Neoplasms of the head and neck represent approximately 5% of cancers and theyrequire complex multidisciplinary clinical management. Desmodium adscendens (Desmodium) isa plant that possesses anti-allergic, antioxidant and hepato-protective properties. Lithothamniumcalcareum (Lithothamnium) is a calcified seaweed that possesses remineralization propertiesand the ability to maintain homeostasis.In this single-arm study, we investigated the efficacy of a combination therapy based onDesmovit® which contains Desmodium and Lithothamnium, and chemotherapy in patients withhead and neck cancer.Twelve patients with histological or cytological diagnosis of stage IV head and neckcancer were enrolled in this study that was approved by the ethics committee of the Unità OperativaComplessa (UOC) di Oncologia Medica Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord andfollowed the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines. The patients were monitored by investigation ofthe performance status according to the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), which evaluates theplasma level of C-reactive protein and albumin levels, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG) examination. Pain and fatigue were also monitored using the visual analog scale and visualanalog fatigue scale, respectively.GPS, ECOG, and albumin remained stable throughout the study with a trend towardsa decrease in GPS and albumin post-treatment. Pain significantly improved (P<0.05) and also fatigue improved(all P<0.01).We found that chemotherapy, combined with Desmodium and Lithothamnium,improved pain and fatigue in head and neck cancer patients, although we cannot confirm if thiswas due to Desmodium and Lithothamnium or chemotherapy. The improvement in pain andfatigue was supported by the ECOG performance status remaining stable with the highest scorebeing equal to 2 throughout the study and a trend towards an improvement in GPS performancestatus and albumin levels.
Leggi ArticoloWe describe two case reports to assess the efficacy of a new method suitable to close small-sized pressure ulcers and cancer-related skin lesions.
Leggi ArticoloThe modern field of surgery is undergoing a deep transformation due to technological innovations and changes in the doctorpatient relationship. Furthermore, the “cultural identity” of thegeneral surgery specialty is subdivided and phragmented into many subspecialities, with the impending risk of serendipitous and uncoordinated approach to the problems. While the conceptis a general “must” in medicine and surgery, there are specific cases in which its understanding, endorsement and compliance are mandatory. In the field of surgery, there is an increasing need to inform doctors about the fundamental role played by the second opinion leading them to its full understanding and acceptance. This institution should be planned and managedby every National Health Service, in order to offer a clear-cut problem-solving opinion about the complex unresolved health problems which may occurr especially in the old age. Furthermore,a second opinion service can also be offered by private medical facilities and online services given that the physicians and allied health professionals possess an outstanding ethical and cultural pedigree and are surrounded by adequate consulting structures and networks.
Leggi ArticoloBlood loss has always been a sensitive issue in surgery. Traditional techniques, such as suturing and electrocautery, have drastically reduced operatory bleeding. Unfortunately, wound edges and point application devices are frequently characterized by bleeding and infections. Over the past 20 years, haemostatic agents and tissue sealants have been developed and now are currently used, along with classic suture in various surgical specialties. Their fluid nature allows management of blood loss along any point of the wound and tissue repair. This review presents an overview of the most diffused haemostatic sealants, focusing on their main use in surgery and their adverse effects.
Leggi ArticoloBackground. Many abdominal wall reconstruction techniques didn’t generally pay
attention to some anatomical considerations concerning the thoraco-lumboabdominal
fascia continuity which envelopes dorsal and ventral muscles.
Objectives. We introduce a new surgical technique (Round Mesh) developed to
improve the abdominal wall weakness or pathology (hernia, laparocele) aiming at
restoring the muscular synergy between anterior and posterior trunk compartment,
thus improving the sacroiliac stability, posture, and standing effort endurance.
Materials and methods. 100 patients, both sexes, were
enrolled in this investigation. All were affected by
abdominal wall impairment, frank hernia or laparocele,
and complained of lumbar and sciatic pain since long
time, without a definite intervertebral disk pathology.
They underwent pre and postoperative subjective and
objective evaluation an insertion of a prefascial
polypropylene mesh provided of a posterior martingale
that passes across the spine and paravertebral muscles,
ending in two wider rectangles that are criss-crossed ventrally
and finally sutured to the puboiliac brim.
Results. All the patients improved either subjectively or
objectively with round mesh procedure.
Conclusions. This new technique is particular useful in
case of reduction or impairment of recti abdomen muscles,
because a simple suture and plication of these muscles
is not a guarantee of a long term functional restoration.
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