Intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile ducts: a comparative study of a rare disease in Europe and Nagoya, Japan.

BACKGROUND: Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts (IPNB) is a rare disease in Western countries. The aim of this study was to compare tumor characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes between Western and Eastern patients who underwent surgical resection for IPNB. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective series of patients with IPNB undergoing surgery between January 2010 and December 2020 was gathered under the auspices of the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA), and at Nagoya University Hospital, Japan. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients (51% male; median age 66 years) from 28 E-AHPBA centers were compared to 91 patients (64% male; median age 71 years) from Nagoya. Patients in Europe had more multiple lesions (23% vs 2%, P < .001), less invasive carcinoma (42% vs 85%, P < .001), and more intrahepatic tumors (52% vs 24%, P < .001) than in Nagoya. Patients in Europe experienced less 90-day grade >3 Clavien-Dindo complications (33% vs 68%, P < .001), but higher 90-day mortality rate (7.0% vs 0%, P = .03). R0 resections (81% vs 82%) were similar. Overall survival, excluding 90-day postoperative deaths, was similar in both regions. DISCUSSION: Despite performing more extensive resections, the low perioperative mortality rate observed in Nagoya was probably influenced by a combination of patient-, tumor-, and surgery-related factors.

Impact of Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer: Transatlantic Trend and Postoperative Outcomes Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of modern chemotherapy a decade ago has led to increased use of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A recent North American study demonstrated increased use of NAT and improved operative outcomes in patients with PDAC. The aims of this study were to compare the use of NAT and short-term outcomes in patients with PDAC undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) among registries from the US and Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. STUDY DESIGN: Databases from 2 multicenter (voluntary) and 2 nationwide (mandatory) registries were queried from 2018 to 2020. Patients undergoing PD for PDAC were compared based on the use of upfront surgery vs NAT. Adoption of NAT was measured in each country over time. Thirty-day outcomes, including the composite measure (ideal outcomes), were compared by multivariable analyses. Sensitivity analyses of patients undergoing vascular resection were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 11,402 patients underwent PD for PDAC with 33.7% of patients receiving NAT. The use of NAT increased steadily from 28.3% in 2018 to 38.5% in 2020 (p < 0.0001). However, use of NAT varied widely by country: the US (46.8%), the Netherlands (44.9%), Sweden (11.0%), and Germany (7.8%). On multivariable analysis, NAT was significantly (p < 0.01) associated with reduced rates of serious morbidity, clinically relevant pancreatic fistulae, reoperations, and increased ideal outcomes. These associations remained on sensitivity analysis of patients undergoing vascular resection. CONCLUSIONS: NAT before PD for pancreatic cancer varied widely among 4 Western audits yet increased by 26% during 3 years. NAT was associated with improved short-term outcomes.

Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX versus upfront surgery for resectable pancreatic head cancer (NORPACT-1): a multicentre, randomised, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing resection for pancreatic cancer, adjuvant modified fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) improves overall survival compared with alternative chemotherapy regimens. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX with the standard strategy of upfront surgery in patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: NORPACT-1 was a multicentre, randomised, phase 2 trial done in 12 hospitals in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, with a WHO performance status of 0 or 1, and had a resectable tumour of the pancreatic head radiologically strongly suspected to be pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Participants were randomly assigned (3:2 before October, 2018, and 1:1 after) to the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group or upfront surgery group. Patients in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group received four neoadjuvant cycles of FOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, irinotecan 180 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2, and fluorouracil 400 mg/m2 bolus then 2400 mg/m2 over 46 h on day 1 of each 14-day cycle), followed by surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients in the upfront surgery group underwent surgery and then received adjuvant chemotherapy. Initially, adjuvant chemotherapy was gemcitabine plus capecitabine (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 over 30 min on days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle and capecitabine 830 mg/m2 twice daily for 3 weeks with 1 week of rest in each 28-day cycle; four cycles in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group, six cycles in the upfront surgery group). A protocol amendment was subsequently made to permit use of adjuvant modified FOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, irinotecan 150 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2, and fluorouracil 2400 mg/m2 over 46 h on day 1 of each 14-day cycle; eight cycles in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group, 12 cycles in the upfront surgery group). Randomisation was performed with a computerised algorithm that stratified for each participating centre and used a concealed block size of two to six. Patients, investigators, and study team members were not masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was overall survival at 18 months. Analyses were done in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol populations. Safety was assessed in all patients who were randomly assigned and received at least one cycle of neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02919787, and EudraCT, 2015-001635-21, and is ongoing. FINDINGS: Between Feb 8, 2017, and April 21, 2021, 77 patients were randomly assigned to receive neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX and 63 to undergo upfront surgery. All patients were included in the ITT analysis. For the per-protocol analysis, 17 (22%) patients were excluded from the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group (ten did not receive neoadjuvant therapy, four did not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and three received another neoadjuvant regimen), and eight (13%) were excluded from the upfront surgery group (seven did not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and one did not undergo surgical exploration). 61 (79%) of 77 patients in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group received neoadjuvant therapy. The proportion of patients alive at 18 months by ITT was 60% (95% CI 49-71) in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group versus 73% (62-84) in the upfront surgery group (p=0·032), and median overall survival by ITT was 25·1 months (95% CI 17·2-34·9) versus 38·5 months (27·6-not reached; hazard ratio [HR] 1·52 [95% CI 1·00-2·33], log-rank p=0·050). The proportion of patients alive at 18 months in per-protocol analysis was 57% (95% CI 46-67) in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group versus 70% (55-83) in the upfront surgery group (p=0·14), and median overall survival in per-protocol population was 23·0 months (95% CI 16·2-34·9) versus 34·4 months (19·4-not reached; HR 1·46 [95% CI 0·99-2·17], log-rank p=0·058). In the safety population, 42 (58%) of 73 patients in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group and 19 (40%) of 47 patients in the upfront surgery group had at least one grade 3 or worse adverse event. 63 (82%) of 77 patients in the neoadjuvant group and 56 (89%) of 63 patients in the upfront surgery group had resection (p=0·24). One sudden death of unknown cause and one COVID-19-related death occurred after the first cycle of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX. Adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated in 51 (86%) of 59 patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group and 44 (90%) of 49 patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the upfront surgery group (p=0·56). Adjuvant modified FOLFIRINOX was given to 13 (25%) patients in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group and 19 (43%) patients in the upfront surgery group. During adjuvant chemotherapy, neutropenia (11 [22%] patients in the neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX group and five [11%] in the upfront surgery group) was the most common grade 3 or worse adverse event. INTERPRETATION: This phase 2 trial did not show a survival benefit from neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared with upfront surgery. Implementation of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX was challenging. Future trials on treatment sequencing in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma should be biomarker driven. FUNDING: Norwegian Cancer Society, South Eastern Norwegian Health Authority, The Sjöberg Foundation, and Helsinki University Hospital Research Grants.

Cholecystectomy and ERCP in pregnancy: a nationwide register-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the outcomes of cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during pregnancy and compare these outcomes with those in nonpregnant women of fertile age. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although both laparoscopic cholecystectomy and ERCP are considered safe and feasible in pregnant patients, there is still concern and uncertainty regarding gallstone intervention during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate outcomes in pregnant patients compared to outcomes in nonpregnant patients. METHODS: Data on all female patients aged 18-45 years were retrieved from the Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. The patients were divided into groups according to intervention: cholecystectomy, ERCP, or a combination thereof. Differences between pregnant and nonpregnant patients were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 21 328 patients were included, with 291 cholecystectomy and 63 ERCP procedures performed in pregnant patients. At the 30-day follow-up, more complications after cholecystectomy were registered for pregnant patients. However, pregnancy was not a significant risk factor for adverse events when adjusting for previous complicated gallstone disease, intraoperative complications, emergency surgery, and common bile duct stones. There were no differences in outcomes when comparing cholecystectomy among the different trimesters. ERCP had no significant effect on outcomes at the 30-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy, ERCP, and combinations thereof are safe during pregnancy.

Tumour origin, diagnostic accuracy and histopathological evaluation in patients with periampullary cancer: nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of different periampullary cancers (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, distal cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary cancer and duodenal cancer) is heterogeneous in the literature. During the 2010s, a standardized histopathological protocol for pancreatoduodenectomy specimens based on axial slicing was adopted in Sweden. The present study sought to provide information about periampullary cancers with regard to tumour types in curative and noncurative settings, preoperative diagnostic accuracy and the impact of a standardized evaluation of the surgical specimen on diagnosis, R status and lymph node assessment. METHODS: Data from patients diagnosed with periampullary cancer from 2010 to 2019 were retrieved from the Swedish National Registry for Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer. RESULTS: Among non-curative patients, 3704 (83.6 per cent) were diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Among patients treated with pancreatoduodenectomy, diagnosis was pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in 1380 (50.0 per cent), distal cholangiocarcinoma in 284 (10.3 per cent), ampullary cancer in 376 (13.6 per cent), duodenal cancer in 160 (5.8 per cent) and other diagnoses in 560 (20.3 per cent) patients. The preoperative diagnosis corresponded to the postoperative in 1177 (67.5 per cent) patients for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, 162 (37.4 per cent) patients for distal cholangiocarcinoma, 220 (61.3 per cent) patients for ampullary cancer and 120 (53.6 per cent) patients for duodenal cancer. A higher rate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was seen in surgical specimens who underwent standardized evaluation, from 56.8 per cent to 64.3 per cent (P = 0.003). After standardization, higher rates of R1 resection (31.7 per cent versus 44.6 per cent, P < 0.001) and N1 stage (62.1 per cent versus 77.0 per cent, P < 0.001) were found. CONCLUSION: The proportion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was higher in patients in a non-curative setting compared with patients who underwent surgery. The rate of misdiagnosis for periampullary cancers was confirmed to be high. Thus, it should be taken into account when preoperative oncological treatment is considered. Standardized evaluation of the surgical specimen has increased pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, R1 and N1 rates.

Hyperglycemia and insulin infusion in pancreatoduodenectomy: a prospective cohort study on feasibility and impact on complications.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is a risk factor for postoperative complications but its impact on outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is scarcely studied. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the effect of continuous insulin infusion on postoperative complications and blood glucose, as well as to evaluate the impact of hyperglycemia on complications, after PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients planned for PD at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden were prospectively included for perioperative continuous insulin infusion and a historic cohort of 100 patients was included retrospectively. Median blood glucose levels were calculated and data on complications were analyzed and compared between the historic cohort and the intervention group as well as between normo- and hyperglycemic patients. RESULTS: Median glucose levels were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the historic cohort up to 30 days postoperatively (median glucose 8.5 mmol/l (interquartile range 6.4-11) vs. 9.1 mmol/l (interquartile range 6.8-17) ( P =0.007)). No significant differences in complication rates were recorded between these two groups. The incidence of complications classified as Clavien ≥3 was higher in hyperglycemic patients (100 vs. 27%, P =0.024). Among hyperglycemic patients the prevalence of preoperative diabetes was higher compared to normoglycemic patients (52 vs.12%, P <0.001). In patients with a known diagnosis of diabetes, a trend, although not statistically significant, towards a lower incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B and C, as well as postpancreatectomy hemorrhage grade B and C, was seen compared to those without preoperative diabetes (6.8 vs. 14%, P =0.231 and 2.3 vs. 7.0%, P =0.238, respectively). CONCLUSION: Insulin infusion in the early postoperative phase after PD is feasible in a non-ICU setting and significantly decreased blood glucose levels. The influence on complications was limited. Preoperative diabetes was a significant predictor of postoperative hyperglycemia and was associated with a lower incidence of clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Intermittent scanning continuous glucose monitoring is safe and useful in postsurgical glucose monitoring after pancreatoduodenectomy.

AIMS: Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) systems have not been thoroughly evaluated during in-hospital stay, and there are concerns about accuracy during various conditions. Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy have an increased risk of hyperglycaemia after surgery which is aggravated by parenteral nutrition therapy. This study aims to evaluate glycaemic control and safety during insulin infusion in a surgical non-ICU ward, using a hybrid glucose monitoring approach with isCMG and periodic point-of-care (POC) testing. METHODS: We prospectively included 100 patients with a resectable pancreatic tumour. After surgery, continuous insulin infusion was initiated when POC glucose was > 7 mmol/l and titrated to maintain glucose between 7 and 10 mmol/l. Glucose was monitored with isCGM together with intermittent POC, every 3-6 h. Median absolute relative difference (MARD) and hypoglycaemic events were evaluated. Mean glucose was compared with a historic control (n = 100) treated with multiple subcutaneously insulin injections, monitored with POC only. RESULTS: The intervention group (isCGM/POC) had significantly lower POC glucose compared with the historic control group (8.8 ± 2.2 vs. 10.4 ± 3.4 mmol/l, p < 0.001). MARD was 17.8% (IQR 10.2-26.7). isCGM readings were higher than POC measurements in 91% of the paired cases, and isCGM did not miss any hypoglycaemic event. About 4.5% of all isCGM readings were < 3.9 mmol/l, but only six events were confirmed with POC, and none was < 3.0 mmol/l. CONCLUSIONS: A hybrid approach with isCGM/POC is a safe and effective treatment option in a non-ICU setting after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Multisocietal European consensus on the terminology, diagnosis, and management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases: an E-AHPBA consensus in partnership with ESSO, ESCP, ESGAR, and CIRSE.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases is complex. The aim of this project was to provide a practical framework for care of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases, with a focus on terminology, diagnosis, and management. METHODS: This project was a multiorganizational, multidisciplinary consensus. The consensus group produced statements which focused on terminology, diagnosis, and management. Statements were refined during an online Delphi process, and those with 70 per cent agreement or above were reviewed at a final meeting. Iterations of the report were shared by electronic mail to arrive at a final agreed document comprising 12 key statements. RESULTS: Synchronous liver metastases are those detected at the time of presentation of the primary tumour. The term 'early metachronous metastases' applies to those absent at presentation but detected within 12 months of diagnosis of the primary tumour, the term 'late metachronous metastases' applies to those detected after 12 months. 'Disappearing metastases' applies to lesions that are no longer detectable on MRI after systemic chemotherapy. Guidance was provided on the recommended composition of tumour boards, and clinical assessment in emergency and elective settings. The consensus focused on treatment pathways, including systemic chemotherapy, synchronous surgery, and the staged approach with either colorectal or liver-directed surgery as first step. Management of pulmonary metastases and the role of minimally invasive surgery was discussed. CONCLUSION: The recommendations of this contemporary consensus provide information of practical value to clinicians managing patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases.

Ideal Outcome After Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Transatlantic Evaluation of a Harmonized Composite Outcome Measure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to define and assess Ideal Outcome in the national or multicenter registries of North America, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. BACKGROUND: Assessing outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy among centers and countries requires a broad evaluation that cannot be captured by a single parameter. Previously, 2 composite outcome measures (textbook outcome and optimal pancreatic surgery) for pancreatoduodenectomy have been described from Europe and the United States. These composites were harmonized into ideal outcome (IO). METHODS: This analysis is a transatlantic retrospective study (2018-2020) of patients after pancreatoduodenectomy within the registries from North America, Germany, The Netherlands, and Sweden. After 3 consensus meetings, IO for pancreatoduodenectomy was defined as the absence of all 6 parameters: (1) in-hospital mortality, (2) severe complications-Clavien-Dindo ≥3, (3) postoperative pancreatic fistula-International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) grade B/C, (4) reoperation, (5) hospital stay >75th percentile, and (6) readmission. Outcomes were evaluated using relative largest difference (RLD) and absolute largest difference (ALD), and multivariate regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 21,036 patients after pancreatoduodenectomy were included, of whom 11,194 (54%) reached IO. The rate of IO varied between 55% in North America, 53% in Germany, 52% in The Netherlands, and 54% in Sweden (RLD: 1.1, ALD: 3%, P <0.001). Individual components varied with an ALD of 2% length of stay, 4% for in-hospital mortality, 12% severe complications, 10% postoperative pancreatic fistula, 11% reoperation, and 9% readmission. Age, sex, absence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, body mass index, performance status, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, biliary drainage, absence of vascular resection, and histologic diagnosis were associated with IO. In the subgroup of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, country, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy also was associated with improved IO. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed composite outcome measure "Ideal Outcome" can be used for auditing and comparing outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy. The observed differences can be used to guide collaborative initiatives to further improve the outcomes of pancreatic surgery.

The multi-societal European consensus on the terminology, diagnosis and management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases: an E-AHPBA consensus in partnership with ESSO, ESCP, ESGAR, and CIRSE.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases is complex. The aim of this project was to provide a practical framework for care of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases with a focus on terminology, diagnosis and management. METHODS: This project was a multi-organisational, multidisciplinary consensus. The consensus group produced statements which focused on terminology, diagnosis and management. Statements were refined during an online Delphi process and those with 70% agreement or above were reviewed at a final meeting. Iterations of the report were shared by electronic mail to arrive at a final agreed document comprising twelve key statements. RESULTS: Synchronous liver metastases are those detected at the time of presentation of the primary tumour. The term "early metachronous metastases" applies to those absent at presentation but detected within 12 months of diagnosis of the primary tumour with "late metachronous metastases" applied to those detected after 12 months. Disappearing metastases applies to lesions which are no longer detectable on MR scan after systemic chemotherapy. Guidance was provided on the recommended composition of tumour boards and clinical assessment in emergency and elective settings. The consensus focused on treatment pathways including systemic chemotherapy, synchronous surgery and the staged approach with either colorectal or liver-directed surgery as first step. Management of pulmonary metastases and the role of minimally invasive surgery was discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations of this contemporary consensus provide information of practical value to clinicians managing patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases.

Surgical outcomes of gallbladder cancer: the OMEGA retrospective, multicentre, international cohort study.

Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is rare but aggressive. The extent of surgical intervention for different GBC stages is non-uniform, ranging from cholecystectomy alone to extended resections including major hepatectomy, resection of adjacent organs and routine extrahepatic bile duct resection (EBDR). Robust evidence here is lacking, however, and survival benefit poorly defined. This study assesses factors associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and morbidity and mortality following GBC surgery in high income countries (HIC) and low and middle income countries (LMIC). Methods: The multicentre, retrospective Operative Management of Gallbladder Cancer (OMEGA) cohort study included all patients who underwent GBC resection across 133 centres between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2020. Regression analyses assessed factors associated with OS, RFS and morbidity. Findings: On multivariable analysis of all 3676 patients, wedge resection and segment IVb/V resection failed to improve RFS (HR 1.04 [0.84-1.29], p = 0.711 and HR 1.18 [0.95-1.46], p = 0.13 respectively) or OS (HR 0.96 [0.79-1.17], p = 0.67 and HR 1.48 [1.16-1.88], p = 0.49 respectively), while major hepatectomy was associated with worse RFS (HR 1.33 [1.02-1.74], p = 0.037) and OS (HR 1.26 [1.03-1.53], p = 0.022). Furthermore, EBDR (OR 2.86 [2.3-3.52], p < 0.0010), resection of additional organs (OR 2.22 [1.62-3.02], p < 0.0010) and major hepatectomy (OR 3.81 [2.55-5.73], p < 0.0010) were all associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Compared to LMIC, patients in HIC were associated with poorer RFS (HR 1.18 [1.02-1.37], p = 0.031) but not OS (HR 1.05 [0.91-1.22], p = 0.48). Adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatments were infrequently used. Interpretation: In this large, multicentre analysis of GBC surgical outcomes, liver resection was not conclusively associated with improved survival, and extended resections were associated with greater morbidity and mortality without oncological benefit. Aggressive upfront resections do not benefit higher stage GBC, and international collaborations are needed to develop evidence-based neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies to minimise surgical morbidity and prioritise prognostic benefit. Funding: Cambridge Hepatopancreatobiliary Department Research Fund.

Sex and gender differences in treatment intention, quality of life and performance status in the first 100 patients with periampullary cancer enrolled in the CHAMP study.

BACKGROUND: Periampullary cancer is a term for cancers arising in or in close proximity to the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death for both sexes and while surgery is the only option for cure, chemotherapy is given in both the adjuvant and palliative settings. The aim of this study was to investigate any sex and gender differences in patients with pancreatic and other periampullary adenocarcinomas enrolled in a prospective, observational trial. METHODS: The study cohort consists of the first 100 patients, 49 women and 51 men, enrolled in the Chemotherapy, Host Response and Molecular dynamics in Periampullary cancer (CHAMP) study, an ongoing study of patients undergoing neoadjuvant, adjuvant or first-line palliative chemotherapy treatment. Twenty-five patients had surgery with curative intent and subsequent adjuvant treatment, and 75 patients were treated with palliative chemotherapy. Data regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL, EORTC-QLQ-C30) at baseline, demographic and clinicopathological factors were examined and stratification by treatment intention according to sex. Overall survival (OS) was calculated through Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between male and female patients treated with curative intent, with fewer women having undergone surgery (18 vs 7, p = 0.017), also after adjustment for age, tumor location and performance status. No statistical differences were found between the sexes regarding age, comorbidities, or clinicopathological factors. Before start of chemotherapy treatment, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was lower in female than in male patients. However, HRQoL was not associated with performance status in female patients, whereas in male patients several HRQoL indicators were significantly positively associated with poorer performance status at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows no clear differences between the sexes regarding biological factors concluding that gender bias might be responsible for the discrepancy between men and women being offered curative surgery. The observed difference between women and men regarding the association between HRQoL and performance status is unprecedented. Altogether these findings underline the importance of taking gender into consideration when assessing eligibility for curative surgery in order to improve biological outcome and decrease suffering in both sexes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03724994.

A machine learning model for prediction of 30-day primary graft failure after heart transplantation.

Background: Primary graft failure (PGF) remains the most common cause of short-term mortality after heart transplantation. The main objective was to develop and validate a risk model for prediction of short-term mortality due to PGF after heart transplantation using the ISHLT Heart Transplant Registry. Methods: We developed a non-linear artificial neural networks (ANN) model to evaluate the association between recipient-donor variables and post-transplant PGF. Patients in the ISHLT registry were randomly divided into derivation and an independent internal validation cohort. The primary endpoint was PGF defined as death within 30 days due to Graft failure or Cardiovascular causes or retransplant within 30 days for causes other than rejection. Results: Among 64,964 adult recipients transplanted between 1994 and 2013, mean age was 51 years and 22% were female. The incidence of PGF up to 30 days was 3.7%. The ANN model selected 33 of 77 risk variables as relevant for PGF prediction. The C-index in the test cohort was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.68-0.71). The risk variables which most influenced the PGF were underlying HF diagnosis, ischemia time and sex, while renal function had a lower influence. Conclusion: An ANN model to predict primary graft dysfunction was derived and independently validated. The good discrimination of the ANN model likely results from its flexibility to model potentially non-linear relationships and interactions. Whether this model with improved discrimination can assist in clinical decisions at the time of transplant should be tested.

Intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct: a European retrospective multicenter observational study (EUR-IPNB study).

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a rare disease in Western countries. The main aim of this study was to characterize current surgical strategies and outcomes in the mainly European participating centers. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective series of patients with a diagnosis of IPNB undergoing surgery between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 was gathered under the auspices of the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association. The textbook outcome (TO) was defined as a non-prolonged length of hospital stay plus the absence of any Clavien-Dindo grade at least III complications, readmission, or mortality within 90 postoperative days. RESULTS: A total of 28 centers contributed 85 patients who underwent surgery for IPNB. The median age was 66 years (55-72), 49.4% were women, and 87.1% were Caucasian. Open surgery was performed in 72 patients (84.7%) and laparoscopic in 13 (15.3%). TO was achieved in 54.1% of patients, reaching 63.8% after liver resection and 32.0% after pancreas resection. Median overall survival was 5.72 years, with 5-year overall survival of 63% (95% CI: 50-82). Overall survival was better in patients with Charlson comorbidity score 4 or less versus more than 4 ( P =0.016), intrahepatic versus extrahepatic tumor ( P =0.027), single versus multiple tumors ( P =0.007), those who underwent hepatic versus pancreatic resection ( P =0.017), or achieved versus failed TO ( P =0.029). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that not achieving TO (HR: 4.20; 95% CI: 1.11-15.94; P =0.03) was an independent prognostic factor of poor overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing liver resection for IPNB were more likely to achieve a TO outcome than those requiring a pancreatic resection. Comorbidity, tumor location, and tumor multiplicity influenced overall survival. TO was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival.

Surgery A survey of patients' perceptions and experiences of intervention for gallstone disease during pregnancy.

Background: Gallstones intervention during pregnancy might be a stressful event for both mother and fetus and stress might affect outcome. The aim of this study was to identify factors that might improve the care of pregnant patients in need of intervention for gallstone disease. Methods: By crossmatching the Swedish Registry of Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (GallRiks) and the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, we identified patients with gallstone intervention during pregnancy. A questionnaire covering patient experience before, during and after surgery and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) were distributed. Results: In total, 275 patients subjected to cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or both were identified, and 146 (54%) patients responded. Surgery was in median performed in pregnancy week 16 (12-20), and 62 (42%) patients had symptoms of gallstone disease before pregnancy, with 17 of these patients scheduled for surgery before pregnancy. Thirty-four (24%) patients felt that the information regarding the upcoming surgery was inadequate, with differences comparing patients with overall favorable versus overall non-favorable experiences (103 (89%) vs. 8 (27%) p < 0.001) and similar differences regarding information on disease/symptoms (95 (84%) vs. 12 (43%), p < 0.001). A majority (57%) were very worried about their expected child, and 51% thought that no measures were taken to relieve their worries. Recurring as suggested improvements was more information about the disease and the surgical procedure. Conclusion: Intervention due to gallstone disease during pregnancy is a stressful event that impacts many patients negatively, both before and after surgery. Patient education might positively affect patient experience.

A scoring system for predicting malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: a multicenter EUROPEAN validation.

PURPOSE: A preoperative estimate of the risk of malignancy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) is important. The present study carries out an external validation of the Shin score in a European multicenter cohort. METHODS: An observational multicenter European study from 2010 to 2015. All consecutive patients undergoing surgery for IPMN at 35 hospitals with histological-confirmed IPMN were included. RESULTS: A total of 567 patients were included. The score was significantly associated with the presence of malignancy (p < 0.001). In all, 64% of the patients with benign IPMN had a Shin score < 3 and 57% of those with a diagnosis of malignancy had a score ≥ 3. The relative risk (RR) with a Shin score of 3 was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.07-1.77), with a sensitivity of 57.1% and specificity of 64.4%. CONCLUSION: Patients with a Shin score ≤ 1 should undergo surveillance, while patients with a score ≥ 4 should undergo surgery. Treatment of patients with Shin scores of 2 or 3 should be individualized because these scores cannot accurately predict malignancy of IPMNs. This score should not be the only criterion and should be applied in accordance with agreed clinical guidelines.

Preoperative Risk Score for Early Mortality After Up-Front Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a highly fatal malignancy. The aim was to identify preoperative factors for early mortality in up-front resectable patients following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and develop an early mortality risk score. METHODS: Patients registered in the Swedish National Registry for Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer were included. Relevant preoperative factors (n = 21) were investigated. Early mortality was defined as death within 12 months after surgery. Based on the identified risk factor odds ratios (ORs), the Score Predicting Early Mortality (SPEM) was developed. RESULTS: In total, 2183 PDs were performed, and 926 patients met the study criteria. The mean age was 68 (SD ± 8.8) years, and 48% were female. A total of 233 (24%) patients died within 12 months. In the multivariable analyses, age > 75 years (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.4; p = 0.008), CRP ≥ 15 mg/L (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.3-3.1; p = 0.001), CA 19-9 > 500 U/mL (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0-3.2; p = 0.040), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.00-2.1; p = 0.042), and active smoking (OR 1.47; 95%CI 1.00-2.00; p = 0.050) were found to be independent risk factors for early mortality. CONCLUSION: Five independent preoperative risk factors for early mortality following PD were identified and together formed SPEM. The score might be a useful tool in establishing individualized treatment plans.

Heterogeneity of management practices surrounding operable gallbladder cancer - results of the OMEGA-S international HPB surgical survey.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive, uncommon malignancy, with variation in operative approaches adopted across centres and few large-scale studies to guide practice. We aimed to identify the extent of heterogeneity in GBC internationally to better inform the need for future multicentre studies. METHODS: A 34-question online survey was disseminated to members of the European-African Hepatopancreatobiliary Association (EAHPBA), American Hepatopancreatobiliary Association (AHPBA) and Asia-Pacific Hepatopancreatobiliary Association (A-PHPBA) regarding practices around diagnostic workup, operative approach, utilization of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies and surveillance strategies. RESULTS: Two hundred and three surgeons responded from 51 countries. High liver resection volume units (>50 resections/year) organised HPB multidisciplinary team discussion of GBCs more commonly than those with low volumes (p < 0.0001). Management practices exhibited areas of heterogeneity, particularly around operative extent. Contrary to consensus guidelines, anatomical liver resections were favoured over non-anatomical resections for T3 tumours and above, lymphadenectomy extent was lower than recommended, and a minority of respondents still routinely excised the common bile duct or port sites. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest some similarities in the management of GBC internationally, but also specific areas of practice which differed from published guidelines. Transcontinental collaborative studies on GBC are necessary to establish evidence-based practice to minimise variation and optimise outcomes.

Nationwide trends and outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer - an analysis of the Swedish national pancreatic cancer registry.

OBJECTIVES: During the last decade, neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for pancreatic cancer has become more frequent. Pathological response and overall survival are promising; however, various post-operative complications have been reported. Our primary aim was to compare the complication scenario of patients receiving NAT in borderline resectable and locally advanced disease with those who had upfront pancreatic surgery (UFS) for primarily resectable cancer. METHODS: From the Swedish National Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer Registry, patients resected for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) between 2010 and 2018 were identified. Data on patient characteristics, neoadjuvant therapy, post-operative complications and survival were obtained. Comparisons between groups as well as survival analysis were performed. RESULTS: Within the total cohort of 13,948 patients, 1894 (median age 69 years, 51% men) were resected for PDAC. Among these, 112 (5.9%) patients received NAT followed by surgery. The patients who received NAT were younger (67 vs 70 years, p < .001), had a lower level of CA19-9 (47 vs 108, p = .001) and had to a larger extent vascular resection (58.9 vs 26.9%, p < .001) and total pancreatectomy performed (23.2 vs 9.1%, p < .001). No difference was found for major post-operative complications and there was no significant change in survival rate between the NAT and UFS groups (median 28 vs 26 months, p = .122). CONCLUSIONS: When analyzing data from a national registry, no difference in post-operative complications was found between resected patients receiving UFS and NAT for PDAC. Also, the survival was equal between groups. NAT is a feasible treatment option for patients with potentially curable pancreatic cancer.

Risk factors and outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing surgical exploration without resection due to metastatic disease: A national cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Unresectable disease is sometimes diagnosed during surgery in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study aimed to identify preoperative risk factors for metastatic disease diagnosed at surgical exploration and to investigate and compare survival in resected and non-resected patients. METHODS: Patients were identified from the Swedish National Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer Registry 2010-2018. Predictors of metastatic disease were evaluated with a multivariable logistic regression model, and survival was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier estimates and log-rank tests. RESULTS: In total, 1938 patients with PDAC were scheduled for surgery. An unresectable situation was diagnosed intraoperatively in 399 patients (20.6%), including 234 (12.1%) with metastasized disease. Independent risk factors for metastasis were involuntary weight loss (OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.27-2.33) and elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) (35-599 U/mL, OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.11-2.89; ≥ 600 U/mL, OR = 3.24, 95% CI: 2.04-5.17). Overall survival was lower among patients with metastasized disease than that among patients with a resectable tumor (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Involuntary weight loss and an elevation of CA19-9 are preoperative risk factors for diagnosing metastasized disease during surgical exploration.