Abano Terme

Researchers are investigating a new way to evaluate the quality of lymph node removal during minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer. Adequate surgery, including a proper D2 lymphadenectomy, remains crucial for improving survival in gastric cancer patients even with chemotherapy and radiotherapy advances. This study focuses on testing the reliability of the PhotoNodes Score, a tool designed to assess the thoroughness of lymph node removal by examining intraoperative images. During surgery, five high-quality laparoscopic images of the surgical area are captured at the end of the lymphadenectomy phase before reconstruction begins. Three surgeons independently review these images and score eight specific lymph node stations from 0 (unevaluable) to 3 (excellent). The scores from each reviewer are averaged to produce a total PhotoNodes Score for each patient, reflecting the quality of the lymphadenectomy performed. Participants undergoing minimally invasive gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy have their images reviewed and scored. The primary outcome is the level of agreement between different reviewers using this scoring system. This evaluation aims to provide a reliable, objective measure of surgical quality that may help predict patient survival after gastric cancer surgery.

Researchers are conducting an observational, prospective, multicenter study involving female patients of childbearing age who are undergoing laparoscopic surgery for early-stage benign or non-advanced malignant gynecological diseases. The study aims to evaluate the use of ultrasound to detect superficial endometriosis in a specific pelvic area called the uterosacral ligaments (LUS). This study does not alter the standard care pathway for participants. All participants will receive a level II gynecological transvaginal ultrasound before surgery. Ultrasound measurements of the thickness of the LUS will be taken at three points around the cervix and averaged. After ultrasound, patients will have laparoscopic surgery performed by experienced surgeons, during which the presence of superficial endometriosis and other disease locations will be documented. The ultrasound and surgical findings will then be compared to assess how well ultrasound thickness measurements indicate laparoscopically confirmed superficial endometriosis. During the study, ultrasound images will be archived, and the thickness of the LUS will be recorded as a continuous measurement in millimeters. Researchers will monitor the diagnostic performance of ultrasound over about one year. Participants will undergo assessments of the uterosacral ligaments through ultrasound and laparoscopic data comparison, and the study will measure the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in recognizing superficial endometriosis at the LUS site.

Researchers are conducting a multicenter prospective observational study focused on patients with newly diagnosed oligometastatic prostate cancer, defined by specific criteria that exclude high metastatic volume disease. The study aims to create a registry of patients from major urological centers in the Triveneto region to assess the cancer outcomes and quality of life impacts of local treatments on the primary tumor alongside systemic hormonal therapies. Participants receive local treatment for the primary prostate tumor, which may include surgery or radiotherapy, combined with systemic hormone therapy. The systemic treatment options include androgen deprivation therapy alone or combined with Docetaxel or androgen receptor signaling inhibitors. Patients must have low-volume metastatic disease according to CHAARTED criteria, without prior local treatment of the primary tumor, and may have been on systemic therapy for less than six months before enrollment. During the study, researchers will monitor overall survival from the start of the chosen treatment up to three years. Participants will be evaluated for cancer progression, quality of life, and treatment effects while receiving local and systemic therapies. The study involves informed consent, regular follow-ups, and assessment of performance status to ensure safety and effectiveness of the combined treatment approach over time.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and clinical performance of the Oscar Peripheral Multifunctional Catheter in treating lesions in the femoral, popliteal, and infrapopliteal arteries. This observational study focuses on patients with peripheral arterial disease and aims to confirm procedural success rates and monitor in-hospital complications related to endovascular interventions. The study includes a wide range of patients undergoing standard care practices for these artery lesions. The treatment involves using the Oscar Peripheral Multifunctional Catheter, which includes three components: the Oscar Support Catheter with integrated Lock Grip, the Oscar Dilator, and the Oscar PTA Balloon. The balloon can also be used separately but only with the pre-supplied support catheter. The procedures target lesions located either above or below the knee, and certain vascular inflow lesions may be treated during the same procedure according to local standard care. Participants will be involved in the study by undergoing endovascular procedures using the catheter, with researchers monitoring procedural success defined by lesion crossing and residual stenosis under 30%, and absence of complications like vessel perforation or embolization. The study collects data on procedural outcomes and complications during hospital stay. The primary outcome measure is the success rate of the procedure using the Oscar device. Participants must be adults aged 18 or older and will be observed during their treatment and hospitalization period.

Researchers are evaluating the management of acute and chronic osteomyelitis in the forefoot of diabetic foot patients. This prospective multicenter randomized trial aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of S53P4 bioactive glass, a medical device used according to its CE mark and instructions, with standard surgical care. The study focuses on patients admitted to specialized centers for this condition who have not responded to systemic antibiotic therapy for 2 to 6 weeks and require surgical intervention. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A receives surgical removal of the affected bone, debridement of infected soft tissues, and targeted systemic antibiotic therapy, with or without bone substitutes except bioactive glasses. Group B undergoes debridement preserving the bone cortex while removing infected soft bone, which is then replaced with S53P4 bioactive glass. Both groups aim for primary wound closure, with vacuum drainage placed before closure and removed as needed by the surgeon. During the study, patients are evaluated biweekly up to 3 months or until complete healing, then followed at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Assessments include local wound conditions, complications, x-rays, histopathology of surgical samples, wound photographs, laboratory tests, and quality of life and foot function questionnaires. Healing is defined as full wound closure without drainage confirmed at two follow-up visits. The primary outcome is the healing rate at 6 months.