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Laparoscopy has rapidly emerged as the preferred surgical approach for a number of different diseases because it allows for a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. However, it is not being applied in a widespread manner for the management of benign or malignant colorectal disease. Its natural evolution seems to be the development of mini-instruments and optics (diameter, ≤5 mm). This study aimed to illustrate retrospectively the results of an initial minilaparoscopic colorectal surgery experience at two different institutions. Between January 2001 and December 2006, a total of 517 patients underwent a laparoscopic colon procedure. Among them, 161 (31.1%) underwent surgery with mini-instruments. The primary end point was the feasibility rate for minilaparoscopic colon resection. The secondary end points were safety and the impact of the technique on the duration of laparoscopy. No conversion to classical laparoscopy and eight cases converted to the open approach were registered. The rate for major complications was 3.1%, whereas the rate for minor complications ranged as high as 11.8%. Even if limited by its retrospective design, the reported experience shows that minilaparoscopic surgery may be a safe and effective approach to colon pathology. The described features make minilaparoscopy a challenging alternative to laparoscopy for colon disease. If proven to be cost effective without undue risk, as long as adequate training is obtained and proper preparation is observed, minilaparoscopy may become a standard surgical approach for selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighteen untreated cancer patients and ten sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were studied. In all patients eating behavior was investigated by means of a specific questionnaire from which the presence of anorexia and anorexia-related symptoms was assessed. To investigate the role of tryptophan in cancer anorexia, fasting plasma and CSF levels of tryptophan and other neutral amino acids were assayed in patients and controls. Cancer patients showed abnormally high plasma free tryptophan levels. In case of patients with cancer anorexia a significant rise of the ratio in plasma between free and tryptophan/large neutral amino acids, competing with tryptophan for its brain entry, was observed. This increase was correlated to a consistent rise of CSF tryptophan levels suggesting a specific role of the serotoninergic system in the pathogenesis of cancer anorexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]