Sivan Shemesh | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

Pattern of development of basal versus squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas both arise in the epidermis of fair-skinned people in response to ultraviolet light, with the overall frequency of basal cell carcinoma being 4 times that of squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the similarities in the population at risk, and the presumed etiology of these tumors, it is unclear if any one individual has a proclivity to develop only one type of tumor. OBJECTIVE: The study explores whether or not there is a pattern of expression of basal versus squamous cell carcinoma among people with these cancers. METHODS: This case-control study involved patients with a total of more than 3 and fewer than 10 basal or squamous cell carcinomas. Patient age and gender, as well as number and location of diagnosed basal and squamous cell carcinomas were gathered and patterns within these values were sought. RESULTS: Patients found to have at least one basal cell carcinoma tended to produce more basal cell carcinomas and patients found to have at least one squamous cell carcinoma tended to produce more squamous cell carcinomas. CONCLUSION: The study supports the possibility that people who develop basal cell carcinoma are more likely to develop more basal cell carcinomas. Similarly, people who develop squamous cell carcinoma are more likely to develop more squamous cell carcinomas.

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PubMedDate not supplied

A technique for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy using two ports.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery requires advanced laparoscopic skills. The aim of this study was to describe a novel technique for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy using only 2 ports and to review our initial experience with this technique for patients with benign colonic pathologies. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who had laparoscopic-assisted colon surgery using this technique was performed. The technique is described. RESULTS: For right colectomy, a 10-mm trocar for the camera was placed just below the umbilicus and a 5-mm working port just above the umbilicus. The colon was mobilized using one instrument and gravity assistance. The incisions were then connected, and the mobilized colon was pulled through this incision. For left-sided colectomy, the 5-mm working port was placed at the left suprapubic hairline, which was then extended for removal of the specimen. Sixty patients with benign colonic pathologies had laparoscopic-assisted colon surgery using only 2 ports. Conversion to open surgery was required in 4 cases. The average length of the skin incision was 3.82 cm, and the mean length of hospital stay was 4.18 days. Postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients (18%) and included anastomotic leak in 1 patient and wound infection in 2. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted segmental colectomy using 2 ports is easy and feasible, with minimal skin incisions and fast recovery. Our initial experience suggests that it may be easier for the experienced colorectal surgeon to acquire the skills needed to perform this technique.

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