Early liver metastases in resectable periampullary cancer: Incidence and risk factors.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence of very early hepatic metastases (HMs) (<6 months) and their imaging patterns after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (CDP) for periampullary carcinoma (excluding duodenal carcinoma) and to identify their associated risk factors. METHODS: From January 2003 to June 2016, all patients who underwent surgical treatment for periampullary carcinoma by CDP at our institution and with adequate pre- and postoperative CT scans were included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine factors associated with very early HM and recurrence. RESULTS: Of the 132 patients included retrospectively, 27 (20.5%) patients developed HMs. The mean time to diagnosis of HM was 103.9±55.2days. HMs were multiple in 81.4% of cases and bilobar in 59.3% of cases; their mean maximum size was 16.7±12.7mm. In univariate logistic analysis, lymphovascular emboli were significantly associated with HM (p=0.02). No independent risk factors for HM were found in multivariate analysis. In multivariate logistic analysis, two independent risk factors were identified for the occurrence of early recurrence: tumor size >23mm on preoperative CT scan (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: [1.2-9.3]; p=0.02) and tumor differentiation (poor vs. good: OR 15.5; 95 CI [1.5-158.3]; moderate vs. good: OR: 17.1; 95% CI: [1.9-154.4]; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one in five patients developed HM after CDP within 6 months with a highly consistent pattern. A thorough preoperative assessment, combining CT scan and MRI with a delay of less than three weeks before surgery, appears essential. A routine systematic postoperative CT scan at 8 weeks is also required prior to initiating adjuvant chemotherapy. The type of surgical intervention does not seem to be a risk factor, although the risk of HM occurrence appears to be related to the lymphovascular invasion of the tumor and maybe its degree of differentiation, elements not assessable by imaging.

Robot-assisted adrenalectomy: indications and drawbacks.

Adrenal tumors can vary from a benign adrenocortical adenoma with no hormonal secretion to a secretory adrenocortical malignancy (adrenocortical carcinoma) or a hormone-secreting tumor of the adrenal medulla (pheochromocytoma). Currently, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is regarded as the preferred surgical approach for the management of most adrenal surgical disorders, although there are no prospective randomized trials comparing this technique with open adrenalectomy. However, widespread adoption of robotic technology has positioned robotic adrenalectomy as an option in some medical centers. Speculative advantages associated with the use of the robotic system have rarely been evaluated in clinical settings and cost increase remains an important drawback associated with robotic surgery. This review summarizes current available data regarding robotic transperitoneal adrenalectomy including its indications, advantages, limitations, and comparison with conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy. We believe that the use of a robotic system seems to be useful especially in more difficult patients with larger tumors, truncal paragangliomas, and bilateral and/or partial adrenalectomies. Overall, we believe that overcosts due to robotic system use could be balanced by hospital stay decrease, patients' referral increase, improved postoperative outcomes in more difficult patients and ergonomics for the surgeon. However, we also believe that the current surgical intuitive business model is counterproductive, because there are no available strong clinical data that could balance overcosts associated with the use of the robotic system.

Extensive lymph node dissection during pancreaticoduodenectomy: a risk factor for hepatic steatosis?

PURPOSE: The first reports of hepatic steatosis following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) were published several years ago; however, clear risk factors remain to be identified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for hepatic steatosis post-PD. METHODS: We studied 90 patients who had undergone PD between September 2005 and January 2015. The inclusion criteria were as follows: available unenhanced CT within one month before PD and at least one unenhanced CT acquisition between PD and chemotherapy initiation. Using scanners, we studied the liver and spleen density as well as the surface areas of visceral (VF) and subcutaneous fat (SCF). These variables were previously identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Hepatic steatosis occurred in 25.6% of patients at 45.2 days, on average, post-PD. Among the patients with hepatic steatosis, the average liver density was 52 HU before PD and 15.1 HU post-PD (p < 0.001). The Patients with hepatic steatosis lost more VF (mean, 28 vs. 11 cm2) and SCF (28.8 vs. 13.7 cm2) (p < 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). Portal vein resection and extensive lymph node dissection were independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 5.29, p = 0.009; OR 3.38, p = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSION: Portal vein resection and extensive lymph node dissection are independent risk factors for post-PD hepatic steatosis.

Factors influencing recurrence following initial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Data on recurrence patterns following hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) and their impact on long-term outcomes are limited in the setting of modern multimodal management. This study sought to characterize the patterns of, factors associated with, and survival impact of recurrence following initial hepatectomy for CRLMs. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing initial hepatectomy for CRLMs at 39 institutions (2006-2013) was conducted. Kaplan-Meier methods were used for survival analyses. Overall survival landmark analysis at 12 months after hepatectomy was performed to compare groups based on recurrence. Multivariable Cox and regression models were used to determine factors associated with recurrence. RESULTS: Among 2320 patients, tumours recurred in 47·4 per cent at median of 10·1 (range 0-88) months; 89·1 per cent of recurrences developed within 3 years. Recurrence was intrahepatic in 46·2 per cent, extrahepatic in 31·8 per cent and combined intra/extrahepatic in 22·0 per cent. The 5-year overall survival rate decreased from 74·3 (95 per cent c.i. 72·2 to 76·4) per cent without recurrence to 57·5 (55·0 to 60·0) per cent with recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 3·08, 95 per cent c.i. 2·31 to 4·09). After adjusting for clinicopathological variables, prehepatectomy factors associated with increased risk of recurrence were node-positive primary tumour (HR 1·27, 1·09 to 1·49), more than three liver metastases (HR 1·27, 1·06 to 1·52) and largest metastasis greater than 4 cm (HR 1·19; 1·01 to 1·43). CONCLUSION: Recurrence after CRLM resection remains common. Although overall survival is inferior with recurrence, excellent survival rates can still be achieved.

CT imaging findings in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib: Alternative response criteria (Choi, European Association for the Study of the Liver, and modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (mRECIST)) versus RECIST 1.1.

PURPOSE: The first aim was to compare Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST) 1.1, modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (mRECIST), Choi and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) evaluations to assess the response to sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The second aim was to describe the evolution of HCC and to identify whether some imaging features are predictive of the absence of response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 60 patients with advanced HCC treated with sorafenib. Patients must have undergone a scan prior to treatment to identify the number of lesions, size, enhancement and endoportal invasions, and repeat scans thereafter. Computed tomography (CT) scans were analyzed using RECIST 1.1, mRECIST, Choi and EASL criteria. Overall survival was analyzed. RESULTS: The median overall survival was 10.5 months. On the first CT reevaluation, the sorafenib response rates were 20%, 5%, 7% and 3% according to Choi, EASL, mRECIST and RECIST 1.1. The responders based on Choi exhibited significantly better overall survival compared with non-responders (20.4 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.042, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.186-0.94, p=0.035). A modification of imaging findings was observed in 48.3% of patients, and necrosis was present in 44.1% of patients. CONCLUSION: This study found a significant difference between Choi versus RECIST 1.1, mRECIST and EASL when evaluating the response to sorafenib in HCC patients.

MDCT features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in non-cirrhotic liver.

PURPOSE: To describe the multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) imaging features of HCC that develops in patients who are free from underlying liver cirrhosis and to determine if the MDCT presentation of this specific tumor differs from that of the more common HCC that develops in patients with liver cirrhosis using a retrospective case-control study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The MDCT examinations of 38 patients with HCC in non-cirrhotic liver (group 1) were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed and compared to those obtained in 38 patients with HCC in cirrhotic liver (group 2) matched for age and gender. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of HCC of both groups were compared using univariate analysis. RESULTS: HCCs were significantly larger in group 1 (81.5mm±55.5) than in group 2 (44.5mm±39.1 SD; P=0.0015). In group 1, HCCs were more frequently single tumors (87%) than in group 2 (37%) (P<0.0001), encapsulated (92% vs. 47% respectively; P<0.0001), had more frequently fatty component (24% vs. 8%, respectively; P=0.0279) and internal hemorrhage (29% vs. 3%, respectively; P=0.0033). No significant differences were found between the two groups for location, hyperenhancement of HCC during the arterial phase, washout during the portal phase, endoluminal portal involvement by HCC, endoportal cruoric thrombus, invasion of adjacent organs and underlying liver steatosis. CONCLUSION: HCC in non-cirrhotic liver are larger than those observed in cirrhotic liver and more frequently present as a single encapsulated tumor. They have the same patterns of enhancement than HCC that develops in cirrhotic liver.

Second-stage robot-assisted biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch after sleeve gastrectomy.

Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) was initially described in 1979 and consisted of a distal gastrectomy with a 250-mL stomach pouch and a distal intestinal bypass with a 50 to 100-cm common channel resulting in malabsorption of dietary fat (Scopinaro et al. Br J Surg. 66(9):618-20, 1979). Later, several modifications (sleeve gastrectomy, pylorus preservation, and duodenal switch) were proposed to improve incidence of postoperative dumping syndrome, diarrhea, and anastomotic ulcerations (Lagacé et al. Obes Surg. 5(4):411-8, 1995). Gagner et al. developed a simplified and reproducible approach for laparoscopic BPD with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) after sleeve gastrectomy (Ren et al. Obes Surg. 10(6): 514-23, 2000). BPD-DS has been considered as one of the most difficult bariatric procedures for its surgical complexity and postoperative metabolic complications management. In this regard, the number of BPD-DS has remained extremely low (<4 %). We hypothesize that robotic approach could facilitate the feasibility of BPD-DS procedure. In this multimedia video (8 min), we present a step-by-step robotic BPD-DS.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Morbidity After Totally Robotic Gastric Bypass in 302 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Totally robotic gastric bypass (robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, R-RYGBP) has been adopted in some centers on the basis of large retrospective studies. In view of some data showing higher morbidity and higher costs, some authors have considered that robotic gastric bypass may no longer be justified with the existing system. Although low postoperative complication rates after R-RYGBP have been reported, risk factors for postoperative morbidity have never been evaluated. The goal of this study was to identify risk factors for postoperative morbidity after R-RYGBP. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed and included 302 consecutive patients after R-RYGBP performed between 2007 and 2013. This subset of patients represented 34 % of all gastric bypass procedures performed during this study period. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in order to identify risk factors for postoperative overall morbidity (Clavien scores 1-4 versus 0) and major morbidity (Clavien score ≥3 versus 0-1-2). RESULTS: Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 24.4 and 0.6 %, respectively. In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for overall morbidity were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥3 (odds ratio (OR) 2.0) and previous bariatric surgery (revisional gastric bypass) (OR 2.0). Independent risk factors for major morbidity (Clavien ≥3) were previous bariatric surgery (revisional gastric bypass) (OR 3.7), low preoperative hematocrit level (OR 0.9), and revisional gastric bypass procedure with concomitant gastric banding removal (OR 5.7). CONCLUSIONS: R-RYGBP is prone to increased complications in the setting of a high preoperative ASA score and revisional surgery. This should be taken into consideration by clinicians when evaluating R-RYGBP.

Long-term outcome of robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy for full-thickness rectal prolapse in elderly patients.

AIM: Full-thickness rectal prolapse is common in the elderly, but there are no particular practice guidelines for its surgical management. We evaluated retrospectively the perioperative and long-term clinical results and function in elderly and younger patients with complete rectal prolapse after robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy (RALR). METHOD: Seventy-seven patients who underwent RALR between 2002 and 2010 were divided into Group A (age < 75 years, n = 59) and Group B (age > 75 years, n = 18). Operative time, intra- and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, short-term and long-term outcomes, recurrence rate and degree of satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding operation time, conversion, morbidity or length of hospital stay. At a median follow-up of 51.8 (5-115) months, there was no difference in the improvement of faecal incontinence, recurrence and the degree of satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy is safe in patients aged over 75 years and gives similar results to those in patients aged < 75 years.

Is port-site resection necessary in the surgical management of gallbladder cancer?

INTRODUCTION: Gallbladder carcinoma is frequently discovered incidentally on pathologic examination of the specimen after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) performed for presumed "benign" disease. The objective of the present study was to assess the role of excision of port-sites from the initial LC for patients with incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) in a French registry. METHODS: Data on patients with IGBC identified after LC between 1998 and 2008 were retrospectively collated in a French multicenter database. Among those patients undergoing re-operation with curative intent, patients with port-site excision (PSE) were compared with patients without PSE and analyzed for differences in recurrence patterns and survival. RESULTS: Among 218 patients with IGBC after LC (68 men, 150 women, median age 64 years), 148 underwent re-resection with curative intent; 54 patients had PSE and 94 did not. Both groups were comparable with regard to demographic data (gender, age > 70, co-morbidities), surgical procedures (major resection, lymphadenectomy, main bile duct resection) and postoperative morbidity. In the PSE group, depth of tumor invasion was T1b in six, T2 in 24, T3 in 22, and T4 in two; this was not significantly different from patients without PSE (P = 0.69). Port-site metastasis was observed in only one (2%) patient with a T3 tumor who died with peritoneal metastases 15 months after resection. PSE did not improve the overall survival (77%, 58%, 21% at 1, 3, 5 years, respectively) compared to patients with no PSE (78%, 55%, 33% at 1, 3, 5 years, respectively, P = 0.37). Eight percent of patients developed incisional hernia at the port-site after excision. CONCLUSION: In patients with IGBC, PSE was not associated with improved survival and should not be considered mandatory during definitive surgical treatment.

Long-term outcomes after totally robotic sacrocolpopexy for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, effectiveness, and long-term results of pelvic organ prolapse surgery using the Da Vinci robotic system. METHODS: During a 7-year period, 52 consecutive patients with pelvic organ prolapse underwent robotic-assisted abdominal sacrocolpopexy. Clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All but two of the procedures were successfully completed robotically (96 %). Median operative time was 190 (range, 75-340) mins. There was no mortality and no specific morbidity due to the robotic approach. Mean hospital stay was 5 days. The median follow-up was 42 months. Five recurrent prolapses (9.6 %) were diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience indicates that using the Da-Vinci robotic system is feasible, safe, and effective for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse with good long-term results.

Robotic thyroid surgery using a gasless transaxillary approach: cosmetic improvement or improved quality of surgical dissection?

In head and neck surgery, minimally invasive approaches have been typically avoided due to concerns about visualization, possible damage to vital structures, and limited availability of effective instrumentation. The incorporation of robotic technology in surgery is now an accepted fact, and because of the complexities of certain laparoscopic procedures, the extended capabilities offered by robotic technology have gained wide acceptance. We report the case of a patient who underwent a robotic total thyroidectomy using a gasless right transaxillary approach. This technique provides a high quality image leading to improved visualization of vital structures during thyroidectomy with the added advantage of avoidance of a neck incision. Several issues regarding this technique remain to be clarified and evaluated in multicenter studies: patient selection, surgeon training and learning curve, postoperative morbidity due to recurrent nerve and parathyroid injury, long term oncologic and cosmetic results. However, we believe that robotic thyroid surgery using a gasless transaxillary approach will advance the frontiers of minimally invasive endocrine surgery.