A more radical perspective on surgical approach and outcomes in pancreatic cancer-a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains a dismal disease and is expected to become an even greater burden in the near future. This review focuses on the different surgical aspects for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), distal and total pancreatectomy (TP), incorporating lessons from both the western and eastern visions in treating pancreatic cancer. Methods: We conducted an extensive literature review through PubMed, prioritizing papers published in the last 5 years, but older emblematic papers were also included. We included articles that explored the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with focus on the surgical aspect and strategies to improve outcomes. References of selected articles were also reviewed to identify any missed studies. Only papers in English were included. Key Content and Findings: As evidence continues to build, it is clear that both systemic and surgical therapies have a fundamental and complementary role. State of art surgical treatment encompasses complete mesopancreas excision for radical lymphadenectomy. Preoperative planning of dissection planes, extensive knowledge of vascular anatomic variations, oncological principles and expertise for vascular resections are mandatory to perform a more radical operation, in pursuit of improved outcomes. Conclusions: Based on current data, patient selection remains key and a more radical surgical approach brings more accomplishing results bringing as to believe that more is better.

What do surgeons need to know about the mesopancreas.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy is the only treatment with a promise of cure for patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, and a negative resection margin is an important factor related to overall survival. Complete clearance of the medial margin with removal of the so-called mesopancreas may decrease the recurrence rate after pancreatic resection. Here, we present some important information about the mesopancreas, total mesopancreas excision, and technical aspects to achieve negative resection margins. The area named mesopancreas is defined as the tissue located between the head of the pancreas and the superior mesenteric vessels and the celiac axis and consists of the nerve plexus, lymphatic tissue, and connective tissue. The superior mesenteric and celiac arteries define the border of the mesopancreas. En bloc resection of anterior and posterior pancreatoduodenal nodes, hepatoduodenal nodes, along the superior mesenteric artery nodes, pyloric nodes, and nodes along the common hepatic artery is necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Improved knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the region and technical refinements of excision of the mesopancreas along with standardized pathological examination are important to increase and to determine radical resection of pancreatic head cancer.

Surgical resection for non-Asian intrahepatic lithiasis: The Brazilian experience.

BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic lithiasis (IHL) is a rare disease in the western world. Complications associated with IHL include acute cholangitis, liver atrophy, secondary biliary cirrhosis, and risk for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Liver resection is considered the treatment of choice for IHL. The objective of this study was to analyze patients who underwent liver resection for non-Asian hepatolithiasis. METHODS: 127 patients with symptomatic non-Asian hepatolithiasis underwent resection in six institutions. Demographic data, clinical presentation, diagnosis, classification according to stone location, presence of atrophy, bile duct stricture, biliary cirrhosis, incidence of cholangiocarcinoma, treatment and postoperative course were evaluated. RESULTS: 52 patients (40.9%) were male and the mean age was 46.1 years. Sixty-six patients (51.9%) presented with history of cholangitis. Stones were located in the left lobe in 63 (49.6%), and right lobe in 28 patients (22.0%). Atrophy was observed in 31 patients (24.4%) and biliary stenosis in 18 patients (14.1%). The most common procedure performed was left lateral sectionectomy in 63 (49.6%) patients, followed by left hepatectomy in 36 (28.3%), right hepatectomy in 19 (15.0%), and associated hepaticojejunostomy in 28 (22.0%). Forty-two patients (33.0%) presented postoperative complications and the most common were biliary fistula (13.3%) and surgical site infection (7.0%). Postoperative mortality was 0.7%. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was observed in 2 patients (1.5%). Recurrence was identified in 10 patients (7.8%), mostly with bilateral stones and/or hepaticojejunostomy. CONCLUSION: Liver resection is the standard treatment for symptomatic unilateral or complicated IHL with good operative results. Risk of cholangiocarcinoma was low in non-Asian patients.

BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON INCIDENTAL GALLBLADDER CARCINOMA.

BACKGROUND: Incidental gallbladder cancer is defined as a cancer discovered by histological examination after cholecystectomy. It is a potentially curable disease. However, some questions related to their management remain controversial and a defined strategy is associated with better prognosis. AIM: To develop the first evidence-based consensus for management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in Brazil. METHODS: Sixteen questions were selected, and 36 Brazilian and International members were included to the answer them. The statements were based on current evident literature. The final report was sent to the members of the panel for agreement assessment. RESULTS: Intraoperative evaluation of the specimen, use of retrieval bags and routine histopathology is recommended. Complete preoperative evaluation is necessary and the reoperation should be performed once final staging is available. Evaluation of the cystic duct margin and routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy is recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered and chemoradiation therapy if microscopically positive surgical margins. Port site should be resected exceptionally. Staging laparoscopy before reoperation is recommended, but minimally invasive radical approach only in specialized minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary centers. The extent of liver resection is acceptable if R0 resection is achieved. Standard lymph node dissection is required for T2 tumors and above, but common bile duct resection is not recommended routinely. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to prepare safe recommendations as guidance for incidental gallbladder carcinoma, addressing the most frequent topics of everyday work of digestive and general surgeons.

Brazilian consensus on incidental gallbladder carcinoma / Consenso brasileiro de carcinoma incidental de vesícula biliar

ABSTRACT Background: Incidental gallbladder cancer is defined as a cancer discovered by histological examination after cholecystectomy. It is a potentially curable disease. However, some questions related to their management remain controversial and a defined strategy is associated with better prognosis. Aim: To develop the first evidence-based consensus for management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in Brazil. Methods: Sixteen questions were selected, and 36 Brazilian and International members were included to the answer them. The statements were based on current evident literature. The final report was sent to the members of the panel for agreement assessment. Results: Intraoperative evaluation of the specimen, use of retrieval bags and routine histopathology is recommended. Complete preoperative evaluation is necessary and the reoperation should be performed once final staging is available. Evaluation of the cystic duct margin and routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy is recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered and chemoradiation therapy if microscopically positive surgical margins. Port site should be resected exceptionally. Staging laparoscopy before reoperation is recommended, but minimally invasive radical approach only in specialized minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary centers. The extent of liver resection is acceptable if R0 resection is achieved. Standard lymph node dissection is required for T2 tumors and above, but common bile duct resection is not recommended routinely. Conclusions: It was possible to prepare safe recommendations as guidance for incidental gallbladder carcinoma, addressing the most frequent topics of everyday work of digestive and general surgeons.

RESUMO Racional: Carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar é definido como uma neoplasia descoberta por exame histológico após colecistectomia videolaparoscópica. É potencialmente uma doença curável. Entretanto algumas questões relacionadas ao seu manuseio permanecem controversas e uma estratégia definida está associada com melhor prognóstico. Objetivo: Desenvolver o primeiro consenso baseado em evidências para o manuseio de pacientes com carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar no Brasil. Métodos: Dezesseis questões foram selecionadas e para responder as questões e 36 membros das sociedades brasileiras e internacionais foram incluídos. As recomendações foram baseadas em evidências da literatura atual. Um relatório final foi enviado para os membros do painel para avaliação de concordância. Resultados: Avaliação intraoperatória da peça cirúrgica, uso de bolsas para retirar a peça cirúrgica e exame histopatológico de rotina, foram recomendados. Avaliação pré-operatória completa é necessária e deve ser realizada assim que o estadiamento final esteja disponível. Avaliação da margem do ducto cístico e biópsia de rotina do linfonodo 16b1 são recomendadas. Quimioterapia deve ser considerada e quimioradioterapia indicada se a margem cirúrgica microscópica seja positiva. Os portais devem ser ressecados excepcionalmente. O estadiamento laparoscópico antes da operação é recomendado, mas o tratamento radical por abordagem minimamente invasiva deve ser realizado apenas em centros especializados em cirurgia hepatopancreatobiliar minimamente invasiva. A extensão da ressecção hepática é aceitável até que seja alcançada a ressecção R0. A linfadenectomia padrão é indicada para tumores iguais ou superiores a T2, mas a ressecção da via biliar não é recomendada de rotina. Conclusões: Recomendações seguras foram preparadas para carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar, destacando os mais frequentes tópicos do trabalho diário do cirurgião do aparelho digestivo e hepatopancreatobiliar.

PANCREATODUODENECTOMY FOR SOLID PSEUDOPAPILLARY TUMOR OF THE PANCREAS: A MULTI-INSTITUTION STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare low-grade malignant neoplasm. Most patients present with nonspecific symptoms until the tumor becomes large. Complete surgical resection by pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice for tumors located in the head of the pancreas. AIM: To analyzed the clinicopathologic features, management, and outcomes of patients who had solid pseudopapillary tumor of the head pancreas and underwent surgical resection. METHODS: Were analyzed 16 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for this condition. RESULTS: Mean age was 25.7 years old, and 15 patients were female (93.7%). Nonspecific abdominal pain was present in 14 (87.5%). All underwent computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging as part of diagnostic workup. The median diameter of the tumor was 6.28 cm, and surgical resection was performed with open or laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients (37.5%) and included pancreatic fistula without mortality. The mean of hospital stay was 10.3 days. Median follow-up was 3.6 years, and no patient had local recurrence or metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: For these patients surgical resection with pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice showing low morbidity, no mortality, and good long-term survival.

Pancreatoduodenectomy for solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: a multi-institution study / Duodenopancreatectomia para o tumor pseudopapilar sólido do pâncreas: estudo multi-institucional

ABSTRACT Background: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare low-grade malignant neoplasm. Most patients present with nonspecific symptoms until the tumor becomes large. Complete surgical resection by pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice for tumors located in the head of the pancreas Aim: To analyzed the clinicopathologic features, management, and outcomes of patients who had solid pseudopapillary tumor of the head pancreas and underwent surgical resection. Methods: Were analyzed 16 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for this condition. Results: Mean age was 25.7 years old, and 15 patients were female (93.7%). Nonspecific abdominal pain was present in 14 (87.5%). All underwent computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging as part of diagnostic workup. The median diameter of the tumor was 6.28 cm, and surgical resection was performed with open or laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients (37.5%) and included pancreatic fistula without mortality. The mean of hospital stay was 10.3 days. Median follow-up was 3.6 years, and no patient had local recurrence or metastatic disease. Conclusion: For these patients surgical resection with pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice showing low morbidity, no mortality, and good long-term survival.

RESUMO Racional: Tumor sólido pseudopapilar do pâncreas é neoplasia maligna rara, de baixo grau de malignidade. A maioria dos pacientes apresenta sintomas inespecíficos até que o tumor aumente de tamanho. A ressecção cirúrgica completa através a duodenopancreatectomia é o tratamento de escolha para os localizados na cabeça do pâncreas. Objetivo: Analisar as características clinicopatológicas, tratamento e resultados de pacientes com tumor sólido pseudopapilar do pâncreas localizado na cabeça do pâncreas submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica. Método: Foram analisados 16 pacientes com duodenopancreatectomia devido a esse tumor localizado na cabeça do pâncreas. Resultados: Havia 15 mulheres (93,7%) e a média de idade era de 25,7 anos. Dor abdominal não específica esteve presente em 14 pacientes (87,5%). Todos realizaram tomografia computadorizada do abdome e/ou ressonância nuclear magnética como parte da investigação. O diâmetro médio do tumor era de 6,28 cm e a ressecção cirúrgica foi realizada por duodenopancreatectomia, tanto por laparotomia quanto por videolaparoscopia, com ou sem quimioterapia neoadjuvante. As complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em seis pacientes (37,5%) e incluíram fístula pancreática, sem mortalidade. O tempo médio de internação hospitalar foi de 10,3 dias. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 3,6 anos e nenhum paciente apresentou recorrência local ou doença metastática. Conclusões: A ressecção cirúrgica através da duodenopancreatectomia é o tratamento de escolha para estes pacientes. Os resultados mostraram baixa morbidade, nenhuma mortalidade e boa sobrevida em longo prazo.

Performance of Laparoscopic Pancreatoduodenectomy for Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of Pancreas.

BACKGROUND Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (Frantz tumor) is a rare, low-grade malignant neoplasm. Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy is a good approach for tumors located in the pancreatic head. We present two successful cases in young women. CASE REPORT A 19-year-old woman was admitted to Department of Digestive Surgery due to epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen was performed, and a 3.0×2.2 cm solid tumor localized in the head of the pancreas was observed. After the diagnosis of Frantz tumor of the pancreas, the patient underwent laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy. Histopathology confirmed solid and cystic pseudopapillary tumor. The postoperative course was uneventful, and after 8 months the patient remained disease-free. An 18-year-old woman was admitted at the emergency room with abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Computed tomography scans revealed a mass of 4.1×3.3 cm in size in the head of the pancreas consistent with a solid pseudopapillary tumor. Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy was performed by two expert surgeons who divided the work: one did resection and the other did reconstruction. The patient was discharged at postoperative day 6 without complications, and during five months of follow-up the patient has been well and without disease. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy can be performed safely in patients with Frantz tumor by surgeons with expertise in laparoscopic surgery, technical skill, and adequate equipment.