Postoperative complications and symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with gastric and esophageal cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

CONTEXT: Gastric and oesophageal cancers are common. They are also expected to increase in incidence in the next few years and are characterized by poor prognosis. Surprisingly, whereas the incidence of severe anxiety and depression is high in patients with gastric and oesophageal cancers, the influence of symptoms of depression and anxiety on postoperative complications has barely been explored. METHODS: In a retrospective study based on a prospectively collected database, 629 cancer patients were enrolled. Symptoms of depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores) and sociodemographic and medical information were collected immediately after diagnosis and before any treatment. The surgical approach (i.e. gastrectomy or oesophagectomy) and postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were collected after surgery. RESULTS: After controlling for known medical predictors (i.e. surgical strategy, alcohol and tobacco consumption, American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification physical status score) of postoperative complications, no effect of symptoms of depression or anxiety was detected. DISCUSSION: The observed results are surprising given the literature. However, several potential arguments can be put forwards regarding methods and measures, controlling variables, and conceptual distinctions. Despite the absence of significant results, this topic should be more deeply investigated by applying methodological and conceptual adjustments.

Prognostic impact of positive microscopic margins (R1 resection) in patients with GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumours): Results of a multicenter European study.

BACKGROUND: Although several prognostic factors in GIST have been well studied such as tumour size, mitotic rate, or localization, the influence of microscopic margins or R1 resection remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of R1 resection on the prognosis of GIST in a large multicentre retrospective series of patients. METHODS: From 2001 to 2013, 1413 patients who underwent surgery for any site of GIST were identified from 61 European centers. 1098 patients were included, excluding synchronous metastases, concurrent malignancies, R2 resection or GIST recurrence. Tumour rupture (TR) was reclassified according to the Oslo sarcoma classification. Cox proportional hazards ratio and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to analyse 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Of 1098 patients, 38 (3%) underwent R1 resection with a risk of TR of 11%. The 5-year RFS was 89.6% with a median follow-up of 81 months [range: 31.2-152 months]. On univariate analysis, lower RFS was significantly associated with R1 resection [HR = 2.13; p = 0.04], high risk score according to the modified NIH classification, administration of adjuvant therapy [HR = 2.24; p < 0.001] and intraoperative complications [HR = 2.82; p < 0.001]. Only intraoperative complications [HR = 1.79; p = 0.02] and high risk according to the modified NIH classification including the updated definition of TR [HR = 3.43; p = 0.04] remained significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: This study shows that positive microscopic margins are not an independent predictive factor for RFS in GIST when taking into account the up-dated classification of TR. R1 resection may be considered a reasonable alternative to avoid major functional sequelae and should not lead to reoperation.

Root cause analysis of mortality after esophagectomy for cancer: a multicenter cohort study from the FREGAT database.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy is associated with significant mortality. A better understanding of the causes leading to death may help to reduce mortality. A root cause analysis of mortality after esophagectomy was performed. METHODS: Root cause analysis was retrospectively applied by an independent expert panel of 4 upper gastrointestinal surgeons and 1 anesthesiologist-intensivist to patients included in the French national multicenter prospective cohort FREGAT between August 2014 and September 2019 who underwent an esophagectomy for cancer and died within 90 days of surgery. A cause-and-effect diagram was used to determine the root causes related to death. Death was classified as potentially preventable or non-preventable. RESULTS: Among the 1,040 patients included in the FREGAT cohort, 70 (6.7%) patients (male: 81%, median age 68 [62-72] years) from 17 centers were included. Death was potentially preventable in 37 patients (53%). Root causes independently associated with preventable death were inappropriate indication (odds ratio 35.16 [2.50-494.39]; P = .008), patient characteristics (odds ratio 5.15 [1.19-22.35]; P = .029), unexpected intraoperative findings (odds ratio 18.99 [1.07-335.55]; P = .045), and delay in diagnosis of a complication (odds ratio 98.10 [6.24-1,541.04]; P = .001). Delay in treatment of a complication was found only in preventable deaths (28 [76%] vs 0; P < .001). National guidelines were less frequently followed (16 [43%] vs 22 [67%]; P = .050) in preventable deaths. The only independent risk factor of preventable death was center volume <26 esophagectomies per year (odds ratio 4.71 [1.55-14.33]; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: More than one-half of deaths after esophagectomy were potentially preventable. Better patient selection, early diagnosis, and adequate management of complications through centralization could reduce mortality.

Exploration of fMRI brain responses to oral sucrose after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in obese yucatan minipigs in relationship with microbiota and metabolomics profiles.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In most cases, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is an efficient intervention to lose weight, change eating behavior and improve metabolic outcomes in obese patients. We hypothesized that weight loss induced by RYGBP in obese Yucatan minipigs would induce specific modifications of the gut-brain axis and neurocognitive responses to oral sucrose stimulation in relationship with food intake control. METHODS: An integrative study was performed after SHAM (n = 8) or RYGBP (n = 8) surgery to disentangle the physiological, metabolic and neurocognitive mechanisms of RYGBP. BOLD fMRI responses to sucrose stimulations at different concentrations, brain mRNA expression, cecal microbiota, and plasma metabolomics were explored 4 months after surgery and integrated with WGCNA analysis. RESULTS: We showed that weight loss induced by RYGBP or SHAM modulated differently the frontostriatal responses to oral sucrose stimulation, suggesting a different hedonic treatment and inhibitory control related to palatable food after RYGBP. The expression of brain genes involved in the serotoninergic and cannabinoid systems were impacted by RYGBP. Cecal microbiota was deeply modified and many metabolite features were differentially increased in RYGBP. Data integration with WGCNA identified interactions between key drivers of OTUs and metabolites features linked to RYGBP. CONCLUSION: This longitudinal study in the obese minipig model illustrates with a systemic and integrative analysis the mid-term consequences of RYGBP on brain mRNA expression, cecal microbiota and plasma metabolites. We confirmed the impact of RYGBP on functional brain responses related to food reward, hedonic evaluation and inhibitory control, which are key factors for the success of anti-obesity therapy and weight loss maintenance.

The Angers CT Score is a Risk Factor for the Failure of the Conservative Management of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Prospective Observational Multicentric Study.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the 30% of adhesive small bowel obstructions (aSBO) for which conservative management will require surgery is essential. The association between the previously described radiological score and failure of the conservative management of aSBO remains to be confirmed in a large prospective multicentric cohort. Our aim was to assess the risk factors of failure of the conservative management of aSBO considering the radiological score. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational study took place in 15 French centers over 3 months. Consecutive patients experiencing aSBO with no early surgery were included. The six radiological features from the Angers radiological computed tomography (CT) score were noted (beak sign, closed loop, focal or diffuse intraperitoneal liquid, focal or diffuse mesenteric haziness, focal or diffuse mesenteric liquid, and diameter of the most dilated small bowel loop > 40 mm). RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy nine patients with aSBO were screened. Sixty patients (21.5%) underwent early surgery, and 219 (78.5%) had primary conservative management. In the end, 218 patients were included in the analysis of the risk factors for conservative treatment failure. Among them, 162 (74.3%) had had successful management while for 56 (25.7%) management had failed. In multivariate analysis, a history of surgery was not a significant risk factor for the failure of conservative treatment (OR = 0.11; 95%CI = 0-1.23). A previous episode of aSBO was protective against the failure of conservative treatment (OR = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.15-0.85) and an Angers CT score ≥ 5 as the only individual risk factor (OR = 2.39; 95%CI = 1.01-5.69). CONCLUSION: The radiological score of aSBO is a promising tool in improving the management of aSBO patients. A first episode of aSBO and/or a radiological score ≥5 should lead physicians to consider early surgical management.

Outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease from a French nationwide database.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of bariatric surgery (BS) in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain rarely described. We aimed to evaluate the 90-day morbidity and mortality rates, and the risk of IBD complications 2 years after BS. METHOD: Patients from the French Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information (PMSI) database who underwent a primary BS between 2016 and 2018 were included. We identified patients with a previous diagnosis of IBD. Postoperative 90-day (POD90) morbidity and mortality rates were compared between the two groups. The evolution of IBD was followed 2 years after BS. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2018, 138 980 patients underwent primary BS, including 587 patients with IBD: 326 (55.5 per cent) with Crohn's disease (CD) and 261 (44.5 per cent) with ulcerative colitis (UC). The preferred surgical technique was sleeve gastrectomy, especially in the IBD group (81.1 per cent), followed by gastric bypass (14.6 per cent). Patients with IBD had more comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index of 1 or more, hypertension, and diabetes; P < 0.001) than those without IBD. The POD90 mortality rate did not differ between the two groups (0.049 per cent in the IBD group versus 0 per cent in the non-IBD group), but more unscheduled rehospitalizations at POD90 were observed in patients with IBD (6.0 per cent versus 3.7 per cent; P = 0.004). Two years after BS, 86 patients (14.6 per cent) in the IBD group had at least one unplanned readmission for the management of their IBD; 15 patients stayed for 3 or more days. After multivariable analysis, patients with CD had an independent elevated risk of IBD-related unplanned readmissions 2 years after BS versus UC (adjusted odds ratio 1.90, 95 per cent c.i. 1.22 to 2.97; P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: In a highly selected cohort of patients with well-controlled IBD, BS did not result in added mortality or morbidity. A point of vigilance must be underlined regarding BS in patients with CD.

Cefotaxime resistance in bile samples is an independent predictor of deep infectious complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with endoprosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Bacteriobilia may increase the rate of deep infectious complications (DIC) after pancreaticoduodenectomy. To better adjust prophylactic and empirical antibacterial treatment, we aimed to characterize bacteriobilia in patients with preoperative endoprosthesis, and its association with postoperative DIC. METHODS: All patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in our center between 2010 and 2019 were included. The association between microbiological findings from bile samples, and postoperative DIC was analyzed, and we compared microbiology data between 2010-2014 and 2015-2019 periods. RESULTS: We enrolled 578 patients (median age 67 years [59-72], 58.7% males), of whom 220 (38.1%) had preoperative biliary endoprosthesis, with 197 (89.5%) positive preoperative bile samples pathogens were Enterobacterales, enterococci, and Candida albicans. The incidence of DIC was similar in patients with or without endoprosthesis (20.4% vs 17.8%, P = .352). Bacterial isolates collected during 2015-2019 were more resistant to cefotaxime than those recovered from 2010-2014 (45.5% vs 25.5%, P = .009). The only independent risk factor for DIC in patients with endoprosthesis was cefotaxime resistance in bile (hazard ratio 3.027 [1.115-8.216], P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of DIC is high after pancreaticoduodenectomy, with or without endoprosthesis, despite routine postoperative treatment. Cefotaxime resistance, the only independent predictor of DIC in patients with endoprosthesis, has increased over time. Hence, cefotaxime may no longer be an appropriate empirical treatment.

High Visceral Fat is Associated with a Worse Survival after Liver Resection for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma.

The impact of body composition (BC) on the prognosis of resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has been poorly studied. Aims: i) to evaluate the prevalence of low muscle mass (MM) in patients; ii) to assess the impact of BC on patient overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), and iii) on the incidence of postoperative complications. All consecutive patients who underwent liver resection for ICC between 2004 and 2016 and who had preoperative CT scans were included. Ninety-three patients were included. Sixty percent (55/91) had low total MM. On multivariable analysis, high visceral fat (HR 2.48, CI95% [1.63; 3.77], p < 0.0001), nodules >1 (HR 3.15 [1.67; 5.93], p = 0.0004), involvement adjacent organ (HR 6.67 [1.88; 23.69], p = 0.003), and postoperative sepsis (HR 3.04 [1.54; 5.99], p = 0.0013) were independently associated with OS. High visceral fat (HR 2.10 [1.31; 3.38], p = 0.002], nodules >1 (HR 3.01, [1.49; 6.10], p = 0.002), postoperative sepsis (HR 5.16 [2.24; 11.89], p = 0.0001), ASA score (p = 0.02) and perineural invasion (HR 3.30 [1.62; 6.76], p = 0.001) were independently associated with lower DFS. Conclusion: 60% of ICC patients had low MM before surgery. High visceral fat, but not muscle mass, was an independent prognostic factor for poor OS and DFS in European patients with resected ICC.

Effect of the Use of Reinforced Stapling on the Occurrence of Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy: Results of the REPLAY (REinforcement of the Pancreas in distaL pAncreatectomY) Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the use of a reinforced stapler (RS) during distal pancreatectomy (DP) on postoperative outcomes. BACKGROUND: DP remains associated with significant postoperative morbidity owing to pancreatic fistula (PF). To date, there is no consensus on the management of the pancreatic stump. The use of an RS potentially represents a simple way to decrease the rate of PF. METHODS: The REPLAY study (NCT03030170) is a prospective, multicenter, randomized study. Patients who underwent DP were randomized (1:1 ratio) in 2 groups for the use of a standard stapler (SS) or an RS to close remnant pancreatic parenchyma. The primary endpoint was the rate of overall PF. Secondary endpoints included severity of PF, length of hospital stay, overall morbidity, and rate of readmission for a PF within 90 days. Participants were blinded to the procedure actually carried out. RESULTS: A total of 199 were analyzed (SS, n=99; RS, n=100). One patient who did not undergo surgery was excluded. Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. The rate of overall PF was higher in RS group (SS: 67.7%, RS: 83%, P =0.0121), but the rate of clinically relevant PF was similar (SS: 11.1%, RS: 14%, P =0.5387). Mean length of total hospital stay, readmission for PF, postoperative morbidity, and mortality at 90 days were similar. CONCLUSION: The results of this randomized clinical trial did not favor the use of RS during DP to reduce the rate of PF.

Management of Pathogenic CDH1 Variant Carriers Within the FREGAT Network: A Multicentric Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the management of pathogenic CDH1 variant carriers (pCDH1vc) within the FREGAT (FRench Eso-GAsTric tumor) network. Primary objective focused on clinical outcomes and pathological findings, Secondary objective was to identify risk factor predicting postoperative morbidity (POM). BACKGROUND: Prophylactic total gastrectomy (PTG) remains the recommended option for gastric cancer risk management in pCDH1vc with, however, endoscopic surveillance as an alternative. METHODS: A retrospective observational multicenter study was carried out between 2003 and 2021. Data were reported as median (interquartile range) or as counts (proportion). Usual tests were used for univariate analysis. Risk factors of overall and severe POM (ie, Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or more) were identified with a binary logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients including 14 index cases were reported from 11 centers. Median survival among index cases was 12.0 (7.6-16.4) months with most of them having peritoneal carcinomatosis at diagnosis (71.4%). Among the remaining 85 patients, 77 underwent a PTG [median age=34.6 (23.7-46.2), American Society of Anesthesiologists score 1: 75%] mostly via a minimally invasive approach (51.9%). POM rate was 37.7% including 20.8% of severe POM, with age 40 years and above and low-volume centers as predictors ( P =0.030 and 0.038). After PTG, the cancer rate on specimen was 54.5% (n=42, all pT1a) of which 59.5% had no cancer detected on preoperative endoscopy (n=25). CONCLUSIONS: Among pCDH1vc, index cases carry a dismal prognosis. The risk of cancer among patients undergoing PTG remained high and unpredictable and has to be balanced with the morbidity and functional consequence of PTG.

Liver Resection for Type IV Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Left or Right Trisectionectomy?

How the side of an extended liver resection impacts the postoperative prognosis of advanced perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is still controversial. We compared the outcomes of right (RTS) and left trisectionectomies (LTS) in Bismuth-Corlette (BC) type IV PHC resection. All patients undergoing RTS or LTS for BC type IV PHC in a single tertiary center between January 2012 and December 2019 were compared retrospectively. The endpoints were perioperative outcomes, long-term overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Among 67 hepatic resections for BC type IV PHC, 25 (37.3%) were LTS and 42 (63.7%) were RTS. Portal vein and artery resection rates were 40% and 52.4% (p = 0.29), and 24% and 0% (p < 0.001) in the LTS and RTS groups, respectively. The severe complication (Clavien−Dindo > IIIa) rate was comparable (36% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.357) while the postoperative liver failure (POLF) rate was lower in the LTS group (16% vs. 38%, p = 0.048). The R0 resection rate was similar between groups (81% vs. 92%; p = 0.154). The five-year OS rate was higher in the LTS group (66% vs. 30%, p = 0.009) while DFS was comparable (43% vs. 18%, p = 0.11). Based on multivariable analysis, the side of the trisectionectomy was an independent predictor of OS. Compared with RTS, LTS is associated with lower POLF and higher overall survival despite more frequent arterial reconstructions in type IV PHC. Although technically more demanding, LTS may be preferred in the treatment of advanced PHC.

Data Sharing and Reanalyses Among Randomized Clinical Trials Published in Surgical Journals Before and After Adoption of a Data Availability and Reproducibility Policy.

Importance: Clinical trial data sharing holds promise for maximizing the value of clinical research. The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) adopted a policy promoting data sharing in July 2018. Objective: To evaluate the association of the ICMJE data sharing policy with data availability and reproducibility of main conclusions among leading surgical journals. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study, conducted in October 2021, examined randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in 10 leading surgical journals before and after the implementation of the ICMJE data sharing policy in July 2018. Exposure: Implementation of the ICMJE data sharing policy. Main Outcomes and Measures: To demonstrate a pre-post increase in data availability from 5% to 25% (α = .05; ß = 0.1), 65 RCTs published before and 65 RCTs published after the policy was issued were included, and their data were requested. The primary outcome was data availability (ie, the receipt of sufficient data to enable reanalysis of the primary outcome). When data sharing was available, the primary outcomes reported in the journal articles were reanalyzed to explore reproducibility. The reproducibility features of these studies were detailed. Results: Data were available for 2 of 65 RCTs (3.1%) published before the ICMJE policy and for 2 of 65 RCTs (3.1%) published after the policy was issued (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.07-14.19; P > .99). A data sharing statement was observed in 11 of 65 RCTs (16.9%) published after the policy vs none before the policy (risk ratio, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.81-2.68; P = .001). Data obtained for reanalysis (n = 4) were not from RCTs published with a data sharing statement. Of the 4 RCTs with available data, all of them had primary outcomes that were fully reproduced. However, discrepancies or inaccuracies that were not associated with study conclusions were identified in 3 RCTs. These concerned the number of patients included in 1 RCT, the management of missing values in another RCT, and discrepant timing for the principal outcome declared in the study registration and reported in the third RCT. Conclusions and Relevance: This cross-sectional study suggests that data sharing practices are rare in surgical journals despite the ICMJE policy and that most RCTs published in these journals lack transparency. The results of these studies may not be reproducible by external researchers.

Comparison of alternative arterial anastomosis site during liver transplantation when the recipient's hepatic artery is unusable.

Background: Few studies have analyzed outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) when the recipient hepatic artery (HA) was not usable. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of LT performed using the different alternative sites to HA. Results: Between 2002 and 2017, 1,677 LT were performed in our institution among which 141 (8.4%) with unusable recipient HA were analyzed. Four groups were defined according to the site of anastomosis: the splenic artery (SA group, n=26), coeliac trunk (CT group, n=12), aorta using or not the donor's vessel (Ao group, n=91) and aorta using a vascular prosthesis (Ao-P group, n=12) as conduit. The median number of intraoperative red blood cell transfusions was significantly increased in the Ao and Ao-P groups (5, 5, 8.5 and 16 for SA, CT, Ao and Ao-P group respectively, P=0.002), as well as fresh frozen plasma (4.5, 2.5, 10, 17 for the SA, CT, Ao and Ao-P groups respectively, P=0.001). Hospitalization duration was also significantly increased in the Ao and Ao-P groups (15, 16, 24, 26.5 days for the SA, CT, Ao and Ao-P groups respectively, P<0.001). The occurrence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) (P=0.07) or arterial complications (P=0.26) was not statistically different. Level of factor V, INR, bilirubin and creatinine during the 7th postoperative days (POD) was significantly improved in the SA group. No difference was observed regarding graft (P=0.18) and patient (P=0.16) survival. Conclusions: In case of unusable HA, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes are improved when using the SA or CT compared to aorta.

A pilot study about the development and characterization of a Roux en Y gastric bypass model in obese Yucatan minipigs.

Performing the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) in obese Yucatan minipigs provides an opportunity to explore the mechanisms behind the effects of this surgery in controlled environmental and nutritional conditions. We hypothesized that RYGBP in these minipigs would induce changes at multiple levels, as in obese humans. We sought to characterize RYGBP in a diet-induced obese minipig model, compared with a pair-fed sham group. After inducing obesity with an ad libitum high-fat/high-sugar diet, we performed RYGBP (n = 7) or sham surgery (n = 6). Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed before and after surgery. Histological analyses were conducted to compare the alimentary limb at sacrifice with tissue sampled during RYGBP surgery. One death occurred in the RYGBP group at postoperative day (POD) 3. Before sacrifice, weight loss was the same across groups. GLP-1 secretion (OGTT) was significantly higher at 15, 30 and 60 min at POD 7, and at 30 and 60 min at POD 30 in the RYGBP group. Incremental insulin area under the curve increased significantly after RYGBP (p = 0.02). RYGBP induced extensive remodeling of the alimentary limb. Results show that RYGBP can be safely performed in obese minipigs, and changes mimic those observed in humans.

Risk Factors for Complications after J Medial Thighplasty following Massive Weight Loss: A Multivariate Analysis of 94 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has increased the number of patients requiring medial thighplasty after massive weight loss. However, despite the various complications, the procedure improves quality of life. The authors report postoperative complications of vertical J-shaped medial thigh lift in a series of patients and identify preoperative risk factors. METHODS: For almost 5 years, the details of all J medial thighplasties performed by a single surgeon were recorded; detailed medical records were also available. Complications can be major (e.g., need for early surgical revision or readmission) or minor (delayed wound healing). RESULTS: During the study period, 94 patients were treated and only minor complications were recorded (42.5 percent). On multivariate analysis, older age (OR, 1.05; 95 percent CI, 1.01 to 1.10) and a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (OR, 2.82; 95 percent CI, 1.10 to 7.22) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: As with other postbariatric operations, medial thighplasty is associated with significant morbidity, but the risk thereof can be easily established and managed. Specific algorithms for determining the risk of postoperative complications based on age and body mass index are needed to guide preoperative discussions with patients and perform patient selection. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Perforator-Based Intercostal Artery Muscle Flap: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Tracheoesophageal or Bronchoesophageal Fistulas.

SUMMARY: Postoperative tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistulas represent a major surgical challenge. The authors report the description of an original perforator-based intercostal artery muscle flap, aiming to cover all types of intrathoracic fistulas, from any location, in difficult cases such as postoperative fistulas after esophagectomy in an irradiated field. Between June of 2016 and January of 2019, eight male patients were treated with a perforator-based intercostal artery muscle flap. All had previous surgery for esophageal cancer and developed a tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula during the perioperative course. The mean patient age was 55.9 ± 8.8 years. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and seven received neoadjuvant radiation therapy. A perforator-based intercostal artery muscle flap, with a mean skin paddle size of 9.86 × 5 cm, was harvested. The median operative time was 426.50 minutes. The tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula was successfully and definitively occluded in three patients; two patients experienced recurrence; and one patient underwent re operation. At 1 year, five patients were alive (62.5 percent), and among them, three (37.5 percent) were free from any intrathoracic complications. Three patients died, because of massive digestive bleeding, mesenteric ischemia, and multiorgan failure, respectively. The perforator-based intercostal artery muscle flap, like the Taylor flap in abdominoperineal reconstruction, could become a workhorse flap for all intrathoracic reconstructions, as it can always be harvested, even if a previous thoracotomy has ruined most of the options. This surgical technique, easily feasible, reliable, and reproducible, became our first option for all postoperative tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula patients during the postoperative course following esophagectomy. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Lipo-Bodylift Reconstruction Following Massive Weight Loss: Our Experience with 100 Consecutive Cases.

BACKGROUND: We report our experience using the Lipo-Bodylift technique for circumferential lower trunk reconstruction following massive weight loss. METHODS: The procedure combines extensive circular liposuction with circular skin resection immediately under the dermis. We classify lower trunk deformities using three parameters: (1) excess skin (in the horizontal direction, or both horizontally and vertically); (2) the body mass index (BMI); and, (3) skin quality (hyperlaxity or a normal tone). All patients can be divided into four groups, of whom groups I and II are the best candidates for the Lipo-Bodylift procedure. We also describe our perioperative management and patient outcomes, with a focus on postoperative complications. RESULTS: Between January 2015 and January 2020, 100 patients underwent Lipo-Bodylift treatment. The median patient age was 41 years. The median preoperative BMI was 26.3 kg/m2. The median drainage duration and hospital stay were both 3 days. Of all patients, 30% experienced at least one complication, 2% of which were major. Of the minor complications, 27 patients evidenced wound dehiscence. Only (positive) smoking status was significantly associated with postoperative complications (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We developed the Lipo-Bodylift technique after analyzing changes in the skin and subcutaneous fat after massive weight loss. The technique completes the arsenal of body contouring techniques, appears to be less invasive than the undermining that is usually performed during circumferential reconstruction of the lower trunk, and is associated with a lower rate of major complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Pancreatectomy with Vascular Resection After Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX: Who Survives More Than a Year After Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Experienced pancreatic surgeons, for whom complexity is not an issue, must decide at the end of neoadjuvant therapy whether to continue or discontinue surgery, when pancreatectomy with vascular resection is planned in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to determine preoperative factors that can predict short postoperative survival in such situations. METHODS: Overall, 105 patients with borderline or locally advanced PDAC received neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX (followed by chemoradiation in 22% of patients) and underwent pancreatectomy with segmental venous and/or arterial resection at two high-volume centers. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) of < 1 year after surgery for patients who did not die from the surgery. RESULTS: Tumors were classified as borderline in 78% of cases and locally advanced in 22% of cases. Mean CA19-9 at diagnosis was 934 U/mL, which significantly decreased to 213 U/mL (p < 0.01) after a median of six cycles of FOLFIRINOX. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed most often (76%). The vast majority of patients underwent venous resection (92%), and a simultaneous arterial resection was performed in 16 patients (15%). The severe morbidity rate and 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 21%, 8.5%, and 10.4%, respectively. The median OS after surgery was 23 months. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative CA19-9 ≥ 450 U/mL was the only preoperative factor independently associated with OS of < 1 year (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: The preoperative CA19-9 value should be considered in the clinical decision-making process when complex vascular resection is required.

Fatal epidural abscess with meningitis: a rare complication of colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery remains a frequent complication. We report a rare case of a fatal epidural abscess caused by a colo-epidural fistula complicating a laparoscopic proctectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62 year-old-man presented with weight loss, pelvic sepsis and neurological dysfunction four months after closing of the ileostomy following a laparoscopic proctectomy for a rectal adenocarcinoma one year ago. Cross-sectional imaging confirmed an epidural abscess caused by a chronic colorectal anastomotic leak. Systemic antibiotics and laparotomy with defunctioning pelvic loop colostomy were performed. Unfortunately, this management to control the major spinal infection failed. Epidural decompression and debridement was not possible due to his poor condition and the patient subsequently died. CONCLUSION: Colo-epidural fistula can occur as a consequence of colorectal anastomotic leakage. Prior to frank neurology symptoms and sepsis, patients may present with only a low-grade fever. Without prompt and aggressive management of colo-epidural infection, this severe complication can lead to paraplegia and death.