Machine Learning Risk Prediction Model of 90-day Mortality After Gastrectomy for Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a risk prediction model of 90-day mortality (90DM) using machine learning in a large multicenter cohort of patients undergoing gastric cancer resection with curative intent. BACKGROUND: The 90DM rate after gastrectomy for cancer is a quality of care indicator in surgical oncology. There is a lack of well-validated instruments for personalized prognosis of gastric cancer. METHODS: Consecutive patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent potentially curative gastrectomy between 2014 and 2021 registered in the Spanish EURECCA Esophagogastric Cancer Registry database were included. The 90DM for all causes was the study outcome. Preoperative clinical characteristics were tested in four 90DM predictive models: Cross Validated Elastic regularized logistic regression method (cv-Enet), boosting linear regression (glmboost), random forest, and an ensemble model. Performance was evaluated using the area under the curve by 10-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: A total of 3182 and 260 patients from 39 institutions in 6 regions were included in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. The 90DM rate was 5.6% and 6.2%, respectively. The random forest model showed the best discrimination capacity with a validated area under the curve of 0.844 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.841-0.848] as compared with cv-Enet (0.796, 95% CI: 0.784-0.808), glmboost (0.797, 95% CI: 0.785-0.809), and ensemble model (0.847, 95% CI: 0.836-0.858) in the development cohort. Similar discriminative capacity was observed in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: A robust clinical model for predicting the risk of 90DM after surgery of gastric cancer was developed. Its use may aid patients and surgeons in making informed decisions.

Preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio behaves as an independent prognostic factor even in patients with postoperative complications after curative resection for gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if the prognostic value of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be modified by the presence of postoperative complications (POC) and their severity in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma resected with curative intent. METHODS: A retrospective study based on a prospective database of patients with resectable gastric adenocarcinoma treated with radical intention (R0) between January 1998 and February 2012. The primary endpoint was overall survival according to preoperative peripheral blood NLR and postoperative complications. Clinicopathological variables, preoperative blood tests, POC and its severity (Clavien-Dindo classification), type of POC (infectious or not infectious) and mortality were registered. A univariate and multivariate analysis (step forward Cox regression) was performed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess overall survival. RESULTS: The 147 patients with gastric cancer who had undergone radical resection were included from an initial cohort of 209 patients. Univariant analysis: type of surgery, pT, pN, postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) and preoperative NLR ≥ 2.4 were significantly associated with survival (p < 0.05). Patients with POC showed worse long-term survival (p = 0.000), with no difference (p = 0.867) between infectious or non-infectious POC. NLR ≥ 2.4 was associated with infectious POC (p < 0.001). Patients with preoperative NLR ≥ 2.4 (p = 0.02) had a worse prognosis. Multivariate analysis: pN (p < 0.001), postoperative complications (p < 0.001) (HR 3.04; 95% CI: 1.97-4.70) and NLR ≥ 2.4 (p = 0.04) (HR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.02-2.3) were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: The preoperative inflammatory state of patients with gastric cancer measured by NLR behaves as an independent prognostic factor, even in patients with POC.

Proyectos de estandarización del tratamiento del cáncer de la unión esofagogástrica: centralización, registros y formación / Standardizing the treatment of oesophagogastric junction tumours: Centralization, registries and surgical training

El tratamiento quirúrgico de los adenocarcinomas de la unión esofagogástrica se basa en gastrectomías totales o esofaguectomías oncológicas, procedimientos de alta complejidad y considerable morbimortalidad. Los datos obtenidos del análisis de registros quirúrgicos poblacionales muestran una elevada variabilidad en el enfoque terapéutico y los resultados entre diferentes centros hospitalarios y zonas geográficas. Una de las principales medidas destinadas a reducir esta variabilidad, mejorando los resultados globales, es la centralización de la enfermedad en centros de referencia, proceso que debe basarse en el cumplimiento de unos estándares de calidad e ir acompañada de la armonización de protocolos terapéuticos. La cirugía mínimamente invasiva puede disminuir la morbilidad postoperatoria sin comprometer la supervivencia, pero es técnicamente más demandante que la cirugía abierta. Los programas de formación quirúrgica tutelada permiten incorporar la cirugía mínimamente invasiva a la práctica de los equipos quirúrgicos sin que la curva de aprendizaje condicione la morbimortalidad ni la radicalidad oncológica

Surgical treatment of oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas is based on total gastrectomies or oesophagectomies, which are complex procedures with potentially high morbidity and mortality. Population-based registers show a considerable variability of protocols and outcomes among different hospitals and regions. One of the main strategies to improve global results is centralization at high-volume hospitals, a process that should take into account the benchmarking of processes and outcomes at referral hospitals. Minimally invasive surgery can improve postoperative morbidity while maintaining oncological guaranties, but is technically more demanding than open surgery. This fact underlines the need for structured training and mentorship programs that minimize the impact of surgical teams’ training curves without affecting morbidity, mortality or oncologic radicality

Standardizing the treatment of oesophagogastric junction tumours: Centralization, registries and surgical training. / Proyectos de estandarización del tratamiento del cáncer de la unión esofagogástrica: centralización, registros y formación.

Surgical treatment of oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas is based on total gastrectomies or oesophagectomies, which are complex procedures with potentially high morbidity and mortality. Population-based registers show a considerable variability of protocols and outcomes among different hospitals and regions. One of the main strategies to improve global results is centralization at high-volume hospitals, a process that should take into account the benchmarking of processes and outcomes at referral hospitals. Minimally invasive surgery can improve postoperative morbidity while maintaining oncological guaranties, but is technically more demanding than open surgery. This fact underlines the need for structured training and mentorship programs that minimize the impact of surgical teams' training curves without affecting morbidity, mortality or oncologic radicality.

Conducta transfusional perioperatoria en la cirugía del cáncer gástrico: análisis del registro del grupo español EURECCA de cáncer esófago-gástrico / Perioperative transfusion management in gastric cancer surgery: Analysis of the Spanish subset of the EURECCA oesophago-gastric cancer registry

INTRODUCCIÓN: Este estudio evaluó la tasa de transfusión de concentrados de hematíes alogénicos (TCHA) en la cirugía de resección del cáncer gástrico y la difusión de los protocolos de ahorro transfusional (PAT). MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes operados por adenocarcinoma gástrico con intención curativa en Cataluña y Navarra (2011-2013) e incluidos en el registro del grupo español EURECCA de cáncer esófago-gástrico. Los hospitales con PAT disponían de un circuito de optimización preoperatoria de la hemoglobina (Hb) y de política transfusional restrictiva. Los factores predictores de TCHA se identificaron mediante una regresión logística multinomial. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 652 pacientes, 274 (42%) de los cuales recibieron TCHA. Seis de los 19 hospitales disponían de PAT (22% de los pacientes). La Hb baja al diagnóstico (10 vs. 12,4 g/dL), una puntuación ASA III/IV, pT3-4, la cirugía abierta, la resección visceral asociada y haber sido atendido en un hospital sin PAT fueron factores predictores de TCHA, con la Hb baja, la resección visceral asociada y la intervención en un centro sin PAT persistiendo como predictores en el análisis multivariante. Hubo un mayor porcentaje de uso de hierro en el preoperatorio (26,2 vs. 13,2%) y un menor porcentaje de transfusiones (31,7 vs. 45%) en los hospitales con PAT. CONCLUSIONES: La tasa transfusional en la cirugía del cáncer gástrico fue del 42%. Los PAT resultaron eficaces pero su implementación fue solo del 22%. La Hb baja, la intervención en un centro sin PAT y la resección visceral asociada fueron predictores de transfusión

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated allogenic packed red blood cell (aPRBC) transfusion rates in patients undergoing resection for gastric cancer and the implementation of blood-saving protocols (BSP). METHODS: Retrospective study of all gastric cancer patients operated on with curative intent in Catalonia and Navarra (2011-2013) and included in the Spanish subset of the EURECCA Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Registry. Hospitals with BSP were defined as those with a preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) optimisation circuit associated with restrictive transfusion strategies. Predictors of aPRBC transfusion were identified by multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 652 patients were included, 274 (42.0%) of which received aPRBC transfusion. Six of the 19 participating hospitals had BSP and treated 145 (22.2%) patients. Low Hb level at diagnosis (10 vs 12.4g/dL), ASA score III/IV, pT3-4, open surgery, associated visceral resection, and having being operated on in a hospital without BSP were predictors of aPRBC transfusion, while low Hb level, associated visceral resection, and non-BSP hospital remained predictors in the multivariate analysis. In case of comparable risk factors for aPRBC transfusion, there was a higher use of preoperative intravenous iron treatment (26.2% vs 13.2%) and a lower percentage of transfusions (31.7% vs 45%) in hospitals with BSP. CONCLUSIONS:The perioperative transfusion rate in gastric cancer was 42%. Hospitals with BSP showed a significant reduction of blood transfusions but treated only 22% of patients. Main predictors of aPRBC were low Hb level, associated visceral resection, and undergoing surgery at a hospital without BSP

Perioperative transfusion management in gastric cancer surgery: Analysis of the Spanish subset of the EURECCA oesophago-gastric cancer registry. / Conducta transfusional perioperatoria en la cirugía del cáncer gástrico: análisis del registro del grupo español EURECCA de cáncer esófago-gástrico.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated allogenic packed red blood cell (aPRBC) transfusion rates in patients undergoing resection for gastric cancer and the implementation of blood-saving protocols (BSP). METHODS: Retrospective study of all gastric cancer patients operated on with curative intent in Catalonia and Navarra (2011-2013) and included in the Spanish subset of the EURECCA Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Registry. Hospitals with BSP were defined as those with a preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) optimisation circuit associated with restrictive transfusion strategies. Predictors of aPRBC transfusion were identified by multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 652 patients were included, 274 (42.0%) of which received aPRBC transfusion. Six of the 19 participating hospitals had BSP and treated 145 (22.2%) patients. Low Hb level at diagnosis (10 vs 12.4g/dL), ASA score III/IV, pT3-4, open surgery, associated visceral resection, and having being operated on in a hospital without BSP were predictors of aPRBC transfusion, while low Hb level, associated visceral resection, and non-BSP hospital remained predictors in the multivariate analysis. In case of comparable risk factors for aPRBC transfusion, there was a higher use of preoperative intravenous iron treatment (26.2% vs 13.2%) and a lower percentage of transfusions (31.7% vs 45%) in hospitals with BSP. CONCLUSIONS: The perioperative transfusion rate in gastric cancer was 42%. Hospitals with BSP showed a significant reduction of blood transfusions but treated only 22% of patients. Main predictors of aPRBC were low Hb level, associated visceral resection, and undergoing surgery at a hospital without BSP.

Wernicke's encephalopathy after sleeve gastrectomy: Literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of Wernicke's encephalopathy after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. SETTING: Emergency Department and gastrointestinal surgery department. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old man class III obesity (BMI 50.17kg/m(2)) underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with uneventful recovery. Five weeks after surgery he was admitted in the Emergency Department because of persistent vomiting and dysphagia to solids. Esophagogastroduodenal transit and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were requested but no relevant findings were shown. Laboratory analyses showed vitamin B1 12.2ng/mL and 48h following admission the patient experienced generalized weakness, sialorrhea and restrictions of actions such as reading a book. Neurological evaluation found confusion, motor ataxia, diplopy and nystagmus. A brain magnetic resonance was normal. According to low level of vitamin B1 and symptoms found in the patient a presumed diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy was made and parenteral thiamine 100mg/day was started. The patient was discharged asymptomatic with oral intake of vitamin B1 600mg per day. CONCLUSION: Nutritional deficiencies after restrictive procedures are uncommon but easily preventable and can result in life threatening. With the upswing of bariatric surgery, surgeons and emergency physicians should be able to diagnose and treat those complications. Prophylactic thiamine should be administered to patients with predisposing factors.

TNM 7. a edición 2009 (UICC/AJCC) y Clasificación Japonesa 2010 en Cáncer Gástrico. Hacia la simplicidad y estandarización en el manejo del cáncer gástrico / TNM-7th edition 2009 (UICC/AJCC) and Japanese Classification 2010 in Gastric Cancer. Towards simplicity and standardisation in the management of gastric cancer

Desde inicios de 2010 han entrado en vigor la 7.a edición del TNM (UICC/AJCC) y una nueva revisión de la Japanese Classification for Gastric Cancer y de la Treatment Guidelines (Japanese Gastric Cancer Association). Unas de las modificaciones más importantes consisten en la redefinición y simplificación de los tipos de linfadenectomía D1/D2 en función del tipo de gastrectomía realizada (anteriormente en función de la localización del tumor primario) y en la adopción del criterio numérico de la 7.a edición del TNM para evaluar el grado de afectación ganglionar (antes según la localización anatómica de los grupos respecto al tumor primario). Estos cambios pretenden facilitar el manejo terapéutico y la comparación de los resultados de una forma más uniforme entre países. La relevancia de estas modificaciones en ambos sistemas justifica este análisis exhaustivo y la actualización de los nuevos conceptos para un manejo correcto del cáncer gástrico (AU)

The 7th edition of the UICC/AJCC TNM, and a new revision of the Japanese Classification for Gastric Cancer and Treatment Guidelines (Japanese Gastric Cancer Association) have been available since the beginning of 2010. One of the most important changes consists on the redefining and simplification of type D1/D2 lymphadenectomy depending on the type of gastrectomy performed (previously it depended on the location of the primary tumour), and the adoption of numeric criteria of TNM-7th Edition to evaluate the level of lymph node involvement (before, according to the anatomical location of the groups as regards the primary tumour).These changes attempt to make therapeutic management easier and a more uniform comparison of results between countries. The importance of these modifications in both systems justifies this exhaustive analysis and update of the new concepts for a correct management of gastric cancer (AU)

Cáncer gástrico por laparoscopia: análisis de los datos del Registro Nacional de Cirugía Gástrica por Laparoscopia / Gastric cancer and laparoscopy: analysis of data from the national register of laparoscopic gastric surgery

Objetivo: Describir los datos enviados al Registro Nacional de Cirugía Gástrica por laparoscopia y analizar el tipo de cirugía, la reconversión, las complicaciones postoperatorias y la mortalidad. Pacientes y método: Desde marzo de 2005 a julio de 2008 han sido remitidos al registro 302 pacientes a través de un cuestionario ubicado en la página web de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos, donde se registraron datos clinicopatológicos, características de la cirugía realizada, reconversión y morbimortalidad. Resultados: Se ha intervenido a 245 pacientes por adenocarcinoma gástrico, 35 por tumores estromales y 22 por otras afecciones. En los adenocarcinomas gástricos se realizó cirugía resectiva en 232 (95%) casos. La localización predominante fue el tercio distal y el tipo de tumor más frecuente, el intestinal. El 34% fueron tumores localmente avanzados. Se realizó una linfadenectomía D2 en 117 casos, D1 en 105 y D0 en 6. Se realizó reconversión en 21 (9%), y entre las causas destacan las dificultades técnicas. Se han descrito complicaciones postoperatorias en 72 (31%) casos, entre las que destacan por su gravedad las fístulas digestivas. Hubo una mortalidad postoperatoria del 6%, y las causas más frecuentes fueron la sepsis por fuga anastomótica y las complicaciones cardiorrespiratorias. La estancia media hospitalaria en los pacientes que no presentaron complicaciones fue de 9,2±3 días. Conclusiones: La gastrectomía laparoscópica en el cáncer gástrico es un procedimiento factible que no está exento de dificultades técnicas. Una considerable tasa de complicaciones postoperatorias pueden llegar a condicionar los beneficios de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva(AU)

Objective: To study the data from the Laparoscopic Gastric Surgery Spanish National Register of laparoscopic Gastric Surgery and to analyse the type of surgery, the conversion to laparotomy, postoperative complications and mortality. Patients and Method: From March 2005 to July 2008, details of 302 laparoscopic gastric surgical interventions were sent to the Association of Spanish Surgeons web-site. Details of surgical technique, reconversion, clinical and pathological data, morbidity and mortality were collected and analysed. Results: A total of 245 patients had gastric adenocarcinoma, 35 of them stromal tumours and 22 other gastric pathologies. In gastric adenocarcinoma patients, resection was performed in 232 cases (95%). The most frequent histology was intestinal, mainly located in the distal third of the stomach, with 34% of the tumours being locally advanced. D2 lymphadenectomy was performed in 117 cases, D1 in 105, and D0 in 6. Reconversion was needed in 21 cases (9%), with technical difficulty being the most frequent cause . Postoperative complications were reported in 72 patients (31%), with anastomotic leak being one of the most significant. Postoperative mortality was 6%, with sepsis due to anastomotic leak and cardiac or respiratory complications the most frequent causes. The mean hospital stay of patients without complications was 9.2±3 days.Conclusions: Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer is a feasible but technically demanding procedure. Potential benefits of minimal invasive surgery can be reduced due to a high rate of postoperative complications(AU)

[Gastric cancer and laparoscopy: analysis of data from the national register of laparoscopic gastric surgery]. / Cáncer gástrico por laparoscopia: análisis de los datos del Registro Nacional de Cirugía Gástrica por Laparoscopia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the data from the Laparoscopic Gastric Surgery Spanish National Register of laparoscopic Gastric Surgery and to analyse the type of surgery, the conversion to laparotomy, postoperative complications and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From March 2005 to July 2008, details of 302 laparoscopic gastric surgical interventions were sent to the Association of Spanish Surgeons web-site. Details of surgical technique, reconversion, clinical and pathological data, morbidity and mortality were collected and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 245 patients had gastric adenocarcinoma, 35 of them stromal tumours and 22 other gastric pathologies. In gastric adenocarcinoma patients, resection was performed in 232 cases (95%). The most frequent histology was intestinal, mainly located in the distal third of the stomach, with 34% of the tumours being locally advanced. D2 lymphadenectomy was performed in 117 cases, D1 in 105, and D0 in 6. Reconversion was needed in 21 cases (9%), with technical difficulty being the most frequent cause. Postoperative complications were reported in 72 patients (31%), with anastomotic leak being one of the most significant. Postoperative mortality was 6%, with sepsis due to anastomotic leak and cardiac or respiratory complications the most frequent causes. The mean hospital stay of patients without complications was 9.2 +/- 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer is a feasible but technically demanding procedure. Potential benefits of minimal invasive surgery can be reduced due to a high rate of postoperative complications.