Pancreatic cysts: can surveillance interval for small low-risk lesions be lengthened?

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of pancreatic cysts are necessary due to risk of malignant transformation. However, reported progression rates to advanced neoplasia are variable and the high frequency of surveillance scans may pose a considerable burden on healthcare resources. PURPOSE: To validate the effectiveness of the Fukuoka Guidelines surveillance regime and determine if a longer surveillance interval can be established. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the pancreas performed at our institution between January 2014 and December 2016 with at least one pancreatic cystic lesion and follow-up MRI or computed tomography (CT) over at least two years were reviewed for size, worrisome feature (WF), and high-risk stigmata (HRS) at diagnosis and follow-up imaging (up to year 6). Reference standards for advanced neoplasia were based on endoscopic ultrasound, fine needle aspiration cytology, or the presence of ≥2 WF or ≥1 HRS on imaging. Comparison of MRI features of progression and outcomes of diagnostic endpoints between lesions <20 mm and ≥20 mm was performed. RESULTS: A total of 270 patients were included (201 cysts <20 mm, 69 cysts ≥20 mm). Compared with cysts <20 mm, cysts ≥20 mm were more likely to be associated with WF or HRS (40.6% vs. 12.4%; P ≤0.00001), demonstrate increase in size of ≥5 mm in two years (20.3% vs. 10.9%; P = 0.049), and develop advanced neoplasia (24.6% vs. 0.5%; P <0.00001). CONCLUSION: Pancreatic cysts <20 mm have a low risk of developing WF and HRS and surveillance interval may be lengthened.

Short-term outcomes after liver resection for malignant and benign disease in the age of ERAS.

INTRODUCTION: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols have been implemented effectively after liver resection and provide benefits in terms of general morbidity rates. In order to optimise peri-operative care protocols and minimise morbidity, further investigation is required to identify factors associated with poor outcome after liver resection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing liver resection and enhanced recovery care between January 2006 and September 2012 was conducted. Data were collected on patient outcome and demographics, operative and pathological details. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of adverse outcome. RESULTS: 603 patients underwent liver resection during the study period. Morbidity and mortality rates were 34.3% and 1.5% respectively. The only predictor of major morbidity was extended resection (OR 4.079; 95% CI 2.177-7.642). CONCLUSIONS: Extended resection is associated with major morbidity. When determining optimum peri-operative care, ERAS protocols must incorporate care components that can mitigate against morbidity associated with extended resection.

Endoscopic internal drainage with double pigtail stents for upper gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks: suitable for all cases?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Surgeons and endoscopists have started to use endoscopically inserted double pigtail stents (DPTs) in the management of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) leaks, including UGI anastomotic leaks. We investigated our own experiences in this patient population. METHODS: From March 2017 to June 2020, 12 patients had endoscopic internal drainage of a radiologically proven anastomotic leak after UGI surgery in two tertiary UGI centers. The primary outcome measure was the time to removal of the DPTs after anastomotic healing. The secondary outcome measure was early oral feeding after DPT insertion. RESULTS: Eight of the 12 patients (67%) required only one DPT, whereas four (33%) required two DPTs. The median duration of drainage was 42 days. Two patients required surgery due to inadequate control of sepsis. Of the remaining 10 patients, nine did not require a change in DPT before anastomotic healing. Nine patients were allowed oral fluids within the 1st week and a soft diet in the 2nd week. One patient was allowed clear oral feeds on the 8th day after DPT insertion. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic internal drainage is becoming an established minimally invasive technique for controlling anastomotic leak after UGI surgery. It allows for early oral nutritional feeding and minimizes discomfort from conventional external drainage.