A critical and comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

PURPOSE: Two main techniques are commonly used during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in order to perform the ileocolic anastomosis: intracorporeal (IA) and extracorporeal (EA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the two techniques. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out to identify studies comparing IA and EA. The primary endpoint was anastomotic leakage. The secondary endpoints were intra- and postoperative results. A meta-analysis was carried out using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Fourteen studies matched the selection criteria, enrolling 1717 patients (50.3 % IA, 49.7 % EA). The anastomotic leakage was similar in the IA and the EA groups (3.4 vs. 4.6 %, respectively) with a risk difference (RD) of -0.01 (95 % CI = -0.03 to 0.01; P = 0.120). IA group had lower overall complication rate (27.6 vs. 38.4 %; RD = -0.15; 95 % CI = 0.27 to -0.04; P = 0.009) and wound infection rate (4.9 vs. 8.9 %; RD = 0.52; -0.03; 95 % CI = -0.06 to -0.01; P = 0.030). Time to first oral intake (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1; 95 % CI = -1.59 to -0.41; P < 0.001), length of hospital stay (WMD = -1.13; 95 % CI = -1.90 to -0.35; P = 0.004) and minilaparotomy size (WMD = -26; 95 % CI = -38 to -13; P < 0.001) were shorter in IA patients. The incisional hernia rate was lower in the IA group (2.3 vs. 13.7 %) with an RD of -0.09 (95 % CI = -0.17 to -0.02; P = 0.020). There were no differences in operative time, blood loss, conversion, internal hernia, reoperation, mortality, time to first flatus and defecation, analgesic required, number of lymph nodes harvested and length of distal margin. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with IA is a safe alternative to EA. Additional well-structured, prospective randomised trials are needed to confirm all the advantages regarding postoperative results which were pointed out in our study.

Validation of the 2010 WHO classification and a new prognostic proposal: A single centre retrospective study of well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.

BACKGOUND: In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) modified the classification for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Recently, some modifications were proposed to improve its prognostic value. The aim of this study was to test the prognostic value of both the original and the modified 2010 WHO grading systems. METHODS: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients surgically resected for well-differentiated NETs were evaluated in multivariate Cox regression models. Age, sex, hormonal status, size, lymph node ratio, stage, margin status and grading were evaluated in order to predict disease-free survival (DFS). Four models were evaluated: model 1: grading according to the 2010 WHO; model 2: modified grading with cut-off at 5% of the Ki-67 index; model 3: modified grading in which the G2 category was divided into two subgroups (2-5% and 5-20%) and model 4: the Ki-67 index as a continuous variable. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was carried out to evaluate the clinical utility of the various cut-offs. RESULTS: All the grading systems remained independent factors in predicting DFS. Model 2 (c index = 0.814 and P = 0.012) and model 3 (c index = 0.865 and P = 0.015) showed higher predictive powers with respect to model 1 (c index = 0.799). Model 4 had a high predictive value (c index 0.848, P = 0.013). Decision curve analysis confirmed that biological behaviour represented the best prognostic parameter. CONCLUSION: This study presented some limitations: single centre, retrospective design and a long period of enrolment. The result showed that, by increasing the cut-off of the G2 category to 5% or by creating two subgroups in the G2 category, it was possible to obtain a better stratification of patients.

Indocyanine Green Angiography for Quality Assessment of Renal Graft Before Transplantation: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Criteria for donation have been expanded to meet the great demand for organ transplant, resulting in different tools and classifications to help physicians to better assess the quality of the transplanted kidney. In this study, we evaluated the use of indocyanine green angiography as an additional tool to evaluate the renal microcirculation and the quality of the potential kidney graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All kidneys from extended criteria donors or donors after cardiac death available for transplant underwent indocyanine green angiog-raphy before implantation and after reconditioning, when hypothermic perfusion was required. We performed fluorescent angiography with a 10-mm-view laparoscope connected to a high-definition camera system while a solution of indocyanine green and Celsior was injected into the renal artery. We compared fluorescence intensities with postoperative graft function and then analyzed increases in fluorescence intensity before and after hypothermic machine perfusion treatment. RESULTS: In transplanted kidneys preserved in traditional cold storage, we found a statistically significant difference in fluorescence intensity values between groups with early graft function and delayed graft function. Fluorescence intensity increased significantly in all perfused kidneys after hypothermic machine perfusion treatment, indicating that intensity was directly proportional to improved renal microcirculation. Among 21 kidneys retrieved for transplant that adhered to the inclusion criteria, 11 were examined histopathologically, with a Karpinski score ranging from 2 to 7. The kidney that scored 7 was immediately discarded. Five underwent hypothermic pulsatile perfusion since they came from donors after cardiac death. Fluorescence intensity increased significantly in all perfused kidneys (4/5 were closest to doubling). Histopathological evaluations and Karpinski scores of the grafts indicated that all 5 were considered suitable for transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Indocyanine green angiography can be used in the future as an additional useful tool to help physicians to assess graft quality before implantation.

Predictive Models for the Functional Recovery of Transplanted Kidney.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplantation is the gold standard treatment for end-stage renal disease, however, in 20% of cases, the graft develops a delayed graft function (DGF) that is associated with both early and late worsening of the outcome. The aim of this study was to examine and validate in a population of transplanted patients the appropriateness of the predictive score systems of DGF available to identify patients who might take advantage of a tailored immunosuppressive therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify articles concerning scoring systems predicting DGF to identify those applicable to the study population and subsequently comparing their appropriateness for defining the most accurate one. RESULTS: From an analysis of the scientific literature, we found 7 scoring systems predicting DGF. Of these, 3 can be calculated for the study population. We enrolled 247 renal transplants in the study. DGF was recorded in 41 cases (15.95%). The Irish score recognized 25 of 41 cases (60.98%), the Jeldres score 41 of 41 cases (100%), and the Chapal score only 7 of 41 (17.07%). Although the Irish score did not identify all cases of DGF, the analysis of data revealed that it is the most accurate, with area under the receiver operating characteristic almost overlapping. CONCLUSIONS: The study resulted in some interesting and promising conclusions about the predictability of DGF, defining the Irish score as the most reliable. This result can be considered the fundamental requirement to develop a custom therapeutic algorithm to be applied to all recipients with higher probability of developing DGF.

Indocyanine Green Angiography for Quality Assessment of the Kidney During Transplantation: An Outcome Predictor Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular damage is the main cause of delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplant. Assessing its extent may be helpful in predicting DGF to achieve better postoperative management, especially in terms of an immunosuppressive regimen. Our aim was to explore the capability of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to examine the microvasculature of the kidney. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 37 kidney transplant recipients in a high-volume kidney transplant center. During surgery, after graft implant, an ICG angiography was performed through a high-definition Storz camera system (Karl Storz GmbH, Tuttlingen, Germany) with successive quantitative assessment of fluorescence using Icy bioimage analysis. RESULTS: All transplanted kidneys that showed immediate recovery of their function had a fluorescent intensity ≥49.953 with a mean of 96.930 ± 21. The fluorescence intensity for kidneys that showed a delayed recovery of their function never exceeded 55.648, and the mean was 37.718 ± 13. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant with a P value < .001. The only kidney that never recovered showed a fluorescence intensity consistently <25.220, the lowest detected. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that intraoperative ICG angiography may be used to assess the microvasculature of the graft. A statistically significant difference in terms of fluorescent intensity can be highlighted between kidneys that immediately recover their function and those with delayed recovery. Further larger studies are needed to confirm the capability of the technique to predict DGF to optimize the transplanted patients' management.

Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery Through an Incision of the Ureter as a Good Treatment Option for Large Ureteropelvic Impacted Stones in Transplanted Kidneys.

Urolithiasis is a rare complication after kidney transplant. Over the years, treatment of kidney stones has evolved radically, but a standard approach for transplanted kidneys has not yet been defined. Here, we present a 69-year-old male patient who received successful treatment of nephrolithiasis of the transplanted kidney. The patient, who had received a kidney from a deceased donor, was admitted to our department following a posttransplant Doppler ultrasonography showing severe hydronephrosis of the transplanted kidney associated with acute renal function decay. Computed tomography scan confirmed the hydronephrosis of the transplanted kidney, showing a large, impacted, ureteropelvic 3-cm-diameter stone and other concretions around the ureteral stent. The patient was then treated with retrograde intrarenal surgery during an open ureterotomy. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he showed good functional reprise and a rapid decrease of serum creatinine levels. Intraoperative retrograde intrarenal surgery could be a valid option for treatment of kidney stones of the transplanted kidney during open surgery of the ureter or during ureterovesical anastomosis.

Pretransplant Nephrectomy for Large Polycystic Kidneys in ADPKD (Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease) Patients: Is Peritoneal Dialysis Recovery Possible after Surgery?

The choice of modality for renal replacement therapy in patients with ADPKD varies, often based on patient choice, physician-related factors, and resource availability. For a long time peritoneal dialysis (PD) was considered as relative contraindication due to the possible limited intraperitoneal space. In recent years, some studies suggested it is a valid option also in patients with ADPKD to be considered as a first line treatment in potentially fit patients. Diuresis volume lowering and potential permanent damage of peritoneal integrity, both leading to a necessary switch to haemodialysis, are the two most important dangers after nephrectomy, especially if bilateral, in PD patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of patient underwent native polycystic kidney nephrectomy in order to state the possibility to recover peritoneal dialysis after surgery.

Risk Factors for Malignancy of Branch-Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms: A Critical Evaluation of the Fukuoka Guidelines With a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the risk factors proposed by Fukuoka guidelines in detecting malignancy of branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. METHOD: Diagnostic meta-analysis of cohort studies. A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and the ISI-Web of Science databases to identify all studies published up to 2014. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies (2025 patients) were suitable for the meta-analysis. The "high risk stigmata" showed the highest pooled diagnostic odds ratio (jaundice, 6.3; positive citology, 5.5; mural nodules, 4.8) together with 2 "worrisome features" (thickened/enhancing walls, 4.2; duct dilatation, 4.0) and 1 "other parameters" (carbohydrate antigen 19-9 serum levels, 4.6). CONCLUSIONS: An "ideal risk factor" capable of recognizing all malignant branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms was not identified and some "dismal areas" remain. However, "high risk stigmata" were strongly related to malignancy, mainly enhancing mural nodules. Among the "worrisome features," duct dilatation and thickened/enhancing walls were underestimated, and their diagnostic performance was similar to those of "high risk stigmata." The carbohydrate antigen 19-9 serum level should be added to the Fukuoka algorithm because this value could help in carrying out correct management.