What do surgeons need to know about the mesopancreas.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy is the only treatment with a promise of cure for patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, and a negative resection margin is an important factor related to overall survival. Complete clearance of the medial margin with removal of the so-called mesopancreas may decrease the recurrence rate after pancreatic resection. Here, we present some important information about the mesopancreas, total mesopancreas excision, and technical aspects to achieve negative resection margins. The area named mesopancreas is defined as the tissue located between the head of the pancreas and the superior mesenteric vessels and the celiac axis and consists of the nerve plexus, lymphatic tissue, and connective tissue. The superior mesenteric and celiac arteries define the border of the mesopancreas. En bloc resection of anterior and posterior pancreatoduodenal nodes, hepatoduodenal nodes, along the superior mesenteric artery nodes, pyloric nodes, and nodes along the common hepatic artery is necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Improved knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the region and technical refinements of excision of the mesopancreas along with standardized pathological examination are important to increase and to determine radical resection of pancreatic head cancer.

A more radical perspective on surgical approach and outcomes in pancreatic cancer-a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains a dismal disease and is expected to become an even greater burden in the near future. This review focuses on the different surgical aspects for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), distal and total pancreatectomy (TP), incorporating lessons from both the western and eastern visions in treating pancreatic cancer. Methods: We conducted an extensive literature review through PubMed, prioritizing papers published in the last 5 years, but older emblematic papers were also included. We included articles that explored the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with focus on the surgical aspect and strategies to improve outcomes. References of selected articles were also reviewed to identify any missed studies. Only papers in English were included. Key Content and Findings: As evidence continues to build, it is clear that both systemic and surgical therapies have a fundamental and complementary role. State of art surgical treatment encompasses complete mesopancreas excision for radical lymphadenectomy. Preoperative planning of dissection planes, extensive knowledge of vascular anatomic variations, oncological principles and expertise for vascular resections are mandatory to perform a more radical operation, in pursuit of improved outcomes. Conclusions: Based on current data, patient selection remains key and a more radical surgical approach brings more accomplishing results bringing as to believe that more is better.

Combined liver transplantation with sleeve gastrectomy: a pioneer case series from Brazil.

The association of a bariatric operation during liver transplantation may benefit patients with liver failure and obesity and sleeve gastrectomy emerges as the procedure of choice. The aim of this study is to present our experience with combined liver transplantation and sleeve gastrectomy. During an 18-month period, seven patients were submitted to simultaneous liver transplant and sleeve gastrectomy (LTSG). There were four male and three female, and the mean recipient age was 60.5 years, mean BMI was 38.2 kg/m2, and mean MELD score was 25 points. The indication for liver transplantation was nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in four cases, hepatitis C with HCC in one case, pure NASH in one case and alcoholic cirrhosis with HCC in one case. Six patients are alive with normal allograft function. There were no biliary complications.

Liver transplantation in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Neuroendocrine tumors are part of a heterogeneous group of tumors located in organs such as the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), lungs, thymus, thyroid, and adrenal glands. The most prevalent sites are the small intestine, cecal appendix, and pancreas. More than 50% of these tumors are associated with metastases at the time of diagnosis. Neuroendocrine tumors are classified according to the degree of cell differentiation and the histopathological proliferation index of the lesion. Neuroendocrine tumors can be well differentiated or poorly differentiated. G3 tumors are characterized by Ki-67 expression greater than 20% and can be either well differentiated (G3 NET) or poorly differentiated (G3 NEC). Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC G3) is subdivided into small-cell and large-cell types. When neuroendocrine tumors present clinical and compressive symptoms, carcinoid syndrome is evident. Carcinoid syndrome occurs when the tumor produces neuroendocrine mediators that cannot be metabolized by the liver due to either the size of the tumor or their secretion by the liver itself. Several therapeutic strategies have been described for the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors, including curative or palliative surgical approaches, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, percutaneous therapy, systemic chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Liver surgery is the only approach that can offer a cure for metastatic patients. Liver metastases must be completely resected, and in this context, orthotopic liver transplantation has gained prominence for yielding very promising outcomes in selected cases. The aim of this study is to review the literature on OLT as a form of treatment with curative intent for patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastasis.

Total robotic ALPPS approach for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic liver.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common indication for associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS). Robotic liver resection has been done for HCC, but robotic ALPPS is a rare procedure. METHODS: To present three cases of totally robotic ALPPS in cirrhotic patients with HCC. RESULTS: Three cirrhotic male patients with HCC underwent ALPPS; the mean age was 54.3 years. MELD score was ≤9 and tumour size between 90 and 140 mm. The mean hypertrophy of the future liver remnant after the first stage was 77.5% and no postoperative liver failure was reported. Mean operative time of stage 1 was 7:30 h and of stage 2 was 4:37 h, without blood transfusion. The mean hospital stay for the first stage was 10 days and for the second stage was 9.3 days. No postoperative complication was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic ALPPS in cirrhotic patients with HCC is safe and feasible.

BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON INCIDENTAL GALLBLADDER CARCINOMA.

BACKGROUND: Incidental gallbladder cancer is defined as a cancer discovered by histological examination after cholecystectomy. It is a potentially curable disease. However, some questions related to their management remain controversial and a defined strategy is associated with better prognosis. AIM: To develop the first evidence-based consensus for management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in Brazil. METHODS: Sixteen questions were selected, and 36 Brazilian and International members were included to the answer them. The statements were based on current evident literature. The final report was sent to the members of the panel for agreement assessment. RESULTS: Intraoperative evaluation of the specimen, use of retrieval bags and routine histopathology is recommended. Complete preoperative evaluation is necessary and the reoperation should be performed once final staging is available. Evaluation of the cystic duct margin and routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy is recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered and chemoradiation therapy if microscopically positive surgical margins. Port site should be resected exceptionally. Staging laparoscopy before reoperation is recommended, but minimally invasive radical approach only in specialized minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary centers. The extent of liver resection is acceptable if R0 resection is achieved. Standard lymph node dissection is required for T2 tumors and above, but common bile duct resection is not recommended routinely. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to prepare safe recommendations as guidance for incidental gallbladder carcinoma, addressing the most frequent topics of everyday work of digestive and general surgeons.

PANCREATODUODENECTOMY FOR SOLID PSEUDOPAPILLARY TUMOR OF THE PANCREAS: A MULTI-INSTITUTION STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare low-grade malignant neoplasm. Most patients present with nonspecific symptoms until the tumor becomes large. Complete surgical resection by pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice for tumors located in the head of the pancreas. AIM: To analyzed the clinicopathologic features, management, and outcomes of patients who had solid pseudopapillary tumor of the head pancreas and underwent surgical resection. METHODS: Were analyzed 16 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for this condition. RESULTS: Mean age was 25.7 years old, and 15 patients were female (93.7%). Nonspecific abdominal pain was present in 14 (87.5%). All underwent computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging as part of diagnostic workup. The median diameter of the tumor was 6.28 cm, and surgical resection was performed with open or laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients (37.5%) and included pancreatic fistula without mortality. The mean of hospital stay was 10.3 days. Median follow-up was 3.6 years, and no patient had local recurrence or metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: For these patients surgical resection with pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice showing low morbidity, no mortality, and good long-term survival.

PANCREATODUODENECTOMY: BRAZILIAN PRACTICE PATTERNS.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy is a technically challenging surgical procedure with an incidence of postoperative complications ranging from 30% to 61%. The procedure requires a high level of experience, and to minimize surgery-related complications and mortality, a high-quality standard surgery is imperative. AIM: To understand the Brazilian practice patterns for pancreatoduodenectomy. METHOD: A questionnaire was designed to obtain an overview of the surgical practice in pancreatic cancer, specific training, and experience in pancreatoduodenectomy. The survey was sent to members who declared an interest in pancreatic surgery. RESULTS: A total of 60 questionnaires were sent, and 52 have returned (86.7%). The Southeast had the most survey respondents, with 25 surgeons (48.0%). Only two surgeons (3.9%) performed more than 50% of their pancreatoduodenectomies by laparoscopy. A classic Whipple procedure was performed by 24 surgeons (46.2%) and a standard International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery lymphadenectomy by 43 surgeons (82.7%). For reconstruction, pancreaticojejunostomy was performed by 49 surgeons (94.2%), single limb technique by 41(78.9%), duct-to-mucosa anastomosis by 38 (73.1%), internal trans-anastomotic stenting by 26 (50.0%), antecolic route of gastric reconstruction by 39 (75.0%), and Braun enteroenterostomy was performed by only six surgeons (11.5%). Prophylactic abdominal drainage was performed by all surgeons, and somatostatin analogues were utilized by six surgeons (11.5%). Early postoperative enteral nutrition was routine for 22 surgeons (42.3%), and 34 surgeons (65.4%) reported routine use of a nasogastric suction tube. CONCLUSION: Heterogeneity was observed in the pancreatoduodenectomy practice patterns of surgeons in Brazil, some of them in contrast with established evidence in the literature.

Brazilian consensus on incidental gallbladder carcinoma / Consenso brasileiro de carcinoma incidental de vesícula biliar

ABSTRACT Background: Incidental gallbladder cancer is defined as a cancer discovered by histological examination after cholecystectomy. It is a potentially curable disease. However, some questions related to their management remain controversial and a defined strategy is associated with better prognosis. Aim: To develop the first evidence-based consensus for management of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer in Brazil. Methods: Sixteen questions were selected, and 36 Brazilian and International members were included to the answer them. The statements were based on current evident literature. The final report was sent to the members of the panel for agreement assessment. Results: Intraoperative evaluation of the specimen, use of retrieval bags and routine histopathology is recommended. Complete preoperative evaluation is necessary and the reoperation should be performed once final staging is available. Evaluation of the cystic duct margin and routine 16b1 lymph node biopsy is recommended. Chemotherapy should be considered and chemoradiation therapy if microscopically positive surgical margins. Port site should be resected exceptionally. Staging laparoscopy before reoperation is recommended, but minimally invasive radical approach only in specialized minimally invasive hepatopancreatobiliary centers. The extent of liver resection is acceptable if R0 resection is achieved. Standard lymph node dissection is required for T2 tumors and above, but common bile duct resection is not recommended routinely. Conclusions: It was possible to prepare safe recommendations as guidance for incidental gallbladder carcinoma, addressing the most frequent topics of everyday work of digestive and general surgeons.

RESUMO Racional: Carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar é definido como uma neoplasia descoberta por exame histológico após colecistectomia videolaparoscópica. É potencialmente uma doença curável. Entretanto algumas questões relacionadas ao seu manuseio permanecem controversas e uma estratégia definida está associada com melhor prognóstico. Objetivo: Desenvolver o primeiro consenso baseado em evidências para o manuseio de pacientes com carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar no Brasil. Métodos: Dezesseis questões foram selecionadas e para responder as questões e 36 membros das sociedades brasileiras e internacionais foram incluídos. As recomendações foram baseadas em evidências da literatura atual. Um relatório final foi enviado para os membros do painel para avaliação de concordância. Resultados: Avaliação intraoperatória da peça cirúrgica, uso de bolsas para retirar a peça cirúrgica e exame histopatológico de rotina, foram recomendados. Avaliação pré-operatória completa é necessária e deve ser realizada assim que o estadiamento final esteja disponível. Avaliação da margem do ducto cístico e biópsia de rotina do linfonodo 16b1 são recomendadas. Quimioterapia deve ser considerada e quimioradioterapia indicada se a margem cirúrgica microscópica seja positiva. Os portais devem ser ressecados excepcionalmente. O estadiamento laparoscópico antes da operação é recomendado, mas o tratamento radical por abordagem minimamente invasiva deve ser realizado apenas em centros especializados em cirurgia hepatopancreatobiliar minimamente invasiva. A extensão da ressecção hepática é aceitável até que seja alcançada a ressecção R0. A linfadenectomia padrão é indicada para tumores iguais ou superiores a T2, mas a ressecção da via biliar não é recomendada de rotina. Conclusões: Recomendações seguras foram preparadas para carcinoma incidental da vesícula biliar, destacando os mais frequentes tópicos do trabalho diário do cirurgião do aparelho digestivo e hepatopancreatobiliar.

Pancreatoduodenectomy for solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: a multi-institution study / Duodenopancreatectomia para o tumor pseudopapilar sólido do pâncreas: estudo multi-institucional

ABSTRACT Background: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas is a rare low-grade malignant neoplasm. Most patients present with nonspecific symptoms until the tumor becomes large. Complete surgical resection by pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice for tumors located in the head of the pancreas Aim: To analyzed the clinicopathologic features, management, and outcomes of patients who had solid pseudopapillary tumor of the head pancreas and underwent surgical resection. Methods: Were analyzed 16 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for this condition. Results: Mean age was 25.7 years old, and 15 patients were female (93.7%). Nonspecific abdominal pain was present in 14 (87.5%). All underwent computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging as part of diagnostic workup. The median diameter of the tumor was 6.28 cm, and surgical resection was performed with open or laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients (37.5%) and included pancreatic fistula without mortality. The mean of hospital stay was 10.3 days. Median follow-up was 3.6 years, and no patient had local recurrence or metastatic disease. Conclusion: For these patients surgical resection with pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice showing low morbidity, no mortality, and good long-term survival.

RESUMO Racional: Tumor sólido pseudopapilar do pâncreas é neoplasia maligna rara, de baixo grau de malignidade. A maioria dos pacientes apresenta sintomas inespecíficos até que o tumor aumente de tamanho. A ressecção cirúrgica completa através a duodenopancreatectomia é o tratamento de escolha para os localizados na cabeça do pâncreas. Objetivo: Analisar as características clinicopatológicas, tratamento e resultados de pacientes com tumor sólido pseudopapilar do pâncreas localizado na cabeça do pâncreas submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica. Método: Foram analisados 16 pacientes com duodenopancreatectomia devido a esse tumor localizado na cabeça do pâncreas. Resultados: Havia 15 mulheres (93,7%) e a média de idade era de 25,7 anos. Dor abdominal não específica esteve presente em 14 pacientes (87,5%). Todos realizaram tomografia computadorizada do abdome e/ou ressonância nuclear magnética como parte da investigação. O diâmetro médio do tumor era de 6,28 cm e a ressecção cirúrgica foi realizada por duodenopancreatectomia, tanto por laparotomia quanto por videolaparoscopia, com ou sem quimioterapia neoadjuvante. As complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em seis pacientes (37,5%) e incluíram fístula pancreática, sem mortalidade. O tempo médio de internação hospitalar foi de 10,3 dias. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 3,6 anos e nenhum paciente apresentou recorrência local ou doença metastática. Conclusões: A ressecção cirúrgica através da duodenopancreatectomia é o tratamento de escolha para estes pacientes. Os resultados mostraram baixa morbidade, nenhuma mortalidade e boa sobrevida em longo prazo.

Pancreatoduodenectomy: brazilian practice patterns / Duodenopancreatectomia: prática padrão do brasil

ABSTRACT Background: Pancreatoduodenectomy is a technically challenging surgical procedure with an incidence of postoperative complications ranging from 30% to 61%. The procedure requires a high level of experience, and to minimize surgery-related complications and mortality, a high-quality standard surgery is imperative. Aim: To understand the Brazilian practice patterns for pancreatoduodenectomy. Method: A questionnaire was designed to obtain an overview of the surgical practice in pancreatic cancer, specific training, and experience in pancreatoduodenectomy. The survey was sent to members who declared an interest in pancreatic surgery. Results: A total of 60 questionnaires were sent, and 52 have returned (86.7%). The Southeast had the most survey respondents, with 25 surgeons (48.0%). Only two surgeons (3.9%) performed more than 50% of their pancreatoduodenectomies by laparoscopy. A classic Whipple procedure was performed by 24 surgeons (46.2%) and a standard International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery lymphadenectomy by 43 surgeons (82.7%). For reconstruction, pancreaticojejunostomy was performed by 49 surgeons (94.2%), single limb technique by 41(78.9%), duct-to-mucosa anastomosis by 38 (73.1%), internal trans-anastomotic stenting by 26 (50.0%), antecolic route of gastric reconstruction by 39 (75.0%), and Braun enteroenterostomy was performed by only six surgeons (11.5%). Prophylactic abdominal drainage was performed by all surgeons, and somatostatin analogues were utilized by six surgeons (11.5%). Early postoperative enteral nutrition was routine for 22 surgeons (42.3%), and 34 surgeons (65.4%) reported routine use of a nasogastric suction tube. Conclusion: Heterogeneity was observed in the pancreatoduodenectomy practice patterns of surgeons in Brazil, some of them in contrast with established evidence in the literature.

RESUMO Racional: A duodenopancreatectomia é um procedimento cirúrgico tecnicamente desafiador, com uma incidência de complicações pós-operatórias variando de 30% a 61%. O procedimento requer experiência de alto nível, e para minimizar complicações relacionadas à cirurgia uma padronização de alta qualidade é imperativa. Objetivo: Compreender o padrão da prática brasileira para duodenopancreatectomia. Método: Um questionário foi elaborado com a finalidade de obter uma visão geral da prática cirúrgica em câncer do pâncreas, treinamento específico e experiência em duodenopancreatectomia. O questionário foi enviado para cirurgiões com declarado interesse em cirurgia pancreática. Resultados: Um total de 60 questionários foi enviado e 52 retornaram (86,7%). A região sudeste foi a que mais respondeu, com 25 cirurgiões (48,0%). Apenas dois cirurgiões (3,9%), realizaram mais do que 50% das duodenopancreatectomia por videolaparoscopia. O procedimento clássico de Whipple foi realizado por 24 cirurgiões (46,2%) e a linfadenectomia padrão do Grupo Internacional de Estudo em Cirurgia Pancreática foi realizada por 43 cirurgiões (82,7%). Para a reconstrução, a pancreatojejunostomia foi realizada por 49 cirurgiões (94,2%), em alça única por 41 (78,9%), com anastomose do tipo ducto-mucosa por 38 (73,1%). O cateter transanastomose foi realizado por 26 cirurgiões (50%), reconstrução gástrica antecólica por 39 (75%) e enteroanastomose tipo Braun apenas por seis cirurgiões (11,5%). A drenagem abdominal profilática foi realizada por todos os cirurgiões e o uso de análogos da somatostatina por seis cirurgiões (11,5%). Nutrição enteral precoce no pós-operatório foi utilizada de rotina por 22 cirurgiões (42,3%) e 34 cirurgiões (65,4%), usaram sonda nasogástrica de rotina. Conclusão: Heterogeneidade foi observada na prática padrão da duodenopancreatectomia pelos cirurgiões no Brasil e, algumas delas em contraste com evidências estabelecidas na literatura.