important to predict patient group at high risk for recurrent IFO.
Background. Living with a stoma entails profound changes in a person’s life, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being. Patients often face challenges related to body image, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem. A stoma can impair quality of life, trigger feelings of shame and limit freedom of movement. Objectives. To assess the subjective perception of quality of life and related psychophysical consequences in individuals with an intestinal stoma. To evaluate the level of perceived support from healthcare professionals involved in the care pathway. Methods. This is a descriptive observational study conducted through the administration of an online questionnaire. The sample includes 189 adult patients with an intestinal stoma. Results. Data analysis revealed that participants aged ≥65 years and those with a permanent stoma reported higher quality of life scores compared to younger individuals or those with a temporary stoma. An inverse correlation emerged between quality of life and perceived stress (p < 0.001); in particular, pain and social embarrassment were strongly associated with higher levels of stress. The enterostomal therapy nurse was identified as a key figure in the care pathway (70.4%). Conclusions. The findings highlight the need for person-centered care that addresses not only clinical aspects but also emotional and relational dimensions. Enhancing the role of trained professionals, such as enterostomal therapy nurses, and promoting targeted educational interventions may contribute to improving the quality of life in patients living with a stoma.
1 January 2013 in International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
INTRODUCTION: Giant anal condyloma also called Buschke–Löwenstein tumor is a rare sexually transmitted disease involving anogenital region with potential malignant degeneration into invasive squamous carcinoma. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice and often wide wounds are necessary to reach clear margins and prevent recurrence. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The authors present two cases treated with an S-plasty rotating and a bilateral house advancement flap respectively with good functional result. DISCUSSION: Giant anal condyloma also called Buschke–Löwenstein tumor is a large exophytic, cauliflower-like mass that is characterized by local aggressive behavior. Immunosuppression favors rapid growth of the condylomas and increases the risk of their malignant transformation. In limited lesions primary excision can be safely performed leaving wounds open to granulate while in more extensive lesions flap or skin graft coverage is preferable to decrease the length of recovery and minimize risk of severe anal stricture. Abdominoperineal resection should be performed for more extensive lesions with deep invasion, malignant transformation or tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: Giant anal condyloma also called Buschke–Löwenstein is a rare pathology with mainly sporadic single center experience reported in literature. Surgical complete excision remains the best treatment although elevate should be eventual recurrence. No sufficient data are available to recommend any medical treatment such as interferon, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.