Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) in patients with peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM): a prospective single-center registry study.

PURPOSE: Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a new, palliative approach for patients with peritoneal surface malignancies (PSMs). Its main goals are to control symptoms and ascites. For this experimental procedure, treatment efficacy and patient safety need to be closely monitored. METHODS: We performed a prospective registry study for patients with PSMs. Cisplatin (C) (7.5 mg/m2 body surface) and doxorubicin (D) (1.5 mg/m2) were administered laparoscopically via PIPAC. RESULTS: Between November 2015 and June 2020, we recorded data from 108 patients and 230 scheduled procedures. Tumor burden, patient fitness, quality of life, operating time and in-hospital stay remained stable over consecutive procedures. We recorded 21 non-access situations and 14 intraoperative complications (11 intestinal injuries, and three aspirations while inducing anesthesia). Three or more previous abdominal surgeries or cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemoperfusion (HIPEC) were risk factors for non-access and intestinal injuries (χ2, p ≤ 0.01). Five Grade IV and three Grade V postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC) occurred. Median overall survival was 264 days (interquartile range 108-586). Therapies were primarily discontinued because of death (34%), progressive (26%), or regressive (16%) disease. CONCLUSION: PIPAC is effective in stabilizing PSMs and retaining quality of life in selected patients. Earlier abdominal surgeries and CRS with HIPEC should be considered when determining the indication for PIPAC. Randomized controlled studies are needed to evaluate PIPAC's therapeutic benefits compared to systemic chemotherapy (sCHT) alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03100708 (April 2017).

Laparoscopic conversion of omega loop gastric bypass to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for Barrett's esophagus: case report.

BACKGROUND: The number of mini gastric bypass / one anastomosis bypass (MGB-OAGB) procedures in bariatric patients that have been performed world-wide has drastically increased during the past decade. Nevertheless, due to the risk of subsequent biliary reflux and development of ulcer and neoplastic (pre)lesions caused by long-time bile exposure, the procedure is still controversially discussed. In here presented case report, we could endoscopically demonstrate a transformation from reflux oesophagitis to Barrett's metaplasia most likely caused by bile reflux after mini-gastric bypass. To our knowledge, this is a first case study that shows development of Barrett's metaplasia after MGB-OAGB. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 50-year-old female which received a mini-gastric bypass due to morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) 42.4 kg/m2). Because of history gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a fundoplication had been performed earlier. Preoperative gastroscopy showed reflux esophagitis (Los Angeles classification grade B) with no signs of Barrett's metaplasia. Three months post mini-gastric bypass, the patient complained about severe bile reflux under 40 mg pantoprazole daily. Six months postoperative, Endoscopically Barrett's epithelium was detected and histopathologically confirmed (C1M0 after Prague classification). A conversion into Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed. The postoperative course was without complications. In a follow up after 6 months the patient denied reflux and showed no signs of malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid progress from inflammatory changes of the distal esophagus towards Barrett's metaplasia under bile reflux in our case is most likely a result of previous reflux disease. Nevertheless, bile reflux appears to be a potential decisive factor. Study results regarding presence of bile reflux or development of endoscopically de-novo findings after MGB-OAGB are widely non-conclusive. Long-term prospective studies with regular endoscopic surveillance independent of clinical symptoms are needed.

Bariatric surgery in liver cirrhosis.

Introduction: Obesity is frequently associated with its hepatic manifestation, the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The most effective treatment for morbid obesity is bariatric surgery (BS) also improving NAFLD and liver function. In patients where NAFLD has already progressed to liver cirrhosis, BS can be considered a high-risk procedure. Hence, consideration of the procedure and the most appropriate timing is crucial. Material and Methods: Obese patients suffering from NAFLD who underwent BS from two German University Medical Centers were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Twenty-seven patients underwent BS. Most common procedures were laparoscopic Roux-en-Y-gastric (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). All patients suffered from liver cirrhosis Child A. A preoperative transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was established in three patients and failed in another patient. Postoperative complications consisted of wound healing disorders (n = 2), anastomotic bleeding (n = 1), and leak from the staple line (n = 1). This patient suffered from intraoperatively detected macroscopic liver cirrhosis. Excess weight loss was 73% and 85% after 1 and 2 years, respectively. Two patients suffered from postoperative aggravation of their liver function, resulting in a higher Child-Pugh score, while three could be removed from the waiting list for a liver transplantation. Conclusion: BS leads to weight loss, both after SG and RYGB, and potential improvement of liver function in liver cirrhosis. These patients need to be considered with care when evaluated for BS. Preoperative TIPS implantation may reduce the perioperative risk in selected patients.

[Possibilities and perspectives of hyperspectral imaging in visceral surgery]. / Möglichkeiten und Perspektiven der Hyperspektralbildgebung in der Viszeralchirurgie.

HyperSpectral Imaging (HSI) technology enables quantitative tissue analyses beyond the limitations of the human eye. Thus, it serves as a new diagnostic tool for optical properties of diverse tissues. In contrast to other intraoperative imaging methods, HSI is contactless, noninvasive, and the administration of a contrast medium is not necessary. The duration of measurements takes only a few seconds and the surgical procedure is only marginally disturbed. Preliminary HSI applications in visceral surgery are promising with the potential of optimized outcomes. Current concepts, possibilities and new perspectives regarding HSI technology together with its limitations are discussed in this article.

Determination of the transection margin during colorectal resection with hyperspectral imaging (HSI).

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the use of hyperspectral imaging for the determination of the resection margin during colorectal resections instead of clinical macroscopic assessment. METHODS: The used hyperspectral camera is able to record light spectra from 500 to 1000 nm and provides information about physiologic parameters of the recorded tissue area intraoperatively (e.g., tissue oxygenation and perfusion). We performed an open-label, single-arm, and non-randomized intervention clinical trial to compare clinical assessment and hyperspectral measurement to define the resection margin in 24 patients before and after separation of the marginal artery over 15 min; HSI was performed each minute to assess the parameters mentioned above. RESULTS: The false color images calculated from the hyperspectral data visualized the margin of perfusion in 20 out of 24 patients precisely. In the other four patients, the perfusion difference could be displayed with additional evaluation software. In all cases, there was a deviation between the transection line planed by the surgeon and the border line visualized by HSI (median 1 mm; range - 13 to 13 mm). Tissue perfusion dropped up to 12% within the first 10 mm distal to the border line. Therefore, the resection area was corrected proximally in five cases due to HSI record. The biggest drop in perfusion took place in less than 2 min after devascularization. CONCLUSION: Determination of the resection margin by HSI provides the surgeon with an objective decision aid for assessment of the best possible perfusion and ideal anastomotic area in colorectal surgery.