A Predictive Noninvasive Single-Nucleotide Variation-Based Biomarker Signature for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: Protocol for a Prospective Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Single-nucleotide variations (SNVs; formerly SNPs) are inherited genetic variants that can be easily determined in routine clinical practice using a simple blood or saliva test. SNVs have potential to serve as noninvasive biomarkers for predicting cancer-specific patient outcomes after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Two recent analyses led to the identification and validation of three SNVs in the CD44 and CHI3L2 genes (rs187115, rs353630, and rs684559), which can be used as predictive biomarkers to help select patients most likely to benefit from pancreatic resection. These variants were associated with an over 2-fold increased risk for tumor-related death in three independent PDAC study cohorts from Europe and the United States, including The Cancer Genome Atlas cohorts (reaching a P value of 1×10-8). However, these analyses were limited by the inherent biases of a retrospective study design, such as selection and publication biases, thereby limiting the clinical use of these promising biomarkers in guiding PDAC therapy. OBJECTIVE: To overcome the limitations of previous retrospectively designed studies and translate the findings into clinical practice, we aim to validate the association of the identified SNVs with survival in a controlled setting using a prospective cohort of patients with PDAC following pancreatic resection. METHODS: All patients with PDAC who will undergo pancreatic resection at three participating hospitals in Switzerland and fulfill the inclusion criteria will be included in the study consecutively. The SNV genotypes will be determined using standard genotyping techniques from patient blood samples. For each genotyped locus, log-rank and Cox multivariate regression tests will be performed, accounting for the relevant covariates American Joint Committee on Cancer stage and resection status. Clinical follow-up data will be collected for at least 3 years. Sample size calculation resulted in a required sample of 150 patients to sufficiently power the analysis. RESULTS: The follow-up data collection started in August 2019 and the estimated end of data collection will be in May 2027. The study is still recruiting participants and 142 patients have been recruited as of November 2023. The DNA extraction and genotyping of the SNVs will be performed after inclusion of the last patient. Since no SNV genotypes have been determined, no data analysis has been performed to date. The results are expected to be published in 2027. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study of the CD44 and CHI3L2 SNV-based biomarker signature in PDAC. A prospective validation of this signature would enable its clinical use as a noninvasive predictive biomarker of survival after pancreatic resection that is readily available at the time of diagnosis and can assist in guiding PDAC therapy. The results of this study may help to individualize treatment decisions and potentially improve patient outcomes. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/54042.

Partial staple line reinforcement with synthetic buttressing material in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Staple line leakage (SLL) and staple line bleeding (SLB) are the most relevant postoperative complications of sleeve gastrectomy (SG). It is controversial whether and which method of staple line reinforcement (SLR) can best reduce these complications. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether reinforcement of the most proximal part of the staple line with synthetic buttressing material, a strategy we termed partial SLR (p-SLR), reduces the 30-day incidence of SLL. METHODS: A retrospective search of medical records of all bariatric patients from 2010 to 2019 was performed. Patients who underwent SG with either p-SLR or non-SLR were included. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were analyzed before and after propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS: Data from 431 patients were analyzed (364 in the p-SLR group and 67 in the non-SLR group). No difference in the 30-day incidence of SLL was observed between the two groups. The 30-day incidence of SLB (1.1% vs. 6.0% in the p-SLR and non-SLR groups, respectively) was significantly lower in the p-SLR group. These results were confirmed by PSM analysis. CONCLUSION: Partial staple line reinforcement with synthetic buttressing material does not reduce the 30-day incidence of SLL. Although our analysis showed a significant reduction in the 30-day incidence of SLB in the p-SLR group, this result should be interpreted with caution.

Evaluation of the Introduction of a Colorectal Bundle in Left Sided Colorectal Resections (EvaCol): Study Protocol of a Multicentre, Observational Trial.

Purpose: Overall complication and leak rates in colorectal surgery showed only minor improvements over the last years and remain still high. While the introduction of the WHO Safer Surgery Checklist has shown a reduction of overall operative mortality and morbidity in general surgery, only minor attempts have been made to improve outcomes by standardizing perioperative processes in colorectal surgery. Nevertheless, a number of singular interventions have been found reducing postoperative complications in colorectal surgery. The aim of the present study is to combine nine of these measures to a catalogue called colorectal bundle (CB). This will help to standardize pre-, intra-, and post-operative processes and therefore eventually reduce complication rates after colorectal surgery. Methods: The study will be performed among nine contributing hospitals in the extended north-western part of Switzerland. In the 6-month lasting control period the patients will be treated according to the local standard of each contributing hospital. After a short implementation phase all patients will be treated according to the CB for another 6 months. Afterwards complication rates before and after the implementation of the CB will be compared. Discussion: The overall complication rate in colorectal surgery is still high. The fact that only little progress has been made in recent years underlines the relevance of the current project. It has been shown for other areas of surgery that standardization is an effective measure of reducing postoperative complication rates. We hypothesize that the combination of effective, individual components into the CB can reduce the complication rate. Trial registration: Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on 11/03/2020; NCT04550156. Highlights: Purpose: Overall complications in colorectal surgery remain still highStandardizing can reduce overall operative mortality and morbidityOnly minor attempts have been made to standardize perioperative processes in colorectal surgerySingular interventions have been found reducing postoperative complicationsThe aim is to combine nine of these measures to a colorectal bundle (CB)The CB will help to reduce complication rates after colorectal surgery Methods: The observational study will be performed among nine hospitals in SwitzerlandSix month the patients will be treated according to the local standardsAfterwards patients will be treated according to the CB for another six monthsComplication rates before and after the implementation of the CB will be compared Discussion: Only little progress has been made to reduce complication rate in colorectal surgeryStandardization is an effective measure of reducing complication ratesThe combination of effective, individual components into the CB can reduce the complication rate.

Surgery goes EPA (Entrustable Professional Activity) - how a strikingly easy to use app revolutionizes assessments of clinical skills in surgical training.

OBJECTIVE: Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are increasingly being used in competency-based medical education approaches. A general lack of time in clinical settings, however, prevents supervisors from providing their trainees with adequate feedback. With a willingness for more administrative tasks being low in both trainees and educators, the authors developed a radical user-friendly mobile application based on the EPA concept called "Surg-prEPAred". DESIGN: Surg-prEPAred is designed to collect micro-assessment data for building competency profiles for surgical residents according to their curriculum. The goal of Surg-prEPAred is to facilitate the performance and documentation of workplace-based assessments. Through aggregated data the app generates a personalized competency profile for every trainee. During a pilot run of 4 months, followed by ongoing usage of the application with a total duration of 9 months (August 2019 to April 2020), 32 residents and 33 consultants made daily use of the application as a rating tool. Every rating included knowledge, skills and professional attitudes of the trainees. Before the initiation of the App and after the 9-month trial period trainees and supervisors where both sent questionnaires to evaluate the user friendliness and effectiveness of the App. RESULTS: Five hundred ten App based assessments were generated. Out of 40 pre-defined EPAs, 36 were assessed. 15 trainees and 16 supervisors returned the questionnaires and stated the surg-prEPAred App as very valuable, effective and feasible to evaluate trainees in a clinical setting providing residents with an individual competence portfolio to receive precision medical education. CONCLUSIONS: The authors expectation is that the Surg-prEPAred App will contribute to an improvement of quality of medical education and thus to the quality of patient care and safety. In the future the goal is to have the App become an integral part of the official Swiss surgical curriculum accepted by the Swiss professional surgical society.

Effects of short or long biliopancreatic limb length after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for obesity: a propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Although recent studies reported superior weight reduction in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with long biliopancreatic limb (BPL), no recommendation regarding limb lengths exists. This study compares weight loss and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities in patients undergoing RYGB with either long or short BPL. METHODS: A retrospective data search from medical records was performed. A total of 308 patients underwent laparoscopic RYGB with a BPL length of either 100 cm or 50 cm. Data was analyzed before and after propensity score matching. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in weight reduction between long and short BPL RYGB in terms of percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) (86.4 ± 24.5 vs. 83.4 ± 21.4, p = 0.285) and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) (32.4 ± 8.4 vs. 33.0 ± 8.3, p = 0.543) was found 24 months after surgery. Propensity score-matched analysis did not show any statistically significant difference between groups in both %EWL and %TWL. No significant difference between long and short BPL RYGB in the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities was noted 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Weight loss and resolution of obesity-related comorbidities were not significantly different between long and short BPL RYGB 24 months after surgery.

Laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted, left-sided colectomies: intra- and postoperative outcomes of 683 patients.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery has gained more and more popularity over the last years. It seems to be advantageous to laparoscopic surgery in selected situations, especially in confined regions like a narrow male pelvis in rectal surgery. Whether robotic-assisted, left-sided colectomies can serve as safe training operations for less frequent, low anterior resections for rectal cancer is still under debate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate intra- and postoperative results of robotic-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) compared to laparoscopic (LSC) surgery in left-sided colectomies. METHODS: Between June 2015 and December 2019, 683 patients undergoing minimally invasive left-sided colectomies in two Swiss, high-volume colorectal centers were included. Intra- and postoperative outcome parameters were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients undergoing RAL and 504 patients undergoing LSC were analyzed. Baseline characteristics showed similar results. Intraoperative complications occurred in 0.6% of RAL and 2.0% of LSC patients (p = 0.193). Differences in postoperative complications graded Dindo ≥ 3 were not statistically significant (RAL 3.9% vs. LSC 6.3%, p = 0.227). Occurrence of anastomotic leakages showed no statistically significant difference [RAL n = 2 (1.1%), LSC n = 8 (1.6%), p = 0.653]. Length of hospital stay was similar in both groups. Conversions to open surgery were significantly higher in the LSC group (6.2% vs.1.7%, p = 0.018), while stoma formation was similar in both groups [RAL n = 1 (0.6%), LSC n = 5 (1.0%), p = 0.594]. Operative time was longer in the RAL group (300 vs. 210.0 min, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted, left-sided colectomies are safe and feasible compared to laparoscopic resections. Intra- and postoperative complications are similar in both groups. Most notably, the rate of anastomotic leakages is similar. Compared to laparoscopic resections, the analyzed robotic-assisted resections have longer operative times but less conversion rates. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the safety of robotic-assisted, left-sided colectomies as training procedures for low anterior resections.

18F-Fluorocholine-PET combined with contrast-enhanced CT for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands and optimizing surgical treatment in patients with hyperparathyroidism.

PURPOSE: Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a common disorder. A cure can only be achieved by removing all diseased glands. It is critical to localize the hyperfunctioning glands exactly to prevent extensive surgical exploration. The number of false negative/inconclusive results in standard imaging techniques is high. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-Fluorocholine-PET in combination with contrast-enhanced CT (FCH-PET/CT) and its sensitivity in patients with primary, secondary/tertiary, and familial HPT with negative and/or discordant findings in ultrasound and/or 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy/SPECT/CT. METHODS: A total of 96 patients with HPT and negative/equivocal conventional imaging were referred for FCH-PET/CT. In this retrospective, single institution study, 69 patients, who have undergone surgery and histopathologic workup, were analyzed. Of the 69 patients included, 60 patients suffered from primary HPT, four from secondary or tertiary HPT, and five from familial HPT. Sensitivities, positive predictive values, and accuracies were calculated. RESULTS: Sensitivity/positive predictive value (PPV) per lesion was 87.5/98.3% for primary HPT, 75/100% for secondary/tertiary HPT and 25/66.7% for familial HPT. Sensitivity/PPV per patient was 91.5/98.2% for primary HPT, 100/100% for secondary/tertiary HPT and 50/100% for familial HPT. All patients showed normalized serum calcium levels in the postoperative period. The follow-up rate was 97%. Of the patients included in the study, 58 of 60 patients with primary HPT, and four of four patients with secondary/tertiary HPT showed normal calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after six months and were cured. Of the patients with familial HPT, four of five patients were cured. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic accuracy of 18F-Fluorocholine-PET/CT for patients with pHPT is excellent. 18F-Fluorocholine-PET/CT is a valuable tool for endocrine surgeons to optimize the surgical treatment of patients with hyperparathyroidism.

[Cystic pancreatic tumours - a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge]. / Zystische Pankreastumore ­ eine diagnostische und therapeutische Herausforderung.

Cystic pancreatic tumours - a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge Abstract. The incidence of newly diagnosed cystic pancreatic neoplasia is increasing. An adequate diagnosis and correct treatment are challenging. Branch duct IPMN remains the most difficult entity among the cystic neoplasia. Complications following pancreatic surgery must be balanced against the risk of malignancy.

Investigating the response scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in German cancer patients and a population survey.

BACKGROUND: The European Organization for research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) scales are scored on a 4-point response scale, ranging from not at all to very much. Previous studies have shown that the German translation of the response option quite a bit as mäßig violates interval scale assumptions, and that ziemlich is a more appropriate translation. The present studies investigated differences between the two questionnaire versions. METHODS: The first study employed a balanced cross-over design and included 450 patients with different types of cancer from three German-speaking countries. The second study was a representative survey in Germany including 2033 respondents. The main analyses included compared the ziemlich and mäßig version of the questionnaire using analyses of covariance adjusted for sex, age, and health burden. RESULTS: In accordance with our hypothesis, the adjusted summary score was lower in the mäßig than in the ziemlich version; Study 1: - 4.5 (95% CI - 7.8 to - 1.3), p = 0.006, Study 2: - 3.1 (95% CI - 4.6 to - 1.5), p < 0.001. In both studies, this effect was pronounced in respondents with a higher health burden; Study 1: - 6.8 (95% CI - 12.2 to - 1.4), p = 0.013; Study 2: - 4.5 (95% CI - 7.3 to - 1.7), p = 0.002. CONCLUSIONS: We found subtle but consistent differences between the two questionnaire versions. We recommend to use the optimized response option for the EORTC QLQ-C30 as well as for all other German modules. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered on the German Registry for Clinical Studies (reference number DRKS00012759, 04th August 2017, https://www.drks.de/DRKS00012759 ).

Implementation of a Bundle of Care in Colorectal Surgery to Reduce Surgical Site Infections Successfully at Cantonal Hospital Lucerne: Study Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a relevant problem in colorectal surgery. The aim of this study is to implement a bundle of care in order to reduce SSIs in colorectal surgery. METHODS: All patients undergoing colorectal surgery between October 2018 and December 2021 will be included in a prospective observational study. Since our colorectal bundle has been established gradually, patients will be grouped in a pre-implementation (2018-2019), implementation (2019-2020) and post implementation phase (2021), in order to assess the effectiveness of the actions undertaken. Primary endpoint of this study will be surgical site infection (SSI) rate, while secondary endpoints encompass potential risk factors for SSIs. We assume that obesity, age, diabetes, alcoholism and smoking may lead to a higher risk for SSIs. DISCUSSION: This study aims to determine whether the colorectal bundle designed and implemented at Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, will lead to a significant reduction of SSIs. The impact of potential risk factors for SSIs will additionally be evaluated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT04677686. Registered retrospectively 18 December 2020. HIGHLIGHTS: A bundle of care might reduce the occurence of surgical site infections after colorectal surgery.Analysis of risk factors may detect patient's with high probability of developing surgical site infections.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Resection of Tailgut Cysts.

INTRODUCTION: Tailgut cysts are rare remnants of the embryological hindgut. Resections are difficult to perform due to the narrow and delicate presacral space where they are usually located. Many different approaches have been described, but to date, no studies have been performed concerning robotic assisted surgery for this entity. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the feasibility and outcome parameters of the robotic anterior approach for resection of tailgut cysts and to compare our results with available literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was retrospectively obtained from hospital records of all patients who underwent robotic assisted resection of tailgut cysts between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020. Outcomes include baseline characteristics, pre-operative radiological workup, operative time, intra- and postoperative complications, and histopathological results. RESULTS: Between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020, five patients underwent robotic resection of tailgut cysts. All patients were female and mean age was 47.2 years (range 31.6-63.1 years). Only one patient reported to have local symptoms that could be attributed to the tailgut cyst. Median tumor size was 42 mm (range 30-64 mm). There was no conversion and median operating time was 235 minutes (range 184-331 minutes). Four patients had additional procedures. Intra- and postoperative complications included one intra-operative injury of the rectal wall, which was immediately oversewn, and one postoperative presacral hematoseroma with mild neurological symptoms. None of the specimens showed signs of malignant transformation in histopathological workup. CONCLUSION: This retrospective analysis shows that robotic resections of tailgut cysts are feasible and safe. Regarding the localization of tailgut cysts in the presacral space, the robotic assisted anterior approach is excellently suited, especially if the cysts are localized above the levator muscle. Longer operative times and higher material costs are outweighed by precise and safe preparation with a robotic platform in this delicate region and confined space. We recommend the robotic assisted anterior approach for the resection of tailgut cysts and retrorectal lesions in general.

Case report of a pancreatic insulinoma misdiagnosed as epilepsy.

A 55-year-old patient had spent 12 years with unexplained seizures, initially diagnosed as epilepsy and then as a psychiatric disorder. When she was admitted with hypoglycaemia, a fasting test was performed showing blood sugar levels as low as 1 mmol/L with symptoms of neuroglycopenia. Insulinoma was suspected and an MRI showed a large tumour in the tail region of the pancreas. A Dodecanetetraacetic acid-Tyr3-octreotate (DOTATATE) positron emission tomography CT indicated no malignancy and showed no signs of metastasis. The patient underwent surgery, leaving her asymptomatic.

Impact of Adrenal Function on Hemostasis/Endothelial Function in Patients Undergoing Surgery.

CONTEXT: Glucocorticoids regulate hemostatic and endothelial function, and they are critical for adaptive functions during surgery. No data regarding the impact of adrenal function on hemostasis and endothelial function in the perioperative setting are available. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the association of adrenal response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and markers of endothelial/hemostatic function in surgical patients. METHODS: This prospective observational study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital, included 60 patients (35 male/25 female) undergoing abdominal surgery. Adrenal function was evaluated by low-dose ACTH stimulation test on the day before, during, and the day after surgery. According to their stimulated cortisol level (cutoff ≥ 500 nmol/L), patients were classified as having normal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis function (nHPA) or deficient HPA-axis function (dHPA). Parameters of endothelial function (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, thrombomodulin) and hemostasis (fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen, factor VIII [FVIII]) were measured during surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients had dHPA and 39 had nHPA. Compared with nHPA, patients with dHPA had significantly lower peak cortisol before (median 568 vs 425 nmol/L, P < 0.001) and during (693 vs 544 nmol/L, P < 0.001) surgery and lower postoperative hemoglobin levels (116 g/L vs 105 g/L, P = 0.049). FVIII was significantly reduced in patients with dHPA in uni- and multivariable analyses; other factors displayed no significant differences. Coagulation factors/endothelial markers changed progressively in relation to stimulated cortisol levels and showed a turning point at cortisol levels between 500 and 600 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with dHPA undergoing abdominal surgery demonstrate impaired hemostasis which can translate into excessive blood loss.

Routine histopathologic examination of the resected specimen after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy - what can be expected?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is nowadays an established bariatric procedure. Although preoperative gastroscopy is recommended to rule out severe pathologies, there is little evidence about the role of routine histopathologic examination of resected specimens. We sought to identify the prevalence of histopathological relevant findings in patients undergoing LSG and to evaluate their impact in clinical practice. METHODS: A retrospective analysis on a prospectively collected dataset on patients undergoing LSG between August 2009 and May 2018 in two bariatric centers was performed. Demographic and clinical data and histopathological results were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixhundred-thrirteen patients were identified, mean age was 43.1 years (14-75), average body mass index was 44.8 kg/m2 (34.4-73.9). Histopathology revealed abnormal findings in 47.97% of the patients, most common pathology was chronic non-active or minimally to moderate active gastritis (n = 202;32.95%). Among others, Helicobacter-associated gastritis (n = 33;5.38%), intestinal metaplasia (n = 13;2.12%), micronodular enterochromaffine-like cell hyperplasia (n = 2; 0.33%) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (n = 6; 0.98%) were present. No malignancies were found. Histopathological results required a change in the postoperative management in 48 patients (7.83%). The costs of histopathological assessment ranged between 0.77% and 2.55% of per-case payment. CONCLUSION: A wide range of histopathological findings occur in specimens after LSG, requiring a relevant number of patients additional therapies or surveillance. Therefore, routine histopathological examination after LSG is recommendable.

International survey evaluating treatment of primary superficial skin abscesses.

INTRODUCTION: Skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI) present regularly as cutaneous abscesses which require surgical drainage. These abscesses often affect younger patients and interfere with their independency substantially. Existing guidelines display heterogeneous recommendations concerning surgical aftercare. Primary aim of this survey was to present a nomogram for standard abscess therapy based on international expert opinions. METHOD: An online survey dealing with standard of care protocols for cutaneous abscesses concerning surgical treatment and aftercare was created. The survey was conducted in 2017 during two international conferences held in Switzerland. RESULT: 490 surgeons originating from 66 nations participated in this survey with the majority coming from Europe and Asia. Indication for surgery, operation type, and wound rinsing were answered homogeneously. Perioperative setting (45% sterile, 55% semi-sterile), anesthesia (45% local, 55% general), antibiotic therapy (38% always, 35% never, 27% other), irrigation fluid (54% sterile, 32% non-sterile, 14% antiseptic), irrigation frequency (55% once daily, 30% twice daily), and wound dressing (69% packing, 31% coverage) were heterogeneously answered topics. CONCLUSION: Treatment and aftercare of simple primary skin abscesses are processed heterogeneously throughout the world. Focus should be on optimal patient focused treatment with minimal socio-economic impact. Future studies should focus on the validation of the different postoperative treatment options with the aim to develop a socio-economically accepted algorithm.

Jejunal Diverticulosis Probably Leading to Pylephlebitis of the Superior Mesenteric Vein.

Thrombophlebitis of the portal vein (pylephlebitis) is a rare but serious condition with a high mortality rate of 11-50%. A 56-year-old male patient presented with a two-day history of postprandial, colic-like epigastric pain, nausea, fever, chills, and diarrhea. Clinical workup showed peritonism, leukocytosis, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a long-segment, partial thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein as well as gas in the portal venous system. Additionally, extensive jejunal diverticulosis was present. Pylephlebitis mostly results from intestinal infections, e.g., appendicitis or diverticulitis. We assumed that the patient had suffered from a self-limiting episode of jejunal diverticulitis leading to septic thrombosis. Initially, antibiotic therapy and anticoagulation with heparin were administered. The patient deteriorated, and due to increasing abdominal defense, fever, and hypotension, a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Bowel ischemia could be ruled out, and after changing antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition improved. He was discharged without any further complications and without complaints on day 13. An underlying coagulopathy like myeloproliferative neoplasm or antiphospholipid syndrome could be ruled out.

Faecopneumothorax Caused by Perforated Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Incarcerated diaphragmatic hernias with intrathoracic perforation of the colon is a very rare but serious surgical emergency. A 78-year-old male patient presented to our emergency department with severe abdominal pain. A computer tomography (CT) scan revealed herniation of the left transverse colon and spleen into the thorax with colon perforation and fecal contents in the thoracic cavity. An emergent laparotomy confirmed the radiological diagnosis and showed a 6 cm dehiscence of the left diaphragm with strangulation of the left transverse colon as well as the spleen. A left-sided hemicolectomy with terminal transversostomy and splenectomy were performed. The diaphragm was closed with interrupted nonabsorbable sutures. We abstained from reinforcement of the suture line with a mesh because of the feculent contamination of the abdominal cavity. After extensive thoracoscopic lavage and insertion of two chest tubes, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. Diaphragmatic hernia even after a mild chest trauma can cause fatal complications. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging and an interdisciplinary approach is recommended. Due to the associated comorbidity and long-lasting sequelae, we believe the awareness of this rare pathology as a differential diagnosis is important; both as an abdominal and thoracic emergency.

Simplified dual time point FDG-PET/computed tomography for determining dignity of pancreatic lesions.

BACKGROUND: Predicting the dignity of pancreatic lesions is still a diagnostic challenge. The differentiation between benign changes in chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer remains difficult. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether early dual time point kinetics of pancreatic lesions in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) may be helpful to differentiate pancreatic lesions. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 64 patients (pancreatic cancer n = 45 and chronic pancreatitis n = 19) scheduled for dual time point FDG-PET/computed tomography scan for pancreatic lesions from 2005 to 2014. Studies were performed 60 and 90 minutes after application of F-FDG. Histological samples were collected for all patients, either by resection or by biopsy. Semiquantitative analysis was performed using the minimum, the maximum, and the average standardized uptake value (SUV) from the two different sets of images. To increase sensitivity and specificity, a formula addressing the weighting of standardized uptake values was created. RESULTS: With a sensitivity of 82.6%, specificity of 77.8%, accuracy of 79.7%, positive predictive value of 90.5%, and negative predictive value of 63.6% SUVmax@time1 > 3.45 was the most reliable single quantitative parameter for malignancy of the pancreatic lesions. Weighting of standardized uptake values produced a formula that showed an even better profile. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with suspicious pancreatic lesions, the simplified dual time point FDG-PET/computed tomography may represent a valuable diagnostic tool in characterizing pancreatic lesions.

Routine follow-up imaging has limited advantage in the non-operative management of blunt splenic injury in adult patients.

BACKGROUND: To date, limited evidence exists regarding follow-up imaging during the non-operative management (NOM) of blunt splenic injury (BSI), especially concerning ultrasound as first-line imaging modality. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and time to failure of NOM as well as to evaluate the relevance of follow-up imaging. METHODS: All adult patients with BSI admitted to our level I trauma center, including two associated hospitals, between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, comorbidities, injury pattern, trauma mechanism, Injury Severity Score, splenic injury grade and free intra-abdominal fluid were reviewed. Additional analysis of indication, frequency, modality, results and consequences of follow-up imaging was performed. Risk factors for failure of NOM were evaluated using fisher's exact test. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients with a mean age of 43.8 ± 20.7 years (16-84 years) met inclusion criteria. Twenty patients (16.4%) underwent immediate intervention. One-hundred-and-two patients (83.6%) were treated by NOM. Failure of NOM occurred in 4 patients (3.9%). Failure was significantly associated with active bleeding (3 of 4 [75%] failures vs. 8 of 98 [8.2%] non-failures, OR 33.75, 95% CI 3.1, 363.2, p = 0.004), and liver cirrhosis (2 of 4 [50%] failures vs. 0 of 98 [0%] non-failures, OR 197, 95% CI 7.4, 5265.1, p = 0.001). Eighty patients (78.4%) in the NOM-Group received follow-up imaging by ultrasound (US, n = 51) or computed tomography (CT, n = 29). In 57 cases, routine imaging examinations were conducted (43 US and 14 CT scans) without prior clinical deterioration. Fifty-fife (96.4%) of these imaging results revealed no new significant findings. Every failure of NOM was detected following clinical deterioration in the first 48 h. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge this study includes the largest single centric patient cohort undergoing ultrasound as first-line follow-up imaging modality in the NOM setting of BSI in adult patients. The results indicate that a routine follow-up imaging, regardless of the modality, has limited therapeutic advantage. Indication for radiological follow-up should be based on clinical findings. If indicated, a CT scan should be used as preferred imaging modality.