Fully laparoscopic left hepatectomy - a technical reference proposed for standard practice compared to the open approach: a retrospective propensity score model.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy (LLH) may be an alternative to open (OLH). There are several original variations in the technical aspects of LLH, and no accepted standard. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of the technique developed at Henri Mondor Hospital since 1996. METHODS: The technique of LLH was conceived for safety and training of two mature generations of lead surgeons. The technique includes full laparoscopy, ventral approach to the common trunk, extrahepatic pedicle dissection, CUSA® parenchymal transection, division of the left hilar plate laterally to the Arantius ligament, and ventral transection of the left hepatic vein. The outcomes of LLH and OLH were compared. Perioperative analysis included intra- and postoperative, and histology variables. Propensity Score Matching was undertaken of background covariates including age, ASA, BMI, fibrosis, steatosis, tumour size, and specimen weight. RESULTS: 17 LLH and 51 OLH were performed from 1996 to 2014 with perioperative mortality rates of 0% and 6%, respectively. In the LLH group, two patients underwent conversion to open surgery. Propensity matching selected 10 LLH/OLH pairs. The LLH group had a higher proportion of procedures for benign disease. LLH was associated with longer operating time and less blood loss. Perioperative complications occurred in 30% (LLH) and 10% (OLH) (p = 1). Mortality and ITU stay were similar. CONCLUSION: This technique is recommended as a possible technical reference for standard LLH.

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in 313 Western patients: tumor biology and underlying liver rather than tumor size drive prognosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Treatment decisions for hepatocellular carcinoma are mostly guided by tumor size. The aim of this study was to analyze resection outcomes according to tumor size and characterize prognostic factors. METHODS: Patients resected at a Western center between 1989 and 2010 were grouped by largest tumor size: <50mm, 50-100mm, and >100mm. The primary end points were overall- and recurrence-free survival. Univariate associations with primary endpoints were entered into a Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: Three hundred thirteen patients underwent resection: 111 (36%) had tumors <50mm, 113 (36%) had tumors between 50 and 100mm, and 89 (28%) had tumors >100mm. Five-year overall and disease-free survival rates for the three groups were 67%, 46%, and 34%, and 32%, 27%, and 27%, respectively. Thirty-five patients, mostly from <50mm group, underwent transplantation which was associated with a 91% 5 year survival rate. Tumor size was not an independent predictor of overall or recurrence-free survival on multivariate analyses. Independent predictors of decreased overall survival were: intraoperative transfusion (HR=2.60), cirrhosis (HR=2.42), poorly differentiated tumor (HR=2.04), satellite lesions (HR=1.69), alpha-fetoprotein >200 (HR=1.53), and microvascular invasion (HR=1.48). The use of salvage transplantation was an independent predictor of improved survival (HR=0.21). Recurrence-free survival was predicted by intraoperative transfusion (HR=2.15), poorly differentiated tumor (HR=1.87), microvascular invasion (HR=1.71) and cirrhosis (HR=1.69). CONCLUSION: By studying a large group of patients across a distribution of tumor sizes and background liver diseases, it is demonstrated that size alone is a limited prognostic factor. Tumor biology and condition of the underlying liver are better prognosticators and should be given closer attention. Although hampered by recurrence rates, resection is safe and offers good overall survival. In addition, it may allow for better selection for salvage transplantation after consideration of histopathological risk factors.

Single incision laparoscopic hepatectomy: Advances in laparoscopic liver surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver surgery is now an established practice in many institutions. It is a safe and feasible approach in experienced hands. Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has been performed for cholecystectomies, nephrectomies, splenectomies and obesity surgery. However, the use of SILS in liver surgery has been rarely reported. We report our initial experience in seven patients on single incision laparoscopic hepatectomy (SILH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 2010 to September 2012, seven patients underwent single-incision laparoscopic liver surgery. The abdomen was approached through a 25 mm periumbilical incision. No supplemental ports were required. The liver was transected using a combination of LigaSure™ (Covidien-Valleylab. Boulder. USA), Harmonic Scalpel and Ligaclips (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.). RESULTS: Liver resection was successfully completed for the seven patients. The procedures consisted of two partial resections of segment three, two partial resections of segment five and three partial resections of segment six. The mean operative time was 98.3 min (range: 60-150 min) and the mean estimated blood loss was 57 ml (range: 25-150 ml). The postoperative courses were uneventful and the mean hospital stay was 5.1 days (range: 1-13 days). Pathology identified three benign and four malignant liver tumours with clear margins. CONCLUSION: SILH is a technically feasible and safe approach for wedge resections of the liver without oncological compromise and with favourable cosmetic results. This surgical technique requires relatively advanced laparoscopic skills. Further studies are needed to determine the potential advantages of this technique, apart from the better cosmetic result, compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy as a First Step Procedure for Oncologic Purposes: An Indication Beyond the Updated Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for cancer. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is established as a safe procedure providing accelerated weight loss and comorbidity improvement or remission. Additionally, it is approved as a bridging procedure for various non-oncologic surgeries, with very limited data for oncologic procedures. The aim of this study is to present a series of patients with severe obesity and concomitant cancer who underwent LSG prior to definitive oncological procedure. METHODS: A retrospective review (2008-2023) was conducted in three institutions, identifying 5 patients with cancer and severe obesity who underwent LSG as bridging procedure. Variables analyzed were initial weight, initial body mass index (BMI), type of malignancy, comorbidities, interval between LSG and oncological surgery, weight and BMI before the second intervention, percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), and postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Malignancies identified were 2 prostate cancers, 1 periampullary neuroendocrine tumor, 1 rectal cancer, and 1 renal clear cell carcinoma. Mean age of patients was 50.2 years, mean initial BMI 47.4 kg/ m 2 , and mean BMI before oncological surgery 37 kg/ m 2 . Mean time interval between LSG and oncological surgery was 8.3 months. Mean %EWL achieved was 45.2%. Two thromboembolic events were encountered after LSG, while none of the patients developed complications after definitive oncological treatment. The mean follow-up after oncological surgery was 61.6 months. CONCLUSION: LSG can be proposed as bridging procedure before oncological surgery in meticulously selected patients. Achieved weight loss can render subsequent oncological procedures easier and safer.

A foregut cystic neoplasm with diagnostic and therapeutic similarities to mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas.

CONTEXT: Greater utilization of cross-sectional abdominal imaging has increased the diagnostic frequency of cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. The "International Consensus Guidelines 2012 for the Management of IPMN and MCN of the Pancreas" illustrates a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for these lesions based on current knowledge. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 49-year-old woman with two years of intermittent epigastric pain found to have an 8.5 cm head of the pancreas mass on CT. Evaluation was consistent with a mucinous cystic neoplasm for which she underwent an uneventful pancreaticoduodenectomy. Histology revealed a bronchogenic cyst of the head of the pancreas. DISCUSSION: Bronchogenic cysts are congenital anomalies of the ventral foregut that can migrate into the abdomen prior to fusion of the diaphragm. They can easily be misdiagnosed for other benign and malignant retroperitoneal lesions. Similarly to mucinous cystic neoplasms, bronchogenic cysts have been reported to undergo malignant transformation. They can also become infected and hemorrhage. Therefore, resection should be performed in appropriate risk candidates. It is possible, with increased use of high resolution cross-sectional imaging, that these lesions may be identified with greater frequency in the abdomen and confused with other pancreatic neoplasms. The presence of ciliated respiratory epithelium and cartilage on pathology provides for definitive diagnosis.

Liver resection for colorectal liver metastases with peri-operative chemotherapy: oncological results of R1 resections.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective analysis of outcomes of R0 (negative margin) versus R1 (positive margin) liver resections for colorectal metastases (CLM) in the context of peri-operative chemotherapy. METHODS: All CLM resections between 2000 and 2006 were reviewed. Exclusion criteria included: macroscopically incomplete (R2) resections, the use of local treatment modalities, the presence of extra-hepatic disease and no peri-operative chemotherapy. R0/R1 status was based on pathological examination. RESULTS: Of 86 eligible patients, 63 (73%) had R0 and 23 (27%) had R1 resections. The two groups were comparable for the number, size of metastases and type of hepatectomy. The R1 group had more bilobar CLM (52% versus 24%, P = 0.018). The median follow-up was 3.1 years. Five-year overall and disease-free survival were 54% and 21% for the R0 group and 49% and 22% for the R1 group (P = 0.55 and P = 0.39, respectively). An intra-hepatic recurrence was more frequent in the R1 group (52% versus 27%, P = 0.02) and occurred more frequently at the surgical margin (22% versus 3%, P = 0.01). DISCUSSION: R1 resections were associated with a higher risk of intra-hepatic and surgical margin recurrence but did not negatively impact survival suggesting that in the era of efficient chemotherapy, the risk of an R1 resection should not be considered as a contraindication to surgery.

[Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver: a case of recurrence after resection]. / Pseudotumor inflamatorio del hígado: recurrencia después de la resección.

Inflammatory pseudo-tumor of the liver is a rare benign condition. Usually presented as a large liver mass, may cause obstruction or infiltration of the main vessels or biliary tree. The clinical presentation is mostly an inflammatory syndrome with acute abdominal pain. We present a 39-year-old female patient with abdominal pain, fever and jaundice. Images showed a 15-cm liver lesion in the left lobe of the liver. Malignancy could not be discarded and the patient underwent left hepatectomy. The histologic examination reported an inflammatory pseudo-tumor of the liver. The patient recurred after one year with the same symptoms and a 10-cm new lesion occupying segment I. Considered as a recurrence, medical treatment was decided tumor size decreased 50% after the first month and completely disappeared during the follow up. Two years later, the patient was readmitted with a new episode and a new 8-cm liver lesion in segment VII. She was treated again with anti-inflammatory medication and imaging control. Although inflammatory pseudo-tumor of the liver is a benign condition, it can have a recurrent behaviour. The differentiation with other malignant tumors sometimes is impossible by clinical and imaging presentation.

Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction during complex hepatectomy: a useful technique in selected cases.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y anastomosis is the standard of care for biliary reconstruction. Yet, a direct bilio-biliary anastomosis preserves the normal sphincter mechanism and endoscopic access to the biliary tree for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction is widely used in liver transplantation. The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility and results of duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in the setting of complex hepatic resection with limited biliary confluence involvement. METHODS: We identified patients from our prospectively maintained database that underwent major hepatic resection and bile duct resection with a concomitant direct duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis. Postoperative oncological and functional biliary outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten patients were studied. In 9 cases, a biliary stent was left in place to decompress the anastomosis. Two patients developed a biliary fistula: one resolved spontaneously and the other required percutaneous drainage and an endoscopic biliary stent. This latter patient (the only nonstented patient) also developed a biliary stricture that was treated endoscopically. With a mean follow-up of 22 months, no other biliary-related complications were recorded. No patients had a recurrence at the biliary reconstruction site only. In the setting of multifocal hepatic recurrence presenting with jaundice, two patients were palliated by interventional endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: For hepatectomy requiring a short resection of the bile duct or for high bile duct injury during complex hepatectomy, a tension-free, well-vascularized duct-to-duct reconstruction over a stent is a suitable option that offers good oncological clearance of the bile duct and satisfactory functional results.

5-fluorouracil/leucovorin combined with irinotecan and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) as second-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of irinotecan and oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (FU) and leucovorin (FOLFIRINOX) as second-line therapy in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (MPA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 27 patients with MPA treated with FOLFIRINOX as second-line therapy between January 2003 and November 2009 in our hospital. The recommended schedule was oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2) on day 1 + irinotecan 180 mg/m(2) on day 1 + leucovorin 400 mg/m(2) on day 1 followed by FU 400 mg/m(2) as a bolus on day 1 and 2,400 mg/m(2) as 46-hour continuous infusion biweekly. RESULTS: The median age of the 27 patients (13 males and 14 females) was 63 years (45-83). All patients had progressive disease after first-line chemotherapy by gemcitabine. A total of 167 cycles were administered, with a median number of 6 cycles (1-29) per patient. One toxic death occurred (sepsis). Tolerance of treatment was acceptable, and the relative dose density delivered per patient was 92.8% for oxaliplatin, 89.1% for irinotecan and 96.4% for FU. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 55.6% of the patients, including 1 febrile neutropenia. The other toxicities were manageable. Regarding efficacy, 22 of the 27 patients were evaluable (WHO and RECIST criteria). Five patients had partial responses and 12 stable disease, resulting in an overall disease control rate of 63%. Median time to progression was 5.4 months (0.7-25.48), and median event-free survival was 3 months (0.5-24.9). Median overall survival was 8.5 months (0-26). A clinical benefit was reported for 55% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed the good safety profile and the efficacy of the FOLFIRINOX regimen as second-line treatment of MPA.

Airway responsiveness measured by forced oscillation technique in severely obese patients, before and after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The influence of obesity on airway responsiveness remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate airway responsiveness, airway inflammation, and the influence of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), in severely obese subjects, before and after bariatric surgery. METHODS: A total of 120 non-asthmatic obese patients were referred consecutively for pre-bariatric surgery evaluation. Lung function, airway responsiveness to methacholine, exhaled nitric oxide measurement, and sleep studies were performed. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was defined as a 50% or greater increase in respiratory resistance measured using the forced oscillation technique in response to a methacholine dose ≤ 2000 µg. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was measured after the last methacholine dose. Airway responsiveness was reevaluated after weight loss in patients with a pre-surgery AHR. RESULTS: AHR was found in 16 patients. The percent FEV1 decrease or percent respiratory resistance increase in response to methacholine was related to baseline expiratory airflow (forced expiratory flow at 50%) (r = 0.26, p < .006 and r = 0.315, p = .0005, respectively) but not to body mass index (BMI) or exhaled nitric oxide. Both airway responsiveness parameters were significantly related to forced expiratory flow at 25-75%/forced vital capacity, a measure of airway size relative to lung size (r = 0.27, p < .005 and r = 0.25, p < .007, respectively). Sleep apnea was not significantly associated with AHR or airway inflammation. About 11 patients with AHR were reevaluated 18 months to 2 years after surgery, with no change in AHR associated with weight loss. CONCLUSION: Airway responsiveness is not related to BMI or to SAS. AHR in severely obese patients might be related to distal airway obstruction or low relative airway size.

Locally advanced mid/low rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Management of patients with T3/4 and/or N+ mid/low rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases is not codified. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes of our approach which consists of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, according to liver disease extension, followed by simultaneous rectal and liver resection. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2009, 354 patients underwent hepatectomy for synchronous metastases. Thirty-six consecutive patients who underwent rectal and liver resection for metastatic T3/4 and/or N+ mid/low rectal cancer were analyzed. RESULTS: Liver metastases were multiple in 27 patients, bilobar in 22, and >5 cm in six. Up-front treatment was chemotherapy in 15 patients, chemoradiotherapy in seven, chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy in six, and surgery in eight (five symptomatic tumors). After chemotherapy alone (median number of cycles = 6), primary tumor response was observed in 11 patients (three complete responses). After chemoradiotherapy, only one patient had liver disease progression. Eighty-nine percent of patients underwent simultaneous rectal and hepatic resection. Mortality and morbidity rates were 2.8% (one pulmonary embolism) and 36%, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 39 months, 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 59.3 and 39.6%, respectively. Twenty-one patients had recurrence, including three pelvic recurrences (8.3%). No pelvic recurrence occurred among patients who correctly completed treatment strategy. All patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were alive and disease-free; 5-year overall and disease-free survival of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 59.3 and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with metastatic T3/4 and/or N+ mid/low rectal cancer, the present strategy was safe and effective. Good disease control was achieved by neoadjuvant treatments, low morbidity rates were associated with simultaneous resection, and excellent long-term outcomes with low local relapse rate were obtained.

Recurarization after sugammadex reversal in an obese patient.

PURPOSE: We report a case that involved immediate postoperative respiratory failure necessitating tracheal intubation, which was possibly related to recurarization after sugammadex reversal. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 54-yr-old woman weighing 115-kg was scheduled for laparoscopic repair of abdominal dehiscence under general anesthesia. Muscle relaxation was induced and maintained with rocuronium (170 mg iv total dose). At the end of the 170-min procedure, two twitches were visualized after supramaximal train-of-four (TOF) stimulation at the adductor pollicis muscle, and the patient's central core temperature was 35.6°C. Sugammadex 200 mg iv (1.74 mg·kg(-1)) was administered. With the patient fully awake, a TOF ratio 0.9 was obtained five minutes later. The tracheal tube was then removed, and the patient was transferred to the postanesthesia care unit. Ten minutes later, the patient presented respiratory failure necessitating tracheal intubation and sedation with propofol. One TOF response only was visualized at the adductor pollicis muscle. Another dose of sugammadex 200 mg iv was administered. Forty-five minutes later, the patient was fully awake and her trachea was extubated after repeated measures of the TOF ratio (≥ 0.9) at the adductor pollicis muscle. The patient fully recovered without sequelae, further complication, or prolonged hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Shortly after tracheal extubation, an obese patient experienced respiratory failure necessitating tracheal intubation and an additional dose of sugammadex. This occurred despite initial reversal of neuromuscular blockade with an appropriate dose of sugammadex 2 mg·kg(-1) iv given at two responses to TOF stimulation.

Survey of adult liver transplantation techniques (SALT): an international study of current practices in deceased donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: There has been little focus lately on operative techniques for full graft liver transplantation, and the standard technique is unclear. METHODS: An internet survey addressing the key technical issues was e-mailed to programme directors. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 93 out of 128 (73%) directors contacted. Programmes performed a median of 60 (8-240) transplants per year. Maximum mean cold time of 13 ± 3 h and maximum median steatosis of 40% (15-90%) were tolerated. The inferior vena cava was preserved by 48% of centres all the time and 43% selectively. European centres used temporary portacaval shunting (42%) four times more often than USA programmes. Venous bypass was always used when not preserving the inferior vena cava by less than 25%, and used selectively by approximately 40% of centres. Portal vein anastomosis with room for expansion (88%), graft hepatic artery to native gastroduodenal/common hepatic artery bifurcation (57%) and bile duct-to-duct (47%) were the favoured techniques. DISCUSSION: A standard international operative technique for deceased donor liver transplantation does not exist, although there is a trend towards inferior vena cava preservation. Donor selection criteria were more homogenous across programmes. As suggested by the high response rate, there likely exists interest to investigate technical variations on an international scale.

Liver resection in obese patients: results of a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity has been associated with worse postoperative outcomes. No data are available regarding short-term results after liver resection (LR). The aim of this study was to analyse outcomes in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m(2) ) undergoing LR. METHODS: 85 consecutive obese patients undergoing LR between 1998 and 2008 were matched on a ratio of 1:2 with 170 non-obese patients. Matching criteria were diagnosis, ASA score, METAVIR fibrosis score, extent of LR, and Child-Pugh score in patients with cirrhosis. RESULTS: Operative time, blood loss and blood transfusions were similar in the two groups. Mortality was 2.4% in both groups. Morbidity was significantly higher in the obese group (32.9% vs. 21.2%; P= 0.041). However, only grade II morbidity was increased in obese patients (14.1% vs. 1.8%; P < 0.001) and this was mainly related to abdominal wall complications (8.2% vs. 2.4%; P= 0.046). No differences were encountered in terms of grade III or IV morbidity. The same results were observed in major LR and cirrhotic patients. When patients were stratified by BMI (<20, 20-25, 25-30 and >30 kg/m(2) ), progressive increases in overall and infectious morbidity were observed (5.6%, 22.4%, 23.7%, 32.9%, and 5.6%, 11.8%, 14.5%, 18.8%, respectively). Rates of grade III and IV morbidity did not change. DISCUSSION: Obese patients have increased postoperative morbidity after LR in comparison with non-obese patients, but this is mainly related to minor abdominal wall complications. Severe morbidity rates and mortality are similar to those in non-obese patients, even in cirrhosis or after major LR.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Reversal with Concomitant Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) for Refractory Hypoglycemia: an Unusual Procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia is usually seen in patients with a history of gastric bypass surgery [1], and few experience severe symptoms [2]. The pathophysiology of post-gastric bypass surgery hypoglycemia is not well understood, and many theories have been proposed: excessive GLP-1, nesidioblastosis, and increased glucose effectiveness [3]. Thus, the etiology of this condition is complex. Laparoscopic GBP reversal is a very unusual procedure and indications may include excessive weight loss, unexplained GI tract symptoms, and severe hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia should be managed non-surgically at first, but in case of medical therapy failure, surgical options may be considered. Surgical options include gastrostomy tube placement, gastric bypass reversal [4], or gastric bypass reversal with concomitant sleeve gastrectomy [5-7]. A partial reversal was also mentioned in the literature [6]. Laparoscopic conversion to a sleeve gastrectomy for hypoglycemia is unusual and converting an open gastric bypass to a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is exceptional, even never reported. In this video (run time 6 min and 48 s), we present our procedure, which was performed by adopting a new technique. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 52-year-old lady was referred to us for hypoglycemia following an open gastric bypass revision that was done in 2012. Her past surgical history includes 2 laparoscopic gastric band surgeries with subsequent removal of the bands, open bypass surgery in 2007 and open bypass surgery revision in 2012. History goes back to 12 months ago when the patient started complaining of fatigue, lassitude, and symptoms consistent with Whipple's triad. OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) showed low glucose levels at 2 h (2.7 mmol/l) and at 3 h (3.3 mmol/l). Serum insulin level and C-peptide were normal. The patient was diagnosed as having early dumping syndrome (reactive hypoglycemia). She was started on sitagliptin 1 tab once daily with dietary changes. Despite this management, she was hospitalized several times for worsening of her symptoms. When referred to our department, the patient asked about the possibility of a laparoscopic intervention, since she has suffered a lot from her previous laparotomy incisions. The laparoscopic surgery intervention was discussed with the patient and it was a challenging option in this case. The patient was placed in the lithotomy position with the surgeon standing between the patient's legs. An 11-mm trocar was inserted above the umbilicus. Under vision, 4 other trocars were inserted: a 12-mm trocar in the right midclavicular line and three 5-mm trocars in the epigastrium, left anterior axillary line, and left midclavicular line, respectively. We started with adhesiolysis in order to identify the gastro-jejunostomy and to free the abdominal esophagus. A subtle hiatal hernia was also reduced. Then, the jejuno-jejunostomy was identified, and the alimentary limb was measured. The latter was 70 cm in length, and the decision was to resect it, keeping the jejuno-jejunal anastomosis in place. The gastric pouch was divided just above the gastro-jejunal anastomosis. The alimentary limb was then exteriorized. Then, the gastric remnant was freed from its omental attachment. The gastric remnant and the gastric pouch were calibrated with a 40-Fr Faucher tube, and appropriate sequential firing was done using endo-GIA. A gastro-gastrostomy was fashioned by the end of the sleeve division to create the gastric tube. RESULTS: The operative time was 245 min, with minor blood loss (less than 250 cc). The perioperative course was uneventful, with no intra-operative or post-operative morbidity. An upper GI series was done on post-operative day 2 and showed no evidence of leak. It has been 11 months since the procedure and the patient has become normoglycemic. Her last FBS was 4.4 mmol and she is currently free of symptoms. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia is a challenging condition, for both surgeons and endocrinologists. Our patient has suffered severe symptoms that were refractory to medical treatment and dietary modifications. Few papers have discussed LGBP conversion to a sleeve gastrectomy for hypoglycemia, but results from small series are showing promising results. Our case was challenging because of the patient's previous multiple open surgeries and the technique we have adopted is unique, since we have fashioned the sleeve by firing 2 separate gastric pouches (gastric pouch and gastric remnant) to create a gastric tube and by performing a gastro-gastrostomy with intra-corporeal sutures.

Outcomes in adult recipients of right-sided liver grafts in split-liver procedures.

BACKGROUND: The split-liver technique provides a good left lateral graft in children, but its results in adults remain controversial. METHODS: From 1992 to 2007, 37 patients received 38 cadaveric right-sided grafts. Donors and recipients were selected for good quality grafts and elective indications; the latter included a high proportion of tumour cases and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Grafts included 31 extended right grafts (ERGs; segments IV-VIII and I and the inferior vena cava [IVC]) and seven right grafts (RGs; segments V-VIII) including five without the IVC and middle hepatic vein (MHV). RESULTS: Mortality was 5% (two patients). There were four retransplantations (11%) for arterial thrombosis (1), portal vein thrombosis (2) and primary non-function (1). The retransplantation rate was higher in RG than in ERG (three vs. one patient; P= 0.015). Of the five patients without MHV, three were retransplanted and one had small-for-size syndrome leading to late death. After a mean follow-up of 5 years, 1-, 3- and 5-year graft and patient survival rates were 84%, 80% and 71%, and 91%, 88% and 78%, respectively. One-year patient and graft survival rates after ERG transplantation were 96% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Split-liver transplantation is a safe alternative to whole organ transplantation when an ERG is carried out. Right graft is associated with increased risk of graft loss, especially if the MHV is omitted. Split-liver transplantation with an ERG offers excellent outcomes and should be encouraged when good quality grafts are available.

Unicentric Castleman's Disease: Laparoscopic Approach of a Para-Duodenal Retroperitoneal Mass.

BACKGROUND Castleman's disease is a benign, lymphoproliferative disorder that is extremely uncommon. Multiple classifications have been described; however, the exact etiology remains unknown. Preoperative diagnosis is not common, as imaging cannot distinguish the disease from other processes, and biopsy is insufficient to provide the architecture of the mass, which is necessary for diagnosis. Unicentric retroperitoneal disease has been described, and management includes complete resection of the mass, which is usually curative. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old previously healthy woman presented with hematuria. Evaluation revelated a retroperitoneal mass that was abutting the duodenum and head of the pancreas. Biopsy failed to provide a diagnosis, so laparoscopic resection was performed. Postoperative diagnosis was consistent with unicentric Castleman's disease. CONCLUSIONS Castleman's disease is an uncommon process, and one that is difficult to diagnose. Unicentric Castleman's disease should always be a differential diagnosis of solitary retroperitoneal masses that are well-demarcated, as treatment can be curative with surgical resection.

Pancreatic sarcoidosis mimicking neoplasia: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Although sarcoidosis rarely involves the pancreas, such involvement may mimic pancreatic cancer. We herein report a case of pancreatic sarcoidosis giving rise to a cancer-mimicking retention cyst, concomitant with a neuroendocrine adenoma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 47-year-old Caucasian male presented to follow-up for a benign-appearing cyst of the tail of the pancreas, detected incidentally on CT scan done for a urinary stone in 2017. He had been asymptomatic since his last presentation. The lesion was found to have increased in size from 1 cm to 3 cm in greater diameter. Yet, a CT angiography showed no evidence of invasion of surrounding organs, vessels, or lymph nodes. The patient had previous medical history of treated sarcoidosis, hypertension, recurrent nephrolithiasis, and gout. Due to the size increment a neoplastic cystic lesion was considered and distal pancreatectomy was performed. Pathologic examination revealed a retention cyst associated with chronic pancreatitis and the presence of non-caseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. In addition, a neuroendocrine adenoma, and an adjacent focus of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia-1 and 2 were noted. DISCUSSION: Such presentations may be asymptomatic, as in this case, and a multidisciplinary workup is often required. Care must be taken to rule out pancreatic cancer. A possible relationship between pancreatic sarcoidosis and pancreatic cancer merits further study. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of pancreatic sarcoidosis is difficult, and conclusive diagnosis requires histopathologic assessment.

Single-Institution Experience with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) for the Treatment of Primary and Secondary Hepatic Tumors.

PURPOSE: We aim to provide results of the real-world experience of a single center in Lebanon on the use of radioembolization to treat liver-only or liver-dominant tumors.  Methods: This retrospective review included patients who were evaluated for radioembolization between January 2015 and June 2017 and who had a lung shunt fraction of 20% or less. Tumor responses were determined using the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST). RESULTS: Of the 23 Arab patients with a median age of 64 years (range, 36-87 years), eight had hepatocellular carcinoma, four had cholangiocarcinoma, and 11 had liver-only or liver-dominant metastases from other primary cancers. Most (n=17) had multifocal lesions, and 13 had a history of branched (n=8) or main (n=5) portal vein thrombosis. When appropriate, the gastroduodenal artery and middle hepatic artery were embolized for consolidation of radiotherapy; 18 patients required arterial coil occlusion, two had their cystic artery occluded, and one developed cholecystitis, which was successfully treated with antibiotics and supportive care. Another patient developed a post-radioembolization complication-a peptic ulcer unrelated to arterial reflux of microspheres because both the gastroduodenal and right gastric arteries were occluded. The median time to progression was seven months (range, 3-36 months), and median overall survival from radioembolization was 12 months (range, 3-40 months). Tumor responses included five complete responses, 13 partial responses, one stable disease, and four cases of progressive disease.  Conclusion: Performing radioembolization in a non-referral, private center in Lebanon resulted in good patient outcomes with few complications.