Fluorescence-Guided Laparoscopy after Oral Hypericin Administration for Staging of Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer-A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: Laparoscopic staging is essential in gastric cancer (GC) to rule out peritoneal metastasis (PM). Hypericin, a plant-derived fluorescent compound, has been suggested to improve laparoscopic visualization of PM from GC. This prospective, single-arm, open-label clinical trial aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of oral hypericin administration as well as the suitability of fluorescence-guided laparoscopy (FGL) for improving the sensitivity and specificity of staging in GC patients (EudraCT-Number: 2015-005277-21; clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT-02840331). (2) Methods: GC patients received Laif® 900, an approved hypericin-containing phytopharmaceutical, once orally two to four hours before white light and ultraviolet light laparoscopy. The peritoneal cancer index was evaluated, biopsies taken and hypericin concentrations in serum and peritoneal tissue were determined by mass spectrometry. (3) Results: Between 2017 and 2021, out of 63 patients screened for eligibility, 50 patients were enrolled and treated per protocol. The study intervention was shown to be feasible and safe in all patients. Standard laparoscopy revealed suspicious lesions in 27 patients (54%), among whom 16 (59%) were diagnosed with PM. FGL identified suspicious areas in 25 patients (50%), among whom PM was confirmed in 13 cases (52%). Although hypericin concentrations in serum reached up to 5.64 ng/mL, no hypericin was detectable in peritoneal tissue biopsies. (4) Conclusions: FGL in patients with GC was shown to be feasible but futile in this study. Sufficient levels of hypericin should be ensured in target tissue prior to reassessing FGL with hypericin.

Tumour, narrow pelvis and surgery specific factors for total mesorectal excision quality and morbidity following rectal cancer resection.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic anatomy is critical in challenging rectal resections. This study investigated how pelvic anatomy relates to total mesorectal excision (TME) quality, anastomotic leakage rate, and long-term oncological outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective rectal cancer resection from 2008 to 2017 in an Austrian institution were retrospectively reviewed regardless of the surgical approach. CT scans were analysed for pelvic measurements and volumes. The primary outcomes of interest were the correlation between pelvic dimensions and the TME quality and anastomotic leakage. Subanalysis was done by surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, transanal TME). Secondary outcomes were overall and disease-free survivals. RESULTS: Among 154 eligible patients, 112 were included. The angle between pubic symphysis and promontory significantly correlated with worse TME grades (TME grade 1: mean(s.d.) 102.7(5.7)°; TME grade 2: 92.0(4.4)°; TME grade 3: 91.4(3.6)°; P < 0.001). A significantly lower distance between tumour and circumferential resection margin (CRM) was observed in grade 3 resections, whereas no difference appeared in grade 1 and grade 2 resection (TME grade 1: mean(s.d.) 11.92(9.4) mm; TME grade 2: 10.8(8.1) mm; TME grade 3: 3.1(4.1) mm; P = 0.003). The anastomotic leakage rate was significantly higher in case of a lower CRM (patients with anastomotic leakage: mean(s.d.) 6.8(5.8) mm versus others: 12.6(9.8) mm, P = 0.027), but not associated with pelvimetry measurements. The transanal TME (TaTME) subgroup displayed a wider angle between the pubic symphysis and promontory, younger age and improved TME quality compared to others (respectively, mean TME grades in TaTME versus open versus laparoscopic: 1.0 ± 0.0, 1.5 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.5, P = 0.013). Finally, oncological survival was not impacted by pelvic measurements or worse TME quality. CONCLUSION: The angle between the pubic symphysis and promontory and the distance between tumour and CRM were associated with worse TME grades. The anastomotic leakage was associated with a lower CRM but not with pelvimetric measures.

Possible Advantages of Minimal-Invasive Approaches in Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Nationwide Analysis.

(1) Background: Laparoscopic resection for colon and rectal cancer was introduced in the early 1990s; the aim of this analysis was to show possible advantages of minimal-invasive approaches in rectal cancer surgery. (2) Methods: From 2016 to 2020, all patients undergoing open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery in Germany were retrospectively analyzed regarding sex distribution, conversion rates and in-hospital mortality rates according to nationwide hospital billing data based on diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). (3) Results: In total, 68,112 patients were analyzed, and most commonly, low anterior rectal resections with primary anastomosis (n = 25,824) were performed with an increase of minimal-invasive procedures over the years (open: 51% to 27%; laparoscopic: 47% to 63% and robotic: 2% to 10%). In-hospital mortality rate was 2.95% (n = 2012). In total, 4.61%, 1.77%, 1.14% and 3.95% of patients with open, laparoscopic, robotic and converted-to-open surgery died during hospital stay, respectively (open vs. laparoscopic p < 0.0001; open vs. robotic p < 0.00001; laparoscopic vs. robotic p = 0.001). Conversion rates were significantly more favorable in the robotic compared to the laparoscopic group. (11.94% vs. 2.53%; p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusion: Minimal-invasive rectal cancer surgery might have some advantages in terms of a reduced in-hospital mortality, and an improved conversion rate for the robotic approach.

Sarcopenic Obesity Is a Risk Factor for Worse Oncological Long-Term Outcome in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition and skeletal muscle waste (sarcopenia) are known as predictive factors for a poor postoperative outcome. Paradoxically, obesity seems to be associated with a survival advantage in wasting diseases such as cancer. Thus, the interpretation of body composition indices and their impact on rectal cancer therapy has become more and more complex. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition indices in locally advanced rectal cancer patients prior to therapy and their impact on short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2018, 96 patients were included in this study. Pre-therapeutic CT scans were used to evaluate visceral and subcutaneous fat mass, as well as muscle mass. Body composition indices were compared to body mass index, morbidity, anastomotic leakage rate, local recurrency rate, and oncological long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Increased visceral fat (p < 0.01), subcutaneous fat (p < 0.01), and total fat mass (p = 0.001) were associated with overweight. Skeletal muscle waste (sarcopenia) (p = 0.045), age (p = 0.004), comorbidities (p < 0.01), and sarcopenic obesity (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with increased overall morbidity. The anastomotic leakage rate was significantly influenced when comorbidities were present (p = 0.006). Patients with sarcopenic obesity showed significantly worse disease-free (p = 0.04) and overall survival (p = 0.0019). The local recurrency rate was not influenced by body composition indices. CONCLUSION: Muscle waste, older age, and comorbidities were demonstrated as strong risk factors for increased overall morbidity. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with worse DFS and OS. This study underlines the role of nutrition and appropriate physical activity prior to therapy.

The SAlzburg PEritoneal SUrface CAlculator (SAPESUCA): The First Web-Based Application for Peritoneal Surface Area Quantification.

(1) Background: Peritoneal metastasized colorectal cancer is associated with a worse prognosis. The combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) showed promising results in selected patients, but standardization is lacking so far. We present the first tool enabling standardized peritoneal surface area (PSA) quantification in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC: The SAlzburg PEritoneal SUrface CAlculator (SAPESUCA). (2) Methods: SAPESUCA was programmed using the R-Shiny framework. The application was validated in 23 consecutive colon cancer patients who received 27 closed oxaliplatin-based HIPECs between 2016 and 2020. The programming algorithm incorporates the patient's body surface area and its correlated peritoneal surface area (PSA) based on the 13 Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) regions. (3) Results: Patients' median age was 56 years. Median PCI was 9. SAPESUCA revealed a mean PSA of 18,613 cm2 ± 1951 of all patients before compared to 13,681 cm2 ± 2866 after CRS. The Central PCI region revealed the highest mean peritonectomy extent (1517 cm2 ± 737). The peritonectomy extent correlated significantly with PCI score and postoperative morbidity. The simulated mean oxaliplatin dose differed significantly before and after CRS (558 mg/m2 ± 58.4 vs. 409 mg/m2 ± 86.1; p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusion: SAPESUCA is the first free web-based app for standardized determination of the resected and remaining PSA after CRS. The tool enables chemotherapeutic dose adjustment to the remaining PSA.

Strategies to decrease morbidity in surgical management of esophageal cancer: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: In this study we described our experience in decreasing morbidity by performing a few changes during and after the Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. METHODS: This is a retrospective single center experience comparing a control period (group A) and a study period (group B) in patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer (control group: 23; study group: 17). Control group had postero-lateral thoracotomy and a gastric tube without aspiration during postoperative period. Study group had limited lateral muscle sparing thoracotomy and postoperatively the gastric tube was routinely left for 1 week with intermittent aspiration (10 times every two hours for 1 week). RESULTS: Average operation time was 312±56 minutes in control period, in study period 189±36 min. Average ICU stay was 10 (7-32) days in the control group, in study group 4 (1-8) days. Anastomotic leak rate was significantly higher in control vs. study group (53.3% vs. 16.6%; P<0.05). Respiratory complications were significantly lower in the study group (47.8% vs. 17.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of a limited lateral thoracotomy and postoperative intermittent aspiration seem to reduce the rate of respiratory and anastomotic complication after Ivor-Lewis' procedure.

Identification of Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction after Multimodal Therapy of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer and Their Impact on Quality of Life: A Single-Center Trial.

PURPOSE: Sexual function is crucial for the quality of life and can be highly affected by preoperative therapy and surgery. The aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors for poor sexual function and quality of life. METHODS: Female patients were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6). Male patients were demanded to answer the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). RESULTS: In total, 79 patients filled in the questionary, yielding a response rate of 41.57%. The proportion of women was represented by 32.91%, and the median age was 76.0 years (66.0-81.0). Sexual dysfunction appeared in 88.46% of female patients. Severe erectile dysfunction occurred in 52.83% of male patients. Univariate analysis showed female patients (OR: 0.17, 95%CI: 0.05-0.64, p = 0.01), older age (OR: 0.34, 95%CI 0.11-1.01, p = 0.05), tumor localization under 6cm from the anal verge (OR: 4.43, 95%CI: 1.44-13.67, p = 0.01) and extension of operation (APR and ISR) (OR: 0.13, 95%CI: 0.03-0.59, p = 0.01) as significant risk factors for poor outcome. Female patients (OR: 0.12, 95%CI: 0.03-0.62, p = 0.01) and tumors below 6 cm from the anal verge (OR: 4.64, 95%CI: 1.18-18.29, p = 0.03) were shown to be independent risk factors for sexual dysfunction after multimodal therapy in the multivariate analysis. Quality of life was only affected in the case of extensive surgery (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Higher Age, female sex, distal tumors and extensive surgery (APR, ISR) are revealed risk factors for SD in this study. Quality of life was only affected in the case of APR or ISR.

"Before skin incision" high-resolution ultrasound in primary hyperparathyroidism: a new imaging tool for surgeons?

PURPOSE: Various diagnostic methods have been utilized for localizing pathologic parathyroid glands to consequently provide the possibility of avoiding bilateral neck dissection in cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Scintigraphy, combined with ultrasound, became established as the standard method of localization in the 2000s. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the "before skin incision" surgeon-performed ultrasound in determining the improvement in the diagnostic accuracy in a large case series. METHOD: The method used in this research is a retrospective observational study (study period: between 1-2014 and 12-2020) comparing two patient groups before (control group: 31 patients) and after (study group: 70 patients) the introduction of the ultrasonography surgical protocol: combined preoperative and "before skin incision" surgeon-performed ultrasound. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the combined preoperative "before skin incision" surgeon-performed ultrasound was 97%, and the positive predictive value was 93% in regard to detecting the number of diseased glands and the appropriate anatomic location (right versus left, upper versus lower). The sensitivity of the parathyroid scan (Tc-MIBI-scintigraphy) was 74%, and the positive predictive value was 92%. The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the test group (84.7 vs. 66.4 min; Mann‒Whitney U: 0.006). No differences were detected between the two groups in regard to avoiding intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The combination of the preoperative "before skin incision" surgeon-performed ultrasound could improve the efficiency of the preoperative location and anatomic classification using the standard literature-suggested diagnostic methods.

Are risk factors for anastomotic leakage influencing long-term oncological outcomes after low anterior resection of locally advanced rectal cancer with neoadjuvant therapy? A single-centre cohort study.

PURPOSE: Anastomotic leakage (AL) poses the most serious problem following low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer independent of surgical approach or technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for the occurrence of AL and how they affect the oncological long-term outcome of patients who received neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: A single centre cohort study of 163 consecutive locally advanced rectal cancer patients (cT3, cT4, N +) that received neoadjuvant therapy followed by resection with primary anastomosis between January 1998 and December 2020 were included in this study. Short- and long-term findings were compared between patients with AL (Leakage +) and without AL (Leakage -). RESULTS: A complete follow-up was obtained from 163 patients; thereby, 33 patients (20%) developed an AL. We observed more patients with comorbidities (38% vs. 61%, p = 0.049) which developed a leakage in the course. Permanent stoma rate (36% vs. 18%, p = 0.03) was higher, and time between primary operation and stoma reversal was longer (219 days [172-309] vs. 93 days [50-182], p < 0.001) in this leakage group as well. Tumour distance lower than 6 cm from the anal verge (OR: 2.81 [95%CI: 1.08-7.29], p = 0.04) and comorbidities (OR: 2.22 [95%CI: 1.01-4.90], p = 0.049) was evaluated to be independent risk factors for developing an AL after rectal cancer surgery. Oncological outcome was not influenced by AL nor by other associated risk factors. CONCLUSION: We could clearly detect the distance of tumour from the anal verge and comorbidities independent risk factors for the occurrence of AL. Oncological findings and long-term outcome were not influenced by these particular risk factors.

Is Robotic Assisted Colorectal Cancer Surgery Equivalent Compared to Laparoscopic Procedures during the Introduction of a Robotic Program? A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery represents a novel approach for the treatment of colorectal cancers and has been established as an important and effective method over the last years. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of a robotic program on oncological findings compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery within the first three years after the introduction. METHODS: All colorectal cancer patients from two centers that either received robotic-assisted or conventional laparoscopic surgery were included in a comparative study. A propensity-score-matched analysis was used to reduce confounding differences. RESULTS: A laparoscopic resection (LR Group) was performed in 82 cases, and 93 patients were treated robotic-assisted surgery (RR Group). Patients' characteristics did not differ between groups. In right-sided resections, an intracorporeal anastomosis was significantly more often performed in the RR Group (LR Group: 5 (26.31%) vs. RR Group: 10 (76.92%), p = 0.008). Operative time was shown to be significantly shorter in the LR Group (LR Group: 200 min (150-243) vs. 204 min (174-278), p = 0.045). Conversions to open surgery did occur more often in the LR Group (LR Group: 16 (19.51%) vs. RR Group: 5 (5.38%), p = 0.004). Postoperative morbidity, the number of harvested lymph nodes, quality of resection and postoperative tumor stage did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, we could clearly demonstrate robotic-assisted colorectal cancer surgery as effective, feasible and safe regarding postoperative morbidity and oncological findings compared to conventional laparoscopy during the introduction of a robotic system.

Short- and Long-Term Outcome of Laparoscopic- versus Robotic-Assisted Right Colectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There is a rapidly growing literature available on right hemicolectomy comparing the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic right colectomy (RRC) to that of laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC). The aim of this meta-analysis is to revise current comparative literature systematically. Methods: A systematic review of comparative studies published between 2000 to 2021 in PubMed, Scopus and Embase was performed. The primary endpoint was postoperative morbidity, mortality and long-term oncological results. Secondary endpoints consist of blood loss, conversion rates, complications, time to first flatus, hospital stay and incisional hernia rate. Results: 25 of 322 studies were considered for data extraction. A total of 16,099 individual patients who underwent RRC (n = 1842) or LRC (n = 14,257) between 2002 and 2020 were identified. Operative time was significantly shorter in the LRC group (LRC 165.31 min ± 43.08 vs. RRC 207.38 min ± 189.13, MD: −42.01 (95% CI: −51.06−32.96), p < 0.001). Blood loss was significantly lower in the RRC group (LRC 63.57 ± 35.21 vs. RRC 53.62 ± 34.02, MD: 10.03 (95% CI: 1.61−18.45), p = 0.02) as well as conversion rate (LRC 1155/11,629 vs. RRC 94/1534, OR: 1.65 (1.28−2.13), p < 0.001) and hospital stay (LRC 6.15 ± 31.77 vs. RRC 5.31 ± 1.65, MD: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.29−1.38), p = 0.003). Oncological long-term results did not differ between both groups. Conclusion: The advantages of robotic colorectal procedures were clearly demonstrated. RRC can be regarded as safe and feasible. Most of the included studies were retrospective with a limited level of evidence. Further randomized trials would be suitable.

Prolonged Exposure to Oxaliplatin during HIPEC Improves Effectiveness in a Preclinical Micrometastasis Model.

Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was considered a promising treatment for patients with peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer. However, the recently published randomized controlled PRODIGE 7 trial failed to demonstrate survival benefits through the addition of short-term oxaliplatin-based HIPEC. Constituting a complex multifactorial treatment, we investigated HIPEC in a preclinical model concerning the elimination of minimal tumor residues, thereby aiming to better understand the size of effects and respective clinical trial results. Patient samples of peritoneal perfusates obtained during HIPEC treatments and oxaliplatin-containing solutions at clinically relevant dosages, conforming with established HIPEC protocols, were assessed regarding their ability to eliminate modelled ~100 µm thickness cancer cell layers. Impedance-based real-time cell analysis and classical end-point assays were used. Flow cytometry was employed to determine the effect of different HIPEC drug solvents on tumor cell properties. Effectiveness of peritoneal perfusate patient samples and defined oxaliplatin-containing solutions proved limited but reproducible. HIPEC simulations for 30 min reduced the normalized cell index below 50% with peritoneal perfusates from merely 3 out of 9 patients within 72 h, indicating full-thickness cytotoxic effects. Instead, prolonging HIPEC to 1 h enhanced these effects and comprised 7 patients' samples, while continuous drug exposure invariably resulted in complete cell death. Further, frequently used drug diluents caused approximately 25% cell size reduction within 30 min. Prolonging oxaliplatin exposure improved effectiveness of HIPEC to eliminate micrometastases in our preclinical model. Accordingly, insufficient penetration depth, short exposure time, and the physicochemical impact of drug solvents may constitute critical factors.

Current Medical Care Situation of Patients in Germany Undergoing Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC).

OBJECTIVE: Tailored approaches in gastrointestinal oncology have been more frequently introduced in past years and for patients with peritoneal metastases. This article attempts to overview the current strategies in surgical gastrointestinal oncology, with a focus on gastrointestinal peritoneal metastases. METHODS: In 2019, all patients undergoing PIPAC therapy in Germany were retrospectively analyzed regarding morbidity and in-hospital mortality rates. Furthermore, patients with chemotherapy-refractory peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer undergoing PIPAC-therapy at our institution were analyzed. RESULTS: In 2019, 534 patients received PIPAC treatment in german hospitals. The in-hospital mortality rate was 0%. In total, 36 patients suffered from postoperative complications (8%). From April 2016 to September 2021, a total of 44 patients underwent 93 PIPAC applications at our institution. The non-access-rate was 0%. The median PRGS was two (range, 1-4). Eleven patients (44%) showed histologically stable disease, whereas six patients (24%) showed histological regression. Median survival, calculated from the date of the first PIPAC application, was 181 days (range, 43-636 days). CONCLUSIONS: PIPAC is a safe and feasible procedure with a low in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, PIPAC in the palliative and chemorefractory setting and is an appealing approach for patient management in the future.

Thoracoscopic resympathectomy for persistent or recurrent palmar hyperhidrosis: single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: In case of recurrence or persistent palmar hyperhidrosis, a sympathetic chain resection is suggested, however, many surgeons are still reluctant to offer further intervention because of the inability to predict the efficacy of such a procedure. We analyzed our large series of resympathectomy. METHODS: Substantive retrospective analysis of 39 patients underwent a resympathectomy (minimally invasive bilaterally sympathetic chain Th2-3 resection). Patients referred from other hospitals or primarily operated at our institution for recurrence or persistence palmar hyperhidrosis were included in the study group. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications were detected. Reoperation or chest tube positioning was necessary in 2 patients. Twenty-eight patients had a positive response (excellent or good results). Seven patients described a substantial, but not sufficient, reduction of the symptomatology. Four patients were very unsatisfied and regretted the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Resympathectomy is highly effective procedure for patients who have persistent or recurrent symptoms. However, the indication of the operations should be more dissuasive as possible to avoid the risk of any undesirable psychologically side effects.

Incidence and risk factors for umbilical incisional hernia after reduced port colorectal surgery (SIL + 1 additional port)-is an umbilical midline approach really a problem?

PURPOSE: Umbilical midline incisions for single incision- or reduced port laparoscopic surgery are still discussed controversially because of a higher rate of incisional hernia compared to conventional laparoscopic techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia after reduced port colorectal surgery. METHODS: A total 241 patients underwent elective reduced port colorectal surgery between 2014 and 2020. Follow-up was achieved through telephone interview or clinical examination. The study collective was examined using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients with complete follow-up were included into this study. Mean follow-up time was 36 (IQR 24-50) months. The study collective consists of 77 (51.3%) female and 73 (48.7%) male patients with an average BMI of 26 kg/m2 (IQR 23-28) and an average age of 61 (± 14). Indication for surgery was diverticulitis in 55 (36.6%) cases, colorectal cancer in 65 (43.3%) patients, and other benign reasons in 30 (20.0%) cases. An incisional hernia was observed 9 times (6.0%). Obesity (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.5-23.1, p = 0.02) and pre-existent umbilical hernia (OR 161.0, 95% CI 23.1-1124.5, p < 0.01) were significant risk factors for incisional hernia in the univariate analysis. Furthermore, pre-existent hernia is shown to be a risk factor also in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: We could demonstrate that reduced port colorectal surgery using an umbilical single port access is feasible and safe with a low rate of incisional hernia. Obesity and pre-existing umbilical hernia are significant risk factors for incisional hernia.

Retrospective case-control study on the outcomes of early minimally invasive pleural lavage for pleural empyema in oncology patients.

BACKGROUND: Oncology patients carry a substantial risk of developing pleural empyema. Here, we report the preliminary results of our early video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lavage strategy in cases of empyema occurring in patients undergoing (radio-) chemotherapy. METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study comparing early VATS lavage (test group, current therapy since January 2018, n = 46) versus VATS pleurectomy (historical control; before January 2018, n = 46). RESULTS: Five patients in the control group and one in the test group developed recurrence of empyema within 30 days. Complications were more severe and more frequently observed in the historical control group than in the test group (30/46 vs. 12/46 CI: 5%-95%, p = < 0.05). Early VATS lavage saved operating time, allowed a shorter ICU stay (2.6 days CI: 5%-95% vs. 5.1 days CI: 5%-95%, p = ns) and an earlier hospital discharge (6.1 days CI: 5%-95% vs. 13.5 days CI: 5%-95%, p < 0.05). Moreover, radio and/or chemotherapy could be reinitiated earlier (15 ± 20.5 days CI: 5%-95% vs. 40 ± 12 days CI: 5%-95%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective cohort study, early VATS lavage was found to have a beneficial effect especially on hospital stay and enabling an earlier restart of radio- and/or chemotherapy.

Twelve-Year Single Center Experience Shows Safe Implementation of Developed Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Treatment Protocols for Gastrointestinal and Gynecological Primary Tumors.

(1) Background: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy provide survival benefits to selected patients. We aimed to report our experience and the evolution of our peritoneal surface malignancy program. (2) Methods: From June 2005 to June 2017, 399 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at the Tübingen University Hospital were analyzed from a prospectively collected database. (3) Results: Peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer was the leading indication (group 1: 28%; group 2: 32%). The median PCI was 15.5 (range, 1-39) in group 1 and 11 (range, 1-39) in group 2 (p = 0.002). Regarding the completeness of cytoreduction (CC), a score of 0 was achieved in 63% vs. 69% for group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.010). Median overall survival rates for patients in group 1 and 2 for colon cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer and appendix cancer were 34 and 25 months; 45 months and not reached; 30 and 16 months; 39 months and not reached, respectively. The occurrence of grade-III and -IV complications slightly differed between groups (14.5% vs. 15.6%). No 30-day mortality occurred. (4) Conclusions: Specialized centers are able to provide low-morbidity cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy without mortality. Strict patient selection during the time period significantly improved CC scores.

Prosthetic-free ribs stabilization technique in critical complex chest wall traumas: first results and experiences.

BACKGROUND: Surgical stabilization in complex chest wall traumas, especially in case of posterior ribs arch destruction and flail chest, still remains a challenge for thoracic and trauma surgeons. Throughout the years different techniques and materials developed to address the complex anatomy of the ribs and reach an adequate fixation. Our aim is to present a prosthetic-free ribs stabilization technique which is easily reproducible and can achieve an efficient mechanical stabilization of the chest wall. METHODS: This surgical technique can be summarized in three steps: muscle sparing thoracotomy following modified "Shaw-Paulson's" technique (complete section of the latissimus dorsi muscle along the transverse processes of vertebral spine to rich the serratus muscles plane), prosthetic-free ribs fixation with single stiches (Maxon™ 1) and muscles repositioning. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and June 2020, we retrospectively evaluated ten consecutive patients (six male and four female) which underwent a chest wall stabilization because of a posterior ribs destruction and flail chest. No chest wall deformities were observed during follow-up with CT-scan after 4, 30 and 90 days and no patient underwent additional early or late stabilization procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of severe thoracic trauma with chest wall destruction and flail chest, modified "Shaw-Paulson approach" and prosthetic-free fixation technique with Maxon thread should be considered as a valuable option allowing an adequate stabilization of the chest with optimal respiratory function.

A Prospective, Phase I/II, Open-Label Pilot Trial to Assess the Safety of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy After Oncological Resection of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common fatal disease with unfavorable prognosis, even after oncological resection. To improve survival, adding hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been suggested. Whether HIPEC entails disproportional short-term mortality is unknown and a prospectively determined adverse events profile is lacking. Since both pancreatic resection and HIPEC may relevantly influence morbidity and mortality, this uncontrolled single-arm, open-label, phase I/II pilot trial was designed to assess the 30-day mortality rate, treatment feasibility, and adverse events connected with HIPEC after oncological pancreatic surgery. METHODS: This trial recruited patients scheduled for PDAC resection. A sample size of 16 patients receiving study interventions was estimated to establish a predefined margin of treatment-associated short-term mortality with a power of > 80%. Patients achieving complete macroscopic resection received HIPEC with gemcitabine administered at 1000 mg/m2 body surface area heated to 42 °C for 1 hour. RESULTS: Within 30 days after intervention, no patient died or experienced any adverse events higher than grade 3 that were related to HIPEC. Furthermore, treatment-related adverse events were prospectively documented and categorized as expected or unexpected. This trial supports that the actual mortality rate after PDAC resection and HIPEC is below 10%. HIPEC treatment proved feasible in 89% of patients allocated to intervention. Pancreatic fistulas, as key complications after pancreas surgery, occurred in 3/13 patients under risk. CONCLUSION: Combined pancreas resection and gemcitabine HIPEC proved feasible and safe, with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Based on these results, further clinical evaluation can be justified. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02863471 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov ).