Trends in the characteristics and perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic and open resections for benign liver lesions: An international multicenter retrospective cohort study of 845 patients.

BACKGROUND: Solid benign liver lesions (BLL) are increasingly discovered, but clear indications for surgical treatment are often lacking. Concomitantly, laparoscopic liver surgery is increasingly performed. The aim of this study was to assess if the availability of laparoscopic surgery has had an impact on the characteristics and perioperative outcomes of patients with BLL. METHODS: This is a retrospective international multicenter cohort study, including patients undergoing a laparoscopic or open liver resection for BLL from 19 centers in eight countries. Patients were divided according to the time period in which they underwent surgery (2008-2013, 2014-2016, and 2017-2019). Unadjusted and risk-adjusted (using logistic regression) time-trend analyses were performed. The primary outcome was textbook outcome (TOLS), defined as the absence of intraoperative incidents ≥ grade 2, bile leak ≥ grade B, severe complications, readmission and 90-day or in-hospital mortality, with the absence of a prolonged length of stay added to define TOLS+. RESULTS: In the complete dataset comprised of patients that underwent liver surgery for all indications, the proportion of patients undergoing liver surgery for benign disease remained stable (12.6% in the first time period, 11.9% in the second time period and 12.1% in the last time period, p = 0.454). Overall, 845 patients undergoing a liver resection for BLL in the first (n = 374), second (n = 258) or third time period (n = 213) were included. The rates of ASA-scores≥3 (9.9%-16%,p < 0.001), laparoscopic surgery (57.8%-77%,p < 0.001), and Pringle maneuver use (33.2%-47.2%,p = 0.001) increased, whereas the length of stay decreased (5 to 4 days,p < 0.001). There were no significant changes in the TOLS rate (86.6%-81.3%,p = 0.151), while the TOLS + rate increased from 41.7% to 58.7% (p < 0.001). The latter result was confirmed in the risk-adjusted analyses (aOR 1.849,p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of BLL has evolved with an increased implementation of the laparoscopic approach and a decreased length of stay. This evolution was paralleled by stable TOLS rates above 80% and an increase in the TOLS + rate.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Open Conversion During Minimally Invasive Major Hepatectomies: An International Multicenter Study on 3880 Procedures Comparing the Laparoscopic and Robotic Approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the advances in minimally invasive (MI) liver surgery, most major hepatectomies (MHs) continue to be performed by open surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and outcomes of open conversion during MI MH, including the impact of the type of approach (laparoscopic vs. robotic) on the occurrence and outcomes of conversions. METHODS: Data on 3880 MI conventional and technical (right anterior and posterior sectionectomies) MHs were retrospectively collected. Risk factors and perioperative outcomes of open conversion were analyzed. Multivariate analysis, propensity score matching, and inverse probability treatment weighting analysis were performed to control for confounding factors. RESULTS: Overall, 3211 laparoscopic MHs (LMHs) and 669 robotic MHs (RMHs) were included, of which 399 (10.28%) had an open conversion. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that male sex, laparoscopic approach, cirrhosis, previous abdominal surgery, concomitant other surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score 3/4, larger tumor size, conventional MH, and Institut Mutualiste Montsouris classification III procedures were associated with an increased risk of conversion. After matching, patients requiring open conversion had poorer outcomes compared with non-converted cases, as evidenced by the increased operation time, blood transfusion rate, blood loss, hospital stay, postoperative morbidity/major morbidity and 30/90-day mortality. Although RMH showed a decreased risk of conversion compared with LMH, converted RMH showed increased blood loss, blood transfusion rate, postoperative major morbidity and 30/90-day mortality compared with converted LMH. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple risk factors are associated with conversion. Converted cases, especially those due to intraoperative bleeding, have unfavorable outcomes. Robotic assistance seemed to increase the feasibility of the MI approach, but converted robotic procedures showed inferior outcomes compared with converted laparoscopic procedures.

Laparoscopic left liver resections: how far can we go?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyse the outcomes of laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomies of the left liver segments. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicentre study including all patients operated on laparoscopically divided into unisegmentectomy of 2, 3 or 4 (Group 1), left lobectomy (or left lateral sectionectomy LLS) (Group 2), left hepatectomy (Group 3) and extended left hepatectomy (Group 4) between 2000 and 2016. These four groups were compared in terms of demographics, intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 190 selected patients, the groups 1, 2, 3, 4 included 25 (13.2%), 116 (61.0%), 27 (14.2%) and 22 (11.6%) patients, respectively. The cohorts were comparable except for the number of lesions (p = 0.001) and tumour diameter (p = 0.004). The operative time, blood loss and the use of vascular clamping were more frequent in the Groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.0001), as is the rate of conversion to laparotomy (p = 0.001). Total morbidity was 23.3%, and major complications were more frequent in Group 4 (p = 0.0001). The prevalence of hepatic complications (11.6%), intra-abdominal collections (7.4%) and respiratory complications (3.7%) was proportionally correlated to the hepatectomy extension (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: All laparoscopic left liver resections seem safe and feasible even though extended hepatectomy is associated with a significant morbidity.

Current interventional options for palliative care for patients with advanced-stage cholangiocarcinoma.

Primary biliary tract tumors are malignancies that originate in the liver, bile ducts, or gallbladder. These tumors often present with jaundice of unknown etiology, leading to delayed diagnosis and advanced disease. Currently, several palliative treatment options are available for primary biliary tract tumors. They include percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), biliary stenting, and surgical interventions such as biliary diversion. Systemic therapy is also commonly used for the palliative treatment of primary biliary tract tumors. It involves the administration of chemotherapy drugs, such as gemcitabine and cisplatin, which have shown promising results in improving overall survival in patients with advanced biliary tract tumors. PTBD is another palliative treatment option for patients with unresectable or inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. Biliary stenting can also be used as a palliative treatment option to alleviate symptoms in patients with unresectable or inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. Surgical interventions, such as biliary diversion, have traditionally been used as palliative options for primary biliary tract tumors. However, biliary diversion only provides temporary relief and does not remove the tumor. Primary biliary tract tumors often present in advanced stages, making palliative treatment the primary option for improving the quality of life of patients.

Distribution of international medical graduates across USA surgical training programs: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: International medical graduates (IMGs) have been a critical part of the USA healthcare in the past 30 years, especially in small rural and poor counties. However, little to no publications are present on the distribution of these IMGs across general surgery residency programs. METHODS: All freely accessible information on current residents in accredited general surgery residency programs within the USA with at least a 5-year history was explored for IMGs in the current roster using the AMA residency and fellowship database in 2020. Demographic and geographic data were summarized. RESULTS: A total of 230 general surgery residency program were included. Programs were distributed among 46 (92%) states. Of a total 6304 categorical general surgery residents, 573 (9%) were IMGs. Florida (USA) had the highest total number of current IMG general surgery residents with 64. The highest percentage of current IMG residents was found in Maryland (USA) with 31%. IMGs obtained their medical degrees from 76 different countries worldwide. Grenada was the country with the highest origin of IMGs with 77 residents. Central/North America had the highest origin of IMGs with 217 (38%). CONCLUSIONS: IMGs make up a small portion of current general surgery residents in USA programs. Some states host more IMGs than others. Particular countries have contributed more IMGs than others. More research is needed to the challenges facing IMGs and come up with novel solutions for them.

Robotic pancreas surgery: an overview of history and update on technique, outcomes, and financials.

The use robotics in surgery is gaining momentum. This approach holds substantial promise in pancreas surgery. Robotic surgery for pancreatic lesions and malignancies has become well accepted and is expanding to more and more center annually. The number of centers using robotics in pancreatic surgery is rapidly increasing. The most studied robotic pancreas surgeries are pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. Most studies are in their early phases, but they report that robotic pancreas surgery is safe feasible. Robotic pancreas surgery offers several advantages over open and laparoscopic techniques. Data regarding costs of robotics versus conventional techniques is still lacking. Robotic pancreas surgery is still in its early stages. It holds promise to become the new surgical standard for pancreatic resections in the future, however, more research is still needed to establish its safety, cost effectiveness and efficacy in providing the best outcomes.

Anatomical Quality Criteria for Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common bariatric procedure performed worldwide. However, without a standardised surgical technique, heterogeneous outcomes and complications such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been reported. The aim of this study was to identify reproducible anatomical criteria for SG to obtain safe and effective results. METHODS: A prospective photographic study that captured every phase of each procedure was completed. The photographic documentation was carefully examined in order to identify anatomical criteria that would help make our technique reproducible. Postsurgical results were reported in terms of complications and mortality, while functional and morphological results were evaluated using 3-month upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series and 12-month computed tomography (CT) scan, respectively. BMI, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), comorbidities, and GERD symptoms at 12 months were analysed. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four consecutive laparoscopic SG were photographed, and four reproducible anatomical criteria were identified: (1) to preserve the gastric antral posterior ligament (GAPL); (2) to dissect the gastro-pancreatic ligament (GPL); (3) to expose the right edge of the left diaphragmatic crus; and (4) to ensure staple-line linearity. No leaks occurred, and only one patient needed relaparoscopy for staple-line hematoma. Mortality and 30-day readmission rates were null. Gastric tube morphologies on the 12-month CT scans were homogeneous. At 12 months, median BMI was 30.8 kg/m2 [IQR 20-47.2] and mean %EWL was 69.0 ± 24.5%; comorbidities resolved in 65.8-88.1% of patients, and GERD symptoms resolved in 44.4%. CONCLUSION: The four anatomical criteria for SG that we propose are safe, effective, and reproducible and have acceptable postsurgical outcomes.

Surgical technique and clinical results of one- or two-stage laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy after portal vein embolization in patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases: A case series.

BACKGROUND: The use of the laparoscopic approach in one-stage or second-step of two-stage right hemihepatectomy (RHH) after portal vein embolization (PVE) in patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) is technically demanding. Currently, there is limited published data regarding the technique and results required to better understand its safety and feasibility. This paper reports our experience, results, techniques and variety of tips and tricks (highlighted in the attached video), to facilitate this resection. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of laparoscopic liver surgery within our unit at a tertiary referral centre between August 2003 and March 2019 was reviewed. Patients with initially unresectable CRLMs who underwent laparoscopic RHH or extended RHH after PVE in the context of a one or two-stage procedure were included. RESULTS: Between August 2003 and March 2019, 19 patients with initially unresectable CRLMs underwent laparoscopic RHH after PVE. Twelve patients (63.2%) had RHH in the context of a two-stage hepatectomy and 7 as a one-stage procedure. Median time interval between PVE and surgery was 42.5 days (IQR, 34.5-60.0 days). Mean operating time was 351.8 ± 80.5 minutes. Median blood loss was 850 mL (IQR, 475-1350 mL). Conversion to open surgery occurred in 2 of 19 cases (10.5%). Severe postoperative morbidity occurred in 2 patients. The mortality rate was 5.3%. Median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (IQR, 4-7 days). Radical resection was obtained in eighteen patients (94.7%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic RHH after PVE in the context of a one- or two-stage resection in patients with initially unresectable CRLMs is a safe and feasible procedure with favourable oncological outcomes.

The impact of enhanced recovery on open and laparoscopic liver resections.

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs (ERP) have been implemented in many surgical specialties. Their impact in liver surgery is poorly understood and approach-specific ERPs have not yet been assessed. This retrospective study aims to analyse the effect of such programs on liver resection. All patients undergoing liver resection at a tertiary referral centre between January 2009 and April 2019 were identified. Primary outcome was the length of stay (LOS), secondary outcomes were functional recovery, complications and readmission rates. Patients in the ERP with different protocols for open, laparoscopic, major and minor resections were compared to a historical cohort. Of 1056 patients, 644 were treated within the ERP. A comparable duration of hospital stay [7 days (IQR (interquartile range) 6-12) vs 7 days (IQR 5-9) p = 0.047] and faster functional recovery with fewer complications was found in the ERP group [94 (50.5%) vs 103 (35.9%) p < 0.002]. Those advantages were smaller after open minor compared to open major resection. In patients undergoing laparoscopic resection no differences were observed except for a lower readmission rate [21 (9.3%) vs 13 (3.6%) p = 0.005]. Multivariable analysis showed that laparoscopy was associated with a shorter LOS. ERPs offer significant advantages in open liver surgery. Those advantages are less evident after laparoscopic resection.

International validation and update of the Amsterdam model for prediction of survival after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to validate and update the Amsterdam prediction model including tumor grade, lymph node ratio, margin status and adjuvant therapy, for prediction of overall survival (OS) after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We included consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer between 2000 and 2017 at 11 tertiary centers in 8 countries (USA, UK, Germany, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Korea, Australia). Model performance for prediction of OS was evaluated by calibration statistics and Uno's C-statistic for discrimination. Validation followed the TRIPOD statement. RESULTS: Overall, 3081 patients (53% male, median age 66 years) were included with a median OS of 24 months, of whom 38% had N2 disease and 77% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Predictions of 3-year OS were fairly similar to observed OS with a calibration slope of 0.72. Statistical updating of the model resulted in an increase of the C-statistic from 0.63 to 0.65 (95% CI 0.64-0.65), ranging from 0.62 to 0.67 across different countries. The area under the curve for the prediction of 3-year OS was 0.71 after updating. Median OS was 36, 25 and 15 months for the low, intermediate and high risk group, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This large international study validated and updated the Amsterdam model for survival prediction after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer. The model incorporates readily available variables with a fairly accurate model performance and robustness across different countries, while novel markers may be added in the future. The risk groups and web-based calculator www.pancreascalculator.com may facilitate use in daily practice and future trials.

Umbilical Single-Port Sleeve Gastrectomy as a Standardized Procedure: How to Do It? (Video).

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most common bariatric procedure worldwide, commonly performed using laparoscopic multiport. Feasibility and safety of single-port sleeve gastrectomy (SPSG) have been proved. We reported a standardized procedure describing the different steps as a reference for bariatric surgeons. MATERIALS: Two news concepts are necessary: "surgical corridor," surgeon working in a small intraperitoneal area is less disturbed by excess abdominal fat and liver hypertrophy; "parietal space" is the area in the abdominal wall through the instruments are introduced, it's important to preserve this. The patient was placed in a seated position and we utilized 2.5-3 cm skin incision in the umbilicus. Single trocar was placed; a flexible camera and double curve grasper are needed to decrease grasper conflict. Dissection of the stomach was obtained by 47 cm Thunderbeat (Olympus-Japan), the sleeve of the stomach was created over a 36F calibrator. A 60-mm roticulating XL staplers were used and beginning 4 cm proximal to the pylorus next to the gastro-pancreatic ligament and heading toward the left side of the gastro-esophageal junction. We utilized a linear staple line using 4 to 7 staples; hemostasis is controlled by bipolar coagulation. RESULTS: Specimen was removed easily through the single-site trocar. Parietal defect is easily repaired. Operating time is 41 min. The patient was discharged at day 1 without naso-gastric tube or drainage. No complication. CONCLUSION: Umbilical SPSG is nowadays a standardized procedure based on the surgical corridor and the parietal space. This is a safe and reproductive procedure applicable in most patients with massive obesity but necessitate learning curve.