Quality of Life and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Long-term Survivors of Pancreatic Cancer Following Pancreatoduodenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe long-term quality of life (QOL) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer in the modern era. BACKGROUND: As advances in pancreatic cancer management improve outcomes, it is essential to assess long-term patient-reported outcomes after surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent curative intent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer between January 2011 and June 2019 from a single center were identified. Patients alive ≥3 years after surgery were considered long-term survivors (LTS). LTS who were alive in June 2022 received a 55-question survey to assess their QOL (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and GI symptoms (EORTC-PAN26 and Problem Areas in Diabetes Questionnaire). Responses were compared against population norms. Clinicodemographic characteristics in LTS versus non-LTS and survey completion were compared. RESULTS: Six hundred seventy-two patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer; 340 were LTS. One hundred thirty-seven patients of the 238 eligible to complete the survey responded (response rate: 58%). Compared to the US general population, LTS reported significantly higher QOL (75 vs 64; P <0.001), less nausea/vomiting, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, and constipation, but more diarrhea (all P <0.001). Most patients (n=136/137, 99%) reported experiencing postoperative GI symptoms related to pancreatic insufficiency (n=71/135, 53%), reflux (n=61/135, 45%), and delayed gastric emptying (n=31/136, 23%). Most patients (n=113/136, 83%) reported that digestive symptoms overall had little to no impact on QOL, and 91% (n=124/136) would undergo surgery again. CONCLUSIONS: Despite known long-term complications following pancreatoduodenectomy, cancer survivors appear to have excellent QOL. Specific long-term gastrointestinal symptoms data should be utilized for preoperative education and follow-up planning.

Outcomes of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Invasive Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Compared with de Novo Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The management of invasive intraductal papillary mucinous cystic neoplasm (I-IPMN) does not differ from de novo pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, I-IPMNs are debated to have better prognosis. Despite being managed similarly to PDAC, no data are available on the response of I-IPMN to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: All patients undergoing pancreatic resection for a pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 2011 to 2022 were included. The PDAC and I-IPMN cohorts were compared to evaluate response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: This study included 1052 PDAC patients and 105 I-IPMN patients. NAT was performed in 25% of I-IPMN patients and 65% of PDAC patients. I-IPMN showed a similar pattern of pathological response to NAT compared with PDAC (p = 0.231). Furthermore, positron emission tomography (PET) response (71% vs. 61%; p = 0.447), CA19.9 normalization (85% vs. 76%, p = 0.290), and radiological response (32% vs. 37%, p = 0.628) were comparable between I-IPMN and PDAC. A significantly higher OS and disease-free survival (DFS) of I-IPMN was denoted by Kaplan-Meier analysis, with a p-value of < 0.001 in both plots. In a multivariate analysis, I-IPMN histology was independently associated with lower risk of recurrence and death. CONCLUSIONS: I-IPMN patients have a longer OS and DFS after surgical treatment when compared with PDAC patients. The more favorable oncologic outcome of I-IPMNs does not seem to be related to early detection, as I-IPMN histological subclass is independently associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence. Moreover, neoadjuvant effect on I-IPMN was non-inferior to PDAC in terms of pathological, CA19.9, PET, and radiological response and thus can be considered in selected patients.

Early vs conventional onset pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: analysis of surgical and oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing curative intent resection.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) impacts patients in their 60s, but its incidence in younger patients is increasing. We hypothesize that younger patients may have worse oncologic outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent curative pancreatic resection for PDAC between January 2011 and December 2021 at a single institution were analyzed. Early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC) was defined as pancreatic cancer diagnosed in patients ≤50 years. Clinical and survival outcomes were compared between EOPC and Conventional Onset Pancreas Cancer (COPC). RESULTS: A total of 1133 patients were identified, 65 (5.7%) were EOPC. Preoperative patient characteristics including sex, smoking status, alcohol habitus, diabetes mellitus, CA 19-9, and neoadjuvant therapy were similar between EOPC and COPC (p > 0.05). EOPC patients were more likely non-white (p = 0.03), had lower ASA scores (p = 0.02) and larger median tumor size (33 vs 28 mm, p = 0.04), but had similar pathological stages and rate of R0 resections (p > 0.05). Postoperative outcomes were similar (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in overall (HR 0.93, CI 0.64, 1.33; p = 0.68) or recurrence free (HR 1.05, CI 0.75, 1.48; p = 0.77) survival between the EOPC and COPC after adjusting for significant factors. CONCLUSION: Patients with EOPC who underwent surgical resection had similar oncological outcomes compared to patients with COPC.

Gastrointestinal Glomus Tumors: A Single Institution, 20-Year Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Glomus tumors are rare mesenchymal neoplasms composed of cells resembling those of the thermoregulatory glomus body, typically occurring in the skin and superficial soft tissues. Rarely do they occur in the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the stomach, where they have been the subject of case reports and small series. We present our institutional experience with gastrointestinal glomus tumors. METHODS: A retrospective review of all gastrointestinal glomus tumors was conducted across all three Mayo Clinic sites in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida from 2001 to 2021. Patient characteristics, pathologic findings, imaging features, operative reports, and clinical outcomes were abstracted. Descriptive statistics were utilized to report outcomes. RESULTS: Nine patients with glomus tumors were identified (five men and four women). The median age was 53 [interquartile range (IQR), 44-69] y. Four patients presented with abdominal discomfort, three had anemia or bleeding, and two tumors were incidentally diagnosed. Computed tomography scans identified masses thought to represent gastrointestinal stromal tumors or neuroendocrine tumors in all patients. The tumors were localized to the stomach in all cases, specifically in the gastric antrum. Seven patients underwent preoperative endoscopy, including five with endoscopic ultrasonography. Endoscopic biopsies were interpreted as glomus tumors (n = 3), neuroendocrine tumors (n = 2), and nondiagnostic (n = 2). All patients underwent open (n = 3) or minimally invasive (n = 6) margin-negative resection by wedge resection (n = 5) or distal gastrectomy (n = 4). No nodal metastases were identified radiographically or on pathologic examination. The median tumor size was 2.5 [IQR 1.3-3.4] cm. All tumors showed at least in part typical glomus tumor morphology and smooth muscle actin expression. Aberrant synaptophysin expression was present in the two tumors initially classified as NET. Using the current WHO criteria, tumors were classified as histologically malignant (n = 1) and of "uncertain malignant potential" (n = 8). At a median follow-up of 15 [IQR 1-56] mo, all patients were asymptomatic and without recurrence. Two patients died of unrelated causes. No patients received adjuvant therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Our 20-year, single institution, 3-site experience with resected gastrointestinal glomus tumors suggests the rarity, predisposition to involve the gastric antrum, and potentially an indolent clinical behavior of many of these tumors. Long-term follow-up is warranted as some previously reported gastric glomus tumors have metastasized, including cases lacking morphologic evidence of malignancy. Surgical resection, with minimally invasive wedge resection alone, is likely sufficient for the management of most gastric glomus tumors.

Minimally invasive vs. open approach to the simultaneous treatment of colorectal tumors with synchronous liver metastasis: a single center, propensity-score matched analysis from Mayo clinic.

BACKGROUND: Open combined resections of colorectal primary tumors and synchronous liver metastases have become common in selected cases. However, evidences favoring a minimally invasive (MIS) approach are still limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of MIS vs. open synchronous liver and colorectal resections. METHODS: 384 cases of synchronous colorectal and liver resections performed at one institution were identified during the study period. MIS vs open approach were compared after a propensity score matching; surgical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: MIS cases featured longer operative time (399 vs 300 min, p < 0.001), fewer blood loss (200 vs 500 ml, p = 0.003), and shorter hospitalization (median LOS 4 vs 6 days, p = 0.001). No difference was observed between the two groups for use of Pringle maneuver (p = 0.083), intraoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.061), achievement of negative colorectal (p = 0.176) and liver margins (p = 1.000), postoperative complications (p = 1.000) and significant (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3a) complications (p = 0.817), delay of adjuvant therapy due to complications (p = 0.555), 30- and 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Synchronous colorectal and liver metastases resections via a minimally-invasive approach in high-volume centers with appropriate expertise result in significantly lower blood loss and length of stay despite longer operative time in comparison to open, with no oncological inferiority.

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in patients with obesity: should we be scared of body mass index?

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for ventral hernia development and affects up to 60% of patients undergoing ventral hernia repair. It is also associated with a higher rate of surgical site occurrences and an increased risk of recurrence after ventral hernia repair, but data is lacking on the differences between obesity classes. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2018, 322 patients with obesity underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in our department: class I n = 231 (72%), II n = 55 (17%), III n = 36 (11%). We compared short and long-term outcomes between the three classes. RESULTS: Patients with class III obesity had a longer median length of hospital stay compared to I and II (5 days versus 4 days in the other groups, p = 0.0006), but without differences in postoperative complications or surgical site occurrences. After a median follow up of 49 months, there were no significant differences in the incidence of seroma, recurrence, chronic pain, pseudorecurrence and port-site hernia. At multivariate analysis, risk factors for recurrence were presence of a lateral defect and previous hernia repair; risk factors for seroma were immunosuppression, defect > 15 cm and more than one previous hernia repair; the only risk factor for postoperative complications was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CONCLUSION: Class III obesity is associated with longer length of hospital stay after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, but without differences in postoperative complications and long-term outcomes compared with class I and class II obesity.

Novel biodegradable internal stent as a mitigation strategy in high-risk pancreaticojejunostomy: technical notes and preliminary results.

Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is the most feared complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), as it can lead to extremely poor outcomes. We herein report the preliminary results of an anastomotic technique based on the use of a novel internal biodegradable stent (IBS) to mitigate POPF sequelae. Between October 2020 and May 2021, all patients undergoing PD with high-risk pancreatic anastomosis received a pancreato-jejunal (PJ) anastomosis with an Archimedes™ IBS placement. Fifteen patients comprised our study cohort. In 11 cases, a 2-mm Archimedes™ stent was used, and in the remaining four patients, a 2.6-mm stent was used. Overall postoperative complications occurred in eight patients, with four cases being severe. Two patients developed CR-POPF, with one of them dying. In our small preliminary series, PJ anastomosis with an Archimedes™ IBS showed encouraging results in terms of CR-POPF incidence. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Totally Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Technical Notes.

Introduction: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodendectomy is still rarely adopted due to its inherent complexity. We hereby present our experience of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy focused on technical notes. Technical description: A 5 trocars technique is used. Vision is provided by a 30 degree scope with 4K technology for the demolitive phase and 3D for the reconstructive phase. The right colic flexure is mobilized and an extensive Kocher maneuver is carried out exposing the inferior vena cava and left renal vein. The gastric antrum is resected with a mechanical stapler. The common hepatic artery is identified behind the superior pancreatic margin; lymphadenectomy of stations 7, 8, 9, 12 a and b is performed, until the gastroduodenal artery is cleared from the lymphatic tissue; a bull-dog clamp is placed to interrupt the arterial flow through the gastroduodenal artery, in order to exclude aberrant vascularization of the liver from the SMA. The common hepatic duct is transected just above the cystic duct. The pancreas is sectioned with monopolar energy, dividing the main pancreatic duct 2-3 mm distal to the parenchymal transection line with cold scissors, as to leave a stump that will facilitate the duct-to-mucosa anastomosis then the first jejunal loop is sectioned. A complete dissection of the mesopancreas is performed, moving from a caudal to cephalad fashion. Prior to perform the pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis, a fistula risk score based on pancreatic parenchymal texture, tumor type, Wirsung diameter, intraoperative blood loss is assessed. The pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis is carried out using prolene and pds sutures. The end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy is performed about 10 cm distant from the pancreaticojejunostomy. The side to- side gastrojejunostomy is performed using a 60 mm linear stapler. Conclusion: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is a demanding procedure affected by high morbidity rates. The standardization of the technique could lead the way to reduce such rates and favor its adoption.

Pancreatojejunostomy: standing on the shoulders of giants. A single centre retrospective analysis.

Gaining experience in pancreatic surgery could be demanding especially when minimally invasive approach is used. Pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) is one of the most critical steps during pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Our aim was to investigate the impact of a surgeon's experience in performing PJ, especially in a subgroup of patients undergoing laparoscopic PD (LPD). Data of consecutive patients undergoing PD from 2017 to 2022 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: M group included patients in which PJ was performed by an experienced surgeon, D group included those receiving PJ by a less experienced one. The groups were compared in terms of postoperative outcomes. 187 patients were selected (157 in group M and 30 in group D). The cohorts differed in terms of median age (68 vs 74 years, p = 0.016), and previous abdominal surgery (41.4% vs 66.7%, p = 0.011), while no difference was found regarding risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The groups did not differ in terms of surgical outcomes. POPF rate was 15.9% and 10% in the M and D group (p = 0.578), respectively. Among patients undergoing laparoscopic PJ POPF rate was 16.0% and 17.7% in the M and D group (p = 0.867), respectively, without difference. No difference was found in terms of POPF in patients undergoing PD independently from the surgeon who performed the PJ, even during LPD. Moderate/high FRS, BMI > 30 kg/m2 and male sex, but not the surgeon who performed the PJ anastomosis, were independent predictors of POPF.

Technical Outcomes of Porto-Mesenteric Venous Reconstruction in Pancreatic Resection Using Autologous Left Renal Vein Graft as Conduit.

BACKGROUND: Portal or superior mesenteric vein (PV-SMV) resection and reconstruction is sometimes required during pancreatic tumor resection. In patients requiring segmental venous resection with interposition grafting, the left renal vein (LRV) is an accessible autologous solution. However, long-term patency outcomes of the LRV as an interposition conduit in this setting have not been analyzed. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing pancreatic resection with PV-SMV reconstruction using LRV between 2002 and 2022. The primary outcome was PV-SMV patency at last follow-up, assessed with postoperative CT scans and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival methods that account for variation in follow-up duration. Development of any postoperative acute kidney injury within 7 days of surgery and morbidity were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The study cohort includes 65 patients who underwent LRV harvest; 60 (92%) ultimately underwent successful reconstruction with harvested LRV graft. Kaplan-Meier 2-year estimated patency rate of the LRV graft was 88%, with no cases of complete occlusion. Six (10%) patients experienced graft stenosis. Nine of 61 (15%) patients experienced grade II or III acute kidney injury, 6 of 9 returning to normal renal function before discharge. No difference in median serum creatinine was observed at baseline, 6 and 12 months from surgery. LRV remnant thrombosis was seen in 7 of 65 (11%) patients. Only 3 of 61 (5%) patients had persistent acute kidney injury caused by complications unrelated to LRV harvesting. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous LRV graft was a reliable conduit for segmental PV-SMV reconstruction, resulting in a high patency rate and marginal impact on renal function. LRV harvest is a safe and potentially ideal surgical option for PV-SMV reconstruction in pancreatic surgery.

Hepatic vascular anomalies during totally laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy: challenging the challenge.

The presence of hepatic vascular anomalies may add challenges to an already difficult surgery such as pancreatoduodenectomy, particularly when performed laparoscopically. Thus, our aim was to assess the impact of an aberrant right hepatic artery (aRHA) on postoperative outcomes during laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) . Data of patients who underwent LPD were prospectively gathered and retrospectively analyzed. Patients with types III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, and IX anomalies according to Michels' classification were included in the aRHA group and were compared with the remaining patients (nRHA group). 72 patients underwent LPD; 14 of these had an aRHA (19.4%). Except for BMI (p = 0.021), the two groups did not differ in terms of clinico-pathological characteristics. The two groups had similar postoperative complications (p = 0.123), pancreatic fistula (p = 0.790), biliary leakage (p = 0.209), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (p = 0.790), reoperations (p = 0.416), and mortality (p = 0.312). The median number of lymph nodes harvested was higher in aRHA group (p = 0.032), while R0 resection rate was similar between groups (p = 0.635). At the multivariate analysis, only moderate/high FRS (OR 3.95, p = 0.039) was an independent predictor of postoperative complications. This study suggests that aRHA has no negative impact on surgical and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing LPD.

Totally Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Comparison Between Early and Late Phase of an Initial Single-Center Learning Curve.

Despite recent advances in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) has not reach a wide diffusion, mainly due to its technical difficulty. Considering its potential benefits, efforts should be made to improve its adoption. Between January 2017 and March 2020, LPD was offered as the primary approach to all the patients with an indication to pancreaticoduodenectomy. The overall cohort was divided into two groups: the early group (EG), including the first 30 cases, and the late group (LG), with the remaining patients. Perioperative data were gathered from a prospectively collected database and retrospectively analyzed, comparing the short-term outcomes of the two groups. In the study period, 52 patients underwent LPD. Among these, 88.4% patients were preoperatively diagnosed with a malignant disease. No difference was found between EG and LG in terms of baseline characteristics, mean operative time, estimated blood loss, and conversion to laparotomy. The overall complication rate was 57.7%, with severe complications occurring in 14 patients (26.9%). Two patients (3.8%) deceased within 90 days from the operation. No difference was found between EG and LG regarding postoperative outcomes. Among oncological patients, 86.7% received an R0 resection, and 13.3% had an R1 resection. The EG and LG did not differ in terms of oncological radicality and number of lymph nodes retrieved. LPD is a reproducible surgical technique that may provide acceptable results in both early and late phase of experience, when performed by surgical team with broad background in laparoscopic surgery.

Totally laparoscopic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy: A propensity score matching analysis of short-term outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is a demanding operation that has not yet gained popularity. Safety, feasibility, and clinical advantages of LPD in comparison with open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) have not been clearly demonstrated. The aim of this study was to compare the short term outcomes of LPD with those of OPD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at our institution between January 2013 and March 2020 were retrieved and analyzed, comparing the short-term postoperative outcomes of LPD and OPD, using a propensity score matching analysis. RESULTS: In the study period, 177 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were selected, 52 of these were LPD. In the LPD group, the conversion rate to OPD was 3.8%. After matching, a total of 50 LPD and 50 OPD were compared. LPD was associated with a shorter length of stay (14 vs 20 days, p = 0.011), decreased blood loss (255 vs 350 ml, p = 0.022), but longer median operative time (590 vs 382.5 min; p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between LPD and OPD in terms of overall complications (56% vs 62%, p = 0.542), severe complications (26% vs 22%, p = 0.640), and postoperative mortality (4% vs 6%, p = 0.646). The groups had similar reoperation rate, pancreatic-specific complications, and readmission rate. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with the open approach, LPD seems associated to with improved short-term outcomes in terms of hospital stay and blood loss, but with a longer operative time. No difference in morbidity and mortality rate were found in our series.

Permanent end-colostomy parastomal hernia prevention using a novel three-dimensional mesh.

PURPOSE: Prophylactic mesh placement has been proposed to reduce the high occurrence of parastomal hernia (PSH) after stoma formation. METHODS: This is an observational study comparing two cohorts of patients: a mesh prophylaxis group (who received mesh prevention since introduction at our Institution) and a no mesh prophylaxis group (retrospectively selected from our historical series). Same exclusion criteria were applied for both groups. The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for colorectal surgery. 43 patients were operated with mesh prophylaxis between May 2015 and may 2019. 45 patients underwent end-colostomy formation without prophylaxis between April 2011 and April 2015. The primary outcome measure was PSH development at 12-month follow up. RESULTS: Demographic variables and risk factors for PSH were comparable between the two groups. There was no difference between the two cohorts in terms of operative time and main early postoperative outcomes. 37 patients completed the 12-month follow up in each group. PSH occurrence after 12-months was 11% in the mesh prophylaxis group and 54% in the no mesh prophylaxis group (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in long-term complications. 5% of patients who received mesh prophylaxis underwent emergency surgery for bowel occlusion at 7 and 10 months after surgery, with partial or complete mesh removal. At multivariate analysis, mesh prophylaxis was a protective factor for PSH development at 12 months (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic intraperitoneal mesh placement appears to be effective in preventing PSH.