Multicenter Study on the Performance of Imaging Tests Compared to Endosonography-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas.

Introduction: Imaging diagnosis of pancreatic solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) is difficult. Preoperative diagnosis by endosonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is possible and has been reported in the literature in pancreatic tumors. However, its usefulness is still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of patients with SPN and describe the findings in computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography imaging (MRI/MRCP), and EUS therefore comparing the imaging methods alone to the findings of microhistology (McH) obtained by EUS-FNA. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing EUS-FNA with suspected SPN in imaging studies in 5 Brazilian high-volume hospitals (two university hospitals and three private hospitals). The demographic data; findings in CT, MRI/MRCP, and EUS; and McH results obtained by EUS-FNA were noted prospectively. The final diagnosis was obtained after the anatomopathological examination of the surgical specimen in all patients (gold standard), and we compared the results of CT, MRI/MRCP, EUS, and the McH with the gold standard. Results: Fifty-four patients were included in the study, of which 49 (90.7%) were women with an average age of 33.4 (range 11-78) years. The most common symptom presented was abdominal pain, present in 35.2% patients. SPN was detected incidentally in 32 (59%) patients. The average size of the tumors was 3.8 cm (SD: 2.26). The most common finding at EUS was a solid, solid/cystic, and cystic lesion in 52.9%, 41.1%, and 7.8% patients, respectively. The final diagnosis was 51 patients with SPN and 3 with nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-NET). The correct diagnosis was made by CT, MRI/MRCP, EUS isolated, and EUS-FNA in 21.9%, 28.88%, 64.71%, and 88.24%, respectively. EUS-FNA associated with CT and MRI increased diagnostic performance from 22.72% to 94.11% and from 29.16% to 94.11%, respectively. Conclusions: SPN are rare, incidentally identified in most cases, and affect young women. Differential diagnosis between SPN, NF-NET, and other types of tumors with imaging tests can be difficult. EUS-FNA increases preoperative diagnosis in case of diagnostic doubt and should be used whenever necessary to rule out NF-NET or other type of solid/cystic nodular lesion of the pancreas.

Introdução: O diagnóstico por imagem da neoplasia pseudopapilar sólida do pâncreas (NPS) é difícil. O diagnóstico pré-operatório obtido pela endosonografia com punção aspirativa por agulha fina (USE-PAF) é possível e tem sido relatado na literatura em tumores do pâncreas. No entanto, sua indicação é controversa e merece discussão. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a acurácia da USE-PAF no diagnóstico de pacientes com NPS, descrever os achados da tomografia computadorizada (TC), colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética (RM/ CPRM) e USE, comparando os métodos de imagem isolados aos achados da microhistologia (McH) obtida pela USE-PAF. Material e Métodos: Revisamos retrospectivamente os prontuários de pacientes submetidos à USE-PAF com suspeita de NPS em exames de imagem de 5 hospitais brasileiros de alto volume (dois universitários e três privados). Foram anotados prospectivamente os dados demográficos, os achados da TC, RM/CPRM e USE e o resultado da McH obtida pela USE-PAF. O diagnóstico final foi obtido após o anatomopatológico da peça operatória em todos os pacientes (padrão-ouro). Comparamos os resultados da TC, RM/CPRM, EUS isoladas e da McH obtida pela USE-PAF com o padrão-ouro. Resultados: Cinquenta e quatro pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, 49 (90.7%) eram mulheres com média de idade de 33.4 (11­78) anos. O sintoma mais frequente foi dor abdominal, presente em 35.2%. A NPS foi detectada acidentalmente em 32 (59%) pacientes. O tamanho médio da lesão foi de 3.8 cm (SD: 2.26). O achado mais comum à USE foi lesão sólida, sólida/ cística e cística em 52.9%, 41.1% e 7.8%, respectivamente. O diagnóstico final foi NPS (51) e tumor neuroendócrino pancreático não funcionante [NF-NET] (3). O diagnóstico correto feito pela TC, RM, USE e USE-PAF foi feito em 21.9%, 28.9%, 64.7% e 88.2%, respectivamente. A USEPAF associada a TC e a RM aumentou o desempenho diagnóstico de 21.9% para 94.1% e de 28.8% para 94.1%, respectivamente. Conclusões: NPS são raras, identificadas de forma acidental na maioria dos casos e afetam principalmente mulheres jovens. O diagnóstico diferencial entre NPS, NF-NET e outros tipos de lesões com exames de imagem isolados pode ser difícil. A USE-PAF aumenta a chance do diagnóstico pré-operatório em caso de dúvida diagnóstica e deve ser usado sempre que necessário para descartar NF-NET ou outro tipo de lesão nodular sólida ou sólido/cística do pâncreas.

Bovine Pericardial Graft for Portomesenteric Reconstruction During Robotic Pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is one of the most complex procedures in oncologic surgery. We present a video of robotic portomesenteric reconstruction with bovine pericardial graft during PD. METHODS: A 52-year-old woman was referred with a mass in the head of the pancreas. The tumor was in contact with the portomesenteric axis. The multidisciplinary team decided to perform an upfront resection. The surgery was performed as a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with lymphadenectomy. The superior mesenteric artery first approach was used to expose the head of the pancreas, so that the entire surgical specimen was attached only through the tumor invasion of the portomesenteric axis. After resection of the invaded portomesenteric axis, its large extension precluded primary reconstruction, so a bovine pericardial graft was used for venous reconstruction. After completion of the venous anastomosis, reconstruction of the digestive tract was performed as usual. RESULTS: Surgical time was 430 min; clamp time was 55 min; and portomesenteric reconstruction took 41 min. Estimated blood loss was 320 mL without transfusion. Pathology confirmed T3N1 ductal adenocarcinoma with free margins. No pancreatic or biliary fistula was observed, and she was discharged on postoperative day 8. A postoperative examination confirmed the patency of the graft. The patient is doing well 6 months after surgery and has no signs of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: A bovine pericardial graft is useful for reconstruction and readily available, eliminating the need to harvest an autologous vein or use synthetic grafts. This procedure can be safely performed with the robotic platform.

A new technique of duodenojejunostomy may reduce the rate of delayed gastric emptying after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy: The growth factor technique (with video).

BACKGROUND: Despite various technical modifications, delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreatoduodenectomy. DGE results in longer hospital stay, higher cost, lower quality of life, and delay of adjuvant therapy. We have developed a modified duodenojejunostomy technique to reduce the incidence of DGE. Here we evaluate our 4-year experience with this technique. METHODS: This study evaluated consecutive patients who underwent pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy using the growth factor technique. It consists of performing a posterior seromuscular running suture with a zigzag stitch that stretches the jejunum and allows future growth of the anastomosis. This results in a longer jejunal opening. The angles at the edge of the duodenum are cut to accommodate the duodenal opening to the longer jejunum (the growth factor). The anterior seromuscular layer is then performed with interrupted sutures to accommodate the larger anastomosis. These patients were compared with a cohort of patients (n = 103) before the introduction of this new technique using propensity score matching. RESULTS: 134 patients underwent pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Delayed gastric emptying occurred in only three patients (2.2%), one grade B and two grade C. Compared with the 103 patients in the control group with standard technique, the incidence of DGE was significantly higher (11.6%; P = 0.00318). The median hospital stay was also statistically longer in the control group (P = 0.048704). A similar trend was observed in the matched cohort; the proportion of patients who developed DGE was significantly (P = 0.005) lower in the growth factor technique group (2.1% vs. 12.9%). Hospital stay was significantly longer in the standard group (P = 0.008), and patients operated on with the standard technique resumed feeding later than those with the growth factor technique. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the new technique of duodenojejunostomy can reduce the incidence and severity of DGE and allow earlier hospital discharge. Comparative studies are still needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Robotic Hepatic Bisegmentectomy (s4b + s5) and Hilar Lymphadenectomy for Incidental Gallbladder Cancer Using Glissonian Approach.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder carcinoma is a rare cancer with a poor prognosis and the most common biliary tract malignancy. This video shows robotic treatment of a patient with incidental gallbladder cancer diagnosed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The operation consisted of a robotic bisegmentectomy (liver segments 4b and 5) using a Glissonian approach and a hilar lymphadenectomy. METHODS: A 73-year-old woman with no relevant history underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy at another hospital facility. The pathology revealed a gallbladder carcinoma. The patient was then referred for further treatment. Pathologic revision confirmed T2a carcinoma and staging was negative for distant metastases. The multidisciplinary team decided on a radical resection that will consist of a hilar lymphadenectomy and a frozen section of the cystic stump along the resection of segments 4b and 5. A robotic approach was proposed, and consent was obtained. RESULTS: The operation time was 300 min and was performed 21 days after the cholecystectomy. Estimated blood loss was 120 mL with no transfusions required during or after the procedure. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. The final pathology showed no residual disease in the liver specimen and no metastases among 16 removed lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: The robotic approach is safe and feasible for radical treatment after incidentally discovered gallbladder cancer. The Glissonian approach is useful for anatomic resection of liver segments 4b and 5. This video can help oncologic surgeons to perform this challenging procedure.

Bases anatómicas y aplicación clínica inicial del abordaje glissoniano intrahepático en las hepatectomías / Anatomical bases and initial clinical application of the intrahepatic Glissonian approach in hepatectomies / Bases anatômicas e aplicação clínica inicial da abordagem glissoniana intra-hepática em hepatectomias

Introducción: El control pedicular durante las resecciones hepáticas puede hacerse mediante disección hiliar extrahepática (DHE) o abordaje glissoniano (AG). El AG intrahepático (AGI) según técnica de Machado puede brindar ciertas ventajas, especialmente en disecciones difíciles. Sin embargo, es menos empleado que la DHE. Objetivo: Analizar las bases anatómicas del AGI y comunicar nuestra experiencia clínica inicial. Material y métodos : El AGI según técnica de Machado se practicó en seis (6) hígados cadavéricos. Luego se hizo la disección hepática para valorar la efectividad del cargado pedicular y medir la profundidad de los diferentes pedículos glissonianos. La aplicación clínica de la técnica fue gradual y selectiva, aplicándola cuando nos parecía factible y que aportaba alguna ventaja sobre la DHE. Resultados: en los 6 hígados cadavéricos fue posible realizar el cargado de todos los pedículos glissonianos (lobares y sectoriales bilateralmente, así como los segmentarios izquierdos). Estos se encuentran a una profundidad menor a 2 cm de la capsula hepática, siendo accesibles para su control mediante AGI. La principal excepción es el pedículo anterior derecho, cuyo nacimiento es más profundo, lo que asociado a su origen en sentido cefálico y a veces ramificado, puede hacer más difícil su cargado. La aplicación del AGI se llevo a cabo en 5 pacientes, en todos fue efectiva, insumió poco tiempo y no tuvo complicaciones intraoperatorias. Conclusiones: el AGI según técnica de Machado es un procedimiento sistematizado, reproducible, factible y seguro, aún en su aplicación clínica inicial. El conocimiento anatómico de los pedículos glissonianos es fundamental para llevarlo a cabo con éxito.

Introduction: Pedicle control during liver resections can be done by extrahepatic hilar dissection (EHD) or the Glissonian approach (GA). Intrahepatic GA (IGA) according to the Machado technique can offer certain advantages, especially in difficult dissections. However, it is used less than the DHE. Objective : to analyze the anatomical bases of the IGA and to communicate our initial clinical experience. Material and methods : IGA according to the Machado technique was performed on six (6) cadaveric livers. Liver dissection was then performed to assess the effectiveness of pedicle loading and measure the depth of the different Glissonian pedicles. The clinical application of the technique was gradual and selective, applying it when it seemed feasible and that it provided some advantage over DUS. Results : in the 6 cadaveric livers it was possible to load all the Glissonian pedicles (lobar and sectoral bilaterally, as well as the left segmental ones). These are found at a depth of less than 2 cm from the hepatic capsule, being accessible for control by IGA. The main exception is the right anterior pedicle, whose origin is deeper, which, associated with its cephalad and sometimes branched origin, can make it more difficult to load. The application of the IGA was carried out in 5 patients, in all of them it was effective, it took little time and there were no intraoperative complications. Conclusions: the IGA according to the Machado technique is a systematic, reproducible, feasible and safe procedure, even in its initial clinical application. The anatomical knowledge of the Glissonian pedicles is essential to carry it out successfully.

Introdução: o controle pedicular durante as ressecções hepáticas pode ser feito por dissecção hilar extra-hepática (DHE) ou abordagem Glissoniana (AG). A AG intra-hepática (AGI) segundo a técnica de Machado pode oferecer algumas vantagens, principalmente em dissecções difíceis. No entanto, é usado menos do que o DHE. Objetivo: Analisar as bases anatômicas da AGI e comunicar nossa experiência clínica inicial. Material e métodos : A AGI segundo a técnica de Machado foi realizada em seis (6) fígados cadavéricos. A dissecção do fígado foi então realizada para avaliar a eficácia da carga pedicular e medir a profundidade dos diferentes pedículos Glissonianos. A aplicação clínica da técnica foi gradativa e seletiva, aplicando-a quando parecia viável e que proporcionava alguma vantagem sobre o USD. Resultados: nos 6 fígados cadavéricos foi possível carregar todos os pedículos Glissonianos (lobares e setoriais bilateralmente, assim como os segmentares esquerdos). Estes são encontrados a menos de 2 cm da cápsula hepática, sendo acessíveis para controle por AGI. A principal exceção é o pedículo anterior direito, cuja origem é mais profunda, o que, associado à sua origem cefálica e por vezes ramificada, pode dificultar o carregamento. A aplicação da AGI foi realizada em 5 pacientes, em todos foi eficaz, em pouco tempo e sem complicações intraoperatórias. Conclusões : AGI segundo a técnica de Machado é um procedimento sistemático, reprodutível, factível e seguro, mesmo em sua aplicação clínica inicial. O conhecimento anatômico dos pedículos Glissonianos é essencial para realizá-lo com sucesso.

Liver growth prediction in ALPPS - A multicenter analysis from the international ALPPS registry.

BACKGROUND: While ALPPS triggers a fast liver hypertrophy, it is still unclear which factors matter most to achieve accelerated hypertrophy within a short period of time. The aim of the study was to identify patient-intrinsic factors related to the growth of the future liver remnant (FLR). METHODS: This cohort study is composed of data derived from the International ALPPS Registry from November 2011 and October 2018. We analyse the influence of demographic, tumour type and perioperative data on the growth of the FLR. The volume of the FLR was calculated in millilitre and percentage using computed-tomography (CT) scans before and after stage 1, both according to Vauthey formula. RESULTS: A total of 734 patients were included from 99 centres. The median sFLR at stage 1 and stage 2 was 0.23 (IQR, 0.18-0.28) and 0.39 (IQR: 0.31-0.46), respectively. The variables associated with a lower increase from sFLR1 to sFLR2 were age˃68 years (p = .02), height ˃1.76 m (p ˂ .01), weight ˃83 kg (p ˂ .01), BMI˃28 (p ˂ .01), male gender (p ˂ .01), antihypertensive therapy (p ˂ .01), operation time ˃370 minutes (p ˂ .01) and hospital stay˃14 days (p ˂ .01). The time required to reach sufficient volume for stage 2, male gender accounts 40.3% in group ˂7 days, compared with 50% of female, and female present 15.3% in group ˃14 days compared with 20.6% of male. CONCLUSIONS: Height, weight, FLR size and gender could be the variables that most constantly influence both daily growths, the interstage increase and the standardized FLR before the second stage.

ROBOTIC LIVER RESECTION. REPORT OF THE FIRST 50 CASES.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery has gained growing acceptance in recent years, expanding to liver resection. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to report the experience with our first fifty robotic liver resections. METHODS: This was a single-cohort, retrospective study. From May 2018 to December 2020, 50 consecutive patients underwent robotic liver resection in a single center. All patients with indication for minimally invasive liver resection underwent robotic hepatectomy. The indication for the use of minimally invasive technique followed practical guidelines based on the second international laparoscopic liver consensus conference. RESULTS: The proportion of robotic liver resection was 58.8% of all liver resections. Thirty women and 20 men with median age of 61 years underwent robotic liver resection. Forty-two patients were operated on for malignant diseases. Major liver resection was performed in 16 (32%) patients. Intrahepatic Glissonian approach was used in 28 patients for anatomical resection. In sixteen patients, the robotic liver resection was a redo hepatectomy. In 10 patients, previous liver resection was an open resection and in six it was minimally invasive resection. Simultaneous colon resection was done in three patients. One patient was converted to open resection. Two patients received blood transfusion. Four (8%) patients presented postoperative complications. No 90-day mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: The use of the robot for liver surgery allowed to perform increasingly difficult procedures with similar outcomes of less difficult liver resections.