Minimally invasive surgery for post cholecystectomy biliary stricture: current evidence and future perspectives.

Postcholecystectomy bile duct injury (BDI) remains a devastating iatrogenic complication that adversely impacts the quality of life with high healthcare costs. Despite a decrease in the incidence of laparoscopic cholecystectomy-related BDI, the absolute number remains high as cholecystectomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure. Open Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with meticulous surgical technique remains the gold standard surgical procedure with excellent long-term results in most patients. As with many hepatobiliary disorders, a minimally invasive approach has been recently explored to minimize access-related complications and improve postoperative recovery. Since patients with gallstone disease are often admitted for a minimally invasive cholecystectomy, laparoscopic and robotic approaches for repairing postcholecystectomy biliary stricture are attractive. While recent series have shown the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive post-cholecystectomy biliary stricture management, most are retrospective analyses with small sample sizes. Also, long-term follow-up is available only in a limited number of studies. The principles and technique of minimally invasive repair resemble open repair except for the extent of adhesiolysis and the suturing technique with continuous sutures commonly used in minimally invasive approaches. The robotic approach overcomes key limitations of laparoscopic surgery and has the potential to become the preferred minimally invasive approach for the repair of postcholecystectomy biliary stricture. Despite increasing use, lack of prospective studies and selection bias with available evidence precludes definitive conclusions regarding minimally invasive surgery for managing postcholecystectomy biliary stricture. High-volume prospective studies are required to confirm the initial promising outcomes with minimally invasive surgery.

Replaced Segment 6 Artery From the Gastroduodenal Artery: A Challenging and Rare Anatomical Variation of Hepatic Artery in Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Variations in the hepatic artery's anatomy can significantly impact planning and executing pancreatic and hepatobiliary surgeries. Of these, the commonest are variations of right and left hepatic arteries originating from superior mesenteric and left gastric arteries, respectively. The anomalous origin of the right hepatic artery from the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) is among the rarest and most challenging anatomy, especially in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) since GDA ligation is a mandatory step, which may threaten the liver blood supply. We present a 62-year-old male with suspected distal cholangiocarcinoma and plan a robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy. Preoperative computed tomography evaluation revealed an anomalous segment 6 artery arising from the GDA and coursing posterolaterally to the common bile duct in the hepatoduodenal ligament. Also, the patient had a replacement left hepatic artery originating from the left gastric artery. The described vascular anomaly has not been previously reported in patients undergoing PD. Awareness of vascular anomalies is the key to performing oncologically radical surgery without increasing bleeding and ischemic complications in patients undergoing complex procedures like PD.

Robotic-Assisted Splenectomy by a Modified Lateral Approach: Technique and Outcomes.

Introduction The utilization of robot-assisted technique for splenectomy has recently gained popularity especially in patients undergoing splenectomy for hematological indications owing to its magnification of and easy manipulation of internal abdominal organs. Moreover, robotic splenectomy emerged as an essential teaching module before approaching more complex robotic procedures. Methods  A total of 43 elective splenectomies were performed for hematological indications in Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) between January 2018 to July 2023 of which 14 patients underwent robotic splenectomy. All patients underwent lateral approach of robotic splenectomy with a modification of avoiding the lesser sac dissection. Prospectively maintained data were retrospectively analyzed and results were recorded in terms of intra-operative time taken, blood loss, need for blood and blood product transfusion and postoperative morbidity and mortality. Results The indications for patients who underwent robotic splenectomy include idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in eight patients, autoimmune hemolytic anemia in three patients, Evans syndrome in one patient and hereditary spherocytosis in two patients. The median splenic diameter was 14.8cm and the median platelet count before the operation was 10,800 cells/cubic millimeter (7000-3,20,000). The mean operative time was 92 minutes and blood loss was 40ml. The median duration of hospital stay was 2.4 days. All 14 patients had therapeutic success and there was no procedure-related mortality or morbidity. Conclusion Robotic splenectomy using the modified lateral approach can safely be performed with comparable operative time, blood loss and overall morbidity. However further studies are mandatory to confirm the advantage of this modified technique of lateral approach of robotic splenectomy.

Necrotising Inflammation of Peri-Pancreatic Tissue With Normal Appearance of Pancreas Is a Distinct Entity of Acute Pancreatitis: Report of Two Cases With Review of Literature.

Improved insights into the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis have paved the way for identification of distinct entities in the spectrum of the disease. The presence of necrotising inflammation limited to peripancreatic tissue with a normal appearance of pancreas is one such entity. This entity, described as extrapancreatic necrotising pancreatitis (EPN), is considered a less aggressive form of acute necrotising pancreatitis. This entity needs to be recognized precisely and managed accordingly among patients with acute pancreatitis. However, EPN has not been highlighted in the revised classification of acute pancreatitis. Here we report two patients with EPN with varied presentations and diverse management and outcome.

Superior Mesenteric Vein Aneurysm With Arteriovenous Communication and Portal Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Presentation in Non-cirrhotic Portal Hypertension.

Visceral venous aneurysms are exceedingly rare clinical entities reported in the literature. Venous aneurysms are usually acquired in origin, with most often portal hypertension as the underlying pathology. Most venous aneurysms are incidental findings on imaging. Complications of venous aneurysms like rupture with catastrophic outcomes had been reported. However, no clear guidelines exist regarding the management of portal venous aneurysms as most of the data is available only from case reports. Here, we report a rare finding of fusiform superior mesenteric vein (SMV) aneurysm with arteriovenous communication and portal vein thrombosis in the background of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Radiological parameters to predict pancreatic texture: Current evidence and future perspectives.

Preoperative prediction of the postoperative pancreatic fistula risk is critical in the current era of minimally invasive pancreatic surgeries to tailor perioperative management, thereby minimizing postoperative morbidity. Pancreatic duct diameter can be readily measured by any routine imaging used to diagnose pancreatic disease. However, radiological evaluation of pancreatic texture, an important determinant of pancreatic fistula, has not been widely used to predict the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of pancreatic fibrosis and fat fraction provides the basis for predicting pancreatic texture. Traditionally computed tomography has been utilized in identifying and characterizing pancreatic lesions and background parenchymal pathologies. With the increasing utilisation of endoscopic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating pancreatic pathologies, elastography is emerging as a promising tool for predicting pancreatic texture. Also, recent studies have shown that early surgery for chronic pancreatitis is associated with better pain relief and preservation of pancreatic function. Pancreatic texture assessment can allow early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, facilitating early intervention. The present review outlines the current evidence in utilizing various imaging modalities for determining the pancreatic texture based on different parameters and image sequences. However, multidisciplinary investigations using strong radiologic-pathologic correlation are needed to standardize and establish the role of these non-invasive diagnostic tools in predicting pancreatic texture.

Changing trends in the minimally invasive surgery for corrosive esophagogastric stricture.

Esophagogastric stricture is the troublesome long-term complication of corrosive ingestion with a significant adverse impact on the quality of life. Surgery remains the mainstay of therapy in patients where endoscopic treatment is not feasible or fails to dilate the stricture. Conventional surgical management of esophageal stricture is open esophageal bypass using gastric or colon conduit. Colon is the commonly used esophageal substitute, particularly in those with high pharyngoesophageal strictures and in patients with accompanying gastric strictures. Traditionally colon bypass is performed using an open technique that requires a long midline incision from the xiphisternum to the suprapubic area, with adverse cosmetic outcomes and long-term complications like an incisional hernia. As most of the affected patients are in the second or third decade of life minimally invasive approach is an attractive proposition. However, minimally invasive surgery for corrosive esophagogastric stricture is slow to evolve due to the complex nature of the surgical procedure. With advancements in laparoscopic skills and instrumentation, the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive surgery in corrosive esophagogastric stricture have been documented. Initial series have mainly used a laparoscopic-assisted approach, whereas more recent studies have shown the safety of a total laparoscopic approach. The changing trend from laparoscopic assisted procedure to a totally minimally invasive technique for corrosive esophagogastric stricture should be carefully disseminated to preclude adverse long-term outcomes. Also, well-designed trials with long-term follow-ups are required to document the superiority of minimally invasive surgery for corrosive esophagogastric stricture. The present review focuses on the challenges and changing trends in the minimally invasive treatment of corrosive esophagogastric stricture.

Changing trends in the minimally invasive surgery for chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating pancreatic inflammatory disease characterized by intractable pain resulting in poor quality of life. Conventional management of pancreatic pain consists of a step-up approach with medications and lifestyle modifications followed by endoscopic intervention. Traditionally surgery is reserved for patients who do not improve with other interventions. However, recent studies suggest that early surgical intervention is more beneficial as it can mitigate the progression of the pathological process and prevent loss of pancreatic function. Despite the widespread adoption of minimally invasive approaches in various gastrointestinal surgical disorders, minimally invasive surgery for chronic pancreatitis is slow to evolve. Technical difficulty due to severe inflammatory changes has been the major impediment to the widespread usage of minimally invasive surgery in chronic pancreatitis. With this background, the present review aimed to critically analyze the available evidence on the minimally invasive treatment of chronic pancreatitis. A Pub Med search of all relevant articles was performed using the appropriate keywords, parentheses, and Boolean operators. Most initial laparoscopic series have reported the feasibility of lateral pancreaticojejunostomy, considered an adequate procedure only in a small proportion of patients. The pancreatic head is the pacemaker of pain, so adequate decompression is critical for long-term pain relief. Recent studies have documented the feasibility of minimally invasive duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection. With improvements in laparoscopic instrumentation and technological advances, minimally invasive surgery for chronic pancreatitis is gaining momentum. However, more high-quality evidence is required to document the superiority of minimally invasive surgery for chronic pancreatitis.

Appraisal of gastric stump carcinoma and current state of affairs.

Gastric stump carcinoma, also known as remnant gastric carcinoma, is a malignancy arising in the remnant stomach following gastrectomy for a benign or malignant condition. Enterogastric reflux and preexisting risk factors in a patient with gastric cancer are the major contributors to the development of gastric stump carcinoma. The occurrence of gastric stump carcinoma is time-dependent and seen earlier in patients operated on for malignant rather than benign diseases. The tumor location is predominantly at the anastomotic site towards the stomach. However, it can occur anywhere in the remnant stomach. The pattern of lymph node involvement and the type of surgery required is distinctly different compared to primary gastric cancer. Gastric stump carcinoma is traditionally considered a malignancy with a dismal outcome. However, recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have improved outcomes. Recent advances in molecular profiling of gastric stump carcinoma have identified distinct molecular subtypes, thereby providing novel therapeutic targets. Also, reports of gastric stump carcinoma following pancreatoduodenectomy and bariatric surgery highlight the need for more research to standardize the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of these tumors. The present review aims to provide an overview of gastric stump carcinoma highlighting the differences in clinicopathological profile and management compared to primary gastric carcinoma.

Risk factor analysis for duodenal margin positivity following gastrectomy for resectable gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal margin positivity is a poor prognostic factor following gastrectomy for resectable gastric cancer. Intraoperative frozen section (IFS) analysis allows radical resection to be achieved in a single operation but is time- and resource-consuming. Hence resection is usually performed based on surgeon's judgment and palpation. AIM OF STUDY: To determine risk factors for duodenal resection margin (RM) positivity following gastrectomy for resectable gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively maintained data of 376 patients admitted with diagnosis of gastric cancer from August 2011 to January 2020 in JIPMER, a tertiary center in Puducherry, India. Of these, 146 patients underwent gastric resection with curative intent and were the subject of this study. RM status was assessed by definitive histopathology examination. The potential risk factors were compared between patients with positive margin on definitive histopathology examination and a control cohort of similar patients with negative margins. RESULTS: Of the 146 patients, 16 patients (10.9%), 11 men and 5 women, had positive duodenal margin. The mean age of study group was 59 years. None of the patient characteristics like age, sex, comorbidities, or addictions were statistically significant with regard to duodenal margin positivity. Among tumor characteristics, locally advanced tumors and pyloroantral tumors were found more frequently in the margin-positive group. High-risk features for duodenal margin positivity were extensive nodal disease, oligometastatic disease, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and types of surgical access did not have significant impact on RM. Interestingly, both proximal and circumferential resection margin positivity had a linear association with distal margin positivity suggesting that tumor biology may have a significant role in margin positivity. However, none of these factors were statistically significant on multivariate analysis using logistic regression model. Among oligometastatic patients, survival was dependent on R0 resection and was not different from patients without metastases though our study was not powered for survival analysis (mean survival of 11.040 months) and expectedly, duodenal margin positive patients had lower overall survival compared to margin negative patients (mean survival of 5.188 vs. 11.763 months, p = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Locally advanced tumors and pyloroantral tumors are associated with an increased risk of duodenal margin positivity after gastrectomy for carcinoma stomach and may benefit from intraoperative frozen section analysis as survival is negatively affected by positive RM. Patients with high-risk features like extensive nodal and oligometastatic disease have a greater propensity for positive duodenal margin. A prospective study with a large sample size is needed to further validate these results.

Indocyanine green fluorescence in gastrointestinal surgery: Appraisal of current evidence.

Applying indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in surgery has created a new dimension of navigation surgery to advance in various disciplines. The research in this field is nascent and fragmented, necessitating academic efforts to gain a comprehensive understanding. The present review aims to integrate diverse perspectives and recent advances in its application in gastrointestinal surgery. The relevant articles were selected by using the appropriate keyword search in PubMed. The angiography and cholangiography property of ICG fluorescence is helpful in various hepatobiliary disorders. In gastroesophageal and colorectal surgery, the lymphangiography and angiography property of ICG is applied to evaluate bowel vascularity and guide lymphadenectomy. The lack of objective parameters to assess ICG fluorescence has been the primary limitation when ICG is used to evaluate bowel perfusion. The optimum dose and timing of ICG administration need to be standardized in some new application areas in gastrointestinal surgery. Binding tumor-specific ligands with fluorophores can potentially widen the fluorescence application to detect primary and metastatic gastrointestinal tumors. The narrative review outlines prior contributions, limitations, and research opportunities for future studies across gastrointestinal sub-specialty. The findings of the present review would be helpful for scholars and practitioners to explore and progress in this exciting domain of gastrointestinal surgery.

Impact of Covid-19 on gastrointestinal cancer surgery: A National Survey.

PURPOSE: To understand the actual impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and frame the future strategies, we conducted a pan India survey to study the impact on the surgical management of gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS: A national multicentre survey in the form of a questionnaire from 16 tertiary care gastrointestinal oncology centres across India was conducted from January 2019 to June 2021 that was divided into a 15-month pre-Covid era and a similar period of active Covid pandemic era. RESULTS: There was significant disruption of services; 13 (81%) centres worked as dedicated Covid care centres and 43% reported suspension of essential care for more than 6 months. In active Covid phase, there was a 14.5% decrease in registrations and proportion of decrease was highest in the centres from South zone (22%). There was decrease in resections across all organ systems; maximum reduction was noted in hepatic resections (33%) followed by oesophageal and gastric resections (31 and 25% respectively). There was minimal decrease in colorectal resections (5%). A total of 584 (7.1%) patients had either active Covid-19 infection or developed infection in the post-operative period or had recovered from Covid-19 infection. Only 3 (18%) centres reported higher morbidity, while the rest of the centres reported similar or lower morbidity rates when compared to pre-Covid phase; however, 6 (37%) centres reported slightly higher mortality in the active Covid phase. CONCLUSION: Covid-19 pandemic resulted in significant reduction in new cancer registrations and elective gastrointestinal cancer surgeries. Perioperative morbidity remained similar despite 7.1% perioperative Covid 19 exposure.

Incretin based therapy and pancreatic cancer: Realising the reality.

Incretin-based therapies like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors help maintain the glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with additional systemic benefits and little risk of hypoglycaemia. These medications are associated with low-grade chronic pancreatitis in animal models inconsistently. The incidence of acute pancreatitis was also reported in some human studies. This inflammation provides fertile ground for developing pancreatic carcinoma (PC). Although the data from clinical trials and population-based studies have established safety regarding PC, the pathophysiological possibility that low-grade chronic pancreatitis leads to PC remains. We review the existing literature and describe the relationship between incretin-based therapies and PC.

Do preoperative pancreatic computed tomography attenuation index and enhancement ratio predict pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy?

BACKGROUND: The commonly used predictors of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have subjective assessment components and can be used only in the postoperative setting. Also, the available objective predictors based on preoperative cross-sectional imaging were not prospectively studied. AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of the pancreatic attenuation index (PAI) and pancreatic enhancement ratio (PER) for predicting CR-POPF following PD and its correlation with pancreatic fat fraction and fibrosis. METHODS: A prospective observational study included patients who underwent PD for benign and malignant pathology of the periampullary region or pancreatic head between February 2019 and February 2021. Patients undergoing extended or total pancreatectomy and those with severe atrophy of pancreatic tissue or extensive parenchymal calcifications in the pancreatic head and neck precluding calculation of PAI and PER were excluded from the study. Preoperatively PAI was measured in the neck of the pancreas by marking regions of interest (ROI) in the non-contrast computed tomography (CT), and PER was measured during the contrast phase of the CT abdomen. Also, the fibrosis score and fat fraction of the pancreatic neck were assessed during the histopathological examination. Demographic, clinical and preoperative radiological indices (PAI, PER) were evaluated to predict CR-POPF. Preoperative pancreatic neck CT indices were correlated with the histopathological assessment of fat fraction and fibrosis. RESULTS: Of the 70 patients who underwent PD, 61 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The incidence of CR-POPF was 29.5% (18/61). PAI had no association with the development of CR-POPF. Of the preoperative parameters, PER (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) was significantly lower in patients developing CR-POPF (0.58 ± 0.20 vs 0.81 ± 0.44, P = 0.006). The area under the curve for the PER was 0.661 (95%CI: 0.517-0.804), which was significant (P = 0.049). PER cut-off of 0.673 predicts CR-POPF with 77.8% sensitivity and 55.8% specificity. PAI and PER had a weak negative correlation (Strength-0.26, P = 0.037). Also, PER showed a moderately positive correlation with fibrosis (Strength 0.50, P < 0.001). Patients with CR-POPF had a significantly higher incidence of the intraabdominal abscess (50% vs 2.3%, P < 0.001), delayed gastric emptying (83.3% vs 30.2, P < 0.001), and prolonged mean (± SD) postoperative hospital stay (26.8 ± 13.9 vs 9.6 ± 3.6, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: PER exhibited good accuracy in predicting the development of CR-POPF. PER additionally showed a good correlation with PAI and fibrosis scores and may be used as an objective preoperative surrogate for assessing pancreatic texture. However, ROI-based PAI did not show any association with CR-POPF and pancreatic fat fraction.

Modified binding pancreaticogastrostomy vs modified Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic or periampullary tumors.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pancreaticoenteric anastomosis is one of the technically challenging steps of minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), especially during the learning curve. Despite multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, the type of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis as a risk factor for post-pancreatectomy complications is debatable. Also, the ideal technique of pancreatic reconstruction during the learning curve of laparoscopic PD has not been well studied. AIM: To compare the short-term outcomes of modified binding pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) and Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) during learning curve of laparoscopic PD. METHODS: The first 25 patients with resectable pancreatic or periampullary tumors who underwent laparoscopic PD with modified binding PG or modified Blumgart PJ between January 2015 and May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed to compare perioperative outcomes during the same learning curve. A single layer of the full-thickness purse-string suture was placed around the posterior gastrotomy in the modified binding PG. In the modified Blumgart technique, only a single transpancreatic horizontal mattress suture was placed on either side of the pancreatic duct (total two sutures) to secure the pancreatic parenchyma to the jejunum. Also, on the ventral surface, the knot is tied on the jejunal wall without going through the pancreatic parenchyma. Post pancreatectomy complications are graded as per the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery criteria. RESULTS: During the study period, modified binding PG was performed in 27 patients and modified Blumgart PJ in 29 patients. The demographic and clinical parameters of the first 25 patients included in both groups were comparable. Lower end cholangiocarcinoma and ampullary adenocarcinoma were the primary indications for laparoscopic PD in both groups (32/50, 64%). The median operative time for pancreatic reconstruction was significantly lower in the binding PG group (42 vs 58 min, P = 0.01). The clinically relevant (Grade B/C) postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was significantly more in the modified PJ group (28% vs 4%, P = 0.04). In contrast, intraluminal postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) was more in the binding PG group (32% vs 4%, P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the incidence of delayed gastric emptying between the two groups. CONCLUSION: During the learning curve of laparoscopic PD, modified binding PG reduces POPF but is associated with increased intraluminal PPH compared to PJ using the modified Blumgart technique.

Use of caudal pancreatectomy as a novel adjunct procedure to proximal splenorenal shunt in patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension: A retrospective cohort study.

Backgrounds/Aims: Proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) is considered a one-time treatment for noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) to prevent recurrent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) hemorrhage and long-term complications. Long-term shunt patency is necessary to achieve these. The lie of the shunt is a contributing factor to early shunt thrombosis. We investigated the role of resection of the distal tail of pancreas (caudal pancreatectomy [CP]) in improving the lie of shunt and decreasing shunt thrombosis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with NCPH who underwent PSRS between 2014-2020 in JIPMER, Puducherry, India. CP was performed in patients with a long tail of pancreas, with the tip of pancreatic tail extending up to splenic hilum on preoperative CT. Perioperative parameters and shunt patency rate of patients who underwent PSRS with CP (Group A) were compared with patients undergoing conventional PSRS (Group B). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test. Results: Eighty four patients with NCPH underwent PSRS (extrahepatic portal vein obstruction = 39; noncirrhotic portal fibrosis = 45). Blood loss was lower (p = 0.002) and post-shunt fall in portal pressure higher (p = 0.002) in Group A. Shunt thrombosis rate was lower (p = 0.04) while rate of complete variceal regression (p = 0.03) and biochemical pancreatic leak (p = 0.01) were higher in Group A.There was no clinically relevant pancreatic fistula in either group. Conclusions: CP is a safe and useful technique for reducing shunt thrombosis after PSRS in patients with NCPH by improving the lie of shunt.

Robotic fluorescence-guided anatomical segment IVb and V liver resection with radical lymphadenectomy for gall bladder cancer.

Radical surgery remains the primary treatment option for gall bladder cancer (GBC). Margin-negative liver resection is a critical component of radical cholecystectomy. Anatomical segment IVb and V resection is preferred in primary GBC with liver infiltration and incidental GBC patients with puckering of gall bladder (GB) bed. Despite the initial scepticism, minimally invasive radical cholecystectomy is recommended as a treatment option in selected GBC patients. However, anatomical Segment IVb and V resection using the minimally invasive approach is scarcely reported. The standardised technique of robotic (daVinci®XiTM) anatomical Segment IVb and V liver resection guided by indocyanine green fluorescence is described here. The systematic fluorescence-guided anatomical resection described in this report could facilitate minimally invasive Segment IVb and V resection with radical lymphadenectomy in selected patients with GBC.

Acute Upper Non-variceal and Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a common surgical emergency requiring hospital admission and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Appropriate decision-making is essential to make a prompt diagnosis, accurate risk assessment, and proper resuscitation of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite multiple randomized trials and meta-analyses, there is still controversy on various management issues like appropriate risk stratification, the timing of endoscopy, choosing an appropriate endoscopic, and radiological intervention in these groups of patients. As the usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiplatelet, and antithrombotic agents is common in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, the physician is challenged with proper management of these drugs. The present review summarizes the current strategies for risk stratification, localization of bleeding source, endoscopic and radiological intervention in patients with acute nonvariceal upper GI, middle GI, and lower GI bleeding.

Early experience with robot-assisted Frey's procedure surgical outcome and technique: Indian perspective.

Purpose: Robotic surgery for pancreatic diseases is currently on the rise, feasible, well-accepted, and safe. Frequently performed procedures in relation to pancreatic diseases include distal pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy. The literature commonly describes robotic lateral pancreaticojejunostomy; however, data on robot-assisted Frey's is scarce. Methods: We herein, describe our series and technique of robot-assisted Frey's procedure at our tertiary care center between November 2019 and March 2022, and its short-term outcomes in comparison to the open Frey's. Patients with chronic pancreatitis having intractable pain, dilated duct, and no evidence of inflammatory head mass or malignancy were included in the study for robot-assisted Frey's. Results: In our study, out of 32 patients, nine patients underwent robot assisted Frey's procedure. The duration of surgery was significantly longer in robotic group (570 minutes vs. 360 minutes, p = 0.003). The medians of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative analgesic requirement were lower in robotic group, but the difference was not statistically significant (250 mL vs. 350 mL, p = 0.400 and 3 days vs. 4 days, p = 0.200, respectively). The median length of hospital stay was shorter in the robotic group, though not significant (6 days vs. 7 days, p = 0.540). At a median follow-up of 28 months, there was no significant difference in the postoperative complications and short-term outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion: Robotic surgery offers benefits of laparoscopic surgery in addition it has better visualization, magnification, dexterity, and ergonomics. Frey's procedure is possible robotically with acceptable outcomes in selected patients.

Hepatic Hydatid Cyst With Cystobiliary Communication and Cystoduodenal Fistula.

The liver is the most common site affected by hydatid disease. Hepatic hydatid cyst (HHC) with cystoduodenal fistula is an unusual and infrequent complication. We present a 48-year-male diagnosed with an HHC with cystobiliary communication (CBC) and cystoduodenal fistula. The patient underwent partial cystectomy. Intraoperative demonstration of CBC was done with injection propofol, followed by primary closure of the CBC. The duodenal fistula was closed primarily with an omental patch, also known as a Graham patch. The patient improved well without any complications, and there was no recurrence of the symptoms for the subsequent five-month follow-up.