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Biomedical subjects

G F Coloni

Publications and source records attributed to G F Coloni.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Diagnostic and therapeutic video-assisted thoracic surgery resection of pulmonary metastases.

BACKGROUND: Appropriateness of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pulmonary metastasectomy for curative intent has been a controversial topic. We reviewed our experience with VATS wedge resection for peripheral lung metastases to determine the efficacy and potential adverse consequences of this approach for pulmonary metastasectomy. METHODS: One hundred seventy-seven patients underwent VATS resection of pulmonary metastases. Diagnostic resection (VATS-dx) was performed for 78 patients when percutaneous biopsy was unsuccessful or not feasible. Potentially curative resections (VATS-rx) were performed for 99 patients. The histologic findings in this group included colorectal (68), renal (7), sarcoma (6), breast (4), melanoma (3), head/neck (3), lymphoma (2), uterine (1), and "other" (5). The average number of lesions resected was 1.4 (range, 1-7). RESULTS: VATS resection was successfully performed for all VATS-dx and VATS-rx patients. There were no perioperative deaths. Longitudinal follow-up demonstrated a mean survival of 18 months in the VATS-dx group and 28 months in the VATS-rx group. In the VATS-rx group, 37 (37%) of 99 were free of disease, at a mean follow-up interval of 37 months. Of the 57 recurrences, 5% were local, 26% were regional, and 69% were distant. CONCLUSIONS: Results with VATS resection of peripheral pulmonary metastases for diagnostic and potentially curative intentions appear comparable with historical results by "open" thoracotomy. Careful patient selection based on high-resolution helical CT scanning is important to avoid compromise of therapeutic intent. Conversion to thoracotomy is indicated when lesions identified preoperatively are not found or when technical problems encountered may compromise surgical margins when resecting lung metastases for potential cure.

Adult↗

Thoracoscopic pleural tent.

Lung volume reduction has been performed in patients with advanced emphysema to relieve dyspnea and improve exercise tolerance. Median sternotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopy have been proposed as equally adequate approaches; however, prolonged postoperative air leakage is the most prevalent complication in all series. For this reason, on the basis of the experience achieved with the median sternotomy approach, buttressing of the suture line with different materials and techniques for space reduction have been proposed. We describe a technique to create a pleural tent after thoracoscopic volume reduction. The thoracoscopic creation of a pleural tent is feasible and results in a duration of postoperative air leaks and hospital stays similar to that achieved with stapler line buttressing.

Endoscopy↗

Lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis.

Between November 1996 and November 1997 we have transplanted 13 patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Bilateral Sequential Lung Transplantation (BSLT) was successfully performed in all patients; one patient died from pneumonia and sepsis in the postoperative period and 12 are alive and well after a follow-up ranging between 1 and 13 months. Blood gas analysis improved from mean values of PaO2: 56 mm/Hg (with oxygen) and PaCO2: 43 mm/Hg to mean values of PaO2: 85 mm/Hg and PaCO2: 37 mm/Hg. Pulmonary function tests also improved dramatically: FEV1 improved from 20% predicted to 98% predicted. FVC also improved from 39% to 100%. The quality of life markedly improved: the ideal body weight moved from about 84% to normal values within nine months, and the 6-minute walk-test improved after transplantation from a preoperative distance of 325 meters, to 600 meters after 6 months. In conclusion, our favorable experience with BSLT in CF patients emphasizes the importance of lung transplantation in these patients. Carefully selected and properly managed patients may benefit from transplantation in terms of quality and duration of life.

Adult↗

Inhaled nitric oxide in patients with cystic fibrosis during preoperative evaluation and during anaesthesia for lung transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been recently used as pulmonary vasodilator without any systemic effects because of a rapid inactivation by haemoglobin. We studied haemodynamic and oxygenation effects during iNO administration in cystic fibrotic patients during preoperative evaluation and during anaesthesia for lung transplantation. METHODS: From March 1996 to November 1997, 35 patients received iNO (40 ppm) during preoperative evaluation in spontaneously breathing. 13 patients, who underwent double lung transplantation, received iNO (40 ppm) during the surgical procedures, after pulmonary artery clamping. RESULTS: In the preoperative evaluation a significant decrease of mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance index and intrapulmonary shunt, with an increase of PaO2/FiO2, were observed during iNO administration, compared to baseline in 100% O2. During lung transplantation a significant decrease in intrapulmonary shunt was noted. All the transplants were successfully performed without cardio-pulmonary bypass. In all procedures, after iNO administration, we observed no modification of systemic haemodynamics. In conclusion, our study confirms the pulmonary effects of iNO without any systemic effects in patients affected by cystic fibrosis during preoperative evaluation and during anaesthesia for lung transplantation.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for masses in the posterior mediastinum.

Between January 1980 and December 1997 twenty-one patients with a mass in the posterior mediastinum came under our observation. All of the patients underwent chest radiography, bronchoscopy, respiratory function tests, perfusional and ventilatory radionuclide scans, a computed tomography (CT) of the chest and blood gas analysis. In cases involving neurogenic tumours magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used. Ten patients underwent CT guided transthoracic needle biopsy. The excision was performed by means of a thoracotomy in 12 cases (57.1%) and by video assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) in the other 9 (42.9%); no deaths were recorded. Eleven neurilemmomas, two bronchogenic cysts, two paragangliomas, two neuroepitheliomas, one neurogenic sarcoma and three esophageal duplications were found. The authors believe an accurate pre-operative assessment of the lesion can be obtained using CT and MRI. The video assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) is a useful method of diagnosis and treatment as it can be converted into VATS if the lesion is benign or cystic. Thoracotomy is necessary when the mass is malignant or when there is adhesion to or invasion of surrounding tissues.

Adult↗

[Chondro-costal abnormalities of anterior wall of the chest: operative indications and surgical technique].

The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of surgical treatment in patients with pectus excavatum (PE) or pectus carinatum (PC). Fifteen patients underwent surgical treatment because of their psycological and anatomical condition, more serious in 6 patients (5 with PE and 1 with PC). The degree of these chest wall deformities was evaluated as resulting from CT scan of the thorax, by the ratio between the transversal and the front/back diameters, according to Haller. The Authors recommend surgical operation in the post-puberal age up to 21 years because of good results obtained using Ravitch approach (only 1 case of partial relapse of PE), even though modified in PE cases with the application of flat steel prosthesis and in PC cases for uncutting the perichondral beds. The choice of surgical procedure derives, in our opinion, from the correction of these anatomic deformities and from the greater sense of improved cosmesis that might result.

Adolescent↗

MR study of N2 disease in lung cancer: contrast-enhanced method using gadolinium-DTPA.

OBJECTIVE: In several previous studies, including one of our own, CT and MRI provided similar information on N2 detection in the staging of lung cancer. Both imaging techniques can be considered effective in detecting enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes but the results are often inaccurate when confronted with pathological findings. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of gadolinium-DTPA enhanced MRI in the detection of mediastinal lymph nodes in lung cancer. METHODS: A prospective study to compare standard unenhanced MRI and Gd-DTPA enhanced MRI was carried out in patients with diagnosed lung cancer. The study focused on the status of mediastinal lymph nodes. Gd-DTPA was administered at a dosage of 0.2 mmol2/KG before T1 weighted sequences. Qualitative visual analyses of both standard and contrast enhanced MRI images were performed on each patient by 2 independent radiologists. The imaging results were then compared to pathological findings obtained after surgical operation. RESULTS: In the identification of mediastinal lymph node metastases standard MRI was 62% sensitive, 100% specific and 74% accurate whereas Gd-DTPA enhanced MRI was 100% sensitive, 91% specific and 97% accurate. CONCLUSIONS: Gd-DPTA enhanced MRI was more accurate than standard MRI in the detection of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer. These initial results can be considered encouraging especially with regards to the reduction of false negative findings although further confirmation is, understandably, required.

Aged↗

Mucinous cystadenoma of the lung.

A 56-year-old male patient came under our observation when a peripheral round mass in his right lung which he had since 1991 and which was believed to be a bronchogenic cyst, showed a volumetric enlargement of 2 cm. After performing a lobectomy of the middle lobe, the histopathological examination revealed the presence of a mucinous cystadenoma of borderline malignancy.

Cystadenoma, Mucinous↗

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus thoracotomy for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. A comparison of results and costs.

OBJECTIVE: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) represents at present the most suitable treatment of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. After three years we consider this interesting to draw up a trial balance of our VATS experience in comparison with the cases treated before 1991 with the classic thoracotomic approach. METHODS: We have considered retrospectively the results obtained in a series of 30 consecutive patients with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax treated with VATS between November 1991 and August 1994 in comparison with those obtained in a group of 30 patients previously treated with a traditional thoracotomy. The groups have been selected in such a way that surgical indications, sex ratio, age and number of episodes were homogeneous. The parameters we have compared were the postoperative complications, the duration of chest drainage and hospitalization, the operating times and the relapses. Besides these technical parameters we considered the economic data too. RESULTS: On average drains removal occurred one day before in VATS-Group: the time spent in the Hospital was significantly shorter in VATS-Group, being on average 1 week. Short term complications may be considered similar in the two Groups. Prolonged air leaks occurred in 13% and 16% respectively. Emothorax requesting reoperation occurred in 1 case for each Group. One death occurred in thoracotomy-Group in an old patient presenting a severe chronic respiratory insufficience with exacerbation in postoperative time. We have registered 2 relapses after VATS and none after thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The study has demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of VATS and in the same time that in VATS the total economic cost is lower (22.7%) in comparison with traditional thoracotomy.

Adolescent↗

[Use of magnetic resonance in the study of mediastinal diseases].

Clinical research on 75 cases of mediastinal masses has been carried out with the aim of evaluating the diagnostic value of Magnetic Resonance (MR). Results which have been achieved point to a remarkable potentiality of MR especially in the characterization and spatial definition of the masses and in the study of the spinal canal. These results, as well as the non-invasivity of the procedure, lead us to consider MR as an investigation of primary importance in the diagnostic assessment of mediastinal pathology.

Adolescent↗

[Video-thoracoscopic surgery: current indications and future perspectives].

The great interest in VATS over the last few years has extended the indications for this technique in order to avoid risks. There are additional indications (e.g. spontaneous pneumothorax), including several benign diseases of the lung, pleura, mediastinum and oesophagus. But other indications for the procedure are still controversial, for example lung resection for primary bronchial cancer. In this report the Authors, on the basis of their own experience, try to define the present and approaching perspectives for VATS.

Endoscopy↗

Cytogenetic findings in primary non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) shows a complex cytogenetic heterogeneity and up to now no particular chromosomal aberration seems to characterize its malignant evolution. We therefore performed cytogenetic analyses of 20 primary NSCLC, 8 adenocarcinomas and 12 squamous cell carcinomas on direct preparations or short-term cultures. Only 1 case was analyzed after long-term culture. Results were obtained from 11 samples and clonal rearrangements were found in 3 cases, a diploid and a near-triploid clone with several aberrations such as i (9q), rob (14; 15) and rob (21; 21) in 1 case, a near-triploid clone in 1 case, and Y chromosome loss in 1 case. Other aberrations found were sporadic, but +7 aneuploidy and translocations involving 1p were detected in 2 and 3 samples respectively. Although to date it has been very difficult to recognize primary changes in NSCLC, nevertheless a literature review and our results indicate that i(9q) and robertsonian translocations are relevant findings.

Aged↗

[Mediastinal lymphatic staging of bronchial cancer. Respective value of x-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Radio-surgical comparison].

Fifty patients with bronchogenic carcinoma were prospectively studied by both CT and MR during 10 days preceding thoracotomy. Results of CT and MR were compared with the surgical and pathology findings. No statistically significant difference was found between the two imaging methods for the evaluation of node involvement (N2). MR appear to be superior to CT in the aortopulmonary and subcarinal areas.

Adult↗