Endoscopic single-port "components separation technique" for postoperative abdominal reconstruction.

Background: In 1990, Ramirez introduced a new procedure to close abdominal wall hernia (AWH), called "components separation technique (CST)". Thanks to endoscopy, surgical repair possibilities have risen, reducing the operative trauma and preserving vascular and neuronal anatomical structures. This report aims to describe a single port endoscopic approach for CST to repair the abdominal wall of a patient undergoing surgery for abdominal aneurysm and already subject to placement of a mesh for AWH.

Skin phototype and local trauma in the onset of balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) in circumcised patients.

The association between balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) and skin disorders is long established, however, the role of skin phototype and local trauma in its onset has never been investigated in detail. Medical records of all Caucasian children circumcised over a 6-year period were reviewed. The excised skin underwent histological examination for BXO.

Dermoid cyst of the pancreas: presentation and management.

Background: Dermoid cyst of the pancreas is a benign, well-differentiated, extremely rare germ cell neoplasm. Published data indicate that differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the pancreas is challenging and although ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance may be useful, radiological findings are often inconclusive and the diagnosis is intraoperative. We report a case of a dermoid cyst of the tail of the pancreas intraoperatively diagnosed and successfully treated with left pancreatectomy.

Alpha- and beta-tubulin expression in rectal cancer development.

Background: Microtubules are involved in cell growth and division, motility, signalling and in the development and maintenance of cell shape. Consequently, the non-equilibrium dynamics of these microtubules can be crucial to cellular function, including cancer development. Although the involvement of tubulins in human development has been well investigated, the role of alpha- and beta-tubulins in human tumorigenesis still remains controversial.

Preoperative risk factors for common bile duct stones: defining the patient at high risk in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy era.

Background: Common bile duct stones (CBDS) are present in 3-20% of patients with cholelithiasis. Intraoperative cholangiography has high sensitivity in detecting CBDS but its routine use is associated with increased costs and operating room time. The aim of our study was to define an accurate and simple model for the prediction of CBDS using preoperative variables.