Like a Rolling (Gall)Stone: Optimal Treatment of Gallstone Obstruction of the Sigmoid Colon.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, accounting for 1-4% of all cases of large-bowel obstruction. This is a highly morbid, and often fatal, condition due to its challenging diagnosis and late presentation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 90-year-old woman admitted to Emergency Department with abdominal pain and large-bowel obstruction due to a 6 cm gallstone lodged in a diverticulum of the proximal sigmoid colon as a consequence of a cholecysto-colonic fistula. Colonoscopy was deferred due to gallstone size carrying a high possibility of failure. The patient underwent urgent laparotomy with gallstone removal via colotomy. The cholecystocolonic fistula was left untreated. The post-operative course was uneventful; the patient was discharged on 6th post-operative day. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary discussion between endoscopists and surgeons is often needed to choose the best therapeutic option, especially in high-risk patients.

Fluorescence-based sentinel lymph node mapping and lymphography evaluation: results from the IHU-IRCAD-EAES EURO-FIGS registry.

BACKGROUND: The identification of metastatic lymph nodes is one of the most important prognostic factors in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging has been successfully used in GI tumors to detect the lymphatic pathway and the sentinel lymph node (SLN), facilitating fluorescence image-guided surgery (FIGS) with the purpose to achieve a correct nodal staging. The aim of this study was to analyze the current results of NIRF SLN navigation and lymphography through data collected in the EURO-FIGS registry. METHODS: Prospectively collected data regarding patients and ICG-guided lymphadenectomies were analyzed. Additional analyses were performed to identify predictors of metastatic SLN and determinants of fluorescence positivity and nodal metastases outside the boundaries of standard lymphadenectomies. RESULTS: Overall, 188 patients were included by 18 surgeons from 10 different centers. Colorectal cancer was the most reported pathology (77.7%), followed by gastric (19.1%) and esophageal tumors (3.2%). ICG was injected with higher doses (p < 0.001) via extraparietal side (63.3%), and with higher volumes (p < 0.001) via endoluminal side (36.7%). Overall, NIRF SLN navigation was positive in 75.5% of all cases and 95.5% of positive SLNs were retrieved, with a metastatic rate of 14.7%. NIRF identification of lymph nodes outside standard lymphatic stations occurred in 52.1% of all cases, 43.8% of which were positive for metastatic involvement. Positive NIRF SLN identification was an independent predictor of metastasis outside standard lymphatic stations (OR = 4.392, p = 0.029), while BMI independently predicted metastasis in retrieved SLNs (OR = 1.187, p = 0.013). Lower doses of ICG were protective against NIRF identification outside standard of care lymphadenectomy (OR = 0.596, p = 0.006), while higher volumes of ICG were predictive of metastatic involvement outside standard of care lymphadenectomy (OR = 1.597, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SLN mapping helps identifying potentially metastatic lymph nodes outside the boundaries of standard lymphadenectomies. The EURO-FIGS registry is a valuable tool to share and analyze European surgeons' practices.

Fluorescence-based bowel anastomosis perfusion evaluation: results from the IHU-IRCAD-EAES EURO-FIGS registry.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the dreaded complications following surgery in the digestive tract. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is a means to intraoperatively visualize anastomotic perfusion, facilitating fluorescence image-guided surgery (FIGS) with the purpose to reduce the incidence of AL. The aim of this study was to analyze the current practices and results of NIRF imaging of the anastomosis in digestive tract surgery through the EURO-FIGS registry. METHODS: Analysis of data prospectively collected by the registry members provided patient and procedural data along with the ICG dose, timing, and consequences of NIRF imaging. Among the included upper-GI, colorectal, and bariatric surgeries, subgroup analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with complications. RESULTS: A total of 1240 patients were included in the study. The included patients, 74.8% of whom were operated on for cancer, originated from 8 European countries and 30 hospitals. A total of 54 surgeons performed the procedures. In 83.8% of cases, a pre-anastomotic ICG dose was administered, and in 60.1% of cases, a post-anastomotic ICG dose was administered. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in the ICG dose given in the four pathology groups registered (range: 0.013-0.89 mg/kg) and a significant (p < 0.001) negative correlation was found between the ICG dose and BMI. In 27.3% of the procedures, the choice of the anastomotic level was guided by means of NIRF imaging which means that in these cases NIRF imaging changed the level of anastomosis which was first decided based on visual findings in conventional white light imaging. In 98.7% of the procedures, the use of ICG partly or strongly provided a sense of confidence about the anastomosis. A total of 133 complications occurred, without any statistical significance in the incidence of complications in the anastomoses, whether they were ICG-guided or not. CONCLUSION: The EURO-FIGS registry provides an insight into the current clinical practice across Europe with respect to NIRF imaging of anastomotic perfusion during digestive tract surgery.

Robotic infrahepatic vena cava clamping and Pringle manoeuvre for major hepatectomy: A safe and bloodless procedure - First technical report.

Mini-invasive approaches in hepatic surgery are associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of post-operative morbidity and liver failure. Intraoperative blood loss represents the major intraoperative accident during hepatectomy. Infrahepatic inferior vena cava clamping is an emerging technical trick which guarantees a lower intraoperative blood loss and transfusion rates during liver surgery. Herein, we present the first report of infrahepatic caval clamping during robotic hepatectomy at our centre, highlighting some technical tips and tricks.

Effectiveness of near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography in the identification of cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy in comparison to magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: Bile duct injury represents the most serious complication of LC, with an incidence of 0.3-0.7% resulting in a significant impact on quality-of-life, overall survival, and frequent medico-legal litigations. Near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography (NIRF-C) represents a novel intra-operative imaging technique that allows a real-time enhanced visualization of the extrahepatic biliary tree by fluorescence. The role of routine use of pre-operative magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) to better clarify the biliary anatomy before laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still a matter of debate. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of NIRF-C in the detection of cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy intra-operatively in comparison with pre-operative MRCP. METHODS: Data from 26 consecutive patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis or chronic cholecystitis, who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intra-operative fluorescent cholangiography and pre-operative MRCP examination between January 2018 and May 2018, were analyzed. Three selected features of the cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy were identified and analyzed by the two different imaging methods: insertion of cystic duct, cystic duct-common hepatic duct junction, and cystic duct course. RESULTS: Fluorescent cholangiography was performed successfully in all twenty-six patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The visualization of cystic duct was reported in 23 out of 26 cases, showing an overall diagnostic accuracy of 86.9%. The level of insertion, course, and wall implantation of cystic duct were achieved by NIRF-C with diagnostic accuracy values of 65.2%, 78.3%, and 91.3%, respectively in comparison with MRCP data. No bile duct injuries were reported. CONCLUSION: Fluorescent cholangiography can be considered a useful imaging diagnostic tool comparable to MRCP for detailed intra-operative visualization of the cystic duct-common hepatic duct anatomy during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

Fluorescence-based cholangiography: preliminary results from the IHU-IRCAD-EAES EURO-FIGS registry.

INTRODUCTION: Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography (NIRF-C) is a popular application of fluorescence image-guided surgery (FIGS). NIRF-C requires near-infrared optimized laparoscopes and the injection of a fluorophore, most frequently Indocyanine Green (ICG), to highlight the biliary anatomy. It is investigated as a tool to increase safety during cholecystectomy. The European registry on FIGS (EURO-FIGS: www.euro-figs.eu ) aims to obtain a snapshot of the current practices of FIGS across Europe. Data on NIRF-C are presented. METHODS: EURO-FIGS is a secured online database which collects anonymized data on surgical procedures performed using FIGS. Data collected for NIRF-C include gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), pathology, NIR device, ICG dose, ICG timing of administration before intraoperative visualization, visualization (Y/N) of biliary structures such as the cystic duct (CD), the common bile duct (CBD), the CD-CBD junction, the common hepatic duct (CHD), Visualization scores, adverse reactions to ICG, operative time, and surgical complications. RESULTS: Fifteen surgeons (12 European surgical centers) uploaded 314 cases of NIRF-C during cholecystectomy (cholelithiasis n = 249, cholecystitis n = 58, polyps n = 7), using 4 different NIR devices. ICG doses (mg/kg) varied largely (mean 0.28 ± 0.17, median 0.3, range: 0.02-0.62). Similarly, injection-to-visualization timing (minutes) varied largely (mean 217 ± 357; median 57), ranging from 1 min (direct intragallbladder injection in 2 cases) to 3120 min (n = 2 cases). Visualization scores before dissection were significantly correlated, at univariate analysis, with ICG timing (all structures), ICG dose (CD-CBD), device (CD and CD-CBD), surgeon (CD and CD-CBD), and pathology (CD and CD-CBD). BMI was not correlated. At multivariate analysis, pathology and timing remained significant factors affecting the visualization scores of all three structures, whereas ICG dose remained correlated with HD visualization only. CONCLUSIONS: The EURO-FIGS registry has confirmed a wide disparity in ICG dose and timing in NIRF-C. EURO-FIGS can represent a valuable tool to promote and monitor FIGS-related educational and consensus activities in Europe.

Effects of Combined Admistration of Imatinib and Sorafenib in a Murine Model of Liver Fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is defined as excessive extracellular matrix deposition in the hepatic parenchyma as a consequence of complex interactions among matrix-producing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver-resident and infiltrating cells. In addition to the liver, the process of fibrosis may represent end-stage disease of several diseases including kidneys, lungs, spleens, heart, muscles and at certain extent, the central nervous system and the peripheral nerves. To date, antifibrotic treatment of fibrosis represents an unconquered area for drug development. The aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of a new drug combination for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in order to provide a proof-of-concept for the use of therapeutic agents in clinical practice. For this purpose, we have studied the effects of the PDGF inhibitor imatinib and the angiogenesis inhibitor sorafenib, administered alone or in combination, in reducing the progression of the fibrogenetic process in a pre-clinical model of liver damage induced in mice by repeated administration of Concanavalin A (ConA), resembling long-tern autoimmune hepatitis. Our results suggest that treatments with imatinib and sorafenib can modulate potently and, in a superimposable fashion, the fibrinogenic process when administered alone. However, and in agreement with the computational data presently generated, they only exert partial overlapping antifibrotic effects in modulating the main pathways involved in the process of liver fibrosis, without significant additive or synergist effects, when administered in combination.

Intestinal Preservation Injury: A Comparison Between Rat, Porcine and Human Intestines.

Advanced preservation injury (PI) after intestinal transplantation has deleterious short- and long-term effects and constitutes a major research topic. Logistics and costs favor rodent studies, whereas clinical translation mandates studies in larger animals or using human material. Despite diverging reports, no direct comparison between the development of intestinal PI in rats, pigs, and humans is available. We compared the development of PI in rat, porcine, and human intestines. Intestinal procurement and cold storage (CS) using histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution was performed in rats, pigs, and humans. Tissue samples were obtained after 8, 14, and 24 h of CS), and PI was assessed morphologically and at the molecular level (cleaved caspase-3, zonula occludens, claudin-3 and 4, tricellulin, occludin, cytokeratin-8) using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Intestinal PI developed slower in pigs compared to rats and humans. Tissue injury and apoptosis were significantly higher in rats. Tight junction proteins showed quantitative and qualitative changes differing between species. Significant interspecies differences exist between rats, pigs, and humans regarding intestinal PI progression at tissue and molecular levels. These differences should be taken into account both with regards to study design and the interpretation of findings when relating them to the clinical setting.

Involvement of the Nrf2/HO-1/CO axis and therapeutic intervention with the CO-releasing molecule CORM-A1, in a murine model of autoimmune hepatitis.

Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis is an experimental model of human autoimmune hepatitis induced in rodents by i.v. injection of Con A. The disease is characterized by increase in serum levels of transaminases and massive immune infiltration of the livers. Type 1, type 2, and type 17 cytokines play a pathogenic role in the development of ConA-induced hepatitis. To understand further the immunoregulatory mechanisms operating in the development and regulation of ConA-induced hepatitis, we have evaluated the role of the anti-inflammatory pathway Nrf2/HO-1/CO (Nuclear Factor E2-related Factor 2/Heme Oxygenase-1/Carbon Monoxide) in this condition and determined whether the in vivo administration of CO via the CO-releasing molecule (CORM) CORM-A1, influences serological and histological development of Con-A-induced hepatitis. We have firstly evaluated in silico the genes belonging to the Nrf2/HO-1/CO pathway that are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The data obtained from the in silico study demonstrate that a significant number of genes modulated in the liver of ConA-challenged mice belong to the Nrf2 pathway; on the other hand, the administration of CORM-A1 determines an improvement in several sero-immunological and histological parameters, and it is able to modulate genes identified by the in silico analysis. Collectively, our data indicate that the Nrf2/HO-1/CO pathway is fundamental for the regulation of the immune responses, and that therapeutic intervention aimed at its modulation by CORM-A1 may represent a valuable strategy to be considered for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis in humans.

Near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography - real-time visualization of the biliary tree during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography (FC) in real-time visualization of the biliary tree during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Fifty consecutive elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed with fluorescent cholangiography. FC was performed at three time points: following exposure of Calot's triangle, prior to any dissection; and after partial and complete dissection of Calot's triangle. RESULTS: The cystic duct (CD) was identified successfully by FC in 43 of 50 patients (86%) and in 45 of 50 patients (90%) before and after Calot's dissection respectively (p > 0.05). The common hepatic duct (CHD) and the common bile duct (CBD) were identified successfully in 12 of 50 patients (24%) and in 33 of 50 patients (66%) before Calot's dissection respectively and in 26 of 50 patients (52%) and in 47 of 50 patients (94%) after complete Calot's dissection (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively). Significant differences were observed for CBD visualization rate, in relation to BMI after Calot's dissection (p < 0.05) and history of cholecystitis, before Calot's dissection (p = 0.017). No bile duct injuries were reported. CONCLUSION: Fluorescent cholangiography can be considered as a useful tool for intra-operative visualization of the biliary tree during laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

Comparative analysis of the incidence of surgical site infections in patients with liver resection for colorectal hepatic metastases after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) and postoperative complications, as defined by the Clavien-Dindo classification, after hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer in patients with and without associated neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 181 patients were studied retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: the first group comprised patients with associated neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic treatment for liver metastases with a latency time <8 wk and the second group comprised patients without associated neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Variables of duration of liver surgery, length of total hospital stay, and length of postoperative hospital stay seem to be correlated with SSIs and postoperative complications, P < 0.005 and P < 0.0001, respectively. Duration of surgery is a risk factor for SSIs, with an odds ratio of 1.15, and for complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, with an odds ratio of 1.35. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not a significant risk factor for SSIs, whereas the total length of hospital stay, length of postoperative hospital stay, and duration of surgery were independent predictors of SSIs and complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Parallel pathways: A chronicle of evolution in rectal and breast cancer surgery.

In this editorial, we have analyzed the historical evolution of rectal and breast cancer surgery, focusing on the progressive reduction of demolitive approaches and the increasing use of more conservative strategies, accompanied by a growing emphasis on perioperative treatments aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes. All of these changes have been made possible due to an increased awareness and understanding of oncological diseases and improved perioperative treatments.

Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Right Colectomy for Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Study with Retrospective Control on Intracorporeal Versus Extracorporeal Anastomosis.

Background: Incisional hernias often occur after laparoscopic colorectal surgery, but the precise risk factors are not fully understood. This study's primary aim was to compare the incidence of incisional hernias following laparoscopic right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomotic reconstruction (ICA) versus extracorporeal anastomotic reconstruction (ECA). Materials and Methods: A cohort study compared two groups of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic right colectomy for colon cancer following a standardized perioperative enhanced recovery program (ERP): a prospective group underwent ICA from January 2018 to February 2020 and a retrospective group underwent ECA from January 2013 to December 2016. The presence of incisional hernias was assessed by reviewing patients' follow-up computed tomography scans or evaluating the patients by telephone interview or outpatient office visit and diagnostic imaging. Secondary objectives included the hospital length of stay, postoperative complications, 30-day readmission rate, reoperation, and mortality. Results: The study included 89 patients who had laparoscopic right colectomy for malignant colon neoplasms. Among these, 48 underwent ECA (ECA group), and 41 had ICA (ICA group). At a median follow-up of 36 months, incisional hernia was observed in 1 patient (2.4%) in the ICA group, in contrast to 11 (22.9%) confirmed cases in the ECA group (P = .010). The length of hospital stay was similar between the two groups (5 days versus 4 days; P = .064). The two groups showed similarities in terms of postoperative complications (P = .093), hospital readmission (P = .999), and the rate of reoperation within 30 days (P = .461). Conclusions: The ICA technique was associated with a reduced risk of incisional hernias compared with the ECA technique, with similar outcomes in short-term postoperative complications and overall patient recovery.

The EUropean PErioperative MEdical networking (EUPEMEN) project: recommendations for perioperative care in colorectal surgery. a quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND: Despite consensus supporting enhanced recovery programs, their full implementation in such a context is difficult due to conventional practices within various groups of professionals. The goal of the EUropean PErioperative MEdical Networking (EUPEMEN) project was to bring together the expertise and experience of national clinical professionals who have previously helped deliver major change programs in their countries and to use them to spread enhanced recovery after surgery protocols (ERAS) in Europe. The specific aim of this study is to present and discuss the key points of the proposed recommendations for colorectal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five partners from university hospitals in four European countries developed the project as partners. Following a non-systematic review of the literature, the European consensus panel generated a list of recommendations for perioperative care in colorectal surgery. A list of recommendations was formulated and distributed to collaborators at each center to allow modifications or additional statements. These recommendations were then discussed in three consecutive meetings to share uniform ERAS protocols to be disseminated. RESULT: The working group developed (1) the EUPEMEN online platform to offer, free of charge, evidence-based standardized perioperative care protocols, learning activities, and assistance to health professionals interested in enhancing the recovery of their patients; (2) the preparation of the EUPEMEN Multimodal Rehabilitation manuals; (3) the training of the trainers to teach future teachers; and (4) the dissemination of the results in five multiplier events, one for each partner, to promote and disseminate the protocols. CONCLUSION: The EUPEMEN project allowed the sharing of the expertise of many professionals from four different European countries with the objective of training the new generations in the dissemination of ERAS protocols in daily clinical practice through a new learning system. This project was proposed as an additional training tool for all the enhanced recovery program teams.

Is BCLC algorithm useful in clinical practice? Study on 164 HCC patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification has been recently validated as the best system for treatment guidance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the usefulness of BCLC in the treatment of HCC comparing our treatment decision and the BCLC algorithm indications. METHODOLOGY: In 102 patients affected by HCC observed from 1991 to 2002 a retrospective analysis was performed. The choice of treatment was compared with the treatment schedule proposed by BCLC. Whereas the second group of 62 patients observed from 2008 to 2010 was analysed both retrospectively in comparison with the BCLC classification. RESULTS: We found a disagreement in between our decision making and the choices suggested by BCLC. We only found a statistical significance for age and performance status test. In surgical patients the median age and the PST class were lower with a statistically significant p value (0.04 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The BCLC system would not have changed our decision either in the past, or in present days, especially in surgical indications. Even if the decision making is affected by BCLC, actually that process still needs the support of the experience of each clinical centre involved.

Ileocolonic anastomosis: preferred techniques in 999 patients. A multicentric study.

PURPOSE: There is no standard anastomosis technique for performing reconstruction after right hemicolectomy, and, in the literature, studies on ileocolonic anastomosis are rare. The aim of this retrospective work was to analyze the type of anastomosis techniques used and the related results in a multicentric enquiry. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to the departments of surgery covering a 1.8 million inhabitant area to collect data concerning the anastomosis techniques used and the results related to complications. RESULTS: Data for 999 patients from 14 departments of surgery were collected. 95.8% of the patients were affected by cancer and 4.2% were affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The positioning of the anastomosing bowel was side-to-side in 60.5% of the patients, end-to-side (E-S) in 38.1% of the patients and end-to-end in 1.3% of the patients. 46.4% of the anastomoses were handsewn and 53.6% were stapled. The complication rate in the cancer group was 5.1% for handsewn techniques and 4.7% for stapled techniques. The rate of anastomotic leakage was higher in the handsewn group than that in the stapled group (P < 0.05). The data for the IBD group were not statistically relevant. CONCLUSIONS: This wide multicentric retrospective analysis showed that there remains variability in ileocolonic anastomosis techniques. Stapled anastomoses are associated with a lower incidence of leakage. In stapled anastomoses, the E-S configuration is also related to a lower incidence of leakage.

Vascular injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: An often-overlooked complication.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed procedures in gastrointestinal surgery worldwide. Bleeding complications due to vascular injuries represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially when facing major bleeding during laparoscopy, where bleeding control can be technically challenging in inexperienced hands. Interestingly, the reported incidence rate of conversion to open surgery due to vascular lesions is approximately 0%-1.9%, with a mortality rate of approximately 0.02%. The primary aim of this article was to perform an up-to-date overview regarding the incidence and surgical management of vascular injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy according to the available scientific evidence.