Analysis of Immune Landscape in Pancreatic and Ileal Neuroendocrine Tumours Demonstrates an Immune Cold Tumour Microenvironment.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare tumours with an increasing incidence. While low- and intermediate-grade pancreatic NET (PanNET) and small intestinal NET (siNET) are slow growing, they have a relatively high rate of metastasizing to the liver, leading to substantially worse outcomes. In many solid tumours, the outcome is determined by the quality of the antitumour immune response. However, the quality and significance of antitumour responses in NETs are incompletely understood. This study provides clinico-pathological analyses of the tumour immune microenvironment in PanNET and siNETs. METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from consecutive resected PanNETs (61) and siNETs (131) was used to construct tissue microarrays (TMAs); 1-mm cores were taken from the tumour centre, stroma, tumour edge, and adjacent healthy tissue. TMAs were stained with antibodies against CD8, CD4, CD68, FoxP3, CD20, and NCR1. T-cell counts were compared with counts from lung cancers. RESULTS: For PanNET, median counts were CD8+ 35.4 cells/mm2, CD4+ 7.6 cells/mm2, and CD68+ macrophages 117.7 cells/mm2. For siNET, there were CD8+ 39.2 cells/mm2, CD4+ 24.1 cells/mm2, and CD68+ 139.2 cells/mm2. The CD8+ cell density in the tumour and liver metastases were significantly lower than in the adjacent normal tissues, without evidence of a cell-rich area at the tumour edge that might have suggested immune exclusion. T-cell counts in lung cancer were significantly higher than those in PanNET and siNETs: CD8+ 541 cells/mm2 and CD4+ 861 cells/mm2 (p ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSION: PanNETs and siNETs are immune cold with no evidence of T cell exclusion; the low density of immune infiltrates indicates poor antitumour immune responses.

Human liver umbilical fissure variants: pons hepatis (ligamentum teres tunnel).

PURPOSE: In the classical description of normal liver anatomy, the umbilical fissure is a long, narrow groove that receives the ligamentum teres hepatis. The pons hepatis is an anatomic variant, where the umbilical fissure is converted into a tunnel by an overlying bridge of liver parenchyma. We carried out a study to evaluate the existing variations of the umbilical fissure in a Caribbean population. METHODS: We observed all consecutive autopsies performed at a facility in Jamaica and selected cadavers with a pons hepatis for detailed study. A pons hepatis was considered present when the umbilical fissure was covered by hepatic parenchyma. We recognized two variants: an open-type (incomplete) pons hepatis in which the umbilical fissure was incompletely covered by parenchyma ≤ 2 cm in length and a closed type (complete) pons hepatis in which the umbilical fissure was covered by a parenchymal bridge > 2 cm and thus converted into a tunnel. We measured the length (distance from transverse fissure to anterior margin of the parenchymatous bridge), width (extension across the umbilical fissure in a coronal plane) and thickness (distance from the visceral surface to the hepatic surface measured at the mid-point of the parenchymal bridge in a sagittal plane) of each pons hepatis. A systematic literature review was also performed to retrieve data from relevant studies. The raw data from these retrieved studies was used to calculate the global point prevalence of pons hepatis and compared the prevalence in our population. RESULTS: Of 66 autopsies observed, a pons hepatis was present in 27 (40.9%) cadavers. There were 15 complete variants, with a mean length of 34.66 mm, mean width of 16.98 mm and mean thickness of 10.98 mm. There were 12 incomplete variants, with a mean length of 17.02 mm, width of 17.03 mm and thickness of 9.56 mm. The global point prevalence of the pons hepatis (190/5515) was calculated to be or 3.45% of the global population. CONCLUSIONS: We have proposed a classification of the pons hepatis that is reproducible and clinically relevant. This allowed us to identify a high prevalence of pons hepatis (41%) in this Afro-Caribbean population that is significantly greater than the global prevalence (3.45%; P < 0.0001).

Hepatic surface grooves in Trinidad and Tobago.

PURPOSE: Hepatic surface grooves (HSGs) are prominent depressions on the antero-superior surface of the liver. We sought to document the prevalence of HSGs in an Eastern Caribbean population. METHODS: We observed all consecutive autopsies performed at a facility in Trinidad and Tobago and recorded the presence, number, location, width, length and depth of any HSG identified. Each liver was then sectioned to document intra-parenchymal abnormalities. RESULTS: Sixty Autopsies were observed. There were HSGs in 9 (15%) cadavers (5 females and 4 males), at an average age of 66 years (range 48-83, Median 64, SD ± 10.4). The HSGs were located on the diaphragmatic surface of the right hemi-liver in 8 (89%) cadavers, left medial section in 4 (44%), left lateral section in 3 (33%) and coursing along Cantlie's plane in 3 (33%) cadavers. Eight (89%) cadavers with HSGs had other associated anomalies: accessory inferior grooves (5), parenchymal nutmeg changes (5), abnormal caudate morphology (4), hyperplastic left hemi-liver (3), lingular process (2), bi-lobar gallbladder (1) and/or abnormal ligamentous attachments (1). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 15% of unselected Afro-Caribbean persons in this Eastern Caribbean population have HSGs. Every attempt should be made to identify HSGs on pre-operative imaging because they can alert the hepatobiliary surgeon to: (1) associated anatomic anomalies in 89% of cases, (2) associated hepatic congestion in 56% of persons, (3) increased risk of bleeding during liver resections and (4) increased technical complexity of liver resections. The association between HSGs, cardiovascular complications, hepatic congestion and nutmeg liver prompted us to propose a new aetiologic mechanism for HSG formation, involving localized hyperplasia at growth zones due to upregulation of beta-catenin levels.

Surgeons' assessment versus risk models for predicting complications of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery (HPB-RISC): a multicenter prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies advise the use of risk models when counseling patients for hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, but studies comparing these models to the surgeons' assessment are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess whether risk prediction models outperform surgeons' assessment for the risk of complications in HPB surgery. METHODS: This prospective study included adult patients scheduled for HPB surgery in three centers in the UK and the Netherlands. Primary outcome was the rate of postoperative major complications. Surgeons assessed the risk prior to surgery while blinded for the formal risk scores. Risk prediction models were retrieved via a systematic review and risk scores were calculated. For each model, discrimination and calibration were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 349 patients were included. The rate of major complications was 27% and in-hospital mortality 3%. Surgeons' assessment resulted in an AUC of 0.64; 0.71 for liver and 0.56 for pancreas surgery (P = 0.020). The AUCs for nine existing risk prediction models ranged between 0.57 and 0.73 for liver surgery and between 0.51 and 0.57 for pancreas surgery. CONCLUSION: In HPB surgery, existing risk prediction models do not outperform surgeons' assessment. Surgeons' assessment outperforms most risk prediction models for liver surgery although both have a poor predictive performance for pancreas surgery. REGISTRATION INFORMATION: REC reference number (13/SC/0135); IRAS ID (119370). TRIALREGISTER.NL: NTR4649.

Pure laparoscopic liver resection for large malignant tumors: does size matter?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for large malignant tumors can be technically challenging. Data on this topic are scarce, and many question its feasibility, safety, and oncologic efficiency. This study aimed to assess outcomes of LLR for large (≥ 5 cm) and giant (≥ 10 cm) malignant liver tumors. METHODS: A prospectively collected database of 422 LLRs was reviewed from August 2003 to August 2013. The data for 52 patients undergoing LLR for large malignant tumors were analyzed. A subgroup analysis of giant tumors also is reported. RESULTS: During the period studied, 52 LLRs were performed (males, 53.8 %; mean age, 64.6 years) for large malignant tumors. Colorectal liver metastasis was the most common indication (42.3 %). The 52 LLRs included 32 major (61.5 %) and 20 minor (38.5 %) LLRs for tumors with a mean diameter of 83 mm. The median operative time was 240 min [interquartile range (IQR), 150-330 min], and the blood loss was 500 ml (IQR, 200-1,373 ml). Eight conversions (15.4 %) were performed. Six patients experienced complications (11.5 %). Among the 44 patients with successful LLRs, two patients (4.5 %) had an R1 resection. The median hospital stay was 5 days (range, 1-21 days), and no mortality occurred during a 90-day period. A subgroup analysis of patients with giant tumors showed greater blood loss (p = 0.002) and a longer operative time (p = 0.052) but no difference in terms of conversions (p = 0.64) or complications (p = 0.32). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that LLR is feasible and safe for large malignant tumors and can be performed with acceptable morbidity and oncologic efficiency. When used for giant malignant tumors, LLR is associated with greater blood loss and a longer operative time but no increase in complications.

Laparoscopic major hepatectomies: clinical outcomes and classification.

BACKGROUND: According to the Louisville Statement, laparoscopic major hepatectomy is a heterogeneous category that includes "traditional" trisectionectomies/hemi-hepatectomies and the technically challenging resection of segments 4a, 7, and 8. The aims of this study were to assess differences in clinical outcomes between laparoscopic "traditional" major hepatectomy and resection of "difficult-to-access" posterosuperior segments and to define whether the current classification is clinically valid or needs revision. METHODS: We reviewed a prospectively collected single-center database of 390 patients undergoing pure laparoscopic liver resection. A total of 156 patients who had undergone laparoscopic major hepatectomy according to the Louisville Statement were divided into two subcategories: laparoscopic "traditional" major hepatectomy (LTMH), including hemi-hepatectomies and trisegmentectomies, and laparoscopic "posterosuperior" major hepatectomy (LPMH), including resection of posterosuperior segments 4a, 7, and 8. LTMH and LPMH subgroups were compared with respect to demographics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: LTMH was performed in 127 patients (81 %) and LPMH in 29 (19 %). Operation time was a median 330 min for LTMH and 210 min for LPMH (p < 0.0001). Blood loss was a median 500 ml for LTMH and 300 ml for LPMH (p = 0.005). Conversion rate was 9 % for LTMH and nil for LPMH (p = 0.219). In all, 28 patients (22 %) developed postoperative complications after LTMH and 5 (17 %) after LPMH (p = 0.801). Mortality rate was 1.6 % after LTMH and nil after LPMH. Hospital stay was a median 5 days after LTMH and 4 days after LPMH (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The creation of two subcategories of laparoscopic major hepatectomy seems appropriate to reflect differences in intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between LTMH and LPMH.

Rescue from complications after pancreaticoduodenectomies at a low-volume Caribbean center: Value of tailored peri-pancreatectomy protocols.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a technically complex operation, with a relatively high risk for complications. The ability to rescue patients from post-PD complications is as a recognized quality measure. Tailored protocols were instituted at our low volume facility in the year 2013. AIM: To document the rate of rescue from post-PD complications with tailored protocols in place as a measure of quality. METHODS: A retrospective audit was performed to collect data from patients who experienced major post-PD complications at a low volume pancreatic surgery unit in Trinidad and Tobago between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2023. Standardized definitions from the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery were used to define post-PD complications, and the modified Clavien-Dindo classification was used to classify post-PD complications. RESULTS: Over the study period, 113 patients at a mean age of 57.5 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 9.23; range: 30-90; median: 56) underwent PDs at this facility. Major complications were recorded in 33 (29.2%) patients at a mean age of 53.8 years (SD: ± 7.9). Twenty-nine (87.9%) patients who experienced major morbidity were salvaged after aggressive treatment of their complication. Four (3.5%) died from bleeding pseudoaneurysm (1), septic shock secondary to a bile leak (1), anastomotic leak (1), and myocardial infarction (1). There was a significantly greater salvage rate in patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists scores ≤ 2 (93.3% vs 25%; P = 0.0024). CONCLUSION: This paper adds to the growing body of evidence that volume alone should not be used as a marker of quality for patients requiring PD. Despite low volumes at our facility, we demonstrated that 87.9% of patients were rescued from major complications. We attributed this to several factors including development of rescue protocols, the competence of the pancreatic surgery teams and continuous, and adaptive learning by the entire institution, culminating in the development of tailored peri-pancreatectomy protocols.

Implementation of enhanced recovery programme after pancreatoduodenectomy: a single-centre UK pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Data on enhanced recovery programmes after pancreatoduodenectomy (ERP-PD) is limited. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and clinical outcomes of ERP-PD when implemented at a high-volume UK university referral centre. METHODS: This was an observational single-surgeon case-control study (before-and-after pathway). A total of 20 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled for the ERP-PD and compared with 24 consecutive patients previously treated during an equal time frame. RESULTS: Patients in the ERP-PD group had a significant shorter time to remove naso-gastric tube (median of 5 vs. 7 days, p = 0.0001), start liquid diet (median of 2 vs. 5 days, p < 0.0001), start solid food (median of 4 vs. 9 days, p < 0.0001), pass stools (median of 6 vs. 7 days, p = 0.002), and had shorter length of stay (median of 8.5 days vs. 13 days, p = 0.015) compared to the pre-pathway group. Postoperative complications were overall less frequent but not significantly different in the ERP-PD group (p = 0.077). No difference in mortality and readmission rates was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the feasibility and safety of ERP-PD. Improved patients' outcomes, significant bed day savings and increase National Health Service productivity are anticipated with implementation of ERP-PD on a larger scale.

Assessment of the financial implications for laparoscopic liver surgery: a single-centre UK cost analysis for minor and major hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hepatectomy is progressively gaining popularity. However, it is still unclear whether the laparoscopic approach offers cost advantages compared with the open approach, especially when major hepatectomies are required. Data providing useful insights into the costs of the laparoscopic approach for clinicians and hospitals are needed. The aim of this study is to assess the financial implications of the laparoscopic approach for two standardized minor and major hepatectomies: left lateral sectionectomy and right hepatectomy. METHODS: A cost comparison analysis of patients undergoing laparoscopic right hepatectomy (LRH) and laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLLS) versus the open counterparts was performed. Data considered for the comparison analysis were operative costs (theatre cost, consumables and surgeon/anaesthetic labour cost), postoperative costs (hospital stay, complication management and readmissions) and overall costs. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were included: 38 patients underwent LRH and 46 open right hepatectomy (ORH); 46 patients underwent LLLS and 19 open left lateral sectionectomy (OLLS). For LRH the mean operative, postoperative and overall costs were £10,181, £4,037 and £14,218; for ORH the mean operative, postoperative and overall costs were £6,483 (p < 0.0001), £10,304 (p < 0.0001) and £16,787 (p = 0.886). Regarding LLLS, the mean operative, postoperative and overall costs were £5,460, £2,599 and £8,059; for OLLS the mean operative, postoperative and overall costs were £5,841 (p = 0.874), £5,796 (p < 0.0001) and £11,637 (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data support the cost advantage of the laparoscopic approach for left lateral sectionectomy and the cost neutrality for right hepatectomy.

Postoperative chyle leak after major pancreatic resections in patients who receive enteral feed: risk factors and management options.

BACKGROUND: Chyle leak complicates 1.3-10.8 % of pancreatic resections. Universal use of parenteral nutrition following pancreatic resection may reduce the incidence of chyle leak. However, this denies the majority of patients who do not develop chyle leak the benefits of enteral nutrition (EN). The present study aimed to identify risk factors for chyle leak following pancreatic resection within a single institution where EN was used universally. METHODS: All patients who underwent pancreatic resection between January 2007 and December 2010 were identified retrospectively. The patients had been treated according to a common unit protocol of enteral feeding; those developing chyle leak were switched to a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) regimen. Clinical progress and recovery after surgery was evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with chyle leak. RESULTS: A total of 245 patients underwent major pancreatic resection (231 pancreatoduodenectomy, 14 total pancreatectomy). Chyle leak complicated 40 cases (16.3 %). After multivariate analysis, both extensive lymphadenectomy (P = 0.002) and postoperative portal/mesenteric venous thrombosis (PVT) (P = 0.009) were independently linked with a higher incidence of chyle leak. The development of chyle leak was not associated with poorer survival or prolonged duration of hospital stay. It was associated with a significantly increased duration of abdominal drainage and reduced likelihood of early hospital discharge (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Universal use of enteral feeding is associated with a high rate of chyle leak following pancreatic resection. Patients undergoing extensive lymphadenectomy or those who develop PVT postoperatively are at increased risk. Development of chyle leak was not associated with additional morbidity or mortality following implementation of an MCT regimen. The implication is that reactive management of chyle leak with conversion to a MCT predominant diet is safe.

Laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy: a clinical and cost-effectiveness study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is being increasingly performed with some concerns regarding the cost of the minimally invasive approach. The purpose of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of LDP versus open distal pancreatectomy (ODP). METHODS: A retrospective clinical and cost-comparison analysis was performed for patients who underwent LDP vs. OPD between 2005 and 2011. Data considered for the comparison analysis were: operative costs (surgical procedure, operative time, blood transfusions), postoperative costs (laboratory testing, hospital stay, complication management, readmissions), and overall costs. RESULTS: Fifty-one distal pancreatectomies (laparoscopic = 35, open = 16) were performed during the study period. The median operative time was 200 (range, 120-420) min for LDP vs. 225 (range, 120-460) min for ODP (p = 0.93). Median blood loss was 200 (range, 50-900) mL for LDP vs. 394 (range, 75-2000) mL for ODP (p = 0.038). Median hospital stay was 7 (range, 3-25) days in the laparoscopic group vs. 11 (range, 5-46) days in the open group (p = 0.007). Complication rate was 40% for LDP vs. 69% in ODP (p = 0.075). Postoperative intervention was required in 11% of patients after LDP vs. 31% after ODP (p = 0.12). The average operative, postoperative, and overall cost was £6039 (range, £4276-£9500), £4547 (range, £1299-£13937), £10587 (range, £6508-£20303) vs. £5231 (range, £3409-£9330), £10094 (range, £2665-£39291), £15324 (range, £7209-£47484) for the LDP and ODP groups, respectively (p = 0.033; p = 0.006; p = 0.197). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that LDP is feasible and safe without having a negative impact on cost. Extensive experience in pancreatic and laparoscopic surgery is required to optimize surgical outcomes.

Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy at a resource-poor, low-volume center in Trinidad and Tobago.

BACKGROUND: Many authorities advocate for Whipple's procedures to be performed in high-volume centers, but many patients in poor developing nations cannot access these centers. We sought to determine whether clinical outcomes were acceptable when Whipple's procedures were performed in a low-volume, resource-poor setting in the West Indies. AIM: To study outcomes of Whipple's procedures in a pancreatic unit in the West Indies over an eight-year period from June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2021. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients undergoing Whipple's procedures in a pancreatic unit in the West Indies over an eight-year period from June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2021. RESULTS: This center performed an average of 11.25 procedures per annum. There were 72 patients in the final study population at a mean age of 60.2 years, with 52.7% having American Society of Anesthesiologists scores ≥ III and 54.1% with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores ≥ 2. Open Whipple's procedures were performed in 70 patients and laparoscopic assisted procedures in 2. Portal vein resection/reconstruction was performed in 19 (26.4%) patients. In patients undergoing open procedures there was 367 ± 54.1 min mean operating time, 1394 ± 656.8 mL mean blood loss, 5.24 ± 7.22 d mean intensive care unit stay and 15.1 ± 9.53 d hospitalization. Six (8.3%) patients experienced minor morbidity, 10 (14%) major morbidity and there were 4 (5.5%) deaths. CONCLUSION: This paper adds to the growing body of evidence that volume alone should not be used as a marker of quality for patients requiring Whipple's procedures. Low volume centers in resource poor nations can achieve good short-term outcomes. This is largely due to the process of continuous, adaptive learning by the entire hospital.

Whipple's operation with a modified centralization concept: A model in low-volume Caribbean centers.

Conventional data suggest that complex operations, such as a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), should be limited to high volume centers. However, this is not practical in small, resource-poor countries in the Caribbean. In these settings, patients have no option but to have their PDs performed locally at low volumes, occasionally by general surgeons. In this paper, we review the evolution of the concept of the high-volume center and discuss the feasibility of applying this concept to low and middle-income nations. Specifically, we discuss a modification of this concept that may be considered when incorporating PD into low-volume and resource-poor countries, such as those in the Caribbean. This paper has two parts. First, we performed a literature review evaluating studies published on outcomes after PD in high volume centers. The data in the Caribbean is then examined and we discuss the incorporation of this operation into resource-poor hospitals with modifications of the centralization concept. In the authors' opinions, most patients who require PD in the Caribbean do not have realistic opportunities to have surgery in high-volume centers in developed countries. In these settings, their only options are to have their operations in the resource-poor, low-volume settings in the Caribbean. However, post-operative outcomes may be improved, despite low-volumes, if a modified centralization concept is encouraged.

Utility of KI-67 as a prognostic biomarker in pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Ki-67, a marker of cellular proliferation, is associated with prognosis across a wide range of tumours, including gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), lymphoma, urothelial tumours and breast carcinomas. Its omission from the classification system of pulmonary NENs is controversial. This systematic review sought to assess whether Ki-67 is a prognostic biomarker in lung NENs and, if feasible, proceed to a meta-analysis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Medline (Ovid), Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane library were searched for studies published prior to 28 February 2019 and investigating the role of Ki-67 in lung NENs. Eligible studies were those that included more than 20 patients and provided details of survival outcomes, namely, HRs with CIs according to Ki-67 percentage. Studies not available as a full text or without an English manuscript were excluded. This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO. RESULTS: Of 11 814 records identified, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. These retrospective studies provided data for 1268 patients (693 TC, 281 AC, 94 large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas and 190 small cell lung carcinomas) and a meta-analysis was carried out to estimate a pooled effect. Random effects analyses demonstrated an association between a high Ki-67 index and poorer overall survival (HR of 2.02, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.52) and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.42; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.00). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provides evidence that high Ki-67 labelling indices are associated with poor clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with pulmonary NENs. This study is subject to inherent limitations, but it does provide valuable insights regarding the use of the biomarker Ki-67, in a rare tumour. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018093389.

Short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic and open hepatic resection: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is now considered a feasible alternative to open liver resection (OLR) in selected patients. Nevertheless studies comparing LLR and OLR are few and concerns remain about long-term oncological equivalence. The present study compares outcomes with LLR vs. OLR using meta-analytical methods. METHODS: Electronic literature searches were conducted to identify studies comparing LLR and OLR. Short-term outcomes evaluated included operating time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, peri-operative morbidity and resection margin status. Longer-term outcomes included local and distant recurrence, and overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Meta-analyses were performed using the Mantel-Haenszel method and Cohen's d method, with results expressed as odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD), respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria with a population of 1678 patients. LLR resulted in longer operating time, but reduced blood loss, portal clamp time, overall and liver-specific complications, ileus and length of stay. No difference was found between LLR and OLR for oncological outcomes. DISCUSSION: LLR has short-term advantages and seemingly equivalent long-term outcomes and can be considered a feasible alternative to open surgery in experienced hands.

Anatomic variations of the intra-hepatic biliary tree in the Caribbean: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In the classic descriptions of the human liver, the common hepatic duct forms at the confluence of left and right hepatic ducts. Many authors have documented variations in the intra-hepatic ductal system, but to the best of our knowledge there has been no report on bile duct variations in Caribbean populations. AIM: To evaluate the variations in bile duct anatomy using magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in unselected patients at a major hepatobiliary referral centre in the Eastern Caribbean. Knowledge of the intra-hepatic biliary anatomy is important to optimize service delivery for any physician treating liver and biliary disorders. METHODS: This study was carried out at a tertiary referral hospital for hepatobiliary diseases in the Eastern Caribbean. We retrospectively evaluated magnetic resonance cholangiograms in 152 consecutive patients at this facility over a two-year period from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2019. Two consultant radiologists experienced in MRC interpretation reviewed all scans and described biliary anatomy according to the Huang's classification. A systematic review of published studies was performed and relevant data were extracted in order to calculate the global prevalence of each biliary variant. The variants in our population were compared to the global population. RESULTS: There were 152 MRCs evaluated in this study in 86 males and 66 females. There were 109 (71.7%) persons with "classic" biliary anatomy (type A1) and variants were present in 43 (28.3%) persons. There was no statistical relationship between the presence of anatomic variants and gender or ethnicity. We encountered the following variants: 29 (19.1%) type A2, 7 (4.6%) type A3, 6 (3.95%) type A4, 0 type A5 and a single variant (quadrification) that did not fit the classification system. Compared to the global prevalence, our population had a significantly greater occurrence of A1 anatomy (71.7% vs 62.6%; P = 0.0227) and A2 trifurcations (19.1% vs 11.5%; P = 0.0069), but a significantly lower incidence of A3 variants (4.61% vs 11.5%; P = 0.0047). CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in intra-hepatic biliary anatomy in this unselected Eastern Caribbean population compared to global statistics. Specifically, persons of Caribbean descent have a greater incidence of Huang A2 trifurcations and a lower incidence of Huang A3 variants.

Review of minimally invasive pancreas surgery and opinion on its incorporation into low volume and resource poor centres.

Pancreatic surgery has been one of the last areas for the application of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) because there are many factors that make laparoscopic pancreas resections difficult. The concept of service centralization has also limited expertise to a small cadre of high-volume centres in resource rich countries. However, this is not the environment that many surgeons in developing countries work in. These patients often do not have the opportunity to travel to high volume centres for care. Therefore, we sought to review the existing data on MIS for the pancreas and to discuss. In this paper, we review the evolution of MIS on the pancreas and discuss the incorporation of this service into low-volume and resource-poor countries, such as those in the Caribbean. This paper has two parts. First, we performed a literature review evaluating all studies published on laparoscopic and robotic surgery of the pancreas. The data in the Caribbean is examined and we discuss tips for incorporating this operation into resource poor hospital practice. Low pancreatic case volume in the Caribbean, and financial barriers to MIS in general, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, enucleation and cystogastrostomy are feasible operations to integrate in to a resource-limited healthcare environment. This is because they can be performed with minimal to no consumables and require an intermediate MIS skillset to complement an open pancreatic surgeon's peri-operative experience.

Surgical relevance of anatomic variations of the right hepatic vein.

BACKGROUND: Variations in the anatomy of hepatic veins are of interest to transplant surgeons, interventional radiologists, and other medical practitioners who treat liver diseases. The drainage patterns of the right hepatic veins (RHVs) are particularly relevant to transplantation services. AIM: The aim was to identify variations of the patterns of venous drainage from the right side of the liver. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports on RHV variations in in a Caribbean population. METHODS: Two radiologists independently reviewed 230 contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans performed in 1 year at a hepatobiliary referral center. Venous outflow patterns were observed and RHV variants were described as: (1) Tributaries of the RHV; (2) Variations at the hepatocaval junction (HCJ); and (3) Accessory RHVs. RESULTS: A total of 118 scans met the inclusion criteria. Only 39% of the scans found conventional anatomy of the main hepatic veins. Accessory RHVs were present 49.2% and included a well-defined inferior RHV draining segment VI (45%) and a middle RHV (4%). At the HCJ, 83 of the 118 (70.3%) had a superior RHV that received no tributaries within 1 cm of the junction (Nakamura and Tsuzuki type I). In 35 individuals (29.7%) there was a short superior RHV with at least one variant tributary. According to the Nakamura and Tsuzuki classification, there were 24 type II variants (20.3%), six type III variants (5.1%) and, five type IV variants (4.2%). CONCLUSION: There was significant variation in RHV patterns in this population, each with important relevance to liver surgery. Interventional radiologists and hepatobiliary surgeons practicing in the Caribbean must be cognizant of these differences in order to minimize morbidity during invasive procedures.