The rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy is independent of the pancreatic stump closure technique - A retrospective analysis of 284 cases.

BACKGROUND: Many techniques have been developed to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy, but POPF rates remain high. The aim of our study was to analyze POPF occurrence after closure of the pancreatic remnant by different operative techniques. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2017, 284 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy in our institution. For subgroup analysis the patients were divided into hand-sewn (n = 201) and stapler closure (n = 52) groups. The hand-sewn closure was performed in three different ways (fishmouth-technique, n = 27; interrupted transpancreatic U-suture technique, n = 77; common interrupted suture, n = 97). All other techniques were summarized in a separate group (n = 31). Results were gained by analysis of our prospective pancreatic database. RESULTS: The median age was 63 (range 23-88) years. 74 of 284 patients (26%) were operated with spleen preservation (similar rates in subgroups). ASA-classes, median BMI as well as frequencies of malignant diseases, chronic pancreatitis, alcohol and nicotine abuse were also comparable in the subgroups. Neither the rates of overall POPF (fishmouth-technique 30%, common interrupted suture 40%, stapler closure 33% and interrupted U-suture 38%) nor the rates of POPF grades B and C showed significant differences in the subgroups. However is shown to be associated with pancreatic function and parenchymal texture. CONCLUSION: In our experience the technique of pancreatic stump closure after distal resection did not influence postoperative pancreatic fistula rate. As a consequence patient specific reasons rather than surgical techniques may be responsible for POPF formation after distal pancreatectomy.

Management and outcomes of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Background: This study evaluated the outcome and survival of patients with radiologically suspected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). Methods: IPMN management was reviewed according to Fukuoka risk factors and IPMN localization, differentiating main-duct (MD), mixed-type (MT) and branch-duct (BD) IPMNs. Perioperative results were compared with those of patients undergoing resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) over the same interval (2010-2014). Overall (OS) and disease-specific (DSS) survival rates were calculated and subgroups compared. Results: Of 142 patients with IPMNs, 26 had MD-IPMN, eight had MT-IPMN and 108 had BD-IPMN. Some 74 per cent of patients with MD- and MT-IPMN were managed by primary resection, whereas this was used in only 27·8 per cent of those with BD-IPMN. The risk of secondary resection and malignant transformation for BD-IPMNs smaller than 20 mm was 8 and 2 per cent respectively during follow-up. Pancreatic head resection of IPMNs was associated with an increased risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B/C compared with resection of PDAC (12 of 33 (36 per cent) versus 41 of 221 (18·6 per cent) respectively; P = 0·010), and greater morbidity and mortality (Clavien-Dindo grade III: 15 of 33 (45 per cent) versus 56 of 221 (25·3 per cent) respectively; grade IV: 1 (3 per cent) versus 7 (3·2 per cent); grade V: 2 (6 per cent) versus 2 (0·9 per cent); P = 0·008). Five-year OS and DSS rates in patients with MD-IPMN were worse than those for MT- and BD-IPMN (OS: 44, 86 and 97·4 per cent respectively, P < 0·001; DSS: 60, 100 and 98·6 per cent; P < 0·001). Patients with invasive IPMN had worse OS and DSS rates than those with non-invasive dysplasia (OS: IPMN-carcinoma (10 patients) 33 per cent, high-grade dysplasia 100 per cent, intermediate-grade dysplasia 63 per cent, low grade-dysplasia 100 per cent, P < 0·001; DSS: IPMN-carcinoma 43 per cent, all grades of dysplasia 100 per cent, P < 0·001). Patients with high-risk stigmata had poorer survival than those without risk factors (OS: high-risk stigmata (35 patients) 55 per cent, worrisome features (31) 95 per cent, no risk factors (76) 100 per cent, P < 0·001; DSS: 71, 100 and 100 per cent respectively, P < 0·001). Conclusion: The risk of malignant transformation was very low for BD-IPMNs, but the development of high-risk stigmata was associated with disease-specific mortality. Patients with IPMN had greater morbidity after resection than those having resection of PDAC.

[Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma : Results after 84 resections]. / Das intrahepatische Cholangiokarzinom : Ergebnisse nach 84 Resektionen.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is increasing worldwide. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment option. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study analyzed the prognostic factors after resection of ICC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 84 patients were surgically treated under potentially curative intent. Perihilar and distal cholangiocarcinomas were excluded. The 5­year survival was analyzed with respect to tumor stage (TNM), number of lesions, complete surgical resection (R0), peritoneal carcinosis and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The 5­year survival was 27% and 77% of patients underwent R0 resections. In the univariate analysis a T stage >2, an N+ situation or an R+ resection as well as peritoneal and multilocular intrahepatic spread were associated with a poorer prognosis. Postoperative complications also negatively influenced survival. On multivariate analysis the absence of peritoneal spread, node-negative tumor stages, singular hepatic lesions and a low T stage as well as the absence of complications were associated with improved survival. DISCUSSION: The prognosis of ICC is poor even after successful surgical resection. Well-known tumor characteristics such as TNM are relevant prognostic factors. Surgical resection is accompanied by postoperative complications (most frequently biliary), which negatively influence survival. Adjuvant strategies are urgently needed to improve long-term survival even after complete surgical resection.

Pancreatitis After Pancreatoduodenectomy Predicts Clinically Relevant Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity after pancreas resection is still high with postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) being the most frequent complication. However, exocrine insufficiency seems to protect from POPF. In clinical practice, patients showing increased postoperative systemic amylase concentrations appear to frequently develop POPF. We therefore retrospectively examined the occurrence of systemic amylase increase after pancreas resections and its association with the clinical course. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Perioperative data from 739 consecutive pancreas resections were assessed in a prospectively maintained SPSS database. Serum and drain amylase concentrations were determined by routine clinical chemistry. POPFs were graded into A-C according to ISGPF definitions. RESULTS: In patients with reduced serum amylase (n = 89) on day 1 after pancreatoduodenectomy, clinically relevant POPFs were not observed. In patients with normal serum amylase concentrations, clinically relevant POPFs occurred in 9 %, while in 39 % of the patients with more than three times elevated amylase concentrations, a clinically relevant postoperative fistula was observed (p < 0.001). Systemic hyperamylasemia detected on postoperative day 1 after pancreatoduodenectomy was further a good predictor for clinically relevant POPFs (AUROC = 0.797, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with a high risk for developing clinically relevant POPFs can be identified on the first postoperative day by determining serum amylase.

[Symptoms, Diagnostics, Treatment and Classification of 22 Patients with Postpancreatectomy Haemorrhage (PPH) in a Series of 400 Consecutive Pancreatic Head Resections and Pancreatectomies]. / Symptomatik, Diagnostik, Therapie und Klassifikation von 22 Patienten mit Postpankreatektomie-Hämorrhagien (PPH) in einer Serie von 400 konsekutiven Pankreaskopfresektionen und Pankreatektomien.

Introduction: Postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) is a dangerous complication after pancreatic resection. Patients and Methods: From 2006 to 2015, 400 consecutive pancreatic head resections and pancreatectomies were performed and prospectively documented. This study analysed incidence, treatment and outcome of patients with PPH. Results: Incidence of PPH was 5.5 % (n = 22). PPH occurred in a median of eight days after pancreatic surgery with an equal frequency of symptoms being caused by gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 11) and abdominal bleeding (n = 11). Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) were significantly more frequent in case of PPH (45 % POPF in case of PPH vs. 20 % POPF in case of no PPH, p < 0.01). PPH was more frequent after pancreatogastrostomy (8/70; 11 %) than after pancreatojejunostomy (11/281; 4 %; p = 0.01). The majority of bleedings after pancreatogastrostomy came from the intragastric cut surface of the pancreas. During the first week, relaparotomy was significantly more frequent (n = 5; 56 %) than in late PPH (n = 1; 8 %; p = 0.01). In late PPH, interventions (angiography; n = 7, endoscopy; n = 4) were more frequent. In 16 severe cases, surgical/interventional bleeding control (n = 12) or relevant transfusions of more than 3 units of packed red blood cells (n = 4) were performed. Compared with the whole group, mortality was significantly increased in case of PPH (13.6 % in case of PPH vs. 3.7 % in case of no PPH; p = 0.03). Conclusion: PPH is an episodic and potentially life-threatening complication with an increased mortality rate, which is frequently associated with impaired healing of the pancreatic anastomosis. Diagnostic investigation and treatment of PPH requires an experienced surgical centre with a close cooperation with endoscopy and (interventional) radiology.

[Impact of Age and Comorbidity on Perioperative Mortality after 250 Pancreatic Head Resections]. / Einfluss des Lebensalters und der Begleiterkrankungen auf die perioperative Mortalität nach 250 Pankreaskopfresektionen.

INTRODUCTION: In line with the current demographic development, elderly patients make up an increasing proportion of surgical patients. It is still unclear under which conditions pancreatic surgery can be performed with low mortality in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2009 to 2014, 250 consecutive pancreatoduodenectomies (PDs) were performed in a non-university hospital. Perioperative data were documented prospectively. Based on median patient age (< 70 years vs. ≥ 70 years), a retrospective analysis of perioperative morbidity and mortality was performed. In addition, subgroup analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Older patients had a significantly higher frequency of cardiovascular comorbidities (p = 0.04), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.01), impaired renal function (p = 0.01) and a higher ASA classification (p < 0.01). Also, surgical procedures due to malignancy were significantly more common in this group (p < 0.01). Morbidity was equally high in both groups (< 70 years: 57 % vs. ≥ 70 years: 65 %; p = 0.02). Mortality was significantly higher in patients over 70 years of age (< 70 years: 1.4 % vs. ≥ 70 years: 9.1 %; p < 0.01). In a multivariate analysis, only liver cirrhosis (p < 0.01) and age (≥ 70 years; p = 0.04) were independent risk factors for postoperative mortality. However, it was also demonstrated that, under certain conditions, even much older patients (≥ 80 years; n = 34) may be subjected to surgery with a low mortality (3 %). DISCUSSION: In elderly patients, PD is more frequently indicated in cases of malignancy. All in all, perioperative mortality in patients over 70 years of age is significantly elevated. Under certain conditions, however, even much older patients may safely undergo pancreatic surgery.

[Computed Tomography-Based Planimetry of the Pancreatic Transection Line in Risk Evaluation for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatic Head Resection]. / Orthograde Planimetrie der Pankreasschnittfläche anhand der präoperativen Computertomografie zur Risikoeinschätzung einer postoperativen Pankreasfistel nach Pankreaskopfresektion.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a relevant complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. Therefore, preoperative detection of high risk patients may be important. We evaluated preoperative CT-imaging by planimetry at the expected resection plane along the superior mesenteric vein and correlated the results with the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2009 to 2013, 123 patients with pancreatoduodenectomy underwent homogenous preoperative imaging and reconstruction of the pancreatojejunostomy. Planimetry was performed at a multiplanar reconstruction of the pancreatic transection plane (diameter, range, duct width, area) as well as the calculation of ratios (duct width/pancreatic diameter; D/P-ratio). The measured values were correlated with the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula. RESULTS: Planimetry showed a significant difference of the pancreatic transection plane in relation to the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula. A thick parenchyma and a tiny duct are significant risk factors. In 84 % or, respectively, 94 % of the patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula, a duct width of less than 20 % of the pancreatic diameter was observed (D/P ratio < 0.2; p < 0.01). The D/P ratio was the only independent risk factor in multivariate analysis. DISCUSSION: The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula correlates significantly with the morphology of the pancreatic transection plane. The risk increases significantly with a D/P ratio of < 0.2.

Perioperative platin-based chemotherapy for locally advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma: Postoperative chemotherapy has a substantial impact on outcome.

BACKGROUND: A combination of platin-based perioperative chemotherapy (PBPC) plus surgical resection has become the standard of care in Europe for locally advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (EGAC). In contrast to preoperative chemotherapy, the postoperative administration of chemotherapy is omitted in a high percentage of patients. We conducted this database study to analyse the impact of postoperative completion of perioperative chemotherapy on patient outcome. METHODS: Patients with EGAC (cT3-4 and/or cN+) were treated with preoperative PBPC plus curative surgical resection. Patient demographics, postoperative tumour stages, histopathological regression (HPR) and administration of postoperative chemotherapy were correlated with overall survival. RESULTS: Of one-hundred-thirty-four patients, 76 received preoperative docetaxel, folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin (FLOT), 53 patients epirubicin, cisplatin, folinic acid (ECF) and 5 epirubicin, oxaliplatin, capecitabine (EOX) chemotherapy. The 5-year-survival for the whole collective was 58%. Designated postoperative chemotherapy was omitted in 36% of the patients. 5-year-survival was 75.8% in patients who received pre- and post-operative chemotherapy and 40.3% in patients with only preoperative chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Histopathological regression, postoperative nodal status and administration of postoperative chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors. Analysis of subgroups revealed a pronounced survival benefit after administration of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with ypN+ stages (5-year-survival 64.5% vs 9.7%, p = 0.002) and poor HPR (5-year-survival 55.5% vs 19.3%, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Our study provides further evidence that administration of postoperative chemotherapy may contribute to the achieved survival benefit of PBPC in patients with EGAC and implies a beneficial effect especially in presence of lymphonodular tumour involvement and limited HPR.

[Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer : Evolution of management and prognosis over the last 3 decades]. / Chirurgische Therapie des Ösophaguskarzinoms : Entwicklung von Management und Prognose über die letzten drei Jahrzehnte.

BACKGROUND: An increasing incidence of adenocarcinoma, a modified surgical strategy and the increasing use of multimodal therapeutic protocols have had a major impact on the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer during the last 3 decades. OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the development of these factors and their impact on the short and long-term prognosis of esophageal cancer over the last 25 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 366 patients with esophageal cancer treated by esophagectomy at the University Hospital in Freiburg from 1988 to 2012. The study period was split into four time periods for further comparisons, i.e. 1988-1994, 1995-2001, 2001-2006 and 2007-2012. RESULTS: Within the time periods analyzed a marked increase in adenocarcinoma was found (time periods1988-1994, 1995-2001, 2001-2006 and 2007-2012: 21%, 37%, 61% and 64%, respectively, p<0.001). The initially commonly used transhiatal approach and reconstruction with cervical anastomosis was gradually replaced by the thoracoabdominal procedure with intrathoracic reconstruction (i.e. Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, 2007-2012: 98 %). During the study period increasingly more patients received multimodal therapy (13%, 85%, 72% and 84%, p<0.001), the overall rate of perioperative complications (70%, 88%, 73% and 56%, p<0.001) and perioperative mortality (16%, 18%, 8% and 2.5%, p<0.001) were significantly reduced, while the overall 5-year survival (12%, 34%, 41% and 62%, p<0.001) improved. An early tumor stage (p=0.002), N0 status (p<0.001) and histological type of adenocarcinoma (p=0.011) were identified as independent predictors of improved survival. CONCLUSION: During the period from 1988 to 2012 a significant improvement of long-term survival as well as a marked reduction of perioperative mortality after esophagectomy were observed. The improved outcome was associated with an increased use of multimodal therapeutic protocols, the preferred use of thoracoabdominal esophagectomy and epidemiological changes in histology over the study period.

Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage--incidence, treatment, and risk factors in over 1,000 pancreatic resections.

BACKGROUND: Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage is a rare but often severe complication after pancreatic resection. The aim of this retrospective study was to define incidence and risk factors of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage and to evaluate treatment options and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data was extracted from a prospectively maintained database. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate risk factor analysis by binary logistic regression were performed with SPSS software at a significance level of p = 0.05. RESULTS: N = 1,082 patients with pancreatic resections between 1994 and 2012 were included. Interventional angiography was successful in about half of extraluminal bleeding. A total of 78 patients (7.2 %) had postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), and 29 (2.7 %) were grade C PPH. Multivariate modeling disclosed a learning effect, age, BMI, male sex, intraoperative transfusion, portal venous and multivisceral resection, pancreatic fistula and preoperative biliary drainage as independent predictors of severe postpancreatectomy hemorrhage. High-risk histopathology, age, transfusion, pancreatic fistula, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage and pancreatojejunostomy in pancreatoduodenectomies were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identifies clinically relevant risk factors for postpancreatectomy hemorrhage and mortality. Interventional treatment of extraluminal hemorrhage is successful in about half of the cases and if unsuccessful constitutes a valuable adjunct to operative hemostasis. Based on our observations, we propose a treatment scheme for PPH. Risk factor analysis suggests appropriate patient selection especially for extended resections and pancreatogastrostomy for reconstruction in pancreatoduodenectomy.

[Pancreatojejunostomy in pancreatic head resection using a resorbable monofilament for internal drainage of the anastomosis - clinical experience and perioperative results]. / Pankreatojejunostomie bei der Pankreaskopfresektion unter Verwendung eines resorbierbaren monofilen Fadens zur inneren Schienung der Anastomose - klinische Erfahrungen und perioperative Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistulas are relevant in perioperative outcome, morbidity and mortality after pancreatic head resection. We analysed the potential benefit of an internal pancreatic duct draining technique by a resorbable monofilament suture if performing a two-layer duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2006 to 2010, 139 pancreatic head resections were performed in our department (124 pylorus-preserving, 15 Whipple). Indications for surgery were malignancies (n = 97), chronic pancreatitis (n = 24) or others (n = 18). In 64 cases, internal drainage of the pancreatic anastomosis was performed as described. Perioperative results were evaluated by the ISGPF classification (International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula, type A-C) and Accordion classification (degree 1-6). RESULTS: Pancreatic anastomosis was performed in 99 cases as pancreatojejunostomy and in 41 cases as pancreatogastrostomy. Morbidity (Accordion 1-6) was 48 %, and mortality was 5.8 %. Pancreatic fistulas (A-C) occurred in 27 (19.4 %) cases. Only one patient died as a direct consequence of a pancreatic fistula (type C fistula after pylorus-preserving pancreatic head resection and pancreatogastrostomy). In the subgroup of patients with a two-layer duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy with internal pancreatic duct drainage by a resorbable monofilament suture (n = 64), a pancreatic fistula occurred in 20.3 % (n = 13). According to the ISGPF classification, they were type A (n = 10), type B (n = 2) and type C fistulas (n = 1). In this subgroup with pancreatic duct drainage, morbidity (Accordion 1-6) was 55 % (n = 35) and mortality (Accordion 6) was 6.2 % (n = 4). Complications due to the pancreatic duct drainage were not observed. CONCLUSION: Internal drainage of the duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy using monofilament suture material is a safe and feasible method. Pancreatic fistula occurred in 20 % both in the entire group as well as in subgroups with or without pancreatic duct drainage. A reduction of the rate of pancreatic fistula could not be achieved by internal drainage of the pancreatojejunostomy.

[Laparoscopic resection of the pancreatic head. Feasibility and perioperative results]. / Laparoskopische Pankreaskopfresektion. Machbarkeit und perioperative Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: Whereas pancreatic tail resection is routinely and safely performed in several institutions, laparoscopic resection of the pancreatic head is only performed by a handful of surgeons worldwide, none of them in Germany. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We review our experience with 9 laparoscopic pancreatic head resections (lap-PPPD) performed between March and September 2010. The operations were performed using a hybrid approach with complete laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreatic head resection and successive reconstruction via a small retrieval incision. Perioperative outcome was compared to 605 open pancreatic head resections (1997-2010). RESULTS: In the group lap-PPPD 3 out of 9 conversions had to be performed due to oncologic reasons. There were no significant differences in perioperative outcome when comparing open-PPPD to lap-PPPD. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pancreatic head resection with hybrid open reconstruction combines the potential advantages of laparoscopic resection with the safety of an open pancreatic anastomosis. Even at the beginning of the learning curve the procedure can be performed with no concessions to safety or duration of the operation.

[Insurance costs in pancreatic surgery : does the pecuniary aspect indicate formation of centers?]. / Kostenträgerrechnung in der pankreaschirurgie : spricht die pekuniäre betrachtung für eine zentrenbildung?

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic resections in specialized centers are associated with low mortality, however, still with high morbidity. The complication rate can be reduced by long-term experience in high volume centers. In this study the influence of complications on costs in the German DRG system were analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data regarding operation time, hospital stay, complications and costs of 36 patients undergoing pancreatic head resection in the years 2005 and 2006 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. A p-value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Postoperative complications caused an increase in the duration of hospital stay from a median of 16 (range 11-38) to 33 (10-69) days. Costs, especially for ICU treatment and radiographic diagnostics, rose significantly. The average overall costs were 10,015 EUR (range 8,099-14,785 EUR) in patients without complications (n = 21) and 15,340 EUR (9,368-31,418 EUR) in patients with complications (n = 15). In contrast, according to the German DRG system 13,835 EUR (10,441-15,062 EUR) and 15,062 EUR (10,441-33,217 EUR) were refunded on average, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This case-cost calculation proves that pancreatic surgery in the context of the German DRG system can only be performed economically neutral in centers with low complications rates. The concentration of pancreatic surgery to centers with low complications rates, namely high volume centers, must be recommended from an economic point of view.

[Patient assignment to a surgical intensive care unit - plea for a preoperative risk stratification]. / Belegungsdynamik einer chirurgischen Intensivstation - Plädoyer für eine präoperative Stratifizierung von elektiven chirurgischen Patienten.

BACKGROUND: Surgical intensive care units (ICUs) have to meet the demands of caring for elective surgical patients, for surgical emergencies, and for trauma patients. To achieve this a high flexibility and a high rate of admissions and discharges are needed. ICU beds are scant and expensive, so who is to be admitted? PATIENTS AND METHODS: All admissions and dis-charges of a 20-bed surgical ICU in a university hospital within one year have been analysed. RESULTS: During the analysed year 2524 patients were admitted to the surgical ICU (6.9 + or - 3.1 per day). Of 1886 planned admissions (elective surgery) only 1234 were eventually admitted, but there were 1290 additional patients admitted as emergencies. Of all realised admissions only 49 % were planned. In 653 requested but refused elective admissions, the surgery was performed with-out intensive care admission in 432 patients (64.9 %). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the patients of the surgical ICU are electively surgical, half of them are emergencies. The limited number of ICU beds requires strict indications for admission. It turns out to be useful to create a category of patients in whom postoperative intensive care is desirable but not mandatory.

[Hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma--results and analysis of the current literature]. / Leberresektion beim Hepatozellulären Karzinom - Eigene Ergebnisse und Literaturübersicht.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth-leading cause of cancer death world-wide. Although less frequent in Western Europe, its incidence is increasing in this region. Causes involved in the pathogenesis of HCC are, besides viral hepatitis, metabolic and nutritional factors (alcohol, diabetes, obesity). The therapeutic management depends strongly on the initial extent of disease and includes hepatic resection, liver transplantation and local ablation. In this context, we present our results on liver resection for HCC and a discussion of the current literature about (potentially curative) treatment for HCC. PATIENTS: From 1999 until 2008 93 patients [83 % male, median age 64 (range: 39-94) years] underwent hepatic resection for HCC. Postoperative follow-up was available in 85 patients [median follow-up: 1.2 (0.25-8) years]. RESULTS: In contrast to data, especially from Asia, a viral hepatitis as the origin of HCC was found in only 28 % of the patients in our series. Half of the patients had proven liver cirrhosis. The median number of intrahepatic tumours was one (1-11), median size of the largest tumour was 55 mm (5-250 mm). 58 % of the HCC were removed by atypical or segmental resection, 42 % of the patients underwent hemihepatectomy or extended -hemihepatectomy. Tumor-free resection margins were -achieved in 95 %. Total postoperative morbidity was 61 %. A reoperation for complications was -necessary in 10 %. Hospital mortality was 8.6 % in the entire study period but decreased from 14.9 % in 1999-2004 to 2.2 % in 2005 to 2008 (p = 0.03). Actuarial survival was 81 % after 1 year, 58 % after 3 years and 26 % after 5 years. The T-stage could be identified tendentially as a prognostic factor influencing survival. CONCLUSION: With the proper selection of patients, liver resection for HCC may be performed with a curative intention (i. e., free resection margins) in over 90 %. Although it decreased during the study period peri-operative mortality was higher than after resection of other hepatic tumours. Long-term survival in our series was comparable to reports from other European centres.

Reduced postoperative pancreatic fistula rate after pancreatogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy.

INTRODUCTION: Metaanalysis of retrospective studies employing various definitions of pancreatic fistulas demonstrated a reduced postoperative pancreatic fistula rate after pancreatogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy. Prospective trials failed to do so, which causes an ongoing debate on the superiority of one or the other procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the two types of anastomosis at our institution with regard to postoperative pancreatic fistula and other complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2007, 114 pancreatogastrostomies and 115 pancreaticojejunostomies were performed. For retrospective analysis, the ISGPS definitions were employed. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B or C. Secondary endpoints were postpancreatectomy hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, intraabdominal fluid collection, reoperation, and mortality. Operative time, intensive care unit stay, and overall hospital stay were also compared. RESULTS: With pancreatogastrostomy, there were significantly less postoperative pancreatic fistulae grade B and C (pancreatogastrostomy (PG) versus pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ), 11.4% versus 22.6%, p = 0.03), more intraluminal hemorrhage (PG versus PJ, 10.5% versus 0%, p < 0.001) and more delayed gastric emptying grade B and C (PG versus PJ, 18.3% versus 7.9%, p = 0.03). Operative time was shorter (PG versus PJ, median 420 versus 450 min, p < 0.01), and intensive care unit stay was longer (PG versus PJ, median 4 days versus 5 days, p < 0.01), with a tendency toward reduced overall hospital stay (PG versus PJ, median 17 versus 19 days, p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be aware of a higher rate of delayed gastric emptying and perform meticulous hemostasis to prevent intraluminal bleeding with pancreatogastrostomy. Pancreatogastrostomy is superior to pancreaticojejunostomy in terms of relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula.

[Does hospital volume have influence on the results of pancreatic surgery?]. / Beeinflussen Mindestmengen die Ergebnisse der Pankreaschirurgie?

Hospital volume is one of the most discussed but also disputed subjects of surgery during the recent years. In no other surgical entity as in pancreatic surgery the number of performed operations has as much influence on morbidity and mortality. Despite of decreasing mortality, morbidity in pancreatic surgery remains relatively high even in specialized centres. Numerous studies demonstrated a reduction of perioperative mortality in centres with more than 10 patients per year by over 50%. In our own collective we demonstrated a significant reduction of mortality by 4% to 1% in two successive periods and a significant reduction of morbidity from 47% to 35%. We review the factors that are held responsible for decreasing mortality and complication rate in specialized centres and review published studies on this subject up to date. Our results confirm studies form other countries that increasing centre experience as well as operations performed in high volume hospitals decrease the complication rate and mortality after pancreatic head resection.

[Portal vein embolization preparation for major hepatic resection: a new standard in liver surgery]. / Partielle Pfortaderembolisation als Vorbereitung zur ausgedehnten Leberteilresektion: eine interdisziplinäre Herausforderung.

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is increasingly used for operative treatment of patients scheduled to undergo liver resection when the volume of the future remnant liver appears to be insufficient. Portal vein embolization should be considered when the prospective postoperative liver volume is less than 20 % or less than 40 % in patients with known liver cirrhosis. Our own results (n = 28) demonstrated an average volume increase in segments II and III of 280 +/- 95 ml to 420 +/- 98 ml within 6 weeks after selective percutaneous- transhepatic embolization of the portal vein branches (IV)-V-VIII. Thus, an expanded right resection of the liver could be performed in all patients without major complications. None of the patients suffered from clinically relevant liver insufficiency within the first few postoperative months.

[Surgical therapy of inflammatory and malignant strictures of the common bile duct]. / Chirurgische Therapie entzündlicher und maligner Stenosen der distalen Gallenwege.

Although there are growing possibilities of interventional endoscopic treatment of benign and malignant stenosis of the distal common bile duct the definitive operative drainage by terminolateral hepaticojejunostomy is in many cases the therapy of choice. In patients with chronic pancreatitis and bile duct stricture the modified duodenum preserving pancreatic head resection ("Beger operation") enables a resection of the inflammatory mass together with a drainage of the bile. Of 391 patients from our clinic being operated due to a bile duct stricture 337 underwent a biliary drainage together with a pancreatic head resection. Early postoperative biliary complications were in 0.3 % strictures of the duct and 1.5 % bile fistulas. Half of those complications could be managed conservatively. In high volume centers the operative therapy of distal common bile duct stenosis is a safe procedure with high patency rate.

[Leakage after biliary and pancreatic surgery]. / Nahtinsuffizienzen im biliopankreatischen Bereich.

The frequency of anastomotic leaks after pancreatic resection is still significant. The majority of such leaks will heal without major clinical symptoms. In one fifth of patients, however, the sequelae of pancreatic leakage are serious and sometimes life-threatening. Management of such leaks ranges from local drainage to operative revision and completion pancreatectomy. The frequency of anastomotic leakage depends on a series of patient- and organ-specific risk factors. Surgical experience also plays a major role. Whether the prophylactic application of octreotide is able to reduce the frequency of pancreatic leaks is still a matter of debate. Leaks from direct bile duct sutures or biliodigestive anastomoses are rather seldom. Their clinical importance is limited. In case of a leak after direct bile duct anastomosis, endoscopic insertion of a stent seems to be the therapy of choice. Leaks from biliodigestive anastomoses which are diagnosed during the first 3 postoperative days should be treated by immediate operative revision. Late biliary leaks can be treated by local drainage. The results of bile duct surgery, too, are clearly dependent on the experience of the operating surgeon.