Pancreatoduodenectomy with superior mesenteric vein resection and non-reconstruction for pancreatic head cancer paying particular attention to hemodynamics.

PURPOSE: Locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with an unreconstructible superior mesenteric vein (SMV) invasion is one of the criteria of unresectability in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Advances in chemotherapy have improved downstaging and conversion surgery outcomes, thereby broadening surgical options for locally advanced PDAC. However, operations for PDAC with an unreconstructible SMV is less well-documented. If the collateral route is well-developed and can be preserved or reconstructed, SMV resection can be performed without reconstruction. In this paper, we detail our surgical technique and the outcomes for patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy with SMV resection and non-reconstruction (PD-SMVR-NR). METHODS: All consecutive patients with pancreatic head cancer who underwent PD at Juntendo University Hospital, Japan, between January 2019 and December 2022 were evaluated from a prospectively maintained preoperative database. Demographic data, clinical history, operative record, morbidity, mortality, and pathologic data were reviewed. RESULTS: Over four years at our Institute, 161 patients with pancreatic head cancer underwent PD, and 86 of these patients underwent PD with portal vein (PV) or SMV resection. There were three patients who underwent PD-SMVR-NR. Each patient had well-developed collateral vessels bypassing the obstructed segment of the SMV. All three patients had no hospital mortality with acceptable complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 2). Two patients achieved R0 resection. CONCLUSION: By understanding the hemodynamics of venous flow and preserving collateral vessels, especially the superior right colic vein arcade and porto-mesenterico-splenic confluence, pancreatoduodenectomy with superior mesenteric vein resection and non-reconstruction can be performed safely.

How to do pancreatic transection during robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Is hanging manoeuvre always necessary?

Since its first description in 1898, pancreaticoduodenectomy has constantly been improved, allowing increasingly more complex operations to be performed even with a minimally invasive approach: laparoscopic and, in recent years, robotic approach. In most cases, similarly to open surgery, parenchymal transection is performed after the creation of a retropancreatic tunnel to ensure adequate control of the mesenteric vessels before sectioning the parenchyma. Sometimes tunnelling can be very difficult even dangerous to achieve, due to conditions such as: vascular involvement by the neoplasm of superior mesenteric vein (SMV) or portal vein (PV); fibrosis secondary to acute pancreatitis (AP) or radiotherapy. In such conditions, it seems suitable to avoid tunnelling before parenchymal transection. We will describe how we perform the standard technique which we will call 'Tunnel First approach' (TF) and then our new 'Parenchyma Transection-First' (PTF) approach in its two variants: 'bottom to top' and 'top to bottom'.

Cadaveric Study of Colon-Lengthening Maneuvers After Sigmoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Creation of a tension-free colorectal anastomosis after left colon resection or low anterior resection is a key requirement for technical success. The relative contribution of each of a series of known lengthening maneuvers remains incompletely characterized. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare technical procedures for lengthening of the left colon before rectal anastomosis. DESIGN: A series of lengthening maneuvers was performed on 15 fresh cadavers. Mean distance gained was measured for each successive maneuver, including 1) high inferior mesenteric artery ligation, 2) splenic flexure takedown, and 3) high inferior mesenteric vein ligation by the ligament of Treitz. SETTING: Cadaveric study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The premobilization and postmobilization position of the proximal colonic end was measured relative to the inferior edge of the sacral promontory. Measurements of the colonic length relative to the sacral promontory were taken after each mobilization maneuver. The inferior mesenteric artery, sigmoid colon, and rectum specimen lengths were measured. The distance from the inferior border of the sacral promontory to the pelvic floor was measured along the sacral curvature. RESULTS: Mean sigmoid colon resection length was 34.7 ± 11.1 cm. Before any lengthening, baseline reach was -1.3 ± 4.2 cm from the sacral promontory. Inferior mesenteric artery ligation yielded an additional 11.5 ± 4.7 cm. Subsequent splenic flexure takedown added an additional 12.8 ± 9.6 cm. Finally, inferior mesenteric vein ligation added an additional 11.33 ± 6.9 cm, bringing the total colonic length to 35.7 ± 14.7 cm. BMI and weight negatively correlated with length gained. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by nature of being a cadaver study. CONCLUSIONS: Stepwise lengthening maneuvers allow significant additional reach to allow a tension-free left colon to rectal anastomosis. See Video Abstract . ESTUDIO CADAVRICO DE MANIOBRAS DE ALARGAMIENTO COLNICO TRAS UNA SIGMOIDECTOMA: ANTECEDENTES:La creación de una anastomosis colorrectal libre de tensión tras una resección de colon izquierdo o tras una resección anterior baja es un requisito clave para el éxito relacionado con la técnica quirúrgica. La relativa contribución de las diversas maniobras de alargamiento permanece caracterizada de manera incompleta.OBJETIVO:El propósito de este estudio fue la de comparar procedimientos técnicos de alargamiento del colon izquierdo previo a la anastomosis rectal.DISEÑO:Una serie de maniobras de alargamiento fueron realizados en 15 cadáveres frescos. La distancia promedio ganada fue medida para cada maniobra sucesiva, incluyendo (1) ligadura alta de la arteria mesentérica inferior, (2) descenso del ángulo esplénico, (3) ligadura alta de la vena mesentérica interior mediante el ligamento de Treitz.AJUSTES:Estudio cadavérico.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La posición premobilizacion y postmobilizacion del extremo proximal del colon fue medido tomando en cuenta el borde inferior del promontorio sacro. Las mediciones de la longitud colónica en relación al sacro fueron tomadas luego de cada maniobra de movilización. Fueron tomadas así mismo las longitudes de la arteria mesentérica inferior, el colon sigmoides y recto. Las distancias desde el borde inferior del promontorio sacro al suelo pelvico fueron medidas a lo largo de la curvatura sacra.RESULTADOS:Average sigmoid colon resection length was 34.7 ± 11.1 cm. Prior to any lengthening, baseline reach was -1.3 ± 4.2 cm from the sacral promontory. Inferior mesenteric artery ligation yielded an additional 11.5 ± 4.7 cm. Subsequent splenic flexure takedown added an additional 12.8 ± 9.6 cm. Finally, inferior mesenteric vein ligation added an additional 11.33 ± 6.9 cm, bringing the total colonic length to 35.7 ± 14.7 cm. BMI and weight negatively correlated with length gained.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio tuvo como limitación la naturaleza de haber sido un estudio cadavérico.CONCLUSIONES:Maniobras de alargamiento permiten un alcance adicional significativo permitiendo de esta manera una anastomosis de colon izquierdo a recto libre de anastomosis. (Traducción-Dr Osvaldo Gauto ).

Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy Combined With Portal-Superior Mesenteric Vein Resection and Reconstruction: Inferior-Posterior "Superior Mesenteric Artery-First" Approach.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) with portal-superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) resection and reconstruction is increasingly performed. We aimed to introduce a safe and effective surgical approach and share our clinical experience with LPD with PV/SMV resection and reconstruction. METHODS: We reviewed data for the patients undergoing LPD and open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) combined with PV/SMV resection and reconstruction at the First Hospital of Jilin University between April 2021 and May 2023. The inferior-posterior "superior mesenteric artery-first" approach was used. We compared the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinicopathological data of the 2 groups to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of LPD with major vascular resection. RESULTS: A cohort of 37 patients with periampullary and pancreatic tumors underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with major vascular resection and reconstruction, consisting of 21 LPDs and 16 OPDs. The LPD group had a longer operation time (322 vs. 235 min, P =0.039), reduced intraoperative bleeding (152 vs. 325 mL, P =0.026), and lower intraoperative blood transfusion rates (19.0% vs. 50.0%, P =0.046) compared with the OPD group. The LPD group had significantly shorter operation times in end-to-end anastomosis (26 vs. 15 min, P =0.001) and artificial grafts vascular reconstruction (44 vs. 22 min, P =0.000) compared with the OPD group. There was no significant difference in the rate of R0 resection (100% vs. 87.5%, P =0.096). The length of hospital stay and ICU stay did not show significant differences between the 2 groups (15 vs. 18 d, P =0.636 and 2.5 vs. 4.5 d, P =0.726, respectively). However, the postoperative hospital stay in the LPD group was notably shorter compared with the OPD group (11 vs. 16 d, P =0.007). Postoperative complication rates, including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) Grade A/B, biliary leakage, and delayed gastric emptying (DGE), were similar between the two groups (38.1% vs. 43.8%, P =0.729). In addition, 1 patient in each group developed thrombosis, with vascular patency improving after anticoagulation treatment. CONCLUSION: LPD combined with PV/SMV resection and reconstruction can be easily and safely performed using the inferior-posterior "superior mesenteric artery-first" approach in cases of venous invasion. Further studies are required to evaluate the procedure's long-term outcomes.

A case of robot-assisted resection for cecum cancer with anomalous venous confluence.

There are many reports on the positional relationship between the ileocolic artery and superior mesenteric vein (SMV). However, there have been no reports of anomalous venous confluence in the ileocecal vessel area. A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with cecal cancer on a preoperative examination of a lung tumor. We planned to perform surgery for the cecal cancer. Computed tomography angiography revealed an anomalous vein confluence in the ileocolic region. We performed robot-assisted ileocecal resection. Although the small intestinal vein was misidentified as the SMV at first, we confirmed the misidentification, identified the SMV on the dorsal side of the ileocolic artery, and ligated the ileocolic vessels with precise forceps manipulation during robotic surgery. Especially for cases with vascular anomalies revealed by preoperative computed tomography angiography, robotic surgery may be useful, as flexible forceps manipulation prevents vascular injury.

Jejunal vein tributary analysis and intraoperative clamp testing in avoiding congestion after pancreatoduodenectomy.

PURPOSE: Although venous drainage of the jejunal loop may be maintained after sacrifice of jejunal vein tributaries during pancreatoduodenectomy, risk of severe jejunal mesenteric congestion following division of these tributaries can be difficult to predict. This study considered how best to predict safety of jejunal vein tributary dissection. METHODS: Preoperative imaging findings and results of intraoperative clamp tests of jejunal vein tributaries during pancreatoduodenectomy were analyzed in 121 patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease to determine whether this information adequately predicted safety of resecting superior mesenteric vein branches. RESULTS: Jejunal vein tributaries caudal to the inferior border of the pancreatic uncinate process tended to be fewer when tributaries cranial to this landmark were more numerous. Tributaries cranial to the border drained a relatively wide expanse of jejunal artery territory in the jejunal mesentery. The territory of jejunal tributaries cranial to the inferior border of the pancreas did not vary according to course of the first jejunal vein branch relative to the superior mesenteric artery. One patient among 30 (3%) who underwent intraoperative clamp tests of tributaries cranial to the border showed severe congestion in relation to a venous tributary coursing ventrally to the superior mesenteric artery. CONCLUSION: Jejunal venous tributaries drained an extensive portion of jejunal arterial territory, but tributaries located cranially to the inferior border of the pancreas could be sacrificed without congestion in nearly all patients. Intraoperative clamp testing of these tributaries can identify patients whose jejunal veins must be preserved to avoid congestion.

Correlation between white blood cell count and intestinal resection in patients with acute mesenteric vein thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: Acute mesenteric vein thrombosis (AMVT) is an acute abdominal disease with onset, rapid progression, and extensive intestinal necrosis that requires immediate surgical resection. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for nosocomial intestinal resection in patients with AMVT. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 64 patients with AMVT diagnosed by CTA at the Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology from January 2013 to December 2021. We compared patients who underwent intestinal resection (42 patients) with those who did not undergo intestinal resection (22 patients). The area under the ROC curve was evaluated, and a forest map was drawn. RESULTS: Among the 64 patients, 6 (9.38%) had a fever, 60 (93.75%) had abdominal pain, 9 (14.06%) had a history of diabetes, 8 (12.5%) had a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and 25 (39.06%) had ascites suggested by B ultrasound or CT after admission. The mean age of all patients was 49.86 ± 16.25 years. The mean age of the patients in the enterectomy group was 47.71 ± 16.20 years. The mean age of the patients in the conservative treatment group (without enterectomy) was 53.95 ± 15.90 years. In the univariate analysis, there were statistically significant differences in leukocyte count (P = 0.003), neutrophil count (P = 0.001), AST (P = 0.048), total bilirubin (P = 0.047), fibrinogen (P = 0.022) and DD2 (P = 0.024) between the two groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that admission white blood cell count (OR = 1.153, 95% CI: 1.039-1.280, P = 0.007) was an independent risk factor for intestinal resection in patients with AMVT. The ROC curve showed that the white blood cell count (AUC = 0.759 95% CI: 0.620-0.897; P = 0.001; optimal threshold: 7.815; sensitivity: 0.881; specificity: 0.636) had good predictive value for emergency enterectomy for AMVT. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with AMVT, patients with a higher white blood cell count at admission were more likely to have intestinal necrosis and require emergency enterectomy. This study is helpful for clinicians to accurately determine whether emergency intestinal resection is needed in patients with AMVT after admission, prevent further intestinal necrosis, and improve the prognosis of patients.

Feasibility of venous cuff using an open round ligament or inferior mesenteric vein around the hepatic vein for a left lobe graft in living-donor liver transplantation.

Living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an established treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure, and outflow reconstruction is considered one of the most vital techniques in LDLT. To date, many strategies have been reported to prevent outflow obstruction, which can be refractory to liver dysfunction and can cause life-threatening graft loss or mortality. In addition, in this era of laparoscopic hepatectomy in donor surgery, especially LDLT using a left liver graft, it has been predicted that cutting the hepatic vein with automatic linear staplers will lead to more outflow-related problems than with conventional open hepatectomy because of the short neck of the anastomosis orifice. We herein review 10 cases of venoplasty performed with a novel venous cuff system using a donor's round ligament around the hepatic vein in LDLT with a left lobe graft, which makes anastomosis of the hepatic vein sterically easy for postoperative venous patency.

Robotic True D3 Lymph Node Dissection With Superior Mesenteric Vein-Taping Technique for Right-Sided Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: D3 is unaffected by anatomic factors even when the ileocolic artery runs along the dorsal side of the superior mesenteric vein. Complete "true D3" lymph node dissection in minimally invasive surgery for right-sided colon cancer could be beneficial for certain patients with lymph node metastases. IMPACT OF INNOVATION: The study aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of robotic true D3 lymph node dissection for right-sided colon cancer using a superior mesenteric vein-taping technique. TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: The superior mesenteric vein was slowly and gently separated from the surrounding tissues and taped. Lifting the tape with the robotic third arm and fixing it in place using rock-stable tractions provides a good surgical view, which cannot otherwise be obtained. As a result, the ileocolic artery that branches from the superior mesenteric artery can be accurately exposed. Handling of the taping then enables expansion to a different surgical view. As the lymph nodes are originally concealed on the dorsal side of the superior mesenteric vein, this technique provides a good view for lymph node dissection. The root of the ileocolic artery was clipped and separated, and true D3 was thus completed. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent robotic true D3 lymph node dissection for right-sided colon cancer. No Clavien-Dindo classification grade II or higher intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Our robotic true D3 lymph node dissection with superior mesenteric vein-taping technique is considered safe and feasible; it might be a promising surgical procedure for treating advanced right-sided colon cancer. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Even when the ileocolic artery runs along the dorsal aspect of the superior mesenteric vein, the technique seems promising for facilitating robotic D3 lymph node dissection.

[IDIOPATHIC MYOINTIMAL HYPERPLASIA OF THE MESENTERIC VEINS: A CASE REPORT].

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by ischemia of intestinal segments, occuring due to intimal proliferation of the mesenteric veins and partial blockage of blood drainage. Diagnosis is performed pathologically and definitive treatment is surgical, where involved segments of the intestine are resected. Here we describe a case in which the patient underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation, finally diagnosed with IMHMV after bowel resection. The purpose of this case report is to present the diagnostic challenge to clinicians and raise awareness to this condition.

Three-dimensional Computed Tomography Evaluation of the Vasculature of Right-side Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: From an oncological perspective, central ligation of the feeding vessel is an important approach to consider when performing colon cancer surgery. This study aimed to use three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) to clarify the vascular anatomy for performing central vascular ligation to improve the accuracy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) performed to treat advanced right-side colon cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted at one institution and targeted 92 patients with right-side colon cancer whose vascular anatomy was evaluated with 3D-CT before surgery between January 2014 and December 2020 at Tokyo Medical University Hospital. RESULTS: In 49 patients (53.3%), the ileocolic artery was ventral to the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), whereas in 43 patients (46.7%), it was dorsal to the SMV. The right colic artery was present in 31 patients (33.7%). The middle colic artery was present in all patients (100%). A common duct type was present in 80 patients (87.0%). Branching directly from the superior mesenteric artery without a common duct was observed in 12 patients (13.0%). Twenty-one patients (22.9%) had an accessory superior mesenteric artery. CONCLUSION: The vascular structure of the right-side colon is highly complex. Conducting 3D-CT evaluations of the vessel anatomy is very useful for surgeons who conduct MIS, and is considered to enable central ligation to be performed safely and improve the quality of surgery, which will benefit patients.

Superior mesenteric vein/portal vein contact in preoperative imaging indicates biological malignancy in anatomically resectable pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer in contact with the superior mesenteric vein/portal vein is classified as resectable pancreatic cancer; however, the biological malignancy and treatment strategy have not been clarified. METHODS: Data from 186 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer were evaluated using a prospectively maintained database. The patients were classified as having resectable tumors without superior mesenteric vein/portal vein contact and with superior mesenteric vein/portal vein contact of ≤180°. Disease-free survival, overall survival, and prognostic factors were analyzed. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, superior mesenteric vein/portal vein contact in resectable pancreatic cancer was a significant prognostic index for disease-free survival and overall survival. In the multivariate analysis for poor disease-free survival, the superior mesenteric vein/portal vein contact remained significant (hazard ratio = 2.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-3.51; p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, superior mesenteric vein/portal vein contact was a significant independent prognostic index for overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.27-3.70; p < 0.01), along with sex, tumor differentiation, nodal involvement, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Portal vein resection for superior mesenteric vein/portal vein contact did not improve the overall survival (p = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Superior mesenteric vein/portal vein contact in resectable pancreatic cancer was found to be an independent predictor of disease-free survival and overall survival after elective resection. Thus, pancreatic cancer in contact with the superior mesenteric vein/portal vein may be considered as borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Portal Vein or Superior Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis with Dose-Escalated Radiation for Borderline or Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.

PURPOSE: Portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (PVT/SMVT) are potentially morbid complications of radiation dose-escalated local therapy for pancreatic cancer. We retrospectively reviewed records for patients treated with and without intraoperative radiation (IORT) to identify risk factors for PVT/SMVT. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma received neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical exploration from 2009 to 2014. Patients at risk for close or positive surgical margins received IORT boost to a biologically effective dose (BED10) > 100. Prognostic factors for PVT/SMVT were evaluated using competing risks regression. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 79 months for surviving patients. Fifty-six patients (58%) received IORT. Twenty-nine patients (30%) developed PVT/SMVT at a median time of 18 months. On univariate competing risks regression, operative blood loss and venous repair with a vascular interposition graft, but not IORT dose escalation or diabetes history, were significantly associated with PVT/SMVT. The development of thrombosis in the absence of recurrence was significantly associated with a longstanding diabetes history, post-neoadjuvant treatment CA19-9, and operative blood loss. All 4 patients who underwent both IORT and vascular repair with a graft developed PVT/SMVT. PVT/SMVT in the absence of recurrence is not associated with significantly worsened overall survival but led to frequent medical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 30% of patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation for PDAC developed PVT/SMVT a median of 18 months following surgery. This was significantly associated with venous reconstruction with vascular grafts, but not with escalating radiation dose. PVT/SMVT in the absence of recurrence was associated with significant morbidity.