Randomized trial of fenretinide (4-HPR) to prevent recurrences, new localizations and carcinomas in patients operated on for oral leukoplakia: long-term results.

We assessed the efficacy of fenretinide at preventing relapses, new lesions and carcinomas after surgical excision of oral leukoplakia. In a controlled multicenter study, 170 patients operated on for oral leukoplakias with benign postoperative histology were randomized to 200 mg fenretinide daily for 1 year vs. no intervention.

Central venous catheter complications in 447 patients on home parenteral nutrition: an analysis of over 100.000 catheter days.

Rationale: The purpose of this study is to report the frequency of central venous catheter (CVC) complications and to analyze the potential risk factors for complications requiring CVC removal in home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients.

Methods: A questionnaire developed by the ESPEN HAN WORKING GROUP was distributed to 12 European centers to investigate the complications occurring during the period between January 1995 and December 2000 when HPN patients used their first CVC. The questionnaire collected informations related to the Home Parenteral Nutrition technique and the underlying disease.

Total versus subtotal gastrectomy: surgical morbidity and mortality rates in a multicenter Italian randomized trial. The Italian Gastrointestinal Tumor Study Group.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze postoperative morbidity and mortality of patients included in a randomized trial comparing total versus subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Summary Background Data: There is controversy as to whether the optimal surgery for gastric cancer in the distal half of the stomach is subtotal or total gastrectomy. Although only a randomized trial can resolve this oncologic dilemma, the first step is to demonstrate whether the two procedures are penalized by different postoperative morbidity and mortality rates.