Gianluca Mazzoni - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Gianluca Mazzoni

Management options for symptomatic nonparasitic hepatic cysts (SNHC) lack verification through co... more Management options for symptomatic nonparasitic hepatic cysts (SNHC) lack verification through comparative studies with respect to safety and long-term effectiveness. Open cystectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with SNHC. University hospital department of surgery. Data were retrospectively analyzed from the clinical charts of 34 patients (26 women and 8 men) undergoing surgery for SNHC from January 1, 1975, through January 1, 1999. Charts were obtained from the original hospital referral. Morbidity rates and long-term recurrence. We considered the following variables for analysis: age, sex, hepatic cyst location, diameter of the cyst at primary surgery, symptoms, surgical procedure, postoperative morbidity and mortality, length of postoperative hospital stay, and long-term outcome. The 34 patients underwent 47 operations for SNHC (mean diameter, 15.0 cm), with a mean follow-up of 50.0 months. Ten patients underwent open and 8, laparoscopic deroofing of the cyst. Enucleation of the cyst and hepatic resections were performed as primary procedures in 4 and 2 patients, respectively, and as secondary procedures in 6 and 7 patients, respectively. Two recurrences (25%) were found after laparoscopic deroofing and 3 (30%) after open deroofing. Two (50%) and 6 (100%) recurrences were found after cystojejunostomy and needle aspiration, respectively. No symptomatic recurrences occurred after 10 cystectomies and 9 hepatectomies. One operative death (3%) occurred; however, morbidity rates were 18% (6/34) and 15% (2/13) after primary and secondary surgery, respectively. These results support our policy of performing open radical procedures in the treatment of SNHC; cystectomy is performed for primary surgery and hepatic resections for recurrences and complications. Conservative procedures have shown higher rates of recurrence and the need for further surgery. Only further technological improvements will allow a systematic and safe use of laparoscopy for radical surgery for SNHC.

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2007

Introduction The liver is the most frequent site of liver metastases (LM) from colorectal cancer.... more Introduction The liver is the most frequent site of liver metastases (LM) from colorectal cancer. Because of short life expectances and improved nonoperative modalities, the role of liver resection in elderly patients with LM is unclear. Methods During a 15-year period, 197 patients underwent liver resection for colorectal metastases. This study was designed to compare morbidity, mortality, and long-term outcome after hepatic resection in patients aged 70 years and older and in patients younger than 70. According to the age at the time of operation, patients were divided into two groups. Group A included patients aged 70 years or older and group B included younger patients. Results The clinical and pathologic parameters of the two groups were compared and tested as factors affecting early and long-term outcomes after resection. A modified oncologic clinical risk score (CRS) was tested on this series of patients. Overall morbidity was 16.3% (group A 20.7% vs group B 14.6%; P=0.18). Hospital mortality was 3% (5.7% in group A and 2.1% in group B; P=0.19). Actuarial 5 years survival were 30% in group A and 38% in group B (P=ns). Discussion The presence of more than three Fong’s CRS parameters and microscopic involvement of resectional margin directly affected survival. Under meticulous preoperative assessment and postoperative care, liver resection for LM is justified in patients over 70 years of age; age by itself may not be a controindication to surgery.

Primary adenocarcinoma of the small intestine occurs in over 50% of cases in the duodenum. Howeve... more Primary adenocarcinoma of the small intestine occurs in over 50% of cases in the duodenum. However, its location in the third and fourth duodenal portions occurs rarely and is a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this work is to report an adenocarcinoma of the third and fourth duodenal portions, emphasizing its diagnostic difficulty and the value of video capsule endoscopy. A man, 40 years old, with no medical history, with abdominal discomfort and progressive fatigue, presented four months ago with one episode of moderate melena. The physical examination was normal, except for mucosal pallor. Blood tests were consistent with microcytic, hypochromic iron deficiency anemia with 7.8 g/dL hemoglobin. The upper and lower endoscopy were normal. Additional work-up with video capsule endoscopy showed a polypoid lesion involving the third and fourth portions of the duodenum. Biopsy showed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Abdominal computed tomography showed a wall thickening from the third duodenal portion to the proximal jejunum, without distant metastasis. The patient underwent segmental resection (distal duodenum and proximal jejunum) with duodenojejunostomy. The surgical specimen histology confirmed the biopsy diagnosis, with transmural infiltration, without nodal involvement. Conclusion: Adenocarcinoma of the third and fourth portions of the duodenum is difficult to diagnose and capsule endoscopy is of great value.

Diseases of The Colon & Rectum, 1999

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of patients with inguinal metastases fr... more PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of patients with inguinal metastases from rectal cancer. METHODS: Clinical records and data concerning the follow-up of patients referred to our institution for rectal cancer were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into four groups based on the time interval between first admission and appearance of inguinal metastases. All patients were followed up until death. Age, gender, tumor stage, and disease-free intervals were examined to assess their impact on prognosis. RESULTS: Patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (N=863) were observed from 1965 to 1990. In 21 patients the biopsy-proven diagnosis was of adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the inguinal nodes. Of these 21 patients, 15 were males. The mean age was 69.3 (range, 52–84) years. Primary lesions were exclusively T3, and no patient was found to have negative mesorectal lymph nodes. Survival from the time of diagnosis of inguinal metastases ranged from 2 to 42 (mean, 14.8) months. Patients with a disease-free interval of 12 months or more had a statistically significant longer survival time. CONCLUSIONS: Inguinal lymph-node metastases from rectal carcinoma occur as a consequence of locally advanced primary tumors or recurrent pelvic malignancy. Because of the frequency of distant metastases and the consequent poor prognosis, only systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be considered. In patients who seem to be free of local recurrencee and distant metastases, groin dissection is suggested for debulking and control of disease.

Archives of Surgery, 2003

Archives of Surgery, 2002

Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques, 1998

Background: An experimental study in a porcine model was undertaken to evaluate the currently ava... more Background: An experimental study in a porcine model was undertaken to evaluate the currently available techniques of laparoscopic vagotomy. Methods: Four groups of pigs were studied. Under general anesthesia, the animals were submitted to either bilateral vagotomy, bilateral highly selective vagotomy, posterior truncal vagotomy with anterior highly selective vagotomy, or Taylor's procedure. Gastric acid secretion and intestinal motility were evaluated before and after the surgical procedure. The feasibility of the four different techniques was assessed by means of a personal difficulty score. Results: All four procedures produced significant acid secretory reduction. Multivariate analysis showed that the factor most affecting the outcome was the difficulty score. Conclusions: Taylor's procedure was the easiest and safest technique. It also produced the best functional results for secretion and motility.

Liver International, 2007

Background: Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an uncommon but severe complication of hydatid diseas... more Background: Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an uncommon but severe complication of hydatid disease of the liver. Operation is considered the treatment of choice but the most appropriate operation is uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and long-term outcomes following different surgical procedures.Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 31 patients with BBF was performed. Surgical access consisted of laparotomy, thoracotomy or a thoracoabdominal (TA) incision. Surgical procedures for the treatment of the cyst were classified as conservative or radical.Results: Radical treatment including lung resection and pericystectomy was performed in all patients in whom the surgical exposure was obtained by either thoracotomy or TA. Of the patients treated by laparotomy, two had a pericystectomy, and four had drainage of the cyst. There were two deaths among the seven thoracotomy patients and one among the 18 TA patients. Pleural effusion was observed in six of the TA, two of the thoracotomy, and three of the laparotomy patients. Biliary fistula occurred in two of the five thoracotomy patients surviving operation and in two laparotomy patients (2/6). Progression of the lung disease was observed in four laparotomy patients and in one thoracotomy patient.Conclusions: The better outcome achieved in TA patients is the result of the simultaneous radical treatment of all the pathological aspects of BBF.

Diseases of The Colon & Rectum, 2000

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of omentoplasty, by means of intact om... more PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of omentoplasty, by means of intact omentum, in preventing anastomotic leakages after rectal resection. METHODS: Between 1992 and 1997 a total of 112 patients (64 males) with a mean age of 64.7 (range, 39–83) years were randomly assigned to undergo omentoplasty (Group A) or not (Group B) to reinforce the colorectal anastomosis after anterior resection for rectal cancer. The primary end point was anastomotic leakage; the secondary end point included morbility and mortality related to omentoplasty. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in terms of preoperative and intraoperative characteristics. Staple-ring disruption at plain abdominal radiographs was detected in seven instances in Group A and in ten in Group B patients (P = not significant). Two leakages were evident clinically in Group A and seven in Group B (P<0.05). Three leaks were documented radiologically in Group A and eight in Group B (P = not significant). No complications related to omentoplasty were observed in Group A. There were two repeat operations for anastomotic leakage in Group B. At follow-up, one stricture developed in Group A and three in Group B (P = not significant) CONCLUSIONS: Despite a similar incidence of staple-ring defects, a strikingly lower rate of clinically and radiologically detected leaks developed in patients submitted to omentoplasty. Although not affecting the incidence of anastomotic disruption, omentoplasty seems to contain the severity of anastomotic leakage.

Total mesorectal excision lowers the rate of pelvic recurrence and positively affects the surviva... more Total mesorectal excision lowers the rate of pelvic recurrence and positively affects the survival after surgical treatment of rectal cancer. Case series. Tertiary care university hospital. Fifty-three consecutive patients were admitted with curative intent to surgery at the First Department of Surgery of the University of Rome &amp;quot;La Sapienza,&amp;quot; Rome, Italy, with diagnoses of rectal carcinoma. The mean follow-up was 68.9 months; follow-up was complete for all patients who entered the trial. Low anterior resection and total mesorectal excision were performed in all cases, regardless of the location of the rectal cancer. A straight mechanical colorectal anastomosis was performed on a rectal stump, never exceeding 5 cm. No kind of adjuvant therapy was given. Mesorectum and open rectum were studied by serial transverse section at 5-mm intervals. A search for depth of penetration and distal intramural extension of the tumor was made. Lymph nodes were detected by clearing method, and nodal metastases (NM) and nonnodal metastases (NNM) were recorded as situated proximally, distally, or at the level of the tumor. There was no postoperative mortality. Clinical and radiologic leaks occurred in 2 and 4 patients, respectively. Mean disease-free survival was 65.9 months. Pelvic recurrence occurred in 5 patients (9%). Overall 5-year survival rate was 75%. Involvement of mesorectum by NM and NNM was detected in 27 and 24 cases, respectively. Both NM and NNM were found to be distal in 33% and 40% of cases, respectively. Microscopic spread to the distal mesorectum may exceed the intramural spread of rectal cancer. Failure to perform total mesorectal excision leaves a potentially residual disease in the distal mesorectum, thus predisposing the patient to pelvic recurrence.

Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques, 2002

The objective of our study was to illustrate a case of endoscopically placed biliary stent breaka... more The objective of our study was to illustrate a case of endoscopically placed biliary stent breakage. A72-year-old woman with a prolonged history of cholangitis following laparoscopic cholecistectomy was referred to our institution 8 years ago. Dilatation of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tree and a benign stricture at the cystic confluence were observed at US and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A 12-F gauge plastic endoprosthesis was placed. In the absence of any symptoms, breakage of the stent was revealed 18 months later at plain radiology. Eight years later an enterocutaneous fistula occurred originating from a jejunal loop containing the indwelled distal part of the stent. Surgery was undertaken and the distal part of the stent removed with the perforated jejunal loop. The proximal part was successively endoscopically removed. Disruption of a biliary endoprosthesis is observed in patients in whom the stent is kept in situ for a long period or consequent to exchange. The removal and exchange is mandatory when the stent disruption is followed by cholangitis. In the current case, because of the absence of any symptoms the removal of the stent was not attempted. Immediate endoscopic removal of the prosthetic fragments seems to be the treatment of choice for replacement of a new stent.

To compare the outcomes of patients undergoing surgical treatment for pancreatic head carcinomas ... more To compare the outcomes of patients undergoing surgical treatment for pancreatic head carcinomas during different time course over 40 years in one hospital. Totally 346 cases of pancreatic head carcinoma in one hospital were retrospectively analyzed during the periods of 1958-1976, 1977-1987, 1988-1998, and 1999-2003. During the period of 1958-1976, 79 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma were diagnosed and the rate of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was 20.6% (21/79). During the period of 1977-1987, 60 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma were diagnosed and the PD rate was 26.7% (16/60). During the period of 1988-1998, 109 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma were diagnosed and the resection rate was 20.18% (22/109). During the period of 1999-2003, 98 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma were diagnosed and the resection rate was 22.4% (20/98). The total resection rate of pancreatic head carcinomas was 22.8% (79/346). The complication rate of the operation was 42.3% (9/21) during 1958-1976, 37.5% (6/16) during 1977-1987, 27.3% (6/22) during 1988-1998, and 10.0% (2/20) during 1998-2003. The perioperative mortality was 19.0% (4/21) during 1958-1976 (2 cases of pancreatic fistula and 1 case of liver and renal failure), 12.5% (2/16) during 1977-1987 (1 case of multiple organ failure and 1 case of bleeding), and 4.5% (1/22) during 1988-1998 (1 case of multiple organ failure). One patient with bile duct fistula during 1977-1987 and one patient with pancreatic fistula during 1988-1998 were cured by non-operative treatment. There was no perioperative death during 1999-2003. During the period of 1958-1976, the survival rate of patients undergoing PD was 55.5% by 1 year, 23.1% by 3 year, and 11.0% by 5 year. During 1977-1987, it was 56.3% by 1 year, 25.0% by 3 year, and 12.5% by 5 year. During 1988-1998, it was 59.1% by 1 year, 27.2% by 3 year, and 13.6% by 5 year. Remarkable improvement have been achieved in perioperative preparation and care after surgical treatment of pancreatic head cancer in the past decades. However, the resection rate and prognosis of PC were still poor, although the accuracy of early diagnosis is increasing, and the complications and perioperative mortality of PD are decreasing.

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2004

Background and aims Hepatic resection has been proposed as an effective way to treat metastatic c... more Background and aims Hepatic resection has been proposed as an effective way to treat metastatic colorectal carcinoma. The aim of the study was to determine if contemporary resection of intestinal primary tumor and hepatic metastases is effective in the treatment of patients with metastases that are recognized at the initial clinical presentation of the primary tumor. Methods In a retrospective study, univariate and multivariate models were used to analyze the effect of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment factors on early and long-term outcome of patients submitted to synchronous intestinal and hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases. From 1988 to 1999, 78 patients underwent surgical resection of primary colorectal tumor and hepatic metastases with curative intent. Criteria for study recruitment included primary tumor controllable, no extrahepatic disease detectable, and negative surgical margins of hepatic resection. Results The univariate analysis disclosed as adverse predictors of the long-term outcome the numbers of metastases (≤3; >3), pre-operative CEA value >100 ng/ml, resection margin <10 mm, and portal nodal status. Multivariate analysis confirmed number of metastases, resection margin and portal nodal status as independent predictors. Conclusions Our findings confirm hepatic resection as an effective procedure when undertaking combined bowel and hepatic resection. The applicability and the outcome of this surgical strategy is definitively influenced by the chance of a radical resection of the primary tumor, the number of hepatic metastases, resection margin wider than 1 cm, positive portal nodes, and the absence of any extrahepatic metastatic disease.

Digestive and Liver Disease, 2002

Archives of Surgery, 2000

American Journal of Surgery, 2001

Background: Preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and consequential blood flow to ... more Background: Preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and consequential blood flow to the rectum would reduce the risk of leakage of a colorectal anastomosis. Methods: One hundred and sixty-three patients undergoing left colectomy for complicated diverticular disease of the colon were randomly placed into two groups: A, n ϭ 86; and B, n ϭ 77. In group A, the integrity of the IMA was preserved by artery skeletization (IMAS); in group B, the IMA was divided at its origin. Variables recorded included duration of the surgical procedure, need for blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, operative mortality and morbidity, staple-ring disruption, and radiologic and clinical leakage. Anastomotic stenosis and recurrence of diverticular disease were noted. Results: Surgical time was superior in the IMAS group. Radiologic and clinical leakages were significantly higher in group B (P ϭ 0.02, P ϭ 0.03, respectively). In group A a significant lower number of staple-ring disruptions was observed, evolving into clinical dehiscence. Conclusion: Preserving the natural blood supply to the rectum and the ensuing use of a healthy well-nourished rectal stump are suggested as the main aspects of IMAS in preventing and healing leakage of colorectal anastomosis.

Liver International, 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS... more Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS) imaging in detecting liver secondaries at the time of primary colorectal surgery and to evaluate the impact of IOUS on patient management.Methods: Data from 167 patients with primary colorectal cancer who were admitted for elective surgery between January 1995 and December 2003 were prospectively evaluated and analysed. All patients underwent pre-operative abdominal ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT), as well as IOUS. The final diagnosis of liver metastases was made by means of histological examination of either biopsy or surgical specimens. The sensitivities of pre-operative US and CT were compared with the sensitivity of IOUS, referred to histology. Changes in surgical management owing to IOUS findings were noted.Results: IOUS supplied additional information in the case of 31 patients. In 28 of these patients, this information had a major impact on the intra-operative strategy, in that the procedure was altered.Conclusions: IOUS is safe, simple to perform and more accurate than pre-operative imaging. It reduces the number of patients subjected to superfluous surgery. The use of IOUS is therefore encouraged during colorectal cancer surgery.

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2004

Background and aims Initial experience with the posterior sphincterotomy for treating anal fissur... more Background and aims Initial experience with the posterior sphincterotomy for treating anal fissures was unsatisfactory, with a significant rate of recurrences and anal incontinence. This report describes the lateral approach to complete section of the internal sphincter. Patients and methods Between 1997 and 2001 we surgically treated 164 patients for anal fissure. Preoperative and postoperative anal manometries were recorded. Postoperative course and early and long-term results were recorded. Results No fissure failed to heal. Early complications included bleeding, hematoma, and pain. A transient, variable degree of incontinence occurred in 15 patients and persistent incontinence to flatus and soiling in 5. After total sphincterotomy no long-term complication was observed. Patient satisfaction was 96%. Conclusion Total subcutaneous, internal sphincterotomy is a safe, effective procedure for the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2007

Diseases of The Colon & Rectum, 1999

Archives of Surgery, 2003

Archives of Surgery, 2002

Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques, 1998

Liver International, 2007

Diseases of The Colon & Rectum, 2000

Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques, 2002

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2004

Digestive and Liver Disease, 2002

Archives of Surgery, 2000

American Journal of Surgery, 2001

Liver International, 2007

International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2004