Management and outcomes of hemorrhage after distal pancreatectomy: a multicenter study at high volume centers.

BACKGROUND: Data on clinically relevant post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (CR-PPH) are derived from series mostly focused on pancreatoduodenectomy, and data after distal pancreatectomy (DP) are scarce. METHODS: All non-extended DP performed from 2014 to 2018 were included. CR-PPH encompassed grade B and C PPH. Risk factors, management, and outcomes of CR-PPH were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 1188 patients were included, of which 561 (47.2 %) were operated on minimally invasively. Spleen-preserving DP was performed in 574 patients (48.4 %). Ninety-day mortality, severe morbidity and CR-POPF rates were 1.1 % (n = 13), 17.4 % (n = 196) and 15.5 % (n = 115), respectively. After a median interval of 8 days (range, 0-37), 65 patients (5.5 %) developed CR-PPH, including 28 grade B and 37 grade C. Reintervention was required in 57 patients (87.7 %). CR-PPH was associated with a significant increase of 90-day mortality, morbidity and hospital stay (p < 0.001). Upon multivariable analysis, prolonged operative time and co-existing POPF were independently associated with CR-PPH (p < 0.005) while a chronic use of antithrombotic agent trended towards an increase of CR-PPH (p = 0.081). As compared to CR-POPF, the failure-to-rescue rate in patients who developed CR-PPH was significantly higher (13.8 % vs. 1.3 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CR-PPH after DP remains rare but significantly associated with an increased risk of 90-day mortality and failure-to-rescue.

Defining Benchmark Outcomes for Distal Pancreatectomy: Results of a French Multicentric Study.

OBJECTIVE: Defining robust and standardized outcome references for distal pancreatectomy (DP) by using Benchmark analysis. BACKGROUND: Outcomes after DP are recorded in medium or small-sized studies without standardized analysis. Therefore, the best results remain uncertain. METHODS: This multicenter study included all patients undergoing DP for resectable benign or malignant tumors in 21 French expert centers in pancreas surgery from 2014 to 2018. A low-risk cohort defined by no significant comorbidities was analyzed to establish 18 outcome benchmarks for DP. These values were tested in high risk, minimally invasive and benign tumor cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 1188 patients were identified and 749 low-risk patients were screened to establish Benchmark cut-offs. Therefore, Benchmark rate for mini-invasive approach was ≥36.8%. Benchmark cut-offs for postoperative mortality, major morbidity grade ≥3a and clinically significant pancreatic fistula rates were 0%, ≤27%, and ≤28%, respectively. The benchmark rate for readmission was ≤16%. For patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, cut-offs were ≥75%, ≥69.5%, and ≥66% for free resection margins (R0), 1-year disease-free survival and 3-year overall survival, respectively. The rate of mini-invasive approach in high-risk cohort was lower than the Benchmark cut-off (34.1% vs ≥36.8%). All Benchmark cut-offs were respected for benign tumor group. The proportion of benchmark cases was correlated to outcomes of DP. Centers with a majority of low-risk patients had worse results than those operating complex cases. CONCLUSION: This large-scale study is the first benchmark analysis of DP outcomes and provides robust and standardized data. This may allow for comparisons between surgeons, centers, studies, and surgical techniques.

Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Enterography to Predict Pathological Specimen Length in Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The European Crohn's and Colitis Organization guidelines have highlighted the importance of the preoperative evaluation of the affected segment length in patients with ileocolic Crohn's disease to determine the best surgical approach. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative magnetic resonance enterography in assessing the length of the affected segment in patients with ileocolic Crohn's disease. DESIGN: This observational study was conducted with a prospectively maintained database and retrospective analysis. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a tertiary center. PATIENTS: This study included consecutive patients undergoing ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease between August 2014 and June 2020. All patients underwent a preoperative magnetic resonance enterography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The correlation between the length measured on magnetic resonance enterography and pathological examination was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were included. The median time between magnetic resonance enterography and surgery was 65.5 (3-331) days. The length of the affected segment on magnetic resonance enterography was correlated with the length assessed on pathological evaluation ( R = 0.48, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between the 2 measurements when imaging was performed >6 months before surgery ( R = 0.14, p = 0.62). The presence of an abscess underestimated the length affected by Crohn's disease on imaging compared to pathology, whereas the presence of a fistula was associated with magnetic resonance enterography overestimation of the length of the affected segment. LIMITATIONS: Limitations included single-center study and retrospective analysis. CONCLUSION: In Crohn's disease, preoperative magnetic resonance enterography is a highly reliable tool for predicting the length of the affected segment compared to pathology examination in the absence of an abscess or fistula. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C26 . ENTEROGRAFA POR RESONANCIA MAGNTICA PREOPERATORIA PARA PREDECIR LA LONGITUD DE MUESTRAS PATOLGICAS EN LA ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN: ANTECEDENTES:Las guías de la Organización Europea de Crohn y Colitis han resaltado la importancia de la evaluación preoperatoria de la longitud del segmento afectado para determinar el mejor abordaje quirúrgico.OBJETIVO:Evaluamos la precisión de la enterografía por resonancia magnética preoperatoria para evaluar la longitud del segmento afectado en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn ileocólica.DISEÑO:Realizamos un estudio observacional con una base de datos mantenida prospectivamente y un análisis retrospectivo.CONFIGURACIÓN:Este estudio se realizó en un centro terciario.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos sometidos a resección ileocólica por enfermedad de Crohn entre Agosto de 2014 y Junio de 2020. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una enterografía por resonancia magnética preoperatoria.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se evaluó la correlación entre la longitud medida en la enterografía por resonancia magnética y el examen patológico.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 96 pacientes. El tiempo mediano entre la enterografía por resonancia magnética y la cirugía fue de 65,5 (3-331) días. La longitud del segmento afectado en la enterografía por resonancia magnética se correlacionó con la longitud evaluada en la evaluación patológica ( R = 0,48, p < 0,001). No hubo correlación entre las 2 mediciones cuando las imágenes se realizaron más de 6 meses antes de la cirugía ( R = 0,14, p = 0,62). La presencia de un absceso subestimó la longitud afectada por la enfermedad de Crohn en las imágenes en comparación con la patología, mientras que la presencia de una fístula se asoció con una sobrestimación de la longitud del segmento afectado por enterografía por resonancia magnética.LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones incluyeron un estudio de un solo centro y un análisis retrospectivo.CONCLUSIÓNES:En la enfermedad de Crohn, la enterografía por resonancia magnética preoperatoria es una herramienta altamente confiable para predecir la longitud del segmento afectado en comparación con el examen de patología, en ausencia de absceso o fístula. Consulte el Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C26 . (Traducción-Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Khalil ).

Is pancreatic head surgery safe in the elderly?

BACKGROUND: During the last century, life expectancy has doubled. As a result, senior patients with cancer are more frequently referred for possible surgery. Pancreatic surgery is a complex surgery associated with significant postoperative morbidity. Surgical decision-making in the elderly population can be difficult because outcomes in the elderly are poorly defined. Our objective is to characterize differences in mortality and morbidity for pancreatic surgery in the elderly population. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing pancreatic head surgery in our tertiary referral center from 2015 to 2021 was conducted. Analysis was performed for the entire cohort, classifying patients into three age groups: <70 years, 70-79 years, and ≥80 years. Data from these three groups were compared, including comorbidity, oncologic outcomes and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 326 patients underwent pancreatic head resection. The 90-day mortality increased from 2.9% to 5.3% to 15.4% with increasing age (p = 0,015). There were no differences among the three groups in terms of postoperative morbidity. There was no difference in disease-free survival (DFS), but overall survival was better in patients under 70 years (p = 0,046). CONCLUSION: Compared to younger patients, patients over 80 years old have a higher risk of mortality despite similar postoperative morbidity.

Benefit of a flash dose of corticosteroids in digestive surgical oncology: a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial (CORTIFRENCH).

BACKGROUND: The modulation of perioperative inflammation seems crucial to improve postoperative morbidity and cancer-related outcomes in patients undergoing oncological surgery. Data from the literature suggest that perioperative corticosteroids decrease inflammatory markers and might be associated with fewer complications in esophageal, liver, pancreatic and colorectal surgery. Their benefit on cancer-related outcomes has not been assessed. METHODS: The CORTIFRENCH trial is a phase III multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to assess the impact of a flash dose of preoperative corticosteroids versus placebo on postoperative morbidity and cancer-related outcomes after elective curative-intent surgery for digestive cancer. The primary endpoint is the frequency of patients with postoperative major complications occurring within 30 days after surgery (defined as all complications with Clavien-Dindo grade > 2). The secondary endpoints are the overall survival at 3 years, the disease-free survival at 3 years, the frequency of patients with intraabdominal infections and postoperative infections within 30 days after surgery and the hospital length of stay. We hypothesize a reduced risk of major complications and a better disease-survival at 3 years in the experimental group. Allowing for 5% of drop-out, 1 200 patients (600 per arm) should be included. DISCUSSION: This will be the first trial focusing on the impact of perioperative corticosteroids on cancer related outcomes. If significant, it might be a strong improvement on oncological outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for digestive cancers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03875690, Registered on March 15, 2019, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03875690 .

Weight change after colectomy for ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Weight change after colectomy for ulcerative colitis is unknown. The main objective of this study was to describe weight change during surgical management of ulcerative colitis. METHODS: All patients, underwent a subtotal colectomy, then a proctectomy with J ileal pouch anal anastomosis protected by an ileostomy, and finally an ileostomy closure in the context of ulcerative colitis at the Nancy University Hospital from May 2014 to October 2020, were included. For each patient, his healthy weight, preoperative weight and postoperative weight were recorded for each step of surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included. The median body mass index of healthy weight was 23.3 kg/m2. Before subtotal colectomy, the median body mass index decreased to 21.3 kg/m2, a reduction of 8.5%. One month after subtotal colectomy, the median body mass index was at its lowest level of 20.8 kg/m2, which represented a 10.7% decrease from the healthy weight. Thereafter a significant increase in body mass index was observed before the proctectomy, reaching the threshold of 22.8 kg/m2, an increase of 8.7% from the lowest level. After the last surgical time, which corresponds to the ileostomy closure, the body mass index was 23.2 kg/m2, this threshold was comparable to the healthy weight body mass index. CONCLUSION: Our study showed for the first time that after colectomy for ulcerative colitis, patients regained their healthy weight, which constitutes a reassuring message for patients before surgery.

Liver Venous Deprivation or Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy?: A Retrospective Multicentric Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 2 techniques of remnant liver hypertrophy in candidates for extended hepatectomy: radiological simultaneous portal vein embolization and hepatic vein embolization (HVE); namely LVD, and ALPPS. BACKGROUND: Recent advances in chemotherapy and surgical techniques have widened indications for extended hepatectomy, before which remnant liver augmentation is mandatory. ALPPS and LVD typically show higher hypertrophy rates than portal vein embolization, but their respective places in patient management remain unclear. METHODS: All consecutive ALPPS and LVD procedures performed in 8 French centers between 2011 and 2020 were included. The main endpoint was the successful resection rate (resection rate without 90-day mortality) analyzed according to an intention-to-treat principle. Secondary endpoints were hypertrophy rates, intra and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Among 209 patients, 124 had LVD 37 [13,1015] days before surgery, whereas 85 underwent ALPPS with an inter-stages period of 10 [6, 69] days. ALPPS was mostly-performed for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), LVD for CRLM and perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Hypertrophy was faster for ALPPS. Successful resection rates were 72.6% for LVD ± rescue ALPPS (n = 6) versus 90.6% for ALPPS (P < 0.001). Operative duration, blood losses and length-of-stay were lower for LVD, whereas 90-day major complications and mortality were comparable. Results were globally unchanged for CRLM patients, or after excluding the early 2 years of experience (learning-curve effect). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first 1 comparing LVD versus ALPPS in the largest cohort so far. Despite its retrospective design, it yields original results that may serve as the basis for a prospective study.

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Risk and Long-Term Survival Following Hepatectomy for Spontaneous Hepatocellular Carcinoma Rupture: Results of a Multicenter French Study (FRENCH-AFC).

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a life-threatening complication, with a reported mortality rate of between 16 and 30% and an incidence rate of approximately 3% in Europe. Survival data and risk factors after ruptured HCC are lacking, especially for peritoneal metastasis (PM). OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the pattern of recurrence and mortality after hepatectomy for ruptured HCC, and to focus on PM. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the files of patients admitted to 14 French surgical centers for spontaneous rupture of HCC between May 2000 and May 2012. RESULTS: Overall, 135 patients were included in this study. The median disease-free survival and overall survival (OS) rates were 16.1 (11.0-21.1) and 28.7 (26.0-31.5) months, respectively, and the median follow-up period was 29 months. At last follow-up, recurrences were observed in 65.1% of patients (n = 88). The overall rate of PM following ruptured HCC was 12% (n = 16). Surgical management of PM was performed for six patients, with a median OS of 36.6 months. An α-fetoprotein level > 30 ng/mL (p = 0.0009), tumor size at rupture > 70 mm (p = 0.0009), and vascular involvement (p < 0.0001) were found to be independently associated with an increased likelihood of recurrence. No risk factor for PM was observed. CONCLUSION: This large-cohort French study confirmed that 12% of patients had PM after ruptured HCC. A curative approach may be an option for highly selected patients with exclusive PD because of the survival benefit it could provide.

Long-term outcomes of robotic ventral mesh rectopexy for external rectal prolapse.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays in Europe, laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy is the gold standard treatment of external rectal prolapse (ERP). The benefits of robot ventral mesh rectopexy (RVMR) are not clearly defined. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the long-term results of RVMR. The secondary objective was to determine predictive factors of recurrence. DESIGN: Monocentric, retrospective study. Data, both pre-operative and peri-operative, were collected, and follow-up data were assessed prospectively by a telephone questionnaire. The study was performed in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Between August 2007 and August 2017, we evaluate all consecutive patients who underwent RVMR for ERP by three different surgeons. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate perceived by patients. Secondary outcome were functional results based on Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom score for constipation and Wexner score for incontinence, compared before and after surgery. RESULTS: During the study period 96 patients (86 women) underwent RVMR. The mean age was 62.3 years (range 16-90). Twelve patients had a history of ERP repair. Sixty-nine patients were analyzed for long-term outcomes with a mean follow-up of 37 months (range 2.3-92 months). Recurrence rate was 12.5%. After surgery, constipation was significantly reduced: 44 patients were constipated before surgery versus 23 after surgery. Six patients described de novo constipation (6.25%). Fecal incontinence was significantly reduced: 59 patients were incontinent before surgery versus 14 after surgery. No predictive factor for recurrence was identified after multivariate analysis. No mesh related complications were related. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, RVMR presents good long-term functional result and a recurrence rate similar to LVMR as published in the literature. The rate of mesh related complications seems lower.

Bleeding Recurrence and Mortality Following Interventional Management of Spontaneous HCC Rupture: Results of a Multicenter European Study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is low in Europe, at less than 3%. HCC rupture remains a life-threatening complication, with mortality reported between 16 and 30%. The risk of bleeding recurrence has never been clearly evaluated in such clinical situation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the current risk of mortality related to HCC rupture and to focus on the risk of bleeding recurrence following interventional management. METHODS: All patients admitted to 14 French-Italian surgical centers for spontaneous rupture of HCC between May 2000 and May 2012 were retrospectively included. Clinical data, imaging features, relevant laboratory data, treatment strategies, and prognoses were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 58 of the 138 included patients (42%) had cirrhosis. Thirty-five patients (25%) presented with hemorrhagic shock, and 19% with organ(s) dysfunction. Bleeding control was obtained by interventional hemostasis, emergency liver resection, and conservative medical management in 86 (62%), 24 (18%), and 21 (15%) patients, respectively. Best supportive care was chosen for 7 (5%) patients. The mortality rate following rupture was 24%. The bleeding recurrence rate was 22% with related mortality of 52%. In multivariate analysis, a bilirubin level >17 micromol/L (HR 3.768; p = 0.006), bleeding recurrence (HR 5.400; p < 0.0001), and ICU admission after initial management (HR 8.199; p < 0.0001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: This European, multicenter, large-cohort study confirmed that the prognosis of ruptured HCC is poor with an overall mortality rate of 24%, despite important advances in endovascular techniques. Overall, the rate of bleeding recurrence was more than 20%, with a related high risk of mortality.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic vs. open liver resection for hepatocellular adenoma: a multicenter propensity score adjustment analysis by the AFC-HCA-2013 study group.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hepatocellular adenomas are, in selected cases, candidates for liver resection, which can be approached via laparoscopy or laparotomy. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the surgical approach on the postoperative morbidities of both minor and major liver resections. METHODS: In this multi-institutional study, all patients who underwent open or laparoscopic hepatectomies for hepatocellular adenomas between 1989 and 2013 in 27 European centers were retrospectively reviewed. A multiple imputation model was constructed to manage missing variables. Comparisons of both the overall rate and the types of complications between open and laparoscopic hepatectomy were performed after propensity score adjustment (via the standardized mortality ratio weighting method) on the factors that influenced the choice of the surgical approach. RESULTS: The laparoscopic approach was selected in 208 (38%) of the 533 included patients. There were 194 (93%) women. The median age was 38.9 years. After the application of multiple imputation, 208 patients who underwent laparoscopic operations were compared with 216 patients who underwent laparotomic operations. After adjustment, there were 20 (9.6%) major liver resections in the laparoscopy group and 17 (7.9%) in the open group. The conversion rate was 6.3%. The two surgical approaches exhibited similar postoperative morbidity rates and severities. Laparoscopic resection was associated with significantly less blood loss (93 vs. 196 ml, p < 0.001), a less frequent need for pedicle clamping (21 vs. 40%, p = 0.002), a reduced need for transfusion (8 vs. 24 red blood cells units, p < 0.001), and a shorter hospital stay (5 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001). The mortality was nil. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy can achieve short-term outcomes similar to those of open surgery for hepatocellular adenomas and has the additional benefits of a reduced blood loss, need for transfusion, and a shorter hospital stay.

Robot-assisted spleen preserving pancreatic surgery in MEN1 patients.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) patients often undergo multiple pancreatic operations at a young age. OBJECTIVE: To describe robot-assisted and laparoscopic spleen-preserving pancreatic surgery in MEN1 patients, and to compare both techniques. METHODS: Robot-assisted pancreatectomies of the DutchMEN1 study group and the Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France were compared to a historical cohort of laparoscopic treated MEN1 patients. Perioperative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 21 MEN1 patients underwent minimally invasive pancreatic surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, seven patients were subjected to robot-assisted surgery, and 14 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Demographics and clinical characteristics did not differ between the cohorts and no significant differences in operative outcomes were found. A high number of ISGPS grade B/C pancreatic fistulas were observed in both cohorts (38%), and no conversions were seen in the robot-assisted cohort (respectively 0% vs. 43%, P = 0.06). In one laparoscopic and one robot-assisted case the primary tumor was not resected. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive spleen-preserving surgery in MEN1 patients is safe and feasible. Patients who underwent robot-assisted surgery did not require conversion to open surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:456-461. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Parenchymal-sparing hepatectomies (PSH) for bilobar colorectal liver metastases are associated with a lower morbidity and similar oncological results: a propensity score matching analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a parenchymal-sparing strategy provides similar results in terms of morbidity, mortality, and oncological outcome of non-PSH hepatectomies in a propensity score matched population (PSMP) in case of multiple (>3) bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CLM). BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of bilobar liver metastasis is challenging due to the necessity to achieve complete resection margins and a sufficient future remnant liver. Two approaches are adaptable as follows: parenchymal-sparing hepatectomies (PSH) and extended hepatectomies (NON-PSH). METHODS: A total of 3036 hepatectomies were analyzed from a multicentric retrospective cohort of hepatectomies. Patients were matched in a 1:1 propensity score analysis in order to compare PSH versus NON-PSH resections. RESULTS: PSH was associated with a lower number of complications (≥1) (25% vs. 34%, p = 0.04) and a lower grade of Dindo-Clavien III and IV (10 vs. 16%, p = 0.03). Liver failure was less present in PSH (2 vs. 7%, p = 0.006), with a shorter ICU stay (0 day vs. 1 day, p = 0.004). No differences were demonstrated in overall and disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, PSH resection for bilobar multiple CLMs represents a valid alternative to NON-PSH resection in selected patients with a reduced morbidity and comparable oncological results.

European experience of 573 liver resections for hepatocellular adenoma: a cross-sectional study by the AFC-HCA-2013 study group.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign hepatic lesion that may be complicated by bleeding and malignant transformation. The aim of the present study is to report on large series of liver resections for HCA and assess the incidence of hemorrhage and malignant transformation. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study, from 27 European high-volume HPB units. RESULTS: 573 patients were analyzed. The female: male gender ratio was 8:2, mean age: 37 ± 10 years. Of the 84 (14%) patients whose initial presentation was hemorrhagic shock (Hemorrhagic HCAs), hemostatic intervention was urgently required in 25 (30%) patients. No patients died after intervention. Tumor size was >5 cm in 74% in hemorrhagic HCAs and 64% in non-hemorrhagic HCAs (p < 0.001). In non-hemorrhagic HCAs (n = 489), 5% presented with malignant transformation. Male status and tumor size >10 cm were the two predictive factors. Liver resections included major hepatectomy in 25% and a laparoscopic approach in 37% of the patients. In non-hemorrhagic HCAs, there was no mortality and major complications occurred in 9% of patients. DISCUSSION: Liver resection for HCA is safe. Presentation with hemorrhage was associated with larger tumor size. In males with a HCA >10 cm, a HCC should be suspected. In such situation, a preoperative biopsy is preferable and an oncological liver resection should be considered.

Early and Long-term Oncological Outcomes After Laparoscopic Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Propensity Score-based Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare early and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) by either a laparoscopic (LA) or an open (OA) approach. BACKGROUND: The LA is still a matter of debate regarding the surgical management of CLM. METHODS: Data of all patients from 32 French surgical centers who underwent liver resection for CLM from January 2006 to December 2013 were collected. Aiming to obtain 2 well-balanced cohorts for available variables influencing early outcome and survival, the LA group was matched 1:1 with the OA group by using a propensity score (PS)-based method. RESULTS: The unmatched initial cohort consisted of 2620 patients (LA: 176, OA: 2444). In the matched cohort for operative risk factors (LA: 153, OA: 153), the LA group had shorter hospitalization stays [11.1 (±9) days vs 13.9 (±10) days; P = 0.01] and was associated with lower rates of grade III to V complications [odds ratio (OR): 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14-0.51; P = 0.0002] and inhospital transfusions (OR: 0.33 95% CI 0.18-0.59; P < 0.0001). On a prognostic factors well-balanced population (LA: 73, OA: 73), the LA group and the OA group experienced similar overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival rates [OS rates of 88% and 78% vs 84% and 75% at 3 and 5 years, respectively (P = 0.72) and DFS rates of 40% and 32% vs 52% and 36% at 3 and 5 years, respectively (P = 0.60)]. CONCLUSIONS: In the patients who are suitable for LA, laparoscopy yields better operative outcomes without impairing long-term survival.

Todani Type II Congenital Bile Duct Cyst: European Multicenter Study of the French Surgical Association and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to analyze clinical presentation, surgical management, and long-term outcome of patients suffering from biliary diverticulum, namely Todani type II congenital bile duct cyst (BDC). BACKGROUND: The disease incidence ranges between 0.8% and 5% of all reported BDC cases with a lack of information about clinical presentation, management, and outcome. METHODS: A multicenter European retrospective study was conducted by the French Surgical Association. The patients' medical records were included in a Web site database. Diagnostic imaging studies, operative and pathology reports underwent central revision. RESULTS: Among 350 patients with congenital BDC, 19 type II were identified (5.4%), 17 in adults (89.5%) and 2 in children. The biliary diverticulum was located at the upper, middle, and lower part of the extrahepatic biliary tree in 11, 4, and 4 patients (58%, 21%, and 21%, respectively). Complicated presentation occurred in 6 patients (31.6%), including one case of synchronous carcinoma. Surgical techniques included diverticulum excision in all patients. Associated resection of the extrahepatic biliary tree was required in 11 cases (58%) and could be predicted by the presence of complicated clinical presentation. There was no mortality. Long-term outcome was excellent in 89.5% of patients (median follow-uptime: 52 months). CONCLUSIONS: According to the present largest Western series of Todani type II BDC, the type of clinical presentation rather than BDC location, was able to guide the extent of biliary resection. Excellent long-term outcome can be achieved in expert centers.

Robotic lateral transabdominal adrenalectomy.

Laparoscopic transabdominal adrenalectomy is considered to be the standard of care for adrnalectomy. Widespread adoption of robotic technology has positioned robotic adrenalectomy as an option in some medical centers. Many studies have compared laparoscopic versus robotic approaches to perform adrenalectomy and evaluated potential advantages to balance higher costs. This review summarizes current available data regarding the use of the robotic system to perform adrenalectomy (RA) and its comparison with laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA).

Is intraoperative ultrasound still useful for the detection of colorectal cancer liver metastases?

BACKGROUND: Debate on the optimal mode of preoperative imaging in the management of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is ongoing and, despite its longstanding use, the precise role of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) is not well established. This study evaluates the impact of IOUS in the era of high-quality, cross-sectional imaging techniques. METHODS: All patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM in a tertiary care referral centre from January 2006 to December 2013 were included. All patients were submitted to computed tomography (CT) and/or liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery. Intraoperative US was performed mainly to detect previously non-diagnosed tumours that would change the surgical strategy. RESULTS: A total of 225 liver resections were performed. Liver MRI and CT scans were available for 202 patients (89.8%) and 225 patients (100%), respectively. Radiological reports recorded 632 liver tumours in 219 patients (i.e. 2.9 lesions per patient). The median time between preoperative liver MRI and surgical resection was 36 days. Intraoperative inspection, palpation and US found 20 additional lesions in 18 patients (8.0%), in three of whom lesions were diagnosed only on IOUS (1.4%). Overall, only 12 of the 20 lesions were malignant. CONCLUSIONS: Although CT and liver MRI are commonly used, IOUS alone allows the discovery of a few additional lesions that result in a change of surgical strategy in 1.4% of cases.

Tumour size over 3 cm predicts poor short-term outcomes after major liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. By the HC-AFC-2009 group.

INTRODUCTION: As mortality and morbidity after a curative resection remains high, it is essential to identify pre-operative factors associated with an early death after a major resection. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2008, we selected a population of 331 patients having undergone a major hepatectomy including segment I with a lymphadenectomy and a common bile duct resection for a proven hilar cholangiocarcinoma in 21 tertiary centres. The study's objective was to identify pre-operative predictors of early death (<12 months) after a resection. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 221 men and 110 women, with a median age of 61 years (range: 24-85). The post-operative mortality and morbidity rates were 8.2% and 61%, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 85%, 64% and 53%, respectively. The median tumour size was 23 mm on pathology, ranging from 8 to 40. A tumour size >30 mm [odds ratio (OR) 2.471 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.136-7.339), P = 0.001] and major post-operative complication [OR 3.369 (95% CI 1.038-10.938), P = 0.004] were independently associated with death <12 months in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The present analysis of a series of 331 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma showed that tumour size >30 mm was independently associated with death <12 months.

Is perineural invasion more accurate than other factors to predict early recurrence after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Some patients operated by pancreaticoduodenectomy for resectable pancreatic head adenocarcinoma will present with a recurrence during the first year (early recurrence). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors associated with early recurrence in a large retrospective study. METHODS: From January 1995 to November 2010, all patients operated by pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma in our institution were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with early recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients were included; 57 patients (34%) developed early recurrence. In univariate analysis, factors associated with early recurrence were perineural invasion (p = 0.0002), preoperative bilirubin (p = 0.01), lymph node ratio (LNR) ≥0.2 (p = 0.009), and T stage (p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, perineural invasion (odds ratio [OR] 3.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-7.72; p = 0.005), LNR ≥0.2 (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.17-5.52; p = 0.02), and preoperative bilirubin (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.07; p = 0.03) were independent factors associated with early recurrence. Perineural invasion was also associated with poor overall survival (p = 0.001) and poor disease-free survival (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: In our study, perineural invasion (OR 3.31) is more accurate than T stage and lymph node status (OR 2.55) to predict early recurrence after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma.