Routine Imaging or Symptomatic Follow-Up After Resection of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Importance: International guidelines lack consistency in their recommendations regarding routine imaging in the follow-up after pancreatic resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Consequently, follow-up strategies differ between centers worldwide. Objective: To compare clinical outcomes, including recurrence-focused treatment and survival, in patients with PDAC recurrence who received symptomatic follow-up or routine imaging after pancreatic resection in international centers affiliated with the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA). Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a prospective, international, cross-sectional study. Patients from a total of 33 E-AHPBA centers from 13 countries were included between 2020 and 2021. According to the predefined study protocol, patients who underwent PDAC resection and were diagnosed with disease recurrence were prospectively included. Patients were stratified according to postoperative follow-up strategy: symptomatic follow-up (ie, without routine imaging) or routine imaging. Exposures: Symptomatic follow-up or routine imaging in patients who underwent PDAC resection. Main Outcomes and Measures: Overall survival (OS) was estimated with Kaplan-Meier curves and compared using the log-rank test. To adjust for potential confounders, multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between follow-up strategy and recurrence-focused treatment. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to study the independent association between follow-up strategy and OS. Results: Overall, 333 patients (mean [SD] age, 65 [11] years; 184 male [55%]) with PDAC recurrence were included. Median (IQR) follow-up at time of analysis 2 years after inclusion of the last patient was 40 (30-58) months. Of the total cohort, 98 patients (29%) received symptomatic follow-up, and 235 patients (71%) received routine imaging. OS was 23 months (95% CI, 19-29 months) vs 28 months (95% CI, 24-30 months) in the groups who received symptomatic follow-up vs routine imaging, respectively (P = .01). Routine imaging was associated with receiving recurrence-focused treatment (adjusted odds ratio, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.22-5.41; P = .01) and prolonged OS (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56-.99; P = .04). Conclusion and Relevance: In this international, prospective, cross-sectional study, routine follow-up imaging after pancreatic resection for PDAC was independently associated with receiving recurrence-focused treatment and prolonged OS.

Assessing Preoperative (EORTC) QLQ-C30 Score in Elderly Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between (EORTC) QLQ-C30 scores and both preoperative somatometric parameters and postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery for resectable colorectal cancer. Methods: The 118 elderly consecutive patients who underwent colorectal surgery for cancer in a single university's surgical department between 01/2018 and 12/2018 were prospectively enrolled in the present study. All patients with an age > 65 years, diagnosed with resectable colorectal cancer, without metastatic disease, that underwent elective surgery were included prospectively in the present study. Results: Regarding patients' characteristics, a negative correlation between preoperative QLQ (pQLQ) score and age (p = 0.001) and a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and pQLQ score (p = 0.048) were observed. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.004) in the mean pQLQ score between patients with rectal or colon cancer. Moreover, assessing pQLQ score was a useful tool in terms of postoperative recovery. Negative correlations between the pQLQ score and time (days) of beginning oral feeding (p < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.004) were found. The pQLQ score was statistically significantly lower (p = 0.005) in patients who had any postoperative complication; however, there was no difference in patients with major complications. Conclusions: Advanced age, colon cancer and decreased BMI were negatively associated with preoperative QLQ. The assessment of pQLQ in elderly patients with colorectal cancer can be a useful predictive tool for postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and postoperative rehabilitation.

Stent A pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy: Is it always necessary?

The establishment of a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is considered the most common and, concomitantly, the most serious complication associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The search for either technical modifications of the operative technique or pharmaceutical interventions that could possibly aid in decreasing the incidence of this often-devastating complication appears justified. The stenting of the pancreatic duct, with the use of either internal or external stents, has been evaluated in this direction. In theory, it is an approach that could eliminate many pathophysiological factors responsible for the occurrence of a POPF. The purpose of the present study was to review the current data regarding the role of pancreatic duct stenting on the incidence of POPF, after PD, by using PubMed and Reference Citation Analysis. In general, previous studies seem to highlight the superiority of external stents over their internal counterparts in regard to the incidence of POPF; this is at the cost, however, of increased morbidity associated mainly with the stent removal. Certainly, the use of an internal stent is a less invasive approach with acceptable results and is definitely deprived of the drawbacks arising through the complete diversion of pancreatic juice from the gastrointestinal tract. Bearing in mind the scarcity of high-quality data on the subject, an approach of reserving stent placement for the high-risk for POPF patients and individualizing the selection between the use of an internal or an external stent according to the distinct characteristics of each individual case scenario appears appropriate.

Billroth II anastomosis combined with brown anastomosis reduce reflux gastritis in gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The surgeon performing a distal gastrectomy, has an arsenal of reconstruction techniques at his disposal, Billroth II among them. Braun anastomosis performed during a Billroth II procedure has shown evidence of superiority over typical Billroth II, in terms of survival, with no impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality. AIM: To compare Billroth II vs Billroth II and Braun following distal gastrectomy, regarding their postoperative course. METHODS: Patients who underwent distal gastrectomy during 2002-2021, were separated into two groups, depending on the surgical technique used (Billroth II: 74 patients and Billroth II and Braun: 28 patients). The daily output of the nasogastric tube (NGT), the postoperative day that NGT was removed and the day the patient started per os feeding were recorded. Postoperative complications were at the same time noted. Data were then statistically analyzed. RESULTS: There was difference in the mean NGT removal day and the mean start feeding day. Mean total postoperative NGT output was lower in Braun group (399.17 mL vs 1102.78 mL) and it was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Mean daily postoperative NGT output was also statistically significantly lower in Braun group. According to the postoperative follow up 40 patient experienced bile reflux and alkaline gastritis from the Billroth II group, while 9 patients who underwent Billroth II and Braun anastomosis were presented with the same conditions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was evidence of superiority of Billroth II and Braun vs typical Billroth II in terms of bile reflux, alkaline gastritis and NGT output.

Central Pancreatectomy: Balancing between the Favorable Functional Results and the Increased Associated Morbidity.

Introduction Central pancreatectomy (CP) represents an organ-preserving type of pancreatic resection. The procedure has been associated with improved long-term functional results, but increased postoperative morbidity rates, compared with the more radical resection types. The purpose of the present study was to present the outcomes of three consecutive CPs performed in our department. Materials and Methods Between January 2021 and January 2022, three patients (A, B, and C) were submitted to a CP in our department. Relevant patient data including data of the detailed preoperative assessment, operations notes, and recovery charts were prospectively collected and reviewed for all subjects. A scheduled follow-up, at the outpatient clinic, was conducted to assess the long-term functional results. Results The postoperative course of patient A, a 56-year-old male, was complicated by a grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula that required a reoperation. Patient B, a 66-year-old female, developed a biochemical leak that resolved spontaneously while patient C, a 64-year-old male, had a completely uneventful recovery. The length of hospital stay for the three patients was 24, 12, and 8 days, respectively. Regarding the long-term results, patient B was lost to follow-up while both patient A and C were followed up, as outpatients, 21 and 10 months after the operation. During follow-up, in patient A, we did not record the presence of symptoms consistent with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, the hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels were 7.1% while no additional medications were needed to be prescribed to maintain the glycemic control following surgery. In patient C, a significant weight loss was recorded (body mass index reduction of 11 kg/m 2 ) without however the presence of malabsorption-specific symptoms. The HbA1C levels were 7.7% and optimal glycemic control was achieved with oral antiglycemic agents alone. Conclusion CP should be regarded as a type of pancreatic resection with certain and very limited oncological indications. An approach of balancing the advantages out of the superior postoperative functional results with the drawbacks of the increased procedure-associated morbidity could highlight the patient group that could potentially experience benefits out of this limited type of resection.

Microvessel Density (MVD) in Patients with Osteosarcoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

A meta-analysis was designed and conducted to estimate the effect of tumoral microvessel density (MVD) on the survival of patients with osteosarcoma. There was no difference between high and low MVD regarding the overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival. Low MVD tumors displayed a lower DFS at the third year of follow-up. Although primary metastases did not affect the mean MVD measurements, tumors with a good chemotherapy response had a higher MVD value. Although no significant differences between tumoral MVD, OS and DFS were found, good adjuvant therapy responders had a significant higher vascularization pattern.

Comparison of intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy: an updated meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

This meta-analysis was conducted to provide updated evidence regarding perioperative safety and efficacy, of IC and EC anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomies. In this study, the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the PRISMA guidelines were applied. The study protocol received a PROSPERO registration (CRD42020214596). A systematic literature search of the electronic scholar databases (Medline, Web of Science and Scopus) was performed. To reduce type I error, a trial sequential analysis (TSA) algorithm was introduced. The quality of evidence was evaluated based on the GRADE methodology. In total, 46 studies were included in this meta-analysis, Pooled comparisons and TSA confirmed that IC is superior in terms of incisional hernia (0.29; 95%CI: 0.19, 0.44), open conversion (0.45; 95%CI: 0.30, 0.67), reoperation (0.62; 95%CI: 0.46, 0.84]), LOS (- 0.76; 95%CI: - 1.03, - 0.49), blood loss (- 11.50; 95%CI: - 18.42, - 4.58), and cosmesis (- 1.71; 95%CI: - 2.01, - 1.42). Postoperative pain and return of bowel function were, also, shortened when the anastomosis was fashioned intracorporeally. The grading of most evidence ranged from 'low' to 'high'. Due to the discrepancy in the results of RCTs and non-RCTs, and the proportionally smaller sample size of the former, further randomized trials are required to increase the evidence of this comparison.

Comparison of ointment-based agents after excisional procedures for hemorrhoidal disease: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Efficient postoperative pain control is important after hemorrhoidal surgery. Although several locally applied medications have been used, current evidence regarding the optimal strategy is still conflicting. This network meta-analysis assessed analgesic efficacy and safety of the various topical medications in patients submitted to excisional procedures for hemorrhoids. METHODS: The present study followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the PRISMA guidelines. The last systematic literature screening was performed at 15 June 2023. Comparisons were based on a random effects multivariate network meta-analysis under a Bayesian framework. RESULTS: Overall, 26 RCTs and 2132 patients were included. Regarding postoperative pain, EMLA cream (surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) 80.3%) had the highest ranking at 12-h endpoint, while aloe vera cream (SUCRA 82.36%) scored first at 24 h. Metronidazole ointments had the highest scores at 7 and 14 days postoperatively. Aloe vera had the best analgesic profile (24-h SUCRA 84.8% and 48-h SUCRA 80.6%) during defecation. Lidocaine (SUCRA 87.9%) displayed the best performance regarding overall morbidity rates. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the inconclusive results and several study limitations, further RCTs are required.

From Classic Whipple to Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Ultimately to Pylorus Resecting - Stomach Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Review.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the procedure of choice for benign or malignant tumors of the periampullary region. The preservation of the pylorus has been established as the mostly utilized approach during pancreaticoduodenectomy among the majority of specialized, in the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer, centers worldwide. The factors that influenced this predilection are the shorter operation times, the less intraoperative blood loss, the decreased technical difficulty, and the quite similar short- and long-term outcomes compared to the classic Whipple. However, there is a notable trend in the literature highlighting the increased incidence of delayed gastric emptying following pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Among other factors, pylorus dysfunction attributable to the surgical maneuvers has been implemented in the etiology of this complication. In an attempt to overcome this limitation of the pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, pylorus resecting pancreaticoduodenectomy with the preservation of the stomach was proposed. In theory, pylorus resecting pancreaticoduodenectomy could maintain the advantages of organ sparing surgery, but at the same time guarantee a more seamless gastric emptying. Only three RCTs, to date, aimed to evaluate the approach with only one reporting results in favor of the pylorus resecting pancreaticoduodenectomy in regard to the incidence of delayed gastric emptying. Further well-designed prospective randomized studies are needed for an accurate assessment of the true role of each of these surgical alternatives on the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Microvessel density in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are considered the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Microvessel density (MVD) constitutes a direct method of vascularity quantification and has been associated with survival rates in multiple malignancies. AIM: To appraise the effect of MVD on the survival of patients with GIST. METHODS: This study adhered to Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Electronic scholar databases and grey literature repositories were systematically screened. The Fixed Effects or Random Effects models were used according to the Cochran Q test. RESULTS: In total, 6 eligible studies were identified. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for disease free survival (DFS) was 8.52 (95%CI: 1.69-42.84, P = 0.009). The odds ratios of disease-free survival between high and low MVD groups at 12 and 60 mo did not reach statistical significance. Significant superiority of the low MVD group in terms of DFS was documented at 36 and 120 mo (OR: 8.46, P < 0.0001 and OR: 22.71, P = 0.0003, respectively) as well as at metastases rate (OR: 0.11, P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: MVD significantly correlates with the HR of DFS and overall survival rates at 36 and 120 mo. Further prospective studies of higher methodological quality are required.

Comparison of Selected Older and Younger Patients Regarding Optimal Surgical Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Current evidence regarding the optimal management of older colorectal cancer patients, is conflicting. Functional deficits impact long-term survival prognosis, while frailty often results to optimal treatment postponement. Thus, the characteristics of this subgroup combined with treatment deviations further perplex optimal oncological management. The study aim was to compare survival and optimal surgery rates between older and younger colorectal cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective cohort. All adult (³18 years) colorectal cancer patients operated, during the 2016-2020 period, in the Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, were considered as eligible. The primary endpoint of the study was the difference in terms of the overall survival between older (>70 year) and younger (<70 years) colorectal cancer patients. RESULTS: Overall, 166 patients (60 younger and 106 older) were enrolled. Although the older subgroup displayed a higher rate (p=0.007) of ASA II and ASA III patients, mean CCI scores were comparable (p=0.384). The two subgroups were similar in terms of performed operations (p=0.140). No delay in surgery was noted. Most operations were performed using an open approach (open: 57.8% vs. laparoscopic: 42.2%), under an elective status (elective: 91% vs. emergency: 1.8%). There was no difference in terms of overall complications rate (p=0.859). Overall survival was similar (p=0.227) between the older and younger subgroups (25.68 vs. 28.48 months). CONCLUSION: Older operated patients did not differ from their younger counterparts with regard to their overall survival. Due to several study limitations, further trials are required to confirm these findings.

BILE: A Literature Review Based Novel Clinical Classification and Treatment Algorithm of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injuries.

PURPOSES: The management of patients with iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) is a challenging field, often with dismal medico legal projections. Attempts to classify IBDI have been made repeatedly and the final results were either analytical and extensive but not useful in everyday clinical practice systems, or simple and user friendly but with limited clinical correspondence approaches. The purpose of the present review is to propose a novel, clinical classification system of IBDI by reviewing the relevant literature. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted by performing bibliographic searches in the available electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. RESULTS: Based on the literature results, we propose a five (5) stage (A, B, C, D and E) classification system for IBDI (BILE Classification). Each stage is correlated with the recommended and most appropriate treatment. Although the proposed classification scheme is clinically oriented, the anatomical correspondence of each IBDI stage has been incorporated as well, using the Strasberg classification. CONCLUSIONS: BILE classification represents a novel, simple, and dynamic in nature classification system of IBDI. The proposed classification focuses on the clinical consequences of IBDI and provides an action map that can appropriately guide the treatment plan.

Isoperistaltic vs antiperistaltic anastomosis after right hemicolectomy: A comprehensive review.

To optimize the efficiency of ileocolic anastomosis following right hemicolectomy, several variations of the surgical technique have been tested. These include performing the anastomosis intra- or extracorporeally or performing a stapled or hand-sewn anastomosis. Among the least studied is the configuration of the two stumps (i.e., isoperistaltic or antiperistaltic) in the case of a side-to-side anastomosis. The purpose of the present study is to compare the isoperistaltic and antiperistaltic side-to-side anastomotic configuration after right hemicolectomy by reviewing the relevant literature. High-quality literature is scarce, with only three studies directly comparing the two alternatives, and no study has revealed any significant differences in the incidence of anastomosis-related complications such as leakage, stenosis, or bleeding. However, there may be a trend towards an earlier recovery of intestinal function following antiperistaltic anastomosis. Finally, existing data do not identify a certain anastomotic configuration (i.e., isoperistaltic or antiperistaltic) as superior over the other. Thus, the most appropriate approach is to master both anastomotic techniques and select between the two configurations based on each individual case scenario.

Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Is an R1 Hepatic Resection Accepted?

Metastatic colorectal cancer is associated with a rather dismal 5-year overall survival. The liver is the most commonly affected organ. Improved 5-year survival rates after successful hepatic resections for metastases confined to the liver have been reported. Certainly, a hepatectomy that results in an incomplete tumor resection, in terms of leaving macroscopic residual tumor in the future liver remnant, is not associated with survival benefits. However, the prognostic implications of a microscopically positive surgical margin or a clear margin of less than 1 mm (R1) on pathology are debatable. Although it has been a field of extensive research, the relevant literature often reports contradictory results. The purpose of the present study was to define, assess the risk factors for, and, ultimately, analyze the effect that an R1 hepatic resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases might have on local recurrence rates and long-term prognosis by reviewing the relevant literature. Achieving an R0 hepatic resection, optimally with more than 1 mm of clear margin, should always be the goal. However, in the era of the aggressive multimodality treatment of liver metastatic colorectal cancer, an R1 resection might be the cost of increasing the pool of patients finally eligible for resection. The majority of literature reports have highlighted the detrimental effect of R1 resections on local recurrence and overall survival. However, there are indeed studies that degraded the prognostic handicap as a consequence of an R1 resection in selected patients and highlighted the presence of RAS mutations, the response to chemotherapy, and, in general, factors that reflect the biology of the disease as important, if not the determinant, prognostic factors. In these patients, the aggressive disease biology seems to outperform the resection margin status as a prognostic factor, and the recorded differences between R1 and R0 resections are equalized. Properly and accurately defining this patient group is a future challenge in the field of the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases.

Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy vs. hemorrhoid artery ligation and recto-anal repair: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Several surgical techniques for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease (HD) have been proposed. However, the selection of the most proper technique for each individual case scenario is still a matter of debate. The purpose of the present study was to compare the Milligan-Morgan (MM) hemorrhoidectomy and the hemorrhoidal artery ligation and rectoanal repair (HAL-RAR) technique. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected database of patients submitted to HD surgery in our department was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups, the MM group and the HAL-RAR group. Primary end points were recurrence rates and patients' satisfaction rates. The Unpaired t test was used to compare numerical variables while the x2 test for categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were identified, submitted either to HAL-RAR or MM hemorrhoidectomy. Eight (8) patients were lost to follow up and were excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 116 patients, 69 patients (54 males and 15 females-male / female ratio: 3.6) with a median age of 47 years old (range 18-69) were included in the HAL-RAR group while 47 patients (40 males and 7 females-male / female ratio: 5.7) with a median age of 52 years old (range 32-71) comprised the MM group. At a median follow up of 41 months (minimum 24 months-maximum 72 months), we recorded 20 recurrences (28.9%) in the HAL-RAR group and 9 recurrences in the MM group (19.1%) (p 0.229). The mean time from the procedure to the recurrence was 14.1 ± 9.74 months in the HAL-RAR group and 21 ± 13.34 months in the MM group. Patients with itching, pain or discomfort as the presenting symptoms of HD experienced statistically significantly lower recurrences (p 0.0354) and reported statistically significantly better satisfaction rates (6.72 ± 2.15 vs. 8.11 ± 1.99-p 0.0111) when submitted to MM. In the subgroup of patients with bleeding as the presenting symptom, patients satisfaction rates were significantly better (8.59 ± 1.88 vs. 6.45 ± 2.70-p 0.0013) in the HAL-RAR group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with pain, itching or discomfort as the presenting symptoms of HD, MM was associated with less recurrences and better patients satisfaction rates compared to HAL-RAR. In patients with bleeding as the main presenting symptom of HD, HAL-RAR was associated with better patients' satisfaction rates and similar recurrence rates compared to MM.

White spirit poisoning: An unusual cause of hepatic portal venous gas.

Traditionally, the presence of air within the hepatic portal venous system has been considered a rather ominous sign as it has been associated with conditions of increased associated morbidity and mortality such as bowel ischemia and intraabdominal sepsis. However, benign conditions, not requiring any particular intervention, have been implemented in the etiology, as well. In the present report, we present the case of the accidental ingestion of white spirit as a rather unusual cause of hepatic portal vein gas. A 32-year-old, otherwise healthy, male was admitted to the emergency department following the accidental ingestion of a "sip," approximately 15 ml, of white spirit. The patient was complaining of nausea and upper abdominal pain that started soon after the ingestion of caustic agent. An imaging investigation with a computed tomography scan (CT) of the abdomen revealed the presence of hepatic portal vein gas along with a diffuse edema of the gastric wall at the site of the lesser curvature. A follow-up CT, 2 days after the admission, revealed no evidence of hepatic portal venous gas. Based on the patient's good general condition, an expectant management was decided. No intervention was required, oral feeding was recommenced after 6 days of fasting and the patient was discharged 8 days after the admission. Hepatic portal venous gas is a very impressive imaging finding with remarkably diverse etiology and prognostic correspondence. Irrespective of the cause, an approach of managing patients with hepatic portal venous gas according to their clinical condition appears reasonable.

Microvessel density in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Microvessel density (MVD) has been proposed as a direct quantification method of tumor neovascularization. However, the current literature regarding the role of MVD in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) remains inconclusive. AIM: To appraise the effect of tumoral MVD on the survival of patients with DTC. METHODS: This meta-analysis was based on the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The electronic databases Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically screened. A fixed-effects or random-effects model was used, according to the Cochran Q test. The data were then extracted and assessed on the basis of the Reference Citation Analysis (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/). RESULTS: A total of nine studies were included in the present study. Superiority of low MVD tumors in terms of 10-year disease free survival (OR: 0.21, 95%CI: 0.08-0.53) was recorded. Lowly vascularized thyroid cancers had a lower recurrence rate (OR: 13.66, 95%CI: 3.03-61.48). Moreover, relapsing tumors [weighed mean difference (WMD): 11.92, 95%CI: 6.32-17.52] or malignancies with regional lymph node involvement (WMD: 8.53, 95%CI: 0.04-17.02) presented with higher tumoral MVD values. CONCLUSION: MVD significantly correlates with the survival outcomes of thyroid cancer patients. However, considering several study limitations, further prospective studies of higher methodological and quality level are required.

Gastric Cancer Invading the Pancreas: A Review of the Role of Pancreatectomy.

Gastric cancer is quite a common type of cancer, with significant associated mortality. Traditionally, combined resections of affected organs have been advocated in cases of locally advanced gastric cancer, in order to achieve an R0 resection. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of pancreatectomy in the treatment of gastric cancer invading the pancreas by reviewing the relevant literature. The oncological benefits to survival rates of multivisceral resection are not always obvious from the relevant survival charts, especially when the pancreas is the organ invaded by the gastric cancer and gastrectomy needs to be combined with a pancreatectomy, an operation with high morbidity rates. In conclusion, careful patient selection is essential to achieving optimal results, balancing the oncological benefits in these properly selected patients against the associated morbidity of extensive resection.

Extent of Surgical Resection for Gastric Cancer: The Safety Distance Between the Tumor and the Proximal Resection Margin.

A potentially curative treatment scheme for gastric cancer is considered futile without a proper surgical resection. An oncological, surgical resection for gastric cancer prerequisites a proper resection of the stomach, and a D2 lymph node dissection followed by reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract continuity. Recently, as the favorable impact of organ preserving surgery on functional outcomes has been increasingly appreciated; distal gastrectomy represents a valid alternative to total gastrectomy provided that the proper oncological principles are not violated. However, the appropriateness of distal gastrectomy as a valid type of resection becomes synonymous with achieving a negative proximal resection margin. The purpose of the present study was to assess the optimal distance between the tumor and the resection margin in a gastrectomy with curative intent, performed for gastric cancer, by reviewing the relevant literature. Having in mind, the well documented discrepancy between the gross and the pathologic boundaries of the tumor, pitfalls might be encountered. Current published guidelines have used a "safety distance" i.e., >4 or 5 cm between the proximal macroscopic tumor border and the proximal resection margin in order to guarantee a negative resection margin on pathology. An increased distance of safety is currently proposed in high-risk tumors such as tumors of the diffuse histological type.

An Unusual Cause of Biliary Peritonitis on the Background of Acute Pancreatitis: A Case Report.

Introduction Acute pancreatitis can cause a wide variety of local complications, sometimes pretty unusual. In the present report, we present a rather unusual cause of biliary peritonitis on the background of acute pancreatitis. Case Presentation A 41-year-old female patient with biliary acute pancreatitis and concomitant choledocholithiasis required an urgent laparotomy due to signs of sepsis and peritoneal irritation after a trial of conservative management. During laparotomy, the diagnosis of biliary peritonitis was established. Surprisingly, a residual gallstone obstructing the common bile duct at the level of the ampulla was causing bile to reflux, through the common channel, into the main pancreatic duct and subsequently into a partially ruptured acute pancreatic necrotic collection. Conclusion Dealing with the unexpected is a constant challenge for the surgical team dealing with acute pancreatitis patients. Although deferring surgical intervention during the course of acute pancreatitis, as much as possible, is the ideal strategy, this is not always possible. Deciding the treatment strategy based on the patients' clinical condition represents the most appropriate approach.