Single-Anastomosis Pylorus-Preserving Bariatric Procedures: Review of the Literature.

Single-anastomosis pylorus-preserving procedures (SAPPP) were recently introduced into bariatric surgery in order to combine the physiologic advantages of a post-pyloric reconstruction with the technical advantages of an omega loop. Surgery consists of a sleeve gastrectomy that is performed first, followed by a duodeno-enterostomy. Two main variants exist: proximal and distal SAPPP, with duodeno-jejunostomy and duodeno-ileostomy, respectively. This review describes the SAPPP reported in the literature and analyzes their outcomes in comparison with the most frequently performed bariatric techniques. Preliminary results appear as promising in terms of both safety and effectiveness on weight loss and comorbidities improvement.

Augmented reality-guided artery-first pancreatico-duodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Augmented Reality (AR) in surgery consists in the fusion of synthetic computer-generated images (3D virtual model) obtained from medical imaging preoperative work-up and real-time patient images with the aim to visualize unapparent anatomical details. The potential of AR navigation as a tool to improve safety of the surgical dissection is presented in a case of pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD). METHODS: A 77-year-old male patient underwent an AR-assisted PD. The 3D virtual anatomical model was obtained from thoraco-abdominal CT scan using customary software (VR-RENDER®, IRCAD). The virtual model was superimposed to the operative field using an Exoscope (VITOM®, Karl Storz, Tüttlingen, Germany) as well as different visible landmarks (inferior vena cava, left renal vein, aorta, superior mesenteric vein, inferior margin of the pancreas). A computer scientist manually registered virtual and real images using a video mixer (MX 70; Panasonic, Secaucus, NJ) in real time. Dissection of the superior mesenteric artery and the hanging maneuver were performed under AR guidance along the hanging plane. RESULTS: AR allowed for precise and safe recognition of all the important vascular structures. Operative time was 360 min. AR display and fine registration was performed within 6 min. The postoperative course was uneventful. The pathology was positive for ampullary adenocarcinoma; the final stage was pT1N0 (0/43 retrieved lymph nodes) with clear surgical margins. CONCLUSIONS: AR is a valuable navigation tool that can enhance the ability to achieve a safe surgical resection during PD.

Nuclear medicine imaging of gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The key role of cellular differentiation and tumor grade: from theory to clinical practice.

Nuclear medicine imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool for the management of patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, mainly developed considering some cellular characteristics that are specific to the neuroendocrine phenotype. Hence, overexpression of specific trans membrane receptors as well as the cellular ability to take up, accumulate, and decarboxylate amine precursors have been considered for diagnostic radiotracer development. Moreover, the glycolytic metabolism, which is not a specific energetic pathway of neuroendocrine tumors, has been proposed for radionuclide imaging of neuroendocrine tumors. The results of scintigraphic examinations reflect the pathologic features and tumor metabolic properties, allowing the in vivo characterization of the disease. In this article, the influence of both cellular differentiation and tumor grade in the scintigraphic pattern is reviewed according to the literature data. The relationship between nuclear imaging results and prognosis is also discussed. Despite the existence of a relationship between the results of scintigraphic imaging and cellular differentiation, tumor grade and patient outcome, the mechanism explaining the variability of the results needs further investigation.

Multivariate analysis of risk factors for pulmonary complications after hepatic resection.

OBJECTIVE: To generate the first evaluation of risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after hepatectomy. BACKGROUND: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after surgery are associated with significant morbidity and have been shown to increase the length of hospital stays. Several studies have been conducted to identify the risk factors for PPCs after abdominal surgery. METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2009, 555 patients underwent elective hepatectomy. We prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed demographic data, pathological variables, associated pathological conditions, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. The dependent variables studied were the occurrence of PPCs, pleural effusion, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis identified 5 independent risk factors for global PPCs: prolonged surgery [odds ratio (OR) = 1], presence of a nasogastric tube (OR = 1.6), intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 1.7), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.7), and a transverse subcostal bilateral muscle cutting incision (OR = 3.4). There were 4 independent risk factors for pleural effusion: prolonged surgery (OR = 1), surgery on the right lobe of the liver (OR = 1.6), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 2), and a transverse subcostal bilateral muscle cutting incision (OR = 2.5). There were 3 independent risk factors for pneumonia: intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 1.9), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.2), and atrial fibrillation (OR = 3). For pulmonary embolism, history of previous thromboembolic events was identified as the only risk factor (OR = 8.8). CONCLUSIONS: The correction of modifiable risk factors among the identified factors could reduce the incidence of PPCs and, as a consequence, improve patient outcomes and reduce the length of hospital stays.

Robotic central pancreatectomy with stented pancreaticogastrostomy: operative details.

BACKGROUND: Central pancreatectomy (CP) is increasingly being used to treat selected lesions of the central pancreatic segment. A step-by-step technique for robotic CP is described and a literature review provided for this minimally invasive approach. METHODS: A 55-year-old woman was referred to the authors' center for the treatment of a single 4 cm lesion located at the proximal part of the pancreatic body. The da Vinci Robotic surgical system® with a five trocar technique was used. The pancreatic neck was transected using an endoscopic stapler. The pancreatic body was progressively dissected from the splenic vessels right to left and sectioned with an appropriate oncologic margin. A pancreaticogastrostomy protected by a transanastomotic external stent was constructed to the distal pancreatic stump. RESULTS: Surgery lasted 450 min (8 min docking time) with minimal blood loss. Pathology showed a 28 mm well-differentiated neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor with tumor-free resection margins. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 15 in good condition. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery can be safely used for complex pancreatic resection requiring pancreaticoenteric reconstruction. The experience reported so far is still limited but the results are encouraging; robotics shows the potential to bridge the gap between minimally invasive surgery and advanced pancreatic surgery.

Gastroduodenal artery-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy after subtotal esophagectomy and gastric pull-up.

PURPOSE: Division of the gastroduodenal artery is commonly performed during pancreaticoduodenectomy for both malignant and benign disease. We describe here a technical modification of pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with gastroduodenal artery preservation performed in a patient who previously underwent subtotal esophagectomy with gastric pull-up discussing advantages and drawbacks of the technique. METHODS: A 73-year-old man with a previous history of right nephrectomy and lower esophagectomy for cancer was referred to our center for the treatment of a 5-cm tumor of the pancreatic head. Following the preliminary steps of a standard pancreaticoduodenectomy, the gastroduodenal artery was isolated at its origin from the common hepatic artery. The entire length of the gastroduodenal artery was dissected after having sectioned the posterior-superior pancreaticoduodenal artery. The right gastroepiploic vessels were preserved along with the gastroduodenal artery. Digestive reconstruction was completed just as for pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. RESULTS: The preservation of the gastroduodenal artery along with the gastroepiloic vessels was safely performed with an operative time of 300 min and minimal blood loss. Pathology showed a solitary 5-cm renal cell carcinoma metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroduodenal artery preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy can serve as an additional option in the armamentarium of a pancreatic surgeon. This technique constitutes an interesting technical option that ensures optimal vascular supply to the gastric remnant after previous esophagectomy. Its clinical application remains limited to selected indications and deserves further experience and comparison with standard techniques.

Robotic resection of duodenal adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal sporadic adenomatous polyps are rare findings during upper endoscopy. Resection is indicated due to their malignant potential. METHODS: A 55 year-old male patient was diagnosed with a 3 cm duodenal adenomatous polyp with low-grade dysplasia, which could not be safely resected by endoscopy. A transduodenal submucosal robotic-assisted polypectomy was performed. RESULTS: The operative time was 4.5 h, with an estimated blood loss of 200 ml. The patient had a normal bowel transit on postoperative day 3 and he was discharged on postoperative day 7. Three months follow-up was uneventful. The final histological finding revealed a completely resected duodenal adenomatous polyp without signs of malignancy. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted resection of duodenal polyps is a feasible technique that may be indicated for the local excision of duodenal lesions that cannot be endoscopically resected. Compared to the open and laparoscopic approach, it offers many technical advantages.

Severe complication after a doxorubicin-eluting-bead embolization: surgical management and pathological findings.

Doxorubicin-eluting-bead embolization (DEB) is considered a safe and efficient treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a low complication rate and an increased tumor response compared with conventional transarterial chemoembolization. We describe a case of a 69-year-old patient who underwent DEB for HCC and who developed a liver abscess requiring urgent left liver lobectomy. Despite this severe complication, efficacy of DEB embolization was histologically proved as a large ischemic zone with complete tumor necrosis.

Hanging maneuver during pancreaticoduodenectomy: a technique to improve R0 resection.

Dissection of the retroportal lamina from the superior mesenteric artery, whether performed laparoscopically or by open surgery, remains one of the most difficult steps during pancreaticoduodenectomy, and neoplastic invasion of the retroperitoneal margin is associated with a dismal prognosis. Kuroki and colleagues recently described in Surgical Endoscopy a new technique to improve the dissection of retroportal lamina during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. In this letter to the editor, the writers underscore their own concept of a "hanging maneuver" to achieve a radical resection for pancreatic malignancies.

Robotic left pancreatectomy for pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumors of pancreas are a rare entity, seen most often in females in their second or third decades. Although previously believed to be benign, this tumor is currently considered a low-grade malignant epithelial neoplasm with low metastatic rate and high overall survival.1,2 Its resection could be performed by robotic technique with respect to oncological principles to avoid tumor cell dissemination.3 METHODS: In this multimedia article, we present a 28-year-old female with a history of hyperthyroidism who underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan because of a persistent high C-reactive protein level following caesarean section. This CT scan revealed a 7-cm cystic lesion of the pancreatic tail. The serum tumor marker CA 19-9 was normal. Further investigation with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed that the lesion was macrocystic with internal septas compatible with a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm.4 The patient was treated with robotic distal splenopanceatectomy (video). RESULTS: The operative time was 5 h with an estimated blood loss of 250 mL. No blood transfusion was necessary. The postoperative period was uneventful, and she was discharged on postoperative day 8. The histological finding revealed a solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas pT2pN0 (0/14 lymph nodes removed). There was no evidence of clinical, biological, and radiological pancreatic fistula, and a control CT scan on postoperative day 8 did not show any abdominal fluid collection. The patient's 1 month follow-up was normal. DISCUSSION: The robotic distal splenopancreatectomy is a procedure that offers some technical and oncological advantages over the already described minimally invasive techniques for distal pancreatic tumors.5,6 These advantages are mainly due to the stability of the operative field, to the 3D and magnified vision, and to the articulated robotic arms.7-9 The 3D representation and the stability of the operative field facilitate the performance of operative steps, as the creation of the retropancreatic tunnel and vascular identification. Moreover, the robotic articulated arms permit a superior handling of vascular structures, allowing a fine dissection that is extremely useful during lymphadenectomy. Articulated instruments easily achieve the correct rotation axis, thus minimizing peri-pancreatic tissue retraction and manipulation of the pancreatic gland. This smooth and no-touch technique in theory minimizes the risk of pancreatic capsule rupture as well as tumor cell dissemination, respecting oncological surgical standards. However, robotic surgery needs an adequate learning curve, especially concerning the installation and the lack of force feedback. CONCLUSION: The robotic distal pancreatectomy is a possible minimally invasive technique for patients with solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumors. It presents some advantages over the laparoscopic approach. Nevertheless its oncological indications are yet to be defined.10.

Prediction of mortality rate after major hepatectomy in patients without cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of preoperative biological parameters to predict a fatal outcome after a major liver resection in patients without cirrhosis. DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive cohort study. SETTING: Department of Digestive Surgery and Transplantation, University of Strasbourg. PATIENTS: From January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2007, 67 consecutive patients underwent resection of at least 4 contiguous liver segments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perioperative data were prospectively recorded, and predictors of postoperative mortality rate and liver failure were analyzed. RESULTS: Five patients (7%) died after a mean (SD) of 32.4 (11.8) postoperative days. The overall morbidity was 73% (49 patients). Univariate analysis revealed that a preoperative alanine aminotransferase blood level greater than 40 U/L (to convert to microkatals per liter, multiply by 0.0167), a preoperative prothrombin ratio less than 70%, a preoperative Indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes of greater than 15%, preoperative biliary drainage, and performance of extrahepatic bile duct resection significantly predict the occurrence of in-hospital death. The number of preoperative biological parameters in each patient significantly increased the mortality rate. Indeed, the mortalities were 0%, 3%, and 67% in patients presenting with none, 1, and 2 or more risk factors, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that preoperative liver tests and function can predict postoperative fatal outcome in patients presenting with biliary carcinomas and requiring a major liver resection. On the basis of these preoperative biological parameters, a decision-making algorithm is provided.

Laparoscopic treatment of biliary peritonitis following nonoperative management of blunt liver trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Nonoperative management (NOM) of hemodynamically stable patients with blunt hepatic injuries is considered the current standard of care. However, it is associated with several in-hospital complications. In selected cases laparoscopy could be proposed as diagnostic and therapeutic means. CASE REPORT: A 28 years-old male was admitted in the Emergency Unit following a motor vehicle crash. CT-scan showed an isolated stade II hepatic injury at the level of the segment IV. Firstly a NOM was decided. Laparoscopic exploration was then performed at day 4 due to a biliary peritonitis. Intraoperative trans-cystic duct cholangiography showed a biliary leaks of left hepatic biliary tract, involving sectioral pedicle to segment III. Cholecystectomy, trans-cystic biliary drainage, application of surgical tissue sealing patch and abdominal drainage were performed. Postoperative outcome was uneventful, with fast patient recovery. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy has gained a role as diagnostic and therapeutic means in treatment of complications following NOM of blunt liver trauma. This approach seems feasible and safety, with satisfactory postoperative outcome.

Histological and immediate postoperative outcome after preoperative cetuximab: case-matched control study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of preoperative cetuximab (cetu) on nontumorous liver parenchyma and the clinical and biological outcomes after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM). METHODS: Between January 2005 and June 2009, 26 patients who received preoperative cetu were matched to a control group of 26 patients who did not receive cetu. They were matched on the basis of age, gender, body mass index, extent of hepatectomy, and type and number of cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Liver function tests, postoperative outcome, and histopathology of the resected liver were compared. There was no mortality. Postoperative morbidity and perioperative bleeding rates were similar in both groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and serum alanine aminotransferase were higher on postoperative day 5 in the control group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). In the cetu group, the postoperative peaks of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase were statistically higher than in the control group. Interestingly, pathological review of the nontumorous liver parenchyma revealed no significant difference between patients who received cetu and those treated without cetu with respect to prevalence of steatosis, steatohepatitis, sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of cetu to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens does not appear to increase the morbidity rate after hepatectomy for CLM, and also in cases of major hepatectomy. The pathological examination did not show additional injury to the nontumorous liver parenchyma.

Robotic distal splenopancreatectomy: bridging the gap between pancreatic and minimal access surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Almost 10 years have passed since computer-aided, most commonly known as robotic surgery, has emerged gaining slowly but steadily its place within minimally invasive surgical procedures. Nevertheless, pancreatic surgeons only recently have started incorporating it into current practice. METHODS: In this 'how I do it' article, we describe our method for robotic distal splenopancreatectomy, focusing on its technical advantages, as well as its drawbacks. Furthermore, we describe some pitfalls commonly encountered during the procedure and we propose ways to avoid them. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic robotic-assisted surgery is offering many practical advantages over the "classic" laparoscopic approach. Even though a difficult procedure to master, it may have the potential to establish the concept of minimally invasive surgery in areas where it is nonexistent as in pancreatic surgery.