Is postexcision, preradiation mammogram necessary in patients after breast-conserving surgery with negative margins.

BACKGROUND: In women with breast cancer and calcifications, controversy exists over the need for postexcision/lumpectomy, preradiation mammogram (PEM) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Further, the need for excision of remaining or suspicious calcifications after PEM when surgical margins are negative is unclear. We sought to characterize the utility of PEM hypothesizing that its value in directing the need for additional surgery is minimized after achieving negative surgical margins. METHODS: We identified 524 women with breast cancer and calcifications treated with BCS with negative margins between 1996 and 2011. RESULTS: PEM was performed in 112 of 524 (21 %) women, with residual calcifications identified in 10 of 112 (9 %); of these, 2 of 112 (1.8 %) had residual disease. Local recurrence occurred in 4 of 112 (4 %) patients, none of whom had residual calcifications identified on PEM. The remaining 412 of 524 (79 %) women did not have PEM but had a postradiation mammogram 6 to 12 months after treatment identifying calcifications in 19 (5 %) women. Tissue diagnosis was benign in 14 women and was not pursued in the remaining 5. Local recurrence occurred in 13 (3 %) patients, none of whom had calcifications on the new post radiation baseline mammogram. CONCLUSIONS: Mammographically apparent calcifications representing residual disease occur infrequently after BCS with negative margins. The value of PEM may be to document the new radiographic baseline but should not be required to ensure adequate surgery. Radiation plays an integral role in sterilization of the remaining breast tissue after BCS.

Predictors of accuracy in preoperative parathyroid adenoma localization using ultrasound and Tc-99m-Sestamibi: a 4-quadrant analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of preoperative parathyroid adenoma localization in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) due to a single adenoma using a detailed 4-quadrant analysis and to identify patient and tumor characteristics associated with accurate preoperative localization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 203 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for pHPT due to a single adenoma between 2008 and 2011. Results from preoperative ultrasound and Tc-99m-sestamibi were compared to operative findings to determine accuracy of localization studies. Associations between clinicopathologic features and accurate preoperative adenoma localization were evaluated. RESULTS: Ultrasound was performed on 198 patients, sestamibi on 177 patients, and both on 172 patients. Accurate localization occurred significantly more often for ultrasound than sestamibi (63% vs. 41%, P<0.001). For ultrasound, accurate localization was found in patients with larger or heavier adenomas, those with adenomas located inferiorly, patients not having a reoperative procedure, and patients with higher post-operative serum calcium levels. For sestamibi, greater adenoma size or weight, adenomas located inferiorly, and patients with associated thyroid cancer on pathology were most predictive of accurate preoperative localization. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that ultrasound is more accurate in localizing parathyroid adenomas in patients with pHPT due to a single adenoma when compared to sestamibi scan using 4-quadrant location analysis and may be the preferred preoperative imaging modality in these patients. No significant preoperative patient factors were associated with accurate localization by ultrasound or sestamibi, but adenoma size, weight, and location in an inferior position were predictive of accurate preoperative localization.

Which eligible breast conservation patients choose mastectomy in the setting of newly diagnosed breast cancer?

PURPOSE: Breast conserving therapy (BCT) and mastectomy offer equivalent survival for women with newly diagnosed breast cancer (BrCa). Despite this, many women eligible for BCT elect mastectomy. Herein, we identify factors associated with choosing ipsilateral mastectomy instead of BCT when mastectomy is not required. METHODS: Between July 2007 and June 2010, 520 women with BrCa were treated by a single surgeon who prospectively documented patient eligibility for BCT. For patients who did not require mastectomy (n=392), we evaluated associations between treatment choice and potential predictors using odds ratios (ORs) obtained from multivariable logistic regression models. P values≤0.0029 were significant after correction for multiple testing. RESULTS: Of 392 women eligible for BCT, 106 (27%) chose mastectomy and 286 (73%) chose BCT. Multivariate analysis found an increased likelihood of electing mastectomy over BCT for patients with no comorbidities (OR 5.4; P<0.001) and those with previous mastectomy (OR 23.2; P<0.001). MRI and biopsy findings were associated with treatment choice because patients who had a second-site biopsy positive for cancer in the same quadrant as the index tumor were more likely to elect mastectomy compared with patients with no additional MRI abnormalities (OR 4.3; P=0.0027). No association existed on multivariate analysis between choice of mastectomy and patient age, family history, or tumor stage. CONCLUSIONS: One in four eligible BCT patients chooses mastectomy. Factors independently associated with choosing mastectomy over BCT include findings of second-site biopsy, previous mastectomy, and absence of comorbidities but not primary tumor characteristics. Further study into a patient's choice for mastectomy is warranted.

Pancreas-sparing total duodenectomy for ampullary duodenal neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Ampullary and extensive periampullary lesions can be difficult to treat and often require pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for complete removal, even if benign. However, PD may be overtreatment for noninvasive lesions, and pancreas-sparing total duodenectomy (PSTD) is an emerging valid surgical option for selected cases. METHODS: We reviewed patients undergoing PSTD at our institution over 16 months and a comparison group who had undergone PD for benign duodenal disease over the past 15 years. We also reviewed cases in the English-language literature and performed a meta-analysis of those patients who had undergone PSTD. RESULTS: PSTD had been performed in four patients, who had an average hospital length of stay (LOS) of 13 days; two of them experienced complications. None required conversion to PD, experienced a postoperative fistula or endocrine or exocrine insufficiency, or required intensive care. Two of the PSTDs were performed laparoscopically. Open PD for benign duodenal disease was performed in 22 patients, with overall morbidity and pancreas fistula rates of 82 and 27 %, respectively. The meta-analysis found 128 unique cases of PSTD with morbidity and mortality rates of 46.4 and 2.3 %, respectively. Pancreaticobiliary leak was seen in 20 %, with an average LOS of 17 days. CONCLUSIONS: Although PSTD can be used to avoid PD and can be performed laparoscopically, it is technically challenging and still associated with morbidity.

What extent of pancreatic resection do patients with MEN-1 require?

CONTEXT: The surgical management of pancreatic endocrine tumors in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) is controversial and complicated by the fact that these tumors are frequently multifocal. The degree of tumor resection is determined by weighing the risk of malignancy or tumor recurrence against the risks of endocrine/exocrine insufficiency with complete gland removal. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed identifying 4 patients with MEN-1 and pancreatic endocrine tumors treated with pancreatic resection over a 2-year period at our institution. RESULTS: Mean age at operation was 35 years. Surgical approach was determined by size of tumor(s) and presence of multifocality. MRI and EUS were performed in all patients. While EUS identified a greater number of tumors when compared to MRI (median 5 versus 1), both studies grossly underestimated the total number of tumors found on final pathology. Three patients underwent laparoscopic total pancreatectomy for multifocal disease with diffuse pancreatic involvement, finding a median of 12 tumors. One patient underwent laparoscopic subtotal pancreatectomy for a presumed single pancreatic tail mass, but was found to have multifocal disease on final pathology consisting of 7 tumors. The average number of tumors found on final pathology was 13.5 with an average size of 2.6 cm. The median number of lymph nodes analyzed was 14. Diffuse, multifocal disease was present in all 4 patients. No major postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSION: In patients with MEN-1 and pancreatic endocrine tumors, preoperative workup underestimates extent of disease and total pancreatectomy should be considered for complete tumor removal.

Patient age and preoperative breast MRI in women with breast cancer: biopsy and surgical implications.

BACKGROUND: The influence of patient age on multidisciplinary treatment planning after preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its influence on the surgical decision-making process are unclear. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 710 women with breast cancer who underwent preoperative MRI at our institution between January 2003 and December 2008. Analysis by patient age included the number of additional ipsilateral MRI findings, the number of biopsies recommended/performed, the number of additional cancers found, and the percentage of patients undergoing mastectomy. RESULTS: Of the 710 patients, 343 (48%) had additional ipsilateral MRI findings. After stratifying by age, the incidence of additional ipsilateral findings differed between decades (P = 0.004). However, fewer biopsies were recommended in older patients (P = 0.043). The number of women pursuing preoperative needle biopsy increased with age (P = 0.0018), while the incidence of a second focus of breast cancer did not change with age (P = 0.07). The mastectomy rate decreased from 65% in women younger than 50 to 40% in women older than 70 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of newly diagnosed breast cancer, the value of MRI is not influenced by patient age, with at least 40% of women in all age groups having additional findings on MRI. Insisting on preoperative needle biopsy of additional findings may decrease mastectomy rates. Further study is needed to determine the reasons for the increased percentage of mastectomies in younger women.

Aneurysmectomy and revascularization of a large hepatic artery aneurysm.

Aneurysms of the hepatic artery are rare, but are associated with significant mortality because of their lack of symptoms at presentation and risk of rupture. We report a case of an enlarging 4-cm hepatic artery aneurysm involving the proximal common hepatic artery to the bifurcation of the right and left hepatic arteries which was found incidentally on ultrasound examination. Endovascular treatment with a stent was considered, but because of the location of the aneurysm as well as the presence of significant thrombosis involving the right and left hepatic arteries, aneurysmectomy and revascularization using saphenous vein was performed. Doppler ultrasound measurements demonstrated good flow through the graft postoperatively and at 1-month follow-up. Although a variety of endovascular techniques exist to treat hepatic artery aneurysms, our results indicate that open excision and revascularization may be required and can have a good outcome.

Correct extent of thyroidectomy is poorly predicted preoperatively by the guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for low and intermediate risk thyroid cancers.

BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines from the American Thyroid Association recommend thyroid lobectomy for intrathyroidal differentiated thyroid cancers <4 cm. Our aim was to examine histology from patients with cytologic results that were positive or suspicious for malignancy to assess the extent of initial thyroidectomy based on criteria from the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. METHODS: We studied consecutive patients who had either a positive or suspicious for malignancy cytologic diagnosis and under prior American Thyroid Association guidelines underwent initial total thyroidectomy ± lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: Among 447 patients, high-risk features necessitating total thyroidectomy were present in 19% (72/380) of positive and 15% (10/67) of suspicious for malignancy patients (P = .5). Intermediate-risk features on histology were identified postoperatively in 46% (175/380) with positive and 15% (18/67) with suspicious for malignancy fine-needle aspiration results. In multivariable analysis, preoperative factors associated with intermediate-risk disease included age ≥45 years, women, larger tumor size, positive fine-needle aspiration cytology, and BRAF V600E or RET/PTC positivity. CONCLUSION: When patients are considered for lobectomy under the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines, ~ 60% with positive and 30% with suspicious for malignancy cytology would need completion thyroidectomy based on intermediate-risk disease. The cost and risk implications of the new American Thyroid Association strategy were substantial and better tools are needed to improve preoperative risk stratification.

Is intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring necessary with ipsilateral parathyroid gland visualization during anticipated unilateral exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism: a two-institution analysis of more than 2,000 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) monitoring during focused parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is used commonly, but some argue that ioPTH adds little if a normal ipsilateral parathyroid gland (IPG) is visualized. This hypothesis was tested for validity. METHODS: The prospective databases of consecutive patients with PHPT undergoing initial parathyroidectomy with ioPTH at two academic institutions were queried. Patients with ectopic adenoma, familial PHPT, previous parathyroidectomy, planned bilateral exploration, or <6 months follow-up were excluded. Persistence was defined as hypercalcemia at <6 months. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2013, 2,162 patients met inclusion criteria, and the rate of persistent disease was 1.5%. Most (n = 1,353; 63.5%) underwent single-gland resection with ioPTH and no IPG visualization, with 1% persistence. Among patients with a single adenoma resected and a normal IPG visualized, 15.2% had contralateral disease. Resection based on IPG appearance alone would have resulted in 13% persistent disease. CONCLUSION: In PHPT, the cure rate for initial unilateral exploration guided by ioPTH is 98.5% versus a predicted rate of 87% when decision making is based on IPG appearance alone. Routine visualization of IPG is not necessary during exploration for suspected single adenoma guided by ioPTH. ioPTH remains useful in optimizing outcomes.

Fibromyalgia symptoms and medication requirements respond to parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM), an ill-defined symptom complex, is characterized by musculoskeletal pain, headache, depression, fatigue, and cognitive decline, symptoms also seen commonly in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). Prevalence of concurrent PHP and FM and response to parathyroidectomy (PTX) of those with both conditions are unknown. METHODS: We reviewed prospective data of 4,000 patients with sporadic PHP who had PTX from 1995 to 2013 examining perioperative symptoms and medication usage for those with diagnosed FM. Cure was defined by normocalcemia at ≥ 6 months. RESULTS: Of 2,184 patients, 80 (4%) had a prior diagnosis of FM. Of evaluable FM patients, 97.3% had definitive cure of PHP. After PTX, 89% had improvement in ≥ 1 symptom attributed to FM, with improved cognition/memory most common (80%). Improvement in ≥ 2, ≥ 3, and ≥ 4 FM symptoms was appreciated by 71%, 43%, and 25%, respectively. Quality of life and wellness improved in >50%. Postoperative use of drugs prescribed for FM often improved or resolved (narcotics, 77%; anti-inflammatories, 74%; "FM-specific medications," 33%; antidepressants, 30%); 21% discontinued all FM medications postoperatively. CONCLUSION: FM is common in patients operated on for sporadic PHP. Of those with both conditions, after PTX 89% appreciate symptom response and 77% and 21% had a decrease in or discontinuation or medications, respectively. Before diagnosing FM, providers should exclude PHP, which is surgically correctable.

Surgeon volume and adequacy of thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine influence of surgeon volume on (1) frequency of appropriate initial surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and (2) completeness of resection. METHODS: We reviewed all initial thyroidectomies (Tx; lobectomy and total) performed in a health system during 2011; surgeons were grouped by number of Tx cases per year. For patients with histologic DTC ≥ 1 cm, surgeon volume was correlated with initial extent of the operation, and markers of complete resection including uptake on I(123) prescan, thyrotropin-stimulated thyroglobulin levels, and I(131) dose administered. RESULTS: Of 1,249 patients who underwent Tx by 42 surgeons, 29% had DTC ≥ 1 cm without distant metastasis. At a threshold of ≥ 30 Tx per year, surgeons were more likely to perform initial total Tx for DTC ≥ 1 cm (P = .01), and initial resection was more complete as measured by all 3 quantitative markers. For patients with advanced stage disease, a threshold of ≥ 50 Tx per year was needed before observing improvements in I(123) uptake (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Surgeons who perform ≥ 30 Tx a year are more likely to undertake the appropriate initial operation and have more complete initial resection for DTC patients. Surgeon volume is an essential consideration in optimizing outcomes for DTC patients, and even higher thresholds (≥ 50 Tx/year) may be necessary for patients with advanced disease.

Classification system for identifying women at risk for altered partial breast irradiation recommendations after breast magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: To study the utility of preoperative breast MRI for partial breast irradiation (PBI) patient selection, using multivariable analysis of significant risk factors to create a classification rule. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 2002 and 2009, 712 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer underwent preoperative bilateral breast MRI at Mayo Clinic Florida. Of this cohort, 566 were retrospectively deemed eligible for PBI according to the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-39 inclusion criteria using physical examination, mammogram, and/or ultrasound. Magnetic resonance images were then reviewed to determine their impact on patient eligibility. The patient and tumor characteristics were evaluated to determine risk factors for altered PBI eligibility after MRI and to create a classification rule. RESULTS: Of the 566 patients initially eligible for PBI, 141 (25%) were found ineligible because of pathologically proven MRI findings. Magnetic resonance imaging detected additional ipsilateral breast cancer in 118 (21%). Of these, 62 (11%) had more extensive disease than originally noted before MRI, and 64 (11%) had multicentric disease. Contralateral breast cancer was detected in 28 (5%). Four characteristics were found to be significantly associated with PBI ineligibility after MRI on multivariable analysis: premenopausal status (P=.021), detection by palpation (P<.001), first-degree relative with a history of breast cancer (P=.033), and lobular histology (P=.002). Risk factors were assigned a score of 0-2. The risk of altered PBI eligibility from MRI based on number of risk factors was 0:18%; 1:22%; 2:42%; 3:65%. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative bilateral breast MRI altered the PBI recommendations for 25% of women. Women who may undergo PBI should be considered for breast MRI, especially those with lobular histology or with 2 or more of the following risk factors: premenopausal, detection by palpation, and first-degree relative with a history of breast cancer.

The role of preoperative bilateral breast magnetic resonance imaging in patient selection for partial breast irradiation in ductal carcinoma in situ.

Purpose. Women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are often candidates for breast-conserving therapy, and one option for radiation treatment is partial breast irradiation (PBI). This study evaluates the use of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for PBI selection in DCIS patients. Methods. Between 2002 and 2009, 136 women with newly diagnosed DCIS underwent a preoperative bilateral breast MRI at Mayo Clinic in Florida. One hundred seventeen women were deemed eligible for PBI by the NSABP B-39 (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, Protocol B-39) inclusion criteria using physical examination, mammogram, and/or ultrasound. MRIs were reviewed for their impact on patient eligibility, and findings were pathologically confirmed. Results. Of the 117 patients, 23 (20%) were found ineligible because of pathologically proven MRI findings. MRI detected additional ipsilateral breast cancer in 21 (18%) patients. Of these women, 15 (13%) had more extensive disease than originally noted before MRI, and 6 (5%) had multicentric disease in the ipsilateral breast. In addition, contralateral breast cancer was detected in 4 (4%). Conclusions. Preoperative breast MRI altered the PBI recommendations for 20% of women. Bilateral breast MRI should be an integral part of the preoperative evaluation of all patients with DCIS being considered for PBI.

Treatment of a mycotic descending thoracic aortic aneurysm using endovascular stent-graft placement and rifampin infusion with postoperative aspiration of the aneurysm sac.

PURPOSE: Mycotic aortic aneurysms are rare but are associated with high morbidity and mortality due to their propensity for rupture. Traditional therapy consists of open surgical repair with resection and aortic reconstruction or extra-anatomic bypass combined with long-term antibiotic therapy. CASE REPORT: An 85-year-old male with persistent bacteremia was found to have a descending mycotic aortic aneurysm. Surgical options were discussed and endovascular treatment was recommended with stent-graft placement followed by intra-aortic rifampin infusion. This approach led to resolution of the aneurysm and eradication of bacteremia at 4-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: By combining traditional surgical strategies with a contemporary endovascular approach, the perioperative mortality and long-term risk of infection associated with mycotic thoracic aneurysms can potentially be decreased.