Journal

Chirurgia

Papers (24)

Surgical and Anatomical Basics of Pelvic Debulking Surgery for Advanced Ovarian Cancer - the "Hudson Procedure" as a Cornerstone of Complete Cytoreduction

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the fifth most common cause of death in women and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive tract. OC usually spreads through peritoneal dissemination and direct invasion. Optimal cytoreduction (no macroscopic residual disease) and adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy are the fundaments of OC treatment. OC is usually diagnosed at advanced stages, hence the obliteration of the Douglas pouch by the tumor as well as disseminated pelvic peritoneal carcinomatosis are commonly seen. Radical surgical cytoreduction typically requires a retroperitoneal approach to the pelvic masses and multivisceral resections in the upper abdomen. In 1968, Christopher Hudson introduced a new retroperitoneal surgical technique ("radical oophorectomy") for fixed ovarian tumors. Since then, numerous modifications have been described, including visceral peritonectomy, the "cocoon" technique, Bat-shaped en-bloc total peritonectomy (Sarta-Bat approach), or en-bloc resection of the pelvis. Although these modifications expanded the classical description in many ways, the concepts and key surgical steps are derived from the Hudson procedure. However, there are some gaps or disagreements regarding the anatomical or practical rationale for certain surgical steps. The purpose of this article is to outline the critical steps of radical pelvic cytoreduction ("Hudson procedure"), and to delineate the anatomical basis for the procedure in the proposed form. In addition, we discuss the controversies and address the perioperative morbidity associated with the procedure.

Postoperative Ileus Complicated with Incomplete Evisceration after Hysterectomy for Benign Pathology

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a complex phenomenon with important morbidity and mortality, well known in many surgical fields. POI occurs commonly after abdominal and pelvic surgery, especially in cancer patients. We report the case of a 63-year-old patient without known risk factors for POI, who underwent total hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy for ovarian tumor with suspicion of malignancy, invalidated by the extemporaneous pathology examination. The postoperative evolution is marked by reduced bowel movements, lack of intestinal transit for flatus and stool for 6 days. In cooperation with the general surgeon conservative treatment for POI was administered, without effect. The abdomen remained distended, with no nausea or vomiting. On the 6th postoperative day a wound dehiscence with incomplete evisceration occurred, after a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvic region was requested to make a differential diagnosis between an intestinal mass and other pathology involving the bowell. In conjunction with the General Surgery team the surgical reintervention was decided and performed. After the procedure, the patient successfully regained transit, with flatus and stool emission, but another 2 complications occurred, which were successfully treated: sepsis and deep vein thrombosis. Understanding the pathophysiology could help to prevent, diagnose, and implement protocols in order to avoid POI and its complications, to reduce hospital stay and cost burden.

New Insights into Lynch Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Lynch syndrome, characterized by DNA mismatch repair deficiency, represents a significant paradigm among cancer predisposition syndromes and is notably associated with heightened susceptibility to various cancers, particularly colorectal and endometrial malignancies. The primary aim of this research paper is to scrutinize specific associations and delve into the underlying molecular mechanisms of Lynch syndrome. Genetic alterations in MMR genes, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM, compromise DNA repair mechanisms, predisposing affected individuals to a spectrum of malignancies. This paper comprehensively investigates current screening methodologies and preventive measures tailored for individuals identified or at risk of Lynch syndrome. The integration of advanced sequencing technologies and refined bioinformatics tools has significantly improved mutation detection accuracy, facilitating precise identification of mutation carriers and their at-risk relatives. Moreover, this review emphasizes the evolving diagnostic landscape, which have revolutionized the identification of potential mutation carriers. The structured diagnostic algorithm, incorporating clinical criteria, tumor testing, and genetic analysis, plays a pivotal role in systematically identifying and managing individuals with Lynch syndrome. While the well-established association of Lynch syndrome with colorectal and endometrial cancers is recognized, emerging evidence suggests an increased risk for other types of malignancies. A crucial aspect of this literature review is to extensively analyze the less commonly acknowledged correlation between Lynch syndrome and prostate or testicular malignancies. Understanding these correlations holds significant importance in guiding tailored screening protocols and preventive strategies for individuals carrying Lynch syndrome-associated genetic mutations. The comprehensive assessment of this diverse spectrum of cancers underscores the necessity for tailored surveillance strategies and multidisciplinary approaches to effectively manage and mitigate risks in individuals harboring Lynch syndrome-associated genetic alterations.

The Role of Laparoscopic Triage in the Management of Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Review of Literature

Advanced ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at late stages, necessitating precise and individualized treatment strategies. Surgical cytoreduction remains the cornerstone of treatment, with complete macroscopic tumor resection offering the best survival outcomes. However, accurately assessing resectability remains a major challenge. This review aims to evaluate the role of staging laparoscopy in triaging patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, with a focus on its utility in determining surgical resectability and guiding treatment pathways. Emphasis was placed on predictive scoring systems: clinical scores (Suidan score), operative scores (Fagotti, PCI, Eisenkop) and postoperative scores (Aletti). Laparoscopic triage has shown greater predictive accuracy than traditional imaging in evaluating tumor resectability. Scoring systems such as the Fagotti and the Peritoneal Cancer Index provide validated intraoperative frameworks. International guidelines, such as ESMO, ESGO, NCCN, and ASCO, support laparoscopy for preoperative assessment, although its implementation remains limited in some countries, including Romania. Challenges include the lack of standardization, restricted access to advanced laparoscopic infrastructure, and the risk of port-site metastases. Staging laparoscopy is a valuable tool in the management of advanced ovarian cancer, aiding in the selection of optimal treatment strategies. Future integration of radiomics, artificial intelligence, and molecular profiling holds promise for fully personalized patient care.

Publisher

Celsius Publishing House

ISSN

1221-9118