Predicting the Risk of Morbidity by GLIM-Based Nutritional Assessment and Body Composition Analysis in Oncologic Abdominal Surgery in the Context of Enhanced Recovery Programs : The PHase Angle Value in Abdominal Surgery (PHAVAS) Study.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative nutritional status and body structure affect short-term prognosis in patients undergoing major oncologic surgery. Bioimpedance vectorial analysis (BIVA) is a reliable tool to assess body composition. Low BIVA-derived phase angle (PA) indicates a decline of cell membrane integrity and function. The aim was to study the association between perioperative PA variations and postoperative morbidity following major oncologic upper-GI surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2022 we prospectively performed BIVA in patients undergoing surgical resection for pancreatic, hepatic, and gastric malignancies on the day before surgery and on postoperative day (POD) 1. Malnutrition was defined as per the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. The PA variation (ΔPA) between POD1 and preoperatively was considered as a marker for morbidity. Uni and multivariable logistic regression models were applied. RESULTS: Overall, 542 patients with a mean age of 64.6 years were analyzed, 279 (51.5%) underwent pancreatic, 201 (37.1%) underwent hepatobiliary, and 62 (11.4%) underwent gastric resections. The prevalence of preoperative malnutrition was 16.6%. The overall morbidity rate was 53.3%, 59% in those with ΔPA < -0.5 versus 46% when ΔPA ≥ -0.5. Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.00; 1.22)], pancreatic resections [OR 2.27; 95% CI (1.24; 4.18)], estimated blood loss (OR 1.20; 95% CI (1.03; 1.39)], malnutrition [OR 1.77; 95% CI (1.27; 2.45)], and ΔPA [OR 1.59; 95% CI (1.54; 1.65)] were independently associated with postoperative complications in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with preoperative malnutrition were significantly more likely to develop postoperative morbidity. Moreover, a decrease in PA on POD1 was independently associated with a 13% increase in the absolute risk of complications. Whether proactive interventions may reduce the downward shift of PA and the complication rate need further investigation.

The Five Periampullary Cancers, not Just Different Siblings but Different Families: An International Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Cancer arising in the periampullary region can be anatomically classified in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA), duodenal adenocarcinoma (DAC), and ampullary carcinoma. Based on histopathology, ampullary carcinoma is currently subdivided in intestinal (AmpIT), pancreatobiliary (AmpPB), and mixed subtypes. Despite close anatomical resemblance, it is unclear how ampullary subtypes relate to the remaining periampullary cancers in tumor characteristics and behavior. METHODS: This international cohort study included patients after curative intent resection for periampullary cancer retrieved from 44 centers (from Europe, United States, Asia, Australia, and Canada) between 2010 and 2021. Preoperative CA19-9, pathology outcomes and 8-year overall survival were compared between DAC, AmpIT, AmpPB, dCCA, and PDAC. RESULTS: Overall, 3809 patients were analyzed, including 348 DAC, 774 AmpIT, 848 AmpPB, 1,036 dCCA, and 803 PDAC. The highest 8-year overall survival was found in patients with AmpIT and DAC (49.8% and 47.9%), followed by AmpPB (34.9%, P < 0.001), dCCA (26.4%, P = 0.020), and finally PDAC (12.9%, P < 0.001). A better survival was correlated with lower CA19-9 levels but not with tumor size, as DAC lesions showed the largest size. CONCLUSIONS: Despite close anatomic relations of the five periampullary cancers, this study revealed differences in preoperative blood markers, pathology, and long-term survival. More tumor characteristics are shared between DAC and AmpIT and between AmpPB and dCCA than between the two ampullary subtypes. Instead of using collective definitions for "periampullary cancers" or anatomical classification, this study emphasizes the importance of individual evaluation of each histopathological subtype with the ampullary subtypes as individual entities in future studies.

Clinical usefulness of routinely performed drain fluid cultures after pancreaticoduodenectomy. A new ally to predict patients' outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that bacterial contamination of surgical drains was associated with higher morbidity and mortality following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, there is still no agreement on the routine use of fluid drainage cultures in the management of patients underwent PD. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the role of surgical drain bacterial contamination in predicting patients' postoperative course. METHOD: Single-centre study including patients underwent PD at Humanitas Research Hospital (2010-2021). Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data were collected. Routinely performed fluid drain cultures on postoperative day (POD) 5 were analyzed and compared among patients throughout the cohort. RESULTS: A total of 825 patients were analyzed. Bacterial contamination of surgical drains was observed in 420 (50.9 %) patients and it was found to be associated with a higher rate of B/C grade pancreatic fistula (POPF) (P < 0.001), Clavien-Dindo≥3 (P < 0.001), 30-day mortality (P = 0.011), wound infection (P < 0.001), relaparotomies (P = 0.003) and greater length of hospital stay (LOS) (P < 0.001). Also, E. coli surgical drain contamination was demonstrated to double the risk of B/C grade POPF development (OR = 1.628, 95 % IC = 1.009-2.625, P = 0.046). Finally, preoperative biliary drainage (OR = 2.474, 95 % IC = 1.855-3.298, P < 0.001), age ≥75 years old (OR = 1.492, 95 % IC = 1.077-2.067, P = 0.016) and isolated Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy (OR = 1.639, 95 % IC = 1.229-2.188, P < 0.001) were identified as risk factors for surgical drains bacterial contamination. CONCLUSION: Bacterial contamination of surgical drains predicts the development of B/C grade POPF and other major complications after PD. Therefore, we suggest the routine use of fluid drain cultures following PD.

Management of Malignant Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Comprehensive Review on the Old, the Classic and the Innovative Approaches.

Gastrojejunostomy is the principal method of palliation for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstructions (GOO). Gastrojejunostomy was traditionally performed as a surgical procedure with an open approach butrecently, notable progress in the development of minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic gastrojejunostomies have emerged. Additionally, advancements in endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic stenting (ES) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE), are becoming more prominent. ES involves the placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) to restore luminal patency. ES is commonly the first choice for patients deemed unfit for surgery or at high surgical risk. However, although ES leads to rapid improvement of symptoms, it carries limitations like higher stent dysfunction rates and the need for frequent re-interventions. Recently, EUS-GE has emerged as a potential alternative, combining the minimally invasive nature of the endoscopic approach with the long-lasting effects of a gastrojejunostomy. Having reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of these different techniques, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review regarding the management of unresectable malignant GOO.

The Role of Adjuvant Therapy in Duodenal Adenocarcinoma and Intestinal Subtype Ampullary Carcinoma after Curative Resection.

OBJECTIVE: Defining the role of adjuvant therapy in duodenal adenocarcinoma (DAC) and intestinal subtype ampullary carcinoma (iAC). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: DAC and iAC share a similar histological differentiation but the benefit of adjuvant therapy remains unclear. METHODS: Patients undergoing curative-intent surgical resection for DAC and iAC between 2010 and 2021 at five high-volume centers were included. Patient baseline, perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes were evaluated. Statistical testing was performed with SPSS 25 (IBM). RESULTS: A total of 136 patients with DAC and 171 with iAC were identified. Patients with DAC had more advanced tumors than those with iAC. Median overall survival (OS) in DAC patients was 101 months versus 155 months for iAC patients (P=0.098). DAC had a higher rate of local (14.1% vs. 1.2%, P<0.001) and systemic recurrence (30.4% vs. 3.5%, P<0.001). Adjuvant therapy failed to improve overall survival in all patients with DAC and iAC. For DAC, patients with perineural invasion, but not other negative prognostic factors had improved OS rates with adjuvant therapy (72 m vs. 44 m, P=0.044). IAC patients with N+ (190 m vs. 57 m, P=0.003), T3-4 (177 m vs. 59 m, P=0.050) and perineural invasion (150 m vs. 59 m, P=0.019) had improved OS rates with adjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION: While adjuvant therapy fails to improve OS in all patients with DAC and iAC in the current study, it improved overall survival in DAC patients with perineural invasion and in iAC patients with T3-4 tumors, positive lymph nodes, and perineural invasion.

Clinical Outcomes After Total Pancreatectomy: A Prospective Multicenter Pan-European Snapshot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess outcomes among patients undergoing total pancreatectomy (TP) including predictors for complications and in-hospital mortality. BACKGROUND: Current studies on TP mostly originate from high-volume centers and span long time periods and therefore may not reflect daily practice. METHODS: This prospective pan-European snapshot study included patients who underwent elective (primary or completion) TP in 43 centers in 16 European countries (June 2018-June 2019). Subgroup analysis included cutoff values for annual volume of pancreatoduodenectomies (<60 vs ≥60).Predictors for major complications and in-hospital mortality were assessed in multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 277 patients underwent TP, mostly for malignant disease (73%). Major postoperative complications occurred in 70 patients (25%). Median hospital stay was 12 days (IQR 9-18) and 40 patients were readmitted (15%). In-hospital mortality was 5% and 90-day mortality 8%. In the subgroup analysis, in-hospital mortality was lower in patients operated in centers with ≥60 pancreatoduodenectomies compared <60 (4% vs 10%, P = 0.046). In multivariable analysis, annual volume <60 pancreatoduodenectomies (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.18-12.16, P = 0.026), age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14, P = 0.046), and estimated blood loss ≥2L (OR 11.89, 95% CI 2.64-53.61, P = 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. ASA ≥3 (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.56-5.26, P = 0.001) and estimated blood loss ≥2L (OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.25-9.90, P = 0.017) were associated with major complications. CONCLUSION: This pan-European prospective snapshot study found a 5% inhospital mortality after TP. The identified predictors for mortality, including low-volume centers, age, and increased blood loss, may be used to improve outcomes.

Invasive IPMN relapse later and more often in lungs in comparison to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The different oncological outcomes of invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (I-IPMN) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are debated. This study aimed to compare disease recurrence patterns and histopathological characteristics in patients with resected I-IPMN and PDAC. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing surgical resection for stage I-III I-IPMN or PDAC between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy or resected for Tis neoplasia were excluded. All surgical specimens were re-staged according to AJCC-8th-edition. RESULTS: A total of 330 patients were included, of whom 43 had I-IPMN and 287 had PDAC. Median follow-up time was 26.7 (1.3-92.3) months and estimated median disease-free survival (DFS) was 60.3 months (47.2-73.4) for I-IPMN and 23.8 (19.3-28.2) months for PDAC (p < 0.001). During follow-up, 32.6% of I-IPMN and 67.9% of PDAC patients experienced recurrence (p < 0.001). The sites of first recurrence were the lungs (38.5% vs 13.1%, p = 0.027), liver (28.6% vs 45.0%, p = 0.180) and local (15.4% vs 36.6%, p = 0.101) for I-IPMN and PDAC, respectively. At multivariate analysis, I-IPMN histology remained an independent predictive factor for longer DFS (OR 0.528, CI 95% 0.278-1.000, p = 0.050), regardless of stage or adjuvant chemotherapy. I-IPMN and PDAC differed in rates of neuroinvasion (51.2% vs 97.2%) and positive lymph node status (N+) (46.5% vs 82.7%), especially in patients with lower T status. CONCLUSION: I-IPMN showed a different recurrence pattern compared to PDAC, with a higher lung tropism, and longer DFS. This different biological behavior is associated with lower rates of neuroinvasion and nodal involvement, especially in early-stage disease.

Total pancreatectomy as alternative to pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis in patients with high fistula risk score: the choice of the fearful or of the wise?

PURPOSE: Patients with fistula risk score (FRS) ≥7 are at the highest risk of developing clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF). There is no agreement on the management of this subpopulation. The primary outcome of the study was the definition of the role of intraoperative completion pancreatectomy (ICP) in patients at high risk for CR-POPF, as an alternative to high-risk pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: This is an observational study set in a single tertiary referral center. Patients scheduled for PD in our center between 2010 and 2019 with FRS ≥7 were included in the study. Data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: A total of 738 patients were scheduled for between 2010 and 2019, and 62 had FRS ≥7. Thirty-five patients were managed with PD and pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis (group A), and 27 with ICP (group B). Overall complication rate was significantly higher in group A than group B (95 versus 59%; p=0.005) and there was a not significantly higher rate of major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) (43 versus 26%; p=0.192). In group A, 49% of patients had a CR-POPF. Median post-operative length of stay was 15 days in group A and 12 in group B (p=0.043). Readmission was observed only in group A (26%). In multivariate analysis, PD was an independent predictive factor of major post-operative morbidity (RR 9.27; CI 1.74-49.31). No patients in either group suffered major adverse events related to endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. CONCLUSION: In high-FRS patients, ICP has good short-term outcomes relative to PD without major long-term events related to endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. ICP could be considered as a feasible alternative in selected cases.

Prognostic value of positive histological margins in patients with pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma and lymph node involvement: an international multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: Resection margin status and lymph node (LN) involvement are known prognostic factors for patients who undergo pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study aimed to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) by resection margin status in patients with PDAC and LN involvement. METHODS: A retrospective international multicentric study was performed including four Western centers. Multivariable Cox analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors of OS and DFS. Median OS and DFS were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and compared using log-rank tests. RESULTS: A cohort of 814 PDAC patients with pancreatoduodenectomy were analyzed. A total of 651 patients had LN involvement (80%). On multivariable analysis R1 resection was not an independent factor of worse OS and DFS in patients with LN involvement (HR 1.1, p = 0.565; HR 1.2, p = 0.174). Only tumor size, grade, and adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with OS and DFS. Median OS and DFS were similar between patients with R0 and R1 resections (23 vs. 20 months, p = 0.196; 15 vs. 14 months, p = 0.080). CONCLUSION: Resection status was not identified as predictor of OS or DFS in PDAC patients with LN involvement. Extensive surgery to achieve R0 resection in such patients might not influence the disease course.

Pancreatectomy With Arterial Resection for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: How Can It Be Done Safely and With Which Outcomes?: A Single Institution's Experience With 118 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the safety and outcomes of the largest cohort of pancreatectomy with arterial resection (P-AR). BACKGROUND: A high postoperative mortality rate and uncertain oncologic benefits have limited the use of P-AR for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent P-AR between January 1990 and November 2017. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to assess prognostic factors for survival. RESULTS: There were 118 consecutive resections (51 pancreaticoduodenectomies, 18 total pancreatectomies, and 49 distal splenopancreatectomies). Resected arterial segments included the coeliac trunk (50), hepatic artery (29), superior mesenteric artery (35), and other segments (4). The overall mortality and morbidity were 5.1% and 41.5%, respectively. There were 84 (75.4%) patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 105 (89%) simultaneous venous resections, and 101 (85.5%) arterial reconstructions. The rates of R0 resection and pathologic invasion of venous and arterial walls were 52.4%, 74.2%, and 58%, respectively. The overall survival was 59%, 13%, and 11.8% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The median overall survival after resection was 13.70 months (CI 95%:11-18.5 mo). In multivariate analysis, R0 resection (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.38-0.96; P = 0.01) and venous invasion (HR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.01-2.63; P = 0.04) were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: In a specialized setting, P-AR for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma can be performed safely with limited mortality and morbidity. Negative resection margin and the absence of associated venous invasion might predict favorable long-term outcomes.

Preoperative adiposity at bioimpedance vector analysis improves the ability of Fistula Risk Score (FRS) in predicting pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric parameters have been associated with increased risk of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Nonetheless, conventional metrics to predict POPF do not include the assessment of body composition. We aimed to validate the most used Fistula Risk Score (FRS), and to assess whether the appraisal of adipose compartment at bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) improves the accuracy of FRS in CR-POPF prediction. METHOD: PD patients from 3 Italian academic institutions were prospectively included over a 2-year period. Patients with ASA score ≥3, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or compartmentalized fluid collections were excluded. BIVA was performed on the day prior to surgery. CR-POPF occurrence and severity were classified per the ISGPS classification. RESULTS: Out of 148 PDs, 84 patients (56.8%) had pancreatic cancer, and 29 (19.6%) experienced CR-POPF. FRS elements, namely soft pancreatic texture (p = 0.009), small pancreatic duct diameter (p = 0.029), but not blood loss (p = 0.450), as well as high BMI (p = 0.004) were associated with CR-POPF. Also, the preoperative fat mass (FM) amount measured at BIVA was significantly higher in patients who developed CR-POPF, compared to those who did not (median FM = 19.4 kg/m2 vs. 14.4 kg/m2, respectively; p = 0.005). The predictive ability of a multivariate model adding FM to the FRS, assessed at the receiver operating characteristics curve showed a higher accuracy than the FRS alone (AUC = 0.774 and AUC = 0.738, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of preoperative FM at BIVA can improve the accuracy of FRS in predicting CR-POPF following pancreatoduodenectomy.

Adjuvant therapy is associated with improved overall survival in patients with pancreatobiliary or mixed subtype ampullary cancer after pancreatoduodenectomy - A multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The benefit of adjuvant therapy in ampullary cancer (AMPAC) patients following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is debated. The aim of this study was to determine the role of adjuvant therapy after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in histological subtypes of AMPAC. METHODS: Patients undergoing PD for AMPAC at 5 high-volume European surgical centers from 1996 to 2017 were identified. Patient baseline characteristics, surgical and histopathological parameters, and long-term overall survival (OS) after resection were evaluated. RESULTS: 214 patients undergoing PD for AMPAC were included. ASA score (ASA1-2 149 vs. ASA 3-4 82 months median OS, p = 0.002), preoperative serum CEA (CEA <0.5 ng/ml 128 vs. CEA >0.5 ng/ml 62 months, p = 0.013), preoperative serum CA19-9 (CA19-9 < 40 IU/ml 147 vs. CA19-9 > 40IU/ml 111 months, p = 0.042), T stage (T1-2 163 vs. T3-4 98 months, p < 0.001), N stage (N0 159 vs. N+ 110 months, p < 0.001), grading (G1-2 145 vs. G3-4 113 months, p = 0.026), R status (R0 136 vs. R+ 38 months, p = 0.031), and histological subtype (intestinal subtype 156 vs. PB/M subtype 118 months, p = 0.003) qualified as prognostic parameters. In multivariable analysis, ASA score (HR 1.784, 95%CI 0.997-3.193, p = 0.050) and N stage (HR 1.831, 95%CI 0.904-3.707, p = 0.033) remained independent prognostic factors. In PB/M subtype AMPAC, patients undergoing adjuvant therapy showed an improved median overall survival (adjuvant therapy 85 months vs. no adjuvant therapy 65 months, p = 0.005), and adjuvant therapy remained an independent prognostic parameter in multivariate analysis (HR 0.351, 95%CI 0.151-0.851, p = 0.015). There was no significant benefit of adjuvant therapy in intestinal subtype AMPAC patients. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant treatment seems indicated in pancreatobiliary or mixed type AMPAC.

Trans-duodenal ampullectomy for ampullary neoplasms: early and long-term outcomes in 36 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Trans-duodenal ampullectomy (TDA) is a surgical option for the treatment of selected ampullary neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with TDA for the treatment of ampullary neoplasms, focusing on indications, technical aspects, and short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: All TDAs for ampullary neoplasms performed between January 2010 and December 2018 at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Patients had ampullary neoplasms with low-grade dysplasia or in situ carcinoma (Tis) not suitable for an endoscopic approach, ampullary carcinoma unfit for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), or ampullary neuroendocrine G1-tumours. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included in the study: 9 (25.0%) with neoplasms with low-grade dysplasia, 4 (11.1%) with G1 neuroendocrine tumours and 23 (63.9%) with Tis or invasive carcinoma. Mean operative time was 252.5 min. Overall and severe (Clavien-Dindo > IIIa) morbidity rate was 44.4% and 13.9%, respectively. No 90-day mortality was observed. At follow-up, no deaths were observed and local recurrence rate was 11.1% for patients with ampullary adenomas with low-grade dysplasia. Among four patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms, only one developed recurrence (pulmonary). Tis, T1 and T2 lesions were found in 16 (69.6%), 2 (8.7%) and 5 (21.7%) patients, respectively: recurrence occurred in 3 patients with Tis lesions (one malignant), no patients with T1 neoplasms and 2 patients with T2 lesions (3 patients had a survival of > 3 years). CONCLUSIONS: TDA is a feasible and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of ampullary adenomas with low-grade dysplasia when endoscopic approach is contraindicated or has failed. For lesions with evidence of malignancy, TDA seems to be an oncological safe procedure for Tis ampullary cancer and a good palliative procedure for patients unfit for PD. Moreover, TDA may be appropriate for the treatment of G1 ampullary neuroendocrine neoplasms. A large multicentre study of TDA for early ampullary cancers is needed.

Enhanced Recovery After Pancreatic Surgery Does One Size Really Fit All? A Clinical Score to Predict the Failure of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: The inability to comply with enhanced recovery protocols (ERp) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a real but understated issue. Our goal is to report our experience and a potential tool to predict ERp failure in order to better characterize this problem. METHODS: From January 1, 2014, to January 31, 2016, 205 consecutive patients underwent PD in our center and were managed according to an ERp. Failure to comply with postoperative protocol items was defined as any of: no active ambulation on postoperative day 1 (POD1); less than 4 h out of bed on POD2; removal of nasogastric tube and bladder catheter after POD1 and POD3, respectively; reintroduction of oral feeding after POD4; and continuation of intravenous infusions after POD4. Data were collected in a prospective database. RESULTS: Taking in consideration the number of failed items and the length of stay, we defined failure of the ERp as no compliance to two or more items. A total of 116 patients (56.6%) met this definition of failure. We created a predictive model consisting of age, BMI, operative time, and pancreatic stump consistency. These variables were independent predictors of failure (OR 1.03 [1.001-1.06] p = 0.01; OR 1.11 [1.01-1.22] p = 0.03; OR 1.004 [1.001-1.009] p = 0.02 and OR 2.89 [1.48-5.67] p = 0.002, respectively). Patient final score predicted the failure of the ERp with an area under the ROC curve of 0.747. CONCLUSIONS: It seems to be possible to predict ERp failure after PD. Patients at high risk of failure may benefit more from a specific ERp.

Pancreatic serous cystoadenoma (CSA) showing increased tracer uptake at 68-GaDOTA-peptide Positron Emission Tomography (68Ga-DOTA-peptide PET-CT): a case report.

BACKGROUND: Serous cysto-adenoma (SCA) is a rare benign neoplasm of the pancreas. SCA can mimic other pancreatic lesions, such as neuroendocrine tumours. 68Gallium-DOTA-peptide Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is able to image in vivo the over-expression of the somatostatin receptors, playing an important role for the identification of neuroendocrine neoplasms. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported a case of 63-year-old man, with a solid lesion of 7 cm of diameter of the body-tail of the pancreas. Two fine-needle-aspirations (FNA) were inconclusive. A 68Ga-DOTA-peptide PET-CT revealed a pathological uptake of the pancreatic lesion. The diagnosis of a pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm was established and a laparoscopic distal splenopancreatectomy and cholecystectomy was performed. Final histopathological report revealed the presence of a micro-cystic SCA. CONCLUSIONS: The current case firstly reports a pancreatic SCA showing increased radiopharmaceutical uptake at 68Ga-DOTA-peptide PET-CT images. This unexpected finding should be taken into account during the diagnostic algorithm of a pancreatic lesion, in order to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis and overtreatment of SCA.

The evolution of post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) classification: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: The ISGPS classification of post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was recently revised, introducing the concept of biochemical leak (BL) which replaced grade A POPF. More recently, an additional distinction on three different subclasses for grade B (B1-B3) POPF was proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of these modifications in clinical practice. METHODS: All pancreatico-duodenectomies (PD) and distal pancreatectomies (DP) performed between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Incidence and grade of POPF using the old and new ISGPS classification were evaluated. Three grade B subclasses (B1: maintenance of abdominal drain >3 weeks; B2: adoption of specific medical treatments for POPF; B3: use of radiological procedures) were evaluated for clinical severity. RESULTS: A total of 716 patients (502 PD, 214 DP) were evaluated. The new ISGPS classification reduced the reported rate of POPF (30.7% vs 35.2% for PD, p > 0.05; 28% vs 44.9% for DP, p < 0.05), due to the abolition of grade A POPF. Grade B1, B2 and B3 rates were 3.1%, 73.8% and 23.1% in PD and 12.3%, 47.4% and 40.3% in DP, respectively. Passing from B1 to B3, significant increases in wound infection (0-40%), mean length of stay in PD (14.7-22.5 days; p < 0.05) and readmission rate in DP (0-39.1%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The new ISGPS classification significantly reduces the reported rate of POPF, particularly after DP. The three different grade B subclasses (B1-B3) better discriminate the severity of post-operative course, especially after PD.

Unnecessary preoperative biliary drainage: impact on perioperative outcomes of resectable periampullary tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Routine preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage (PEBD) is not recommended for malignant periampullary tumors (MPT) with uncomplicated obstructive cholestasis, yet many patients still receive routine PEBD. Herein were assessed perioperative outcomes of routine PEBD in resectable MPT with uncomplicated biliary obstruction. METHODS: From 2008 to 2014, we identified three groups among patients undergoing surgery for resectable MPT: "unnecessary-PEBD" (despite recommendations), "necessary-PEBD" (following recommendations), and "upfront-surgery groups." The first two groups were compared on referral patterns, drainage procedure, and post-PEBD complications; "Unnecessary-PEBD" and "upfront-surgery" groups were compared on perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total 140 patients underwent surgery for resectable MPT; 38 had cholestasis with clear PEBD indication ("necessary-PEBD"). A further 66 presented uncomplicated obstructive cholestasis with total bilirubin < 300 µmol/l, of whom 26 had unnecessary PEBD and 40 underwent upfront surgery. In total, 40.1% of PEBD were unnecessary and 64.1% were performed before surgical consultation. Time-to-surgery was significantly increased in the "unnecessary-PEBD" group by a mean ± SD 35.3 ± 5.5 days as compared to "upfront-surgery" group (95%CI [24.4-46.2]; p < 0.001). The "unnecessary-PEBD" group had a post-PEBD complication rate of 34.6%, and 7.7% were unresectable due to severe fibrosis following PEBD-induced acute pancreatitis. Perioperative severe complication rate was higher in the "unnecessary-PEBD" (73.1%) than in the "upfront-surgery" group (37.5%, p = 0.005), as was Clavien-Dindo grade > II post-operative complication rate (65.4 and 37.5%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Routine preoperative biliary drainage is associated with an increased morbidity and persists despite recommendations against its systematic use. Early multidisciplinary team discussions with pancreatic surgeons should be implemented with an aim to reduce unnecessary stenting and improve patient outcomes.

Liver transplantation for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: a systematic review.

AIM: To evaluate the indications, timing and results of liver transplantation in patients affected by hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), by undertaking a systematic review of the current literature. METHODS: Electronic bibliographical databases were searched on MEDLINE and Pubmed according to the PRISMA criteria. A total of 58 articles were initially found, 11 have been excluded because of single center series later included in the European Liver transplant Registry (ELTR), already reported in this study. Thirty-eight articles have been excluded because they did not report specifically new cases of liver transplantation for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Finally 9 articles were included in the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients who underwent liver transplantation for HHT are present in the English literature. One additional patient is presented in this article, for a total of 57 patients worldwide. To date, the most consistent published series is the one of the ELTR, including patients from 15 liver transplantation centers in the period 1985-2003 with a mean follow-up of 69 months. Ten-year patient and graft survival is 82.5% CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation should be considered as a radical but definitive treatment option in patients affected by HHT with liver or cardiac involvement not responsive to medical treatment.

Incidence and prognostic impact of para-aortic lymph nodes metastases during pancreaticoduodenectomy for peri-ampullary cancer.

BACKGROUND: Standard lymphadenectomy during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for peri-ampullary cancer does not include the routine removal of para-aortic lymph nodes (PALN) (station 16, according to the JPS staging system). The aim of this study was to report the incidence and the prognostic value of PALN metastases in patients undergoing PD for peri-ampullary cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-five consecutive patients who underwent PD and PALN dissection for peri-ampullary cancer were prospectively evaluated. The relationship between clinicopathological factors, including PALN metastases and survival was evaluated at univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: PALN metastases (N16+) were found in 11.1% of cases. At univariate analysis, R1 resection, metastatic nodes different from para aortic (N1) and N16+ significantly affected patients' prognosis. Compared with N16+, the median overall survival (OS) of N0 patients was significantly longer (32 versus 69 months, respectively; P < 0.05), whereas no difference was found between N16+ and N1 patients (32 versus 34 months, respectively) (P > 0.05). At multivariate analysis, only R1 resection reached statistical significance and was confirmed an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: Neoplastic involvement of PALN in peri-ampullary cancer is frequent and, so, their removal during PD could be justified. Moreover, PALN metastases should be not considered an absolute contraindication to radical surgery.

Updates in the management of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a common and dreaded complication after pancreatic resections and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Over the years, several different strategies have been investigated to prevent and mitigate POPF. However, when a POPF occurs, a consensus on the optimal management strategy of grade B and grade C POPF is still lacking, and the current management strategy is often based on local expertise and driven by patient's condition. Nevertheless, whereas the incidence of POPF after pancreatic surgery has remained stable, the overall mortality related to this complication has decreased over the years. This reflects an improvement in the management of this complication, which has become increasingly conservative. The aim of this review is to provide an updated evidence- based overview on the management strategies of POPF for surgeons and physicians in the clinical practice.