Laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy for palliative treatment of pancreatic head cancer in 48 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 80% of patients with pancreatic cancer are not candidates for curative resection at the time of diagnosis. The objective of this study is to show that although endoscopic treatment is the standard palliation, surgical laparoscopic treatment is both feasible and effective for these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative resectability was evaluated by dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans. Endoscopic palliation was the first choice for patients with metastatic disease and for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer with bad performance status. Laparoscopic surgical palliation was indicated for patients with jaundice and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (elective palliation) and for patients with jaundice with metastatic disease and failure in the endoscopic/percutaneous treatment (necessary palliation). Elective palliation consisted of Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy and necessary palliation consisted of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy alone. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients received laparoscopic surgical palliation. Morbidity rate was 33.3% and mortality was 2.08%. There was no need for late surgeries in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Surgical laparoscopic palliation is a feasible treatment option for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Even though metallic stents are still the best palliation method for patients with systemic disease, if stents fail, the laparoscopic approach is a viable treatment.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda en la Argentina. Resultados de un estudio prospectivo en 23 centros.

In Argentina there are no multicenter studies evaluating the management of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) nationwide. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to know how the patients with AP are treated in Argentina. The secondary objective is to assess whether the results comply with the recommendation of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty three center participated in the study. They include in a database hosted online consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis from june 2010 to june 2013. RESULTS: 854 patients entered the study. The average age was 46.6 years and 495 (58%) belonged to the female sex. The most common cause (88.2%) of AP was biliary. Some prognostic system was used in 99 % of patients and the most used was Ranson (74.5%). Were classified as mild 714 (83.6%) patients and severe 140 (16.4%). Systemic complications occurred in 43 patients and local complications in 21. 86 patients underwent dynamic CT scans and 73 patients had pancreatic and / or peripancreatic necrosis. Mortality was 1.5%. There was no difference in mortality in relation to the size, complexity or affiliation of the center. The comply of key recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide was over 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis and treatment of patients with AP in 23 health centers located throughout the country was optimal. The management complied with most of the recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda en la Argentina. Resultados de un estudio prospectivo en 23 centros.

In Argentina there are no multicenter studies evaluating the management of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) nationwide. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to know how the patients with AP are treated in Argentina. The secondary objective is to assess whether the results comply with the recommendation of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty three center participated in the study. They include in a database hosted online consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis from june 2010 to june 2013. RESULTS: 854 patients entered the study. The average age was 46.6 years and 495 (58%) belonged to the female sex. The most common cause (88.2%) of AP was biliary. Some prognostic system was used in 99 % of patients and the most used was Ranson (74.5%). Were classified as mild 714 (83.6%) patients and severe 140 (16.4%). Systemic complications occurred in 43 patients and local complications in 21. 86 patients underwent dynamic CT scans and 73 patients had pancreatic and / or peripancreatic necrosis. Mortality was 1.5%. There was no difference in mortality in relation to the size, complexity or affiliation of the center. The comply of key recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide was over 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis and treatment of patients with AP in 23 health centers located throughout the country was optimal. The management complied with most of the recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide.

[Building a private high-volume center for pancreatic resection]. / Creación de un centro privado de alto volumen en cirugía pancreática.

INTRODUCTION: There is considerable evidence on the direct relationship between higher volume and lower mortality in the pancreatoduodenectomy (DPC). However, there is little evidence of morbidity and mortality in the process of building a high-volume pancreatic surgery center. Objective. To evaluate the morbidity and mortality of the DPC in the process of building a high-volume center for pancreatic resection. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing DPC from July 2007 through July 2009 at a single center were included. High volume center was defined as that doing more than 19 DPC per year and high volume surgeon as that doing 16 or more DPC per year. The analysis of data was carried out in two periods according to the number of DPC per year: the first (1998 to 2005) as low volume center and the second (2006 to 2012) as high volume center. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty five DPC were conducted consecutively. All surgeries were performed by a high volume surgeon. One hundred and seven patients were operated in the first period and 228 in the second period. There were no significant differences in morbidity and mortality between the both periods. In the second period there were significantly less operative time and minor length ofstay. CONCLUSIONS: High volume surgeons in pancreatic surgery can transfer their experience to the creation of a high volume pancreatic surgery center without sacrificing the morbidity and mortality.

Use of artificial intelligence in the detection of the critical view of safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect the critical view of safety during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study evaluating the detection of the critical view of safety with an AI software in a consecutive series of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies compared with the blinded evaluation of 3 surgeons. The program was created using the digital tools PyCharm (JetBrains), Google Colab Pro (https://colab.google/), and YOLOv8 (Ultralytics). RESULTS: A total of 40 consecutive elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies were included in the study. The program was able to detect the critical view of safety in all cases following the experts' blinded opinion. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary experience, an AI software was able to detect the critical view of safety in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Its application during nonelective cases, in which the critical view of safety is harder to achieve, might warrant further studies.

A Multimodal Approach for the First-Line Treatment of Infected Pancreatic Necrosis.

OBJECTIVES: Because infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) has multiple presentations, not all patients are likely to benefit from the same first-line treatment. Our objective was to evaluate morbidity and mortality in a series of patients treated with a multimodal therapeutic approach. METHODS: Between May 2012 and May 2019, 51 patients diagnosed with IPN were treated. The 5 initial treatment alternatives were as follows: percutaneous drainage, minimally invasive necrosectomy, antibiotics alone, transgastric necrosectomy, and temporizing percutaneous/endoscopic drainage. Initial treatment selection depended on evolution, clinical condition, and extension of pancreatic necrosis. Success, morbidity, and mortality rates were determined. RESULTS: In terms of determinant-based classification, 37 were classified as severe, and 14 as critical. Percutaneous, temporizing drainage, minimally invasive necrosectomy, antibiotics alone and transgastric necrosectomy approaches were used in 21, 10, 11, 4, and 5 patients, respectively. Necrosectomy was not required in 18 patients (35%). There were no significant differences in mortality among the different treatment approaches (P < 0.45). Overall success, morbidity, and mortality rates were 68.6%, 52.9%, and 7.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The multimodal approach seems to be a rational and efficient strategy for the initial treatment of IPN.

[Pleural effusion is superior to multiple factor scoring system in predicting acute pancreatitis outcome]. / Superioridad del derrame pleural sobre los criterios múltiples en el pronóstico de la pancreatitis aguda biliar.

INTRODUCTION: there are many studies about prognostic scores in acute pancreatitis but the best one has yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the pleural effusion (diagnosed by ultrasound) as a prognostic factor and to compare it with three multiple criteria scores (RANSON, APACHE II, APACHE II O). PATIENTS AND METHODS: all patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis were included in the study during the period 2002-2006. Patients treated with ERCP at admission and those in whom ultrasonography was not done were excluded. The severity of the attack was set according to the Atlanta Classification criteria. The prognostic scores used were analyzed to predict separately systemic complications, local complications and total complications (local and systemic). The likelihood positive ratio was used as the most accurate index to compare the prognostic accuracy of the 4 prognostic scores. RESULTS: 178 patients were included. 35 patients were excluded (ERCP at admission=32, ultrasonography not done at admission=3). 29 patients of 143 patients developed severe acute pancreatitis. The pleural effusion evaluated by ultrasonography showed the great accuracy at predicting the development of systemic complications (likelihood positive ratio=6.3), local complications (likelihood positive ratio=11) and total complications (likelihood positive ratio=16.1). CONCLUSION: the pleural effusion evaluated by ultrasonography can predict with great levels of accuracy a severe acute attack. When it was compared with 3 multiple criteria scores (RANSON, APACHE II, APACHE II O) showed to be more accurate at predicting disease severity.

Treatment of acute pancreatic pseudocysts after severe acute pancreatitis.

Treatment of acute pancreatic pseudocysts (APP) after an episode of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) remains controversial. Both population heterogeneity and limited numbers of patients in most series prevent a proper analysis of therapeutic results. The study design is a case series of a large, tertiary referral hospital in the surgical treatment of patients with APP after SAP. An institutional treatment algorithm was used to triage patients with complicated APP and organ failure based on Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores to temporizing percutaneous or endoscopic drainage to control sepsis and improve their clinical condition before definitive surgical management. Over a 10-year period of study (December 1995 to 2005), 73 patients with APP after an episode of SAP were treated, 43 patients (59%) developed complications (infection 74.4%, perforation 21%, and bleeding 4.6%) and qualified for our treatment algorithm. Percutaneous/endoscopic drainage was successful in controlling sepsis in 11 of 13 patients (85%) with severe organ failure and allowed all patients to undergo definitive surgical management. The morbidity (7 vs 44.1%, P = 0.005) and mortality rates (0 vs 19%, P = 0.04) were significantly higher in complicated vs uncomplicated APP. Acute pancreatic pseudocysts after SAP are unpredictable and have a high incidence of complications. Once complications develop, there is a significantly higher morbidity and mortality rate. In complicated APP with severe organ failure, percutaneous/endoscopic drainage is useful in controlling sepsis and allowing definitive surgical management.

Pancreatectomía posneoadyuvancia en cáncer resecable "borderline" / Pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la pancreatectomía posneoadyuvancia en paciente sin progresión de la enfermedad es el tratamiento estándar en el cáncer pancreático "borderline"; sin embargo, no existe hasta ahora ninguna serie nacional publicada. Objetivo: evaluar la morbilidad y mortalidad de la pancreatectomía en pacientes con cáncer de páncreas resecable "borderline" tratados previamente con neoadyuvancia. Material y métodos: se analizaron 15 pacientes tratados en el período 2011-2018. Se evaluaron los datos epidemiológicos, el tipo de neoadyuvancia, la respuesta radiológica posneoadyuvancia, la morbilidad, mortalidad y supervivencia. Se compararon los 15 pacientes pancretectomizados posneoadyuvancia con 15 pacientes pancreatectomizados sin neoadyuvancia previa. Resultados: de los 15 pacientes, 8 eran del sexo masculino y el promedio de edad fue de 66,5 años. El tipo de neoadyuvancia más frecuente fue folforinox (n = 6) y gemcitabina/placitaxel (n = 5); se adicionó radioterapia en 8 pacientes. La evaluación radiológica posneoadyuvancia mostró enfermedad estable en 10 pacientes y respuesta parcial en 4. Se realizaron 11 duodenopancreatectomías y 4 esplenopancreatectomías. En 10 pacientes fue necesario algún tipo de resección vascular. La morbilidad fue del 60% (9/6), no se registró mortalidad y la supervivencia media fue de 23,4 meses. No hubo diferencias significativas en la morbilidad, mortalidad y supervivencia cuando se comparó con los 15 pacientes pancreatectomizados sin neaodyuvancia. Conclusión: el tratamiento con neoadyuvancia en cáncer de páncreas avanzado permite ampliar su resecabilidad. La pancreatectomía posneoadyuvancia, en centros de alto volumen, tiene morbilidad, mortalidad y supervivencia similares a las de las pancreatectomías que no requieren neaoadyuvancia.

ABSTRACT Background: Pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy in patients without disease progression is the standard treatment for borderline pancreatic cancer; however, no national series have been published to date. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate morbidity and mortality of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer undergoing pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy. Material and methods: A total of 15 patients treated between 2011 and 2018 were analyzed. The epidemiologic data, type of neodajuvant therapy, radiological evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant therapy, morbidity, mortality and survival were evaluated. These 15 patients who underwent pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy were compared with 15 pancreatectomized patients without previous neoadjuvant therapy. Results: Mean age was 66.5 years and 8 patients were men. The most common neoadjuvant therapy regimens were FOLFIRINOX (n = 6) and gemcitabine/paclitaxel (n = 5); 8 patients required additional radiation therapy. The radiological evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant therapy showed stable disease in 10 patients and partial response in 4. Eleven patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and 4 underwent splenectomy and pancreatectomy. Ten patients required some type of vascular resection. Morbidity was 60% (9/15), there were no deaths and mean survival was 23.4 months. There were no significant differences in morbidity, mortality and survival with the 15 pancreatectomized patients without previous neoadjuvant therapy. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant therapy has extended resectability of advanced pancreatic cancer. In high volume centers, pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy has similar morbidity, and survival to those of pancreatic resections without previous neoadjuvant therapy.

Abordaje laparoscópico sistemático de la coledocolitiasis / Routine laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la prevalencia conjunta de litiasis vesicular y coledociana aumenta con la edad y llega al 15% en la octava década de la vida. Su manejo continúa siendo controvertido: algunos profesionales prefieren el abordaje en un tiempo por videolaparoscopia, y otros, el abordaje en dos tiempos con endoscopia (CPRE preoperatoria) seguida de colecistectomía laparoscópica. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del manejo en un tiempo por videolaparoscopia en pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de litiasis vesicular y coledociana. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo con datos de una base de datos prospectiva, entre julio de 2008 y julio de 2018. Resultados: sobre un total de 2447 colecistectomías laparoscópicas realizadas en el citado período, 416 (17%) presentaron litiasis coledociana. El éxito global de la vía transcística en la extracción de litiasis coledociana fue del 81,2%: del 70,4% en los casos con diagnóstico prequirúrgico de colestasis extrahepática litiásica y del 92,9% en los otros diagnósticos. La morbilidad fue del 4%, sin mortalidad ni lesiones quirúrgicas de la vía biliar. Conclusión : el manejo en un tiempo por videolaparoscopia es eficaz y seguro debido al elevado éxito global de la instrumentación transcística (ITC). El diagnóstico preoperatorio de coledocolitiasis condi ciona una disminución de esa eficacia, por mayor indicación de coledocotomía, con un aumento de la morbilidad y del tiempo de internación.

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of common bile duct stones associated with cholelithiasis increases with age and is about 15 % in the 8th decade of life but its management is still controversial. Some surgeons prefer the single-stage approach with laparoscopy while others suggest the two-stage management with preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of feasibility of single-stage laparoscopic surgery in patients with cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective study with prospectively collected data between July 2008 and July 2018. Results: Of 2447 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed during the study period, 416 presented common bile duct stones. The global success of the transcystic approach to clear common bile duct stones was 81.2%, 70.4% in the cases with preoperative diagnosis of choledocholithiasis and 92.9% for other diagnoses. The rate of complications was 4% without deaths or bile duct injuries. Conclusion: Single-stage laparoscopic surgery is an efficient and safe approach based on the high global success of transcystic exploration. The preoperative diagnosis of choledocholithiasis reduces the efficacy of the procedure due to greater indication of choledocotomy, with complications and longer length of hospital stay.

Litiasis coledociana de difícil resolución / Difficult common bile duct stones

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el manejo laparoscópico en un tiempo de la coledocolitiasis se acompaña de una tasa de éxito elevada en la mayoría de los casos. Una excepción a esto son los cálculos coledocianos difi cultosos. Objetivo: describir los resultados del manejo de cálculos coledocianos dificultosos. Material y métodos: revisión retrospectiva de una serie consecutiva de casos de cálculos coledocianos dificultosos tratados durante el período 2018-2020. Resultados: 8 pacientes cumplieron con el criterio de inclusión. El manejo en un tiempo por videola paroscopia (5 casos) tuvo un 60% de conversión a cirugía abierta. Los otros pacientes (3 casos) fueron manejados inicialmente con endoscopia biliar por colangitis grave y fueron resueltos luego en forma electiva por instrumentación transcística. Conclusión: esta experiencia inicial sugiere que el abordaje en dos tiempos podría favorecer la resolu ción mininvasiva de los cálculos coledocianos dificultosos.

ABSTRACT Background: Single-stage procedure for the treatment of choledocholithiasis by laparoscopy is associated with high success rate in most cases. Difficult common bile duct stones are an exception to this rule. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the results obtained with the management of difficult common bile duct stones. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective review of a consecutive series of cases of difficult common bile duct stones treated between 2018-2020. Results: Eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of the 5 patients managed with single-stage approach through video-assisted laparoscopy, 60% required conversion to open surgery. The other 3 cases were initially managed with endoscopic cholangiography due to severe cholangitis and were solved with elective transcystic instrumentation. Conclusion: This initial experience suggests that the two-stage approach could be better to treat difficult common bile duct stones with a minimally invasive approach.

Impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en la cirugía pancreática. Análisis en dos instituciones, una pública y otra privada / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pancreatic surgery. Analysis in a public and a private institution

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la pandemia de COVID-19 ha introducido cambios drásticos en el sistema de salud. Las cirugías electivas son una de las actividades quirúrgicas que más han descendido durante la pandemia. Objetivo: analizar el impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la cirugía pancreática en una institución pública y otra privada. Se comparó, en cada institución, con el número de cirugías en el mismo período del año pasado. Material y métodos: se revisaron en una base prospectiva los pacientes que recibieron una cirugía pancreática en las dos instituciones entre el 10/3/20 y el 24/6/20. Se determinaron los datos epide miológicos, el tipo de resección pancreática, el diagnóstico anatomopatológico, la morbilidad y la mor talidad. Se compararon con los pacientes en ambas instituciones que recibieron cirugía pancreática durante el período 10/3/19 al 24/6/19. Resultados: durante la pandemia se realizaron 23 resecciones pancreáticas (13 duodenopancreatec tomías cefálicas, 9 pancreatectomías izquierdas y 1 pancreatectomía total). El 70% (16/23) fueron adenocarcinomas. La morbilidad alcanzó el 34,7% y no se registró mortalidad. Ningún paciente ni miembro del equipo quirúrgico se infectó con coronavirus. La pandemia no tuvo impacto en el núme ro de cirugías en el centro privado (22 vs. 20, p = 0,88), mientras que en el centro público hubo una reducción significativa en el número de cirugías (14 vs. 3, p = 0,009). Conclusión: la cirugía pancreática se puede hacer con seguridad durante la pandemia. En el centro privado se mantuvo el número de cirugías pancreáticas. En el centro público, con máxima prioridad para pacientes con COVID-19, hubo un descenso significativo.

ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced dramatic changes in the health system. Elective surgeries are the surgical activities with greater decline during the pandemic. Objective: The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in pancreatic sur gery in a public and a private institution. The number of surgeries performed in each institution was compared with those performed in same period of the previous year. Material and methods: Data from a prospective database of all the patients who underwent pancrea tic surgery between March 10, 2020, and June 3, 2020, were analyzed. The epidemiological data, type of pancreatic resection, pathology diagnosis, morbidity and mortality were determined in each insti tution and compared with patients who underwent pancreatic surgery in both institutions between March 3, 2019, and June 24, 2019. Results: 23 pancreatic resections were performed during the pandemic (13 cephalic pancreaticoduo denectomies, 9 left pancreatectomies and 1 total pancreatectomy); 70% (16/23) were adenocarcino mas. There were 34.7% complications and no deaths were reported. None of the patients was infected with coronavirus. The pandemic had no impact on the number of pancreatic resections in the private institution (22 vs. 20, p = 0.88), while the number of pancreatic surgeries was significantly lower in the public center (14 vs. 3, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Pancreatic surgery can be safely performed during the pandemic. The number of pancrea tic surgeries did not decline during the pandemic. The priority for treating patients with COVID-19 at the public center resulted in a significant decrease in pancreatic surgeries.

Changes in gastrosplenic circulation and splenic function after distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation and splenic vessel excision.

INTRODUCTION: Distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation and splenic vessel excision is a commonly used technique. However, it produces significant gastrosplenic circulation and splenic function changes. PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to determine the immediate consequences on gastrosplenic circulation, late consequences on splenic function, and development of varicose veins. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with pancreatic tumors and anatomical feasibility were included. Preoperative splenic circulation was evaluated by dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. Early splenic perfusion was assessed by CT 7 days after surgery and late changes in gastrosplenic circulation 6 months after surgery. Varicose veins were evaluated by CT and endoscopy 6 months after surgery. Pitted cells and Howell-Jolly bodies were used as markers of splenic function. Postoperatory findings included changes in splenic perfusion 7 days and 6 months after surgery, development of varicose veins on CT scans and endoscopy, and detection of markers of splenic hypofunction on blood smears. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Seven days after surgery, 63% of patients had some degree of splenic hypoperfusion, and 6 months after surgery, 83% of patients had normal perfusion. CT scans showed varices in 26 patients, and endoscopy revealed varicose veins in 11. Two patients experienced bleeding; markers of splenic hypofunction were found in 59% of cases.

Morbilidad y mortalidad en 1028 duodenopancreatectomías cefálicas / Morbidity and mortality afer 1028 cephalic duodenopancreatectomies

Antecedentes: en las últmas décadas se han extendido las indicaciones de duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (DPC). Sin embargo, las series con más de 1000 DPC provienen de unos pocos centros de los Estados Unidos y Europa y ninguna de Latinoamérica. Objetivo: evaluar la morbilidad y mortalidad de 1028 DPC consecutivas realizadas por un mismo equipo quirúrgico. Material y métodos: se analizaron los datos de una base prospectiva de 1028 DPC consecutivas. Se determinaron los datos demográficos, la indicación de la cirugía, el intervalo de tempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y la primera consulta, la clasificación de la American Society of Anesthesiologistis (ASA), el tipo de técnica quirúrgica, el tempo operatorio, la colocación de drenaje biliar previo, el diagnóstico anatomopatológico, la morbilidad y la mortalidad. Se compararon la morbilidad y la mortalidad de la DPC en dos centros de salud. Resultados: las 1028 DPC se realizaron en un período comprendido entre julio de 1994 y diciembre de 2014. La edad promedio fue 59,6 años y 565 pacientes (55%) fueron de sexo masculino. Las indicaciones más frecuentes fueron tumor de páncreas (n=262) y tumor de papila (n=249). En 670 casos se diagnosticó patología maligna. El promedio de tempo entre el inicio de los síntomas y la primera consulta fue de 71 días (rango 10 a 123 días). En 461 pacientes (44%) se drenó la vía biliar antes de la cirugía. En 399 pacientes (35,3%) se registraron una o varias complicaciones. La fistula pancreática (21%) y el vaciamiento gástrico retardado (11%) fueron las complicaciones más frecuentes. Se registró una mortalidad del 3,1% (32 pacientes). Todas las DPC fueron realizadas en dos centros, uno público (n=642) y el otro privado (n=386). Los pacientes operados en el centro público tuvieron en forma signi-ficativa mayor morbilidad (46% vs. 27%, p> 0,001) y mortalidad (4% vs. 1,5%, p< 0,001). Conclusión: la DPC realizada por cirujanos de alto volumen en cirugía pancreática tene elevada morbilidad, pero baja mortalidad. A pesar de los buenos resultados globales, la morbimortalidad de la DPC en un centro público fue significativamente mayor que la del centro privado.

Background: in recent decades the indicatons for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has been extended. However, series of patentis with more than 1000 PD come from a few center in the USA and Europe and none from Latin America. Objective: to evaluate the morbidity and mortality of 1028 consecutive PD performed by the same surgical team. Material and methods: we analyzed data from a prospective data base of 1028 consecutive PD. The demographic data, the indicaton of surgery, the tme interval between the onset of symptoms and the frst consultaton, the classificaton of the ASA, the type of surgical technique, operative tme, placement of biliary drainage, the anatomopathological diagnosis, the morbidity and the mortality was determined. We compared the morbidity and mortality of the PD at two diferent health centers Resultis: the 1028 PD were performed in a period between July 1994 and December 2014. The mean age was 59.6 years and 565 (55%) were male. The most frequent indicatons were pancreatic tumor (n = 262) and ampullary tumor (n = 249). Malignant tumors were found in 670 patentis. The average tme between onset of symptoms and the frst consultaton was 71 days (range 10-123 days). Preoperative biliary drainage were performed in 461 (44%) patentis. Morbility was 35.3% (399 patentis). Pancreatic fistula (21%) and delayed gastric emptying (11%) were the most frequent complicatons. All PD were performed at two centers, one public (n = 642) and the other private (n = 386). Patentis operated at the private center had significantly lower morbidity (27% vs 46%, p <0.001) and mortality (1.5% vs 4%, p <0.001) Conclusion: the DPC performed by high-volume surgeons in pancreatic surgery has high morbility, but low mortality. Despite the overall good performance, morbidity and mortality of the DPC in a public center was significantly higher than the private center.

Computed tomographic prognostic factors for predicting local complications in patients with pancreatic necrosis.

UNLABELLED: This prospective study aimed at evaluating dynamic computed tomography (CT) as a prognostic indicator of local complications in patients with pancreatic necrosis. METHODS: We analyze the relationship between the anatomic pattern of pancreatic necrosis at dynamic CT (pancreatic necrosis, peripancreatic necrosis, and transparenchymal necrosis) and the development of local complications (infected pancreatic necrosis and pseudocyst). RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight patients were included in the study. Nine patients were excluded, and 86 required surgery. Average time from the onset of symptoms to dynamic CT was 8.3 days. Multivariate analysis identified the following prognostic factors for local complications: (1) extent of pancreatic necrosis (odds ratio [OR], 7.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-23.76; P = 0.015) and presence of peripancreatic necrosis (OR, 37.32; 95% CI, 3.77-369.38; P = 0.002) were useful to predict the development of infected pancreatic necrosis; and (2) transparenchymal necrosis with upstream viable (enhancing) pancreas (OR, 36.22; 95% CI, 3.18-412.36; P = 0.004) and no peripancreatic necrosis (OR, 0.016; 95% CI, 0.004-0.62; P < 0.001) were associated with pseudocyst development. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic CT prognostic factors useful to predict local complications in patients with pancreatic necrosis were the extent of pancreatic necrosis, presence of peripancreatic necrosis, and the finding of transparenchymal necrosis with upstream viable (enhancing) pancreas.

Early endoscopic intervention versus early conservative management in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that early endoscopic intervention, performed on patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction, reduces systemic and local inflammation. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The role of early endoscopic intervention, in the treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis, remains controversial. Previous randomized trials have not focused on the subgroup of patients with clinical evidence of biliopancreatic obstruction. METHODS: This single-center randomized clinical trial was performed between May 2000 and September 2005. Of 238 patients, admitted within 48 hours after the onset of acute gallstone pancreatitis, 103 with a distal bile duct measuring > or =8 mm combined with a total serum bilirubin > or =1.20 mg/dL, were randomized to receive either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by endoscopic papillotomy for bile duct stones (EEI, n = 51) or early conservative management (ECM, n = 52). Patients with clinical evidence of coexisting acute cholangitis were excluded. Outcome measures included changes in organ failure score and computed tomography (CT) severity index during the first week after admission, incidence of local complications, and overall morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The incidence of bile duct stones at EEI was 72% and 40% of patients in the ECM group had persisting bile duct stones at elective biliary surgery. No significant differences were found between the EEI and ECM groups regarding changes in mean organ failure score (P = 0.87), mean CT severity index (P = 0.88), incidence of local complications (6% vs. 6%, P = 0.99), overall morbidity (21% vs. 18%, P = 0.80), and mortality (6% vs. 2%, P = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study failed to provide evidence that early endoscopic intervention reduces systemic and local inflammation in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction. If acute cholangitis can be safely excluded, early endoscopic intervention is not mandatory and should not be considered a standard indication.

Factores determinantes de evolución en pacientes operados por complicaciones locales de la pancreatitis aguda

Antecedentes: La necrosis pancreática infectada y el seudoquiste son complicaciones que en general requieren algún tipo de tratamiento quirúrgico (laparoscópico, percutáneo o convencional). Objetivo: Identificar los factores determinantes de mortalidad en pacientes sometidos a cirugía por complicaciones locales de la pancreatitis aguda. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en la National Library of Medicine mediante Pubmed limitada a los trabajos publicados en inglés, a partir de 1990 utilizando los siguientes términos solos o en combinación: "pancreatic necrosis", "necrosectomy", "mortality", "morbidity","local complications", "surgery"y "severe acute pancreatitis". En la base de datos LILACS se realizó también una búsqueda de los trabajos publicados en Argentina, en el período 2000 a 2011. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 119 trabajos y se excluyeron 82 por inadecuado análisis estadístico o insuficiente número de pacientes. Del análisis de los 37 trabajos seleccionados se identificaron 6 factores determinantes de mortalidad luego de la necrosectomía pancreática. Estos factores fueron: el intervalo de tiempo entre el ingreso y la necrosectomía, la composición líquida o sólida predominante, la presencia de infección, la extensión y localización de la necrosis pancreática, la presencia de disfunciones orgánicas y la organización de la necrosis. En la búsqueda de la base de datos LILACS se identificaron 7 trabajos publicados sobre cirugía de las complicaciones locales de la pancreatitis aguda. Conclusión: La bibliografía puede identificar seis factores determinantes de evolución en los pacientes sometidos a cirugías por complicaciones locales de la pancreatitis, lo cual tiene utilidad para el tratamiento.

Background: Infected pancreatic necrosis and pseudocyst are complications that, generally, require any type of surgical treatment (laparoscopic, percutaneous or open surgery). Objective: To identify mortality factors in patients who underwent surgery for local complications of acute pancreatitis. Method: It was conducted a literature search in the National Library of Medicine through Pubmed, limited to publications in English since 1990, using the following keywords: pancreatic necrosis, necrosectomy, mortality, morbidity local complications, surgery and severe acute pancreatitis. In the data base LILACS a similar search was conducted, limited to the Argentine literature, during the period 2000 - 2011. Results: 119 publications were selected and 82 were excluded because of inadequate statistical analysis or insufficient number of patients. After the analysis, 37 publications were selected and 6 mortality factors after pancreatic necrosectomy were identified. These factors were: time between admission and necrosectomy; predominance of liquid orsolid components; presence of infection; extensión and localization of pancreatic necrosis; presence of organ failure and walled off necrosis. In the search conducted in the LILACS data base, 7 publications about surgery of the local complications of acute pancreatitis were identified. Conclusión: After the literature search, six factors were identified related to the patient evolution after surgery for pancreatic local complications.

Superioridad del derrame pleural sobre los criterios múltiples en el pronóstico de la pancreatitis aguda biliar / Pleural effusion is superior to multiple factor scoring system in predicting acute pancreatitis outcome

Introducción: existen numerosos trabajos sobre sistemas pronósticos en pancreatitis aguda. Sin embargo, todavía existe controversia sobre cuál es el mejor sistema pronóstico. Objetivo: analizar la exactitud pronóstica de la presencia de derrame pleural evaluada por ecografía al ingreso y compararla con tres sistemas de criterios múltiples (RANSON, APACHE II; APACHE II O). Pacientes y métodos: ingresaron al estudio todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda biliar en el período 2002 a 2006. Se excluyeron pacientes en los que se realizaron CPRE temprana y aquellos en los cuales no se pudo realizar ecografía al ingreso. Se determinó la severidad del ataque de acuerdo a los criterios de Atlanta. Los sistemas pronósticos estudiados fueron evaluados para predecir en forma independiente complicaciones sistémicas, complicaciones locales y complicaciones totales (sistémicas más locales). Se utilizó la razón de verosimilitud como índice más adecuado para comparar la exactitud pronóstica de los 4 sistemas pronósticos evaluados. Resultados: ingresaron al estudio 178 pacientes, se excluyeron 35 (CPRE temprana=32, imposibilidad de ecografía al ingreso= 3). De los 143 pacientes estudiados, 29 pacientes (20, 2%) desarrollaron pancreatitis aguda grave. El derrame pleural evaluado por ecografía presentó valores superiores de exactitud pronóstica en la predicción de complicaciones sistémicas (razón de verosimilitud= 6,3), complicaciones locales (razón de verosimilitud= 11) y complicaciones totales (razón de verosimilitud= 16,1). Conclusión: la evaluación de la presencia de derrame pleural por ecografía predijo con aceptables cifras de razón de verosimilitud la presencia de un ataque grave. El derrame pleural por ecografía mostró cifras superiores de razón de verosimilitud cuando se lo comparó con 3 sistemas de criterios múltiples (RANSON, APACHE II y APACHE II O).

Introduction: there are many studies about prognostic scores in acute pancreatitis but the best one has yet to be determined. Objective: to analyze the pleural effusion (diagnosed by ultrasound) as a prognostic factor and to compare it with three multiple criteria scores (RANSON, APACHE II, APACHE II O). Patients and Methods: all patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis were included in the study during the period 2002- 2006. Patients treated with ERCP at admission and those in whom ultrasonography was not done were excluded. The severity of the attack was set according to the Atlanta Classification criteria. The prognostic scores used were analyzed to predict separately systemic complications, local complications and total complications (local and systemic). The likelihood positive ratio was used as the most accurate index to compare the prognostic accuracy of the 4 prognostic scores. Results: 178 patients were included. 35 patients were excluded (ERCP at admission=32, ultrasonography not done at admission=3). 29 patients of 143 patients developed severe acute pancreatitis. The pleural effusion evaluated by ultrasonography showed the great accuracy at predicting the development of systemic complications (likelihood positive ratio=6.3), local complications (likelihood positive ratio=11) and total complications (likelihood positive ratio=16.1). Conclusion: the pleural effusion evaluated by ultrasonography can predict with great levels of accuracy a severe acute attack. When it was compared with 3 multiple criteria scores (RANSON, APACHE II, APACHE II O) showed to be more accurate at predicting disease severity.

Pancreatitis aguda recurrente por neoplasia intraductal papilomucinosa tipo II: Racionalidad del tratamiento mediante resección del quiste guiada por ecografía / Acute pancreatitis appellant by intraductal neoplasis papilomucionsa type II: Rationality of the treatment by means of resection of the cyst guided by ecography

Antecedentes: La neoplasia intraductal papilomucinosa de páncreas (NIPM) tipo II, localizada en el páncreas ventral puede ser causa de pancreatitis aguda recurrentes. No existen publicaciones sobre los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de DPC en esta situación clínica y discutir la racionalidad de la resaección guiada por ecografía intraoperatoria de la lesión quística. Lugar: Hospital público de nivel terciario. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo. Población: Pacientes con NIPM tipo II del páncreas ventral diagnosticada por colangiopan-creatorresonancia y al menos 2 ataques de pancreatitis aguda durante el último año. Métodos: Fueron operados 7 pacientes, todos varones con 58 años de edad media y lesión quística del páncreas ventral ( tamaño medio: 1,6 cm). Cinco de ellos recibieron una DPC y 2 una resección de la lesión quística guiada por ecografía. Resultados: De los 5 pacientes que recibieron una DPC, 2 presentaron recurrencia, al año y a los 4 años respectivamente. En ambos casos existía una obstrucción de la anastomosis pancreatoyeyunal y ninguno presentaba recidiva de la NIPM. Los 3 pacientes restantes no presentaron recurrencia aunque uno murió al año por causa no relacionada. Los 2 pacientes tratados mediante resección local no presentaron recidiva durante los primeros 4 y 8 meses de la cirugía. Conclusiones: Los resultados de la DPC en la pancreatitis recurrente poe NIPM no son aceptables. La resección del quiste guiada por ecografía es una técnica factible que respeta la anatomía del conducto pancreático y podría prevenir definitivamente la pancreatitis, aunque se requiere más tiempo para evaluar sus resultados.

Trastornos grasos del páncreas / Fatty disorders of pancreas

Antecedente: la mayoría de los trastornos grasos del páncreas constituyen un hallazgo en los métodos por imágenes. Su detección plantea el diagnóstico diferencial con otras masas pancreáticas asintomáticas que requieren tratamiento quirúrgico. Objetivos: analizar la presentación clínica y radiológica de pacientes con trastornos grasos del páncreas. Lugar de aplicación: hospital pública. Diseño: retrospectivo. Población: pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y radiológico de trastornos grasos del páncreas. Método: mediante un análisis retrospectivo se evaluó la forma de presentación, el diagnóstico preoperatorio, los hallazgos radiológicos y la evolución clínica de pacientes con trastornos grasos del páncreas. Resultados: en el período 2000-2005 fueron atendidos 8 pacientes con trastornos grasos del páncreas. Todos los pacientes fueron derivados de otros centros y ninguno tenía diagnóstico previo de trastorno graso del páncreas. Fueron asintomáticos 6 de los 8 pacientes (75 por ciento). El hallazgo radiológico más frecuente en la TAC fue la presencia de un área hipodensa e isodensa con la grasa retroperitoneal, con o sin continuidad con la misma. Según su presentación radiológica se dividieron en trastornos focales (n = 2) o difusos (n = 6). Ningún paciente requirió tratamiento quirúrgico. Conclusiones: las características clínicas y radiológicas de los distintos trastornos grasos del páncreas permiten su diagnóstico preoperatorio. El conocimiento de estas patologías evita cirugías innecesarias y permite el diagnóstico diferencial con otras masas pancreáticas asintomáticas que sí requieren tratamiento quirúrgico inicial