Case Report: Giant insulinoma, a very rare tumor causing hypoglycemia.

Insulinomas, with an incidence of 4 cases per million individuals per year, remain amongst the most frequent functional neuroendocrine tumors. The usual diameter of insulinomas usually remains under 3 cm of major axis. However, 44 exceptional cases of "giant insulinomas", have been reported worldwide, generally exceeding 9 cm in major axis. In this article, we report the case of a 38-year-old woman whom suffered from chronic hypoglycemia despite treatment with diazoxide. Abdominal CT-scan revealed a 88 x 73 mm mass located at the tail of the pancreas. Following surgical excision, histopathological analysis confirmed G1 neuroendocrine tumor, with focal cytoplasmic expression of insulin in tumor cells. After a 16-month follow-up period, the patient didn't address any specific complaint, and no disease recurrence and/or metastasis were observed. A 68Ga-DOTATATE-PET scan was performed 6 months after surgery, which came back normal. Genetic evaluation has not been performed in our patient. The physiopathology of giant insulinomas remain unexplained, however with possible relationship with type 1 multiple endocrine neoplasia, sporadic somatic YY1 mutations and possible transformation of bulky non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors to a functional phenotype, with slow insulin secretion. While giant insulinomas remain rare in the literature, multicentric genetic analysis of tumor samples might reveal unique features of this rare subtype of neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors. Insulinomas of large size tend to have greater malignancy and higher rates of invasiveness. Careful follow-up, especially for liver and lymph node metastases, must be performed using functional imaging techniques to avoid disease relapse.

Delaying Surgery After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Affects Survival in Patients with Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases: A BIG-RENAPE Network Multicentric Study.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal treatment for patients with peritoneal metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC), including perioperative chemotherapy (CT) plus complete resection, is associated with prolonged survival. The oncologic impact of therapeutic delays is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the survival impact of delaying surgery and CT. METHODS: Medical records from the national BIG RENAPE network database of patients with complete cytoreductive (CC0-1) surgery of synchronous PM from CRC who received at least one neoadjuvant CT cycle plus one adjuvant CT cycle were retrospectively reviewed. The optimal interval between the end of neoadjuvant CT to surgery, surgery to adjuvant CT, and total interval without systemic CT were estimated using Contal and O'Quigley's method plus restricted cubic spline methods. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2019, 227 patients were identified. After a median follow-up of 45.7 months, the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was 47.6 and 10.9 months, respectively. The best cut-off period was 42 days in the preoperative interval, no cut-off period was optimal in the postoperative interval, and the best cut-off period in the total interval without CT was 102 days. In multivariate analysis, age, biologic agent use, high peritoneal cancer index, primary T4 or N2 staging, and delay to surgery of more than 42 days (median OS 63 vs. 32.9 months; p = 0.032) were significantly associated with worse OS. Preoperative delay of surgery was also significantly associated with PFS, but only in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In selected patients undergoing complete resection plus perioperative CT, a period of more than 6 weeks from completion of neoadjuvant CT to cytoreductive surgery was independently associated with worse OS.

C-reactive protein identifies patients at low risk of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy.

PURPOSE: Fast-track protocols are increasingly used after digestive surgery. After esophagectomy, the gravity and the fear of anastomotic leak may be an obstacle to generalization of such protocols. C-reactive protein (CRP) might be a reliable tool to identify patients at low risk of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy, so that they can be safely included in a fast-track program. The aim of our retrospective bicentric study is to evaluate the interest of C-reactive protein measurement for the early diagnosis of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy. METHODS: Patients having undergone Ivor-Lewis procedure between January 2009 and September 2017 were included in this bicentric retrospective study. CRP values were recorded between postoperative day 3 (POD 3) and postoperative day 5 (POD 5). All postoperative complications were recorded, and the primary endpoint was anastomotic leak. RESULTS: We included 585 patients. Among them, 241 (41.2%) developed infectious complications and 69 patients (11.8%) developed anastomotic leak. CRP had the best predictive value on POD 5 (AUC = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.67-0.81). On POD 5, a cut-off value of 130 mg/L yielded a sensitivity of 87%, a specificity of 51%, and a negative predictive value of 96% for the detection of anastomotic leak. CONCLUSIONS: CRP may help in identifying patients at very low risk of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy. Patients with CRP values < 130 mg/L on POD 5 can safely undertake an enhanced recovery protocol.

Portal vein embolization with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer for contralateral lobe hypertrophy before liver resection: safety, feasibility and initial experience.

BACKGROUND: To report our preliminary experience with preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) using liquid ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer. METHODS: Retrospectively review of patients with primary or secondary liver malignancies scheduled for extensive hepatectomy after the induction of future liver remnant (FLR) hypertrophy by right or left PVE with EVOH as the only embolic agent between 2014 and 2018 at two academic centers. Cross-sectional imaging liver volumetry data obtained before and 3-6 weeks after PVE were used to assess the FLR volume (FLRV) increase, degree of FLR hypertrophy and the FLR kinetic growth rate (KGR). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (17 males; mean age, 58.7±11 years; range, 32-79 years) were included. The technical and clinical success rate was 100%. PVE produced adequate FLR hypertrophy in all patients. Embolization occurred in all targeted portal branches and in no non-target vessels. The %FLRV increased by 52.9%±32.5% and the degree of FLR hypertrophy was 16.7%±6.8%. The KGR was 4.4%±2.0% per week. Four patients experience minor complications after PVE which resolved with symptomatic treatment. The resection rate was 84.5%. One patient died during surgery for reasons unrelated to PVE. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PVE with EVOH copolymer is feasible, safe, and effective in inducing FLR hypertrophy.

Effects of body composition profiles on oncological outcomes and postoperative intraabdominal infection following colorectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric data as prognostic factors of colorectal cancer are promising but contradictory. The aim of this study was to assess the preoperative body composition profiles as predictive factors for postoperative, oncologic, and inflammation outcomes. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the impact of body composition profiles on short- and long-term outcomes and on postoperative inflammatory response in a clinical setting for patients following curative intent surgery for colorectal cancer. SETTING: University hopsital METHODS: We analyzed 122 patients from a prospective cohort (IMACORS) with colorectal cancer undergoing curative-intent surgery from 2011 to 2014. Musculature, total, visceral, and subcutaneous adiposity were measured from a preoperative CT scan and outcomes were compared between profiles. RESULTS: Preoperative myopenia was an independent predictive factor of recurrence (HR = 3.3 95% CI = 1.6-6.9; P = .002) while subcutaneous adiposity was a protective factor (HR = .4 95% CI = .2-.9; P = .03). No anthropometric measurement was predictive of overall survival and postoperative intra abdominal infection was not determined by body composition profiles. Preoperative and D4 CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with subcutaneous adiposity. CONCLUSIONS: Myopenia and subcutaneous adiposity seemed to have independent and opposite prognostic effects on recurrence. Muscle mass loss may represent a modifiable risk factor while the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue reflects an energetic storage favorable to face this pathologic process.

Second-look surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy versus surveillance in patients at high risk of developing colorectal peritoneal metastases (PROPHYLOCHIP-PRODIGE 15): a randomised, phase 3 study.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and treatment of colorectal peritoneal metastases at an early stage, before the onset of signs, could improve patient survival. We aimed to compare the survival benefit of systematic second-look surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), with surveillance, in patients at high risk of developing colorectal peritoneal metastases. METHODS: We did an open-label, randomised, phase 3 study in 23 hospitals in France. Eligible patients were aged 18-70 years and had a primary colorectal cancer with synchronous and localised colorectal peritoneal metastases removed during tumour resection, resected ovarian metastases, or a perforated tumour. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to surveillance or second-look surgery plus oxaliplatin-HIPEC (oxaliplatin 460 mg/m2, or oxaliplatin 300 mg/m2 plus irinotecan 200 mg/m2, plus intravenous fluorouracil 400 mg/m2), or mitomycin-HIPEC (mitomycin 35 mg/m2) alone in case of neuropathy, after 6 months of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy with no signs of disease recurrence. Randomisation was done via a web-based system, with stratification by treatment centre, nodal status, and risk factors for colorectal peritoneal metastases. Second-look surgery consisted of a complete exploration of the abdominal cavity via xyphopubic incision, and resection of all peritoneal implants if resectable. Surveillance after resection of colorectal cancer was done according to the French Guidelines. The primary outcome was 3-year disease-free survival, defined as the time from randomisation to peritoneal or distant disease recurrence, or death from any cause, whichever occurred first, analysed by intention to treat. Surgical complications were assessed in the second-look surgery group only. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01226394. FINDINGS: Between June 11, 2010, and March 31, 2015, 150 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to a treatment group (75 per group). After a median follow-up of 50·8 months (IQR 47·0-54·8), 3-year disease-free survival was 53% (95% CI 41-64) in the surveillance group versus 44% (33-56) in the second-look surgery group (hazard ratio 0·97, 95% CI 0·61-1·56). No treatment-related deaths were reported. 29 (41%) of 71 patients in the second-look surgery group had grade 3-4 complications. The most common grade 3-4 complications were intra-abdominal adverse events (haemorrhage, digestive leakage) in 12 (23%) of 71 patients and haematological adverse events in 13 (18%) of 71 patients. INTERPRETATION: Systematic second-look surgery plus oxaliplatin-HIPEC did not improve disease-free survival compared with standard surveillance. Currently, essential surveillance of patients at high risk of developing colorectal peritoneal metastases appears to be adequate and effective in terms of survival outcomes. FUNDING: French National Cancer Institute.

CHIPOFIL: A pilot study assessing the feasibility of HIPEC without extracorporeal circuit.

BACKGROUND: Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is currently performed using an external circuit including a heating device and a pump. Available devices have several drawbacks in terms of costs, technique (flow surges due to blocked tubes) and staff safety, hindering a wider use. In a previous preclinical study conducted in animals, we placed a heating wire within the abdomen to achieve and maintain hyperthermia. Our results showed this technique is safe and effective. The present pilot study was conceived as the first use of such a device in humans, aiming to confirm its safety and efficacy. METHODS: This was a pilot study designed to include 13 patients undergoing HIPEC. Two sets of the prototype were placed within the abdominal cavity, one in the supramesocolic and one in the inframesocolic space. The target temperature was 42-43 °C during 30-90 min according to the protocol defined for each patient. The time to set up, heat and dismantle was measured. All complications were recorded during the first postoperative year and evaluated by an independent committee. RESULTS: Nine women and four men were included. The median time to set on the device was 25 min. The target temperature was obtained in a median of 14 min and maintained uniform and homogeneously distributed within the abdomen for the scheduled duration. A permanent stirring of the viscera was performed. No thermal injury or device-related complications were observed. There were two anastomotic leaks (only one requiring reoperation), two hemoperitoneum requiring reoperation, one evisceration and one gastroparesia. CONCLUSIONS: A heating cable within the peritoneal cavity can achieve safe, simple, fast and efficient HIPEC.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and paraaortic lymph nodes metastases: The accuracy of intraoperative frozen section.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with paraaortic lymph nodes metastases (PALN +) is associated with poor survival. Still, there are no current guidelines advocating systematic detection of PALN+. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent surgical exploration/resection with concurrent paraaortic (group 16) lymphadenectomy for PDAC between 2009 and 2016 were considered for inclusion. Resection was systematically aborted in case of intraoperative PALN + detection. Diagnostic performance of preoperative imaging upon blind review and intraoperative PALN dissection with frozen section (FS) for PALN detection were evaluated. Additionally, the prognostic significance of PALN + on overall survival (OS) was analyzed. RESULTS: Over the study period, among 129 patients undergoing surgery for PDAC, 113 had intraoperative PALN dissection with FS analysis. Median number of resected PALN was 3 (range, 1-15). Overall, PALN+ was found in 19 patients (16.8%). Upon blind review, preoperative imaging performed poorly for PALN + detection with a low agreement between imaging and final pathology (Kappa-Cohen index<0.2). In contrast, PALN FS showed high detection performances and strong agreement with final pathology (Kappa-Cohen index = 0.783, 95%CI 0.779-0.867, p < 0.001). Regarding survival outcomes, there was no difference between patients with PALN+ and patients not resected in the setting of liver metastases or locally unresectable disease found at exploration (p = 0.708). CONCLUSIONS: Before PD for PDAC, intraoperative PALN dissection and FS analysis yields accurate PALN assessment and allows appropriate patient selection. This should be routinely performed and aborting resection should be strongly considered in case of PALN+.

Cytoreductive Surgery With or Without Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer With Peritoneal Metastases (CYTO-CHIP study): A Propensity Score Analysis.

PURPOSE: Gastric cancer (GC) with peritoneal metastases (PMs) is a poor prognostic evolution. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) yields promising results, but the impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) remains controversial. Here we aimed to compare outcomes between CRS-HIPEC versus CRS alone (CRSa) among patients with PMs from GC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From prospective databases, we identified 277 patients with PMs from GC who were treated with complete CRS with curative intent (no residual nodules > 2.5 mm) at 19 French centers from 1989 to 2014. Of these patients, 180 underwent CRS-HIPEC and 97 CRSa. Tumor burden was assessed using the peritoneal cancer index. A Cox proportional hazards regression model with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity score was used to assess the effect of HIPEC and account for confounding factors. RESULTS: After IPTW adjustment, the groups were similar, except that median peritoneal cancer index remained higher in the CRS-HIPEC group (6 v 2; P = .003). CRS-HIPEC improved overall survival (OS) in both crude and IPTW models. Upon IPTW analysis, in CRS-HIPEC and CRSa groups, median OS was 18.8 versus 12.1 months, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 26.21% and 19.87% versus 10.82% and 6.43% (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.86; P = .005), and 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 20.40% and 17.05% versus 5.87% and 3.76% (P = .001), respectively; the groups did not differ regarding 90-day mortality (7.4% v 10.1%, respectively; P = .820) or major complication rate (53.7% v 55.3%, respectively; P = .496). CONCLUSION: Compared with CRSa, CRS-HIPEC improved OS and recurrence-free survival, without additional morbidity or mortality. When complete CRS is possible, CRS-HIPEC may be considered a valuable therapy for strictly selected patients with limited PMs from GC.

FOLFIRINOX or Gemcitabine as Adjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Among patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, combination chemotherapy with fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) leads to longer overall survival than gemcitabine therapy. We compared the efficacy and safety of a modified FOLFIRINOX regimen with gemcitabine as adjuvant therapy in patients with resected pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We randomly assigned 493 patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to receive a modified FOLFIRINOX regimen (oxaliplatin [85 mg per square meter of body-surface area], irinotecan [180 mg per square meter, reduced to 150 mg per square meter after a protocol-specified safety analysis], leucovorin [400 mg per square meter], and fluorouracil [2400 mg per square meter] every 2 weeks) or gemcitabine (1000 mg per square meter on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks) for 24 weeks. The primary end point was disease-free survival. Secondary end points included overall survival and safety. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 33.6 months, the median disease-free survival was 21.6 months in the modified-FOLFIRINOX group and 12.8 months in the gemcitabine group (stratified hazard ratio for cancer-related event, second cancer, or death, 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46 to 0.73; P<0.001). The disease-free survival rate at 3 years was 39.7% in the modified-FOLFIRINOX group and 21.4% in the gemcitabine group. The median overall survival was 54.4 months in the modified-FOLFIRINOX group and 35.0 months in the gemcitabine group (stratified hazard ratio for death, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.86; P=0.003). The overall survival rate at 3 years was 63.4% in the modified-FOLFIRINOX group and 48.6% in the gemcitabine group. Adverse events of grade 3 or 4 occurred in 75.9% of the patients in the modified-FOLFIRINOX group and in 52.9% of those in the gemcitabine group. One patient in the gemcitabine group died from toxic effects (interstitial pneumonitis). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant therapy with a modified FOLFIRINOX regimen led to significantly longer survival than gemcitabine among patients with resected pancreatic cancer, at the expense of a higher incidence of toxic effects. (Funded by R&D Unicancer and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01526135 ; EudraCT number, 2011-002026-52 .).

Evaluation of a one-piece soft convex ostomy appliance: a prospective, multicentre, open-label pilot study.

Leakage of stomal effluent is considered by people living with a stoma to be the key factor that negatively impacts their quality of life (QoL). This non-randomised pilot study evaluated the performance of a new stoma appliance, Flexima® Active O Convex in 40 ostomy patients with a flat, flush or slightly retracted stoma over a 14-day period. Leakage was reported for the wear time of each pouch by the patients. On 79% of occasions, the patient reported no leakage under the skin protector. The appliance was very well tolerated and the condition of the patients' peristomal skin was maintained throughout the study. The performance was rated as 'good' or 'very good' by most of the patients. The results of this study have shown that the design of this one-piece soft convex appliance can prevent leakage and protect peristomal skin by providing a safe seal around the stoma. It was also reported as being flexible and comfortable to wear.

CA 19-9 predicts resectability of pancreatic cancer even in jaundiced patients.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection remains the only curative option for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Despite recent improvements in medical imaging, unresectability is still often discovered at the time of surgery. It is essential to identify unresectable patients preoperatively to avoid unnecessary surgery. High serum CA 19-9 levels have been suggested as a marker of unresectability but considered inaccurate in patients with hyperbilirubinemia. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate CA 19-9 serum levels as a predictor of unresectability of pancreatic adenocarcinomas with a special focus on jaundiced patients. METHODS: All patients presenting with histologically-confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma and having serum CA 19-9 levels available prior to any treatment were included in this retrospective study. The relationship between serum concentrations of CA 19-9 and resectability was studied by regression analysis and theROC curves obtained. A cut-off value of CA 19-9 was calculated. In jaundiced patients, a CA 19-9 adjusted for bilirubinemia was also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 171 patients included, 49 (29%) were deemed resectable and 122 (71%) unresectable. Altogether, 93 patients (54%) had jaundice. The area under the ROC curve for CA 19-9 as a predictor of resectability was 0.886 (95%CI:[0.832-0.932]); in jaundiced patients it was 0.880 (95% CI [0.798-0.934]. A cut-off in CA 19-9 at 178 UI/mlyielded 85% sensitivity, 81% specificity and 91% positive predictive value for resectability. There was no correlation between the levels of bilirubin and CA 19-9 (r = 0.149). CONCLUSION: Serum CA 19-9 is a good predictive marker of unresectability of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, even in jaundiced patients. CA 19-9 levels over 178 UI/ml strongly suggest unresectable disease.

Inflammatory markers as early predictors of infection after colorectal surgery: the same cut-off values in laparoscopy and laparotomy?

PURPOSE: C-reactive protein and procalcitonin are reliable early predictors of infection after colorectal surgery. However, the inflammatory response is lower after laparoscopy as compared to open surgery. This study analyzed whether a different cutoff value of inflammatory markers should be chosen according to the surgical approach. METHODS: A prospective, observational study included consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery in three academic centers. All infections until postoperative day (POD) 30 were recorded. The inflammatory markers were analyzed daily until POD 4. Areas under the ROC curve and diagnostic values were calculated in order to assess their accuracy as a predictor of intra-abdominal infection. RESULTS: Five-hundred-one patients were included. The incidence of intra-abdominal infection was 11.8%. The median levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were lower in the laparoscopy group at each postoperative day (p < 0.0001). In patients without intra-abdominal infection, they were also lower in the laparoscopy group (p = 0.0036) but were not different in patients presenting with intra-abdominal infections (p = 0.3243). In the laparoscopy group, CRP at POD 4 was the most accurate predictor of overall and intra-abdominal infection (AUC = 0.775). With a cutoff of 100 mg/L, it yielded 95.7% negative predictive value, 75% sensitivity, and 70.3% specificity for the detection of intra-abdominal infection. CONCLUSION: The impact of infection on inflammatory markers is more important than that of the surgical approach. Defining a specific cutoff value for early discharge according to the surgical approach is not justified. A patient with CRP values lower than 100 mg/L on POD 4 can be safely discharged.

Robot-Assisted Choledochoduodenostomy: A Safe and Reproducible Procedure for Benign Common Bile Duct Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Choledochoduodenostomy (CD) is an option for treating choledocholithiasis and benign biliary obstruction after failure of endoscopic treatment. Nevertheless, this procedure is rarely performed using a mini-invasive approach because of its technical complexity. Robotic assistance could be a safer approach to overcome such technical issues. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent a robot-assisted CD for benign biliary obstruction were included. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2016, 12 patients were operated on, 7 of whom had a body mass index over 25 (58%) and 7 were ASA class 3 (58%). The median age was 73 years (range 49-93). Median operative time was 140 min (range 105-208) and median blood loss was 90 mL (range 5-500). One patient presented with cholangitis 1 month after surgery (treated medically, Clavien-Dindo grade 2). Median length of stay was 7 days (range 3-8). None of the patients experienced severe morbidity after a median follow-up of 15 months. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted CD is safe and feasible in benign biliary obstruction.

Impact of previous cyst-enterostomy on patients' outcome following resection of bile duct cysts.

AIM: To analyze the impact of previous cyst-enterostomy of patients underwent congenital bile duct cysts (BDC) resection. METHODS: A multicenter European retrospective study between 1974 and 2011 were conducted by the French Surgical Association. Only Todani subtypes I and IVb were included. Diagnostic imaging studies and operative and pathology reports underwent central revision. Patients with and without a previous history of cyst-enterostomy (CE) were compared. RESULTS: Among 243 patients with Todani types I and IVb BDC, 16 had undergone previous CE (6.5%). Patients with a prior history of CE experienced a greater incidence of preoperative cholangitis (75% vs 22.9%, P < 0.0001), had more complicated presentations (75% vs 40.5%, P = 0.007), and were more likely to have synchronous biliary cancer (31.3% vs 6.2%, P = 0.004) than patients without a prior CE. Overall morbidity (75% vs 33.5%; P < 0.0008), severe complications (43.8% vs 11.9%; P = 0.0026) and reoperation rates (37.5% vs 8.8%; P = 0.0032) were also significantly greater in patients with previous CE, and their Mayo Risk Score, during a median follow-up of 37.5 mo (range: 4-372 mo) indicated significantly more patients with fair and poor results (46.1% vs 15.6%; P = 0.0136). CONCLUSION: This is the large series to show that previous CE is associated with poorer short- and long-term results after Todani types I and IVb BDC resection.

Preoperative inflammation increases the risk of infection after elective colorectal surgery: results from a prospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Septic complications after colorectal surgery are frequent and sometimes life threatening. It is well known that inflammation impairs the healing process. It has been suggested that preoperative ongoing inflammation could increase the risk of postoperative infections. This study aimed to elucidate the role of preoperative inflammation on postoperative infectious complications and to understand if, through biological markers, it is possible to identify preoperatively patients at higher risk of infection. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted in three centers from November 2011 to April 2014. Consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery with anastomosis were included. Any ongoing infection was an exclusion criterion. C-reactive protein, albumin, prealbumin, and procalcitonin plasma levels were measured preoperatively. Postoperative infections were recorded according to the definitions of the Centers for Diseases Control. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were analyzed and compared to assess the accuracy of each preoperative marker. RESULTS: Four-hundred and seventy two patients were analyzed. Infectious complications occurred in 118 patients (25 %) and mortality in 6 patients (1.3 %). In the univariate analysis, preoperative C-reactive protein and albuminemia were found significantly associated with postoperative infectious complications (P = 0.008 and P = 0.0002, respectively). Areas under the ROC curve for preoperative C-reactive protein and albuminemia were 0.57and 0.62, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the association between preoperative inflammatory activity, hypoalbuminemia, and the onset of infections after surgery. Trials aiming to decrease the inflammatory activity before surgery in order to prevent postoperative complications are warranted.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Inflammatory Markers As Early Predictors of Infection After Elective Colorectal Surgery: Results From the IMACORS Study.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal infections are frequent and life-threatening complications after colorectal surgery. An early detection could diminish their clinical impact and permit safe early discharge. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to find the most accurate marker for the detection of postoperative intra-abdominal infection and the appropriate moment to measure it. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted in 3 centers. Consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery with anastomosis were included. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were measured daily until the fourth postoperative day. Postoperative infections were recorded according to the definitions of the Centres for Diseases Control. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were analyzed and compared to assess the diagnostic accuracy of each marker. RESULTS: Five-hundred and one patients were analyzed. The incidence of intra-abdominal infection was 11.8%, with 24.6% of patients presenting at least one infectious complication. Overall mortality was 1.2%. At the fourth postoperative day, C-reactive protein was more discriminating than procalcitonin for the detection of intra-abdominal infection (areas under the ROC curve: 0.775 vs 0.689, respectively, P = 0.03). Procalcitonin levels showed wide dispersion. For the detection of all infectious complications, C-reactive protein was also significantly more accurate than procalcitonin on the fourth postoperative day (areas under the ROC curve: 0.783 vs 0.671, P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: C-reactive protein is more accurate than procalcitonin for the detection of infectious complications and should be systematically measured at the fourth postoperative day. It is a useful tool to ensure a safe early discharge after elective colorectal surgery.