1,721,049 research outputs found

    Partial agenesis of dorsal pancreas. Report of two cases

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    Introduction: Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas (ADP) is a rare congenital anomaly resulting in missing corpus and cauda of the pancreas. The possibility of finding this disorder is increasing with the use of advanced radiological techniques like CT scan or MRI. Presentation of case: We reported 2 cases of a partial ADP as radiological finding: the first one was a 79-year-old asymptomatic patient who presented to perform a CT staging scan for bladder tumor, while the second case was a 73-year-old patient with obstructive jaundice and with suspected common bile duct calculi. In the second patient US, CT scan and MRI were performed, and after that also an ERCP was scheduled. Discussion: The prevalence of agenesis of the dorsal pancreas is not exactly known; in the literature, only 50 cases have been reported. Its cause and pathogenesis are not fully understood. Some patients experience no symptoms, while others may develop hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, bile duct obstruction, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, or other conditions. Conclusion: Considering that dorsal agenesis is sporadically found, often do not have related symptoms and it does not require a specific treatment, whether further examinations are needed to determine the type of agenesis remains questioned

    Basics for surgeons about the immunohistochemistry role in pancreatic NETs diagnosis

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    OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are neuroendocrine tumors primarily found in the pancreas and upper small intestine. There are ten different pNETs: nine of these are associated with a specific functional syndrome, while one is not associated with a specific hormonal syndrome, and it is called non-functional. Up to 90% of pNETs are classified as non-functional. Immunohisto-chemistry is essential to define the diagnosis. However, to have a correct and reliable diagnosis, the pathologist must have adequately collected and treated tissue samples, thus the surgeon himself should be aware of some fundamental notions about tissue collection and fixation. Although several common biomarkers have been described to date, Chromogranin A and synaptophysin are currently considered the most specific immunohistochemical markers for NETs. Nearly 100% of pNETs are positive for both synaptophysin and Chromogranin A. Therefore, CgA and synaptophysin are effective for well-differentiated NETs but are less helpful in the diagnosis of poorly differentiated NECs, due to dedifferentiation, and then, degranulation of tumor cells. The Neuronal Specific Enolase (NSE) results to be an adequate marker in these cases. Considering the specific markers, many studies reported that endocrine pancreatic neoplasms are able to produce many different polypeptides and amines. Through immunohistochemical techniques, it is possible to define the diagnosis of pNET, which allows the clinicians to direct the patient to an effective therapeutic procedure. But to have a correct and reliable diagnosis, the tissue samples have to be adequately collected and treated

    Extensive surgery and lymphadenectomy do not improve survival in primary melanoma of the anorectum: results from analysis of a large database (SEER)

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    Primary anorectal melanoma is a rare disease with a dismal prognosis due to early distant metastasis. The prognostic value of positive loco-regional lymph nodes and the impact of lymphadenectomy on overall survival is unclear. We have investigated this by analysis of data obtained from a national representative database, controlling for potential confounders

    Clinical application of three-dimensional (3-D) vision systems and virtual reality helmets in video-assisted surgery

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    Thoraco-Iaparoscopic surgery presents a series of technical difficulties linked mainly to the necessity of acquiring proper motor coordination and spatial reconstruction of an operative field that is seen from a distance on a two-dimensional video monitor, in the absence of any direct tactile feedback. In an effort to improve the motor coordination of the operating surgeon and of the surgical team, many apparatuses have recently become available on the market that allow the reproduction of a 3-Dimage on a video monitor. Such apparatuses have technical characteristics that are substantially diverse in technology and provide signifi- cantly different end results

    Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMN) of the Pancreas: an Update in Definition, Time to Progression, and Surgical Management

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    Aim of our update is to present the “state of art” about pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) and underline some significant notions that can be helpful in clinical practice. IPMN of the pancreas can be defined as neoplasms derived from pancreatic ductal system that produce mucin. The real incidence and prevalence of IPMN are not well defined. The radiological classification subdivides IPMN in three categories, in according to ductal involvement. One of the most confounding factors about pancreatic IPMN regards the high heterogeneity of these lesions, from which derives a different biological behavior and a different management. Although there are no clinical signs related to pancreatic IPMN, patient’s medical history and clinical examination are relevant. The differential diagnosis is relevant in order to detect potentially malignant lesions. Preoperative imaging should confirm the diagnosis of IPMN, indicate the risk of malignant cystic neoplasia, and define resectability. Data from literature showed that surgical treatment is indicated in case of main duct-IPMN, in concordance with the international consensus guidelines for management of IPMNs. Surgery is not mandatory in all patients with branch duct-IPMN, but only in 20% of cases or less; furthermore, in the absence of malignancy-related signs, careful non-operative management seems to be safe and effective in asymptomatic patients
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