REDISCOVER guidelines for borderline-resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer: management algorithm, unanswered questions, and future perspectives.

The REDISCOVER guidelines present 34 recommendations for the selection and perioperative care of borderline-resectable (BR-PDAC) and locally advanced ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (LA-PDAC). These guidelines represent a significant shift from previous approaches, prioritizing tumor biology over anatomical features as the primary indication for resection. Condensed herein, they provide a practical management algorithm for clinical practice. However, the guidelines also highlight the need to redefine LA-PDAC to align with modern treatment strategies and to solve some contradictions within the current definition, such as grouping "difficult" and "impossible" to resect tumors together. Furthermore, the REDISCOVER guidelines highlight several areas requiring urgent research. These include the resection of the superior mesenteric artery, the management strategies for patients with LA-PDAC who are fit for surgery but unable to receive multi-agent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the approach to patients with LA-PDAC who are fit for surgery but demonstrate high serum Ca 19.9 levels even after neoadjuvant treatment, and the optimal timing and number of chemotherapy cycles prior to surgery. Additionally, the role of primary chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in LA-PDAC, the timing of surgical resection post-neoadjuvant/primary chemoradiotherapy, the efficacy of ablation therapies, and the management of oligometastasis in patients with LA-PDAC warrant investigation. Given the limited evidence for many issues, refining existing management strategies is imperative. The establishment of the REDISCOVER registry ( https://rediscover.unipi.it/ ) offers promise of a unified research platform to advance understanding and improve the management of BR-PDAC and LA-PDAC.

Anomalies of the right hepatic artery in periampullary cancer treatment: are pathological and clinical outcomes different? A single tertiary referral center retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Anomalies of the right hepatic artery (RHA) may represent an additional challenge in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study is to assess the potential impact of variations in hepatic arterial anatomy on perioperative outcomes. METHODS: PDs performed for periampullary malignancies between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and subdivided in two groups: modal pattern of vascularization (MPV) and anomalous pattern of vascularization (APV). A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to homogenize the two study populations. The two groups were then compared in terms of perioperative outcomes and pathological findings. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (16.3%) out of 232 presented a vascular anomaly: an accessory RHA in 7 cases (3%), a replaced RHA in 26 cases (11.2%), and a replaced HA in 5 cases (2.1%). After PSM, 76 MPV patients were compared to the 38 APV patients. The incidence rate of postoperative complications was comparable between the two study populations (p=0.2). Similarly, no difference was detected in terms of histopathological data, including margin status. No difference was noted in terms of intraoperative hemorrhage and vascular resection. CONCLUSION: When PDs are performed in high-volume centers, the presence of an APV of the RHA does not relate to a significant impact on perioperative complications. Moreover, no influence was noted on histopathological findings.

REDISCOVER International Guidelines on the Perioperative Care of Surgical Patients With Borderline-resectable and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The REDISCOVER consensus conference aimed at developing and validate guidelines on the perioperative care of patients with borderline resectable (BR-) and locally advanced (LA) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Coupled with improvements in chemotherapy and radiation, the contemporary approach to pancreatic surgery supports resection of BR-PDAC and, to a lesser extent, LA-PDAC. Guidelines outlining the selection and perioperative care for these patients are lacking. METHODS: The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) methodology was used to develop the REDISCOVER guidelines and create recommendations. The Delphi approach was used to reach consensus (agreement ≥80%) among experts. Recommendations were approved after a debate and vote among international experts in pancreatic surgery and pancreatic cancer management. A Validation Committee used the AGREE II-GRS tool to assess the methodological quality of the guidelines. Moreover, an independent multidisciplinary advisory group revised the statements to ensure adherence to non-surgical guidelines. RESULTS: Overall, 34 recommendations were created targeting centralization, training, staging, patient selection for surgery, possibility of surgery in uncommon scenarios, timing of surgery, avoidance of vascular reconstruction, details of vascular resection/reconstruction, arterial divestment, frozen section histology of perivascular tissue, extent of lymphadenectomy, anticoagulation prophylaxis and role of minimally invasive surgery. The level of evidence was however low for 29 of 34 clinical questions. Participants agreed that the most conducive mean to promptly advance our understanding in this field is to establish an international registry addressing this patient population ( https://rediscover.unipi.it/ ). CONCLUSIONS: The REDISCOVER guidelines provide clinical recommendations pertaining to pancreatectomy with vascular resection for patients with BR- and LA-PDAC, and serve as the basis of a new international registry for this patient population.

The Role of Staging Laparoscopy for Gastric Cancer Patients: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives.

A significant proportion of patients diagnosed with gastric cancer is discovered with peritoneal metastases at laparotomy. Despite the continuous improvement in the performance of radiological imaging, the preoperative recognition of such an advanced disease is still challenging during the diagnostic work-up, since the sensitivity of CT scans to peritoneal carcinomatosis is not always adequate. Staging laparoscopy offers the chance to significantly increase the rate of promptly diagnosed peritoneal metastases, thus reducing the number of unnecessary laparotomies and modifying the initial treatment strategy of gastric cancer. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of the current literature regarding the role of staging laparoscopy in the management of gastric cancer. Indications, techniques, accuracy, advantages, and limitations of staging laparoscopy and peritoneal cytology were discussed. Furthermore, a focus on current evidence regarding the application of artificial intelligence and image-guided surgery in staging laparoscopy was included in order to provide a picture of the future perspectives of this technique and its integration with modern tools in the preoperative management of gastric cancer.

Surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer in the era of neoadjuvant therapies: something new?

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) represents a therapeutic challenge, particularly as it often involves adjacent organs. The necessity of neoadjuvant treatments for LAGC patients is still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors affecting prognosis and survival in patients with LAGC with particular regard to the effect of neoadjuvant therapies. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2018, the medical records of 113 patients with LAGC who underwent curative resection were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics, related complications, long-term survival, and prognostic factors were analyzed at uni- and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates of patients undergoing neo-adjuvant therapies were 2.3% and 43.2%, respectively. Whereas in patients undergoing upfront surgery were 4.6% and 26.1%, respectively. R0 resection was achieved 79.5% and in 73.9% of patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy and upfront surgery, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that neoadjuvant therapy, completeness of resection (R0), number of lymph nodes retrieved, N status and the adoption of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors associated with longer survival. Five-year overall survival for NAC group and upfront surgery group was 46% and 32%, respectively (P=0.04). Five-year disease-free survival for NAC group and upfront surgery group was 38% and 25%, respectively (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with LAGC undergoing surgery plus neoadjuvant therapy had a better OS and DFS with respect to patients treated with surgery alone.

The Impact of Post-Pancreatectomy Acute Pancreatitis (PPAP) on Long-Term Outcomes after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Single-Center Propensity-Score-Matched Analysis According to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) Definition.

Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) is a potentially life-threating complication. Although multiple authors demonstrated PPAP as a predisposing feature for a more detrimental clinical course, no evidence is currently present on its potential impact on long-term outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate how PPAP onset may influence overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DSF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients who underwent PD for PDAC from 2006 to 2021 were enrolled. PPAP was defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in order to reduce potential selection biases. After PSM, 32 patients out of 231 PDs who developed PPAP (PPAP group) were matched to 32 patients who did not present PPAP (no-PPAP group). PPAP patients more frequently presented major post-operative complications (p = 0.02) and post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (p = 0.003). Median follow-up was 26.2 months, with no difference between the two groups (p = 0.79). A comparable rate of local or distant metastases was noted in the two cohorts (p = 0.2). Five-year OS was comparable between the two populations (39.3% and 35.7% for the no-PPAP and PPAP populations, respectively; p = 0.53). Conversely, despite not being statistically significant, a worse 5-year DFS was evidenced in the case of PPAP (23.2%) as compared to the absence of PPAP (37.4%) (p = 0.51). With the limitations due to the small sample size, PPAP may potentially relate to worse long-term outcomes in terms of DFS. However, further studies with wider study populations are still needed in order to better clarify the prognostic role of PPAP.

The role of the multidisciplinary tumor board (MDTB) in the assessment of pancreatic cancer diagnosis and resectability: A tertiary referral center experience.

Background: The introduction of multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTBs) for the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway of several oncological disease significantly ameliorated patients' outcomes. However, only few evidences are currently present on the potential impact of the MDTB on pancreatic cancer (PC) management. Aim of this study is to report how MDTB may influence PC diagnosis and treatment, with particular focus on PC resectability assessment and the correspondence between MDTB definition of resectability and intraoperative findings. Methods: All patients with a proven or suspected diagnosis of PC discussed at the MDTB between 2018 and 2020 were included in the study. An evaluation of diagnosis, tumor response to oncological/radiation therapy and resectability before and after the MDTB was conducted. Moreover, a comparison between the MDTB resectability assessment and the intraoperative findings was performed. Results: A total of 487 cases were included in the analysis: 228 (46.8%) for diagnosis evaluation, 75 (15.4%) for tumor response assessment after/during medical treatment, 184 (37.8%) for PC resectability assessment. As a whole, MDTB led to a change in treatment management in 89 cases (18.3%): 31/228 (13.6%) in the diagnosis group, 13/75 (17.3%) in the assessment of treatment response cohort and 45/184 (24.4%) in the PC resectability evaluation group. As a whole, 129 patients were given indication to surgery. Surgical resection was accomplished in 121 patients (93.7%), with a concordance rate of resectability between MDTB discussion and intraoperative findings of 91.5%. Concordance rate was 99% for resectable lesions and 64.3% for borderline PCs. Conclusions: MDTB discussion consistently influences PC management, with significant variations in terms of diagnosis, tumor response assessment and resectability. In this last regard, MDTB discussion plays a key role, as demonstrated by the high concordance rate between MDTB resectability definition and intraoperative findings.

Acute pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy: clinical outcomes and predictive factors analysis according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition.

BACKGROUND: Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) is an increasingly described complication after pancreatic resection. No uniform definition criteria were present in the literature until the recent proposal of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS). Aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of the novel ISGPS definition of PPAP. METHODS: Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) between 2006 and 2022 were enrolled. PPAP was defined and graded according to the ISGPS criteria. RESULTS: Among 520 PDs, 120 (23%)patients developed post-operative hyperamylasemia (POH), while PPAP occurred in 63(12.1%) cases. PPAP occurrence related to a higher rate of more severe complications (48-76.1%vs118-25.8%; p < 0.0001), delayed gastric emptying (DGE) (27-42.9%vd114-24.9%; p = 0.003) and post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (57-90.5%vs186-40.8%; p < 0.0001). When stratified for PPAP severity, grade B and C patients more frequently developed major complications (p < 0.0001), POPF (p < 0.0001), DGE (p = 0.02) and post-operative hemorrhage (p < 0.0001) as compared to POH. At the multivariable analysis, soft pancreatic texture (p = 0.01)and a Wirsung diameter ≤3 mm (p = 0.01) were recognized as prognostic factors for PPAP onset, while a pancreatic duct ≤3 mm was the only feature significantly influencing a more severe course of PPAP (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The ISGPS classification is confirmed as a valuable method for a uniform definition and clinical course evaluation. Further studies in a prospective manner are still needed for a further confirmation.

Preliminary evaluation of two-row versus three-row circular staplers for colorectal anastomosis after rectal resection: a single-center retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Circular staplers for colorectal anastomoses significantly ameliorated post-operative outcomes after rectal resection. The more recent three-row technology was conceived to improve anastomotic resistance and, thus, lower the incidence of anastomotic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential advantages of three-row circular staplers (Three-CS) on anastomotic leakage (AL), stenosis (AS), and hemorrhage (AH) rates after rectal resection as compared to two-row circular staplers (Two-CS). METHODS: All rectal resections for rectal cancer between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively included. Patients were classified according to the circular stapler employed in Two-CS and Three-CS cohorts. AL, AS, and AH rates were compared between the two populations. Additionally, the prognostic role of the type of circular stapler on AL onset was evaluated. RESULTS: Three-hundred and seventy-five patients underwent a rectal resection with an end-to-end anastomosis during the study period: 197 constituted the Two-CS group and 178 the Three-CS cohort. AL rate was 6.7%, significantly higher in the Two-CS group (19-9.6%) as compared to the Three-CS cohort (6-3.4%) (p = 0.01). No difference was noted in terms of AL severity. Although not statistically significant, a lower incidence rate of AL was evidenced even in the subset of patients with low rectal cancers (4.5% vs 12.5% in the two-row cohort; p = 0.33). At the multivariate analysis, Two-CS was a negative prognostic factor for AL onset (OR: 2.63; p = 0.03). No difference was noted between the two groups in terms of AS and AH. CONCLUSION: Three-row CSs significantly decrease the rate of AL after rectal resection. Further multicenter controlled trials are still needed to confirm the advantages of three-row CSs on anastomotic complications.

Artificial Intelligence in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Present and Future Perspectives.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision (CV) are beginning to impact medicine. While evidence on the clinical value of AI-based solutions for the screening and staging of colorectal cancer (CRC) is mounting, CV and AI applications to enhance the surgical treatment of CRC are still in their early stage. This manuscript introduces key AI concepts to a surgical audience, illustrates fundamental steps to develop CV for surgical applications, and provides a comprehensive overview on the state-of-the-art of AI applications for the treatment of CRC. Notably, studies show that AI can be trained to automatically recognize surgical phases and actions with high accuracy even in complex colorectal procedures such as transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). In addition, AI models were trained to interpret fluorescent signals and recognize correct dissection planes during total mesorectal excision (TME), suggesting CV as a potentially valuable tool for intraoperative decision-making and guidance. Finally, AI could have a role in surgical training, providing automatic surgical skills assessment in the operating room. While promising, these proofs of concept require further development, validation in multi-institutional data, and clinical studies to confirm AI as a valuable tool to enhance CRC treatment.

The impact of the histological classification of ampullary carcinomas on long-term outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a single tertiary referral center evaluation.

PURPOSE: Ampullary carcinomas (ACs) are classified as pancreatobiliary (Pb-AC), intestinal (Int-AC), or mixed (Mixed-AC). The influencing role of AC subtypes on long-term outcomes is still matter of debate. Aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic role of the three histological variants on the overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD). METHODS: All PDs for AC between 2004 and 2020 were included. Patients were classified according to the histological feature in Pb-AC, Int-AC, and Mixed-AC. Five-year OS and DFS were compared among the subtypes. Additionally, the prognostic role of the histological classification on OS and DFS was evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-six (48.7%) Pb-ACs, 53 (46.1%) Int-ACs, and 6 (5.2%) Mixed-ACs were evaluated. A poorer 5-year OS was evidenced for the Pb-AC group (54.1%) as compared to the Int-AC cohort (80.7%) (p = 0.03), but similar to the Mixed-AC population (33%) (p = 0.45). Pb-AC presented a worse 5-year DFS (42.3%) in comparison to the Int-AC (74.8%) (p = 0.002), while no difference was evidenced in comparison to the Mixed-AC (16.7%) (p = 0.51). At the multivariate analysis, the Pb-/Mixed-AC histotype was recognized as negative prognostic factor for both OS (OR: 2.29, CI: 1.05-4.98; p = 0.04) and DFS (OR: 2.17, CI: 1-4.33; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Histological subtypes of AC play a relevant role in long-term outcomes after PD. Pb-ACs and Mixed-ACs show a more aggressive tumor biology and a consequent worse survival as compared to the Int-AC subtype.

Adhesive small bowel obstruction in octogenarians: A 6-year retrospective single-center analysis of clinical management and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Few evidences are available on adhesive bowel obstruction (ASBO)management and outcomes in geriatric patients. METHODS: One-hundred-twenty-eight patients aged 65-79 years were retrospectively compared to 77 patients aged ≥80 years. Aim of this study was to compare ASBO management and in-hospital course between patients aged 65-79 years and those over 80 years. RESULTS: Upfront surgery in octogenarians related with a higher rate of major complications (23.7%vs4.9%; p = 0.009) and longer hospitalization (8.8vs7.3 days; p = 0.01). No difference according to age was noted in terms of clinical outcomes when the non-operative management (NOM) was employed. Patients aged ≥80 years managed conservatively presented shorter hospitalization (7.3vs8.8 days; p = 0.04), lower rate of intensive care unit (ICU)admission (0vs18.4%; p = 0.005) and cumulative major complications (2.6%vs23.7%; p = 0.007) as compared to ≥80 years old patients treated with upfront surgery. In this same group, NOM failure did not lead to worse outcomes in comparison to upfront surgery. CONCLUSIONS: NOM in≥80 years patients is associated with better in-hospital course. The acceptable clinical outcomes in case of NOM failure further support NOM as first treatment strategy to employ in this same subset of patients.

The impact of gastrojejunostomy orientation on delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a single center comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) represents the most frequent complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gastrojejunostomy (GJ)orientation on DGE incidence after PD. METHODS: One-hundred and twenty-one consecutive PDs were included in the analysis and divided in the horizontal (H-GJ group) and vertical GJ anastomosis groups (V-GJ group). Postoperative data and the value of the flow angle between the efferent jejunal limb and the stomach of the GJ anastomosis at the upper gastrointestinal series were registered. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (62%)underwent H-GJ, while 46 patients (38%)underwent V-GJ. The incidence of DGE was significantly lower in the V-GJ group as compared to the H-GJ group (23.9%vs45.3%; p = 0.02). V-GJ was also associated to a less severe DGE manifestation (p = 0.006). The flow angle was significantly lower in case of V-GJ as compared to H-GJ (24.5°vs37°; p = 0.002). At the multivariate analysis, ASA score≥3 (p = 0.02), H-GJ (p = 0.03), flow angle>30°(p = 0.004) and Clavien-Dindo≥3 (p = 0.03) were recognized as independent prognostic factors for DGE. These same factors were independent prognostic features also for a more severe DGE manifestation. CONCLUSION: VGJ and the more acute flow angle appear to be associated to a lower incidence rate and severity of DGE. This modified technique should be considered by surgeons in order to reduce postoperative DGE occurrence.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in octogenarians: The importance of "biological age" on clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: With the prolongation of life expectancy, an increasing number of elderly patients are evaluated for pancreatic surgery. However, the influence of increasing age on outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still unclear, especially in octogenarians. Aim of this study is to evaluate the perioperative characteristics and outcomes of octogenarians undergoing PD. METHODS: Data for 812 patients undergoing PD between 2019 and 2020 in 10 referral centers in Italy were reviewed. Patients aged 80 years or older were matched based on nearest neighbor propensity scores in a 1:1 ratio to patients younger than 80 years. Propensity scores were calculated using 7 perioperative variables including gender, ASA score, neoadjuvant treatment (NAT), biliary stent positioning, type of surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, robot-assisted), associated vascular resections, type of lesion. Perioperative characteristics and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared before and after matching. RESULTS: Overall, 81 (10%) patients had 80 years or more. Before matching, octogenarians had a higher rate of ASA score≥ 3 (n = 35, 43.2% vs. n = 207, 28.3%; p = 0.005) and less frequently underwent NAT (n = 11, 13.6% vs. n = 213, 29.1%; p = 0.003). Matching was successfully performed for 70 octogenarians. After matching, no differences in preoperative and intraoperative characteristics were found. Postoperatively, ICU admission was more frequent in octogenarians (50% vs 30%; p = 0.01). Although in-hospital mortality was higher in octogenarians before matching (7.4% vs 2.9% in the younger cohort; p = 0.03), no difference was noted between the matched cohorts (p = 0.36). Postoperative morbidity was comparable between groups in the whole and selected populations. At the multivariate analysis, chronological age was not recognized as a prognostic factor for cumulative major complications, while ASA ≥3 was the only confirmed influencing feature (OR 2.98; 95%CI: 1.6-6.8; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIO: In high-volume centers, PD in octogenarians shows similar outcomes than younger patients. Age itself should not be considered an exclusion criterion for PD, but a focused preoperative assessment is essential for adequate patient selection.

The role of mesopancreas excision for ampullary carcinomas: a single center propensity-score matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Few evidences are available on the prognostic role of mesopancreas excision(MPe) for ampullary cancers(ACs). Aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes between pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) with(PD-MPe group) and without(sPD group) MP. METHODS: Thirty-seven sPDs were matched and compared to 37 PD-MPes for perioperative outcomes, recurrence rate, disease-free(DFS) and overall survival(OS). RESULTS: The PD-MPe technique related to a significantly higher number of harvested lymph nodes[16 (±6)] as compared to the sPD [10 (±5); p < 0.0001]. Tumor recurrence was more frequent in the sPD cohort[21 (56.8%) vs 12 (32.4%) in the PD-MPe population; p = 0.03]. Although not statistically different, PD-MPe was associated with a better DFS(40% vs 35.7% for sPD; p = 0.08) and OS(59.3% vs 39.1% for sPD; p = 0.07). At the multivariate analysis, a higher number of lymph nodes retrieved and a more extensive lymphovascular clearance reached with the MPe technique, together with lymph nodes metastases, were recognized as independent prognostic factors for a worse OS and DFS. CONCLUSION: The PD-MPe technique is associated with a better oncological radicality thanks to the higher number of retrieved lymph nodes and to the more appropriate tumor clearance. This reflects in a lower incidence of tumor relapse and in improved outcomes in terms of OS and DFS.

Robotic rectal resection: oncologic outcomes.

Robotic surgery has progressively gained popularity in the treatment of rectal cancer. However, only a few studies on its oncologic effectiveness are currently present, with contrasting results. The purpose of this study is to report a single surgeon's experience on robotic rectal resection (RRR) for cancer, focusing on the analysis of oncologic outcomes, both in terms of pathological features and long-term results. One-hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients who underwent RRR for rectal cancer from January 2013 to December 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients' characteristics and perioperative outcomes were collected. The analyzed oncologic outcomes were pathological features [distal (DM), circumferential margin (CRM) status and quality of mesorectal excision (TME)] and long-term outcomes [overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS)]. The mean operative time was 275 (± 60.5) minutes. Conversion rate was 6.6%. Complications occurred in 27 cases (22.1%) and reoperation was needed in 2 patients (1.5%). The median follow-up was 30.5 (5.9-86.1) months. None presented DM positivity. CRM positivity was 2.5% (2 cases) while a complete TME was reached in 94.3% of cases (115 patients). Recurrence rate was 5.7% (2 local, 4 distant and 1 local plus distant tumor relapse). OS and DFS were 90.7% and 83%, respectively. At the multivariate analysis, both CRM positivity and near complete/incomplete TME were recognized as negative prognostic factors for OS and DFS. Under appropriate logistic and operative conditions, robotic surgery for rectal cancer proves to be oncologically effective, with adequate pathological results and long-term outcomes. It also offers acceptable peri-operative outcomes, further confirming the safety and feasibility of the technique.

The Mucocele of the Gallbladder.

The gallbladder polyps are a common finding during ultrasonography but only in rare cases they may be a cancer. When a polyp is greater than 1 cm, the cholecystectomy is usually performed. In these images, a polyp of 4 cm corresponding to a collection of mucus (mucocele) is reported. This unusual polyp of the gallbladder was caused by heterotopic intestinal mucosa.