A Randomized Phase III Trial of Complete Mesocolic Excision Compared with Conventional Surgery for Right Colon Cancer: Interim Analysis of a Nationwide Multicenter Study of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology Colorectal Cancer Network (CoME-in trial).

BACKGROUND: Although complete mesocolic excision (CME) is supposed to be associated with a higher lymph node (LN) yield, decreased local recurrence, and survival improvement, its implementation currently is debated because the evidence level of these data is rather low and still not supported by randomized controlled trials. METHOD: This is a multicenter, randomized, superiority trial (NCT04871399). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary end point of the study. The secondary end points were safety (duration of operation, perioperative complications, hospital length of stay), oncologic outcomes (number of LNs retrieved, 3- and 5-year overall survival, 5-year DFS), and surgery quality (specimen length, area and integrity rate of mesentery, length of ileocolic and middle-colic vessels). The trial design required the LN yield to be higher in the CME group at interim analysis. RESULTS: Interim data analysis is presented in this report. The study enrolled 258 patients in nine referral centers. The number of LNs retrieved was significantly higher after CME (25 vs. 20; p = 0.012). No differences were observed with respect to intra- or post-operative complications, postoperative mortality, or duration of surgery. The hospital stay was even shorter after CME (p = 0.039). Quality of surgery indicators were higher in the CME arm of the study. Survival data still were not available. CONCLUSIONS: Interim data show that CME for right colon cancer in referral centers is safe and feasible and does not increase perioperative complications. The study documented with evidence that quality of surgery and LN yield are higher after CME, and this is essential for continuation of patient recruitment and implementation of an optimal comparison. Trial registration The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the code NCT04871399 and with the acronym CoME-In trial.

Early Gastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by the Free End of Barbed Sutures Following Laparoscopic Gastric Resection with Roux-en-Y Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND Recent developments in surgical suture material include the use of sutures with unidirectional barbs that facilitate laparoscopic suturing thanks to self-anchoring and tension-keeping properties. Complications deriving from the use of barbed sutures have been previously reported. In this report we present the case of a patient with gastric outlet obstruction by the free end of a V-Loc™ barbed suture (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) following Roux-en-Y gastric resection. CASE REPORT In February 2023, a 77-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for cancer followed by Roux-en-Y reconstruction developed symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction a few days after discharge. The patient was readmitted to the hospital due to vomiting 4 days after being discharged after an uneventful postoperative course. Imaging confirmed the presence of an occlusion at the level of the jejunojejunal anastomosis, with a noticeable change in caliber. During laparoscopy, a loop of bowel was entrapped around the tail of the barbed suture used to close the common enterotomy of jejunojejunal anastomosis. Following laparoscopic division of the anchoring suture, the bowel regained its normal caliber. CONCLUSIONS Although complications from the use of unidirectional barbed surgical sutures are rare, this report highlights bowel obstruction as a recognized postoperative complication. The preferred treatment is laparoscopic division of the suture's tail. To prevent complications related to barbed sutures, it is essential to ensure that all barbs of the suture are properly unfolded.

Immunonutrition reduces complications rate and length of stay after laparoscopic total gastrectomy: a single unit retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative immunonutrition (IN) reduces the incidence of postoperative complications in malnourished patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal surgery. However, its effect in norm-nourished patients remains unclear. Furthermore, patients with gastric cancer undergoing laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) are not routinely included in protocols of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of perioperative IN in patients undergoing laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) within an established ERAS pathway. METHODS: A comparative retrospective study of patients undergoing LTG, receiving an immune-enhancing feed plus maltodextrin load the day of surgery (Group A) versus patients who had the same operation but no IN nor fast track management (group B). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient demographic characteristics between the two groups but the medium age of patients in group A was older. Thirty-days postoperative complications were respectively 8.7% in Group A and 33.3% in Group B (p 0.04). Mean and median LOS for Group A and B were also significantly different: 7.2 ± 4.4 vs 10.3 ± 5.4 and 7 vs 10 days respectively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative IN associated with ERAS protocol in normo-nourished patient undergoing LTG seems to reduce postoperative complications. Reduction in LOS is possibly associated to the ERAS protocol. Clinical trial registration Clinical trials.gov: NCT05259488.

Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocellular Carcinoma: An Adequate Lymphadenectomy is Also Possible in Artery Variation.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is becoming essential in the treatment of malignant liver tumors but only a few reports exist about LLR for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC). METHODS: We present a video of a laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy with lymphadenectomy for IHCC. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old asymptomatic male underwent a routine abdominal ultrasound, revealing a 15 × 9 mm solid nodular iso-hyperechoic lesion, located in SIII, with SII/III biliary duct dilation. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 32 × 22 mm lesion in SII/III, with mild hyper-intensity on T2-weighted images and strong hypo-intensity on T1-weighted images. After administration of contrast medium, the lesion showed light peripheral enhancement on the portal and delayed phases, and hypo-intensity on the hepatospecific phase. No relevant comorbidities were reported (KPS 100). Laboratory tests showed normal liver function and normal CA19-9 levels. A laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy was indicated. RESULTS: Operative time was 330 min. Four intermittent Pringle maneuver cycles were applied and no blood transfusions were administered. Intraoperative ultrasound confirmed preoperative findings and additionally highlighted involvement of the SIV duct. A full replacing right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery was identified and was preserved during hilar dissection. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. The pathology report indicated cholangiocellular carcinoma pT1bN0. Twelve lymph nodes were retrieved. CONCLUSIONS: According to recent literature reports and our experience, laparoscopic surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma should be considered feasible and safe in selected patients. Hepatic artery variations allow for adequate lymphadenectomy. Oncological long-term results require multicenter randomized studies in order to be validated.

A Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasia and Neuroendocrine Appendiceal Collision Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND Incidental appendiceal neoplasms account for 1-2% of appendectomies. Mucinous neoplasms and carcinoids are the most frequent lesions, with an incidence of 0.6% and 0.3-0.9%, respectively. Appendiceal collision tumors are extremely rare and result from the proliferation of 2 different cellular lines. This report describes a young woman with a collision tumor composed of a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasia (LAMN) and an appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor (ANET). CASE REPORT A 31-year-old woman was admitted to our institution presenting with abdominal pain and dysuria. After ultrasound assessment of a dilated appendix with wall thickening and distension by anechogenic material, a diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made. The patient, after a period of antibiotic therapy and observation, underwent an urgent laparoscopic appendectomy due to worsening condition. Surprisingly, the histological exam revealed a Tis LAMN extending from the base of the appendix to the resection margins, and a T3 grade-1 ANET, chromogranin-A and synaptophysin-positive, with a Ki67 less than 1%. On the basis of histological examination and European Neuroendocrine Tumor Network guidelines, in light of the positive LAMN resection margin and ANET mesoappendiceal invasion, after multidisciplinary team discussion, an elective laparoscopic hemicolectomy was indicated. The patient is now in good condition following a regular 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS A collision LAMN and ANET is an exceedingly rare condition. The heterogeneity of clinical presentation and lack of solid evidence seem to recommend a tailored management. Laparoscopy is a safe and useful tool in localized mass excision.

The hamletic dilemma of patients waiting for kidney transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: To accept or not to accept (an organ offer)?

The outbreak of COVID-19 led to a reduction in the number of organ transplant interventions in most Countries. In April 2020, at the Tor Vergata University in Rome, Italy, two patients on the waiting list for kidney transplantation (KT) declined a deceased donor's kidney offer. Therefore, between April 20 and 25, 2020, we conducted a telephone survey among our 247 KT waitlist patients. Our aim was to explore: (a) the COVID-19 diffusion among them and (b) their current willingness to be transplanted in case of a kidney offer from a deceased donor. Two hundred and forty-three patients participated in a phone interview. One patient had died from COVID-19. Eighty-five (35%) KT candidates would decline any kidney offer, in most cases until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon a multivariate analysis, female gender (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.26-4.03, P = .006), high cardiovascular risk (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.06-5.08, P = .034), a waiting list time <3 years (OR = 0.375, 95% CI = 0.15-0.95, P = .04), and the need to be transferred to another hospital for HD (OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.10-5.9, P = .03) were associated with such refusal. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a fear of transplantation in a third of the KT candidates. Proactive educational webinars could be a useful tool to remove, or at least lessen, any doubts on the part of KT candidates and to avoid losing the opportunity to quit dialysis.

Screening policies, preventive measures and in-hospital infection of COVID-19 in global surgical practices.

BACKGROUND: In a surgical setting, COVID-19 patients may trigger in-hospital outbreaks and have worse postoperative outcomes. Despite these risks, there have been no consistent statements on surgical guidelines regarding the perioperative screening or management of COVID-19 patients, and we do not have objective global data that describe the current conditions surrounding this issue. This study aimed to clarify the current global surgical practice including COVID-19 screening, preventive measures and in-hospital infection under the COVID-19 pandemic, and to clarify the international gaps on infection control policies among countries worldwide. METHODS: During April 2-8, 2020, a cross-sectional online survey on surgical practice was distributed to surgeons worldwide through international surgical societies, social media and personal contacts. Main outcome and measures included preventive measures and screening policies of COVID-19 in surgical practice and centers' experiences of in-hospital COVID-19 infection. Data were analyzed by country's cumulative deaths number by April 8, 2020 (high risk, >5000; intermediate risk, 100-5000; low risk, <100). RESULTS: A total of 936 centers in 71 countries responded to the survey (high risk, 330 centers; intermediate risk, 242 centers; low risk, 364 centers). In the majority (71.9%) of the centers, local guidelines recommended preoperative testing based on symptoms or suspicious radiologic findings. Universal testing for every surgical patient was recommended in only 18.4% of the centers. In-hospital COVID-19 infection was reported from 31.5% of the centers, with higher rates in higher risk countries (high risk, 53.6%; intermediate risk, 26.4%; low risk, 14.8%; P < 0.001). Of the 295 centers that experienced in-hospital COVID-19 infection, 122 (41.4%) failed to trace it and 58 (19.7%) reported the infection originating from asymptomatic patients/staff members. Higher risk countries adopted more preventive measures including universal testing, routine testing of hospital staff and use of dedicated personal protective equipment in operation theatres, but there were remarkable discrepancies across the countries. CONCLUSIONS: This large international survey captured the global surgical practice under the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the insufficient preoperative screening of COVID-19 in the current surgical practice. More intensive screening programs will be necessary particularly in severely affected countries/institutions. STUDY REGISTRATION: Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04344197.