Dr. Crolla studies how to manage complications in patients with biliary obstruction, especially those caused by cancer. One of her significant areas of research is endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage, which helps lower dangerous bilirubin levels—important for patients needing chemotherapy. Additionally, she investigates cases of pancreatitis that arise due to cancer treatments, particularly immunotherapy, to ensure patients receive appropriate care when faced with misleading symptoms that could mimic cancer.
Key findings
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage can successfully normalize bilirubin levels in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction, which is crucial for starting chemotherapy.
A case study revealed that a 71-year-old man's symptoms of pancreatitis induced by cancer drugs could initially be mistaken for pancreatic cancer, underscoring the importance of accurate diagnosis.
Early recognition of drug-induced acute pancreatitis can significantly improve treatment decisions and outcomes for patients undergoing cancer immunotherapy.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Crolla study biliary obstruction?
Yes, she specializes in managing biliary obstruction, particularly in patients with cancer.
What treatments has Dr. Crolla researched?
She has researched endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage and its effectiveness in lowering bilirubin levels for chemotherapy patients.
Is Dr. Crolla's work relevant to patients receiving immunotherapy?
Yes, her research includes drug-induced complications related to immunotherapy treatments, helping to improve patient care in these cases.
Publications in plain English
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage for bilirubin normalization in distal malignant biliary obstruction: A focused review.
2026
World journal of gastrointestinal endoscopy
Martino A, Granata A, Zito FP, Fiorentino R, Bennato R +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage is for lowering bilirubin levels in patients with a type of bile duct blockage caused by cancer. Researchers found that this method can successfully normalize bilirubin levels, which is essential before starting chemotherapy. This is important because high bilirubin can lead to serious health issues and prevent effective cancer treatment.
Who this helps: Patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction who need chemotherapy.
Rare causes of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A comprehensive review.
2023
World journal of gastroenterology
Martino A, Di Serafino M, Orsini L, Giurazza F, Fiorentino R +5 more
Plain English This study looked at rare causes of severe bleeding in the upper digestive tract, which can be life-threatening. The researchers found that current guidelines mainly focus on common causes, like peptic ulcers, and do not address these rarer conditions, leaving medical professionals unprepared. Understanding how to manage these rare cases is crucial because they often need fast response and teamwork from various specialists to treat efficiently.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare teams treating patients with serious gastrointestinal bleeding.
Stocky/Packed Pancreas: A Case of Focal Drug-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Mimicking Cancer.
2022
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Di Serafino M, Ronza R, D'Auria D, Fiorentino R, Arundine D +9 more
Plain English This study examined a case where a 71-year-old man developed drug-induced acute pancreatitis (DIP) after receiving immunotherapy for lung cancer. Initially, scans showed signs that looked like pancreatic cancer, but later tests confirmed it was actually inflammation caused by the treatment, not a tumor. This finding is important because recognizing DIP quickly can lead to better treatment decisions and outcomes for patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing immunotherapy and their doctors.
The effectiveness of Hemopatch™ in preventing postoperative distal pancreatectomy fistulas.
2019
Expert review of medical devices
Pisapia A, Crolla E, Saracco M, Saglioccolo A, Dolce P +1 more
Plain English This study looked at the effectiveness of a device called Hemopatch™ in preventing leaks, known as pancreatic fistulas, after surgery to remove part of the pancreas. Out of 57 patients, those using Hemopatch™ had fewer leaks compared to those who did not use it, showing a significant improvement. This is important because reducing these leaks can lead to better recovery and fewer complications for patients after surgery.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy.
Preoperative diagnosis and surgical treatment for giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma: A case report.
2019
International journal of surgery case reports
Pisapia A, Crolla E, Saglioccolo RA, Perrella A, Molino C
Plain English This study looked at a 63-year-old woman who had a large fatty tumor in her abdomen, which was difficult to diagnose before surgery. After examining her, doctors found that the tumor was connected to several organs, leading to a complex operation where they removed the tumor along with parts of other organs like the colon and kidney. The findings are important because they show that surgery for tumors like these can be very challenging and needs to be adjusted based on what doctors find during the procedure.
Who this helps: This helps patients with giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma and their healthcare providers in planning more effective treatments.
Segmentectomy: is minimally invasive surgery going to change a liver dogma?
2015
Updates in surgery
Calise F, Giuliani A, Sodano L, Crolla E, Bianco P +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how a kind of surgery that removes parts of the liver, called segmentectomy, is evolving, particularly with a focus on using less invasive techniques. Researchers found that using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) leads to less blood loss, less need for pain relief, and shorter hospital stays, while still achieving similar long-term results compared to traditional surgery. This is important because it suggests that patients can recover faster and have a better quality of life, even when the surgery is complex.
Who this helps: Patients needing liver surgery.
Gender and Medical Leadership: Student Perceptions and Implications for Developing Future Leaders in Primary and Secondary Care--a Pilot Study.
2011
Journal of primary care & community health
Crolla E, O'Sullivan H, Bogg J
Plain English This study explored how medical students view leadership roles, focusing on gender differences among undergraduates at a UK medical school. Out of 469 students surveyed, many male students believed women were less capable leaders, with 42.2% of males envisioning themselves in leadership positions compared to only 21.7% of females. The findings highlight the need for better support and mentoring for female students to ensure they can take on leadership roles, especially since women are expected to make up a larger part of the medical workforce.
Who this helps: This benefits medical students, particularly women, by creating a more supportive environment for future leaders in healthcare.