Conversion to open surgery in obese patients undergoing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: results from a multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is considered a standard approach it still presents a non-negligible rate of conversion to open that is mainly related to some difficulty factors, as obesity. The aim of this study is to analyze the preoperative factors associated with conversion in obese patients with MIDP. METHODS: In this multicenter study, all obese patients who underwent MIDP at 18 international expert centers were included. The preoperative factors associated with conversion to open surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 436 patients, 91 (20.9%) underwent conversion to open, presenting higher blood loss, longer operative time and similar rate of major complications. Twenty (22%) patients received emergent conversion. At univariate analysis, the type of approach, radiological invasion of adjacent organs, preoperative enlarged lymphnodes and ASA ≥ III were significantly associated with conversion to open. At multivariate analysis, robotic approach showed a significantly lower conversion rate (14.6 % vs 27.3%, OR = 2.380, p = 0.001). ASA ≥ III (OR = 2.391, p = 0.002) and preoperative enlarged lymphnodes (OR = 3.836, p = 0.003) were also independently associated with conversion. CONCLUSION: Conversion rate is significantly lower in patients undergoing robotic approach. Radiological enlarged lymphnodes and ASA ≥ III are also associated with conversion to open. Conversion is associated with poorer perioperative outcomes, especially in case of intraoperative hemorrhage.

Correlation between imaging and histology in benign solitary retroperitoneal nerve sheath tumors: a pictorial review.

BACKGROUND: Benign nerve sheath tumors presenting as solitary retroperitoneal masses (RBNSTs) pose a complex diagnostic challenge for multidisciplinary teams regarding differential diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. This article reviews the role played by different imaging techniques in assessing RBNSTs and elucidates their typical pathological features with a particular emphasis on the correlation between imaging and histological findings. Furthermore, some examples of retroperitoneal tumors that merit consideration in the process of differential diagnosis based on cross-sectional investigations (CSIs) are reported. The correlation between tissue architecture and appearance on imaging can help increase the accuracy of differential diagnosis with other retroperitoneal neoplasms at CSIs. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This educational review critically examines the correlation between imaging and histological features in solitary retroperitoneal benign nerve sheath tumors, offering valuable insights for improving the accuracy of differential diagnosis in clinical radiology. KEY POINTS: RBNSTs are challenging to diagnose because they lack specific radiological features. Differential diagnosis of RBNSTs from other retroperitoneal neoplasms on imaging is complex. Surgical removal of RBNSTs is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

Robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Although robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) has a lower conversion rate to open surgery and causes less blood loss than laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), clear evidence on the impact of the surgical approach on morbidity is lacking. Prior studies have shown a higher rate of complications among obese patients undergoing pancreatectomy. The primary aim of this study is to compare short-term outcomes of RDP vs. LDP in patients with a BMI ≥ 30. METHODS: In this multicenter study, all obese patients who underwent RDP or LDP for any indication between 2012 and 2022 at 18 international expert centers were included. The baseline characteristics underwent inverse probability treatment weighting to minimize allocation bias. RESULTS: Of 446 patients, 219 (50.2%) patients underwent RDP. The median age was 60 years, the median BMI was 33 (31-36), and the preoperative diagnosis was ductal adenocarcinoma in 21% of cases. The conversion rate was 19.9%, the overall complication rate was 57.8%, and the 90-day mortality rate was 0.7% (3 patients). RDP was associated with a lower complication rate (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.89; p = 0.005), less blood loss (150 vs. 200 ml; p < 0.001), fewer blood transfusion requirements (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.15-0.50; p < 0.001) and a lower Comprehensive Complications Index (8.7 vs. 8.9, p < 0.001) than LPD. RPD had a lower conversion rate (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.19-0.39; p < 0.001) and achieved better spleen preservation rate (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.13-3.39; p = 0.016) than LPD. CONCLUSIONS: In obese patients, RDP is associated with a lower conversion rate, fewer complications and better short-term outcomes than LPD.

Immunonutrition and prehabilitation in pancreatic cancer surgery: A new concept in the era of ERAS® and neoadjuvant treatment.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive disease, with a growing incidence, and a poor prognosis. Neoadjuvant treatments in PC are highly recommended in borderline resectable and recently in upfront resectable PC. PC is characterized by exocrine insufficiency and nutritional imbalance, leading to malnutrition/sarcopenia. The concept of malnutrition in PC is multifaceted, as the cancer-related alterations create an interplay with adverse effects of anticancer treatments. All these critical factors have a negative impact on the postoperative and oncological outcomes. A series of actions and programs can be implemented to improve resectable and borderline resectable PC in terms of postoperative complications, oncological outcomes and patients' quality of life. A timely nutritional evaluation and the implementation of appropriate evidence-based nutritional interventions in onco-surgical patients should be considered of importance to improve preoperative physical fitness. Unfortunately, nutritional care and its optimization are often neglected in real-world clinical practice. Currently available studies and ERAS® guidelines mostly support the use of pre- or perioperative medical nutrition, including immunonutrition, in order to decrease the rate of postoperative infections and length of hospital stay. Further data also suggest that medical nutrition should be considered proactively in PC patients, to possibly prevent severe malnutrition and its consequences on disease and treatment outcomes. This narrative review summarizes the most recent data related to the role of prehabilitation, ERAS® program, medical nutrition, and the timing of intervention on clinical outcomes of upfront resectable and borderline PC, and their potential implementation within the timeframe of neoadjuvant treatments.

Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation for Long QT Syndrome: 50 Years' Experience Provides Guidance for Management.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to report our single-center experience with left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) for long QT syndrome (LQTS) since 1973. BACKGROUND: LCSD is still underutilized because clinicians are often uncertain whether to use it versus an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). METHODS: We performed LCSD in 125 patients with LQTS (58% women, mean QT interval corrected for frequency [QTc] 527 ± 60 ms, 90% on beta blockers) with a follow-up of 12.9 ± 10.3 years. They were retrospectively divided into 4 groups according to the clinical/genetic status: very high risk (n = 18, symptomatic in the first year of life or with highly malignant genetics), with aborted cardiac arrest (ACA) (n = 31), with syncope and/or ICD shocks on beta blockers (n = 45), in primary prevention (n = 31). RESULTS: After LCSD, 17% in the very high risk group remained asymptomatic, compared with 52%, 47%, and 97% in the other 3 groups (P < 0.0001), with an overall 86% decrease in the mean yearly cardiac event rate (P < 0.0001). Among 45 patients with only syncope/ICD shocks before LCSD, none had ACA/sudden death as first symptom after LCSD and a 6-month post-LCSD QTc <500 ms predicted excellent outcome. Patients with a QTc ≥500 ms have a 50% chance of shortening it by an average of 60 ms. LCSD results are not affected by common genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: We provide definitive evidence for the long-term efficacy of LCSD in LQTS. The degree of antiarrhythmic protection is influenced by patient's specificity and amount of QTc shortening. This novel approach to the analysis of the outcome allows cardiologists to rationally decide and tailor their management strategies to the individual features of their patients.

Locally Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Challenges and Progress.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the major causes of death in the Western world, and it is estimated to become the second leading cause of tumour-related mortality in the next 10 years. Among pancreatic cancers, ductal adenocarcinomas are by far the most common, characterised by a challenging diagnosis due to the lack of initial and pathognomonic clinical signs. In this scenario, non-metastatic locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) accounts for a large proportion of all new pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnoses. There is no consensus on a common definition of LAPC. Still, it usually includes tumours that are not resectable due to vascular involvement. As of today, treatment is limited, and the prognosis is very unfavourable. Curative-intent surgery remains the gold-standard even if often jeopardized by vascular involvement. Continuing progress in our understanding of LAPC genetics and immunology will permit the development of different treatments, targeted or combined, including radiation therapy, hadrontherapy, targeted immunotherapies or new chemotherapies. A multidisciplinary approach combining various fields of expertise is essential in aiming to limit disease progression as well as patient outcome. Using a narrative literature review approach, the manuscript explores the most up-to-date knowledge concerning locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma management.

Robotic Treatment of Complex Splenic Artery Aneurysms with Deep Hilar Location: Technical Insights and Midterm Results.

BACKGROUND: Splenic artery aneurysms are rare, but their occurrence is burdened by considerable mortality and morbidity rates. Although the indications to treatment are quite clear-cut, there is still debate on the first-choice technique of treatment (endovascular, open, or laparoscopic surgery). Recently, robotic surgery has been proposed as an alternative option in patients at high surgical risk. The present case series aims to assess the value of robotic treatment of splenic artery aneurysms in patients unfit for surgery. METHODS: All cases of splenic artery aneurysms treated by robotic surgery at our center between 2014 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary endpoints were clinical and technical success and disease-free survival. RESULTS: Robotic surgery was used to treat four patients affected by splenic artery aneurysms, with the guidance of 3D printed patient-specific models. All patients, after aneurysm excision, received reconstruction of the splenic artery by direct anastomosis. All cases were treated successfully without mortality. Reintervention-free survival at 24-month mean follow-up is 100%, and no systemic complication of clinical relevance was reported. The mean time of organ ischemia was 45 min. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery is a safe and effective option in treating visceral aneurysms, providing the possibility to reconstruct the splenic artery after aneurysm excision.

Full Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy: Safety and Feasibility Analysis of a Multicenter Cohort of 236 Patients.

Introduction. Despite the widespread use of the robotic technology, only a few studies with small sample sizes report its application to pancreatic diseases treatment. Our aim is to present the results of a multicenter study on the safety and feasibility of robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP). Materials and Methods. All RDPs for benign, borderline, and malignant diseases performed in 5 referral centers from 2008 to 2016 were included. Perioperative outcomes were evaluated. Results. Two hundred thirty-six patients were included. Spleen preservation was performed in 114 cases (48.3%). Operative time was 277.8 ± 93.6 minutes. Progressive improvement in operative time was observed over the study period. Conversion rate was 6.3%. Morbidity occurred in 102 cases (43.2%), mainly due to grade A fistulas. Reoperation was required in 10 patients. Postoperatively, 2 patients died of sepsis due to a grade C fistula. Hospital readmission was necessary in 11 cases. A R0 resection was always achieved, with a mean number of 16.2 ± 15 harvested lymph nodes. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is one of the largest RDP series. Safety and feasibility including the low conversion rate, the high spleen preservation rate, the adequate operative time, and the acceptable morbidity and mortality rates confirm the validity of this technique. Appropriate oncological outcomes have been also obtained.

An overview on 3D printing for abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a disruptive technology that is quickly spreading to many fields, including healthcare. In this context, it allows the creation of graspable, patient-specific, anatomical models generated from medical images. The ability to hold and show a physical object speeds up and facilitates the understanding of anatomical details, eases patient counseling and contributes to the education and training of students and residents. Several medical specialties are currently exploring the potential of this technology, including general surgery. METHODS: In this review, we provide an overview on the available 3D printing technologies, together with a systematic analysis of the medical literature dedicated to its application for abdominal surgery. Our experience with the first clinical laboratory for 3D printing in Italy is also reported. RESULTS: There was a tenfold increase in the number of publications per year over the last decade. About 70% of these papers focused on kidney and liver models, produced primarily for pre-interventional planning, as well as for educational and training purposes. The most used printing technologies are material jetting and material extrusion. Seventy-three percent of publications reported on fewer than ten clinical cases. CONCLUSION: The increasing application of 3D printing in abdominal surgery reflects the dawn of a new technology, although it is still in its infancy. The potential benefit of this technology is clear, however, and it may soon lead to the development of new hospital facilities to improve surgical training, research, and patient care.

Short-term and long-term outcomes after robot-assisted versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs): a multicenter comparative study.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive surgery has increasingly gained popularity as a treatment of choice for pancreatectomy with encouraging initial results in robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP). However, few data are available on the comparison between RDP and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Our aim, thus, is to compare perioperative and long-term outcomes as well as total costs of RDP and LDP for pNETs. METHODS: All RDPs and LDPs for pNETs performed in four referral centers from 2008 to 2016 were included. Perioperative outcomes, histopathological results, overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), and total costs were evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety-six RDPs and 85 LDPs were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two cohorts. Operative time was 36.5 min longer in the RDP group (p = 0.009) but comparable to LDP after removing the docking time (247.9 vs 233.7 min; p = 0.6). LDP related to a lower spleen preservation rate (44.7% vs 65.3%; p < 0.0001) and higher blood loss (239.7 ± 112 vs 162.5 ± 98 cc; p < 0.0001). Advantages in operative time for RDP were documented in case of the spleen preservation procedures (265 ± 41.52 vs 291 ± 23 min; p = 0.04). Conversion rate, postoperative morbidity, and pancreatic fistula rate were similar between the two groups, as well as histopathological data, OS, and DFS. Significant advantages were evidenced for LDP regarding mean total costs (9235 (± 1935) € vs 11,226 (± 2365) €; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Both RDP and LDP are safe and efficacious for pNETs treatment. However, RDP offers advantages with a higher spleen preservation rate and lower blood loss. Costs still remain the main limitation of the robotic approach.

The clinical use of 3D printing in surgery.

The use of 3D printing is gaining considerable success in many medical fields including surgery. Here, the technology was introduced for increasing the level of anatomical understanding thanks to the inherent characteristics of 3D printed models: these are highly accurate and customized reproductions, being obtained from own radiological imaging of patients, and are solid graspable objects allowing for free manipulation on part of the user. The resulting tactile feedbacks significantly help the comprehension of anatomical details, especially the spatial relations between structures. In this regard, they proved to be more effective than conventional 2D imaging and 3D virtual models. To date, an increasing number of applications have been successfully tested in many surgical disciplines, extending the range of possible uses to pre-operative planning, counselling with patients, education of students and residents, surgical training, intraoperative navigation and others; in recent years, 3D printing was also employed for creating surgical tools and reproducing anatomical parts to be used, respectively, as templates or guides for specific tasks of the surgery and individualized implantable materials in reconstructive procedures. Future expectations concern on one side the reduction of manufacturing costs and time to further increase the accessibility of 3D printing, while on the other the development of novel techniques and materials suitable for 3D printing of biological structures by which recreating the architecture and functionality of real human organs and tissues.

Grade 3 Neuroendocrine Tumor (G3 NET) in a Background of Multiple Serotonin Cell Neoplasms of the Ileum Associated with Carcinoid Syndrome and Aggressive Behavior.

Grade 3 well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (G3 NETs) have been characterized in the pancreas and stomach and distinguished from low-to-intermediate grade (G1-G2) NETs, as well as from highly malignant, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Up to now, no G3 NET has been thoroughly described in the distal small intestine. We herein report a case of a 61-year-old man presenting with carcinoid syndrome. The surgical specimen showed, in a background of small G1 ileal NETs, a larger, grade 3 NET, which retained the nesting pattern and the expression of serotonin, chromogranin-A, and type 2A somatostatin receptors, typical of well-differentiated jejuno-ileal NETs. The patient had G3 NET metastasis to the liver and he died 14 months after surgery, due to deterioration in his clinical conditions.

Joint consensus on abdominal robotic surgery and anesthesia from a task force of the SIAARTI and SIC.

Minimally invasive surgical procedures have revolutionized the world of surgery in the past decades. While laparoscopy, the first minimally invasive surgical technique to be developed, is widely used and has been addressed by several guidelines and recommendations, the implementation of robotic-assisted surgery is still hindered by the lack of consensus documents that support healthcare professionals in the management of this novel surgical procedure. Here we summarize the available evidence and provide expert opinion aimed at improving the implementation and resolution of issues derived from robotic abdominal surgery procedures. A joint task force of Italian surgeons, anesthesiologists and clinical epidemiologists reviewed the available evidence on robotic abdominal surgery. Recommendations were graded according to the strength of evidence. Statements and recommendations are provided for general issues regarding robotic abdominal surgery, operating theatre organization, preoperative patient assessment and preparation, intraoperative management, and postoperative procedures and discharge. The consensus document provides evidence-based recommendations and expert statements aimed at improving the implementation and management of robotic abdominal surgery.

Molecular and functional characterization of a new 3' end KIT juxtamembrane deletion in a duodenal GIST treated with neoadjuvant Imatinib.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs express the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT, and the majority of GISTs present KIT gain-of-function mutations that cluster in the 5' end of the receptor juxtamembrane domain. On the other hand, little information is known about GISTs carrying mutations in the 3' end of the KIT juxtamembrane domain. Here we report and discuss a clinical case of localized duodenal GIST whose molecular characterization revealed the presence of a new 21 nucleotide/7 amino acid deletion in the 3' end of KIT juxtamembrane domain (Δ574-580). The patient was treated with Imatinib at standard regimen dose (400 mg/day), and responded well as the original tumor mass reduced, ultimately allowing conservative surgery. In line with these clinical evidences computer simulations, biophysical techniques and in vitro experiments demonstrated that the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT carrying the Δ574-580 mutation displays constitutive phosphorylation, which can be switched-off upon Imatinib treatment. In addition, results from this study showed that a clinical useful procedure, neoadjuvant treatment, can occasionally be of value for the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of GIST.

Value of 3D printing for the comprehension of surgical anatomy.

BACKGROUND: In a preliminary experience, we claimed the potential value of 3D printing technology for pre-operative counseling and surgical planning. However, no objective analysis has ever assessed its additional benefit in transferring anatomical information from radiology to final users. We decided to validate the pre-operative use of 3D-printed anatomical models in patients with solid organs' diseases as a new tool to deliver morphological information. METHODS: Fifteen patients scheduled for laparoscopic splenectomy, nephrectomy, or pancreatectomy were selected and, for each, a full-size 3D virtual anatomical object was reconstructed from a contrast-enhanced MDCT (Multiple Detector Computed Tomography) and then prototyped using a 3D printer. After having carefully evaluated-in a random sequence-conventional contrast MDCT scans, virtual 3D reconstructions on a flat monitor, and 3D-printed models of the same anatomy for each selected case, thirty subjects with different expertise in radiological imaging (10 medical students, 10 surgeons and 10 radiologists) were administered a multiple-item questionnaire. Crucial issues for the anatomical understanding and the pre-operative planning of the scheduled procedure were addressed. RESULTS: The visual and tactile inspection of 3D models allowed the best anatomical understanding, with faster and clearer comprehension of the surgical anatomy. As expected, less experienced medical students perceived the highest benefit (53.9% ± 4.14 of correct answers with 3D-printed models, compared to 53.4 % ± 4.6 with virtual models and 45.5% ± 4.6 with MDCT), followed by surgeons and radiologists. The average time spent by participants in 3D model assessing was shorter (60.67 ± 25.5 s) than the one of the corresponding virtual 3D reconstruction (70.8 ± 28.18 s) or conventional MDCT scan (127.04 ± 35.91 s). CONCLUSIONS: 3D-printed models help to transfer complex anatomical information to clinicians, resulting useful in the pre-operative planning, for intra-operative navigation and for surgical training purposes.

Short-term outcomes of single-site robotic cholecystectomy versus four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Randomized studies could not demonstrate significant outcome benefit after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to classic four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). The new robotic single-site platform might offer potential benefits on local inflammation and postoperative pain due to its technological advantages. This prospective randomized double-blind trial compared the short-term outcomes between single-incision robotic cholecystectomy (SIRC) and CLC. METHODS: Two groups of 30 eligible patients were randomized for SIRC or CLC. During the first postoperative week, patients and study monitors were blinded to the type of procedure performed by four dressing tapes applied on the abdomen. Pain was assessed at 6 h and on day 1, 7 and 30 after surgery, along with a 1-10 cosmetic score. RESULTS: No significant difference in postoperative pain occurred in the two groups at any time point nor for any of the abdominal sites. Nineteen (63 %) SIRC patients reported early postoperative pain in extra-umbilical sites. Intraoperative complications which might influence postoperative pain, such as minor bleeding and bile spillage, were similar in both groups and no conversions occurred. The cosmetic score 1 month postoperatively was higher for SIRC (p < 0.001). Two SIRC patients had wound infection, one of which developed an incisional hernia. CONCLUSIONS: SIRC does not offer any significant reduction of postoperative pain compared to CLC. SIRC patients unaware of their type of operation still report pain in extra-umbilical sites like after CLC. The cosmetic advantage of SIRC should be balanced against an increased risk of incisional hernias and higher costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12614000119695 ( http://www.anzctr.org.au ).