The Brescia Internationally Validated European Guidelines on Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery (EGUMIPS).

OBJECTIVE: To develop and update evidence-based and consensus-based guidelines on laparoscopic and robotic pancreatic surgery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery (MIPS), including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, is complex and technically demanding. Minimizing the risk for patients requires stringent, evidence-based guidelines. Since the International Miami Guidelines on MIPS in 2019, new developments and key publications have been reported, necessitating an update. METHODS: Evidence-based guidelines on 22 topics in 8 domains were proposed: terminology, indications, patients, procedures, surgical techniques and instrumentation, assessment tools, implementation and training, and artificial intelligence. The Brescia Internationally Validated European Guidelines on Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery (EGUMIPS, September 2022) used the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) methodology to assess the evidence and develop guideline recommendations, the Delphi method to establish consensus on the recommendations among the Expert Committee, and the AGREE II-GRS tool for guideline quality assessment and external validation by a Validation Committee. RESULTS: Overall, 27 European experts, 6 international experts, 22 international Validation Committee members, 11 Jury Committee members, 18 Research Committee members, and 121 registered attendees of the 2-day meeting were involved in the development and validation of the guidelines. In total, 98 recommendations were developed, including 33 on laparoscopic, 34 on robotic, and 31 on general MIPS, covering 22 topics in 8 domains. Out of 98 recommendations, 97 reached at least 80% consensus among the experts and congress attendees, and all recommendations were externally validated by the Validation Committee. CONCLUSIONS: The EGUMIPS evidence-based guidelines on laparoscopic and robotic MIPS can be applied in current clinical practice to provide guidance to patients, surgeons, policy-makers, and medical societies.

Morbidity and mortality of elderly patients with pancreaticobiliary disease according to age and comprehensive geriatric assessment: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to analyze the influence of age and comprehensive geriatric evaluation on clinical results of pancreaticobiliary disease management in elderly patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study has been undertaken, including 140 elderly patients (over 75 years) with benign pancreaticobiliary disease. Patients were divided according to age in the following groups: group 1: 75-79 years old; group 2: 80-84 years old; group 3: 85 years and older. They underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment with different scales: Barthel Index, Pfeiffer Index, Charlson Index, and Fragility scale, at admission and had been follow-up 90 days after hospital discharge to analyze its influence on morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 140 patients have been included (group 1=51; group 2=43 and group 3=46). Most of them, 52 cases (37.8%), had acute cholecystitis, followed by 29 cases of acute cholangitis (20.2%) and acute pancreatitis with 25 cases (17.9%). Significant differences has been observed on complications in different age groups (p=0.033). Especially in patients with a Barthel Index result ≤60, which suggests that these less functional patients had more severe complications after their treatment (p=0.037). The mortality rate was 7.1% (10 patients). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found between age, morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with pancreaticobiliary disease. Comprehensive geriatric scales showed some utility in their association with specific complications.

Microfracture-coagulation for the real robotic liver parenchymal transection.

The use of the robotic approach in liver surgery is exponentially increasing. Although technically the robot introduces several innovative features, the instruments linked with the traditional laparoscopic approach for the liver parenchymal transection are not available, which may result in multiple technical variants that may bias the comparative analysis between the different series worldwide. A real robotic approach, minimally efficient for the liver parenchymal transection, with no requirement of external tool, available for the already existing platforms, and applicable to any type of liver resection, counting on the selective use of the plugged bipolar forceps and the monopolar scissors, or "microfracture-coagulation" (MFC) transection method, is described in detail. The relevant aspects of the technique, its indications and methodological basis are discussed.

Robotic liver surgery: A new reality. Descriptive analysis of 220 cases of minimally invasive liver surgery in 182 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The level of recommendation of the robotic approach in liver surgery is controversial. The objective of the study is to carry out a single-center retrospective descriptive analysis of the short-term results of the robotic and laparoscopic approach in liver surgery during the same period. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of the short-term results of the robotic and laparoscopic approach on 220 resections in 182 patients undergoing minimally invasive liver surgery. RESULTS: Between April 2018 and June 2022, a total of 92 robotic liver resections (RLR) were performed in 83 patients and 128 laparoscopic (LLR) in 99 patients. The LLR group showed a higher proportion of major surgery (P < .001) and multiple resections (P = .002). The two groups were similar in anatomical resections (RLR 64.1% vs. LLR 56.3%). In the LLS group, the average operating time was 212 min (SD 52.1). Blood loss was 276.5 mL (100-1000) and conversion 12.1%. Mean hospital stay was 5.7 (SD 4.9) days. Morbidity was 27.3% and 2% mortality. In the RLS group, the mean operative time was 217 min (SD 53.6), blood loss 169.5 mL (100.900), and conversion 2.5%. Mean hospital stay was 4.1 (SD 2.1) days. Morbidity was 15%, with no mortality. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive liver surgery is a safe technique, and in particular, RLS allows liver resections to be performed safely and reproducibly; it appears to be a non-inferior technique to LLS, but randomized studies are needed to determine the minimally invasive approach of choice in liver surgery.

Long-term results of liver-first approach strategy in patients with advanced synchronous liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The "liver-first" approach (LFA) is a strategy indicated for advanced synchronous liver metastases (ASLM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). Includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy, resection of the ASLM followed by CRC resection. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive analysis from a prospective database of hepatectomies from liver metastases (LM) from CRC in two centers. Between 2007-2019, 88 patients with CRC-ASLM were included in a LFA scheme. Bilobar (LM) was present in 65.9%, the mean number of lesions was 5.5 and mean size 42.7 mm. Response to treatment was assessed by RECIST criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Seventy-five of 88 patients (85.2%) completed the LFA. RECIST evaluation showed partial response in 75.7% and stable disease in 22.8%. Severe morbidity rate (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIA) after liver and colorectal surgery was present in 29.4% and 9.3%, respectively. There was no 90-day postoperative mortality in both liver and colorectal surgeries. Recurrence rate was 76%, being the liver the most frequent site, followed by the pulmonary. From the total number of recurrences (106) in 56 patients, surgical with chemotherapy rescue treatment was accomplished in 34 of them (32.1%). The mean PFS was 8.5 and 5-year OS was 53%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CRC-ASLM the LFA allows control of the liver disease beforehand and an assessment of the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, optimising the chance of potentially curative liver resection, which influences long-term survival.

Augmented reality in hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery: a technology at your fingertips.

Augmented reality is a technology that opens new possibilities in surgery. We present our experience in a hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery unit in terms of preoperative planning, intraoperative support and teaching. For surgical planning, we have used 3D CT and MRI reconstructions to evaluate complex cases, which has made the interpretation of the anatomy more precise and the planning of the technique simpler. At an intraoperative level, it provides for remote holographic connection between specialists, the substitution of physical elements for virtual elements, and the use of virtual consultation models and surgical guides. In teaching, new lessons include sharing live video of surgery with the support of virtual elements for a better student understanding. As the experience has been satisfactory, augmented reality could be applied in the future to improve the results of hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery.

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Simplifying time and dose.

BACKGROUND: This article aims to analyze and to simplify the optimal dose and time of intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) administration to achieve the identification of the cystic duct and the common bile duct (CBD). METHODS: A consecutive series of 146 patients was prospectively analyzed and divided into three groups according to the time of ICG administration: at induction of anesthesia group (20-30 min); hours before group (between 2 and 6 h); and the day before group (≥6 h); and two groups according to the dose of ICG: 1 cc (2.5 mg) or weight-based dose (0.05 mg/kg). RESULTS: The CBD was better visualized in the at induction of anesthesia group (85.4%), in the hours before group (97.1%) (p = 0.002) and in the 1cc group (p = 0.011). When we analyzed the 1 cc group (n = 126) a greater visualization of the CBD was observed in the at induction of anesthesia group (86.7%) and in the hours before group (97.1%) (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Due to its simplicity and reproducibility, we suggest a dose of 2.5 mg administered 2-6 h before the procedure is the optimal. However, ICG administered 30 min prior to the surgery is enough for adequate visualization of biliary structures.

Laparoscopic and robotic distal pancreatectomy: the choice and the future.

INTRODUCTION: Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is currently well established as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure, using either a laparoscopic (LDP) or robotic (RDP) approach. METHODS: Out of 83 DP performed between January 2018 and March 2022, 57 cases (68.7%) were performed using MIS: 35 LDP and 22 RDP (da Vinci Xi). We have assessed the experience with the two techniques and analyzed the value of the robotic approach. Cases of conversion have been examined in detail. RESULTS: The mean operative times for LDP and RDP were 201.2 (SD 47.8) and 247.54 (SD 35.8) minutes, respectively (P = NS). No differences were observed in length of hospital stay or conversion rate: 6 (5-34) vs. 5.6 (5-22) days, and 4 (11.4%) vs. 3 (13.6%) cases, respectively (P = NS). The readmission rate was 3/35 patients (11.4%) treated with LDP and 6/22 (27.3%) cases of RDP (P = NS). There were no differences in morbidity (Dindo-Clavien ≥ III) between the two groups. Mortality was one case in the robotic group (a patient with early conversion due to vascular involvement). The rate of R0 resection was greater and statistically significant in the RDP group (77.1% vs. 90.9%) (P = .04). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is a safe and feasible procedure in selected patients. Surgical planning and stepwise implementation based on prior experience help surgeons successfully perform technically demanding procedures. RDP could be the approach of choice in distal pancreatectomy, and it is not inferior to LDP.

Challenge and future of liver and pancreatic robotic surgery. Analysis of 64 cases in a specialized unit.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic surgery has proven effective in certain surgical procedures. However, in liver and pancreatic surgery (HBP) its use is still rare. The initial experience in HBP robotic surgery of a specialized unit of a tertiary hospital is presented. METHOD: The results of patients undergoing robotic HBP surgery between April 2018 and October 2020 have been prospectively studied. The data analyzed correspond to demographic data, surgical techniques performed, associated morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: 64 patients were operated, corresponding to 35 hepatectomies (major [6.7%], anatomic [52.9%], limited [34.4%], cystectomies [3%] and marsupialization [3%]), 29 pancreatectomies (distal [48.2%], central [6.9%], cephalic [13.8%], enucleations [24.1%], ampullectomies [3.5%] and duodenal resections [3.5%]). In liver surgery the mean operative time was 204.4 min (100-265 min), the median postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo scale was one (1-4), the mean blood losses 166.7 mL (100-300 mL), there was no conversion and the mean postoperative stay was four days (2-14 days). In pancreatic surgery, the mean operative time was 243.8 min (125-460 min), the median of postoperative complications was two (1-4), blood loss of 202.3 mL (100-500 mL) associated to a conversion rate 17.8% and an average stay of seven days (3-23 days). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic HBP surgery is safe and feasible. It is suggested that its use facilitates parenchymal sparing surgery, access to posterior liver segments and anastomosis in pancreatic reconstruction compared to laparoscopic surgery.

Highs and lows in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is not widely accepted, and its use is controversial. Only correct patient selection and appropriate training of groups experienced in pancreatic surgery and laparoscopy will be able to establish its role and its hypothetical advantages. METHODS: Out of 138 pancreatic surgeries performed in a two-year period (2017-2019), 23 were laparoscopic PD. We evaluate its efficacy and safety compared to 31 open PD. RESULTS: There were no cases of B/C pancreatic or biliary fistula, nor any cases of delayed gastric emptying in the laparoscopic group, but hemorrhage required one reoperation. The conversion rate was 21% (five cases): one due to bleeding, and the remainder for non-progression. The converted patients showed no differences compared to those completed by laparoscopy. There were no differences between laparoscopic and open PD in surgical time, postoperative complications, reintervention rate, readmissions or mortality. R0 resection in tumor cases was 85% for laparoscopy and 69% in open surgery without statistical significance. The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic PD group (eight vs. 15 days). CONCLUSIONS: In a selected group, laparoscopic PD can be safely and effectively performed if carried out by groups who are experts in pancreatic surgery and advanced laparoscopy. The technique has the same postoperative results as open surgery and is oncologically adequate, with less hospital stay. Proper patient selection, a step-by-step program and a lax and early conversion prevents serious operating accidents.

Challenge and future of liver and pancreatic robotic surgery. Analysis of 64 cases in a specialized unit. / Desafío y futuro de la cirugía robótica hepática y pancreática. Análisis de 64 casos en una unidad especializada.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic surgery has proven effective in certain surgical procedures. However, in liver and pancreatic surgery (HBP) its use is still rare. The initial experience in HBP robotic surgery of a specialized unit of a tertiary hospital is presented. METHOD: The results of patients undergoing robotic HBP surgery between April 2018 and October 2020 have been prospectively studied. The data analyzed correspond to demographic data, surgical techniques performed, associated morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: 64 patients were operated, corresponding to 35 hepatectomies (major [6.7%], anatomic [52.9%], limited [34.4%], cystectomies [3%] and marsupialization [3%]), 29 pancreatectomies (distal [48.2%], central [6.9%], cephalic [13.8%], enucleations [24.1%], ampullectomies [3.5%] and duodenal resections [3.5%]). In liver surgery the mean operative time was 204.4 minutes (100-265 min), the median postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo scale was one (1-4), the mean blood losses 166.7 mL (100-300 mL), there was no conversion and the mean postoperative stay was four days (2-14 days). In pancreatic surgery, the mean operative time was 243.8 minutes (125-460 min), the median of postoperative complications was two (1-4), blood loss of 202.3 mL (100-500 mL) associated to a conversion rate 17.8% and an average stay of seven days (3-23 days). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic HBP surgery is safe and feasible. It is suggested that its use facilitates parenchymal sparing surgery, access to posterior liver segments and anastomosis in pancreatic reconstruction compared to laparoscopic surgery.

Highs and lows in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. / Luces y sombras de la duodenopancreatectomía cefálica laparoscópica.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is not widely accepted, and its use is controversial. Only correct patient selection and appropriate training of groups experienced in pancreatic surgery and laparoscopy will be able to establish its role and its hypothetical advantages METHODS: Out of 138 pancreatic surgeries performed in a two-year period (2017-2019), 23 were laparoscopic PD. We evaluate its efficacy and safety compared to 31 open PD. RESULTS: There were no cases of B/C pancreatic or biliary fistula, nor any cases of delayed gastric emptying in the laparoscopic group, but hemorrhage required one reoperation. The conversion rate was 21% (five cases): one due to bleeding, and the remainder for non-progression. The converted patients showed no differences compared to those completed by laparoscopy. There were no differences between laparoscopic and open PD in surgical time, postoperative complications, reintervention rate, readmissions or mortality. R0 resection in tumor cases was 85% for laparoscopy and 69% in open surgery without statistical significance. The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic PD group (eight vs. 15 days). CONCLUSIONS: In a selected group, laparoscopic PD can be safely and effectively performed if carried out by groups who are experts in pancreatic surgery and advanced laparoscopy. The technique has the same postoperative results as open surgery and is oncologically adequate, with less hospital stay. Proper patient selection, a step-by-step program and a lax and early conversion prevents serious operating accidents.

[Value of spiral computed tomography for the preoperative detection of lymph node involvement in gastric cancer]. / Rendimiento de la tomografía computarizada helicoidal en la predicción de afección ganglionar preoperatoria en el cáncer gástrico.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Knowledge regarding the presence of metastatic lymph node in gastric cancer is of obvious importance when thinking of neoadjuvant therapy, yet it is full of uncertainty. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the first-line diagnostic tools, in spite of controversial results. We aimed to establish the performance of spiral CT in predicting lymph node involvement in gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Sixty-two consecutive patients diagnosed of gastric cancer were enrolled in the study. All the patients were examined by CT and imaging results were compared with the corresponding histopathological findings following surgery. We analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative reasons, accuracy and efficiency. We also assessed the distribution and number of isolated lymph nodes, the diameter of the largest single nodes and the N distribution according the TNM classification system. RESULTS: Compared with the histological results, CT achieved a sensitivity of 0.43, specificity of 0.96, an accuracy of 0.55 and an efficiency of 0.67. An in-depth analysis of the histological lymph node size revealed significant differences between the groups with and without lymph node involvement, with an average size of 16.29mm (95% confidence interval, 7.1-15.6) and 10.25mm (95% confidence interval, 4.8-25.5), respectively (p<0.05). We also observed a diminished accuracy for the N1 and N2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Spiral CT shows a poor performance for the preoperative evaluation of lymph node involvement. Nevertheless, in case of a positive result, spiral CT is helpful for treatment decision-making in gastric cancer as a first-line staging technique.

Clinical Feasibility of Large Gastrotomy Closure Using a Flexible Tissue Glue Based on N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate: Experimental Study in Pigs.

BACKGROUND: The use of synthetic adhesives such as cyanoacrylates has been established previously for a wide range of clinical indications. However, more research is necessary to evaluate their use in digestive closures or anastomosis. New chemical formulations developed to achieve more flexibility of synthetic adhesives (i.e., based on n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) could be an alternative to achieve this purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using flexible cyanoacrylate adhesives for large gastric incision closure in an animal model. METHODS: Twelve farm pigs were divided in two groups depending on the type of closure method applied. In all cases, extra-large seven centimeters gastrostomies were performed. Braided absorbable hand-sewn interrupted suture versus n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate with softener closure were compared during a 3-week follow-up period. Histopathological aspects, hematologic and inflammatory biomarkers, and endoluminal pressure tolerated until leakage were assessed. The time spent on both closing procedures was compared. RESULTS: No differences between the two groups were found in any of the histopathological and inflammatory variables evaluated. The glued group tolerated a significantly higher pressure than the manual suture group. A reduction of surgery time was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that flexible cyanoacrylates could be a feasible alternative to improve the clinical outcome of the closure of hollow viscera through more efficient sutureless procedures.