Endovascular treatment of postoperative hemorrhage after pancreatectomy: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Ruptured aneurysm is a serious complication of distal pancreatectomy (DP) or pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a Viabahn stent graft for stopping bleeding after pancreatectomy. METHODS: Between April 2016 and June 2022, we performed 245 pancreatectomies in our institution. Six patients experienced postoperative bleeding and underwent endovascular treatment. RESULTS: All six cases of bleeding occurred post-PD (3.7%). The bleeding was from gastroduodenal artery (GDA) pseudoaneurysms in three patients, and Viabahn stent grafts were inserted. All three patients did not show liver function abnormalities or hepatic blood flow disorders. One patient with a Viabahn stent graft experienced rebleeding, which required further management to obtain hemostasis. Of the six cases in which there was hemorrhage, one case of bleeding from the native hepatic artery could not be managed. CONCLUSIONS: Using the Viabahn stent graft is an effective treatment option for postoperative bleeding from GDA pseudoaneurysms following PD. In most cases, using this device resulted in successful hemostasis, without observed abnormalities in hepatic function or blood flow.

Sensitivity of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology and biopsy for a diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A comparative analysis.

The utility of endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration cytology (EUS-FNAC) or endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) for diagnosis of small and large pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) remains in question. We addressed this by analyzing 97 definitively diagnosed cases of PDAC, for which both EUS-FNAC and EUS-FNAB had been performed. We subclassified the 97 solid masses into small (n = 35) or large (n = 62) according to the maximum tumor diameter (<24 mm or ≥24 mm) and compared the diagnostic sensitivity (truly positive rate) of EUS-FNAC and of EUS-FNAB for small and large masses. Diagnostic sensitivity of EUS-FNAC did not differ between large and small masses (79.0% vs. 60.0%; p = 0.0763). However, the diagnostic sensitivity of EUS-FNAB was significantly higher for large masses (85.5% vs. 62.9%; p = 0.0213). Accurate EUS-FNAC-based diagnosis appeared to depend on the degree of cytological atypia of cancer cells, which was not associated with quantity of cancer cells. The accuracy of EUS-FNAB-based diagnosis appeared to depend on cancer cell viability in large masses and cancer volume in small masses. Based on the advantages or disadvantages in each modality, both modalities play an important role in the qualitative diagnosis of PDAC as a complementary procedure.

Preventive procedure for stenosis after esophagojejunostomy using a circular stapler and transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™) following laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and total gastrectomy involving reduction of anastomotic tension.

BACKGROUND: Recently, due to increasing reports of stenosis after esophagojejunostomy created using circular staplers and a transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™) following laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) and total gastrectomy (LTG), linear staplers are being used instead. We investigated our preventive procedure for esophagojejunostomy stenosis following use of circular staplers. METHODS: Since the anastomotic stenosis is considered to be mainly caused by tension in the esophageal and jejunal stumps at the anastomotic site, we have been performing procedures to relieve this tension, by cutting off the rubber band and pushing the shaft of the circular stapler toward the esophageal side, since July 2015. We retrospectively compared the incidence of anastomotic stenosis in cases of LPG and LTG performed before July 2015 (early phase, 30 cases) versus those performed after this period (later phase, 22 cases). RESULTS: Comparison of the incidence of anastomotic stenosis according to the type of surgery, LPG or LTG, and between the two time periods versus all cases, indicated a significantly lower incidence in the later phase than in the early phase (4.5 vs. 26.7%, p < 0.05), especially for LPG (0 vs. 38.5%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to use a circular stapler during laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy, as with open surgery, if steps to reduce tension on the anastomotic site are undertaken. These procedures will contribute to the spread of safe and simple laparoscopic anastomotic techniques.

Intraoperative Video Analysis of Pancreatic Stump and Stapler Closure-Induced Pancreatic Fistula in Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives Pancreatic stump closure in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (Lap-DP) is commonly performed using an automatic stapler. Herein, the magnification effect of laparoscopy was used to observe the pancreatic stump and retrospectively investigate factors that may cause postoperative pancreatic fistula. Methods This is a single-center retrospective study. We selected 62 cases of Lap-DP performed between March 2016 and May 2022. We retrospectively analyzed 54 cases where pancreatic transection sites could be observed using an intraoperative video. Pancreatic transection was performed using the Powered ECHELON FLEX®+ GST® System (Ethicon, Somerville, USA). For quantitative studies, we investigated the factors that cause pancreatic fistula and other factors causing pancreatic fistula. Results Pancreatic parenchymal hemorrhage and injury occurred in 22.2% and 29.6% of cases, respectively. International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery grade B/C pancreatic fistula was observed in 12 cases (22.2%). Univariate analysis of pancreatic (n = 12) and nonpancreatic (n = 42) fistula groups showed no significant differences in pancreatic thickness. The pancreatic fistula group had a significantly high incidence of the hard pancreas (p = .009), pancreatic parenchymal bleeding (p = .002), and pancreatic parenchymal damage (p < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that pancreatic parenchymal damage was an independent cause of pancreatic fistula (hazard ratio, 81.4 (8.5-772.3), p < .001). Conclusion Pancreatic parenchymal damage due to compression during pancreatic stump closure using an automatic stapler in Lap-DP may cause pancreatic fistula.

Efficacy of Pancreatic Dissection With a Triple-row Stapler in Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy: A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs) occur after 20% to 30% of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy using triple-row staplers in preventing POPFs. METHODS: Between April 2016 and May 2023, 59 patients underwent complete laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies. There were more females (n=34, 57.6%) than males (n=25, 42.4%). The median age of the patients was 68.9 years. The patients were divided into slow-compression (n=19) and no-compression (n=40) groups and examined for pancreatic leakage. Both groups were examined with respect to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), pancreatic thickness at the pancreatic dissection site, pancreatic texture, diagnosis, operative time, blood loss, presence of POPF, date of drain removal, and length of hospital stay. In addition, risk factors for POPF were examined in a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Grade B POPFs were found in 9 patients (15.3%). Using univariate analysis, the operative time, blood loss, postoperative pancreatic fluid leakage, day of drain removal, and hospital stay were shorter in the no-compression group than in the slow-compression group. Using multivariate analysis, the absence of POPFs was significantly more frequent in the no-compression group (odds ratio, 5.69; 95% CI, 1.241-26.109; P =0.025). The no-compression pancreatic dissection method was a simple method for reducing POPF incidence. CONCLUSIONS: The method of quickly dissecting the pancreas without compression yielded better results than the method of slowly dissecting the pancreas with slow compression. This quick dissection without compression was a simple and safe method that minimized postoperative pancreatic fluid leakage, shortened the operative time and length of hospital stay, and reduced medical costs. Therefore, this method might be a clinically successful option.

Hemostasis with Metallic Stent for Multiple Metastatic Pancreatic Tumors Complicated with Hemobilia.

Introduction: Hemobilia, which refers to bleeding from the bile duct, is rare and difficult to treat. We report a case of successful hemostasis of a pancreatic tumor complicated by hemobilia. Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a pancreatic head tumor. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography-FNA were performed, and the patient was diagnosed with pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. After discharge, the patient noted worsening jaundice and progressive anemia and was readmitted. ERCP reveals active bleeding from the duodenal papillae. The patient was placed on a fully covered metallic stent and discharged after confirming hemostasis. Conclusion: Renal cell carcinoma is a tumor with abundant blood flow. If hemobilia occurs, bleeding from pancreatic metastatic tumors should be considered. Additionally, hemostasis using a fully covered metallic stent is useful for treating hemobilia in tumors.

Factors contributing to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and fat deposition after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A retrospective analysis.

Aim: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can occur due to various reasons after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study examined the risk and perioperative determinants of NAFLD and fat deposition after PD. Methods: A total of 101 patients who had undergone computed tomography 6 months after PD were included. We compared perioperative factors between patients who developed NAFLD and those who developed fatty deposits after PD. Results: In the NAFLD group, pancreatic cancer was significantly more prevalent among patients who developed postoperative NAFLD (p = 0.024) and had a lower postoperative body mass index (BMI; p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis revealed that pancreatic carcinoma (hazard ratio [HR] 4.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.118-17.442, p = 0.034) and lower postoperative BMI (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.274-0.954, p = 0.0355) were risk factors for fatty liver. Pancreatic leakage (p = 0.024) and postoperative BMI (p = 0.002) were significantly lower in the fat deposition group than those in the NAFLD group. Multivariate analysis also revealed that a lower postoperative BMI was a risk factor for fat deposition (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.523-0.982, p = 0.042). Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed that the fat deposition group had significantly lower pancreatic leakage than the NAFLD group (HR 7.944, 95% CI 1.993-63.562, p = 0.049). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that postoperative BMI and pancreatic cancer are associated with a higher risk of NAFLD after PD, possibly because of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and impaired fat absorption.

Subserosal Layer and/or Pancreatic Invasion Based on Anatomical Features as a Novel Prognostic Indicator in Patients with Distal Cholangiocarcinoma.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition T-staging system for distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) proposes classification according to the depth of invasion (DOI); nevertheless, DOI measurement is complex and irreproducible. This study focused on the fibromuscular layer and evaluated whether the presence or absence of penetrating fibromuscular invasion of DCC contributes to recurrence and prognosis. In total, 55 patients pathologically diagnosed with DCC who underwent surgical resection from 2002 to 2022 were clinicopathologically examined. Subserosal layer and/or pancreatic (SS/Panc) invasion, defined as penetration of the fibromuscular layer and invasion of the subserosal layer or pancreas by the cancer, was assessed with other clinicopathological prognostic factors to investigate recurrence and prognostic factors. According to the AJCC 8th edition, there were 11 T1, 28 T2, and 16 T3 cases, with 44 (80%) cases of SS/Panc invasion. The DOI was not significantly different for both recurrence and prognostic factors. In the multivariate analysis, only SS/Panc was identified as an independent factor for prognosis (hazard ratio: 16.1; 95% confidence interval: 2.1-118.8, p = 0.006). In conclusion, while the determination of DOI in DCC does not accurately reflect recurrence and prognosis, the presence of SS/Panc invasion may contribute to the T-staging system.

Fibrin glue injection method for complex fistula after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistula is the most problematic complication in pancreatectomy. Although drainage can be used to relieve this complication, pancreatic surgeons often encounter refractory pancreatic fistula. Fibrin glue injection, with the use of a twofold diluted solution B and a double-lumen tube, was found effective in treating this complicated pancreatic fistula. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 64-year-old Japanese man who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic tail cancer. After initial drainage of the pancreatic fistula diagnosed 4 days postoperatively, on day 134, refractory pancreatic fistula was observed using contrast-enhanced computed tomography. We used fibrin glue injection, with a twofold diluted solution containing thrombin and calcium chloride and a double-lumen tube, for treating the refractory fistula; the fluid drainage was almost stopped with no fever or abdominal pain. No recurrence of pancreatic cancer has been observed since the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue injection was effective for complicated pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy. Using a twofold diluted solution B containing thrombin and calcium chloride and a double-lumen tube makes possible the thorough injection of fibrin glue.

A patient with paraganglioma undergoing laparoscopic resection: A case report.

Paraganglioma is a very rare extraadrenal nonepithelial tumor. The number of cases of laparoscopic surgery in Paraganglioma is small and controversial. This study encountered a case of successful transperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for a 56-mm paraganglioma in a 53-year-old female. Moreover, previous reports on laparoscopic surgery for paraganglioma are reviewed.

Sclerosing Angiomatoid Nodular Transformation of the Spleen: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) of the spleen is a non-tumorous benign lesion that originates in the spleen and It is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old man visited his physician for a checkup. Ultrasonography showed a mass in the spleen, and the patient was referred to our hospital. He tested negative for tumor markers and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R). Abdominal computed tomography revealed a 51-mm hypovascular mass that was slowly enhanced from the portal venous to the equilibrium phases, at the inferior extremity of the spleen. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging showed a spoke-wheel pattern. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography indicated a mild tumor accumulation, with a standardized uptake value max of 5.3. These results led to the suspicion of SANT, angioma, and angiosarcoma. Because the onset of malignant diseases could not be excluded, laparoscopic splenectomy was performed. A brown, round mass, without a capsule but with clear boundaries, was macroscopically observed on the cut surface. In addition, white fibrosis was found in the mass. Histopathological examination revealed nodular angioma lesions, and the proliferation of fibrotic interstices and inflammatory cells was observed between the lesions. Immunohistological examination revealed proliferation in the 3 types of narrow capillaries inside angiomatoid nodules;CD31+/CD34+/CD8-, CD31+/CD34-/CD8+, and CD31+/CD34-/CD8- cells; therefore, the patient was diagnosed with SANT. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we reported one patient who developed the typical symptoms of SANT. SANT is easily diagnosed by histopathological examination; however, its causes remain unknown. More cases with SANT are required for further analysis.

Surgical Resection for Hemorrhagic Duodenal Lipoma: A Case Report.

CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 72-year-old man who consulted with his previous physician for chief complaints of palpitations, fatigue, and blackish feces persisting for 1 month. After confirming the presence of anemia, the patient was referred to our hospital. Blood test findings upon hospital arrival revealed a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 6.0 g/dL. Computed tomography revealed a tumor of 32 mm × 30 mm with a low-density area extending from the bulb to the second part of the duodenum. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted imaging and low signal intensity on fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging, findings consistent with lipoma. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a yellowish submucosal tumor that had perforated into the intestinal tract from the external wall extending from the upper corner to the second part of the duodenum. After determining that the tumor was sessile, laparoscopic partial duodenectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction was planned and performed. Pathology revealed a yellowish tumor 4 cm × 4 cm in size extending from the pyloric area to the duodenal bulb arising from the tunica muscularis. The present case report details our experience involving a patient who underwent surgical resection for hemorrhagic duodenal lipoma.

GEM + nab-PTX Therapy for Pancreatic Body Cancer cStage IVb for Conversion Surgery: A Case Report.

A 67-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of umbilical region mass and epigastric pain. Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) level was 177.5 U/mL; computed tomography (CT) showed a hypovascular mass lesion of 20 mm × 20 mm in the pancreas, infiltration into the superior mesenteric artery and dilation of the main pancreatic duct. Peritoneal dissemination to the omentum and abdominal wall was observed. The patient was diagnosed with T4N0M1, cStage IV unresectable pancreatic body cancer and was started on GEM + nab-PTX therapy. She underwent chemotherapy for 10 months for a total of 10 cycles. The CA19-9 level returned to normal, CT showed reduction in tumor size to 11 mm × 8 mm, and peritoneal dissemination also disappeared. Disappearance of peritoneal dissemination was also observed on Positron emission tomography (PET). Laparoscopic surgery was planned, and rapid pathological examination results of ascites washing cytology and peritoneal mass were negative. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was then performed, which transitioned to hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery; R0 resection was achieved. The patient underwent outpatient postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with orally administered S-1 and has been recurrence-free for 1 year postoperatively. This case demonstrates that patients with pancreatic body cancer with distant metastasis can undergo R0 resection following GEM + nab-PTX combination therapy.

Successful laparoscopic resection for gastric duplication cyst: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastric duplication is a relatively rare congenital malformation, accounting for approximately 2.9-3.8% of gastrointestinal duplications. Gastric duplication cyst is a congenital anomaly that is rarely observed in adults. Accurate diagnosis of these cysts before resection is difficult. In this report, we describe a patient with gastric duplication cysts that were treated by laparoscopic resection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our institution because a cystic lesion in the pancreatic tail was detected by ultrasonography during a health examination. The lesion had a clearly defined boundary of approximately 40 mm. A thick cystic lesion of the septum was observed in the pancreatic tail, but invasion into the stomach wall was not recognized on a computed tomographic scan. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed that the tumor appeared smooth with a marginal edge, which was characterized by echo with high homogeneity, and the presence of viscous mucus was suspected. The preoperative diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm was the reason for laparoscopic tumor resection. The resected specimen was a smooth surface tumor, and it was full of mucus. Histopathological study revealed that the mucosa was covered with crypt epithelium, muscularis mucosae, intrinsic muscularis, and serosa, and the wall of the tumor had a structure very similar to that of the stomach wall. The mucosa was partially drained by intrinsic gastric glands, but most of them were denucleated. No pancreatic tissue was present, and the tumor had no continuity with the spleen. These findings indicated a diagnosis of gastric duplication cyst with no continuity with the stomach wall. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, it is difficult to differentiate gastric duplication cyst from mucinous cystic neoplasm before laparoscopic resection. Events such as infection, bleeding, perforation, ulceration, fistula formation, obstruction, and compression have been linked to gastric duplication cysts, and malignant transformation of these cysts has been reported. Therefore, we suggest that resection should be the first treatment option for gastric duplication cysts.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy following surgery for esophageal cancer with gastric tube reconstruction: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Synchronous and asynchronous multiple cancers have become more pervasive in recent years despite advances in medical technologies. However, there have been only six cases (including the present case) that underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreas head cancer following surgery for esophageal cancer. PD for treating pancreas head cancer is extremely challenging; thus, the confirmation of vessel variation and selection of surgical procedures are vital. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 78-year-old Japanese male who was synchronously diagnosed with esophageal and cecal cancer 7 years previously at our hospital. He was admitted with densely stained and jaundiced urine and presented no remarkable family medical history. Following various examinations, surgery was performed due to the diagnosis of distal cholangiocarcinoma (pancreatic head cancer). Since the tumor was located far from the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and no significant lymph node metastases could be found, subtotal stomach-preserving PD was performed instead of the resection of GDA with the right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) for gastric tube blood flow preservation. The common hepatic artery (CHA) and GDA were confirmed, and RGEA diverged from GDA was identified. Subsequently, their respective tapings were preserved. The right gastric artery (RGA) was identified, taped, and preserved considering the gastric tube blood flow. The inflow area of the right gastroepiploic vein (RGEV) through gastric colic vein trunk in the superior mesenteric vein was exposed and preserved as the outflow of gastric tube blood flow. PD was completed without any complications on the shade of the gastric tube. CONCLUSIONS: This case report describes successfully preserved gastric blood flow without the resection of GDA, RGEA, RGEV, or RGA. To preserve the gastric tube, GDA inflow, RGEA, RGA, and RGEV outflow should be preserved if possible. When performing PD after tube reconstruction, it is essential to confirm the relative positions of the blood vessel, blood flow, and tumor through three-dimensional computed tomography angiography before surgery and to consider the balance between the invasiveness and optimal curability of the surgery.

An Autopsy Case of Anaplastic Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma (Spindle Cell Type) Multiple Onset in the Pancreas.

This is a case of a 75-year-old man who was diagnosed with anaplastic pancreatic ductal carcinoma (spindle cell type). His image findings showed pancreatic head cysts and pancreatic head, body, and tail tumors respectively. EUS-FNA was performed to the pancreatic head and pancreatic body tumors, and the same high atypical type cells suspected of cancer were obtained from either specimen, and finally total pancreatectomy was performed. On the specimen, there were 4 lesions in the pancreas; histology showed that the same anaplastic pancreatic ductal carcinoma (spindle cell type) was obtained from the pancreatic head cyst and the pancreatic tumors.

Internal biliary drainage for isolated posterior segmental biliary obstruction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Biliary system anatomical abnormalities can be preoperatively detected on magnetic resonance imaging; therefore, some presume that the number of bile duct injuries should decline. However, once a bile duct injury occurs, repair may be difficult. There are various ways to repair bile duct injuries, but successful repair may be exceptionally difficult. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old Japanese man underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy due to a diagnosis of middle bile duct cancer. We had a complication of an isolated posterior segmental biliary obstruction when pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. We conducted a drip infusion cholecystocholangiography-computed tomography test to determine the positional relationship between his bile duct and elevated jejunum. To secure the bile duct we punctured the bile duct under computed tomography guidance, and the hepaticojejunal anastomosis site was visualized by inserting an endoscope. We vibrated the bile duct wall by inserting a guide wire through a puncture needle and verified the vibrations with the endoscope. We observed a partially compressed elevated jejunal wall upon guide wire insertion; therefore, we could verify a puncture needle penetration into the elevated jejunum by endoscope on insertion. We also successfully inserted an 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter into the elevated jejunum. We removed all drains after percutaneously inserting an uncovered metallic stent. Our patient's subsequent clinical course was unremarkable. He visits our institution as an out-patient and has had no stent occlusion even after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: When repairing bile duct injuries, it is important to accurately determine the positional relationships between the injured bile duct and the surrounding organs.

Two Cases of Laparoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Intersigmoid Hernia.

We present two cases of intestinal obstruction due to intersigmoid hernia that were diagnosed and treated laparoscopically. The first case was a 42-year-old woman with no surgical history. She was treated conservatively with the insertion of an ileus tube. Although the intestinal obstruction improved temporarily, since it subsequently worsened, laparoscopic surgery was performed, which revealed incarceration of the ileum in the intersigmoid fossa. Although there were no signs of necrosis after intestinal release, partial resection of the small bowel was performed before the hernial orifice was closed due to the evidence of serous damage. The second case was a 53-year-old man with no surgical history. An ileus tube was inserted for intestinal decompression, following which laparoscopic surgery was performed. Operative findings revealed incarceration of the ileum in the intersigmoid fossa, and, since there were no signs of necrosis after intestinal release, the hernial orifice was closed without performing intestinal resection. This condition is a good indication for laparoscopic surgery, given that intestinal necrosis is frequently absent and the operation can usually be completed simply by release of the incarcerated intestine and closure of the hernia orifice. Intersigmoid hernia should be suspected in cases of intestinal obstruction with no surgical history.