Is routine axillary lymph node dissection needed to tailor systemic treatments for breast cancer patients in the era of molecular oncology? A position paper of the Italian National Association of Breast Surgeons (ANISC).

BACKGROUND: De-escalation of axillary surgery in breast cancer (BC) management began when sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) replaced axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) as standard of care in patients with node-negative BC. The second step consolidated ALND omission in selected subgroups of BC patients with up to two macrometastases and recognized BC molecular and genomic implication in predicting prognosis and planning adjuvant treatment. Outcomes from the recent RxPONDER and monarchE trials have come to challenge the previous cut-off of two SLN in order to inform decisions on systemic therapies for hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor type-2 (HER2) negative BC, as the criteria included a cut-off of respectively three and four SLNs. In view of the controversy that this may lift in surgical practice, the Italian National Association of Breast Surgeons (Associazione Nazionale Italiana Senologi Chirurghi, ANISC) reviewed data regarding the latest trials on this topic and proposes an implementation in clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the available literature offering data on the pathological nodal status of cN0 breast cancer patients. RESULTS: The rates of pN2 status in cN0 patients ranges from 3.5 % to 16 %; pre-surgical diagnostic definition of axillary lymph node status in cN0 patients by ultrasound could be useful to inform about a possible involvement of ≥4 lymph nodes in this specific sub-groups of women. CONCLUSIONS: The Italian National Association of Breast Surgeons (ANISC) considers that for HR + HER2-/cN0-pN1(sn) BC patients undergoing breast conserving treatment the preoperative workup should be optimized for a more detailed assessment of the axilla and the technique of SLNB should be optimized, if considered appropriate by the surgeon, not considering routine ALND always indicated to determine treatment recommendations according to criteria of eligibility to RxPONDER and monarch-E trials.

Management of PALB2-associated breast cancer: A literature review and case report.

Germline pathogenic variants (PV) of the PALB2 tumor suppressor gene are associated with an increased risk of breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer. In previous research, PALB2-associated breast cancer showed aggressive clinicopathological phenotypes, particularly triple-negative subtype, and higher mortality regardless of tumor stage, type of chemotherapy nor hormone receptor status. The identification of this germline alteration may have an impact on clinical management of breast cancer (BC) from the surgical approach to the systemic treatment choice. We herein report the case of a patient with a germline PV of PALB2, diagnosed with locally advanced PD-L1 positive triple-negative BC, who progressed after an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-containing regimen and then experienced a pathologic complete response after platinum-based chemotherapy. This case report hints a major role of the germline PALB2 alteration compared to the PD-L1 expression as cancer driver and gives us the opportunity to extensively review and discuss the available literature on the optimal management of PALB2-associated BC. Overall, our case report and review of the literature provide additional evidence that the germline analysis of PALB2 gene should be included in routine genetic testing for predictive purposes and to refine treatment algorithms.

Management of nipple adenomas during pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Nipple adenoma is a very uncommon, benign neoplasm that involves the nipple. A palpable mass of the nipple associated with nipple discharge and erosion or ulceration is the common clinical presentation. Generally, complete surgical excision of the nipple is the main treatment, alternative therapeutic methods such as Mohs micrographic surgery, nipple splitting enucleation, and cryotherapy can be considered. Disorders of the breast in young women are generally benign. Even if the management during pregnancy is usually conservative and surgical excision is reserved for very strong malignancy suspicion, benign lesions can cause the impossibility to breastfeed after giving birth when involving the nipple. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 28-year-old female, who was referred to the Breast Unit of the University Hospital of Modena (Italy) in May 2020 with a 12-months history of enlargement of the left nipple with associated erythema, serohemorrhagic discharge, and pain in the left nipple region. The diagnostic assessment came out in favor of a nipple adenoma. After surgical treatment was recommended, the patient got pregnant. Taking into account the major risks of surgery during pregnancy, a multidisciplinary discussion was conducted, to consider whether to proceed with surgery or postpone it after pregnancy. Because of the volume and the position of the adenoma, the indication for surgical excision was confirmed, to allow regular lactation and breastfeeding immediately after giving birth and to avoid potential obstructive complications. Surgical excision of nipple adenoma without complete resection of the nipple was performed after her first trimester of pregnancy under local anesthesia. A histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. No recurrence occurred after 12 months. The patient gave birth, had no deficit in lactation, and successfully breastfed. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we consider that nipple adenoma enucleation might be a safe treatment even during pregnancy. Moreover, conservative local treatment of nipple adenomas can preserve the nipple aesthetically and functionally, thus allowing regular lactation and breastfeeding in young women.

Predictive factors for relapse in triple-negative breast cancer patients without pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients who do not obtain pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) present higher rate of relapse and worse overall survival. Risk factors for relapse in this subset of patients are poorly characterized. This study aimed to identify the predictive factors for relapse in TNBC patients without pCR after NACT. Methods: Women with TNBC treated with NACT from January 2008 to May 2020 at the Modena Cancer Center were included in the analysis. In patients without pCR, univariate and multivariable Cox analyses were used to determine factors predictive of relapse. Results: We identified 142 patients with a median follow-up of 55 months. After NACT, 62 patients obtained pCR (43.9%). Young age at diagnosis (<50 years) and high Ki-67 (20%) were signi!cantly associated with pCR. Lack of pCR after NACT resulted in worse 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Factors independently predicting EFS in patients without pCR were the presence of multifocal disease [hazard ratio (HR), 3.77; 95% CI, 1.45-9.61; p=0.005] and residual cancer burden (RCB) III (HR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.09-9.9; p=0.04). Neither germline BRCA status nor HER2-low expression were associated with relapse. Discussion: These data can be used to stratify patients and potentially guide treatment decision-making, identifying appropriate candidates for treatment intensi!cation especially in neo-/adjuvant setting.

Ewing's Sarcoma of the Breast in a Young Woman: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Ewing's Sarcoma Family Tumors (ESFT) include classic Ewing's sarcoma of bone, extra-skeletal Ewing's sarcoma (EES), malignant small cell tumor of the chest wall (Askin tumor), and soft tissue-based Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal tumors (pPNET). The t(11;22)(q24;q12) translocation is associated with 85% of tumors and leads to EWS-FLI-1 (Ewing's Sarcoma-Friend Leukemia Integration-1) formation. This is a potent transforming gene that encodes a chimeric protein that plays a role in the genesis of Ewing's Sarcoma and Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors. The breast location of ESFT remains exceptional. The prognosis is among the poorest of all subtypes of breast cancer and even poorer than other extraosseous Ewing's sarcomas. We describe the case report of a 23-year-old patient with a growing breast lump, who required an accurate and challenging diagnostic estimation and who ultimately resulted in a peripheral primary neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET). Through this case description and a brief narrative review of the literature, we aim to highlight the rarity of ESFT located in the breast. Histopathological confirmation is mandatory for all growing masses of the breast to reach a conclusive diagnosis and plan the correct treatment. Patients with rare diagnoses should always be centralized in breast units, conducting multidisciplinary meetings and, when necessary, the diagnosis should be shared through wider national or international registries.

Uncommon differential diagnosis of a breast ulcer: a case study.

INTRODUCTION: Spider bites are common worldwide. Frequently symptoms resolve without any adverse outcome, but in rare cases the bite can cause severe morbidity. The most typical presentation of Mediterranean recluse spider (Loxosceles Rufescens) bite is a dermatonecrotic lesion of the skin (skin loxoscelism). When the only manifestation of a spider bite is an ulcerated skin lesion, clinical suspicion and differential diagnosis strongly depend on its site. We present the case of an ulcerated wound of the breast, diagnosed as a Mediterranean recluse spider bite. CASE PRESENTATION: A 79-year-old woman presented a 10cm-wide soft tissue ulceration of her left breast. At first, the diagnostic hypothesis of an ulcerated cancer was ruled out. Two family members revealed a recent history of Mediterranean recluse spider bite and the same clinical diagnosis was made for our patient. A wide excision was performed, with complete resolution of symptoms. DISCUSSION: No specific diagnostic criteria for spider bites are available. Diagnosis is usually clinical. Skin loxoscelism could be easily mistaken for cellulitis, various types of skin infections, cutaneous anthrax, vasculitis, scorpion sting, pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema migrans of Lyme disease or prurigo nodularis. A thorough anamnestic interview is fundamental to raise the diagnostic hypothesis. When possible, a biopsy is recommended and it is extremely important when the ulcer can mimic a cancer, as is the case in breast tissue. CONCLUSION: We recommend a wide excision of the wound after failure of conservative treatment, in order to obtain local control and to perform histological examination on a more representative specimen.

Development of a novel nomogram-based online tool to predict axillary status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cN+ breast cancer: A multicentre study on 1,950 patients.

BACKGROUND: Type of axillary surgery in breast cancer (BC) patients who convert from cN + to ycN0 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is still debated. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a preoperative predictive nomogram to select those patients with a low risk of residual axillary disease after NAC, in whom axillary surgery could be minimized. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 1950 clinically node-positive BC patients from 11 Breast Units, treated by NAC and subsequent surgery, were included from 2005 to 2020. Patients were divided in two groups: those who achieved nodal pCR vs. those with residual nodal disease after NAC. The cohort was divided into training and validation set with a geographic separation criterion. The outcome was to identify independent predictors of axillary pathologic complete response (pCR). RESULTS: Independent predictive factors associated to nodal pCR were axillary clinical complete response (cCR) after NAC (OR 3.11, p < 0.0001), ER-/HER2+ (OR 3.26, p < 0.0001) or ER+/HER2+ (OR 2.26, p = 0.0002) or ER-/HER2- (OR 1.89, p = 0.009) BC, breast cCR (OR 2.48, p < 0.0001), Ki67 > 14% (OR 0.52, p = 0.0005), and tumor grading G2 (OR 0.35, p = 0.002) or G3 (OR 0.29, p = 0.0003). The nomogram showed a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 73% (AUC 0.77, 95%CI 0.75-0.80). After external validation the accuracy of the nomogram was confirmed. CONCLUSION: The accuracy makes this freely-available, nomogram-based online tool useful to predict nodal pCR after NAC, translating the concept of tailored axillary surgery also in this setting of patients.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Surgical Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Multicentric Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many scientific committees proposed neoadjuvant therapy (NACT) bridging treatment as a novel strategy and indication. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer patients undergoing NACT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All breast cancer patients referred to two Breast Units during COVID-19-pandemic were enrolled. RESULTS: Out of 814 patients, 43(5.3%) were enrolled in the COVID-19-group and compared with 94 (7.9%) similar Pre-COVID-19 patients. We observed a reduction in the number of patients undergoing NACT, p=0.0019. No difference was reported in terms of clinical presentation, indications, and tumor response. In contrast, a higher number of vascular adverse events was reported (6.9% vs. 0% p=0.029). Immediate breast cancer reconstructions following invasive surgery suffered a significant slowdown (5.9% vs. 47.7%, p=0.019). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 caused a reduction in the number of patients undergoing NACT, with no changes in terms of indications, clinical presentation, and tumor response. Furthermore, there was an increased incidence of vascular events.

Application of OSNA Nomogram in Patients With Macrometastatic Sentinel Lymph Node: A Retrospective Assessment of Accuracy.

INTRODUCTION: Almost 50% to 70% of patients who undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) because of a single metastatic sentinel lymph node (SLN) have no further metastatic nodes at the axillary histology. On these grounds, the one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) nomogram was designed and validated. As a mathematical model, calculated through tumor size (expressed in millimeters) and CK19 mRNA copy number, it is thought to predict nonsentinel lymph node (NSLN) status. The aim of the study is to verify the diagnostic accuracy of the OSNA nomogram in a group of patients with macrometastatic SLN, with a retrospective analysis. METHODS: The OSNA nomogram was retrospectively applied to a group of 66 patients with macrometastatic SLN who underwent ALND. The result of the final histology of the axillary cavity was compared to the nomogram prediction. We calculated the prevalence of NSLN metastasis in patients who underwent ALND, sensitivity and specificity, negative and positive predictive value of the nomogram. RESULTS: In patients with macrometastasis in SLN, the prevalence of patients with metastatic NSLN was 45%. The sensitivity of the nomogram was excellent (90%). The specificity was low (36%). Positive predictive value amounted to 54%, while negative predictive value was good (81%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the OSNA nomogram is a valid instrument that can help choose the best surgical strategy for the treatment of axillary cavity. The mathematical model is useful to avoid surgery in a selected group of patients because it accurately predicts NSLN status.

Clinicopathologic Profile of Breast Cancer in Germline ATM and CHEK2 Mutation Carriers.

The most common breast cancer (BC) susceptibility genes beyond BRCA1/2 are ATM and CHEK2. For the purpose of exploring the clinicopathologic characteristics of BC developed by ATM or CHEK2 mutation carriers, we reviewed the archive of our Family Cancer Clinic. Since 2018, 1185 multi-gene panel tests have been performed. Nineteen ATM and 17 CHEK2 mutation carriers affected by 46 different BCs were identified. A high rate of bilateral tumors was observed in ATM (26.3%) and CHEK2 mutation carriers (41.2%). While 64.3% of CHEK2 tumors were luminal A-like, 56.2% of ATM tumors were luminal B-like/HER2-negative. Moreover, 21.4% of CHEK2-related invasive tumors showed a lobular histotype. About a quarter of all ATM-related BCs and a third of CHEK2 BCs were in situ carcinomas and more than half of ATM and CHEK2-related BCs were diagnosed at stage I-II. Finally, 63.2% of ATM mutation carriers and 64.7% of CHEK2 mutation carriers presented a positive BC family history. The biological and clinical characteristics of ATM and CHEK2-related tumors may help improve diagnosis, prognostication and targeted therapeutic approaches. Contralateral mastectomy should be considered and discussed with ATM and CHEK2 mutation carriers at the first diagnosis of BC.

Guide-wire replacement of a mini-midline catheter with a central venous catheter: A retrospective study on 63 cases.

BACKGROUND: Achieving a reliable venous access in a particular subset of patients and/or in emergency settings can be challenging and time-consuming. Furthermore, many hospitalized patients do not meet the criteria for central venous catheter positioning, unless an upgrade of the treatment is further needed. The mini-midline catheter has already showed to be reliable and safe as a stand-alone device, since it is easily and rapidly inserted and can indwell up to 1 month. METHODS: In this further case series, we retrospectively evaluated data from 63 patients where a previously inserted mini-midline catheter was upgraded to a central venous catheter (the devices inserted in the arm replaced by peripherally inserted central catheter and others inserted "off-label" in the internal jugular replaced by single lumen centrally inserted central catheter), being used as introducer for the Seldinger guidewire. RESULTS: The guidewire replacement was been made even early (after 1 day) or late (more than 10 days), usually following a need for an upgrade in treatment. No early or late complications were reported. CONCLUSION: According to the preliminary data we collected, this converting procedure seems to be feasible and risk-free, since neither infectious nor thrombotic complications were reported.

Delay in Breast Cancer Treatments During the First COVID-19 Lockdown. A Multicentric Analysis of 432 Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Extraordinary restrictions aimed to limit Sars-CoV-2 spreading; they imposed a total reorganization of the health-system. Oncological treatments experienced a significant slowdown. The aim of our multicentric retrospective study was to evaluate screening suspension and surgical treatment delay during COVID-19 and the impact on breast cancer presentation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent breast surgery from March 11, 2020 to May 30, 2020 were evaluated and considered as the Lockdown group. These patients were compared with similar patients of the previous year, the Pre-Lockdown group. RESULTS: A total of 432 patients were evaluated; n=223 and n=209 in the Lockdown and Pre-lockdown-groups, respectively. At univariate analysis, waiting times, lymph-nodes involvement and cancer grading, showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified waiting-time on list (OR=1.07) as a statistically significant predictive factor of lymph node involvement. CONCLUSION: Although we did not observe a clinically evident difference in breast cancer presentation, we reported an increase in lymph node involvement.

Postmenopausal hormone therapy in BRCA gene mutation carriers: to whom and which?

INTRODUCTION: Risk-reducing-salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) inevitably leads BRCA mutation carriers to premature menopause. AREAS COVERED: To evaluate the existing evidence for use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) in BRCAmc, after RRSO or menopause occurring naturally, for both breast cancer (BC) survivors and those without BC. EXPERT OPINION: All BC survivors are excluded from any HT treatment: in other BRCAmc, before 51 years of age the benefits of HT overcome the risks after RRSO and/or premature ovarian insufficiency (POF). After 51 years of age, it is important to treat only women with important vasomotor symptoms, after the failure of alternative therapies. Estrogens-only therapy plays a key role in hysterectomized women (HW). In the case of an intact uterus (UW), associations with the lowest dose of progestins/natural progesterone derivatives have to be preferred, as progestins has been shown to play an important role in BC transformation, especially in BRCA1mc. No studies have been performed in BRCAmc with regard to 'progestin-free' HT, in particular the old tibolone (both in HW and UW) and the new tissue-selective estrogen complex (in UW). However, preliminary data obtained from the general population are reassuring about the use of these 'progestin-free' preparations and BC safety.

Modulation of Mutational Landscape in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: In early-stage HER2 positive breast cancer (BC) patients, tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) predict survival outcomes. Patients achieving less than pathological complete response (pCR) have a worse prognosis, however, this group is heterogeneous. Nowadays limited data on predictive/prognostic biomarkers in patients with residual cancer disease are available. METHODS: Using next-generation sequencing technology, we evaluated a panel of 21 cancer genes in a group of HER2 positive BC patients with residual disease after NACT. A control group of patients who achieved the pCR was selected too. The BC mutational profile was analyzed on both the tumor diagnostic biopsy and matched residual disease. RESULTS: Overall, the detection rate of mutations was 79% in the No-pCR group versus 90% in the pCR cohort and 98% in the residual BC. The most mutated genes were TP53 and PIK3CA. No correlations between single gene mutations and survival outcomes were found. In no-pCR cohort, 52% of patients had different mutational profile after NACT, 69% of them had an increased in the number of mutated genes. Mutational profile changes from diagnostic biopsy to residual BC were a negative prognostic factor in term of relapse free survival: recurrence probability in different gene profile sub-group was 42% vs 0% in the same profile one (P = .019). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment selective pressure on tumor cells due to NACT changed the gene mutational profile in more than half of BC patient with residual tumor disease. Treatment-induced gene mutations significantly increase the risk of relapse. Profiling primary and residual BC is a major step in order to further personalized adjuvant treatment strategy.

The Effect of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Breast Cancer Teamwork: A Multicentric Survey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Despite the large amount of clinical data available of Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19), not many studies have been conducted about the psychological toll on Health Care Workers (HCWs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this multicentric descriptive study, surveys were distributed among 4 different Breast Cancer Centers (BCC). BCCs were distinguished according to COVID-19 tertiary care hospital (COVID/No-COVID) and district prevalence (DP) (High vs. Low). DASS-21 score, PSS score and demographic data (age, sex, work) were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 51 HCWs were analyzed in the study. Age, work and sex did not demonstrate statistically significant values. Statistically significant distribution was found between DASS-21-stress score and COVID/No-COVID (p=0.043). No difference was found in the remaining DASS-21 and PSS scores, dividing the HCWs according to COVID-19-hospital and DP. CONCLUSION: Working in a COVID-19-hospital represents a factor that negatively affects psychosocial well-being. However, DP seems not to affect the psychosocial well-being of BCC HCWs. During the outbreak, psychological support for low risk HCWs should be provided regardless DP.

BRCA Detection Rate in an Italian Cohort of Luminal Early-Onset and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients without Family History: When Biology Overcomes Genealogy.

NCCN Guidelines recommend BRCA genetic testing in individuals with a probability >5% of being a carrier. Nonetheless, the cost-effectiveness of testing individuals with no tumor family history is still debated, especially when BRCA testing is offered by the national health service. Our analysis evaluated the rate of BRCA pathogenic or likely-pathogenic variants in 159 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients diagnosed ≤60 years, and 109 luminal-like breast cancer (BC) patients diagnosed ≤35 without breast and/or ovarian family histories. In TNBC patients, BRCA mutation prevalence was 22.6% (21.4% BRCA1). Mutation prevalence was 64.2% ≤30 years, 31.8% in patients aged 31-40, 16.1% for those aged 41-50 and 7.9% in 51-60s. A total of 40% of patients with estrogen receptors (ER) 1-9% were BRCA1 carriers. BRCA detection rate in early-onset BCs was 6.4% (4.6% BRCA2). Mutation prevalence was 0% between 0-25 years, 9% between 26-30 years and 6% between 31-35 years. In conclusion, BRCA testing is recommended in TNBC patients diagnosed ≤60 years, regardless of family cancer history or histotype, and by using immunohistochemical staining <10% for both ER and/PR. In luminal-like early-onset BC, a lower BRCA detection rate was observed, suggesting a role for other predisposing genes along with BRCA genetic testing.

Male mammary myofibroblastoma: Two case reports and brief review of literature.

Myofibroblastoma of the breast is a rare benign stromal tumor that occurs in both sexes with a higher prevalence in male breast of older populations. Furthermore, myofibroblastoma can arise in extra mammary sites, along the milk-line. A variety of morphological variants in addition to the classic type have been identified. The differential diagnosis includes both benign and malignant entities that, through the use of clinical and radiological imaging, is difficult to characterize. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry are fundamental in the establishment of appropriate management of the disease and avoidance of overtreatment. The present study focuses on two cases of male mammary myofibroblastoma, with a short literature review.

A regional population-based hereditary breast cancer screening tool in Italy: First 5-year results.

BACKGROUND: Up to 10% of individuals with breast cancer (BC) belong to families with hereditary syndromes. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument to identify individuals/families at high-hereditary risk for BC and offer dedicated surveillance programs according to different risks. METHODS: The instrument consisted of a primary questionnaire collecting history of BC and ovarian cancer (OC). This questionnaire was applied to women enrolled in the Emilia-Romagna Breast Cancer Screening Program. General practitioners (GPs) and specialists could propose the same questionnaire too. Women with a score of ≥ 2, were invited to complete an oncogenetic counseling. According to the Tyrer-Cuzick evaluation, women considered at high risk were invited to involve the most representative alive individual of the family affected with BC/OC for BRCA1/2 genetic testing. RESULTS: Since January 2012 and December 2016, 660 040 women were evaluated by the regional screening program, of which 22 289 (3.5%) were invited to the Spoke evaluation, but only 5615 accepted (25.2%). Totally, also considering women sent by GPs and specialists, 11 667 were assessed and 5554 were sent to the Hub evaluation. Finally, 2342 (42.8%) women fulfilled the criteria for genetic testing, and 544 (23.2%) resulted BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first regional population-based multistep model that is aimed to identify individuals with BRCA1/2 mutations and to offer an intensive surveillance program for hereditary-high risk women. This tool is feasible and effective, even if more efforts must be performed to increase the acceptance of multiple assessments by the study population.

Pancreaticogastrostomy as reconstruction choice in pancreatic trauma surgery: Case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Due to its retroperitoneal location and its proximity to major vascular structures and other organs, isolated pancreatic injuries are rare. The optimal management for pancreatic injuries of grades III and IV, where a main ductal transection is present, remains controversial. Isolated complete traumatic transection of the pancreatic neck is uncommon, but this condition is associated with some peculiar technical aspects that allow more conservative treatments. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: A closed abdominal blunt trauma in a young patient underwent emergency surgery for suspect hemoperitoneum. Intraoperatively evidence of complete traumatic transection of the pancreatic neck treated with pancreas tissue debridement, suture of the cephalic stump and pancreaticogastrostomy reconstruction. DISCUSSION: Preservation of pancreatic volume and avoidance of adjacent organ resection is associated with lesser mortality and morbidity rate. The advantages of conservative treatments are related to reductions in the postoperative exocrine and endocrine insufficiencies. CONCLUSION: In selected cases of complete neck transection with preserved pancreatic parenchyma in a stable patient, parenchymal-sparing interventions should be considered. Pancreaticogastrostomy offers an easier to learn and faster technique also suited for less experienced surgeons.