Francesca Rovera

Microwave tumors ablation: principles, clinical applications and review of preliminary experiences.

Local ablative techniques have been developed to enable local control of unresectable tumors. Ablation has been performed with several modalities including ethanol ablation, laser ablation, cryoablation, and radiofrequency ablation. Microwave technology is a new thermal ablation technique for different types of tumors, providing all the benefits of radiofrequency and substantial advantages. Microwave ablation has been applied to liver, lung, kidney and more rarely to bone, pancreas and adrenal glands. Preliminary works show that microwave ablation may be a viable alternative to other ablation techniques in selected patients. However further studies are necessary to confirm short- and long-term effectiveness of the methods and to compare it with other ablative techniques, especially RF.

Lung cancer in Teesside (UK) and Varese (Italy): a comparison of management and survival

Background: The survival of lung cancer patients in the UK is lower than in other similar European countries. The reasons for this are unclear. Methods: Two areas were selected with a similar incidence of lung cancer: Teesside in Northern England and Varese in Northern Italy. Data were collected prospectively on all new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in the year 2000. Comparisons were made of basic demographic characteristics, management, and survival. Results: There were 268 cases of lung cancer in Teesside and 243 in Varese. Patients in Teesside were older (p<0.05), were more likely to have smoked (p<0.001), had a higher occupational risk (p<0.001), higher co-morbidity (p<0.05), and poorer performance status (p<0.001). Fewer patients in Teesside presented as an incidental finding (p<0.001) and the histological confirmation rate was lower than in Varese (p<0.01). In Teesside there were more large cell carcinomas (p<0.001), more small cell carcinomas (p<0.05), and fewer early stage non-small cell lung cancers (p<0.05). The resection rate was lower in Teesside (7% v 24%; p<0.01) and more patients received no specific anti-cancer treatment (50% v 25%; p<0.001). Overall 3 year survival was lower in Teesside (7% v 14%; p<0.001). Surgical resection was the strongest multivariate survival predictor in Varese (HR = 0.46) and Teesside (HR = 0.31). Co-morbidity in Teesside resulted in a significantly lower resection rate (p<0.001). Conclusions: Patients with lung cancer in Teesside presented at a later stage, with more aggressive types of tumour, and had higher co-morbidity than patients in Varese. As a result, the resection rate was significantly lower and survival was worse.

miR181b is induced by the chemopreventive polyphenol curcumin and inhibits breast cancer metastasis via down-regulation of the inflammatory cytokines CXCL1 and -2.

Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for the development and metastatic progression of cancer. We have previously reported that the chemopreventive polyphenol Curcumin inhibits the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines CXCL1 and ‐2 leading to diminished formation of breast and prostate cancer metastases. In the present study, we have analyzed the effects of Curcumin on miRNA expression and its correlation to the anti‐tumorigenic properties of this natural occurring polyphenol.

What is the learning curve for intraoperative neuromonitoring in thyroid surgery

BACKGROUND The study describes the initial experience and learning curve of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during thyroidectomy. We describe the prevalence and patterns of IONM technical problems. METHODS Prospective series of 152 consecutive thyroid operations (304 nerves at risk) were analyzed. Standard technique consists of monitoring vagal and RLNs before, during and after resection. Personal gain of experience was defined by the preceding number of thyroid operations. To establish the number of thyroidectomies required before achieving an effective and safe IONM technique, all of the procedures were divided into three chronological groups of about 50 cases (groups 1, 2, and 3). RESULTS Patients (90%) had successful IONM with initial endotracheal tube position. Fifteen patients (10%) needed further tube adjustment. Out of 15 patients 14 (93%) were due to non-optimal contact of endotracheal surface electrodes to vocal cords. Tube malrotation was the main reason for initial failure (53%). The success rates of prompt IONM technique were 80% in group 1, 92% in group 2, and 98% in group 3 (p<0.05). Mean operating time was low in group 3 (p<0.03). Vagus and RLNs were localized and monitored in all the cases (100%). The incidence of temporary RLN injury was 2.6%. No permanent complications occurred. Negative EMG response indicated an altered function of RLN and stage thyroidectomies were scheduled. Transient RLN palsies were seen without changes during the entire study period. CONCLUSIONS This is the first series of thyroidectomies with standardized IONM technique performed in Italy. Neuromonitoring was effective in providing identification and function of laryngeal nerves. IONM successful rates were affected considerably by the extent of surgical and anaesthesiological experiences, starting with relatively low rates in the beginner group and then increasing. We assessed the learning curve: improved operative variables and safe technique were seen in about 50 patients.

Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast

INTRODUCTION Neuroendocrine (NE) breast cancers encompass a heterogeneous group of tumours showing morphological features similar to those of NE neoplasms of the gut and lung and expressing one or more neuroendocrine markers (neuron specific enolase, chromogranins synaptophysin) in at least 50% of tumour cells. They are rare lesions representing about 2-3% of all breast cancers and affecting more frequently elderly patients. AIM Prospective observational study is to analyse the clinico-pathological aspects of NE carcinomas of the breast undergone surgical resection compared to breast carcinomas with a minor neuroendocrine component and to conventional invasive ductal or lobular cancers. MATERIAL AND METHOD Thirty-five consecutive breast carcinomas showing morphological features suggestive of an endocrine differentiation were selected among breast cancers undergone surgical treatment during the period of January 1979-December 2004. RESULTS The 35 patients were divided into two categories: 13 neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) and 22 ductal carcinomas with a minor neuroendocrine component (DC-NE). The average follow-up was 60 months. The patients with CNE developed breast cancer in an advanced age compared to the patients with infiltrating ductal carcinoma NAS or infiltrating lobular carcinoma. We did not find recurrent disease in the NEC group, while it was observed in 2 patients (9%) with DC-NE, in 6 cases (17%) with infiltrating ductal carcinoma NAS and in 7 cases (20%) with infiltrating lobular carcinoma. DISCUSSION The CNE compared with the infiltrating ductal and lobular carcinoma are statistically different in relation to the expression of the receptor of c-erb-B2, p53, progesterone, for the lymph node state at diagnosis and the risk of reappearance of breast tumour. Our study confirms the choice to consider the neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast as a separate histological group and seems to suggest a less aggressiveness of this type of tumour.

Visualization versus Neuromonitoring of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves during Thyroidectomy: What About the Costs?

BackgroundThe objective of the present study was to evaluate costs for thyroidectomy performed with the aid of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM), which has gained widespread acceptance during thyroid surgery as an adjunct to the gold standard of visual nerve identification.MethodsThrough a micro-costing approach, the thyroidectomy patient-care process (with and without IONM) was analyzed by considering direct costs (staff time, consumables, equipment, drugs, operating room, and general expenses). Unit costs were collected from hospital accounting and standard tariff lists. To assess the impact of the IONM technology on hospital management, three macro-scenarios were considered: (1) traditional thyroidectomy; (2) thyroidectomy with IONM in a high-volume setting (5 procedures per week); and (3) thyroidectomy with IONM in a low-volume setting (1 procedure per week). Energy-based devices (EBD) for hemostasis and dissection in thyroidectomy were also evaluated, as well as the reimbursement made by the Italian Healthcare System on the basis of diagnosis related groups (DRGs), about €2,600.ResultsComparison between costs and the DRG fee shows an underfunding of total hospitalization costs for all thyroidectomies, regardless of IONM use (scenario 1: €3,471). The main cost drivers are consumables and technologies (25%), operating room (16%), and staff (14%). Hospitalization costs for a thyroidectomy with IONM range from €3,713 to €3,770 (scenarios 2 and 3), 5–7% higher than those for traditional thyroidectomy. Major economic differences emerge when an EBD is used (€3,969).ConclusionsThe regional DRG tariff for thyroid surgery is barely sufficient to cover conventional surgery costs. Intraoperative neural monitoring accounts for 5–7% of the hospitalization costs for a thyroidectomy.

Pre-incision local infiltration with levobupivacaine reduces pain and analgesic consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A new device for day-case procedure

All over the World laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis; use of local long lasting anesthetics reduces post-operative pain. Levobupivacaine is one of the most effective local anesthetics. The aim of our study is to test the effectiveness of local anesthetics comparing pre- versus post-operative trocar sites infiltration. 50 patients were enrolled in our study and 25 five patients were randomized into pre-I group (pre-incisional infiltration) and 25 into post-I group (post-operative infiltration); all the operations were performed with the same technique (Anglo-Saxon with 4 accesses) by 4 expert laparoscopic surgeons; our results showed different analgesic consumption between the 2 groups of patients; in the pre-I group the mean intravenous dose of Ketorolac post-operative used was 124 mg while in the post-I group was 339 mg: this difference was statistically significant.; the mean VAS was 10.7 in the post-I group while in the pre-I group was 5.1, also the i-VAS scores difference was statistically significant: in fact in the post-I group i-VAS was 8.8 while in the post-I group 14.8. Our study demonstrated that infiltration of the trocar site with long lasting local anesthetic is extremely effective for the treatment of post-operative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy; pre-incisional local infiltration seems to be better in term of pain perception and intravenous post-operative analgesic consumption.

Safety of neural monitoring in thyroid surgery

During thyroid surgery, the functional integrity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is not only threatened by direct nerve injury resulting from accidental transection, clipping or ligation. In fact, indirect trauma, e.g. traction and compression occurring repeatedly throughout gland dissection, contribute to long-term nerve impairment. In order to avoid RLN lesions and preserve nerve function the surgeon must adhere to and comply with a strict standardized intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) technique to preserve results, quality and safety. IONM should be a team work between the surgeon and the anesthesiologist.

Surveillance of surgical site infections after thyroidectomy in a one-day surgery setting

BACKGROUND AND AIM Different studies underline the importance of hospital stay on the development of infectious complications. We performed an audit of surgical site infections (SSI) after thyroidectomy was performed in a one-day surgery setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and twelve consecutive patients admitted between April 2007 and discharged before May 2008 were studied. Patient selection criteria for one-day surgery were specific medical and social-logistic status. The technique of thyroidectomy was standardized. RESULTS SSI affect 2.6% of patients undergoing thyroid surgery with short hospitalization. The incidence of SSI was 3.2% following thyroidectomy, 2% for lobectomy. Mean time interval to symptom onset was 3 days (range 2-6). Most likely organism was Staphylococcus aureus. WI was associated with prolonged ambulatory medications. CONCLUSIONS Rates of SSI are similar to those described in the literature with longer hospitalization. All SSI become evident only after patient discharge. Prevention of SSI is very much the responsibility of the persons working in the operating theater. Effort should be made to improve sterile technique. Appropriate antibiotic coverage is indicated when infection develops postoperatively.

Radiofrequency ablation of primary and metastatic lung tumors: preliminary experience with a single center device

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the feasibility and short-term results for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of primary and secondary lung tumors.MethodsBetween May 2003 and July 2004, 15 patients (mean age, 64.9 years; range, 51–80 years) with 18 pulmonary lesions (9 primitive non–small cell lung cancers and 9 metastases) underwent the ablation procedure. All the patients had absolute contraindications to the surgery. The procedure was performed under computed tomography (CT) guidance with anesthesiologic assistance using a coaxial Le Veen needle electrode. The results were evaluated by postprocedural CT scan, and then by clinical and laboratory examination and CT scan 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the treatment.ResultsA complete ablation was obtained for 16 of 18 lesions (88.9%), and a partial ablation was achieved for the remaining 2 lesions (central tumors). In terms of complications, there were five cases of pneumothorax (2 resolved spontaneously and 3 were drained through a coaxial needle), four middle pleural reactions, and one hemothorax that required draining surgically. Follow-up evaluation was performed for 16 of 18 lesions. Stability was observed in one of two central tumors that received partial ablation. The remaining 15 tumors that received a complete ablation were followed up for a mean of 5 months (range, 1–12 months). All 15 lesions appeared to be hypodense at the CT examination. Dimension reduction with progressive fibrotic scar formation was observed in seven of seven lesions during a follow-up period of 6 months or more. A recurrence at the site of the treatment for two of three lesions was observed during a 12-month follow-up period. One of these received a second radiofrequency ablation. Five patients experienced systemic disease progression. In four of these five patients, this progression was not associated with recurrence at the site of the treatment.ConclusionRadiofrequency ablation seems to be possible for “nonsurgical” patients with primary and secondary lung tumors. Good results in terms of local tumor control were observed during short-term follow-up evaluation.