Conditional Relative Survival of Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Adjusted prognostic information is important for treatment decisions, especially in elderly patients or survivors of exocrine pancreatic cancer (EPC). This study aims to investigate conditional relative survival (CS) rates and conditional probabilities of death in patients with EPC. METHODS: Data of 77,975 individuals diagnosed with EPC between 1999 and 2019 were obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry. CS was analyzed across strata including histology groups (ductal adenocarcinoma excluding cystic or mucinous [group I, PDAC] and ductal adenocarcinoma specified as mucinous or cystic adenocarcinoma [group II]), and age. RESULTS: For PDAC, the overall 5-year relative survival (RS) rate at diagnosis, 3-year CS of 2-year survivors, and 5-year CS of 5-year survivors were 8.5%, 50.1%, and 77.6%, respectively. Overall conditional probabilities of death were 85.2% (≥ 80 years), 73.5% (70-79 years), and 62.0% (60-69 years) in year 1 after diagnosis. Among patients with localized or regional stage who underwent surgery, conditional probabilities of death of ≥ 80, 70-79, and 60-69 years were 37.7%, 32.5%, and 22.6% in the first year, and 26.6%, 27.2%, and 26.0% in year 2 after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Half of patients with EPC who survived for 2 years survived for an additional 3 years. However, 5-year PDAC survivors require follow-up as more than 20% do not survive for a further 5 years. Elderly patients should not be excluded from active treatment for localized or regional-stage PDAC, as the CS of elderly patients who are fit enough to undergo surgery is not inferior to that of younger patients.

Impact of Preoperative Immunonutrition on the Outcomes of Colon Cancer Surgery: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative immunonutrition on the outcomes of colon cancer surgery. BACKGROUND: Although current guidelines recommend that immunonutrition should be prescribed for malnourished patients before major gastrointestinal surgery, the benefit of preoperative immunonutrition remains debatable. METHODS: Between April 2019 and October 2020, 176 patients with primary colon cancer were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive preoperative immunonutrition plus a normal diet (n = 88) or a normal diet alone (n = 88). Patients in the immunonutrition group received oral nutritional supplementation (400 mL/d) with arginine and ω-3 fatty acids for 7 days before elective surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of infectious complications, and the secondary endpoints were the postoperative complication rate, change in body weight, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The rates of infectious (17.7% vs 15.9%, P = 0.751) and total (31.6% vs 29.3%, P = 0.743) complications were not different between the two groups. Old age was the only significant predictive factor for the occurrence of infectious complications (odds ratio = 2.990, 95% confidence interval 1.179-7.586, P = 0.021). The length of hospital stay (7.6 ± 2.5 vs 7.4 ± 2.3 days, P = 0.635) and overall change in body weight ( P = 0.379) were similar between the two groups. However, only the immunonutrition group showed weight recovery after discharge (+0.4 ± 2.1 vs -0.7 ± 2.3 kg, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative immunonutrition was not associated with infectious complications in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. Routine administration of immunonutrition before colon cancer surgery cannot be justified.

Effect of the First Assistant on Anastomotic Leakage after Rectal Cancer Surgery with Double-Stapling Anastomosis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Proper handling and firing of the circular stapler are important for secure anastomosis in rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to investigate the association between the first assistant and anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer surgery with double-stapling anastomosis. METHODS: Patients with primary rectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection with double-stapling anastomosis between January 2015 and September 2019 were included. Data on clinicopathological characteristics, including the first assistant's sex and experience level, were retrospectively reviewed, and the risk factors for AL were analyzed using propensity score matching analysis. RESULTS: Among 758 rectal cancer surgeries, residents participated in 401 (52.9%) surgeries, and fellows participated in 357 (47.1%) surgeries as first assistants. After propensity score matching (n = 650), AL occurred in 5.4% (35/650). The first assistant's experience level (resident: 5.5% vs. fellow: 5.2%, p = 0.862) and sex (male: 5.4% vs. female: 4.9%, p = 0.849) were not associated with the occurrence of AL. Male sex in patients was the only significant predictive factor for AL (odds ratio = 2.804, 95% confidence interval 1.070-7.351, p = 0.036). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The first assistant's sex and experience level were not associated with AL after rectal cancer surgery with double-stapling anastomosis. These findings may justify resident participation in rectal cancer surgeries in which circular staplers are used.

Trend Analysis and Prediction of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Korea.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the current trends and predict the epidemiologic features of hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) cancers according to the Korea Central Cancer Registry to provide insights into health policy. METHODS: Incidence data from 1999 to 2017 and mortality data from 2002 to 2018 were obtained from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database and Statistics Korea, respectively. The future incidence rate from 2018 to 2040 and mortality rate from 2019 to 2040 of each HBP cancer were predicted using an age-period-cohort model. All analyses, including incidence and mortality, were stratified by sex. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2017, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of HBP cancers per 100,000 population had changed (liver, 25.8 to 13.5; gallbladder [GB], 2.9 to 2.6; bile ducts, 5.1 to 5.9; ampulla of Vater [AoV], 0.9 to 0.9; and pancreatic, 5.6 to 7.3). The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) per 100,000 population from 2002 to 2018 of each cancer had declined, excluding pancreatic cancer (5.5 to 5.6). The predicted ASIR of pancreatic cancer per 100,000 population from 2018 to 2040 increased (7.5 to 8.2), but that of other cancers decreased. Furthermore, the predicted ASMR per 100,000 population from 2019 to 2040 decreased in all types of cancers: liver (6.5 to 3.2), GB (1.4 to 0.9), bile ducts (4.3 to 2.9), AoV (0.3 to 0.2), and pancreas (5.4 to 4.7). However, in terms of sex, the predicted ASMR of pancreatic cancer per 100,000 population in females increased (3.8 to 4.9). CONCLUSION: The annual incidence and mortality cases of HBP cancers are generally predicted to increase. Especially, pancreatic cancer has an increasing incidence and will be the leading cause of cancer-related death among HBP cancers.

Randomized controlled study comparing the analgesic effects of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia and patient-controlled epidural analgesia after open major surgery for pancreatobiliary cancer.

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial was performed to compare pain scales between intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) and patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) in patients undergoing open surgical resection of major pancreatobiliary malignancies. METHODS: One hundred ten patients were randomly assigned to the PCEA or IV-PCA group. We compared the numeric rating scale pain score during ambulation on postoperative day (PD) 2 and at rest (at 06:00, 12:00, and 18:00) from PD 1 to 7, the serum level of troponin I on PD 1, and the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the pain scores during ambulation on PD 2, at rest up to PD 7, serum troponin I level, and postoperative complication rates. The incidences of nausea (20.4% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.039) and drowsiness (20.4% vs. 0%; p = 0.001) were higher in the IV-PCA group and the rate of dysuria (0% vs. 14.6%; p = 0.004) was higher in the PCEA group. CONCLUSION: PCEA showed no superiority over IV-PCA in terms of postoperative pain relief or morbidity after major open surgery for pancreatobiliary malignancies. The method of analgesia should be considered based the characteristics of the patient, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and institute.

Distribution of lymph node metastasis and oncological outcomes of mid-transverse colon cancer: extended versus transverse colectomy.

AIM: The optimal surgical method for cancer of the mid-transverse colon has not been well established. The present study aimed to explore the distribution of lymph node metastasis and compare the outcomes of extended and transverse colectomies for cancer of the mid-transverse colon. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the data of patients with cancer of the mid-transverse colon treated with either an extended hemicolectomy (right or left) or a transverse colectomy. A propensity score matching analysis was performed to rule out selection bias, and short-term and survival outcomes were compared. The distribution of lymph node metastasis was also investigated. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients were included, 70 of whom underwent an extended colectomy while 37 underwent a transverse colectomy. There were no significant differences in the operation time, postoperative complications, hospital stay, 3-year disease-free survival (86.5% vs. 90.9%, P = 0.675) and 5-year overall survival (87.4% vs. 93.0%, P = 0.349) between the two groups after propensity score matching. However, metastases were observed in the lymph nodes along the right colic artery (pericolic [#211], 14.0%; intermediate [#212], 8.2%; apical [#213], 9.8%) in the extended colectomy group. CONCLUSION: Extended and transverse colectomies showed similar short-term and long-term outcomes for mid-transverse colon cancer. However, care should be taken to determine the extent of resection considering the possibility of metastatic lymph nodes along the right colic artery.

Perineural invasion and number of retrieved lymph nodes are prognostic factors for T2N0 colon cancer.

PURPOSE: The prognosis of pathological T2N0 colon cancer has not been adequately investigated. This study aimed to determine the prognostic factors for pathological T2N0 colon cancer by comparing it with those for pathological T3N0 colon cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with primary colon cancer who underwent curative resection between January 2007 and December 2015 and included 889 patients with postoperative pathological T2-3N0M0 disease. The clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed to identify the independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: Pathological T2 (n = 185, 20.8%) and T3 (n = 704, 79.2%) tumors showed no difference in the 5-year disease-free survival (5Y DFS) rate (95.8% vs. 93.2%, p = 0.257) after a median follow-up of 55 months (range, 1-106 months). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that perineural invasion (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.041, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.122-3.712, p = 0.019) and number of retrieved lymph nodes < 12 (HR = 2.994, 95% CI 1.327-6.753, p = 0.008) were independent prognostic factors for DFS. Pathological T2 tumors with poor prognostic factors showed similar 5Y DFS as that of T3 tumors with poor prognostic factors (88.9% vs. 88.6%, p = 0.916), but not with T3 tumors without poor prognostic factors (88.9% vs. 95.0%, p = 0.089). CONCLUSION: Pathological T2N0 colon cancer showed oncologic outcomes similar to that of T3N0 colon cancer. Therefore, more intensive surveillance is necessary for patients with high-risk T2N0 colon cancer.

Prognostic significance of enlarged paraaortic lymph nodes detected during left-sided colorectal cancer surgery: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Very few studies have been conducted on the treatment strategy for enlarged paraaortic lymph nodes (PALNs) incidentally detected during surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefit of lymph node dissection in patients with incidentally detected enlarged PALNs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with left colon and rectal cancer who underwent surgical resection with PALN dissection between January 2010 and December 2018. The predictive factors for pathologic PALN metastasis (PALNM) were analyzed, and survival analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: Among 263 patients included, 19 (7.2%) showed pathologic PALNM and 5 (26.33%) had enlarged PALNs incidentally detected during surgery. These 5 patients accounted for 2.2% of 227 patients who had no evidence of PALNM on preoperative radiologic examination. Radiologic PALNM (odds ratio [OR] 12.737, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.472-46.723) and radiologic distant metastasis other than PALNM (OR = 4.090, 95% CI 1.011-16.539) were independent predictive factors for pathologic PALNM. Pathologic T4 stage (hazard ratio [HR] 2.196, 95% CI 1.063-4.538) and R2 resection (HR 4.643, 95% CI 2.046-10.534) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). In patients undergoing R0 resection, pathologic PALNM was not associated with 5-year OS (90% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.896). CONCLUSION: Dissection of enlarged PALNs incidentally detected during colorectal surgery may benefit patients with favorable survival outcomes.

Surgery for elderly patients with resectable pancreatic cancer, a comparison with non-surgical treatments: a retrospective study outcomes of resectable pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: We designed a retrospective study to compare prognostic outcomes based on whether or not surgical resection was performed in elderly patients aged(≥75 years) with resectable pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 49 patients with resectable pancreatic cancer (surgery group, resection was performed for 38 cases; no surgery group, resection was not performed for 11 cases) diagnosed from January 2003 to December 2014 at the National Cancer Center, Korea. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographics between the two groups. The surgery group showed significantly better overall survival after diagnosis than the no surgery group (2-year survival rate, 40.7% vs. 0%; log-rank test, p = 0.015). Multivariate analysis revealed that not having undergone surgical resection [hazard ratio (HR) 2.412, P = 0.022] and a high Charlson comorbidity index (HR 5.252, P = 0.014) were independent prognostic factors for poor overall survival in elderly patients with early stage pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, surgical resection resulted in better prognosis than non-surgical resection for elderly patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. Except for patients with a high Charlson comorbidity index, an aggressive surgical approach seems to be beneficial for elderly patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.

Risk prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In most patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC), major hepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection are needed for surgical radicality, and a high risk of hepatic insufficiency exists. This study aims to develop a prediction model for post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients with PHCC. METHODS: A total of 143 patients who underwent major liver resection and extrahepatic bile duct resection for PHCC between October 2001 and December 2013 were included. Clinically relevant PHLF was defined as liver failure corresponding to grade B or C of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop the PHLF risk model. Model performance was evaluated internally using the area under the curve analysis (discrimination) after 1000 bootstrap resampling and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (calibration). RESULTS: Post-hepatectomy liver failure occurred in 43.4% of patients (n = 62). In multivariate analysis, PHLF was significantly associated with future liver remnant ratio (odds ratio [OR] per 10% = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-0.88), intraoperative blood loss (OR per 1 L = 1.82, 95% CI 1.11-3.17), and preoperative prothrombin time > 1.20 (OR = 3.22, 95% CI 1.15-9.97). The PHLF risk score model showed good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.708, 95% CI 0.623-0.793) and calibration (P = 0.227). CONCLUSIONS: The risk model proposed in this study accurately predicted PHLF in patients with PHCC. This offers surgeons a practical guide to quantitative risk assessment of hepatic insufficiency and aids decision-making in surgical treatment and perioperative management.

Outcomes for Patients with Recurrent Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma After Surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the postoperative outcomes for patients with recurrent intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and to determine the prognostic factors. In addition, this study investigated the effects of various treatment methods for patients with recurrent ICC. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the postoperative outcomes and prognostic factors of recurrent ICC that occurred for 81 of 128 patients who underwent hepatic resection for ICC between April 2001 and April 2013. In addition, the outcomes for a number of treatment methods were assessed for patients with recurrent ICC. RESULTS: After resection, the 128 patients with ICC had survival rates of 73 % at 1 year, 52 % at 3 years, and 43 % at 5 years. Recurrent ICC developed in 81 patients (56 men and 25 women) with a median age of 63 years. The median time from initial resection to recurrence was 9 months (range, 0-124 months), and the median survival time after recurrence was 8 months (range, 0-108 months). After recurrence, the overall survival rates were 47 % at 1 year, 23 % at 3 years, and 15 % at 5 years. Multivariate analysis showed disease-free survival time shorter than 1 year and bile duct invasion to be significant prognostic factors. Among the treatment methods, local management such as surgery, transarterial chemoembolization, and radiofrequency ablation were effective in select cases with localized intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrence. CONCLUSION: Active local treatment (i.e., surgery, transarterial chemoembolization [TACE], and radiofrequency ablation [RFA]) may improve survival for patients with localized ICC recurrence.

Effect of preoperative immunonutrition on fecal microbiota in colon cancer patients: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative immunonutrition on the composition of fecal microbiota following a colon cancer surgery. MATERIALS/METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of preoperative immunonutrition on the postoperative outcomes of colon cancer surgery. Patients with primary colon cancer were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive additional preoperative immunonutrition or a normal diet alone. Oral nutritional supplementation (400 mL/day) with arginine and ω-3 fatty acids were administered to patients in the immunonutrition group for 7 days prior to surgery. Thirty-two fecal samples were collected from 16 patients in each group, and the composition of fecal microbiota was compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: At the phylum level, no significant difference was observed in the composition of microbiota between the 2 groups (Firmicutes, 69.1% vs. 67.5%, P = 0.624; Bacteroidetes, 19.3% vs. 18.1%, P = 0.663; Actinobacteria, 6.7% vs. 10.6%, P = 0.080). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (4.43 ± 2.32 vs. 4.55 ± 2.51, P = 0.897) was also similar between the 2 groups. At the genus level, the proportions of beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium spp. (8.1% vs. 6.4%, P = 0.328) and Prevotella spp. (6.9% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.331) were higher, while that of Clostridium spp. was lower (0.5% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.121) in the immunonutrition group, but the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Immunonutrition showed no significant association with the composition of fecal microbiota. The relationship between immunonutrition and the fecal microbiota should be investigated further in large-scale studies.

Efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose in iron deficiency anemia patients scheduled for pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Purpose: Perioperative transfusion is reported to be an independent risk factor not only for postoperative complications but also for early recurrence of periampullary carcinoma after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in reducing the need for perioperative transfusion in iron deficiency anemia patients scheduled for PD. Methods: Twenty-two male patients (hemoglobin [Hb] 7 to <13 g/dL) and 18 female patients (Hb 7 to <12 g/dL) were enrolled in the study group and administered FCM 1-3 weeks before PD. The perioperative transfusion rate was the primary endpoint; morbidity, length of postoperative hospital stay, change in hematological parameters after FCM injection, and adverse effects of FCM were also investigated. Results: The perioperative transfusion rate of the study group was 22.5% (9 of 40). Hb level was significantly higher on the day of the operation compared to baseline (P < 0.001). Levels of Hb, transferrin saturation, and ferritin were higher at the follow-up compared to baseline (P = 0.008, P = 0.033, and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: FCM administration was associated with a reduced need for perioperative transfusion and can safely stabilize hematological parameters.

Exocrine pancreatic cancer as a second primary malignancy: A population-based study.

Backgrounds/Aims: Although cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing second primary malignancies, cancer surveillance strategies for them have not yet been established. This study aimed to identify first primary cancers that had high risks of developing second primary exocrine pancreatic cancer (EPC). Methods: Data on individuals diagnosed with primary cancers between 1993 and 2017 were obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry. The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of second primary EPCs were analyzed according to the primary tumor sites and follow-up periods. Results: Among the 3,205,840 eligible individuals, 4,836 (0.15%) had second primary EPCs, which accounted for 5.8% of the total EPC patients in Korea. Between 1 and 5 years after the diagnosis of first primary cancers, SIRs of second primary EPCs were increased in patients whose first primary cancers were in the bile duct (males 2.99; females 5.03) in both sexes, and in the small intestine (3.43), gallbladder (3.21), and breast (1.26) in females. Among those who survived 5 or more years after the diagnosis of first primary cancers, SIRs of second primary EPCs were elevated in patients whose first primary cancers were in the bile duct (males 2.61; females 2.33), gallbladder (males 2.29; females 2.22), and kidney (males 1.39; females 1.73) in both sexes, and ovary (1.66) and breast (1.38) in females. Conclusions: Survivors of first primary bile duct, gallbladder, kidney, ovary, and female breast cancer should be closely monitored for the occurrence of second primary EPCs, even after 5 years of follow-up.

Laminating Structure for Interlayer Corona Discharge Treatment Toward Ion-Based Nanogenerators.

A corona discharge treatment (CDT) is utilized to maximize the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) by injecting extra electrons into the negative tribomaterials. Increased performance of CDT TENGs, however, exhibits rapid degradation due to the electron dissipation by air moisture or thermal emission. To overcome such drawbacks and circumvent such dissipation, the source of charges should be replaced with ionic charges. This study reports a Ag nanowires (NWs)-embedded laminating structure (AeLS) with a unique fabrication procedure for ionic charge injection by CDT. The injection of ions is achieved by interlayer-CDT (i-CDT), in which positive charges are dissipated by Ag NWs, and the opposite negative ions can remain on the outmost surface. The AeLS TENGs with i-CDT exhibit high performance, long-term stability, and durability. It shows voltage, current, and maximum power outputs of 380 V, 15 µA, and 827 mW m-2 , respectively. As a practical demonstration, rotational TENG integrated with a direct discharge system is realized, and its current and voltage reach 7.4 mA and 7800 V, respectively. This work can pave the way for the design of ion-based TENGs with high performance and long-lasting retention of triboelectric charges.

Postoperative Poor Oral Intake After Distal Pancreatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Poor oral intake (POI) without an identifiable cause is frequently observed after distal pancreatectomy (DP). This study was designed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of POI after DP, and its impact on the length of hospital stay. METHODS: The prospectively collected data of patients who received DP were retrospectively reviewed. A diet protocol after DP was followed, and POI after DP was defined as the oral intake being less than 50% of the daily requirement and parenteral calorie supply being required on postoperative day 7. RESULTS: Of the 157 patients, 21.7% (34) experienced POI after DP. The multivariate analysis revealed that the remnant pancreatic margin (head; hazard ratio, 7.837; 95% confidence interval, 2.111-29.087; P = 0.002) and postoperative hyperglycemia >200 mg/dL (hazard ratio, 5.643; 95% confidence interval, 1.482-21.494; P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for POI after DP. The length of hospital stay (median [range]) of the POI group was significantly longer than that of the normal diet group (17 [9-44] vs 10 [5-44] days; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing pancreatic resection at pancreatic head portion should follow a postoperative diet, and postoperative glucose levels should be strictly regulated.

Do jejunal veins matter during pancreaticoduodenectomy?

When planning pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer, the prevalence of anatomical variation of the proximal jejunal vein (PJV), the associated short-term surgical outcomes, and the level of PJV convergence to the superior mesenteric vein must be carefully analyzed from both technical and oncological points of view. The prevalence of the first jejunal trunk (FJT) and PJV located ventral to the superior mesenteric artery is 58%-88% and 13%-37%, respectively. Patients with the FJT had a larger amount of intraoperative bleeding and a higher proportion of patients requiring transfusions compared to those without a common trunk. The risk of transfusion was higher in patients with ventral PJV compared to those with dorsal PJV. Although less frequent, sacrificing the FJT can result in fatal venous congestion of the jejunum. Therefore, a well-planned approach for pancreaticoduodenectomy, based on preoperative evaluation of anatomical variation in the PJV, may help reduce intraoperative bleeding and postoperative morbidity. Additionally, the importance of invasion into the PJVs should be revisited in terms of resectability and oncological clearance.

Impact of circumferential tumor location of mid to low rectal cancer on oncologic outcomes after preoperative chemoradiotherapy.

Purpose: Some studies have suggested that circumferential tumor location (CTL) of rectal cancer may affect oncological outcomes. However, studies after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are rare. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CTL on oncologic outcomes of patients with mid to low rectal cancer who received preoperative CRT. Methods: Patients with mid to low rectal cancer who underwent total mesorectal excision after CRT from January 2013 to December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The impact of CTL on the pathological circumferential resection margin (CRM) status, local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) was analyzed. Results: Of the 381 patients, 98, 70, 127, and 86 patients were categorized into the anterior, posterior, lateral, and circumferential tumor groups, respectively. Tumor location was not significantly associated with the pathological CRM involvement (anterior, 12.2% vs. posterior, 14.3% vs. lateral, 11.0% vs. circumferential, 17.4%; P = 0.232). Univariate analyses revealed no correlation between CTL and 3-year LRFS (93.0% vs. 89.1% vs. 91.5% vs. 88%, P = 0.513), 3-year DFS (70.3% vs. 70.2% vs. 75.3% vs. 75.7%, P = 0.832), and 5-year OS (74.7% vs. 78.0% vs. 83.9% vs. 78.2%, P = 0.204). Multivariate analysis identified low rectal cancer and pathological CRM involvement as independent risk factors for all survival outcomes (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: CTL of rectal cancer after preoperative CRT was not significantly associated with the pathological CRM status, recurrence, and survival.

Effect of perioperative fluid volume restriction on the incidence of complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative fluid restriction has been suggested to reduce morbidity and length of stay. The purpose of this study was to compare the morbidity following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) between fluid restriction group and conventional management group. METHODS: Seventy-two patients were enrolled for perioperative fluid restriction of PD. During the operation, main fluid was infused at a rate of less than 8 mL/kg/hr. Until POD#3, 10% dextrose and Hartmann's solution were administered at rates of 40 mL/h and {(1.5*body weight) - 42} mL/h, respectively. The historical control group consisted of 139 patients. We compared the rates of major complication (Clavien-Dindo grade III to V) and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF), length of hospital stays (LOS), amount of urine output, and the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI). RESULTS: The rates of major complication (19.0% versus 18.7%; p > 0.999), CR-POPF (15.5% versus 15.1%; p > 0.999), and LOS (19 days [range: 10-52] versus 19 days [range: 11-75]; p = 0.514) were comparable in the study and the control group, respectively. Amount of urine output during the operation and from POD#1 to POD#3 was more than minimal amount (0.5 mL/kg/hr) in the both groups. Incidence rate of AKI in the study group was not higher than the control group (Stage I: 1.7% versus 2.9%, p > 0.999; stage II: 0% versus 1.4%, p > 0.999). CONCLUSION: There was no decrease in incidence of morbidity including POPF following PD with perioperative fluid restriction. Fluid restriction was feasible because it did not reduce urine output and did not increase incidence of AKI.

First Course of treatment and Prognosis of Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer in Korea from 2006 to 2017.

PURPOSE: Hospital-based clinical studies have limitations in holistic assessment of cancer treatment and prognosis, as they omit out-of-hospital patients including elderly individuals. This study aimed to investigate trends in initial treatment and corresponding prognosis of patients with exocrine pancreatic cancer (EPC) in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Korea Central Cancer Registry data of patients with EPC from 2006 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. We defined the first course of treatment (FT) as the cancer-directed treatment administered within four months after cancer diagnosis according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. RESULTS: Among 62,209 patients with EPC, localized and regional (LR) SEER stage; patients over 70 years old; and ductal adenocarcinoma excluding cystic or mucinous (DAC) accounted for 40.6%, 50.1%, and 95.9%, respectively. "No active treatment" (NT, 46.5%) was the most frequent, followed by non-surgical FT (28.7%) and surgical FT (22.0%). Among 25,198 patients with LR EPC, surgical FT increased (35.9% to 46.3%) and NT decreased (45.0% to 29.5%) from 2006 to 2017. The rate of surgical FT was inversely related to age (55.1% [< 70 years], 37.3% [70-79 years], 10.9% [≥ 80 years]). Five-year relative survival rates of LR DAC were higher after surgical FT than after NT in localized (46.1% vs. 12.9%) and regional stage (23.6% vs. 4.9%) from 2012 to 2017. CONCLUSION: Less than half of overall patients with LR EPC underwent surgical FT, and this proportion decreased significantly in elderly individuals. Clinicians should focus attention on elderly patients with EPC to provide appropriate medical advice.