Puestow surgery in a SPINK mutation chronic pancreatitis: a rare case report.

This case report highlights the clinical presentation and surgical management of a 27-year-old man with recurrent pancreatitis attributed to a homozygous SPINK1 (N34S) mutation. The patient, who experienced multiple hospital admissions, underwent extensive diagnostic evaluations, including imaging and genetic testing, confirming the hereditary nature of his condition. Despite unsuccessful endoscopic interventions, a laparoscopic Puestow procedure was performed, aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve pancreatic drainage. Postoperatively, the patient's recovery was successful, and he was discharged with supplemental pancreatic enzyme therapy. The differential diagnosis included autoimmune pancreatitis and non-hereditary chronic pancreatitis. This case underscores the challenges and considerations in the diagnosis and management of hereditary pancreatitis associated with SPINK1 mutations, emphasizing the role of surgical interventions for selected cases.

Clear cell sarcoma of the pancreas, an unusual cancer with unusual metastatic site or unusual primary site?

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is a type of malignant tumor that can arise from tendons and aponeuroses. This malignant proliferation of cells with melanocytic lineage normally occurs in young patients, and it is normally identified in extremities. However, different sites including gastrointestinal organs are also described. Due difficulties in the molecular and histopathology evaluation, the diagnosis is often confused with malignant melanoma. Most cases are treated with surgical resection, but overall, the prognosis is poor. In this editorial, we will discuss a very interesting case of CCS identified in the pancreas. We will discuss the literature and controversies in the management of this type of cancer. Furthermore, we will address molecular strategies to be incorporated in those cases to better understand the primary location of the tumor. Finally, future perspectives of the field and new strategies of treatment will be described.

Left gastric vein to adrenal vein anastomosis: intraoperative solution for gastric venous congestion following extended distal pancreatectomy.

Extended distal pancreatectomy often requires resection of vascular structures and adjacent organs, potentially leading to gastric venous congestion. This case report describes a 49-year-old female who underwent radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. During the procedure, segmental gastric venous congestion was observed and resolved by anastomosing the left gastric vein to the left adrenal vein. The in-hospital postoperative recovery was initially uneventful; however, the patient was readmitted because of intra-abdominal fluid collection that was managed with antibiotics. Pathological examination confirmed moderately differentiated ductal adenocarcinoma with lymphovascular invasion. The patient received adjuvant mFOLFIRINOX therapy and remains disease-free 12 months after surgery with adequate patency of the anastomosis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing gastric venous congestion during radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy to prevent complications, such as delayed gastric emptying or gastric necrosis, and proposes left gastric vein to left adrenal vein anastomosis as an effective intraoperative solution.

Tumor sólido pseudopapilar de páncreas. Reporte de caso / Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. Case report

Introducción. La neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas, también conocida como tumor de Frantz, es una patología poco frecuente, que comprende menos del 3 % de los tumores pancreáticos, y la mayor incidencia se observa en mujeres jóvenes entre la segunda y tercera década de la vida. Su etiología es desconocida. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica sin linfadenectomía cuando se encuentra bien localizado. Inclusive aún cuando hay evidencia de metástasis o invasión local, el manejo quirúrgico sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección. Caso clínico. Mujer de 24 años de edad, con masa abdominal palpable, dolorosa, de tres semanas de evolución. La tomografía computarizada mencionó como presunción diagnóstica un tumor de origen pancreático. En la laparotomía se encontró una masa dependiente del cuerpo del páncreas. Se realizó pancreatectomía distal radical con esplenectomía y omentectomía parcial en bloque. Resultados. Durante la cirugía no se presentaron complicaciones y hasta el sexto mes de seguimiento, la evolución fue adecuada y sin recidiva tumoral. Conclusiones. Ante la presencia de masa abdominal, con compromiso pancreático documentado por tomografía computarizada, se debe considerar el diagnóstico de neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar de páncreas, o tumor de Frantz. El tumor de Frantz es una entidad poco frecuente que generalmente se diagnostica de forma incidental o por síntomas inespecíficos en estadios avanzados. El diagnóstico y manejo de esta neoplasia representa un reto y la resección quirúrgica continúa siendo el tratamiento indicado.

Introduction. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasia of the pancreas, also known as Frantz tumor, is a rare pathology, comprising less than 3% of pancreatic tumors, and the highest incidence is observed in young women between the second and third decades of life. Its etiology is unknown. The treatment of choice is surgical resection without lymphadenectomy when it is well located. Even when there is evidence of metastasis or local invasion, surgical management remains the treatment of choice. Clinical case. A 24-year-old woman presented with a palpable, painful abdominal mass of three weeks' duration. The computed tomography mentioned a tumor of pancreatic origin as a presumptive diagnosis. At laparotomy, a mass dependent on the body of the pancreas was found. Radical distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and en bloc partial omentectomy was performed. Results. During the surgery there were no complications and until the sixth month of follow-up, the evolution was adequate and without tumor recurrence. Conclusions. In the presence of an abdominal mass, with pancreatic involvement documented by computed tomography, the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasia of the pancreas, or Frantz tumor, should be considered, which must be treated surgically. Frantz tumor is a rare entity that is generally diagnosed incidentally or due to nonspecific symptoms in advanced stages. The diagnosis and management of this neoplasia represents a challenge and surgical resection continues to be the indicated treatment.

Esplenúnculo intrapancreático simulando neoplasia / Intrapancreatic splenunculus simulating neoplasia

Introducción. El esplenúnculo se ha descrito con una incidencia global del 10 al 30 %. Puede ser una entidad de origen congénito o adquirida, frecuentemente está asociada a trauma abdominal o antecedente de esplenectomía por diversas causas. Caso clínico. Mujer en edad media, con antecedente de trauma abdominal y esplenectomía por ruptura traumática, quien 30 años después presenta un cuadro de dolor abdominal. Los estudios imagenológicos identificaron una masa sólida intrapancreática. Resultados. Fue llevada a pancreatectomía distal. Los hallazgos histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos confirmaron que la masa pancreática correspondía a un esplenúnculo intrapancreático adquirido, asociado al evento traumático previo. Conclusión. Los esplenúnculos suelen constituir un "incidentaloma". Los estudios imagenológicos se encuentran limitados, pues la tomografía computarizada, la resonancia nuclear magnética y la ultrasonografía presentan características imagenológicas similares con los tumores pancreáticos hipervascularizados, por lo que se debe practicar el estudio histopatológico durante su valoración. Esta entidad se debe incluir dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales, con mayor énfasis en aquellos pacientes con historia de trauma abdominal y esplenectomía asociada, un escenario en el que esta lesión puede simular una neoplasia sólida del páncreas, con características malignas.

Introduction. Splenunculus has been described with an overall incidence of 10 to 30%. It can be an entity of congenital or acquired origin, it is frequently associated with abdominal trauma or a history of splenectomy for various reasons. Clinical case. Middle-aged woman, with a history of abdominal trauma and splenectomy due to traumatic rupture, who 30 years later presents with abdominal pain. Imaging studies identified a solid intrapancreatic mass. Results. She was taken to OR for distal pancreatectomy. The histological and immunohistochemical findings confirmed that the pancreatic mass corresponded to an acquired intrapancreatic splenunculus, associated with the previous traumatic event. Conclusion. Splenuncles usually constitute an "incidentaloma". Imaging studies are limited, since computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography present similar imaging characteristics with hypervascularized pancreatic tumors, so histopathological study must be included during their evaluation. This entity should be included in the differential diagnoses, with greater emphasis on those patients with a history of abdominal trauma and associated splenectomy, a scenario in which this lesion can simulate a solid neoplasm of the pancreas, with malignant characteristics.

Tumor pseudopapilar sólido de páncreas, una neoplasia inusual / Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas, an Unusual Neoplasm

Presentación del caso. Se trata de una mujer de 26 años que presentó dolor en epigastrio e hipocondrio izquierdo, con aumento del perímetro abdominal y pérdida de 5 kg de peso corporal. En el examen físico se detectó una masa de gran tamaño en el epigastrio, con bordes regulares, ligeramente dolorosa al tacto y no móvil. Los estudios de imagen revelaron una neoplasia mixta en el cuerpo y cola pancreática. Intervención terapéutica. Se practicó una esplenopancreatectomía corpo-caudal, con extirpación completa del tumor. Evolución clínica. La paciente recibió cuidados especializados y vigilancia estrecha posquirúrgica en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, sin presentar complicaciones relevantes. Tras el alta hospitalaria, la paciente refirió un buen estado general en los controles de seguimiento, que incluyeron una tomografía realizada a los 12 meses, donde no se evidenciaron restos o recidivas tumorales

Case presentation. A 26-year-old woman who presented with pain in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, with increased abdominal perimeter and loss of 5 kg of body weight. Physical examination revealed a large mass in the epigastrium, with regular borders, slightly painful to the touch and non-mobile. Imaging studies revealed a mixed neoplasm in the pancreatic body and tail. Treatment. A corpo-caudal splenopancreatectomy was performed, with complete removal of the tumor. Outcome. The patient received specialized care and close postoperative surveillance in the intensive care unit, with no relevant complications. After hospital discharge, the patient reported a good general condition in the follow-up controls, which included a computed tomography scan performed after 12 months, where no tumor remnants or recurrences were evidenced

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio on postoperative day three as a biochemical predictor of clinically significant pancreatic fistula in patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Distal pancreatectomy is a frequent procedure and postoperative fistula, its most common complication, has an incidence of 30 to 60%. The aim of the present work was to study the role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, as indicators of inflammatory response in the setting of pancreatic fistula. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients that underwent distal pancreatectomy. The diagnosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula was made according to the definition proposed by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula. The relation of postoperative pancreatic fistula to the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was determined in the postoperative evaluation. SPSS v.21 software was utilized for the statistical analysis and a P<.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (27.2%) developed grade B or grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula. ROC curves were constructed and a threshold of 8.3 (PPV 0.40, NPV 0.86) was established for the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, with an area under the curve of 0.71, sensitivity of 0.81, and specificity of 0.62, whereas a threshold of 33.2 (PPV 0.50, NPV 0.84) was established for the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, with an area under the curve of 0.72, sensitivity of 0.72, and specificity of 0.71. CONCLUSION: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio are serologic markers that can aid in identifying patients that will present with grade B or grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula, thus helping to provide an opportune focus on care and resources.

[Surgical resection and survival of clear cell renal cancer metastases to the pancreas]. / Resección quirúrgica y sobrevida de metástasis de cáncer renal de células claras a páncreas.

Introduction: Pancreas is considered one of the organs most frequently affected by recurrence after nephrectomy secondary to renal cell carcinoma reporting an incidence of 20%, 85% of these occur within the first 3 years. Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with renal cancer and pancreatic metastases who underwent surgical treatment. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with histological diagnosis of renal cancer associated with pancreatic metastasis was performed and included those treated by pancreatoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy during the period 1987-2020. Results: 14 patients with pancreatic metastasis were included. Two groups of patients were obtained: those who underwent pancreatic surgery for metastasis and those who did not undergo surgical procedure. According to the location of the metastasis, 71.4% corresponded to a single location and 28.6% to multiple locations. 57.1% underwent Whipple and 42.9% distal pancreatectomy. Survival after the surgical procedure was 1150 days versus 499 days in non-operated patients. Conclusion: Pancreatic metastases due to RCC can be curable, improve morbidity, and increase disease-free survival with surgical treatment.

Introducción: El páncreas es considerado de los órganos más frecuentemente afectados por recurrencia después de la nefrectomía secundaria a carcinoma de células renales notificándose una incidencia de 20%, 85% de estas ocurren dentro de los primeros 3 años. Objetivo: Evaluar la sobrevida general y sobrevida libre de enfermedad en pacientes con cáncer renal y metástasis pancreáticas sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo transversal de pacientes con diagnóstico histológico de cáncer renal asociado a metástasis pancreática y se incluyeron aquellos tratados mediante cirugía de tipo pancreatoduodenectomía o pancreatectomía distal durante el periodo de tiempo 1987-2020. Resultados: Se incluyeron 14 pacientes con metástasis a páncreas. Se obtuvieron dos grupos de pacientes: sometidos a cirugía pancreática por metástasis y aquellos que no se les realizó procedimiento quirúrgico. De acuerdo a la localización de la metástasis 71.4% correspondía a ubicación única y 28.6% a ubicación múltiple. Al 57.1% se les realizó Whipple y 42.9% pancreatectomía distal. La sobrevida tras el procedimiento quirúrgico, fue de 1150 días vs. 499 días en no operados. Conclusión: Las metástasis a páncreas por CCR pueden ser curables, mejorar la morbilidad y aumentar la sobrevida libre de enfermedad con tratamiento quirúrgico.

Quiste hidatídico primario de páncreas: reporte de caso

Introducción. El quiste hidatídico puede localizarse en cualquier órgano del cuerpo. El quiste hidatídico en el páncreas (QHP)se presenta con una prevalencia menor a 1%, la localización más frecuente es la cabeza en 61% a 69%, en el cuerpo y cola en 31% a 39%. No es fácil diferenciar el quiste hidatídico pancreático de otros tumores quísticos del páncreas, por lo que esta patología debe tenerse en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial de lesiones quísticas pancreáticas. Caso Clínico. Paciente femenino de 66 años quien desde el año 2016 se encontraba en control por una tumoración quística de la cola pancreática de 1,7 cm, diagnosticada en forma incidental. La paciente cursó asintomática y se controló en forma anual. El año 2021 la lesión alcanzó un tamaño de 4,7 cm. En este contexto se decide la resección quirúrgica por vía laparoscópica. Se resecó una pieza quirúrgica de 8 cm de longitud que incluye la cola del páncreas y el quiste. La histología describe la membrana prolígera y múltiples escólex viables. Conclusión. La localización primaria en la cola del páncreas de un quiste hidatídico confunde el diagnóstico con un tumor quístico mucinoso. El tratamiento quirúrgico actual en los quistes distales debería ser la resección laparoscópica.

Introduction. The hydatid cyst can be located in any organ of the body. The hydatid cyst in the pancreas occurs with a prevalence of less than 1%, the most frequent location is the head in 61% to 69%, the body and tail in 31% to 39%. It is not easy to differentiate the pancreatic hydatid cyst from other cystic tumors of the pancreas, so this pathology must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions. Clinical Case. The present report discusses a 66-year-old female patient who had been in control since 2016 for a 1.7 cm cystic tumor of the pancreatic tail. The patient was asymptomatic and was controlled annually. In 2021, the lesion reached a size of 4.7 cm. In this context, laparoscopic surgical resection was decided. An 8 cm long surgical specimen was resected, including the tail of the pancreas and the cyst. Histology describes prolific membrane and multiple viable scolexes. Conclusion. The primary location in the tail of the pancreas of a hydatid cyst confuses the diagnosis with a mucinous cystic tumor. The current surgical treatment for distal cysts should be laparoscopic resection.

Robotic assisted versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a retrospective study / Pancreatectomia distal robótica versus laparoscópica: um estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is associated with less blood loss and faster functional recovery. However, the benefits of robotic assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP) over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) are unknown. AIMS: To compare RDP versus LDP for surgical treatment of benign lesions, pre-malignant and borderline malignant pancreatic neoplasias. METHODS: This is a retrospective study comparing LDP with RDP. Main outcomes were overall morbidity and overall costs. Secondary outcomes were pancreatic fistula (PF), infectious complications, readmission, operative time (OT) and length of hospital stay (LOS). RESULTS: Thirty patients submitted to LDP and 29 submitted to RDP were included in the study. There was no difference regarding preoperative characteristics. There was no difference regarding overall complications (RDP - 72,4% versus LDP - 80%, p=0,49). Costs were superior for patients submitted to RDP (RDP=US$ 6,688 versus LDP=US$ 6,149, p=0,02), mostly due to higher costs of surgical materials (RDP=US$ 2,364 versus LDP=1,421, p=0,00005). Twenty-one patients submitted to RDP and 24 to LDP developed pancreatic fistula (PF), but only 4 RDP and 7 LDP experienced infectious complications associated with PF. OT (RDP=224 min. versus LDP=213 min., p=0.36) was similar, as well as conversion to open procedure (1 RDP and 2 LDP). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative morbidity of robotic distal pancreatectomy is comparable to laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. However, the costs of robotic distal pancreatectomy are slightly higher.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A pancreatectomia distal minimamente invasiva (PDMI) está associada a menos perda sanguínea e recuperação funcional mais rápida, no entanto, os benefícios da pancreatectomia distal robótica (PDR) são desconhecidos quando comparada a pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica (PDL). OBJETIVOS: Comparar PDR versus PDL no tratamento cirúrgico de lesões benignas, neoplasias pancreáticas malignas, pré-malignas e limítrofes. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo comparando PDL com PDR. Os desfechos primários avaliados foram morbidade e custos hospitalares. Os desfechos secundários foram fístula pancreática (FP), complicações infecciosas, readmissão, tempo cirúrgico e tempo de internação hospitalar (TIH). RESULTADOS: Trinta pacientes submetidos a PDL e 29 submetidos a PDR foram incluídos no estudo. Não houve diferença em relação às características pré-operatórias. Não houve diferença em relação às complicações gerais (PDL - 72,4% versus PRD - 80%, p=0,49). Os custos foram superiores para PDR (PDR=US$ 6688 versus PDL=US$ 6149, p=0,02), principalmente devido aos custos mais elevados de materiais cirúrgicos (PDR=US$ 2364 versus PDL=1421, p=0,00005). Vinte e um pacientes submetidos a PDR e 24 submetidos a PDL desenvolveram fístula pancreática (PF), no entanto, apenas 4 submetidos PDR e 7 a PDL apresentaram complicações infecciosas associadas a FP. O tempo cirúrgico (PDR=224 min. versus PDL=213 min., p=0,36) e a conversão para cirurgia aberta (1 PDR e 2 PDL) não tiveram diferença estatística. CONCLUSÕES: A morbidade pós operatória da pancreatectomia distal robótica é comparável à pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica. Entretando, os custos da pancreatectomia distal robótica são mais elevados.

Aspectos anatomo-clínicos de un caso de neoplasia sólida seudopapilar de páncreas: (tumor de Frantz) / Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas: (Frantz´s tumor) anatomo-clinical aspects / Aspectos anátomo-clínicos de um caso de neoplasia sólida pseudopapilar do pâncreas: (tumor de Frantz)

El tumor pseudopapilar de páncreas, conocido como tumor de Frantz, es excepcional; comprende entre el 0.2 y 2.7 % de los carcinomas de páncreas. Su etiología es desconocida y predomina en mujeres jóvenes. Son tumores de bajo potencial maligno, que cursan asintomáticos y dan síntomas por compresión regional: dolor gravativo y/o masa abdominal palpable. La probabilidad de una forma definidamente maligna es de 15 %. Anatómicamente se localizan con mayor frecuencia en la cola del páncreas, seguido por la cabeza y el cuerpo. El tratamiento es la resección quirúrgica y su pronóstico es excelente, con sobrevida a 5 años de casi 100 %. El diagnóstico es anátomo-patológico, considerando el aspecto microscópico y el perfil inmunohistoquímico. Se presenta un caso de una mujer de 21 años, en la cual se realizó una cirugía de excéresis completa del tumor y que se mantiene a asintomática a 24 meses de operada.

Pseudo papillary tumor of the pancreas, also called Frantz´s tumor, is a very rare disease; between 0.2 and 2.7 % of pancreatic carcinomas. Ethiology is unknown; is observed in young women. It´s a tumors with low malignant potential, usually of asymptomatic evolution by long time and the symptoms are due to regional compression: pain or abdominal mass. The possibility of a malignant form is around 15 %. Anatomically, they are most frequently located in the tail of the pancreas, followed by the head and body. The treatment is the surgical resection; with an excellent prognosis and a 5-year survival almost 100 %. The diagnosis is with pathological study, considering the microscopic appearance and the immunohistochemical profile. Its perform an analysis of the literature and once case of a 21 years old, woman is reported. A complete resection surgery of the tumor was performed and remains asymptomatic at 24 months of follow-up.

O tumor pseudopapilar do pâncreas, conhecido como tumor de Frantz, é excepcional; compreende entre 0,2 e 2,7 % dos carcinomas pancreáticos. Sua etiologia é desconhecida e predomina em mulheres jovens. São tumores de baixo potencial maligno, que são assintomáticos e apresentam sintomas devido à compressão regional: dor intensa e/ou massa abdominal palpável. A probabilidade de uma forma definitivamente maligna é de 15 %. Anatomicamente, eles estão localizados com mais frequência na cauda do pâncreas, seguido pela cabeça e corpo. O tratamento é a ressecção cirúrgica e seu prognóstico é excelente, com sobrevida em 5 anos de quase 100 %. O diagnóstico é anátomo-patológico, considerando o aspecto microscópico e o perfil imuno-histoquímico. Apresenta-se o caso de uma mulher de 21 anos submetida a cirurgia de excisão completa do tumor e que permanece assintomática 24 meses após a cirurgia.

Manejo anestésico en hipoglucemia hiperinsulinémica del recién nacido / Anesthetic management of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in the newborn

Resumen: La hipoglucemia hiperinsulinémica del recién nacido es una enfermedad hereditaria que cursa con alteraciones en las células pancreáticas; la incidencia estimada es de 1/50,000 nacidos vivos aumentando en casos de consanguinidad. Patología considerada como causa principal de hipoglucemias en este grupo etario con alto riesgo de daño cerebral y retraso mental que impacta significativamente en el neurodesarrollo. La euglucemia y la prevención de lesión cerebral por neuroglucopenia son los principales objetivos del tratamiento médico. Durante el transanestésico de una pancreatectomía, los niveles de glucosa son de utilidad como marcadores; el objetivo del abordaje perioperatorio es mantener estabilidad hemodinámica y euglucemia a través de un adecuado manejo de líquidos. Se presenta el caso de paciente femenino de dos meses de edad con diagnóstico de hipoglucemia hiperinsulinémica con hipoglucemias severas asociadas a crisis convulsivas, ingresa a quirófano para pancreatectomía subtotal.

Abstract: Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of the newborn is a hereditary disease that presents with alterations in pancreatic cells; the estimated incidence is 1/50,000 newly borns increasing in cases of consanguinity. Pathology considered as the main cause of hypoglycemia in this age group with a high risk of brain damage and mental retardation, significantly impacting neurodevelopment. Euglycemia and the prevention of brain injury from neuroglucopenia are the main objectives of medical treatment. During the transanesthetic of a pancreatectomy, the glucose levels are useful as markers; the objective of the perioperative management is to keep hemodynamic stability and euglycemia through proper fluid handling. In this case report we present a two-month-old female patient with a diagnosis of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with severe hypoglycemia associated with seizures that enters the operating room for subtotal pancreatectomy.

Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy at a resource-poor, low-volume center in Trinidad and Tobago.

BACKGROUND: Many authorities advocate for Whipple's procedures to be performed in high-volume centers, but many patients in poor developing nations cannot access these centers. We sought to determine whether clinical outcomes were acceptable when Whipple's procedures were performed in a low-volume, resource-poor setting in the West Indies. AIM: To study outcomes of Whipple's procedures in a pancreatic unit in the West Indies over an eight-year period from June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2021. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients undergoing Whipple's procedures in a pancreatic unit in the West Indies over an eight-year period from June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2021. RESULTS: This center performed an average of 11.25 procedures per annum. There were 72 patients in the final study population at a mean age of 60.2 years, with 52.7% having American Society of Anesthesiologists scores ≥ III and 54.1% with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores ≥ 2. Open Whipple's procedures were performed in 70 patients and laparoscopic assisted procedures in 2. Portal vein resection/reconstruction was performed in 19 (26.4%) patients. In patients undergoing open procedures there was 367 ± 54.1 min mean operating time, 1394 ± 656.8 mL mean blood loss, 5.24 ± 7.22 d mean intensive care unit stay and 15.1 ± 9.53 d hospitalization. Six (8.3%) patients experienced minor morbidity, 10 (14%) major morbidity and there were 4 (5.5%) deaths. CONCLUSION: This paper adds to the growing body of evidence that volume alone should not be used as a marker of quality for patients requiring Whipple's procedures. Low volume centers in resource poor nations can achieve good short-term outcomes. This is largely due to the process of continuous, adaptive learning by the entire hospital.

Whipple's operation with a modified centralization concept: A model in low-volume Caribbean centers.

Conventional data suggest that complex operations, such as a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), should be limited to high volume centers. However, this is not practical in small, resource-poor countries in the Caribbean. In these settings, patients have no option but to have their PDs performed locally at low volumes, occasionally by general surgeons. In this paper, we review the evolution of the concept of the high-volume center and discuss the feasibility of applying this concept to low and middle-income nations. Specifically, we discuss a modification of this concept that may be considered when incorporating PD into low-volume and resource-poor countries, such as those in the Caribbean. This paper has two parts. First, we performed a literature review evaluating studies published on outcomes after PD in high volume centers. The data in the Caribbean is then examined and we discuss the incorporation of this operation into resource-poor hospitals with modifications of the centralization concept. In the authors' opinions, most patients who require PD in the Caribbean do not have realistic opportunities to have surgery in high-volume centers in developed countries. In these settings, their only options are to have their operations in the resource-poor, low-volume settings in the Caribbean. However, post-operative outcomes may be improved, despite low-volumes, if a modified centralization concept is encouraged.

Counter-Clockwise Approach for Robotic Pylorus-Preserving Pancreatoduodenectomy.

PURPOSE: This multi-media article aims to describe a counter-clockwise approach for pancreatoduodenectomy (CCA-PD) in robotic surgery. METHODS: A CCA-PD was used as a strategy for robotic surgery to treat a 69-year-old woman without comorbidities who presented a ductal adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas (2.7 cm) in contact with the portal vein (less than 180°), preoperatively treated with FOLFIRINOX. The procedure was entirely done in the abdominal right upper quadrant (RUQ) following the main steps of CCA-PD resection: section of the first portion of the duodenum; biliary duct transection; Kocherization of the duodenum and retropancreatic lymphadenectomy; section of the jejunum; portal vein dissection; transection of the pancreas and uncinate detachment. The reconstruction also followed the counter-clockwise direction with a single jejunal loop with end-to-side anastomoses: pancreato-jejunal; choledoco-jejunal; duodenojejunal. RESULTS: The total operation time was 435 min, and the estimated blood loss was 200 mL. The postoperative course was uneventful without complications, with hospital discharge on the fifth postoperative day. The final pathology was ductal adenocarcinoma (G2), ypT2ypN2 (07/31), with negative surgical margins. DISCUSSION: The entire surgery happens in a unique surgical field, the RUQ, which saves time by avoiding unnecessary mobilization of the bowel and favors a layer-by-layer dissection with enough space for both dissections and sutures on each step of the procedure and improving bleeding control if necessary.

Distal pancreatectomy: experience in a National Hospital.

AIMS: To compare the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing open DP (ODP) and laparoscopic DP (LDP); and to analyze the association between the section site of the pancreas and pancreatic fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical, perioperative, and histopathologic data of patients who underwent ODP and LDP between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: 70 patients were included. 39 (56%) underwent ODP and 31 (44%) underwent LDP. The tumor size in ODP group was 70mm and in LDP group was 45mm (p = 0,032) Blood loss was lower in LDP group (229mL versus 498mL) (p = 0,001). Operative time, spleen preservation, B/C pancreatic fistula, major morbidity, reoperation, and length of hospital stay, were similar in both groups. There was no postoperative mortality. No differences were found in B/C pancreatic fistula rate regarding to pancreatic transection site. CONCLUSIONS: LDP is a safe procedure, with perioperative outcomes similar to ODP and with less blood loss. The pancreatic transection site did not influence post-operative pancreatic fistula rate.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar los resultados a corto plazo de pacientes intervenidos mediante pancreatectomía distal abierta (PDA) y laparoscópica (PDL); y analizar si el lugar de la sección del páncreas tiene relación con la formación de fístula pancreática. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Serie retrospectiva y descriptiva de las PD realizadas, desde enero del 2009 a diciembre del 2019. Se compararon las características clínicas, perioperatorias e histopatológicas de pacientes con PDA y PDL. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 70 pacientes. Treinta y nueve casos (56%) con PDA y 31 casos (44%) con PDL. El tamaño tumoral promedio en la PDA fue de 70 mm y en la PDL 45 mm (p = 0.032). La pérdida sanguínea fue menor en la PDL (229 vs. 498 ml) (p = 0.001). No se encontró diferencia significativa en tiempo operatorio, porcentaje de preservación esplénica, fístula pancreática B/C, reoperación, morbilidad mayor y estancia hospitalaria. No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria. No hubo diferencias en la formación de fístula pancreática con respecto al lugar de sección del páncreas. CONCLUSIONES: La PDL es un procedimiento seguro, con resultados perioperatorios similares a la PDA y con menor pérdida sanguínea. El lugar de sección del páncreas no tuvo relación con la formación de fístula pancreática.

Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy in Rats: The Development of an Experimental Model.

INTRODUCTION: several pancreatectomy techniques in rats have been described and utilized for research concerning the pancreas endocrine and exocrine functions. However, we did not find a description of any kind of laparoscopic pancreatectomy in rats in the consulted databases. The objective of this study is to describe a laparoscopic splenic lobe pancreatectomy in rats. METHODS: ten Wistars rats weighting more then 300 g were operated for standardizing the laparoscopic pancreatosplenectomy technique, aided by previous descriptions of laparoscopic splenectomy and open pancreatectomy in rats. Adjustments have been progressively adopted for technical refinement. RESULTS: In five animals a low-cost rat laparoscopic set was used. In other five animals we used a standard laparoscopic set. Three rats died early due to different causes: transection of the gastroesophageal junction, hemorrhagic shock and inadvertent colonic injury. The postoperative period of the other seven rats was uneventful until the seventh postoperative day. DISCUSSION: laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy in rats is feasible and safe, even with a low-cost set, in which the results were alike the standard laparoscopic set.

Leiomioma primario de páncreas en una gestante: presentación de caso / Primary pancreatic leimyoma in a pregnant woman: case report

RESUMEN Introducción: Los tumores pancreáticos en el embarazo son muy raros, el diagnóstico y tratamiento en este grupo de pacientes es complejo. Objetivo: Presentar el primer caso de un leiomioma primario del páncreas en una gestante. Caso clínico: Embarazada de 26 años de edad, sin antecedentes relevantes. Primigesta, que se encontraba cursando la semana 13 de gestación. Durante una evaluación ecográfica de rutina, se le detecta una tumoración en la glándula pancreática. Se remitió a la consulta multidisciplinaria de atención a la materna y en conjunto deciden realizar la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo. Luego la paciente fue remitida a la consulta de la especialidadde Cirugía General. Al recibir a la misma, se quejaba de dolor en epigastrio e hipocondrio izquierdo, además de hipo ocasional. Al examen físico se encontró una tumoración palpable en epigastrio. Se realizaron exámenes analíticos básicos sin encontrarse alteraciones, en los estudios de imagen realizados, ecografía abdominal y tomografía contrastada de abdomen se demostró una tumoración en el cuerpo y cola del páncreas. Se planificó tratamiento quirúrgico electivo, se realizó pancreatectomía distal con esplenectomía, por invasión del estómago, se complementó con gastrectomía subtotal. La paciente evoluciona sin complicaciones. La biopsia informó un tumor mesenquimal benigno primario de páncreas, tipo leiomioma, bien encapsulado. Conclusiones: Se presenta el primer caso de un leiomioma primario del páncreas en una gestante. Los tumores pancreáticos en embarazadas son enfemedades raras, el manejo por un equipo multidisciplinario es la mejor forma de obtener resultados satisfactorios para la paciente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pancreatic tumors during pregnancy are very rare, diagnosis and treatment are always difficult. Objective: To present the first case of a primary pancreatic leiomyoma in a pregnant woman. Case report: A 26 years old primiparous pregnant is reported, with no relevant backgrounds. She was in her first trimesters of pregnancy. Diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor during a routine evaluation. She was referred to a multidisciplinary consult, deciding the voluntary interruption of pregnancy, then she is evaluated by the General Surgery specialty clinic for complaining of epigastric pain and hiccup. On physical examination an epigastric tumor was found. Auxiliary exams were normal. Imagenologic studies confirm a tumor in the pancreatic body and tail. Surgical treatment was scheduled, distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, due to invasion of gastric wall subtotal distal gastrectomy was performed. Patient evolution without complications. Biopsy reported a well capsulated, leiomyoma type, primary mesenchymal pancreatic tumor. Conclusions: The first case of a primary pancreatic leiomyoma in a pregnant woman is presented. Pancreatic tumors during pregnancy are rare. Multidisciplinary approach is the best way to improve results.

How to perform laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy using the clockwise technique / Como realizar a pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica usando a clockwise technique

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pancreatectomy is currently a widely used approach for benign and malignant lesions of the pancreas. AIMS: This study aimed to describe how to perform a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy using The Clockwise Technique. METHODS: An 18-year-old female patient presented with a well-defined tumor in the pancreatic body with 4 cm in diameter that suggested a diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor (Frantz's tumor). The patient was recommended for laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy by using The Clockwise Technique. RESULTS: The clockwise, caudal-to-cephalic approach appears to have other significant technical advantages that facilitate the performance of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: A laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy performed using The Clockwise Technique provides satisfactory outcomes.

RESUMO - RACIONAL: A pancreatectomia laparoscópica está se tornando uma abordagem amplamente usada para lesões benignas e malignas do pâncreas. OBJETIVOS: Descrever como realizar a pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica usando a Clockwise Technique. MÉTODOS: Paciente feminina com 18 anos de idade, apresentando tumor bem definido no corpo pancreático com 4 cm de diâmetro que sugeria o diagnóstico de tumor sólido pseudopapilar (tumor de Frantz). O paciente foi considerado para pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica pela Clockwise Technique. RESULTADOS: A Clockwise Technique parece apresentar outras vantagens técnicas significativas que facilitam a realização do procedimento. CONCLUSÕES: A pancreatectomia distal laparoscópica foi realizada com a clockwise technique, obtendo-se resultados satisfatórios.