Paolo Pizzetti

Predictors of metachronous colorectal neoplasms in sporadic adenoma patients.

Our objective was to assess the overall risk of subsequent colorectal neoplasms (cancer or adenoma) in relation with the various characteristics of the index lesion in a cohort of patients who underwent endoscopic polypectomies of colorectal adenomas. A total of 1,086 patients with adenomas of the large bowel were reported between 1979 and 1999 at the National Cancer Institute of Milan during a screening program for colorectal carcinoma. Data on patients who had colonoscopic examinations and treatments were collected prospectively. The relation between colorectal cancer (CRC) and adenoma features was assessed by computing the hazard ratio (HR) values and corresponding confidence intervals (95% CI) according to Cox proportional hazard models. Of the 1,086 eligible patients (487 females, 579 males), 736 had single adenomas (67.7%) and 350 had multiple adenomas (32.3%). Histologic examination revealed 772 cases of tubular adenoma (73%), 205 cases of tubulovillous adenoma and 80 cases of villous adenoma (7.5%). Severe dysplasia was found in 3.3% of the cases. During the 11,393 person‐years of follow‐up, with an average time of surveillance of 10.5 years, colorectal carcinomas developed in 10 patients (0.8%) and a new adenoma in 323 patients (29%). Multivariate analysis showed that male gender (HR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3–2.0), multiple polyps (HR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3–2.0), polyps larger than 2 cm (HR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1–2.1), tubulovillous and villous histology (HR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0–1.6 and HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2–2.6, respectively) at index polypectomy were statistically significant risk factors for developing metachronous adenomatous polyps. The standardized incidence rates (SIR) for CRC was 0.52 (95% CI 0.25–0.95). The SIR was increased in subjects with severe dysplasia (2.8; 95% CI 0.34–1.02). Some features of large bowel adenomas are strongly correlated with an increased risk of metachronous adenomas and colorectal cancer. However, the endoscopic polypectomy is able to reduce by 50% the incidence of CRC in patients with large bowel adenomas.

Survival of patients with hereditary colorectal cancer: Comparison of HNPCC and colorectal cancer in FAP patients with sporadic colorectal cancer

Conflicting data exist on the prognosis of hereditary colorectal cancer. HNPCC patients, in particular, are often reported to have a better survival. We examined 2,340 colorectal‐cancer patients treated in our Institution: 144 HNPCC patients (Amsterdam Criteria), 161 FAP patients and 2,035 patients with sporadic cancer. Data on hereditary‐cancer patients treated between 1980 and 1995 was collected in a registry. The 2,035 sporadic colorectal‐cancer patients (controls) included all new cases treated in the Department of Gastrointestinal‐Tract Surgery during the same period. Observed survival was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Cumulative survival probability was estimated at 5 years within each group and stratified by various clinical and pathological variables. The age distribution at diagnosis of sporadic patients was significantly higher than that of FAP and HNPCC patients (median 60 years vs. 43 and 49 years; p < 0.0001). In the HNPCC group, 40% had a right cancer location, vs. 14% in the FAP group and 13% in the sporadic‐cancer group. In the sporadic group, 51% were early‐stage cancers (Dukes A or B) vs. 48.4% and 52.1% in the FAP and HNPCC groups respectively. In the HNPCC, FAP and sporadic‐cancer groups, the 5‐year cumulative survival rate was 56.9%, 54.4% and 50.6% respectively. Survival analysis by the Cox proportional‐hazards method revealed no substantial survival advantage for HNPCC and FAP patients compared with the sporadic group, after adjustment for age, gender, stage and tumor location. The hazard ratio for HNPCC was 1.01 (95% CI 0.72–1.39) and 1.27 (95% CI 0.95–1.7) for FAP patients compared with the sporadic‐colorectal‐cancer group. Int. J. Cancer 80:183–187, 1999.

Endoscopic stent placement for cancer of the lower esophagus and gastric cardia

We reviewed our results of using stents for palliation of cancer of the lower third of the esophagus and gastric cardia. During a 14-year period, 76 patients with either lower third esophageal cancer (n = 43) or cancer of the gastric cardia (n = 33) received stents for palliation of malignant dysphagia. Successful endoscopic placement was initially achieved in all patients, with 71 patients available for follow-up. Of these, 40 (56%) were subsequently able to eat solid or semi-solid food, 25 (35%) could swallow only liquids, and 6 (8%) were unimproved. The combined early and late complication rate totalled 22%. Early complications included perforation (n = 3) and stent migration (n = 4); late complications consisted of dislodgment (n = 6), obstruction by tumor (n = 2), and severe esophagitis (n = 1). There were no procedure-related deaths, but survival at 1 year was estimated to be only 1.5%, with a median survival of 2.5 months after stent insertion. The endoscopic placement of prosthetic stents for cancer of the distal esophagus and gastric cardia entails a higher complication rate, less successful palliation, and shorter survival time compared to similar treatment for more proximal esophageal cancer.

Risk of colorectal cancer following colonoscopic polypectomy.

Aims and Background To follow a cohort of patients who had undergone polypectomies in order to assess the overall risk of subsequent colorectal cancer in relation with various adenomas characteristics. Methods A total of 1,063 patients with adenomatous polyps of the large intestine were treated between 1979 and 1996 at the National Cancer Institute of Milan, during a screening program for colorectal carcinoma. Data on patients who had undergone colonoscopies were collected prospectively. The relation between colorectal cancer and adenomas characteristics was assessed by computing the hazard ratio (HR) values and corresponding confidence intervals (95% CI), according to Cox. Results Of the 1,063 patients who met the eligibility requirements, 672 had single adenomas (63.2%) and 391 had multiple adenomas (36.8%). Histological examination revealed 743 cases of tubular adenoma, 196 cases of tubulo-villous adenoma, and 96 cases of villous adenoma. High-grade dysplasia was found in 3.1% of the cases. During the 8,906 persons/year of follow-up, adenocarcinomas of the large bowel developed in 11 patients. Several adenomas’ characteristics at index polypectomy were significant predictors of colorectal cancer occurrence. In univariate analysis the risk of colon cancer was significantly related with multiple adenomas (HR 4.2, 95% CI 1.1-6.5), high-grade dysplasia adenomas (HR 10.0, 95% CI 2.6-38.1) and with adenomas larger than 2 cm (HR 5.0, 95% CI 1.2-20.4). A multivariate stepwise procedure confirmed that the presence of multiple adenomas and presence of high-grade dysplasia are the most important predictors of carcinomas. Hazard ratios for colorectal cancer occurrence, from multivariate Coxs model, were 5.1 (95% CI 1.2-19.9) for multiple compared to single adenomas, and 13.0 (95% CI 3.6-50.7) for adenomas with high-grade dysplasia compared to those with low-grade dysplasia. Conclusions High-grade dysplasia, number and size of adenomas were confirmed as the major cancer predictors. Based on this conclusion, a subgroup of patients, who may benefit from intensive surveillance colonoscopy, can be identifiable.

Evaluation of quality of life in patients with malignant dysphagia.

Background In the last 10 years of clinical research there has been increasing interest in the evaluation of quality of life. Several generic and specific instruments have been developed for this purpose. EORTC QLQ C-30 is a cancer-specific questionnaire translated into various languages and validated in several European countries including Italy, where the impact of malignant disease on different areas of quality of life is poorly documented. Methods The EORTC QLQ C-30 was administered to 109 patients referred to the endoscopy division of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, for endoscopic palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia to test its characteristics in terms of acceptability and clinical validity. Results In this group of patients the impact of advanced esophageal cancer was highly evident for Emotional and Physical Functioning, Fatigue and Global QoL scales. Dysphagia is a serious problem for many patients; there is a correlation between grade of dysphagia and four QoL dimensions. Conclusions QoL assessment is an important tool to evaluate the adequate management of patients with esophageal cancer. The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire proved to be valid and reliable also in this population.

Conservative management of esophageal leaks by transluminal endoscopic drainage of the mediastinum or pleural space

BACKGROUND The management of postoperative leaks into the mediastinum or pleural cavities after esophageal surgery yields unsatisfactory results. A recently described method, drainage of the mediastinum or pleural cavity through suture line defects, has been used in our department with eight patients. METHODS A suction tube was advanced over an endoscopically placed guide wire into the abscess from inside the esophagus, and gentle aspiration was used to remove saliva and secretions. Intravenous antibiotics and total parenteral nutrition were also given. RESULTS The sepsis was rapidly controlled, and the abscess cavity progressively collapsed in all cases. Seven patients recovered and were discharged 34 to 61 days after operation; one died of concomitant complications. CONCLUSIONS This method seems promising for the management of intrathoracic esophageal leaks.

Two-step endoscopic resection of gastric leiomyomas

SummaryOur two-step technique for endoscopic treatment of gastric leiomyomas is illustrated. From January 1979 to June 1991, nine symptomatic patients with sessile leiomyomas of the stomach were treated at the Endoscopy Division of Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan.The diagnosis was achieved by means of endoscopic observation of the lesion and, when possible, by ultrasound endoscopy.This new technique consists of first removing superficial portion of the tumor by electrosurgical snare. Second, a cleavage plane is found within the proper muscle layer; the tumor is enucleated as much as possible by tightening the snare around it and creating a pseudo-stalk. No major complication occurred nor were any recurrences observed at 21.8 months in the 7/9 patients treated by endoscopy alone. Endoscopic therapy was performed on an outpatient basis and only large lesions required short hospitalization.

Esophageal intubation for malignant fistulas

SummaryBetween April 1978 and December 1989 at the Endoscopy Division of the National Cancer Institute of Milan, 140 patients were intubated for esophageal neoplasms; 19 of these subjects underwent endoscopic intubation for malignant fistulas complicated by pneumonia and/or mediastinitis. The prostheses were tolerated well and enabled the restoration of oral nutrition. The mean survival was 4.7 months (range, 0.5–17 months). No major complications occurred. Tube dislodgement was observed in 2 cases (10.5%). Two patients died of causes that were not related to the procedure.

Laparoscopic repair of full-thickness stomach injury

A case of laparoscopic repair of gastric perforation caused by a trocar is reported. Suturing was carried out by the apposition of clips. The potential advantages of this approach are that the treatment is performed at the time of the complication, the duration of the operation is reduced, and the discharge of the patient from hospital is accelerated.

Endoscopic treatment of postradiation strictures.

Background Esophageal stricture is a rare complication of radiotherapy: reports on its incidence and management are therefore anecdotal. Methods From January 1978 to September 1992, 44 patients presenting with an esophageal stricture related to a previous radiation treatment were endo-scopically dilated at the Endoscopy Division of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan. Results Esophageal recanalization was obtained in 95 % of the patients treated, and in 79 % of these normal eating habits were restored. No strict correlation was observed between radiation dose and severity of the stricture, or time elapsed between first treatment and endoscopic dilation. Conclusions In our experience, endoscopic dilation was a safe effective procedure and represented an effective palliative tool in dysphagic patients with esophageal strictures due to previous local radiotherapy.