Evaluation of a micro-spectrometer for the real-time assessment of liver graft with mild-to-moderate macrosteatosis: A proof of concept study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Liver macrosteatosis (MS) is a major predictor of graft dysfunction after transplantation. However, frozen section techniques to quantify steatosis are often unavailable in the context of procurements, and the findings of preoperative imaging techniques correlate poorly with those of permanent sections, so that the surgeon is ultimately responsible for the decision. Our aim was to assess the accuracy of a non-invasive pocket-sized micro-spectrometer (PSM) for the real-time estimation of MS. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated a commercial PSM by scanning the liver capsule. A double pathological quantification of MS was performed on permanent sections. Initial calibration (training cohort) was performed on 35 livers (MS ≤60%) and an algorithm was created to correlate the estimated (PSM) and known (pathological) MS values. A second assessment (validation cohort) was then performed on 154 grafts. RESULTS: Our algorithm achieved a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.81. Its validation on the second cohort demonstrated a Lin's concordance coefficient of 0.78. Accuracy reached 0.91%, with reproducibility of 86.3%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for MS ≥30% were 66.7%, 100%, 100% and 98%, respectively. The PSM could predict the absence (<30%)/presence (≥30%) of MS with a kappa coefficient of 0.79. Neither graft weight nor height, donor body mass index nor the CT-scan liver-to-spleen attenuation ratio could accurately predict MS. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that a PSM can reliably and reproducibly assess mild-to-moderate MS. Its low cost and the immediacy of results may offer considerable added-value decision support for surgeons. This tool could avoid the detrimental and prolonged ischaemia caused by the pathological examination of (potentially) marginal grafts. This device now needs to be assessed in the context of a large-scale multicentre study. LAY SUMMARY: Macro-vacuolar liver steatosis is a major prognostic factor for outcomes after liver transplantation. However, it is often difficult for logistical reasons to get this estimation during procurement. Therefore, we developed an algorithm for a commercial, portable and affordable spectrometer to accurately estimate this content in a real-time fashion. This device could be of great interest for clinical decision-making to accept or discard a potential human liver graft.

Arterial Lactate Concentration at the End of Liver Transplantation Is an Early Predictor of Primary Graft Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Although many prognostic factors of primary graft dysfunction after liver transplantation (LT) are available, it remains difficult to predict failure in a given recipient. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether the intraoperative assay of arterial lactate concentration at the end of LT (LCEOT) might constitute a reliable biological test to predict early outcomes [primary nonfunction (PNF), early graft dysfunction (EAD)]. METHODS: We reviewed data from a prospective database in a single center concerning patients transplanted between January 2015 and December 2016 (n = 296). RESULTS: There was no statistical imbalance between the training (year 2015) and validation groups (year 2016) for epidemiological and perioperative feature. Ten patients (3.4%) presented with PNF, and EAD occurred in 62 patients (20.9%); 9 patients died before postoperative day (POD) 90. LCEOT ≥5 mmol/L was the best cut-off point to predict PNF (Se=83.3%, SP=74.3%, positive likelihood ratio (LR+)=3.65, negative likelihood ratio (LR-)=0.25, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR)=14.44) and was predictive of PNF (P = 0.02), EAD (P = 0.05), and death ≤ POD90 (P = 0.06). Added to the validated BAR-score, LCEOT improved its predictive value regarding POD 90 survival with a better AUC (0.87) than BAR score (0.74). The predictive value of LCEOT was confirmed in the validation cohort. CONCLUSION: As a reflection of both hypoperfusion and tissue damage, the assay of arterial LCEOT ≥5 mmol/L appears to be a strong predictor of early graft outcomes and may be used as an endpoint in studies assessing the impact of perioperative management. Its accessibility and low cost could impose it as a reliable parameter to anticipate postoperative management and help clinicians for decision-making in the first PODs.

Effectiveness of Fibrin Sealant Application on the Development of Staple Line Complications After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effectiveness of the use of fibrin sealant (FS) for preventing the development of staple line complications (SLCs) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the best means of preventing SLCs after SG. METHODS: This was a prospective, intention-to-treat, randomized, 2 center study of a group of 586 patients undergoing primary SG (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01613664) between March 2014 and June 2017. The 1:1 randomization was stratified by center, age, sex, gender, and body mass index, giving 293 patients in the FS group and 293 in the control group (without FS). The primary endpoint (composite criteria) was the incidence of SLCs in each of the 2 groups. The secondary criteria were the mortality rate, morbidity rate, reoperation rate, length of hospital stay, readmission rate, and risk factors for SLC. RESULTS: There were no intergroup differences in demographic variables. In an intention-to-treat analysis, the incidence of SLCs was similar in the FS and control groups (1.3% vs 2%, respectively; P = 0.52). All secondary endpoints were similar: complication rate (5.4% vs 5.1%, respectively; P = 0.85), mortality rate (0.3% vs 0%, respectively; P = 0.99), GL rate (0.3% vs 1.3%, respectively; P = 0.18), postoperative hemorrhage/hematoma rate (1% vs 0.7%, respectively; P = 0.68), reoperation rate (1% vs 0.3%, respectively; P = 0.32). Length of stay was 1 day in both groups (P = 0.89), and the readmission rate was similar (5.1% vs 3.4%, respectively; P = 0.32). No risk factors for SLCs were found. CONCLUSION: The incidence of postoperative SLCs did not appear to depend on the presence or absence of FS.

Peritoneal microdialysis as a tool for detecting anastomotic leakage in patients after left-side colon and rectal resection. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate peritoneal microdialysis in the detection of clinical anastomotic leakage after left-sided colon and rectal resection through a systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review (PRISMA guidelines) based on a systematic search through PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE (1 February 2017) was performed. Methodological index of non-randomised studies score was selected to assess the methodological quality. Patient demographics and raw data for intraperitoneal microdialysis concentrations of glucose, lactate, glycerol and pyruvate for 5 d postoperative were obtained from the respective study groups. RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 128 patients were included. Thirty (23%) patients developed clinical anastomotic leakage. The area under the curve for intraperitoneal lactate concentration was significant higher in patients with anastomotic leakage (58.2; 95% CI 39.2, 77.2) compared with the no leakage group (41.0; 95% CI 35.2, 46.1; p = .007). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the maximum measured lactate concentration demonstrated 25% sensitivity, 88% specificity and 74% accuracy for AL at a cut-off value of 9.8 mmol/L. The odds ratio for a 5 mmol/L increase in lactate in relation to the risk of AL was 2.9 (CI 1.1, 8.0). CONCLUSIONS: Increased intraperitoneal lactate concentration within the first 5 d postoperative was significantly associated with clinical anastomotic leakage, but with low predictive values. The microdialysis method is not yet ready for clinical implication before large prospective studies have defined cut off values for a biologic marker in the setting of a clear definitions of leakage.

Indocyanine Green Retention Rates at 15 min Predicted Hepatic Decompensation in a Western Population.

BACKGROUND: ICGR15 is widely used in Asia to evaluate the liver reserve before hepatectomy, but not in Western countries where patients are selected using the MELD score and/or platelet count. Postoperative liver failure is rare nowadays, but hepatic decompensation (HD), defined by 3-month postoperative ascites, impairs quality of life and survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15) before liver resection in Western countries, in order to predict HD. METHODS: This prospectively designed study included consecutive adult patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) in three French HPB centres. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2014, 147 patients were included (80% of HCC and 20% of ICC). The Child-Pugh status was grade A for all patients. In the overall population and in F3/F4 patients (n = 83), ICGR15 (P = 0.02) and platelet counts (P = 0.02) were predictive of HD under multivariate analysis. Among F3/F4 patients undergoing minor hepatectomy with preoperative ICGR15 > 15%, the rate of HD was 36%. In the overall population, ICGR15 was predictive of HD (P = 0.02) and postoperative ascites (P = 0.03). The ROC curve identified a cut-off point of 15% as being associated with increased HD, with good accuracy for ICGR15 in the study population (AUROC 0.73), mainly before minor hepatectomy (AUROC 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HCC and ICC selected using the MELD score and platelet rate, an ICGR15 > 15% is a relevant, non-invasive and clearly accurate method to predict HD specially before minor hepatectomy.

Satisfaction rate of patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy as day-case surgery compared to conventional hospitalization: a prospective non-randomized study.

PURPOSE: Day-case surgery (DCS) has boomed over recent years. However, day-case bariatric surgery remains controversial due to a lack of evaluation. The objective of this study was to compare the experiences and satisfaction with general anesthesia of patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy (SG) as DCS compared to conventional hospitalization. METHODS: Between January 2015 and June 2016, all patients undergoing primary SG as day-case surgery or with conventional hospitalization were prospectively included in this non-randomized, non-inferiority study comparing the level of satisfaction of patients undergoing SG with conventional hospitalization (CH group, gold standard) versus SG as DCS (DCS group). The primary efficacy endpoint was comparison of the overall satisfaction rate using the EVAN-G questionnaire. The secondary endpoints were evaluation of the 6 dimensions of the EVAN-G questionnaire, discharge from hospital, adhesion with SG management and overall satisfaction with SG. RESULTS: One-hundred and twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria (62 in both groups). The DCS group was younger with fewer comorbidities (p ≤ 0.01) and had a lower BMI (p ≤ 0.01). Overall, the mean EVAN-G questionnaire score was 66.4 (63.9-68.9) for the DCS group and 68.9 (65.9-71.8) for the CH group (non-inferiority of DCS group). In the DCS group, 19% of patients would have preferred to spend the night in hospital, while 82% of patients in the CH group would have preferred DCS and a total of 75% of patients reported a high level of satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Overall satisfaction of patients undergoing SG as day-case surgery was not inferior to that of patients managed by conventional hospitalization.

Feasibility, safety and efficacy of two-stage hepatectomy for bilobar liver metastases of colorectal cancer: a LiverMetSurvey analysis.

BACKGROUND: The combination of liver resection and chemotherapy has become the standard of care for colorectal liver metastases (LM). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) on the long-term survival of patients with bilobar LM. METHODS: We included adult (over-18) patients from the LiverMetSurvey registry with confirmed multiple colorectal LM and having undergone either one-stage hepatectomy or TSH with curative intent. The "TSH (2/2)" group (n = 625) comprised patients having completed both stages of TSH; the "TSH (1/2)" group (n = 244) comprised patients having undergone only the first stage of TSH; the "hepatectomy" group. The primary outcome criterion was the overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes were the morbidity and mortality rates. RESULTS: The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were respectively 3.8% and 9.3% in the TSH (2/2) group, 9.4% and 16.4% in the TSH (1/2) group, and 5.4% and 9.1% in the "hepatectomy" group. The three-year OS rate was 45% in the TSH (2/2) group, 30% in the TSH (1/2) group and 50.7% in the hepatectomy group. CONCLUSION: The LiverMetSurvey registry's data indicate that TSH is associated with rather good long-term survival and acceptable morbidity and mortality rates.

The Value of Abdominal Drainage After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Mild or Moderate Acute Calculous Cholecystitis: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although the preoperative management of mild and moderate (Grade I-II) acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) has been standardized, there is no consensus on the value of abdominal drainage after early cholecystectomy. METHODS: In a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial (NCT01015417) focused on the value of postoperative antibiotic therapy in patients with ACC, we determined the value of abdominal drainage in patients having undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy for Grades I-II ACC. All postoperative complications were analyzed after using a propensity score. A post hoc test was used to assess the statistical robustness of our results. RESULTS: Of the 414 enrolled patients, 178 did not have abdominal drainage (forming the no-drainage group) and 236 had drainage (the drainage group). After matching on PS, the deep incisional site infection was 1.1 versus 0.8 %, p = 0.78. This result is similar for the superficial incisional site infections; the distant infections; the overall morbidity, and the readmission rate. Only the hospital length of stay was significantly longer in the drainage group (3.3 vs. 5.1 days, p = 0.003). Neither abdominal drainage nor the absence of postoperative antibiotic therapy was found to be a risk factor for deep incisional site infections. CONCLUSIONS: The use of abdominal drainage depends on the surgeon's personal preferences but is often used in high-risk populations. However, abdominal drainage does not appear to be of any benefit (in terms of postoperative outcomes) and may even compromise recovery in patients having undergone early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for mild or moderate ACC.

Arterial Lactate Concentration at the End of an Elective Hepatectomy Is an Early Predictor of the Postoperative Course and a Potential Surrogate of Intraoperative Events.

OBJECTIVES: To test the prognostic impact of arterial lactate concentration at the end-of-surgery (LCT-EOS) on postoperative outcome after elective liver-resections and to identify the predictors of an increase in LCT-EOS. BACKGROUND DATA: A recent systematic-review of risk-prediction-models for liver resections has evidenced their poor accuracy and a deficit in the evaluation of intraoperative events. LCT-EOS is a marker of impaired tissue oxygenation. METHODS: This prospectively-designed study was based on a training-cohort of 519 patients and a validation-cohort of 466 patients. For each of the endpoints (high comprehensive complication index (CCI) scores, 90-day-mortality and severe-morbidity), prognostic-models were built by logistic-regression using the training-cohort. These models were thereafter tested in the validation-cohort and their performance (discrimination, accuracy, calibration) assessed. Independent predictors of LCT-EOS were also identified. RESULTS: In the training-cohort, LCT-EOS cutoff best discriminating high-CCI, 90-day-mortality and severe-morbidity were 3, 3 and 2.8 mmol/L (and the corresponding AUROC 0.86, 0.87 and 0.76). LCT-EOS was an independent predictor of endpoints and adding LCT-EOS to the other predictors increased by 16.4%, 34.5% and 17.7% the accuracy of the models for high-CCI, 90-day-mortality and severe-morbidity, respectively. The models had high calibration and accuracy. Diabetes, repeat-hepatectomy, major-hepatectomy, synchronous-major-procedure, inflow-occlusion and blood-transfusion were independent predictors of LCT-EOS >3 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: LCT-EOS >3 mmol/L is an early predictor of postoperative-outcome and should be used as a tool to determine patients requiring critical-care and as an endpoint in studies measuring the impact of perioperative interventions.

Relevance of postoperative peak transaminase after elective hepatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Determine whether inflow occlusion is correlated with peak-postoperative serum-transaminases (PSTs) and whether PST is predictive of outcome after liver resections. BACKGROUND: PST is used as the surrogate of ischemia reperfusion and as the main endpoint in prospective trials of inflow occlusion. This assumption has, however, not been validated. Furthermore, the impact of PST on the postoperative course is unknown. METHODS: This prospectively designed registered study included consecutive adult patients undergoing elective hepatectomy in 9 HPB centers. Primary outcome was PST of aspartate-amino-transferase (AST) and alanine-amino-transferase (ALT). Secondary outcome was 90-day morbidity (Dindo-Clavien grades) and length of stay. Explanatory variables were preoperative (including age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, cirrhosis, and chemotherapy), and intraoperative variables (including procedure performed, inflow occlusion and its duration, length of surgery, vasoactive drugs used, blood loss, and transfusion) were collected prospectively on a dedicated Web site. Multivariable regression models were used to identify independent predictors of PST and of morbidity. RESULTS: Between January 2013 and September 2013, 651 hepatectomies were included. Inflow occlusion was performed in 58% (intermittent in 32%, continuous in 24%) and was not performed in 42%. PST-AST (336 IU/L; interquartile range: 204-573) and PST-ALT (336 IU/L; interquartile range: 205-557) occurred on postoperative day 1. PST was not correlated with the duration of inflow occlusion (ρ-AST=0.20, P<0.01; ρ-ALT=0.18, P<0.01). PST was not independently associated with morbidity. Receiver operating characteristic curve identified a cutoff of 450 IU/L but this prediction's accuracy was low: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for PST-AST: 0.61, confidence interval: 0.56-0.66, P<0.01, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for PST-ALT: 0.57, confidence interval: 0.52-0.62, P=0.01. CONCLUSIONS: PST is not correlated with ischemia time and should not be used as a surrogate of postoperative outcome.

"Surgeons' intuition" versus "prognostic models": predicting the risk of liver resections.

OBJECTIVES: Analyze surgeons' anticipation of the risk of hepatectomy. BACKGROUND: Risk prediction enables adequate counseling and improves safety. Models are available that predict postoperative morbidity and length of stay (LOS), but their performance is ill-defined. Surgeons' ability to predict these endpoints is unknown. METHODS: This prospectively designed, multicenter trial included all adult patients undergoing elective hepatectomy. Primary endpoints were 90-day morbidity and mortality and LOS. Explanatory variables included (i) "surgeons' intuition" (surgeons' anticipation) of the difficulty of the procedure, postoperative morbidity, and LOS and (ii) "prognostic models" (models based on objective clinic-biological variables) available at the time of anticipation. The performance of "surgeons' intuition" and "prognostic models" was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and its accuracy by the diagnostic odd ratios. RESULTS: Between October 2012 and September 2013, 946 patients operated on in hepato-pancreatico-biliary units in 9 teaching hospitals by 26 surgeons were enrolled. Mortality, morbidity, and median LOS were 3.3%, 49.4%, and 8 days, respectively. Preoperative surgeons' intuition of difficulty correlated with actual difficulty (Kendall τ=0.97; P=0.0001) but not with morbidity (Kendall τ=0.01; P=0.0006) or LOS (Kendall τ=0.10; P=0.004). Morbidity was predicted accurately in 38.8% of patients and underestimated in 38.2%. Anticipation of LOS was accurate (±2 days) in 30.0% and underestimated in 47.1%. The accuracies and performance of preoperative and postoperative "surgeons' intuition" were not different and were not different between centers or surgeons' experience. The accuracy of "prognostic models" was significantly greater than that of anticipations and not improved by adding "anticipations" to the model. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should be aware of the limited accuracy of their intuition.

Can we consider day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis? Identification of potentially eligible patients.

BACKGROUND: Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy has not yet been validated for acute cholecystitis. We sought to identify a subgroup of acute cholecystitis patients having been hospitalized overnight after laparoscopic cholecystectomy but who could have been eligible for day-case surgery. METHODS: We identified patients treated for acute cholecystitis with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our university medical center between May 1, 2010, and May 31, 2012, and who lacked contraindications for day-case surgery. In a second step, we assumed that patients hospitalized for <3 d would have been eligible for day-case surgery. We then compared patients hospitalized for ≤3 d with those hospitalized for >3 d in terms of demographic data, laboratory test results, and surgical procedures. RESULTS: The study population comprised 86 men and 82 women (median age: 57 y; age range: 18-90 y). Contraindications for day-case surgery were identified preoperatively in 23% of the cases (39 of 168) and intraoperatively in another 23% of the cases. The proportion of patients hospitalized for <3 d was 41% (69 of 168) when considering the intention-to-treat population and 57% (51 of 90) when considering patients with no contraindications to day-case surgery. Forty percent of the patients hospitalized for ≥3 d (16 of 39) suffered from postoperative pain that was poorly controlled by oral analgesics. Abdominal drainage was the only predictive factor for hospitalization <3 d (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.13 [0.02-0.71]; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Day-case laparoscopic may be feasible in selected patients with mild or moderate acute calculous cholecystitis. Our present results may be of use in designing a study of day-case surgery for acute calculous cholecystitis and related changes in the management of these patients.

Effect of postoperative antibiotic administration on postoperative infection following cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Ninety percent of cases of acute calculous cholecystitis are of mild (grade I) or moderate (grade II) severity. Although the preoperative and intraoperative antibiotic management of acute calculous cholecystitis has been standardized, few data exist on the utility of postoperative antibiotic treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of postoperative amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid on infection rates after cholecystectomy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: A total of 414 patients treated at 17 medical centers for grade I or II acute calculous cholecystitis and who received 2 g of amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid 3 times a day while in the hospital before and once at the time of surgery were randomized after surgery to an open-label, noninferiority, randomized clinical trial between May 2010 and August 2012. INTERVENTIONS: After surgery, no antibiotics or continue with the preoperative antibiotic regimen 3 times daily for 5 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The proportion of postoperative surgical site or distant infections recorded before or at the 4-week follow-up visit. RESULTS: An imputed intention-to-treat analysis of 414 patients showed that the postoperative infection rates were 17% (35 of 207) in the nontreatment group and 15% (31 of 207) in the antibiotic group (absolute difference, 1.93%; 95% CI, -8.98% to 5.12%). In the per-protocol analysis, which involved 338 patients, the corresponding rates were both 13% (absolute difference, 0.3%; 95% CI, -5.0% to 6.3%). Based on a noninferiority margin of 11%, the lack of postoperative antibiotic treatment was not associated with worse outcomes than antibiotic treatment. Bile cultures showed that 60.9% were pathogen free. Both groups had similar Clavien complication severity outcomes: 195 patients (94.2%) in the nontreatment group had a score of 0 to I and 2 patients (0.97%) had a score of III to V, and 182 patients (87.8%) in the antibiotic group had a score of 0 to I and 4 patients (1.93%) had a score of III to V. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among patients with mild or moderate calculous cholecystitis who received preoperative and intraoperative antibiotics, lack of postoperative treatment with amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid did not result in a greater incidence of postoperative infections. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01015417.

Is stenting as "a bridge to surgery" an oncologically safe strategy for the management of acute, left-sided, malignant, colonic obstruction? A comparative study with a propensity score analysis.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND: Self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) insertion has been suggested as a promising alternative to emergency surgery for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction (LMCO). However, the literature on the long-term impact of SEMS as "a bridge to surgery" is limited and contradictory. METHODS: From January 1998 to June 2011, we retrospectively identified patients operated on for LMCO with curative intent. The primary outcome criterion was overall survival. Short-term secondary endpoints included the technical success rate and overall success rate and long-term secondary endpoints included 5-year overall survival, 5-year cancer-specific mortality, 5-year disease-free survival, the recurrence rate, and mean time to recurrence. Patients treated with SEMS were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis. Overall survival was analyzed after using a propensity score to correct for selection bias. RESULTS: There were 48 patients in the SEMS group and 39 in the surgery-only group. In the overall population, overall survival (P = 0.001) and 5-year overall survival (P = 0.0003) were significantly lower in the SEMS group than in the surgery-only group, and 5-year cancer-specific mortality was significantly higher in the SEMS group (48% vs 21%, respectively (P = 0.02)). Five-year disease-free survival, the recurrence rate, and the mean time to recurrence were better in the surgery-only group (not significant). For patients with no metastases or perforations at hospital admission, overall survival (P = 0.003) and 5-year overall survival (30% vs 67%, respectively, P = 0.001) were significantly lower in the SEMS group than in the surgery-only group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest worse overall survival of patients with LMCO with SEMS insertion compared with immediate surgery.

Does longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy have a family "halo effect"? A case-matched study.

INTRODUCTION: Some researchers have suggested that the weight loss of a patient who has undergone bariatric surgery could be influenced by his or her family environment. Indeed, some people decide to undergo surgery after another family member has had the operation. This study aimed to evaluate the results of longitudinal sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed for several members of a family compared with to a control group of unrelated individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On the basis of preoperative data, 78 LSG patients from 39 families (the LSG-family group) were matched 1:1 with 78 LSG patients selected from among 550 LSG patients whose family members had undergone no bariatric surgery (the LSG group). Within the LSG-family group, a distinction was drawn between family members who had undergone surgery before their relation (the LSG-family 1 subgroup) and those who had undergone surgery after their relation (the LSG-family 2 subgroup). RESULTS: The median preoperative body mass index (BMI) in each of the two groups was 48.1 kg/m². The LSG-family and LSG groups 24 months after surgery had respective mean BMIs of 28.6 and 32.5 kg/m² (p ≤ 0.01), excess weight losses (EWLs) of 83.5 % and 71.4 % (p ≤ 0.01), and missed consultation rates of 13.1 % and 25.9 % (p = 0.04). A comparison of the LSG-family 1 and family 2 subgroups 24 months after surgery showed respective mean BMIs of 30.0 and 27.5 kg/m² (p = 0.12), EWLs of 80.2 % and 86.2 % (p = 0.32), and missed consultation rates of 14.1 % and 12.1 % (p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: The outcome for LSG in terms of weight loss and postoperative follow-up care was better in the family group than in the control group. This may have been due to better postoperative follow-up care for the patients in the LSG-family group. Within a family, the patients who had surgery after their relation showed a trend toward greater weight loss and better postoperative follow-up care.

Frey procedure for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis associated with common bile duct stricture.

BACKGROUND: The Frey procedure (FP) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic chronic pancreatitis (CP). In cases of biliary stricture, biliary derivation can be performed by choledochoduodenostomy, Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy or, more recently, reinsertion of the common bile duct (CBD) into the resection cavity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes associated with each of these three types of biliary derivation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed demographic, CP-related, surgical and follow-up data for patients having undergone FP for CP with biliary derivation between 2004 and 2012 in our university medical center. The primary efficacy endpoint was the rate of CBD stricture recurrence. The secondary endpoints were surgical parameters, postoperative complications, postoperative follow-up and the presence of risk factors for secondary CBD stricture. RESULTS: Eighty patients underwent surgery for CP during the study period. Of these, 15 patients received biliary derivation with the FP. Eight of the FPs (53.3%) were combined with choledochoduodenostomy, 4 (26.7%) with choledochojejunostomy and 3 (20.0%) with reinsertion of the CBD into the resection cavity. The mean operating time was 390 minutes. Eleven complications (73.3%) were recorded, including one major complication (6.7%) that necessitated radiologically-guided drainage of an abdominal collection. The mean (range) length of stay was 17 days (8-28) and the median (range) follow-up time was 35.2 months (7.2-95.4). Two patients presented stricture after CBD reinsertion into the resection cavity; one was treated with radiologically-guided dilatation and the other underwent revisional Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy. Three patients presented alkaline reflux gastritis (37.5%), one (12.5%) cholangitis and one CBD stricture after FP with choledochoduodenostomy. No risk factors for secondary CBD stricture were identified. CONCLUSIONS: As part of a biliary derivation, the FP gave good results. We did not observe any complications specifically related to surgical treatment of the biliary tract. However, CBD reinsertion into the resection cavity appeared to be associated with a higher stricture recurrence rate. In our experience, choledochojejunostomy remains the "gold standard" for the surgical treatment for CBD strictures.

Osteitis in Systemic Sclerosis: A Nationwide Case-Control Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by skin fibrosis, vasculopathy, and dysimmunity. Data regarding osteitis in SSc are scarce. METHODS: We performed a nationwide multicenter, retrospective, case-control study including patients with SSc, according to the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology classification, with a diagnosis of osteitis. The objectives of the study were to describe, to characterize, and to identify associated factors for osteitis in patients with SSc. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included. Twenty-six patients (54.1%) had osteitis beneath digital tip ulcers. Physical symptoms included pain (36 of 48, 75%), erythema (35 of 48, 73%), and local warmth (35 of 48, 73%). Thirty-one (65%) patients had median (interquartile range) C-reactive protein levels >2 mg/liter of 8 (2.7-44.3) mg/liter. On radiography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, osteitis was characterized by swelling or abscess of soft tissues, with acro-osteolysis or lysis in 28 patients (58%). Microbiological sampling was performed in 45 (94%) patients. Most pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (43.8%), anaerobes and Enterobacteriaceae (29.1%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.4%). Management comprised antibiotics in 37 (77.1%) patients and/or surgery in 26 (54.2%). Fluoroquinolones were used in 22 (45.8%) patients, and amoxicillin plus ß-lactamase inhibitor in 7 (14.6%). Six (12.6%) patients relapsed, 6 (12.6%) patients had osteitis recurrence, 15 (32%) sequelae, and 2 patients had septic shock and died. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed digital tip ulcers as an associated factor for osteitis and revealed a high rate of functional sequelae. Antimicrobial therapy with oral fluoroquinolone or intravenous amoxicillin and ß-lactamase inhibitor are used as first-line antibiotic therapy in SSc patients with osteitis.

Influence of the ABO Blood Group System on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The ABO blood group system may influence tumorigenesis, but its prognostic value in liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has never been assessed. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent LT for HCC between 2013 and 2017 at 9 centers were analyzed. Predictors of tumor recurrence were identified using multivariable analysis, while comparison between group A and non-A recipients was performed after propensity score matching. RESULTS: Among 925 LT recipients, 406 were blood group A, 94 group B, 380 group O, and 45 group AB. On multivariable analysis, group A was associated with tumor recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.574 [95% confidence interval; 95% CI = 1.034-2.394] P = 0.034). After propensity score matching, 1- and 5-y recurrence rates were 7.4% and 20.1% in group A recipients versus 3.3% and 13.2% in non-A recipients (HR = 1.66 [95% CI = 1.12-2.45], P = 0.011). One and 5-y recurrence-free survivals were 85.2% and 66.8% in group A recipients versus 88.5% and 71.3% in non-A recipients (HR = 1.38 [95% CI = 1.01-1.90], P = 0.045). Among recipients within Milan criteria (n = 604), 1- and 5-y recurrence rates were 5.8% and 12.7% in group A recipients versus 3.1% and 12.2% in non-A recipients (HR = 1.197 [95% CI = 0.721-1.987], P = 0.485). Among recipients outside Milan criteria (n = 182), 1- and 5-y recurrence rates were 12.1% and 43.8% in group A recipients versus 3.9% and 15.6% in non-A recipients (HR = 3.175 [95% CI = 1.526-6.608], P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: ABO blood system influences the oncological outcome of recipients undergoing LT for HCC. Its incorporation in the prognostication model of LT for HCC may allow improving the management of LT candidates.

Identifying Patients Eligible for a Short Hospital Stay After Stoma Closure.

INTRODUCTION: The implementation of enhanced recovery programmes after elective colorectal surgery has dramatically reduced the length of stay. The objective of this study was to assess the selection of good candidates for short post-operative stay (GCSS) in the context of stoma closure. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2014, 222 patients were included in the present retrospective, single-center study. The primary endpoint was the proportion of GCSS. We also identified factors associated with GCSS status and built a predictive score. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly male (n = 122, 55%). 60% of the patients had undergone ileostomy and 85% had undergone hand-sewn anastomosis. The postoperative ileus rate was 5% and the readmission rate was 3.5%. 41% (n = 92) of the study population were considered to be GCSS. In a multivariate analysis, age under 50 (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 2.8 [1.2-5.6], p = 0.008), the absence of vascular comorbidities (OR [95%CI] = 3.2 [1.3-12.3]; p = 0.006) and stapled anastomosis (OR: 4.2, 95%CI: 1.1-17.3, p = 0.03) were associated with GCSS status. Predictive scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 were associated with GCSS rates of 20%, 18%, 44%, and 62%, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In the context of stoma closure, 41% of patients were GCSS.