Age alone is not a barrier to efficacy of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal metastases: analysis of 1138 patients from the UK and Ireland Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases Registry.

BACKGROUND: The management of colorectal peritoneal metastases continues to be a challenge but recent evidence suggests cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can improve survival. Uncertainty about the relationship between age and tumour biology makes patient selection challenging particularly when reported procedure related morbidity is high and impact on survival outcomes unknown. The UK and Ireland Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases Registry was reviewed to assess the influence of age on efficacy of CRS and HIPEC. METHODS: A review of outcomes from the UK and Ireland Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases Registry was performed. Data from 2000 to 2021 were included from five centres in the UK and Ireland, and the cohort were sub-divided into three age groups; <45 years, 45-65 years and >65 years old. Primarily, we examined post-operative morbidity and survival outcomes across the three age groups. In addition, we examined the impact that the completeness of cytoreduction, nodal status, or adverse pathological features had on long-term survival. RESULTS: During the study period, 1138 CPM patients underwent CRS HIPEC. 202 patients(17.8%) were <45 years, 549 patients(48.2%) aged 45-65 years and 387 patients(34%) >65 years. Overall, median length of surgery (CRS and HIPEC), median PCI score and rate of HIPEC administration was similar in all three groups, as was overall rates of major morbidity and/or mortality. Complete cytoreduction rates (CC0) were similar across the three cohorts; 77%, 80.6% and 81%, respectively. Median overall survival for all patients was 38 months following complete cytoreduction. CONCLUSION: Age did not appear to influence morbidity or long-term survival following CRS and HIPEC. When complete cytoreduction is achieved survival outcomes are good. The addition of HIPEC can be performed safely and may reduce local recurrence within the peritoneum.

First Report With Medium-term Follow-up of Intestinal Transplantation for Advanced and Recurrent Nonresectable Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with the combination of radical surgical excision and intestinal transplantation in patients with recurrent pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) not amenable to further cytoreductive surgery (CRS). BACKGROUND: CRS and heated intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy are effective treatments for many patients with PMP. In patients with extensive small bowel involvement or nonresectable recurrence, disease progression results in small bowel obstruction, nutritional failure, and fistulation, with resulting abdominal wall failure. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2022, patients with PMP who had a nutritional failure and were not suitable for further CRS underwent radical debulking and intestinal transplantation at our centre. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent radical exenteration of affected intra-abdominal organs and transplantation adapted according to the individual case. Eight patients had isolated small bowel transplantation and 7 patients underwent modified multivisceral transplantation. In addition, in 7 patients with significant abdominal wall tumor involvement, a full-thickness vascularized abdominal wall transplant was performed. Two of the 15 patients died within 90 days due to surgically related complications. Actuarial 1-year and 5-year patient survivals were 79% and 55%, respectively. The majority of the patients had significant improvement in quality of life after transplantation. Progression/recurrence of disease was detected in 91% of patients followed up for more than 6 months. CONCLUSION: Intestinal/multivisceral transplantation enables a more radical approach to the management of PMP than can be achieved with conventional surgical methods and is suitable for patients for whom there is no conventional surgical option. This complex surgical intervention requires the combined skills of both peritoneal malignancy and transplant teams.

Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Outcomes Improved After National Training Program (LAPCO) for Specialists in England.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of The National Training Program for Lapco on the rate of laparoscopic surgery and clinical outcomes of cases performed by Lapco surgeons after completion of training. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lapco provided competency-based supervised clinical training for specialist colorectal surgeons in England. METHODS: We compared the rate of laparoscopic surgery, mortality, and morbidity for colorectal cancer resections by Lapco delegates and non-Lapco surgeons in 3-year periods preceding and following Lapco using difference in differences analysis. The changes in the rate of post-Lapco laparoscopic surgery with the Lapco sign-off competency assessment and in-training global assessment scores were examined using risk-adjusted cumulative sum to determine their predictive clinical validity with predefined competent scores of 3 and 5 respectively. RESULTS: One hundred eight Lapco delegates performed 4586 elective colo-rectal resections pre-Lapco and 5115 post-Lapco while non-Lapco surgeons performed 72,930 matched cases. Lapco delegates had a 37.8% increase in laparoscopic surgery which was greater than non-Lapco surgeons by 20.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 18.5-23.3, P < 0.001) with a relative decrease in 30-day mortality by -1.6% (95% CI, -3.4 to -0.2, P = 0.039) and 90-day mortality by -2.3% (95% CI, -4.3 to -0.4, P = 0.018). The change point of risk-adjusted cumulative sum was 3.12 for competency assessment tool and 4.74 for global assessment score whereas laparoscopic rate increased from 44% to 66% and 40% to 56%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lapco increased the rate of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery and reduced mortality and morbidity in England. In-training competency assessment tools predicted clinical performance after training.

Overall Survival is More Closely Associated with Peritoneal than Primary Appendiceal Pathological Grade in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei with Discordant Pathology.

BACKGROUND: The WHO classification of mucinous appendix neoplasms and pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) describes low- and high-grade histology and is of prognostic importance. The metastatic peritoneal disease grade can occasionally be different from the primary appendix tumor. This analysis aimed to report outcomes from a high-volume center in patients with pathological discordance. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospective data of patients treated by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for PMP at a single institution between January 2016 and December 2020. Reporting was by pathologists with a special interest in peritoneal malignancy. Discordant pathology was classified as a low-grade primary appendix tumor with high-grade peritoneal disease, or a high-grade primary appendix tumor with low-grade peritoneal disease. Outcomes analyzed were overall and recurrence-free survival, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test were used to analyze the outcomes. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2020, 830 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC for PMP, of whom 37 (4.4%) had discordant pathology. The primary appendix tumors were low-grade in 23 patients and high-grade in 14 patients. The median Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) was significantly higher in patients with a low-grade primary tumor (31 vs. 16; p = 0.001), while complete cytoreduction (CC0/1) was achieved in 31/37 (83.8%) patients. The median follow-up was 19 months. Overall survival was worse in those with high-grade peritoneal disease (p = 0.029), whereas recurrence-free survival was similar in both groups (p = 0.075). CONCLUSION: In PMP with pathological discordance, the peritoneal disease grade influences prognosis and survival.

Patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal malignancy of appendiceal origin should be consented for umbilical excision as 30% have umbilical infiltration.

AIM: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal malignancy has traditionally included umbilical excision with no published evidence on the incidence of umbilical involvement. The primary aim of this work was to determine the incidence of umbilical involvement in patients undergoing CRS for peritoneal malignancy of appendiceal origin. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationship of umbilical involvement with prior surgery affecting the umbilicus, such as diagnostic laparoscopy and midline laparotomy. METHOD: This study is from a national referral centre in the United Kingdom for appendiceal tumours and peritoneal malignancy. It is a retrospective analysis from a dedicated prospective database. We evaluated the most recent 200 consecutive patients who underwent CRS for peritoneal malignancy of appendiceal origin where all pathology specimens were reported by a recognized expert pathologist in appendiceal tumours and peritoneal malignancy. RESULTS: From June 2016 to September 2019, 200 consecutive patients had CRS and 178 had umbilical excision. Of these 54/178 (30.3%) had disease involving the umbilicus. The pathological findings in the 178 patients were low-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei in 90/178 (50.6%), high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei in 31/178 (17.4%), metastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma in 29/178 (16.4%) and diffuse acellular mucin in 28/178 (15.7%). Umbilical involvement was found in 25/90 (27.8%) with low-grade, 11/31 (35.5%) with high-grade, 8/29 (27.6%) with adenocarcinoma and 10/28 (35.7%) of patients with acellular mucin. In the 54 patients with umbilical disease, 30/54 (55.6%) had previous diagnostic surgery affecting the umbilicus. In the 124 patients without umbilical disease, 76/124 (61.2%) had prior surgery involving the umbilicus. The difference between the groups was not significant (p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: In patients with peritoneal malignancy of appendiceal origin, approximately 30% have umbilical involvement, irrespective of the primary appendiceal pathology. Umbilical involvement was not associated with prior surgery involving the umbilicus. This is the first report to document the incidence of umbilical pathology and supports consideration of routine umbilical excision in CRS for peritoneal malignancy.

Development and validation of a recommended checklist for assessment of surgical videos quality: the LAParoscopic surgery Video Educational GuidelineS (LAP-VEGaS) video assessment tool.

INTRODUCTION: There has been a constant increase in the number of published surgical videos with preference for open-access sources, but the proportion of videos undergoing peer-review prior to publication has markedly decreased, raising questions over quality of the educational content presented. The aim of this study was the development and validation of a standard framework for the appraisal of surgical videos submitted for presentation and publication, the LAParoscopic surgery Video Educational GuidelineS (LAP-VEGaS) video assessment tool. METHODS: An international committee identified items for inclusion in the LAP-VEGaS video assessment tool and finalised the marking score utilising Delphi methodology. The tool was finally validated by anonymous evaluation of selected videos by a group of validators not involved in the tool development. RESULTS: 9 items were included in the LAP-VEGaS video assessment tool, with every item scoring from 0 (item not presented in the video) to 2 (item extensively presented in the video), with a total marking score ranging from 0 to 18. The LAP-VEGaS video assessment tool resulted highly accurate in identifying and selecting videos for acceptance for conference presentation and publication, with high level of internal consistency and generalisability. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that peer review in adherence to the LAP-VEGaS video assessment tool could enhance the overall quality of published video outputs.

Mode of Presentation in 1070 Patients With Perforated Epithelial Appendiceal Tumors, Predominantly with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

BACKGROUND: Perforated epithelial appendiceal tumors are uncommon and can give rise to pseudomyxoma peritonei. Pseudomyxoma peritonei is rare, almost always of appendiceal origin, and presents in various ways relevant to abdominal surgeons. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the mode of presentation of pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin in patients treated in a high-volume UK peritoneal malignancy center. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study was conducted. SETTINGS: This was a single-center study. PATIENTS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing surgery between March 1994 and December 2016 was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mode of presentation was classified into 7 categories: "histological diagnosis at abdominal surgery for presumed appendicitis," "probable pseudomyxoma peritonei" based on abnormality on cross-sectional imaging (± image-guided biopsy)," "abnormal imaging (other cause suspected) and operative finding of pseudomyxoma peritonei," "diagnostic laparoscopy," "ovarian mass," "new-onset hernia," and "miscellaneous." RESULTS: Overall, 1070 patients underwent surgery (female 61%, male 39%); median age was 57. The mode of presentation was abnormality on cross-sectional imaging in 324 of 1070 patients (30.3%), histological diagnosis at emergency surgery for presumed appendicitis in 203 of 1070 patients (19%), and abnormal imaging with eventual pseudomyxoma peritonei diagnosis in 180 of 1070 patients (16.8%); 124 of 651 women (19.2%) presented with an ovarian mass. New-onset hernia was the presenting feature in 9.9%; 83 of 1070 patients (7.7%) were diagnosed at diagnostic laparoscopy, and 32 of 1070 patients (3%) were described as "miscellaneous." Overall, 775 of 1070 patients (72.4%) had complete cytoreductive surgery with 10-year survival of 63.5%. LIMITATIONS: Results are limited by the retrospective nature of the study, radiological improvements over the study period, and the number of patients who had overlapping features at presentation. CONCLUSION: Perforated appendiceal tumors present in various ways but predominantly at cross-sectional imaging or coincidentally at laparoscopy or laparotomy. All abdominal surgeons will occasionally encounter cases, often unexpectedly, and recognition and referral to a specialized unit results in excellent outcomes in most cases. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B256. MODO DE PRESENTACIÓN EN 1070 PACIENTES CON TUMORES EPITELIALES APENDICULARES PERFORADOS, PREDOMINANTEMENTE CON PSEUDOMIXOMA PERITONEAL: Los tumores epiteliales apendiculares perforados son poco frecuentes y pueden dar lugar a Pseudomyxoma peritonei. El pseudomixoma peritoneal es raro, casi siempre de origen apendicular, y se presenta de diversas formas relevantes para los cirujanos abdominales.El objetivo fue informar el modo de presentación del Pseudomixoma peritoneal de origen apendicular en pacientes tratados en un centro de malignidad peritoneal de alto volumen en el Reino Unido.Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo.Este fue un estudio de centro único.Análisis retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva de pacientes consecutivos sometidos a cirugía entre marzo de 1994 y diciembre de 2016.El modo de presentación se clasificó en 7 categorías: "diagnóstico histológico en la cirugía abdominal por presunta apendicitis", "probable Pseudomixoma peritoneal" basado en la anormalidad en la imagen de corte transversal (biopsia guiada por imagen +/-), "imagen anormal (se sospecha otra causa) y hallazgo quirúrgico de Pseudomixoma peritoneal", "laparoscopia diagnostica", "masa ovarica", "hernia de reciente aparicion" y "varios".En total, 1070 pacientes fueron operados (mujeres 61%, hombres 39%); edad media 57. El modo de presentación fue anormalidad en la imágen transversal en 324/1070 (30.3%), el diagnóstico histológico en cirugía de emergencia por presunta apendicitis en 203/1070 (19%), la imágen anormal con eventual diagnóstico de Pseudomixoma peritoneal en 180 / 1070 (16.8%), 124/651 (19.2%) las mujeres presentaron una masa ovárica. La hernia de reciente aparición fue la característica de presentación en 9.9%, 83/1070 (7.7%) fueron diagnosticados por laparoscopia diagnóstica y 32/1070 (3%) "misceláneos". En general, 775/1070 (72,4%) se sometió a cirugía citorreductora completa con una supervivencia a 10 años del 63,5%.Una deficiencia es que los resultados están limitados por la naturaleza retrospectiva del estudio, las mejoras radiológicas a lo largo del período de estudio, y varios pacientes tenían características superpuestas en la presentación.Los tumores apendiculares perforados se presentan de varias maneras, pero predominantemente en imágenes transversales o casualmente en laparoscopia o laparotomía. Todos los cirujanos abdominales encontrarán ocasionalmente con casos, a menudo inesperados, y el reconocimiento y la derivación a una unidad especializada da lugar a excelentes resultados en la mayoría de los casos. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B256.).

Use of laparoscopic videos amongst surgical trainees in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Surgical trainers consider laparoscopic videos as a useful teaching aid to maximize trainees' learning and skill development given the backdrop of time constraints and productivity demands. Aim of this study is to assess the current use of laparoscopic videos amongst surgical trainees in the United Kingdom. METHODS: A steering committee of 15 experienced laparoscopic trainers from 8 countries developed a survey on the use of laparoscopic videos by surgical trainees. The survey items were finalized by discussion through e-mails, teleconferences, and face-to-face meetings and a finalised questionnaire was distributed amongst surgical trainees in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: 92 trainees were invited and 75 returned the questionnaire (81.5%). 86.7% of the trainees routinely watched online surgical videos and the more frequently used websites were Youtube.com and Websurg.com. Trainees require laparoscopic videos to have supplementary educational content such as English commentary (90.7%) and use of snapshots (93.3%) and diagrams (86.7%). Position of the patient and trocars, indication for surgery, preoperative data and postoperative outcomes are required characteristics of laparoscopic videos. 29 trainees (38.7%) do not record the laparoscopic procedures they perform, despite the majority of them recognising the usefulness of routine video-recording for training purposes (78.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical trainees consider videos a useful adjunct in laparoscopic surgery training, with preference for open access sources. Trainees value highly informative videos with supplementary educational content.

LAP-VEGaS Practice Guidelines for Reporting of Educational Videos in Laparoscopic Surgery: A Joint Trainers and Trainees Consensus Statement.

OBJECTIVE: Consensus statement by an international multispecialty trainers and trainees expert committee on guidelines for reporting of educational videos in laparoscopic surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Instructive laparoscopy videos with appropriate exposition could be ideal for initial training in laparoscopic surgery, but there are no guidelines for video annotation or procedural educational and safety evaluation. METHODS: Delphi questionnaire of 45 statements prepared by a steering group and voted on over 2 rounds by committee members using an electronic survey tool. Committee selection design included representative surgical training experts worldwide across different laparoscopic specialties, including general surgery, lower and upper gastrointestinal surgery, gynecology and urology, and a proportion of aligned surgical trainees. RESULTS: All 33 committee members completed both the first and the second round of the Delphi questionnaire related to 7 major domains: Video Introduction/Authors' information; Patient Details; Procedure Description; Procedure Outcome; Associated Educational Content; Peer Review; and Use in Educational Curriculae. The 17 statements that did not reach at least 80% agreement after the first round were revised and returned into the second round. The committee consensus approved 37 statements to at least an 82% agreement. CONCLUSION: Consensus guidelines on how to report laparoscopic surgery videos for educational purposes have been developed. We anticipate that following our guidelines could help to improve video quality.These reporting guidelines may be useful as a standard for reviewing videos submitted for publication or conference presentation.

All in: expansion of the acquisition of data for outcomes and procedure transfer (ADOPT) program to an entire SAGES annual meeting hands-on hernia course.

BACKGROUND: Continuing professional development (CPD) for the surgeon has been challenging because of a lack of standardized approaches of hands-on courses, resulting in poor post-course outcomes. To remedy this situation, SAGES has introduced the ADOPT program, implementing a standardized, long-term mentoring program as part of its hernia hands-on course. Previous work evaluating the pilot program showed increased adoption of learned procedures as well as increased confidence of the mentored surgeons. This manuscript describes the impact of such a program when it is instituted across an entire hands-on course. METHODS: Following collection of pre-course benchmark data, all participants in the 2016 SAGES hands-on hernia course underwent structured, learner-focused instruction during the cadaveric lab. All faculty had completed a standardized teaching course in the Lapco TT format. Subsequently, course participants were enrolled in a year-long program involving longitudinal mentorship, webinars, conference calls, and coaching. Information about participant demographics, training, experience, self-reported case volumes, and confidence levels related to procedures were collected via survey 3 months prior to 9 months after the course. RESULTS: Twenty surgeons participated in the SAGES ADOPT 2016 hands-on hernia program. Of these, seventeen completed pre-course questionnaires (85%), ten completed the 3-month questionnaire (50%), and four completed the 9-month questionnaire (20%). Nine of ten respondents of the 3-month survey (90%) reported changes in their practice. In the 9-month survey, significant increases in the annualized procedural volumes were reported for open primary ventral hernia repair, open components separation, and mesh insertion for ventral hernia repair (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The expansion of the ADOPT program to an entire hands-on hernia course is both feasible and beneficial, with evidence of Kirkpatrick Levels 1-4a training effectiveness. This expanded success suggests that it is a useful blueprint for the CPD of surgeons wishing to learn new techniques and procedures for their patients.

Outcomes of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma and predictors of survival.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) benefits selected patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. We present the outcomes of this treatment strategy in a UK peritoneal malignancy national referral centre. METHODS: Observational retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected in a dedicated peritoneal malignancy database between March 1998 and January 2016. RESULTS: Of 1586 patients treated for peritoneal malignancy, 76 (4.8%) underwent surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma. Median age was 49 years (range 21-73 years). 34 patients (45%) were female. Of the 76 patients, 39 (51%) had low grade histological subtypes (mostly multicystic mesothelioma), and 37 (49%) had diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM; mostly epithelioid mesothelioma). Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 52 patients (68%) and maximal tumour debulking (MTD) was performed in 20 patients (26%); the remaining 4 patients (5%) underwent a laparotomy with biopsy only. HIPEC was administered in 67 patients (88%). Median overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after CRS was 97.8 (80.2-115.4) and 58.8 (47.4-70.3) months, respectively. After complete cytoreduction, 100% overall survival was observed amongst patients with low-grade disease. Ki-67 proliferation index was significantly associated with survival outcomes after complete cytoreduction for DMPM and was an independent predictor of decreased survival. CONCLUSION: With adequate patient selection (guided by histological classification and Ki-67 proliferation index) and complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, satisfactory outcomes can be achieved in selected patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy in assessment and management of patients with appendiceal neoplasms.

INTRODUCTION: Radiological imaging often underestimates the extent of low volume peritoneal disease. The benefit of laparoscopy in assessing peritoneal metastases from colorectal and gastric cancer is accepted, but is inconclusive for appendiceal malignancy. We report our experience of diagnostic (DL) and therapeutic laparoscopy (TL) in patients with appendiceal tumours to determine indications and role in assessment and management. METHODS: A retrospective review of a National Peritoneal Malignancy Centre's prospectively maintained database was performed. All patients with appendiceal neoplasms who underwent DL or TL between September 2011 and January 2016 were included. The indications and outcomes of the laparoscopy, complications and interval to laparotomy were evaluated. RESULTS: Six hundred and eighty-five patients underwent surgery for appendiceal neoplasms during the study period, of which 73 (10.6%) underwent laparoscopy (50 DL, 23 TL). The main indications for DL were to clarify imaging and stage patients with high-risk histology. Indications for TL were an abnormal appendix without gross pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) or with low volume PMP, and concerns for fertility in the presence of PMP. DL resulted in 16 patients (32%) avoiding laparotomy because of extensive disease or no tumour found. Overall, 28 patients were assessed to have resectable disease and at laparotomy, 25/28 had complete cytoreduction with three patients unresectable. In the TL group, appendicectomy and peritoneal lavage was achieved in all four women with fertility concerns, allowing them to conceive thereafter. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high-risk appendiceal neoplasm may benefit from DL, and potentially avoid unnecessary laparotomy. TL is useful in patients with low volume PMP and may aid fertility in selected patients.

Peritoneal Involvement Is More Common Than Nodal Involvement in Patients With High-Grade Appendix Tumors Who Are Undergoing Prophylactic Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Right hemicolectomy is routinely recommended in patients with histologic findings of high-grade appendix tumors after appendicectomy. Undetected peritoneal disease may be encountered at surgery. In high-grade appendix tumors with disease detected radiologically, complete cytoreduction may not be possible and outcomes poor. For these reasons, we adopted a policy of prophylactic cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to quantify the rates of peritoneal and nodal metastatic disease in patients with high-grade appendix tumors without obvious metastatic disease and to report the long-term outcomes of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in these patients. DESIGN: Data regarding peritoneal and nodal metastatic disease were extracted from surgical and histologic records. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary referral center for peritoneal malignancy. PATIENTS: Patients referred with histologically high-grade appendix tumors at appendicectomy, without detectable metastatic spread, between January 1994 and September 2016 were included MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:: A total of 62 patients with high-grade pathology at appendicectomy, without clinical or radiological peritoneal disease, underwent complete cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. RESULTS: Thirty-five (57%) of 62 patients had peritoneal disease (median peritoneal cancer index 5 (range, 1-28)). Eleven (31%) of 35 had microscopic peritoneal disease. Overall, 23 (37%) of 62 had peritoneal disease beyond the confines of a standard right hemicolectomy. Nine (15%) of 62 had nodal involvement. Mean overall and disease-free survival were 110.9 (95% CI, 94.8-127.0 mo) and 102.1 months (95% CI, 84.3-119.9 mo), with 5-year overall and disease-free survival of 83.2% and 76.0%. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature limits the interpretation of these results. CONCLUSIONS: Complete cytoreduction was achieved in all of the patients, with excellent long-term survival. The incidence of peritoneal spread (57%) compared with nodal involvement (15%) supports cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy as definitive treatment rather than prophylaxis in patients with high-grade appendix tumors, even without radiologically detectable disease. High-grade appendix tumors benefit from early aggressive operative management to deal with potential peritoneal and nodal spread and should be considered for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A360.

Risk of Ovarian Involvement in Advanced Colorectal or Appendiceal Tumors Involving the Peritoneum.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian metastases of GI tumors grow rapidly and are relatively resistant to systemic chemotherapy. They may be unilateral or bilateral and macroscopic or occult. The risk of macroscopic ovarian involvement or occult involvement of macroscopically normal ovaries is unquantified. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantify the risks of ovarian involvement in patients with peritoneal malignancy undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of a dedicated prospective malignancy database. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary referral center for peritoneal malignancy. PATIENTS: Female patients with at least 1 remaining ovary, undergoing complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for appendiceal tumors or colorectal peritoneal metastases between January 2010 and March 2015 were included. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data regarding ovarian involvement was extracted from surgical and histological records. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-eight female patients with at least 1 ovary underwent complete cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy during the study period. In total, 141 of 258 (54.7%) patients had ovarian tumor involvement, and 80% with at least 1 macroscopically abnormal ovary had bilateral involvement. Of 40 patients with 1 macroscopic ovarian metastasis, microscopic involvement of the contralateral ovary was found in 18 of 40 (45.0%). Of 141 patients in whom both ovaries were macroscopically normal, 24 of 141 (17.0%) patients had microscopic ovarian involvement. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature limits the interpretation of these results. CONCLUSIONS: Occult malignancy was present in 17% when both ovaries looked macroscopically normal and in 45% of contralateral normal-looking ovaries if the other ovary was macroscopically involved. These results help to inform preoperative consent and intraoperative decision making in patients with advanced appendiceal and colorectal malignancy, and are of benefit in managing advanced lower GI tract malignancy.

SAGE(S) advice: application of a standardized train the trainer model for faculty involved in a Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) hands-on course.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, no prerequisite teaching qualification is required to serve as faculty for SAGES hands-on courses (SAGES-HOC). The Lapco-Train-the-Trainers (Lapco-TT) is a course for surgical trainers, in which delegates learn a standardized teaching technique for skills acquisition. The aims of this study were to 1) determine if this curriculum could be delivered in a day course to SAGES-HOC faculty and 2) assess the impact of such training on learners' educational experience taught by this faculty at a subsequent SAGES-HOC. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Six experts attended a one-day Lapco-TT course. SAGES-HOC participants were split into two groups: Group A taught by Lapco-TT trained, and Group B by "untrained" course faculty. Opinion surveys were completed by both the SAGES-HOC learners and the Lapco-TT trained course faculty. Furthermore, the latter underwent self-, learner-, and observer-based evaluation using a previously validated teaching assessment tool (cSTTAR). Mean scores were reported and analyzed [Mann-Whitney U, t test (p < 0.05)]. RESULTS: All 6 Lapco-TT delegates found the course useful (5), and felt that it would influence the way they taught in the OR (4.83), that their course objectives were met (4.83), and that they would recommend the course to their colleagues (4.83). Of the SAGES-HOC participants, compared to Group B (n = 22), Group A learners(n = 10) better understood what they were supposed to learn (5 vs. 4.15 [p = 0.046]) and do (5 vs. 4 [p = 0.046]), felt that the session was well organized (5 vs. 4 [p = 0.046]), that time was used effectively (5 vs. 3.9 [p = 0.046]), and that performance feedback was sufficient (5 vs. 3.9 [p = 0.028]) and effective (5 vs. 3.95 [p = 0.028]). Group A faculty were rated significantly higher by their learners on the cSTTARs than Group B (p < 0.0005). Group A faculty rated themselves significantly lower than both expert observers (p < 0.0005) and compared to the Group B faculty's self-assessment (p < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The Lapco-TT course can be delivered effectively over one day and impacts the educational experience of learners at a SAGES-HOC. This could help establish a standardized method of teaching at SAGES-HOCs and thereby increase their value for learners.

Advanced Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Requiring Gastrectomy to Achieve Complete Cytoreduction Results in Good Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Optimal outcomes in pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) require complete macroscopic tumor removal by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Partial or complete gastrectomy may be required with ongoing debate as to the risks and benefits of gastrectomy in what is often a low-grade malignancy. METHODS: Retrospective single-center analysis of 1014 patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for PMP of appendiceal origin. Complications and survival were compared in patients who had gastrectomy versus the nongastrectomy cohort. RESULTS: Of 1014 patients, 747 (74 %) had CRS and HIPEC with complete cytoreduction. Overall, 86 (12 %) of 747 had partial (n = 80) or total (n = 6) gastrectomy. Median age was 55 years for gastrectomy patients and 56 for nongastrectomy patients (p = 0.591). Preoperative tumor markers [carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125 and CA19-9] were elevated more frequently in the gastrectomy group compared to the nongastrectomy group [81, 61 and 81 % compared to 41 % (p = 0.001), 20 % (p = 0.001) and 39 % (p = 0.001), respectively]. The proportion of high-grade histology was similar in the two groups (gastrectomy 19 % vs. nongastrectomy 18 %, p = 0.882). Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo III-IV) were 31 % for the gastrectomy group and 13 % for the nongastrectomy group (p = 0.001). The 30-day postoperative mortality was 3 (0.5 %) of 661 for the nongastrectomy group and 1 (1.2 %) of 86 for the gastrectomy group (p = 0.387). Three- and 5-year overall survival were 96 and 88 % in the nongastrectomy group and 87 and 77 % in the gastrectomy group (p = 0.018). Three- and 5-year disease-free survival were 89 and 77 % in the nongastrectomy group versus 66 and 48 % in the gastrectomy group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gastrectomy is an essential component of complete cytoreduction in advanced PMP and was required in 12 % of patients with good long-term survival.

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: an emerging treatment option for advanced goblet cell tumors of the appendix.

BACKGROUND: The debate remains whether appendiceal goblet cell cancers behave as classical carcinoid or adenocarcinoma. Treatment options are unclear and reports of outcomes are scarce. Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS+HIPEC) is considered optimal treatment for peritoneal involvement of other epithelial appendiceal tumors. METHODS: Prospective cohorts of patients treated for advanced appendiceal tumors from three peritoneal malignancy centres were collected (1994-2011). All patients underwent complete CRS+HIPEC, when possible, or tumor debulking. Demographic and outcome data for patients with goblet cell cancers were compared to patients with low- or high-grade epithelial appendiceal tumors treated during the same time period. RESULTS: Details on 45 goblet cell cancer patients were compared to 708 patients with epithelial appendix lesions. In the goblet cell group, 57.8 % were female, median age was 53 years, median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 24, and CRS+HIPEC was achieved in 71.1 %. These details were similar in patients with low- or high-grade epithelial tumors. Lymph nodes were involved in 52 % of goblet cell patients, similar to rates in high-grade cancers, but significantly higher than in low-grade lesions (6.4 %; p < 0.001). At 3 years, overall survival (OS) was 63.4 % for goblet cell patients, intermediate between that for high-grade (40.4-52.2 %) and low-grade (80.6 %) tumors. On multivariate analysis, tumor histology, PCI, and achievement of CRS+HIPEC were independently associated with OS. CONCLUSIONS: This data supports the concept that appendiceal goblet cell cancers behave more as high-grade adenocarcinomas than as low-grade lesions. These patients have reasonable long-term survival when treated using CRS+HIPEC, and this strategy should be considered.

Health related quality of life is excellent and sustained at two decades after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in survivors of pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin.

INTRODUCTION: Optimal management of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which can achieve 20-year disease-free, and overall survival. There is limited information on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of PMP survivors beyond five years. We report longitudinal HRQOL in patients with PMP of appendiceal origin up to 17-years after their CRS and HIPEC in 2003-2004. METHODS: Patients had HRQOL assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires pre-operatively, and at 1-, 10- and 17-years post-operatively. Comparisons in global health-related QOL (global-HRQOL) measures were made with (1) an age- and sex-matched normal European population, (2) between patients who underwent complete cytoreduction (CRS CC0/1) versus maximal tumor debulking (MTD), and (3) between those with and without peritoneal recurrence. RESULTS: Forty-six patients underwent CRS & HIPEC for appendiceal PMP. One patient withdrew from the study. Of the 45 patients, 23 patients were alive at ten and 15 patients at 17-years post-operatively. 21/23 (91%) and 14/15 patients (93%) completed questionnaires respectively. Pre-operatively, patients had significantly lower global-HRQOL compared with the reference population. Over follow-up, patients experienced improvements in their global-HRQOL. By post-operative year-10 and -17, there was no difference between the global-HRQOL of patients and reference population. As expected, patients with CC0/1 and without peritoneal tumor recurrence had better global-HRQOL at ten- and 17-years post-operatively compared with those with MTD or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal CRS and HIPEC is an effective treatment for appendiceal PMP that can achieve long-term survival. HRQOL is excellent and maintained, in those who have CC0/1 without recurrence.

Differences in coagulation-relevant parameters: Comparing cryoprecipitate and a human fibrinogen concentrate.

BACKGROUND: Variable fibrinogen content within cryoprecipitate makes accurate dosing challenging in patients with coagulopathic bleeding, in addition to pathogen transmission risks associated with its administration. Purified and standardized human fibrinogen concentrates (HFCs) represent reliable alternatives. Full cryoprecipitate characterization is required to inform selection of an appropriate fibrinogen source for supplementation therapy. METHODS: Extended biochemical comparison of pooled cryoprecipitate and HFC (Fibryga, Octapharma) was performed using commercially available assays to determine levels of variability in cryoprecipitate and HFC. In addition to standard procoagulant factors, measurements included activities of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and plasminogen, and levels of fibrin degradation products. RESULTS: Cryoprecipitate contains lower fibrinogen levels than HFC (4.83 vs.19.73 g/L; p<0.001), translating to approximately half the amount of fibrinogen per standard cryoprecipitate dose (two pools, pre-pooled from five donations each) vs. HFC (2.14 vs. 3.95 g; p<0.001). Factor XIII (FXIII) levels were also lower in cryoprecipitate vs. HFC (192.17 vs. 328.33 IU/dL; p = 0.002). Levels of procoagulants in cryoprecipitate, such as von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII), were highly variable, as was PMP activity. A standard cryoprecipitate dose contains significantly higher levels of measured plasminogen and D-dimer fragments than a standard HFC dose. CONCLUSION: The tested HFC is a more reliable fibrinogen and FXIII source for accurate dosing compared with cryoprecipitate. Cryoprecipitate appears considerably less predictable for bleeding management due to wide variation in pro- and anticoagulation factors, the presence of PMPs, and the potential to elevate VWF and FVIII to prothrombotic levels.

Pilot study to evaluate hypercoagulation and inflammation using rotational thromboelastometry and calprotectin in COVID-19 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal coagulation and inflammation are hallmarks of SARs-COV-19. Stratifying affected patients on admission to hospital may help identify those who at are risk of developing severe disease early on. Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a point of care test that can be used to measure abnormal coagulation and calprotectin is a measure of inflammation. AIM: Assess if ROTEM can measure hypercoagulability on admission and identify those who will develop severe disease early on. Assess if calprotectin can measure inflammation and if there is a correlation with ROTEM and calprotectin. METHODS: COVID-19 patients were recruited on admission and ROTEM testing was undertaken daily for a period of 7 days. Additionally inflammatory marker calprotectin was also tested for the same period. RESULTS: 33 patients were recruited to the study out of which 13 were admitted to ITU and 20 were treated on the ward. ROTEM detected a hypercoagulable state on admission but did not stratify between those admitted to a ward or escalated to ITU. Calprotectin levels were raised but there was no statistical difference (p = 0.73) between patients admitted to a ward or escalated to ITU. Significant correlations were observed between FIBA5 (r = 0.62; p<0.00), FIBCFT (r = -0.57; p<0.00), FIBMCF (r = 0.64; p<0.00) and INMCF (r = 0.57; p<0.00) and calprotectin. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients were hypercoagulable on admission. The correlations between ROTEM and calprotectin underline the interactions between inflammation and coagulation.