Laparoscopic versus open colectomy for TNM stage III colon cancer: results of a prospective multicenter study in Italy.

Background And Purpose: There is still debate about the practicality of performing laparoscopic colectomy instead of open colectomy for patients with curable cancer, although laparoscopic surgery is now being performed even for patients with advanced colon cancer. We compared the long-term results of laparoscopic versus open colectomy for TNM stage III carcinoma of the colon in a large series of patients followed up for at least 3 years.

Methods: The subjects of this prospective non-randomized multicentric study were 290 consecutive patients, who underwent open surgery (OS group; n = 164) or laparoscopic surgery (LS group; n = 126) between 1994 and 2005, at one of the four surgical centers.

Treatment of rectal adenomas by transanal endoscopic microsurgery: 15 years' experience.

Background: The authors present their experience with rectal adenomas managed by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). The goals of this study were to examine our institution's experience by evaluating surgical morbidity, mortality, and local recurrence rate.

Methods: This retrospective study investigated 402 patients who underwent TEM a for preoperative diagnosis of adenoma from January 1993 to October 2008.

Use of the electrothermal bipolar vessel system (EBVS) in laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a prospective study.

Background: Since laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has been adopted as the gold standard for the treatment of adrenal diseases, the development of technology for vascular control and dissection manoeuvres, amongst other things, may play a pivotal role in its further improvement. We report our experience with the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) device for LA.

Methods: From January 2004 to January 2006, 50 patients (pts) undergoing LA were selected and randomized for use of the EBVS (25 pts, group A) versus the UltraSonic Shears (USS) device (25 pts, group B).

Early rectal cancer: definition and management.

Background: Local excision of rectal cancer is an alternative to radical resection but today its role surrounding the management of patients with early stage rectal cancer (T1-T2-N0) represents an important surgical issue.

Aim: To analyze the results of 135 patients with early stage low rectal cancer treated with local excision by transanal endoscopic microsurgery and in the case of T2 also by neoadjuvant therapy.

Study Design: 135 patients with T1-T2-N0-M0 rectal cancer were enrolled in the study.

Electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing device vs. ultrasonic coagulating shears in laparoscopic colectomies: a comparative study.

Background: Many devices are available for vascular control during laparoscopic colorectal procedures. Ultrasonic coagulating shears (UCS), vascular staplers, titanium or plastic clips, and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) are currently used according to the surgeon's preference. This study aimed to compare EBVS Ligasure with UCS.

Laparoscopic anterior adrenalectomy for the treatment of adrenal metastases.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the results in 6 patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy for the treatment of solitary adrenal gland metastases. One hundred forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy by transperitoneal anterior approach. In 6 patients the indication was the presence of a solitary adrenal gland metastasis.

Results of laparoscopic versus open resections for non-early rectal cancer in patients with a minimum follow-up of four years.

Background/aims: Laparoscopic rectal resection for malignancy is still debated. Concern has been expressed regarding the lack of significant data from larger patient series with longer periods of follow-up. The aims of this study were to compare long-term outcome with a minimum follow-up of four years in unselected patients undergoing either laparoscopic rectal resection or open rectal resection for cancer.