Venous reconstruction thrombosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy with superior mesenteric/portal vein resection due to pancreatic cancer: an 8 years single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric/portal vein reconstruction (SMPVR) thrombosis remains a challenging complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy concomitant with venous resection. In this context, we aimed to present our SMPVR experiences and identify potential clinicopathological factors that increased SMPVR thrombosis. METHODS: A total of 33 patients who underwent SMPVR during pancreaticoduodenectomy were analyzed. Of these, 26 patients who experienced pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma met our inclusion criteria. Patients' data were compared as classified by SMPVR type and the development of SMPVR thrombosis. All interposition grafts were Dacron in this cohort. RESULTS: Types of SMPVR included: tangential resection with primary repair (n = 12); segmental resection with splenic vein preservation and either primary anastomosis (n = 8) or 14 mm tubular Dacron grafting (n = 1); segmental resection with splenic vein division either 14 mm tubular Dacron grafting (n = 2) or 14/7 mm 'Y'-shaped Dacron grafting (n = 3). A total of four patients having 14/7 mm 'Y'-shaped (n = 3) and 14 mm tubular Dacron (n = 1) developed SMPVR thrombosis (p = .001). Dacron grafting (p = .001) and splenic vein division (p = .010) were associated with SMPVR thrombosis. The median time to detection of SMPVR thrombosis was 4.3 months (2.5-21.0 months). The median follow-up time was 12.2 months (3.0-45 months). CONCLUSIONS: During pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head ductal carcinoma, extended venous resection requiring SMPVR with 'Y'-shaped and use of Dacron interposition grafts appeared to be associated with the development of SMPVR thrombosis. This result warrants further investigations.

Serum amylase on postoperative day one is a strong predictor of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective cohort.

Background/aim: Early identification of patients at risk for developing postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) may facilitate drain management. In this context, it was aimed to examine the efficiency of the serum amylase (SA) value on postoperative day (PoD) 1 in predicting the occurrence of POPF. Materials and methods: A total of 132 patients who underwent PD were studied. Occurrences of POPF were classified according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula classification as a biochemical leak (BL) or clinically relevant grade b/c POPF (CR-POPF). Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a threshold value of SA on PoD 1 associated with POPF formation. Results: Overall, 66 (50%) patients had POPF, including 51 (38.7%) with BL and 15 with CR-POPF (11.3%). The threshold value of SA associated with the development of POPF was 120 IU/L (odds ratio [OR]: 3.20; p = 0.002). In the multivariate analysis, independent POPF risk factors were SA ≥120 IU/L, soft pancreatic texture, and high-risk pathology (i.e., duodenal, biliary, ampullary, islet cell, and benign tumors); SA ≥120 IU/L outperformed soft pancreatic texture and high-risk pathology in predicting POPF, respectively (OR: 2.22; p = 0.004 vs. OR: 1.37; p = 0.012 vs. OR: 1.35; p = 0.018). In a subset analysis according to gland texture (soft vs. hard), patients with soft pancreatic texture exhibited a significantly higher incidence of POPF (63.4% vs. 34.4%) and SA ≥120 IU/L (52.1% vs. 27.9%); SA <120 IU/L had a negative predictive value of 82.5% for developing POPF in patients with hard pancreatic texture (OR: 4.28, p = 0.028). Conclusion: A SA value ≥120 IU/L on the day after PD, which is the strongest predictor for POPF, can be used as a biomarker of the occurrence of POPF. The advantage of SA measurement is that it can contribute to identifying suitable patients for early drain removal.

Is diabetes onset at advanced age a sign of pancreatic cancer?

AIM: Pancreatic cancer is the 11th most common cancer in the world. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment for curative treatment is very high. Many studies have shown a relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, genetic factors, obesity, nutritional habits and sedentary life and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between DM onset age and PDAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 158 patients with PDAC and DM were compared with 244 patients with DM in the control group. We retrospectively analyzed PDAC risk factors with a focus on DM onset age. RESULTS: It was calculated that the risk of PDAC increased 8.5 times in patients diagnosed with DM after 60 years of age compared to those diagnosed with DM before 60 years of age (HR = 8.54, 95% CI 5.66-12.90, p<0.0001). The interval between the diagnosis of DM and the diagnosis of PDAC peaked at 32 months (95% CI 27.90-35.56). When the age of DM onset was evaluated, it was observed that peaks were around 50 years in the group without PDAC and 60 years in the group with PDAC. CONCLUSION: In patients with DM onset after the age of 60, we recommend keeping in mind the increased risk of PDAC and evaluating these patients for PDAC, even if they are asymptomatic. KEY WORDS: Diabetes, Early detection of cancer, New onset diabetes, Pancreatic cancer, Relative risk, Screening.

Effect of Modified Blumgart Anastomosis on Surgical Outcomes After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons continue to be concerned about complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy, especially postoperative pancreatic fistula. Among the factors that cause postoperative pancreatic fistula, the pancreaticojejunostomy technique has stood out in recent studies. In this study, we aimed to compare the surgical outcomes, especially POPF, of the modified Blumgart and the traditional anastomosis techniques in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: A total of 144 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were divided into 2 groups according to the performed pancreaticojejunostomy technique (modified Blumgart anastomosis, n = 91 and traditional anastomosis, n = 53). Preoperative clinicodemographic data, perioperative findings, and postoperative results were compared between the groups. Additionally, factors associated with clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula were analyzed. RESULTS: The modified Blumgart anastomosis group had lower clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula rate than traditional anastomosis group (n = 8 (8.8%) versus n = 14 (26.4%), P = .005). On the contrary, the biochemical leakage rate was higher in the modified Blumgart anastomosis group (n = 30 (33%) versus n = 9 (17%), P = .037). While postoperative pancreatic fistula-related reoperation rate was lower (n = 2 (2.2%) versus n = 7 (13.2%), P = .013), the length of hospital stay was also shorter (11 days (5-47 days) versus 21 days (6-46 days), P < .001) in the modified Blumgart anastomosis group. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that modified Blumgart anastomosis was an independent and negative predictive factor for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (odds ratio = 0.274, 95% confidence interval = 0.103-0.728, P = .009). CONCLUSION: Compared to the traditional anastomosis, modified Blumgart anastomosis decreases the rate of transition from biochemical leakage to clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula and postoperative pancreatic fistula-related reoperation and also shortens the length of hospital stay. In addition, modified Blumgart anastomosis is an independent and negative predictive factor for the development of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Acute Pancreatitis: A Rare but Serious Complication for Living Liver Donors; Risk Factors and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to determine the incidence of acute pancreatitis after living donor hepatectomy and to investigate potential risk factors and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data of all donors who underwent donor hepatectomy between January 2015 and December 2016 in our liver transplant institute were reviewed. Donor data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. The donors were divided into 2 groups according to whether they developed postoperative pancreatitis. The following data were compared between the 2 groups: demo-graphic information (age, sex), body mass index, type of hepatectomy (right, left, or left lateral), intraoperative cholangiographic findings, operative time, blood loss, graft data (graft weight, remnant liver ratio), duration of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity and mortality (if any). Pancreatitis severity and treatment outcomes were also examined in patients with postoperative pancreatitis. RESULTS: Our study included 348 donors who underwent donor hepatectomy for living-donor liver transplant. Postoperative pancreatitis developed in 6 donors (1.7%). We found no statistical differences between patients with and without postoperative pancreatitis in terms of demographic and intra-operative findings. Neither loco-regional nor systemic complications of pancreatitis developed in any of the patients. Therefore, all were classified as having mild pancreatitis according to revised Atlanta classification. The mean APACHE II score was 5.2 ± 1.2 points (range, 4-7 points). All patients with postoperative pancreatitis received conservative-supportive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although postoperative pancreatitis is a rarely reported complication in living liver donors, it should always be considered, especially in patients who unpredictably deteriorate in the postoperative period. Proper recognition and timely treatment can help avoid s erious consequences.

Diagnostic and therapeutic management algorithm for biliary complications in living liver donors.

This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of our diagnostic and therapeutic management algorithm and catheter-assisted (percutaneous transhepatic biliary tract drainage [PTBD] or transanastomotic feeding tube) hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) procedures in living liver donors (LLDs) with biliary complications. Living donor hepatectomy (LDH) was performed between September 2005 and April 2021 in 2 489 LLDs. Biliary complications developed in 220 LLDs (8.8%), 136 of which were male, and the median age was 29 (interquartile range [IQR]: 12) years. Endoscopic sphincterotomy ± stenting was performed in 132 LLDs, which was unsuccessful in 9 LLDs and required HJ. Overall, 142 LLDs underwent interventional radiologic procedures. Fifteen LLDs with biliary complications underwent HJ (PTBD catheter = 6 and transanastomotic feeding tube = 9) at a median of 44 days (IQR: 82). Following HJ, 14 LLDs did not have any complications throughout the median follow-up period of 1619 days (IQR: 1454). However, percutaneous dilation for HJ anastomotic stricture was performed in one patient. Biliary complications are very common following LDH; therefore, surgeons in the field should have a low threshold to perform HJ for biliary complications that persist after other treatments. Our catheter-assisted HJ techniques demonstrated a high success rate and aided HJ in a hostile abdomen during revisional surgery.

Early extubation after liver transplantation: Is dexmedetomidine a good option?: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine is a potent and highly selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist with sympatholytic, sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic properties. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a dexmedetomidine infusion in liver transplant recipients in the early postoperative period on early and smooth extubation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 21 patients undergoing liver transplantation between December 1, 2018 and February 31, 2020. Patients were divided into the dexmedetomidine and midazolam groups. The primary outcome was the extubation time. Secondary outcomes were mean arterial pressure and heart rate before and after extubation. The collected data included the patients' age, gender, surgery time, Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, cold ischemia time, blood transfusion amount and extubation visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. RESULTS: Extubation time was significantly shorter in the dexmedetomidine group than in the midazolam group (median [minimum-maximum], 4 [0-6], 8 [4-13] hours, respectively, P = .000). Extubation VAS scores were statistically significantly lower in dexmedetomidine group (P = .000). Mean arterial pressure values before and after extubation were significantly higher in patients' midazolam group than the dexmedetomidine group (P = .003, P = .005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine infusions provided early and smooth extubation with stable haemodynamics in our patients.

Analysis of the Factors Affecting Survival in the Patients who Underwent Curative-Intent Gastrectomy due to Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of clinicopathological factors on overall survival in the patients who underwent curative-intent gastrectomy due to gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The medical records of 644 patients who underwent gastrectomy between January 2007 and January 2017 in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Among these patients, 359 patients were included in this study. The impact of several prognostic factors on survival was investigated. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.2±11.6 (29-83). Male/female ratio was 2.12. The median follow-up time was 19 months (CI=10.1-31.1). Median overall survival was 23±2.3 months (CI=18.3-27.6). Splenectomy, R1 (microscopically incomplete) resection, and advanced stage were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: R1 resection, splenectomy, and advanced TNM stage were associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Splenectomy should be avoided in the absence of direct invasion of the tumour or metastasis of lymph nodes on splenic hilum to prevent postoperative infectious complication-related mortality.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency general surgery: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems worldwide. The effect of the pandemic on emergency general surgery patients remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To reveal the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality and morbidity among emergency general surgery cases. DESIGN AND SETTING: Data on patients who were admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Samsun, Turkey, and had consultations at the general surgery clinic were analyzed retrospectively. METHODS: Our study included comparative analysis on two groups of patients who received emergency general surgery consultations in our hospital: during the COVID-19 pandemic period (Group 2); and on the same dates one year previously (Group 1). RESULTS: There were 195 patients in Group 1 and 132 in Group 2 (P < 0.001). While 113 (58%) of the patients in Group 1 were women, only 58 (44%) were women in Group 2 (P = 0.013). Considering all types of diagnosis, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.261). The rates of abscess and delayed abdominal emergency diseases were higher in Group 2: one case (0.5%) versus ten cases (8%); P < 0.001. The morbidity rate was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1: three cases (1.5%) versus nine cases (7%); P = 0.016. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of unnecessary nonemergency admissions to the emergency department, but has not delayed patients' urgent consultations. The pandemic has led surgeons to deal with more complicated cases and greater numbers of complications.

Hepatolithiasis: clinical series, review and current management strategy.

OBJECTIVES: Hepatolithiasis (HL) continues to be a problem due to its local and systemic complications, insufficiency in treatment modalities and high risk of recurrence. There are various surgical options available, ranging from endoscopic interventions to a small segment resection and ultimately to transplantation. In this article, patients with the diagnosis of HL and our treatment strategies were evaluated in the light of literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients diagnosed with HL in our clinic between 2014-2019 were evaluated retrospectively by examining the patient files. Demographic characteristics of the patients, causes of the disease, complications and treatment options were evaluated. RESULTS: 17 patients were included into the study. Mean age of the patients was 64.3 years (range 32-89 years). Seven patients had previous cholecystectomies. Stenosis was found to be developed in hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) site in three patients (two had HJ due to bile duct injury and one had HJ following the Whipple procedure), and in hepaticoduodenostomy site in one patient who had the history of biliary tract injury during cholecystectomy. Two patients with HL without previous cholecystectomies had no gallbladder stones. Nine patients underwent surgery. Left hepatectomy was performed in two patients and lateral sector resection was performed in 2 patients. Two patients with anastomotic stenosis underwent HJ revision and two patients with anastomotic stenosis and one patient with stent ingrowth underwent bifurcation resection and neo-hepaticojejunostomy. Eight patients were followed-up nonoperatively with medical and endoscopic approaches. CONCLUSION: Hepatolithiasis is a serious condition that needs to be treated with a multimodal approach. Stenting and anastomotic stenosis facilitate the development of hepatolithiasis and increase the risk of its occurrence. In particular, by performing functional hepaticojejunostomy, the development of this complication will be decreased.

Postoperative hemorrhage complications following the Whipple procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Although the Whipple operation is an essential surgical technique, its high morbidity (30% to 60%) and mortality (5%) are problems to be addressed. The incidence of postoperative hemorrhage has been reported between 5% and 16% in the literature. In this study, the data and results regarding postoperative hemorrhage complications from our clinic were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The files of 185 patients who had undergone Whipple operation in our hospital in the last five years were evaluated retrospectively, and the causes of hemorrhage were attempted to be determined. RESULTS: It was found that 6 out of the 13 (7%) patients who had hemorrhage died. In six of there 13 cases, hemorrhage occurred due to fistulas from the portal vein, gastroduodenal artery, and pancreatic arteries at variable periods. Two cases were found to have developed disseminated intravascular coagulation as a result of sepsis. Early intervention was performed in two cases who bled from the meso veins and in one case who bled from the portal vein. Laparotomy and hemostasis were performed in a patient who bled from the gastric anastomosis line. In a patient who had been taking low molecular weight heparin, bleeding from the drains and nasogastric tube stopped following the cessation of the drug. CONCLUSION: Preventive procedures such as connection of the vascular structures, use of vascular sealants, omental patching during surgery, and reducing the risk of complications by using somatostatin analogs were performed to prevent hemorrhages after Whipple operations. In addition to standard methods, angiography and embolization have emerged as effective methods in the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhages. Furthermore, determination and elimination of independent risk factors, such as jaundice, affecting fistula formation and bleeding in the perioperative period, is important for prevention.

Striking Multiple Primary Tumors that underwent Whipple Procedure due to Periampullary Carcinoma: An Analysis of 21 Cases.

INTRODUCTION: The term multiple primary tumor (MPT) is used to describe cases where two or more primary tumors show no histopathological similarities in between. Multiple primary tumor cases have begun to increase in recent years as a result of the increase in life expectancy because of the increase in life standards and progress in diagnostic methods. In this study, MPT cases with periampullary tumors that underwent Whipple procedure were discussed in the light of literature data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient files of 223 cases with periampullary tumors that underwent Whipple procedure in our hospital during the last 6 years were examined retrospectively. More than one primary tumor was detected in 21 patients. RESULTS: Periampullary carcinomas were detected as a second primary tumor in 18 patients. First primary tumor was periampullary carcinoma in 3 patients that underwent Whipple procedure. After the Whipple procedure, 5 patients died due to early complications in the first 30 days and 6 patients died due to metastases and additional problems that developed during follow-up. DISCUSSION: The incidence of MPT has been reported as 0.7 to 14.5% in the literature. Most of them are multiple primary case presentations. In patient management, it is recommended that each tumor should be evaluated independently of its own characteristics, and treatment and follow-up should be planned accordingly. CONCLUSION: The MPT cases are increasing. The possibility of MPT as well as metastasis should be kept in mind during the evaluation of tumor foci seen during diagnosis and follow-up of patients. The characteristics of each tumor, survival, and prognosis should be evaluated separately and the most appropriate treatment should be offered to the patient. It is recommended that synchronic primary tumors which are considered to be surgically resectable without metastasis should be removed in the same session.How to cite this article: Dilek ON, Ozsay O, Karaisli S, Gür EÖ, Er A, Haciyanli SG, Kar H, Dilek FH. Striking Multiple Primary Tumors that underwent Whipple Procedure due to Periampullary Carcinoma: An Analysis of 21 Cases. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2018;8(1):1-5.

Giant pancreatic solid cystic desmoid tumor with two ectopic adrenal tissues.

A 19-year-old woman presented with painless swelling of the abdomen. During surgery, a giant mass measuring 37 cm×26 cm×12 cm within the distal pancreas invading the spleen was noted. The clinical diagnosis of a solid cystic pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas was suspected. Distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and debulking surgery were performed. Histological examination showed that the tumor infiltrated the spleen and pancreatic parenchyma, and sections of the solid areas revealed a proliferation of spindle-shaped or stellate cells growing in fascicular and storiform patterns within a myxoid intercellular matrix. Cystic areas were representing the entrapped excretory pancreatic ductules. Interestingly, there were two ectopic adrenal tissues found incidentally in the peripheral portion of the tumor. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical features were consistent with a solid cystic desmoid tumor of the pancreas. Desmoid tumors of the pancreas are very rare, and if they present as a solid cystic lesion, their diagnosis may be difficult. We report the case for its rarity and huge size and to emphasize a regular follow-up because the long-term prognosis is currently unknown.

Effect of nebivolol on liver regeneration in an experimental 70% partial hepatectomy model.

BACKGROUND: Factors affecting liver regeneration are still relevant. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of nebivolol treatment on liver regeneration in rats in which 70% partial hepatectomy was performed. METHODS: Three groups were created: the control group, the low dose group, and the high dose group, with 20 rats in each group and 70% hepatectomy was performed in all rats. Immediately after partial liver resection, 2 mL physiological saline solution was administered to the control group via oral gavage, 0.5 mg/kg nebivolol was administered via oral gavage to the low dose group and 2 mg/kg nebivolol was administered via oral gavage to the high dose group. On the 1st and 5th days after liver resection, 10 subjects were sacrificed from each group, and liver weights and the mitotic count and Ki-67 were measured. RESULTS: Regenerating liver weight on the 1st and 5th days after partial hepatectomy was statistically different in the low dose and high dose nebivolol groups compared to the control group. Mitotic count on the 1st day after partial hepatectomy was significantly higher in the low dose and high dose nebivolol groups than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference detected between the three groups for the 5th day. On the 1st day, Ki-67 rates were significantly higher in both groups given nebivolol than the control group. However, 5th day results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Nebivolol increases regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.

Management of perforation after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related perforation is an infrequent complication. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The present study is an evaluation of experience with management and outcomes of ERCP-related perforations and a review of relevant literature. METHODS: Between January 2008 and January 2015, a total of 9383 ERCPs were performed in endoscopy unit. A total of 29 perforations (0.33%) were identified and retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 29 patients, 18 were female and 11 patients were male, with mean age of 70.5 years (range 33-99 years). According to Stapfer's classification, the 29 patients with ERCP related perforations included 5 type 1 perforations, 14 type 2 perforations, 7 type 3 perforations, and 3 cases of type 4 perforation. In total, 15 of 29 patients with ERCP perforation were operated on. Nine (60%) of those who underwent surgery were discharged uneventful, but 6 (40%) patients died due to postoperative complications and/or associated comorbidities. Seven (24.1%) of 29 patients had undergone endoscopic treatment and 5 of the 7 were discharged from the hospital without any problems; however, peritonitis occurred in 2 patients whose initial endoscopic treatment failed. The first of these 2 patients underwent surgery and was discharged uneventfully, but second patient, who refused surgery, died due to sepsis. Six patients were successfully treated with conservative management. Surgery could not be performed in the remaining 2 patients, who died of sepsis following peritonitis; 1 refused surgery, the other had sudden cardiopulmonary arrest during induction of general anesthesia. Mean hospital stay was 13.2 days (range: 2-57 days). In all, 9 (31%) patients died during period of the study. CONCLUSION: ERCP-related perforation is uncommon complication, but an extremely serious condition. Early diagnosis and prompt management are most important to reduce associated significant morbidity and mortality rates. The most appropriate treatment course should be determined on case-by-case basis.