Luca Ansaloni

Risk factors and incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients after elective and emergency surgery.

This study evaluated the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing general surgery, the risk factors associated with POD, and its impact on hospital stay and mortality.

Use of porcine dermal collagen graft (Permacol) for hernia repair in contaminated fields

BackgroundComplicated hernias often involve contaminating surgical procedures in which the use of polypropylene meshes can be hazardous. Prostheses made of porcine dermal collagen (PDC) have recently been proposed as a means to offset the disadvantages of polypropylene meshes and have since been used in humans for hernia repairs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of incisional hernia repair using PDC as a mesh in complicated cases involving contamination.MethodsA prospective study of hernia repair of complicated incisional hernias with contamination using PDC grafts was carried out at the Department of General, Emergency and Transplant Surgery of St Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital.ResultsFrom January 2004 up to the writing of this article, seven patients were treated for complicated incisional hernias with a PDC prosthesis. In six out of seven patients a bowel resection was carried out. There were not surgical complications. Morbidity was 14.2%. No recurrences and wound infections were observed.ConclusionsIncisional hernioplasty using PDC grafts is a potentially safe and efficient approach in complicated cases with contamination.

Laparoscopic approach to acute abdomen from the Consensus Development Conference of the Società Italiana di Chirurgia Endoscopica e nuove tecnologie (SICE), Associazione Chirurghi Ospedalieri Italiani (ACOI), Società Italiana di Chirurgia (SIC), Società Italiana di Chirurgia d’Urgenza e del Trauma (SICUT), Società Italiana di Chirurgia nell’Ospedalità Privata (SICOP), and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)

BackgroundIn January 2010, the SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery), under the auspices of the EAES, decided to revisit the clinical recommendations for the role of laparoscopy in abdominal emergencies in adults, with the primary intent being to update the 2006 EAES indications and supplement the existing guidelines on specific diseases.MethodsOther Italian surgical societies were invited into the Consensus to form a panel of 12 expert surgeons. In order to get a multidisciplinary panel, other stakeholders involved in abdominal emergencies were invited along with a patient’s association. In November 2010, the panel met in Rome to discuss each chapter according to the Delphi method, producing key statements with a grade of recommendations followed by commentary to explain the rationale and the level of evidence behind the statements. Thereafter, the statements were presented to the Annual Congress of the EAES in June 2011.ResultsA thorough literature review was necessary to assess whether the recommendations issued in 2006 are still current. In many cases new studies allowed us to better clarify some issues (such as for diverticulitis, small bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, hernias, trauma), to confirm the key role of laparoscopy (such as for cholecystitis, gynecological disorders, nonspecific abdominal pain, appendicitis), but occasionally previous strong recommendations have to be challenged after review of recent research (such as for perforated peptic ulcer).ConclusionsEvery surgeon has to develop his or her own approach, taking into account the clinical situation, her/his proficiency (and the experience of the team) with the various techniques, and the specific organizational setting in which she/he is working. This guideline has been developed bearing in mind that every surgeon could use the data reported to support her/his judgment.

The NOTA Study (Non Operative Treatment for Acute Appendicitis): prospective study on the efficacy and safety of antibiotics (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) for treating patients with right lower quadrant abdominal pain and long-term follow-up of conservatively treated suspected appendicitis.

Objectives:To assess the safety and efficacy of antibiotics treatment for suspected acute uncomplicated appendicitis and to monitor the long term follow-up of non-operated patients. Background:Right lower quadrant abdominal pain is a common cause of emergency department admission. The natural history of acute appendicitis nonoperatively treated with antibiotics remains unclear. Methods:In 2010, a total of 159 patients [mean AIR (Appendicitis Inflammatory Response) score = 4.9 and mean Alvarado score = 5.2] with suspected appendicitis were enrolled and underwent nonoperative management (NOM) with amoxicillin/clavulanate. The follow-up period was 2 years. Results:Short-term (7 days) NOM failure rate was 11.9%. All patients with initial failures were operated within 7 days. At 15 days, no recurrences were recorded. After 2 years, the overall recurrence rate was 13.8% (22/159); 14 of 22 patients were successfully treated with further cycle of amoxicillin/clavulanate. No major side effects occurred. Abdominal pain assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale and the visual analog scale; median Numeric Rating Scale score was 3 at 5 days and 2 after 7 days. Mean length of stay of nonoperatively managed patients was 0.4 days, and mean sick leave period was 5.8 days. Long-term efficacy of NOM treatment was 83% (118 patients recurrence free and 14 patients with recurrence nonoperatively managed). None of the single factors forming the Alvarado or AIR score were independent predictors of failure of NOM or long-term recurrence. Alvarado and AIR scores were the only independent predictive factors of NOM failure after multivariate analysis, but both did not correlate with recurrences. Overall costs of NOM and antibiotics were &OV0556;316.20 per patient. Conclusions:Antibiotics for suspected acute appendicitis are safe and effective and may avoid unnecessary appendectomy, reducing operation rate, surgical risks, and overall costs. After 2 years of follow-up, recurrences of nonoperatively treated right lower quadrant abdominal pain are less than 14% and may be safely and effectively treated with further antibiotics.

Guidelines in the management of obstructing cancer of the left colon: consensus conference of the world society of emergency surgery (WSES) and peritoneum and surgery (PnS) society

BackgroundObstructive left colon carcinoma (OLCC) is a challenging matter in terms of obstruction release as well of oncological issues. Several options are available and no guidelines are established. The paper aims to generate evidenced based recommendations on management of OLCC.MethodsThe PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were queried for publications focusing on OLCC published prior to April 2010. A extensive retrieval, analyses, and grading of the literature was undertaken. The findings of the research were presented and largely discussed among panellist and audience at the Consensus Conference of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and Peritoneum and Surgery (PnS) Society held in Bologna July 2010. Comparisons of techniques are presented and final committee recommendation are enounced.ResultsHartmanns procedure should be preferred to loop colostomy (Grade 2B). Hartmanns procedure offers no survival benefit compared to segmental colonic resection with primary anastomosis (Grade 2C+); Hartmanns procedure should be considered in patients with high surgical risk (Grade 2C). Total colectomy and segmental colectomy with intraoperative colonic irrigation are associated with same mortality/morbidity, however total colectomy is associated with higher rates impaired bowel function (Grade 1A). Segmental resection and primary anastomosis either with manual decompression or intraoperative colonic irrigation are associated with same mortality/morbidity rate (Grade 1A). In palliation stent placement is associated with similar mortality/morbidity rates and shorter hospital stay (Grade 2B). Stents as a bridge to surgery seems associated with lower mortality rate, shorter hospital stay, and a lower colostomy formation rate (Grade 1B).ConclusionsLoop colostomy and staged procedure should be adopted in case of dramatic scenario, when neoadjuvant therapy could be expected. Hartmanns procedure should be performed in case of high risk of anastomotic dehiscence. Subtotal and total colectomy should be attempted when cecal perforation or in case of synchronous colonic neoplasm. Primary resection and anastomosis with manual decompression seems the procedure of choice. Colonic stents represent the best option when skills are available. The literature power is relatively poor and the existing RCT are often not sufficiently robust in design thus, among 6 possible treatment modalities, only 2 reached the Grade A.

Bologna guidelines for diagnosis and management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO): 2013 update of the evidence-based guidelines from the world society of emergency surgery ASBO working group

BackgroundIn 2013 Guidelines on diagnosis and management of ASBO have been revised and updated by the WSES Working Group on ASBO to develop current evidence-based algorithms and focus indications and safety of conservative treatment, timing of surgery and indications for laparoscopy.RecommendationsIn absence of signs of strangulation and history of persistent vomiting or combined CT-scan signs (free fluid, mesenteric edema, small-bowel feces sign, devascularization) patients with partial ASBO can be managed safely with NOM and tube decompression should be attempted. These patients are good candidates for Water-Soluble-Contrast-Medium (WSCM) with both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The radiologic appearance of WSCM in the colon within 24 hours from administration predicts resolution. WSCM maybe administered either orally or via NGT both immediately at admission or after failed conservative treatment for 48 hours. The use of WSCM is safe and reduces need for surgery, time to resolution and hospital stay.NOM, in absence of signs of strangulation or peritonitis, can be prolonged up to 72 hours. After 72 hours of NOM without resolution, surgery is recommended.Patients treated non-operatively have shorter hospital stay, but higher recurrence rate and shorter time to re-admission, although the risk of new surgically treated episodes of ASBO is unchanged. Risk factors for recurrences are age <40 years and matted adhesions. WSCM does not decrease recurrence rates or recurrences needing surgery.Open surgery is often used for strangulating ASBO as well as after failed conservative management. In selected patients and with appropriate skills, laparoscopic approach is advisable using open access technique. Access in left upper quadrant or left flank is the safest and only completely obstructing adhesions should be identified and lysed with cold scissors. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis should be attempted preferably if first episode of SBO and/or anticipated single band. A low threshold for open conversion should be maintained.Peritoneal adhesions should be prevented. Hyaluronic acid-carboxycellulose membrane and icodextrin decrease incidence of adhesions. Icodextrin may reduce the risk of re-obstruction. HA cannot reduce need of surgery.Adhesions quantification and scoring maybe useful for achieving standardized assessment of adhesions severity and for further research in diagnosis and treatment of ASBO.

Immune Response to Small Intestinal Submucosa (Surgisis) Implant in Humans: Preliminary Observations

Surgisis IHM is an acellular biomaterial derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) that induces site-specific remodeling in the organ or tissue into which it is placed. Previous animal studies have shown that the graft recipient mounts a helper T type 2-restricted immune response to the SIS xenograft without signs of rejection. The aims of this study were to evaluate the immune response to the SIS implant in a small series of humans and to examine the long-term clinical acceptance of the xenograft in these patients. Five consecutive male patients (mean age 56 years, range 34–68) who underwent inguinal hernioplasty with Surgisis IHM were assessed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months after implant for SIS-specific, α -1,3-galactose (α -gal) epitope and type I collagen specific antibodies. All five patients were also clinically assessed up to 2 years for signs of clinical rejection, hernia recurrence, and other complications. All 5 patients implanted with Surgisis IHM produced antibodies specific for SIS and α -gal with a peak between 2 and 6 weeks after implantation. By 6 months, all patients showed decreasing levels of anti-SIS antibodies. Two patients developed a transient, mild local seroma that resolved spontaneously. None of the patients showed any clinical signs of rejection, wound infection, hernia recurrence, or other complications in the follow-up out to 2 years. Thus, this study showed that in a small series of patients the SIS elicits an antibody response without clinical rejection of the xenograft and minimal postoperative complications.

Bologna Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction (ASBO): 2010 Evidence-Based Guidelines of the World Society of Emergency Surgery

BackgroundThere is no consensus on diagnosis and management of ASBO. Initial conservative management is usually safe, however proper timing for discontinuing non operative treatment is still controversial. Open surgery or laparoscopy are used without standardized indications.MethodsA panel of 13 international experts with interest and background in ASBO and peritoneal diseases, participated in a consensus conference during the 1st International Congress of the World Society of Emergency Surgery and 9th Peritoneum and Surgery Society meeting, in Bologna, July 1-3, 2010, for developing evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and management of ASBO. Whenever was a lack of high-level evidence, the working group formulated guidelines by obtaining consensus.RecommendationsIn absence of signs of strangulation and history of persistent vomiting or combined CT scan signs (free fluid, mesenteric oedema, small bowel faeces sign, devascularized bowel) patients with partial ASBO can be managed safely with NOM and tube decompression (either with long or NG) should be attempted. These patients are good candidates for Water Soluble Contrast Medium (WSCM) with both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The appearance of water-soluble contrast in the colon on X-ray within 24 hours from administration predicts resolution. WSCM may be administered either orally or via NGT (50-150 ml) both immediately at admission or after an initial attempt of conservative treatment of 48 hours. The use of WSCM for ASBO is safe and reduces need for surgery, time to resolution and hospital stay.NOM, in absence of signs of strangulation or peritonitis, can be prolonged up to 72 hours. After 72 hours of NOM without resolution surgery is recommended.Patients treated non-operatively have shorter hospital stay, but higher recurrence rate and shorter time to re-admission, although the risk of new surgically treated episodes of ASBO is unchanged. Risk factors for recurrences are age <40 years and matted adhesions. WSCM does not affect recurrence rates or recurrences needing surgery when compared to traditional conservative treatment.Open surgery is the preferred method for surgical treatment of strangulating ASBO as well as after failed conservative management. In selected patients and with appropriate skills, laparoscopic approach can be attempted using open access technique. Access in the left upper quadrant should be safe. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis should be attempted preferably in case of first episode of SBO and/or anticipated single band. A low threshold for open conversion should be maintained.Peritoneal adhesions should be prevented. Hyaluronic acid-carboxycellulose membrane and icodextrin can reduce incidence of adhesions. Icodextrin may reduce the risk of re-obstruction. HA cannot reduce need of surgery.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer. Meta-analysis of randomized trials

INTRODUCTION An important component of treatment failure in gastric cancer (GC) is cancer dissemination within the peritoneal cavity and nodal metastasis. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) is considered to give a fundamental contribute in treating advanced GC. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of IPC in patients with advanced GC. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of IPC + surgery vs. control in patients with advanced GC was performed. RESULTS Twenty prospective RCTs have been included (2145 patients: 1152 into surgery + IPC arm and 993 into control arm). Surgery + IPC improves: 1, 2 and 3-year mortality (OR = 0.31, 0.27, 0.29 respectively), 2 and 3-year mortality in patients with loco-regional nodal metastasis (OR = 0.28, 0.16 respectively), 1 and 2-year mortality rate in patients with serosal infiltration (OR = 0.33, 0.27 respectively). Morbidity rate was increased by surgery + IPC (OR = 1.82). The overall recurrence and the peritoneal recurrence rates were improved by surgery + IPC (OR = 0.46 and 0.47 respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in lymph-nodal recurrence rate. The rate of haematogenous metastasis was improved by surgery + IPC (OR = 0.63). CONCLUSIONS 1, 2 and 3-year overall survival is incremented by the IPC. No differences have been found at 5-year in overall survival rate. 2 and 3-year mortality rates in patients with nodal invasion and 1 and 2-year mortality rates in patients with serosal infiltration are improved by the use of IPC. IPC has positive effect on peritoneal recurrence and distant metastasis. Morbidity rate is incremented by IPC. Loco-regional lymph-nodes invasion in patients affected by advanced gastric cancer is not a contraindication to IPC.

Surgery versus Conservative Antibiotic Treatment in Acute Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background/Aims: Although standard treatment typically consists of an early appendectomy, there has recently been an increase in the use of antibiotic therapy as primary treatment for acute appendicitis (AA). The aim of this analysis is to systematically evaluate the evidence available in relevant literature in order to compare the relative effectiveness of antibiotic therapy as a viable alternative to appendectomies in the treatment of AA. Methods: Literature was searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of surgery versus antibiotic therapy. Differences in pooled odds ratios (OR) for outcomes within 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Four RCTs were identified including 741 patients. Efficacy was significantly higher for surgery (OR = 6.01, 95% CI = 4.27–8.46). No differences were found in the numbers of perforated appendices (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.29–1.84) and patients treated with antibiotics (OR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.00–3.27). Complication rates were significantly higher for surgery (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.30–2.85). Conclusion: Although a nonsurgical approach in AA can reduce the complications rate, the lower efficacy prevents antibiotic treatment from being a viable alternative to surgery. Since only a small number of RCTs of poor methodological quality are available, well-designed RCTs are needed for further investigation.