Ten years of live surgical broadcast at Charité-MAYO conferences (2010-2019): a systematic evaluation of the surgical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The international Charité-MAYO Conference aims to promote international dialog on diagnostics, management, scientific breakthroughs, and state-of-the-art surgical procedures in gynecology and gynecologic oncology and senology. Live surgeries are a fundamental tool of interdisciplinary and international exchange of experts in their respective fields. Currently, there is a controversial and emotional debate about the true value, risks, and safety of live surgical broadcasts. The aim of the current study is to analyze peri-operative risks in patients who were operated live during the Charité-MAYO Conferences. METHODS: Live surgeries were performed by the core Charité team consisting of gynecologic oncologic surgeons, breast and plastic surgeons, partly in collaboration with visiting gynecologic oncologic surgeons. We performed a retrospective analysis of live surgeries performed during seven Charité-MAYO Conferences from 2010 to 2019 held in Berlin, Germany. Patients' files and tumor databases were analyzed as required and patients were contacted to update their long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients who were operated live were included. The types of surgery were as follows: urogynecologic procedures (n=13), breast surgery (n=21), and gynecologic oncology surgery for ovarian, uterine, vulvar or cervical cancer (n=35). Peri-operative complications were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Despite a high rate of complete resection and the high frequency of multivisceral procedures, the rate of peri-operative complications was within the range published in the literature. Time of surgery and length of intensive unit care and hospital stay did not differ from data acquired at the home institution. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our analysis, live surgeries appear to be safe when performed within a multidisciplinary setting without an increase in surgical morbidity and mortality compared with historical controls and without compromise of patients' outcome. This is the first analysis of its kind to set the basis for patient information and consent for this type of surgeries.

The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical therapy and care: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an extensive reorganisation of healthcare resources was necessary-with a particular impact on surgical care across all disciplines. However, the direct and indirect consequences of this redistribution of resources on surgical therapy and care are largely unknown. METHODS: We analysed our prospectively collected standardised digital quality management document for all surgical cases in 2020 and compared them to the years 2018 and 2019. Periods with high COVID-19 burdens were compared with the reference periods in 2018 and 2019. RESULTS: From 2018 to 2020, 10,723 patients underwent surgical treatment at our centres. We observed a decrease in treated patients and a change in the overall patient health status. Patient age and length of hospital stay increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002). Furthermore, the distribution of indications for surgical treatment changed in favour of oncological cases and less elective cases such as hernia repairs (p < 0.001). Postoperative thromboembolic and pulmonary complications increased slightly during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were slight differences for postoperative overall complications according to Clavien-Dindo, with a significant increase of postoperative mortality (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic we did not see an increase in the occurrence, or the severity of postoperative complications. Despite a slightly higher rate of mortality and specific complications being more prevalent, the biggest change was in indication for surgery, resulting in a higher proportion of older and sicker patients with corresponding comorbidities. Further research is warranted to analyse how this changed demographic will influence long-term patient care.

Long-term impact of preventive UDCA therapy after transplantation for primary biliary cholangitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Recurrence of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) after liver transplantation (LT) is frequent and can impair graft and patient survival. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the current standard therapy for PBC. We investigated the effect of preventive exposure to UDCA on the incidence and long-term consequences of PBC recurrence after LT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study in 780 patients transplanted for PBC, between 1983-2017 in 16 centers (9 countries), and followed-up for a median of 11 years. Among them, 190 received preventive UDCA (10-15 mg/kg/day). The primary outcome was histological evidence of PBC recurrence. The secondary outcomes were graft loss, liver-related death, and all-cause death. The association between preventive UDCA and outcomes was quantified using multivariable-adjusted Cox and restricted mean survival time (RMST) models. RESULTS: While recurrence of PBC significantly shortened graft and patient survival, preventive exposure to UDCA was associated with reduced risk of PBC recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.41; 95% CI 0.28-0.61; p <0.0001), graft loss (aHR 0.33; 95% CI 0.13-0.82; p <0.05), liver-related death (aHR 0.46; 95% CI 0.22-0.98; p <0.05), and all-cause death (aHR 0.69; 95% CI 0.49-0.96; p <0.05). On RMST analysis, preventive UDCA led to a survival gain of 2.26 years (95% CI 1.28-3.25) over a period of 20 years. Exposure to cyclosporine rather than tacrolimus had a complementary protective effect alongside preventive UDCA, reducing the cumulative incidence of PBC recurrence and all-cause death. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive UDCA after LT for PBC is associated with a reduced risk of disease recurrence, graft loss, and death. A regimen combining cyclosporine and preventive UDCA is associated with the lowest risk of PBC recurrence and mortality. LAY SUMMARY: Recurrence of primary biliary cholangitis after liver transplantation is frequent and can impair graft and patient survival. We performed the largest international study of transplanted patients with primary biliary cholangitis to date. Preventive administration of ursodeoxycholic acid after liver transplantation was associated with reduced risk of disease recurrence, graft loss, liver-related and all-cause mortality. A regimen combining cyclosporine and preventive ursodeoxycholic acid was associated with the best outcomes.

Evaluation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 3 gene polymorphisms in patients with primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

AIM: Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 3-mediated signaling might be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory biliary diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of five well-characterized specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 3 gene, CHRM3 (rs11578320, rs6690809, rs6429157, rs7548522, and rs4620530), in patients with PBC and PSC. Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and healthy individuals served as control cohorts. In the PBC cohort, baseline characteristics and response to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy applying established response criteria at 12 months after the initiation of treatment were evaluated according to the underlying CHRM3 genotype. METHODS: CHRM3 genotyping was carried out in 306 PBC patients, 205 PSC patients, 208 CHC patients, and 240 healthy controls from two independent German tertiary care university centers in Berlin and Leipzig, Germany. RESULTS: CHRM3 rs4620530 proportions in patients with PBC significantly differed from patients with PSC (P = 0.005), CHC (P = 0.009), and healthy controls (P = 0.008), primarily due to a substantial overrepresentation of the T allele in PBC (49.3% in PBC vs. 39.8% in PSC, 35.7% in CHC, and 40% in healthy controls), indicating a potential association of the rs4620530 T allele with PBC (OR 1.461, 95% CI 1.147-1.861, P = 0.002). Further analysis showed no association of CHRM3 single-nucleotide polymorphism rs4620530 with baseline characteristics and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment response in PBC. CONCLUSION: CHRM3 single-nucleotide polymorphism rs4620530 might confer an increased genetic risk for the development of PBC.

[Hiatal hernia: Current evidence and controversies in treatment]. / Hiatushernien: Aktuelle Evidenz und Kontroversen in der Therapie.

Hiatal hernia: Current evidence and controversies in treatment Abstract. A hiatal hernia describes an enlarged diaphragmatic hiatus esophageus, through which the gastroesophageal transition occurs. In its maximum variant, the entire stomach and other intestinal organs can be shifted thoracically. Symptoms of hiatal hernia are related to reflux disease, but also to intrathoracic compression symptoms due to the dislodgement of intrathoracic organs into the mediastinum, with the most dramatic presentation being ischemia of the herniated organs due to strangulation. The most common classification distinguishes four types of hiatus hernias according to their anatomical morphological characteristics (type I-IV). Treatment recommendation is guided by patients' symptoms, as no conservative treatment of a hiatal hernia is possible. High recurrence rates after surgical treatment of a hiatal hernia and antireflux surgery led to a discussion about diaphragm closure with or without mesh augmentation, and data seem to indicate that hiatal mesh augmentation reduces recurrence. Also, due to the high recurrence rates, re-do surgery is a valid option for symptomatic patients. Presently, no uniform recommendation for either surgical technique of hiatus closure or the use of a mesh inlay exists, and individual decision making is rather related upon the institutional experience with upper GI surgery.

Evaluation of Anastomotic Leak after Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: Typical Time Point of Occurrence, Mode of Diagnosis, Value of Routine Radiocontrast Agent Studies and Therapeutic Options.

BACKGROUND: Data on the typical time point of occurrence of anastomotic leak (AL) after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer are currently scarce. Therefore, the usefulness of routine radiocontrast agent studies (RRCS) for testing proper healing of the anastomosis after esophagectomy remains unclear. Furthermore, preferred available tools to diagnose postoperative AL and therapeutic options are still under debate. METHODS: We present a retrospective analysis of 328 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2015. A RRCS has been performed to date in our center on the fifth postoperative day (POD), before returning to normal oral intake. RESULTS: In total, 49 of 328 patients developed AL after esophagectomy (15%). A total of 11 patients (23%) developed AL before the RRCS and 34 patients (69%) after an unremarkable RRCS; and 4 patients (8%) with AL were diagnosed by RRCS, resulting in overall sensitivity of 16%. The median time point of occurrence of AL was POD 9, the majority of AL (84%) occurred between POD 1 and 19. Computed tomography led to the diagnosis of AL in 41% of patients. The most frequent therapy of AL was stenting in 47% of patients. Endoscopic vacuum therapy was used in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of AL occurred within the first 3 weeks after esophagectomy without a typical time point. In our series, RRCS on the fifth POD had a low sensitivity of 16%. Therefore, standardized RRCS and fasting till the examination cannot be generally recommended. In case of clinical suspicion of AL, computed tomography of the chest and abdomen with oral contrast agent should be performed, followed by endoscopy. Endoscopic stent placement remains the standard therapy of AL in our center. Endoscopic vacuum therapy evolves as it is an interesting alternative therapeutic option and can be combined with stenting in selected cases.

The Impact of Obesity on Outcomes Following Resection for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is generally considered to be associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality following intraabdominal cancer surgery. However, recent reports showed that overweight patients may have a lower risk for adverse postoperative outcomes and this observation has been described as the 'obesity paradox'. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the impact of obesity on outcomes after resection for gastric cancer. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent resection for gastric cancer between 2005 and 2012 were assessed. Patient characteristics, postoperative outcomes and long-term survivals were compared between patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 and <30. RESULTS: Resection for gastric cancer was performed in 249 patients. BMI ≥30 was identified in 49 patients. Obese patients with BMI ≥30 were more frequently diagnosed with diabetes (31 vs. 16%, p = 0.015). Resection for gastric cancer in obese patients was significantly associated with longer duration of surgery (278 vs. 243 min, p < 0.001), longer duration of hospital stay (18 vs. 16 days, p = 0.028), increased postoperative morbidity (49 vs. 33%, p = 0.037), and increased postoperative mortality (10 vs. 3%, p = 0.028). There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between patients with BMI ≥30 and patients with BMI <30 (5-year OS rate: 59 vs. 62%, p = 0.587). CONCLUSION: Obesity may complicate resection for gastric cancer increasing the duration of surgical procedure, hospital stay and postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, BMI did not predict OS in our patients. Consequently, BMI may be too simple as a parameter to evaluate sophisticated interactions between different body fat compartments and inflammatory and immune responses and thus to predict long-term oncologic outcomes.

Clinical application of modern ultrasound techniques after liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation has been established as a first-line therapy for a number of indications. Conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) are methods of choice during the postoperative period as a safe and fast tool to detect potential complications and to enable early intervention if necessary. CEUS increases diagnostic quality and is an appropriate procedure for the examination of vessels and possibly bile ducts. This article presents the state of the art of ultrasound application during the early period after liver transplantation. It addresses common vascular complications and describes the identification of postoperative abnormal findings using ultrasound and CEUS.

MRI-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage: feasibility study in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: MRI-guided procedures combine high-quality imaging with lack of radiation. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage under real-time MRI guidance (MRI-PTCD) seems promising, allowing targeted puncture and avoiding multiple blind passes and use of contrast, which are associated with standard PTCD's heaviest complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of MRI-PTCD in three outbred piglets. Obstructive cholestasis was induced by common bile duct ligation. Two days later, MRI-PTCD was performed (open MRI, 1.0 Tesla) with prototype MRI-compatible accessories. Visualization was achieved with a balanced steady-state free precession real-time sequence (bSSFP: 0.75 frames/s, TR/TE [ms]: 7.2/3.6; flip angle: 45°; 200 × 200 matrix size; resolution: 1.3 × 1.3 mm(2), slice thickness: 7 mm). Cannulation of the bile ducts was followed by placement of Yamakawa drainages. RESULTS: Twelve punctures were performed (four per animal, 10/12 successful); in 2/10 the bile ducts could not be cannulated. Animal survival was 100% and no significant complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Initial data show that MRI-PTCD can be successfully performed. This may lead to establishment of a new optimized PTCD technique compared to the standard approach under fluoroscopy.

Intraoperative localization of occult colorectal tumors during laparoscopic surgery by magnetic ring markers-a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative localization of small tumors or malignant polyps has been an important issue in laparoscopic colon surgery. We have developed a new method for preoperative endoscopic tumor marking using a ring-shaped magnetic marker. METHODS: In a pilot study, 28 patients with small colonic (n = 23) or rectal tumors (n = 5) underwent endoscopic magnetic clipping prior to laparoscopic resection. A cap carrying a high-power neodymium ring magnet was mounted on the tip of a colonoscope. Near the lesion, the ring magnet was released and clipped to the colorectal wall. Standard laparoscopic instruments were used to find the magnet intraoperatively. RESULTS: Endoscopic fixation of a ring magnet next to the tumor by clipping was technically feasible in all 28 patients. Intraoperative localization of the marked lesions was successful in 27 of 28 patients (96 %). All patients underwent magnet-guided radical laparoscopic resection of the tumor with an average proximal and distal resection margin of 101 and 63 mm, respectively. In one case, the magnet could not be found due to preoperative migration. Surgical complications related to magnetic clip application or intraoperative tumor localization were not observed. However, there was one case with an intraoperative perforation of the colon by the magnet, which was obviously caused by unchecked action with a laparoscopic instrument. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative endoscopic labeling of colonic lesions with on-the-scope magnetic markers is simple and safe. Intraoperative tumor localization during laparoscopic colorectal surgery can be achieved reliably without additional equipment such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy.

Evaluation of a new large animal model for controlled intracranial pressure changes induced by capnoperitoneum.

BACKGROUND: A standardized large animal model for controlled ICP manipulation within a relevant range and repetitive ICP measurements is missing. We sought to develop such a model on the base of controlled IPP changes induced by capnoperitoneum. METHODS: We utilized six female pigs (mean body weight 59.5 ± 18.4 kg) for experiments. A ventricular catheter connected with a burr hole reservoir was implanted. ICP was measured directly as cm H2O within a riser tube after percutaneous cannulation of the reservoir. A noninvasive intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) measurement was established (intravesical). Animals were placed in lateral position and a capnoperitoneum was induced. Measurements of ICP, IPP, MAP and respiratory parameters were performed at baseline IPP and after CO2 insufflation to IPP levels of 20 and 30 mmHg. RESULTS: Baseline IPP in lateral position referenced to median line was 9.8 (±2) mm Hg, while corresponding ICP was 10 (±2.2) mm Hg. After IPP elevation to 20 mmHg, ICP increased to 18.8 (±1.9) mm Hg. At 30 mmHg IPP, ICP increased to 22.8 (±2.8) mm Hg. Except peak airway pressure, all other parameters were kept constantly. Mean ICP variation in the individual subject was 13.4 (±2.5) mm Hg, while a ICP range from minimum 9 to maximum 31 mmHg was documented. CONCLUSIONS: We report a large animal model that allows (1) repeated measurement of the ICP and (2) manipulation of the ICP within a large pressure range by controlled IPP changes due to capnoperitoneum.

Large-scale referencing of the telemetric neurovent-P-tel intracranial pressure sensor in a porcine model.

The Neurovent-P-tel sensor is a promising device for telemetric intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements in cases of complex hydrocephalus. Data on its accuracy within a broad ICP range are missing. We applied a porcine model for large-scale manipulation of the ICP values. The telemetric ICP sensor was referenced against ICP values measured directly from a water column within a riser tube. A total of 34 comparative ICP measurements within an ICP range from 2 cm H2O to 31 mm Hg were performed. The mean difference between both measurement techniques was 0.4 mm Hg. The limits of agreement, where 95% of differences between both methods are expected, were from -2.4 to 3.1 mm Hg. The telemetric Neurovent-P-tel sensor system provides good accuracy within a broad range exceeding normal ICP values and might be useful in clinical practice.

Safety and efficacy of new integrated bipolar and ultrasonic scissors compared to conventional laparoscopic 5-mm sealing and cutting instruments.

BACKGROUND: Hemostasis is a central issue in laparoscopic surgery. Ultrasonic scissors and bipolar clamps are commonly used, with known advantages with each technique. METHODS: The prototype of new surgical scissors, delivering ultrasonically generated frictional heat energy and bipolar heat energy simultaneously (THUNDERBEAT(®) [TB]), was compared to ultrasonic scissors (Harmonic ACE(®) [HA]) and an advanced bipolar device (LigaSure(®) [LS]) using a pig model. As safety parameters, temperature profiles after single activation and after a defined cut were determined. As efficacy parameters, seal failures and the maximum burst pressure (BP) were measured after in vivo sealing of vessels of various types and diameters (categories 2-4 and 5-7 mm). Moreover, the vertical width of the tissue seal was measured on serial histological slices of selected arteries. The cutting speed was measured during division of isolated arteries and during dissection of a defined length of compound tissue (10 cm of mesentery). Burst-pressure measurement and histological analysis were performed by investigators blinded to the used sealing device. RESULTS: Using the TB, the burst pressure in larger arteries was significantly higher (734 ± 64 mmHg) than that of the HA (453 ± 50 mmHg). No differences in the rate of seal failures were observed. The cutting speed of the TB was significantly higher than that of all other devices. Safety evaluation revealed temperatures below 100 °C in the bipolar device. The maximum temperature of the HA and the TB was significantly higher. No relevant differences were observed between the HA and the TB. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasonic and bipolar technique of the TB has the potential to surpass the dissection speed of ultrasonic devices with the sealing efficacy of bipolar clamps. However, heat production that is comparable to conventional ultrasonic scissors should be minded for clinical use.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in surgical oncology: analysis of indications and feasibility in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Natural orifice endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging technique that has been postulated as a promising alternative to laparoscopy in the field of minimal invasive surgery. Until now appropriate indications, safe access routes and general feasibility of this approach have not been defined exactly in surgical oncology. METHODOLOGY: A total of 474 patients undergoing cancer surgery were analyzed regarding possible applications of transluminal endoscopic surgery. Patient with potential indications underwent intraoperative endoscopy to evaluate technical aspects, indications and intraoperative feasibility. RESULTS: A potential indication for transluminal surgery was found in 54 of 474 patients (11%) undergoing abdominal cancer surgery. Staging of gastrointestinal tumors was considered the main indication (45%) followed by splenectomy (11%) and diagnostic excision (11%). As a potential access route the transgastric approach was considered in 42 patients (66%) and the transcolonic approach in 18 patients (28 %). Of these 42 patients, 19 (30%) presented with significant intra-abdominal adhesions which would have resulted in a more complicated procedure. Accurate transluminal orientation was considered impossible in 13 cases (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Although some indications for NOTES procedures in surgical oncology have been identified in this study these techniques have to be assessed cautiously. Implementation of NOTES in surgical oncology is currently difficult because of technical problems, lack of intraoperative orientation and abdominal adhesions.

A 25 mm Circular Stapler Anastomosis Is Associated with Higher Anastomotic Leakage Rates Following Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Operation.

(1) Background: Minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE) with intrathoracic anastomosis is increasingly used in treating patients with oesophageal cancer. Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains a critical perioperative complication, despite recent advances in surgical techniques. It remains unclear to what extent the size of the circular stapler (CS), a 25 mm CS or a bigger CS, may affect the incidence of AL. This study aimed to evaluate whether the CS size in oesophagogastrostomy affects the postoperative AL rates and related morbidity in MIE. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients who had undergone thoracic MIE between August 2014 and July 2019 using a CS oesophagogastric anastomosis at the level of the Vena azygos. The patients were grouped according to CS size (mm): small-sized (SS25) and large-sized (LS29). The patient demographics, data regarding morbidity, and clinical outcomes were compared. The primary outcome measure was the AL rate related to the stapler size. (3) Results: A total of 119 patients were included (SS25: n = 65; LS29: n = 54). Except for the distribution of squamous cell carcinoma, the demographics were similar in each group. The AL rate was 3.7% in the LS29 group and 18.5% in the SS25 group (p = 0.01). The major morbidity (CD ≥ 3a) was significantly more frequent in the SS25 group compared with the LS29 group (p = 0.02). CS size, pulmonary complications, and cardiovascular disease were independent risk factors for AL in the multivariate analysis. (4) Conclusions: A 29 mm CS is associated with significantly improved surgical outcomes following standard MIE at the level of the azygos vein and should be conducted whenever technically feasible.

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors: comparison of MR guidance versus conventional laparoscopic ultrasound for needle positioning in a phantom model.

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LapRFA) is an established procedure for liver tumors in patients who are unsuitable for resection. A novel technique of magnetic resonance (MR) guided needle positioning during LapRFA was developed and compared to conventional ultrasound (US) guidance in a phantom model. MR-guided procedures were conducted in a 1.0 tesla high field open MR using an MR compatible endoscope and camera. The ultrasound-guided procedure was performed with a clinically established laparoscopy setup and a 2D laparoscopic US probe. During both techniques an identical monopolar non-ferromagnetic RFA needle and a silicon-based phantom model were applied. Finally needle positioning was performed by two surgeons and one interventionalist. Time to needle placement and number of trials were recorded and statistically analyzed. MR-guided needle positioning under laparoscopic control was technically feasible. Average time to correct needle placement was 2' 6″ in the LapUS group and 1' 54″ in the MR group. The number of trials was 3.2 in the LapUS group and 2.6 in the MR group. Image quality was assessed by all participants. MR images showed a better tissue to tumor contrast and allowed an improved orientation due to multiplanar visualization. MR-guided laparoscopic RFA is a promising technique offering multiplanar needle positioning with high soft tissue contrast with immediate therapy control. In a phantom model it showed comparable results regarding needle positioning to the established technique of laparoscopic US guidance.

EUS-guided Transgastric Drainage to Manage a Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy and Splenectomy in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy represents the most frequent procedure-related complication; however, a standard treatment is currently not available. CASE REPORT: We herein report a case of postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy in a patient affected by a platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer recurrence. The 59-year-old patient developed a pancreatic fistula on postoperative day 4. An endoscopic transgastric double-pigtail drainage was placed on postoperative day 13. The patient was discharged after 5 days and referred to adjuvant medical treatment. A month later, computed tomography revealed complete resolution of the fistula, the drainage was removed, and the patient continued chemotherapy. She recovered uneventfully at a 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided drainage is a viable option in the management of postoperative pancreatic fistula, which can lead to a rapid resolution of peripancreatic fluid collections and to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy with the slightest delay in ovarian cancer patients.

Minimally Invasive Versus Open Ivor-Lewis Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer or Cancer of the Gastroesophageal Junction: Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes and Long-term Survival Using Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Esophagectomy is crucial for achieving long-term survival in patients with esophageal cancer, while being associated with a significant risk of complications. Aiming to reduce invasiveness and morbidity, total minimal-invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been gradually implemented worldwide. The aim of the study was to compare MIE to open Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (OE) for esophageal cancer or cancer of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), in terms of postoperative and oncological outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinicopathological data of patients undergoing oncologic transthoracic esophagectomy (Ivor Lewis procedure) between 2010 and 2019 were assessed. Postoperative outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing OE were compared to those after MIE using 1:1 propensity score matching. RESULTS: After excluding hybrid and robotic procedures, 90 patients who underwent MIE were compared with a matched cohort of 90 patients who underwent OE. MIE was associated with lower major postoperative morbidity (31% vs. 46%, p=0.046) and lower 90-day mortality (2% vs. 12%, p=0.010) compared to OE. MIE showed non-inferior 3-year overall (65% vs. 52%, p=0.019) and comparable disease-free survival rates (49% vs. 51%, p=0.851) in comparison to OE. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that MIE should be preferably performed in patients with esophageal cancer or cancer of the GEJ.

Safety of transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a retrospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Colectomy with transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (taIPAA) is a surgical technique that can be used to treat benign colorectal disease. Ulcerative colitis is the most frequent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and although pharmacological therapy has improved, colectomy rates reach up to 15%. The objective of this study was to determine anastomotic leakage rates and treatment after taIPAA as well as short- and long-term pouch function. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of all patients undergoing taIPAA at an academic tertiary referral center in Germany, between 01/03/2015 and 31/08/2019. Patients with indications other than ulcerative colitis or with adjuvant chemotherapy following colectomy for colorectal carcinoma were excluded for short- and long-term follow up due to diverging postoperative care yet considered for evaluation of anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients undergoing taIPAA during the study time-window were included in analysis. Median age at the time of surgery was 32 ± 12.5 (14-54) years. Two patients developed an anastomotic leakage at 11 days (early anastomotic leakage) and 9 months (late anastomotic leakage) after surgery, respectively. In both patients, pouches could be preserved with a multimodal approach. Twenty patients out of 22 met the inclusion criteria for short and long term follow-up. Data on short-term pouch function could be obtained in 14 patients and showed satisfactory pouch function with only four patients reporting intermittent incontinence at a median stool frequency of 9-10 times per day. In the long-term we observed an inflammation or "pouchitis" in 11 patients and a pouch failure in one patient. CONCLUSION: Postoperative complication rates in patients with benign colorectal disease remain an area of concern for surgical patient safety. In this pilot study on 22 selected patients, taIPAA was associated with two patients developing anastomotic leakage. Future large-scale validation studies are required to determine the safety and feasibility of taIPAA in patients with ulcerative colitis.

CT Body Composition of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity: Predictors of Postoperative Complications and Survival in Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To assess the impact of body composition imaging biomarkers in computed tomography (CT) on the perioperative morbidity and survival after surgery of patients with esophageal cancer (EC). METHODS: Eighty-five patients who underwent esophagectomy for locally advanced EC after neoadjuvant therapy between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Pre- and postoperative CT scans were used to assess the body composition imaging biomarkers (visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) areas, psoas muscle area (PMA) and volume (PMV), total abdominal muscle area (TAMA)). Sarcopenia was defined as lumbar skeletal muscle index (LSMI) ≤38.5 cm2/m2 in women and ≤52.4 cm2/m2 in men. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 were considered obese. These imaging biomarkers were correlated with major complications, anastomotic leakage, postoperative pneumonia, duration of postoperative hospitalization, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Preoperatively, sarcopenia was identified in 58 patients (68.2%), and sarcopenic obesity was present in 7 patients (8.2%). Sarcopenic patients were found to have an elevated risk for the occurrence of major complications (OR: 2.587, p = 0.048) and prolonged hospitalization (32 d vs. 19 d, p = 0.040). Patients with sarcopenic obesity had a significantly higher risk for postoperative pneumonia (OR: 6.364 p = 0.018) and a longer postoperative hospital stay (71 d vs. 24 d, p = 0.021). Neither sarcopenia nor sarcopenic obesity was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of anastomotic leakage (p > 0.05). Low preoperative muscle biomarkers (PMA and PMV) and their decrease (ΔPMV and ΔTAMA) during the follow-up period significantly correlated with shorter DFS and OS (p = 0.005 to 0.048). CONCLUSION: CT body composition imaging biomarkers can identify high-risk patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer undergoing surgery. Sarcopenic patients have a higher risk of major complications, and patients with sarcopenic obesity are more prone to postoperative pneumonia. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are both subsequently associated with a prolonged hospitalization. Low preoperative muscle mass and its decrease during the postoperative follow-up are associated with lower DFS and OS.