Comparison of a robotic surgery program for rectal cancer: short- and long-term results from a comparative, retrospective study between two laparoscopic and robotic reference centers.

BACKGROUND: It is assumed that robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) may facilitate complex pelvic dissection for rectal cancer compared to the laparoscopic-assisted resection (LAR). The aim of this study was to compare perioperative morbidity, short- and long-term oncologic, and functional outcomes between the RAS and LAR approaches. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2021, all rectal cancers operated on by (LAR) or (RAS) were retrospectively reviewed in two colorectal surgery centers. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients were included in the study, with 70% in the LAR group and 30% in the RAS group. The tumor location and stage were identical in both groups (not significant = NS). The overall postoperative mortality rate was not significantly different between the two groups. (0% LAR; 0.5% RAS; NS). The postoperative morbidity was similar between the two groups (60% LAR vs 57% RAS; NS). The number of early surgical re-interventions within the first 30 days was similar (10% for the LAR group and 3% for the RAS group; NS). The rate of complete TME was similar (88% for the LAR group and 94% for the RAS group; NS). However, the rate of circumferential R1 was significantly higher in the LAR group (13%) compared to the RAS group (2%) (p = 0.009). The 3-year recurrence rate did not differ between the two groups (77% for both groups; NS). After a mean follow-up of three years, the incidence of anterior resection syndrome was significantly lower in the LAR group compared to the RAS group (54 vs 76%; p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a RAS was found to be reliable for oncologic outcomes and morbidity. However, the expected benefits for functional outcomes were not observed. Therefore, the added value of RAS for rectal cancer needs to be reassessed in light of new laparoscopic technologies and patient management options.

Five-year Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure in the world. Our purpose was to evaluate the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), resolution of obesity-related comorbidities after SG, and identify predictive factors of weight loss failure. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of adults who underwent SG during 2014 in 7 Belgian-French centers. Their demographic, preoperative, and postoperative data were prospectively collected and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Overall, 529 patients underwent SG, with a mean preoperative weight and body mass index (BMI) of 118.9 ± 19.9 kg and 42.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2, respectively. Body mass index significantly decreased to 32.2 kg/m2 at 5 years (P < .001). The mean %EWL was 63.6% at 5 years. A significant reduction in dyslipidemia (28.0%-18.2%), obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) (34.6%-25.1%), and arterial hypertension (HTN) (30.4%-21.5%) was observed after 5 years, but not for diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At multivariate analysis, age >50 years old, BMI >50 kg/m2, and previous laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) remained independent predictors of weight loss failure. CONCLUSIONS: Five years after SG, weight loss was satisfactory; the reduction of comorbidities was significant for dyslipidemia, OSAS, and HTN, but not diabetes and GERD. Age >50 years old, BMI >50 kg/m2, and previous LAGB were independent predictors of weight loss failure.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity in a Belgian-French prospective multicenter study: outcomes and predictors weight loss failure.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) became the most frequently performed bariatric procedure worldwide, gaining rapidly popularity thanks to its technical simplicity and the relatively good results. The aim of this Belgian-French study was to evaluate postoperative complications, weight loss, and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities after LSG, and identify predictive factors of weight loss failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was conducted on all LSG performed during 2014 in 7 centers. Their demographic, preoperative, and postoperative data were prospectively collected and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Overall 529 patients underwent LSG, with a mean preoperative weight and body mass index (BMI) of 118.9 ± 19.9 kg and 42.9 ± 5.5 kg/m2, respectively. Postoperative mortality was null and early postoperative morbidity was 6%, including 2.5% of gastric leakage. BMI significantly decreased to 31.1 kg/m2 and 30.0 kg/m2 at 1 and 3 years, respectively (p < .001). The mean %EWL was 77.2 and 74.6% at 1 and 3 years. A significant reduction in dyslipidemia (28.0-16.8%), obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) (34.6-23.3%) and arterial hypertension (HTN) (30.4-20.2%) was observed after 3 years, but it does not concern diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At multivariate analysis, age > 50 years old, BMI >50 kg/m2 and previous laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) remained independent predictors of weight loss failure. CONCLUSIONS: LSG for morbid obesity is safe and effective. Satisfactory outcome after 3 years can be achieved regarding %EWL and some comorbidities such as dyslipidemia, OSAS, and HTN, but not diabetes and GERD. Age > 50 years old, BMI > 50 kg/m2 and previous LAGB were independent predictors of weight loss failure.

Robot-Assisted Total Gastrectomy: Preliminary Evaluation.

Background: Laparoscopic total gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy is a technically demanding surgical procedure with steep learning curve that has limited its widespread use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the robotic approach in total gastrectomy for cancer. We present our experience of 17 consecutive patients who underwent robotic total gastrectomy with intracorporal sutured Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy and jejuno jejunostomy between 2014 and 2017. Methods: Data were collected, and patients' demographics and outcomes were examined retrospectively. Results: Seventeen patients with a median age of 68 years (range 32-81) were identified (10 males, 7 females). Mean operative time was 198 minutes (range 108-277) including mean anastomosis time of 25 minutes (range 18-35). There was no conversion to open surgery or requirement for perioperative blood transfusion. Median length of hospital stay was 9 days (range 2-30). Two patients developed postoperative complications including one anastomotic leakage treated conservatively and one internal hernia requiring surgical revision. There was no 90-day mortality or readmission. Conclusion: Robot-assisted total gastrectomy is feasible and reproducible. It overcomes several laparoscopic technical difficulties especially regarding anastomosis. It has the potential to become an alternative to open gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Nevertheless, further follow-up and randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate mid-term and long-term outcomes of this approach.

Preoperatively undiagnosed papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients thyroidectomized for benign multinodular goiter.

OBJECTIVE: Incidental thyroid cancers (ITCs) are often microcarcinomas; among them, the most frequent histotype is the papillary one. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in patients thyroidectomized for benign multinodular goiter. SUBJECT AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the histological incidence of PTC in 207 consecutive patients who, in a 1-year period, underwent thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter. All patients came from an iodine-deficient area (Orleans, France) with three nuclear power stations located in the neighboring areas of the county town. RESULTS: Overall, 25 thyroids (12.1%) harbored 37 PTC, of which 31 were microcarcinomas. In these 25 PTC patients, mean age was 55 ± 10 years (range 30-75), female:male ratio 20:5 (4:1). In 10 patients (40% of 25 and 4.8% of 207), PTCs were bilateral, and in 7 (2 with microPTCs) the thyroid capsule was infiltrated. These 7 patients underwent central and lateral cervical lymph node dissections, which revealed lymph node metastases in one and two cases, respectively. Radioiodine treatment was performed in 7 cases. Neither mortality nor transient and permanent nerve injuries were observed. Four (16%) transient hypocalcaemias occurred as early complications. At last follow-up visit (mean length of follow-up 17.2 ± 3.4 months), all patients were doing well and free of any clinical local recurrence or distant metastases. CONCLUSION: With a 12% risk that multinodular goiter harbors preoperatively unsuspected PTCs, which can have already infiltrated the capsule and that can be accompanied by PTC foci contralaterally, an adequate surgical approach has to be considered.

Preoperatively undiagnosed papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients thyroidectomized for benign multinodular goiter

ABSTRACT Objective Incidental thyroid cancers (ITCs) are often microcarcinomas; among them, the most frequent histotype is the papillary one. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in patients thyroidectomized for benign multinodular goiter. Subject and methods We retrospectively evaluated the histological incidence of PTC in 207 consecutive patients who, in a 1-year period, underwent thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter. All patients came from an iodine-deficient area (Orleans, France) with three nuclear power stations located in the neighboring areas of the county town. Results Overall, 25 thyroids (12.1%) harbored 37 PTC, of which 31 were microcarcinomas. In these 25 PTC patients, mean age was 55 ± 10 years (range 30-75), female:male ratio 20:5 (4:1). In 10 patients (40% of 25 and 4.8% of 207), PTCs were bilateral, and in 7 (2 with microPTCs) the thyroid capsule was infiltrated. These 7 patients underwent central and lateral cervical lymph node dissections, which revealed lymph node metastases in one and two cases, respectively. Radioiodine treatment was performed in 7 cases. Neither mortality nor transient and permanent nerve injuries were observed. Four (16%) transient hypocalcaemias occurred as early complications. At last follow-up visit (mean length of follow-up 17.2 ± 3.4 months), all patients were doing well and free of any clinical local recurrence or distant metastases. Conclusion With a 12% risk that multinodular goiter harbors preoperatively unsuspected PTCs, which can have already infiltrated the capsule and that can be accompanied by PTC foci contralaterally, an adequate surgical approach has to be considered.

Parathyroid Autotransplantation During Thyroid Surgery: A Novel Technique Using a Cell Culture Nutrient Solution.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroid autotransplantation is an easy procedure with a low complication rate. We adopted the transplantation into the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which allows an easier and time-saving surgical procedure using the same surgical incision. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 396 consecutive patients, who underwent total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease. In all cases in which a parathyroid was damaged or inadvertently removed, the gland was transplanted; before the autotransplantation, the parathyroid tissue was put in a cell culture nutrient solution for 5 min, afterward fragmented, and then was transplanted in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. To demonstrate a beneficial effect of the cell nutrient solution step, we compared data of transplanted patients with a control group of cases (n = 190) undergoing a standard immediate autotransplantation. RESULTS: We divided patients in two main groups: group A (n = 160) including subjects that underwent one or more parathyroid gland autotransplantation using the cell nutrient solution, and group B (n = 236) concerning those who were not transplanted. Among patients, 62 hypocalcemias occurred, 40 in the group A and 22 in the group B (P < 0.001): 91.9 % were transient and 8.1 % (5 patients) definitive, all pertaining to the group B. Among controls (group C), 42 hypocalcemias occurred (P = 0.616 vs. group A and P = 0.002 vs. group B) and 3/42 became definitive (P = 0.096 vs. group A and P = 0.121 vs. group B). All differences concerning pre- and postoperative calcium values were statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the routine parathyroid autotransplantation, when a vascular damage is certain or suspected, in order to reduce the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism, using a cell culture nutrient solution before gland transplantation.

Pattern of nodal involvement in papillary thyroid cancer: a challenge of quantitative analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Backgrounds of this study were to examine and analyse the relationship among the number of lymph nodes with metastases harvested in central and lateral compartments, the characteristics of tumours and patients, and the recurrences rate. METHODS: A retrospective review of 118 patients treated for a papillary thyroid cancer and underwent to neck dissection, including in all cases both central and lateral compartment, was realised. A quantitative analysis, on this homogeneous cohort of patients, was performed to hypothesize the minimum number of cervical lymph nodes to be necessarily excised in order to obtain an adequate management of these patients. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 75.9 months. Five-year overall survival was 96.6%. The correlation among the metastatic lymph node number of the ipsilateral central compartment, isolated or pooled with those of the ipsilateral lateral compartment, age of patient and tumour size revealed a statistical significance (P=0.01); both parameters, tumour size and age, may be considered as dependent predictor variables. CONCLUSION: We suppose, notwithstanding the limited number of patients, that the number of lymph nodes harvested to achieve an optimal cervical dissection may be superior to 8 and 11 in central and lateral compartments, and 6 and 10 in contralateral ones, respectively. Moreover we recommend the bilateral dissection of central nodes compartment in presence of tumour localised in the isthmus.

[Gastro-intestinal neuroectodermal tumor (GNET): A case report of a small intestine tumor with hepatic metastases]. / Tumeur neuroectodermique gastro-intestinale (GNET) : à propos d'un cas de tumeur du grêle avec métastases hépatiques.

The gastro-intestinal neuroectodermal tumor (GNET) is a rare sarcoma of the digestive tract, which was recently recognised. The knowledge of the morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular diagnostic criteria is necessary to not mistake it for the metastasis of a melanoma or for another sarcoma of the digestive tract as the gastro-intestinal clear cells sarcoma or the malignant peripheral nervous system tumor (MPNST). We report the case of a 41-year-old patient with a GNET of the small intestine with hepatic metastasis. The histological examination showed a diffuse proliferation of epithelioid cells, which only express PS100. The presence EWSR1-ATF1 gene fusions with any melanocytic differentiation leads to the diagnosis of GNET.

Minimally invasive experience for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are rare mesenchymal neoplasms, accounting less than 3% of all the gastrointestinal tumours, that may arise in all portions of the gastrointestinal tract but more frequently they involve stomach and small bowel. Generally are asymptomatic or slight symptomatic, although they may also cause acute clinical conditions. Histologically are characterised by a meshwork of spindle-like cells mixed with fibro-hyaline stroma. The immunohistochemical assessment, marked for a strong immunopositivity for CD117 antibodies, allows the differential diagnosis with others muscular, nervous and fibroblastic tumours. Tumour size and mitotic rate are the most important prognostic indicators. Surgery represents the treatment for patients with primary non-metastatic disease, however a prolonged oncologic follow-up is always recommended. Minimally invasive technique is increasingly adopted and preferred for its low morbidity and shorter in-hospital stay, and more and more reports confirm its safety, efficacy and feasibility. We report a case series of three pauci-sympomatic patients, all hospitalised for severe anaemia related to a chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, successfully treated by laparoscopic approach for the removal of gastrointestinal stromal tumours, two located in the stomach and one in the jejunum.

Unusual presentation of a distal cholangiocarcinoma.

We report a case of a 51-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and itching, whereas jaundice occurred afterwards. Diagnosis was made by means of CT and better assessed by MRI and endoscopic ultrasounds. Patient was treated with an open Whipple's procedure, and after an 18-month follow-up he was doing well.

Giant retroperitoneal leiomyoma: a case report and review of the literature.

UNLABELLED: Retroperitoneal leiomyomata are infrequent, and their prevalence among primary retroperitoneal tumours has been estimated as 0.5-1.2%. The authors report a case of symptomatic retroperitoneal leiomyoma with a favourable prognosis. A 53-year-old woman presented for abdominal pain associated to an inflammatory syndrome. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a large abdominopelvic mass and patient underwent open surgical excision. Definitive diagnosis was done after immunohistochemical assessment. Immunoreactivity was strong for smooth muscular actin. Presence of oestrogen and progesterone receptor proteins was also detected. Prognosis of these well-differentiated smooth muscle tumours is generally favourable but a postoperative surveillance is always recommended. KEY WORDS: Leiomyoma, Retroperitoneal space, Surgery.

Short-stay hospitalisation for benign thyroid surgery: a prospective study.

We report our prospective experience of short-stay hospitalisation for benign thyroid surgery. Post-operative outcome, complication rate and duration of hospitalisation were evaluated for 200 similar patients with bilateral multi-nodular goitres treated surgically by total thyroidectomy. All subjects gave written informed consent. A short-stay regimen, with discharge within 24 h of admission, was possible in 92.5 %. Fourteen (7 %) were discharged on the second post-operative day and one on the fourth post-operative day. Causes of the 15 delayed discharges beyond 24 h were 11 hypocalcaemia (5.5 %), 3 haematoma (1.5 %) and 1 dysphonia (0.5 %). All compressive haematoma were treated by urgent reoperation. No mortality occurred. None required tracheostomies. Transient complications were diagnosed in 36 cases: 25 with hypocalcaemia and 11 with recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries. Permanent complications were observed in three patients: two with hypoparathyroidism and one with nerve damage. All patients were carefully counselled about potential thyroid surgery complications and a 24-h emergency-contact number was provided. Short-stay hospitalisation represents safe and cost-saving surgical management for benign thyroid surgery.

Early experience with laparoscopic major liver resections: a case-comparison study.

Laparoscopic major liver resections are regarded as demanding operations whose convenience is still under evaluation. The aim of the present study was to report our early experience and to describe surgical technique of laparoscopic major liver resections. Study group consisted of 6 female patients with benign disease and a mean age of 40.5 years, who underwent right hepatectomy in 4 cases and left hepatectomy in 2 cases. No mortality was observed. Morbidity consists in 1 biliary fistula that requires rehospitalization and a new laparoscopic operation. The mean operative time was of 201.7 minutes, with a mean hospital stay of 5.5 days. The authors conclude that laparoscopic major liver resections could be performed, at least for benign disease and by surgeons experienced in laparoscopy, with good results. Nevertheless, further studies are required before to draw definitive conclusions, especially for neoplastic patients who represent the most relevant group.

LigaSure vs clamp-and-tie technique to achieve hemostasis in total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter: a prospective randomized study.

HYPOTHESIS: Occurrence of adverse effects and advantages of the LigaSure diathermy system (or LigaSure vessel sealing system) in total thyroidectomy have not been tested in prospective randomized studies comparing its use with that of the time-saving clamp-and-tie technique to ligate and divide thyroid vessels. The effectiveness of LigaSure in achieving vessel division and hemostasis remains dependent on vessel diameter, and the risk of damage to adjacent structures cannot be completely excluded. We tested the hypothesis that use of LigaSure compared with the clamp-and-tie technique can significantly and conveniently reduce operative time without increasing postoperative complications in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiter. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: Regional hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred consecutive patients with benign multinodular goiter undergoing total thyroidectomy performed by 1 of 3 surgeons. INTERVENTIONS: According to a randomized sequence, total thyroidectomy was performed in 100 patients using LigaSure and in 100 patients using the clamp-and-tie technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: End points of the study included the comparative evaluation of postoperative complications, need for parathyroid gland autotransplantation, operative time, and time to hospital discharge. Preoperative, postoperative (24 hours), and 6-week follow-up serum Ca(++) levels are also reported and compared. RESULTS: The postoperative complication rate was 35% overall, including all transient postoperative disturbances. The incidence of cervical hematomas was 2%, but 3 patients (1.5%), 1 in the LigaSure group and 2 in the clamp-and-tie group, required repeat operations because of respiratory tract obstruction. The incidence of permanent complications was 2.5% overall, including 3 patients (1.5%) with permanent hypocalcemia and 2 patients (1%) with permanent recurrent nerve lesions. No statistical difference in the incidence of complications was found between the 2 study groups. Similarly, no difference was found in mean hospitalization time and need for parathyroid gland autotransplantation. Preoperative, postoperative, and 6-week follow-up mean serum Ca(++) levels were not statistically different in the 2 study groups and in the subset of patients undergoing parathyroid gland autotransplantation. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the LigaSure group, although the mean difference between the 2 study groups was minimal (7.4 minutes). Concomitantly, there was an additional cost of 45euro (US $57.40) per operation using LigaSure. CONCLUSION: The use of LigaSure is equally as safe and effective at vessel division and homeostasis as the clamp-and-tie technique, with a statistically significant (although minimal) decrease in mean operative time. Because of this minimal decrease in operative time, use of LigaSure would allow more patients to undergo total thyroidectomy each year, which would eventually help to offset its higher cost.

Lymph node metastasis from gastric carcinoid tumors occurring concomitantly with gastric adenocarcinomas and atrophic gastritis.

We describe a case of gastric carcinoids concomitant with gastric adenocarcinoma in a 50-year-old woman affected by atrophic gastritis. Number and size of the lesions, pathological examinations, and underlying gastric disease all indicated low-risk carcinoids. Nevertheless, when R1 gastrectomy was carried out, an unsuspected lymph node metastasis from carcinoid was found along the lesser curvature. The same occurrence is reported in several cases of the literature, which suggests that the association of gastric carcinoid to adenocarcinoma could point to the malignant nature of carcinoid, apart from underlying gastric disease and tumor characteristics.

Breast vasculitis presenting as a tumor-like lesion. A case report.

Breast vasculitis presenting as a tumor-like lesion is rare. The differential diagnosis in these cases can be extremely difficult but is very important for treatment and follow-up. We report the case of a 80-year-old woman who was admitted to our service with a lesion resembling an inflammatory carcinoma of the breast. We discuss the pathological and clinical characteristics, the presentation, assessment and treatment of this case and its resolution. Few reports in the literature have addressed the possible occurrence of systemic vasculitis mimicking cancerous lesions. The most common location of such lesions was shown to be the breast in one review. Although rare, such manifestations can be effectively recognized and treated.

Long-term outcome of familial adenomatous polyposis patients after restorative coloproctectomy.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) eliminates the risk of colorectal adenocarcinoma in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients, but desmoid tumors, duodenal, and ileal adenomas can still develop. Our aim was to assess the long-term outcome of FAP patients after RPC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: FAP patients who had RPC between 1983 and 1990 were contacted for interview and upper gastrointestinal (GI) and ileal pouch endoscopy. RESULTS: Sixty-two males and 48 females had undergone hand-sewn RPC during this period. One patient died postoperatively (0.9%). Among 96 patients available for a minimal follow-up of 11 years, 7 patients died: 3 from causes unrelated to FAP, 2 from metastatic colorectal cancer, and 2 from mesenteric desmoid tumor (MDT). Thirteen patients had a symptomatic MDT (13.5%). Of 73 patients who had an upper GI endoscopy, 52 developed duodenal and/or ampullary adenomas. Four patients required surgical treatment of their duodenal lesions. Among 54 patients who underwent ileal pouch endoscopy, pouch adenomas were noted in 29. No invasive duodenal or ileal pouch carcinoma were detected. Functional results of RPC were significantly worse in MDT patients. CONCLUSIONS: RPC eliminates the risk of colorectal cancer, and close upper GI surveillance may help prevent duodenal malignancy. MDTs are the principal cause of death, once colorectal cancer has been prevented, and the main reason for worsening functional results.