The prognostic role of apoptosis mediators in rectal adenocarcinoma.

Background/aims: Genes included in apoptosis may be involved in tumor biology and identify specific groups of patients with individual therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of some apoptosis markers in conjunction with pathological factors in operable rectal cancer patients.

Methodology: Tumor samples from 87 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma were analyzed retrospectively.

[Results and prognostic factors in rectal cancer surgically treated with curative intent--experience of a single tertiary center].

Background: Rectal cancer has a paradoxal prognosis in about 25% of patients, although intraoperative parameters and tumor stage are known as major determinants of prognosis.

Aim: This study assessed the prognostic factors in patients with rectal cancer treated without total mesorectal excision in long-term follow-up.

Material And Methods: A single center tertiary population included retrospectively 87 patients with rectal cancer operated between 1992 and 2002 using conventional resection.

Feasibility of a high intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis without thoracic access after laparoscopic-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy: a pilot experimental study.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a technique that uses solely the transhiatal approach to create a high intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis after laparoscopic transhiatal resection of the distal esophagus.

Method: Using a laparoscopic approach, the esophagi of 10 midsized pigs were dissected and transected as high as possible in the thorax, and the anvil of a circular stapler was introduced perorally into the esophageal stump. Through a midline short laparotomy, the circular stapler was inserted into the gastric tube and advanced through the hiatus to be connected with the anvil and create the anastomosis.

Evaluation of the combined laparoscopic and mediastinoscopic esophagectomy technique.

Background: Laparoscopic esophagectomy is technically difficult especially during dissection in the upper mediastinum. This limitation may be surpassed with the help of mediastinoscopy or of the recently introduced robotic surgical systems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in an experimental porcine model the feasibility of the combined laparoscopic and mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy technique and to compare it with the robotic-assisted transhiatal and conventional approaches.

Gas-chamber mediastinoscopy for dissection of the upper esophagus.

Aim: Mediastinoscopy has the potential to bring under view the upper mediastinum, the area most difficult to dissect during transhiatal esophagectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in an animal model the feasibility of the gas-chamber mediastinoscopy technique for dissection of the upper esophagus.

Methods: Operations were performed in nine Landrace pigs using a 30 degrees laparoscope and conventional 35-cm laparoscopic instruments.