Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Tissue Acquisition Versus Fine Needle Aspiration for Diagnosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Compare the 22G needle versus EchoTip ProCore® 20 (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) on their handling, specimen suitability, amount of tissue obtained, diagnostic performance, the possibility of immunohistochemistry, and rate of adverse events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, comparative study of consecutively examined patients with pancreatic masses who underwent endosonography-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) via the 22G needle, and endosonography-guided tissue acquisition (TA) via ProCore 20 (PC20). The operator evaluated needle insertion and subjectively classified the specimen. The pathologist measured the samples, classified the amount of tissue, and determined the influence of bleeding on the interpretation. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients participated in the study, out of whom 52 underwent endosonography-guided FNA with 22G and 77 underwent endosonography-guided TA with a PC20 needle. Malignant lesions were found in 106, and 23 had benign lesions. The duodenal route was used in 62% of patients. The 22G needle was easier to introduce (p=0.0495). However, PC20 obtained a larger amount (p<0.01) with fewer punctures (p<0.001). The PC20 also yielded a larger average microcore diameter (p=0.0032). Microhistology was adequate for 22G and PC20 in 22 (42.2%) and 50 (78.1%) specimens, respectively (p<0.001). Bleeding was not significantly different (p>0.999). Immunohistochemistry was possible in 36 (69.2%) and 40 (51.9%) specimens obtained by 22G and PC20, respectively (p=0.075). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 22G were 93.5%, 100%, 100%, 66.7%, and 94.2%, respectively; and for PC20, it was 95%, 100%, 100%, 85%, and 96.1%, respectively. Mild bleeding was the most common early adverse event, occurring in 2/52 (3.8%) 22G and 4/77 (5.2%) PC20 cases (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The PC20 required fewer punctures and reduced the need for immunohistochemistry as it yielded better and larger microcores. Its ease of insertion into the target lesion makes it a good option to obtain satisfactory microcore specimens in difficult positions, such as the transduodenal route.

Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma: Endosonography-Guided Tissue Acquisition Diagnosis.

Primary pancreatic lymphoma is a rare type of cancer, that accounts for 0.1-0.5% of lymphomas and about 0.2% of all primary pancreatic tumors. Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma is the most common subtype. The diagnosis is possible if the lymphoma is located in the pancreas, but the differential diagnosis with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is difficult. The diagnostic accuracy of endosonography-guided fine needle aspiration is inadequate, and thus it is common to diagnose these masses only after surgical resection. The endosonography-guided tissue acquisition allows greater accuracy in the pancreatic masses, as it determines optimal access to histological analysis using tissue in paraffin blocks for complementary immunohistochemical, and molecular tests. Thus, this elaborate diagnostic environment allows the adoption of appropriate treatment strategies for patients with this condition. The authors describe four cases of primary pancreatic lymphoma indicated for surgical resection due to suspected pancreatic cancer, with the diagnosis of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma obtained by endosonography-guided tissue acquisition, changing the therapeutic strategy through the adoption of adequate chemotherapy treatment with good progress.

First Robotic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for the Treatment of Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in a Patient With Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated disease that results in fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) associated with severe esophageal dysmotility is common in SSc patients, and surgical treatment with usual anti-reflux procedures such as fundoplications is associated with dismal symptomatic relief and postoperative dysphagia. We report the first robotic short-limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with a short Roux limb for the treatment of GERD in a patient with SSc with intense esophageal dysmotility. The operative time was two hours. The procedure and postoperative course were uneventful. The patient presented complete relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and no postoperative dysphagia in a two-year follow-up. Therefore, short-limb RYGB is a safe and very effective alternative for the treatment of severe GERD in patients with SSc. The robotic surgical platform may have some advantages compared to conventional laparoscopy.

Molecular Basis of Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy in Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a potentially fatal condition associated with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. The mechanism involved in hyperammonemia in patients with fibrolamellar carcinoma was unclear until a possible physiopathological pathway was recently proposed. An ornithine transcarboxylase dysfunction was suggested as a result of increased ornithine decarboxylase activity induced by c-Myc overexpression. This c-Myc overexpression resulted from Aurora kinase A overexpression derived from the activity of a chimeric kinase that is the final transcript of a deletion in chromosome 19, common to all fibrolamellar carcinomas. We performed the analysis of the expression of all enzymes involved and tested for the mutation in chromosome 19 in fresh frozen samples of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, non-tumor liver, and hepatic adenomatosis. The specific DNAJB-PRKACA fusion protein that results from the recurrent mutation on chromosome 19 common to all fibrolamellar carcinoma was detected only in the fibrolamellar carcinoma sample. Fibrolamellar carcinoma and adenomyomatosis samples presented increased expression of Aurora kinase A, c-MYC, and ornithine decarboxylase when compared to normal liver, while ornithine transcarbamylase was decreased. The proposed physiopathological pathway is correct and that overexpression of c-Myc may also be responsible for hyperammonemia in patients with other types of rapidly growing hepatomas. This gives further evidence to apply new and adequate treatment to this severe complication.

Retroperitoneal Bronchogenic Cyst Mimicking a Pancreatic Cystic Lesion with Extremely High Level of Intralesional Fluid CA-19.9 Antigen: Benign in Disguise.

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital benign tumors resulting from abnormal budding of the primitive foregut. Usually presented on the posterior mediastinum, its presence on the retroperitoneum is extremely rare. We present an asymptomatic lady patient with a retroperitoneal cystic lesion that was submitted to endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsies and intracystic fluid aspiration with histology excluding malignance despite intracystic fluid biochemical analysis that disclosed extremely high carbohydrate antigen 19-9. Definite diagnosis of bronchogenic cyst was only possible after complete surgical resection of the lesion. Furthermore, we discuss the use of this antigen as a tumor marker in this situation and its relevance to the preoperative diagnosis of such lesions.

Long-term survival after surgical treatment followed by adjuvant systemic therapy for primary duodenal melanoma.

Primary mucosal malignant melanomas of the gastrointestinal tract are rare tumors associated to poor prognosis. Primary duodenal involvement by pigmented lesions is even more uncommon, and only a few reports exist in the literature. We report the case of a patient with large primary duodenal melanoma that presented with upper intestinal obstruction and bleeding that was submitted to urgent pancreaticoduodenectomy followed by adjuvant systemic therapy with an oral alkylating agent (temozolomide) plus intravenous cisplatin. The patient presents no signs of recurrence 3 years after the surgery. We consider that radical surgical resection followed by systemic therapy is a safe and effective treatment strategy option for primary mucosal gastrointestinal melanomas.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment of pancreatic fluid collections with lumen apposing metallic stents: lessons learned.

Pancreatic fluid collections are common pancreatitis complications that frequently require drainage. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided placement of expandable lumen apposing metallic stents has recently emerged as an effective and less invasive treatment option. It is associated with less morbidity, lower costs, and faster clinical recovery than other therapeutic modalities. Nevertheless, this procedure may result in severe complications such as bleeding, buried stent syndrome, and prosthesis dislodgement (with perforation and peritoneal leakage). We performed 108 EUS-guided drainages with lumen apposing metallic stents for the treatment of pancreatic fluid collections with 8 complications and only two cases that required urgent surgical procedures resulting in one fatality. We present this two severe complications submitted to surgical treatment and discuss potential signs of alarm that must be taken under consideration before choosing a treatment modality.

LAPAROSCOPIC UNCINATECTOMY: A MORE CONSERVATIVE APPROACH TO THE UNCINATE PROCESS OF THE PANCREAS.

BACKGROUND: The isolate resection of the uncinate process of the pancreas is a rarely described procedure but is an adequate surgery to treat benign and low grade malignancies of the uncinate process of the pancreas. AIM: To detail laparoscopic uncinatectomy technique and present the initial results. METHOD: Patient is placed in supine position with the surgeon between legs. Three 5-mm, one 10-mm and one 12-mm trocars were used to perform the isolated resection of the uncinate process of the pancreas. Parenchymal transection is performed with harmonic scalpel. A hemostatic absorbable tissue is deployed over the area previously occupied by the uncinate process. A Waterman drain is placed. RESULT: This procedure was applied to an asymptomatic 62-year-old male with biopsy proven low grade neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreatic uncinate process. A laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy was proposed. During the initial surgical evaluation, intraoperative sonography was performed and disclosed that the lesion was a few millimeters away from the Wirsung. The option was to perform a laparoscopic uncinatectomy. Postoperative period until full recovery was swift and uneventful. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic uncinatectomy is a safe and efficient procedure when performed by surgical teams with large experience in minimally invasive biliopancreatic procedures.

Laparoscopic uncinatectomy: a more conservative approach to the uncinate process of the pancreas / Uncinectomia laparoscópica: uma operação mais conservadora que pode ser a melhor opção para acesso ao processo uncinado do pâncreas

ABSTRACT Background: The isolate resection of the uncinate process of the pancreas is a rarely described procedure but is an adequate surgery to treat benign and low grade malignancies of the uncinate process of the pancreas. Aim: To detail laparoscopic uncinatectomy technique and present the initial results. Method: Patient is placed in supine position with the surgeon between legs. Three 5-mm, one 10-mm and one 12-mm trocars were used to perform the isolated resection of the uncinate process of the pancreas. Parenchymal transection is performed with harmonic scalpel. A hemostatic absorbable tissue is deployed over the area previously occupied by the uncinate process. A Waterman drain is placed. Result: This procedure was applied to an asymptomatic 62-year-old male with biopsy proven low grade neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreatic uncinate process. A laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy was proposed. During the initial surgical evaluation, intraoperative sonography was performed and disclosed that the lesion was a few millimeters away from the Wirsung. The option was to perform a laparoscopic uncinatectomy. Postoperative period until full recovery was swift and uneventful. Conclusion: Laparoscopic uncinatectomy is a safe and efficient procedure when performed by surgical teams with large experience in minimally invasive biliopancreatic procedures.

RESUMO Racional: A ressecção isolada do processo uncinado do pâncreas é procedimento raramente relatado na literatura, mas consiste em operação adequada para o tratamento de tumores benignos e malignidades não-invasivas de baixo grau do processo uncinado do pâncreas. Objetivo: Detalhar a técnica da uncinectomia laparoscópica e apresentar os resultados iniciais. Método: Paciente é colocado em posição supina com o cirurgião entre as pernas. São utilizados três trocárteres de 5 mm, um de 10 mm e um de 12 mm para realizar a ressecção isolada do processo uncinado. A transecção parenquimatosa é realizada com bisturi harmônico. Tecido absorvível hemostático é implantado sobre a área anteriormente ocupada pelo processo uncinado. Dreno de Waterman é colocado sobre a área de superfície cruenta pancreática. Resultado: Este procedimento foi utilizado em um caso de tumor neuroendócrino de processo uncinado de pâncreas de baixo grau comprovado por biópsia guiada por ultrassonografia endoscópica. Ultrassonografia intra-operatória evidenciou lesão distando alguns milímetros do ducto de Wirsung, e assim optou-se pela realização de uncinectomia laparoscópica. A evolução pós-operatória até recuperação completa foi rápida e sem intercorrências. Conclusão: A uncinectomia por via laparoscópica é procedimento eficaz e seguro em equipes com experiência em cirurgia biliopancreática minimamente invasiva.

Anatomical basis for the intrahepatic glissonian approach during hepatectomies.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical liver resections are based on some basic technical principles such as vascular control, ischemic area delineation to be resected and maximum parenchymal preservation. These aspects are achieved by the intrahepatic glissonian approach, which consists in accessing the pedicles of hepatic segments within the hepatic parenchyma. Small incisions on well-defined anatomical landmarks are performed to approach the pedicles, making dissection of the hilar plate unnecessary. AIM: Analyze parameters in liver anatomy related to intrahepatic surgical technique to glissonians pedicles, to set the normal anatomy related to the procedure and thereby facilitate the attainment of this technique. METHODS: Anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach were studied in 37 cadavers. Measurements were performed with precision instruments. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation. The subjects were divided into groups according to gender and liver weight and groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: Twenty-five cadavers were male and 12 female. No statistically significant difference was observed in virtually all parameters when groups were compared. This demonstrates the consistency of the anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study made possible major technical advances in the realization of open and laparoscopic hepatectomies with intrahepatic glissonian approach, and can help surgeons to perform liver resections by this method.

Anatomical basis for the intrahepatic glissonian approach during hepatectomies / Bases anatômicas para o acesso intra-hepático aos pedículos glissonianos durante hepatectomias

BACKGROUND: Anatomical liver resections are based on some basic technical principles such as vascular control, ischemic area delineation to be resected and maximum parenchymal preservation. These aspects are achieved by the intrahepatic glissonian approach, which consists in accessing the pedicles of hepatic segments within the hepatic parenchyma. Small incisions on well-defined anatomical landmarks are performed to approach the pedicles, making dissection of the hilar plate unnecessary. AIM: Analyze parameters in liver anatomy related to intrahepatic surgical technique to glissonians pedicles, to set the normal anatomy related to the procedure and thereby facilitate the attainment of this technique. METHODS: Anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach were studied in 37 cadavers. Measurements were performed with precision instruments. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation. The subjects were divided into groups according to gender and liver weight and groups were compared statistically. RESULTS: Twenty-five cadavers were male and 12 female. No statistically significant difference was observed in virtually all parameters when groups were compared. This demonstrates the consistency of the anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study made possible major technical advances in the realization of open and laparoscopic hepatectomies with intrahepatic glissonian approach, and can help surgeons to perform liver resections by this method. .

RACIONAL: Ressecções hepáticas anatômicas são baseadas em alguns princípios técnicos básicos, como o controle vascular, delimitação de área isquêmica a ser ressecada e máxima preservação do parênquima. Isto pode ser obtido pelo acesso intra-hepático aos pedículos glissonianos, que consiste em controle dos pedículos dos segmentos dentro do parênquima hepático. Pequenas incisões ao redor da placa hilar, em marcos anatômicos bem definidos, são utilizadas para acesso aos pedículos, tornando desnecessária a dissecção do hilo hepático. OBJETIVO: Analisar parâmetros da anatomia do fígado relacionada com a técnica cirúrgica da abordagem intra-hepática aos pedículos glissonianos, para definir a anatomia normal relacionada ao procedimento e, assim, facilitar a realização desta técnica. MÉTODOS: Parâmetros anatômicos relacionados à abordagem intra-hepática aos pedículos glissonianos foram estudados em 37 cadáveres. As medições foram realizadas com instrumentos de precisão. Os dados foram expressos em média±desvio-padrão. Os indivíduos foram divididos em grupos de acordo com o sexo e peso do fígado e os grupos foram comparados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Vinte e cinco cadáveres eram do sexo masculino e 12 do feminino. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em praticamente todos os parâmetros quando os grupos foram comparados. Isto demonstra a consistência dos parâmetros anatômicos relacionadas com a técnica intra-hepática de acesso glissoniano. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos neste estudo possibilitaram grandes avanços técnicos na realização de hepatectomias abertas e laparoscópicas com abordagem intra-hepática aos pedículos glissonianos, e pode ajudar cirurgiões a realizar procedimentos seguros e eficazes por este método. .

Estudo dos reparos anatômicos para o acesso intra-hepático aos pedículos glissonianos durante ressecções / Study of the anatomy of liver landmarks for the intrahepatic approach to glissonian pedicles during hepatectomies

Ressecções hepáticas regradas baseiam-se em alguns princípios técnicos básicos, como controle vascular, delineamento isquêmico das áreas a serem ressecadas e preservação máxima de parênquima. Eles são alcançados através do acesso intrahepático aos pedículos glissonianos, que se baseia na abordagem dos segmentos hepáticos através do acesso aos pedículos dentro do fígado. Com pequenas incisões sobre pontos de reparo anatômicos bem definidos são acessados pedículos correspondentes aos segmentos a serem ressecados, tornando desnecessárias dissecções extensas do parênquima hepático.Neste estudo, parâmetros anatômicos relacionados à técnica de acesso intra-hepático aos pedículos glissonianos foram estudados em cadáveres com o fígado in loco. Ele propiciou a determinação precisa de pontos de reparo confiáveis e simples a serem utilizados durante estes procedimentos.Foram estudados 37 fígados provenientes de cadáveres adultos. Vinte e cinco cadáveres eram do sexo masculino e doze do sexo feminino. Foram excluídos cadáveres que tivessem qualquer fator que alterasse a anatomia original do andar superior do abdome e fígados com aspecto cirrótico. As aferições realizadas foram realizadas com instrumentos de precisão. Os dados obtidos foram expressos em média ± desvio padrão. Os indivíduos foram então divididos em grupos de acordo com gênero e peso do fígado e os grupos foram comparados estatisticamente através do teste t de Student. Setenta por cento dos cadáveres apresentavam veia hepática direita acessória, sendo este achado muito superior ao encontrado na literatura. O diâmetro médio deste vaso, quando presente, foi de 6,8 mm. As veias hepáticas média e esquerda apresentavam tronco comum em direção à veia cava em 51% dos casos, valor menor do que o habitualmente encontrado na literatura.Em 70% dos fígados a fissura de Gans encontrava-se aberta. Nestes, 80% continha o pedículo do segmento 6. A ponte entre os segmentos 3 e 4 encontrava-se aberta em 41% dos casos...

Anatomical liver resections are based on some basic technical principles such as vascular control, ischemic delineation of areas to be resected and maximum parenchymal preservation. Those are achieved by the intrahepatic glissonian approach, which consists in accessing the pedicles of hepatic segments to be resected within the hepatic parenchyma. Small incisions on well-defined anatomical landmarks are performed to approach the desired pedicles, making extensive dissection of the liver parenchyma unnecessary.In this study, anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach to hepatic pedicles were studied in cadavers with the liver in loco. It allowed the accurate determination of anatomical landmarks that are reliable and easy to be used.Thirty-seven livers from adult cadavers were studied. Twenty-five cadavers were male and twelve female. Corpses that had any factor that altered the original anatomy of the upper abdomen and cirrhotic livers were excluded. The measurementswere performed with precision instruments. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The subjects were divided into groups according to gender and liver weight and the groups were compared statistically by the Student t test.Seventy percent of the cadavers presented an accessory right hepatic vein, much more frequent than previously reported in the literature. The average diameter of the vesselwas 6.8 mm. The middle and left hepatic veins presented a common trunk in 51% of cases, lower than typically found in the literature.In 70% of livers there was a patent incisura dextra of Gans. When present, 80% contained the pedicle of segment 6. There was an open hepatic bridge between segments 3 and 4 in 41% of cases.The mean diameter of the left pedicle was 28.2 mm, while the mean diameter of the right pedicle was 26.8 mm.The mean distance between the bifurcation of the main portal trunk and the caudal insertion of Arantius ligament was 32.9 mm...

Laparoscopic pancreatic resection. From enucleation to pancreatoduodenectomy. 11-year experience.

CONTEXT: Our experience with laparoscopic pancreatic resection began in 2001. During initial experience, laparoscopy was reserved for selected cases. With increasing experience more complex laparoscopic procedures such as central pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomies were performed. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to review our personal experience with laparoscopic pancreatic resection over 11-year period. METHODS: All patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreatic resection from 2001 through 2012 were reviewed. Preoperative data included age, gender, and indication for surgery. Intraoperative variables included operative time, bleeding, blood transfusion. Diagnosis, tumor size, margin status were determined from final pathology reports. RESULTS: Since 2001, 96 patients underwent laparoscopic pancreatectomy. Median age was 55 years old. 60 patients were female and 36 male. Of these, 88 (91.6%) were performed totally laparoscopic; 4 (4.2%) needed hand-assistance, 1 robotic assistance. Three patients were converted. Four patients needed blood transfusion. Operative time varied according type of operation. Mortality was nil but morbidity was high, mainly due to pancreatic fistula (28.1%). Sixty-one patients underwent distal pancreatectomy, 18 underwent pancreatic enucleation, 7 pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomies, 5 uncinate process resection, 3 central and 2 total pancreatectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection of the pancreas is a reality. Pancreas sparing techniques, such as enucleation, resection of uncinate process and central pancreatectomy, should be used to avoid exocrine and/or endocrine insufficiency that could be detrimental to the patient's quality of life. Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy is a safe operation but should be performed in specialized centers by highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons.