Prognostic nutritional index as a predictor of surgical complications in women with gynecological cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between the prognostic nutritional index and surgical morbidity in women with gynecologic cancers. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of women with ovarian, endometrial, or cervical cancer who underwent surgery between January 2013 and December 2020 at a cancer center. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. The prognostic nutritional index was calculated during the immediate pre-operative period. Binomial logistic regression was conducted to identify the association of the prognostic nutritional index with the outcome of surgical complications after Clavien-Dindo classification, adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS: A total of 1000 women were included: 114 (11.4%) were diagnosed with cervical cancer, 551 (55.1%) with ovarian cancer, and 335 (33.5%) with endometrial cancer. Patients with a prognostic nutritional index >40 had a decreased possibility of surgical complications (OR=0.39, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.52); basal blood hemoglobin, volume of surgical bleeding, operative time, and length of hospital stay were also explanatory factors. The prognostic nutritional index has a significant effect on patients with endometrial and cervical cancer, but conversely is not significant in patients with ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: The prognostic nutritional index is associated with surgical morbidity in endometrial and cervical cancers and thus can be a useful tool for predicting morbidity and guide pre-operative interventions in patients with gynecological cancers.

Preoperative Identification of Adamkiewicz Artery in Pediatric Posterior Thoracic Tumors: Fact or Fiction? A Systematic Review From the International Society of Pediatric Surgical Oncology (IPSO).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We aimed to review current literature on the impact of Preoperative Identification (POI) of the Adamkiewicz Artery (AKA) in solid pediatric Posterior Thoracic Tumors (PTT), comprising a spectrum of neuroblastic tumors and neuroblastoma, with particular focus on Complete Macroscopic Excision (CME) and Neurologic Complications/Sequelae (NCS). METHODS: A systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was undertaken. The study included reports on pediatric patients providing available data on POI of the AKA in PTT. RESULTS: Among 838 records screened, 33 full-texts underwent evaluation, and 8 papers were included. Among 49 tumors (N = 49 patients), 30 were neuroectodermic tumors. Spinal angiography (SA) was undertaken in four studies for 32 (65%) patients. No SA-related morbidity was recorded. Otherwise, a combination of CT and/or MRI imaging was described. The lack of detailed reporting on CT/MRI imaging, hindered a feasible detailed comparative analysis among non-SA imaging modality techniques. The overall success rate of AKA POI was 65%, 71% with SA and 33% with non-SA studies. CME was achieved in 73% of SA and 80% non-SA groups. Overall, 5 children experienced NCS, 60% of those who had dumbbell tumors. All NCS occurred in patients without successful POI of the AKA. Furthermore, no SA patient had NCS, while 33% of the non-SA sustained NCS. CONCLUSIONS: Successful POI of the AKA may play a key role in prevention of NCS. SA showed the utility of deploying POI, without added morbidity. Furthermore, SA appeared to have a preventive impact on NCS. SA may have a key role on CME which may also be operator dependent.

An Enhanced Recovery Program for Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Surgical Oncology Patients Improves Outcomes After Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) is a standardized perioperative approach that utilizes a multidisciplinary team to reduce physiologic stress and improve postoperative recovery. The purpose of our study is to evaluate outcomes in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) patients undergoing major oncologic operations before and after the implementation of an enhanced recovery program (ERP). METHODS: All patients ≤23 years old who underwent major oncologic surgery between 1/2017-2/2022 were identified. ERP was implemented on 6/7/2021, with all patients enrolling on ERP after that date. Pre-ERP patients were selected based on similar age, diagnosis, and operations. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare continuous variables, and the chi-squared test or Fisher exact test as appropriate to compare categorical variables between Pre-ERP and ERP patients. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were included (28 Pre-ERP, 19 ERP). The median age was 14 years (range, 1-23). 18 underwent thoracotomy, 26 laparotomy, and 3 chest wall resections. Results suggest that ERP patients had significantly shorter time to ambulation (25 h; p = 0.004) and postoperative length of stay (LOS; 3 days; p < 0.001). Two patients in the ERP group required zero narcotics after operation. CONCLUSION: We found initial evidence that the implementation of an ERP for pediatric, AYA patients resulted in positive postoperative outcomes - a decrease in postoperative LOS and promoted early mobility without an increase in readmission rates. Enhanced recovery programs should be incorporated into the care of pediatric, AYA oncology patients undergoing oncologic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective Comparative Study - Level III.

Early non-compliance to ERAS in gynecological open surgery for malignancies, and post-operative complications: a multicenter, prospective, observational, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Open surgical procedures for gynecological malignancies have a potential risk of post-operative complications and hence prolonged hospitalization, despite adherence to an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between non-compliance to an ERAS protocol in the post-operative setting and the rate of post-operative complications, in women who underwent open surgery for gynecological malignancies. STUDY HYPOTHESIS: Early non-compliance with the ERAS protocol increases the risk of post-operative complications. TRIAL DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective, observational, cohort study. MAJOR INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with histologically proven gynecological cancer (endometrial, uterine, tubo-ovarian, and cervical) undergoing elective open surgery and managed according to ERAS guidelines. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with post-operative recovery in an intensive care unit, undergoing anterior or total pelvic exenteration or intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Previous radiotherapy or previous non-gynecological major abdominal surgery. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: Association of non-compliance with the ERAS protocol using five selected indicators on post-operative day 2 with the rate of 30-day post-operative complications. SAMPLE SIZE: 600 patients will be enrolled in the study. ESTIMATED DATES FOR COMPLETING ACCRUAL AND PRESENTING RESULTS: At present, 106 patients have been recruited. Based on this, the accrual should be completed in 2025. Results should be presented at the end of 2025. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05738902.

Roles of pediatric surgeons in palliative pediatric oncology.

Pediatric surgeons engaged in oncology will inevitably treat patients receiving palliative care, but their role in this context is poorly described. This article identifies some of the challenges and opportunities of surgical involvement in pediatric oncology palliative care, underscoring how the surgeon's expertise can be exploited to significantly benefit children with cancer. Specific examples of skills (procedural, communication, and coordination) that surgeons can provide to the multidisciplinary palliative care teams are described and the importance of collaboration is highlighted.

Surgical and safety outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy versus chemotherapy alone: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) combined with chemotherapy has improved survival outcomes in locally-advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its impact on surgery has not been fully elucidated. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare surgical outcomes between neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and chemotherapy alone in resectable NSCLC. PubMed and Embase were searched to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating neoadjuvant ICB therapy for resectable NSCLC. The risk difference (RD) and odds ratio (OR) of outcomes such as surgical and R0 resection rates, overall complication rates, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), and AEs leading to cancellation of surgery were pooled using the random-effect model meta-analysis. We also evaluated the correlations between overall survival (OS) and surgical and safety outcomes. Eight RCTs with 3,387 patients were analyzed. Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy was associated with improved surgical resection (RD 4.52 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.95 %-8.09 %, p = 0.01) and R0 resection (RD 4.04 %, 95 % CI 1.69 %-6.40 %, p = 0.0008) without increasing overall complications (RD -0.13 %, 95 % CI -5.14 %-4.88 %, p = 0.96), but an increase in surgery cancellation due to AEs (RD 1.15 %, 95 % CI 0.25 %- 2.05 %; p = 0.01) and grade 3-4 TRAEs (RD 3.42 %, 95 % CI 0.33 %-6.52 %, p = 0.03). OS did not show a direct significant correlation with surgical outcomes or TRAEs. Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy improves resection rates but increases high-grade TRAEs and AEs leading to surgery cancellation. Nevertheless, incorporating ICB into neoadjuvant approach appears reasonable by improving surgical outcomes, potentially leading to improved survival in patients with locally-advanced NSCLC.

Pancreatoduodenectomy after Ivor-Lewis Santi oesophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. An European multicentre experience.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is the standard surgery to treat tumors and other conditions affecting the head of the pancreas. PD involves the division of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and its branches, to allow for complete dissection of lymph nodes. However, PD in patients with prior esophageal resection presents challenges due to altered anatomy and risks compromising gastric tube vascularization. GDA preservation becomes crucial to avoid ischemia, although this may pose oncological risks by potentially leaving behind regional lymph nodes. This article reviews European surgical center experiences and techniques for PD in patients with prior esophageal surgery, focusing on short-term outcomes. METHODS: We have collected all the experiences carried out in European surgical centers and evaluated the techniques applied for PD in patients who had prior esophageal surgery while analyzing short-term outcomes. RESULTS: Eight patients from 5 European centers were identified. Six patients were diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, including one borderline case. Intraoperatively, the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) was preserved in all cases, with portal vein reconstruction required in only one instance due to tumor invasion. No ischemia or venous congestion of the gastric tube was observed during the surgical procedure. Post-operative complications that occurred included POPF type C in 1 (12.5 %), PPH type C in 1 (12.5 %). The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 21 [14-24]. with a median of 1.5 positive lymph nodes. R1 resection was present in 62.5 % of cases. CONCLUSION: Performing pancreaticoduodenectomy subsequent to Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is a technical challenge, but seems feasiable and safe in selected patients. GDA-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy emerges as a valuable and time-efficient variation of the conventional procedure, it can be considered oncologically appropriate, but studies confirming its long-term impact on radicality are still needed.

A modern approach to multiple pulmonary resections in children with recurrent metastatic pulmonary disease.

Implications of repeated resections of pulmonary metastasis (PM) are not well documented in the modern era. Fifteen children underwent two (n = 8), three (n = 3), or four or more (n = 3) resections (total = 38 procedures), most commonly for osteosarcoma (71%). Operative approach included muscle-sparing thoracotomy (71%), non-muscle-sparing thoracotomy (18%), and video-assisted thoracoscopy (11%). Median resected nodules per procedure was four (range = 1-95). Prolonged air leaks were the most common postoperative complication (29%). Median hospital stay was 4 days, and no children were discharged with or have required oxygen. Event-free survival is 67% at median follow-up time of 54 months, with an overall survival rate of 64%. Repeat resection of PM appears to be well tolerated, without prolonged hospital stays or compromised pulmonary function.

Metastatic lung adenocarcinoma presenting with small bowel obstruction.

Lung cancer is one of the most lethal solid organ malignancies. Metastasis commonly spreads to the liver, adrenal glands and bone. We report a case of a male patient who presented with an 8 week history of cramping abdominal pain and vomiting. Subsequent investigation revealed evidence of an obstructing small bowel lesion. He underwent a small bowel resection. Histopathology revealed evidence of lung adenocarcinoma as the likely primary disease. Although metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma to the small bowel is rare, early recognition may prevent potentially life-threatening sequelae including bowel perforation and peritonitis.

Unresectable squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with spina bifida.

Spina bifida is a congenital malformation of foetal neural structures which may present as a skin fold or sac containing cerebrospinal fluid and neural structures with a variety of neurological deficits. Surgical repairs of spina bifida may not ensure complete functions, neural improvement or recovery. We present this palliative report of an adult male in his early 40s with a medical history of meningocele repair in his infancy, with long-standing Marjolin ulcers, fractures, contractures, diverting ileostomy and urostomy and a fungating mass externally measuring 33×25 cm. The mass involved the buttocks, perineum and scrotum with a tumour overlying the meningocele and extending into the thigh through an internally draining tract. Factors such as immobility, pressure injuries and poor social support in the setting of chronic disability led to a conservative approach in the management of this unresectable carcinoma.

Jejunogastric intussusception after pancreaticoduodenectomy in a patient with HIV.

The incidence of jejunogastric intussusception (JGI) after gastric surgery is 0.1%. We report a case of JGI after pancreaticoduodenectomy in a patient with HIV. After presenting to the hospital with abdominal pain and emesis, a CT abdomen/pelvis showed evidence of gastrojejunal anastomosis intussusception into the stomach. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed, but endoscopic reduction was unsuccessful. Exploratory laparotomy was subsequently performed with a successful reduction of the intussusception and resection of a portion of the small bowel. With only five previously reported cases of JGI after pancreaticoduodenectomy, our case is novel in that it describes JGI in a patient with HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy, which has been associated with an increased risk of intussusception. While rare, we highlight the importance of having high clinical suspicion for intussusception in patients with risk factors who present with abdominal pain after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Timely diagnosis is critical to optimise patient outcomes.

Surgical management of rare hepatobiliary sarcomas in a regional teaching hospital: a collaborative model for optimal care with case studies.

Sarcomas are challenging and conventionally referred to sarcoma specialist centres. In select cases with required surgical expertise, collaboration with a quaternary sarcoma centre rather than an upfront transfer of care may reduce logistic challenges without compromising patient care.We present a case series of three rare tumours of hepatobiliary origin-two cases of undifferentiated embryonal liver sarcoma in adults and one case of follicular dendritic sarcoma of the cystic lymph node.All three patients underwent surgery in a non-sarcoma specialist centre by hepatobiliary specialist surgeons with concurrent remote referrals to a sarcoma specialist quaternary centre. Both centres belong to the same cluster. R0 resection and no significant postoperative morbidity were achieved. All three patients currently remain disease-free.The unique and integrated healthcare systems within Singapore render cross-institution management possible. This case series suggests that an established setup for cross-centre collaboration facilitates wholistic patient care with good outcomes.

A Preliminary Phenomenological Exploration of Experiences of the Empty Pelvis Syndrome Derived From a Modified-Delphi: The Price of Survival Following Pelvic Exenteration for Advanced Pelvic Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The empty pelvis syndrome (EPS) is common after pelvic exenteration (PE), causing fluid collections, bowel obstruction, perineal sinuses, and fistulas. The best approach to fill the pelvis to mitigate this remains controversial, and the impact of EPS on health-related quality of life (HrQoL) is unknown. This study is the first to begin to explore lived-experiences of EPS complications. METHODS: Unstructured EPS virtual focus group meetings were conducted with a convenience sample of patients who underwent PE, as an extension of a modified-Delphi study. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted on verbatim transcripts to generate group experiential themes. RESULTS: Twelve patients (eight UK, one Dutch, and three Belgian) participated in four focus groups. Eight EPS complications were reported, (two pelvic collections, five chronic perineal sinuses, and one bowel obstruction). Group experiential themes were 'Out of Options', depicting patients forced to accept complications or limited survival; 'The New Normal', with EPS potentially delaying adaptation to post-PE HrQoL; 'Information Influencing Adaptation,' emphasising the significance of patients understanding EPS to cope with its effects; and 'Symptoms,' reporting manifestations of EPS, the resultant physical limitations, and an intangible feeling that patients lost part of themselves. CONCLUSIONS: EPS may influence patient decision-making, regret, adaptation, and information-seeking. It can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and physical limitations, which may include phantom phenomenon. This work supports ongoing purposeful HrQoL research to better define these themes.

Impact of oral antithrombotic agents on urinary continence recovery following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a preferred minimally invasive surgical treatment for prostate cancer. The number of elderly patients and those with cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular issues undergoing surgery is increasing, and many of them are taking antithrombotic (AT) agents. However, the effect of AT agents on postoperative urinary recovery has not been adequately studied. In this study, we analyzed the differences in the postoperative recovery of urinary continence and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing RARP for localized prostate cancer between AT agent adherents and non-adherents. METHODS: A total of 394 patients who underwent conventional anterior RARP between February 2015 and February 2021 were categorized into two groups: those taking oral AT agents (AT group) and the control group. Urinary continence recovery, complications, and oncological outcomes were compared between the groups. A Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify clinical factors that affect urinary continence recovery. RESULTS: The background data and bleeding complications did not differ significantly between the groups. The recovery of continence was significantly poorer in the AT group in terms of complete pad free (HR: 0.53 [95% CI: 0.39-0.71]) and use of ≤ 1 safety pad (HR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.59-0.94]). The rate of anastomotic leakage on cystography was significantly higher in the AT group (20.9% vs. 6.7%). A univariate analysis revealed that taking antithrombotic agents, higher prostate-specific antigen levels, and a more advanced clinical stage were associated with a poor urinary continence recovery; a multivariate analysis showed that taking AT agents was an independent factor negatively associated with urinary continence recovery. There was no significant difference between the groups in the positive surgical margin rate (19.0% vs. 23.8%) or the biochemical-recurrence-free rate. CONCLUSION: Taking oral AT agents may be associated with poor urinary continence recovery after RARP.

Evaluating the Accuracy, Quality, and Readability of Online Breast Cancer Information.

Objective: To assess the accuracy, quality, and readability of patient-focused breast cancer websites using expert evaluation and validated tools. Background: Ensuring access to accurate, high-quality, and readable online health information supports informed decision-making and health equity but has not been recently evaluated. Methods: A qualitative analysis on 50 websites was conducted; the first 10 eligible websites for the following search terms were included: "breast cancer," "breast surgery," "breast reconstructive surgery," "breast chemotherapy," and "breast radiation therapy." Websites were required to be in English and not intended for healthcare professionals. Accuracy was evaluated by 5 breast cancer specialists. Quality was evaluated through the DISCERN questionnaire. Readability was measured using 9 standardized tests. Mean readability was compared with the American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health 6th grade recommendation. Results: Nonprofit hospital websites had the highest accuracy (mean = 4.06, SD = 0.42); however, no statistical differences were observed in accuracy by website affiliation (P = 0.08). The overall mean quality score was 50.8 ("fair"/"good" quality) with no significant differences among website affiliations (P = 0.10). Mean readability was at the 10th grade reading level, the lowest being for commercial websites with a mean 9th grade reading level (SD = 2.38). All websites exceeded the American Medical Association- and National Institutes of Health-recommended reading level by 4.4 levels (P < 0.001). Websites with higher accuracy tended to have lower readability levels, whereas those with lower accuracy had higher readability levels. Conclusion: As breast cancer treatment has become increasingly complex, improving online quality and readability while maintaining high accuracy is essential to promote health equity and empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

Modern surgical strategies in pediatric neuroblastoma: Evolving approaches and treatment principles.

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in children under the age of 5, has been described as early as the 19th century, and its complexity has continued to intrigue researchers, as well as medical and surgical specialists. At one end of the phenotypic spectrum, neuroblastoma is self-limiting with minimal to no intervention required, while on the opposite end exists the challenge of refractory disease despite aggressive management and toxic systemic treatments. The goal of this review is to describe a comprehensive surgical perspective and contemporary approach to neuroblastoma.

Population-based survival analysis of primary spinal chordoma in the US from 2000 to 2020.

PURPOSE: Chordomas are rare malignant tumors that occur primarily in the axial skeleton. We seek to analyze trends affecting five-year overall survival (5y OS) among patients with primary spinal chordomas (PSC) of the vertebrae and sacrum/pelvis. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program was used to identify patients with PSC (ICD-O-3 histology codes 9370/3, 9371/3, and 9372/3) of the spine or sacrum/pelvis. Multivariate and univariate survival analyses were conducted to assess demographic, disease, or treatment characteristic trends. RESULTS: Eight-hundred-ninety-six patients diagnosed with PSC were identified. Patients 0-54 years at diagnosis had improved 5y OS compared to those either 55-69 years (HR = 1.78; p = 0.046) or those between 70 and 85 + years (HR = 3.92; p < 0.001). Histology impacted 5y OS: Cox regression demonstrated variance among the three histologies assessed (p < 0.001), while univariate analysis demonstrated patients with dedifferentiated chordoma (1.0% of cohort; 33.3% [1.9,64.7]) and chondroid chordoma (2.0% of cohort; 52.5% [26.1,78.9]) had decreased 5y OS compared to those with general chordoma (72.2% [68.8,75.6]; p < 0.001). Nonmarried patients had decreased 5y OS on univariate analysis (65.2% [59.4,71.0] versus 76.2% [72.0,80.4]), with widowed patients being the primary driver of this on subanalysis. Treatment with gross total resection was associated with increased 5y OS (HR = 0.22, p < 0.001), as was treatment with radiotherapy (HR = 0.69, p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Patient age and marital status were significant demographic factors associated with changes in 5y OS among those with PSC. PSC histology is a potentially important prognostic factor in the management of disease.