Automatic preoperative 3d model registration in laparoscopic liver resection.

PURPOSE: : Augmented Reality (AR) in Laparoscopic Liver Resection requires anatomical landmarks and the silhouette to be found on the laparoscopic image. They are used to register the preoperative 3D model obtained from CT segmentation. The existing AR systems rely on the surgeon to 1) annotate the landmarks and silhouette and 2) provide an initial registration. These non-trivial tasks require surgeon attention which may perturb the procedure. We propose methods to solve both tasks, hence registration, automatically. METHODS: : The landmarks are the lower ridge and the falciform ligament. We solve 1) by training a U-Net from a new dataset of 1415 labelled images extracted from 68 procedures. We solve 2) by a novel automatic coarse-to-fine pose estimation method, including visibility-reasoning within an iterative robust process. In addition, we propose to divide the ridge into six anatomical sub-parts, making its annotation and use in registration more accurate. RESULTS: : Our method detects the silhouette with an error equivalent to an experienced surgeon. It detects the ridge and ligament with higher errors owing to under-detection. Nonetheless, our method successfully initialises the registration with tumour target registration errors of 22.4, 14.8 and 7.2 mm for 3 clinical procedures. In comparison, the errors from manual initialisation are 30.5, 15.1 and 16.3 mm. CONCLUSION: : Our results are promising, suggesting that we have found an appropriate methodological approach.

Evidence-based evaluation of abdominal drainage in pancreatic surgery.

Pancreatic fistula is the most common and dreaded complication after pancreatic resection, responsible for high morbidity and mortality (2 to 30%). Prophylactic drainage of the operative site is usually put in place to decrease and/or detect postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) early. However, this policy is currently debated and the data from the literature are unclear. The goal of this update is to analyze the most recent evidence-based data with regard to prophylactic abdominal drainage after pancreatic resection (pancreatoduodenectomy [PD] or distal pancreatectomy [PD]). This systematic review of the literature between 1990 and 2020 sought to answer the following questions: should drainage of the operative site after pancreatectomy be routine or adapted to the risk of POPF? If a drainage is used, how long should it remain in the abdomen, what criteria should be used to decide to remove it, and what type of drainage should be preferred? Has the introduction of laparoscopy changed our practice? The literature seems to indicate that it is not possible to recommend the omission of routine drainage after pancreatic resection. By contrast, an approach based on the risk of POPF using the fistula risk score seems beneficial. When a drain is placed, early removal (within 5 days) seems feasible based on clinical, laboratory (C-reactive protein, leukocyte count, neutrophile/lymphocyte ratio, dosage and dynamic of amylase in the drains on D1, D3±D5) and radiological findings. This is in line with the development of enhanced recovery programs after pancreatic surgery. Finally, this literature review did not find any specific data relative to mini-invasive pancreatic surgery.

Prevention of biliary fistula after partial hepatectomy by transcystic biliary drainage: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Biliary fistula is one of the most common complications after hepatectomy. This study evaluated the effect of transcystic biliary drainage during hepatectomy on the occurrence of postoperative biliary fistula. METHODS: This multicentre RCT was carried out from 2009 to 2016 in nine centres. Patients were randomized to transcystic biliary drainage or no transcystic drainage (control). Patients underwent hepatectomy (more than 2 segments) of non-cirrhotic livers. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of biliary fistula after surgery. Secondary endpoints were morbidity, postoperative mortality, duration of hospital stay, reoperation, readmission to hospital, and complications caused by catheters. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 310 patients were randomized. In intention-to-treat analysis, there were 158 patients in the transcystic group and 149 in the control group. Seven patients were removed from the per-protocol analysis owing to protocol deviations. The biliary fistula rate was 5·9 per cent in intention-to-treat and 6·0 per cent in per-protocol analyses. The rate was similar in the transcystic and control groups (5·7 versus 6·0 per cent; P = 1·000). There were no differences in terms of morbidity (49·4 versus 46·3 per cent; P = 0·731), mortality (2·5 versus 4·7 per cent; P = 0·367) and reoperations (4·4 versus 10·1 per cent; P = 1·000). Median duration of hospital stay was longer in the transcystic group (11 versus 10 days; P = 0·042). The biliary fistula risk was associated with the width and length of the hepatic cut surface. CONCLUSION: This randomized trial did not demonstrate superiority of transcystic drainage during hepatectomy in preventing biliary fistula. The use of transcystic drainage during hepatectomy to prevent postoperative biliary fistula is not recommended. Registration number: NCT01469442 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

ANTECEDENTES: La fístula biliar es una de las complicaciones más comunes después de la hepatectomía. Este estudio evalúa el efecto del drenaje biliar transcístico durante la hepatectomía en la aparición de una fístula biliar postoperatoria. MÉTODOS: Este ensayo prospectivo aleatorizado y multicéntrico (Clinical Trial NCT01469442) con dos grupos de estudio (grupo transcístico versus grupo control) se llevó a cabo de 2009 a 2016 en 9 centros. Los pacientes fueron sometidos a una hepatectomía (≥ 2 segmentos) en hígados no cirróticos. El resultado principal fue la aparición de una fístula biliar después de la cirugía. Los resultados secundarios fueron la morbilidad, la mortalidad postoperatoria, la duración de la estancia hospitalaria, la reintervención, la necesidad de reingreso y las complicaciones causadas por los catéteres. Se realizaron análisis por intención de tratamiento y por protocolo. RESULTADOS: Un total de 310 pacientes fueron randomizados. Por intención de tratamiento, 158 pacientes fueron aleatorizados al grupo transcístico y 149 al grupo control. Siete pacientes fueron excluidos del análisis por protocolo por desviaciones del protocolo. La tasa de fístula biliar fue del 5,9% en el análisis por intención de tratamiento y del 6,0% en el análisis por protocolo. Esta tasa fue similar para el grupo transcístico y para el grupo control: 5,7% versus 6,0% (P = 1). No hubo diferencias en términos de morbilidad (49,4% versus 46,9%, P = 0,731), mortalidad (2,5% versus 4,7%, P = 0,367) y reintervenciones (4,4% versus 10,1%, P = 1). La mediana de la duración de la estancia hospitalaria fue mayor para el grupo transcístico (11 versus 10 días, P = 0,042). El riesgo de fístula biliar se correlacionó con el grosor y la longitud de la transección hepática. CONCLUSIÓN: Este ensayo aleatorizado no demuestra la superioridad del drenaje transcístico durante la hepatectomía para prevenir la fístula biliar. No se recomienda el uso de drenaje transcístico durante la hepatectomía para prevenir la fístula biliar postoperatoria.

Liver hypertrophy: Underlying mechanisms and promoting procedures before major hepatectomy.

Various procedures can promote hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) before major hepatectomy to prevent postoperative liver failure. The pathophysiological situation following portal vein embolization (PVE), hepatic artery ligation/embolization or hepatectomy remains unclear. On one hand, the main mechanisms of hepatic regeneration appear to be driven by hepatic hypoxia (involving the hepatic arterial buffer response), an increased portal blood flow inducing shear stress and the involvement of several mediators (inflammatory cytokines, vasoregulators, growth factors, eicosanoids and several hormones). On the other hand, several factors are associated with impaired liver regeneration, such as biliary obstruction, malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, male gender, age, ethanol and viral infection. All these mechanisms may explain the varying degrees of hypertrophy observed following a surgical or radiological procedure promoting hypertrophy the FLR. Radiological procedures include left and right portal vein embolization (extended or not to segment 4), sequential PVE and hepatic vein embolization (HVE), and more recently combined PVE and HVE. Surgical procedures include associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy, and more recently the combined portal embolization and arterial ligation procedure. This review aimed to clarify the pathophysiology of liver regeneration; it also describes radiological or surgical procedures employed to improve liver regeneration in terms of volumetric changes, the feasibility of the second step and the benefits and drawbacks of each procedure.

Feasibility prospective study of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with suprapubic approach.

BACKGROUND: Since the publication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) using three ports instead of four, no significant evolution has impacted on our clinical practice in order to improve length of stay, postoperative pain, time of recovery and cosmetic results. Recently, a renewed interest has been observed with the suprapubic approach, called occult scar laparoscopic cholecystectomy (OSLC). The aim of this prospective multicentric study was to evaluate the feasibility of OSLC in 2 French centers. METHODS: From March to September 2014, 60 patients were prospectively included in this study. The operation incisions consisted of an umbilical incision for camera; an incision in the right groin for maneuvers of exposition and a suprapubic incision for instrumental dissection and clipping. Outcome was by operative time, operative complications, hospital length of stay, analgesia required after surgery, and cosmetic outcomes. The Patient Satisfaction Scale and Visual Analog Score (VAS) also were used to evaluate the level of cosmetic result and postoperative pain. RESULTS: No laparoscopy was converted to an open procedure, the mean operative time was 53±20min. No patient had intraoperative bile duct injury or significant bleeding. The mean length of stay was 1.70±0.76 days. Two patients (3%) experienced postoperative complication (1 intra-abdominal abscess treated by antibiotics and 1 subcutaneous seroma of the 11-mm port wound treated successfully by needle aspiration). CONCLUSION: The technique proved to be safe and feasible with no specific complication and without specific instrument. It offers satisfactory postoperative pain level and good cosmetic results.

Effects of clamping procedures on central venous pressure during liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Various clamping procedures are used to decrease bleeding during liver resections but their effect on central venous pressure (CVP) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the variations of the CVP during two different clamping procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 29 patients (19 males, 10 females) who had Pringle maneuver (PM) and clamping of the inferior vena cava below the liver (IVCC) during major liver resections. RESULTS: Mean decrease of the CVP after PM, IVCC, and PM+IVCC was 0.84 ± 1.37, 2.17 ± 2.13 and 3.17 ± 2.56 cmH20, respectively (P=0.02, P<0.0001 and P<0.0001, respectively). IVCC was more effective in inducing a decrease of the CVP than PM alone (P<0.05). The combination of both PM and IVCC induced the greatest decrease but not to a level of significance compared to IVCC alone (P=0.25). CONCLUSION: IVCC remains the more efficient procedure to lower the CVP. However, although PM is commonly used to control vascular inflow within the liver its significant influence on the CVP could participate to the reduction of bleeding during liver resections.

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: Does prognosis depend on mode of lymph node invasion?

BACKGROUND: Lymph node (LN) invasion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most important prognostic factor after surgical resection. The mechanisms of LN invasion include lymphatic spreading and/or direct extension from the main tumor. However, few studies have assessed the impact of these different patterns of invasion on prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pathologic reports of pancreatic resections for PDAC from 1997 to 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. The mode of LN invasion was defined as follows: standard lymphatic metastases (S), contiguous from the main tumor (C) and standard with extracapsular invasion (EI). Clinical outcomes were compared according to the mode of invasion and the number of invaded LN. RESULTS: 306 patients were reviewed. Median age at resection was 61 years (range, 34-81). Eighty seven patients were N- (28.9%) and 214 were N+ (71.1%). Of the N+ patients, 195 (91.1%) were S+, 35 (16.3%) were C+, and 24 (12.3% of the S+ patients) were EI+. Median survival in N+ patients was lower than in N- patients (29 vs. 57 months, p < 0.001). In patients without standard involvement, C+ patients (n = 19) had worse survival than C- patients (n = 47) (34 vs. 57 months, p = 0.037). In S+ patients, C status was correlated with prognosis when the number of LN S+ was <2 (p = 0.07). EI status had no influence on prognosis. On multivariate analysis, only perineural invasion (p = 0.02) and LN ratio (p = 0.042) were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Direct invasion of LN by the tumor is predictive of reduced survival, but has little impact compared to standard LN involvement and perineural invasion.

Advantages of gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MR cholangiography in the diagnosis of post-liver transplant bile leakage.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of magnetic resonance cholangiography with gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) where there is a suspicion of bile leakage in the post-liver transplant patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients who had undergone a liver transplant underwent 14 MR cholangiograms, five of whom presented bile leakage while the other three had no biliary system complications. The results were compared to conventional bile duct opacification (by endoscopy or t-tube cholangiogram). The analysis covered whether there was opacification of the common bile duct and intrahepatic bile ducts on T1-weighted sequences after an injection of Gd-BOPTA on delayed biliary excretion phase sequences that were carried out on average 74 min after the injection. Enhancing perihepatic collections were also taken into account. RESULTS: Opacification of the bile ducts on delayed-phase MR cholangiogram sequences was always seen in the absence of bile leakage, and was never found when leakage was present. Enhancing perihepatic collections pointed to bile leakage every time. CONCLUSION: Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MR cholangiography is a simple and non-invasive technique for detecting bile leakage in the post-liver transplant patient.

[Preoperative portal vein embolization with Amplatzer(®) vascular plugs (AVP): a review of 17 cases]. / Embolisation portale préopératoire par Amplatzer(®) Vascular Plugs (AVP) : 17 patients.

The purpose was to determine the efficacy and technical particularities related to the use of Amplatzer(®) Vascular Plugs (AVP) for preoperative portal vein embolization. Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 48 type I AVP were embolized into the portal venous system of 17 patients (51-83 years) prior to extended hepatic resection where the residual liver volume (RLV) was deemed sufficient (RLV < 35-40% in patients with underlying hepatocellular disease, < 25-30% in patients with normal liver). AVP were used alone in seven patients and combined to other embolization agents in 10 patients (coils: n=5, microparticles: n=1, resorbable gel foam: n=4). The procedure was technically successful in 100% of cases with immediate success rate of 94.1% (imcomplete embolization of a segmental branch of segment VIII). The procedure was well tolerated clinically in 94.1% of cases, and in 100% of cases based on laboratory values. The rate of recanalization on follow-up CT at 5 weeks (2-22) was 11.7%. The rate of complications, major (left portal vein thrombosis following right portal vein embolization) and minor (one case of portovenous fistula), was 11.7%. The rate of RLV growth was from +13 to +285 cm(3) (mean at +122 cm(3)), or +4.98 to +78.51% (mean at +33.3%) (hepatocellular carcinoma: mean of +30.7%, metastases: mean of +19.7%). The rate of surgical candicacy was 94.1% (two patients were excluded: insufficient growth of RLV, development of peritoneal carcinomatosis). AVP appear to be reliable and effective for the preoperative embolization of the portal vein, with low morbidity and sufficient growth of RLV.

[Laparoscopy during pregnancy: experience of the French university hospital of Clermont-Ferrand]. / Coelioscopie en cours de grossesse: expérience du centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Clermont-Ferrand.

OBJECTIVE: To describe perioperative management and perinatal outcome for patients undergoing laparoscopy during pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all cases of laparoscopy during pregnancy performed in our university hospital over a period of six years (from February 2000 to February 2006). RESULTS: We observed 34 cases managed from five to 30 weeks of gestation (11 cases of adnexal torsion, ten adnexal masses, eight appendicitis, one cholecystitis, one sigmoid volvulus, one pelvic peritonitis, two heterotopic pregnancies). Open laparoscopy was used in 12 cases. Conversion was required in two cases mainly due to adherences (one borderline lesion at 16 weeks and one tubal cyst torsion at 24 weeks). No maternal complication was observed. One miscarriage occurred at Day 1 (peritonitis, five weeks of gestation) and one patient opted for abortion. No threatened preterm labour occurred after the perioperative course and no neonate required admission in neonatology unit. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study illustrates safety and efficacy of laparoscopy in management of surgical diseases in the gravid patient. Emergent indications are the most common, highlighting the need for all physicians to know specific recommendations related to laparoscopy during pregnancy.

[Role of endovascular treatment of symptomatic splanchnic artery stenoses in HIV patients: report of three cases]. / Place du traitement endovasculaire des sténoses symptomatiques d'artères digestives chez les sujets infectés par le VIH: trois cas.

Patients with HIV or AIDS frequently present with GI symptoms, sometimes due to early and diffuse atherosclerosis. We report 3 cases of HIV patients with abdominal pain due to severe splanchnic arterial stenosis. Only one patient presented typical clinical findings of mesenteric ischemic. Endovascular treatment was performed in all three cases. Good clinical outcome was immediate in 2 cases. In the third case, subsequent bowel resection was required due to irreversible ischemic injury in spite of local thrombolysis and endovascular revascularization in a patient presenting with acute severe mesenteric ischemia. In all three cases, vascular patency was demonstrated at follow-up. Mesenteric ischemia is a severe complication requiring early diagnosis in HIV patients, especially those with vascular risk factors, especially since endovascular treatment is a valid therapeutic option.

Is preoperative histological diagnosis necessary before referral to major surgery for cholangiocarcinoma?

Major surgical resection is often the only curative treatment for cholangiocarcinoma. When imaging techniques fail to establish the accurate diagnosis, biopsy of the lesion is unavoidable. However, biopsy is not necessarily required for topography of the cholangiocarcinoma (intrahepatic or extrahepatic). 1) In extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), clinical features and radiological imaging relate to biliary obstruction. Provided that between 8% and 43% of bile duct strictures are not ECC, the lesions mimicking ECC that should be ruled out are gallbladder cancer, Mirizzi syndrome, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune pancreatitis and portal biliopathy. Systematic biopsy is usually difficult and has poor sensitivity, but a good knowledge of these mimicking ECC diseases, along with precise analysis of clinical and imaging semiology, may lead to a correct diagnosis without the need for biopsy. 2) Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) developing in normal liver appears as a hypovascular tumour with fibrotic component and capsular retraction that can be confused with fibrous metastases such as breast and colorectal cancers. The lack of the primary site, a relatively large tumour size and ancillary findings such as bile duct dilatation may provide a clue to the diagnosis. If not, we advocate local resection with lymph node dissection, since ICC is the most likely diagnosis and surgery is the only curative treatment. In the event of adenocarcinoma from unknown primary, surgery is an effective treatment even if prognosis is poor.

Band and port-related morbidity after bariatric surgery: an underestimated problem.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the magnitude of the morbidity related to the system used for gastric banding Methods Between January 1997 and December 2004, 286 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) in one center. We used 4 models of LapBand 9.75, 10, 11 and Vanguard with pars flacida route. Recalibration of band was performed in our consultation unit without systematic radiologic control. We considered four kinds of complication: port displacement, port rupture, band rupture and others problems. RESULTS: The mean follow up was 3.3+/-2.8 years with a median 2.9 years. Complications occurred within a mean time of 2.2+/-1.9 years. For the models vanguard and size 11, there were no rupture and 15 (27.7%) displacements whereas for size 9.75 and 10 there were 39 ruptures (14.7%) and 15 (5.6%) displacements. Types of complications were related to the bands used i.e. more port displacements for the models vanguard and size 11 and more band and port ruptures for the models size 9.75 and 10. But when we considered the respective follow up according to the type of band these differences were no longer significant. Moreover rupture rate was significantly high but decreased after March 2002 because of changing of junction between port and catheter. Mean excess weight loss (35.2+/-27.7%) was not different in group whether the patients were reoperated or not. CONCLUSION: Band and port related morbidity is an important aspect of bariatric surgery. We have to pay attention to material evolution and to our follow up for calibration. Some new recent technical advancement could improve the management of these patients.

[Impact of computed tomography on patient's care in nontraumatic acute abdomen: 90 patients]. / Contribution du scanner à la prise en charge des tableaux abdominaux aigus non traumatiques: étude de 90 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the contribution of computerized tomography (CT) to the management of nontraumatic acute abdomen, to evaluate interobserver agreement and the contribution of CT to cost control, to look for the predictive factors of CT. PATIENTS: and method. Ninety prospectively included patients, admitted for nontraumatic acute abdomen and examined by a surgeon, received CT examination. Diagnosis and treatment 1) envisioned before and 2) defined after CT, and 3) finally retained were compared, and the interobserver agreement was calculated after the second reading. The predictive value of the clinical and biological criteria as well as the radiological criteria characterizing these patients was sought. RESULTS: CT was contributive in 68.9% of cases, with a reliable diagnosis and treatment strategy, defined after CT examination, for 92.2% and 90%, respectively. Interobserver agreement was 93.3%. CT contributed to reducing costs in 15.5% of patients, for an additional cost estimated at 104-139 euros. The positive predictive factors of the CT contribution were age over 70 years, localized symptoms, fever, and high CRP. CONCLUSION: In agreement with the literature, in our study CT appears to be a choice examination to guide patient care in nontraumatic acute abdomen.

Guanylyl cyclase C as a reliable immunohistochemical marker and its ligand Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin as a potential protein-delivering vehicle for colorectal cancer cells.

mRNA-based technologies and preclinical research in a variety of animal models have shown that guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) is a highly sensitive and specific molecular marker for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). GCC is also a receptor for Escherichia coli (E. coli) heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) and can be used for STa-directed delivery of small-sized imaging agents to human CRC tumours. In this study, we have evaluated GCC as a new immunohistochemical (IHC) marker for CRC tissues and STa as a suitable vector for delivering high-sized protein molecules to CRC cells. Firstly, we have developed a highly sensitive EnVision(+)-based IHC staining method for detecting GCC in serial paraffin-embedded sections of primary and metastatic CRC (38 cases) or non-CRC (14 cases) adenocarcinomas. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) were chosen as controls. Our results indicate that GCC staining was positive in 100% of CRC tumours and was comparable to CEA (95%) or CK20 (92%). In contrast to CEA and CK20, GCC was negative in all of the extra-intestinal non-CRC tumours examined. GCC appears to display higher specificity than either CEA or CK20 while retaining high sensitivity, suggesting that it is a better CRC marker than CEA or CK20. Secondly, STa was genetically coupled to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the resulting GFP-tagged STa was characterized for expression in E. coli and enterotoxicity in mouse. The binding characteristics of GFP-STa in CRC Caco-2 cells were followed by immunofluorescence microscopy. In this work we show that GFP-tagged STa is biologically active and has retained its ability to internalise into Caco-2 cells making it a potential vehicle for the delivery of anticancer therapeutic protein agents.

[Major digestive surgery in octogenarians. A prospective study of 54 cases]. / La chirurgie digestive lourde après 80 ans. Etude rétrospective de 54 cas.

OBJECTIVE: The interest in geriatric surgery is on the increase because of the ageing of the population. Our study reviewed the results of a non- specialised unit. Method 54 octogenarians underwent digestive surgery including visceral resection. Cancer predominated the indications (80%). RESULTS: The patients exhibited cardiovascular (87%), endocrine (18.5%) or neuropsychiatric (29.6%) disorders with 75% scoring ASA III or IV. Morbidity was of 81.5% with 20% of specifically surgical complications and a 40.2% rate of cardiovascular complications. Post-surgical mortality was of 7.4% and the survival rate at 2 years was of 44.4%. The treating physicians judged that in 65% of patients the intervention had improved the initial status of the patient and had stabilised the disease in 35% of cases. The percentage of patients living at home declined from 83.3% before the intervention to 64.8% after the intervention. Only 2 out of the 9 patients having undergone stomy of the colon following colectomy continued to improve. CONCLUSION: This study underlines the interest of major surgery in octogenarians, including in units non-specialised in geriatric surgery.