Melissa Lodato | Università di Catania (original) (raw)

Papers by Melissa Lodato

Diabetes Care, 2003

OBJECTIVE— Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a possible link between obesity and impaired glucos... more OBJECTIVE— Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a possible link between obesity and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes. Data about TNF-α and soluble forms of its receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) in IGT are controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess plasma TNF-α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 levels and to evaluate the relationships with insulin resistance in obese subjects with IGT. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A total of 104 subjects participated in the present study: 30 obese subjects with IGT (obese-IGT), 32 obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance (obese-NGT), and 42 lean healthy control subjects (control-NGT). Anthropometry and blood biochemical parameters were measured and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp was performed. RESULTS— Obese-IGT subjects were more insulin resistant in comparison with obese-NGT and control-NGT groups; obese-NGT subjects were more insulin resistant than control-NGT. Plasma sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were markedly higher in both groups of o...

Giornale di Chirurgia - Journal of Surgery, 2017

Neoplastic sigmoid-uterine fistula is an extremely rare condition because the uterus is a thick a... more Neoplastic sigmoid-uterine fistula is an extremely rare condition because the uterus is a thick and muscular organ. A 74-year-old woman was admitted to the First Aid Station suffering from abdominal pain and foul smelling vaginal discharge. Gynaecological examination showed fecal drainage from the cervical orifice, while the uterus was regular in size but very firm and painful. Ovaries and fallopian tubes were not palpable owing to abdominal tenderness. Ultrasounds reveled inhomogeneous thickening of uterine cavity, without detecting fistula. Contrast Medium CT (CMCT) showed Douglas' recto-uterine pouch occluded. The sigmoid wall was very thin exception a site where a fistula was suspected. At the surgery severe adhesions of the sigma-rectum with the posterior uterine wall were observed. After adhesiolysis, 18 cm colon-sigma-rectum was removed. Total hysterectomy with salpingooophorectomy was performed. Lymphadenectomy ended the procedure. Anatomical specimen confirmed sigmoid-uterine fistula. At histology a mildly differentiated adenocarcinoma of sigma-rectum was shown. Postoperative course was uneventful. Such a case of neoplastic sigmoiduterine fistula has not been reported so far.

Il Giornale di chirurgia, 2019

The treatment of incisional hernias, especially those that are multiple or recurring, has always ... more The treatment of incisional hernias, especially those that are multiple or recurring, has always represented important challenges for surgeons. An incisional hernia is a mechanical damage of the abdominal wall that can result in respiratory problems and alterations of splanchnic circulation, especially when in large size hernias. The increasing availability of prostheses with greater resistance Romato infections and tension, lightness, biocompatibility, and reduced visceral adhesions has improved outcomes and minimized relapses. It is still important, however, to carefully choose the type of prosthesis and surgical technique, whether laparotomic or laparoscopic, correlated to the positioning site of the prosthesis. In this observational study we report the results and outcomes of 50 patients surgically treated for incisional hernia in our hospital. The surgical technique used to repair the hernias was laparoscopic with the use of the Ventralight Echo PS. This prosthesis is equipped ...

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic gallbladd... more Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic gallbladder diseases such as cholecystitis and cholelithiasis and it is the most performed procedure in general surgery with more than 1.5 million cholecystectomies performed annually in the United States. The reasons behind the increasing number of laparoscopic surgeries are improved postoperative pain and improved healing time as compared to open cholecystectomy resulting in earlier recovery and discharge from the hospitals. However, even if it is considered a minimally invasive technique, the intensity of pain on the first postoperative day is significant. Appropriate pain control is essential for optimizing the clinical outcomes and to ensure the patient can walk as early as possible after surgery. © EuroMediterranean Biomedical Journal 2018 1. To the Editor Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic gallbladder diseases such as cholecystitis and c...

Updates in Surgery, 2013

We develop a stochastic version of the Elastic Generalized Assignment Problem (EGAP) that incorpo... more We develop a stochastic version of the Elastic Generalized Assignment Problem (EGAP) that incorporates independent, normally distributed resource-consumption coefficients and other random parameters. The Stochastic EGAP (SEGAP) is a stochastic integer program with simple recourse. We construct two deterministic equivalents: The "proportional mean-variance model" (PMVM) assumes a common mean-to-variance ratio for all coefficients associated with a single resource, while the "general mean-variance model" (GMVM) relaxes this assumption. Models for more general distributions are also described. We test PMVM and GMVM to assign a set of petroleum-order deliveries with uncertain durations to a set of trucks; overtime pay accrues when regular working hours are exceeded. Realistic instances of SEGAP solve in times that are comparable to the EGAPs, sometimes faster, and the relative value of the stochastic solution can exceed 24%.

F1000Research, 2017

One of the most unusual complications in cholethiasis is spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula,... more One of the most unusual complications in cholethiasis is spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula, which has only been reported a few times in the literature. We report the case of a 76 year old man who presented with a right hypochondrium subcutaneous abscess, with pain evoked through palpation. No comorbidity in the patient's medical history were noted. Confirmation of cholecystocutaneous fistula was made using the proper diagnostic process, which is computed tomography with contrast media, followed by hepatobiliary MRI. This confirmed the presence of a fistulous pathway between the gallbladder and the skin. The patient underwent cholecystectomy surgery and open laparotomy withaponeurotic muscle, skin and fistula orifice excision.

F1000Research

One of the most unusual complications in cholethiasis is spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula,... more One of the most unusual complications in cholethiasis is spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula, which has only been reported a few times in the literature. We report the case of a 76 year old man who presented with a right hypochondrium subcutaneous abscess, with pain evoked through palpation. No comorbidity in the patient’s medical history were noted. Confirmation of cholecystocutaneous fistula was made using the proper diagnostic process, which is computed tomography with contrast media, followed by hepatobiliary MRI. This confirmed the presence of a fistulous pathway between the gallbladder and the skin. The patient underwent cholecystectomy surgery and open laparotomy with en block aponeurotic muscle, skin and fistula orifice excision.

It has already been proven that ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women, and i... more It has already been proven that ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women, and it is considered the leading cause of death by gynecologic cancer in developed countries. This article is a literature review based on the use of cytoreductive surgery matched with adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced-stage ovarian cancer. According to the statistics, the difficulty of obtaining an early diagnosis results in a delay in the disease treatment and as a consequence, in many cases, ovarian cancer is still diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease. Primary surgery is performed, in addition to diagnosis and staging, to achieve optimal cytoreduction. The purpose of this article is to review the different surgical approaches in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer, specifically the high-stage disease, with a special concentration on the most recent therapeutic additions to our current knowledge, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and new therapeutic drugs. ...

Updates in Surgery, 2013

It has already been proven that ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women, and i... more It has already been proven that ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women, and it is considered the leading cause of death by gynecologic cancer in developed countries. This article is a literature review based on the use of cytoreductive surgery matched with adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced-stage ovarian cancer. According to the statistics, the difficulty of obtaining an early diagnosis results in a delay in the disease treatment and as a consequence, in many cases, ovarian cancer is still diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease. Primary surgery is performed, in addition to diagnosis and staging, to achieve optimal cytoreduction. The purpose of this article is to review the different surgical approaches in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer, specifically the high-stage disease, with a special concentration on the most recent therapeutic additions to our current knowledge, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and new therapeutic drugs. Surgical treatment still plays a pivotal role in the management of advanced-stage ovarian cancer. Complete cytoreduction continues to be, when feasible, the objective to be attempted in the surgical treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Obviously, the success of the operation depends on numerous factors, including patient selection, the locations of tumors, and surgeon expertise. To offer patients the best possible outcome with the least accompanying morbidity, strong consideration should be given to the referral of such patients to expert care centers for primary surgery, because it may be the best means currently available for improving overall survival.

Diabetes Care, 2003

OBJECTIVE— Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a possible link between obesity and impaired glucos... more OBJECTIVE— Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a possible link between obesity and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes. Data about TNF-α and soluble forms of its receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) in IGT are controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess plasma TNF-α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 levels and to evaluate the relationships with insulin resistance in obese subjects with IGT. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A total of 104 subjects participated in the present study: 30 obese subjects with IGT (obese-IGT), 32 obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance (obese-NGT), and 42 lean healthy control subjects (control-NGT). Anthropometry and blood biochemical parameters were measured and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp was performed. RESULTS— Obese-IGT subjects were more insulin resistant in comparison with obese-NGT and control-NGT groups; obese-NGT subjects were more insulin resistant than control-NGT. Plasma sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were markedly higher in both groups of o...

Giornale di Chirurgia - Journal of Surgery, 2017

Neoplastic sigmoid-uterine fistula is an extremely rare condition because the uterus is a thick a... more Neoplastic sigmoid-uterine fistula is an extremely rare condition because the uterus is a thick and muscular organ. A 74-year-old woman was admitted to the First Aid Station suffering from abdominal pain and foul smelling vaginal discharge. Gynaecological examination showed fecal drainage from the cervical orifice, while the uterus was regular in size but very firm and painful. Ovaries and fallopian tubes were not palpable owing to abdominal tenderness. Ultrasounds reveled inhomogeneous thickening of uterine cavity, without detecting fistula. Contrast Medium CT (CMCT) showed Douglas' recto-uterine pouch occluded. The sigmoid wall was very thin exception a site where a fistula was suspected. At the surgery severe adhesions of the sigma-rectum with the posterior uterine wall were observed. After adhesiolysis, 18 cm colon-sigma-rectum was removed. Total hysterectomy with salpingooophorectomy was performed. Lymphadenectomy ended the procedure. Anatomical specimen confirmed sigmoid-uterine fistula. At histology a mildly differentiated adenocarcinoma of sigma-rectum was shown. Postoperative course was uneventful. Such a case of neoplastic sigmoiduterine fistula has not been reported so far.

Il Giornale di chirurgia, 2019

The treatment of incisional hernias, especially those that are multiple or recurring, has always ... more The treatment of incisional hernias, especially those that are multiple or recurring, has always represented important challenges for surgeons. An incisional hernia is a mechanical damage of the abdominal wall that can result in respiratory problems and alterations of splanchnic circulation, especially when in large size hernias. The increasing availability of prostheses with greater resistance Romato infections and tension, lightness, biocompatibility, and reduced visceral adhesions has improved outcomes and minimized relapses. It is still important, however, to carefully choose the type of prosthesis and surgical technique, whether laparotomic or laparoscopic, correlated to the positioning site of the prosthesis. In this observational study we report the results and outcomes of 50 patients surgically treated for incisional hernia in our hospital. The surgical technique used to repair the hernias was laparoscopic with the use of the Ventralight Echo PS. This prosthesis is equipped ...

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic gallbladd... more Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic gallbladder diseases such as cholecystitis and cholelithiasis and it is the most performed procedure in general surgery with more than 1.5 million cholecystectomies performed annually in the United States. The reasons behind the increasing number of laparoscopic surgeries are improved postoperative pain and improved healing time as compared to open cholecystectomy resulting in earlier recovery and discharge from the hospitals. However, even if it is considered a minimally invasive technique, the intensity of pain on the first postoperative day is significant. Appropriate pain control is essential for optimizing the clinical outcomes and to ensure the patient can walk as early as possible after surgery. © EuroMediterranean Biomedical Journal 2018 1. To the Editor Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic gallbladder diseases such as cholecystitis and c...

Updates in Surgery, 2013

We develop a stochastic version of the Elastic Generalized Assignment Problem (EGAP) that incorpo... more We develop a stochastic version of the Elastic Generalized Assignment Problem (EGAP) that incorporates independent, normally distributed resource-consumption coefficients and other random parameters. The Stochastic EGAP (SEGAP) is a stochastic integer program with simple recourse. We construct two deterministic equivalents: The "proportional mean-variance model" (PMVM) assumes a common mean-to-variance ratio for all coefficients associated with a single resource, while the "general mean-variance model" (GMVM) relaxes this assumption. Models for more general distributions are also described. We test PMVM and GMVM to assign a set of petroleum-order deliveries with uncertain durations to a set of trucks; overtime pay accrues when regular working hours are exceeded. Realistic instances of SEGAP solve in times that are comparable to the EGAPs, sometimes faster, and the relative value of the stochastic solution can exceed 24%.

F1000Research, 2017

One of the most unusual complications in cholethiasis is spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula,... more One of the most unusual complications in cholethiasis is spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula, which has only been reported a few times in the literature. We report the case of a 76 year old man who presented with a right hypochondrium subcutaneous abscess, with pain evoked through palpation. No comorbidity in the patient's medical history were noted. Confirmation of cholecystocutaneous fistula was made using the proper diagnostic process, which is computed tomography with contrast media, followed by hepatobiliary MRI. This confirmed the presence of a fistulous pathway between the gallbladder and the skin. The patient underwent cholecystectomy surgery and open laparotomy withaponeurotic muscle, skin and fistula orifice excision.

F1000Research

One of the most unusual complications in cholethiasis is spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula,... more One of the most unusual complications in cholethiasis is spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula, which has only been reported a few times in the literature. We report the case of a 76 year old man who presented with a right hypochondrium subcutaneous abscess, with pain evoked through palpation. No comorbidity in the patient’s medical history were noted. Confirmation of cholecystocutaneous fistula was made using the proper diagnostic process, which is computed tomography with contrast media, followed by hepatobiliary MRI. This confirmed the presence of a fistulous pathway between the gallbladder and the skin. The patient underwent cholecystectomy surgery and open laparotomy with en block aponeurotic muscle, skin and fistula orifice excision.

It has already been proven that ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women, and i... more It has already been proven that ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women, and it is considered the leading cause of death by gynecologic cancer in developed countries. This article is a literature review based on the use of cytoreductive surgery matched with adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced-stage ovarian cancer. According to the statistics, the difficulty of obtaining an early diagnosis results in a delay in the disease treatment and as a consequence, in many cases, ovarian cancer is still diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease. Primary surgery is performed, in addition to diagnosis and staging, to achieve optimal cytoreduction. The purpose of this article is to review the different surgical approaches in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer, specifically the high-stage disease, with a special concentration on the most recent therapeutic additions to our current knowledge, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and new therapeutic drugs. ...

Updates in Surgery, 2013

It has already been proven that ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women, and i... more It has already been proven that ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer among women, and it is considered the leading cause of death by gynecologic cancer in developed countries. This article is a literature review based on the use of cytoreductive surgery matched with adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced-stage ovarian cancer. According to the statistics, the difficulty of obtaining an early diagnosis results in a delay in the disease treatment and as a consequence, in many cases, ovarian cancer is still diagnosed in the advanced stage of the disease. Primary surgery is performed, in addition to diagnosis and staging, to achieve optimal cytoreduction. The purpose of this article is to review the different surgical approaches in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer, specifically the high-stage disease, with a special concentration on the most recent therapeutic additions to our current knowledge, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and new therapeutic drugs. Surgical treatment still plays a pivotal role in the management of advanced-stage ovarian cancer. Complete cytoreduction continues to be, when feasible, the objective to be attempted in the surgical treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Obviously, the success of the operation depends on numerous factors, including patient selection, the locations of tumors, and surgeon expertise. To offer patients the best possible outcome with the least accompanying morbidity, strong consideration should be given to the referral of such patients to expert care centers for primary surgery, because it may be the best means currently available for improving overall survival.