[Surgical treatment for primary aldosteronism]. / Rôle de la chirurgie dans l'hyperaldostéronisme primaire.

Primary aldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension in the middle-aged population. A high level of suspicion is required, due to the higher morbidity and mortality associated with damage to target organs (heart, brain, vessels, kidneys) than with essential hypertension. Screening involves 3 phases: detection, confirmation and detection of lateralization if surgery is an option. The choice of treatment will depend on the cause and the patient's wishes and may be either medical (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) or surgical (unilateral adrenalectomy). Both treatment options reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality if blood pressure is well controlled.

L'hyperaldostéronisme primaire est la cause la plus fréquente d'hypertension artérielle secondaire dans la population d'âge moyen. Un haut niveau de suspicion doit être de mise en raison d'une morbimortalité liée aux atteintes d'organes cibles (cœur, cerveau, vaisseaux, reins) plus élevée que lors d'hypertension artérielle essentielle. Le dépistage se fait en 3 phases : détection, confirmation et recherche de latéralisation si une chirurgie est envisageable. Le choix du traitement va dépendre de la cause et des désirs du patient et peut être médicamenteux (antagonistes des récepteurs des minéralocorticoïdes) ou chirurgical (surrénalectomie unilatérale). Les deux options thérapeutiques diminuent le risque de morbimortalité cardiovasculaire si la tension artérielle est bien contrôlée.

Hemicolectomy versus appendectomy for patients with appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours 1-2 cm in size: a retrospective, Europe-wide, pooled cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Awareness of the potential global overtreatment of patients with appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of 1-2 cm in size by performing oncological resections is increasing, but the rarity of this tumour has impeded clear recommendations to date. We aimed to assess the malignant potential of appendiceal NETs of 1-2 cm in size in patients with or without right-sided hemicolectomy. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we pooled data from 40 hospitals in 15 European countries for patients of any age and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status with a histopathologically confirmed appendiceal NET of 1-2 cm in size who had a complete resection of the primary tumour between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 31, 2010. Patients either had an appendectomy only or an appendectomy with oncological right-sided hemicolectomy or ileocecal resection. Predefined primary outcomes were the frequency of distant metastases and tumour-related mortality. Secondary outcomes included the frequency of regional lymph node metastases, the association between regional lymph node metastases and histopathological risk factors, and overall survival with or without right-sided hemicolectomy. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the relative all-cause mortality hazard associated with right-sided hemicolectomy compared with appendectomy alone. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03852693. FINDINGS: 282 patients with suspected appendiceal tumours were identified, of whom 278 with an appendiceal NET of 1-2 cm in size were included. 163 (59%) had an appendectomy and 115 (41%) had a right-sided hemicolectomy, 110 (40%) were men, 168 (60%) were women, and mean age at initial surgery was 36·0 years (SD 18·2). Median follow-up was 13·0 years (IQR 11·0-15·6). After centralised histopathological review, appendiceal NETs were classified as a possible or probable primary tumour in two (1%) of 278 patients with distant peritoneal metastases and in two (1%) 278 patients with distant metastases in the liver. All metastases were diagnosed synchronously with no tumour-related deaths during follow-up. Regional lymph node metastases were found in 22 (20%) of 112 patients with right-sided hemicolectomy with available data. On the basis of histopathological risk factors, we estimated that 12·8% (95% CI 6·5 -21·1) of patients undergoing appendectomy probably had residual regional lymph node metastases. Overall survival was similar between patients with appendectomy and right-sided hemicolectomy (adjusted hazard ratio 0·88 [95% CI 0·36-2·17]; p=0·71). INTERPRETATION: This study provides evidence that right-sided hemicolectomy is not indicated after complete resection of an appendiceal NET of 1-2 cm in size by appendectomy, that regional lymph node metastases of appendiceal NETs are clinically irrelevant, and that an additional postoperative exclusion of metastases and histopathological evaluation of risk factors is not supported by the presented results. These findings should inform consensus best practice guidelines for this patient cohort. FUNDING: Swiss Cancer Research foundation.

Surgical site infections after kidney transplantation are independently associated with graft loss.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common health care-associated infections. SSIs after kidney transplantation (K-Tx) can endanger patient and allograft survival. Multicenter studies on this early posttransplant complication are scarce. We analyzed consecutive adult K-Tx recipients enrolled in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study who received a K-Tx between May 2008 and September 2020. All data were prospectively collected with the exception of the categorization of SSI which was performed retrospectively according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. A total of 58 out of 3059 (1.9%) K-Tx recipients were affected by SSIs. Deep incisional (15, 25.9%) and organ/space infections (34, 58.6%) predominated. In the majority of SSIs (52, 89.6%), bacteria were detected, most frequently Escherichia coli (15, 28.9%), Enterococcus spp. (14, 26.9%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (13, 25.0%). A BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (multivariable OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.07-4.34, P = .023) and delayed graft function (multivariable OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.56-5.34, P = .001) were independent risk factors for SSI. In Cox proportional hazard models, SSI was independently associated with graft loss (multivariable HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.35-10.38, P = .011). In conclusion, SSI was a rare complication after K-Tx. BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and delayed graft function were independent risk factors. SSIs were independently associated with graft loss.

[Surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism]. / Prise en charge chirurgicale de l'hyperparathyroïdie primaire.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by hypercalcemia due to inappropriate parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion mostly caused by a single adenoma. Clinical manifestations vary and include bone loss (osteopenia, osteoporosis), kidney stones, asthenia and psychiatric disorders. In 80 % of cases PHPT is asymptomatic. Secondary causes of elevated PTH such as renal insufficiency and/or vitamin D deficiency should be excluded, and 24-hour calciuria should be measured to rule out familial hyocalciuric hypercalcemia. Surgery requires radiological tests: a cervical ultrasound to exclude concomitant thyroid pathology and a functional examination (Sestamibi scintigraphy or F-choline PET scan). Management should be discussed in a multidisciplinary team. Treatment is surgical and can also be offered to asymptomatic patients.

L'hyperparathyroïdie primaire (HPTP) est caractérisée par une hypercalcémie causée par une sécrétion inappropriée de parathormone (PTH) due, dans la majorité des cas, à un adénome parathyroïdien unique. Les manifestations cliniques sont variées, comme la perte osseuse (ostéopénie, ostéoporose), les calculs rénaux, l'asthénie et les troubles psychiatriques. Dans 80 % des cas, l'HPTP est asymptomatique. Il faut exclure une cause secondaire d'élévation de la PTH sur une insuffisance rénale ou un déficit en vitamine D et doser la calciurie sur 24 heures pour exclure une hypercalcémie hypocalciurique familiale. La chirurgie nécessite des examens de radiologie au préalable : un ultrason cervical pour exclure une pathologie thyroïdienne concomitante et un examen fonctionnel (scintigraphie au Sestamibi ou PET-scan à la F-choline). Il est important de discuter de la prise en charge de façon multidisciplinaire. Le traitement curatif est chirurgical et peut aussi être proposé aux patients asymptomatiques.

[Management of abdominal soft tissue sarcomas]. / Prise en charge des sarcomes des tissus mous abdominaux.

Sarcomas are rare tumors divided into two categories: soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas. A soft tissue mass measuring more than 5 cm, deep, growing, atypical or symptomatic should be investigated further and referred to a specialized center. A percutaneous image-guided biopsy should always be performed in suspicious cases. Standard treatment is surgical. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be discussed in a multidisciplinary meeting. Recurrence is frequent and close follow-up of patients over the long term is necessary. A high degree of suspicion is required for any atypical abdominal lesion and the patient should be referred to a specialized sarcoma center as soon as possible instead of performing a surgical biopsy.

Les sarcomes sont des tumeurs rares divisées en deux catégories : les sarcomes des tissus mous et les sarcomes ostéoarticulaires. Une masse des tissus mous mesurant plus de 5 cm, profonde, en croissance, atypique ou symptomatique doit faire l'objet d'investigations complémentaires avec demande d'avis d'un centre spécialisé. Une biopsie radioguidée doit toujours être effectuée en cas de suspicion. Le traitement standard est chirurgical. La radiothérapie et la chimiothérapie doivent être discutées dans un colloque multidisciplinaire. La récidive est fréquente et le suivi rapproché et au long cours des patients est nécessaire. Il faut donc avoir un haut degré de suspicion devant toute lésion atypique et référer le patient dès que possible dans un centre spécialisé des sarcomes plutôt que de réaliser une biopsie chirurgicale a minima.

Impact of kidney transplantation on sleep apnea severity: A prospective polysomnographic study.

Fluid overload has been associated with a high prevalence of sleep apnea (SA) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In this prospective study, we hypothesized that improvement in kidney function and hydration status after kidney transplantation (Tx) may result in an improvement in SA severity. A total of 196 patients on the kidney Tx waiting list were screened for SA using home nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) to measure the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and underwent bioimpedance to assess body composition. Of 88 participants (44.9%) with SA (AHI ≥ 15/h), 42 were reassessed 6 months post-Tx and were compared with 27 control patients. There was a significant, but small, post-Tx improvement in AHI (from 44.2 ± 24.3 to 34.7 ± 20.9/h, P = .02) that significantly correlated with a reduction in fluid overload (from 1.8 ± 2.0 to 1.2 ± 1.2 L, P = .02) and body water (from 54.9% to 51.6%, P = .003). A post-Tx increase in body fat mass (from 26% to 30%, P = .003) possibly blunted the beneficial impact of kidney Tx on SA. All parameters remained unchanged in the control group. In conclusion, SA is a frequent condition in ESKD patients and partially improved by kidney Tx. We suggest that SA should be systematically assessed before and after kidney Tx. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02020642.

Completion Dissection or Observation for Sentinel-Node Metastasis in Melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel-lymph-node biopsy is associated with increased melanoma-specific survival (i.e., survival until death from melanoma) among patients with node-positive intermediate-thickness melanomas (1.2 to 3.5 mm). The value of completion lymph-node dissection for patients with sentinel-node metastases is not clear. METHODS: In an international trial, we randomly assigned patients with sentinel-node metastases detected by means of standard pathological assessment or a multimarker molecular assay to immediate completion lymph-node dissection (dissection group) or nodal observation with ultrasonography (observation group). The primary end point was melanoma-specific survival. Secondary end points included disease-free survival and the cumulative rate of nonsentinel-node metastasis. RESULTS: Immediate completion lymph-node dissection was not associated with increased melanoma-specific survival among 1934 patients with data that could be evaluated in an intention-to-treat analysis or among 1755 patients in the per-protocol analysis. In the per-protocol analysis, the mean (±SE) 3-year rate of melanoma-specific survival was similar in the dissection group and the observation group (86±1.3% and 86±1.2%, respectively; P=0.42 by the log-rank test) at a median follow-up of 43 months. The rate of disease-free survival was slightly higher in the dissection group than in the observation group (68±1.7% and 63±1.7%, respectively; P=0.05 by the log-rank test) at 3 years, based on an increased rate of disease control in the regional nodes at 3 years (92±1.0% vs. 77±1.5%; P<0.001 by the log-rank test); these results must be interpreted with caution. Nonsentinel-node metastases, identified in 11.5% of the patients in the dissection group, were a strong, independent prognostic factor for recurrence (hazard ratio, 1.78; P=0.005). Lymphedema was observed in 24.1% of the patients in the dissection group and in 6.3% of those in the observation group. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate completion lymph-node dissection increased the rate of regional disease control and provided prognostic information but did not increase melanoma-specific survival among patients with melanoma and sentinel-node metastases. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and others; MSLT-II ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00297895 .).

Upfront use of eculizumab to treat early acute antibody-mediated rejection after kidney allotransplantation and relevance for xenotransplantation.

Acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) early after transplant remains a challenge, both in allotransplantation and in xenotransplantation. We report the case of an early and severe acute AMR episode in a kidney transplant recipient that was successfully treated with upfront eculizumab. A 58-year-old woman had been on dialysis since 2014. She underwent a first kidney transplant in 2018 with primary non-function and received several blood transfusions. Postoperatively, she developed anti-HLA antibodies. One year later, she received a second allograft from a deceased donor. At day 0, there was only one preformed low-level donor-specific antibody (DSA) anti-DQ7. After initial excellent allograft function, serum creatinine increased on days 7-9, and this was associated with oligo-anuria. On day 7, there was an increase in her DSA anti-DQ7 and 4 de novo DSA had developed at high MFI values. Allograft biopsy showed severe active AMR with diffuse C4d deposits in peritubular capillaries. The early acute AMR episode was treated with upfront eculizumab administration (2 doses) with efficient CH50 blockade (< 10% CH50). Rituximab was also administered on day 12, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was given over the following days. There was an excellent clinical response to eculizumab administration. Eculizumab administration rapidly reversed the acute AMR episode without the need for plasmapheresis. Rituximab and IVIG were also used as B-cell immunomodulators to decrease DSA. Blocking efficiently the terminal complement pathway may become a useful strategy to treat acute AMR in sensitized recipients of allografts, and possibly in recipients of discordant xenografts.

Lymphatic Leaks of the Thigh and Inguinal Region: Combined Plastic Surgery Approaches for an Effective Treatment Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Surgical procedures interfering with the draining nodes in the inguinal region carry the intrinsic risk of lymphatic complications. Lesions of the inguinal lymphatic network can lead to lymphocele or lymphocutaneous fistulas and can eventually be associated to limb lymphedema with consequent high morbidity. OBJECTIVES: This article describes a new surgical algorithm based on wound properties to properly address lymphatic complications of the inguinal area. Based on our experience, surgical solutions ranged from selective lymphatic vessel ligation to microsurgical lymphatic fistula treatment and free tissue transfer. METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients underwent surgery in our department following failed attempts to address persistent lymphatic leaks. Patient characteristics such as smoking, previous surgeries, comorbidities, and wound properties were considered. Identification of the leak was performed using blue patent dye and indocyanine green fluorescence. Surgical reconstruction occurred, according to our algorithm. RESULTS: Lymphatic leaks were visualized in 11 of 14 patients. Direct closure of the wound after leak ligation could be performed in 4 of 14 patients. Multilymphatic into vein anastomosis was performed in 3 of 14 patients, and the remaining patients benefited from flap surgery based on the wound defects. All 14 patients had successful outcomes (100%) with early drain removal (average, 6 [SD, 6] days) and definitive wound healing 2 weeks postoperatively. After a mean follow-up of 12 (SD, 2.9) months, no clinical infection, lymphatic complication, or wound breakdown occurred. One patient had a partial recurrence that did not require surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A stepwise approach, combining lymphatic surgery principles and plastic surgery flap techniques, can lead to an effective treatment algorithm where surgical options are wound tailored to guarantee the best functional outcomes.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma with nodular fasciitis-like stroma and ß-catenin mutations should be renamed papillary thyroid carcinoma with desmoid-type fibromatosis.

Various histological variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma have been reported, some with clinical implications, some with peculiar, sometimes misleading morphologies. One of these rare and poorly characterized variants is papillary thyroid carcinoma with nodular fasciitis-like stroma, of which fewer than 30 cases have been documented, mostly as isolated reports. It is a dual tumor comprising a malignant epithelial proliferation that harbors typical features of conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma, admixed with a prominent mesenchymal proliferation resembling nodular fasciitis or fibromatosis. Thus, the terms papillary thyroid carcinoma with nodular fasciitis-like stroma and papillary thyroid carcinoma with fibromatosis-like stroma are used interchangeably; however, the former term suggests a self-limited and regressing disease, whereas the latter one suggests a recurrent and potentially aggressive one. Better genetic and ultrastructural characterization could lead to more appropriate terminology and management. We performed detailed clinicopathological and molecular analyses of two cases of PTC with prominent mesenchymal proliferation that developed in the thyroid gland of two male patients aged 34 and 48. In both cases, the epithelial component harbored a heterozygous somatic activating BRAF mutation (p.V600E). Also, in both cases, the mesenchymal component showed typical aberrant nuclear and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for ß-catenin and harbored a heterozygous somatic activating mutation in the corresponding CTNNB1 gene (p.S45P). This mutation has never been reported in thyroid stroma; in other tissues, it is typical of desmoid-type fibromatosis rather than nodular fasciitis-like stroma. We therefore propose that in cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma with a prominent mesenchymal component, mutations in CTNNB1 should be sought; when they are present, the term 'papillary thyroid carcinoma with desmoid-type fibromatosis' should be used. As the mesenchymal component of these tumors is not expected to concentrate radioactive iodine, special considerations apply to clinical evaluation and follow-up, which should be brought to the attention of the treating specialist.

Outcomes of Kidney Donors over 60 Years Old: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

AIM: To evaluate outcomes and post-donation kidney function of older living kidney donors (LKD). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospective database including all consecutive LKD undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy in a single center (09/1998-12/2013). LKD aged ≥60 years were compared to younger LKD. Renal function assessed by creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). Surgical complications classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Bivariate and multivariate analyses using linear mixed effect models were performed to determine factors (age, gender, hypertension status, BMI, choice of better functioning kidney for donation) that might impinge on renal function after donation. RESULTS: 213 LKD were identified: 49 older (median age: 66 years, range: 60-79) and 164 younger (median age: 46, range: 25-59). Mean operative time (149 vs. 152 min, p = 0.69), conversion to laparotomy (n = 1 vs. 3, p = 0.92), grade III-IV complications (n = 4 vs. 2, p = 0.36) were similar. Older had more grade I-II complications (n = 18 vs. 4, p < 0.001). Despite similar pre-donation eGFR (80 vs. 84 ml/min/1.73 m2), older donors presented significantly lower eGFR during inpatient period (46 vs. 51 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.0003), at 1 month (51 vs. 58 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.002) and at 1 year (54 vs. 62 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis adjusted to gender, hypertension status, BMI and choice of better functioning kidney for donation showed that at 1 year, age ≥60 affected renal function by a coefficient of 0.91 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite renal function improvement after discharge, LKD ≥ 60 years presented lower eGFR than younger at one year and had more grade I-II surgical complications.

Impact of the Ultrasonic scalpel on the amount of drained lymph after axillary or inguinal lymphadenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Seroma formation and lymphoedema are frequently encountered complications after radical lymph node dissection (RLND). Attempts to reduce the lymphatic morbidity include the use of Ultrasonic Scalpel. The aim of the present analysis was to assess the impact of the ultrasonic scalpel on the amount of drained lymph after lymph node dissection. METHODS: Patients listed for a RLND or completion lymph node dissection (CLND) were enrolled in a prospective randomized trial to compare the impact of two surgical dissection techniques (USS versus control) on the amount of drained lymph. The lymph drained in 24 h was collected. Our primary endpoint was to compare the daily amount of drained lymph between the two groups. Secondary endpoints were the comparison of drained lymph with the BMI of the patients, the gender and the surgical site (axilla, groin). RESULTS: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to the USS group or the Control (C) group. No difference was measured in the total amount of lymph drained (USS: 2908 ± 2453 ml vs. C: 3898 ± 5791 ml; p-value = 0.382). The result was also similar after adjusting for gender, age, and BMI. A significant higher amount of lymph was measured after inguinal dissection with USS compared to axillary (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the use of Harmonic scalpel did not influence the amount of lymph drained after RLND and not support the theory that USS induces oversealing of lymphatics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial NCT02476357 . Registered 20 of February 2015.

[Adrenal surgery : Multidisciplinarity is mandatory]. / Chirurgie surrénalienne : la multidisciplinarité est obligatoire.

Adrenal tumours are rare and their management is challenging. Every patient presenting with adrenal mass or symptoms of hormones hypersecretion should be investigated. The two important questions to be answered are : 1. Is the tumour secreting ? Is the tumour malignant or not ? A complete endocrine work-up and a nativ CT-scan may usually answer these two questions but have to be interpreted by specialists in a multidisciplinary team setting. The decisions about managements of adrenal pathologies do follow international guidelines which are regularly updated. It is not recommended to perform diagnostic or surgical procedure before excluding pheochromocytoma or adrenocortical carcinoma which could have fatal outcome for the patient. Every adrenal mass has to be investigated and should not be made commonplace.

Les tumeurs surrénaliennes sont rares et leur prise en charge est complexe. Tout patient présentant une masse de plus de 1 cm ou des symptômes d'une hypersécrétion hormonale doit être investigué. Les questions à se poser sont : 1) La tumeur est-elle fonctionnelle ? 2) Est-elle maligne ou non ? Un bilan endocrinologique complet et un CT-scan natif pourront souvent répondre à ces interrogations mais devront être interprétés par des spécialistes au sein d'un colloque multidisciplinaire. Les décisions sur la prise en charge se basent sur des recommandations de pratiques cliniques (RCP). Il n'est pas recommandé de procéder à un geste diagnostique ou chirurgical avant d'avoir exclu un phéochromocytome ou un cancer corticosurrénalien car ceci pourrait avoir une issue fatale. Une masse surrénalienne ne doit être en aucun cas banalisée.

Prospective Randomized Study to Compare Lymphocele and Lymphorrhea Control Following Inguinal and Axillary Therapeutic Lymph Node Dissection With or Without the Use of an Ultrasonic Scalpel.

BACKGROUND: Many attempts to prevent lymphatic complications following therapeutic lymph node dissection (TLND) have included modifications in surgical techniques through the use of ultrasonic scalpels (USS) or lymphostatic agents. Previous randomized studies that enrolled heterogeneous groups of patients attempted to confirm the efficacy of such techniques. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the USS following TLND. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, patients undergoing inguinal or axillary TLND or completion lymph node dissection after positive sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma or sarcoma were randomized into two surgical dissection technique groups. In the USS dissection arm, surgery was conducted using a USS. These were compared with a control group whereby ligation and monopolar electrocautery was utilized. For axillary dissection, a standardized level III lymphadenectomy was performed. A complete inguinal lymphadenectomy including Cloquet's node was performed, and at the end of the procedure a Redon suction drain was routinely placed in the axilla and groin. The primary endpoint was to compare the time to drain removal in both groups, while the secondary endpoint was to evaluate the rate of complications (infection, fistula, lymphocele formation, wound dehiscence, lymphedema) between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were enrolled in this trial; 40 patients were randomly assigned to both the USS group and the control (C) group. No significant differences were observed in terms of duration of drainage (USS: 31 ± 20 vs. C: 32 ± 18; p = 0.83); however, a significantly increased rate of lymphedema (defined as an increased circumference of the operated limb of more than 10 %) was identified in the USS group (USS: 50 % vs. C: 27.5 %; p = 0.04). No other significant differences were recorded for postoperative complications, including surgical site infection (USS: 5 % vs. C: 7.5 %; p = 0.68), lymphatic fistula (USS: 5 % vs. C: 2.5 %; p = 0.62), lymphocele (USS: 32.5 % vs. C: 22.5 %; p = 0.33), and hematoma (USS: 5 % vs. C: 2.5 %; p = 0.62). CONCLUSION: The use of USS failed to offer any significant reduction in length of drain usage and operative complication, but it seems to increase the rate of lymphedema formation.

[Sarcoma centres : a necessary tool in the management of patients and for research.] / Centre des sarcomes : un nouvel outil pour améliorer la prise en charge du patient et soutenir la recherche.

Sarcomas are rare diseases, the treatment of which requires an appropriate technical plateform and a broad spectrum of multidisciplinary specialists. Many are initially treated by unplanned excision, and then referred to specialized centres. Secondary treatments may lead to higher complication rates and local recurrence, with lower functional outcome, life quality and possibly overall survival. In order to improve the accessibility for referral to a specialist centre, the coordination of clinical and research activities, and the quality of the management of sarcomas in general, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) has opened a Sarcoma centre on October 1st 2016. The objective of the present paper is to illustrate the concept and provide useful clinical recommendations.

Les sarcomes sont des maladies rares, dont la prise en charge multidisciplinaire nécessite un plateau technique important. Ils font souvent l'objet d'une excision initiale accidentelle, nécessitant une reprise en milieu spécialisé, avec un risque majoré de complications et de récidive locale, un impact sur la fonction, voire la survie. La prise en charge des sarcomes est réservée aux centres de référence, où il est souvent difficile pour le praticien de trouver un interlocuteur à qui adresser un patient ou demander un avis. Pour les cliniciens et les chercheurs, il est souvent compliqué de coordonner les activités. Pour en améliorer la prise en charge globale, le CHUV a donc créé un centre des sarcomes, inauguré le 1er octobre 2016. Le présent article a pour but d'illustrer cette problématique et de rappeler quelques données cliniques utiles.

Multidisciplinary approach of lumbo-sacral chordoma: From oncological treatment to reconstructive surgery.

Lumbo-sacral chordoma is a rare, slow-growing tumor, arising from embryonic nothocordal remnants. Wide en bloc excision with clear margins remains mandatory to achieve satisfactory recurrence rates and disease-free survival. No chemotherapy has been demonstrated to be effective and radiotherapy is only marginally effective. Tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors have showed encouraging results in locally advanced and metastatic chordoma. Reconstructive surgery may become very complex. Multidisciplinary approach in tertiary hospitals is always necessary.

Successful minimally invasive surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism: influence of preoperative imaging and intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels.

PURPOSE: Adenoma is the main parathyroid disorder leading to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is recognized as a valid procedure for adenoma-related PHP. It requires precise preoperative localization combining Tc-99m-MIBI (methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile) scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with x-ray computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative confirmation of successful excision by change in intact parathormone (iPTH) levels. The study aim was to assess the surgery success in relation to these two parameters. METHODS: All patients operated on for PHP from 2005 to mid-2014 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. MIP was performed in case of precise preoperative adenoma localization on scintigraphy, absence of past cervical surgery, and absence of concomitant thyroid resection necessity. In these patients, iPTH levels were monitored intraoperatively. Confirmation criteria for iPTH values were a return to normal level or a decrease >50 % of basal iPTH level. RESULTS: There were 197 PHP operations during the study period: 118 MIP and 79 bilateral neck explorations (BNEs). The MIP success rate was 95 % (112/118) with a preoperative MIBI scan ± CT accurate in 94 % (111/118) of the patients and with correct iPTH in 90 % (106/118) of the cases. Among the 12 iPTH levels that did not meet the confirmation criteria, 10 returned to normal range by postoperative day 2. Treatment failure appeared in three patients (one BNE, two MIPs). CONCLUSIONS: Tc-99m-MIBI dual-phase scintigraphy with SPECT/CT is the key examination for functional and morphological parathyroid adenoma localization. If preoperative scintigraphy is obvious and intraoperative assessment is clear, one could possibly safely omit iPTH, as it may lead to unnecessary BNE in primary PHP.

Peripheral lymphadenopathy of unknown origin in adults: a diagnostic approach emphasizing the malignancy hypothesis.

The term lymphadenopathy refers to an abnormality in size, consistency or morphological aspect of one or several lymph nodes. Although lymphadenopathies are commonly observed in everyday clinical practice, the difficulty of differentiating benign and malignant disease may delay therapeutic approaches. The present review aims to update diagnostic algorithms in different clinical situations based on the currently available literature. A literature review was performed to assess current knowledge of and to update the diagnostic approach. A short clinical vignette was used as an example of a typical clinical presentation. This case of metastatic lymphadenopathy with incomplete patient history demonstrates how misleading such lymphadenopathy may be, leading to a delayed diagnosis and even a fatal outcome. Any lymphadenopathy persisting for more than 2 weeks should be considered suspicious and deserves further investigation. Precise clinical examination, meticulous history-taking and a search for associated symptomatology are still cornerstones for diagnosing the origin of the condition. The next diagnostic step depends on the anatomical region and the specific patient's situation. Imaging starts with ultrasound, while computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow assessment of the surrounding structures. If the diagnosis remains uncertain, tissue sampling and histological analyses should be performed. Except for head and neck loco-regional lymphadenopathy, there are no methodical guidelines for persistent lymphadenopathy. The present review clarifies several confusing and complex situations. The accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology could be increased by using core needle biopsy with immunocytologic and flow cytometric methods. Notably, except in the head and neck area, open biopsy remains the best option when lymphoma is suspected or when inconclusive results of previous fine needle aspiration cytology or core needle biopsy are obtained. The incidence of malignant lymphadenopathy varies with its location and the various diagnostic strategies. In metastatic lymphadenopathy of unknown primary origin, European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines and modern methods like next-generation sequencing (NGS) may help to manage such complex cases.