A rare case of ectopic adrenal gland in an adult inguinal cord lipoma: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Ectopic adrenocortical tissue is defined as the presence of accessory adrenal cortex tissue outside the suprarenal location of the adrenal glands. It is not an infrequent finding during inguinal operations in infants, however, its incidence in adults is found to be less than 1 %. CASE: We report a case of ectopic adrenal tissue incidentally found in a cord lipoma of a 68-year-old man, presenting for elective inguinal hernia repair. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In the literature, the majority of cases of ectopic adrenocortical tissue are reported during groin surgeries in children. After the first few years of life, it normally regresses, but in a few uncommon cases like ours, it might continue long into adulthood. The condition can have several theoretical clinical implications that need to be considered by surgeons. Adrenal insufficiency can occur if the ectopic adrenal tissue is the only adrenal tissue in the patient along with a potential for neoplastic transformation in cases of persistence of ectopia. CONCLUSION: However, studies have shown no evidence of endocrine or oncologic complications after excision or persistence of the ectopic adrenal gland. Consequently, no investigations or treatments are indicated.

Predictive factors of non-completion of cytoreductive surgery in colorectal peritoneal metastasis.

INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) ± hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the only potentially curative treatment that can improve the survival prognosis for patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) of colorectal origin. The main independent prognostic factors are extent of disease, as measured by the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), and completion of CRS (CC-0 or R1). Despite thorough preoperative work-up for selection of surgical candidates, 20%-25 % of CRS procedures are stopped after exploration during laparotomy. These patients undergo "open-and-close" procedures associated with a risk of complications and without any benefit. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative predictors of non-resectability and/or non-completion of CRS in patients with colorectal PMs who were candidates for surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, monocentric study including patients admitted for CRS ± HIPEC at the Jules Bordet Institute between January 01, 2010 and December 31, 2021. The preoperative epidemiological, pathological, clinical, radiological, and biological features of patients with unresectable disease were compared with those of patients treated with CRS. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen patients were included, 60 men and 59 women (median age 61 years). Twenty-one CRS procedures (17.65 %) were stopped during exploratory laparotomy. Statistically significant factors associated with non-completion were age (p = 0.0183), PCI (p = 0.0001), presence of sub/occlusive episode(s) prior to CRS (p = 0.0012), and multifocal-diffuse uptakes on PET-scan (p = 0.0017). CONCLUSION: Almost 18 % of patients had an "open-and-close" procedure. PCI was the major determinant of non-completion of CRS. Other predictive factors of unresectability of colorectal PM were age, the presence of sub/occlusive episodes, and PET/CT with multiple peritoneal uptakes.

Prognostic value of preoperative serological biomarkers in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer peritoneal metastases.

Objectives: Peritoneal metastases of ovarian cancer (PMOC) are common at initial presentation. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) of curative intent has been proven to be efficient in increasing the overall survival (OS) and the disease-free survival (DFS) of these patients. Nevertheless, CRS is associated with high postoperative morbidity, which makes patient selection a major concern. Appropriate prognostic factors that can predict patient outcomes after surgery are still lacking. Preoperative biomarkers and their ratios have been shown to be predictive of patient prognosis for various solid tumors. We aimed to study their correlation with the prognosis of patients undergoing CRS for PMOC. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with PMOC operated by CRS. Preoperative biomarkers and other clinicopathological characteristics were studied to determine their prognostic value in terms OS and DFS. Results: 216 patients were included. Patients with preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) <11.7 g/dL had a poorer prognosis in terms of OS (p=0.0062) and DFS (p=0.0077). Additionally, increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) >0.32, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) >214.5 were associated with worse OS (p=0.022, p=0.0028, and p=0.0018, respectively) and worse DFS (p=0.028, p=0.003, and p=0.019, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the variables mentioned above were independent predictive factors for OS and DFS. Conclusions: Preoperative Hb level, NLR, MLR, and PLR are prognostic factors for OS and DFS in PMOC patients operated by curative CRS.

Prognostic value of peritoneal scar-like tissue in patients with peritoneal metastases of ovarian origin presenting for curative-intent cytoreductive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS), remain the gold standard in the treatment of peritoneal metastases of ovarian cancer (PMOC). Given the increasing rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with high PCI, prior abdominal surgeries, inflammation and fibrotic changes, the benefit of removing any "peritoneal scar-like tissues" (PST) during CRS, hasn't been thoroughly investigated. Our objective in this retrospective cohort was to identify the proportion of malignant cells positivity in PST of patients with PMOC, undergoing curative-intent CRS ± HIPEC. METHODS: This is a retrospective study, conducted at our comprehensive cancer center, including patients with PMOC, presenting for curative-intent CRS. During CRS, benign-looking peritoneal lesions, lacking the typical hard nodular, aggressive, and invasive morphology, were systematically resected or electro fulgurated. PSTs were analyzed for the presence of tumoral cells by our pathologist. Correlations between the presence of PST and their positivity, and the different patients' variables, were studied. RESULTS: In 51% of patients, PST harbored malignant cells. Those were associated with poorly differentiated serous tumors, a high PCI (> 8) and a worse DFS: 17 months in the positive PST group versus 29 months in the negative PST group (p = 0.05), on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that PCI > 8 and poorly differentiated primary tumor histology were correlated with a worse DFS, and that higher PCI and advanced FIGO were correlated with a worse OS. CONCLUSION: Benign-looking PST harbors malignancy in 51% of cases. The benefit of their systematic resection and their prognostic value should be further investigated in larger cohorts.

Deep epigastric lymph nodes implication in patients' recurrence pattern after cytoreductive surgery in ovarian peritoneal metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Although complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) offers a good prognosis in patients with peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer (PMOC), recurrences are quite common. These recurrences can be intra-abdominal or systemic in nature. Our objective was to study and illustrate the global recurrence pattern in patients operated for PMOC, shedding light on a previously overlooked lymphatic basin at the level of the epigastric artery, the deep epigastric lymph nodes (DELN) basin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study including patients with PMOC who underwent surgery with curative-intent, from 2012 until 2018, at our cancer center, and who presented with any type of disease recurrence on follow-up. CT-scans, MRIs and PET-scans were reviewed in order to determine solid organs and lymph nodes (LN) recurrences. RESULTS: During the study period, 208 patients underwent CRS ± HIPEC, 115 (55.3%) presented with organ or lymphatic recurrence over a median follow-up of 81 months. Sixty percent of these patients had radiologically enlarged LN involvement. The pelvis/pelvic peritoneum was the most common intra-abdominal organ recurrence site (47%), while the retroperitoneal LN was the most common lymphatic recurrence site (73.9%). Previously overlooked DELN were found in 12 patients, with 17.4% implication in lymphatic basin recurrence patterns. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the potential role of the DELN basin, previously overlooked in the systemic dissemination process of PMOC. This study sheds light on a previously unrecognized lymphatic pathway, as an intermediate checkpoint or relay, between the peritoneum, an intra-abdominal organ, and the extra-abdominal compartment.

The Prognostic Value of Distinct Histological Growth Patterns of Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Different histological growth patterns (HGP) describing the tumor-to-liver interface have been described in colorectal liver metastases and have been associated with a strong prognostic value. However, HGP of peritoneal metastases (PM) of colorectal cancer (CRC) have not yet been described. Our objective was to determine whether distinct HGP can be identified in PMCRC and to evaluate their potential prognostic value in these patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included 38 patients who underwent curative-intent surgery for PMCRC between July 2012 and March 2019, with PCI≤6, and who had not received preoperative chemotherapy. In each patient, the tumor-to-peritoneum interface was evaluated in the excised peritoneal nodules. The association between HGP and postoperative survival was analyzed by using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Two distinct HGP were identified: a pushing-type (P-HGP), characterized by a fibrous rim separating the PM and peritoneum, and an infiltrating-type (I-HGP), characterized by focal penetration of tumor cells into the surrounding peritoneal lining without a fibrous rim. Fifteen patients had dominant P-HGP, and 23 patients had dominant I-HGP. Patients with dominant P-HGP (>50% tumor-peritoneum interface) had a significantly better DFS (30 months) than those with P-HGP <50% (9 months; p = 0.029). Patients with a P-HGP dominance >60% had better OS (131 months) than those with P-HGP <60% (41 months; p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first description of two distinct, reproducible HGP in PMCRC. The dominant P-HGP is associated with a favorable prognosis in patients with PMCRC, compared with I-HGP, suggesting that this parameter could ultimately represent a new prognostic biomarker.

A giant parastomal hernia in a high risk patient: preparation to make surgery worthwhile.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia (PH) is a frequent and well-known complication of stoma placement. Most PHs are asymptomatic and those who are not are usually well tolerated by patients. Thus, watchful waiting is a common practice. Nevertheless, this management policy is associated with a risk of complications and with an inevitable risk of hernia enlargement, complicating its subsequent surgery. Moreover, PH can affect body image and alter the quality of life. METHODS: We herein present a complex case of a 67-year-old man with multiple comorbidities, who presented with an uncommon, below knee, giant PH, which was managed in a two-steps surgery by a multidisciplinary team comprising a senior digestive surgeon, experienced in abdominal wall repair, cardiologist, pulmonologist, anesthesiologist, psychiatrist, dietitian and physiotherapist. RESULT: Treatment started with 8 months hygienic measures comprising smoking cessation, strict control of diabetes and hypertension, a strict diet, and a physical fitness and pulmonary rehabilitation program. Two steps surgery started by colostomy transposition along with pre-peritoneal mesh repair to the right side and the second step consisted of a prophylactic PH repair using a Key-hole preperitoneal polypropelene mesh. CONCLUSION: PH is a common and sometimes inevitable complication of stoma creation. The success achieved by operating a heavily morbid patient, is only possible through the combined efforts of the multidisciplinary team and a preoperative rigorous management.

Prognostic Value of Preoperative Serological Biomarkers in Patients Undergoing Curative-Intent Cytoreductive Surgery for Colorectal Cancer Peritoneal Metastases.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal metastases of colorectal cancer (PMCRC) is associated with a high risk of postoperative morbidity, thus making patient selection of upmost importance. Further to data showing an association between preoperative serological biomarkers and patient outcome in various solid tumors, in this study we aim to evaluate their prognostic value in patients with PMCRC treated with curative intent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study including patients with PMCRC treated by complete CRS ± HIPEC at our institution between 2011 and 2020. Preoperative serological biomarkers, along with other standard clinicopathological variables, were studied to determine their prognostic value. RESULTS: A total of 94 out of 108 patients met the inclusion criteria. Forty-three patients (46%) presented with synchronous PM. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 6. On univariate analysis, a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with poor prognosis in terms of overall survival (OS) [cutoff 3.567, hazard ratio (HR) 2.8 (1.4-5.3), p = 0.002], whereas a higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) predicted favorable prognosis in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) [cutoff 185.4, HR 1.9 (1.07-3.53), p = 0.030]. On multivariate analysis, NLR > 3.567, positive lymph nodes (LNs), and PCI > 7 were independent predictive factors for worse OS, whereas NLR > 3.567 and positive LNs were significantly associated with worse DFS. PLR > 185.4 was associated with better DFS. CONCLUSION: High preoperative NLR (> 3.567) and PLR (> 185.4) can predict outcome of patients with PMCRC treated by complete CRS ± HIPEC.

The efficacy of the American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator in the prediction of postoperative complications in oncogeriatric patients after curative surgery for abdominal tumors.

BACKGROUND: The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has developed a Surgical Risk Calculator (SRC) to predict postoperative surgical complications. No studies have reported the performance of the ACS-SRC in oncogeriatric patients. Our objective was to evaluate the predictive performance of the ACS-SRC in these patients, treated with curative surgery for an abdominal malignancy. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 136 patients who underwent elective abdominal oncological surgery, between 2017 and 2019, at our institution. Postoperative complications were classified according to the ACS-SRC, and its predictive performance was analyzed by assessing discrimination and calibration and using receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Discrimination was adequate with AUC of 0.7113 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.062-1.202, p = 0.0001; Brier 0.198) for serious complications and 0.7230 (95% CI: 1.101-1.756, p = 0.0057; Brier 0.099) for pneumonia; and poor for sepsis, surgical site infection (SSI), and urinary tract infection (UTI) with AUCs of 0.6636 (95% CI: 1.016-1.353, p = 0.0299; Brier 0.142), 0.6167 (95% CI: 1.003-1.266, p = 0.0450; Brier 0.175), and 0.6598 (95% CI: 1.069-2.145, p = 0.0195; Brier 0.082), respectively. CONCLUSION: The ACS-SRC is an adequate predictor for serious complications and pneumonia in oncogeriatric patients treated surgically for abdominal cancer. However, the predictive power of the calculator appears to be low for sepsis, UTI, and SSI.

Evaluation of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) tool as a predictor of postoperative complications following major oncological abdominal surgery in geriatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: The concept of frailty extends beyond chronological age. Identifying frailty using a two-step approach, starting with the use of a screening tool (G8) followed by comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), may be useful in guiding treatment decisions and follow-up. This study evaluated the association between G8 and CGA, and the risk of 90-day postoperative complications risk, in oncogeriatric patients. METHODS: Data on geriatric patients with major oncological abdominal surgery was retrospectively collected from our hospital records between 2016 and 2019. Patients with an impaired G8 screening score, who subsequently underwent CGA geriatric screening, were included. Postoperative complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo classification (CD), and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). The association between the individual components of the geriatric assessment tools and the 90-day postoperative complications risk was analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve patients, aged ≥ 70 years, operated for an intra-abdominal tumor with curative intent, were included. Seventy-six patients (67.9%) presented with an impaired G8, out of whom sixty-six (58.9%) had a CGA performed. On univariate analysis, altered nutritional status assessed by the Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form was the only variable associated with higher postoperative total complication rate (p = 0.01). Patients with an impaired G8 had significantly more postoperative complications and higher 1-year mortality rates than patients with normal G8. Fifteen patients (13.4%) had grade III-IVb complications. A CCI > 50 was recorded in 16 patients (14.3%). All-cause 90-day postoperative mortality was 10.7%. CONCLUSION: Identifying an altered preoperative nutritional status, as part of the CGA, in patients screening positive for frailty, is a potentially modifiable risk factor that can enhance preoperative management and optimize treatment decision making. G8 may be a predictive factor for postoperative complications in oncogeriatric patients.

Inferior epigastric artery lymph nodes: A pathway for systemic dissemination from peritoneal carcinomatosis?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We report, for the first time in the literature, a metastatic lymphatic pathway along the inferior epigastric vessels, through the inferior epigastric lymph nodes (IELNs), in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). Interestingly, these lymph nodes (LNs) in the anterior retroperitoneum were not detectable on preoperative imaging. They may, however, represent a pertinent systemic dissemination pathway for PC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In patients undergoing indocyanine green-fluorescence imaging during cytoreductive surgery for PC, an incidental finding of a hyperfluorescent LN, harboring metastatic tumorous cells, around the inferior epigastric artery was made. RESULTS: In three out of five patients with clear fluorescent hotspot, the harvested LN was harboring metastatic cancerous cells. None of these nodes, whether negative or positive, was visible on any preoperative imaging modalities. A protocol to sample, in a systematic manner, the IELN in patients with PC, is currently being devised at our institution. CONCLUSION: These lymphatic nodes basin and channels might reveal to be a potential passage from peritoneal metastasis to the extraperitoneal lymphatic compartment, representing an independent pathway for cancerous cell dissemination. This will bring us to further investigate the prevalence and the prognostic significance of these LNs.