Centralisation for resection of the pancreatic head: A comparison of operative factors and early outcomes during the evolving unit and tertiary unit phases at a UK institution.

AIMS: To assess impact of centralisation on patients undergoing pancreatic head resections at a tertiary hepatobiliary (HPB) centre in the UK. METHODS: Data were analysed from a prospectively maintained database from 1998 to 2014 on all patients undergoing pancreatic head resections. Two specific time periods were defined; these were the evolving unit phase (EU) from 1998 to 2009 and finally the established tertiary unit phase (TU) from 2010 to 2014. Peri-operative factors and post-operative outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: 395 resections were undertaken during the study period. Following establishment of our tertiary HPB unit, the volume of resections undertaken increased greater than three-fold with an associated increase in case-complexity (p = 0.004). Operating time was found to increase in the TU phase compared with EU phase (p=>0.0005) whilst there was no significant difference in the rate of peri-operative transfusion, or in post-operative morbidity rates. There was a significant reduction in the post-operative length of stay in the TU phase (p = 0.003) with a significantly higher proportion of patients being discharged within 9 days of their procedure (p=<0.0005). There was also a significant reduction in 30-day post-operative mortality in the TU phase (0.5%) compared with the EU phase (3%) (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Data from our series of 395 cases suggests that centralisation of pancreatic cancer services to a tertiary centre does result in improved patient outcomes. The benefits of a multi-disciplinary and specialist HPB service results in a high volume, high quality unit with improved patient outcomes.

Brunner's gland hamartoma: a cause of the double-duct sign.

Introduction Brunner's glands are submucosal glands found in the duodenum. Proliferation of these glands can lead to the formation of Brunner's gland hamartomas (BGHs), which are uncommon, asymptomatic and usually found incidentally. They are predominantly benign lesions, but instances of malignant transformation have been reported. Case History We describe a rare case in which a periampullary lesion was causing biliary obstruction on a background of weight loss, and was associated with dilatation of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Further investigation with endoscopic ultrasound and biopsy did not provide a definitive diagnosis. Given the symptoms and findings upon investigations, we proceeded to pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Conclusions This was a rare case in which BGH gave rise to biliary obstruction against a background of weight loss. Due to a high index of suspicion (weight loss and evidence of dilatation of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct), this procedure was justified because the consequences of a missed periampullary cancer far outweighed surgical risks.

Acute afferent loop syndrome in the early postoperative period following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) is a recognised complication of foregut surgery caused by mechanical obstruction at the gastrojejunostomy anastomosis itself or at a point nearby. Acute ALS has only been reported following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) after several years due to recurrence of malignancy at the anastomotic site. We report five cases of acute ALS in the first postoperative week. METHODS: The presentation, clinical findings and successful management of the 5 patients with ALS were obtained from a prospectively collected database of 300 PDs. All five patients with early acute ALS presented with signs and symptoms of a bile leak. Since the fifth patient, the surgical technique has been modified with the creation of a larger window in the transverse mesocolon and a Braun enteroenterostomy. RESULTS: There have been no further incidents of ALS since the adoption of these modifications to the standard technique of PD and there has also been a reduction in postoperative bile leaks (6.4% vs 3.6%, p=0.416). CONCLUSIONS: Acute ALS is a rare but important complication in the immediate postoperative period following PD and causes disruption to adjacent anastomoses, resulting in a bile leak. A prophylactic Braun anastomosis and wide mesocolic window may prevent this complication and subsequent deterioration.

The two-port laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach for minimal access pancreatic necrosectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Despite advances in surgery and critical care, severe pancreatitis continues to be associated with a high rate of mortality, which is increased significantly in the presence of infected pancreatic necrosis. Controversy persists around the optimal treatment for such cases, with specialist units variously advocating open necrosectomy, simple percutaneous drainage or one of several minimal access approaches. We describe our technique and outcomes with a two-port laparoscopic retroperitoneal necrosectomy (2P-LRN). METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients with proven infected pancreatic necrosis were treated by 2P-LRN over a three-year period in the setting of a specialist hepatopancreatobiliary unit. The median patient age was 46 years (range: 28-87 years) and 10 of the patients were male. RESULTS: The median number of procedures required to clear the necrosis was 2 (range: 1-5), with a median time to discharge following the procedure of 44 days (range: 10-135 days). There was no 90-day mortality and the morbidity rate was 38%, consisting of pancreatic fistula (31%) and bleeding (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Two-port laparoscopic retroperitoneal necrosectomy has been demonstrated to confer similar or better outcomes to other techniques for necrosectomy. It carries the additional advantages of better visualisation, leading to fewer procedures and the opportunity to deploy simple laparoscopic instruments such as diathermy or haemostatic clips.

Liver metastases from esophageal carcinoma: is there a role for surgical resection?

Esophageal cancer recurrence rates after esophagectomy are high, and locally recurrent or distant metastatic disease has poor prognosis. Management is limited to palliative chemotherapy and symptomatic interventions. We report our experience of four patients who have undergone successful liver resection for metastases from esophageal cancer. All underwent esophagectomy and were referred to our unit with metastatic recurrent liver disease, two with solitary metastases and two with multi-focal disease. The patients underwent multidisciplinary assessment and proceeded to a course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by open or laparoscopic liver resection. Three patients were male, and the mean age was 57.5 (range 44-71) years. Response to chemotherapy ranged from partial to complete response. Following liver resection, two patients developed recurrent disease at 5 and 15 months, and both had disease-specific mortality at 10 and 21 months, respectively. The other two patients remain disease free at 22 and 92 months. Recurrent metastatic esophageal cancer continues to have a poor prognosis, and the majority of patients with liver involvement will not be candidates for hepatic resection. However, this series suggests that in selected patients, liver resection of metastases from esophageal cancer combined with neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy is feasible, but further research is required to determine whether this can offer a survival advantage.

Randomized clinical trial on enhanced recovery versus standard care following open liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) have been shown to reduce length of hospital stay (LOS) and complications in colorectal surgery. Whether ERPs have the same benefits in open liver resection surgery is unclear, and randomized clinical trials are lacking. METHODS: Consecutive patients scheduled for open liver resection were randomized to an ERP group or standard care. Primary endpoints were time until medically fit for discharge (MFD) and LOS. Secondary endpoints were postoperative morbidity, pain scores, readmission rate, mortality, quality of life (QoL) and patient satisfaction. ERP elements included greater preoperative education, preoperative oral carbohydrate loading, postoperative goal-directed fluid therapy, early mobilization and physiotherapy. Both groups received standardized anaesthesia with epidural analgesia. RESULTS: The analysis included 46 patients in the ERP group and 45 in the standard care group. Median MFD time was reduced in the ERP group (3 days versus 6 days with standard care; P < 0·001), as was LOS (4 days versus 7 days; P < 0·001). The ERP significantly reduced the rate of medical complications (7 versus 27 per cent; P = 0·020), but not surgical complications (15 versus 11 per cent; P = 0·612), readmissions (4 versus 0 per cent; P = 0·153) or mortality (both 2 per cent; P = 0·987). QoL over 28 days was significantly better in the ERP group (P = 0·002). There was no difference in patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: ERPs for open liver resection surgery are safe and effective. Patients treated in the ERP recovered faster, were discharged sooner, and had fewer medical-related complications and improved QoL. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN03274575 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Routine on-table cholangiography during cholecystectomy: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this review was to systemically analyse trials evaluating the efficacy of routine on-table cholangiography (R-OTC) versus no on-table cholangiography (N-OTC) in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. METHODS: Randomised trials evaluating R-OTC versus N-OTC in patients undergoing cholecystectomy were selected and analysed. RESULTS: Four trials (1 randomised controlled trial on open cholecystectomy and 3 on laparoscopic cholecystectomy) encompassing 860 patients undergoing cholecystectomy with and without R-OTC were retrieved. There were 427 patients in the R-OTC group and 433 patients in the N-OTC group. There was no significant heterogeneity among trials. Therefore, in the fixed effects model, N-OTC did not increase the risk (p=0.53) of common bile duct (CBD) injury, and it was associated with shorter operative time (p<0.00001) and fewer peri-operative complications (p<0.04). R-OTC was superior in terms of peri-operative CBD stone detection (p<0.006) and it reduced readmission (p<0.03) for retained CBD stones. CONCLUSIONS: N-OTC is associated with shorter operative time and fewer peri-operative complications, and it is comparable to R-OTC in terms of CBD injury risk during cholecystectomy. R-OTC is helpful for peri-operative CBD stone detection and there is therefore reduced readmission for retained CBD stones. The N-OTC approach may be adopted routinely for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy providing there are no clinical, biochemical or radiological features suggestive of CBD stones. However, a major multicentre randomised controlled trial is required to validate this conclusion.

Appearances of colorectal hepatic metastases at diffusion-weighted MRI compared with histopathology: initial observations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the appearances of colorectal liver metastases on diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) and to compare these appearances with histopathology. METHODS: 43 patients with colorectal liver metastases were evaluated using breath-hold DW-MRI (b-values 0, 150 and 500 s mm(-2)). The b=500 s mm(-2) DW-MRI were reviewed consensually for lesion size and appearance by two readers. 18/43 patients underwent surgery allowing radiological-pathological comparison. Tissue sections were reviewed by a pathologist, who classified metastases histologically as cellular, fibrotic, necrotic or mixed. The frequency of DW-MRI findings and histological features were compared using the χ(2) test. RESULTS: 84 metastases were found in 43 patients. On b=500 s mm(-2) DW-MRI, metastases showed three high signal intensity patterns: rim (55/84), uniform (23/84) and variegate (6/84). Of the 55 metastases showing rim pattern, 54 were >1 cm in diameter (p<0.01, χ(2) test). 25/84 metastases were surgically resected. Of these, 11/22 metastases >1 cm in diameter showed rim pattern and demonstrated central necrosis at histopathology (p=0.04, χ(2) test). No definite relationship was found between uniform and variegate patterns with histology. CONCLUSION: Rim high signal intensity was the most common appearance of colorectal liver metastases >1 cm diameter on DW-MRI at b-values of 500 s mm(-2), a finding attributable to central necrosis.

Liver resection for colorectal cancer metastases involving the caudate lobe.

BACKGROUND: Up to 5 per cent of liver resections for colorectal cancer metastases involve the caudate lobe, with cancer-involved resection margins of over 50 per cent being reported following caudate lobe resection. METHODS: Outcomes of consecutive liver resections for colorectal metastases involving the caudate lobe between 1996 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively, and compared with those after liver surgery without caudate resection. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent caudate and 432 non-caudate liver resection. Caudate resection was commonly performed as part of extended resection. There were no differences in operative complications (24 versus 21·1 per cent; P = 0·727) or blood loss (median 300 versus 250 ml; P = 0·234). The operating time was longer for caudate resection (median 283 versus 227 min; P = 0·024). Tumour size was larger in the caudate group (median 40 versus 27 mm; P = 0·018). Resection margins were smaller when the caudate lobe was involved by tumour, than in resections including tumour-free caudate or non-caudate resection; however, there was no difference in the proportion of completely excised tumours between caudate and non-caudate resections (96 versus 96·1 per cent; P = 0·990). One-year overall survival rates were 90 and 89·3 per cent respectively (P = 0·960), with 1-year recurrence-free survival rates of 62 and 71·2 per cent (P = 0·340). CONCLUSION: Caudate lobe surgery for colorectal cancer liver metastases does not increase the incidence of resection margin involvement, although when the caudate lobe contains metastases the margins are significantly closer than in other resections.

Liver resection for metastases arising from recurrent granulosa cell tumour of the ovary--a case series.

Ovarian granulosa cell tumours (GCT) occur rarely and represent 2-3% of all ovarian tumours. Regarded as tumours with low malignant potential and renowned for late recurrences, these tumours occasionally metastasize to the liver. We present our experience with three patients who underwent secondary cytoreductive surgery including liver resection for recurrence of the disease resulting in greatly improved quality of life and disease-free interval.

Defining patient outcomes in stage IV colorectal cancer: a prospective study with baseline stratification according to disease resectability status.

BACKGROUND: Stage IV colorectal cancer encompasses a broad patient population in which both curative and palliative management strategies may be used. In a phase II study primarily designed to assess the efficacy of capecitabine and oxaliplatin, we were able to prospectively examine the outcomes of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer according to the baseline resectability status. METHODS: At enrolment, patients were stratified into three subgroups according to the resectability of liver disease and treatment intent: palliative chemotherapy (subgroup A), conversion therapy (subgroup B) or neoadjuvant therapy (subgroup C). All patients received chemotherapy with capecitabine 2000 mg m(-2) on days 1-14 and oxaliplatin 130 mg m(-2) on day 1 repeated every 3 weeks. Imaging was repeated every four cycles where feasible liver resection was undertaken after four or eight cycles of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Of 128 enrolled patients, 74, 22 and 32 were stratified into subgroups A, B and C, respectively. Attempt at curative liver resection was undertaken in 10 (45%) patients in subgroup B and 19 (59%) in subgroup C. The median overall survival was 14.6, 24.5 and 52.9 months in subgroups A, B and C, respectively. For patients in subgroups B and C who underwent an attempt at curative resection, 3-year progression-free survival was 10% in subgroup B and 37% for subgroup C. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study shows the wide variation in outcome according to baseline resectability status and highlights the potential clinical value of a modified staging system to distinguish between these patient subgroups.

'Close shave' in liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal size of clear liver resection margin width in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of margin width on long-term survival after liver resection for CRLM with a policy of standard neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n=238) who underwent liver resection for CRLM were included over a ten-year period. All patients with synchronous or early (<2 years) metachronous tumours were treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Data were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Overall survival of the cohort at 1, 3 and 5 years were 90.3%, 68.1% and 56.1% respectively. The incidence of cancer involved resection margins (CIRM) was 5.8%. Patients with macroscopically involved resection margins had a poorer overall survival than those with microscopically involved margins (p=0.04). Involved resection margins had a poorer overall survival (p=0.002) than patients with clear margins. Width of clear resection margin did not affect long-term survival. CONCLUSION: CIRM independently predicts poor outcome in patients with CRLM. Clear margin width does not affect survival. A standard policy of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy may be associated with a low incidence of CIRM and improved long-term outcome of sub-centimetre margin widths, resembling those with >1cm resection margins.

Mesh erosion into the urinary bladder following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair; is this the tip of the iceberg?

A 67-year-old man presented with recurrent sepsis, groin swelling, and lower urinary tract symptoms 12 years after bilateral TEP inguinal hernia repair. Diagnosis of mesh migration and erosion into the urinary bladder was made by cystoscopy. Exploration of the groin confirmed Prolene mesh erosion into the lateral wall of the urinary bladder. This is the second reported case following TEP repair. A review of the literature reveals eight reported cases following laparoscopic repair since 1994. The factors contributing to mesh migration and erosion are discussed. With large case series of mesh non-fixation being reported in world literature, it may be that the incidence of this complication will increase in the future. A lower diagnostic threshold and reporting of this complication should be encouraged.

Survival and recurrence after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and liver resection for colorectal metastases: a ten year study.

BACKGROUND: Currently liver resection offers the only potential cure for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). We prospectively audited the outcome of CRLM treated by a combination of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. METHODS: 283 consecutive patients underwent liver resection for CRLM over 10 years with curative intent. Patients received chemotherapy preoperatively for synchronous and early (< 2 years) metachronous metastases. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify mortality risk factors. RESULTS: Overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 90%, 59.2% and 46.1%, respectively. Disease free survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 68.1%, 34.8% and 27.9%, respectively. Operative mortality was 2.1% and morbidity was 23.7%. Patients with macroscopic diaphragm invasion by tumour, CEA > 100 ng/ml, tumour size > 5 cm or cancer involved resection margins (CIRM) had a significantly worse overall survival. Incidence of CIRM and re-resection was 4.9% and 4.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by liver surgery is associated with improved survival and low CIRM and re-resection rates.

A 10-year study of outcome following hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases - The effect of evaluation in a multidisciplinary team setting.

AIMS: Colorectal carcinoma is the second most common cause of cancer death in the western world and nearly 50% of patients develop liver metastases. Many cancers are managed via a multidisciplinary team process. This study compares the long term outcome of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer referred via a multidisciplinary team including a liver surgeon (MDT) with those referred directly to a specialist hepatobiliary unit. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This is a prospective study of 331 consecutive referrals made to a specialist hepatobiliary unit over ten years out of which 108 patients were referred via a colorectal MDT which included a liver surgeon and 223 were directly referred via colorectal MDTs without a liver surgeon. Pre-operative assessment and management were standardised and short and long term data were recorded. RESULTS: Patients referred via the MDT had 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 89.6%, 67.5% and 49.9% respectively and 1-, 3- and 5-year disease-free survival of 65.4%, 31% and 27.2% respectively. Patients referred directly had 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of 90.3%, 54.1% and 43.3% respectively and 1-, 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates of 70.3%, 37.6% and 27.9% respectively. The difference in overall survival was significant (P=0.0001), although the difference in disease-free survival was not (P=0.21). CONCLUSION: Assessing, managing and referring patients with metastatic colorectal cancer via a multidisciplinary team including a liver surgeon is associated with improved overall survival.

A comparison of right and extended right hepatectomy with all other hepatic resections for colorectal liver metastases: a ten-year study.

AIMS: Colorectal liver metastases are treated by a combination of adjuvant chemotherapy followed by liver resection. In this study we compared all major right-sided resections with left or parenchymal sparing resections. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n=283) who had successful hepatic resections for colorectal metastases from September 1996 to November 2006 were prospectively studied. Early and late outcomes of those who had right and extended right hepatectomies (RH) were compared with those who had all other types of liver resection (AOLR). Adjuvant therapy and pre-operative assessment were standardised for all. RESULTS: The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates in the RH group were 84.1%, 54.3% and 38.9%, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates in the AOLR group were 95.4%, 65.9% and 53.3%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.03). The 1-, 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates in the RH group were 69.5%, 34.4% and 25.5%, respectively and 68.4%, 34.91% and 34.91%, respectively in the AOLR group (p=0.46). Operative mortality was 3.9% in the RH group and 0.7% in the AOLR group (p=0.04). Morbidity was 31.3% in the RH group and 18% in the AOLR group. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing right and extended right hepatectomies for colorectal metastases have a greater operative morbidity and mortality and have a significantly worse overall survival compared to all other liver resections for the same disease.

Reduced adhesion formation following laparoscopic versus open colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Adhesion formation is common after abdominal surgery. This study aimed to compare the extent of adhesion formation following laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery. METHODS: An observational study was undertaken to identify adhesions in patients undergoing laparoscopy after previous laparoscopic or open colectomy. Adhesions were scored according to a system validated for interobserver (median kappa = 0.80) and intraobserver (kappa = 0.82) agreement. The primary endpoint was the overall adhesion score (0-10); a secondary endpoint was the adhesion score at the main incision site (0-6). RESULTS: Forty-six patients were recruited (13 laparoscopic and 33 open colectomy). In most patients (n = 29), laparoscopy was performed for tumour staging before liver resection. The median (interquartile range) overall adhesion score was 7 (5-8) in the open group and 0 (0-3) in the laparoscopic group (P < 0.001). A similar difference was found for the main incision score: 6 (4-6) versus 0 (0-0) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There may be a reduction in adhesion formation following laparoscopic compared with open colectomy, although the small sample size limits this conclusion.