Prolonged pre-firing pancreatic compression with linear staplers in distal pancreatectomy: a valuable technique for post-operative pancreatic fistula prevention.

PURPOSE: Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains the main complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential benefit of different durations of progressive stapler closure on POPF rate and severity after DP. METHODS: Patients who underwent DP between 2016 and 2023 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into two groups according to the duration of the stapler closure: those who underwent a progressive compression for < 10 min and those for ≥ 10 min. RESULTS: Among 155 DPs, 83 (53.5%) patients underwent pre-firing compression for < 10 min and 72 (46.5%) for ≥ 10 min. As a whole, 101 (65.1%) developed POPF. A lower incidence rate was found in case of ≥ 10 min compression (34-47.2%) compared to < 10 min compression (67- 80.7%) (p = 0.001). When only clinically relevant (CR) POPFs were considered, a prolonged pre-firing compression led to a lower rate (15-20.8%) than the < 10 min cohort (32-38.6%; p = 0.02). At the multivariate analysis, a compression time of at least 10 min was confirmed as a protective factor for both POPF (OR: 5.47, 95% CI: 2.16-13.87; p = 0.04) and CR-POPF (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.19-5.45; p = 0.04) development. In case of a thick pancreatic gland, a prolonged pancreatic compression for at least 10 min was significantly associated to a lower rate of CR-POPF compared to < 10 min (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: A prolonged pre-firing pancreatic compression for at least 10 min seems to significantly reduce the risk of CR-POPF development. Moreover, significant advantages are documented in case of a thick pancreatic gland.

Anomalies of the right hepatic artery in periampullary cancer treatment: are pathological and clinical outcomes different? A single tertiary referral center retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Anomalies of the right hepatic artery (RHA) may represent an additional challenge in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study is to assess the potential impact of variations in hepatic arterial anatomy on perioperative outcomes. METHODS: PDs performed for periampullary malignancies between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and subdivided in two groups: modal pattern of vascularization (MPV) and anomalous pattern of vascularization (APV). A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to homogenize the two study populations. The two groups were then compared in terms of perioperative outcomes and pathological findings. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (16.3%) out of 232 presented a vascular anomaly: an accessory RHA in 7 cases (3%), a replaced RHA in 26 cases (11.2%), and a replaced HA in 5 cases (2.1%). After PSM, 76 MPV patients were compared to the 38 APV patients. The incidence rate of postoperative complications was comparable between the two study populations (p=0.2). Similarly, no difference was detected in terms of histopathological data, including margin status. No difference was noted in terms of intraoperative hemorrhage and vascular resection. CONCLUSION: When PDs are performed in high-volume centers, the presence of an APV of the RHA does not relate to a significant impact on perioperative complications. Moreover, no influence was noted on histopathological findings.

Acute pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy: clinical outcomes and predictive factors analysis according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition.

BACKGROUND: Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) is an increasingly described complication after pancreatic resection. No uniform definition criteria were present in the literature until the recent proposal of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS). Aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of the novel ISGPS definition of PPAP. METHODS: Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) between 2006 and 2022 were enrolled. PPAP was defined and graded according to the ISGPS criteria. RESULTS: Among 520 PDs, 120 (23%)patients developed post-operative hyperamylasemia (POH), while PPAP occurred in 63(12.1%) cases. PPAP occurrence related to a higher rate of more severe complications (48-76.1%vs118-25.8%; p < 0.0001), delayed gastric emptying (DGE) (27-42.9%vd114-24.9%; p = 0.003) and post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (57-90.5%vs186-40.8%; p < 0.0001). When stratified for PPAP severity, grade B and C patients more frequently developed major complications (p < 0.0001), POPF (p < 0.0001), DGE (p = 0.02) and post-operative hemorrhage (p < 0.0001) as compared to POH. At the multivariable analysis, soft pancreatic texture (p = 0.01)and a Wirsung diameter ≤3 mm (p = 0.01) were recognized as prognostic factors for PPAP onset, while a pancreatic duct ≤3 mm was the only feature significantly influencing a more severe course of PPAP (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The ISGPS classification is confirmed as a valuable method for a uniform definition and clinical course evaluation. Further studies in a prospective manner are still needed for a further confirmation.

Preliminary evaluation of two-row versus three-row circular staplers for colorectal anastomosis after rectal resection: a single-center retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Circular staplers for colorectal anastomoses significantly ameliorated post-operative outcomes after rectal resection. The more recent three-row technology was conceived to improve anastomotic resistance and, thus, lower the incidence of anastomotic complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential advantages of three-row circular staplers (Three-CS) on anastomotic leakage (AL), stenosis (AS), and hemorrhage (AH) rates after rectal resection as compared to two-row circular staplers (Two-CS). METHODS: All rectal resections for rectal cancer between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively included. Patients were classified according to the circular stapler employed in Two-CS and Three-CS cohorts. AL, AS, and AH rates were compared between the two populations. Additionally, the prognostic role of the type of circular stapler on AL onset was evaluated. RESULTS: Three-hundred and seventy-five patients underwent a rectal resection with an end-to-end anastomosis during the study period: 197 constituted the Two-CS group and 178 the Three-CS cohort. AL rate was 6.7%, significantly higher in the Two-CS group (19-9.6%) as compared to the Three-CS cohort (6-3.4%) (p = 0.01). No difference was noted in terms of AL severity. Although not statistically significant, a lower incidence rate of AL was evidenced even in the subset of patients with low rectal cancers (4.5% vs 12.5% in the two-row cohort; p = 0.33). At the multivariate analysis, Two-CS was a negative prognostic factor for AL onset (OR: 2.63; p = 0.03). No difference was noted between the two groups in terms of AS and AH. CONCLUSION: Three-row CSs significantly decrease the rate of AL after rectal resection. Further multicenter controlled trials are still needed to confirm the advantages of three-row CSs on anastomotic complications.

The impact of the histological classification of ampullary carcinomas on long-term outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a single tertiary referral center evaluation.

PURPOSE: Ampullary carcinomas (ACs) are classified as pancreatobiliary (Pb-AC), intestinal (Int-AC), or mixed (Mixed-AC). The influencing role of AC subtypes on long-term outcomes is still matter of debate. Aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic role of the three histological variants on the overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD). METHODS: All PDs for AC between 2004 and 2020 were included. Patients were classified according to the histological feature in Pb-AC, Int-AC, and Mixed-AC. Five-year OS and DFS were compared among the subtypes. Additionally, the prognostic role of the histological classification on OS and DFS was evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-six (48.7%) Pb-ACs, 53 (46.1%) Int-ACs, and 6 (5.2%) Mixed-ACs were evaluated. A poorer 5-year OS was evidenced for the Pb-AC group (54.1%) as compared to the Int-AC cohort (80.7%) (p = 0.03), but similar to the Mixed-AC population (33%) (p = 0.45). Pb-AC presented a worse 5-year DFS (42.3%) in comparison to the Int-AC (74.8%) (p = 0.002), while no difference was evidenced in comparison to the Mixed-AC (16.7%) (p = 0.51). At the multivariate analysis, the Pb-/Mixed-AC histotype was recognized as negative prognostic factor for both OS (OR: 2.29, CI: 1.05-4.98; p = 0.04) and DFS (OR: 2.17, CI: 1-4.33; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Histological subtypes of AC play a relevant role in long-term outcomes after PD. Pb-ACs and Mixed-ACs show a more aggressive tumor biology and a consequent worse survival as compared to the Int-AC subtype.

The impact of gastrojejunostomy orientation on delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a single center comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) represents the most frequent complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gastrojejunostomy (GJ)orientation on DGE incidence after PD. METHODS: One-hundred and twenty-one consecutive PDs were included in the analysis and divided in the horizontal (H-GJ group) and vertical GJ anastomosis groups (V-GJ group). Postoperative data and the value of the flow angle between the efferent jejunal limb and the stomach of the GJ anastomosis at the upper gastrointestinal series were registered. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (62%)underwent H-GJ, while 46 patients (38%)underwent V-GJ. The incidence of DGE was significantly lower in the V-GJ group as compared to the H-GJ group (23.9%vs45.3%; p = 0.02). V-GJ was also associated to a less severe DGE manifestation (p = 0.006). The flow angle was significantly lower in case of V-GJ as compared to H-GJ (24.5°vs37°; p = 0.002). At the multivariate analysis, ASA score≥3 (p = 0.02), H-GJ (p = 0.03), flow angle>30°(p = 0.004) and Clavien-Dindo≥3 (p = 0.03) were recognized as independent prognostic factors for DGE. These same factors were independent prognostic features also for a more severe DGE manifestation. CONCLUSION: VGJ and the more acute flow angle appear to be associated to a lower incidence rate and severity of DGE. This modified technique should be considered by surgeons in order to reduce postoperative DGE occurrence.

Adhesive small bowel obstruction in elderly patients: a single-center analysis of treatment strategies and clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of adhesive bowel obstruction (ASBO) progressively increases with age. Strong evidences on the influencing role of age on ASBO clinical course and management are still lacking. Aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the clinical outcomes of patients older than 65 years of age admitted to a tertiary referral Emergency Department with a diagnosis of ASBO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of patients admitted for ASBO in the period 2014-2019. Patients were divided in elderly (≥65 years) and non-elderly (<65 years). Primary endpoint was to compare the all-cause in-hospital mortality and the occurrence of major complications in the two groups. Secondary endpoint was a comparison of clinical presentation, clinical course and management. RESULTS: We enrolled 285 elderly and 492 non-elderly patients. Vomit was more frequent in the elderly (51.9% vs 34.6%; p < .001), while no difference was evidenced for the remaining symptoms of ASBO presentation. A higher rate of non-operative management (NOM) (26.3% vs 16.5%; p = .010), ICU admission (16% vs 0.6%; p < .001), mortality (2.1% vs 0.2%; p = .007) and cumulative major complications (8.8% vs 3.3%; p = .001), as well as a prolonged hospitalization (8.2 vs 5.4 days; p < .001) was evidenced in the ≥65 years group. Multivariate analysis identified increasing age (OR:2.8; 95%CI:1.09-7.2; p = .040) and Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 2 (OR:2.5; 95% CI:1.2-6.4; p = .050) as the only independent predictors of cumulative major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the similarity in terms of clinical presentation, elderly patient present higher mortality rate and occurrence of major complications. A comprehensive geriatric assessment is recommended to optimize the diagnostic and clinical strategies in case of ASBO.

Propensity score-matched comparison of short- and long-term outcomes between surgery and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for intestinal type early gastric cancer (EGC) of the middle and lower third of the stomach: a European tertiary referral center experience.

BACKGROUND: Despite the comparable results between ESD and gastrectomy reported in multiple Asiatic studies, limited data are currently present on the long-term efficacy of ESD for EGC in Western countries. The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of the endoscopic submucosal dissection and surgery for non-diffuse early gastric cancer treatment in a Western cohort of patients. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of intestinal type EGC located in the middle and lower third of the stomach from 2005 to 2015 were enrolled in the study. All patients completed a 5-year follow-up. Patients were divided according to the procedure performed (ESD/subtotal gastrectomy). The two groups were matched for age, gender, ASA score, tumor dimension, and grade of infiltration (mucosa/submucosa). RESULTS: After matching, 84 patients (42 per group) were included in the analysis. Peri-procedural morbidity rate was 7.1% and no difference was observed between the two groups (4.8% vs 9.5% for ESD and STG groups, respectively; p = 0.3). Similar results in terms of 5-year OS and DFS were observed for ESD and STG (77.7% vs 71.8% ; p = 0.78 and 74.9% vs 72% ; p = 0.7, respectively). At the multivariate analysis, ASA3 score was recognized as the only negative predictor factor for the 5-year OS (OR 6.2; 95% CI 2.2-16.8; p < 0.001). Regarding the DFS, both ASA3 score (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.7-10.9; p < 0.001) and submucosal infiltration(OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.2-22.4 ; p = 0.02) were identified as independent risk factors for a worse outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the safety and feasibility ESD for EGC treatment in a Western setting. In addition, this is one of the few reports showing comparable results both in terms of short- and long-term outcomes between ESD and surgery for intestinal type ECG treatment in Western countries.

The role of mesopancreas excision for ampullary carcinomas: a single center propensity-score matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Few evidences are available on the prognostic role of mesopancreas excision(MPe) for ampullary cancers(ACs). Aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes between pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) with(PD-MPe group) and without(sPD group) MP. METHODS: Thirty-seven sPDs were matched and compared to 37 PD-MPes for perioperative outcomes, recurrence rate, disease-free(DFS) and overall survival(OS). RESULTS: The PD-MPe technique related to a significantly higher number of harvested lymph nodes[16 (±6)] as compared to the sPD [10 (±5); p < 0.0001]. Tumor recurrence was more frequent in the sPD cohort[21 (56.8%) vs 12 (32.4%) in the PD-MPe population; p = 0.03]. Although not statistically different, PD-MPe was associated with a better DFS(40% vs 35.7% for sPD; p = 0.08) and OS(59.3% vs 39.1% for sPD; p = 0.07). At the multivariate analysis, a higher number of lymph nodes retrieved and a more extensive lymphovascular clearance reached with the MPe technique, together with lymph nodes metastases, were recognized as independent prognostic factors for a worse OS and DFS. CONCLUSION: The PD-MPe technique is associated with a better oncological radicality thanks to the higher number of retrieved lymph nodes and to the more appropriate tumor clearance. This reflects in a lower incidence of tumor relapse and in improved outcomes in terms of OS and DFS.

Total mesopancreas excision for periampullary malignancy: a single-center propensity score-matched comparison of long-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: Few comparative studies are available on the long-term prognostic role of mesopancreas (MP) excision after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We compared the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing standard PD (sPD) and PD with MP excision (PD-MPe). METHODS: Sixty sPDs were compared to 60 matched PD-MPe patients for intraoperative and postoperative data, histopathological findings, and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: R0 rate was similar in the two groups (p = 0.17). However, PD-MPe related to a lower rate of MP resection margin positivity (16.7% vs 5%; p = 0.04) and to a higher harvested lymph nodes number (19.8 ± 7.6 vs 10.1 ± 5.1; p < 0.0001). Local tumor recurrence was more frequent in the sPD cohort (55.5% vs 26.8% in the PD-MPe group; p = 0.002), with a consequent worse disease-free survival (DFS) (14.8% vs 22.3%; p = 0.04). An inferior 5-year overall survival (OS) was noted in case of MP margin positivity compared with MP margin negativity (0% vs 29%; p < 0.0001). MP positivity resulted as an independent prognostic factor for both a worse OS and DFS at the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: PD-MPe offers clinical advantages in terms of MP resection margin status, local recurrence, long-term mortality, and DFS. The lower MP positivity rate, achieved with PD-MPe, leads to better outcomes both in terms of OS and DFS.

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.

Acute pancreatitis in elderly patients: a single-center retrospective evaluation of clinical outcomes.

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis (AP) incidence in the elderly population has increased in the last years. However, the role of age as influencing factor on the AP clinical course is still debated. Methods: We reviewed clinical records of consecutive patients admitted with diagnosis of AP. Patients were divided in elderly (≥65 years) and non-elderly (<65 years). Primary endpoint was comparison of overall mortality. Secondary endpoint included ICU admission, in-hospital length of stay (LOS) and surgical procedures. Results: We enrolled 352 elderly and 532 non-elderly patients. A higher mortality rate (7.4% vs 1.9%; p < .001), ICU admission rate (18.9% vs 6.3%; p < .001) and prolonged length of hospital stay (9 (6-14) vs 7 (5-11.7) days; p = .01) were registered in the ≥65 years group. Multivariate analysis identified age (OR: 3.5; 95% CI:1.645-7.555; p = .001), a higher Ranson score at admission (OR: 5.52; 95% CI:1.11-27.41; p<.001) and necrotic pancreatitis (OR: 8.6; 95% CI:2.46-30.27; p = .001) as independent predictors of mortality. Conversely age and necrotic pancreatitis were independent risk factors for higher LOS and ICU admission. Conclusions: Patients with AP and age ≥65 years have a higher mortality, ICU admission and prolonged LOS. Early recognition and prompt treatment are key elements to improve outcomes in this population.

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.

Single-Docking Full Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: Robotic surgery has gradually gained importance in the treatment of rectal cancer. However, recent studies have not shown any advantages when compared with laparoscopy. The objective of this study is to report a single surgeon's experience in robotic rectal surgery focusing on short-term and long-term outcomes. METHODS: Sixty consecutive robotic rectal resections for adenocarcinoma, over a 4-year period, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. Oncological outcomes and surgical resection quality as well as overall and disease-free survival were also assessed. RESULTS: Thirty patients out of 60 (50%) underwent neoadjuvant therapy. Anterior rectal resection was performed in 52 cases (86.7%), and abdominoperineal resection was done in 8 cases (13.3%). Mean operative time was 283 (±68.6) minutes. The conversion rate was 5% (3 patients). Postoperative complications occurred in 10 cases (16.7%), and reoperation was required in 1 case (1.7%). Mean hospital stay was 9 days, while 30-day mortality was 1.7% (1 patients). The histopathological analysis reported a negative circumferential radial margin and distal margins in 100% of cases with a complete or near complete total mesorectal excision in 98.3% of patients. Mean follow-up was 32.8 months with a recurrence rate of 3.4% (2 patients). Overall survival and disease-free survival were 94% and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery for rectal cancer proves to be safe and feasible when performed by highly skilled surgeons. It offers acceptable perioperative outcomes with a conversion rate notably lower than with the laparoscopic approach. Adequate pathological results and long-term oncological outcomes were also obtained.

Postoperative hyperglycemia in nondiabetic patients after gastric surgery for cancer: perioperative outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia (HG) is widely known to be associated with increased postoperative complications after colorectal surgery. Very few data on the effects of HG on patients after gastric surgery for cancer are reported in literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of postoperative HG in non-diabetic patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-three consecutive gastrectomies for cancer performed between January 2010 and December 2015 were considered. Diabetic patients, and those undergoing pancreatic resections were excluded. Postoperative blood glucose levels were monitored in the first 72 h after surgery. Postoperative complications, mortality, and postoperative course were analyzed in patients who experienced postoperative HG (blood glucose level; BGL > 125 mg/dl) compared with euglycemic patients (BGL ≤ 125 mg/dl). Differences between mild HG (BGL between 125 and 200 mg/dl) and severe HG (BGL ≥ 200 mg/dl) were also analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients (55.5 %) experienced postoperative HG. In 11 patients (6.4 %), a severe postoperative HG was found. Postoperative BGL > 200 mg/dl was related to worse outcomes than those experienced by euglycemic patients (and even than patients who experienced mild postoperative HG). The postoperative complications rate was 24.8 % (43 patients out of 173), but significantly higher in patients with postoperative severe HG compared to mild HG and normoglycemic patients (63.6, 30.6, and 13 %, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Poor postoperative glycemic control seems to be related to worse postoperative outcomes even in patients undergoing elective gastric surgery for cancer.

Nonoperative management and local excision after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for rectal cancer.

Locally advanced extraperitoneal rectal cancer represents a significant clinical challenge, and currently, the standard treatment is based on neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) followed by radical surgical resection with total mesorectal excision (TME). In the last 30 years, its management has undergone significant changes due to the improvement of complementary radio- and chemotherapy treatments, the improvement of minimally invasive surgical approaches and the diffusion of organ-sparing approaches, such as nonoperative management, commonly called "watch and wait" (NOM) and local excision (LE), in highly selected patients who achieve a major or complete response to neoadjuvant CRT. This review aimed to critically examine the efficacy and oncological safety of NOM and LE compared to those of standard TME in rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant CRT. Both the pros and cons of these approaches were strictly analyzed, providing a comprehensive and critical overview of these novel management strategies for rectal cancer.

Resection Margin Status and Long-Term Outcomes after Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Tertiary Referral Center Analysis.

The influencing role of resection margin (R) status on long-term outcomes, namely overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is not still clear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic impact of R status after PD and to define tumor characteristics associated with a positive resection margin (R1). All PDs for PDAC performed between 2012 and 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. The effect of R status, patient clinico-demographic features, and tumor features on OS and DFS were assessed. One-hundred and sixty-seven patients who underwent PD for PDAC were included in the study. R0 was achieved in 105 cases (62.8%), while R1 was evidenced in 62 patients (37.1%). R1 was associated with a decreased OS (23 (13-38) months) as compared to R0 (36 (21-53) months) (p = 0.003). Similarly, DFS was shorter in R1 patients (10 (6-25) months) as compared to the R0 cohort (18 (9-70) months) (p = 0.004), with a consequent higher recurrence rate in cases of R1 (74.2% vs. 64.8% in the R0 group; p = 0.04). In the multivariate analysis, R1 and positive lymph nodes (N+) were the only independent influencing factors for OS (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1-2.5; p = 0.03 and OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1-2.8; p = 0.04) and DFS (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1-2.1; p = 0.04 and OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-2.7; p = 0.009). Among 111 patients with N+ disease, R1 was associated with a significantly decreased DFS (10 (8-11) months) as compared to R0N+ patients (16 (11-21) months) (p = 0.05). In conclusion, the achievement of a negative resection margin is associated with survival benefits, particularly in cases of N1 disease. In addition, R0 was recognized as an independent prognostic feature for both OS and DFS. This further outlines the relevant role of radical surgery on long-term outcomes.

The role of the multidisciplinary tumor board (MDTB) in the assessment of pancreatic cancer diagnosis and resectability: A tertiary referral center experience.

Background: The introduction of multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTBs) for the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway of several oncological disease significantly ameliorated patients' outcomes. However, only few evidences are currently present on the potential impact of the MDTB on pancreatic cancer (PC) management. Aim of this study is to report how MDTB may influence PC diagnosis and treatment, with particular focus on PC resectability assessment and the correspondence between MDTB definition of resectability and intraoperative findings. Methods: All patients with a proven or suspected diagnosis of PC discussed at the MDTB between 2018 and 2020 were included in the study. An evaluation of diagnosis, tumor response to oncological/radiation therapy and resectability before and after the MDTB was conducted. Moreover, a comparison between the MDTB resectability assessment and the intraoperative findings was performed. Results: A total of 487 cases were included in the analysis: 228 (46.8%) for diagnosis evaluation, 75 (15.4%) for tumor response assessment after/during medical treatment, 184 (37.8%) for PC resectability assessment. As a whole, MDTB led to a change in treatment management in 89 cases (18.3%): 31/228 (13.6%) in the diagnosis group, 13/75 (17.3%) in the assessment of treatment response cohort and 45/184 (24.4%) in the PC resectability evaluation group. As a whole, 129 patients were given indication to surgery. Surgical resection was accomplished in 121 patients (93.7%), with a concordance rate of resectability between MDTB discussion and intraoperative findings of 91.5%. Concordance rate was 99% for resectable lesions and 64.3% for borderline PCs. Conclusions: MDTB discussion consistently influences PC management, with significant variations in terms of diagnosis, tumor response assessment and resectability. In this last regard, MDTB discussion plays a key role, as demonstrated by the high concordance rate between MDTB resectability definition and intraoperative findings.

The Impact of Post-Pancreatectomy Acute Pancreatitis (PPAP) on Long-Term Outcomes after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Single-Center Propensity-Score-Matched Analysis According to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) Definition.

Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) is a potentially life-threating complication. Although multiple authors demonstrated PPAP as a predisposing feature for a more detrimental clinical course, no evidence is currently present on its potential impact on long-term outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate how PPAP onset may influence overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DSF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients who underwent PD for PDAC from 2006 to 2021 were enrolled. PPAP was defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in order to reduce potential selection biases. After PSM, 32 patients out of 231 PDs who developed PPAP (PPAP group) were matched to 32 patients who did not present PPAP (no-PPAP group). PPAP patients more frequently presented major post-operative complications (p = 0.02) and post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (p = 0.003). Median follow-up was 26.2 months, with no difference between the two groups (p = 0.79). A comparable rate of local or distant metastases was noted in the two cohorts (p = 0.2). Five-year OS was comparable between the two populations (39.3% and 35.7% for the no-PPAP and PPAP populations, respectively; p = 0.53). Conversely, despite not being statistically significant, a worse 5-year DFS was evidenced in the case of PPAP (23.2%) as compared to the absence of PPAP (37.4%) (p = 0.51). With the limitations due to the small sample size, PPAP may potentially relate to worse long-term outcomes in terms of DFS. However, further studies with wider study populations are still needed in order to better clarify the prognostic role of PPAP.

Adhesive small bowel obstruction in octogenarians: A 6-year retrospective single-center analysis of clinical management and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Few evidences are available on adhesive bowel obstruction (ASBO)management and outcomes in geriatric patients. METHODS: One-hundred-twenty-eight patients aged 65-79 years were retrospectively compared to 77 patients aged ≥80 years. Aim of this study was to compare ASBO management and in-hospital course between patients aged 65-79 years and those over 80 years. RESULTS: Upfront surgery in octogenarians related with a higher rate of major complications (23.7%vs4.9%; p = 0.009) and longer hospitalization (8.8vs7.3 days; p = 0.01). No difference according to age was noted in terms of clinical outcomes when the non-operative management (NOM) was employed. Patients aged ≥80 years managed conservatively presented shorter hospitalization (7.3vs8.8 days; p = 0.04), lower rate of intensive care unit (ICU)admission (0vs18.4%; p = 0.005) and cumulative major complications (2.6%vs23.7%; p = 0.007) as compared to ≥80 years old patients treated with upfront surgery. In this same group, NOM failure did not lead to worse outcomes in comparison to upfront surgery. CONCLUSIONS: NOM in≥80 years patients is associated with better in-hospital course. The acceptable clinical outcomes in case of NOM failure further support NOM as first treatment strategy to employ in this same subset of patients.