The role of repeated imaging in detecting complications in the post-operative period following pancreaticoduodenectomy: Serial CT imaging post-pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Post-pancreaticoduodenectomy haemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening complication. Delay in the detection and subsequent management of complications contribute significantly to post-operative mortality and morbidity associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: All patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy at an Australian-based tertiary referral center between 2017 and 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. We identified those patients who suffered a post-pancreaticoduodenectomy haemorrhage and further analysed those patients who had their post-pancreaticoduodenectomy haemorrhage identified on repeated CT imaging performed within 24 h of their previous CT scan. RESULTS: A total of 232 pancreaticoduodenectomies were identified for analysis during the study period, of which 23 patients (9.9%) suffered a post-pancreaticoduodenectomy haemorrhage. We present four patients who had their post-pancreaticoduodenectomy haemorrhage identified on repeat CT scan in the setting of a recent (within 24 h) CT scan which showed no evidence of active haemorrhage or pseudoaneurysm formation. All patients received prompt and definitive endovascular management through stent insertion or coil embolization resulting in successful cessation of bleeding. Three patients made an uncomplicated recovery thereafter. Unfortunately, one patient died as a complication of the bleed despite early and definitive endovascular intervention. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the importance of having a low threshold for repeated CT imaging in the post-pancreaticoduodenectomy setting, particularly when there remains a high index of suspicion clinically for a post-operative complication, even in the context of previous benign imaging. Given the complexity of pancreaticoduodenectomy, we believe early detection with liberal imaging allows the best chance at successfully managing the morbidity and mortality associated in the post-pancreaticoduodenectomy setting.

Clinical suspicion of pancreatic cancer despite negative endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

BACKGROUND: The early and accurate diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is vital for improving the efficacy of therapeutic interventions and to provide patients with the best chance of survival. While endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has been demonstrated to be a reliable and accurate diagnostic tool for solid pancreatic neoplasms, the ongoing management of patients with a high clinical suspicion for malignancy but with a negative EUS-FNA biopsy result can prove a challenge. METHODS: We describe five patients from a single centre who presented for further work-up of a pancreatic mass and/or imaging features concerning for a periampullary malignancy. RESULTS: All patients had at least one EUS-FNA biopsy performed which returned no malignant cells on cytology. Despite these negative cytology results, all patients underwent further invasive investigation through upfront resection (pancreaticoduodenectomy) or extra-pancreatic biopsy (laparoscopic biopsy of peritoneal nodule) due to worrisome features on imaging, biochemical factors and clinical presentation culminating in a high degree of suspicion for malignancy. The final tissue histopathological diagnosis in all patients was pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: This case series highlights the important clinical findings, imaging and biochemical features which need to be considered in patients who have high suspicion for malignancy despite having a negative EUS-FNA cytology result. In these patients with a high index of suspicion, surgical intervention through an upfront resection or further invasive investigation should not be delayed.

Rare anastomosis between a replaced right hepatic artery and left branch of the proper hepatic artery.

Appreciation of the potential anatomical variation of the hepatic arterial supply and branches of the abdominal aorta is of paramount importance in pancreatic and hepatobiliary surgery. Here we describe a hitherto un-reported coelio-mesenteric anastomotic connection between a replaced right hepatic artery, originating from the superior mesenteric artery, and the left hepatic branch of the proper hepatic artery. The embryological origins of the variant anatomy as well as its potential surgical implications are discussed with a view to encourage thorough pre-operative interrogation of available imaging by radiologists and surgeons to successfully identify such variants and take advantage of their potentially useful functionality.

Impact of anaemia in oesophago-gastric cancer patients undergoing curative treatment by means of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated factors associated with pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and pre-operative anaemia, and examined their impact on outcomes in patients with oesophago-gastric cancer treated with curative intent. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with oesophago-gastric cancer (January 2010 to December 2015) and treated with curative intent by NAC then surgery at a tertiary centre were included. Patients were grouped by the presence of anaemia (haemoglobin <130 mg/L in males and <120 mg/L in females) and into microcytic (MCV <80 fL), normocytic (80-100 fL) and macrocytic (>100 fL) subgroups. Categorical data were analysed by chi-squared test and overall survival by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: 99/295 (34%) patients who received NAC were diagnosed with pre-NAC anaemia, and 157/268 (59%) of patients who subsequently underwent surgery were diagnosed with pre-operative anaemia. Normocytic anaemia was the most common, with 76 (26%) in pre-NAC and 107 (40%) in pre-operative groups. Pre-NAC anaemia was associated with increasing clinical N stage (p = 0.022), higher modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) (p = 0.006), and a higher rate of intra-operative transfusion (p = 0.030). Pre-operative anaemia was associated with pre-NAC anaemia (p = 0.004), increasing age (p = 0.026), higher pre-operative mGPS (p = 0.021), and a higher rate of intra-operative transfusion (p = 0.021). Anaemia before NAC and surgery was associated with poorer overall survival in patient following R0 resection, independent of stage (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.54, p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Anaemia was associated with poorer overall survival and greater requirement for intra-operative blood transfusion in oesophago-gastric cancer patients undergoing treatment with curative intent.

Results of laparoscopic colorectal surgery from a national training center.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Trials have shown laparoscopic colorectal surgery to be safe. We aim to analyze the long-term results from a single national training center for laparoscopic surgery, especially in patients with high predicted mortality scores as well as in octogenarians. We also aim to explore the trend in the length of the learning curve among consultants and colorectal trainees, and determine whether or not laparoscopic colorectal surgery is amenable to surgical training. METHODS: All patients between July 2003 and July 2011 having laparoscopic colorectal surgery were included in a prospectively maintained database and analyzed retrospectively. We collected operative data (operation time, conversion), postoperative 30-day morbidity/mortality, cancer survival (including local/distant recurrences), postoperative incisional/port site hernia rates, and rates of reoperation. RESULTS: A total of 508 patients (258 males and 250 females) were enrolled in the study. The mean age of patients was 65.5 years and median body mass index (BMI) 27 kg/m(2); 70% of cases were malignant. Conversion rate was 15%, mean operation time was 175 minutes, and mean blood loss was 220 mL. The mean postoperative length of stay was 5.8 days, 30-day morbidity 23% (leak rate 1.38%), and 30-day mortality 1.57%. Operating time and conversion rates were significantly lower in right-sided resections compared to left-sided and rectal resections, and lymph node retrieval was significantly higher. Readmission and reoperation rates were 4.9% and 2.8%, respectively. The overall mean follow-up period was 1.8 years, rate of incisional/port site/parastomal hernia was 5.7% (n = 30), and readmission secondary to adhesions was <1% (n = 4). Readmission rates and 30-day surgical morbidity were significantly higher in patients with non-neoplastic disease compared to those with benign or malignant lesions. The mean follow-up period for cancer patients was 2.3 years. Local and distant recurrence rates were 4.2% and 13.2%, respectively. Overall death from cancer was 10.4%. Among the study participants, 74 were octogenarians and 23 had a predicted mortality of >5% (P-Possum tool). No statistically significant increases were observed in conversion, morbidity, or mortality rates in these groups (p > 0.05), but length of stay was statistically longer-7 days for octogenarians and 8 days for patients with >5% predicted mortality (p < 0.05). In 2003, two consultants operated on all cases; currently, twice as many procedures are performed by supervised trainees instead of consultants, with no change in outcome. Operating time was significantly higher in the consultant-led cases, but no other differences were noted in short- or long-term outcomes between consultant- and junior/senior trainee-led cases. CONCLUSION: We conclude that laparoscopic colorectal surgery should be the standard treatment option offered to all patients regardless of age and comorbidities and it is amenable to training.

Posterior tibial nerve stimulation for fecal incontinence: where are we?

Neurostimulation remains the mainstay of treatment for patients with faecal incontinence who fails to respond to available conservative measures. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is the main form of neurostimulation that is in use today. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)--both the percutaneous and the transcutaneous routes--remains a relatively new entry in neurostimulation. Though in its infancy, PTNS holds promise to be an effective, patient friendly, safe and cheap treatment. However, presently PTNS only appears to have a minor role with SNS having the limelight in treating patients with faecal incontinence. This seems to have arisen as the strong, uniform and evidence based data on SNS remains to have been unchallenged yet by the weak, disjointed and unsupported evidence for both percutaneous and transcutaneous PTNS. The use of PTNS is slowly gaining acceptance. However, several questions remain unanswered in the delivery of PTNS. These have raised dilemmas which as long as they remain unsolved can considerably weaken the argument that PTNS could offer a viable alternative to SNS. This paper reviews available information on PTNS and focuses on these dilemmas in the light of existing evidence.

Obstructive perianal lesion in a 75-year-old man.

A 75-year-old man presented with a fungating peri-anal mass which appeared malignant at presentation and required a defunctioning colostomy due to abdominal distension. Multiple biopsies were negative for malignancy and CT/MRI scans showed no malignant mass. A provisional diagnosis of prolapsed haemorrhoids was made and the mass was treated with sugar and charcoal dressings. There was a dramatic resolution of the mass with this treatment and the patient was discharged 1 month post-admission. The patient then underwent an elective haemorrhoidectomy by which time the mass had decreased to a perianal skin tag. The only clues in this case were the acute presentation of the mass, the fact that the mass had appeared post-defecation and that the patient had been diagnosed with haemorrhoids 2 years previously on colonoscopy. This case highlights the importance of evaluating all investigations and considering all differential diagnoses before embarking on definitive management.

Crohn's disease or TB--the perennial question and diagnostic pitfalls.

A previously healthy 28-year old lady from Saudi Arabia presented with recurrent peri-anal abscesses progressing to fistula-in-ano. These were treated with incision and drainages and with setonisation of the fistula. Multiple biopsy and culture specimens were taken to rule out tuberculosis (TB) or Crohn's disease - all showed granulomatous disease suggestive of either Crohn's or TB, no mycobacteria were grown. MRI scanning also suggested either TB or Crohn's disease. Tuberculin skin test was inconclusive and Quantiferon Gold test was negative. Treatment for Crohn's was started with oral prednisolone - the patient deteriorated and adalimumab (tumour necrosis factor α antagonist) was commenced. With continued deterioration in the absence of intra-abdominal abscesses, a clinical diagnosis of TB was made, Crohn's treatment suspended and quadruple therapy for TB was initiated. The patient rapidly improved and a delayed re-look histological specimen identified an isolated mycobacterium. Subsequent cultures confirmed drug-sensitive TB. The lady is currently well on TB eradication regimen.