Appropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis: an observational study in 21 surgical wards.

Background: Surveillance of Surgical Site Infections (SSI) in 2010 found 39 % compliance with hospital guidelines in Piedmont (Italy). The aim of the study was to estimate the appropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis and compliance with hospitals guidelines in surgical wards.

Methods: This survey study took place in 21 surgery wards of 4 public hospitals.

Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections in Piemonte, Italy: results from a second regional prevalence study.

Background: A prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) was previously performed in the Piemonte region in 2000. In the decade following the survey, many studies were performed at both the regional and hospital levels, and training courses were developed to address issues highlighted by the survey. In 2010, a second regional prevalence study was performed.

Hospital factors and patient characteristics in the treatment of colorectal cancer: a population based study.

Background: The present study focuses on the analysis of social, clinical and hospital characteristics that can lead to disparities in the management and outcome of care. To that end, indicators of the quality of initial treatment delivered to newly-diagnosed colorectal cancer patients in a North-Western Region of Italy, were investigated using administrative data.

Methods: The cohort includes all incident colorectal cancer patients (N = 24,187) selected by a validated algorithm from the Piedmont Hospital Discharge Record system over an 8-year period (2000-2007).

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava. Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Introduction: Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) occurs most frequently in the inferior vena cav (IVC). Since Perl's first description in 1871, about 300 cases of IVX have been reported in English literature. The Authors present their personal experience of two case of IVC leiomyosarcoma treated in their Institution.

[Adapting clinical practice guidelines to a regional oncology network: the Piedmont experience].

Objective: To develop a method for adapting the best available cancer practice guidelines (CPGs) to the regional oncology network in Piedmont (NW of Italy, with about 4.3 million residents).

Methods: Four CPG were developed by multidisciplinary working groups, involving local opinion leaders, coordinated by the same team (including epidemiologists and health economists).

Surgical site infection surveillance: analysis of adherence to recommendations for routine infection control practices.

Objective: To evaluate the application of surgical site infection control procedures in general surgery departments in hospitals in the Piemonte region of Italy.

Design: The descriptive study entailed 1 week of observation in the general surgery departments and 1 week of observation in the operating rooms of 49 hospitals in Piemonte; the survey was conducted in 2003.

Methods: Data collection forms were designed to record information about presurgical patient preparation (form 1) and infection control practices routinely used by surgical teams (form 2).

Side-to-side stapled anastomosis strongly reduces anastomotic leak rates in Crohn's disease surgery.

Purpose: Anastomotic configuration may influence anastomotic leak rates. The aim of this study was to determine whether a side-to-side stapled ileocolonic anastomosis produces lower anastomotic leak rates than those with a handsewn end-to-end ileocolonic anastomosis after ileocecal or ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease.

Methods: A series of 122 consecutive patients underwent elective ileocecal or ileocolonic resection with ileocolonic anastomosis for Crohn's disease from January 1998 to June 2003: 71 had handsewn end-to-end anastomosis and 51 had side-to-side stapled anastomosis.

[Evaluation of quality of care through hospital discharge reports: an example of rectal cancer surgery].

This study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of hospital discharge data for monitoring the impact of a regional practice guideline on treatment of colorectal cancer. The aims of the study were: i) estimating process and outcome indicators; ii) exploring the relationship between patient and hospital characteristics and these indicators. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were adjusted for all risk factors analysed.