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Background: It is common to observe a gap between the day on which the discharge criteria are reached and the actual day of discharge after colorectal surgery. The aim of this study is to understand the reasons for this difference and its clinical impact on the overall length of stay (LOS). Methods: All patients enrolled in the prospective iCral3 study were analyzed regarding any difference and reason between the "fit for discharge" (FFD) and "actual discharge" (AD) dates. The association between the gap and the LOS in the whole population was then assessed through a multivariate regression model including other confounding variables. Results: The analysis included 4529 patients, with a median [IQR] LOS of 6 [4–8] days. The median [IQR] LOS was 6 [4–8] days in the no-gap group (3,910 patients, 86.3%), significantly lower (p <.001) than 7 [6–10] days in the gap group (619 patients, 13.7%). Among the gap reasons, the "need for postoperative rehabilitation" compared to "not willing to return home" and "social constraints" was associated with the longest LOS (9 [6.0–12.5] days, p < 0.001 vs other reasons). The existence of the gap independently determined a 2.3-day lengthening of LOS. Conclusions: Among other factors, the gap between FFD and AD had an independent impact on LOS. The most frequent reasons for this gap were "not willing to return home" and "social constraint", while the "need for postoperative rehabilitation" had the greater clinical impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a new surgical technique for reconstructing the abdominal wall in patients with prune belly syndrome, a rare congenital disorder characterized by malformations of the genitourinary tract and absence of abdominal wall muscles. The traditional treatment for this condition, simple fascial plication, only improves the cosmetic appearance but does not correct the functional deficit of the abdominal wall. The new technique described in the article involves transposing the gracilis muscles and using an onlay mesh to restore the function of the abdominal core. The combination of gracilis muscle transposition and mesh reconstruction allows for functional reconstruction of the abdominal wall, making it a potential option for various abdominal wall conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Background: To evaluate the ability of therapeutic intensity score (TIS) in predicting the clinical outcomes of partial (PA) and total adrenalectomy (TA) for UPA. Methods: Between 2011 and 2022, a four-center adrenalectomy dataset was queried for "unilateral adrenal mass" and "UPA" (n = 90). Preoperative TIS of each antihypertensive medication were individually calculated and merged to create a single, cumulative variable. Probability of complete clinical, partial, and absent pooled success rates according to TIS were assessed for the overall cohort by Kaplan–Meier. Cox analyses were used to identify predictors of complete clinical and partial/absent success, respectively. For all analyses, a two-sided p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: At a median follow-up of 42 months (IQR 27–54) complete partial, and absent clinical success were observed in 60%, 17.7%, and 22.3%, respectively. On Kaplan–Meier analysis, TIS < 1 predicted higher complete success rates (p < 0.001), while TIS ≥ 1 was predictor of either partial and absent clinical success (p = 0.008). On multivariable analysis, TIS < 1 (HR 0.25; 95% CI 0.11–0.57; p = 0.001) and adenoma size (HR 1.11; 95% CI 1–1.23; p = 0.0049) were independent predictors of complete clinical success, while TIS ≥ 1 (HR 2.84; 95% CI 1.32–6.1; p = 0.007) was the only independent predictor of absent clinical success. Conclusions: TIS score and adenoma size may help to identify patients who are likely to be at risk of persistent hypertension after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Several predictive scores to evaluate outcomes of adrenal surgery for unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA), have been conceived. We compared a novel trifecta that summarizes outcomes of adrenal surgery for UPA with the clinical cure proposed by Vorselaars. Material and methods. Between March 2011 and January 2022, a multi-institutional dataset was queried for UPA. Baseline, perioperative and functional data were collected. Clinical and biochemical complete and partial success rates according to Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome (PASO) criteria were assessed for the overall cohort. Clinical cure was defined either as normotension without antihypertensive medications or normotension with lower or equal use of antihypertensive medications. Trifecta was defined as the coexistence of =50% antihypertensive therapeutic intensity score (TIS) reduction (ΔTIS), no electrolyte impairment at 3-months and no Clavien-Dindo (2-5) complications. Cox regression analyses were used to identify predictors of long-term clinical and biochemical success. For all analyses, a two-sided p <0.05 was considered significant. Results Baseline, perioperative and functional outcomes were analyzed. Out of 90 patients, at a median follow-up of 42 months (IQR 27-54) a complete and partial clinical success was observed in 60% and 17.7% of cases while a complete and partial biochemical success was achieved in 83.3% and 12.3% of cases, respectively. Overall trifecta and clinical cure rates were 21.1% and 58.9%, respectively. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, trifecta achievement (HR 2.87; 95% CI 1.45-5.58; p = 0.02) was the only independent predictor of complete clinical success at long-term follow-up. Conclusions Despite its complex estimation and more restrictive criteria, trifecta but not clinical cure allows to independently predict composite PASO endpoints on the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze different types of management and one-year outcomes of anastomotic leakage (AL) after elective colorectal resection. Methods: All patients with anastomotic leakage after elective colorectal surgery with anastomosis (76/1,546; 4.9%), with the exclusion of cases with proximal diverting stoma, were followed-up for at least one year. Primary endpoints were as follows: composite outcome of one-year mortality and/or unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admission and additional morbidity rates. Secondary endpoints were as follows: length of stay (LOS), one-year persistent stoma rate, and rate of return to intended oncologic therapy (RIOT). Results: One-year mortality rate was 10.5% and unplanned ICU admission rate was 30.3%. Risk factors of the composite outcome included age (aOR = 1.08 per 1-year increase, p = 0.002) and anastomotic breakdown with end stoma at reoperation (aOR = 2.77, p = 0.007). Additional morbidity rate was 52.6%: risk factors included open versus laparoscopic reoperation (aOR = 4.38, p = 0.03) and ICU admission (aOR = 3.63, p = 0.05). Median (IQR) overall LOS was 20 days (14–26), higher in the subgroup of patients reoperated without stoma. At 1 year, a stoma persisted in 32.0% of patients, higher in the open (41.2%) versus laparoscopic (12.5%) reoperation group (p = 0.04). Only 4 out of 18 patients (22.2%) were able to RIOT. Conclusion: Mortality and/or unplanned ICU admission rates after AL are influenced by increasing age and by anastomotic breakdown at reoperation; additional morbidity rates are influenced by unplanned ICU admission and by laparoscopic approach to reoperation, the latter also reducing permanent stoma and failure to RIOT rates. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT03560180 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the present study is to analyze risk factors for adverse events after elective colorectal resection. A wide range of adverse events after elective colorectal surgery was reported, anastomotic leakage (AL) and related morbidity and mortality being the most feared ones. Clear definition of risk factors is crucial to limit the related mortality. Prospective, 1-year multicenter enrollment of 1546 elective colorectal resections with anastomosis. Endpoints were anastomotic leakage (AL), overall morbidity, major morbidity and mortality rates (ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT03560180). AL rate was 4.92%. Overall morbidity, major morbidity and mortality rates were 30.20%, 9.76% and 1.29%, respectively. Intra- and/or postoperative blood transfusion(s) was the only variable independently influencing all the endpoints: Odds ratios (OR) were 8.15 for AL, 19.33 for overall morbidity, 10.17 for major morbidity and 3.70 for mortality); overall morbidity rates were also independently influenced by American Society of Anesthesiologists class III vs I–II and extra- vs intra-corporeal anastomosis (OR 1.57 and 1.49, respectively); major morbidity rates were also independently influenced by female vs male gender and by the length of the procedure (OR 0.60 and 1.004, respectively); mortality rates were also independently influenced by increasing age (OR 1.16). This study clearly identifies intra- and/or postoperative blood transfusion(s) as an independent risk factor for all adverse events after elective colorectal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID19 pandemic had a deep impact on healthcare facilities in Italy, with profound reorganization of surgical activities. The Italian ColoRectal Anastomotic Leakage (iCral) study group collecting 43 Italian surgical centers experienced in colorectal surgery from multiple regions performed a quick survey to make a snapshot of the current situation. Methods: A 25-items questionnaire was sent to the 43 principal investigators of the iCral study group, with questions regarding qualitative and quantitative aspects of the surgical activity before and after the COVID19 outbreak. Results: Two-thirds of the centers were involved in the treatment of COVID19 cases. Intensive care units (ICU) beds were partially or totally reallocated for the treatment of COVID19 cases in 72% of the hospitals. Elective colorectal surgery for malignancy was stopped or delayed in nearly 30% of the centers, with less than 20% of them still scheduling elective colorectal resections for frail and comorbid patients needing postoperative ICU care. A significant reduction of the number of colorectal resections during the time span from January to March 2020 was recorded, with significant delay in treatment in more than 50% of the centers. Discussion: Our survey confirms that COVID19 outbreak is severely affecting the activity of colorectal surgery centers participating to iCral study group. This could impact the activity of surgical centers for many months after the end of the emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This systematic review and metanalysis was conducted to assess differences between perioperative and functional outcomes in patients undergoing minimally-invasive partial (mi-PA) and total adrenalectomy (mi-TA) for unilateral primary aldosteronism (uPHA). Material and Methods: Multiple scientific databases (PUBMED, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched up to November 2021 for surgical series comparing mi-PA vs. mi-TA for uPHA according to the PRISMA statement. Primary outcomes of interest were perioperative and functional outcomes. Results: Overall, a total of 802 patients from six eligible studies were identified, with mi-PA and mi-TA performed in 40.4% (n = 324) and 59.6% (n = 478) of cases, respectively. No differences were recorded between the two groups according to number of transfusions, EBL and Clavien–Dindo complications ≥2. Similarly, no differences in clinical success, persistence of postoperative hypokalemia and improvement in HTN were reported between mi-PA and mi-TA. Conclusions: In a uPHA setting, mi-PA and mi-TA provide comparable perioperative and functional outcomes despite the use of mi-PA remains limited to patients with small adenoma size, or hereditary/bilateral disease. Due to limited use of standardized reporting criteria in most of current series, the quest for a superiority of mi-PA over mi-TA in the treatment of uPHA still remains open. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To propose a trifecta that summarizes endpoints and predicts their maintenance after adrenalectomy (n = 90) for unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA). Methods: Trifecta was defined as coexistence of: ≥50% antihypertensive therapeutic intensity score reduction (∆TIS), no hypokalemia at 3 months, and no Clavien grade 2–5. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of trifecta. Probability of clinical, biochemical, and simultaneous success according to trifecta were assessed by Kaplan–Meier. Cox regression was used to identify predictors of long-term clinical, biochemical, and simultaneous success. For all analyses, a two-sided p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Simultaneous success rate was 50%. On multivariable analysis, TIS was an independent predictor of trifecta achievement (HR 3.28; 95% CI 1.07–10.9; p = 0.03). At Kaplan–Meier, trifecta predicted higher success for all endpoints (each p < 0.03). On multivariable Cox analysis, adenoma size (AS) ≥6 cm and trifecta were independent predictors of biochemical (AS: HR 2.87; 95% CI 1.53–5.36; trifecta: HR 2.1; 95% CI 1.13–3.90; each p < 0.02) and simultaneous success (AS: HR 3.81; 95% CI 1.68–8.65; trifecta: HR 4.29; 95% CI 2.08–8.86; each p < 0.01), while trifecta was an independent predictor of complete clinical success (HR 2.84; 95% CI 1.45–5.58; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Trifecta and AS are independent predictors of either long-term complete clinical, biochemical, or combined success after adrenalectomy for UPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim This study analyses the impact of the first two pandemic waves on surgical urgencies/emergencies and their consequences on an entire provincial hospital network's surgical activities. Methods  Clinical and epidemiological data of urgent/emergent surgical admissions and interventions in the Autonomous Province of Trento's hospital network were collected from the internal common electronic database. The investigation periods were March-May 2019 (reference period), March-May 2020 (phase-I), June - August 2020 (phase-II), and October - December 2020 (phase-III). The same data were divided and grouped for the six most represented diagnoses. Results: The number of admissions for surgical emergencies in the studied periods showed a sinusoidal trend. In the reference period of 2019, 957 patients were admitted in urgency, while in the three pandemic phases, urgent admissions were 511, 888 and 633 respectively (-47% in phase I, - 8% in phase II, -34% in phase III). This trend was also observed by stratifying admissions for single disease, except for gastrointestinal perforations and pancreatitis, which showed a slight increasing trend in phase-I. Among the studied population, the surgical rate was 35.2% in phase-I and 34.3% in phase-III; these data were significantly higher than in 2019 (25.6%).  Conclusions The effect of the COVID pandemic on surgical emergencies and urgencies (SUEs) was mainly indirect, manifesting itself with a significant reduction in the number of surgical admissions, particularly in phases-I and-III. Conversely, in the same phases, the surgical rate showed a significant increase compared to 2019.

Objectives: to analyse both direct and indirect impacts on surgical admissions, surgical rates, and clinical picture severity of the two COVID-19 pandemic waves in a hospital network covering an entire province (Trento, located in Trentino-Alto Adige Region, Northern Italy)., Design: retrospective epidemiological study., Setting and Participants: data regarding the patient load of the Surgical Urgencies/Emergencies flows (SUEs) of the Local Health Authority of the Autonomous Province of Trento derived from the Hospital Discharge Record (HDR) information flow. The population in study was that of patients hospitalized in the entire Province of Trento. This study compares the volume and characteristics of urgent/emergency surgery during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic with the homologous period in 2019, subdividing the analysed pandemic period in 3 separated groups: • phase I (March-May 2020); • phase II (June-August 2020); • phase III (October-December 2020). The 3 groups represent, respectively: the 1st pandemic wave proclamation of national lockdown from 9 March to 18 May; the summer pandemic remission; the 2nd pandemic wave with partial restrictions on circulation and commercial activities. Clinical and surgical records of SUE population among these 3 periods (March-May; June-August; October-December) of both 2020 and 2019 were analyzed and compared., Main Outcome Measures: the overall number of admissions and surgical rates for SUEs in the study periods were chosen as primary outcomes. The same outcomes were analysed for the most represented diagnoses in the SUEs population: diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, cholecystitis, gastrointestinal (GI) perforations, pancreatitis, traumas. To assess the degree of clinical picture severity, variables coming from the hospital discharging charts, commonly associated to worst outcomes in term of mortality and morbidity, such as age, length of hospital stay, DRG weight, and patients not discharged at home were extrapolated from the electronic database. A numerical weight was then assigned to each variable, obtaining a scoring system from 0 to 15 (severity index)., Results: the number of admissions for SUEs in the studied period showed a sinusoidal trend, with a dramatic decrease in phase I and III (-46.6% and -31.6%, respectively). This trend was also observed even by stratifying admissions for the most frequent pathologies, except for gastrointestinal perforations and pancreatitis. The surgical rate among hospitalised patients for SUEs was 35.2% in phase, significantly higher than that of 2019 (25.6%). Considering the most frequent diagnoses individually, some had a progressive increase in the surgical rate in phases I and II (diverticulitis, bowel obstructions, cholecystitis), others showed an initial decrease and then settled on values ​​not far from those of 2019 (GI perforations and appendicitis), others again had an initial significant increase and then gradually returned to values ​​similar to those of 2019 in phase III (traumas). The mean patients age was significantly higher in phase I than in 2019 (p-value <0.001) and in phase II (p-value <0.05). Consistently with the trend of the number of urgent admissions, even the severity index calculated on the SUEs population showed a sinusoidal trend with and evident increase during the two pandemic waves., Conclusions: the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on SUEs was mainly indirect, manifesting itself with a significant reduction in surgical admissions, particularly in phases I and III. Conversely, in the same phases, the surgical rate showed a significant increase compared to 2019. The stratified analysis confirmed these findings for the most frequent diagnoses except for GI perforations and pancreatitis. The clinical pictures were more severe in the two pandemic waves than in the reference period of 2019. Although with a slight numerical attenuation, in general, the second pandemic wave confirmed the first one findings.

Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a rare outpouching of the esophageal mucosa herniating posteriorly through Killian's triangle. Treatments of ZD aim to dissect the cricopharyngeal muscle to remove the underlying dysfunctional condition. In the last decade, a septotomy performed utilizing a flexible endoscope has been reported as a safe and effective alternative to both open surgery and rigid endoscopic diverticulotomy. More recently, Li et al described a novel endoscopic technique to treat ZD, named "submucosal tunneling endoscopic septum division", inspired by the peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure developed for achalasia. Subsequently, the term Z-POEM was introduced and has become the most frequently used acronym to define the tunneling technique for ZD. This article describes the flexible therapeutic endoscopic strategies for treating ZD, including the novel third space approach, which seems to show promising potential in terms of clinical efficacy and safety., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: None, (Copyright: © 2021 Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology.)

Background: The recently introduced Hot AXIOS™ system for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transenteric drainage has the potential to change interventional endoscopy significantly. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of this new type of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) with cautery system for pancreatic collection, and gallbladder and biliary tree drainage., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients undergoing EUS-guided drainage by LAMS with cautery system in a tertiary-care academic medical center between March 2014 and March 2017. All patients were included in our prospectively maintained institutional EUS database. The main outcome measures were technical success, clinical effectiveness, and adverse events., Results: A total of 45 patients (20 men, mean age 69.6 years) underwent LAMS placement. Indications were pancreatic fluid collections (19 patients, 42.2%), acute cholecystitis (10 patients, 22.2%), and biliary drainage (16 patients, 35.5%). Technical success was achieved in all patients except one (97.7%). Clinical success was achieved in 86.4% (38/44) of cases and adverse events occurred in 5 (11.4%) of patients., Conclusions: In our experience, EUS-guided LAMS placement performed by expert endoscopists was feasible and effective in the endoscopic management of pancreatic fluid collection, and biliary and gallbladder drainage. Optimization of transmural drainage by new dedicated devices could improve efficacy and safety in appropriately selected patients., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: None

Objective: To highlight the current available evidence in antireflux surgery through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)., Summary Background Data: Laparoscopic fundoplication is currently suggested as the gold standard for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, but many controversies are still open concerning the influence of some technical details on its results., Methods: Papers related to RCTs identified via a systematic literature search were evaluated according to standard criteria. Data regarding the patient sample, study methods, and outcomes were abstracted and summarized across studies. Defined outcomes were examined for 41 papers published from 1974 to 2002 related to 25 RCTs. A meta-analysis was performed pooling the results as odds ratios (OR), rate differences (RD), and number needed to treat (NNT). Data given as mean and/or median values were pooled as a mean +/- SD (SD)., Results: No perioperative deaths were found in any of the RCTs. Immediate results showed a significantly lower operative morbidity rate (10.3% versus 26.7%, OR 0.33, RD -12%, NNT 8), shorter postoperative stay (3.1 versus 5.2 days, P = 0.03), and shorter sick leave (20.1 versus 35.8 days, P = 0.03) for laparoscopic versus open fundoplication. No significant differences were found regarding the incidence of recurrence, dysphagia, bloating, and reoperation for failure at midterm follow-up. No significant differences in operative morbidity (13.1% versus 9.4%) and in operative time (90.2 versus 84.2 minutes) were found in partial versus total fundoplication. A significantly lower incidence of reoperation for failure (1.6% versus 9.6%, OR 0.21, RD -7%, NNT 14) was found after partial fundoplication, with no significant differences regarding the incidence of recurrence and/or dysphagia. Routine division of short gastric vessels during total fundoplication showed no significant advantages regarding the incidence of postoperative dysphagia and recurrence when compared with no division. The use of ultrasonic scalpel compared with clips or bipolar cautery for the division of short gastric vessels showed no significant effect on operative time, postoperative complications, and costs., Conclusions: Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is at least as safe and as effective as its open counterpart, with reduced morbidity, shortened postoperative stay, and sick leave. Partial fundoplication significantly reduces the risk of reoperations for failure over total fundoplication. Routine versus no division of short gastric vessels showed no significant advantages. A word of caution is needed when implementing these results derived from RCTs performed in specialized centers into everyday clinical practice, where experience and skills may be suboptimal.

Axillary lymph node metastasis from an occult breast carcinoma is a rare occurrence. We report this condition in a 59-year-old woman who presented with a swelling in the right axilla. No breast mass was clinically evident. Mammography, ultrasonography and multiple random fine-needle breast biopsies yielded no pathological findings. No extramammary primary lesions were present. Axillary sampling was performed and histological examination revealed the presence of metastatic adenocarcinoma in three of the 12 dissected lymph nodes. Estrogen receptors were positive and immunohistochemistry pointed to a breast origin. All these data were suggestive of occult breast cancer. The patient refused any further treatment but accepted clinical and radiological follow-up. Eight years later mammography revealed in the same breast a 10-mm nodule containing microcalcifications, which was not evident at physical examination. The patient underwent a lumpectomy. Intraoperative histology was positive for breast carcinoma and complete axillary clearance was performed. Histological examination revealed a lobular invasive breast carcinoma and the presence of micrometastasis in one of the 23 removed lymph nodes. The patient was given radiotherapy to the breast and axilla and tamoxifen. At present, one year after the appearance of the primary tumor, she is free of disease. Based on this case report we suggest an eclectic approach in the management of patients with axillary metastasis from occult breast cancer, depending on the clinical, pathological and biological findings.