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Die perioperative oder neoadjuvante Therapie ist in Europa die tragende Saule der Behandlung des lokal fortgeschrittenen Magenkarzinoms, jedoch fehlen Daten fur eine mogliche Anpassung der chirurgischen Strategie in Abhangigkeit des Ansprechens auf die praoperative Behandlung. Dieses Review erfolgte auf Basis einer Recherche der relevanten aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Literatur zur neoadjuvanten oder perioperativen Behandlung des Adenokarzinoms des Magens und Implikation des Tumoransprechens auf die nachfolgende chirurgische Behandlung. Die aktuellen randomisierten Studien zeigen einen Uberlebensvorteil nach perioperativer bzw. neoadjuvanter Behandlung des Magenkarzinoms. Aufgrund des unterschiedlichen Ansprechens auf den praoperativ verabreichten Teil der Therapie, inklusive „complete response“, liegt es nahe, einen individuellen chirurgischen Ansatz zu entwickeln. Allerdings ist die Aussagekraft der Ergebnisse aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Qualitat der chirurgischen Resektion in diesen Studien begrenzt und die Ansprechrate auf die praoperative Behandlung limitiert. Daruber hinaus ist die Zuverlassigkeit des klinischen Restagings nach praoperativer Behandlung ebenfalls eingeschrankt. Auf der anderen Seite gibt es aktuelle Evidenz, die partielle Gastrektomien durch Neubewertung der notwendigen Resektionsabstande mithilfe intraoperativer Schnellschnittmethoden sowie neuartiger Rekonstruktionen auch beim fortgeschrittenen Magenkarzinom unterstutzt. Die aktuelle Evidenz unterstutzt nicht die Umsetzung einer vollstandigen Magenerhaltung mit aktiver Nachsorge des Magenkarzinoms. Allerdings konnten zukunftig auch beim lokal fortgeschrittenen Magenkarzinom zunehmend partiell magenerhaltende Operationstechniken zur Anwendung kommen.

Background Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (HM) has gained acceptance as the gold standard of treatment for achalasia. However, 10–20% of the patients will experience symptom recurrence, thus requiring further treatment including pneumodilations (PD) or revisional surgery. The aim of our study was to assess the long-term outcome of laparoscopic redo HM. Methods Patients who underwent redo HM at our center between 2000 and 2019 were enrolled. Postoperative outcomes of redo HM patients (redo group) were compared with that of patients who underwent primary laparoscopic HM in the same time span (control group). For the control group, we randomly selected patients matched for age, sex, FU time, Eckardt score (ES), previous PD, and radiological stage. Failure was defined as an Eckardt score > 3 or the need for re-treatment. Results Forty-nine patients underwent laparoscopic redo HM after failed primary HM. A new myotomy on the right lateral wall of the EGJ was the procedure of choice in the majority of patients (83.7%). In 36 patients (73.5%) an anti-reflux procedure was deemed necessary. Postoperative outcomes were somewhat less satisfactory, albeit comparable to the control group; the incidence of postoperative GERD was higher in the redo group (p < 0.01). At a median 5-year FU time, a good outcome was obtained in 71.4% of patients in the redo group; further 5 patients (10.2%) obtained a long-term symptom control after complementary PD, thus bringing the overall success rate to 81.6%. Stage IV disease at presentation was independently associated with a poor outcome of revisional LHD (p = 0.003). Conclusions This study reports the largest case series of laparoscopic redo HM to date. The procedure, albeit difficult, is safe and effective in relieving symptoms in this group of patients with a highly refractory disease. The failure rate, albeit not significantly, and the post-operative reflux are higher than after primary HM. Patients with stage IV disease are at high risk of esophagectomy.

Background The treatment of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) currently mirrors that of achalasia, but this is based on only a few studies on small case series. The aim of this prospective, controlled study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) in patients with EGJOO, as compared with patients with esophageal achalasia. Materials and Methods Between 2016 and 2019, patients with manometric diagnosis of idiopathic EGJOO and patients with radiological stage I achalasia, both treated with LHD, were compared. The achalasia group was further analyzed by subgrouping the patients based on the manometric pattern. Treatment failure was defined as the persistence or reoccurrence of an Eckardt score > 3 or the need for retreatment. Results During the study period, 150 patients were enrolled: 25 patients had EGJOO and 125 had radiological stage I achalasia (25 pattern I, 74 pattern II, and 26 pattern III). The median follow-up was 24 months (IQR: 34–16). Treatment was successful in 96% of patients in the EGJOO group and in 96% of achalasia patients with pattern I, 98.7% in those with pattern II, and 96.2% of those with pattern III (p=0.50). High-resolution manometry showed a reduction in the LES resting pressure and integrated relaxation pressure for all patients in all 4 groups (p Conclusion This is the first comparative study based on prospective data collection to assess the outcome of LHD in patients with EGJOO. LHD emerged as an effective treatment for EGJOO, with an excellent success rate, comparable with the procedure’s efficacy in treating early-stage achalasia.

Study Design: Case series and systematic review of the Literature. Objectives: Pharyngo-esophageal perforation (PEP) is a rare, life-threatening complication of anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). Best management of these patients remains poorly defined. The aim of this study is to present our experience with this entity and to perform a systematic Literature review to better clarify the appropriate treatment of these patients. Methods: Patients referred to our center for PEP following ACSS (January 2002-December 2018) were identified from our database. Moreover, an extensive review of the English Literature was conducted according to the 2009 PRISMA guidelines. Results: Twelve patients were referred to our Institution for PEP following ACSS. Indications for ACSS were trauma (n = 10), vertebral metastases (n = 1) and disc herniation (n = 1). All patients underwent hardware placement at the time of ACSS. There were 6 early and 6 delayed PEP. Surgical treatment was performed in 11 patients with total or partial removal of spine fixation devices, autologous bone graft insertion or plate/cage replacement, anatomical suture of the fistula and suture line reinforcement with myoplasty. Complete resolution of PEP was observed in 6 patients. Five patients experienced PEP persistence, requiring further surgical management in 2 cases. At a median follow-up of 18.8 months, all patients exhibited permanent resolution of the perforation. Conclusions: PEP following ACSS is a rare but dreadful complication. Partial or total removal of the fixation devices, direct suture of the esophageal defect and coverage with tissue flaps seems to be an effective surgical approach in these patients

Background: Achalasia is currently classified in three manometric patterns. Pattern III is the least common pattern, and reportedly correlated with the worst outcome after all available treatments....

Low muscle mass is associated with reduced survival in patients with different cancer types. The interest in preoperative sarcopenia and pancreatic cancer has risen in the last decade as muscle mass loss seems to be associated with poorer survival, higher postoperative morbidity, and mortality. The aim of the present study was to review the literature to compare the impact of low muscle mass on the outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. An extensive literature review was conducted according to the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and 10 articles were analyzed in detail and included in the meta-analysis. Data were retrieved on 2811 patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer. Meta-analysis identified that patients with low muscle mass demonstrated a significantly reduced OS when compared to patients without alterations of the muscle mass (ROM 0.86; 95% CI: 0.81–0.91, p < 0.001), resulting in a 14% loss for the former. Meta-analysis failed to identify an increase in the postoperative complications and length of stay of patients with low muscle mass. Our analysis confirms the role of low muscle mass in influencing oncologic outcomes in pancreatic cancer. Its role on surgical outcomes remains to be established.

Staging is inaccurate for cT2N0 esophageal cancer, and patients often are clinically mis-staged. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome after upfront surgery or neoadjuvant therapy, considering the impact of clinical "mis-staging."This study reviewed patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma (ADK) of the esophagus who underwent upfront surgery (S group) or neoadjuvant treatment (chemoradiotherapy [CRT] group) for cT2N0 cancer. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), morbidity, and mortality were evaluated. Correctly staged (cTNM = pTNM), understaged (cTNMpTNM), and overstaged (cTNMpTNM) patients in the S group and the CRT group were analyzed. Risk factors for unexpected lymph-node involvement were identified in the S group and for cancer-related death in the whole study cohort.The study enrolled 229 patients with cT2N0 esophageal cancer. The 5-year OS rate was 34.2% in the S group versus 55.7% in the CRT group (p = 0.0088). The DFS also was significantly higher (p = 0.01). The morbidity and mortality rates were similar. In the S group, the cTNM was correctly staged for 21.4% and understaged for 63.4% of the patients, with 48.7% of the patients showing unexpected nodal involvement. A tumor length of 3 cm or more was an independent predictor of nodal metastases in SCC (p = 0.03), as was lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in ADK (p0.01). Cancer-related mortality was independently associated with lymph-node metastases (p = 0.03) and treatment by upfront surgery (p = 0.01).Given the high rate of understaged patients in this study (63.4%), the authors advocate for combining the induction therapy with surgery in cT2N0, achieving better survival with similar morbidity and mortality.

Since its introduction in 1993, Laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) operation has been the gold standard treatment for esophageal achalasia. Little is known, however, of the natural story of the operated patients in the long run. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of patients who underwent LHD more than 20 years ago, in order to provide benchmark data to which new techniques should compare. Methods All the patients who underwent LHD from 1992 to 1999 at our Institution were evaluated. Patients with previous endoscopic treatment with pneumatic dilations (PD) or Botox were included, whereas patients with previous myotomy were ruled out. Symptoms were prospectively collected and scored using a detailed questionnaire. Barium swallow, endoscopy and manometry were performed before and 6–12 months after the operation, when also pH-metry was performed. Endoscopy was then suggested every 2 years. Treatment failure was defined as a postoperative symptom score > 10th percentile of the preoperative score (i.e. > 8) or the need for further treatment. Results Eighty-seven patients with a minimum 10-year follow-up were evaluated (median f/u 20 years). One patient died for esophageal cancer 11.5 years after LHD; 8 patients died 11–24 years after LHD for unrelated causes. All were highly satisfied with the results of the operation. Symptoms recurred in 23 patients (26.4%) 1 month to 13.5 years after LHD: all received 1 to 6 PD, effective in 16: 3 required revisional myotomy and 3 need periodic PD. Good long-term outcome was recorded in 73.6% of patients, and in 92% with combined treatment. Post-operative reflux (pH and/or endoscopy-proven) developed in 10 patients only (11.5%). Conclusion LHD can durably relieve symptoms in the majority of patients, though some of them may require complementary PD to maintain effective symptom control. LHD confirms to be an excellent long-term treatment for achalasia and these results represent the reference point for all other treatments.

Objective Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired disorder, characterized by immune-mediated platelet destruction. The spleen plays a key pathogenic role in ITP and splenectomy is a valuable second-line therapy for this disease. Little is known on ITP spleen histology and response to splenectomy is unpredictable. This study aims to characterize ITP spleen histology and assess possible predictors of splenectomy outcome. Methods A series of 23 ITP spleens were retrospectively assessed for the following histological parameters: density of lymphoid follicles (LFs), marginal zones (MZs), T helper and cytotoxic T cells; presence of reactive germinal centers (GCs); width of perivascular T cell sheaths; and red pulp features. Clinical and histological data were matched with postsplenectomy platelet counts to assess their prognostic relevance. Results Three histological patterns were documented: a hyperplastic white pulp pattern, a non-activated white pulp pattern (lacking GCs), and a white pulp-depleted pattern. Poor surgical responses were associated with presplenectomy high-dose steroid administration, autoimmune comorbidities and low T follicular helper cell density. The combination of such parameters stratified patients into different splenectomy response groups. The removal of accessory spleens was also associated with better outcome. Conclusion ITP spleens are histologically heterogeneous and clinical-pathological parameters may help predict the splenectomy outcome.

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical departments were forced to re-schedule their activity giving priority to urgent procedures and non-deferrable oncological cases. There is a lack of evidence-based literature providing clinical and organizational guidelines for the management of a general surgery department. Aim of our study was to review the available recommendations published by general Surgery Societies and Health Institutions and evaluate the underlying Literature. Materials and Methods A review of the English Literature was conducted according to the AMSTAR and to the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Results After eligibility assessment, a total of 22 papers and statements were analyzed. Surgical societies have established criteria for triage and prioritization in order to identify procedures that can be postponed after the pandemic and those that should not. Prioritization among oncologic cases represents a difficult task: clinicians have to balance a possible delay in cancer diagnosis or treatment against the risk for a potential COVID-19 exposure. There is broad agreement among guidelines that indication to proceed with surgery should be discussed in virtual Tumor Boards taking into consideration alternative therapeutic approaches. Several guidelines deal with the role of laparoscopic surgery during the pandemic: a tailored approach is currently suggested, with a case-by-case evaluation provided that appropriate personal protective equipment is available in order to minimize the potential risk of transmission. Finally, there is a considerable agreement in the published Literature concerning the management of the personnel during the peri- and intraoperative phase and on the technical advices regarding the induction, operative and recover maneuvers in COVID-19 cases. Conclusions During COVID-19 pandemic, it is of paramount importance to face the emergency in the most effective and efficient manner, retrieving resources from non-essential settings and, at the same time, providing care to high priority non-COVID-19 related diseases., Highlights • The COVID-19 pandemic has forced surgical departments to reschedule their activity. • The development of a surgical plan with criteria for elective cases prioritization is necessary. • It is essential to ensure emergency surgery care, preferring non operative management if feasible and safe. • All patients (acute and elective) should be considered COVID-19 suspected cases until proven otherwise: appropriate use of personal protective equipment and organization of the surgical spaces are fundamental.

Mesenteric vein thrombosis (MVT) is a rare condition, often misdiagnosed due to its vague and misleading clinical presentation. It can cause intestinal infarction, peritonitis, and consequently necessitate bowel resection. CT scanning with intravenous contrast enhancement is the gold standard for its diagnosis. Radiologists have an important role in defining the extent of thrombosis and identifying any signs of intestinal infarction influencing the decision whether or not to operate. In patients with no clinical signs of peritonitis or radiological evidence of intestinal infarction, the treatment can be exclusively medical, based on full anticoagulation (initially with low molecular weight heparin, followed by vitamin K antagonists or direct acting oral-anticoagulants). The duration of medical treatment depends on radiological evidence of resolution of thrombosis and the identification of pro-coagulant risk factors.

It is currently unclear if the three manometric patterns of esophageal achalasia represent distinct entities or part of a disease continuum. The study's aims were: a) to test the hypothesis that the three patterns represent different stages in the evolution of achalasia; b) to investigate whether manometric patterns change after Laparoscopic-Heller-Dor (LHD).We assessed the patients diagnosed with achalasia who underwent LHD as their first treatment from 1992 to 2016. Their symptoms were scored using a detailed questionnaire for dysphagia, food-regurgitation, and chest pain. Barium-swallow, endoscopy, and esophageal-manometry were performed before and 6 months after surgery.The study population consisted of 511 patients (M:F=283:228). Patients' demographic and clinical data showed that those with pattern III had a shorter history of symptoms, a higher incidence of chest pain, and a less dilated gullet (p0.001). All patients with a sigmoid-shaped mega-esophagus had pattern I achalasia. One patient with a diagnosis of pattern III achalasia developed pattern II at a follow-up manometry before surgery. At a median follow-up of 30 months (IQR 12-56), the outcome of surgery was positive in 479 patients (91.7%). All patients with pattern I preoperatively had the same pattern after LHD, whereas more than 50% of patients with pattern III before treatment showed pattern I or II after surgery.This study supports the hypothesis/theory that the different manometric patterns represent different stages in the evolution of the disease-where pattern III is the earliest stage, pattern II an intermediate stage, and pattern I the final stage.

An alternative approach to the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has recently been introduced in clinical practice, involving the implantation of a magnetic sphincter augmentation device (MSAD). This "magnetic ring" is implanted laparoscopically around the lower esophageal sphincter to improve its barrier function. The literature is still limited on the midterm results achieved in controlling reflux because the MSAD is a very new procedure. So far, only a few cases of the MSAD causing erosion of the esophagus have been reported.We report on two cases of progressive and severe dysphagia after the implantation of an MSAD elsewhere. In both cases, the symptoms were caused by the migration of the device into the esophagus.The devices were removed endoscopically in a single step in both cases, using the Olympus cutter. After 3 months, the first patient had a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication without any complications and with a good final reflux control. The second only underwent removal of the device, using the same endoscopic approach and again without any complications.Judging from the literature, MSAD implantation may be an effective way to control GERD, but the method can carry major complications, such as migration of the device into the esophagus (as in the two cases reported here). Endoscopic removal of a device possibly penetrating inside the esophagus is feasible and safe, and may later be followed up with a laparoscopic antireflux procedure without any particular difficulty.

Background Transoral Diverticulostomy/Septotomy has become a popular treatment for patients with Zenker Diverticulum (ZD) because of the low complication rates, reduced procedure time, and shorter hospital stay. However, the outcome of this procedure is not, so far, as positive as the open techniques. In order to improve the results of transoral septotomy (TS), a modification of the technique by tractioning the septum with stiches, has been introduced. In this study we aimed to compare the final outcome of a Modify Transoral Septotomy (MTS) with those of the Traditional Transoral Septotomy (TTS) in patients with ZD. Methods Seventy-seven consecutive patients with ZD underwent Transoral Septotomy between 2010-2019. Patients who had already been treated with surgical or endoscopic procedures were excluded. TTS was performed with the classic technique. Since 2015, we adopted a MTS, by positioning 2 sutures at the lateral edges of the septum, for traction. Symptoms were collected and scored using a detailed questionnaire; barium-swallow (to assess the size of the pouch), endoscopy and manometry were performed before and after surgical treatment. Failures were defined when a patient needed an additional procedure for recurrent symptoms. Results Of the 52 patients representing the study population (M:F=49:28), 25 had TTS and 52 had MTS. The patients’ demographic and clinical parameters (sex, age, symptom-score, duration of symptoms, diverticulum size) were similar in both groups. Only two intraoperative mucosal lesions were detected and mortality was nil. The median time of the procedure was 25 min (IQR:22-35) in the TTS and 30 min (IQR:25-36) in the MTS (p At the univariate and multivariate analyses, the surgical procedure was the only factor predictive of a positive final result. Conclusions Transoral Septotomy improves the final outcome of this treatment in patients with ZD.

Background: The circular stapled (CS) technique with transoral placement of the anvil is commonly used to perform the esophagogastric anastomosis during minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). The procedure is safe, efficient, and highly reproducible; however, the intersection between the circular plane of the stapler and the linear staple line of the esophageal stump can expose the anastomosis to the formation of dog-ears and, therefore, increase the risk of anastomotic leak (AL). We describe a simple modification of the CS technique that consists of folding the linear esophageal transection line with a stitch around the anvil shaft, to include the staple line in the resection during the EEA™ firing. Methods: We prospectively collected data on a small group of patients who underwent MIE for cancer using our modified CS technique. Feasibility has been evaluated as the percentage of cases in which the modified anastomosis technique has been carried out successfully with the formation of a complete anastomotic ring. Safety has been defined as the absence of procedure-related complications. Results: MIE was performed in 10 patients using our modified CS technique. All the procedures were successfully completed with complete resection of the linear esophageal staple line and no intraoperative complications. Only one patient developed a postoperative AL that was only detected by barium swallow and did not cause any symptom or clinical sign. Conclusion: Our modified CS technique is feasible and did successfully prevent the occurrence of clinically relevant ALs in this small case series of patients.

POEM has recently had a widespread diffusion, aiming at being the treatment of choice for esophageal achalasia. The results of ongoing RCTs against laparoscopic myotomy are not available, yet. We, therefore, designed this propensity score (PS) case-control study with the aim of evaluating how POEM compares to the long-standing laparoscopic Heller myotomy + Dor fundoplication (LHD) and verifying if it may really replace the latter as the first-line treatment for achalasia.Two groups of consecutive patients undergoing treatment for primary achalasia from January 2014 to November 2017 were recruited in two high-volume centers, one with extensive experience with POEM and one with LHD. Patients with previous endoscopic treatment were included, whereas patients with previous LHD or POEM were excluded. A total of 140 patients in both centers were thus matched. LHD and POEM were performed following established techniques. The patients were followed with clinical (Eckardt score), endoscopic, and pH-manometry evaluations.The procedure was successfully completed in all the patients. POEM required a shorter operation time and postoperative stay compared to LHD (p0.001). No mortality was recorded in either group. Seven complications were recorded in the POEM group (five mucosal perforations) and 3 in the LHD group (3 mucosal perforations)(p = 0.33). Two patients in the POEM group and one in the LHD were lost to follow-up. One patient in both groups died during the follow-up for unrelated causes. At a median follow-up of 24 months [15-30] for POEM and 31 months [15-41] for LHD (p0.05), 99.3% of the POEM patients and 97.7% of the LHD patients showed an Eckardt score ≤ 3 (p0.12). Four years after the treatment, the probability to have symptoms adequately controlled was90% for both groups (p = 0.2, Log-rank test). HR-Manometry showed a similar reduction in the LES pressure and 4sIRP; 24-h pH-monitoring showed however an abnormal exposure to acid in 38.4% of POEM patients, as compared to 17.1% of LHD patients (p0.01) and esophagitis was found in 37.4% of the POEM and 15.2% of LHD patients (p0.05).POEM provides the same midterm results as LHD. This study confirms, however, a higher incidence of postoperative GERD with the former, even if its real significance needs to be further evaluated.

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) myotomy to treat achalasia at a single high-volume institution in the past 25 years. Patients undergoing LHD from 1992 to 2017 were prospectively registered in a dedicated database. Those who had already undergone surgical or endoscopic myotomy were ruled out. Symptoms were collected and scored using a detailed questionnaire; barium swallow, endoscopy, and manometry were performed before and after surgery; and 24-h pH monitoring was done 6 months after LHD. One thousand one patients underwent LHD (M:F = 536:465), performed by six staff surgeons. The surgical procedure was completed laparoscopically in all but 8 patients (0.8%). At a median of follow-up of 62 months, the outcome was positive in 896 patients (89.5%), and the probability of being cured from symptoms at 20 years exceeded 80%. Among the patients who had previously received other treatments, there were 25/182 failures (13.7%), while the failures in the primary treatment group were 80/819 (9.8%) (p = 0.19). All 105 patients whose LHD failed subsequently underwent endoscopic pneumatic dilations with an overall success rate of 98.4%. At univariate analysis, the manometric pattern (p

OBJECTIVE Transoral diverticulostomy/septotomy has become a popular treatment for patients with Zenker diverticulum (ZD). To improve the results of transoral stapler-assisted septotomy, a modification of the technique has been introduced. In this study, we aimed to compare the final outcome of such a modified transoral septotomy (MTS) with the results of traditional transoral septotomy (TTS) in patients with ZD. METHODS Fifty-two consecutive patients with ZD underwent transoral stapler-assisted septotomy between 2010 and 2018. Symptoms were recorded and scored using a detailed questionnaire. Barium swallow, endoscopy, and manometry were performed before and after the procedure. RESULTS Of the 52 patients forming the study population (male:female = 35:17), 25 had TTS and 27 had MTS. The patients' demographic and clinical parameters were similar in the two groups. No intraoperative mucosal lesions were detected, and the mortality was nil. The median time taken to complete the procedure was 25 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 22-35) for TTS, and 30 minutes (IQR: 25-36) for MTS (P < 0.07). The median follow-up was 69 months (IQR: 46-95) in the TTS group and 30 months (IQR: 25-35) in the MTS group. All patients in both groups had an improvement in their symptom score after the procedure, but the failure rates were 32% (8 of 25) after TTS and 3.7% (1 of 27) after MTS (P < 0.02). At univariate and multivariate analyses, the procedure was the only predictor of a positive final outcome. CONCLUSION Albeit with the intrinsic limitations of the study (retrospective, different time window, and different follow-up), traction on the septum during transoral septotomy improves the final outcome of this treatment in patients with ZD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 130:637-640, 2020.

Wireless pH monitoring of the esophagus has been widely used to detect GERD for more than a decade. It is generally well tolerated and accepted by patients, but it is still unclear whether prolonging a recording beyond the usual 48 hours can improve the test's diagnostic value. The aim of this study is to examine the diagnostic yield of 96-hour pH monitoring vis-a-vis 24- and 48-hour tests, and to ascertain whether any gain in diagnostic terms was of genuine clinical utility. Patients with suspected GERD underwent 4-day PPI-off wireless pH monitoring of the distal esophagus. The capsule was inserted under endoscopic control, 6 cm above the squamocolumnar junction. Average acid exposure time was calculated after 24, 48, and 96 hours of recording. Ninety-nine patients completed the 96 hour test, and formed the study sample. The wireless test method was used in 42 patients (42.4%) unable to tolerate the traditional pH-monitoring catheter, and in 57 (57.6%) with a previous negative pH study despite symptoms suggestive of GERD. On complete analysis, 47 patients (47.5%) had a pathological test result: 19 patients within the first 24 hours (19.2%, 24 hour group); another 16 after 48 hours (+16.2%, 48 hour group), and a further 12 (+12.1%, 96 hour group) only after 96 hours of monitoring. All 47 patients with an abnormal acid exposure were offered and accepted surgery (10 patients) or medical therapy (37 patients). Clinical follow-up was obtained in all patients with a positive Bravo test result after a median 67 months (IQR: 38-98) using a validated symptom questionnaire. A good outcome after fundoplication or medical therapy was achieved in 73.7% of patients in the 24 hour group, in 62.5% of those in the 48 hour group, and in only 25% of those in the 96 hour group, P = 0.02. Long-term wireless pH monitoring enables an increase in the diagnostic yield over traditional 24- and 48-hour pH studies, but prolonging the test may constitute an unwanted bias and prompt the recruitment of more complex patients, in whom the outcome of surgical or medical therapy may prove less than satisfactory. These findings should be taken into account when establishing the guidelines for assessing GERD with such long-term pH monitoring methods.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) can arise everywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Their presentation in unusual locations should always be taken into account. A 74-year-old man referred to the emergency department for small bowel obstruction caused by an incarcerated inguinal hernia. A CT scan showed a mesenchymal tumour originating from the herniated bowel loop and a mass in the ascending colon. Laparoscopic resection of the mass and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy were performed. The histology showed a ruptured GIST arising from the herniated small bowel and a high-grade dysplasia villous adenoma of the right colon. GISTs can present with symptoms spanning from vague abdominal discomfort to surgical urgencies. Strangulated hernia is an extremely rare presentation, with only two cases described in the literature. A safe surgical approach was obtained with laparoscopy, maintaining surgical radicality. The ileal localisation and the pseudocapsule rupture were the main risk factors on prognostic stratification.

This study reports on a large series of 200 dual kidney transplantations (DKTs) from expanded criteria donors (ECDs) and proposes specific ways to optimize outcomes. Data concerning 200 DKTs performed in the last 14 yr were retrospectively analyzed. Kidneys from high-risk ECD were allocated for use in DKTs on an old-for-old basis after histological assessment. Different surgical techniques and immunosuppressant regimens were used over time, and the outcomes are discussed. Donors and recipients were a median 73 (70-77) and a 62 (58-67) yr old, respectively. Delayed graft function occurred in 31.5% of cases, and acute rejection in 13.5%. Patient and graft survival at five yr were 90.4% and 85.8%, respectively. Unilateral kidney placement was preferred for 75% of patients, and was associated with a low rate of surgical complications. Our current standard therapy comprising low-dose calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) associated with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTOR) and steroids appears to offer the best risk/benefit profile for elderly patients undergoing DKT. In our experience, outcomes after DKT can be improved by: (i) kidney clinical-histological assessment; (ii) unilateral kidney placement; (iii) minimal use of CNI associated with mTOR.

Background Achalasia is at present classified in 3 manometric patterns. Pattern III is the most unfrequent pattern and is correlated with the worst outcome after all available treatments. We aimed to investigate the final outcome after classic laparoscopic myotomy (length ≤ 8cm, CLM) as compared with a longer laparoscopic myotomy both downwards and upwards with (length > 8cm, LLM) in patients with pattern III achalasia. Methods The study population consisted of 50 consecutive patients with pattern III achalasia who underwent laparoscopic myotomy between 1997–2017. Patients who had already been treated with surgical or endoscopic procedures were ruled out. Patients before 2010 had a traditional CLM procedure while patients after 2010 had a LLM. Symptoms were collected and scored using a detailed questionnaire; barium-swallow, endoscopy, manometry (conventional or HRM) were performed, before and after surgical treatment. Results Of the 50 patients representing the study population, 23 had CLM and 27 had LLM. In addition, all the patients add an anterior, partial fundoplication (Dor). The patients’ demographic and clinical parameters (sex, symptom-score, duration of symptoms, esophageal-diameter) were similar in both groups. No intraoperative mucosal lesions were detected. The median length of the myotomy was 7 cm (IQR:7–8) in the CLM and 10 cm (IQR:10–11) in the LLM (P Conclusion In spite of intrinsic limitations of the study (retrospective, different time window of the two procedures and different follow-up), the extension of the length of the myotomy both downwards and upwards improves the final outcome of the laparoscopic Heller-Dor procedure in patients with pattern III achalasia. On the other hand, a longer myotomy does not influence the development of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

This case report describes a preterm newborn infant who was treated with a single dose of rasburicase for an increase in uric acid level. He died on the third day as a result of complications of hemolysis, which appeared to be precipitated by rasburicase. The patient’s death was preceded by progressive respiratory insufficiency, lactic acidosis, and hyperbilirubinemia, culminating in refractory hypoxia and hypotension. A postmortem assay for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase showed deficiency and the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase Mediterranean genotype.

The aims of the study were (a) to examine the final outcome in patients experiencing accidental mucosal perforation during laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (LHD) and (b) to evaluate whether perforation episodes might influence the way in which surgeons subsequently approached the LHD procedure. We studied all consecutive patients that underwent LHD between 1992 and 2015. Patients were divided into two main groups: those who experienced an intraoperative mucosal perforation (group P) and those whose LHD was uneventful (group NP). Two additional groups were compared: group A, which consisted of patients operated by a given surgeon immediately before a perforation episode occurred, and group B, which included those operated immediately afterwards. Eight hundred seventy-five patients underwent LHD; a mucosal perforation was detected in 25 patients (2.9 %), which was found unrelated to patients’ symptom’s score and age, radiological stage, manometric pattern, or the surgeon’s experience. The median postoperative symptom score was similar for the two groups as the failure rate: 92 failures in group NP (10.8 %) and 4 in group P (16 %) (p = 0.34); moreover, symptoms recurred in 2 patients of group A (10 %) and 3 patients of group B (15 %) (p = 0.9). Accidental perforation during LHD is infrequent and impossible to predict on the grounds of preoperative therapy or the surgeon’s personal experience. Despite a longer surgical procedure and hospital stay, the outcome of LHD is much the same as for patients undergoing uneventful myotomy. A recent mucosal perforation does not influence the surgeon’s subsequent performance.

Esophageal achalasia can be classified on the grounds of three distinct manometric patterns that correlate well with final outcome after laparoscopic Heller-Dor myotomy (LHM). No analytical data are available, however, on the postoperative picture and its possible correlation with final outcome. The aims of this study were: (a) to investigate whether manometric patterns change after LHM for achalasia; (b) to ascertain whether postoperative patterns and/or changes can predict final outcome; and (c) to test the hypothesis that the three known patterns represent different stages in the evolution of the disease. During the study period, we prospectively enlisted 206 consecutive achalasia patients who were assessed using high-resolution manometry (HRM) before undergoing LHM. Symptoms were scored using a detailed questionnaire. Barium swallow, endoscopy and HRM were performed, before and again 6 months after surgery. Preoperative HRM revealed the three known patterns with statistically different esophageal diameters (pattern I having the largest), and patients with pattern I had the highest symptom scores. The surgical treatment failed in 10 cases (4.9%). The only predictor of final outcome was the preoperative manometric pattern (p = 0.01). All patients with pattern I preoperatively had the same pattern afterward, whereas nearly 50% of patients with pattern III before LHM had patterns I or II after surgery. There were no cases showing the opposite trend. Neither a change of manometric pattern after surgery nor a patient’s postoperative pattern was a predictor of final outcome, whereas preoperative pattern confirmed its prognostic significance. The three manometric patterns distinguishable in achalasia may represent different stages in the disease’s evolution, pattern III and pattern I coinciding with the early and final stages of the disease, respectively.

A new high-resolution manometry (HRM) parameter, the integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), has been proposed for the assessment of esophageal-gastric junction (EGJ) relaxation. Our aim was to assess the effect of Heller myotomy on IRP in achalasia patients. We prospectively collected data on achalasia patients who underwent HRM between 2009–2014. Barium swallow was used to assess esophageal diameter and shape. Manometric diagnoses were performed by using the Chicago Classification v3. All patients with a confirmed diagnosis of achalasia were treated surgically with Heller Myotomy One hundred thirty-nine consecutive achalasia patients (M:F = 72:67) represented the study population. All the patients had 100 % simultaneous waves but 11 had an IRP

Description We present in this video a case of laparoscopic surgical repair of an esophageal perforation during pneumatic dilation for achalasia. When diagnososed with achalasia and offered adequate treatment, the patient chose pneumatic dilation. We followed the protocol used in the European trial but, after the second dilation with a 3.5 cm balloon, a perforation of the esophageal wall occurred. Gastrografin swallow and a CT confirmed the perforation. For the worsening conditions of the patient, we preferred the surgical treatment, as opposed to the conservative one. At laparoscopy, the lesion was well visible on the left lateral wall of the esophagus, 2 cm above the cardia. The mucosa was sutured with interrupted stitches, and the muscular layer reconstructed with continuous suture. A Heller myotomy was then performed on the anterior esophageal wall, and a Dor fundoplication completed the operation. The patient was discharged in 7th POD and at a 1-year follow-up she is free of dysphagia. The laparoscopic surgical repair of esophageal perforation during pneumatic dilation is feasible: proper treatment of the basic disease with myotomy is necessary, however, to achieve good final results. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Background In the past decades, Laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) progressively became the treatment of choice for esophageal achalasia. Aim of this study was to assess our 25-year experience with LHD at a single high-volume institution. Methods 1000 patients underwent LHD from 1992–2017 by 6 staff surgeons. Patients who had already been treated with surgical or endoscopic myotomy were ruled out. Symptoms were scored using a detailed questionnaire; barium swallow, endoscopy, manometry (conventional or High Resolution) were performed, before and after surgery, while 24-hour pH monitoring was performed 6 months after surgery. Treatment failure was defined as a postoperative symptom score >10th percentile of the preoperative score (i.e. >8). Results LHD was performed on 1000 patients (M: F = 536:464); the median age was 46 (IQR 36–54), 183 (18.3%) had a history of endoscopic treatments (pneumatic dilation or botox injections, or both). The surgical procedure was completed laparoscopically in all but 7 patients (0.7%) and there was one perioperative death for heart attack. There were 25 perforations (2.5%): 22 were recognized and repaired during the operation, 3 were detected by postoperative contrast swallow. In 674 patients the manometric pattern was classified as follows: 310 (46%) pattern I, 315 (46.7%) pattern II and 49 (7.3%) pattern III. The outcome was positive in 902 patients (90.2%). In patients who had a previous treatment the failures were 25/183 (13.7%) while in the primary treatment group the failures were 73/817 (8.9%) (P = 0.055). All the 98 patients whose LHD failed underwent one or more pneumatic dilations, which ameliorated their symptoms in all but 11 patients (10 required reoperation). The overall success rate of combined LHD and dilations was 98.4%. At univariate analysis, manometric pattern (P = 0.001), absent sigmoid megaesophagus (P = 0.003) and chest pain score (P = 0.002) were the only factors predictive of the result. At multivariate analysis, these three factors were independently associated with good outcome. Postoperative 24-hour pH was abnormal in 50/590 patients (8.5%). Two patients developed an esophageal cancer during follow-up. Conclusion In a university tertiary referral center, LHD relieves achalasia symptoms durably. The preoperative manometric pattern, the absence of a sigmoid esophagus and the chest pain score represent the strongest predictors of outcome. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Laparoscopic Heller-Dor surgery is the current treatment of choice for patients with esophageal achalasia, but elderly patients are generally referred for less invasive treatments (pneumatic dilations or botulinum toxin injections).To assess the effect of age on the surgical outcome of patients receiving laparoscopic Heller-Dor as primary treatment.Demographic and clinical findings were prospectively collected on patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller-Dor from 1992 to 2012. Patients were classified in three age brackets: group A (≤45 years), group B (45-70), and group C (≥70). Treatment was defined as a failure if the postoperative symptom score was10th percentile of the preoperative score (i.e.,8). We consecutively performed the Heller-Dor in 571 achalasia patients, 305 (53.4 %) in group A, 226 (39.6 %) in group B, and 40 (7 %) in group C.The mortality was nil; the conversion and morbidity rates were both 1.1 %. Group C patients had higher preoperative symptom scores (p = 0.02), while the symptom duration was similar in all three groups. Mucosal tears occurred in 17 patients (3 %): 6 (2 %) in group A, 8 (3.5 %) in group B, and 3 (7.5 %) in group C (p = 0.09). The postoperative hospital stay was slightly longer for group C (p = 0.06).The treatment failure rate was quite similar: 31 failures in group A (10.1 %), 19 in group B (8.4 %), and 3 in group C (7.5 %; p = 0.80). These failures were seen more in manometric pattern III (22.2 %, p = 0.002). Laparoscopic Heller-Dor can be used as the first therapeutic approach to achalasia even in elderly patients with an acceptable surgical risk.

Background The relation between epileptic seizures and vaccinations is sometimes debated. In the present work, the impact of vaccination on seizure onset and clinical outcome of SCN1A mutation-positive patients is addressed. Methods Seventy-two patients diagnosed with Dravet syndrome or generalized epilepsy with febrile seizure plus, carrying SCN1A mutations or not, were included. Details on vaccination type, temporal relationship between vaccination and seizure occurrence, seizure type at onset and during development, cognitive functioning, and vaccination completion was obtained by reviewing clinical records. Patients were divided into two groups based on the temporal window between vaccination and seizure onset (proximate group: 48 hours). Results Vaccination-related seizures occurred in 25% of patients with SCN1A mutation and 18% of patients without the mutation (no significant difference). The proximate group showed an earlier age at seizure onset and a higher frequency of status epilepticus during development than did the distant group. No other significant differences were found. Subsequent vaccinations did not significantly alter the evolution of the disease. Conclusions Results from this relatively small series provide evidence that vaccinations do not significantly affect clinical and cognitive evolution of Dravet syndrome and generalized epilepsy with febrile seizure plus patients even if they carry SCN1A mutations.