No abstract

Eighteen untreated cancer patients and ten sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were studied. In all patients eating behavior was investigated by means of a specific questionnaire from which the presence of anorexia and anorexia-related symptoms was assessed. To investigate the role of tryptophan in cancer anorexia, fasting plasma and CSF levels of tryptophan and other neutral amino acids were assayed in patients and controls. Cancer patients showed abnormally high plasma free tryptophan levels. In case of patients with cancer anorexia a significant rise of the ratio in plasma between free and tryptophan/large neutral amino acids, competing with tryptophan for its brain entry, was observed. This increase was correlated to a consistent rise of CSF tryptophan levels suggesting a specific role of the serotoninergic system in the pathogenesis of cancer anorexia.

No abstract

On the basis of our initial experience, miniTAPP hernioplasty with a fibrin glue is feasible, effective, and easy to perform in experienced hands, with good results without higher risk of recurrence. In addition, the fibrin fixation method seems to decrease postoperative neuralgia and reduced the incidence of postoperative seromas and hematomas.

Even if limited by its retrospective design, the reported experience shows that minilaparoscopic surgery may be a safe and effective approach to colon pathology. The described features make minilaparoscopy a challenging alternative to laparoscopy for colon disease. If proven to be cost effective without undue risk, as long as adequate training is obtained and proper preparation is observed, minilaparoscopy may become a standard surgical approach for selected patients.