Liver ultrasound: Normal anatomy and pathologic findings.

The goal of this article is to give an overview of intraoperative liver ultrasound, including the indications, different ultrasound techniques, and the ultrasound appearance of normal anatomy, more common anatomic variations, and common hepatic tumors.

Area deprivation and rurality impact overall survival and adjuvant therapy administration in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

BACKGROUND: The impact of neighborhood deprivation on outcomes in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is not well-described and represents an area to improve disparities. METHODS: We retrospectively queried our prospectively maintained database of patients with PDAC (2014-2022). Patients were grouped by Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes. Cox proportional hazards models and logistic regressions were used to investigate effect on overall survival (OS) and adjuvant therapy administration. RESULTS: 536 patients were included. High ADI patients (more disadvantaged, n = 184) were more likely to identify as non-Hispanic Black (17.9% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.01) and were more likely to be from rural areas (49.5% vs. 18.5%, p < 0.01). High ADI was independently associated with decreased OS (HR (95% CI): 1.31 (1.01-1.69), p = 0.04). Urban high ADI patients were 3.5 times more likely to receive adjuvant therapy than rural high ADI patients (OR [95% CI]: 3.48 [1.26-9.61], p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Patients from the most disadvantaged neighborhoods have decreased OS. Access to adjuvant therapy likely contributes to this disparity in rural areas. Investigation into sources of this OS disparity and identification of barriers to adjuvant therapy will be crucial to improve outcomes in underserved patients with PDAC.

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Effects of postoperative fluids beyond the first 24 h.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are no guidelines for intravenous fluid (IVF) administration after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). This study assessed rates of post-CRS/HIPEC morbidity according to perioperative IVF administration. METHODS: All patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC March 2007 to June 2018 were reviewed, recording clinicopathologic, operative, and postoperative variables. Patients were divided by peritoneal cancer index (PCI), comparing IVF volumes and types administered intraoperatively and during the first 72 h postoperatively. Optimal IVF rate cutoffs calculated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves and Youden's index determined associations with complications. RESULTS: Overall, 185 patients underwent CRS/HIPEC, and 81 (51%) had low PCI (<10) and 77 (49%) had high PCI (≥10). In low-PCI patients, high IVF rates on postoperative days (POD) #0-2 were associated with higher overall complications: POD#0 (46% vs. 89%, p = 0.001), POD#1 (40% vs. 86%, p < 0.05), and POD#2 (42% vs. 72%, p < 0.05). High IVF rates were associated with respiratory distress (7% vs. 26%, p = 0.02) on POD#0, ileus (14% vs. 47%, p = 0.007) and intensive care unit stay (11% vs. 33%, p = 0.022) on POD#1, and ICU stay (8% vs. 33%, p = 0.003) on POD#2. CONCLUSIONS: For low PCI patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC, higher IVF rates were associated with postoperative complications. Post-CRS/HIPEC, IVF rates should be limited to prevent morbidity.

Postoperative Proton Pump Inhibitors are associated with a significantly higher rate of delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective in reducing marginal ulcers after pancreatoduodenectomy. However, their impact on perioperative complications has not been defined. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the effect of postoperative PPIs on 90-day perioperative outcomes in all patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy at our institution from April 2017 to December 2020. RESULTS: 284 patients were included; 206 (72.5%) received perioperative PPIs, 78 (27.5%) did not. The two cohorts were similar in demographics and operative variables. Postoperatively, the PPI cohort had significantly higher rates of overall complications (74.3% vs. 53.8%) and delayed gastric emptying (28.6% vs. 11.5%), p < 0.05. However, no differences in infectious complications, postoperative pancreatic fistula, or anastomotic leaks were seen. On multivariate analysis, PPI was independently associated with a higher risk of overall complications (OR 2.46, CI 1.33-4.54) and delayed gastric emptying (OR 2.73, CI 1.26-5.91), p = 0.011. Four patients developed marginal ulcers within 90-days postoperatively; all were in the group who received PPIs. CONCLUSION: Postoperative proton pump inhibitor use was associated with a significantly higher rate of overall complications and delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Preoperative transversus abdominis plane block decreases intraoperative opiate consumption during minimally invasive cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing epidemic of prescription opiate abuse is one of the most pressing health issues in the United States today. Consequently, analgesic adjuncts, such as multimodal drug regimens and regional anesthetic blocks (like transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block), have been introduced to the perioperative period in hopes of decreasing postoperative opiate use. However, the effect of these interventions on intraoperative opiate use has not been examined. We hypothesized that preoperative TAP block would be associated with decreased intraoperative opiate use during minimally invasive cholecystectomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients undergoing minimally invasive cholecystectomy between June 2018 and January 2021. Perioperative data, operative times, and medication administration data were collected. Intraoperative opiate use was calculated in total morphine equivalent doses (MED) for each patient and adjusted for operative time. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression were performed to determine factors affecting intraoperative opiate requirements. RESULTS: 261 patients were included in this study, of which 62 (23.8%) received preoperative TAP block and 199 (76.2%) did not. Preoperative TAP block was associated with decreased intraoperative opiate use (0.199 vs 0.312, p < 0.001), while there were no statistically significant differences associated with other analgesic adjuncts including preoperative acetaminophen (p = 0.485), celecoxib (p = 0.112), gabapentin (p = 0.165), or intraoperative ketorolac (p = 0.200). On multivariate analysis, preoperative TAP block was independently associated with decreased intraoperative opiate use (< 0.001), while chronic cholecystitis on final pathology was associated with increased intraoperative opiate use (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The use of preoperative TAP block was associated with decreased intraoperative opiate use during minimally invasive cholecystectomy and should be considered for routine use. Future research should investigate whether preoperative TAP blocks and a subsequent decrease of intraoperative opiates, also result in a decrease in postoperative opiate use and improvements in postoperative outcomes.

Increased Morbidity and Mortality After Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases in Frail Patients is Largely Driven by Worse Outcomes After Minor Hepatectomy: It's Not "Just a Wedge".

BACKGROUND: Frailty is associated with postoperative mortality, but its significance after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is poorly defined. This study evaluated the impact of frailty after hepatectomy for CRLM. METHODS: The study identified 8477 patients in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases from 2014 to 2019 and stratified them by frailty score using the risk analysis index as very frail (>90th percentile), frail (75th-90th percentile), or non-frail (< 75th percentile). Multivariate regression models determined the impact of frailty on perioperative outcomes, including by the extent of hepatectomy. RESULTS: The procedures performed were 2752 major hepatectomies (left hepatectomy, right hepatectomy, trisectionectomy) and 5725 minor hepatectomies (≤2 segments) for 870 (10.3%) very frail, 1680 (19.8%) frail, and 5927 (69.9%) non-frail patients. Postoperatively, the very frail and frail patients experienced more complications (very frail [41.8%], frail [35.1%], non-frail [31.0%]), which resulted in a longer hospital stay (very-frail [5.7 days], frail [5.8 days], non-frail [5.1 days]), a higher 30-day mortality (very-frail [2.2%], frail [1.3%], non-frail [0.5%]), and more discharges to a facility (very frail [6.8%], frail [3.7%], non-frail [2.6%]) (p < 0.05) although they underwent similarly extensive (major vs. minor) hepatectomies. In the multivariate analysis, frailty was independently associated with complications (very-frail [odds ratio {OR}, 1.70], frail [OR, 1.25]) and 30-day mortality (very-frail [OR, 4.24], frail [OR, 2.41]) (p < 0.05). After minor hepatectomy, the very frail and frail patients had significantly higher rates of complications and 30-day mortality than the non-frail patients, and in the multivariate analysis, frailty was independently associated with complications (very frail [OR, 1.97], frail [OR, 1.27]) and 30-day mortality (very frail [OR, 6.76], frail [OR, 3.47]) (p < 0.05) after minor hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty predicted significantly poorer outcomes after hepatectomy for CRLM, even after only a minor hepatectomy.

Gallbladder Cancer: A Single-Institution 10-Year Experience-Analysis of Adenocarcinoma Subtypes and Tumors Arising from Intracholecystic Papillary Neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer accounts for 1.2% of global cancer diagnoses. Literature on biliary-type adenocarcinoma (BTA), and specifically carcinoma arising from intracholecystic papillary-tubular neoplasms (ICPNs), is limited. This study describes a retrospective, single-institution experience with gallbladder cancer, focusing on histological subtypes and prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent cholecystectomy for a malignant neoplasm of the gallbladder between 2007 and 2017. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and operative variables, as well as survival outcomes, were analyzed. RESULTS: From a total of 145 patients, BTAs were most common (93, 64%). Compared with non-BTAs, BTAs were diagnosed at a lower American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (p = 0.045) and demonstrated longer median recurrence-free survival (38 vs. 16 months, p = 0.014; median follow-up 36 months). Tumors arising from ICPNs (18, 12%) were more commonly associated with BTA (14 cases). Compared with BTAs not associated with ICPNs (29 patients), associated cases demonstrated lower pathologic stage (p = 0.006) and lower rates of liver and perineural invasion (0% vs. 49% and 14% vs. 48%, respectively; p < 0.05). Cumulative 5-year survival probability was higher for patients with gallbladder neoplasm of any subtype associated with ICPNs compared with those that were not associated with ICPNs (54% vs. 41%, p = 0.019; median follow-up 23 months). This difference was also significant when comparing BTAs associated with ICPNs and non-associated cases (63% vs. 52%, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated unique pathological and prognostic features of BTAs and of carcinomas arising from ICPNs. Histopathological variance may implicate prognosis and may be used to better guide clinical decision making in the treatment of these patients.

Preoperative transversus abdominis plane block decreases intraoperative opiate use during pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal analgesia and regional anesthetic blocks, such as transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, decrease postoperative opiate consumption but their effect on intraoperative opiates is unknown. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy between June 2018 and February 2021, in which perioperative data, operative times, and medication administration data were collected. Intraoperative opiate use was calculated in total morphine equivalent doses (MED) for each patient and adjusted for operative time. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression were performed to determine factors affecting intraoperative opiate requirements. RESULTS: Of the 169 patients in the study, 51 (30.2%) received pre-surgical TAP blocks and 118 (69.8%) did not. There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative opiate use with preoperative acetaminophen (p = 0.527), celecoxib (p = 0.553), gabapentin (p = 0.308), intraoperative ketorolac (p = 0.698) or epidural placement (p = 0.086). Minimally invasive surgery had lower intraoperative opiate use compared to open (p = 0.011), as well as pre-surgical TAP block compared to no pre-surgical block (5.24 vs 7.27 MED/hour, p < 0.001). On multivariate linear regression, pre-surgical TAP block (p = 0.001) was independently associated with decreased intraoperative opiate use. CONCLUSION: Preoperative TAP blocks were associated with decreased intraoperative opiate use during pancreatoduodenectomy and should be considered for routine use.

Whirlpool No More: A Case of Misdiagnosed Malrotation with Midgut Volvulus.

INTRODUCTION: Adult intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus is rare and most often diagnosed on abdominal imaging. Once the diagnosis is made, prompt surgical intervention is necessary. A finding suggestive of malrotation with midgut volvulus on abdominal imaging is the "whirlpool" sign where the superior mesenteric vein and superior mesenteric artery twist at the root of the abdominal mesentery. This sign was once thought to be pathognomonic, but recent studies have shown that it can be seen in asymptomatic patients. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old female presented to our emergency department with diffuse abdominal pain. Computed tomography demonstrated the "whirlpool" sign with a concern for malrotation with midgut volvulus. Surgical consultation was obtained and the patient was rushed to the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy. Normal mesenteric attachments were seen and no significant pathology was identified during the laparotomy. The patient was eventually diagnosed with gastritis and discharged in stable condition. CONCLUSION: Emergency physicians and surgeons alike should be cautious in confirming malrotation with midgut volvulus solely due to the "whirlpool" sign on abdominal imaging. Premature diagnostic closure can lead to unnecessary procedures and interventions for patients as in the case we report here.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy Is Not Guided by Pathologic Treatment Effect After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, there is no guidance for optimal adjuvant chemotherapy selection after pancreatectomy with a partial or poor response to neoadjuvant therapy. This study seeks to describe an institution's practice patterns of adjuvant chemotherapy selection after neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: Patients at a single institution receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer were reviewed. Patients enrolled in trials or without follow-up were excluded. Types of chemotherapy, the College of American Pathologists pathologic tumor response, and medical oncology plans were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-one patients met inclusion criteria. Pathologic review of treatment effect demonstrated that 3 patients (7.3%) had complete pathologic response, 3 (7.3%) had near complete pathologic response, 16 (39%) had partial response, and 14 (34.1%) had poor/no response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Fourteen of the 30 patients with partial or poor response (46.7%) received an alternate adjuvant regimen. Pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy specifically guided therapy in 11 (30.5%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite 73.1% of patients with partial or poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, only 46.7% received a different adjuvant regimen. Medical oncologists infrequently considered treatment effect when choosing adjuvant therapy. Pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be considered when selecting adjuvant chemotherapy.

Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio predicts survival after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Aim: Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) predicts overall survival (OS) in patients with colorectal cancer. We explored LMR in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). Materials & methods: We identified all patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for colorectal or appendiceal adenocarcinoma at our institution. We analyzed LMR's relationship with clinicopathologic variables with Kaplan-Meier log-rank survival analyses and multivariable Cox regression models with 5-year OS. Results: Two hundred and sixteen patients underwent CRS/HIPEC. Five-year OS for low LMR (≤3.71) was 35.2 versus 60.4% for elevated LMR (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-3.5; p = 0.02). On multivariable Cox-regression, elevated LMR was significantly associated with OS (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: LMR is an independent predictor of OS in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for colorectal and appendiceal adenocarcinoma.

The role of molecular biomarkers in outcomes and patient selection for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is effective in select patients with peritoneal metastases of colorectal (CRC) origin. The impact of different biomarkers in predicting recurrence after CRS/HIPEC is unclear. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC for PC of CRC origin from 03/2007-08/2017. Molecular profile of the primary tumor was obtained from pathology reports, whenever available. RESULTS: Overall, 100 patients underwent CRS/HIPEC for peritoneal metastases of CRC origin. Most patients presented high grade tumor histology (G2/G3, n = 97, 97%), and a majority showed mucinous features (n = 61, 61%). At a median follow-up of 18 months, median DFS for the overall population was 13 months (95% CI 9.6, 16.4). Data reporting at least one mutational analysis was available in 64 patients. Microsatellite stability was detected in 42/50 (84%) patients, mKRAS in 25/51 (49%), and mBRAF in 5/35 (14.3%). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, BRAF was the only mutation associated with poor DFS (16 months, CI 95% 11.7-43.3 vs. 7 months, CI 95% 2.1-11.9, p = .008). On multivariate analysis, mBRAF independently predicted earlier recurrence (p = .032). CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis, mBRAF was independently associated with earlier recurrence in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for CRC, leading to dismal median DFS (7 months). Strict patient selection is advisable in these patients.

The significance of anatomic tumor location in gallbladder cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Current management guidelines recognize the impact of hepatic versus peritoneal sided gallbladder cancers (GBC) on survival. However, no data exist regarding the significance of anatomic tumor location within the gallbladder. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all GBC that underwent surgical resection with curative intent in our health system from 2007 to 2017. We evaluated the effect of anatomic pathologic tumor location (fundus/body, neck, and multifocal) on clinicopathologic, perioperative, and oncologic outcomes. RESULTS: About 97 patients met criteria; 63% fundus/body, 22% multifocal, and 15% neck. Compared with fundus/body, neck tumors more frequently presented with preoperative jaundice (53% vs. 13%, p < .001), were smaller (20 mm vs. 30 mm, p = .068) and had significantly more biliary tree invasion (33% vs. 13%, p = .030) on histopathology. Although tumor characteristics (pTNM stage, liver invasion, lymphovascular invasion, prognostic nutritional index, and grade) were similar, neck tumors had significantly higher rates of R0 resection (53% vs. 11%, p < .001). Rates of adjuvant therapy were similar. Median PFS was similar between cohorts (p = .356). However, median overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter in neck (21 months) than fundus/body tumors (NR > 109 months), p = .015. CONCLUSIONS: Neck tumors were rare, small and more likely to result in jaundice secondary to biliary tree invasion. Despite higher R0 resection rates, these tumors had significantly worse OS.

Adeno-squamous and squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder: The importance of histology in surgical management.

BACKGROUND: Although gallbladder adenocarcinoma (AC) is potentially curable with resection, outcomes of squamous histologies are poorly described. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all gallbladder cancers which underwent resection-for-cure in our health system from 2007 to 2017. We compared outcomes of AC to adeno-squamous (ASC)/squamous (SC) histologies. RESULTS: 91 patients met criteria; 76 AC, 15 ASC/SC. Compared to AC, ASC/SC tumors were larger (58 vs. 28 mm), with more frequent liver invasion (73% vs. 37%), pN+ (60% vs. 32%), higher stage (III/IV 73% vs. 52%), and displayed more LVI (60% vs. 36%), p < 0.05. For stage III/IV disease, provided R0 was achieved, survival was durable and similar for ASC/SC and AC (OS median 28mo ASC/SC vs. 25mo AC, p = 0.132; PFS median 21mo ASC/SC vs. 13mo AC, p = 0.206). Pure SC had considerably poorer median OS (<5mo) than ASC (23mo) and AC (28mo). DISCUSSION: Squamous variants of gallbladder cancer confer aggressive and advanced disease and often require more radical resections to achieve R0. Durable survival is possible in ASC provided R0 is achieved. Pure SC has dismal survival even with R0 resection.

Perforated jejunal diverticulitis: a rare but important differential in the acute abdomen.

BACKGROUND: Diverticulosis of the small bowel is rare and, in most cases, discovered incidentally. However, diverticulitis and other complications are important to consider in the differential of an acute abdomen, especially in the elderly population. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 59-year-old female who presented with acute lower abdominal pain progressing to peritonitis. Computed tomography scan showed a large inflamed and perforated diverticulum on the mesenteric side of the jejunum. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a dilated proximal jejunum with a 5-cm inflamed and perforated mesenteric diverticulum. A small bowel resection with primary anastomosis was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Jejunal diverticulitis remains a diagnostic challenge. Although uncommon, owing to its high mortality rate, it is an important clinical entity to consider and requires timely management.

The importance of primary tumor origin in gastrointestinal malignancies undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal and colorectal cancers with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) can derive benefit from cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). However, its role in gastric and small bowel malignancies remains undefined. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 251 gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas with PC which underwent CRS/HIPEC at our institution from 2007 to 2017. We compared outcomes of gastric, small bowel, appendiceal, and colorectal cohorts. RESULTS: Thirty-one gastric, 8 small bowel, 91 appendiceal, and 121 colorectal cohorts were included. More gastric cancers (90%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy than any other cohort, p = 0.002. Although colorectal had the lowest peritoneal cancer index (PCI) (9) and appendiceal the highest (16), all cohorts underwent similar rates of organ resection and complete cytoreduction. Length of stay (p = 0.005) and major perioperative morbidity (Clavien III/IV, p = 0.011) were significantly higher in gastric and small bowel. Median overall survival (OS, p < 0.001) was significantly shorter in gastric (13 months) and small bowel (9 months) than in appendiceal (33 months) and colorectal (42 months) cohorts. On multivariate analysis, complete cytoreduction and PCI score were significant predictors of OS, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Primary tumor origin significantly affects outcomes after CRS/HIPEC for gastrointestinal malignancies. Though there was a survival benefit in appendiceal and colorectal, gastric and small bowel survival was comparable to systemic chemotherapy.