In recent years, mass media and social networks have played an important role in disseminating information regarding public health. During the COVID-19 epidemic, misinformation and fake news have represented an important issue generating confusion and insecurity among the population. In our analysis, we investigate the role of mass media as a critical element during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak that has influenced the public perception of risk.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and potentially life-threatening soft tissue infection, even more so when associated with fungal causative agents. Onset has been identified in nosocomial settings following elective surgery, but not in esthetic surgery. We here present a case of necrotizing fasciitis related to Candida albicans infection which occurred in an immunocompetent patient who received a cosmetic breast augmentation mastopexy combined with a Brazilian Butt Lift using autologous fat grafting. The case was managed with aggressive wound exploration and debridement. Treatment was delayed by the diagnostic challenge and the difficulty in identifying the causative agent, but the patient fully healed and recovered once the C. albicans was isolated in culture tests and appropriate antimycotic treatment was implemented. Considerations should be made regarding the possibility of implementing an antimycotic option for first-line empirical treatment despite the rarity of fungal etiology because of the threat of diagnostic delay and worse outcome.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the most common esophageal disorder worldwide, is a progressive condition that may lead to Barrett’s esophagus and adenocarcinoma. Upfront therapy with proton pump inhibitors is ineffective in up to 40% of patients. The scope of surgical therapy is to reconstruct the natural antireflux barrier provided by the diaphragmatic crura, the lower esophageal sphincter, and the gastroesophageal flap valve. Summary: For 70 years, the 360° Nissen fundoplication has dominated the surgical scenario and is still considered the gold-standard treatment. However, over the past two decades, the Toupet and Dor partial fundoplications have emerged as alternative options to decrease the incidence of dysphagia and gas-bloat syndrome. Randomized and observational clinical studies have shown that the outcomes of partial fundoplication compare favorably with those of the Nissen and can provide satisfactory quality of life minimizing the risk of side effects. However, reflux control and anatomical integrity of partial fundoplications may fade away over time. Further research and close scrutiny of new surgical procedures and technologies is in progress to improve clinical outcomes and provide a more personalized and durable antireflux therapy. Key Messages: Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a safe and effective therapy for GERD. It should be performed in centers offering a comprehensive diagnostic pathway and a spectrum of techniques tailored to the individual GERD phenotype.

Summary: Background: Giant liver cysts causing compression symptoms require surgical therapy. Laparoscopy is nowadays considered the first-line approach and has been shown to be non-inferior to open surgery. Ancillary techniques and novel technologies may have the potential to reduce complications rates and improve long-term outcomes. Methods: The management of a female patient with a giant and symptomatic liver cyst is reported, as is a literature search in PubMed and Scopus spanning the past two decades, with the aim of assessing current evidence regarding procedural details of laparoscopic deroofing. Results: Wide laparoscopic deroofing of a 21-cm liver cyst arising from segment 6 was safely performed under indocyanine green fluorescence imaging using a combination of ultrasonic energy excision and stapling. A contemporary literature review showed that only 22 of the 35 publications included details of the surgical procedure. Ancillary techniques such as omentopexy, argon plasma coagulation, monopolar radiofrequency device ablation, and ethanol sclerotherapy were rarely used (10.8% of patients). Use of energy devices and/or linear staplers was reported in 22 (62.8%) studies. Indocyanine green fluorescence was reported in 4 (11.4%) studies. Conclusion: The case report and the literature review show that wide laparoscopic deroofing of giant liver cysts is an effective and relatively simple procedure. Use of emerging technology such as indocyanine green fluorescence imaging can further enhance precision surgery and minimize complications and long-term recurrence rates.