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Objective We reviewed the available literature on patients with coronary artery disease undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with either single (SAG) or multiple arterial grafting (MAG). Methods Original research studies that evaluated the long-term survival of MAG versus SAG were identified, from 1995 to 2022. The median overall survival (OS) and event-free OS were the primary endpoints. Comparison of median OS between the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) and radial artery (RA) as a second arterial conduit was the secondary endpoint. Subgroup analyses were performed regarding patients older than 70 years, with diabetes mellitus, and females. A sensitivity analysis was performed with the leave-one-out method. Results Forty-four studies were included in the qualitative and thirty-nine in the quantitative synthesis. After pooling data from 180 to 459 patients, the MAG group demonstrated a higher OS (HR, 0.589; 95% CI, 0.58–0.60; p p p = 0.009). MAG was also superior to SAG in patients over 70 years, females, and patients with diabetes mellitus. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated a small-size study effect on the female subgroup analysis. Conclusion The present meta-analysis indicates that MAG is associated with enhanced survival outcomes compared to SAG for patients undergoing isolated CABG.

BACKGROUND: This review aims to systematically evaluate the currently available evidence investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the field of cardiac transplantation. Furthermore, based on the challenges identified we aim to provide a series of recommendations and a knowledge base for future research in the field of ML and heart transplantation. METHODS: A systematic database search was conducted of original articles that explored the use of ML and/or AI in heart transplantation in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database, and Google Scholar, from inception to November 2021. RESULTS: Our search yielded 237 articles, of which 13 studies were included in this review, featuring 463 850 patients. Three main areas of application were identified: (1) ML for predictive modeling of heart transplantation mortality outcomes; (2) ML in graft failure outcomes; (3) ML to aid imaging in heart transplantation. The results of the included studies suggest that AI and ML are more accurate in predicting graft failure and mortality than traditional scoring systems and conventional regression analysis. Major predictors of graft failure and mortality identified in ML models were: length of hospital stay, immunosuppressive regimen, recipient's age, congenital heart disease, and organ ischemia time. Other potential benefits include analyzing initial lab investigations and imaging, assisting a patient with medication adherence, and creating positive behavioral changes to minimize further cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: ML demonstrated promising applications for improving heart transplantation outcomes and patient-centered care, nevertheless, there remain important limitations relating to implementing AI into everyday surgical practices.

Background/Aim: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. The purpose of the present study was to establish a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft model (PDOX) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), thus providing a tumor microenvironment resembling that of the human pancreas to identify novel potential biomarkers and treatment regimens. Materials and Methods: PDAC tissue samples were received from 35 patients, following informed consent, and three mouse strains were implemented. Results: Successful PDOX engraftment was performed in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) and NOD/SCID gamma (NSG) mice. Nonetheless, we found a higher rate of successful engraftment and tumor growth in NSG compared to NOD/SCID mice, possibly owning to the different level of immunosuppression and more specifically of the natural killer cells presence. Conclusion: Our suggested PDOX model represents a preclinical cancer research model with a high affinity for the patient’s tumor microenvironment, thus enabling the acceleration of PDAC research.

Objective: We conducted a thorough literature search on patients with central non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing either extended sleeve lobectomy (ESL) or pneumonectomy (PN). Methods: We identified all original research studies that compared the long-term survival of ESL versus PN from 1990 to 2022. The primary endpoints were the median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Complications, operative mortality, and the reoperation rate were the secondary endpoints. Regarding the primary endpoints, independent patient data were extracted from the included studies, and pooled Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed. A sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method. Results: Nine studies were included in the qualitative and seven in the quantitative synthesis, including 431 patients. Patients in the ESL group demonstrated a significantly higher OS compared with the PN group (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46–0.87; p = 0.005). In addition, patients undergoing ESL presented a significantly higher DFS compared to the PN group (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40–0.80; p = 0.004). These findings were further validated with a sensitivity analysis. The most common complications in the ESL group were bronchopleural fistula (4.6%), stricture (3.1%), prolonged air leakage (7.3%), sputum retention (4.6%), pneumonia (7.7%), and pulmonary vein thrombosis (1.5%). ESL was associated with a low reoperation rate (1.5%) and operative mortality (1.2%). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis indicates that ESL is associated with enhanced survival outcomes compared to PN for patients with central NSCLC. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate our findings.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Odds Ratio, Weighted Mean Difference, and 95% Confidence Interval were evaluated by means of the Random-Effects model. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 939 patients. This study reveals that patients in the HIFU group presented increased median overall survival (OS), along with higher OS at 6 and 12 months after treatment compared with the control group (p

The accurate evaluation of perioperative risk is crucial to facilitate the shared decision-making process. Surgical outcome risk tool (SORT) has been developed to provide enhanced and more feasible identification of high-risk surgical patients. Nonetheless, SORT has not been validated for patients with colorectal cancer undergoing surgery. Our aim was to determine whether SORT can accurately predict mortality after surgery for colorectal cancer and to compare it with traditional risk models. 526 patients undergoing surgery performed by a colorectal surgical team in a single Greek tertiary hospital (2011–2019) were included. Five risk models were evaluated: (1) SORT, (2) Physiology and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM), (3) Portsmouth POSSUM (P-POSSUM), (4) Colorectal POSSUM (CR-POSSUM), and (5) the Association of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) score. Model accuracy was assessed by observed to expected (O:E) ratios, and area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC). Ten patients (1.9%) died within 30 days of surgery. SORT was associated with an excellent level of discrimination [AUC:0.81 (95% CI:0.68–0.94); p = 0.001] and provided the best performing calibration of all models in the entire dataset analysis (H–L:2.82; p = 0.83). Nonetheless, SORT underestimated mortality. SORT model demonstrated excellent discrimination and calibration predicting perioperative mortality in patients undergoing (1) open surgery, (2) emergency/acute surgery, and (3) in cases with colon-located cancer. SORT is an easily adopted risk-assessment tool, associated with enhanced accuracy, that could be implemented in the perioperative pathway of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

Objective We reviewed the available literature on patients with lung cancer undergoing either uniportal (UVATS) or multiport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (MVATS). Methods Original research studies that evaluated perioperative and long-term outcomes of UVATS versus MVATS were identified, from January 1990 to April 2020. The perioperative, along with the oncologic and long-term survival outcomes, were calculated according to either a fixed or a random effect model, appropriately. The Q statistics and I2 statistic were used to test for heterogeneity among the studies. Results Twenty studies were included, incorporating a total of 1,469 patients treated with UVATS and 3,231 treated with MVATS. The incidence of complications was lower in patients treated with UVATS [OR: 0.76 (95% CI 0.62, 0.93); p = 0.008]. The chest tube duration was significantly lower in the UVATS group (WMD: − 0.63 [95% CI − 1.03, − 0.23]; p = 0.002). Length of hospital stay (L.O.S.) was also lower in the UVATS patient group (WMD: − 0.54 [− 0.94, − 0.13]; p = 0.009), along with postoperative pain [WMD: − 0.57 (95% CI − 0.97, − 0.18); p = 0.004]. No significant differences were found regarding the mean operative time (M.O.T.), mean blood loss, the number of resected lymph nodes, the 30-day mortality, along with the survival at 1 and 3 years postoperatively. Conclusions The present meta-analysis indicates that UVATS is associated with enhanced outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer. Well-designed, randomized studies, comparing UVATS to MVATS, are necessary to further assess their long-term clinical outcomes.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor prognosis. In this context, the identification of biomarkers regarding the PDAC diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis is crucial. Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the differential gene expression profile of the chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) gene family network in patients with PDAC, in order to suggest novel biomarkers. Methods: In silico techniques were used to construct the interactome of the CLIC gene family, identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PDAC as compared to healthy controls, and evaluate their potential prognostic role. Results: Transcriptomic data of three microarray datasets were included, incorporating 114 tumor and 59 normal pancreatic samples. Twenty DEGs were identified; eight were up-regulated and twelve were downregulated. A molecular signature of seven genes (Chloride Intracellular Channel 1 – CLIC1; Chloride Intracellular Channel 3 – CLIC3; Chloride Intracellular Channel 4 – CLIC4; Ganglioside Induced Differentiation Associated Protein 1 – GDAP1; Ganglioside Induced Differentiation Associated Protein 1 Like 1 – GDAP1L1; Glutathione S-Transferase Pi 1 - GSTP1; Prostaglandin E Synthase 2 – PTGES2) were identified as prognostic markers associated with overall survival. Positive correlations were reported regarding the expression of CLIC1-CLIC3, CLIC4-CLIC5, and CLIC5- CLIC6. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated the molecular functions and miRNA families (hsa-miR-122, hsa-miR-618, hsa-miR-425, and hsa-miR-518) relevant to the seven prognostic markers. Conclusions: These outcomes demonstrate a seven-gene molecular panel that predicts the patients’ prospective survival following pancreatic resection for PDAC.

Background: Rectal Cancer (RC) is a common type of cancer with poor prognosis. The identification of biomarkers regarding RC diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis is crucial. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the differential expression of the Aquaporin (AQP) gene family network in RC, and the effect of Radiotherapy (RT) on their expression profile, to indicate novel biomarkers and prognostic factors. Methods: We used data mining techniques to construct the network of the AQP-associated genes to determine the Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) in RC and in irradiated as compared to nonirradiated RC patients. Furthermore, survival data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analysed to assess the prognostic role of the DEGs, along with the functional enrichment of gene ontologies and miRNAs related to the DEGs in RC. Results: Microarray data of one PubMed GEO dataset was extracted, incorporating 22 RC and 20 normal rectal tissue samples. Eight DEGs were reported. Four DEGs were up-regulated and four downregulated in RC. Correlations were identified among the DEGs. Deming regression analysis was performed in order to demonstrate the equations describing these correlations. One gene (Aquaporin 3) was downregulated in irradiated RC samples compared with non-irradiated samples. The most significantly affected biological pathways and miRNAs were identified by functional enrichment analysis. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates an eight-gene molecular panel that could facilitate as biomarkers regarding RC patients, which are potential targets of five miRNA families. Finally, our results highlight the effect of radiotherapy on AQPs and the associated pathways in RC.

Background There is no clear evidence on whether radiotherapy (RT) improves treatment result in patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS). Methods A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and CENTRAL databases. Data were retrieved from published comparatives studies in patients with RPS undergoing surgery alone or RT plus surgery. The primary endpoints were the 5-year OS and the median OS. The secondary endpoints were the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and the R0-resection rate. Continuous outcomes were calculated by means of weighted mean difference (WMD). Results Ten out of 374 articles were analyzed. The median OS and the 5-year survival were significantly increased in patients treated with RT and surgery, compared to patients treated with surgery alone (p < 0.00001, p < 0.001). Median RFS was significantly increased in patients treated with either preoperative (p < 0.001) or postoperative (p = 0.001) RT compared to patients that underwent surgery alone. Finally, median R0-resection rate was similar between the two groups (p = 0.56). Conclusion RT along with radical surgery could be the standard of care in at least a subgroup of patients with RPS.

An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in December 2019 due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a strain of SARS-CoV. Patients infected with the virus present a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from mild flu-like symptoms, cough, fever and fatigue to severe lung injury, appearing as bilateral interstitial pneumonia or acute respiratory failure. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection predominantly offends the respiratory system, it has been associated with several cardiovascular complications as well. For example, patients with COVID-19 may either develop type 2 myocardial infarction due to myocardial oxygen demand and supply imbalance or acute coronary syndrome resulting from excessive inflammatory response to the primary infection. The incidence of COVID-19 related myocarditis is estimated to be accountable for an average of 7% of all COVID-19 related fatal cases, whereas heart failure (HF) may develop due to infiltration of the heart by inflammatory cells, destructive action of pro-inflammatory cytokines, micro-thrombosis and new onset or aggravated endothelial and respiratory failure. Lastly, SARS-CoV-2 can engender arrhythmias through direct myocardial damage causing acute myocarditis or through HF decompensation or secondary, through respiratory failure or severe respiratory distress syndrome. In this comprehensive review we summarize the COVID-19 related cardiovascular complications (acute coronary syndromes, myocarditis, HF, arrhythmias) and discuss the main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

We aim to review the available literature on patients with esophageal cancer treated with robot-assisted (RAME) or video-assisted McKeown's esophagectomy (VAME), to compare the efficacy and safety of the two approaches. Original research studies that evaluated perioperative and oncologic outcomes of RAME versus VAME were identified, from January 1990 to July 2022. The 90-day mortality, the R0 resection rate, the dissected lymph nodes, the perioperative parameters, and the complications were calculated according to a fixed and a random effect model. The Q statistics and I

Background: Pancreatic cancer surgery is related to significant mortality, thus necessitating the accurate assessment of perioperative risk to enhance treatment decision making. A Surgical Outcome Risk Tool (SORT) and SORT v2 have been developed to provide enhanced risk stratification. Our aim was to validate the accuracy of SORT and SORT v2 in pancreatic cancer surgery. Method: Two hundred and twelve patients were included and underwent pancreatic surgery for cancer. The surgeries were performed by a single surgical team in a single tertiary hospital (2016–2022). We assessed a total of four risk models: SORT, SORT v2, POSSUM (Physiology and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity), and P-POSSUM (Portsmouth-POSSUM). The accuracy of the model was evaluated using an observed-to-expected (O:E) ratio and the area under the curve (AUC). Results: The 30-day mortality rate was 3.3% (7 patients). Both SORT and SORT v2 demonstrated excellent discrimination traits (AUC: 0.98 and AUC: 0.98, respectively) and provided the best-performing calibration in the total analysis. However, both tools underestimated the 30-day mortality. Furthermore, both reported a high level of calibration and discrimination in the subgroup of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, with previous ERCP, and CA19-9 ≥ 500 U/mL. Conclusions: SORT and SORT v2 are efficient risk-assessment tools that should be adopted in the perioperative pathway, shared decision-making (SDM) process, and counseling of patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing surgery.

Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of proximal repair (PR) versus extensive repair (ER) for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).A literature search in three databases was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Studies comparing PR versus ER for ATAAD were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed.A total of 27 studies incorporating 7113 patients (PR: 5080; ER: 2033) were included. Patients undergoing PR presented decreased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67 [95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 0.53-0.85]; p 0.01) and post-operative bleeding (OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.60-0.95]; p = 0.02) compared to ER. Meta-regression analysis revealed that in-hospital mortality was not influenced by differences regarding the extent of dissection (p = 0.43). Cardiopulmonary bypass time (SMD:-0.93 [95% CI - 1.22, - 0.66]; p 0.01) and length of hospital stay (SMD:-0.19 [95% CI - 0.34, - 0.05]; p = 0.01) were also lower in the PR group, while there was no difference in terms of renal failure and permanent neurological deficit. The ER approach demonstrated a lower post-discharge mortality compared to PR (OR 1.46 [95% CI 1.09, 1.97]; p = 0.01), while the post-discharge reoperation rate was comparable between the two groups. 1 and 3-year overall survival (OS) were comparable between PR and ER (OR 1.05, [95% CI 0.77-1.44]; p = 0.76) and (OR 1.27 [95% CI 0.86-1.86]; p = 0.23), respectively. The 5-year OS (OR 1.67 [95% CI 1.16-2.41]; p = 0.01) was in favor of the PR arm.In patients with ATAAD, PR was associated with lower odds of in-hospital mortality but higher odds of late mortality. ER and PR demonstrated similar post-operative complication and reoperation rates.

Bile duct injuries represent the most dramatic complications after an open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The detrimental effects on patient quality of life and overall survival are the most obvious consequences of such injuries. An effective treatment strategy after accurate mapping of the injury type is the only method of averting these morbid consequences. Several classification systems have been proposed in an attempt to accurately describe and categorize bile duct injuries. The critical question is whether we truly need all these systems and whether each of these systems adds value to the existing knowledge base, or further obscures the field. Each classification system has several advantages to base its clinical utility on, but entails a reasonable number of limitations as well. Currently, a tailored approach adopting the classification system which provides the most appropriate guidance - either in terms of diagnosis or treatment decision making - appears to be the most justified option.

The purpose of the current study was to review the available literature on morbidly obese patients treated with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in order to assess the clinical outcomes of the routine closure of the mesenteric defects. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane library, and Scopus, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 16,520 patients were incorporated with a mean follow-up ranging from 34 to 120 months. The closure of the mesenteric defects was associated with a lower incidence of internal hernias (odds ratio, 0.25 [95% confidence interval 0.20, 0.31]; p

This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of liver-first (LFS) and classical (CS) strategy for the management of synchronous colorectal liver metastases (sCRLM). A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The odds ratio, weighted mean difference, and 95% confidence interval were evaluated by means of the random-effects model. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 3656 patients. Patients in the LFS group reported increased size of sCRLM and a higher rate of major hepatectomies. This study reveals comparable overall survival and disease-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years postoperatively between the two strategies. Moreover, the mean operative time, length of hospital stay, the incidence of severe complications, and the 30-day and 90-day mortality were similar between the two groups. The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly increased in the LFS group. These outcomes suggest that both approaches are feasible and safe. Given the lack of randomized clinical trials, this meta-analysis represents the best currently available evidence. However, the results should be treated with caution given the small number of the included studies. Randomized trials comparing LFS to CS are necessary to further evaluate their outcomes.

Background This study aimed to assess the differential gene expression of aquaporin (AQP) gene family interactome in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using data mining techniques to identify novel candidate genes intervening in the pathogenicity of PDAC. Method Transcriptome data mining techniques were used in order to construct the interactome of the AQP gene family and to determine which genes members are differentially expressed in PDAC as compared to controls. The same techniques were used in order to evaluate the potential prognostic role of the differentially expressed genes. Results Transcriptome microarray data of four GEO datasets were incorporated, including 142 primary tumor samples and 104 normal pancreatic tissue samples. Twenty differentially expressed genes were identified, of which nineteen were downregulated and one up-regulated. A molecular panel of four genes (Aquaporin 7 – AQP7; Archain 1 – ARCN1; Exocyst Complex Component 3 – EXOC3; Coatomer Protein Complex Subunit Epsilon – COPE) were identified as potential prognostic markers associated with overall survival. Conclusion These outcomes should be further assessed in vitro in order to fully understand the role of these genes in the pathophysiological mechanism of PDAC.

Background: Despite the improvement in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) technology and the advent of third-generation LVADs, hemocompatibility-related events remain a significant issue. Therefore, new pharmacological treatments are necessary to optimize patient management and to further reduce hemocompatibility-related events. The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the existing data regarding the safety and efficacy of post-implant phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) on hemocompatibility-related events. Methods: Among the 258 articles in Pubmed, Scopus, and CENTRAL that were retrieved (1990–2022), 15 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 9 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. The fixed-effects model was used because it is statistically sound for combining a very small number of studies. The primary endpoint of the study was all-cause mortality, whereas the secondary endpoints were ischemic stroke, pump thrombosis, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Results: Mortality was significantly lower in the PDE-5i group vs. the control group (OR: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.85, 0.98]; p = 0.02). The secondary endpoints ischemic stroke (OR: 0.87 [95% CI: 0.78, 0.98]; p = 0.02) and pump thrombosis (OR: 0.90 [95% CI: 0.82, 0.99]; p = 0.04) were also lower in the PDE-5i group. The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly higher in patients with LVAD receiving PDE-5i (OR: 1.26 [95% CI: 1.11, 1.44]; p < 0.01). In the overall analysis, the heterogeneity of outcomes was low, except for pump thrombosis. Conclusions: The use of PDE-5i post-implant was associated with lower mortality and thrombotic events but with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) on patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Odds Ratio, Weighted Mean Difference, and 95% Confidence Interval were evaluated by means of the Random-Effects model.Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 939 patients. This study reveals that patients in the HIFU group presented increased median overall survival (OS), along with higher OS at 6 and 12 months after treatment compared with the control group (p 0.05). Furthermore, patients treated with HIFU in conjunction with chemotherapy presented reduced levels of pain (p 0.05) compared to the traditional treatment group. In addition, HIFU contributed to significant tumor responsiveness, in terms of CA19-9 reduction (p 0.05). Finally, HIFU was a considerably safe treatment modality with a low incidence of complications.These outcomes suggest that HIFU is a feasible and safe treatment modality for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and provides enhanced outcomes regarding survival and quality of life. Given the lack of a significant number of randomized clinical trials, this meta-analysis represents the best currently available evidence. New randomized trials assessing HIFU are necessary to further evaluate their outcomes.

Background: Colectomies performed according to complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation (CME-CVL) principles have been associated with enhanced oncologic outcomes. Nonetheless, la...

Leiomyosarcomas of the spermatic cord are rare malignancies with only sporadic cases (less than 150) reported in the literature. Preoperative diagnosis of a paratestical leiomyosarcoma is challenging. Clinicians do not typically consider inguinoscrotal lumps as underlying sarcomas due to their relatively low prevalence compared with hernias. As a result the diagnosis of a sarcoma of the paratesticular area is often hard to reach. Herein, we report a rare case of a leiomyosarcoma originating from the spermatic cord, masquerading as a strangulated inguinal hernia. Intraoperatively, a mass arising from the spermatic cord was found and excised. A supplementary orchiectomy with high ligation of the spermatic cord was also performed.

The accurate evaluation of perioperative risk is crucial to facilitate the shared decision-making process. Surgical outcome risk tool (SORT) has been developed to provide enhanced and more feasible identification of high-risk surgical patients. Nonetheless, SORT has not been validated for patients with colorectal cancer undergoing surgery. Our aim was to determine whether SORT can accurately predict mortality after surgery for colorectal cancer and to compare it with traditional risk models.526 patients undergoing surgery performed by a colorectal surgical team in a single Greek tertiary hospital (2011-2019) were included. Five risk models were evaluated: (1) SORT, (2) Physiology and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM), (3) Portsmouth POSSUM (P-POSSUM), (4) Colorectal POSSUM (CR-POSSUM), and (5) the Association of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) score. Model accuracy was assessed by observed to expected (O:E) ratios, and area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC).Ten patients (1.9%) died within 30 days of surgery. SORT was associated with an excellent level of discrimination [AUC:0.81 (95% CI:0.68-0.94); p = 0.001] and provided the best performing calibration of all models in the entire dataset analysis (H-L:2.82; p = 0.83). Nonetheless, SORT underestimated mortality. SORT model demonstrated excellent discrimination and calibration predicting perioperative mortality in patients undergoing (1) open surgery, (2) emergency/acute surgery, and (3) in cases with colon-located cancer.SORT is an easily adopted risk-assessment tool, associated with enhanced accuracy, that could be implemented in the perioperative pathway of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

This study aimed to assess the outcomes of contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CE-IOUS) for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) undergoing surgery.A thorough literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Odds Ratio, Weighted Mean Difference, and 95% Confidence Interval were evaluated, by means of Random-Effects model.Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and incorporated 497 patients. The present study shows that CE-IOUS is associated with higher sensitivity and accuracy compared with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in identifying CRLMs (p 0.05). The positive predictive value was similar among the different modalities. Furthermore, new CRLMs were identified by CE-IOUS, thus affecting the surgical plan in 128 patients (51.8% of the patients with new CRLMs). Moreover, 91 patients (71%) underwent a more extensive hepatectomy and 15 patients (11.7%) were considered non-operable. Two alternative contrast agents, Sonazoid and Sonovue, were employed with similar sensitivity (p 0.05).These outcomes suggest the superiority of the CE-IOUS over MDCT, MRI, and IOUS for the staging of patients with CRLMs undergoing surgery. However, they should be treated with caution given the small number of the included studies.

OBJECTIVES Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is characterized by the dilation of the aorta and is associated with poor prognosis if not diagnosed and treated early. In this context, the identification of biomarkers regarding the TAA diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis is crucial. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the differential gene expression profile of the cadherin 5 (CDH5 or VE-Cadherin) gene network in patients with TAA, to propose novel biomarkers. METHODS In silico techniques were used to construct the interactome of the CDH5 network, identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in TAA as compared to healthy controls, and uncover the related molecular functions and the regulating miRNAs. RESULTS Transcriptomic data of one microarray dataset were included, incorporating 43 TAA and 43 control samples. Eight DEGs were identified; 7 were up-regulated and 1 was down-regulated. A molecular signature of 8 genes (CDH5; Calcitonin Receptor-Like Receptor–CALCRL; Activin A Receptor-Like Type 1–ACVRL1, Tryptophanyl-TRNA Synthetase 1–WARS; Junction Plakoglobin–JUP, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type J–PTPRJ, Purinergic Receptor P2X 4–P2RX4, Kinase Insert Domain Receptor–KDR) were identified as biomarkers associated with TAA. PTPRJ was associated with excellent discrimination and calibration in predicting TAA presentation. Positive correlations were reported regarding the expression of CDH5-CALCRL, CDH5-ACVRL1, CDH5-WARS and CDH5-PTPRJ. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis indicated the molecular functions and miRNA families (hsa-miR-296-5p, hsa-miR-6836-5p, hsa-miR-6132, hsa-miR-27a-5p and hsa-miR-6773-5p) relevant to the 8 biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS These outcomes propose an 8-gene molecular panel associated with TAA.

The Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Assembly of the European Respiratory Society is delighted to present the highlights from the 2020 Virtual International Congress. We have selected four sessions that discussed recent advances in a wide range of topics. From the use of robotic surgery in thoracic surgery and extracorporeal life support as a bridge to lung transplantation, to lung transplantation in the era of new drugs. The sessions are summarised by early career members in close collaboration with the assembly leadership. We aim to give the reader an update on the highlights of the conference in the fields of thoracic surgery and lung transplantation., The first “virtual” #ERSCongress was a great success, with very diverse and important sessions on innovation and the state of the art in thoracic surgery and lung transplantation, summarised in this article https://bit.ly/392uwUA

Although myxoma represents the most frequent non‐malignant cardiac primary tumor; it is extremely rare met in the left ventricle. Clinical features of the neoplasm extend from symptomless to critical signs of either ischemia or embolism. We describe here an unusual case of a huge left ventricular myxoma in a 68‐year‐old man, presented with clinical and ECG findings of an inferior wall myocardial infarction. The patient was primarily referred to our institution for coronary angiography, which showed no coronary artery disease. Further examinations revealed a left ventricular mass as the possible source of embolization, thus the patient underwent surgery for tumor excision. The postoperative course was unremarkable. A bibliographical analysis demonstrated that those tumors are rare but treatable causes of embolic myocardial infarction, thus profound clinical intuition, proper utilization of imaging modalities, administration of anticoagulants preoperatively, as well immediate surgical removal are justified., Myocardial infarction due to left ventricular myxoma. High clinical suspicion to establish the diagnosis is warranted.

While aneurysms of the internal mammary artery (IMA) complicate occasionally surgical procedures employing median sternotomy, or are associated with direct thoracic trauma, mycotic pseudoaneurysms of the vessel are rarely reported in the literature. We herein report a case of a 22-year-old man who developed a mycotic internal mammary artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to staphylococcal chest wall abscesses and was effectively treated by coil embolization. Additionally, the report provides a brief review focusing on the current state of treatment options for internal mammary artery aneurysms.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane channel proteins that mainly facilitate the water translocation through the plasma cell membrane. For several years these proteins have been extensively examined for their biologic role in health and their potential implication in different diseases. Technological improvements associated with the methods employed to evaluate the functions of the AQPs have provided us with significant new knowledge. In this chapter, we will examine the role of AQPs in health and disease based on the latest currently available evidence.

Nodal status represents probably the most important determinant of gastric cancer prognosis. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of the primary tumor's T stage on lymph node harvesting after D1 resections for gastric cancer.Between January 2000 and January 2012, the medical files of patients who presented to our department with the diagnosis of gastric cancer and were submitted to a gastric resection with curative intent were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 134 gastric cancer patients (mean age 67.36±9.64 - 35 females and 99 males) were submitted to a gastrectomy in our department (total or subtotal) with curative intent. The distribution of the tumors within the stomach was as follows: upper third - 37 patients, middle third - 49 patients and lower third - 46 patients.Lymph node retrieval was superior in advanced T stage patients (T3,T4a/T4b) compared to their low T stage (T1a/T1b,T2) counterparts (p=0.0008). Similar findings were encountered when the comparison was reduced to the subtotal gastrectomy subgroup (p=0.0047). However, although there was a distinct trend, statistical significance was not reached for the patient group submitted to total gastrectomy (p=0.1088).The results of the present study seem to add another value i.e. tumor's T stage in the equation of lymph node retrieval in gastric cancer resection specimens. Lymph node retrieval in gastric cancer patients appeared to be dependent to the primary tumors T stage in the given patient sample.