Oncological outcomes of open, laparoscopic and robotic colectomy in patients with transverse colon cancer.

Background: Literature concerning surgical management of transverse colon cancer is scarce, since many key trials excluded transverse colon cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and oncological outcomes comparing open, laparoscopic and robotic transverse colon cancer resection.

Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent elective surgery for transverse colon cancer between December 2005 and July 2021 were included.

Robotic CME in obese patients: advantage of robotic ultrasound scan for vascular dissection.

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) in right-sided colon cancers appears to confer oncological benefits compared to conventional colectomy. Identification of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) remains challenging. We describe the novel use of intra-operative robotic ultrasound scan (rUSS) in obese patients (BMI ≥ 29).

Emergency robotic colorectal surgery during COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective case series study.

Objective: While interest in elective robotic surgery is growing, use in emergency setting remains limited due to challenges posed by sicker patients, advanced pathology and logistical issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, robotic surgery could provide the benefit of having the surgeon away from the bedside and reducing the number of directly exposed medical staff. The objective of this study was to report patient outcomes and initial learning experience of emergency robotic colorectal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perirenal perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa).

A 52-year-old woman, who is a carrier of MLH-1 mutation (HNPCC-type Lynch syndrome) with a history of colon adenocarcinoma, was diagnosed with a 26 mm lobulated contrast-capturing mass located caudally of the pancreas tail, anteromedial of the spleen and medial of the splenic colon angle. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy with resection of the tumor. Initially, this mass was presumed to be metastasis in a patient with a history of colon adenocarcinoma.

Surgical resection of voluminous epiphrenic diverticula.

A 52-year-old male and 55-year-old female underwent surgical resection of a voluminous symptomatic epiphrenic diverticulum a right thoracotomy. A formal myotomy of the distal esophagus was not performed. The first patient had an uncomplicated recovery whilst the other patient still suffers from an esophageal-cutaneous fistula and repetitive abscesses, treated by intravenous antibiotics and percutaneous drainage.

The masquerading presentation of a systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK positive: a case report and review of the literature.

We report an unusual case of systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), ALK positive with leukemic involvement in a 57-year-old woman. The patient presented with a fulminant respiratory infection unresponsive to treatment requiring intensive care and ventilatory support. The CT scan demonstrated mediastinal and bilateral lymphadenopathy.

Results from the Belgian mantle cell lymphoma registry.

Introduction: Mantle cell lymphoma is a B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterized by a t(11;14), resulting in overexpression of cyclin D1. Conventional chemotherapy obtains frequent (but short) remissions, leading to a poor median overall survival (OS) of 3-5 years. To obtain more information about the prevalence and current treatment of Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in Belgium, we collected data in a Belgian registry of MCL.

Complication Rate after Carotid Endarterectomy Comparing Patch Angioplasty and Primary Closure.

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces the risk for stroke in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis. The optimal surgical technique remains subject of debate. Literature suggests patch angioplasty reduces complication risk.

Patients with cardiac arrest are ventilated two times faster than guidelines recommend: an observational prehospital study using tracheal pressure measurement.

Aim: To measure ventilation rate using tracheal airway pressures in prehospitally intubated patients with and without cardiac arrest.

Methods: Prospective observational study. In 98 patients (57 with and 41 without cardiac arrest) an air-filled catheter was inserted into the endotracheal tube and connected to a custom-made portable device allowing tracheal airway pressure recording and subsequent calculation of ventilation rate.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid galactomannan for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with hematologic diseases.

Background: Prompt diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains a challenge. Galactomannan (GM) detection in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid by the Platelia enzyme immunoassay aims to further improve upon the test's utility by applying it directly to specimens from the target organ.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the Platelia assay was performed on BAL samples from 99 evaluable high-risk hematology patients, including 58 with proven or probable IPA.