Bariatric and metabolic surgery in patients with low body mass index: an online survey of 543 bariatric and metabolic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in patients with low body mass index patients is a topic of debate. This study aimed to address all aspects of controversies in these patients by using a worldwide survey. METHODS: An online 35-item questionnaire survey based on existing controversies surrounding MBS in class 1 obesity was created by 17 bariatric surgeons from 10 different countries. Responses were collected and analysed by authors. RESULTS: A total of 543 bariatric surgeons from 65 countries participated in this survey. 52.29% of participants agreed with the statement that MBS should be offered to class-1 obese patients without any obesity related comorbidities. Most of the respondents (68.43%) believed that MBS surgery should not be offered to patients under the age of 18 with class I obesity. 81.01% of respondents agreed with the statement that surgical interventions should be considered after failure of non-surgical treatments. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in metabolic/bariatric surgery in patients with class 1 obesity. Precise analysis of these results is useful for identifying different aspects for future research and consensus building.

Predicting the Need for Surgery in Uncomplicated Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Scoring Tool.

INTRODUCTION: Nonoperative treatment can be attempted for uncomplicated adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO), but carries a risk of delayed surgery. Highlighting initial parameters predicting risk of failure of nonoperative management would be of great interest. METHODS: Patients initially managed conservatively for uncomplicated ASBO were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify predictive failure's factors. Based on the risk factors, a score was created and then prospectively validated in a different patients' population. RESULTS: Among 171 patients included, 98 (57.3%) were successfully managed conservatively. In a multivariate analysis, three independent nonoperative management failure's factors were identified: Charlson Index ≥4 (P = 0.016), distal obstruction (P = 0.009), and maximum small bowel diameter over vertical abdominal diameter ratio >0.34 (P = 0.023). A score of two or three was associated with a risk of surgery of 51.4% or 70.3% in the retrospective analysis and 62.2% or 75% in the validation cohort, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical-radiological score may help guide surgical decision-making in uncomplicated ASBO. A high score (≥2) was predictive of failure of nonoperative management. This tool could assist surgeons to determine who would benefit from early surgery.

Prevention of incisional hernia after single-port sleeve gastrectomy (PRISM): a prospective non-randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: SPSG carries a risk of incisional hernia, particularly in patients with high body mass index. Prophylactic mesh placement with either permanent or absorbable mesh could decrease the occurrence of incisional hernia, with uncertainty on other postoperative parietal complications. METHODS: This is a non-randomized monocentric single-blinded prospective study. High-risk patients (body mass index ≥ 45 kg/m2) underwent either 3 strategies of parietal closure (suture with or without permanent or absorbable mesh) during SPSG. The primary outcome was the occurrence of radiologically defined incisional hernia during the first postoperative year. Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection rates and postoperative pain. RESULTS: Between November 2018 and November 2019, 255 patients were included (85 in each group). All patients reached one-year postoperative follow-up. Significantly more incisional hernias were observed in the no mesh group in comparison with permanent and absorbable mesh groups, respectively (20% vs. 7.1% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.005). No difference was observed in mesh groups. No difference was observed regarding other parietal complications. One patient in the absorbable mesh group presented a superficial surgical site infection and required surgical drainage without mesh removal and one patient in the permanent mesh group presented a parietal hematoma and required surgical drainage with mesh removal. Twenty-six (92.8%) asymptomatic patients presented incisional hernia discovered on the one-year CT-scan. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic mesh placement during SPSG decreases the occurrence of postoperative incisional hernia. Routine permanent mesh placement could be proposed in high-risk patients.

The first survey addressing patients with BMI over 50: a survey of 789 bariatric surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery in patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 is a challenging task. The aim of this study was to address main issues regarding perioperative management of these patients by using a worldwide survey. METHODS: An online 48-item questionnaire-based survey on perioperative management of patients with a BMI superior to 50 kg/m2 was ideated by 15 bariatric surgeons from 9 different countries. The questionnaire was emailed to all members of the International Federation of Surgery for Obesity (IFSO). Responses were collected and analyzed by the authors. RESULTS: 789 bariatric surgeons from 73 countries participated in the survey. Most surgeons (89.9%) believed that metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS) on patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 should only be performed by expert bariatric surgeons. Half of the participants (55.3%) believed that weight loss must be encouraged before surgery and 42.6% of surgeons recommended an excess weight loss of at least 10%. However, only 3.6% of surgeons recommended the insertion of an Intragastric Balloon as bridge therapy before surgery. Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) was considered the best choice for patients younger than 18 or older than 65 years old. SG and One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass were the most common procedures for individuals between 18 and 65 years. Half of the surgeons believed that a 2-stage approach should be offered to patients with BMI > 50 kg/m2, with SG being the first step. Postoperative thromboprophylaxis was recommended for 2 and 4 weeks by 37.8% and 37.7% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated worldwide variations in bariatric surgery practice regarding patients with a BMI superior to 50 kg/m2. Careful analysis of these results is useful for identifying several areas for future research and consensus building.

Impact of sleeve gastrectomy on renal function in patients with morbid obesity: a 1-year prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Obesity is an independent risk factor for renal injury. A more favorable metabolic environment following weight loss may theoretically lead to improved renal function. We aimed to evaluate the evolution of renal function one year after sleeve gastrectomy in a large prospective cohort of patients with morbid obesity and assess the influence of fat-free mass (FFM) changes. METHODS: We prospectively included obese patients admitted for sleeve gastrectomy between February 2014 and November 2016. We also included a historical observational cohort of patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy between January 2013 and January 2014 who had FFM evaluation. Patients were systematically evaluated 1 year after surgery. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The FFM was estimated by analyzing computerized tomography (CT) scan sections from CT systematically performed 2 days and 1 year after sleeve gastrectomy to detect surgery complications. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 41.2 ± 0.5 years. The mean body mass index was 43.5 ± 0.3 kg/m2 and 20.4, 30.5, and 30.7% of the included patients had type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, respectively. One hundred fifteen patients were excluded and four hundred forty-eight patients were finally included in the analysis. The eGFR was significantly higher 1 year after sleeve gastrectomy than before surgery (87.8 ± 0.9 versus 86.1 ± 0.9, p < 0.01). There was no difference in terms of post-surgery FFM loss between patients with an improved eGFR and those without (6.7 ± 0.3 kg versus 6.8 ± 0.5 kg, p = 0.9). Furthermore, post-surgery changes in the eGFR did not correlate with the amount of FFM loss (r = 0.1, p = 0.18). CONCLUSION: Renal function assessed by eGFR is significantly improved at 1-year post-sleeve gastrectomy, independent of changes in skeletal muscle mass.

Impact of resection margins for colorectal liver metastases in laparoscopic and open liver resection: a propensity score analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no clear consensus over the optimal width of resection margin for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), with evolving definitions alongside the advances on the management of the disease. In addition, data on the impact of resection margin after laparoscopic liver resection are still scarce. METHODS: Prospectively maintained databases of patients undergoing open or laparoscopic CRLM resection in 7 European tertiary hepatobiliary referral centres were reviewed. After propensity score matching (PSM), the influence of 1 mm and wider margins on OS and DFS were evaluated in open and laparoscopic cohorts. RESULTS: After PSM, 648 patients were comparable in each group. The incidence of positive margins (< 1 mm) was similar in open and laparoscopic groups (17% vs 13%, p = 0,142). Margins < 1 mm were associated with shorter RFS in open (12 vs 26 months, p = 0.042) and in laparoscopic group (13 vs 23, p = 0,002). Margins < 1 mm were associated with shorter OS in open (36 vs 57 months, p = 0.027), but not in laparoscopic group (49 vs 60, p = 0,177). Subgroups with margins ≥ 1 mm (1-4 mm, 5-9 mm, ≥ 10 mm) presented similar RFS in open (p = 0,251) or laparoscopic cohorts (p = 0.117), as well as similar OS in open (p = 0.295) or laparoscopic cohorts (p = 0.908). In the presence of liver recurrence, repeat liver resection was performed in 70 (30%) patients in the open group and 88 (48%) in the laparoscopic group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that a positive resection margin (less than 1 mm) width does not impact OS after laparoscopic resection of CRLMs as it does in open liver resection. However, a positive margin continues to affect RFS in open and laparoscopic resection. Wider margins than 1 mm do not seem to improve oncological results in open or laparoscopic surgery.

Malignancy in bariatric surgery patients: a French multisite cohort.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is associated with decreased cancer-related mortality. An indefinite proportion of patients that undergo bariatric surgery have a history of malignancy or will develop cancer. In these patients, weight loss and oncologic evolution needed to be assessed. The aim of this study was to report the results of patients diagnosed with malignancy before and after bariatric surgery in a French multisite cohort. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent bariatric surgery in six university centers. Patients were divided in two groups: patients with a preoperative history of malignancy and patients diagnosed with malignancy during the follow-up. Both groups were compared with control groups of patients that underwent surgery during the same period. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2018, 8927 patients underwent bariatric surgery. In patients with a history of malignancy (n = 90), breast and gynecologic cancers were predominant (37.8%). Median interval between malignancy and surgery was 60 (38-118) months. After a follow-up of 24 (4-52) months, 4 patients presented with cancer recurrence. Comparative analysis demonstrated equivalent weight loss one year after surgery. In patients with postoperative malignancy (n = 32), breast and gynecologic cancers were also predominant (40.6%). Median interval between surgery and malignancy was 22 (6-109) months. In the comparative analysis, weight loss was similar at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: History of malignancy should not be considered as an absolute contraindication for bariatric surgery. Gynecological cancer screening should be reinforced before and after surgery. The development of malignancy postoperatively does not seem to affect mid-term bariatric outcomes.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity in renal transplantation candidates: a matched case-control study.

Obesity has become an important issue in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Since it is considered a relative contraindication for renal transplantation, bariatric surgery has been advocated to treat morbid obesity in transplant candidates, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most reported procedure. However, comparative data regarding outcomes of LSG in patients with or without ESRD are scarce. Consecutive patients with ESRD (n = 29) undergoing LSG were compared with matched patients with normal renal function undergoing LSG in a 1:3 ratio using propensity score adjustment. Data were collected from a prospective database. Eligibility for transplantation was also studied. A lower weight loss (20 kg (16-30)) was observed in patients with ESRD within the first year as compared to matched patients (28 kg (21-34)) (P < 0.05). After a median follow-up of 30 (19-50) months in the ESRD group, contraindication due to morbid obesity was lifted in 20 patients. Twelve patients underwent transplantation. In patients with ESRD potentially eligible for transplantation, LSG allows similar weight loss in comparison with matched patients with normal renal function, enabling lifting contraindication for transplantation due to morbid obesity in the majority of patients within the first postoperative year.

Short-term outcomes of single-port versus conventional laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a propensity score matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become a frequent bariatric procedure. Single-port sleeve gastrectomy (SPSG) could reduce parietal aggression however its development has been restrained due to fear of a complex procedure leading to increased morbidity and suboptimal sleeve construction. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of SPSG versus conventional laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (CLSG) with regards to morbidity, weight loss, and co-morbidity resolution. METHODS: Between January 2015 and December 2016, data from all consecutive patients that underwent SPSG and CLSG in two institutions performing exclusively one or the other approach were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score adjustment was performed on the factors known to influence the choice of approach. RESULTS: During the study period, 1122 patients underwent SG in both institutions (610 SPSG and 512 CLSG). From each group, 314 patients were successfully matched. A 15-min increase in operative time was observed during SPSG (P < 0.001). Postoperative morbidity was similar with a minor increase after SPSG (8.6 vs. 6.7%, P = 0.453). No differences in incisional hernia rates were observed (1.6 (SPSG) vs. 0.3% (CLSG), P = 0.216). Percentage of total weight loss was 31.1% and 28.2% in the CLSG and SPSG 12 months after surgery, respectively (P = 0.321). Co-morbidities resolution 12 months following the procedure was similar. CONCLUSIONS: SPSG can be performed safely with similar intraoperative and postoperative morbidity compared to CLSG. Weight loss and co-morbidities resolution at 1 year are equivalent. A 15-min longer operative time was the only negative side of SPSG.

Improving Hepatocyte Engraftment Following Hepatocyte Transplantation Using Repeated Reversible Portal Vein Embolization in Rats.

Hepatocyte transplantation (HT) has emerged as a promising alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation, yet liver preconditioning is needed to promote hepatocyte engraftment. A method of temporary occlusion of the portal flow called reversible portal vein embolization (RPVE) has been demonstrated to be an efficient method of liver preconditioning. By providing an additional regenerative stimulus, repeated reversible portal vein embolization (RRPVE) could further boost liver engraftment. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of liver engraftment of transplanted hepatocytes after RPVE and RRPVE in a rat model. Green fluorescent protein-expressing hepatocytes were isolated from transgenic rats and transplanted into 3 groups of syngeneic recipient rats. HT was associated with RPVE in group 1, with RRPVE in group 2, and with sham embolization in the sham group. Liver engraftment was assessed at day 28 after HT on liver samples after immunostaining. Procedures were well tolerated in all groups. RRPVE resulted in increased engraftment rate in total liver parenchyma compared with RPVE (3.4% ± 0.81% versus 1.4% ± 0.34%; P < 0.001). In conclusion, RRPVE successfully enhanced hepatocyte engraftment after HT and could be helpful in the frame of failure of HT due to low cell engraftment.

Treatment of complex recurrent fistula-in-ano by surgery combined to autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stroma cells and platelet-rich plasma injection.

PURPOSE: We report a case of successful management of complex recurrent cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano by surgery combined with autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. METHODS: Clinical, radiological, and surgical data of the patient were reviewed, as well as the current literature on complex fistula-in-ano. RESULTS: A 37-year-old man with a recurrent cryptoglandular perianal fistula was addressed to our department. Inflammatory bowel disease was excluded by clinical history, endoscopy, and blood tests. Physical examination and MRI showed an anterior external orifice on the midline, 5 cm from the anal verge, with an internal orifice on the same line. Surgery combined to injection of MSC-PRP solution was successfully performed. MSC-PRP solution was prepared while the patient was under general anesthesia: bone marrow MSCs were obtained by centrifugation of a tibial puncture specimen and PRP from a peripheral whole blood sample of the patient. There were no adverse events post-operatively. Clinical and MRI examination 4 months after treatment confirmed the absence of perianal fistula. More than 2 years after surgery, there has been no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of complex recurrent cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano by surgery combined to autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs and PRP injection seems safe in selected patients, allowing long-term healing. This procedure seems promising but further evaluation by clinical trials is warranted.

Appendiceal endometriosis invading the sigmoid colon: a rare entity.

PURPOSE: We report an unusual case of endometriosis of the appendix with simultaneous invasion of the sigmoid colon. METHODS: Clinical, radiological, surgical, and histological data of the patient were reviewed, as well as the current literature on gastrointestinal endometriosis. RESULTS: A 41-year-old woman presented to the emergency department of our hospital with acute right lower quadrant pain, pronounced tenderness elevated white blood cell count, and increased C-reactive protein. Abdominal CT scan suggested a mucocele of the appendix. The patient was first treated with antibiotics, followed by en bloc resection of the appendix and of the sigmoid colon 2 months later. Histological examination revealed an endometriotic nodule of the appendix filling the appendiceal lumen and resulting in a mucocele which invaded the sigmoid colon wall. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of gastrointestinal endometriosis can be challenging due to the variety of symptoms it can produce. Although extremely rare, a concomitant double gastrointestinal location of endometriosis may be possible and should be considered in women of reproductive age.

Conversion for Unfavorable Intraoperative Events Results in Significantly Worse Outcomes During Laparoscopic Liver Resection: Lessons Learned From a Multicenter Review of 2861 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for conversion during laparoscopic liver resection and its effect on patient outcome in a large cohort of patients. Additional analysis of outcomes in patients who required conversion for unfavorable intraoperative findings and conversion for unfavorable intraoperative events will be performed to establish if the cause of conversion effects outcome. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Multiple previous studies demonstrate that laparoscopic liver surgery reduces intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and morbidity while maintaining comparable oncological and survival outcomes when compared with open liver resections. However, limited information is available regarding the possible sequelae of conversion to open surgery, especially with regards to cause of conversion. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 2861 cases from prospectively maintained databases of 7 tertiary liver centers across Europe was performed. RESULTS: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, previous liver resection(s), resections for malignant lesions, postero-superior location, and the extent of the resection are associated with an increased risk of conversion. Patients who require conversion have longer operations with higher blood loss; a longer HDU and total hospital stay, increased frequency and severity of complications and higher 30- and 90-day mortality. Patients who had an elective conversion for an unfavorable intraoperative finding had better outcomes than patients who had an emergency conversion secondary to an unfavorable intraoperative event in terms of HDU and total hospital stay, severity of complication, and 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the risk factors for conversion and suggests that conversion for unfavorable intraoperative events is associated with worse outcomes.

Transplantation of genetically modified hepatocytes after liver preconditioning in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocyte transplantation is a potentially less invasive alternative to liver transplantation for treating inherited metabolic liver diseases. We developed an autotransplantation protocol of ex vivo genetically modified hepatocytes combining lentiviral transduction and transplantation after liver preconditioning by partial portal vein embolization. We investigated the metabolic efficiency of this approach in Watanabe rabbits, animal model of familial hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: Our autotransplantation experimental protocol was used in two groups of rabbits (n = 10), experimental and sham, receiving transduced and control hepatocytes, respectively. Isolated hepatocytes from left liver lobes were transduced using recombinant lentiviruses. Median lobe portal branches were embolized under fluoroscopic control. Functional measurement of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression was assessed by LDL internalization assays. Cholesterol level evolution was monitored. Rabbits were killed 20 wk after the procedure. RESULTS: Three rabbits of each group died several hours after hepatocyte transplantation; autopsy revealed portal vein thrombosis in two rabbits from each group. The protocol was therefore modified with hepatocytes being transplanted through splenic injection. Lentiviral hepatocyte transduction efficacy was 64.5%. Fluorescence microscopy revealed Dil-LDL internalization of transduced hepatocytes. Seven rabbits in each group were considered for lipid analysis. Four weeks after autotransplantation, median total cholesterol level decreased in the experimental group, without reaching statistical significance (8.9 [8.0-9.8] g/L versus 6.3 [0.5-8.3]; P = 0.171). In the experimental group, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detected significant antibody expression against human low-density lipoprotein receptor. CONCLUSIONS: Autotransplantation protocol allowed a nonstatistically significant improvement of the lipid profile in Watanabe rabbits. Further experiments involving a larger number of animals are necessary to confirm or refute our findings.

Laparoscopic liver surgery: towards a day-case management.

BACKGROUND: Ambulatory surgery (AS) is a contemporary subject of interest. The feasibility and safety of AS for solid abdominal organs are still dubious. In the present study, we aimed at defining potential surgical criteria for AS by analyzing a large database of patients who underwent laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS) in two French expert centers. METHODS: This study was performed using prospectively filled databases including patients that underwent pure LLS between 1998 and 2015. Patients whose perioperative medical characteristics (ASA score <3, no associated extra-hepatic procedure, surgical duration ≤180 min, blood loss ≤300 mL, no intraoperative anesthesiological or surgical complication, no postoperative drainage) were potentially adapted for ambulatory LLS were included in the analysis. In order to determine the risk factors for postoperative complications, multivariate analysis was carried out. RESULTS: During the study period, pure LLS was performed in 994 patients. After preoperative and intraoperative characteristics screening, 174 (17.5%) patients were considered for the final analysis. Lesions (benign (46%) and liver metastases (43%)) were predominantly single with a mean size of 37 ± 32 mm in an underlying normal or steatotic liver parenchyma (94.8%). The vast majority of LLS performed were single procedures including wedge resections and liver cyst unroofing or left lateral sectionectomies (74%). The global morbidity rate was 14% and six patients presented a major complication (Dindo-Clavien ≥III). The mean length of stay was 5 ± 4 days. Multivariate analysis showed that major hepatectomy [OR 29.04 (2.26-37.19); P = 0.01] and resection of tumors localized in central segments [OR 41.24 (1.08-156.47); P = 0.04] were independent predictors of postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced teams, approximately 7% of highly selected patients requiring laparoscopic hepatic surgery (wedge resection, liver cyst unroofing, or left lateral sectionectomy) could benefit from ambulatory surgery management.

Laparoscopic left liver resections: how far can we go?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyse the outcomes of laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomies of the left liver segments. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicentre study including all patients operated on laparoscopically divided into unisegmentectomy of 2, 3 or 4 (Group 1), left lobectomy (or left lateral sectionectomy LLS) (Group 2), left hepatectomy (Group 3) and extended left hepatectomy (Group 4) between 2000 and 2016. These four groups were compared in terms of demographics, intraoperative data and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 190 selected patients, the groups 1, 2, 3, 4 included 25 (13.2%), 116 (61.0%), 27 (14.2%) and 22 (11.6%) patients, respectively. The cohorts were comparable except for the number of lesions (p = 0.001) and tumour diameter (p = 0.004). The operative time, blood loss and the use of vascular clamping were more frequent in the Groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.0001), as is the rate of conversion to laparotomy (p = 0.001). Total morbidity was 23.3%, and major complications were more frequent in Group 4 (p = 0.0001). The prevalence of hepatic complications (11.6%), intra-abdominal collections (7.4%) and respiratory complications (3.7%) was proportionally correlated to the hepatectomy extension (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: All laparoscopic left liver resections seem safe and feasible even though extended hepatectomy is associated with a significant morbidity.

Large gastrointestinal stromal tumours of the stomach: Is laparoscopy reasonable?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic resection (LR) offers significant advantages compared to open resections for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). We aimed to evaluate whether LR outcomes jeopardised short and long-term outcomes of patients with large GISTs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 50 patients undergoing surgery for gastric GISTs, 12 underwent LR for large GISTs (>5 cm). Their characteristics, perioperative results and survival were retrospectively compared to those of 22 patients who underwent LR for 'small GIST'. RESULTS: The two groups were similar regarding demographics, rate of wedge resection and mean blood loss. No patient required transfusion or conversion. Operative time was significantly increased in the 'large GIST' group (160 min vs 112 min, P = 0.001). Mean tumour size was significantly lower in the 'small GIST' group (8.4 cm vs 2.4 cm, P = 0.0001). Resection margins were negative. The mortality rate was nil and the overall morbidity rates was similar in both groups. Median length of hospital stay was significantly increased in the 'large GIST' group (7 days vs 5 days, P = 0.004). Median follow-up was 47 months and one patient in the 'small GIST' group developed recurrence and died during follow-up 11 years after surgery. No patient died during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LR for large GISTs is safe and technically feasible and does not negatively influence the oncologic course. Prospective randomised trials should be performed before using this approach in routine surgical care.

Efficient liver regeneration following temporary portal vein embolization with absorbable gelatin sponge powder in humans.

PURPOSE: To report initial experience of temporary portal vein embolization (PVE) with a powdered form of absorbable gelatin sponge before major liver resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2009-2013, 20 patients (6 women and 14 men; median age, 61.5 y ± 2.8; range, 49-80 y) considered for major liver resections for both primary and secondary hepatic malignancies underwent temporary PVE. Data were retrospectively reviewed. Embolization of selected portal vein segments was performed using the powdered form of an absorbable gelatin sponge. All patients underwent volumetric computed tomography (CT) assessment before and at 4-6 weeks after PVE. Liver histology was normal in 13 patients; 1 patient had steatosis, and 6 patients had cirrhosis. RESULTS: Subsegmental, segmental, and sectorial embolization was successfully performed in all patients. None of the patients developed liver insufficiency or fever after embolization. Volumetric CT assessment showed the disappearance of all portal thrombosis in 14 patients. The median hypertrophy ratio of the nonembolized liver was 29.4% ± 6.9 (range, 3.3-127.2%). Of 20 patients, 15 underwent surgery 1-2 months after temporary PVE. One (6.7%) patient presented with liver decompensation in the postoperative period. Five patients were not eligible for surgery because of tumor progression. Histologic examination of the resected liver revealed the presence of absorbable gelatin sponge powder in a few distal portal tracts in four patients. No residual absorbable gelatin sponge powder was observed in portal vessels in the remaining 11 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary PVE resulted in sufficient hypertrophy of the liver that did not receive embolization to enable surgical planning in all patients in our series.

Endoscopic Administration of Combined Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Gastric Staple Line Leaks After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Gastric staple line leak treatment after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) remains challenging. Regenerative medicine is gaining place in the accelerated treatment of damaged tissues. This study presents the first series of gastric leak treatment after LSG using endoscopic intragastric administration of combined autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). METHODS: MSC-PRP harvesting and endoscopic administration techniques are described in detail. Data were prospectively gathered and analyzed. Primary endpoints were morbidity/mortality rates and fistula closure time. RESULTS: Twelve patients (9 women, 3 men) were included. Median age was 41.5 years, median weight 105.5 kg and median BMI 38.9 kg/m2. Median time to gastric staple line leak detection was 10 days post-LSG. Median time between re-laparoscopy and MSC-PRP administration was 5 days. MSC-PRP endoscopic administration was successfully performed and tolerated by all patients, with median procedure duration of 27 min and minimal blood loss. Four postoperative complications were noted: two patients with increased tibial pain at tibial puncture site, one with tibial hematoma, and one with epigastric pain/dysphagia. Median length of hospital stay was 1 day. Gastric leak healing occurred after a median of 14 days, only two patients requiring a second MSC-PRP endoscopic injection. Median follow-up was 19 months, all patients being in good health at last contact. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic administration of combined autologous MSC-PRP seems to be a good option for treatment of gastric leaks after sleeve gastrectomy. It is a challenging procedure that should be performed in specialized bariatric centers by expert bariatric surgeons and endoscopists after meticulous patient selection.