Short-term and Long-term Outcomes of Robotic Enucleation of Tumors Located in the Pancreatic Head and Uncinate Process.

OBJECTIVE: To assess short-term and long-term outcomes following robotic enucleation (REn) of tumors in the proximal pancreas. BACKGROUND: Despite the advantages of preserving function via pancreatic enucleation, controversies persist, since this can be associated with severe complications, such as clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, especially when performed near the main pancreatic duct. The safety and efficacy of REn in this context remain largely unknown. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients who underwent REn for benign and low-grade malignant neoplasms in the pancreatic head and uncinate process between January 2005 and December 2021. Clinicopathologic, perioperative, and long-term outcomes were compared with a similar open enucleation (OEn) group. RESULTS: Of 146 patients, 92 underwent REn with a zero conversion-to-open rate. REn was superior to OEn in terms of shorter operative time (90.0 minutes vs 120.0 minutes, P<0.001), decreased blood loss (20.0 mL vs 100.0 min, P=0.001), and lower clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula rate (43.5% vs 61.1%, P=0.040). Bile leakage rate, major morbidity, 90-day mortality, and length of hospital stay were comparable between groups. No post-REn grade C POPF or grade IV/V complication was identified. Subgroup analyses for uncinate process tumors and proximity to the main pancreatic duct did not demonstrate inferior postoperative outcomes. In a median follow-up period of 50 months, REn outcomes were comparable to OEn regarding recurrence rate and pancreatic endocrine or exocrine function. CONCLUSIONS: REn for pancreatic head and uncinate process tumors improved clinically relevant outcomes without increased major complications compared to OEn, while demonstrating comparable long-term oncological and functional outcomes.

Multiregion WES of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors revealed heterogeneity in genomic alterations, immune microenvironment and evolutionary patterns.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), though uncommon, have a high likelihood of spreading to other body parts. Previously, the genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns in metastatic PanNETs were not well understood. To investigate this, we performed multiregion sampling whole-exome sequencing (MRS-WES) on samples from 10 patients who had not received prior treatment for metastatic PanNETs. This included 29 primary tumor samples, 31 lymph node metastases, and 15 liver metastases. We used the MSK-MET dataset for survival analysis and validation of our findings. Our research indicates that mutations in the MEN1/DAXX genes might trigger the early stages of PanNET development. We categorized the patients based on the presence (MEN1/DAXXmut, n = 7) or absence (MEN1/DAXXwild, n = 3) of these mutations. Notable differences were observed between the two groups in terms of genetic alterations and clinically relevant mutations, confirmed using the MSK-MET dataset. Notably, patients with mutations in MEN1/DAXX/ATRX genes had a significantly longer median overall survival compared to those without these mutations (median not reached vs. 43.63 months, p = 0.047). Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) analysis showed a more prominent immunosuppressive environment in metastatic tumors, especially in patients with MEN1/DAXX mutations. These findings imply that MEN1/DAXX mutations lead PanNETs through a unique evolutionary path. The disease's progression pattern indicates that PanNETs can spread early, even before clinical detection, highlighting the importance of identifying biomarkers related to metastasis to guide personalized treatment strategies.

TP53 missense mutation reveals gain-of-function properties in small-sized KRAS transformed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although the molecular features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been well described, the impact of detailed gene mutation subtypes on disease progression remained unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different TP53 mutation subtypes on clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with PDAC. METHODS: We included 639 patients treated with PDAC in Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine between Jan 2019 and Jun 2021. The genomic alterations of PDAC were analyzed, and the association of TP53 mutation subtypes and other core gene pathway alterations with patients' clinical characteristics were evaluated by Chi-squared test, Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. RESULTS: TP53 missense mutation was significantly associated with poor differentiation in KRASmut PDAC (50.7% vs. 36.1%, P = 0.001). In small-sized (≤ 2 cm) KRASmut tumors, significantly higher LNs involvement (54.8% vs. 23.5%, P = 0.010) and distal metastic rate (20.5% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.030) were observed in those with TP53 missense mutation instead of truncating mutation. Compared with TP53 truncating mutation, missense mutation was significantly associated with reduced DFS (6.6 [5.6-7.6] vs. 9.2 [5.2-13.3] months, HR 0.368 [0.200-0.677], P = 0.005) and OS (9.6 [8.0-11.1] vs. 18.3 [6.7-30.0] months, HR 0.457 [0.248-0.842], P = 0.012) in patients who failed to receive chemotherapy, while higher OS (24.2 [20.8-27.7] vs. 23.8 [19.0-28.5] months, HR 1.461 [1.005-2.124], P = 0.047) was observed in TP53missense cases after chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: TP53 missense mutation was associated with poor tumor differentiation, and revealed gain-of-function properties in small-sized KRAS transformed PDAC. Nonetheless, it was not associated with insensitivity to chemotherapy, highlighting the neoadjuvant therapy before surgery as the potential optimized strategy for the treatment of a subset of patients.

Robotic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy with vascular resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: surgical and oncological outcomes from pilot experience.

PURPOSE: Venous resection and reconstruction (VR) is a feasible surgical technique to achieve optimal outcomes in selected patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who undergo open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). However, data regarding patient outcomes in patients who undergo VR in robotic-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) are scarce. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of PDAC who underwent upfront open or robotic pancreatoduodenectomy with VR in a high-volume institution for pancreatic surgery between 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between the RPD and OPD cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were included in the final analysis, 14 patients underwent RPD with VR and 70 who had OPD with VR. Reconstructed venous patency, postoperative 30-day morbidity, and 90-day mortality were comparable; however, lymph node resection rates were lower in the RPC cohort (p = 0.029). No difference was identified in 3-year survival rates between the two groups (34.0% versus 25.7% respectively, p = 0.667). CONCLUSION: RPD with VR is a feasible approach for patients with PDAC and venous invasion. Further studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes compared to the open approach.

Learning Curve From 450 Cases of Robot-Assisted Pancreaticoduocectomy in a High-Volume Pancreatic Center: Optimization of Operative Procedure and a Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe our experience and the learning curve of 450 cases of robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) and optimize the surgical process so that our findings can be useful for surgeons starting to perform RPD. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Robotic surgical systems were first introduced 20 years ago. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a challenging surgery because of its technical difficulty. RPD may overcome some of these difficulties. METHODS: The medical records of 450 patients who underwent RPD between May 2010 and December 2018 at the Shanghai Ruijin Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Operative times and estimated blood loss (EBL) were analyzed and the learning curve was determined. A cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was used to identify the inflexion points. Other postoperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and long-term follow-up were also analyzed. RESULTS: Operative time improved graduallyovertimefrom405.4 ±â€Š112.9 minutes (case 1-50) to 273.6 ±â€Š70 minutes (case 301-350) (P < 0.001). EBL improved from 410 ±â€Š563.5 mL (case 1-50) to 149.0 ±â€Š103.3 mL (case 351-400) (P< 0.001). According to the CUSUM curve, there were 3 phases in the RPD learning curve. The inflexion points were around cases 100 and 250. The incidence of pancreatic leak in the last 350 cases was significantly lower than that in the first 100 cases (30.0% vs 15.1%, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: RPD is safe and feasible for selected patients. Operative and oncologic outcomes were much improved after experience of 250 cases. Our optimization of the surgical process may have also contributed to this. Future prospective and randomized studies are needed to confirm our results.

Robotic-assisted versus open distal pancreatectomy for benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of open and robotic-assisted distal pancreatectomy (ODP and RDP) for benign and low-grade malignant tumors. METHODS: The patients who underwent RDP and ODP for benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors at our center were included. After PSM at a 1:1 ratio, the perioperative variations in the two cohorts were compared. RESULTS: After 1:1 PSM, 219 cases of RDP and ODP were recorded. The RDP cohort showed advantages in the operative duration [120 (90-150) min vs 175 (130-210) min, P < 0.001], estimated blood loss [50 (30-175) ml vs 200 (100-300) ml, P < 0.001], spleen preservation rate (63.5% vs 26.5%, P < 0.001), infection rate (4.6% vs 12.3%, P = 0.006), and gastrointestinal function recovery [3 (2-4) vs. 3 (3-5), P = 0.019]. There were no significant differences in postoperative pancreatic fistula, postoperative hemorrhage, and delayed gastric emptying. Multivariate analysis showed that RDP (HR 0.24; 95% CI 0.16-0.36, P < 0.001), age (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.03, P = 0.033), tumor size (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.17-1.40, P < 0.001), pathological inflammatory neoplasm type (HR 5.12; 95% CI 2.22-11.81, P < 0.001), and estimated blood loss (HR 1.003; 95% CI 1.001-1.004, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of spleen preservation; RDP (HR 0.27; 95% CI 0.17-0.43, P < 0.001), age (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.03, P = 0.022), elevated CA 19-9 level (HR 2.55; 95% CI 1.02-6.39, P = 0.046), tumor size (HR 1.44; 95% CI 1.29-1.61, P < 0.001), pathological inflammatory neoplasm type (HR 4.48; 95% CI 1.69-11.85, P = 0.003), and estimated blood loss (HR 1.003; 95% CI 1.001-1.004, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of spleen preservation with the Kimura technique. CONCLUSION: RDP has advantages in the operative time, blood loss, spleen preservation, infection rate, and gastrointestinal function recovery over ODP in treating benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic tumors. The robotic-assisted approach was an independent predictor of spleen preservation and use of the Kimura technique.

Oncological outcomes of robotic-assisted versus open pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery is associated with worse oncologic outcomes for some but not other types of cancers. We conducted a propensity score-matched analysis to compare oncologic outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic (RPD) vs. open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS: Treatment-naïve PDAC patients undergoing either RPD or OPD at our hospital between January 2013 and December 2017 were included. Propensity score matching was conducted at a ratio of 1:2. The primary outcome was disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 672 cases were identified. The propensity score-matched cohort included 105 patients receiving RPD and 210 patients receiving OPD. The 2 groups did not differ in the number of retrieved lymph nodes [11 (7-16) vs. 11 (6-17), P = 0.622] and R0 resection rate (88.6% vs. 89.0%, P = 0.899). There was no statistically significant difference in median DFS (14 [95% CI 11-22] vs. 12 [95% CI 10-14] months (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.87-1.50; log-rank P = 0.345) and median OS (27 [95% CI 22-35] vs. 20 [95% CI 18-24] months (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.57-1.04; log-rank P = 0.087) between the two groups. Multivariate COX analysis showed that RPD was not an independent predictor of DFS (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.68-1.19, P = 0.456) or OS (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.57-1.05, P = 0.094). CONCLUSION: Comparable DFS and OS were observed between patients receiving RPD and OPD. This preliminary finding requires further confirmation with prospective randomized controlled trials.

Learning curve of robot-assisted middle pancreatectomy (RMP): experience of the first 100 cases from a high-volume pancreatic center in China.

OBJECTIVE: Middle pancreatectomy (MP) is safe and feasible in patients with benign or low-grade malignant tumors located at the neck or proximal body of the pancreas. As a tissue-sparing operation, MP can preserve normal pancreatic function and reduce the risk of postoperative endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. However, the morbidity, especially the postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rate, remains high. A robot-assisted surgical system may provide patients with less trauma; however, there are few reports on robot-assisted middle pancreatectomy (RMP). We describe the experience of RMP at our center to illustrate the learning curve (LC). METHODS: From August 2010 to July 2017, 100 patients underwent RMP in the Pancreatic Disease Center of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. Patient characteristics, operative outcomes, and oncological outcomes were collected and analyzed. The CUSUM curve was analyzed according to operative time and estimated blood loss (EBL) and was used to describe the LC and identify the flexion points. RESULTS: Among the 100 patients who underwent RMP in our hospital, the mean age was 47.5 ± 14.2 years, and 69 patients were female. From the CUSUM curve, we found two flexion points: cases 12 and 44. After 44 cases, the rate of improvement was much faster. We separated the patients into two groups based on the LC (cases 1-44 and cases 45-100). There were significant improvements in operative time (173.1 ± 44.7 min vs. 137.3 ± 30.1 min, p < 0.001) and EBL (103.4 ± 90.0 ml vs. 69.3 ± 53.9 ml, p = 0.021). The overall POPF rate was 32% (32/100), while the incidence rate of biochemical leakage was 14% (14/100). However, there was no significant difference in the risk of POPF or other complications between the two groups. The postoperative length of stay (LOS) was also not different. The 90-day mortality rate was 1%. From our long-term follow-up, pancreatic function was preserved in most patients, with only three cases of endocrine insufficiency and two cases of exocrine insufficiency. CONCLUSION: RMP was helpful and a good choice for the selected patients. PF was the main complication and has not been improved until now. There were two flexion points in the LC at cases 12 and 44. More cases are needed to gain more experience. A larger sample size and prospective studies are needed to verify the advantage of RMP.

A Nomogram for Individual Prediction of Poor Prognosis After Radical Surgery in Patients with Primary Pancreatic Duct Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor characterized by poor prognosis. TNM stage cannot always provide accurate prediction of prognosis, which is vital for individualized treatment. Therefore, a novel way to identify patients with poor prognosis after radical surgery is urgently needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS The nomogram was established based on a discovery cohort that included 554 patients with PDAC who had received radical surgery from 2012 to 2016. The clinicopathological data were collected. Poor prognosis was evaluated using 25 features, in which appropriate features for a prediction model were identified. A prediction model incorporating the selected features was established. The discriminative capacity was assessed by C-index, calibration by calibration plot, and clinical usefulness by decision curve. The bootstrapping approach was used to perform internal validation. RESULTS Characteristics included in the nomogram were coronary artery disease and stroke history, elevated CA125, AJCC stage >II, R0 resection, operating time >6 h, poor differentiation, nerve invasion, length of stay >30 days, and postoperative complications. A C-index of 0.713 indicated good discrimination of the prediction model, and the calibration curve showed acceptable calibration. Survival analysis showed that this model had better discriminative capacity than the AJCC staging system and could distinguish relatively good prognosis from poor prognosis in patients at stage II (especially IIa) and IV. CONCLUSIONS Our study presents a valid and practical model to predict prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients, which contributes to individualized therapy by assisting surgeons to predict poor prognosis in patients who received radical surgery.

[The Efficacy of 17 Cases of Pancreaticoduodenectomy Combined with Vascular Resection and Reconstruction by Using Robotic Operation System (with Video)].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) combined with vascular resection and reconstruction under robotic surgery system in the treatment of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. METHODS: The clinical data of 17 patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who underwent PD combined with vascular resection and reconstruction (see the Video 1 in Supplemental Contents, http://ykxb.scu.edu.cn/article/doi/10.12182/20200760202) under robotic surgery system between August 2011 and September 2018 was analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 4 cases required conversion because of serious tumor invasion and soft pancreas texture, the other 13 cases were successfully completed. 16 cases (94%) achieved margin-negative resection (R0 resection), 14 cases combined with vein resection, and 3 cases combined with arterial resection. The mean operation time was (401±170) min, the mean blood loss was (647±345) mL, the mean postoperative length of hospital stay was (20±8) d. There was no perioperative death. Postoperative pathology findings and follow-up outcomes were as follows: 1 patient was diagnosed as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and 1 patient was diagnosed as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) (Grade 1), 8 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). 1 patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC) died because of tumor recurrence and metastasis during the follow-up period, the median (Min-Max) survival time was 12 (8-26) months. 5 patients with PDAC and 1 patient with malignant IPMN were currently in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: It is safe and feasible to perform RPD with vascular resection and reconstruction. The patient's condition should be fully evaluated before surgery to select the most appropriate treatment.

Perineural invasion is related to p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation and promotes tumor growth and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.

Metastasis is a key component of cancer progression and is strongly associated with poor prognosis. Perineural invasion is thought to be related to pain, tumor recurrence, and other conditions. However, the exact molecular mechanism is unclear. This study was conducted to identify the key components and signaling pathways involved in the perineural invasion of pancreatic cancer and alterations in the phenotype after the interaction between the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and pancreatic cancer cells. The results indicated that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway was activated after coculture of the DRG and pancreatic cancer cells and lead to the promotion of cell growth and chemoresistance.

Resection of pancreatic metastatic renal cell carcinoma: experience and long-term survival outcome from a large center in China.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the outcome of pancreatic metastatic renal cell carcinoma (PmRCC) after treatment and share the relevent results. METHODS: In total, 13 patients with PmRCC were diagnosed and treated in our institution from December 2013 to October 2017. We retrospectively reviewed the records and analyzed the patient demographics, perioperative outcomes, and overall survival. Simultaneously, our experience including treatment and misdiagnosis was shared. RESULTS: The median time between nephrectomy and reoperation for pancreatic recurrence was 11 years (range 1-20 years). Four patients had multiple tumors and nine patients had solitary tumor. Five patients accepted distal pancreatectomy, and five patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. One patient underwent total pancreatectomy, one patient underwent duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection plus distal pancreatectomy, and one patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and gastrointestinal bypass due to widespread metastasis with clear obstructive symptoms. The misdiagnosis rate of preoperative diagnosis at our center was 69.2% (9/13). The median follow-up duration was 26 months (range 7-53 months, until June 2018). By the end of follow-up, 12 patients were alive and one patient died of gastrointestinal bleeding within 1 month after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: PmRCCs are uncommon, but pancreatic metastasectomy has a relatively good prognosis and may, therefore, be a good therapeutic choice for patients with PmRCCs. Because PmRCC occurs long after the primary tumor resection, long-term follow-up is necessary. Besides, detailed medical history and specific manifestation in imaging features could contribute to avoiding misdiagnosis.

Internal Hernia Following Robotic Assisted Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND Robotic assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) is reported to be safe and feasible. Internal hernia (IH) after RPD is a serious but rarely reported complication. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data of 231 patients who underwent RPD from October 2010 to December 2016. The incidence, symptoms, time of presentation, and outcome were investigated. RESULTS Five patients (2.6%) were diagnosed with IH. Significant correlation (P<0.001) between IH and transverse mesocolon defect was confirmed. In patients without defect closure, the incidence of IH was 62.5%, while patients who received defect closure experienced no IH. The median time between initial surgery and occurrence of IH was 76 days. The main symptoms were abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. All patients received abdominal computed tomography (CT) and were suspected to have IH according to imaging and symptoms. All patients underwent reoperation (2 laparoscopic and 3 open surgery). The median length of hospital stay was 13 days. No patient experienced a relapse after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting were common symptoms in our study patients who underwent RPD. IH should be suspected if there is a positive finding on CT. Timely reoperation is necaAbdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting were common symptoms in our study patients who underwent RPD. IH should be suspected if there is a positive finding on CT. Timely reoperation is necessary because IH may cause intestinal ischemia. Meticulous closure of the mesenteric defect is vital to avoid IH.essary because IH may cause intestinal ischemia. Meticulous closure of the mesenteric defect is vital to avoid IH.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic versus open middle pancreatectomy: short-term results of a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This first prospective randomized controlled trial was performed to compare short-term outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic middle pancreatectomy (RA-MP) with open middle pancreatectomy (OMP). BACKGROUND: RA-MP is a novel minimally invasive surgical technique for benign or borderline tumors in the pancreatic neck or body. Its short-term effectiveness and safety remain unknown, compared to OMP. METHODS: Patients eligible for MP from August 2011 to November 2015 were randomized into the RA-MP or OMP group. The primary endpoint was length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary endpoints were intraoperative parameters, and postoperative and recovery variables. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included into the study to analyze primary and secondary endpoints. Demographic characteristics and pathological parameters were similar in both groups. Furthermore, LOS was significantly shorter (15.6 vs. 21.7 days, P = 0.002), median operative time was reduced (160 vs. 193 min, P = 0.002), median blood loss was lower (50 vs. 200 mL, P < 0.001), rate of clinical postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was lower (18 vs. 36.0 %, P = 0.043), nutritional status recovery was better, off-bed return to activity was expedited (3.1 vs. 4.6 days, P < 0.001), and resumption of bowel movement was faster (3.5 vs. 5.0 days, P < 0.001) in the RA-MP group, compared to the OMP group. CONCLUSION: RA-MP was associated with significantly shorter LOS, reduced operative time, blood loss and clinical POPF rate, and expedited postoperative recovery, compared to OMP.

Robotic Enucleation for Benign or Borderline Tumours of the Pancreas: A Retrospective Analysis and Comparison from a High-Volume Centre in Asia.

BACKGROUND: Enucleation is increasingly performed for benign or borderline tumours of the pancreas because it is a parenchyma-sparing and less invasive procedure compared to conventional pancreatectomy, which reduces the risk of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. This study retrospectively evaluated and compared the pre-, intra-, and post-operative clinical characteristics after open and robotic approaches for pancreatic enucleation. METHODS: Fifty-six cases of enucleation for benign or borderline tumours of the pancreas treated from March 2010 to July 2015 were identified by a retrospective search. These included 25 patients who underwent an open approach and 31 patients who underwent a robotic approach. The clinical characteristics were extracted and compared. RESULTS: The two groups had a similar location and pathology of the tumour. The robotic group had a significantly shorter operation time and significantly less blood loss than the open group. The rates of clinical pancreatic fistula (PF) formation and major complications were similar. The robotic approach could be applied for a tumour on the right side of the pancreas without increasing the incidence of clinical PF or other major complications. The patients with clinical PF had a significantly shorter distance between the lesion and the main pancreatic duct (MPD). CONCLUSION: Robotic enucleation appears to be a feasible and safe approach for benign or borderline tumours of the pancreas and was associated with similarly favourable surgical outcomes as the open approach. Identifying and avoiding the MPD is an important step during enucleation.

Shen's Whole-Layer Tightly Appressed Anastomosis Technique for Duct-to-Mucosa Pancreaticojejunostomy in Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs) due to anastomotic leaks are always closely related to significant morbidity and mortality following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A series of modified anastomotic methods have been proposed. The object of our study was to provide a novel anastomotic method for operations involving the Child technique, termed the "whole-layer tightly appressed anastomosis technique". MATERIAL AND METHODS An improved pancreatic whole-layer suture technique was used when we performed the duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomies; this method ensured the tight joining of the pancreatic stump and jejunum and decreased the pinholes in the pancreatic stump. This new method was used in 41 patients, and was compared with the traditional duct-to-mucosa anastomosis technique that was used in 50 patients as controls. RESULTS The POPF rate was much lower in the new method group than in the control group (6, 14.63% and 20, 40.00%, respectively, P=0.010). There were 5 grade A POPF patients and 1 grade B POPF patient in the study group. In the control group there were 12 grade A POPFs patients, 7 grade B POPFs patients, and 1 grade C POPF patient. The study group exhibited a lower morbidity rate (7, 17.07% vs. 16, 32.00%, P=0.022) and a reduced hospital stay (17.16 d vs. 22.92 d, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS The whole-layer tightly appressed anastomosis technique presented in our study is a safer anastomotic method than the traditional duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy technique. This new technique effectively reduced the incidence of POPF after PD and decreased the postoperative morbidity.

Efficacy of modified Appleby surgery: a benefit for elderly patients?

BACKGROUND: To explore the feasibility, safety, and indications of the modified Appleby operation for carcinoma of the body and tail of the pancreas and to identify prognostic factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from a total of 15 patients receiving the modified Appleby operation in our department were retrospectively analyzed. Correlation analyses and univariate and multivariate analyses of the survival time were performed to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: The operations were successful in all 15 patients. The median survival time was 19 mo except in one case, where the patient died; and the 1- and 3-y survival rates were 86.7% (13/15) and 6.7% (1/15), respectively. A positive correlation was found between age and survival time (P = 0.037, Pearson correlation = 0.541). In addition, univariate analysis, age, operative time, and perineural invasion were correlated with survival time (P = 0.029, 0.035, and 0.049, respectively). Finally, multivariate analysis revealed that only age ≥ 60 y was correlated with survival (Hazard ratio = 0.263, P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: The improved Appleby operation was feasible and safe when performed in experienced centers by experienced surgeons and can improve the patients' survival time and quality of life. Statistical analysis suggests that elderly patients may have a better prognosis than younger patients to some extent.

Observation and confirmation of oxidation reactions occurring on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography columns.

RATIONALE: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-MS) has been frequently used for chemical analysis. A redox reaction in the ESI source has been observed during the ionization process. However, it is still unclear whether this redox reaction can take place on UPLC columns. METHODS: In this study, the oxidation reactions potentially occurring on UPLC columns were investigated using polyphenols including baicalin, baicalein, propyl gallate (PG), quercetin-3-rhamnoside (QR), rutin, naringin and 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-Ο-ß-D-glucoside (THS-G) as model compounds. The on-column oxidation reaction was ascertained by post-column infusion of antioxidants such as ammonium sulfide ((NH4)2S). The oxidized products were reduced to their parent forms in the ESI source. This on-column oxidation reaction was further confirmed by means of post-column infusion of baicalin solution. RESULTS: On-column oxidation reactions were observed and confirmed for baicalin, baicalein, PG, rutin, and QR. The exact reaction site was located at the outlet frits of the UPLC columns. (NH4)2S was proved to be the most suitable reducing agent among the tested antioxidants for eliminating negative effects caused by on-column oxidation reaction. It was subsequently proposed to be an efficient additive to suppress oxidation reactions in the ESI source. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidation reactions can take place at the outlet frits of UPLC columns. Ascertaining on-column oxidation reactions and consequently eliminating relevant negative effects are of great interest for determination of oxidation-sensitive compounds such as polyphenols.

Robotic approach improves spleen-preserving rate and shortens postoperative hospital stay of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Spleen preservation (SP) is beneficial for patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy of benign and borderline tumors; however, the conventional laparoscopy approach (C-LDP) is less effective in controlling splenic vessel bleeding. The benefits of the robotic-assisted approach (RA-LDP) in SP have not been clearly described. This study aimed to evaluate whether a robotic approach could improve SP rate and effectiveness/safety profile of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). METHODS: Matched for scheduled SP, age, sex, ASA classification, tumor size, tumor location, and pathological type, 69 patients undergoing RA-LDP and 50 undergoing C-LDP between January 2005 and May 2014 were included. Main outcome measures included SP rate, operative time (OT), blood loss, transfusion frequency, morbidity, postoperative hospital stay (PHS), and oncologic safety. RESULTS: Among matched patients scheduled for SP, RA-LDP was associated with significantly higher overall (95.7 vs. 39.4%) and Kimura SP rates (72.3 vs. 21.2%), shorter OT (median 120 vs. 200 min), less blood loss (median 100 vs. 300 mL), lower transfusion frequency (2.1 vs. 18.2%), and shorter mean PHS (10.2 vs. 14.5 days). Among matched patients scheduled for splenectomy, RA-LDP was associated with similar OT, blood loss, transfusion frequency, and PHS. The two approaches were similar in overall morbidity, frequency of pancreatic fistula, and oncologic outcome among patients undergoing splenectomy for malignant tumors. CONCLUSIONS: RA-LDP was associated with a significantly better SP rate and reduced OT, blood loss, transfusion requirement, and PHS for patients undergoing SP compared to C-LDP, but offered less benefits for patients undergoing splenectomy.