The Predictive Value of Graft Viability and Bioenergetics Testing Towards the Outcome in Liver Transplantation.

Donor organ biomarkers with sufficient predictive value in liver transplantation (LT) are lacking. We herein evaluate liver viability and mitochondrial bioenergetics for their predictive capacity towards the outcome in LT. We enrolled 43 consecutive patients undergoing LT. Liver biopsy samples taken upon arrival after static cold storage were assessed by histology, real-time confocal imaging analysis (RTCA), and high-resolution respirometry (HRR) for mitochondrial respiration of tissue homogenates. Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) served as primary endpoint. HRR data were analysed with a focus on the efficacy of ATP production or P-L control efficiency, calculated as 1-L/P from the capacity of oxidative phosphorylation P and non-phosphorylating respiration L. Twenty-two recipients experienced EAD. Pre-transplant histology was not predictive of EAD. The mean RTCA score was significantly lower in the EAD cohort (-0.75 ± 2.27) compared to the IF cohort (0.70 ± 2.08; p = 0.01), indicating decreased cell viability. P-L control efficiency was predictive of EAD (0.76 ± 0.06 in IF vs. 0.70 ± 0.08 in EAD-livers; p = 0.02) and correlated with the RTCA score. Both RTCA and P-L control efficiency in biopsy samples taken during cold storage have predictive capacity towards the outcome in LT. Therefore, RTCA and HRR should be considered for risk stratification, viability assessment, and bioenergetic testing in liver transplantation.

Prediction of Biliary Complications After Human Liver Transplantation Using Hyperspectral Imaging and Convolutional Neural Networks: A Proof-of-concept Study.

BACKGROUND: Biliary complications (BCs) negatively impact the outcome after liver transplantation. We herein tested whether hyperspectral imaging (HSI) generated data from bile ducts (BD) on reperfusion and machine learning techniques for data readout may serve as a novel approach for predicting BC. METHODS: Tissue-specific data from 136 HSI liver images were integrated into a convolutional neural network (CNN). Fourteen patients undergoing liver transplantation after normothermic machine preservation served as a validation cohort. Assessment of oxygen saturation, organ hemoglobin, and tissue water levels through HSI was performed after completing the biliary anastomosis. Resected BD segments were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry and real-time confocal microscopy revealed mild (grade I: 1%-40%) BD damage in 8 patients and moderate (grade II: 40%-80%) injury in 1 patient. Donor and recipient data alone had no predictive capacity toward BC. Deep learning-based analysis of HSI data resulted in >90% accuracy of automated detection of BD. The CNN-based analysis yielded a correct classification in 72% and 69% for BC/no BC. The combination of HSI with donor and recipient factors showed 94% accuracy in predicting BC. CONCLUSIONS: Deep learning-based modeling using CNN of HSI-based tissue property data represents a noninvasive technique for predicting postoperative BC.

Post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy: Analysis of a clinically-relevant complication in a single-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: /Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, clinical impact, and risk factors of post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) according to the definition proposed by the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS). METHODS: patients undergoing PD between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. PPAP was defined according to the ISGPS criteria, including elevated serum amylase for 48 h and concurring pancreatitis alterations on a CT scan. RESULTS: 272 patients were finally included in the study. PPAP occurred in 40 (14.7 %) patients, and it was significantly related to higher rates of clinically-relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) (p < 0.001), post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) (p < 0.001) and major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3a) (p < 0.001). Moreover, PPAP in the absence of CR-POPF (n = 18) was significantly related to longer hospital stay (p < 0.001), PPH (p < 0.001), major complications (Clavien-Dindo≥ 3a, p = 0.001) and higher intensive care unit costs (p = 0.029) compared to patients not developing PPAP. In the univariable and multivariable analysis, the duct size (p = 0.004) and high-risk pathologies (p = 0.004) but not intraoperative bleeding (p = 0.066) represented independent risk factors for PPAP. In the same analysis, patients receiving a bridging therapy with low molecular-weight heparin showed significantly lower rates of PPAP (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: PPAP represents a relevant complication after PD. Its risk factors are similar to those for CR-POPF, while anticoagulants could represent a possible prevention strategy.

Sarcopenia and Mediastinal Adipose Tissue as a Prognostic Marker for Short- and Long-Term Outcomes after Primary Surgical Treatment for Lung Cancer.

Surgical resection remains the gold standard of treatment for early-stage lung cancer. Several risk models exist to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality. Psoas muscle sarcopenia has already successfully been used for morbidity prediction in lung transplantation and is not yet included in the available risk scores for pulmonary resections. We hypothesized that the skeletal muscle index and mediastinal adipose tissue might also have an impact on postoperative outcomes after primary surgery for primary lung cancer. The institutional database was queried for patients with primary lung cancer who were treated with primary lobectomy or segmentectomy between February 2009 and November 2018. In total, 311 patients were included for analysis. Patients receiving neo-/adjuvant chemotherapy or with a positive nodal status were excluded to rule out any morbidity or mortality due to (neo-)adjuvant treatment. Sarcopenia was defined as a skeletal muscle index of <34.4 cm2/m2 for women and <45.4 cm2/m2 for men. Mediastinal adipose tissue was defined with a radiodensity of -150 to -30 Hounsfield units. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 78 (25.1%) of the 311 patients. Male patients were significantly more likely to suffer from sarcopenia (31.5% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.009). Comorbidities, lung function, tumour histology, pathologic tumour staging, mediastinal adipose tissue and age did not differ between groups with or without sarcopenia. Sarcopenic patients had a significantly longer length of stay, with 13.0 days vs. 9.5 (p = 0.003), and a higher rate of any postoperative complications (59.0% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.036). There was no difference in recurrence rate. Five-year overall survival was significantly better in the patient cohort without sarcopenia (75.6% vs. 64.5%, p = 0.044). Mediastinal adipose tissue showed no significant impact on length of stay, postoperative complications, recurrence rate, morbidity or survival. Sarcopenia, quantified with the skeletal muscle index, is shown to be a risk factor for postoperative morbidity and reduced survival in primary lung cancer. Efforts should be taken to pre-emptively screen for sarcopenia and start countermeasures (e.g., physical prehabilitation, protein-rich nutrition, etc.) during the preoperative workup phase.

Functional and spatial proteomics profiling reveals intra- and intercellular signaling crosstalk in colorectal cancer.

Precision oncology approaches for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) continue to lag behind other solid cancers. Functional precision oncology-a strategy that is based on perturbing primary tumor cells from cancer patients-could provide a road forward to personalize treatment. We extend this paradigm to measuring proteome activity landscapes by acquiring quantitative phosphoproteomic data from patient-derived organoids (PDOs). We show that kinase inhibitors induce inhibitor- and patient-specific off-target effects and pathway crosstalk. Reconstruction of the kinase networks revealed that the signaling rewiring is modestly affected by mutations. We show non-genetic heterogeneity of the PDOs and upregulation of stemness and differentiation genes by kinase inhibitors. Using imaging mass-cytometry-based profiling of the primary tumors, we characterize the tumor microenvironment (TME) and determine spatial heterocellular crosstalk and tumor-immune cell interactions. Collectively, we provide a framework for inferring tumor cell intrinsic signaling and external signaling from the TME to inform precision (immuno-) oncology in CRC.

48 h Normothermic Machine Perfusion With Urine Recirculation for Discarded Human Kidney Grafts.

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has reshaped organ preservation in recent years. In this preclinical study, prolonged normothermic perfusions of discarded human kidney grafts were performed in order to investigate perfusion dynamics and identify potential quality and assessment indicators. Five human discarded kidney grafts were perfused normothermically (37°C) for 48 h using the Kidney Assist device with a red-blood-cell based perfusate with urine recirculation. Perfusion dynamics, perfusate and urine composition as well as injury markers were measured and analyzed. Donor age ranged from 41 to 68 years. All but one kidney were from brain dead donors. Perfusions were performed successfully for 48 h with all discarded kidneys. Median arterial flow ranged from 405 to 841 mL/min. All kidneys excreted urine until the end of perfusion (median 0.43 mL/min at the end of perfusion). While sodium levels were consistently lower in urine compared to perfusate samples, this was only seen for chloride and potassium in kidney KTX 2. Lactate, AST, LDH as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines increased over time, especially in kidneys KTX 3 and 4. Ex vivo normothermic perfusion is able to identify patterns of perfusion, biological function, and changes in inflammatory markers in heterogenous discarded kidney grafts.

LM02 trial Perioperative treatment with panitumumab and FOLFIRI in patients with wild-type RAS, potentially resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases-a phase II study.

Background: Twenty percent of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLMs) are initially resectable with a 5-year survival rate of 25%-40%. Perioperative folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) increases progression-free survival (PFS). In advanced disease, the addition of targeting therapies results in an overall survival (OS) advantage. The aim of this study was to evaluate panitumumab and FOLFIRI as perioperative therapy in resectable CLM. Methods: Patients with previously untreated, wild-type Rat sarcoma virus (RAS), and resectable CLM were included. Preoperative four and postoperative eight cycles of panitumumab and folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan (FOLFIRI) were administered. Primary objectives were efficacy and safety. Secondary endpoints included PFS and OS. Results: We enrolled 36 patients in seven centers in Austria (intention-to-treat analyses, 35 patients). There were 28 men and seven women, and the median age was 66 years. About 91.4% completed preoperative therapy and 82.9% underwent liver resection. The R0 resection rate was 82.7%. Twenty patients started and 12 patients completed postoperative chemotherapy. The objective radiological response rate after preoperative therapy was 65.7%. About 20% and 5.7% of patients had stable disease and progressive disease, respectively. The most common grade 3 adverse events were diarrhea, rash, and leukopenia during preoperative therapy. One patient died because of sepsis, and one had a pulmonary embolism grade 4. After surgery, two patients died because of hepatic failure. Most common grade 3 adverse events during postoperative therapy were skin toxicities/rash and leukopenia/neutropenia, and the two grade 4 adverse events were stroke and intestinal obstruction. Median PFS was 13.2 months. The OS rate at 12 and 24 months were 85.6% and 73.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Panitumumab and FOLFIRI as perioperative therapy for resectable CLM result in a radiological objective response rate in 65.7% of patients with a manageable grade 3 diarrhea rate of 14.3%. Median PFS was 13.2 months, and the 24-month OS rate was 73.3%. These data are insufficient to widen the indication of panitumumab from the unresectable setting to the setting of resectable CLM.

E-AHPBA-ESSO-ESSR Innsbruck consensus guidelines for preoperative liver function assessment before hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality after liver surgery. Standardized assessment of preoperative liver function is crucial to identify patients at risk. These European consensus guidelines provide guidance for preoperative patient assessment. METHODS: A modified Delphi approach was used to achieve consensus. The expert panel consisted of hepatobiliary surgeons, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, and hepatologists. The guideline process was supervised by a methodologist and reviewed by a patient representative. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane library, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry. Evidence assessment and statement development followed Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology. RESULTS: Based on 271 publications covering 4 key areas, 21 statements (at least 85 per cent agreement) were produced (median level of evidence 2- to 2+). Only a few systematic reviews (2++) and one RCT (1+) were identified. Preoperative liver function assessment should be considered before complex resections, and in patients with suspected or known underlying liver disease, or chemotherapy-associated or drug-induced liver injury. Clinical assessment and blood-based scores reflecting liver function or portal hypertension (for example albumin/bilirubin, platelet count) aid in identifying risk of PHLF. Volumetry of the future liver remnant represents the foundation for assessment, and can be combined with indocyanine green clearance or LiMAx® according to local expertise and availability. Functional MRI and liver scintigraphy are alternatives, combining FLR volume and function in one examination. CONCLUSION: These guidelines reflect established methods to assess preoperative liver function and PHLF risk, and have uncovered evidence gaps of interest for future research.

Liver surgery is an effective treatment for liver tumours. Liver failure is a major problem in patients with a poor liver quality or having large operations. The treatment options for liver failure are limited, with high death rates. To estimate patient risk, assessing liver function before surgery is important. Many methods exist for this purpose, including functional, blood, and imaging tests. This guideline summarizes the available literature and expert opinions, and aids clinicians in planning safe liver surgery.

Single Center, Propensity Score Matching Analysis of Different Reconstruction Techniques following Pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy is still hampered by significant morbidity. So far, there is no universally accepted technique aimed at minimizing postoperative complications. Herein, we compare three different reconstruction techniques. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database including 283 patients operated between January 2010 and December 2020. Three reconstruction techniques were compared: (1) the Neuhaus-style telescope pancreatojejunostomy, (2) the pancreatogastrostomy, and (3) the modified Blumgart-style, duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy. The primary endpoint consisted in determining the rates of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (CR-POPF); the secondary endpoints included 90 days morbidity and mortality rates. A propensity score matching analysis was used. RESULTS: Rates of CR-POPF did not differ significantly between the groups (Neuhaus-style pancreatojejunostomy 16%, pancreatogastrostomy 17%, modified Blumgart-style pancreatojejunostomy 15%), neither in the unmatched nor in the matched analysis (p = 0.993 and p = 0.901, respectively). Similarly, no significant differences could be observed with regard to major morbidity (unmatched p = 0.596, matched p = 0.188) and mortality rates (unmatched p = 0.371, matched p = 0.209) within the first 90 days following surgery. Propensity-score matching analyses revealed, however, a higher occurrence of post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage after pancreatogastrostomy (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Similar CR-POPF rates suggest no crucial role of the applied reconstruction technique. Increased incidence of intraluminal post-pancreatectomy hemorrhages following pancreatogastrostomy demands awareness for meticulous hemostasis.

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors: An analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup and surgical approach-A single center retrospective study.

Background: Neurocrine neoplasms (NEN) of the small bowel (SBNEN) are a rare entity and mostly asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to explore trends in the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, surgical approach and oncological outcome in patients with SBNEN at our surgical department. Materials and methods: All patients who underwent surgical resection for SBNEN from 2004 to 2020 at our department were enrolled in this single center retrospective study. Results: A total of 32 patients were included in this study. In most cases, the diagnosis was based on incidental findings during endoscopy or radiographic imaging (n = 23; 72%). Twenty cases had a G1 tumor and 12 cases a G2 tumor. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 96%, 86% and 81%, respectively. Patients with a tumor more than 30 mm had a significantly lower OS (p = 0.01). For G1 tumors, the estimated disease-free survival (DFS) was 109 months. Again, the DFS was significantly lower when the tumor had more than 30 mm in diameter (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Due to the mostly asymptomatic presentation, the diagnostic workup can be difficult. An aggressive approach and a strict follow-up seem to be important for the oncological outcome.

Is a less-intensive follow-up for colon cancer in early stages reasonable?

PURPOSE: Patients with colon cancer are usually included in an intensive 5-year surveillance protocol after curative resection, independent of the tumor stage, though early stages have a considerably lower risk of recurrence. The aim of this study was to analyze the adherence to an intensive follow-up and the risk of recurrence in patients with colon cancer in UICC stages I and II. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we assessed patients who underwent resection for colon cancer in UICC stages I and II between 2007 and 2016. Data were collected on demographics, tumor stages, therapy, surveillance, recurrent disease, and oncological outcome. RESULTS: Of the 232 included patients, 43.5% (n = 101) reached the 5-year follow-up disease-free. Seven (7.5%) patients in stage UICC I and sixteen (11.5%) in UICC II had a recurrence, with the highest risk in patients with pT4 (26.3%). A metachronous colon cancer was detected in four patients (1.7%). The therapy of recurrence was intended to be curative in 57.1% (n = 4) of UICC stage I and in 43.8% (n = 7) of UICC stage II, but only in one of seven patients over 80 years. 44.8% (n = 104) of the patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: A postoperative surveillance in patients with colon cancer is important and recommended as a recurrent disease can be treated successfully in many patients. However, we suggest that a less intensive surveillance protocol is reasonable for patients with colon cancer in early tumor stages, especially in UICC stage I, as the risk of recurrent disease is low. With elderly and/or frail patients in a reduced general condition, who will not endure further specific therapy in case of a recurrence, the performance of the surveillance should be discussed: we recommend a significant reduction or even renunciation.

Risk factors, complications and costs of prolonged air leak after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary lung cancer.

Background: Prolonged air leak (PAL) represents a common complication after lung resection. This study aims to analyze the risk factors for the development of a PAL, its impact on the postoperative outcome and to estimate additional treatment costs. Methods: A single center database was queried for all patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary lung cancer. In total, 957 patients between 2009 and 2021 were analyzed. Exclusion criteria was pneumonectomy. Collected data included demographics and perioperative data (e.g., duration of surgery, postoperative infections, air leak duration etc.). PAL was defined as an air leak lasting for 5 days or longer. The PAL cohort included 103 patients, the non-PAL included 854 patients. Univariate analysis and binomial logistic regression were performed. Cost calculation was performed using available data from prior publications to estimate treatment costs. Results: Male sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and low body mass index (BMI) showed to be risk factors for the development of postoperative PAL (P<0.001). Using these risk factors, a risk prediction score for PAL has been established. A subgroup analysis showed a significantly higher rate of sarcopenia in patients with PAL (P<0.001). The mean duration until removal of chest drains and length of stay (LOS) was significantly longer in the PAL cohort (14.2 vs. 4.4 days, P<0.001; 19.8 vs. 9.3 days, P<0.001). Also, the duration of the operation was longer in PAL patients (179.1 vs. 161.2 minutes, P=0.001). Patients with PAL had an elevated risk for postoperative infections [odds ratio (OR) 3.211, 31.1% vs. 12.3%, P<0.001]. As a result of a prolonged LOS, estimated treatment costs were significantly higher for PAL, ranging from 2,888.2 to 12,342.8 € depending on available cost bases compared to the non-PAL cohort, which ranged from 1,370.5 to 5,856.8 € (P<0.001). Conclusions: PAL is a frequent complication that prolongs the LOS after thoracic surgery and, according to the literature, results in elevated readmission rates, leading to excess health care costs. Risk factors for PAL are well established. Preoperative treatment of sarcopenia and dismal nutritional status might alter the risk. As measures to prevent PAL are otherwise limited, guidelines for effective management of PAL need to be established.

Liver Transplantation in Recipients With a Positive Crossmatch: A Retrospective Single-Center Match-Pair Analysis.

A positive crossmatch (XM+) is considered a contraindication to solid abdominal organ transplantation except liver transplantation (LT). Conflicting reports exist regarding the effects of XM+ on post-transplant outcomes. The goal of this retrospective single-center analysis is to evaluate the influence of XM+ on relevant outcome parameters such as survival, graft rejection, biliary and arterial complications. Forty-nine adult patients undergoing LT with a XM+ between 2002 and 2017 were included. XM+ LT recipients were matched 1:2 with crossmatch negative (XM-) LT recipients based on the balance of risk (BAR) score. Patient and graft survival were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test. Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes in XM+ and XM- groups were conducted. Patient and graft survival were similar in XM+ and XM- patients. Rejection episodes did not differ either. Recipients with a strong XM+ were more likely to develop a PCR+ CMV infection. A XM+ was not associated with a higher incidence of biliary or arterial complications. Donor age, cold ischemia time, PCR+ CMV infection and a rejection episode were associated with the occurrence of ischemic type biliary lesions. A XM+ has no effects on patient and graft survival or other relevant outcome parameters following LT.

External validation of risk prediction scores in patients undergoing anatomic video-assisted thoracoscopic resection.

BACKGROUND: EuroLung Risk scores were established to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing anatomic lung resections. We aimed to perform an external validation of the EuroLung scores, which were calculated from data of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons database, in our video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery cohort. METHODS: All available EuroLung scores were calculated for 718 patients scheduled for anatomic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery resections between 2009 and 2019. Morbidity and mortality according to the definitions of the EuroLung scores were analyzed in a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: Overall observed complication rate was 10.45%. Scores showed weak individual correlation (η = 0.155-0.174). The EuroLung1 app score showed the biggest area under the receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve with 0.660. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s was associated with increased complications in both EuroLung1 and parsimonious EuroLung1 scores. Thirty-day mortality was 0.7% (predicted 1.10-1.40%) and was associated with predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s for both EuroLung2 and parsimonious EuroLung2 scores. The EuroLung2 (2016) showed the biggest area under the ROC curve with 0.673. Only a very weak eta correlation between predicted and observed mortality was found for both aggregate EuroLung2, EuroLung2 (2016), EuroLung2 (2019), and parsimonious EuroLung2 (2016) (η = 0.025/0.015/0.011/0.009). CONCLUSION: EuroLung scores help to estimate postoperative morbidity. However, even with the highest aggregate EuroLung scores possible only 50% suffer from postoperative morbidity. Although calibration of the scores was acceptable, discrimination between predicted and observed events was poor. Therefore, individual correlation between predicted and observed events is weak. Therefore, EuroLung scores may be best used to compare institutional quality of care to the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons database but should not be used to preclude patients from surgical treatment.

Incidence and risk factors for anastomotic bile leakage in hepatic resection with bilioenteric reconstruction - A international multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak (AL) after bilioenteric reconstruction (BR) is a feared complication after bile duct resection, especially in combination with liver resection. Literature on surgical outcome is sparse. This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for AL after combined liver and bile duct resection with a focus on operative or endoscopic reinterventions. METHODS: Data from consecutive patients who underwent liver resection and BR between 2004 and 2018 in 11 academic institutions in Europe were collected from prospectively maintained databases. RESULTS: Within 921 patients, AL rate was 5.4% with a 30d mortality of 9.6%. Pringle maneuver (p<0.001),postoperative external biliary (p=0.007) and abdominal drainage (p<0.001) were risk factors for clinically relevant AL. Preoperative biliary drainage (p<0.001) was not associated with a higher rate of AL. AL was more frequent in stented patients (76.5%) compared to PTCD (17.6%) or PTCD+stent (5.9%,p=0.017). AL correlated with increased incidence of postoperative liver failure (p=0.036), cholangitis, hemorrhage and sepsis (all p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This multicenter data provides the largest series to date of LR with BR and could help in the management of these patients which are often challenging and hampering the patients' postoperative course negatively.

Bariatric surgery prevents carotid wall thickness progression.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for patients with severe obesity and improves parameters of cardiovascular and/or metabolic disease. Carotid intima media thickness (C-IMT) is a surrogate measure of subclinical atherosclerosis. Previous studies showed short to mid-term arrest and even regression of C­IMT progression following bariatric surgery. We aimed to investigate the long-term effect of weight loss on C­IMT progression 10 years after bariatric surgery in comparison to a population-based control cohort. METHODS: In total, 21 eligible patients were examined preoperatively, at 5 and 10 years after bariatric surgery. Anthropometric parameters, plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), insulin, and glucose were assessed at all three study visits. C­IMT was measured via B­mode scans of the common carotid artery. C­IMT progression was measured in an age-matched and BMI-matched cohort selected from the population-based Bruneck study to compare with changes in C­IMT progression after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: C­IMT remained stable over the 10-year observation period after bariatric surgery. The control cohort showed a significant C­IMT progression over 10 years. The difference in C­IMT progression over 10 years was significant (p < 0.01) between both cohorts. CONCLUSION: Weight loss induced by bariatric surgery halts the natural progression of C­IMT over a 10-year observation period.

Complement and Fungal Dysbiosis as Prognostic Markers and Potential Targets in PDAC Treatment.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still hampered by a dismal prognosis. A better understanding of the tumor microenvironment within the pancreas and of the factors affecting its composition is of utmost importance for developing new diagnostic and treatment tools. In this context, the complement system plays a prominent role. Not only has it been shown to shape a T cell-mediated immune response, but it also directly affects proliferation and apoptosis of the tumor cells, influencing angiogenesis, metastatic spread and therapeutic resistance. This makes complement proteins appealing not only as early biomarkers of PDAC development, but also as therapeutic targets. Fungal dysbiosis is currently the new kid on the block in tumorigenesis with cancer-associated mycobiomes extracted from several cancer types. For PDAC, colonization with the yeast Malassezia seems to promote cancer progression, already in precursor lesions. One responsible mechanism appears to be complement activation via the lectin pathway. In the present article, we review the role of the complement system in tumorigenesis, presenting observations that propose it as the missing link between fungal dysbiosis and PDAC development. We also present the results of a small pilot study supporting the crucial interplay between the complement system and Malassezia colonization in PDAC pathogenesis.

Multidisciplinary Treatment of Liver Metastases from Intracranial SFTs/HPCs: A Report of Three Consecutive Cases.

In the 2016 WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system, hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) and solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) were integrated into a new entity (SFT/HPC). Metastases to bone, liver, lung, and abdominal cavity are of concern. Only 37 cases of patients with liver metastases due to intracranial SFTs/HPCs have been reported. Herein, we present our experience in the management of patients with liver metastases from intracranial SFTs/HCPs. All consecutive patients who were treated for liver metastases from intracranial SFTs/HPCs from January 2014 to December 2020 were enrolled. Overall, three patients were treated for liver metastasis from SFTs/HPCs with curative intent. Two patients with bilobar metastases at presentation required surgical resection, transarterial embolization, stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRFA) and systemic therapy. One patient with a singular right liver lobe metastasis was treated with SRFA alone. This patient shows no evidence of liver metastases 39 months following diagnosis. Of the two patients with bilobar disease, one died 89 months following diagnosis, while one is still alive 73 months following diagnosis. Long-term survival can be achieved using a multimodal treatment concept, including surgery, loco-regional and systemic therapies. Referral to a specialized tertiary cancer center and comprehensive long-term follow-up examinations are essential.

Successful Pregnancy in a Kidney-Pancreas Transplanted Patient on LifeCycle Pharma Tacrolimus (LCPT)-Based Immunosuppression.

BACKGROUND There has been, to our knowledge, no reports on LifeCycle Pharma tacrolimus (LCPT) taken during pregnancy after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK). Here, we report a 25-year-old female SPK recipient who gave birth to a healthy infant in posttransplant month 32. We analyzed the long-term graft function, obstetric/neonatal course, LCPT dosage, tacrolimus (TAC) levels, concomitant medication, and complications. CASE REPORT Her medical history consisted of type 1 diabetes with chronic nephropathy, arterial hypertension, and atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome with critical deterioration of her general condition requiring clinically indicated early termination of her first pregnancy prior to SPK. SPK was performed according to surgical standards. The immunosuppressive prophylaxis consisted of thymoglobulin, mycophenolate mofetil, standard TAC formulation, and steroids. Due to rapid TAC metabolism, the patient was converted from a standard TAC formulation to LCPT in the first month posttransplant. Her long-term immunosuppression, including the obstetric and peripartal course, consisted of LCPT, prednisolone, and azathioprine. She was normotensive without antihypertensive medication and maintained excellent function of both grafts during the observation period of 48 months posttransplant. All (mostly infectious) complications were reversible, especially temporary polyoma viremia within normal renal function, and 2 episodes of urosepsis. No relapse of her pretransplant episode of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome occurred posttransplant. Her child is in good health at the age of 12 months without any malformations. CONCLUSIONS This case suggests that pregnancy after SPK under LCPT is feasible. Further studies are needed to expand the empirical knowledge surrounding tacrolimus.

Long-term outcome after chronic anastomotic leakage following surgery for low rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the prevalence and factors influencing the history of chronic anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Furthermore, the treatment of a persisting presacral sinus and the impact of stoma reversal on outcome were evaluated. METHODS: The institutional database was scanned for all patients with anastomotic leakage, who were primarily treated for low rectal cancer between January 1995 and December 2019. Patients with rectovaginal and rectovesical fistula or an inadequate follow-up were excluded (n = 5). After applying the exclusion criteria, 71 patients remained for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients out of 71 patients with anastomotic leakage (54.9%) developed a persisting presacral sinus. Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy or chemotherapy showed a significant impact on the formation of a chronic anastomotic leakage (radiochemotherapy: p = 0.034; chemotherapy: p = 0.050), while initial surgical treatment showed no difference for anastomotic healing (p = 0.502), but a significantly better overall survival (p = 0.042). Multiple therapies and surgical revision had a negative impact on patients' rate of natural bowel continuity (p = 0.006/ < 0.001). In addition, the stoma reversal cohort showed improved overall 10-year survival (p = 0.004) and functional results (bowel continuity: p = 0.026; pain: p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Primary surgical therapy for chronic anastomotic leakage should consist of surgical treatment. Furthermore, the reversal of a protective stoma should be considered a viable option in treating chronic presacral sinus to improve pain symptoms and bowel continuity.