The Liver Transection Area Is a Novel Predictor for Surgical Difficulty in Laparoscopic Liver Resection.

Background: A difficulty scoring system was developed to estimate the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS); however, the effect of the liver transection area (LTA) on LLS outcomes have not been previously examined. Therefore, this study investigated the predictive significance of the LTA for LLS. Methods: This retrospective study included 106 patients who underwent LLS in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2023. The association of the LTA with the surgical difficulty level and operative time was investigated. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors predicting surgical difficulty in LLS. Results: The median LTA and operative time were 62.5 (IQR, 36.0-91.8) cm2 and 250 (IQR, 195-310) minutes, respectively. The LTA was significantly associated with surgical difficulty as evaluated using the IWATE Criteria. Moreover, the LTA significantly correlated with operative time (r2 = 0.19, p < 0.001). The multivariable analyses found that the LTA (≥59 cm2) (odds ratio [OR], 6.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.38-16.6; p < 0.001) and the type of LLS (≥segmentectomy) (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.35-11.4; p = 0.01) were significant factors associated with surgical difficulty. Conclusions: The LTA is a useful parameter that reflects the difficulty of LLS.

Central pancreatectomy of the remnant pancreas without reconstruction after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: There are several reports on the safety and feasibility of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) without reconstruction of the small remnant pancreas. However, a few studies have explored central pancreatectomy (CP) for non-reconstructed small remnant pancreases after PD. This study presents a case of CP without pancreatic reconstruction after PD. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old man with cerebral palsy underwent PD for distal cholangiocarcinoma. Three years postoperatively, a 12-mm tumor was detected in the remnant pancreatic body and diagnosed as a pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm. Surgical resection was performed, because the tumor was enlarged and chemotherapy resistant. The afferent loop with pancreatojejunostomy anastomosis was dissected, and CP, including pancreatojejunostomy anastomosis, was performed. Given the remnant pancreas was hard and atrophic, the pancreatic tail was transected using a stapler without reconstructing the small remnant pancreas. The patient experienced no postoperative complications including postoperative pancreatic fistula, and the endocrine function of the pancreas was preserved. CONCLUSIONS: We present a case of remnant pancreatic CP that did not require reconstruction after PD. Preservation of the small remnant pancreas without reconstruction during CP may be feasible to maintain endocrine function in select patients after PD.

Role of robotic surgery as an element of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although the current trend in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) has shifted from open surgery to minimally invasive surgery (MIS), evidence on the role of MIS as an element of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in PD is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effect of robotic surgery using the ERAS protocol on the outcomes of patients undergoing PD. METHODS: This retrospective study included 252 patients who underwent open PD (OPD) or robotic PD (RPD) managed using the ERAS protocol between January 2017 and March 2023. Outcomes stratified by the surgical approach were compared. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of ERAS items, including robotic surgery, on outcomes after PD. RESULTS: Of 252 patients, 202 (80.2%) underwent OPD, and 50 (19.2%) underwent RPD. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that perioperative management center support (odds ratio [OR], 2.85; 95% CI, 1.14-7.72; P = .025), robotic surgery (OR, 6.40; 95% CI, 1.94-26.1; P = .002), early solid intake (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.46-5.63; P = .002), and early drain removal (OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 2.04-7.06; P < .001) were significant ERAS items related to early discharge after PD. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that employing the ERAS protocol for OPD and RPD is feasible and safe. Moreover, our results suggested the role of robotic surgery as an element of the ERAS protocol for PD. A combination of ERAS protocols and MIS may be safe and feasible for accelerating postoperative recovery after PD.

Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy in Portal Annular Pancreas Using a Hanging Maneuver with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient knowledge and surgical management of portal annular pancreas (PAP) are essential for pancreatic surgery. As PAP is a relatively rare pancreatic anomaly, few studies have described surgical techniques for patients with PAP undergoing robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: An 82-year-old female patient who underwent RPD presented with distal cholangiocarcinoma and type III PAP (the fusion of the uncinate process with the anteportal main pancreatic duct). After the Kocher maneuver and stomach transection, the pancreas was transected into the neck of the anteportal portion. The retroportal portion was dissected, encircled with hanging tape, and compressed. Blood supply from the mesenteric vessels was confirmed using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. Subsequently, the retroportal portion was stapled. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a unique surgical technique for type III PAP using the hanging maneuver with ICG fluorescence imaging. Surgeons should decide on the surgical strategy on the basis of the fusion and ductal anatomy of the pancreas.

Preoperative percent body fat in bioelectrical impedance analysis predicts pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear which body composition affects postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between nutritional factors, body composition, and POPF. METHODS: This was a prospective observational cohort study. Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between March 2018 and July 2021 were included in this study. Preoperative body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. In addition, the predictive factors for POPF were analyzed using logistic regression model. RESULTS: The study included 143 patients. Among these patients, 31 had POPF (POPF group) and 112 did not (non-POPF group) after pancreaticoduodenectomy. For body composition, the percent body fat was significantly higher in the POPF group (26.90 vs 23.48, P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis revealed that alcohol consumption (odds ratio 2.95, P = 0.03), pancreatic duct < 3 mm (odds ratio 3.89, P < 0.01), and percent body fat (odds ratio 1.08, P = 0.01) were significantly independent predictive factors for POPF. When the patients were divided into three groups based on their percent body fat (< 25, 25-35, and ≥ 35), POPF occurred more frequently in the group with ≥ 35 percent body fat (47.1%) than in the < 25 group (15.5%) (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Predictive factors for POPF related to nutritional status, such as percent body fat, should be considered before proceeding to pancreaticoduodenectomy (ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration no. NCT5257434).

Impact of educational video on performance in robotic simulation training (TAKUMI-1): a randomized controlled trial.

The use of virtual reality for simulations plays an important role in the initial training for robotic surgery. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the impact of educational video on the performance of robotic simulation. Participants were randomized into the intervention (video) group that received an educational video and robotic simulation training or the control group that received only simulation training. The da Vinci® Skills Simulator was used for the basic course, including nine drills. The primary endpoint was the overall score of nine drills in cycles 1-10. Secondary endpoints included overall, efficiency, and penalty scores in each cycle, as well as the learning curves evaluated by the cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. Between September 2021 and May 2022, 20 participants were assigned to the video (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. The video group had significantly higher overall scores than the control group (90.8 vs. 72.4, P < 0.001). Significantly higher overall scores and lower penalty scores were confirmed, mainly in cycles 1-5. CUSUM analysis revealed a shorter learning curve in the video group. The present study demonstrated that educational video training can be effective in improving the performance of robotic simulation training and shortening the learning curve.

Role of the Pfannenstiel Incision in Robotic Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery.

Studies remain limited on the role of the Pfannenstiel incision in minimally invasive hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, especially robotic surgery. The role of various extraction sites in robotic HPB surgery should be understood. Herein, we describe the surgical techniques, outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages of the Pfannenstiel incision in robotic pancreatic surgery. Seventy patients underwent robotic pancreatectomy at our institution between September 2020 and October 2022. The Pfannenstiel incision was used for specimen retrieval in 55 patients. Advantages of the Pfannenstiel incision include less pain, cosmetic benefits, and a lower incidence of complications. Moreover, the specimen could be removed using the robotic system docked. However, all complex reconstructions should be performed intra-abdominally during robotic pancreatoduodenectomies. The incidence of mortality and postoperative pancreatic fistula (grade B) was 0% and 9.1%, respectively. During the median follow-up (11.2 months) after surgery, complications at the Pfannenstiel incision site included surgical site infection (n = 1, 1.8%) and incisional hernia (n = 1, 1.8%). The Pfannenstiel incision can be a useful option for specimen retrieval in minimally invasive HPB surgery, according to the surgeon's preferences and the patient's condition.

Surgical Techniques of Gastrojejunostomy in Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy: Robot-Sewn versus Stapled Gastrojejunostomy Anastomosis.

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a major complication of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Several efforts have been made to decrease the incidence of DGE. However, the optimal anastomotic method for gastro/duodenojejunostomy (GJ) remains debatable. Moreover, few studies have reported the impact of GJ surgical techniques on outcomes following robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). This study aimed to investigate the surgical outcomes of robot-sewn and stapled GJ anastomoses in RPD. Methods: Forty patients who underwent RPD at the Okayama University Hospital between September 2020 and October 2022 were included. The outcomes between robot-sewn and stapled anastomoses were compared. Results: The mean [standard deviation (SD)] operative and GJ time were 428 (63.5) and 34.0 (15.0) minutes, respectively. Postoperative outcomes included an overall incidence of DGE of 15.0%, and the mean postoperative hospital stays were 11.6 (5.3) days in length. The stapled group (n = 21) had significantly shorter GJ time than the robot-sewn group (n = 19) (22.7 min versus 46.5 min, p < 0.001). Moreover, stapled GJ cases were significantly associated with a lower incidence of DGE (0% versus 21%, p = 0.01). Although not significant, the stapled group tended to have shorter postoperative hospital stays (9.9 days versus 13.5 days, p = 0.08). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that stapled GJ anastomosis might decrease anastomotic GJ time and incidence of DGE after RPD. Surgeons should select a suitable method for GJ anastomosis based on their experiences with RPD.

Surgical Strategies to Dissect around the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy.

The concept of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach has been widely accepted in pancreatoduodenectomy. However, few studies have reported surgical approaches to the SMA in robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD). Herein, we present our surgical strategies to dissect around the SMA in RPD. Among the various approaches, our standard protocol for RPD included the right approach to the SMA, which can result in complete tumor resection in most cases. In patients with malignant diseases requiring lymphadenectomy around the SMA, we developed a novel approach by combining the left and right approaches in RPD. Using this approach, circumferential dissection around the SMA can be achieved through both the left and right sides. This approach can also be helpful in patients with obesity or intra-abdominal adhesions. The present study summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of both the approaches during RPD. To perform RPD safely, surgeons should understand the different surgical approaches and select the best approach or a combination of different approaches, depending on demographic, anatomical, and oncological factors.

Reconsideration of indications for third hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear which patients with recurrence after a second hepatectomy will benefit from a third hepatectomy. METHODS: Patients who underwent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) between April 2005 and July 2021 were included. Factors affecting recurrence after each hepatectomy were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-four of the 167 patients who had recurrence after the first hepatectomy underwent a second hepatectomy. Then, 46 patients had recurrence and 18 patients did not have recurrence after the second hepatectomy. Sixteen patients who underwent a third hepatectomy had better overall survival (OS) than those who did not (52 vs. 31 months, p = 0.043). However, the multivariate analysis demonstrated that only tumor size (>5 cm) during the second hepatectomy (p = 0.022) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) level (>50 U/ml) (p = 0.041) at recurrence after the second hepatectomy were poor prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSION: While a third hepatectomy can be performed if it is technically and oncologically appropriate, tumor size >5 cm and CA 19-9 >50 U/ml should be considered in terms of long-term outcomes before proceeding to surgery.

Clinicopathological Features and Surgical Outcomes of Small Bowel Metastasis from Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Small bowel metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare, and its clinicopathological characteristics are unclear; thus, we revisited the concept of this tumor and reviewed its diagnostic and treatment modalities. We filtered MEDLINE searches of articles published in English between 1950 and 2019, and identified 100 patients who had undergone treatment, including 1 patient from our clinic. We extracted patient characteristics, treatment, and prognostic data, resulting in clinicopathological data on 100 patients (83 men, 17 women). Mean age was 63 years (range, 16-86 years). Tumor sites were duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and multiple sites in 30, 37, 25, and 7 patients, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates after diagnosis were 53.0%, 36.0%, and 36.0%. Curative resection patients showed 62.1% 5-year survival after surgery, vs. 27.5% in noncurative surgical management cases. Good prognoses can be expected if these tumors are identified early for complete removal. Surgery is the only curative option. To determine the best management strategy and improve prognostic accuracy, we continue to collect and analyze epidemiological and pathological data. Although this condition is rare, surgery should be considered if curative resection is expected. Prognosis after curative resection is not poor, but recurrence is not unlikely.

First case report of neoadjuvant gemcitabine and S-1 for locally advanced unresectable duodenal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma remains unclear. We report the case of a successfully resected duodenal adenocarcinoma managed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy using gemcitabine and S-1. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old female presented with a one-week history of abdominal bloating and vomiting after meals. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a circumferential epithelial lesion in the second portion of the duodenum. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed thickened walls and narrowing of the duodenum. Further, an adenocarcinoma was noted on biopsy. Though she was diagnosed with duodenal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer could not be completely ruled out. Therefore, she underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy using gemcitabine and S-1 after bypass surgery. After six chemotherapy cycles, the tumor significantly reduced in size. Further, lymph nodes and distant metastases were not noted on abdominal computed tomography. The patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathological examination revealed a 0.5-mm lesion and surrounding fibrosis at the duodenum, distal from the ampulla of Vater and the pancreas. Her postoperative course was almost uneventful, and she was discharged on the 31st postoperative day. The patient was followed up and had no tumor recurrence at 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine and S-1 was useful in reducing the size of a duodenal adenocarcinoma. This finding would aid physicians in managing patients that present with a similar presentation.

Clinicopathological features of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm derived from ectopic pancreas: A systematic review.

Background: Clinicopathological characteristics of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm derived from the ectopic pancreas have not been elucidated owing to its rarity. Methods: MEDLINE databases from 1985 to 2021 were searched. Data regarding patient characteristics, diagnostic modalities, treatment, and prognosis were extracted from the identified articles. Results: Comprehensive data on 13 patients (10 men and 3 women) with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm derived from ectopic pancreas were extracted. The median age was 69 years (range, 42-80 years). The tumors were located in the stomach in 6 patients, the duodenum in 1 patient, jejunum in 3 patients, ileum in 1 patient, and Meckel diverticulum in 2 patients. Histopathological examination revealed intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm in 10 patients and intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma in 3 patients. The median size of the tumor was not significantly different between the intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma group and the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm group (P = .611). Conclusion: Accurate preoperative diagnosis and differential diagnosis between intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma remain difficult despite recent advances in imaging modalities.

Clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of pancreatic metastasis from thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND: Owing to their rarity, pancreatic metastases from thyroid cancers have not been fully elucidated. METHODS: Observational studies written in English between 1990 and 2020 were included in this review. RESULTS: The median duration from thyroidectomy to the diagnosis of pancreatic metastases was 105 months. Twenty-five patients underwent surgery, including pancreatoduodenectomy in 10, distal pancreatectomy in 10, enucleation in 4, and total pancreatectomy in 1. The remaining 5 patients did not undergo surgery. Twenty-one patients survived and 9 died, with a median overall survival of 61 months. The overall 5-year survival rate after diagnosis was 58.7%. Of these patients, the overall 5-year survival rate was 63.4% in patients who underwent surgery (surgery group, n = 21), while 2 patients were censored during follow-up, and one patient died 20 months after diagnosis (non-operative group, n = 3) (p = 0.567). Of these patients, the overall 5-year survival rate was 85.7% in patients with curative resection and 53.6% in patients with noncurative resection. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pancreatic metastases from thyroid cancer had good prognosis, if curative resection can be performed.

A proposal to modify the 8th edition of the UICC staging system for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to validate and improve the 8th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) staging system for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS: Prognostic impact of the pathological tumor (pT) and lymph node (pN) stages between the 7th and 8th editions were compared using a single-center cohort of 311 patients who underwent curative pancreatic resection for PDAC. RESULTS: Applying the 7th edition T staging system resulted in a clustering of pT3 cases (92.3%) and failed to show significant prognostic differences between the three pT stages. However, applying the 8th edition T staging system yielded a more even distribution and resulted in an excellent prognostic separation between the pT stages based on decreases in median survival (month [pT1: 69.4, pT2: 27.6, pT3: 16.7], p=0.001). In pN staging system, the 8th edition provided more precise prognostication in median survival (month [pN0: 41.7, pN1: 25.6, pN2: 14.4], p<0.001). Moreover, in the 8th edition pT2 category, patients with portal vein invasion (PVI) showed significantly worse survival than those without PVI (median survival months [without PVI: 38.2, with PVI: 17.1], p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 8th edition provides a more even distribution among stages and better stage discriminations compared to the 7th edition. The 8th edition pT2 category should be subdivided according to PVI status of the patient to allow for more precise patient prognostication.

[Successful Resection Using a Posterior Approach of a Tailgut Cyst in the Retrorectal Space].

We present the case of a Tailgut cyst occurring in the retrorectal space that was curatively resected using a posterior approach. A 40-year-old man presented to the Kochi Health Sciences Center with the chief complaint of perineal incongruity. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilocular cystic lesion in the retrorectal space, with high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging. After diagnosing a Tailgut cyst, we performed resection of the tumor using a posterior approach. The lesion was removed en bloc with the coccyx. Histopathologically, the lesion was diagnosed as a non-malignant Tailgut cyst, and the surgical margin was negative. The patient is currently doing well without recurrence at 20 months.

Indications for pancreaticoduodenectomy affected postoperative outcomes in octogenarians.

AIMS: The safety and efficacy of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients over the age of 80 years remain controversial. We aimed to examine post-PD outcomes and to determine the age limit for PD. METHODS: Patients were divided into two subgroups: the younger (<80 years) group and octogenarian (≥80 years) group. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical benefit of PD for periampullary diseases in the younger and octogenarian groups, focusing on short- and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: From March 2005 to December 2018, 586 consecutive surgically curable patients with diagnosed periampullary diseases were studied, among whom 122 (20.8%) were ≥80 years old. The general preoperative physical condition (G8 screening, instrumental activities of daily living, and Charlson comorbidity index) and nutritional status were significantly worse in the octogenarian group. However, there were no significant differences between the younger and octogenarian groups in postoperative severe complication rates (34% vs 36%) or perioperative mortality rates (1.5% vs 0.0%). We observed significantly poorer 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survivals in the octogenarian group than in the younger group (P = .007). In the younger group, the main cause of death (89.6%) was cancer recurrence. However, only 60% of patients in the octogenarian group developed and died from cancer recurrence. Increased neutrophilic/lymphocyte ratio and elevated Controlling Nutritional Status score were associated with worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to carefully determine the indication for PD in octogenarian patients with periampullary diseases, although patient age over 80 years should not be a contraindication for PD.

Feasibility of preserving the remnant stomach during distal pancreatectomy after distal gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: The safety and feasibility of preserving the remnant stomach during distal pancreatectomy (DP) in patients who have undergone distal gastrectomy (DG) remains unclear. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed to identify patients who underwent DP. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to match post-DG patients with control patients. RESULTS: Among the 226 patients included in this study, 9 DP patients who had a history of DG were studied (4.0%). These nine patients in the DG group were matched to 45 patients in the control group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative morbidities, including postoperative pancreatic fistula rate or stomach-related complications. The hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels in the DG group after surgery decreased to the normal range. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that the remnant stomach may be safely preserved when performing DP in patients with a history of DG with respect to short-term morbidities. However, there are some concerns about the long-term nutritional status in patients with a history of DG.

Use of a stent to treat colonic stenosis secondary to acute pancreatitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: We report a patient for whom a colonic stent was successfully used to treat colonic stenosis secondary to acute pancreatitis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 70-year-old male presented with epigastric pain. A choledocholith and bile duct dilatation were found on abdominal computed tomography scan. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed and a common bile duct stent was placed. Ten hours after stent placement, severe epigastric pain developed. Contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan revealed increased density of fat tissue around the pancreas. He was diagnosed with severe acute pancreatitis and treated in the intensive care unit. On the twenty-eighth hospital day, he vomited. His abdomen was distended and tender to palpation. Contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan revealed stenosis of the descending colon and proximally dilated colon and small bowel. He was diagnosed with colonic stenosis secondary to acute pancreatitis. A colonic stent was placed in the descending colon. Eight months after this episode, elective subtotal colectomy was performed. The postoperative course was unremarkable. DISCUSSION: The overall documented leak rate for segmental colectomy with or without on-table lavage following large bowel obstruction is about 4%. In addition, in the acute phase of severe acute pancreatitis, inflammation makes surgery difficult. Use of enteric stents in patients with pancreatitis could be used as a temporizing measure until the inflammation and obstruction improve. CONCLUSION: Colonic stenting is useful as a bridge to surgery in the management of large bowel obstruction.