Diagnosis and Management in Digestive Surgery

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 12585

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Assoc. Prof., Department of General Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: surgical oncology; laparoscopic surgery; colorectal surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Assoc. Prof., Department of General Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: surgical oncology; laparoscopic surgery; colorectal surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

This Special Issue is intended to serve as an opportunity to provide an update in terms of the diagnosis and management of digestive diseases. We have all witnessed to some extent the technical and technological development within the medical field. Nevertheless, due to rapid changes, self-actualization can be occasionally strenuous. The methods of diagnosis but also management have undergone serious modifications with the passage of time, hence the utility of this Special Issue. Whether we are talking about improved precision when determining the type of pathology or tailored multidisciplinary treatment, the field of digestive diseases is in constant change. Interesting diagnoses or fascinating management techniques can be submitted as an article for publication. Research articles, review articles, and special case reports are invited.

Dr. Valentin Calu
Dr. Florin Grama
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • digestive diseases
  • novel changes in diagnosis
  • updates on daily practice
  • management of digestive diseases

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

22 pages, 1444 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Immunohistochemical Scoring System of CDX2 Expression as a Prognostic Biomarker in Colon Cancer
by Andreea-Corina Ilie-Petrov, Daniel-Alin Cristian, Florin Andrei Grama, Andrei Chitul, Angela Blajin, Andrei Popa, Draga-Maria Mandi, Luminița Welt, Marina Alina Bara, Rareș Vrîncianu and Carmen Maria Ardeleanu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(10), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14101023 - 15 May 2024
Viewed by 1755
Abstract
Encoded by the CDX2 homeobox gene, the CDX2 protein assumes the role of a pivotal transcription factor localized within the nucleus of intestinal epithelial cells, orchestrating the delicate equilibrium of intestinal physiology while intricately guiding the precise development and differentiation of epithelial tissue. [...] Read more.
Encoded by the CDX2 homeobox gene, the CDX2 protein assumes the role of a pivotal transcription factor localized within the nucleus of intestinal epithelial cells, orchestrating the delicate equilibrium of intestinal physiology while intricately guiding the precise development and differentiation of epithelial tissue. Emerging research has unveiled that positive immunohistochemical expression of this protein shows that the CDX2 gene exerts a potent suppressive impact on tumor advancement in colorectal cancer, impeding the proliferation and distant dissemination of tumor cells, while the inhibition or suppression of CDX2 frequently correlates with aggressive behavior in colorectal cancer. In this study, we conducted an immunohistochemical assessment of CDX2 expression on a cohort of 43 intraoperatively obtained tumor specimens from patients diagnosed with colon cancer at Colțea Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, between April 2019 and December 2023. Additionally, we shed light on the morphological diversity within colon tumors, uncovering varying differentiation grades within the same tumor, reflecting the variations in CDX2 expression as well as the genetic complexity underlying these tumors. Based on the findings, we developed an innovative immunohistochemical scoring system that addresses the heterogeneous nature of colon tumors. Comprehensive statistical analysis of CDX2 immunohistochemical expression unveiled significant correlations with known histopathological parameters such as tumor differentiation grades (p-value = 0.011) and tumor budding score (p-value = 0.002), providing intriguing insights into the complex involvement of the CDX2 gene in orchestrating tumor progression through modulation of differentiation processes, and highlighting its role in metastatic predisposition. The compelling correlation identified between CDX2 expression and conventional histopathological parameters emphasizes the prognostic significance of the CDX2 biomarker in colon cancer. Moreover, our novel immunohistochemical scoring system reveals a distinct subset of colon tumors exhibiting reserved prognostic outcomes, distinguished by their “mosaic” CDX2 expression pattern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management in Digestive Surgery)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 856 KiB  
Article
The Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in Acute Gallbladder Disease
by Bogdan-Daniel Dumbrava, Gary Alan Bass, Amro Jumean, Nuha Birido, Martin Corbally, Jorge Pereira, Alan Biloslavo, Mauro Zago and Thomas Noel Walsh
Diagnostics 2023, 13(7), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13071248 - 26 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3221
Abstract
There is increasing recognition that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), performed by the clinician at the bedside, can be a natural extension of the clinical examination—the modern abdominal “stethoscope” and provides an opportunity to expedite the care pathway for patients with acute gallbladder disease. The [...] Read more.
There is increasing recognition that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), performed by the clinician at the bedside, can be a natural extension of the clinical examination—the modern abdominal “stethoscope” and provides an opportunity to expedite the care pathway for patients with acute gallbladder disease. The primary aims of this study were to benchmark the accuracy of surgeon-performed POCUS in suspected acute gallbladder disease against standard radiology or pathology reports and to compare time to POCUS diagnosis with time to definitive imaging. This prospective single-arm observational cohort study was conducted in four hospitals in Ireland, Italy, and Portugal to assess the accuracy of POCUS against standard radiology in patients with suspected acute biliary disease (ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT02682368). The findings of surgeon-performed POCUS were compared with those on definitive imaging or surgery. Of 100 patients recruited, 89 were suitable for comparative analysis, comparing POCUS with radiological findings in 84 patients and with surgical/histological findings in five. The overall global accuracy of POCUS was 88.7% (95% CI, 80.3–94.4%), with a sensitivity of 94.7% (95% CI, 85.3–98.9%), a specificity of 78.1% (95% CI, 60.03–90.7%), a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 4.33 and negative likelihood ratio (LR) of 0.07. The mean time from POCUS to the final radiological report was 11.9 h (range 0.06–54.9). In five patients admitted directly to surgery, the mean time between POCUS and incision was 2.30 h (range 1.5–5), which was significantly shorter than the mean time to formal radiology report. Sixteen patients were discharged from the emergency department, of whom nine did not need follow-up. Our study is one of the very few to demonstrate a high concordance between surgeon-performed POCUS of patients without a priori radiologic diagnosis of gallstone disease and shows that the expedited diagnosis afforded by POCUS can be reliably leveraged to deliver earlier definitive care for patients with acute gallbladder pathology, as the general surgeon skilled in POCUS is uniquely positioned to integrate it into their bedside assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management in Digestive Surgery)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

13 pages, 744 KiB  
Review
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Next Threat after Viral Hepatitis
by Mohamed Salaheldin, Heba Aly, Louis Lau, Shimaa Afify and Mohamed El-Kassas
Diagnostics 2023, 13(16), 2631; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13162631 - 9 Aug 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2338
Abstract
For many years, we have faced the complications of viral hepatitis and alcohol-related liver diseases such as cirrhosis, decompensation, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, we have seen a dynamic change in the field of hepatology. With the significant achievements in eradicating [...] Read more.
For many years, we have faced the complications of viral hepatitis and alcohol-related liver diseases such as cirrhosis, decompensation, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, we have seen a dynamic change in the field of hepatology. With the significant achievements in eradicating the hepatitis C virus by direct-acting antiviral agents and the rising epidemic of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome, there is a paradigm shift in the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Current data highlight the rapidly rising incidence of NAFLD-related HCC worldwide and expose the unseen part of the iceberg. In this review, we aim to update knowledge about the pathogenesis of NAFLD-induced HCC, surveillance difficulties, and promising disease markers. Molecular biomarkers, for example, may become a promising cornerstone for risk-stratified surveillance, early detection, and treatment selection for NAFLD-related HCC. Physicians can offer personalized and tailor-made clinical decisions for this unique patient subgroup. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management in Digestive Surgery)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 723 KiB  
Systematic Review
Role of Metabolomics in Pathogenesis and Prompt Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer Metastasis—A Systematic Review
by Ștefan Ursu, Andra Ciocan, Cristina-Paula Ursu, Claudia Diana Gherman, Răzvan Alexandru Ciocan, Rodica Sorina Pop, Zeno Spârchez, Florin Zaharie and Nadim Al Hajjar
Diagnostics 2023, 13(22), 3401; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13223401 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2199
Abstract
Introduction: Gastric cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed form of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The aim of this review is to identify individual metabolic biomarkers and their association with accurate diagnostic values, which can predict gastric [...] Read more.
Introduction: Gastric cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed form of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The aim of this review is to identify individual metabolic biomarkers and their association with accurate diagnostic values, which can predict gastric cancer metastasis. Materials and Methods: After searching the keywords, 83 articles were found over a period of 13 years. One was eliminated because it was not written in English, and two were published outside the selected period. Seven scientific papers were qualified for this investigation after eliminating duplicates, non-related articles, systematic reviews, and restricted access studies. Results: New metabolic biomarkers with predictive value for gastric cancer metastasis and for elucidating metabolic pathways of the metastatic process have been found. The pathogenic processes can be outlined as follows: pro-oxidant capacity, T-cell inactivation, cell cycle arrest, energy production and mitochondrial enzyme impairment, cell viability and pro-apoptotic effect, enhanced degradation of collagen extracellular matrix, migration, invasion, structural protein synthesis, and tumoral angiogenesis. Conclusion: Metabolic biomarkers have been recognized as independent risk factors in the molecular process of gastric cancer metastasis, with good diagnostic and prognostic value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management in Digestive Surgery)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1261 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Prospective Real-Time Histological Prediction of Colorectal Lesions during Colonoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Bhamini Vadhwana, Munir Tarazi and Vanash Patel
Diagnostics 2023, 13(20), 3267; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13203267 - 20 Oct 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1738
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a novel platform for improving disease diagnosis. However, the clinical utility of AI remains limited to discovery studies, with poor translation to clinical practice. Current data suggests that 26% of diminutive pre-malignant lesions and 3.5% of colorectal cancers are [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a novel platform for improving disease diagnosis. However, the clinical utility of AI remains limited to discovery studies, with poor translation to clinical practice. Current data suggests that 26% of diminutive pre-malignant lesions and 3.5% of colorectal cancers are missed during colonoscopies. The primary aim of this study was to explore the role of artificial intelligence in real-time histological prediction of colorectal lesions during colonoscopy. A systematic search using MeSH headings relating to “AI”, “machine learning”, “computer-aided”, “colonoscopy”, and “colon/rectum/colorectal” identified 2290 studies. Thirteen studies reporting real-time analysis were included. A total of 2958 patients with 5908 colorectal lesions were included. A meta-analysis of six studies reporting sensitivities (95% CI) demonstrated that endoscopist diagnosis was superior to a computer-assisted detection platform, although no statistical significance was reached (p = 0.43). AI applications have shown encouraging results in differentiating neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions using narrow-band imaging, white light imaging, and blue light imaging. Other modalities include autofluorescence imaging and elastic scattering microscopy. The current literature demonstrates that despite the promise of new endoscopic AI models, they remain inferior to expert endoscopist diagnosis. There is a need to focus developments on real-time histological predictions prior to clinical translation to demonstrate improved diagnostic capabilities and time efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management in Digestive Surgery)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop