Surgical management of rare hepatobiliary sarcomas in a regional teaching hospital: a collaborative model for optimal care with case studies.

Sarcomas are challenging and conventionally referred to sarcoma specialist centres. In select cases with required surgical expertise, collaboration with a quaternary sarcoma centre rather than an upfront transfer of care may reduce logistic challenges without compromising patient care.We present a case series of three rare tumours of hepatobiliary origin-two cases of undifferentiated embryonal liver sarcoma in adults and one case of follicular dendritic sarcoma of the cystic lymph node.All three patients underwent surgery in a non-sarcoma specialist centre by hepatobiliary specialist surgeons with concurrent remote referrals to a sarcoma specialist quaternary centre. Both centres belong to the same cluster. R0 resection and no significant postoperative morbidity were achieved. All three patients currently remain disease-free.The unique and integrated healthcare systems within Singapore render cross-institution management possible. This case series suggests that an established setup for cross-centre collaboration facilitates wholistic patient care with good outcomes.

Low-cost model for pancreatojejunostomy simulation in minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy.

Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIS PD) is a well reported technique with several advantages over conventional open pancreatoduodenectomy. In comparison to distal pancreatectomy, the adoption of MIS PD has been slow due to the technical challenges involved, particularly in the reconstruction phase of the pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) anastomosis. Hence, we introduce a low-cost model for PJ anastomosis simulation in MIS PD. We fashioned a model of a cut pancreas and limb of jejunum using economical and easily accessible materials comprising felt fabric and the modelling compound, Play-Doh. Surgeons can practice MIS PJ suturing using this model to help mount their individual learning curve for PJ creation. Our video demonstrates that this model can be utilized in simulation practice mimicking steps during live surgery. Our model is a cost-effective and easily replicable tool for surgeons looking to simulate MIS PJ creation in preparation for MIS PD.

Encapsulated papillary carcinoma of the breast: An institutional case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Encapsulated papillary carcinoma of the breast is rare, making difficult diagnosis and resulting in patients undergoing excision biopsy before definitive surgery. Evidence-based guidelines are sparse. We would like to further elucidate the clinicopathological, treatment and survival outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 54 patients identified, with a median follow up duration of 48 months. Patients' demographics, radiological and clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, adjuvant therapies as well as survival data were analysed. RESULTS: 18 (33.3%) cases were pure EPC, 12 (22.2%) were EPC associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 24 (44.4%) cases had concurrent invasive ductal carcinoma. EPCs were more likely to present as a solid-cystic mass on sonography (63.8%), regular-shaped (oval or round) (97.9%), lack spiculations (95.7%) and lack suspicious microcalcifications (95.6%). Median tumour size was largest in the EPC with IDC group (18.5 mm). 2 patients developed loco-regional recurrence. Overall survival is good for EPCs of all subtypes. CONCLUSION: EPC is a rare tumour with excellent prognosis.

Review of Robotic Simultaneous Resection of Colorectal Cancer with Synchronous Liver Metastases Using Da Vinci Xi: Technical Considerations and Outcomes.

Background: Robotic surgery has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive oncologic surgery. The Da Vinci Xi platform is a significant upgrade from older Da Vinci platforms facilitating multiquadrant and multi-visceral resection. We review the current technical factors and outcomes in robotic surgery for simultaneous resection of colon and synchronous liver metastases (CLRM) and provide future perspective on technical considerations for combined resection. Methods: A literature search on PubMed was performed and relevant studies from January 1st 2009 to January 20th 2023 were identified. Seventy-eight patients who underwent synchronous colorectal and CLRM robotic resection with the Da Vinci Xi were analysed and their indication, technical factors, and post-operative outcomes were studied. Results: The median operative time was 399 minutes and mean blood loss of 180 ml for synchronous resection. Post-operative complications were developed by 71.7% (43/78) patients, 41% being Clavien-Dindo Grade 1 or 2. There was no 30-day mortality reported. Technical factors including port placements and operative factors were presented and discussed for the various permutations of colonic and liver resections performed. Conclusion: Robotic surgery with the Da Vinci Xi platform is a safe and viable approach for simultaneous resection of colon cancer and CLRM. Future studies and sharing of technical experience will potentially facilitate standardization and increased uptake of robotic multi-visceral resection in metastatic liver only colorectal cancer.

Novel technique of percutaneous bypass in a brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula with cephalic arch occlusion: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: Arteriovenous fistulas are a principal mainstay of long-term dialysis access for patients with end stage renal failure. However, the patency of arteriovenous fistulas is limited, often requiring percutaneous transluminal angioplasty as a salvage procedure. We report a case of percutaneous method of arteriovenous fistula salvage. METHODS: A gentleman with brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula created in 2015 was admitted under us for dialysis access issue. His fistula history was notable for recurrent and refractory venous outflow stenosis of the cephalic vein and the cephalic arch with multiple previous interventions. Ultrasound showed cephalic arch occlusion with high venous pressures. He underwent left brachicephalic fistula percutaneous bypass. We describe the percutaneous creation of a brachial-subclavian arteriovenous fistula via a bypass graft from a worsening brachial-cephalic fistula with cephalic arch occlusion that is not amendable to angioplasty. RESULTS: Final angiogram showed smooth flow to central vein. He is 2 years post procedure, and his fistula remained patent with no interventions required. CONCLUSION: Percutaneously created jump bypass grafts can reliably produce sustained long-term patency.

Predictors of post-operative complications after surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma and their prognostic effects on outcome and survival: A propensity-score matched and structural equation modelling study.

INTRODUCTION: Although hepatectomy is the mainstay of curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), post-operative complications remain high. Presently there is conflicting data on the impact of morbidity on oncologic outcomes. We sought to identify predictors for the occurrence of post-hepatectomy complications, as well as to analyse the impact on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 888 patients who underwent resection for HCC from 2001 to 2016 in our institution. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients (26.7%) developed 254 complications of Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥2. Hepatitis B (p = 0.0397), elevated ASA score (p = 0.0002), higher platelet counts (p = 0.0277), raised pre-operative APRI scores (p = 0.0105) and bloodloss (p < 0.0001) were independently associated with the development of complications. After propensity-score matching, 458 patients were compared in a 1:1 ratio (229 with complications versus 229 without). Patients with complications had significantly longer median length of stay (9 days [IQR 7-15] versus 6 days [IQR 5-8], p < 0.0001), higher 90-day mortality rates as well as inferior OS (p = 0.0139), but there was no difference in RFS (p = 0.4577). Age (p = 0.0006), elevated Child Pugh points (p < 0.0001), microvascular invasion (p = 0.0002), multifocal tumours (p = 0.0002), R1 resection (p = 0.0443) and development of complications (p = 0.0091) were independent predictors of inferior OS. CONCLUSION: Post-operative morbidity affected both short-term and OS outcomes after hepatectomy for HCC. Hepatitis B, higher ASA scores, elevated preoperative APRI and increased blood loss were found to predict a higher likelihood of developing complications. This may potentially be mitigated by careful patient selection and adopting strict measures to minimise intraoperative bleeding.

Liver Resection for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is on the rise worldwide, but data on long-term outcomes after curative operations are limited. The primary aim of this study was to characterize the perioperative and long-term outcomes after liver resection. The secondary aim was to investigate the influence of the histologic severity of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and its impact on perioperative outcomes and long-term survival. METHODS: A total of 996 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC in our institution were analyzed. Patients were categorized into subgroups of NAFLD vs non-NAFLD HCC based on histologic evidence of hepatic steatosis. Comparisons of patients' demographic, clinical, and surgical characteristics; postoperative complications; and survival outcomes were performed. RESULTS: Eight hundred and forty-four patients had non-NAFLD HCC and 152 patients had NAFLD HCC. Comorbidities were significantly more common in the NAFLD group (p < 0.0001). In the non-NAFLD group, larger median tumor size, higher liver cirrhosis, and lower median neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were observed (p < 0.0001). The NAFLD group had a greater amount of intraoperative blood loss, more postoperative complications, and longer length of stay. Five-year overall survival was significantly better in the NAFLD group (p = 0.0355). Significant factors that contribute to poorer survival outcomes include age, congestive cardiac failure, Child-Pugh's class B, cirrhosis, tumor size, multinodularity, and R1 resection. For NAFLD group, patients with abnormal parenchyma showed poorer survival and 5-year overall survival rates (64.8% vs 75.6%; p = 0.2291). CONCLUSIONS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related HCC is associated with greater surgical morbidity and post-hepatectomy liver failure. Despite this, long-term survival outcomes are favorable compared with non-NAFLD etiologies.

Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma with nodal melanosis: A rare cause of cystic cervical lymphadenopathy.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck malignancies often present as firm, solid nodal masses. However, malignancies arising from Waldeyer's Ring may give rise to cystic lymph nodes. METHODS: A 57-year-old man was referred for left-sided neck swelling of 2 weeks' duration. A CT scan revealed an enlarged cystic cervical node at level 5A/B and he underwent excision biopsy. RESULTS: Histology reported nodal fibrosis with melanophages. Further examination revealed a black nodule on his back where he had wide excision and the histology confirmed pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma. CONCLUSION: Cervical lymphadenopathy can rarely be due to an upper back lesion, such as pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma. Thus, routine clinical examination of the upper back should be performed in patients with cervical lymphadenopathy.

Rectal Cancer Surveillance-Recurrence Patterns and Survival Outcomes from a Cohort Followed up Beyond 10 Years.

AIM: The intensity and duration of surveillance for rectal cancer after surgical resection remain contentious. We evaluated the pattern of recurrences in a rectal cancer cohort followed up beyond 10 years. METHODS: An analysis was performed on a retrospective database of 326 patients with rectal cancer who underwent curative surgical resection from 1999 to 2007. The above study duration was chosen to ensure at least 10 years of follow-up. Data on patient demographics, peri-operative details, and follow-up outcomes were extracted from the database. The pattern of recurrences and investigative modality that detected recurrences was identified. Patients were followed up until either year 2016 or the day of their demise. RESULTS: Two hundred seventeen patients (66.6%) were male and 109 patients (33.3%) female. Median age was 64 years old. Close to a third of the patients received adjuvant therapy (34%). Among the 326 patients studied, 29.8% of (97/326) patients developed recurrence. 7.7% (25/326) had loco-regional recurrence while 22.1% (72/326) had distant metastasis. Median time to recurrence was 16 months (4-83) and 18 months (3-81), respectively. Computed tomography scan was the best modality to detect both loco-regional and distant recurrences (48% in loco-regional and 41.7% in distant metastasis). The most common site of distant metastasis is the lung (34.7%). The salvage rate for loco-regional and distant recurrences was 52 and 12.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The predominant pattern of recurrence in rectal cancer is distant disease. Surveillance regimes may need to be altered to increase early detection of distant metastases.

A belly of blood: A case report describing surgical intervention in a gastric intramural haematoma precipitated by therapeutic endoscopy in an anticoagulated patient.

Gastric intramural hematoma, "intramural dissection" or "false aneurysm", is a rare and dangerous condition which may be more broadly classified as a spectrum of acute gastric mucosal injury. It is postulated that disruption of the mucosa and blood vessels within the submucosal layer results in dissection of the muscularis propria from the mucosa, with eventual clot formation. While a majority of cases resolve with conservative management, we describe a successfully managed case requiring surgical intervention. Progression of the haematoma was documented both endoscopically and surgically in an elderly anticoagulated patient who suffered a complication of therapeutic endoscopic intervention. A review of the literature is presented.