Distal Pancreatectomy Fistula Risk Score (D-FRS): Development and International Validation.

OBJECTIVE: To develop 2 distinct preoperative and intraoperative risk scores to predict postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) to improve preventive and mitigation strategies, respectively. BACKGROUND: POPF remains the most common complication after DP. Despite several known risk factors, an adequate risk model has not been developed yet. METHODS: Two prediction risk scores were designed using data of patients undergoing DP in 2 Italian centers (2014-2016) utilizing multivariable logistic regression. The preoperative score (calculated before surgery) aims to facilitate preventive strategies and the intraoperative score (calculated at the end of surgery) aims to facilitate mitigation strategies. Internal validation was achieved using bootstrapping. These data were pooled with data from 5 centers from the United States and the Netherlands (2007-2016) to assess discrimination and calibration in an internal-external validation procedure. RESULTS: Overall, 1336 patients after DP were included, of whom 291 (22%) developed POPF. The preoperative distal fistula risk score (preoperative D-FRS) included 2 variables: pancreatic neck thickness [odds ratio: 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-1.17 per mm increase] and pancreatic duct diameter (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.32-1.65 per mm increase). The model performed well with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78-0.88) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.70-0.76) upon internal-external validation. Three risk groups were identified: low risk (<10%), intermediate risk (10%-25%), and high risk (>25%) for POPF with 238 (18%), 684 (51%), and 414 (31%) patients, respectively. The intraoperative risk score (intraoperative D-FRS) added body mass index, pancreatic texture, and operative time as variables with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative and the intraoperative D-FRS are the first validated risk scores for POPF after DP and are readily available at: http://www.pancreascalculator.com . The 3 distinct risk groups allow for personalized treatment and benchmarking.

Pancreatoduodenectomy at the Verona Pancreas Institute: the Evolution of Indications, Surgical Techniques, and Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis of 3000 Consecutive Cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to critically reappraise the experience at our high-volume institution to obtain new insights for future directions. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The indications, surgical techniques, and perioperative management of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) have profoundly evolved over the last 20 years. METHODS: All consecutive PDs performed during the last 20 years at the Verona Pancreas Institute were divided into four 5-year timeframes and retrospectively analyzed in terms of indications, intraoperative features, and surgical outcomes. Significant milestones were provided to understand practice changes using a before-after analysis method. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 3000 patients. The median age, ASA ≥ 3 and number of nonbenchmark cases significantly increased over time ( P < 0.005). Pancreatic cancer was the leading indication, representing 60% of patients/year in the last timeframe, 40% of whom received neoadjuvant treatment. Conversely, after the development of International Guidelines, the proportion of resected cystic neoplasms progressively and thoroughly decreased. Given the increased complexity of surgery for pancreatic cancer, the evolution of technologies, surgical techniques, and postoperative management allowed the maintenance of favorable surgical outcomes over time, with a stable 20.0% of patients with a Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3, an 11.7% failure to rescue and a 2.3% in-hospital mortality rate. The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula, hemorrhage, and delayed gastric emptying was 22.4%, 13.4%, and 12.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PD significantly evolved in Verona over the past 2 decades. Surgeries of greater complexity are currently performed on increasingly frailer patients, mostly for pancreatic cancer and often after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. However, the progression of all fields of pancreatic surgery, including the expanding use of postoperative pancreatic fistula mitigation strategies, has allowed satisfactory outcomes to be maintained.

Survival after active surveillance versus upfront surgery for incidental small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.

BACKGROUND: The safety of observing small non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NF-Pan-NETs) remains under debate. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective study of patients with small incidental NF-Pan-NETs. Survival of patients who underwent upfront surgery versus active surveillance was compared. The risk of death was matched with that in the healthy population. The excess hazard rate and probability of a normal lifespan (NLP) were calculated. Propensity score matching (PSM) with a 1 : 1 ratio was used to minimize the risk of selection bias. RESULTS: Some 222 patients (43.7 per cent) underwent upfront surgery and 285 (56.3 per cent) were observed. The excess hazard rate for the entire cohort was quantifiable as 0.04 (95 per cent c.i. 0 to 0.08) deaths per 1000 persons per year, and the NLP was 99.7 per cent. Patients in the active surveillance group were older (median age 65 versus 58 years; P < 0.001), and more often had co-morbidity (45.3 versus 24.8 per cent; P = 0.001), and smaller tumours (median 12 versus 13 mm; P < 0.001), less frequently located in the pancreatic body-tail (59.5 versus 69.6 per cent; P = 0.008, 59.3 versus 73.9 per cent; P = 0.001). Median follow-up was longer for patients who underwent upfront surgery (5.6 versus 2.7 years; P < 0.001). After PSM, 118 patients per group were included. The excess hazard rates were 0.2 and 0.9 deaths per 1000 persons per year (P = 0.020) for patients in the active surveillance and upfront surgery groups respectively. Corresponding NLPs were 99.9 and 99.5 per cent respectively (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Active surveillance of small incidental NF-Pan-NETs is a reasonable alternative to resection.

The prognostic role of fatigue, depression and anxiety on postoperative outcomes after pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. A prospective observational study (FAT-PRO study).

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the prevalence of preoperative fatigue, depression and anxiety among patients undergoing pancreatic surgery for pancreatic cancer (PC), and possible relationship with postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Prospective data from 162 consecutive patients undergoing pancreatectomy for PC at a third-level referral centers for pancreatic surgery were collected. All patients preoperatively completed four questionnaires assessing depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (STAI-Y2), chronic illness fatigue (FACIT-F) and cancer therapy fatigue (FACT-G). RESULTS: Forty patients (25%) where in the first quartile for chronic illness (FACIT-F ≤34) and/or cancer therapy (FACT-G ≤78) fatigue, 26 patients (16%) met the criteria for major depression (PHQ-9 ≥10) and 34 patients (21%) had anxiety symptoms (STAI-Y2 ≥40). Cancer therapy fatigue was significantly associated with higher rates of morbidity (70% vs 49%), major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) (28% vs 11%), post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (18% vs 4%), pulmonary complications (20% vs 9%) and mortality (8% vs null) (all P ≤ 0.01). Major depression was associated with higher rates of post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage and readmission (23% vs 5%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis of preoperative factors confirmed diabetes (OR 2.71, 95%CI 1.01-7.20; P = 0.04), ASA score ≥3 (OR 4.12, 95%CI 1.52-11.21; P < 0.01) and cancer therapy fatigue (OR 2.95, 95%CI 1.01-8.74; P = 0.04) to be independent predictors of major morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of fatigue (in particular cancer therapy fatigue) strongly correlates with worse postoperative outcomes.

401 consecutive minimally invasive distal pancreatectomies: lessons learned from 20 years of experience.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to discuss and report the trend, outcomes, and learning curve effect after minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) at two high-volume centres. METHODS: Patients undergoing MIDP between January 1999 and December 2018 were retrospectively identified from prospectively maintained electronic databases. The entire cohort was divided into two groups constituting the "early" and "recent" phases. The learning curve effect was analyzed for laparoscopic (LDP) and robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP). The follow-up was at least 2 years. RESULTS: The study population included 401 consecutive patients (LDP n = 300, RDP n = 101). Twelve surgeons performed MIDP during the study period. Although patients were more carefully selected in the early phase, in terms of median age (49 vs. 55 years, p = 0.026), ASA class higher than 2 (3% vs. 9%, p = 0.018), previous abdominal surgery (10% vs. 34%, p < 0.001), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (7% vs. 15%, p = 0.017), the recent phase had similar perioperative outcomes. The increase of experience in LDP was inversely associated with the operative time (240 vs 210 min, p < 0.001), morbidity rate (56.5% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.005), intra-abdominal collection (28.3% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.023), and length of stay (8 vs. 7 days, p = 0.009). Median survival in the PDAC subgroup was 53 months. CONCLUSION: In the setting of high-volume centres, the surgical training of MIDP is associated with acceptable rates of morbidity. The learning curve can be largely achieved by several team members, improving outcomes over time. Whenever possible resection of PDAC guarantees adequate oncological results and survival.

A randomized controlled trial of stapled versus ultrasonic transection in distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The pancreatic transection method during distal pancreatectomy is thought to influence postoperative fistula rates. Yet, the optimal technique for minimizing fistula occurrence is still unclear. The present randomized controlled trial compared stapled versus ultrasonic transection in elective distal pancreatectomy. METHODS: Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy from July 2018 to July 2020 at two high-volume institutions were considered for inclusion. Exclusion criteria were contiguous organ resection and a parenchymal thickness > 17 mm on intraoperative ultrasound. Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to stapled transection (Endo GIA Reinforced Reload with Tri-Staple Technology®) or ultrasonic transection (Harmonic Focus® + or Harmonic Ace® + shears). The primary endpoint was postoperative pancreatic fistula. Secondary endpoints included overall complications, abdominal collections, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Overall, 72 patients were randomized in the stapled transection arm and 73 patients in the ultrasonic transection arm. Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 23 patients (16%), with a comparable incidence between groups (12% in stapled transection versus 19% in ultrasonic dissection arm, p = 0.191). Overall complications did not differ substantially (35% in stapled transection versus 44% in ultrasonic transection arm, p = 0.170). There was an increased incidence of abdominal collections in the ultrasonic dissection group (32% versus 14%, p = 0.009), yet the need for percutaneous drain did not differ between randomization arms (p = 0.169). The median length of stay was 8 days in both groups (p = 0.880). Intraoperative blood transfusion was the only factor independently associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula on logistic regression analysis (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.2-20.0, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: The present randomized controlled trial of stapled versus ultrasonic transection in elective distal pancreatectomy demonstrated no significant difference in postoperative pancreatic fistula rates and no substantial clinical impact on other secondary endpoints.

Hemodynamics and remodeling of the portal confluence in patients with malignancies of the pancreatic head: a pilot study towards planned and circumferential vein resections.

BACKGROUND: We designed a retrospective computational study to evaluate the effects of hemodynamics on portal confluence remodeling in real models of patients with malignancies of the pancreatic head. METHODS: Patient-specific models were created according to computed tomography data. Fluid dynamics was simulated by using finite-element methods. Computational results were compared to morphological findings. RESULTS: Five patients underwent total pancreatectomy, one had duodenopancreatectomy. Vein resection was performed en-bloc with the specimen. Histopathological findings showed that in patients without a vein stenosis and a normal hemodynamics, the three-layered wall of the vein was preserved. In patients with a stenosis > 70% of vein diameter and modified hemodynamics, the three-layered structure of the resected vein was replaced by a dense inflammatory infiltrate in absence of tumor infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The portal confluence involved by malignancies of the pancreatic head undergoes a remodeling that is not mainly due to a wall infiltration by the tumor but instead to a persistent pathological hemodynamics that disrupts the balance between eutrophic remodeling and degradative process of the vein wall that can lead to the complete upheaval of the three-layered vein wall. This finding can have useful surgical application in planning resection of the vein involved by tumor growth.

A phase II trial proposal of total neoadjuvant treatment with primary chemotherapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and intraoperative radiation therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The current management guidelines recommend that patients with borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (BRPC) should initially receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The addition of advanced radiation therapy modalities, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), could result in a more effective neoadjuvant strategy, with higher rates of margin-free resections and improved survival outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN: In this single-center, single-arm, intention-to-treat, phase II trial newly diagnosed BRPC will receive a "total neoadjuvant" therapy with FOLFIRINOX (5-fluorouracil, irinotecan and oxaliplatin) and hypofractionated SBRT (5 fractions, total dose of 30 Gy with simultaneous integrated boost of 50 Gy on tumor-vessel interface). Following surgical exploration or resection, IORT will be also delivered (10 Gy). The primary endpoint is 3-year survival. Secondary endpoints include completion of neoadjuvant treatment, resection rate, acute and late toxicities, and progression-free survival. In the subset of patients undergoing resection, per-protocol analysis of disease-free and disease-specific survival will be performed. The estimated sample size is 100 patients over a 36-month period. The trial is currently recruiting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04090463 at clinicaltrials.gov.

Prevalence of depression in a cohort of 400 patients with pancreatic neoplasm attending day hospital for major surgery: Role on depression of psychosocial functioning and clinical factors.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To determine the prevalence and type of depressive symptoms at day-hospital clinical evaluation, before undergoing major surgery in patients diagnosed with pancreatic neoplasm. (2) To analyze the association between depression and sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. (3) To understand how coping strategies, perceived social support, and self-efficacy might affect depressive symptoms in this cohort of patients. METHODS: Secondary data analysis collected during the baseline phase of a randomized controlled trial performed at the Pancreas Institute of the University Hospital of Verona, Italy, between June 2017 and June 2018. RESULTS: 18.5% of pancreatic patients had a PHQ-9 score ≥10 (cut-off). Depressed patients were basically more often female (p = 0.07), younger (p = 0.06), and married/with a partner (p = 0.02). Depression was associated to high trait anxiety (p < 0.01), the use of anxiolytics (p < 0.01), sleep-inducing drugs (p < 0.01), and painkillers (p < 0.01). Among psychosocial variables, depressed patients showed lower perceived self-efficacy (p < 0.01) and family and friends' social support (p < 0.01) and used significantly more often dysfunctional coping strategies (p < 0.01), compared to nondepressed. A logistic multivariate model using psychosocial variables as explanatory and depression as dependent was calculated and post hoc analyses were conducted to describe the contribution of each psychosocial variable on depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study advocates the need for screening for distress and depression in cancer surgery units and recommends to strengthen patients' adaptive coping, social support, and sense of effectiveness in facing the challenges related to the medical condition and treatment process.

Pancreatic surgery is a safe teaching model for tutoring residents in the setting of a high-volume academic hospital: a retrospective analysis of surgical and pathological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Academic hospitals must train future surgeons, but whether residents could negatively affect the outcomes of major procedures is a matter of concern. The aim of this study is to assess if pancreatic surgery is a safe teaching model. METHODS: Outcomes of 1230 major pancreatic resections performed at a high-volume pancreatic teaching hospital between 2015 and 2018 were compared according to the first surgeon type, attending vs resident. RESULTS: Residents performed a selection of 132 (16%) pancreaticoduodenectomies (PD) and 46 (11%) distal pancreatectomies (DP). For PD, pancreatic fistula (25% vs 0, p < 0.001), biliary fistula (7.1% vs 3.5%, p = 0.04) and operative time (400 vs 390 min, p < 0.001) were lower for residents but post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage was higher (20.5% vs 13% p = 0.024). For DP, pancreatic fistula rate was lower for residents (31.7% vs 17.5% p = 0.046). There was no difference in terms of lymph nodes retrieval both for PDs and DPs, while the R1 resections were more frequent among PDs performed by attending surgeons (31.5% vs 15.7%, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: The active participation of residents does not negatively affect outcomes of major pancreatic resections in a high-volume center. By means of case selection and continuous tutoring, pancreatic surgery represents a safe and valid teaching model.

The Evolution of Surgical Strategies for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (Pan-NENs): Time-trend and Outcome Analysis From 587 Consecutive Resections at a High-volume Institution.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present analysis is 2-fold: first, to define the evolution of time trends on the surgical approach to pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (Pan-NENs); second, to perform a complete analysis of the predictors of oncologic outcome. BACKGROUND: Reflecting their rarity and heterogeneity, Pan-NENs represent a clinical dilemma. In particular, there is a scarcity of data regarding their long-term follow-up after surgical resection. METHODS: From the Institutional Pan-NEN database, 587 resected cases from 1990 to 2015 were extracted. The time span was arbitrarily divided into 3 discrete clusters enabling a balanced comparison between patient groups. Analyses for predictors of recurrence and survival were performed, together with conditional survival analyses. RESULTS: Among the 587 resected Pan-NENs, 75% were nonfunctioning tumors, and 5% were syndrome-associated tumors. The mean age was 54 years (±14 years), and 51% of the patients were female. The median tumor size was 20 mm (range 4 to 140), 62% were G1, 32% were G2, and 4% were G3 tumors. Time trends analysis revealed that the number of resected Pan-NENs constantly increased, while the size (from 25 to 20 mm) and G1 proportion (from 65% to 49%) decreased during the study period. After a mean follow-up of 75 months, recurrence analysis revealed that nonfunctioning tumors, tumor grade, N1 status, and vascular invasion were all independent predictors of recurrence. Regardless of size, G1 nonfunctioning tumors with no nodal involvement and vascular invasion had a negligible risk of recurrence at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Pan-NENs have been increasingly diagnosed and resected during the last 3 decades, revealing reliable predictors of outcome. Functioning and nodal status, tumor grade, and vascular invasion accurately predict survival and recurrence with resulting implications for patient follow-up.

Screening/surveillance programs for pancreatic cancer in familial high-risk individuals: A systematic review and proportion meta-analysis of screening results.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Screening/surveillance programs for pancreatic cancer (PC) in familial high-risk individuals (FPC-HRI) have been widely reported, but their merits remain unclear. The data reported so far are heterogeneous-especially in terms of screening yield. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of currently available data coming from screening/surveillance programs to evaluate the proportion of screening goal achievement (SGA), overall surgery and unnecessary surgery. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library database from January 2000 to December 2016to identify studies reporting results of screening/surveillance programs including cohorts of FPC-HRI. The main outcome measures were weighted proportion of SGA, overall surgery, and unnecessary surgery among the FPC-HRI cohort, using a random effects model. SGA was defined as any diagnosis of resectable PC, PanIN3, or high-grade dysplasia intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (HGD-IPMN). Unnecessary surgery was defined as any other final pathology. RESULTS: In a meta-analysis of 16 studies reporting on 1551 FPC-HRI cases, 30 subjects (1.82%), received a diagnosis of PC, PanIN3 or HGD-IPMNs. The pooled proportion of SGA was 1.4%(95% CI 0.8-2, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%). The pooled proportion of overall surgery was 6%(95% CI 4.1-7.9, p < 0.001, I2 = 60.91%). The pooled proportion of unnecessary surgery was 68.1%(95% CI 59.5-76.7, p < 0.001, I2 = 4.05%); 105 subjects (6.3%) received surgery, and the overall number of diagnoses from non-malignant specimens was 156 (1.5 lesion/subject). CONCLUSIONS: The weighted proportion of SGA of screening/surveillance programs published thus far is excellent. However, the probability of receiving surgery during the screening/surveillance program is non-negligible, and unnecessary surgery is a potential negative outcome.

Surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort from a high-volume center.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pancreatic surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) with surgical indications was postponed or canceled. Patients with PNET patients who underwent pancreatic surgery during the COVID-19 restriction period (3 years) were compared with a similar cohort of patients who underwent surgery in the previous 3 years. Data on patients' characteristics, waiting time, and surgical and pathology outcomes were evaluated. During the study period, 370 patients received surgery for PNETs, 205 (55%) during the first period, and 165 (45%) during the pandemic. A lengthening of the waiting list (182 [IQR 100-357] vs. 60 [40-88] days, p < 0.001) and increased use of anti-tumor medical treatments (any therapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, and somatostatin analogs; all p < 0.001) was found. During the pandemic, surgery occurred after a median of 381 days [IQR 200-610] from diagnosis (vs. 103 [IQR 52-192] of the pre-COVID-19 period, p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in tumor size and grading distribution were found between the two periods (both p > 0.05), yet only a modest increase of the median Ki67 values in cases operated during the pandemic (4% vs. 3%, p = 0.03). Lastly, these latter patients experienced less major postoperative complications (13% vs. 24%, p = 0.007). During COVID-19, the surgical waiting list of PNET patients was drastically extended, and bridge therapies were preferred. This did not result in more advanced cases at final pathology. PRRT and SSA are valid alternative therapies for PNETs when surgery is not feasible.

Thirty-day prevalence and clinical impact of fluid collections at the resection margin after distal pancreatectomy: Follow-up of a multicentric randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative fluid collections at the resection margin of the pancreatic stump are frequent after distal pancreatectomy, yet their clinical impact is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the 30-day prevalence of postoperative fluid collections after distal pancreatectomy and the factors associated with a clinically relevant condition. METHODS: Patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of parenchymal transection with either reinforced, triple-row staple, or ultrasonic dissector underwent routine magnetic resonance 30 days postoperatively. Postoperative fluid collection was defined as a cyst-like lesion of at least 1 cm at the pancreatic resection margin. Postoperative fluid collections requiring any therapy were defined as clinically relevant. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients were analyzed; 69 were in the triple-row staple transection arm, and 64 were in the ultrasonic dissector transection arm. The overall 30-day prevalence of postoperative fluid collections was 68% (n = 90), without any significant difference between the two trial arms. Postoperative serum hyperamylasemia was more frequent in patients with postoperative fluid collections than those without (31% vs 7%, P = .001). Among the postoperative fluid collection population, an early postoperative pancreatic fistula (odds ratio 14.9, P = .002), post pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (odds ratio 12.7, P = .036), and postoperative fluid collection size larger than 50 mm (odds ratio 6.6, P = .046) were independently associated with a clinically relevant postoperative fluid collection. CONCLUSION: Postoperative fluid collections at the resection margin are common after distal pancreatectomy and can be predicted by early assessment of postoperative serum hyperamylasemia. A preceding pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis and/or postoperative pancreatic fistula and large collections (>50 mm) were associated with a clinically relevant postoperative fluid collection, representing targets for closer follow-up or earlier therapeutic interventions.

The use of the harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery. Our experience.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential advantages of the use of Harmonic Scalpel in thyroidectomies in terms of operative time and complications. Between May 2007 and June 2010 1151 patients were submitted to total thyroidectomy. In 681 thyroidectomies were performed using harmonic scalpel FOCUS (group A), in 470 without it (group B). Mean operative time was 97 minutes in group A and 114 in group B with a mean difference of 17 minutes (14.9%). 554 patients in group A (81.35%) and 345 in group B (73.4%) were discharged in second postoperative day. In group A, hypoparathyroidism was present in 348 patients at discharge (48%), in 23 at 6 months (3.38%) and in 10 at 12 months (2.13%), in group B, in 255 at discharge (54.26%), in 61 at 6 months (12.98%) and in 28 at 12 months (5.96%). The major benefit of Harmonic Scalpel used during thyroidectomy is the reduction in the time of operation. All studies but one to date have reported reductions in operative time, ranging from 6 to 78 minutes with a 10% to 35% savings in operative time and this was confirmed in our study. A reduction of hypoparathyroidism, particularly transitory, and in length of hospital stay was reported in some studies and confirmed in our experience. The use of Harmonic Scalpel in thyroid surgery is safe and effective and is associated with a significant reduction in operative time, postoperative hypocalcaemia and hospital stay, without increasing complications rate.

Evidence of glucose absorption in a neoformed intestine.

Recent advances in the field of tissue regeneration are offering promising therapeutic options for the treatment of short bowel syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the glucose absorptive capacity of a neoformed intestine obtained from a biological scaffold in a rodent model and the steadiness of the engrafted segment area. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. Under anesthesia, a patch of biological material (2.2 × 1.5 cm) was engrafted in the anti-mesenteric border of the small bowels of 12 rats. Twelve rats were sham-operated. Animals were studied at 4, 8, and 10 months postengraftment. Functional and histological analyses were performed. The functional analysis was performed using an 18F-FDG analog as a probe and the results were acquired with an optical imager. The intensity of the fluorescent signal emitted by the neointestine was comparable with that emitted by the native intestine in all animals and was visible after injection in the preserved mesentery. The mean intestinal volume at time of engraftment and after 10 months was 4.08 cm3 (95% CI [3.58-4.58]) and 3.26 cm3 (CI 95% [3.23-3.29]), respectively, with a mean shrinkage of 17.3% (range 10.6-23.8%), without any evidence of stenosis. Morphological analysis revealed the progression of the biological material toward a neoformed intestine similar to the native intestine, especially at 8 and 10 months. In a rodent model, we demonstrated that a neointestine, obtained from a biological scaffold showed glucose absorption and a durable increase in diameter.

Pancreatic surgery during COVID-19 pandemic: major activity disruption of a third-level referral center during 2020.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely limited the access to cancer surgery, but it is not known to what extent referral centers for pancreatic diseases were affected by its outbreak. The aim of this study is to describe the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on a third-level referral center for pancreatic surgery in Italy. METHODS: The 2020 activity of The Pancreas Institute of the University of Verona was reviewed, comparing different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks using the pre-COVID era as a control. Endpoints were the overall caseload of pancreatic resections, surgical waiting list, administration of preoperative therapy, major morbidity and mortality, residents' training; number of inpatients beds, outpatient visits/procedures/diagnostics. RESULTS: In 2020, there was an overall significant reduction of pancreatic resections performed (394 vs. 506 in 2019), particularly during the first (March-May) and second (October-December) COVID-19 outbreaks, with an all-time-low of 16 resections/months in April (compared to 43 average resection/month in 2019). The rates of major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) and mortality were similar to 2019 (16 vs 12%, p = 0.11 and 3 vs 2%, p = 0.29, respectively). During the first and second outbreaks resident's training, inpatient beds, outpatient visits, diagnostics, and procedures were severely impaired, while the waiting list for up-front cancer resections and the use of preoperative chemotherapy concomitantly raised. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted the activity of a third-level referral center for pancreatic surgery, affecting the access to cancer surgical procedures and raising concerns regarding the solidity of the current centralization model.

Bioethics in an oncological surgery unit during the COVID-19 pandemic: the Verona experience.

The spread of COVID-19 has overwhelmed medical facilities across the globe, with patients filling beds in both regular wards and in intensive care units. The repurposing of hospital facilities has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the capacity of hospitals-in terms of available beds, surgical facilities, and medical and nursing staff- to care for oncology patients. The Italian National Board of Bioethics provided precise and homogeneous guidelines for the allocation of the scarce resources available. In our experience, strictly following these general guidelines and not considering the clinical vocation of each single health care center did not allow us to resume usual activities but generated further confusion in resource allocation. To face the scarcity of available resources and guarantee our patients fair access to the health care system we created a surgical triage with four fundamental steps. We took into consideration " well defined and widely accepted clinical prognostic factors " as stated by the Italian Society of Anesthesia and Resuscitation. We were able to draw up a list of patients giving priority to those who theoretically should have a greater chance of overcoming their critical situation. The age criterion has also been used in the overall evaluation of different cure options in each case, but it has never been considered on its own or outside the other clinical parameters. Although not considered acceptable by many we had to forcefully adopt the criterion of comparison between patients to give priority to those most in need of immediate care.

Redefining the Role of Drain Amylase Value for a Risk-Based Drain Management after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Early Drain Removal Still Is Beneficial.

BACKGROUND: The application of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) risk stratification and mitigation strategies requires an update of the protocol for an early drain removal after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of the study is to highlight the unreliability of a single drain fluid amylase (DFA) cutoff-based protocol in the setting of a risk-based drain management. METHODS: The role of postoperative day one (POD1) DFA in predicting POPF was explored in the setting of both selective drain placement and early drain removal protocols. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to assess the POPF diagnostic performance in terms of negative predictive value (NPV) of several POD1 DFA cutoffs in different clinical scenarios according to POPF risk and mitigation strategies. RESULTS: The areas under the curve (AUCs) for POD1-DFA were 0.815 for intermediate risk and pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) (best cutoff 1000 IU/L, NPV 92.9%), 0.712 for intermediate risk and PJ with external stent (best cutoff 1000 IU/L, NPV 88.8%), and 0.574 for high risk and external stent (best cutoff 250 IU/L, NPV 93.7%). Independent predictors of POPF were body mass index, pancreatic texture, and early drain removal, whereas POD1 DFA was not. CONCLUSION: In the era of risk stratification and mitigation strategies, selective early drain removal still is associated with a reduced rate of POPF. However, a single protocol based on POD1-DFA is not suitable for all clinical scenarios after PD.