Roberto Persiani

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This study examined the long-term results of a surgical technique called transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) used to treat rectal cancer. Among 114 patients analyzed, 3-year survival rates were high: 89.4% overall survival, 95.5% disease-free survival, and 85.5% disease-specific survival, while only 3.5% experienced local recurrence. After five years, these rates were slightly lower, with 75.0% overall survival and 82.0% disease-specific survival, showing that older age impacted survival negatively. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rectal cancer seeking effective surgical options.

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This study looked at rectal cancer surgery outcomes for patients over 70 years old, who make up 44% of all rectal cancer cases in Italy. It found that 90-day postoperative mortality rates are similar between older patients (1.05%) and younger patients (0.41%), indicating that age alone should not prevent elderly patients from having surgery. However, older patients experienced more general complications and stayed in the hospital longer, but their overall cancer treatment results were still comparable to younger patients. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients with rectal cancer and their doctors make informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at the treatment outcomes of young and older rectal cancer patients who received pre-surgery chemotherapy and radiation over the past 15 years. It found that younger patients (under 55) had better overall survival rates (OS) and disease-free survival rates (DFS) compared to older patients, with 88% of younger patients classified in advanced risk groups showing a good response. Specifically, younger patients had a 5-year survival advantage, indicating that age and risk status significantly influence treatment success. Who this helps: This research benefits patients under 55 diagnosed with rectal cancer, as it highlights their better chances and informs their treatment plans.

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This study examined the link between oral viruses and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) by comparing patients with CRC, healthy individuals, and those at high risk due to obesity or adenomatous polyposis (AP). Researchers found that viruses called β-Papillomaviruses were more common in people with AP and CRC, particularly in men, and that these infections decreased after individuals lost weight through surgery. This research highlights the potential for certain oral viruses to serve as indicators of cancer risk, which could lead to new prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for colorectal cancer, particularly those with obesity or adenomatous polyposis.

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This study looked at how a team of different cancer specialists, called a multidisciplinary tumor board (MDTB), affects the treatment of colorectal cancer. They reviewed 1,150 cases between 2019 and 2023 and found that after the MDTB meetings, treatment decisions changed in 325 cases, leading to a discrepancy rate of 28.3%. These changes, particularly in decisions about imaging, surgery, and radiation, show that teamwork among specialists can significantly improve treatment planning for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer by ensuring they receive the best possible treatment options.

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This study looked at rectal cancer patients to improve how we predict the chances of cancer returning after treatment. Researchers analyzed data from 2,450 patients and developed two models to make these predictions. The advanced model (Model B) was much better than the traditional model, with an accuracy score of 0.95 compared to 0.78, which means it can give more reliable and personalized predictions. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients by enabling more informed decisions regarding follow-up care.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of a type of surgery called Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (RYTG) on 80 patients who had stomach cancer or a specific genetic mutation. The researchers found that on average, patients lost about 19.4% of their body weight after surgery, and 27.5% experienced dumping syndrome, which can cause uncomfortable digestive problems. These issues can significantly lower patients' quality of life, indicating a need for better surgical options to avoid these complications. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who undergo total gastrectomy and their healthcare providers.

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This study explored how advanced imaging techniques, known as radiomics, can help predict how well patients with stomach cancer respond to different chemotherapy treatments before surgery. Researchers examined the CT scans of 77 patients and developed models that showed high accuracy: one model predicted major responses to treatment with 83% sensitivity and a notable negative predictive value of 96%. This is important because it can guide doctors in choosing the most effective treatment plans for patients, potentially improving outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with gastric and gastroesophageal cancer and their doctors in making more informed treatment decisions.

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This study compared a surgical technique called complete mesocolic excision (CME) with traditional surgery for patients with right colon cancer. Researchers found that patients who underwent CME had more lymph nodes removed—25 compared to 20 in the traditional group—while also experiencing shorter hospital stays and no increase in surgery-related complications. These findings are important because they suggest that CME may offer better surgery quality without adding risks for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with right colon cancer by potentially improving their surgical outcomes.

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This study looked at the success of a minimally invasive surgery called TaTME for treating rectal cancer, focusing on how often surgeons had to switch to traditional open surgery. Out of 210 surgeries performed from 2015 to 2023, only two had to be converted to open surgery, giving a very low conversion rate of 0.95%. This is important because a low conversion rate means patients experience quicker recovery and fewer complications, making the surgery safer and more effective. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.

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This study compared three different minimally invasive surgical techniques—robotic, transanal, and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME)—for treating locally advanced mid or low rectal cancer. Out of 468 patients, robotic TME had lower complication rates, such as only 2% experiencing leakage compared to 8.8% for laparoscopic TME. Additionally, patients who underwent transanal TME had shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times. Who this helps: This benefits patients with locally advanced rectal cancer seeking effective surgical options.

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Researchers studied the substances produced by microorganisms in biofilms, called extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are crucial for water treatment technologies. They found that EPS vary greatly in structure and function, and that better techniques are needed to analyze them—helping to understand how they affect biofilm behavior. This knowledge could lead to improved methods for controlling and using these substances more effectively in water management. Who this helps: This helps water treatment facility operators and environmental engineers.

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This study looked at what factors can lead to the return of stage I colon cancer after surgery. Among 1,611 patients tracked for at least two years, 80 patients saw a recurrence, which is about 5%. The research found that male patients, those with larger tumors, and certain preoperative conditions are at a higher risk for this recurrence, especially within the first three years after surgery. Who this helps: This information helps doctors develop better follow-up care plans for patients who have had stage I colon cancer surgery.

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This research examined two prediction models, PERI-Gastric 1 and PERI-Gastric 2, to see how well they could forecast the risk of cancer returning in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) after patients underwent surgery for stomach cancer. The study involved 8,564 patients and found that both models were reasonably accurate, with scores indicating a fair ability to predict recurrence risks between 24% and 47%. This matters because it helps doctors better tailor follow-up treatments and care for patients, potentially improving outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with gastric cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients who had surgery to reverse a stoma, such as a colostomy or ileostomy. They found that about 2.1% of these patients developed CDI after the surgery. Notably, patients who received adjuvant therapy (additional cancer treatment after surgery) had a higher risk of getting CDI. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors and patients, especially those with cancer, to better understand the risks associated with stoma reversal surgery.

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This study focused on creating a clear definition for a "textbook outcome" (TO) in colorectal surgery for cancer patients in Italy. The experts agreed that the ideal outcome includes 90-day survival rates, clear cancer margins after surgery, and specific guidelines to minimize complications and ensure comprehensive care. This matters because it standardizes the quality of surgical care for colorectal cancer patients, aiming to improve their overall treatment experience. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery by ensuring consistent and high-quality care.

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This study looked at the effects of a specific rectal cancer surgery called transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) on patients' bowel function after the operation. Out of 97 patients followed for about 19 months, 25.8% experienced severe issues related to bowel function, known as major Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). The study also found that factors like older age, longer surgery time, and longer wait times to reverse a protective stoma were linked to worse bowel outcomes, helping to create a tool to predict who might be more at risk. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from rectal cancer surgery by identifying those at higher risk for complications.

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This study looked at a new method called the '4-Check' protocol used during surgery for rectal cancer to help detect and fix issues with surgical connections, known as anastomoses. Researchers compared two groups of patients: one group had surgery before the protocol was used, and the other after. They found that while the rate of leakage from the surgical connections was similar (11.1% before vs. 7.4% after), the 4-Check protocol significantly increased the detection of problems during surgery and reduced overall complications from 33.3% to 9.3%. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery by potentially reducing the risk of complications.

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This study compared two surgical methods for treating cancer in the splenic flexure of the colon: minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgery. It found that both methods had similar patient outcomes; for example, both had high rates of successful short-term recovery at around 93%. This is important because it shows that minimally invasive surgery is as effective as traditional open surgery, offering patients a less invasive option with potentially fewer complications. Who this helps: Patients with splenic flexure cancer benefit from having a safer surgical option.

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This study looked at two blood tests, procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), to see which one better predicts complications after stomach surgery, specifically anastomotic leakage (AL) and major infections. Researchers found that the rate of AL was 4.6% and major infections occurred in 19.9% of patients. While PCT showed some links to complications, CRP was found to be the better marker for predicting major infections, especially around 5 to 7 days after surgery. Who this helps: This helps doctors monitor patients after stomach surgery to catch potential complications earlier.

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This study looked at how R1 lymph node dissection status affects survival in patients with stomach cancer who had surgery to try to cure their disease. Researchers analyzed data from 499 patients and found that R1 lymph node dissection is linked to lower disease-specific survival rates, meaning patients with this status had worse outcomes. Specifically, R1 lymph node status was a stronger predictor of local cancer recurrence than the traditionally measured resection margin status. Who this helps: This helps doctors better understand risks for their patients undergoing stomach cancer surgery.

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This study looked at gastric cancer patients who received treatment before surgery to see how well their tumors responded. Among 108 patients, only 6.5% had complete tumor regression, but those with higher levels of a protein called HER2 and better nutritional status had a much better chance of achieving this outcome. This is important because patients who responded well to treatment had significantly better survival rates. Who this helps: This helps gastric cancer patients and their doctors understand which factors can lead to better treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at how often patients develop Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) after having surgery to reverse their temporary stomas, which are often done after treatment for rectal cancer. Out of 126 patients, 6 (or 4.8%) had severe diarrhea and tested positive for CDI, and researchers found that the longer the wait to reverse the stoma, the higher the chance of getting CDI—on average, those with CDI waited 68 weeks for reversal compared to 44.6 weeks for those without symptoms. This matters because understanding the timing of stoma reversal can help reduce the risk of serious infections after surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing stoma reversal and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the genetic differences in gastric cancer (GC) based on its location in the stomach and its cell characteristics. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 6,000 gastric cancer patients and found specific genetic markers that are related to different subtypes of the disease. They discovered that blood group O may protect against some types of gastric cancer, while blood group A increases risk. The findings are important because they help us understand the genetic factors involved in gastric cancer and how certain types might relate to esophageal cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving risk assessment and potential treatment strategies for gastric cancer.

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This study looked at how preoperative nutritional screening, a specific recovery protocol (ERAS), and less invasive surgery methods (MIS) impact patients who have gastrointestinal cancer. Researchers analyzed data from 1,648 patients and found that proper nutritional screening and following the ERAS protocol helped reduce hospital stays and complications after surgery, especially for patients with multiple health issues. This matters because it highlights the importance of a team approach in improving patient outcomes after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing surgery for digestive cancers.

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This study looked at the factors that increase the risk of complications, specifically anastomotic leaks, after surgery for rectal cancer. Out of nearly 5,400 patients, 10.2% experienced leaks, with a mortality rate related to leaks of 2.6%. The researchers found that factors like obesity, tumor location, and weight loss were linked to a higher risk of leaks, which is important for doctors to consider when planning surgeries. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and rectal cancer patients by identifying risks and improving surgical planning.

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This study looked at using live pigs to train surgeons on a specific type of surgery called transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). The training was successful, with no serious injuries to the animals and all procedures completed safely, which is important for ensuring that future surgeries on humans can be performed effectively. This method offers a valuable and cost-effective way to improve surgical skills, making it a good addition to existing training options. Who this helps: This helps surgeons in training and ultimately benefits patients who will undergo these surgeries.

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This study looked at how different types of radiation treatment affect patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who have cancer spread to the lymph nodes in their pelvis. Researchers found that patients who received an additional boost of radiation to these affected lymph nodes had significantly better survival rates: 84.7% overall, with improved chances of staying cancer-free and controlling the disease. This matters because it suggests that targeted radiation can improve patient outcomes and offer an option that may be less invasive than surgery. Who this helps: Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and positive lymph nodes.

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This study looked at whether a drug called rivaroxaban is effective in preventing dangerous blood clots in patients who have laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. Out of 282 patients who received a placebo, 11 experienced blood clots, compared to just 3 out of 287 patients who took rivaroxaban, showing that rivaroxaban reduced the risk of blood clots from 3.9% to 1%. Importantly, there was no significant increase in major bleeding incidents among those taking rivaroxaban. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery by providing a safer way to prevent blood clots.

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This study looked at how effective and safe an enhanced recovery program (ERAS) is for patients aged 80 and over who had colorectal surgery in Italy. The researchers compared 125 elderly patients to 125 younger patients and found that while both groups had similar recovery outcomes, the older patients faced more overall complications and stayed in the hospital longer—on average, their stay was extended compared to younger patients. These results show that while the ERAS program can be applied safely to older patients, healthcare providers should be aware of their increased risks and plan accordingly. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare teams caring for elderly surgical patients.

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Researchers studied the effectiveness of an Italian version of the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score, a tool that measures bowel problems after surgery for rectal cancer, in 205 Italian patients. They found that the Italian LARS score reliably indicated how bowel dysfunction affected patients' quality of life and could effectively differentiate between those who had different types of treatment, showing excellent consistency when tested multiple times. This is important because it means that healthcare providers in Italy can use this tool to better understand and treat the bowel issues faced by their patients after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from rectal cancer surgery by providing doctors with a reliable way to assess and address their bowel problems.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program for colorectal surgery in hospitals in the Lazio region of Italy. Researchers compared two groups: 622 patients who had surgery before the pandemic and 615 patients during the pandemic. They found that ERAS practices were followed less during the pandemic, leading to slower recovery times for patients after surgery—average recovery took about 6.82 days before COVID versus 7.43 days during it. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing colorectal surgery by highlighting the impact of pandemic conditions on their recovery.

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Researchers studied how to predict the risk of cancer returning in the abdomen for patients after surgery for gastric cancer. They created two risk models, called PERI-Gastric 1 and 2, using data from 645 patients and found that the models could accurately assess this risk, achieving scores of 0.828 and 0.805, respectively. This matters because it can help doctors make better treatment decisions and potentially prevent cancer from returning by tailoring follow-up care. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer.

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This study looked at how the number of stomach cancer surgeries performed at hospitals in Italy affects patient outcomes, focusing on the rates of death within 30 days of surgery. Researchers found that in 2018, 5,873 stomach cancer surgeries were performed across 498 hospitals, with an average of 11.8 surgeries per hospital. The study revealed that hospitals performing more than 17 surgeries a year had a lower death rate (4.7%) compared to those with only 1 to 3 surgeries (7.7%), showing that higher volumes lead to better outcomes, particularly in regions like southern Italy, where 66.3% of cases may need to be redirected to higher-performing hospitals. Who this helps: This benefits stomach cancer patients by potentially improving their survival rates through better surgical care.

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This study looked at how safe and effective a specific type of surgery, called totally minimally invasive right colectomy, is for obese patients compared to non-obese patients with right colon cancer. Researchers analyzed data from 184 patients and found that, while the surgery took longer to perform on obese patients, both groups had no major complications during surgery or after, and both groups recovered at similar rates. This means that this surgical approach is safe and works well even for patients with obesity, which is important for treating a growing number of obese individuals with colon cancer. Who this helps: This helps both obese cancer patients and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This paper reviews the use of a special imaging technique called near-infrared fluorescence imaging, which uses a dye called indocyanine green, in surgery for stomach cancer. The technique helps surgeons locate important structures during operations, like lymph nodes and blood vessels, and has been well received because it doesn’t increase surgery time or cause side effects. This is important as it can improve the precision of surgeries, leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery and their surgeons.

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This study focuses on improving treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer by increasing the radiation dose based on an early tumor assessment score known as the early tumor regression index (ERI). Researchers aim to find out if adjusting the radiation dose from 55 to 60.1 Gy based on ERI scores can enhance the rate of complete responses from treatment. They plan to enroll 63 patients, with the goal of allowing more patients to preserve their organs rather than needing surgery if their tumors respond well to the treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who may benefit from less invasive treatment options.

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The BRIDGE-1 TRIAL studied whether delaying surgery after a treatment called neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy could improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. It found that patients who had surgery 13 to 16 weeks after treatment had a higher complete response rate compared to those who had it at 9 to 11 weeks. Specifically, the researchers aimed for a 20% difference in complete response rates, enrolling 74 patients in each group to see if longer waiting periods improved the chances of better pathology results and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how safe and practical it is for patients to leave the hospital within 72 hours after major colorectal surgery when following a specific recovery program called ERAS. After analyzing data from 788 patients, researchers found no significant differences in complications or readmission rates when comparing those who were discharged early to those who stayed longer, indicating that early discharge is safe. This research is important because it highlights that many patients can recover at home sooner without increasing health risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing colorectal surgery by allowing them to return home more quickly while maintaining safety.

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This study looked at how high-pressure CO2 gas used during a specific type of surgery called transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) affects the risk of a condition called postoperative ileus, which is when the intestines don't work properly after surgery. Out of 74 patients examined, those in the high-pressure group had a significantly higher rate of ileus (33.3%) compared to those in the low-pressure group (13.2%). This matters because it shows that using lower CO2 pressure during surgery might reduce the risk of this uncomfortable and potentially serious complication. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing TaTME by potentially reducing the chance of postoperative complications.

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This study looked at how often and in what ways surgeons use fluorescence imaging during colorectal surgery, which helps them see blood flow and locate cancers. Out of 37 responding hospitals, 72% of surgeons use this technology for all laparoscopic surgeries, while many do not use it for open surgeries unless there's a clear problem. Although about half of the surgeons felt it reduces complications like leaks, there isn't a consensus on how to use it, highlighting the need for more research to better guide its use. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing colorectal surgery by potentially improving outcomes and reducing complications.

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This study looked at the research on a surgical technique called transanal total mesorectal excision, evaluating how it has developed over time using a specific framework for assessing medical innovations. Out of 447 articles reviewed, 247 were included, and they found a growing number of studies, particularly at more advanced stages (with 100% of stage 3 studies involving over 51 patients), showcasing the technique’s ongoing development and importance. Despite the increase in research, most studies are still at early stages, indicating that while progress is being made, there is more work to do to strengthen the evidence for this surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing treatment for rectal cancer benefit from improved surgical techniques.

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This study looked at different surgical methods for treating rectal cancer and how they affect bowel function afterward. It found that patients who had robotic surgery experienced significantly better bowel function recovery within a year, scoring an average of 3.8, compared to scores of 26.4 for laparoscopic, 26.0 for open, and 27.9 for transanal surgeries. This is important because better bowel function can lead to a higher quality of life for rectal cancer patients after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from rectal cancer.

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This study looked at how two surgical methods for removing rectal cancer—robotic total mesorectal excision (RoTME) and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)—affect sexual, urinary, and bowel functions after surgery. The results showed that RoTME patients experienced better bowel function with a lower score on a dysfunction scale (4.3 versus 9.8 for TaTME), while TaTME was better at preserving urinary function in men. Overall, both methods led to only mild issues with function post-surgery, which is important for quality of life after treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer.

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This study looked at how a special nutrition program called NutriCatt affects older patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Researchers found that patients on the NutriCatt program had better body health markers and experienced fewer serious complications and shorter hospital stays compared to those who followed standard care. Specifically, those using NutriCatt had significant improvements in body composition and a 90% lower risk of severe complications. Who this helps: This benefits elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery and their healthcare providers.