Clinical relevance of the 3-cm threshold in sigmoid diverticulitis with abscess: consensus or quandary?

PURPOSE: Diverticular abscess is a common manifestation of acute complicated diverticulitis. We aimed to analyze the clinical course of patients with diverticular abscess initially treated conservatively. METHODS: All patients with diverticular abscess undergoing elective or urgent/emergency surgery from October 2004 to October 2022 were identified from our institutional database. Depending on the abscess size, patients were divided into group A (≤ 3 cm) and group B (> 3 cm). Conservative treatment failure was defined as clinical deterioration, persistent or recurrent abscess, or urgent/emergency surgery. Baseline characteristics and short-term perioperative outcomes were recorded and compared between both groups. Uni- and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify determinants of conservative treatment failure and overall ostomy formation. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were enrolled into group A (n = 73) and group B (n = 32). Uni- and multivariate analyses revealed abscess size as the only significant factor of conservative therapy failure [OR 9.904; p < 0.0001], while overall ostomy formation was significantly affected by an increased body mass index (BMI) [OR 1.366; p = 0.026]. There were no significant differences in perioperative outcome with the exception of a longer total hospital stay in patients managed with abscess drainage compared to antibiotics alone prior surgery in group B (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Abscess diameter > 3 cm is not just an arbitrary chosen cut-off value for drainage placement but has a prognostic impact on medical treatment failure in patients with complicated acute diverticulitis. In this subgroup, the choice between primary drainage and antibiotics does not appear to influence outcome at the cost of prolonged hospital stay after drainage insertion.

Discordance of retroperitoneal and thoracic histologic findings in patients with metastatic germ cell tumors at postchemotherapy residual tumor resection.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Postchemotherapy residual tumor resection (PC-RTR) is an important part of the multimodal treatment for patients with metastatic germ cell tumors. Simultaneous retroperitoneal and thoracic metastases often require consecutive surgical procedures. This study analyzes the histologic findings after abdominal and thoracic surgery in order to tailor the sequence and intensity of surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From a total of 671 PC-RTRs from 2008 to 2021 we analyzed 50 patients with stage III non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) who had undergone both retroperitoneal and thoracic postchemotherapy residual tumor resection after first-line and salvage chemotherapy. RESULTS: All patients included had stage III NSGCT. 39 and 11 patients received first-line and salvage chemotherapy, respectively. 45 (90%) patients received retroperitoneal resection first, followed by thoracic surgery. Three patients (6%) underwent thoracic surgery before retroperitoneal surgery and two patients (4%) underwent simultaneous surgery. Overall, the histology of retroperitoneal and thoracic specimens was discordant in 23% of cases. After first-line chemotherapy, of fourteen patients with necrosis in retroperitoneal histology, four patients had vital carcinoma in lung histology. In patients with teratoma in the retroperitoneum, the thoracic findings were concordant in most cases (78%). When teratomatous elements were also present in the orchiectomy specimen, concordance was 100%. After salvage chemotherapy, the discordance rate was 55%. CONCLUSION: The data presented in this study underline that retroperitoneal residual masses with necrosis cannot reliably predict histologic findings of thoracic specimens. Patients with teratoma in the retroperitoneum have a high likelihood of teratoma in the thoracic specimen.

Classification of the oesophageal perforation.

OBJECTIVES: Esophageal perforations are a complex clinical scenario that have been poorly studied. To date, there is no grading of esophageal perforations, the reason being that the outcome is very heterogeneous, because the perforation is very heterogeneous. A grading of the severity of the perforation may guide treatment, and could ultimately affect morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The observation period of the study was four years. All patients with a perforation of the esophagus aged 18 to 90 years were included. All anastomotic insufficiencies or fistulas after surgery of the esophagus were excluded. The cause of the injury and the time interval between the event and the start of therapy were analyzed. The severity of each perforation was classified based on the results of a diagnostic CT scan, gastroscopy as well as clinical and laboratory findings. Therapy and signs of infection were evaluated. Endpoints of the study were patient recovery or death. The study was conducted as a retrospective single-center study at a university hospital of Düsseldorf. The study has been approved by the review board. Patients gave their informed consent before data collection. All data were analyzed using SPSS 29 (IBM SPSS Statistics software). RESULTS: Age, gender and cause of the esophageal perforation did not impact significantly on overall survival. The duration of injury > 24 h (p = 0.01), presence of mediastinitis (p = 0.01) and necrosis of the esophagus (p = 0.02) were associated with an unfavorable outcome. The correlation of the clinical grading of the severity of the perforation based on the endoscopic, radiological and clinical findings with the overall survival of patients was significant. Patients categorized into the four grades of severity (I-IV) had an overall survival of 100%, 100%, 70% and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The severity of esophageal perforations can be systematically rated grades I to IV based on the radiological, endoscopic and clinical findings at diagnosis. Due to the grading and its correlation to the overall survival, a comparison of patients, their treatment and outcome becomes possible. In future, the grade of a perforation may guide treatment, and therefore affect morbidity and mortality.

Caffeine intake enhances bowel recovery after colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized studies.

Postoperative ileus (POI) after colorectal surgery is a major problem that affects both patient recovery and hospital costs highlighting the importance of preventive strategies. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic analysis of the effects of postoperative caffeine consumption on bowel recovery and surgical morbidity after colorectal surgery. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through September 2023 for randomized and non-randomized trials comparing the effect of caffeinated versus non-caffeinated drinks on POI by evaluating bowel movement resumption, time to first flatus and solid food intake, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcome analysis included postoperative morbidity in both groups. After data extraction and inclusion in a meta-analysis, odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous variables and standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed in cases of substantial heterogeneity. Six randomized and two non-randomized trials with a total of 610 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Caffeine intake significantly reduced time to first bowel movement [SMD -0.39, (95% CI -0.66 to -0.12), p = 0.005] and time to first solid food intake [SMD -0.41, (95% CI -0.79 to -0.04), p = 0.03] in elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery, while time to first flatus, LOS, and the secondary outcomes did not differ significantly. Postoperative caffeine consumption may be a reasonable strategy to prevent POI after elective colorectal surgery. However, larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with homogeneous study protocols, especially regarding the dosage form of caffeine and coffee, are needed.

Predictive factors of 90-day mortality after curative hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a western single-center observational study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify predictive risk factors associated with 90-day mortality after hepatic resection (HR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: All patients undergoing elective resection for HCC from a single- institutional and prospectively maintained database were included. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify pre- and intraoperative as well as histopathological predictive factors of 90-day mortality after elective HR. RESULTS: Between August 2004 and October 2021, 196 patients were enrolled (148 male /48 female). The median age of the study cohort was 68.5 years (range19-84 years). The rate of major hepatectomy (≥ 3 segments) was 43.88%. Multivariate analysis revealed patient age ≥ 70 years [HR 2.798; (95% CI 1.263-6.198); p = 0.011], preoperative chronic renal insufficiency [HR 3.673; (95% CI 1.598-8.443); p = 0.002], Child-Pugh Score [HR 2.240; (95% CI 1.188-4.224); p = 0.013], V-Stage [HR 2.420; (95% CI 1.187-4.936); p = 0.015], and resected segments ≥ 3 [HR 4.700; (95% 1.926-11.467); p = 0.001] as the major significant determinants of the 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Advanced patient age, pre-existing chronic renal insufficiency, Child-Pugh Score, extended hepatic resection, and vascular tumor involvement were identified as significant predictive factors of 90-day mortality. Proper patient selection and adjustment of treatment strategies could potentially reduce short-term mortality.

Which factors predict tumor recurrence and survival after curative hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma? Results from a European institution.

BACKGROUND: High tumor recurrence and dismal survival rates after curative intended resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still concerning. The primary goal was to assess predictive factors associated with disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in a subset of patients with HCC undergoing hepatic resection (HR). METHODS: Between 08/2004-7/2021, HR for HCC was performed in 188 patients at our institution. Data allocation was conducted from a prospectively maintained database. The prognostic impact of clinico-pathological factors on DFS and OS was assessed by using uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Survival curves were generated with the Kaplan Meier method. RESULTS: The postoperative 1-, 3- and 5- year overall DFS and OS rates were 77.9%, 49.7%, 41% and 72.7%, 54.7%, 38.8%, respectively. Tumor diameter ≥ 45 mm [HR 1.725; (95% CI 1.091-2.727); p = 0.020], intra-abdominal abscess [HR 3.812; (95% CI 1.859-7.815); p < 0.0001], and preoperative chronic alcohol abuse [HR 1.831; (95% CI 1.102-3.042); p = 0.020] were independently predictive for DFS while diabetes mellitus [HR 1.714; (95% CI 1.147-2.561); p = 0.009), M-Stage [HR 2.656; (95% CI 1.034-6.826); p = 0.042], V-Stage [HR 1.946; (95% CI 1.299-2.915); p = 0.001, Sepsis [HR 10.999; (95% CI 5.167-23.412); p < 0.0001], and ISGLS B/C [HR 2.008; (95% CI 1.273-3.168); p = 0.003] were significant determinants of OS. CONCLUSIONS: Despite high postoperative recurrence rates, an acceptable long-term survival in patients after curative HR could be achieved. The Identification of parameters related to OS and DFS improves patient-centered treatment and surveillance strategies.

Routine closed-suction drainage reduces seromas following totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The value of prophylactic closed-suction drainage in totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP) is still a matter of controversy. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies examining postoperative seroma rates in patients with or without routine placement of closed-suction drainage tubes. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for trials comparing the outcome of TEP with or without routine drainage placement. Data regarding postoperative outcomes were extracted and compared by meta-analysis. The odds ratio and standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Four studies were identified, involving a total of 1626 cases (Drain: n = 1251, no Drain: n = 375). There was a statistically significant difference noted between the 2 groups regarding postoperative seroma formation favoring the Drain group (odds ratio = 0.12; 95% confidence intervals [0.05, 0.29]; P < .001; 4 studies; I2 = 72%). For the remaining secondary endpoints postoperative urinary retention, recurrence, mesh infection and in-hospital length of stay no statistically significant difference was noted between the 2 study groups. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that patients who underwent TEP with routine closed-suction drain placement developed significantly fewer seromas without any additional morbidity or prolongation of in-hospital stay.

Intraoperative Wound Irrigation for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection After Laparotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial by CHIR-Net.

Importance: Surgical site infections frequently occur after open abdominal surgery. Intraoperative wound irrigation as a preventive measure is a common practice worldwide, although evidence supporting this practice is lacking. Objective: To evaluate the preventive effect of intraoperative wound irrigation with polyhexanide solution. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Intraoperative Wound Irrigation to Prevent Surgical Site Infection After Laparotomy (IOWISI) trial was a multicenter, 3-armed, randomized clinical trial. Patients and outcome assessors were blinded to the intervention. The clinical trial was conducted in 12 university and general hospitals in Germany from September 2017 to December 2021 with 30-day follow-up. Adult patients undergoing laparotomy were eligible for inclusion. The main exclusion criteria were clean laparoscopic procedures and the inability to provide consent. Of 11 700 screened, 689 were included and 557 completed the trial; 689 were included in the intention-to-treat and safety analysis. Interventions: Randomization was performed online (3:3:1 allocation) to polyhexanide 0.04%, saline, or no irrigation (control) of the operative wound before closure. Main Outcome and Measures: The primary end point was surgical site infection within 30 postoperative days according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition. Results: Among the 689 patients included, 402 were male and 287 were female. The median (range) age was 65.9 (18.5-94.9) years. Participants were randomized to either wound irrigation with polyhexanide (n = 292), saline (n = 295), or no irrigation (n = 102). The procedures were classified as clean contaminated in 92 cases (8%). The surgical site infection incidence was 11.8% overall (81 of 689), 10.6% in the polyhexanide arm (31 of 292), 12.5% in the saline arm (37 of 295), and 12.8% in the no irrigation arm (13 of 102). Irrigation with polyhexanide was not statistically superior to no irrigation or saline irrigation (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23; 95% CI, 0.64-2.36 vs HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.74-1.94; P = .47). The incidence of serious adverse events did not differ among the 3 groups. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, intraoperative wound irrigation with polyhexanide solution did not reduce surgical site infection incidence in clean-contaminated open abdominal surgical procedures compared to saline or no irrigation. More clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the potential benefit in contaminated and septic procedures, including the emergency setting. Trial Registration: drks.de Identifier: DRKS00012251.

Identification of myeloid-derived growth factor as a mechanically-induced, growth-promoting angiocrine signal for human hepatocytes.

Recently, we have shown that after partial hepatectomy (PHx), an increased hepatic blood flow initiates liver growth in mice by vasodilation and mechanically-triggered release of angiocrine signals. Here, we use mass spectrometry to identify a mechanically-induced angiocrine signal in human hepatic endothelial cells, that is, myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF). We show that it induces proliferation and promotes survival of primary human hepatocytes derived from different donors in two-dimensional cell culture, via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). MYDGF also enhances proliferation of human hepatocytes in three-dimensional organoids. In vivo, genetic deletion of MYDGF decreases hepatocyte proliferation in the regenerating mouse liver after PHx; conversely, adeno-associated viral delivery of MYDGF increases hepatocyte proliferation and MAPK signaling after PHx. We conclude that MYDGF represents a mechanically-induced angiocrine signal and that it triggers growth of, and provides protection to, primary mouse and human hepatocytes.

Risk factors for post-operative ileus in patients with anterior resection for rectal cancer. A single center cohort.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a major cause of morbidity in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. The aim of our study was to evaluate potential risk factors for POI in cases with anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on 136 patients who underwent open anterior resection for rectal cancer between 2004 and 2018 at a single tertiary referral center. POI was defined as reinsertion of nasogastric tube or nil per os by postoperative day 4 and/or administration of neostigmine postoperatively. Uni- and multivariate analysis was performed to identify potential risk factors for POI. RESULTS: POI was observed in 18 patients (13.2%). Epidural anesthesia, type of ostomy, and history of abdominal surgery were not found to be related with POI. Advanced age was a statistically significant risk factor both in the uni- and in the multivariate analyses. An increase in age by 1 year was found to increase the odds of POI by 5% [95%CI: 0.4%-9.7%; p = 0.032]. CONCLUSION: Increased age was identified as a non-modifiable, patient-related risk factor for POI after anterior resection for rectal cancer. This finding is of particular importance as it turns the focus on the elderly patient and underlines the need for close clinical observation of this subgroup and liberal use of preventive and/or therapeutic measures postoperatively.

Intracorporeal Versus Extracorporeal Colo-colic Anastomosis in Minimally-invasive Left Colectomy: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to investigate the operative outcomes of intracorporeal (IA) and extracorporeal (EA) anastomosis in left-sided minimally-invasive colectomy. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted for studies comparing operative outcomes and follow-up data of IA versus EA in minimally-invasive left colectomy. Studies that investigated recto-sigmoid resections using transanal circular staplers were excluded. Data from eligible studies were extracted, qualitatively assessed, and included in a meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences with 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Eight studies with a total of 750 patients were included (IA n = 335 versus EA n = 415). IA was associated with significantly lower overall morbidity (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.26-0.61, p < 0.0001) and less frequent surgical site infection (SSI) (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12-0.61, p = 0.002) as primary outcomes compared to EA. Of the secondary outcomes, length of incision (SMD -2.51, 95% CI -4.21 to -0.81, p = 0.004), time to first oral diet intake (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.22, p = 0. 0004) and time to first bowel movement (SMD -0.40, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.09, p = 0.01) were significantly in favor of IA, while operative time was significantly shorter in the EA group (SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.59, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IA proves to be a safe and feasible option as it demonstrates benefits in terms of lower overall morbidity, fewer rates of SSI, smaller incision length, and faster postoperative gastrointestinal recovery despite a longer operative time compared to EA.

Ten recommendations for sarcoma surgery: consensus of the surgical societies based on the German S3 guideline "Adult Soft Tissue Sarcomas".

PURPOSE: The evidence-based (S3) guideline "Adult Soft Tissue Sarcomas" (AWMF Registry No. 032/044OL) published by the German Guideline Program in Oncology (GGPO) covers all aspects of sarcoma treatment with 229 recommendations. Representatives of all medical specialties involved in sarcoma treatment contributed to the guideline. This paper compiles the most important recommendations for surgeons selected by delegates from the surgical societies. METHODS: A Delphi process was used. Delegates from the surgical societies involved in guideline process selected the 15 recommendations that were most important to them. Votes for similar recommendations were tallied. From the resulting ranked list, the 10 most frequently voted recommendations were selected and confirmed by consensus in the next step. RESULTS: The statement "Resection of primary soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities should be performed as a wide resection. The goal is an R0 resection" was selected as the most important term. The next highest ranked recommendations were the need for a preoperative biopsy, performing preoperative MRI imaging with contrast, and discussing all cases before surgery in a multidisciplinary sarcoma committee. CONCLUSION: The evidence-based guideline "Adult Soft Tissue Sarcomas" is a milestone to improve the care of sarcoma patients in Germany. The selection of the top ten recommendations by surgeons for surgeons has the potential to improve the dissemination and acceptance of the guideline and thus improve the overall outcome of sarcoma patients.

The Role of Alternative Lymph Node Classification Systems in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (GEP-NEN): Superiority of a LODDS Scheme Over N Category in Pancreatic NEN (pNEN).

Lymph node (LN) involvement in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NEN) has been reported to have prognostic and therapeutic implications. Numerous novel LN classifications exist; however, no comparison of their prognostic performance for GEP-NEN has been done yet. Using a nationwide cohort from the German Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Registry, the prognostic and discriminatory power of different LN ratio (LNR) and log odds of metastatic LN (LODDS) classifications were investigated using multivariate Cox regression and C-statistics in 671 patients with resected GEP-NEN. An increase in positive LN (pLN), LNR, and LODDS was associated with advanced tumor stages, distant metastases, and hormonal functionality. However, none of the alternative LN classifications studied showed discriminatory superiority in predicting prognosis over the currently used N category. Interestingly, in a subgroup analysis, one LODDS classification was identified that might be most appropriate for patients with pancreatic NEN (pNEN). On this basis, a nomogram was constructed to estimate the prognosis of pNEN patients after surgery. In conclusion, a more accurate classification of LN status may allow a more precise prediction of overall survival and provide the basis for individualized strategies for postoperative treatment and surveillance especially for patients with pNEN.

A New Nomogram-Based Prediction Model for Postoperative Outcome after Sigmoid Resection for Diverticular Disease.

Background and Objectives: Sigmoid resection still bears a considerable risk of complications. The primary aim was to evaluate and incorporate influencing factors of adverse perioperative outcomes following sigmoid resection into a nomogram-based prediction model. Materials and Methods: Patients from a prospectively maintained database (2004-2022) who underwent either elective or emergency sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease were enrolled. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to identify patient-specific, disease-related, or surgical factors and preoperative laboratory results that may predict postoperative outcome. Results: Overall morbidity and mortality rates were 41.3% and 3.55%, respectively, in 282 included patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed preoperative hemoglobin levels (p = 0.042), ASA classification (p = 0.040), type of surgical access (p = 0.014), and operative time (p = 0.049) as significant predictors of an eventful postoperative course and enabled the establishment of a dynamic nomogram. Postoperative length of hospital stay was influenced by low preoperative hemoglobin (p = 0.018), ASA class 4 (p = 0.002), immunosuppression (p = 0.010), emergency intervention (p = 0.024), and operative time (p = 0.010). Conclusions: A nomogram-based scoring tool will help stratify risk and reduce preventable complications.

The Postoperative Effect of Sugammadex versus Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in Colorectal Surgery: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: the aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the postoperative effects of neuromuscular blockade reversal with sugammadex compared with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in colorectal surgery. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed for studies comparing the postoperative course of patients receiving neuromuscular blockade reversal with either sugammadex or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (control) after colorectal surgery. Data from eligible studies were extracted, qualitatively assessed, and included in a meta-analysis. Odds ratios and standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Five studies with a total of 1969 patients were included (sugammadex n = 1137, control n = 832). Sugammadex reversal resulted in a significantly faster return of defecation or flatus after surgery compared to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (SMD 13.01, 95% CI 6.55-19.46, p = < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in other clinical outcomes such as surgical morbidity and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: The present data support the beneficial impact of sugammadex on gastrointestinal motility after colorectal surgery. However, the effect of sugammadex on the prevention of surgical complications and a prolonged hospital stay is diminishing. Larger randomized controlled trials with standardized study protocols are needed to validate the results presented here.

Tenascin-C affects invasiveness of EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma through a putative paracrine loop.

Tenascin C (TNC) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein and a potential biomarker affecting progression of different tumor types, such as pancreatic and lung cancer. Alternative splicing variants of TNC are known to have an impact on interaction partners like other ECM proteins or cell surface receptors, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), leading to numerous and sometimes opposite roles of TNC in tumor cell dissemination and proliferation. Only little is known about the impact of TNC on biologic characteristics of lung cancer, such as invasion and metastatic potential. In the present study, we could link an increased expression of TNC in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues with an unfavorable clinical outcome of patients. Furthermore, we investigated the functional role of TNC in LUAD. Immunohistochemical staining of TNC revealed a significant increase of TNC levels in primary tumours and metastases compared to normal lung tissue. Additionally, a significant correlation between TNC mRNA expression and EGFR copy number and protein expression levels has been determined. Moreover, inhibition of TNC in lung fibroblasts led to reduced invasiveness of LUAD cells harboring EGFR-activating mutations and to a shorter lamellipodia perimeter and a reduced lamellipodia area on the surface of LUAD cells. This study provides the evidence that TNC expression might be a biological relevant factor in LUAD progression in an EGFR-dependent manner and that it regulates tumor cell invasion by rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, especially affecting lamellipodia formation.

Optimizing Growth of the Future Liver Remnant and Making In-Situ Liver Transsection Safe-A Standardized Approach to ISLT or ALPPS.

In-situ splitting of the liver before extended resection has gained broad attention. This two-step procedure requires several measures to make an effective and safe procedure. Although the procedure is performed in many institutions, there is no consensus on a uniform technique. The two steps can be divided into different parts and a standardized technique may render the procedure safer and the results will be easier to evaluate. In this paper, we describe a detailed approach to in-situ splitting that allows making both procedures safe, avoids liver necrosis, and is easily reproducible. In the first procedure the portal branches to segments I and IV to VIII are divided, the arterial branches and bile ducts to these segments are preserved and encircled and the parenchyma between segments II/III and IVa/b is divided. This avoids necrosis and bile leaks of segments I and IV and avoids urgent completion operations. In particular, the handling of vital structures close to the dissection line seems important to us. Complete splitting and securing the right and middle hepatic vein will make the second step of this procedure a minimal-risk procedure at a stage where the patient is still recovering from the more demanding first step.

Percutaneous fractionated radiotherapy of the groin to eliminate lymphatic fistulas after vascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: Vascular surgery of the inguinal area can be complicated by persistent lymphatic fistulas. Rapid and effective treatment is essential to prevent infection, sepsis, bleeding, and possible leg amputation. Current data on irradiation of lymphatic fistulas lack recommendation on the appropriate individual and total dose, the time of irradiation, and the target volume. Presumably, a dose of 0.3-0.5 to 1-12 Gy should be sufficient for the purpose. Currently, radiotherapy is a "can" recommendation, with a level 4 low evidence and a grade C recommendation, according to the DEGRO S2 guidelines. As part of a pilot study, we analyzed the impact and limitations of low-dose radiation therapy in the treatment of inguinal lymphatic fistulas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: As a part of an internal quality control project, patients with lymphatic fistulas irradiated in the groin area after vascular surgery for arterial occlusive disease (AOD) III-IV, repair of pseudo aneurysm or lymph node dissection due to melanoma were selected, and an exploratory analysis on retrospectively collected data performed. RESULTS: Twelve patients (10 males and 2 females) aged 62.83 ± 12.14 years underwent open vascular reconstruction for stage II (n = 2), III (n = 1), and IV (n = 7) arterial occlusive disease (AOD), lymph node dissection for melanoma (n = 1) or repair of a pseudoaneurysm (n = 1). Surgical vascular access was obtained through the groin and was associated with a persistent lymphatic fistula, secreting more than 50 ml/day. Patients were irradiated five times a week up to a maximum of 10 fractions for the duration of the radiation period. Fraction of 0.4 Gy was applied in the first 7 cases, while 5 patients were treated with a de-escalating dose of 0.3 Gy. There was a resolution of the lymphatic fistula in every patient without higher grade complications. CONCLUSION: Low-dose irradiation of the groin is a treatment option for persistent lymphatic fistula after inguinal vascular surgery.

A Revised Version of the TNM Classification Leads to Optimized Predictive Performance in Patients with Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

The prognostic stratification of the current AJCC/UICC TNM classification for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) has been validated in only a few studies. In this study, it was hypothesized that redefining the T category cut-off would result in a significant improvement in estimated stage-related survival. In 935 patients with ACC from the SEER database, optimal cut-off values based on tumor size were first determined to redefine T1 and T2 categories. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were then used to determine the prognostic value of the revised version. A new cut-off value of 9.5 cm tumor size was established to differentiate between T1 and T2 tumors, leading to a revised TNM classification. As a result, a more homogeneous distribution of patients with ACC across all stages was observed. Notably, the predictive value of the newly proposed TNM classification in the ROC analysis exceeded that of the 7th and 8th editions of the AJCC/UICC classification system. Finally, the prognostic superiority of the revised TNM classification was confirmed in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that updating the current staging system with revised T1 and T2 categories significantly improves the prediction of cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with ACC.

Treatment Pathways and Prognosis in Advanced Sarcoma with Peritoneal Sarcomatosis.

Sarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal malignancies that most commonly occur in the extremities, retroperitoneum, and head and neck. Intra-abdominal manifestations are rare and prove particularly difficult to treat when peritoneal sarcomatosis is present. Because of the overall poor prognosis of the disease, a tailored approach to surgical management is essential to achieve satisfactory outcomes with limited morbidity. We present the perioperative and long-term outcomes of 19 cases of sarcoma with peritoneal sarcomatosis treated surgically at our hospital. Treatment pathways were reviewed and clinical follow-up was performed. Patient characteristics, medical history, tumor subtype, surgical approach, hospital stay, complications, follow-up, and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Our patients were 9 women and 10 men with a median age of 45.9 years (18-88) and a median survival of 30 months (0-200). In most cases, peritoneal sarcomatosis was either discovered during surgery or the procedure was performed with palliative intent from the beginning. The surgical approach in these cases is very heterogeneous and should consider a variety of factors to tailor an approach for each patient. Sharing our experiences will help to increase knowledge about this rare disease and provide insight into the management of future cases.