Evaluation of post-operative surveillance strategies and surgeon perceptions and beliefs of surveillance for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the UK.

BACKGROUND: Despite high rates of recurrence after surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) there is lack of standardised surveillance practices. We aimed to identify UK surveillance practice and interrogate surgeon beliefs around surveillance. METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to all UK pancreatic units to assess surveillance practice for resected PDAC, factors influencing surveillance protocols, and perceptions and beliefs surrounding on current postoperative surveillance. RESULTS: There was wide variation in reported practice between 40 consultant surgeons from 28 pancreatic units (100% unit response rate). 26% had standardised surveillance compared to 18% with no standardised practice. 16% individualised surveillance to the patient, and 40% reported differing practices between surgeons within units despite local surveillance protocols. 66% felt surveillance should be tailored to patient factors, and 58% to patient preference. There was a broad belief regarding a lack of robust evidence supporting surveillance making a trial necessary. Thematic analysis identified surveillance barriers, considerations for trial design, necessity for patient engagement and potential benefits of surveillance. DISCUSSION: Wide variation in surveillance practice exists within and between units. A surveillance trial was deemed beneficial, however identified barriers potentially preclude a trial. Future work should assess acceptability for patients including impact on anxiety and quality-of-life.

A systematic review of post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage management stratified according to ISGPS grading.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality from post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) remains high. The International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) published guidelines to standardise definitions of PPH severity, management and reporting. This study aimed to i) identify the number of studies reporting PPH using ISGPS guidelines (Grade A, B or C) and ii) describe treatment modality success by grade. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed, identifying studies reporting PPH by ISGPS Grade and their subsequent management. RESULTS: Of 62 studies reporting on PPH management, 17 (27.4%) stratified by ISGPS guidelines and included 608 incidences of PPH: 48 Grade A, 274 Grade B (62 early, 166 late, 46 unspecified) and 286 Grade C. 96% of Grade A PPH were treated conservatively. Of 62 early Grade B, 54.8% were managed conservatively and 37.1% surgically. Late Grade B were managed non-operatively in 25.3% (42/166), with successful endoscopy in 90.9% (10/11) and angiography in 90.3% (28/31). In Grade C, endoscopic treatment was successful in 64.4% (29/45) and angiography in 90.8% (108/119). Surgical intervention was required in 43.5% early Grade B, 7.8% late Grade B and 33.2% Grade C. CONCLUSION: PPH grading is underreported and despite guidelines, inconsistencies remain when using definitions and reporting of outcomes.

Early oral feeding after pancreatoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of early oral feeding (EOF) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) upon perioperative complications and outcomes is unknown, therefore the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of EOF on clinical outcomes after PD, such as postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and length of stay (LOS). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance and assimilated evidence from studies reporting outcomes for patients who received EOF after PD compared to enteral tube feeding (EN) or parenteral nutrition (PN). RESULTS: Four studies reported outcomes after EOF compared to EN/PN after PD and included 553 patients. Meta-analyses showed no difference in rates of CR-POPF (OR 0.74; 95%CI 0.44-1.24; p = 0.25) or DGE (Grade B/C) (OR 0.83; 95%CI 0.31-2.21; p = 0.70). LOS was significantly shorter in the EOF group compared to the EN/PN group (Mean Difference -3.40 days; 95% -6.11-0.70 days; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Current available evidence suggests that EOF after PD is not associated with increased risk of DGE, does not exacerbate POPF and appears to reduce length of stay.

A Systematic Review of Minimally Invasive Trans-thoracic Liver Resection to Examine Intervention Description, Governance, and Outcome Reporting of an Innovative Technique.

INTRODUCTION: The number of laparoscopic liver resections undertaken has increased. However, lesions located postero-superiorly are difficult to access. This may be overcome by the novel use of trans-thoracic port(s). Methods for the safe and transparent introduction of new and modified surgical procedures are limited and a summary of these issues, for minimally invasive trans-thoracic liver resections (MITTLR), is lacking. This study aims to understand and summarize technique description, governance procedures, and reporting of outcomes for MITTLR. METHODS: A systematic literature search to identify primary studies of all designs describing MITTLR was undertaken. How patients were selected for the new technique was examined. The technical components of MITTLR were identified and summarized to understand technique development over time. Governance arrangements (eg, Institutional Review Board approval) and steps taken to mitigate harm were recorded. Finally, specific outcomes reported across studies were documented. RESULTS: Of 2067 screened articles, 16 were included reporting data from 145 patients and 6 countries. Selection criteria for patients was explicitly stated in 2 papers. No studies fully described the technique. Five papers reported ethical approval and 3 gave details of patient consent. No study reported on steps taken to mitigate harm.Technical outcomes were commonly reported, for example, blood loss (15/16 studies), operative time (15/16), and margin status (11/16). Information on patient-reported outcomes and costs were lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Technical details and governance procedures were poorly described. Outcomes focussed on short term details alone. Transparency is needed for reporting the introduction of new surgical techniques to allow their safe dissemination.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on pancreatic cancer services and treatment pathways: United Kingdom experience.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented healthcare providers with an extreme challenge to provide cancer services. The impact upon the diagnostic and treatment capacity to treat pancreatic cancer is unclear. This study aimed to identify national variation in treatment pathways during the pandemic. METHODS: A survey was distributed to all United Kingdom pancreatic specialist centres, to assess diagnostic, therapeutic and interventional services availability, and alterations in treatment pathways. A repeating methodology enabled assessment over time as the pandemic evolved. RESULTS: Responses were received from all 29 centres. Over the first six weeks of the pandemic, less than a quarter of centres had normal availability of diagnostic pathways and a fifth of centres had no capacity whatsoever to undertake surgery. As the pandemic progressed services have gradually improved though most centres remain constrained to some degree. One third of centres changed their standard resectable pathway from surgery-first to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Elderly patients, and those with COPD were less likely to be offered treatment during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the capacity of the NHS to provide diagnostic and staging investigations for pancreatic cancer. The impact of revised treatment pathways has yet to be realised.

Immediate Impact of Centralization on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Outcomes for a Vascular Network in the South West of England: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the short-term impact of centralization on the outcomes of patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in a vascular network in the South West of England. BACKGROUND: The centralization of vascular services has been implemented nationally across the National Health Service to improve patient outcomes. The full impact of these major changes has not yet been fully analyzed. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study examining outcomes of patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, based on prospectively entered National Vascular Registry data, pre and post centralization in the South West of England. The primary outcome was mortality at 30 days. Secondary measures included 30-day morbidity, length of hospital stay, and length of intensive care unit stay. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality was unchanged pre and post-centralization (11% vs 12%, P = 0.84). The 30-day morbidity rate was also unchanged (24% vs 25%, P = 0.83), as was length of intensive care unit stay (3 vs 3 days, P = 0.74). Overall length of stay was not significantly different (8 vs 6 days, P = 0.76). Subgroup analysis of patients with elective, ruptured, and symptomatic aneurysm repair demonstrated no differences in 30-day mortality. There was a significantly shorter stay post-centralization for patients with symptomatic aneurysms (6 vs 12 days pre-centralization, P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: The process of centralization of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in a vascular network was safe for patients and had no immediate impact on outcomes. Longer-term outcome measures and financial data will be required to further assess the benefit of centralization.

Use of a modified Delphi approach to develop research priorities in HPB surgery across the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Research prioritisation can help identify clinically relevant questions and encourage high-quality, patient-centred research. Delphi methodology aims to develop consensus opinion within a group of experts, with recent Delphi projects helping to define the research agenda and funding within several medical and surgical specialties. METHODS: All members of the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons (AUGIS) were asked to submit clinical research questions using an online survey (Phase 1). Two consecutive rounds of Delphi prioritisation by multidisciplinary HPB healthcare professionals (Phase 2) were undertaken to establish a final list of the most highly prioritised research questions. A multidisciplinary steering committee analysed the results of each phase. RESULTS: Ninety-three HPB-focussed questions were identified in Phase 1, with thirty-seven questions of sufficient priority to enter a further prioritisation round. A final group of 11 questions considered highest priority were identified. The most highly ranked research questions related to treatment pathways, operative strategies and the impact of HPB procedures on quality of life, particularly for malignant disease. CONCLUSION: Expert consensus has identified research priorities within the UK HPB surgical community over the coming years. Funding applications, to establish well-designed, high quality collaborative research are now required to address these questions.

A systematic review of new treatments for cryptoglandular fistula in ano.

AIM: In 2007 the ACPGBI published a position statement on the management of cryptoglandular fistula in ano. Over the last seven years a number of new treatments have been developed and the aim of this systematic review was to assess their effectiveness. METHOD: A systematic review of all English language literature relevant to novel treatment strategies for cryptoglandular fistula in ano, published between 1 January 2007 and 31 Dec 2014 was carried out using MEDLINE (PubMed and Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid) and the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews/Controlled Trials for relevant literature. Technical notes, commentaries, letters and meeting abstracts were excluded. The different treatments were assessed with regards to fistula closure rate in relation to length of follow up and reported complications. RESULTS: Seventy potential articles published between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2014 were identified from the initial literature search. Twenty-one articles were included for final analysis although only two were randomized controlled trials, the remainder being retrospective or prospective series. CONCLUSION: This systematic review has demonstrated that whilst there have been technological advances to treat complex cryptoglandular fistula in ano, these are in an early stage of evolution and although early results were promising they are difficult to reproduce. Longer follow up data is not currently available and these treatments should not be introduced without further evidence.

Impact of margin status and neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival, recurrence after liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine the impact of positive margin and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) on recurrence and survival after resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). METHODS: Prospective analysis of 1,255 patients undergoing resection of CLRM was undertaken. The impact of NAC, site of recurrence, and survival between R0 and R1 groups was analysed. RESULTS: The R0 and R1 resection rates were 68.9 % (n = 865) and 31.1 % (390). The median OS for R0 group was 2.7 years (95 % CI 2.56-2.85) and R1 group 2.28 years (CI 2.06-2.52; P < 0.001). The median DFS for R0 group was 1.52 years (CI 1.38-1.66) and R1 group 1.04 years (CI 0.94-1.19; P < 0.001). The intrahepatic recurrence was higher in R1 group 132 (33.8 %) versus 142 (16.4 %) [P = 0.0001]. A total of 103 (11.9 %) patients in R0 group underwent redo liver resection for recurrence compared with 66 (16.9 %) patients in R1 group (P = 0.016). NAC did not impact recurrence rate (57.8 % vs. 61.5 %, P = 0.187) and redo liver surgery between R0 and R1 groups (13 % vs. 17 %, P = 0.092). Within the R1 group, the intrahepatic recurrence rates were similar with and without NAC (33.9 % vs. 33.7 %, P = 0.669). However, DFS was longer in the no chemotherapy group than the chemotherapy group. CONCLUSIONS: R1 resections increase the likelihood of recurrence in the liver and redo liver surgery. NAC does not seem to improve survival in margin positive patients or have an impact on recurrence or reduce need for redo liver surgery for recurrence. In patients with R1 resection, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may have adverse outcome on disease free survival.