Ultrasonic dissection versus conventional dissection techniques in pancreatic surgery: a randomized multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: : This prospective randomized multicenter trial was performed to assess the potential benefits of ultrasonic energy dissection compared with conventional dissection techniques in pancreatic surgery. BACKGROUND: : Surgical procedures for tumors of the pancreatic head involve time-consuming manual dissection. The primary hypothesis was that use of ultrasonic tissue and vessel dissection would lead to substantial saving in operative time during pancreatic resection. METHODS: : Patients eligible for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or pylorus-preserving PD (PPPD) were randomized to group A (dissection with ultrasonic device) or group B (conventional dissection) from March 2009 to May 2011. The primary endpoint was overall duration of operation time. Secondary endpoints were time to end of resection phase, intraoperative blood loss, number of transfused units of blood, and postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: : Analysis of primary and secondary endpoints included 101 patients, who received either PD or PPPD. Demographical characteristics and clinical parameters were similar in both groups. The use of an ultrasonic dissection device did not significantly reduce overall operation time (median 316 minutes in group A and 319 minutes in group B, P = 0.95) and did not significantly increase the costs of surgery. Analysis of secondary endpoints revealed no difference in postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: : Tissue dissection and vessel closure using an ultrasonic device is equivalent to dissection with conventional techniques in pancreatic surgery.

Long-term results of primary and secondary resections in patients with retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse treatment and long-term outcome for primary and recurrent disease in patients with retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma (RSTS). METHODS: Clinicopathological data including tumour stage, grade, and histological subtype, location of the principal tumour, completeness of resection and operative procedure were studied. Kaplan-Meier estimations and Cox regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Patients comprised a primary resection group (PRG, n = 42), and a secondary resection group (SRG, n = 12) which included patients with recurrent RSTS and/or metastatic RSTS. Postoperative complications occurred in 15 patients (PRG: n = 13 (31%); SRG: n = 2, (16.7%)) and overall 30-day mortality was 5.6% (PRG: n = 2 (4.8%); SRG: n = 1 (8.3%)). Median overall survival was 58 months (PRG 60 months, SRG 50 months) with a 5-year survival rate of 39% (PRG 35.7%, SRG 50%) and a 1-year survival of 74.1% (PRG 71.4%, SRG 83.3%). Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that histopathological subtype (P = 0.006), completeness of resection (P < 0.001) and tumour grade (P = 0.018) were independent prognostic variables for overall survival. CONCLUSION: In the absence of effective alternative treatment options, patients with RSTS should undergo extended resection, even in recurrent disease. Complete surgical resection is still the most effective modality for the treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma.

Strong impact of micrometastatic tumor cell load in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To assess the role of immunohistochemically detectable nodal microinvolvement of patients with "curatively" resected esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: In 73 patients with resectable esophageal carcinoma [squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), n = 45 (61.6%); adenocarcinoma (AC), n = 28 (38.4%)] a total of 2174 lymph nodes (LN) were removed. In each of the 1958 LN classified as negative on conventional histopathology, immunohistochemistry was performed using the anticytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3. To determine the role of the amount of residual tumor load, the patients were grouped according to the percentage of LN affected with micrometastasis (0%, <11%, and > or =11%). RESULTS: Tumor cells were immunohistochemically detected in 47 LN (2.4%) from 25 (34.2%) patients. Five-year overall survival probability (5-YSP) of 30% in pN(0 )patients with detected occult tumor cells in LN was significantly worse than that in those without nodal microinvolvement (76%, P = 0.021), hereby resembling that of pN1-patients (24%, P = 0.84). Median overall survival in patients with no (0%), low (<11%), and high (>11%) micrometastatic tumor load was 43, 27, and 11 months, respectively. Substratification according to histological type showed that, in patients with AC, the presence of nodal microinvolvement had a significant impact on 5-YSP (0% versus 65%; P = 0.03), whereas in patients with SCC, differences of 5-YSP were only of borderline significance (24% versus 53%; P = 0.081). CONCLUSION: Minimal tumor cell load as assessed by the ratio of micrometastatically affected LN is a complementary tool for better risk stratification of patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Clinical value of loss of heterozygosity in serum microsatellite DNA of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

GOALS: To study the role of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in serum microsatellite DNA of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). BACKGROUND: In GIST, tumor markers from peripheral blood are missing. STUDY: Seventy-eight patients (59 GIST, 13 leiomyomas, 2 leiomyosarcomas, and 4 schwannomas) underwent resection at our institute between 1985 and 2006. Thirty-three preoperative sera (26 GIST and 7 non-GIST) and 62 postoperative sera (47 GIST and 15 non-GIST) were available and tested for alterations in 12 representative microsatellite loci on chromosomes 22, 17, 13, 9, and 3, using fluorescence-based automated capillary electrophoresis by ABI Prism. Survival was calculated with Kaplan-Meier plots. RESULTS: Seventeen out of 26 GIST patients had a positive preoperative serum LOH score (> or =2 LOH, sensitivity 65.4%), and 6 out of 7 non-GIST patients had a negative score (< or =1 LOH, specificity 85.7%, P=0.030, Fisher exact test). Serum LOH in GIST were strongly correlated with Fletcher risk groups (P=0.016, chi test). All metastasized GIST (7/7) showed > or =2 LOH preoperatively. Postoperative sensitivity and specificity of LOH analysis for prediction of relapse in 47 GIST was 75.0% and 64.1%, respectively. After a median observation time of 51.3 months (95% confidence interval, 39.4-61.4), LOH in serum significantly predicted overall survival (P=0.007, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS: LOH serum analysis in GIST may play a role as a noninvasive, differential diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring marker in the clinical routine.

Subset of esophageal adenocarcinoma expresses adhesion molecule l1 in contrast to squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal adenocarcinoma is currently the most rapidly increasing cancer in Western populations. L1 (CD171), a neural cell adhesion molecule, has an essential function in tumor progression and has been shown to be expressed in the proliferating cells of the intestinal crypts in mice. The aim of the current study was to determine L1 expression in esophageal cancer and to evaluate whether L1 could serve as a potential marker and therapeutic target for this tumor type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: L1 expression was assessed on a tissue microarray with 257 surgically resected esophageal cancer samples by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody (Clone UJ127). L1 expression was correlated with clinicopathological data. RESULTS: L1 was detected in 22 (9%) of 257 esophageal cases, whereas 235 (91%) were L1 negative. Nineteen (86%) of the 22 L1-positive cases were adenocarcinoma. Cross table analysis showed a significant association between L1 expression and adenocarcinoma subtype (p<0.001), but not squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: L1 expression in a subgroup of esophageal cancer is specifically prevalent in adenocarcinoma. Data suggest L1 as a potential target for biological therapy in L1-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma patients.

Abscess of adrenal gland caused by disseminated subacute Nocardia farcinica pneumonia. A case report and mini-review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Infections caused by Nocardia farcinica are uncommon and show a great variety of clinical manifestations in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Because of its unspecific symptoms and tendency to disseminate it may mimic the clinical symptoms and radiologic findings of a tumour disease and the diagnosis of nocardiosis can easily be missed, because there are no characteristic symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of an adrenal gland abscess caused by subacute disseminated N. farcinica pneumonia. CONCLUSION: An infection with N. farcinica is potentially lethal because of its tendency to disseminate -particularly in the brain- and its high resistance to antibiotics. Awareness of this differential diagnosis allows early and appropriate treatment to be administered.

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy versus Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy in circumferential third-degree hemorrhoids: long-term results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The literature indicates higher recurrence rates for stapled hemorrhoidopexy than for conventional techniques. This could be due to inappropriate patient selection. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcome after stapled hemorrhoidopexy compared with the Milligan-Morgan procedure in a homogeneous patient population with circumferential third-degree hemorrhoids. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: One hundred thirty patients were enrolled into a randomized controlled study, of which 122 were clinically evaluated at weeks 1, 2, and 4, and thereafter each year for a minimum of 3 years. Patients completed a questionnaire for symptoms, function, and pain. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale. Recurrences were determined by anoscopy and self-report. SETTINGS: The study was performed at the University Hospital Hamburg. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Endpoints were pain, recurrence, bleeding, itching/burning, urinary retention, incontinence symptoms, and prolonged rate of wound healing. RESULTS: The cumulative recurrence rates after 5 years were 18 % (n = 11) in the stapled hemorrhoidopexy group and 23 % (n = 14) in the Milligan-Morgan group (p = 0.65). Patients who underwent stapled hemorrhoidopexy had significantly less postoperative pain with mean VAS scores at week 1: 3.1 vs. 6.2; week 2: 0.5 vs. 3; week 4: 0.05 vs. 0.6 (p < 0.001), and demonstrated less burning/itching sensation 4 weeks after surgery compared with the Milligan-Morgan group (4.9 vs. 19.7 %; p < 0.001). The postoperative bleeding rate was 4.9 % in both groups and the rate of urinary retention did not differ significantly (4.9 % vs. 1.6 %; p = 0.309). Postoperative incontinence symptoms (6.6 % versus 3.3 %; p = 0.40) resolved within the first 6 months. LIMITATIONS: Detailed measurement of incontinence was not possible because postoperative symptoms resolved between consultations, and pathological results were examined retrospectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results show a similar rate of recurrence in the long term and suggest increased patient comfort in the early postoperative course after stapled hemorrhoidopexy. In patients with circumferential third-degree hemorrhoids, stapled hemorrhoidopexy is as effective as the Milligan-Morgan procedure.

Perivascular epitheloid cell tumour (PEComa) of the retroperitoneum - a rare tumor with uncertain malignant behaviour: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Perivascular epitheloid cell tumours are rare mesenchymal neoplasms characterized by a proliferation of perivascular cells with an epitheloid phenotype and expression of myomelanocytic markers. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present the case of a cystic perivascular epitheloid cell tumour of the retroperitoneum associated with multifocal lung lesions. A 27-year-old woman underwent laparotomy to remove a 10 x 6 x 4 cm sized retroperitoneal mass. The resected specimen was subjected to frozen and permanent histological sections with conventional and immunohistochemical stains, including antibodies against HMB45. The tumour displayed the typical morphological and immunohistochemical features of a perivascular epitheloid cell tumour. Focal necrosis and a proliferative index of 10% suggested a malignant potential. Moreover, postoperative computed tomography scans demonstrated multiple lung lesions, which were radiologically interpreted as being most likely compatible with lymphangioleiomyomatosis. CONCLUSION: Since lymphangioleiomyomatosis, an otherwise benign condition, belongs to the family of perivascular epitheloid cell tumours, it cannot be excluded that the lung lesions in this case in fact represent metastases from the retroperitoneal perivascular epitheloid cell tumour rather than independent neoplasms. More experience with this new and unusual tumour entity is clearly needed in order to define reliable criteria for benign or malignant behaviour.

En bloc vascular resection for locally advanced pancreatic malignancies infiltrating major blood vessels: perioperative outcome and long-term survival in 136 patients.

BACKGROUND: To assess in-hospital complication rates and survival duration after en bloc vascular resection (VR) for infiltration of pancreatic malignancies in major vessels. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2005, 585 patients underwent potentially curative pancreatic resection without adjuvant chemotherapy. Four hundred forty-nine patients (77%) underwent standard oncologic resection (VR-), whereas 136 (23%) received VR (VR+). For calculation of in-hospital morbidity and mortality rates, all 136 patients who underwent VR were considered. In contrast, for survival analysis, only pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients (n = 100) were included. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight VR+ patients underwent portal or superior mesenteric vein resection and 13 hepatic artery (HA) or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) resection. In 5 patients, synchronous VR addressing both the mesenterico-portal axis and either the HA or SMA was performed. In-hospital morbidity and mortality rates of VR- patients (39.7%/4.0%) nearly equaled that of VR+ patients (40.3%/3.7%). From the 100 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, histopathology confirmed "true" vascular invasion in 77 patients. Twenty-three patients had peritumoral inflammation, mimicking tumor invasion. Median survival was 15 months (11.2-18.8) in patients with histopathologic proven vascular invasion and 16 months (14.0-17.9) in those without (P = 0.86). Two-year survival probabilities were 36% (without) versus 34% (with vascular invasion; P = 0.9). Among VR+ patients with histopathologically evidenced vascular invasion, 19 survived longer than 30 months, and 6 were still alive 5 years after surgery. Multivariate modeling identified nodal involvement (N1) and poor grading (G3) as the only predictors of decreased survival. Evidence of vascular invasion had no adverse impact on survival. CONCLUSION: Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates after en bloc VR are comparable with "standard" pancreatectomy procedures. Median survival of 15 months in patients with vascular invasion is superior to that of patients who undergo palliative therapy and nearly equals that of patients who are not in need for VR.

Prognostic implications of netrin-1 expression and its receptors in patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

BACKGROUND: To assess the interaction between the expression of netrin-1 or of its receptors to the prognosis of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. METHODS: In 82 patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent curative operation, the expression patterns of netrin-1, deleted in colorectal carcinomas (DCC), UNC5H3, and neogenin were determined by immunohistochemical staining. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess the prognostic relevance of the examined expression patterns. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 15 +/- 19.9 months (range, 4-108 months). Patients suffering from tumors with no or little expression of netrin-1 (n = 67) had a median recurrence-free survival of 10 months (95% CI, 7-13 months), while a middle to strong expression (n = 15) was associated with a significantly worse median recurrence-free survival of only four months (95% CI, three to five months, p = 0.0165). Overall and recurrence-free survival showed no significant differences between the different expression patterns of DCC, UNC5H3 or neogenin. Netrin-1 expression had significant impact (p = 0.001) on overall survival of patients suffering from poorly differentiated tumors. Stratification according to the nodal status revealed significant influence (p = 0.007) of UNC5H3 expression on the overall survival of patients with pN1 status. CONCLUSION: Expression of netrin-1 has significant impact on time to tumor relapse in adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Netrin-1 expression is associated with worse outcome in poorly differentiated pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Risk-stratification according to the UNC5H3 receptor expression pattern shows that node positive patients (pN1) with no to little UNC5H3 expression carry a significantly worse prognosis than those with middle to strong UNC5H3 expression.

T-banding: a technique for flow reduction of a hyperfunctioning arteriovenous fistula.

A common procedure for hyperfunctioning arteriovenous fistulas is banding, baring the potential for complications such as pre- and poststenotic dilatations and recurrence of high flow caused by slipping of the band itself. We describe a new technique that ensures proper fixation of the graft to prevent anastomotic aneurysms and enlarge the length of stenosis of the shunt vein in order to amplify the effect of flow reduction. This technique was used in 22 patients, with a mean flow reduction of about 50%. The procedure was effective and safe at 1 to 3 months follow-up.

Prognostic relevance of FDG PET in patients with neurofibromatosis type-1 and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours.

PURPOSE: In patients with neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs), survival rates are low and time to death is often less than 2 years. However, there are patients with a more favourable prognosis who develop metastases rather late or not at all. Since histopathology and tumour grading are not well correlated with prognosis, we aimed to evaluate the potential of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) for prediction of patient outcome in MPNST. METHODS: FDG PET was performed in 16 patients with NF1 and MPNSTs. Standardised uptake values (SUVs) were calculated for each tumour and correlated to tumour grade and patient outcome in terms of survival or death. RESULTS: Three patients with tumour grade II had an SUV <3. None of these patients developed metastases or died during a follow-up of 41-62 months. Thirteen patients with tumour grades II and III had an SUV >3. Only one of these patients is still alive after 20 months; the remaining 12 died within 4-33 months. SUV predicted long-term survival with an accuracy of 94%, compared with 69% for tumour grade. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, patients with an SUV >3 had a significantly shorter mean survival time, 13 months, than patients with an SUV <3, in whom the mean survival time was 52 months. Tumour grading did not reveal differences in survival time (15 vs 12 months). CONCLUSION: Tumour SUV obtained by FDG PET was a significant parameter for prediction of survival in NF1 patients with MPNSTs while histopathological tumour grading did not predict outcome.