Normal CEA Levels After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Cytoreduction with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion Predict Improved Survival from Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases.

BACKGROUND: Normal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (≤ 2.5 ng/ml) after resection of localized colorectal cancer or liver metastases are associated with improved survival, however, these trends are understudied for colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-institution study of patients with CRPM undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (CRS/HIPEC) with and without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). CEA was measured before and after NACT and within 3 months after CRS/HIPEC. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients (mean age 55.3 years) with CRPM undergoing CRS/HIPEC had complete CEA data and 191 also underwent NACT with complete data. The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index score (PCI) of the overall cohort was 12 and 82.7% of patients had complete cytoreduction (CC0). In total, 64 (33.5%) patients had normal CEA levels after NACT with a median overall survival (OS) of 45.2 months compared with those with an elevated CEA (26.4 months, p = 0.004). Patients with normal CEA after NACT had a lower PCI found at the time of surgery than those with elevated CEA (10 versus 14, p < 0.001), 68 (26.9%) patients with an elevated preoperative CEA level experienced normalization after CRS/HIPEC, and 118 (46.6%) patients had elevated CEA after CRS/HIPEC. Patients who experienced normalization demonstrated similar OS to patients that had normal CEA levels pre- and post-surgery and improved OS compared with those with elevated postop CEA (median 41.9 versus 47 months versus 17.1 months, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Normal CEA levels after NACT and/or CRS/HIPEC are associated with improved survival for patients with CRPM. Patients that normalize CEA levels after surgery have similar survival to those with normal preoperative levels.

Combined hepatic resection and ablation for high burden of colorectal liver metastases demonstrates safety and durable survival.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic resection (HR) and thermal ablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases (CRLM) have each individually demonstrated safety and survival benefit. We sought to provide our experience with the combination of HR + ablation within one operation for patients with multiple CRLM. METHODS: Review of a single institution database of patients who underwent HR + ablation between 2010 and 2019. RESULTS: 161 patients were identified who underwent HR + ablation for isolated CRLM (mean age: 59, male 63.4%). 125 (77.6%) patients had bilobar disease and 92 (57.1%) patients had ≥5 tumors. 28 (17.4%) patients experienced minor (grade 1 or 2) complications while 20 (12.4%) had grade 3-5 complications. Patients who underwent simultaneous colon resection with HR + ablation had a higher complication rate (22 of 47, 46.8%) than those undergoing HR + ablation only (26 of 114, 22.8%, p = 0.002). Median and 5-year OS for all patients undergoing HR + ablation was 38.2 months and 33.2%, respectively. 5-year hepatic recurrence free survival was 23.5%. Patients with 5 or more tumors demonstrated no difference in median survival compared to those with fewer than 5 tumors (37.0 months vs 38.4 months, p = 0.326). CONCLUSIONS: In this population of CRLM patients with a relatively high burden of disease, HR + ablation demonstrated an acceptable safety profile as well as durable long-term survival.

General Surgery Resident Operative Experiences in Solid Organ Injury: An Examination of Case Logs.

BACKGROUND: Non-operative management (NOM) of traumatic solid organ injury (SOI) has become commonplace. This paradigm shift, along with reduced resident work hours, has significantly impacted surgical residents' operative trauma experiences. We examined ongoing changes in residents' operative SOI experience since duty hour restriction implementation, and assessed whether missed operative experiences were gained elsewhere in the resident experience. METHODS: We examined data from American College of Graduate Medical Education case log reports from 2003 to 2018. We collected mean case volumes in the categories of non-operative trauma, trauma laparotomy, and splenic, hepatic, and pancreatic trauma operations; case volumes for comparable non-traumatic solid organ operations were also collected. Solid organ injury operative volumes were compared against non-traumatic cases, and change over time was analyzed. RESULTS: Over the study period, both trauma laparotomies and non-operative traumas increased significantly (P < .001). In contrast, operative volumes for splenic, hepatic, and pancreatic trauma all significantly decreased (P < .001; P = .014; P < .001, respectively). Non-traumatic spleen cases also significantly decreased (P < .001), but liver cases and distal pancreatectomies increased (P < .001; P = .017). Pancreaticoduodenectomies increased, albeit not to a significant degree (P = .052). CONCLUSIONS: Continuing increases in NOM of SOI correlate with declining resident experience with operative solid organ trauma. These decreases can adversely affect residents' technical skills and decision-making, although trends in specific non-traumatic areas may help to mitigate such losses. Further work should determine the impact of these trends on resident competence and autonomy.

Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship applicant selection and ranking: A survey of Society of Surgical Oncology programs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In 2003, the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) initiated a breast surgical oncology fellowship, which has now grown to 60 SSO accredited programs as of 2021. Limited knowledge exists on the traits of successful applicants and the factors influencing the rank list. METHODS: A web-based, anonymous survey was sent to all SSO Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship program directors. The survey consisted of 26 questions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey responses and evaluate impact on applicant interview and rank list. RESULTS: Thirty-four programs (57% response rate) completed the survey. Programs received an average of 70 applications and granted 24 interviews. Most programs reported a minimum ABSITE cut-off score (n = 28, 82%) and a defined publication requirement (n = 22, 65%), including a first-author requirement (n = 18, 53%) to extend an invitation to interview. For postinterview rank, applicant interpersonal skills were highly valued. The interview was the most important aspect for the rank list. CONCLUSIONS: Many programs have ABSITE and publication thresholds before offering an interview. Upon receiving interview invitation, the applicant's interview performance, interpersonal skills, and letters of recommendation were the most important aspect in rank list decision making.

An assessment of perioperative outcomes for open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy in New York State.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive techniques for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are increasing in practice, however, data remains limited regarding perioperative outcomes. Our study sought to compare patients undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) with those undergoing laparoscopic (LPD) or robot-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD). METHODS: Patients who underwent PD during 2016-2018 were identified from the New York State Planning and Research Cooperative System database. RESULTS: Of the 1954 patients identified, 1708 (87.4%) underwent OPD, 165 (8.4%) underwent LPD, and 81 (4.2%) underwent RPD. The majority of patients were White (63.8%), males (53.3%) with a mean age of 65.4 years. RPD patients had a lower median Charlson Comorbidity Index (2) than OPD (3) or LPD (3, p = 0.01) and had a lower 30-day rate of complications (35.8% vs. 48.3% vs. 43.6% respectively, p = 0.05). After propensity-score matching, however, there were no differences between the groups regarding overall complications, surgical site infections, anastomotic leaks, or mortality (p = NS for all). OPD demonstrated a longer length of stay (median 8 days) compared to LPD (7 days) or RPD (7 days, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing LPD and RPD have a shorter length of hospital stay compared to OPD and there was no difference in overall morbidity or mortality when matched to similar patients.

Recombinant human Hsp110-gp100 chaperone complex vaccine is nontoxic and induces response in advanced stage melanoma patients.

Heat shock proteins (hsp) are intracellular chaperones that possess extracellular immunostimulatory properties when complexed with antigens. A recombinant Hsp110-gp100 chaperone complex vaccine showed an antitumor response and prolonged survival in murine melanoma. A phase Ib dose-escalation study of a recombinant human Hsp110-gp100 vaccine in advanced-stage melanoma patients was performed to evaluate toxicity, immunostimulatory potential and clinical response. Patients with pretreated, unresectable stage IIIB/C/IV melanoma received the chaperone complex vaccine in a dose-escalation protocol; three vaccinations over a 43-day-period. Tumor response, clinical toxicity and immune response were measured. Ten patients (eight female, median age 70 years) were enrolled and two patients had grade 1 adverse events; minor skin rash, hyperhidrosis and fever (no grade 2 or higher adverse events). Median progression-free survival was longer for lower vaccine doses as compared to the maximum dose of 180 mcg (4.5 vs. 2.9 months; P = 0.018). The lowest dose patients (30 and 60 mcg) had clinical tumor responses (one partial response, one stable disease). CD8+ T cell interferon-γ responses to gp100 were greater in the clinically responding patients. A pattern of B cell responses to vaccination was not observed. Regulatory T cell populations and co-stimulatory molecules including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and PD-1 appeared to differ in responders versus nonresponders. A fully recombinant human Hsp110-gp100 chaperone complex vaccine had minimal toxicity, measurable tumor responses at lower doses and produced peripheral CD8+ T cell activation in patients with advanced, pretreated melanoma. Combination with currently available immunotherapies may augment clinical responses.

Patient Comorbidities Drive High Mortality Rates Associated with Major Liver Resections Irrespective of Hospital Volume.

INTRODUCTION: Major hepatectomies are utilized to manage primary hepatic malignancies. Reports from high-volume centers (HVCs) with minimal perioperative mortality focus on multiple aspects of perioperative care, although patient-specific factors remain unelucidated. We identified patient factors associated with outcomes and examined whether these contribute to survival differences. METHODS: We queried the National Cancer Database (2006-2015) for patients with primary liver malignancies managed with major hepatectomy. Facilities were dichotomized by volume (high volume: >15 hepatectomies/year). Perioperative outcomes were compared based on patient demographic and clinical characteristics as well as center volume. RESULTS: 4263 patients were included with 78.5% receiving care in low-volume centers (LVCs). 90-day postoperative mortality was higher in LVCs vs. HVCs (12% vs. 7.5%; P < .001). Factors associated with undergoing surgery in LVCs included: living in areas with lower income (P = .006) and education (P < .001), having nonprivate insurance (P < .001), residing near the care center (P < .001), and having a comorbidity score (CDS) >1 (P = .014). Patients with CDS ≤ 1 had higher 90-day mortality in LVCs (11.3% vs. 6.6%; P < .001) and had similar outcomes in LVCs and HVCs (15.6% vs. 13.7% P = .6). Patients with CDS > 1 were more likely to receive care in LVCs (16.3% vs. 12.7%; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Reduced perioperative mortality following major hepatectomy in HVCs is driven by optimal management of patients with low CDS. However, nearly 1 in 5 patients who undergo major hepatectomies have a high CDS and approximately 15% of them succumb in the perioperative period irrespective of the treating centers' experience.

Characteristics of Matriculants to Thoracic Surgery Residency Training Programs.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic surgery (TS) residency positions are in high demand. There is no study describing the nationwide attributes of successful matriculants in this specialty. We examined the characteristics of TS resident applicants and identified factors associated with acceptance. METHODS: Applicant data from 2014 to 2017 application cycles was extracted from the Electronic Residency Application System and stratified by matriculation status. Medical education, type of general surgery residency, and research achievements were analyzed. The number of peer-reviewed publications and the corresponding impact factor for the journals where they were published were quantified. RESULTS: There were 492 applicants and 358 matriculants. The overall population was primarily male (79.5%), white (55.1%), educated at United States allopathic medical schools (66.5%), and trained at university-based general surgery residencies (59.6%). Education at United States allopathic schools (odds ratio [OR], 2.54; P < .0001), being a member of the American Osteopathic Association (OR, 3.27; P = .021), general surgery residency affiliation with a TS residency (OR, 2.41; P = .0003) or National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (OR, 1.76; P = .0172), and being a first-time applicant (OR, 4.71, P < .0001) were independently associated with matriculation. Matriculants published a higher number of manuscripts than nonmatriculants (median of 3 vs 2, P < .0001) and more frequently published in higher impact journals (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study includes objective and quantifiable data from recent application cycles and represents an in-depth examination of applicants to TS residency. The type of medical school and residency, as well as academic productivity, correlate with successful matriculation.

Gallbladder squamous cell carcinoma: An analysis of 1084 cases from the National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Gallbladder squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncommon malignancy whose rarity has made it particularly challenging to study. We utilized a national database to shed light on the clinicopathologic characteristics, management patterns, and survival associated with these tumors. METHODS: Patients with gallbladder SCC were identified in the National Cancer Database. Clinicopathologic and treatment characteristics were recorded and compared with adenocarcinoma for context. Univariate and multivariable survival analyses were completed for patients who underwent resection. RESULTS: Overall, 1084 patients with SCC and 23 958 patients with adenocarcinoma were identified. Compared with those with adenocarcinoma, patients with SCC had higher grade tumors (P < .001) and were diagnosed at a later stage (P < .001). Patients with SCC were more likely to undergo radical cholecystectomy (17% vs 9%; P < .001), but had a higher rate of margin positivity (36% vs 29%; P < .001). SCC histology was associated with worse survival compared with adenocarcinoma, even after adjusting for R0 resections (13 vs 29 months; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, SCC histology was independently associated with abbreviated survival (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Gallbladder SCCs are aggressive cancers that often present at an advanced stage. Complete surgical extirpation should be pursued when feasible. However, prognosis is worse than that of adenocarcinoma, even after R0 resection.

Resection and chemotherapy is the optimal treatment approach for patients with clinically node positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Clinically lymph node positive (cLNP) intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) carries a poor prognosis, without clear management guidelines for the practicing clinician. We sought to evaluate current practice patterns for cLNP ICC, including associations with survival. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with cLNP ICC, without extrahepatic metastases. RESULTS: We identified 1023 patients with cLNP ICC, 77%% (n = 784) of whom received chemotherapy alone. Resection was undertaken in 23% (n = 239) of patients and was most commonly utilized in combination with chemotherapy (n = 150). Median survival for all patients was 13.6 months. Patients undergoing resection in combination with chemotherapy were associated with an improved survival (22.5 months) as compared to those patients receiving chemotherapy alone (11.9 months) or resection alone (12.4 months) (p < 0.01). Finally, we compared the survival of patients with cLNP ICC with that of patients with pathologically proved lymph node positive (pLNP) ICC, all of whom were treated with resection with chemotherapy, and found no difference in survival (22.5 months-19.3 months, p = 0.99, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: While the decision to pursue resection for ICC is multifactorial and patient specific, the presence of clinically positive LNs should not represent a contraindication.

Disease-free interval and tumor functional status can be used to select patients for resection/ablation of liver metastases from adrenocortical carcinoma: insights from a multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive malignancy that frequently metastasizes to the liver. Given the limitations of systemic therapy in this setting, we sought to determine characteristics associated with a two-fold increase in survival with resection/ablation compared to that reported with chemotherapy alone (∼12 months). METHODS: Patients who underwent resection/ablation at our institutions for ACC liver metastases were identified. Those who survived 12-24 months after metastasectomy were excluded, as the aim was to characterize patients who most clearly benefited from these procedures. Clinicopathologic and treatment characteristics were assessed for associations with survival. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 44 survived >24 months and 18 survived <12 months. Patients with extended survival were less likely to have functioning tumors (p = 0.047), had fewer liver metastases (p = 0.047), and a longer disease-free interval (DFI) (median 17.6 vs 2.3 months, p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, DFI (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.12-1.58) and non-functioning tumor (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.13-0.56) were independently associated with prolonged survival. CONCLUSION: Metastasectomy/ablation should be considered for patients with ACC liver metastases. DFI and tumor functional status may be useful in selecting optimal candidates for these procedures.

Qualities and characteristics of applicants associated with successful matriculation to pediatric surgery fellowship training.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric surgery (PS) is among the most competitive fellowship opportunities for general surgery residents. Prior investigations into factors associated with successful matriculation to PS have relied on surveys, which have inherent biases. STUDY DESIGN: Data were extracted from the Electronic Residency Application System for applicants from 2012 to 2017 and analyzed after stratification by matriculation status. RESULTS: Data were gathered on a total of 444 applicants, of which 238 matriculated. The applicant pool was predominantly Caucasian (63.5%), largely graduated from US allopathic school (81%) and had a slight male predominance (54%), although the number of female applicants increased significantly over the study period. Attendance at a US allopathic medical school (OR=4.55, p <0.001), university-based general surgery training (OR=3.02, p <0.001) and training at institutions that offer PS fellowships (OR=3.36, p<0.001) were associated with matriculation. Matriculants had a higher quantity of peer reviewed publications (median 11 vs. 6, p <0.001) and published in high impact factor journals (p<0.001). A total of 65 applicants reapplied at least once, of whom 32% successfully matriculated. CONCLUSIONS: PS applicants' medical school, residency, and research data points correlated with successful matriculation. These data may help guide general surgery residents and medical students aspiring to become pediatric surgeons. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognosis study (retrospective) LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Tumor grade may be used to select patients with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma for resection.

BACKGROUND: While resection is a recommended treatment for patients with stage 1 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it remains controversial for multifocal disease. We sought to identify patients with multifocal HCC with survival after resection similar to patients with clinical stage 1 HCC. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried to identify patients that underwent resection for HCC. RESULTS: In this study, 2990 patients with a single tumor, and 1087 patients with multifocal disease confined to one lobe underwent resection. In the multifocal cohort, patients with clinical stage 3 (HR 1.54, CI 1.31-1.81, p < 0.0001) or 4 (HR 2.27, CI 1.57-3.29, p < 0.0001) disease, and those with moderately-differentiated (HR 1.32, CI 1.06-1.64, p = 0.012) or poorly differentiated/undifferentiated tumors (HR 1.53, CI 1.20-1.95, p = 0.0006) were associated with worse overall survival (OS). There was no difference in OS between patients with well-differentiated clinical stage 2 multifocal HCC and those with all grades of clinical stage 1 HCC (median of 84.8 (CI 66.3-107.2) vs 76.2 months (CI 71.2-81.3), respectively, p = 0.356). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with well-differentiated, clinical stage 2 multifocal HCC confined to one lobe experience similar OS following hepatic resection to patients with clinical stage 1 disease. These findings may impact the management of select patients with multifocal HCC.

Postbiliary drainage rates of cholangitis are impacted by procedural technique for patients with supra-ampullary cholangiocarcinoma: A SEER-Medicare analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach to biliary drainage for patients with supra-ampullary cholangiocarcinoma remains undetermined. Violation of sphincter of Oddi results in bacterial colonization of bile ducts and may increase postdrainage infectious complications. We sought to determine if rates of cholangitis are affected by the type of drainage procedure. METHODS: We examined the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database from 1991 to 2013 for cholangiocarcinoma. Biliary drainage procedures were categorized as sphincter of Oddi violating (SOV) or sphincter of Oddi preserving (SOP). Patients were stratified by resection. RESULTS: A total of 1914 patients were included in the final analysis. A total of 1264 patients did not undergo a postdrainage resection (SOP 83, SOV 1181) while 650 did undergo a postdrainage resection (SOP 26, SOV 624). For those patients not undergoing a postdrainage resection, the rate of cholangitis 90 days after an SOP procedure was 19% compared with 34% in the SOV cohort (P = 0.007). For those patients undergoing a postdrainage resection, the rate of cholangitis 90 days after an SOP procedure was less than 42.3% compared with 30% in the SOV cohort (P = 0.66). CONCLUSION: For patients with supra-ampullary cholangiocarcinoma that did not undergo resection, biliary drainage procedures that violated the sphincter of Oddi were associated with increased rates of cholangitis.

MicroRNA-210 May Be a Preoperative Biomarker of Malignant Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas.

BACKGROUND: Currently, no reliable predictive clinical or laboratory tests exist that can accurately distinguish between benign and malignant pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas (PPGLs). The aim of this study was to investigate if serum microRNA-210 (miR-210) levels could be a marker of malignancy in patients with PPGLs. METHODS: Preoperative serum from patients with PPGLs was collected on the day of surgery. Clinical demographics, germline mutation status, primary tumor size, postoperative biochemical response, and the development of malignant disease were prospectively collected. Total microRNA was extracted from preoperative serum samples, and miR-210 levels were measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and normalized to miR-16. Prognostic variables were compared using univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients, 10 (29%) were diagnosed with malignant PPGLs and 25 patients (71%) were diagnosed with benign PPGLs (median follow-up 72.5 mo). Sixty-nine percent of patients had a pheochromocytoma (n = 24/35) compared with 31% of patients with paraganglioma (n = 11/35). The most common germline mutation was succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit B (SDHB) (n = 10). On univariable analysis, lower serum miR-210 expression level (2.3 ± 0.5 versus 3.1 ± 1.2, P = 0.013) and larger primary tumor size (6.7 ± 5.0 cm versus 4.1 ± 2.3 cm, P = 0.043) were significantly associated with malignant disease. No significant prognostic variables were found on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, low serum miR-210 expression levels and large primary tumors were identified to be markers of PPGL malignancy on univariable analysis. Given the initial encouraging results in a small cohort, further investigation is warranted to determine if serum miR-210 levels are prognostic.

A Survey of the Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship Programs Regarding Applicant Selection and Rank.

BACKGROUND: There is significant demand for training in Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) fellowships. Previous work has explored objective quantitative metrics of applicants that matriculated to CGSO fellowships; however, ambiguity remains concerning academic benchmarks and qualitative factors that impact matriculation. STUDY DESIGN: A web-based survey was sent to each ACGME/SSO-approved CGSO fellowship training program. The survey was comprised of 24 questions in various forms, including dichotomous, ranked, and five-point Likert scale questions. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 30 program directors (97%) submitted complete survey responses, representing 64 of the 65 CGSO fellowship positions (99%) currently offered. Programs received a mean of 73 applications per cycle (range 50-125) and granted a mean of 26 interviews (range 2-45). Seventy-two percent of programs had an established benchmark for ABSITE score percentile before offering a candidate an interview, with 62% of those programs setting that benchmark above the 50th percentile. The majority of programs also had established benchmarks for quantity of first author publications (mean: 2.3) and all publications of any authorship (mean: 4.4). An applicant's interview was ranked as the most important factor in determining inclusion on the program's rank list. The ability to work as part of a team, interpersonal interaction/communication abilities, and operative skills were rated as most important applicant characteristics, whereas an applicant's personal statement was ranked as least important. CONCLUSIONS: After established academic benchmarks have been met, a multitude of factors influences ranking of applicants to the CGSO fellowship, most of which are assessed at the interview.

Laparoscopic Approach to Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma is Associated with an Exacerbation of Inadequate Nodal Staging.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic approach to liver resection is feasible and safe, though its utilization with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains poorly documented. We sought to evaluate the use laparoscopy for ICC, and to examine adherence to oncologic standards. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients who underwent resection for ICC. Patients were stratified by laparoscopic (LLR) versus open liver resection (OLR). Clinicopathologic parameters and hospital volumes were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 2309 patients with ICC underwent hepatic resection (1997 OLR, 312 LLR) between 2010 and 2015. LLR increased from 12 to 16% during the study period and was utilized more commonly than OLR for wedge and segmental resections (56% vs. 33%, p < 0.001). Nodal evaluation was performed in 58% of all patients with ICC and was significantly more common in patients undergoing OLR (61%, n = 1210) versus LLR (39%, n = 120), p < 0.001. Of the 120 patients undergoing LLR with any nodal evaluation, 31% (n = 37) had a single node evaluated. Patients who underwent LLR were less likely to have ≥ 6 lymph nodes evaluated compared with those who underwent OLR (9% vs. 15%, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of laparoscopy for ICC is associated with an exacerbation of inadequate nodal evaluation compared with open resections.

Practice patterns of VTE chemoprophylaxis after discharge following hepatic and pancreatic resections for cancer: A survey of hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons.

Patients with hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) malignancies undergoing resection are prone to venous thromboembolism (VTE), and current guidelines recommend up to 28 days of chemoprophylaxis after major surgery. We sought to determine the practice patterns among HPB surgeons for use of chemoprophylaxis after discharge. A survey on VTE chemoprophylaxis after oncologic HPB operations was distributed to attending surgeons at the 18 HPB fellowship training programs in the United States and Canada. Of the HPB surgeons surveyed, 44 (44%) responded. VTE prophylaxis is used by 93% of respondants in the inpatient postoperative setting. Chemoprophylaxis after discharge for pancreaticoduodenenctomy and distal pancreatectomy is utilized by 45% and 39% of respondants, respectively. Of those who prescribe chemoprophylaxis after discharge, 79% and 88% prescribe it for the recommended 28 days after pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy, respectively. Chemoprophylaxis after discharge for major and minor hepatectomy is utilized by 39% and 26% of respondents, respectively. Of those who prescribe chemoprophylaxis after discharge, 67% and 55% provide it for the recommended 28 days after major and minor hepatectomy, respectively. Despite documented prolonged postoperative thrombogenic risk, the use of chemoprophylaxis following discharge after pancreatic and liver resections for cancer was moderate among surveyed HPB surgeons.

Tumor grade and sex should influence the utilization of portal lymphadenectomy for early stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Portal lymphadenectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is encouraged for staging purposes, though it is under-utilized for clinically early-stage tumors. We sought to determine if any factor knowable prior to resection influences rates of portal lymph node metastases. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program (1973-2014) database was queried to identify patients with T1/T2 ICC undergoing resection. Patients were stratified by lymph node (LN) status. Patients deemed LN negative required examination of six or more LNs (AJCC guidelines). RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty-two patients were included in the analysis (LN negative: 38, LN positive: 114). Patients with LN negative cancers experienced prolonged overall survival as compared to patients with positive LNs (median 77 months vs 19 months, respectively p < 0.001). Twelve patients had well-differentiated tumors (G1), 92 patients had moderately-differentiated tumors (G2) and 58 patients had poorly-differentiated tumors (G3). Tumor grade (OR 3.9, CI 1.1-13.7, p = 0.031) and male sex (OR 2.6, CI 1.1-6.1, p = 0.022) were associated with positive LNs on multivariable logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Intermediate/High grade and male sex are associated with high rates of lymph node metastasis for patients with early-stage ICC, which portends abbreviated overall survival.