Randomized controlled trial of olanexidine gluconate and povidone iodine for surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery.

Aim: Antiseptics used at surgical sites are vital to preventing surgical site infections (SSI). In this study, a comparative investigation of the novel antiseptics olanexidine gluconate (OG) and povidone-iodine (PI) was conducted to determine whether OG is more effective than PI against SSI after gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-blind, interventional, single-center study was conducted between August 2018 and February 2021. Patients scheduled for large-scale gastrointestinal surgeries were randomized into two groups and administered OG (OG group) or PI (PI group) as preoperative antiseptics. The primary endpoint was the SSI occurrence rate within 30 days after surgery. Results: In total, 525 patients were enrolled in this study, of whom 256 and 254 were in the OG and PI groups, respectively. The total SSI occurrence rate in the OG group (10.8%; n = 26) and the PI group (13.0%; n = 33) was not significantly different (p = 0.335). The occurrence rate of superficial incisional SSI and organ/space SSI did not significantly differ between the groups; however, that of deep incisional SSI showed a significant difference, with 0.4% (n = 1) in the OG group and 4.3% (n = 11) in the PI group (p = 0.003). Conclusion: OG, as a preoperative skin antiseptic, did not reduce the occurrence rate of total SSI. However, deep incisional SSI may be reduced using OG.

Long-term outcomes after spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessels preservation or resection: A nationwide survey of the Japanese Society of Pancreatic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy is achieved by either splenic vessel resection or splenic vessel preservation. However, the long-term outcomes of spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection and spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel preservation are not well known. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection and spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel preservation. METHODS: The study included a total of 335 patients who underwent spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy during the study period and underwent computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging 3 and 5 years after surgery in the Japan Society of Pancreatic Surgery member institutions. We evaluated the diameter of the perigastric and gastric submucosal veins, patency of the splenic vessels, and splenic infarction. Preoperative backgrounds and short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Forty-four (13.1%) and 291 (86.9%) patients underwent spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection and spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel preservation, respectively. There were no significant differences in short-term outcomes between the 2 groups. Regarding long-term outcomes, the prevalence of perigastric varices was higher (P = .006), and platelet count was lower (P = .037) in the spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection group. However, other complications, such as gastric submucosal varices, postoperative splenic infarction, gastrointestinal bleeding, reoperation, postoperative splenectomy, and other hematologic parameters, were not significantly different between the 2 groups 5 years after surgery. In terms of the patency of splenic vessels in spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel preservation cases, partial or complete occlusion of the splenic artery and vein was observed 5 years after surgery in 19 (6.5%) and 55 (18.9%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Perigastric varices and thrombocytopenia were observed more in spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection, yet late clinical events such as gastrointestinal bleeding and splenic infarction are acceptable for spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with splenic vessel preservation.

Postoperative computed tomography findings predict re-drainage cases after early drain removal in pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for re-drainage in patients with early drain removal after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 114 patients who underwent PD and prophylactic drain removal on postoperative day (POD) 4 between January 2012 and March 2021. We analyzed the risk factors for re-drainage according to various factors. Peri-pancreaticojejunostomic fluid collection (PFC) index and pancreatic cross-sectional area (CSA) were evaluated using computed tomography on POD 4. The PFC index was calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height at the maximum aspect. RESULTS: Among the 114 patients, 15 (13%) underwent re-drainage due to postoperative pancreatic fistula. Multivariate analysis identified a PFC index ≥ 8.16 cm3 on POD 4 (odds ratio [OR], 20.40, 95%CI 2.38-174.00; p = 0.006) and pancreatic CSA on POD 4 ≥ 3.65 cm2 (OR, 16.40, 95%CI 1.57-171.00; p = 0.020) as independent risk factors for re-drainage. CONCLUSION: A careful decision might be necessary for early drain removal in patients with a PFC index ≥ 8.16 cm3 and pancreatic CSA ≥ 3.65 cm2.

Effect of early administration of tolvaptan on pleural effusion post-hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of tolvaptan administration at the early stage after hepatectomy to control pleural effusion and improve the postoperative course. METHODS: Patients were administered tolvaptan (7.5 mg) and spironolactone (25 mg) from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 5 (tolvaptan group, n = 68) for 13 months. Early administration of tolvaptan was not provided in the control group (n = 68); however, diuretics were appropriately administered according to the patient's condition. The amount of pleural effusion on computed tomography on postoperative day 5 was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The amount of pleural effusion and increase in body weight on postoperative day 5 showed significant differences in both groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively). However, the rate of pleural aspiration and the duration of postoperative hospitalization were comparable between the groups. The amount of intraoperative blood loss and lack of early administration of tolvaptan were identified as independent risk factors contributing to pleural effusion on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Early administration of tolvaptan to patients after hepatectomy was found to be capable of controlling postoperative pleural effusion and increase in body weight, but it did not reduce the rate of pleural aspiration or the hospitalization period.

Colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp. promotes surgical site infection after hepatectomy.

PURPOSE: Candida spp. cause opportunistic infections in conditions of immunodeficiency. Here, we investigated the relationship between colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp. and surgical site infection (SSI) in hepatectomy. METHODS: Consecutive hepatectomy cases between November 2019 and April 2021 were enrolled. Gastric juice samples (collected intraoperatively through a nasogastric tube) were cultured. We compared factors related to patient background, blood test findings, surgical findings, and postoperative complications between the Candida + group (positive for colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp.) and the Candida - group (negative). In addition, we identified the factors that contribute to SSI. RESULTS: There were 29 and 71 patients in the Candida + and Candida - groups, respectively. The Candida + group was significantly older (average age: Candida + 74 years vs. Candida - 69 years; p = 0.02) and contained more patients negative for the hepatitis B and C virus (Candida + 93% vs. Candida - 69%; p = 0.02). SSI was significantly more common in the Candida + group (Candida + 31% vs. Candida - 9%; p = 0.01). Postoperative bile leakage and colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp. were independent predictors of SSI. CONCLUSION: Colonization of the gastric juice by Candida spp. is a risk factor for SSI after hepatectomy.

Clinical impact of postoperative malnutrition after pancreaticoduodenectomy: prediction based on estimated functional remnant pancreatic volume, prognostic nutritional index, and body mass index.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the association between estimated functional remnant pancreatic volume (eFRPV) and postoperative malnutrition after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: The medical records of 131 patients who underwent PD and preoperative computed tomography were retrospectively reviewed. Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was assessed 6-months after PD. Patients with PNI values of at least 45 were included in the non-malnutrition group, while those with values <45 and <40 were included in the mild and severe malnutrition groups, respectively. Associations between eFRPV and postoperative nutritional status were evaluated to identify factors predictive of severe malnutrition after PD. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (40%) were included in the non-malnutrition group, while 38 (29%) and 40 (31%) were included in the mild and severe malnutrition groups, respectively. Overall survival was significantly shorter in the severe malnutrition group (p < 0.001). The eFRPV was significantly lower in the severe malnutrition group (p = 0.003; Jonckheere-Terpstra trend test, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, eFRPV ≤55.2 mL·HU (odds ratio [OR] = 5.20; p = 0.004), preoperative PNI ≤41.9 (OR = 6.37; p = 0.010), and body mass index ≤19.1 kg/m2 (OR = 3.43; p = 0.031) were independent predictors of severe malnutrition after PD. CONCLUSION: The current results indicate that eFRPV may predict low PNI values after PD.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection with TpTME for Adenocarcinoma of Anal Canal with Pagetoid Spread].

A man in his 80s was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of perianal erosion. Colonoscopy revealed a peripheral flat lesion in the anal canal. Since immunohistological examination showed positive for CK20 and negative for GCDFP15, we made a preoperative diagnosis of anal canal cancer with Pagetoid spread. It was diagnosed as cT1bN0M0, cStage Ⅰ by TNM classification, and laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with TpTME was performed. Negative biopsy of the perianal skin was confirmed both preoperation and during the operation. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no urinary dysfunction was observed. The patient was discharged 15 days after the operation. The histopathological diagnosis was negative margin. The patient is alive without recurrence 1 year after the operation. Adenocarcinoma of anal canal with Pagetoid spread is rare, and differentiation from Paget's disease is important for determining treatment policy. By conducting a detailed examination of the extent of tumor progression and using TpTME together, it was possible to perform surgery that both secured the CRM and preserved urinary function.

Clinical effect of home enteral tube feeding supplementation on nutritional status after esophagectomy with retrosternal gastric tube reconstruction.

Body weight loss and poor nutritional status are frequently observed after esophageal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to pilot an investigation on the impact of home enteral tube feeding supplementation (HES) for up to 3 months after esophageal cancer surgery. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive 67 esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric tube reconstruction. We started HES from April 2017. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Among 67 patients, 40 patients underwent HES between April 2017 and November 2020 (HES group). Other 27 patients who underwent esophagectomy between January 2012 and March 2017 were not administered HES (C group). Thereafter, multiple factors concerning patient nutritional status at long-term follow-up were evaluated. The baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups. There were no significant differences in nutritional status scores before esophagectomy. The percentage weight loss was less in the HES group compared with the C group both at 3 months and 1 year after surgery: 7.3% (-7.6 to 15.2), 7.7% (-4 to 13.9) in the HES group and 10.6% (-3.6 to 29.1), 10.8% (-5.8 to 20.0) in C group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). In the patients with anastomotic stenosis, the percentage weight loss was less in the HES group compared with the C group: 7.2% (2.0-14.9) and 14.6% (6.2-29.1), P < 0.05. HES may improve early weight loss in postesophagectomy patients.

Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open repeat liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic (LRLR) versus open repeat liver resection (ORLR) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using propensity score matching (PSM). Despite the expanding indications for laparoscopic liver resection, limited data regarding the outcomes of LRLR have previously been reported. METHODS: This study included patients who underwent repeat liver resection for recurrent HCC. Patients were divided into the LRLR and ORLR groups, and their short- and long-term outcomes were compared via PSM. RESULTS: There were 256 and 130 patients in the ORLR and LRLR groups, respectively. After PSM, 64 patients were included in each group. Intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in LRLR than in ORLR (56 vs 208 ml, P < .001). Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo IIIa or more were significantly less in LRLR than in ORLR (3.1% vs 15.6%, P = .030). The length of hospital stay was notably shorter in LRLR than in ORLR (9 vs 12 days, P < .001). Survival rates after repeat liver resection at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, were comparable at 93.4%, 81.9%, and 63.5% for ORLR and at 94.8%, 80.7%, and 67.3% for LRLR (P = .623). Subgroup analysis of patients who underwent wedge resection in repeat liver resection revealed that the postoperative complication rate was notably lower in LRLR than in ORLR (7.2% vs 21.8%, P = .030). CONCLUSION: LRLR for recurrent HCC is a viable option due to its better short-term outcomes and comparable long-term outcomes compared to ORLR.

Preoperative Physical Activity Level Measurement by Accelerometer for Predicting Post-Hepatectomy Complications: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, accelerometers have received much attention around the world. This study examined whether the preoperative physical activity level measured by an accelerometer could be a useful predictor of post-hepatectomy complications. METHODS: Between December 2016 and December 2020, the physical activity levels of 185 patients were measured using an accelerometer 3 days before hepatectomy and from postoperative day 1 to 7. The patients without postoperative complications (n = 153) and those with postoperative complications (n = 32) were compared using either the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for nominal variables; continuous variables were analyzed using either Student's t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Differences were considered statistically significant when the p value was <0.05. Risk factors for postoperative complications following hepatectomy were also investigated. RESULTS: The number of patients with an anatomical resection was significantly higher in patients with postoperative complications (p = 0.001). Furthermore, laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed in 65.4% of patients without postoperative complications and in 25.0% of those with postoperative complications; the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The average preoperative physical activity level was 150.6 kcal/day in patients without postoperative complications and 84.5 kcal/day in those with postoperative complications (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified blood loss, operative time, and preoperative physical activity level as independent risk factors for postoperative complications. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Patients with lower preoperative physical activity levels are at a high risk of developing postoperative complications after hepatectomy. Hence, preoperative physical activity level measurement may be useful in predicting post-hepatectomy complications.

Effect of the Gastrojejunostomy Position on the Postoperative Amount of Oral Intake in Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the effect of the gastrojejunostomy position on the postoperative oral intake in patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: We investigated 119 patients who underwent PD between June 2013 and December 2019 and examined the effect of the horizontal and vertical distance rates of the gastrojejunostomy position on the postoperative oral intake. The patients were categorized as having poor or good oral intake based on whether their intake was up to half the required calorie intake. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the number of cases with grade B or C postoperative pancreatic fistula (good, 20.3% vs. poor, 60.0%; p < 0.001), horizontal distance rate (good, 0.57 vs. poor, 0.48; p = 0.02), and postoperative hospitalization period (good, 15 vs. poor, 35 days; p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the vertical distance rate (good, 0.67 vs. poor, 0.71; p = 0.22). The horizontal distance rate was the independent risk factor for postoperative poor oral intake at 2-3 weeks (risk ratio, 3.69; 95% CI: 1.48-9.20). DISCUSSION: The oral intake was greater in patients whose gastrojejunostomy position in PD was farther from the median, suggesting the necessity of intraoperative placement of the gastrojejunostomy position as far from the median as possible.

Gastrojejunostomy versus endoscopic duodenal stent placement for gastric outlet obstruction in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Treatments for patients with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) due to unresectable pancreatic cancers (URPC) include gastrojejunostomy (GJJ) and endoscopic duodenal stent placement (EDSP). This study compared the efficacy and safety of GJJ and EDSP in patients with GOO due to URPC. METHODS: This study retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with GOO due to URPC who underwent GJJ or EDSP between April 2016 and March 2020. The efficacy and safety of GJJ and EDSP were compared with propensity score analysis. Subgroup analyses of overall survival (OS) were compared after propensity matching. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 54 patients who underwent GJJ and from 73 who underwent EDSP at five tertiary care hospitals. After propensity matching, OS was significantly longer in patients who underwent GJJ than EDSP (110 vs. 63 days, respectively; p = 0.019). Evaluation of long-term adverse events showed that the frequency of cholangitis and obstructive jaundice was significantly lower in the matched GJJ than in the matched EDSP group (p = 0.012). Subgroup analyses showed that OS in patients with good performance status (PS; p = 0.041), biliary obstruction (p = 0.007), and duodenal obstruction near the papilla (p = 0.027), and those receiving chemotherapy (p = 0.010), was significantly longer in the matched GJJ group than in matched EDSP group. CONCLUSION: GJJ provides longer OS than EDSP for patients with GOO caused by URPC, especially for patients with good PS, biliary obstruction, and duodenal obstruction near the papilla, and those receiving chemotherapy.

Preoperative Predictive Nomogram Based on Alanine Aminotransferase, Prothrombin Time Activity, and Remnant Liver Proportion (APART Score) to Predict Post-Hepatectomy Liver Failure after Major Hepatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication associated with major hepatectomies. An accurate prediction of PHLF is necessary to determine the feasibility of major hepatectomy. This study aimed to assess the association between PHLF and preoperative laboratory and computed tomography (CT) findings. METHODS: Medical records of 65 patients who underwent major hepatectomy and preoperative CT were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated future remnant liver volume evaluation models and remnant liver hemodynamics, which were assessed by arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) by using preoperative CT. Variables, including CT findings, were compared between patients with and without PHLF after major hepatectomy, and the preoperative PHLF-predicting nomogram was constructed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The PHLF group included 21 patients (32.3%). The AEF was not significantly different between the two groups. In the future remnant liver volume evaluation models, future remnant liver proportion (fRLP) had the highest concordance index (C-index) in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (C-index, 0.755). Multivariate analysis of preoperative evaluable factors revealed that alanine aminotransferase levels (p = 0.034), prothrombin time activity (p = 0.021), and fRLP (p = 0.012) were independent predictive factors of PHLF. A nomogram (APART score) was constructed using these three factors, with a receiver operating curve showing a C-index of 0.894. According to the APART score, scores of 51-60 indicated moderate risk (40.0%), and scores over 60 indicated a high risk of PHLF (83.3%) (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: The APART score may help predict PHLF in patients indicated for major hepatectomies.

[Clinical Outcomes of Treatment for Esophageal Cancer Recurrence after Surgery].

Many cases with esophageal cancer recurrence have worse clinical survival. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)has been reported to result in significantly longer overall survival. We investigated the clinical outcomes in 30 patients with esophageal cancer recurrence who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, chemotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy. Results: Of the 30 patients investigated, 25 were men. Median patient age was 70(range 52-84)years. The recurrence sites are as follows: 17 in locoregional, 5 in lung, 2 in bone, 3 in liver, and 5 in others. The overall survival in early recurrence(within 6 months after surgery)cases and multiple recurrence cases were significantly shorter than that in later recurrence(>6 months after surgery)and single recurrence(p=0.031, p<0.01). Of 30 recurrence cases, 9 cases (30%)achieved complete response(CR). Five of CR cases were treated by chemotherapy with ICI. In esophageal cancer recurrence, treatment with ICI showed good response and survival benefit. In future, the indication of ICI is evaluated for adjuvant therapy after surgery.

[A Case of Postoperative Anastomotic Leakage with Septic Shock after Esophageal Cancer Surgery Treated by Two Stage Operation Using Ileocolic Reconstruction].

The patient was a 60s male. He underwent esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction for Barrett's esophageal cancer( pT3N1M0, pStage Ⅲ). Postoperatively, anastomotic leakage and mediastinitis resulted in septic shock. On the 8th day after first surgery, he transferred to our hospital. At the time of admission, qSOFA was 3 points. We judged to be difficult to treat with conservative treatment. Emergency right thoracotomy drainage underwent with resection of the esophagogastric anastomosis and cervical esophagostomy construction. He was discharged on the 55th postoperative day with home enteral nutrition. He underwent presternal ileocolic reconstruction on the 97th day after right thoracotomy drainage. On the 19th day after reconstruction, oral intake was started. The general condition is good without recurrence, and oral intake is sufficient at 1 year after reconstruction. We report a case of anastomotic leakage with septic shock after esophageal cancer surgery successfully treated by 2 stage ileocolic reconstruction.

The Change in the Fibrosis-4 Index for the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty liver is a complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD); however, liver fibrosis after PD is not well documented. Therefore, we estimated the hepatic fibrotic index of nonalcoholic fatty liver after PD. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the electronic medical records of patients who had underwent PD and had computed tomography (CT) records preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively between 2011 and 2019 at the Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital. RESULTS: Overall, 115 patients were enrolled. After 6 months from PD, body mass index significantly decreased from 21.90 to 19.57 kg/m2 (-10.6%). The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index significantly increased from 1.756 to 2.384 (P < 0.001). The FIB-4 grade significantly worsened. Contrarily, neither the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score nor the ALBI grade demonstrated significant differences. The CT attenuation value significantly decreased (P < 0.001) from 57.6 to 49.5. Multivariate analysis predicted a high preoperative FIB-4 index, high ALBI index, and hypo-CT attenuation value (<30 HU) as risk factors for a high postoperative FIB-4 index. CONCLUSIONS: The FIB-4 index worsened when the follow-up period was only 6 months, regardless of the eternalness in the ALBI score. Liver fibrosis should be assessed using the FIB-4 index for a long-term survivorship after PD.

Surgical invasiveness and lymphadenectomy in robotic and laparoscopic gastrectomy: A retrospective study with propensity-score matching.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus amongst comparative studies about the advantages of robotic over laparoscopic surgeries for gastric cancer (GC). We compared invasiveness and lymph node dissection between robotic and laparoscopic gastrectomies (RG and LG). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 215 consecutive patients with GC who underwent RG or LG with lymphadenectomy from January 2011-December 2020. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to control selection bias. RESULTS: The RG group had less operative blood loss (P = 0.0005) and higher C-reactive protein levels on postoperative day 1 (P = 0.0006) than the LG group. When analyzing the specific sites of dissected lymph nodes, station groups of supra-pancreatic and lesser curvature areas accounted for this difference (P = 0.0073 and 0.0362, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RG demonstrated lesser intraoperative bleeding, less of a postoperative inflammatory response, and a higher proportion of lymph node removal than LG, suggesting that it is a better surgical and oncological procedure.

Aggressive Intervention of Pancrelipase After Pancreatectomy Prevents Deterioration of Postoperative Nutritional Status.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of early administration of delayed-release high-titer pancrelipase. METHODS: The medical records of 120 patients who had undergone pancreatectomy with computed tomography (CT) before and 6 months after surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Delayed-release high-titer pancrelipase were administered daily starting on postoperative day 3, which was defined as the EP group. The postoperative nutritional status and CT attenuation values of the liver were compared between the EP and control groups. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (28%) were categorized into the EP group. With regard to the postoperative nutritional status 6 months after surgery, the body mass index, total lymphocyte count, and Onodera's prognostic nutritional index were higher, and controlling nutritional status score was lower in the EP group than that in the control group. The CT attenuation values of the liver were not significantly different. After propensity score matching analysis, body mass index (20.7 vs 19.2, P = 0.049) and Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (47.9 vs 44.2, P = 0.045) were significantly higher, and controlling nutritional status score was significantly lower in the EP group than that in the control group (1 vs 3, P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: The early administration of pancrelipase after pancreatectomy improved nutritional status after pancreatectomy.

Adverse impact of postoperative intra-abdominal infectious complications on cancer recurrence-related survival after curative gastric cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of postoperative intra-abdominal infectious complications (PICs) on survival after surgery for gastric cancer. METHODS: A total of 152 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer were included. The effect of clinicopathological features and PICs on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated. RESULTS: The median age was 67 years. The pathological stage was stage I (61), II (40), and III (51). Thirty-two patients (21.1%) had PICs: 9, pancreatic fistula; 14, anastomotic leakage; and 17, intra-abdominal abscess. The five-year RFS and OS rates were significantly lower in patients with PICs than in those without PICs (63.4 vs. 85.6%; p < 0.01 and 56.4 vs. 80.3%; p < 0.01, respectively). In multivariate analysis, intraoperative blood loss was an independent prognostic factor for PICs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PICs had worse clinical outcomes. Reducing intraoperative bleeding may improve the prognosis of gastric cancer.

Pleural empyema caused by dropped gallstones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Dropped gallstones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) sometimes induce postoperative infectious complications. However, pleural empyema rarely occurs as a complication of LC. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 66-year-old woman with right pleural empyema. She previously underwent LC for acute gangrenous cholecystitis 11 months ago. The operative report revealed iatrogenic gallbladder perforation and stone spillage. The bacterial culture of the gallbladder bile was positive for Escherichia coli. Chest and abdominal computed tomography revealed right pleural effusion, perihepatic fluid collection, and multiple small radiopaque density masses. Although ultrasound-guided transthoracic drainage was performed, the drainage was incomplete, and systemic inflammatory reaction persisted. Consequently, thoracotomy and laparotomy with gallstone retrieval were performed, and the patient recovered completely. The patient has remained well without complications after 14 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We report a rare case of pleural empyema caused by dropped gallstones after LC. This case emphasized the importance of completely retrieving the dropped gallstones to prevent late infectious complications after LC.