Laparoscopic versus open surgery for the management of post-cholecystectomy benign biliary strictures.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Surgical management by a bilioenteric anastomosis is the standard for the repair of post-cholecystectomy benign biliary strictures (BBS). This is traditionally done as an open operation. There are a few reports describing the procedure by a laparoscopic technique. The aim of the present study was to describe our experience of laparoscopic bilio-enteric anastomosis [Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (LRYHJ)/laparoscopic hepaticoduodenostomy (LHD)] in the management of post-cholecystectomy BBS and compare the outcomes with our patients operated by the open approach. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospective data of post-cholecystectomy BBS patients treated by laparoscopic bilio-enteric anastomosis. The outcomes were compared with patients who underwent an open repair. RESULTS: Between January 2016 and February 2019, 63 patients underwent surgery for post-cholecystectomy BBS. Twenty-nine patients who underwent laparoscopic bilio-enteric anastomosis (LRYHJ-13, LHD-16) were compared with 34 patients who underwent an open repair. The median age (40 vs 39) years, type of index surgery [laparoscopic cholecystectomy (13 vs 15), laparoscopic converted to open cholecystectomy (10 vs 16), and open cholecystectomy (6 vs 3)], type of injury low stricture (7 vs 5) and high stricture (22 vs 29), preoperative biliary fistula (23 vs 30), and time from injury to repair (6 vs 7 months) were similar in the 2 groups. The median duration of surgery was also similar (210 vs 200 min, p = 0.937); however, the median intraoperative blood loss (50 mL vs 200 mL, p = 0.001), time to resume oral diet (2 vs 4 days p = 0.023),** and median duration of postoperative hospital stay (6 vs 8 days, p = 0.001) were significantly less in the laparoscopy group. Overall morbidity rate (within 30 days post-surgery) was significantly higher in the open repair group (38% vs 20%). In a subgroup analysis of the laparoscopic repair group, the operative time in patients who underwent an LHD was significantly less than LRYHJ (190 vs 230 min, p = 0.034). The other parameters like the mean intraoperative blood loss, time to initiate oral diet, duration of postoperative hospital stay, and incidence of postoperative bile leak were similar. Patients undergoing open repair had a median follow-up of 26 months with two developing anastomotic stenosis and those undergoing laparoscopic repair had a median follow-up for 9 months with one developing anastomotic stenosis. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for post-cholecystectomy BBS with an LRYHJ or LHD is feasible and safe and compares favourably with the open approach.

Minimally invasive oesophagectomy in prone versus lateral decubitus position: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopic oesophageal mobilisation during a minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE) is most commonly performed with the patient placed in the lateral decubitus position (LDP). The prone position (PP) for thoracoscopic oesophageal mobilisation has been proposed as an alternative. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, comparative study designed to compare early outcomes following a minimally invasive thoracolaparoscopic oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer in LDP and in PP. RESULTS: During the study period, between January 2011 and February 2014, 104 patients underwent an oesophagectomy for cancer. Of these, 42 were open procedures (transhiatal and transthoracic oesophagectomy) and 62 were minimally invasive. The study group included patients who underwent thoracolaparoscopic oesophagectomy in LDP (n = 23) and in PP (n = 25). The median age of the study population was 55 (24-71) years, and there were 25 males. Twenty-one (21) patients had tumours in the middle third of the oesophagus, 24 in the lower third, and 3 arising from the gastro-oesophageal junction. The most common histology was squamous cell cancer (85.4%). The median duration of surgery was similar in the two groups; however, the estimated median intraoperative blood loss was less in the PP group [200 (50-400) mL vs 300 (100-600) mL; P = 0.01)]. In the post-operative period, 26.1% patients in the LDP group and 8% in the PP group (8%) developed respiratory complications. The incidence of other post-operative complications, including cervical oesophagogastric anastomosis, hoarseness of voice and chylothorax, was not different in the two groups. The T stage of the tumour was similar in the two groups, with the majority (37) having T3 disease. A mean of 8 lymph nodes (range 2-33) were retrieved in the LDP group, and 17.5 (range 5-41) lymph nodes were retrieved in the PP group (P = 0.0004). The number of patients with node-positive disease was also higher in the PP group (19 vs 10, P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: MIE in the PP is an effective alternative to LDP. The exposure obtained is excellent even without the need for a complete lung collapse, thereby obviating the need for a double-lumen endotracheal tube. A more meticulous dissection can be performed resulting in a higher lymph nodal yield.

Minimally invasive versus the conventional open surgical approach of a radical cholecystectomy for gallbladder cancer: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has traditionally been contraindicated for the management of gall bladder cancer (GBC). This study was undertaken to determine the safety and feasibility of a laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy (LRC) for GBC and compare it with an open radical cholecystectomy (ORC). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of primary GBC patients (with limited liver infiltration) and incidental GBC (IGBC) patients (detected after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy) who underwent LRC between June 2011 and October 2013. Patients who fulfilled the study criteria and underwent ORC during the same period formed the control group. RESULTS: During the study period, 147 patients with GBC underwent a radical cholecystectomy. Of these, 24 patients (primary GBC- 20, IGBC - 4) who underwent a LRC formed the study group (Group A). Of the remaining 123 patients who underwent ORC, 46 matched patients formed the control group (Group B). The median operating time was higher in Group A (270 versus 240 mins, P = 0.021) and the median blood loss (ml) was lower (200 versus 275 ml, P = 0.034). The post-operative morbidity and mortality were similar (P = 1.0). The pathological stage of the tumour in Group A was T1b (n = 1), T2 (n = 11) and T3 (n = 8), respectively. The median lymph node yield was 10 (4-31) and was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.642). During a median follow-up of 18 (6-34) months, 1 patient in Group A and 3 in Group B developed recurrence. No patient developed a recurrence at a port site. CONCLUSION: LRC is safe and feasible in selected patients with GBC, and the results were comparable to ORC in this retrospective comparison.

Role of routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy in the management of gallbladder cancer: an analysis.

BACKGROUND: Involvement of the 16b1 (interaortocaval) lymph node (LN) in gallbladder cancer (GBC) is considered to represent metastatic disease. Although this is universally accepted, the role of routine frozen-section histopathological examination (HPE) of the 16b1 LN in the management of GBC has not been previously reported. METHODS: A prospective study (August 2009-November 2011) using routine biopsy of 16b1 LNs and frozen-section HPE prior to radical resection in patients deemed operable on preoperative evaluation and staging laparoscopy was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 451 GBC patients assessed, 251 (55.7%) were deemed operable on preoperative imaging. Of these, 68 (27.1%) were found to have disseminated disease on staging laparoscopy/laparotomy. Of the 183 patients in whom 16b1 LN biopsy was performed, 34 (18.6%) had evidence of metastases on frozen-section HPE and the planned surgical resection was abandoned (Group A). Of the remaining 149 patients (Group B), 142 (95.3%) underwent curative resection and seven (4.7%) were found to be unresectable as a result of locoregionally advanced disease. A comparison of findings in Group A with those in Group B showed no significant difference in the clinical stage of the tumour. The proportions of patients with jaundice, elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (P = 0.008, P = 0.012 and P = 0.023, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Routine 16b1 LN biopsy prevented non-therapeutic radical resection and its associated morbidity in 18.6% of patients deemed resectable on preoperative imaging and staging laparoscopy. The yield was higher in patients with jaundice and elevated preoperative tumour marker levels.

The role of staging laparoscopy in primary gall bladder cancer--an analysis of 409 patients: a prospective study to evaluate the role of staging laparoscopy in the management of gallbladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of staging laparoscopy (SL) in the management of gallbladder cancer (GBC). METHODS: A prospective study of primary GBC patients between May 2006 and December 2011. The SL was performed using an umbilical port with a 30-degree telescope. Early GBC included clinical stage T1/T2. A detectable lesion (DL) was defined as one that could be detected on SL alone, without doing any dissection or using laparoscopic ultrasound (surface liver metastasis and peritoneal deposits). Other metastatic and locally advanced unresectable disease qualified as undetectable lesions (UDL). RESULTS: Of the 409 primary GBC patients who underwent SL, 95 had disseminated disease [(surface liver metastasis (n = 29) and peritoneal deposits (n = 66)]. The overall yield of SL was 23.2% (95/409). Of the 314 patients who underwent laparotomy, an additional 75 had unresectable disease due to surface liver metastasis (n = 5), deep parenchymal liver metastasis (n = 4), peritoneal deposits (n = 1), nonlocoregional lymph nodes (n = 47), and locally advanced unresectable disease (n = 18), that is, 6-DL and 69-UDL. The accuracy of SL for detecting unresectable disease and DL was 55.9% (95/170) and 94.1% (95/101), respectively. Compared with early GBC, the yield was significantly higher in locally advanced tumors (n = 353) [25.2% (89/353) vs 10.7% (6/56), P = 0.02]. However, the accuracy in detecting unresectable disease and a DL in locally advanced tumors was similar to early GBC [56.0%, (89/159) and 94.1%, (89/95) vs 54.6% (6/11) and 100% (6/6), P = 1.00]. CONCLUSIONS: In the present series with an overall resectability rate of 58.4%, SL identified 94.1% of the DLs and thereby obviated a nontherapeutic laparotomy in 55.9% of patients with unresectable disease and 23.2% of overall GBC patients. It had a higher yield in locally advanced tumors than in early-stage tumors; however, the accuracy in detecting unresectable disease and a DL were similar.

Laparoscopic esophagogastroplasty: a minimally invasive alternative to esophagectomy in the surgical management of megaesophagus with axis deviation.

INTRODUCTION: The results of cardiomyotomy in patients of achalasic megaesophagus with axis deviation are not satisfactory, and several authors have advocated an esophagectomy in these patients. We describe the technical details and outcomes of a novel technique of laparoscopic esophagogastroplasty for end-stage achalasia. METHODS: Patients with end-stage achalasia, characterized by tortuous megaesophagus were selected. The surgery was performed in supine position using five abdominal ports. The steps included mobilization of the gastroesophageal junction and lower intrathoracic esophagus, straightening and anchoring the pulled intrathoracic esophagus into the abdomen, and a side-side esophagogastroplasty. RESULTS: Four patients with megaesophagus due to end-stage achalasia underwent this procedure. The average duration of surgery was 177.5 (range, 120-240) min. All patients could be ambulated on the first postoperative day. Oral feeding was initiated by the third postoperative day, and all patients had significant improvements in their dysphagia scores. All patients had excellent cosmetic results and were discharged by the fifth postoperative day. An upper gastrointestinal contrast study done at 6 weeks after surgery did not show any hold up of contrast, and there was decrease in the convolutions and diameter of the esophagus. At a mean follow-up of 10.5 (range, 3-15) months, all patients are euphagic without significant symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic esophagogastroplasty is an effective option for relieving dysphagia in megaesophagus due to achalasia with axis deviation and is a reasonable alternative before subjecting to a major and potentially morbid esophagectomy.

Total laparoscopic esophageal bypass using a colonic conduit for corrosive-induced esophageal stricture.

BACKGROUND: The colon and the stomach are the most commonly used conduits for esophageal replacement in patients with esophageal strictures resulting from corrosive ingestion. The replacement surgeries have traditionally been performed by an open approach. While laparoscopic replacement surgery using a stomach conduit has been previously reported, a total laparoscopic bypass using a colonic conduit has not been previously described. We herein describe the surgical technique and results of laparoscopic esophageal bypass using a colonic conduit. METHODS: Patients with corrosive stricture involving the esophagus with the proximal level at the hypopharynx, or those with concomitant gastric scarring, were selected. The surgery was performed with the patient in a supine position using five abdominal ports and a hockey stick/transverse skin crease neck incision. The main steps include colonic mobilization and assessment of the adequacy of the marginal vascular arcade, creation of a retrosternal tunnel, preparation of the colonic conduit, neck dissection, delivery of the colonic conduit into the neck and cervical pharyngo/esophagocolic anastomosis, and intra-abdominal cologastric and ileocolic anastomosis. RESULTS: During the study period, 39 patients with corrosive stricture of the esophagus were managed surgically at our center with either gastric or colonic bypass. Of these, 22 patients underwent an open procedure (12 retrosternal colonic bypasses and 10 retrosternal gastric bypasses) and 17 patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure (13 retrosternal gastric bypasses and 4 retrosternal colonic bypasses). Patients with stricture at the hypopharynx (n = 2) or those in whom the stomach was contracted (n = 2) were considered for a laparoscopic esophagocoloplasty. The average duration of surgery of these latter four patients was 370 (380, 320, 360, and 420) min and the mean estimated blood loss was 100 mL. All patients could be ambulated on the first postoperative day and were allowed oral liquids by the 7th postoperative day. Compared with patients who underwent an open colonic bypass, there was significantly less need for analgesics. At a median follow-up of 5 (range 3-6) months, all patients are euphagic to solid diet and have excellent cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colonic bypass is an achievable, safe, and effective procedure for the management of corrosive strictures of the esophagus.

Gallbladder cancer management impacted by coexistent tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: In endemic areas, gallbladder cancer (GBC) and tuberculosis may coexist. This study aimed to ascertain the impact of coexistent tuberculosis on the management of patients with GBC. METHODS: Data of patients with proven GBC with coexistent tuberculosis managed at our centre between January 2003 and December 2007 were analysed from a prospective gallbladder cancer database to highlight the management issues and ascertain the impact that coexistent tuberculosis had on the outcome in these patients. RESULTS: Of the 340 patients of GBC evaluated at our centre, 7 patients had concomitant tuberculosis and constituted the study group. All the patients were women (mean age 56.3 years). The commonest presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, decreased appetite and significant weight loss. Two patients were found to have tuberculosis on preoperative evaluation on a fine-needle aspiration cytology from the left supraclavicular lymph nodes; 3 patients were detected intraoperatively (1 had peritoneal tuberculosis on staging laparoscopy and 2 had tubercular lymphadenitis on interaortocaval lymph node sampling) and 2 were detected postoperatively with histopathological examination showing GBC with tubercular lymphadenitis of the hepatoduodenal lymph nodes. Six of these 7 patients underwent surgery with curative intent and 1 underwent a surgical bypass. CONCLUSION: Five of the 7 patients of GBC with coexistent tuberculosis could have been denied the chance of curative surgery had a preoperative/intraoperative biopsy confirmation not been done. Thus, histopathological confirmation is mandatory before labelling a cancer as metastatic and denying the patient a chance for cure.

A prospective analysis of the preoperative assessment of duodenal involvement in gallbladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal involvement occurs frequently in gallbladder cancer (GBC) as a result of the proximity of the duodenum to the gallbladder. METHODS: The study group included 74 GBC patients assessed between August 2009 and March 2011 in whom computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen indicated suspicion for duodenal involvement. RESULTS: Of 172 patients with resectable GBC, 74 (43.0%) had suspected duodenal involvement on imaging. Of these, 51 (68.9%) had suspected duodenal involvement on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE). Symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) were present in only 14 (18.9%) patients. Thirteen (17.6%) patients underwent staging laparoscopy alone. Of the 61 patients who underwent laparotomy, 31 (50.8%) were found to have actual duodenal involvement. The positive predictive value (PPV) of CT of the abdomen for duodenal involvement was 50.8% (31 of 61 patients). The addition of UGIE increased the PPV to 65.9% (27 of 41 patients). In the subgroup with evidence of duodenal mural thickening or mucosal irregularity on CT of the abdomen (n= 9) or duodenal mucosal infiltration on UGIE (n= 14), the PPV increased to 100%. A total of 33 (44.6%) patients underwent curative resection. The resectability rate was significantly lower in patients with symptoms of GOO [two of 14 (14.3%) vs. 31 of 60 (51.7%); P= 0.010], CT findings of duodenal mural thickening or mucosal irregularity compared with only loss of the fat plane [two of 12 (16.7%) vs. 31 of 62 (50.0%); P= 0.032], and UGIE evidence of duodenal infiltration compared with extrinsic compression or normal endoscopic findings [three of 16 (18.8%) vs. 18 of 35 (51.4%) and 12 of 23 (52.2%), respectively; P= 0.027 and P= 0.036, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, CT of the abdomen demonstrated a PPV of 50.8% in detecting duodenal involvement, which increased to 65.9% with the addition of UGIE. The combined presence of GOO symptoms, CT findings of duodenal mural thickening and mucosal irregularity, and UGIE findings of infiltration of the duodenal mucosa significantly decreases resectability but does not preclude resection.

A modified minimally invasive technique for the surgical management of large trichobezoars.

BACKGROUND: Trichobezoar which were traditionally managed by open surgical retrieval are now often managed by minimally invasive surgical approach. Removal of a large trichobezoar by laparoscopy, however, needs an incision (usually 4-5 cm in size) for specimen removal and has the risk of intra-peritoneal spillage of hair and inspissated secretions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present paper describes a modified laparoscopy-assisted technique with temporary gastrocutaneopexy for the effective removal of a large trichobezoar using a camera port and a 4-5 cm incision (which is similar to that needed for specimen removal during laparoscopy). RESULTS: Three patients with large trichobezoar were managed with the described technique. The average duration of surgery was 45 (30-60) min and the intraoperative blood loss was minimal. There was no peritoneal spillage and the trichobezoar could be retrieved through a 4-5 cm incision in all patients. All had an uneventful recovery and at a median followup of 6 months had excellent cosmetic and functional results. CONCLUSION: The described technique is a minimally invasive alternative for trichobezoar removal. There is no risk of peritoneal contamination and the technical ease and short operative time in addition to an incision limited to size required for the specimen removal, makes it an attractive option.

Laparoscopic retrosternal bypass for corrosive stricture of the esophagus.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical management of corrosive stricture of the esophagus entails replacement of the scarred esophagus with a gastric or colonic conduit. This has traditionally been done using the conventional open surgical approach. We herein describe the first ever reported minimally invasive technique for performing retrosternal esophageal bypass using a stomach conduit. METHODS: Patients with corrosive stricture involving the esophagus alone with a normal stomach were selected. The surgery was performed with the patient in supine position using four abdominal ports and a transverse skin crease neck incision. Steps included mobilization of the stomach and division of the gastroesophageal junction, creation of a retrosternal space, transposition of stomach into the neck (via retrosternal space), and a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. RESULTS: Four patients with corrosive stricture of the esophagus underwent this procedure. The average duration of surgery was 260 (240-300) min. All patients could be ambulated on the first postoperative day and were allowed oral liquids between the fifth and seventh day. At mean follow-up of 6.5 (3-9) months, all are euphagic to solid diet and have excellent cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic bypass for corrosive stricture of the esophagus using a gastric conduit is technically feasible. It results in early postoperative recovery, effective relief of dysphagia, and excellent cosmesis in these young patients.

Management of hypersplenism in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension: a surgical series.

BACKGROUND: Hypersplenism is commonly seen in patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH). While a splenectomy alone can effectively relieve the hypersplenism, it does not address the underlying portal hypertension. The present study was undertaken to analyze the impact of shunt and non-shunt operations on the resolution of hypersplenism in patients with NCPH. The relationship of symptomatic hypersplenism, severe hypersplenism and number of peripheral cell line defects to the severity of portal hypertension and outcome was also assessed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of NCPH patients with hypersplenism managed surgically between 1999 and 2009 at our center was done. Of 252 patients with NCPH, 64 (45 with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and 19 with non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis) had hypersplenism and constituted the study group. Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad InStat. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using the chi-square test, ANOVA, and Student's t test. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare non-parametric variables. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in the study group was 21.81+/-6.1 years. Hypersplenism was symptomatic in 70.3% with an incidence of spontaneous bleeding at 26.5%, recurrent anemia at 34.4%, and recurrent infection at 29.7%. The mean duration of surgery was 4.16+/-1.9 hours, intraoperative blood loss was 457+/-126 (50-2000) mL, and postoperative hospital stay 5.5+/-1.9 days. Following surgery, normalization of hypersplenism occurred in all patients. On long-term follow-up, none of the patients developed hepatic encephalopathy and 4 had a variceal re-bleeding (2 after a splenectomy alone, 1 each after an esophago-gastric devascularization and proximal splenorenal shunt). Patients with severe hypersplenism and those with defects in all three peripheral blood cell lineages were older, had a longer duration of symptoms, and a higher incidence of variceal bleeding and postoperative morbidity. In addition, patients with triple cell line defects had elevated portal pressure (P=0.001), portal biliopathy (P=0.02), portal gastropathy (P=0.005) and intraoperative blood loss (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hypersplenism is effectively relieved by both shunt and non-shunt operations. A proximal splenorenal shunt not only relieves hypersplenism but also effectively addresses the potential complications of underlying portal hypertension and can be safely performed with good long-term outcome. Patients with hypersplenism who have defects in all three blood cell lineages have significantly elevated portal pressures and are at increased risk of complications of variceal bleeding, portal biliopathy and gastropathy.

All cholecystectomy specimens must be sent for histopathology to detect inapparent gallbladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Traditionally, a gallbladder removed for presumed benign disease has been sent for histopathological examination (HPE), but this practice has been the subject of controversy. This study was undertaken to compare patients in whom gallbladder cancer (GBC) was diagnosed after cholecystectomy on HPE with GBC patients in whom the gallbladder was not sent for HPE and who therefore presented late with symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 170 GBC patients diagnosed after cholecystectomy was conducted. All patients presented to one centre during 2000-2011. These patients were divided into two groups based on the availability of histopathology reports: Group A included patients who presented early with HPE reports (n = 93), and Group B comprised patients who presented late with symptoms and without HPE reports (n = 77). RESULTS: The median time to presentation in Group A was significantly lower than in Group B (29 days vs. 152 days; P < 0.001). Signs or symptoms suggestive of recurrence (pain, jaundice or gastric outlet obstruction) were present in four (4.3%) patients in Group A and all (100%) patients in Group B (P < 0.001). Patients deemed operable on preoperative evaluation included all (100%) patients in Group A and 38 (49.4%) patients in Group B (P < 0.0001). The overall resectability rate (69.9% vs. 7.8%) and median survival (54 months vs. 10 months) were significantly higher in Group A compared with Group B (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients in whom a cholecystectomy specimen was sent for HPE presented early, had a better R0 resection rate and longer overall survival. Hence, routine HPE of all cholecystectomy specimens should be performed.

Outcome following surgical management of corrosive strictures of the esophagus.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the short- and long-term outcomes following surgical treatment for corrosive stricture of the esophagus. BACKGROUND: Surgery is a well-established treatment for corrosive strictures of the esophagus and involves either resection or bypass of the damaged esophagus and replacement by a conduit. The need for resection and the choice of the ideal conduit for esophageal replacement in these patients continues to be debated and there are only a few studies reporting on the long-term outcome following the surgical treatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients with corrosive stricture of the esophagus who were managed surgically between 1983 and 2009. The type of surgery performed (resection or bypass), the conduit used, the short- and long-term outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-six corrosive strictures of the esophagus were managed surgically (resection: 64, bypass: 112). A transhiatal resection could be accomplished in 59 of 62 patients in whom it was attempted. Stomach conduits were used in 107 patients and colonic conduits in 69. The mean operating time was 4.3 ± 1.5 hours and the mean estimated blood loss 592 ± 386 mL. Cervical anastomotic leak occurred in 22 patients (12.5%). Follow up of more than 10 years was available for 78 patients (44.3%) and more than 15 years for 54 patients (30.7%). Recurrent dysphagia developed in 33 patients (18.7%). There were no differences in the short- or long-term outcomes in patients who underwent resection or bypass. The mean duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, incidence of conduit necrosis, and in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients with stomach conduits as compared with colonic conduits. There was a higher incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, recurrent dysphagia, and aspiration after surgery in patients with strictures involving the upper end of the esophagus at or near the hypopharynx. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory outcomes are achieved after surgery for corrosive strictures of the esophagus. Resection of scarred esophagus may be done without a substantial increase in the morbidity and mortality; however, the outcomes are not significantly different from bypass. Stomach is a good conduit and the colon should be reserved for cases where the stomach is not available. Long-term outcomes in patients with hypopharyngeal strictures, however, continue to be poor.

Plasma-derived candidate biomarkers for detection of gallbladder carcinoma.

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a major cancer of the gastrointestinal tract with poor prognosis. Reliable and affordable biomarker-based assays with high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of this cancer are a clinical need. With the aim of studying the potential of the plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), we carried out quantitative proteomic analysis of the EV proteins, using three types of controls and various stages of the disease, which led to the identification of 86 proteins with altered abundance. These include 29 proteins unique to early stage, 44 unique to the advanced stage and 13 proteins being common to both the stages. Many proteins are functionally relevant to the tumor condition or have been also known to be differentially expressed in GBC tissues. Several of them are also present in the plasma in free state. Clinical verification of three tumor-associated proteins with elevated levels in comparison to all the three control types-5'-nucleotidase isoform 2 (NT5E), aminopeptidase N (ANPEP) and neprilysin (MME) was carried out using individual plasma samples from early or advanced stage GBC. Sensitivity and specificity assessment based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated a significant association of NT5E and ANPEP with advanced stage GBC and MME with early stage GBC. These and other proteins identified in the study may be potentially useful for developing new diagnostics for GBC.

Lung complications in acute pancreatitis.

CONTEXT: Severe acute pancreatitis has long been known to be a cause of pulmonary dysfunction and multisystem organ failure. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the spectrum of pulmonary dysfunction in acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Over a period of one year, 60 patients referred to us with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis on the basis of clinical findings, CT and elevated serum amylase level were studied prospectively. The computed tomography severe index (CTSI) was used to assess the severity of the pancreatitis. Arterial blood gas analysis and chest X-rays were performed in all patients at admission and at intervals, when clinically indicated. RESULTS: The mean age was 42.9+/-15.9 years (range: 18-80 years) and the etiology of the pancreatitis was gallstones in 29 patients, alcohol in 22 patients while no cause could be ascertained in 9. At presentation to our hospital, 48.3% had mild hypoxemia while 18.3% had moderate to severe hypoxemia (PaO2 less than 60 mmHg). The patients who were hypoxemic at presentation had a higher incidence of organ failure during the course of the disease. Pleural effusion at admission was noticed in 50%, atelectasis in 25%, and pulmonary infiltrates in 6.7%. Respiratory failure developed in 48.3% and the mean+/-SD CTSI in these patients was 8.20+/-2.29. Patients with more than 50% necrosis had more pulmonary dysfunction and needed ventilatory support. The development of consolidation during the course of the disease correlated with the occurrence of respiratory failure (P=0.068) but not with mortality (P=0.193). Similarly, the onset of adult respiratory distress syndrome also correlated with respiratory failure (P<0.001) but, unlike consolidation, adult respiratory distress syndrome correlated with mortality (P<0.001). On logistic regression analysis, the development of respiratory failure and other organ dysfunctions were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Our study on patients who were referred to a tertiary care center points out that hypoxemia at presentation predicts a poor outcome which could be due to the high incidence of associated cardiac and renal failure. At presentation, the presence of pleural effusion but not atelectasis and consolidation correlates with the development of respiratory failure and mortality. Among the respiratory complications developing during the course of acute pancreatitis, consolidation and adult respiratory distress syndrome correlate with respiratory failure while adult respiratory distress syndrome alone leads to poor survival.