Liver metastases of colorectal adenocarcinoma with intrahepatic biliary spread pattern: clinical manifestation and importance of immunohistochemical analysis.

Liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma (LMCC) with macroscopic intrabiliary ductal involvement are a rare entity that can clinically and radiologically mimic a cholangiocarcinoma. However, a thorough anatomopathologic and immunohistochemical study of biliary ductal involvement is required because of its distinctive clinical features and relatively indolent biological behavior, reflecting a better prognosis and long-term survival. We present the case of a patient who debuted with LMCC with intrahepatic biliary ductal involvement, whose definitive diagnosis was established by immunohistochemical analysis, showing a characteristic CK7 - /CK20 + pattern.

Two stage hepatectomy (TSH) versus ALPPS for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although numerous comparisons between conventional Two Stage Hepatectomy (TSH) and Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) have been reported, the heterogeneity of malignancies previously compared represents an important source of selection bias. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes between TSH and ALPPS to treat patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). METHODS: Main electronic databases were searched using medical subject headings for CRLM surgically treated with TSH or ALPPS. Patients treated for primary or secondary liver malignancies other than CRLM were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 335 patients from 5 studies were included. Postoperative major complications were higher in the ALPPS group (relative risk [RR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-2.06, I2 = 0%), while no differences were observed in terms of perioperative mortality (RR 1.53, 95% CI 0.64-3.62, I2 = 0%). ALPPS was associated with higher completion of hepatectomy rates (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.09-1.61, I2 = 85%), as well as R0 resection rates (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.13-2.30, I2 = 40%). Nevertheless, no significant differences were achieved between groups in terms of overall survival (OS) (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.68-1.27, I2 = 52%) and disease-free survival (DFS) (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.47-2.49, I2 = 54%), respectively. CONCLUSION: ALPPS and TSH to treat CRLM seem to have comparable operative risks in terms of mortality rates. No definitive conclusions regarding OS and DFS can be drawn from the results.

Outcomes of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols Versus Conventional Management in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways focus on decreasing surgical stress and promoting return to normal function for patients undergoing surgical procedures. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of an ERAS protocol on outcomes of patients undergoing primary sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), and management of postoperative pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) measured by pain medications and antiemetic use, respectively. Incidence of 90-day emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and complications were also analyzed. Methods: A retrospective review was performed from October 1, 2016 to October 31, 2018 of patients enrolled in the ERAS versus the conventional pathway. Patient baseline characteristics, pain and nausea scores, LOS, and postoperative outcome variables were collected. Results: Non-ERAS (n = 193) and ERAS (n = 173) groups had similar patient characteristics. Fewer ERAS patients required postoperative opioids and antiemetics (P < .01), with a significant difference in postoperative nausea control in favor of ERAS patients (P < .05). There was a decreasing trend in median LOS (2 versus 1, P = .28), 90-day postoperative readmissions (10.4% versus 8.1%, P = .47), and major adverse events (5.2% versus 1.7%, P = .07) after ERAS implementation. The ED visits and postoperative need for intravenous fluid for dehydration were significantly lower in the ERAS group (P = .01). Conclusion: Implementation of ERAS pathway for bariatric surgery was associated with less opioid usage, PONV, ED visits, and postoperative need for intravenous fluids, without increasing LOS, 90-day readmission or rates of adverse effects.

Prognostic models for stage I-III esophageal cancer: a comparison between existing calculators.

BACKGROUND: Determining the best approach for esophageal cancer and predicting accurate prognosis are critical. Multiple studies evaluated characteristics associated with overall survival, and several prediction models have been developed. This study aimed to evaluate existing models and perform external validation of selected models. METHODS: A retrospective investigation of a multi-site institutional enterprise for patients with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer between 2013-2014 was performed. Selected survival prediction models included the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC) calculator, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) calculator, and two nomograms published by Shapiro et al. and Sun et al. One-year overall survival, level of agreement, and performance for each model were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included and used to assess the prediction models. One-year overall survival was 0.76. Different calculators tended to rank patients similarly; however, they did not agree on predicted overall survival. The least disparity in correlation was observed between OHSU and Shapiro calculators. Shapiro's model achieved the highest performance [area under the curve (AUC) =0.63]. CONCLUSIONS: Selected models showed fair results in estimating individual overall survival, although none achieved a high performance. While these tools may support the decision-making process for esophageal cancer patients, their implementation in clinical practice requires improved refinement to optimize their clinical utility.

Complete Mesocolic Excision and D3 Lymphadenectomy versus Conventional Colectomy for Colon Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUNDS: Previous systematic reviews suggest that the implementation of 'complete mesocolon excision' (CME) for colon tumors entails better specimen quality but with limited long-term outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the pathological, perioperative, and oncological results of CME with conventional surgery (CS) in primary colon cancer. METHODS: Embase, MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases were searched using Medical Subject Headings for CME and D3 lymphadenectomy. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 18,989 patients from 27 studies were included. Postoperative complications were higher in the CME group (relative risk [RR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.22, I2 = 0%), while no differences were observed in terms of anastomotic leak (I2 = 0%) or perioperative mortality (I2 = 49%). CME was associated with a higher number of lymph nodes harvested (I2 = 95%), distance to high tie (I2 = 65%), bowel length (I2 = 0%), and mesentery area (I2 = 95%). CME also had positive effects on 3- and 5-year overall survival (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15, I2 = 88%; and RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08, I2 = 62%, respectively) and 3-year disease-free survival (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.17, I2 = 22%), as well as decreased local (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.24-0.51, I2 = 51%) and distant recurrences (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60-0.85, I2 = 34%). CONCLUSIONS: Limited evidence suggests that CME improves oncological outcomes with a higher postoperative adverse events rate but no increase in anastomotic leak rate or perioperative mortality, compared with CS.

Prognostic Significance of Complete Pathologic Response Obtained with Chemotherapy Versus Chemoradiotherapy in Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared the survival advantage of complete pathologic response (cPR) achieved through neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) versus neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in gastric adenocarcinoma. Our study utilizes a large national cancer database to address this question. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients with clinical stage I to III gastric adenocarcinoma from 2004 to 2013 who received nCT or nCRT. Patients who achieved cPR were selected. Associations were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests. Survival information was summarized using standard Kaplan-Meier methods, where estimates of the median and 5-year survival rates were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 413 patients who had cPR were identified. Eighty-four patients received nCT and 329 patients received nCRT. Patients in the nCRT group had higher clinical stage (88.4% vs. 75.0%) and more proximal location of tumors (95.4% vs. 45.2%). The nCT group (n = 84) had a 94% 5-year survival rate, while the nCRT group's (n = 329) rate was 60% (p < 0.001). On Cox regression modeling using a propensity-weighted approach, nCT treatment was an independent predictor of improved overall survival (nCRT vs. nCT; HR 10.44, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of nCT leads to a significant increase in overall survival in patients when compared with nCRT for those who achieved cPR in gastric adenocarcinoma. While this study is limited in identifying the cause for this difference in overall survival, this important finding nonetheless requires further investigation and should be considered in the development of future gastric cancer trials.

Linfografía como opción diagnóstica y terapéutica en la fuga quilosa posoperatoria de cáncer colorrectal.

La fuga quilosa es una complicación muy poco frecuente tras la cirugía colorrectal. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 70 años con neoplasia de recto medio intervenido de forma electiva tras un ciclo largo de neoadyuvancia mediante una resección anterior de recto por laparoscopia. El cuarto día de posoperatorio presentó un drenaje pélvico de aspecto quiloso y el día 13 se confirmó la fuga quilosa en la linfografía. Posteriormente el débito se redujo de forma rápida. La linfografía no solo es un método diagnóstico, sino que en el 35-70% de los casos puede también ser terapéutica.Chylous leakage is an extremely rare complication after colorectal surgery. We report the case of a 70 year-old male with a mid-rectal cancer who underwent a laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum after long course neoadjuvant therapy. On postoperative day 4 the patient presented with chylous pelvic drainage, and a chylous leakage was proved by lymphography on postoperative day 13. Hereinafter, the drainage was drastically reduced. The lymphography is not only a diagnostic technique, but it can be also a therapeutic method in up to 35-70% of the cases.

Prospective Analysis Regarding Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QOL) between Morbid Obese Patients Following Bariatric Surgery Versus on a Waiting List.

BACKGROUND: Major impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is one of the main reasons why obese patients request surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively analyze the impact of HRQoL between obese patients who underwent surgery and those who were wait-listed. METHODS: Between April 2017 and March 2018, 70 surgical and 69 wait-listed patients were interviewed twice, at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up. Quality of life was measured by the SF-12v2 and the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQoL-Lite) questionnaires. Sociodemographic-, clinical-, and surgical-related variables were collected. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-nine patients were analyzed, showing similar baseline characteristics but differences in HRQoL. Performing more qualified work improved scores on some aspects of the SF-12 survey. In contrast, women scored worse on the self-esteem domain, and men scored worse on the mental health domain. By group, at the 12-month follow-up, statistically significant differences were found among all aspects of the questionnaires between both groups (P < 0.001) and between baseline and postoperative 12-month follow-up in the surgical group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, scores were lower in all domains in the evolution of wait-listed patients, with statistically significant differences among the Bodily Pain, Emotional Role, Mental Health, and Mental Component Summary Domains (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: HRQoL is a multimodal concept that allows the identification of factors impacting obese patients' quality of life. It promotes the benefit of surgery against waiting list delays, which can take up to 4 years in our hospital. Therefore, HRQoL is an important pillar to justify more resources for reducing unacceptable surgical delays.

Ventral Portal Vein Over Gallbladder and Pancreas---An Exceptional Anatomical Variation Found in a Liver Transplant Patient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic variations are well known in the liver hilum. A rare precholecystic, preduodenal, prepancreatic portal vein is described as found in a liver transplant candidate. Precholecystic location of portal vein is an exceptional finding and does not seem to have been previously described. It is associated with a preduodenal portal vein. Its position is challenging, as its surface can be mistaken with the gallbladder wall. We present the case of a patient candidate to liver transplantation. In the preoperative studies, a portal thrombosis was suspected, with recanalization by collaterals, but also a malformation was suggested. The patient had a primary biliary cirrhosis. Other findings included agenesis of inferior vena cava on the right side. During operation, the portal vein was found over the gallbladder and fixed to it, making it at first difficult to distinguish one from the other. CONCLUSIONS: A precholecystic portal vein is a rare finding that poses a challenge for the surgeon. It must be ruled out in the preoperative workout.

Value of robotic-assisted technique in redo gastrojejunostomy for severe stenosis after gastric bypass.

Development of gastrojejunal stricture following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) leads to an increase in morbidity and adverse effects, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, aspiration pneumonia, and malnutrition. Up to 38.5% of patients will require revisional surgery for late anastomotic strictures despite conservative treatment. However, no previous studies focused on revisional robotic bariatric surgery due to strictures after RYGB have been reported. To evaluate our outcomes and assess the advantages of the robotic platform with regard to laparoscopic and open revisional procedures. University Hospital. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic robotic-assisted redo gastrojejunostomy from 2016 to 2018. Demographics, surgical data, medical treatments, postoperative outcomes, and adverse effects were collected. Nine patients with symptomatic anastomotic strictures after primary RYGB underwent robotic revisional surgery. All patients received medical therapy as a first approach, and five patients (55.5%) underwent endoscopic balloon dilation. All procedures were successfully completed with robotic assistance, with a mean (standard deviation) operative time of 184.5 (49.1) min, and no intraoperative adverse effects were registered. Median (range) hospital stay was 2 (1-4) days. One patient presented with a postoperative intra-abdominal abscess and was treated with intravenous antibiotics and image-guided drainage. No anastomotic leak, hemorrhage, or mortality were reported. Robotic assistance seems to be safe and effective for redo gastrojejunostomy secondary to stricture. Even though the sample size is small, we believe that the application of robotic techniques may provide advantages and improve the outcomes in these complex revisional procedures.

Clinical outcomes of gastroesophageal reflux disease-related chronic cough following antireflux fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Despite the effectiveness of antireflux fundoplication for typical gastroesophageal reflux disease, outcomes regarding surgical therapy for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease-related chronic cough are currently unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether antireflux surgery for patients with chronic cough is effective, and to assess the correlation between indexes, such as symptom index and symptom association probability, and response to surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database from a 3-site institution from 2013 to 2017. Of 1149 patients who underwent antireflux surgery, 41 presented with chronic cough as a main symptom related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Preoperatively, patients underwent a symptom assessment, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal 24-h pH monitoring, and manometry. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks and 12 months post-surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-three (80.5%) patients underwent Nissen fundoplication, while 8 (19.5%) underwent Toupet fundoplication. Isolated chronic cough was present in 8 (19.5%) patients, and median (range) DeMeester score was 28.9 (0.3-96.7). After 12-month follow-up, chronic cough was absent in 28 (68.3%) patients (P = .02). Typical reflux symptoms responded well to surgery, but response was not optimal. Postoperative dysphagia and atypical reflux symptoms were slightly worse on long-term follow-up; however, differences were not significant (P ≥ .2). When examining how the different symptom indexes correlated with complete, partial, or no response in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease-related cough, there was no notable agreement on predicted response to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Antireflux surgery, although less predictable, is effective for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease-related chronic cough.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma arising from chronic perianal fistula-a multidisciplinary approach.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA) is a rare entity. Indeed, the pathogenesis of fistula-associated perianal MA is still controversial. Due to the lack of informed evidence regarding this malignancy, no guidelines have been established concerning diagnostic and treatment strategies. The aim of this article is to report our experience and outcomes after three cases of large perianal MA treated in our center. From our retrospective chart review, we identified three male patients with chronic perianal fistula-in-ano who progressively developed perianal MA, confirmed by pelvic magnetic resonance (MRI) and histopathological examination performed on biopsy. We hereby, in accordance with the Surgical CAse REport (SCARE) guidelines, describe the management and further follow-up of each patient. The three patients underwent preoperative chemoradiation therapy, followed by ischioanal abdominoperineal resection (APR). Perineal reconstruction was needed in every case, using a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap and, punctually, a left fasciocutaneous flap was used too. Also, two of three patients completed the treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy. Neither recurrences nor distant metastases have been observed during the follow-up in both cases that finished the multimodal treatment. MA arising from chronic perianal fistula has an indolent growth with locoregional aggressiveness and a high risk of local recurrence. Therefore, although an ischioanal APR remains the surgical treatment of choice, an aggressive multimodal approach combining preoperative chemoradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy may achieve favorable effectiveness and promising response rates.

Bariatric Surgery in the Elderly Patient: Safety and Short-time Outcome. A Case Match Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Indications and outcomes of bariatric surgery in the elderly remain controversial. We aimed to evaluate and compare safety and early outcomes of bariatric procedures in this age group. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective case-control study of Mayo Clinic bariatric surgery patients from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2018. Data collection included surgery type, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)). Patients aged 65 years old or older were matched with controls younger than 65 years by body mass index (BMI). We assessed length of stay (LOS), perioperative and early postoperative outcomes, short-term weight loss, and complications. RESULTS: We included 150 bariatric patients, with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2. After laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, no significant difference was found in LOS between groups (2.4 vs 2.6 days; P = 0.52), 1-month BMI difference (3.35 vs 3.88; P = 0.17), mean nadir excess BMI loss (%EBL) (22.14 vs 23.2; P = 0.75), or complication rate (0% vs 3.3%; P > 0.99). Similarly, the laparoscopic or robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) cohort showed no difference in LOS (2.65 vs 2.54 days; P = 0.68), 1-month BMI difference (4.72 vs 4.53; P = 0.68), %EBL (31.7 vs 26.6; P = 0.13), or complication rate (11.7% vs 5.71%; P = 0.43). CONCLUSION: Although the sample size is small to draw definitive conclusions, bariatric surgery in patients 65 years or older seems to be safe, with similar outcomes and complication rates as in younger patients, regardless of procedure performed.

Utility of Immediate Postoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Contrast Study in Bariatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Routine use of postoperative upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is controversial. We sought to determine the usefulness of routine UGI contrast studies during postoperative day (POD) 1 in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent SG or RYGB between January 1, 2016, and October 31, 2017. Demographics, surgical data, and immediate surgical adverse effects were collected. We compared patients who underwent routine UGI contrast studies on POD 1 versus patients who did not. RESULTS: A total of 284 patients were analyzed; 197 (69.4%) patients underwent RYGB, while 87 (30.6%) underwent SG. Routine UGI contrast study was performed in 96 (48.7%) patients in the RYGB group versus 31 (35.6%) in the SG group. The overall adverse effect rate was 2 (0.7%); postoperative UGI contrast study was negative in both cases. Mean (SD) length of stay (LOS) for patients who underwent UGI contrast study versus those who did not was similar in the RYGB group (1.8 [1.6] days vs 1.8 [0.9] days, respectively) and the SG group (2 [1.18] days vs 1.9 [0.9] days). The average cost of a postoperative UGI contrast study was $600, resulting in an additional overall cost of $76,800. CONCLUSION: Use of routine UGI contrast studies after bariatric procedures does not appear to add clinical value for the detection of leaks. Furthermore, systematic use of postoperative UGI contrast studies neither seem to reduce LOS, nor appear to increase procedure costs.

Laparoscopic treatment of large bowel obstruction due to a self-locating peritoneal dialysis catheter.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal dialysis has been used in the treatment of end-stage renal disease for a long time. The development of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has achieved an acceptable device of renal replacement therapy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a 55 year-old patient who was initiated on CAPD in February 2016. Three months later, the Tenckhoff catheter was removed due to its malfunction, and a new self-locating peritoneal dialysis catheter was placed in the left side of the abdomen. In September 2016, the patient presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. A CT scan revealed a collapsed sigmoid colon with the tungsten tip of the catheter supported on the mesosigmoid as the cause of the occlusion. DISCUSSION: Herein, a rare but clinically important case of mechanical large bowel obstruction due to self-locating peritoneal dialysis catheter is presented. The weight added to the tip of the self-locating catheter for the purpose of stretching it, can be dangerous if a displacement takes place. A laparoscopic procedure was performed, resolving the obstruction by reinserting the peritoneal catheter in its right position. CONCLUSION: The weight added to the tip of self-locating catheters is a matter of concern, since intimate contact between the peritoneal catheter and the intestinal wall can result in perforation or intestinal occlusion.