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N Calomino

Publications and source records attributed to N Calomino.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

[Is total parenteral nutrition necessary in patients subjected to radical cystectomy?] .

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to evaluate the nutritional stats in candidates to radical cystectomy in order to minimize post-operative complications. METHODS: The evaluation is carried out on the basis of anthropometric, bio-humoral and immunologic indexes in a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent major urologic surgery during the last two years. Twenty cases of invasive bladder cancer (mean age 71 years) who underwent radical cystectomy have been studied: in 13 cases urinary diversion by Camey II technique, in 7 cases by Bricker technique has been performed. In 5 cases of orthotopic neo-bladder, endovenous parenteral protein sparing nutrition was carried out for 4 days, in the remaining 15 cases glucidic and saline solutions have been administered. RESULTS: In all the 20 evaluated patients post-operative complications have not been observed. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the data obtained, the conclusion is drawn that patients with bladder cancer are generally not so malnourished to need an artificial feeding regimen. Considering the urinary tract substitution effects on renal function and metabolism, particularly for the role of glucose on proximal and distal tubule the usefulness of administering only glucidic solutions and maintaining a good diuresis is underlined.

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[Total gastrectomy and quality of life].

We have evaluated quality of life after surgery in 24 patients (9 males and 15 females mean age 64.23 years, range 47-83 years) who underwent total gastrectomy for cancer (23 carcinomas and 1 lymphoma) in the last three years at the Department of Clinical Surgery, University of Siena. Intestinal continuity was re-established with Y jejunal loup according to Roux. All patients were studied prospectively: after the operation every six months they were interviewed using Korenaga's questionnaire. Group performance status scale was used to determine the level of activity of each patients. Comparing symptoms of patients after six months and 18 months there was a significant difference (p = 0.005) in terms of number of meals throughout the day, food tolerance and abdominal pain. Postoperative performance status revealed a complete recovery in 11 of 24 patients (45.8%) after 18 months. According to our experience patients who have undergone total gastrectomy enjoy a good quality of life and most of them return to the preoperative lifestyle in 18 months.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Short bowel syndrome].

In the last year at the Department of Surgery of the University of Siena two patients presenting a clinical feature of intestinal infarct have been operated. In these patients a wide intestinal resection has been performed. After this surgical operation, a patient had a residual tract of 40 cm of bowel and the other 50 cm. It was not possible during operation to preserve the Bauin valve in a case; in the other, this valve has been sacrificed during a previous operation for cecal neoplasm. In the postoperative period, patients were transferred temporarily in the intensive care unit, and after some days they returned to the department where total parenteral nutrition with progressive decreasing mixture in calories over time was administered. Enteral nutrition was also started and the quantity of water, calories and azote was slavly increased. In a second time an oral diet was started up to completely weaning from parenteral and then enteral nutrition. At present, these patients are enlisted in quarterly follow-up and are completely stabilized. They are independent from artificial nutrition and they have a good quality of life.

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[Total gastrectomy and malnutrition].

BACKGROUND: The operation more frequently performed for gastric malignancy is total gastrectomy. METHODS: Our reconstructive technique is Roux en Y esophago-jejunostomy, jejunal interposition after gastrectomy. In the next weeks after operation there is always an important, sometimes pathologic, slimming in gastrectomized patients. But is this slimming due to malnutrition or malabsorption? This is the real question. In our Institute a quarterly perspective clinical and instrumental follow-up for these patients has been prepared. RESULTS: We started with 41 patients, but we conducted the complete study only on 23. Of these patients, 56% have lost 10 kg weight, 25% 5 kg and 18% have not lost weight after 2 weeks from discharge dimission. But after 5 weeks, all patients had stabilized their own weight, and 18 months later the first two groups regained weight again, 1-2 kg. With our follow-up, we had educated patients to a correct personal natural diet necessary to normal social and working life. With our program in 3-4 weeks the weight of each patient was stable and we were able to control the malabsorption. CONCLUSIONS: Moreover, according to personal experience, it is important to plan a follow-up to rehabilitate patients to usual social life. This program allows to evaluate malnutrition and the possible iron or vit. B12 deficiency.

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[Further comment on central venous catheter infections].

Many reports from the surgical literature document the incidence of catheter related sepsis varies between 1 and 10 per cent. In many instances sepsis is secondary to contamination from normal saprophyte cutaneous bacteria. In our Institute we set down a standardized methodology to reduce the contamination of venous central access from cutaneous bacteria. Of 31 patients studied, none had bacteria in the last 5 cm of central venous catheter, 2 had streptococcus alpha haemolytic colonies and coagulase negative staphylococcus colonies at the same time on skin over the region of venepuncture. With our paper we had attained one's awareness that it is very difficult to obtain zero per cent in contamination of central venous catheter, mainly in immunodepressed or critical patients, but with careful dressing and with new technology it is possible to reduce the contamination and following sepsis.

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[Short bowel syndrome. Still a current problem].

In the last year the Authors operated two patients presenting with a clinical feature of intestinal infarct. A wide intestinal resection was performed and patients had a residual tract of 40 cm and 50 cm of bowel respectively, later manifesting as short bowel syndrome. It was not possible during the operation to preserve the Baubin valve in one case, in the other one the value had been sacrificed during a previous operation for right colonic malignancy. In the postoperative period, patients were temporarily transferred to the intensive care unit, returning in the surgery ward after few days, and counting total parenteral nutrition with progressive decreasing mixture in calories. Contemporarly enteral nutrition was started slowly increasing the quantity of water, calories and azote administration. In a second time oral diet was started up to completely weaning parenteral and enteral nutrition. At the present patients are enlisted in quarterly follow-up, completely stabilized, and independent from artificial nutrition with a good quality of life. Furthermore a saving of sanitary costs was obtained.

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