Alveolar echinococcosis. / Alveolær ekinokokkose.

Alveolar echinococcosis is a much-feared parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. Mainland Norway is free from infection, but alveolar echinococcosis is, on rare occasions, imported from endemic regions. Those infected develop slow-growing, multicystic tumours that are clinically and radiologically reminiscent of malignant disease. The disease mainly attacks the liver. Treatment often consists of extensive surgical resection in combination with prolonged use of albendazole. In this clinical review article we summarise the life cycle, clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and epidemiology of alveolar echinococcosis, and provide examples of the disease course with two patient case reports.

Laparoscopic versus open liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopy in the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains unclear. This multicenter study examined the outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection for ICC. METHODS: Patients with ICC who had undergone laparoscopic or open liver resection between 2012 and 2019 at four European expert centers were included in the study. Laparoscopic and open approaches were compared in terms of surgical and oncological outcomes. Propensity score matching was used for minimizing treatment selection bias and adjusting for confounders (age, ASA grade, tumor size, location, number of tumors and underlying liver disease). RESULTS: Of 136 patients, 50 (36.7%) underwent laparoscopic resection, whereas 86 (63.3%) had open surgery. Median tumor size was larger (73.6 vs 55.1 mm, p = 0.01) and the incidence of bi-lobar tumors was higher (36.6 vs 6%, p < 0.01) in patients undergoing open surgery. After propensity score matching baseline characteristics were comparable although open surgery was associated with a larger fraction of major liver resections (74 vs 38%, p < 0.01), lymphadenectomy (60 vs 20%, p < 0.01) and longer operative time (294 vs 209 min, p < 0.01). Tumor characteristics were similar. Laparoscopic resection resulted in less complications (30 vs 52%, p = 0.025), fewer reoperations (4 vs 16%, p = 0.046) and shorter hospital stay (5 vs 8 days, p < 0.01). No differences were found in terms of recurrence, recurrence-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resection seems to be associated with improved short-term and with similar long-term outcomes compared with open surgery in patients with ICC. However, possible selection criteria for laparoscopic surgery are yet to be defined.

How should liver hypertrophy be stimulated? A comparison of upfront associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) and portal vein embolization (PVE) with rescue possibility.

BACKGROUND: The role of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) in comparison to portal vein embolization (PVE) is debated. The aim of this study was to compare successful resection rates (RR) with upfront ALPPS vs. PVE with rescue ALPPS on demand and to compare the hypertrophy of the liver between ALPPS and PVE plus subsequent rescue ALPPS. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients treated with PVE for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) or ALPPS (any diagnosis, rescue ALPPS included) at five Scandinavian university hospitals during the years 2013-2016 was conducted. A Chi-square test and a Mann-Whitney U test were used to assess the difference between the groups. A successful RR was defined as liver resection without a 90-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were included. Successful RR was in 84.5% of the patients with ALPPS upfront and in 73.3% of the patients with PVE and rescue ALPPS on demand (P=0.080). The hypertrophy of the future liver remnants (FLRs) with ALPPS upfront was 71% (48-97%) compared to 96% (82-113%) after PVE and rescue ALPPS (P=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Upfront ALPPS offers a somewhat higher successful RR than PVE with rescue ALPPS on demand. The sequential combination of PVE and ALPPS leads to a higher overall degree of hypertrophy than upfront ALPPS.

Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy Following Prior Upper Abdominal Surgery (Pancreatectomy and Prior Surgery).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous abdominal surgery can be a risk factor for perioperative complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures. Today, distal pancreatectomy is increasingly performed laparoscopically. This study investigates the consequences of prior upper abdominal surgery (PUAS) for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). METHODS: Patients who had undergone LDP from April 1997 to January 2020 were included. Based on the history and type of PUAS, these were categorized into three groups: minimally invasive (I), open (II), and no PUAS (III). To reduce possible confounding factors, the groups were matched in 1:2:4 fashion based on age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiology grade. RESULTS: After matching, 30, 60, and 120 patients were included in the minimally invasive, open and no PUAS groups, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of intraoperative outcomes. Postoperative morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay were similar. Open PUAS was associated with higher Comprehensive Complication Index (33.7 vs 20.9 vs 26.2, p = 0.03) and greater proportion of patients with ≥ 2 complications (16.7 vs 0 vs 6.7%, p = 0.02) compared with minimally invasive and no PUAS. Male sex, overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2), diagnosis of neuroendocrine neoplasia, and open PUAS were risk factors for severe morbidity in the univariable analysis. Only open PUAS was statistically significant in the multivariable model. CONCLUSIONS: PUAS does not impair the feasibility and safety of LDP as its perioperative outcomes are largely comparable to those in patients without PUAS. However, open PUAS increases the burden and severity of postoperative complications.

Future Liver Remnant (FLR) Increase in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases Is Highest the First Week After Portal Vein Occlusion : FLR Increase in Patients with CRLM Is Highest the First Week After PVO.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein occlusion (PVO) is an established method to increase the volume of the future liver remnant (FLR). The main reasons for not proceeding to radical hepatectomy are lack of volume increase and tumor progression due to a wait-time interval of up to 8 weeks. The hypothesis was that the increase in FLR volume is not linear and is largest during the first weeks. METHODS: Patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and standardized future liver remnant (sFLR) < 30% treated with PVO were prospectively included. All patients had at least one CT evaluation before radical hepatectomy. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included. During the first week after PVO, the kinetic growth rate (KGR) was 5.4 (± 4), compared to 1.5 (± 2) between the first and second CT (p < 0.05). For patients reaching adequate FLR and therefore treated with radical hepatectomy, the KGR was 7 (± 4) the first week, compared to 4.3 (± 2) for patients who failed to reach a sufficient volume (p = 0.4). During the interval between the first and second CT, the KGR was 2.2 (± 2), respectively (± 0.1) (p = 0.017). DISCUSSION: The increase in liver volume after PVO is largest during the first week. As KGR decreases over time, it is important to shorten the interval between PVO and the first volume evaluation; this may aid in decision-making and reduce unnecessary waiting time.

Extended laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for adenocarcinoma in the body and tail of the pancreas: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: Extended resection is required for pancreatic adenocarcinoma infiltrating adjacent organs and structures. The role of laparoscopy in this setting is unclear. In this study, the outcomes of extended laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (ELDP) for pancreatic body/tail adenocarcinoma were examined. METHODS: Perioperative and oncologic data were analyzed in patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) for adenocarcinoma at Oslo University Hospital. ELDP was defined as suggested by the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery. The outcomes of ELDP were compared to those following standard LDP (SLDP). RESULTS: From August 2001 to June 2016, 460 consecutive patients underwent LDP for pancreatic neoplasms including 116 (25%) adenocarcinoma. SLDP and ELDP were applied in 78 and 31 patients, respectively. The adrenal gland (33%) and colon (21%) were the most frequently resected organs during ELDP. The latter was associated with larger tumor size (5.5 vs 4 cm, p = 0.03), longer operative time (236 vs 158 min, p = 0.001) and higher conversion rate (16 vs 3%, p = 0.019) compared with SLDP. Morbidity and 90-day mortality were similar. Median follow-up was 18 months. In patients with ductal adenocarcinoma, ELDP (n = 22) was associated with significantly shorter recurrence-free and overall survival than SLDP (n = 59) (6.2 vs 9.6 months, p = 0.047 and 12.9 vs 27 months, p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although technically challenging, ELDP is feasible in patients with adenocarcinoma providing acceptable surgical outcomes. ELDP for ductal adenocarcinoma is associated with worse prognosis than SLDP, while its potential benefits over palliative care deserve further scrutiny.

Perioperative outcomes and survival in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes following laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) in elderly patients have not been widely reported to date. This study aimed to analyze perioperative and oncologic outcomes in patients aged ≥70 years (elderly group) and compare with those <70 years (non-elderly group). METHODS: From April 1997 to September 2015, 402 consecutive patients with lesions in the body and tail of the pancreas underwent LDP at Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital. RESULTS: Of these, 118 (29.4%) were elderly, whereas 284 (70.6%) were non-elderly. Despite higher rate of comorbidities and American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively), elderly patients had lower postoperative morbidity, pancreatic fistula (PF) and readmission rates, compared with non-elderly (P = 0.032, 0.001 and 0.025, respectively). Spleen-preserving LDP (SPLDP) resulted in similar postoperative outcomes in the two groups. Elderly patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) were comparable to non-elderly in terms of median and 3-year survival (20.2 vs. 19 months (P = 0.94, log-rank) and 26.7% vs. 34.3%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both LDP and SPLDP are safe in patients aged ≥70 years, providing outcomes similar to those in younger group. Elderly patients with PDAC can benefit from LDP, since age itself is not associated with decreased survival after surgery.

Role of laparoscopic enucleation in the treatment of pancreatic lesions: case series and case-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies report successful application of laparoscopic pancreatic enucleation (LPE). However, the evidence is limited to small series. This study aimed to evaluate the indications, technique and outcome of LPE at a tertiary care institution. METHODS: Between February 1998 and April 2016, 45 consecutive LPEs were performed at Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet. Twenty-four (53.3 %) patients subjected to right-sided LPE (RLPE) were compared with 21 (46.7 %) patients who had undergone left-sided LPE (LLPE). A case-matched analysis (1:2) was performed to compare the outcomes following LLPE and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). RESULTS: Patient demographics, BMI, ASA score and pathological characteristics were similar between the RLPE and LLPE groups. Operative time was slightly longer for RLPE [123 (53-320) vs 102 (50-373) min, P = 0.09]. The rates of severe morbidity (≥Accordion grade III) and clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (grades B/C) were comparable, although with a trend for higher rate of complications following LLPE (16.7 vs 33.3 %; P = 0.19 and 20.8 vs 33.3 %, P = 0.34, respectively). The hospital stay was similar between RLPE and LLPE [5 (2-80) vs 7 (2-52), P = 0.49]. A case-matched analysis demonstrated shorter operating time [145 (90-350) vs 103 (50-233) min, P = 0.02], but higher readmission rate following LLPE (25 vs 3.1 %, P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: LLPE seems to be associated with a higher risk of postoperative morbidity and readmission rates than LDP. RLPE is a feasible, safe approach and a reasonable alternative to pancreatoduodenectomy in selected patients with pancreatic lesions.

Impact of obesity on surgical outcomes of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: A Norwegian single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is known as a risk factor for intra- and postoperative complications in pancreatic operation. However, the operative outcomes in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy remain unclear. METHODS: A total number of 423 patients underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy at Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet from April 1997 to December 2015. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on the body mass index: normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2). After excluding underweight patients, 402 patients were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Obese patients had significantly longer operative time and increased blood loss compared with overweight and normal weight patients (190 [61-480] minutes vs 158 [56-520] minutes vs 153 [29-374] minutes, P = .009 and 200 [0-2,800] mL vs 50 [0-6250] mL vs 90 [0-2,000] mL, P = .01, respectively). A multiple linear regression analysis identified obesity as predictive of prolonged operative time and increased blood loss during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. The rates of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula and severe complications (≥grade III by Accordion classification) were comparable in the 3 groups (P = .23 and P = .37, respectively). A multivariate logistic regression model did not demonstrate an association between obesity and postoperative morbidity (P = .09). The duration of hospital stay was comparable in the 3 groups (P = .13). CONCLUSION: In spite of longer operative time and greater blood loss, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in obese patients is associated with satisfactory postoperative outcomes, similar to those in normal weight and overweight patients. Hence, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy should be equally considered both in obese and nonobese patients.

Laparoscopic Resection of Recurrence from Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation: Case Reports and Review of the Literature.

Background. Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) indicates a poor prognosis. Surgery is considered the only curative option for selected patients with HCC recurrence following LT. Traditionally, the preference is given to the open approach. Methods. In this report, we present two cases of laparoscopic resections (LR) for recurrent HCC after LT, performed at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet. Results. Both procedures were executed without intraoperative and postoperative adverse events. Whereas one of the patients had a recurrence one year after LR, the other patient did not have any sign of disease during 3-year follow-up. Conclusions. We argue that, in selected cases, patients with HCC recurrence following LT may benefit from LR due to its limited tissue trauma and timely start of subsequent treatment if curative resection cannot be obtained. In patients with relatively favorable prognosis, LR facilitates postoperative recovery course and avoids unnecessary laparotomy.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: results of a multicenter cohort study on 196 patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is widely accepted as a feasible option for distal pancreatectomy. However, the experience in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is limited to a small number of studies, reported by expert centers. The present study aimed to evaluate perioperative and oncological outcomes after LDP for PDAC in a large, multicenter cohort of patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the data on 196 patients with histologically verified PDAC, operated at Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet (Oslo, Norway), Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Republic of Korea), Institut Mutualiste Montsouris (Paris, France) and University Hospital Southampton (Southampton, UK) between January 2002 and April 2015 was conducted. The patients with standard (SLDP) and extended (i.e., en bloc with adjacent organ, ELDP) resections were compared in terms of perioperative and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 196 LDP procedures, 191 (97.4 %) were completed through laparoscopy, while five (2.6 %) were converted to open surgery. ELDP was performed in 30 (15.7 %) cases. Sixty-one (31.9 %) patients experienced postoperative complications, including 48 (25.1 %) with pancreatic fistula. The rate of clinically relevant fistula (grade B/C) was 15.7 %. Median postoperative hospital stay was 8 (2-63) days. Median follow-up was 16 months. Median survival was 31.3 months (95 % CI 22.9-39.6). Three- and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 42.4 and 30 %, respectively. SLDP was associated with significantly higher survival compared with ELDP (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: LDP seems to be a feasible and safe procedure, providing satisfactory oncological outcomes in patients with PDAC.

Laparoscopic resection of recurrent ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report with review of the literature and guidelines for follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in ectopic liver tissue is extremely rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 64-year-old woman presented initially with abdominal complaints. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a tumor in the diaphragm and laparoscopic resection of the tumor was performed. Histology showed HCC. During the next 4 years four more tumors, all of which showed HCC on histology and were located extrahepatically, was treated with laparoscopic resection. During this course the patient was followed with regular thoracoabdominal CT and measurement of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). A negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the liver excluded a primary intrahepatic tumor. DISCUSSION: The literature available on ectopic HCC and the guidelines for management of HCC do not address the postoperative surveillance of patients undergoing curative treatment. A follow-up regime has been proposed by Hatzaras et al. (2014) to include cross-sectional imaging of the liver and measurement of serum AFP levels [1]. CT would be the preferred study of choice in a total radiologic investigation of the abdomen. While MRI is prone to artifacts due to movements, CT scans allows so rapid recordings that this no longer is an issue. An early investigation of the liver for intrahepatic HCC should nevertheless be performed early to exclude primary intrahepatic HCC. CONCLUSION: We recommend that patients with ectopic HCC should be followed every 6 months with measurement of AFP and abdominal CT imaging. MRI of the liver should be performed early to exclude primary intrahepatic HCC.

Single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a single-institution case-control study.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is becoming increasingly established at specialized surgical institutions worldwide. The purpose of this study was to compare single-incision laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (panLESS) with conventional laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (panLAP) to assess feasibility and 30-day morbidity. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients who underwent panLESS were matched with patients who underwent panLAP in the same time period. Matching criteria were age, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Feasibility was based on tumor size, operative time, intraoperative bleeding, resection status, and hospital stay. Thirty-day morbidity was defined by the revised Accordion Classification system and the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula definition. RESULTS: Over a 19-month period, 8 and 16 patients were identified for panLESS and panLAP, respectively. There were no significant differences in tumor size, operative time, intraoperative bleeding, resection status, and hospital stay between the two groups. Surgical complications developed in four panLESS patients and five panLAP patients, and out of which, two patients from each group developed a postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that panLESS is comparable to panLAP in terms of feasibility. More experience is needed to define what role single-incision distal pancreatectomy should have in minimal invasive pancreatic surgery.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND: As most pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) are relatively small and solitary, they may be considered well suited for removal by a minimally invasive approach. There are few large series that describe laparoscopic surgery for PNET. The primary aim of this study was to describe the feasibility, outcome, and histopathology associated with laparoscopic pancreatic surgery (LS) of PNET in a large series. METHODS: All patients with PNET who underwent LS at a single hospital from March 1997 to April 2011 were included retrospectively in the study. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients with PNET underwent 75 laparoscopic procedures, out of which 65 were laparoscopic resections or enucleations. The median operative time of all patients who underwent resections or enucleations was 175 (60-520) min, the median blood loss was 300 (5-2700) ml, and the median length of hospital stay was 7 (2-27) days. The overall morbidity rate was 42%, with a surgical morbidity rate of 21% and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) formation in 21%. Laparoscopic enucleations were associated with a higher rate of POPF than were laparoscopic resections. Five-year disease-specific survival rate was 90%. The T stage, R stage, and a Ki-67 cutoff value of 5% significantly predicted 5-year survival. CONCLUSION: LS of PNET is feasible with acceptable morbidity and a good overall disease-specific long-term prognosis.

Cystatin A and HIV-1 p24 antigen expression in tonsillar lymphoid follicles during HIV-1 infection and during highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Cystatin A is a natural cysteine proteinase inhibitor and is found in a wide variety of normal cells. The physiologic role of Cystatin A is not fully known, however. Cystatin A is present in large amounts in follicular dendritic cells, which are important in HIV-1 pathogenesis. We analyzed Cystatin A expression in tonsillar sections from 20 patients at various stages of HIV-1 infection. There was a significant (P < 0.001) difference in Cystatin A fractions between patients and controls, with medians (ranges) of 0.61 (0.46-0.83) and 0.86 (0.78-0.90), respectively. Inverse correlations (Spearman rho) existed between Cystatin A and the rate of follicular fragmentation (rho = -0.658) and HIV-1 p24 antigen expression (rho = -0.622) in germinal centers and the amount of HIV-1 RNA in tonsillar tissue (rho = -0.765). The Cystatin A fraction declined from early chronic HIV-1 infection and was significantly lower in patients with a CD4 count below as compared with above 300 cells/muL of blood (P < 0.001), suggesting a favorable initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at this level. Regeneration of Cystatin A to normal levels was shown in 11 patients 12 and 48 weeks after initiation of HAART, whereas the rate of follicular fragmentation was still elevated. Thus, we found Cystatin A to be a sensitive marker during HIV-1 infection and for regeneration of follicular lymphoid tissue during HAART.