Robotic vs open gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A propensity score-matched analysis on short- and long-term outcomes.

Background: The aim of this study was compare short- and long-term outcomes between robotic (RG) and standard open gastrectomy (OG).

Methods: This is a single-center propensity score-matched study including patients who underwent RG or OG for gastric cancer between 2008 and 2018.

Results: In total, 191 patients could be included for analysis.

[Pinch-off syndrome].

Totally implantable central venous access devices, or ports, are commonly used for those patients which require long-term or continuum intravenous infusion therapy. We report a case of a rare complication related to them, called pinch-off syndrome, arising by the chronic compression of the central venous catheter between the clavicle and the first rib, with consequent mechanic obstruction of the catheter and eventual complete transection and embolization of a distal fragment of it. A chest radiograph, eventually with the injection of contrast through the catheter, is require when pain and/or swelling in the chest or shoulder at the side go the port occur at the time of infusion plus malfunction of it.

[Gallbladder injury].

The Authors report on a rare case of blunt traumatic injury of the gallbladder. A careful clinical examination, an abdominal ultrasonography and a contrast material-enhanced computed tomography have a primary importance for a correct diagnosis. Laparoscopic surgery has an important diagnostic and, in selected cases, therapeutic role.

[Mesenteric fibromatosis].

Mesenteric fibromatosis is a rare benign mesenteric tumour, characterised by infiltrative growth and high rates of recurrence. Histological examination is the only diagnostic procedure capable of ruling out a malignant mesenteric neoplasm. It is not always possible to perform a radical removal of the tumour mass because it may have infiltrated important anatomical structures.

Usefulness of the ultrasonically activated shears in total thyroidectomy.

Surgical technique of total thyroidectomy is nowadays well known. Technology could determine some improvement of this kind of surgery. Two groups of patients that underwent total thyroidectomy were compared retrospectively.

Pancreatic metastases: observations of three cases and review of the literature.

Background: The aim of the study is to analyze pancreatic metastases and their clinical, radiological, therapeutic and prognostic features.

Methods: Three cases of pancreatic metastases observed and a world literature review of 333 cases were recorded.

Results: Pancreatic metastases are due more frequently to renal cell carcinoma; they are usually metachronous and characterized by a long period of time between the resection of the primary tumor and their detection.

["Forgotten" goiter: clinical case and review of the literature].

"Forgotten" goitre is an extremely rare disease. It is a mediastinic thyroid mass found after total thyroidectomy. In this paper we report a case of "forgotten" goitre and review the various diagnostic and therapeutic problems posed by the condition.