Surveillance after surgery for pancreatic cancer: a global scoping review of guidelines and a nordic Survey of contemporary practice.

OBJECTIVES: Most patients with pancreatic cancer who have undergone surgical resection eventually develop disease recurrence. |This study aimed to investigate whether there is evidence to support routine surveillance after pancreatic cancer surgery, with a secondary aim of analyzing the implementation of surveillance strategies in the Nordic countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to identify clinical practice guidelines globally and research studies relating to surveillance after pancreatic cancer resection. This was followed by a survey among 20 pancreatic units from four Nordic countries to assess their current practice of follow-up for operated patients. RESULTS: Altogether 16 clinical practice guidelines and 17 research studies were included. The guidelines provided inconsistent recommendations regarding postoperative surveillance of pancreatic cancer. The clinical research data were mainly based on retrospective cohort studies with low level of evidence and lead-time bias was not addressed. Active surveillance was recommended in Sweden and Denmark, but not in Norway beyond the post-operative/adjuvant period. Finland had no national recommendations for surveillance. The Nordic survey revealed a wide variation in reported practice among the different units. About 75% (15 of 20 units) performed routine postoperative surveillance. Routine CA 19-9 testing was used by 80% and routine CT by 67% as part of surveillance. About 73% of centers continued follow-up until 5 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Evidence for routine long-term (i.e. 5 years) surveillance after pancreatic cancer surgery remains limited. Most pancreatic units in the Nordic countries conduct regular follow-up, but protocols vary.

Fast-track recovery after surgery for perforated peptic ulcer safely shortens hospital stay: A systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials and 356 patients.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative management after surgery for perforated peptic ulcer is still burdened by old traditions. All available data for fast-track recovery in this setting are either very unspecific or underpowered. The aim of this study was to evaluate fast-track recovery in this diagnosis-specific context in a larger sample. METHODS: Electronic data sources were searched. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fast-track recovery and traditional management after surgery for perforated peptic ulcer in adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines regulated the process. Quality and risk of bias assessments of individual RCTs were performed by means of the Let Evidence Guide Every New Decision criteria and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Primary endpoints were length of hospital stay and risk of complications. Random or fixed effects modeling were applied as indicated. Outcomes were measured by mean difference and risk difference. RESULTS: Six RCTs with a total cohort of 356 patients were included. Results of our meta-analysis showed significantly shortened length of hospital stay (mean difference -3.50 days [95% CI -4.51 to -2.49], p ≤ 0.00001), significantly less superficial and deep surgical-site infections (risk differences -0.12 [95% CI -0.20, -0.05], p = 0.002 and -0.03 [95% CI -0.09, 0.03], and p = 0.032, respectively), and significantly fewer pulmonary complications (risk difference -0.10 [95% CI -0.17, -0.03], p = 0.004) in the fast-track group. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis shows that fast-track recovery after surgery for perforated peptic ulcer significantly shortened hospital stay in the studied cohort without increasing the risk of postoperative complications.

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

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

Tailoring the Use of Central Pancreatectomy Through Prediction Models for Major Morbidity and Postoperative Diabetes: International Retrospective Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a prediction model for major morbidity and endocrine dysfunction after CP which could help in tailoring the use of this procedure. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Central pancreatectomy (CP) is a parenchyma-sparing alternative to distal pancreatectomy for symptomatic benign and pre-malignant tumors in body and neck of the pancreas CP lowers the risk of new-onset diabetes and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency compared to distal pancreatectomy but it is thought to increase the risk of short-term complications including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). METHODS: International multicenter retrospective cohort study including patients from 51 centers in 19 countries (2010-2021). Primary endpoint was major morbidity. Secondary endpoints included POPF grade B/C, endocrine dysfunction, and the use of pancreatic enzymes. Two risk model were designed for major morbidity and endocrine dysfunction utilizing multivariable logistic regression and internal and external validation. RESULTS: 838 patients after CP were included (301 (36%) minimally invasive) and major morbidity occurred in 248 (30%) patients, POPF B/C in 365 (44%), and 30-day mortality in 4 (1%). Endocrine dysfunction in 91 patients (11%) and use of pancreatic enzymes in 108 (12%). The risk model for major morbidity included male sex, age, BMI, and ASA score≥3. The model performed acceptable with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.72(CI:0.68-0.76). The risk model for endocrine dysfunction included higher BMI and male sex and performed well (AUC:0.83 (CI:0.77-0.89)). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed risk models help in tailoring the use of CP in patients with symptomatic benign and premalignant lesions in the body and neck of the pancreas and are readily available via www.pancreascalculator.com.

Perioperative interventions to reduce pancreatic fistula following pancreatoduodenectomy: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data on interventions to reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) are conflicting. The aim of this study was to assimilate data from RCTs. METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched systematically for RCTs evaluating interventions to reduce all grades of POPF or clinically relevant (CR) POPF after PD. Meta-analysis was undertaken for interventions investigated in multiple studies. A post hoc analysis of negative RCTs assessed whether these had appropriate statistical power. RESULTS: Among 22 interventions (7512 patients, 55 studies), 12 were assessed by multiple studies, and subjected to meta-analysis. Of these, external pancreatic duct drainage was the only intervention associated with reduced rates of both CR-POPF (odds ratio (OR) 0.40, 95 per cent c.i. 0.20 to 0.80) and all-POPF (OR 0.42, 0.25 to 0.70). Ulinastatin was associated with reduced rates of CR-POPF (OR 0.24, 0.06 to 0.93). Invagination (versus duct-to-mucosa) pancreatojejunostomy was associated with reduced rates of all-POPF (OR 0.60, 0.40 to 0.90). Most negative RCTs were found to be underpowered, with post hoc power calculations indicating that interventions would need to reduce the POPF rate to 1 per cent or less in order to achieve 80 per cent power in 16 of 34 (all-POPF) and 19 of 25 (CR-POPF) studies respectively. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis supports a role for several interventions to reduce POPF after PD. RCTs in this field were often relatively small and underpowered, especially those evaluating CR-POPF.

Impact of enhanced recovery protocols after pancreatoduodenectomy: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This individual-patient data meta-analysis investigated the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols compared with conventional care on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched systematically for articles reporting outcomes of ERAS after pancreatoduodenectomy published up to August 2020. Comparative studies were included. Main outcomes were postoperative functional recovery elements, postoperative morbidity, duration of hospital stay, and readmission. RESULTS: Individual-patient data were obtained from 17 of 31 eligible studies comprising 3108 patients. Time to liquid (mean difference (MD) -3.23 (95 per cent c.i. -4.62 to -1.85) days; P < 0.001) and solid (-3.84 (-5.09 to -2.60) days; P < 0.001) intake, time to passage of first stool (MD -1.38 (-1.82 to -0.94) days; P < 0.001) and time to removal of the nasogastric tube (3.03 (-4.87 to -1.18) days; P = 0.001) were reduced with ERAS. ERAS was associated with lower overall morbidity (risk difference (RD) -0.04, 95 per cent c.i. -0.08 to -0.01; P = 0.015), less delayed gastric emptying (RD -0.11, -0.22 to -0.01; P = 0.039) and a shorter duration of hospital stay (MD -2.33 (-2.98 to -1.69) days; P < 0.001) without a higher readmission rate. CONCLUSION: ERAS improved postoperative outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy. Implementation should be encouraged.

Enhanced recovery protocols consist of interdisciplinary interventions aimed at standardizing care and reducing the impact of surgical stress. They often include a short period of preoperative fasting during the night before surgery, early removal of lines and surgical drains, early food intake and mobilization out of bed on the day of surgery. This study gives a summary of reports assessing such care protocols in patients undergoing pancreatic head surgery, and assesses the impact of these protocols on functional recovery in an analysis of individual-patient data. The study revealed the true benefits of enhanced recovery protocols, including shorter time to food intake, earlier bowel activity, fewer complications after surgery, and a shorter hospital stay compared with conventional care.

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

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

External validation of postoperative pancreatic fistula prediction scores in pancreatoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple risk scores claim to predict the probability of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreatoduodenectomy. It is unclear which scores have undergone external validation and are the most accurate. The aim of this study was to identify risk scores for POPF, and assess the clinical validity of these scores. METHODS: Areas under receiving operator characteristic curve (AUROCs) were extracted from studies that performed external validation of POPF risk scores. These were pooled for each risk score, using intercept-only random-effects meta-regression models. RESULTS: Systematic review identified 34 risk scores, of which six had been subjected to external validation, and so included in the meta-analysis, (Tokyo (N=2 validation studies), Birmingham (N=5), FRS (N=19), a-FRS (N=12), m-FRS (N=3) and ua-FRS (N=3) scores). Overall predictive accuracies were similar for all six scores, with pooled AUROCs of 0.61, 0.70, 0.71, 0.70, 0.70 and 0.72, respectively. Considerably heterogeneity was observed, with I2 statistics ranging from 52.1-88.6%. CONCLUSION: Most risk scores lack external validation; where this was performed, risk scores were found to have limited predictive accuracy. . Consensus is needed for which score to use in clinical practice. Due to the limited predictive accuracy, future studies to derive a more accurate risk score are warranted.

Failure to Rescue After Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Transatlantic Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This analysis aimed to compare failure to rescue (FTR) after pancreatoduodenectomy across the Atlantic. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: FTR, or mortality after development of a major complication, is a quality metric originally created to compare hospital results. FTR has been studied in North American and Northern European patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). However, a direct comparison of FTR after PD between North America and Northern Europe has not been performed. METHODS: Patients who underwent PD in North America, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany (GAPASURG dataset) were identified from their respective registries (2014-17). Patients who developed a major complication defined as Clavien-Dindo ≥3 or developed a grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) were included. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were compared between patients with and without FTR. Variables significant on univariable analysis were entered into a logistic regression for FTR. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in 6188 of 22,983 patients (26.9%) after PD, and 504 (8.1%) patients had FTR. North American and Northern European patients with complications differed, and rates of FTR were lower in North America (5.4% vs 12%, P < 0.001). Fourteen factors from univariable analysis contributing to differences in patients who developed FTR were included in a logistic regression. On multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with FTR were age, American Society of Anesthesiology ≥3, Northern Europe, POPF, organ failure, life-threatening complication, nonradiologic intervention, and reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients with severe systemic diseases are more difficult to rescue. Failure to rescue is more common in Northern Europe than North America. In stable patients, management of complications by interventional radiology is preferred over reoperation.

Albumin infusion rate and plasma volume expansion: a randomized clinical trial in postoperative patients after major surgery.

BACKGROUND: Optimal infusion rate of colloids in patients with suspected hypovolemia is unknown, and the primary objective of the present study was to test if plasma volume expansion by 5% albumin is greater if fluid is administered slowly rather than rapidly. METHODS: Patients with signs of hypoperfusion after major abdominal surgery were randomized to intravenous infusion of 5% albumin at a dose of 10 ml/kg (ideal body weight) either rapidly (30 min) or slowly (180 min). Plasma volume was measured using radiolabeled albumin at baseline, at 30 min, and at 180 min after the start of infusion. Primary outcome was change in plasma volume from the start of infusion to 180 min after the start of infusion. Secondary outcomes included the change in the area under the plasma volume curve and transcapillary escape rate (TER) for albumin from 180 to 240 min after the start of albumin infusion. RESULTS: A total of 33 and 31 patients were included in the analysis in the slow and rapid groups, respectively. The change in plasma volume from the start of infusion to 180 min did not differ between the slow and rapid infusion groups (7.4 ± 2.6 vs. 6.5 ± 4.1 ml/kg; absolute difference, 0.9 ml/kg [95%CI, - 0.8 to 2.6], P = 0.301). Change in the area under the plasma volume curve was smaller in the slow than in the rapid infusion group and was 866 ± 341 and 1226 ± 419 min ml/kg, respectively, P < 0.001. TER for albumin did not differ and was 5.3 ± 3.1%/h and 5.4 ± 3%/h in the slow and in the rapid infusion groups, respectively, P = 0.931. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support our hypothesis that a slow infusion of colloid results in a greater plasma volume expansion than a rapid infusion. Instead, our result of a smaller change in the area under the plasma volume curve indicates that a slow infusion results in a less efficient plasma volume expansion, but further studies are required to confirm this finding. A rapid infusion has no effect on vascular leak as measured after completion of the infusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT2013-004446-42 registered December 23, 2014.

Major intraoperative bleeding during pancreatoduodenectomy - preoperative biliary drainage is the only modifiable risk factor.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy is associated with a high risk of complications. The aim was to identify preoperative risk factors for major intraoperative bleeding. METHODS: Patients registered for pancreatoduodenectomy in the Swedish National Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer Registry, 2011 to 2016, were included. Major intraoperative bleeding was defined as ≥1000 ml. Univariable and multivariable analysis of preoperative parameters were performed. RESULTS: In total, 1864 patients were included. The median blood loss was 600 ml, and 502 patients (27%) had registered bleeding of ≥1000 ml. Preoperative independent risk factors associated with major bleeding were male sex (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 (p < 0.001), preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) (p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥12 mg/L (p = 0.006) and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy treatment (NAT) (p = 0.002). Postoperative intensive care (p < 0.001), reoperation (p = 0.035), surgical infections (p = 0.036), and bile leakage (p = 0.045) were more common in the group with major bleeding, and the 30-day mortality was higher (4.9% vs 1.6%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Most predictive parameters for major intraoperative bleeding are not modifiable. PBD is an independent predictor for major intraoperative bleeding and to reduce the risk, patients with resectable periampullary tumors should, if possible, be subject to surgery without preoperative biliary drainage.

Early postoperative fluid retention is a strong predictor for complications after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative fluid overload has been reported to increase complications after a variety of operative procedures. This study was conducted to investigate the incidence of fluid retention after pancreatic resection and its association with postoperative complications. METHODS: Data from 1174 patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy between 2010 and 2016 were collected from the Swedish National Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer Registry. Early postoperative fluid retention was defined as a weight gain ≥2 kg on postoperative day 1. Outcome measures were overall complications, as well as procedure-specific complications. RESULTS: The weight change on postoperative day 1 ranged from -1 kg to +9 kg. A total of 782 patients (66.6%) were considered to have early fluid retention. Patients with fluid retention had significantly higher rates of total complications (p = 0.002), surgical complications (p = 0.001), pancreatic anastomotic leakage (p = 0.018) and wound infection (p = 0.023). Multivariable logistic regression confirmed early fluid retention as an independent risk factor for total complications (OR 1.46; p = 0.003), surgical complications (OR 1.49; p = 0.002), pancreatic anastomotic leakage (OR 1.48; p = 0.027) and wound infection (OR 1.84; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Fluid retention is common after elective pancreatic resection, and its associated with an increased rate of postoperative complications.

First results from the Swedish National Pancreatic and Periampullary Cancer Registry.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in therapy regimens over the past decades, overall survival rates for pancreatic and periampullary cancer are poor. Specific cancer registries are set up in various nations to regional differences and to enable larger prospective trials. The aim of this study was to describe the Swedish register, including possibilities to improve diagnostic work-ups, treatment, and follow-up by means of the register. METHODS: Since 2010, all patients with pancreatic and periampullary cancer (including also patients who have undergone pancreatic surgery due to premalignant or benign lesions) have been registered in the Swedish National Periampullary and Pancreatic Cancer registry. RESULTS: In total 9887 patients are listed in the registry; 8207 of those have malignant periampullary cancer. Approximately one-third (3282 patients) have had resections performed, including benign/premalignant resections. 30-day and 90-day mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy is 1.5% and 3.5%, respectively. The overall 3-year survival for resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is 35%. Regional variations decreased over the studied period, but still exist. CONCLUSION: Results from the Swedish National Registry are satisfactory and comparable to international standards. Trends over time show increasing resection rates and some improved results. Better collaboration and openness within pancreatic surgeons is an important side effect.

Targeting dendritic cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Dendritic cells (DC) are an integral part of the tumor microenvironment. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by reduced number and function of DCs, which impacts antigen presentation and contributes to immune tolerance. Recent data suggest that exosomes can mediate communication between pancreatic cancer cells and DCs. Furthermore, levels of DCs may serve as prognostic factors. There is also growing evidence for the effectiveness of vaccination with DCs pulsed with tumor antigens to initiate adaptive cytolytic immune responses via T cells. Most experience with DC-based vaccination has been gathered for MUC1 and WT1 antigens, where clinical studies in advanced pancreatic cancer have provided encouraging results. In this review, we highlight the role of DC in the course, prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula-impact on outcome, hospital cost and effects of centralization.

BACKGROUND: One of the most serious complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). This study investigated the incidence of POPF before and after centralization of pancreatic surgery in Southern Sweden and its impact on outcome and health care costs. METHODS: The local registry comprising all pancreatic resections at Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden, was searched for PDs from 2005 to 2015. The patients were analysed in three groups: low-volume, high-volume and after introduction of an enhanced recovery program. Only the clinically relevant POPF grades B and C (CR-POPF) were investigated. RESULTS: 322 consecutive patients were identified. The annual operation volume increased almost threefold and the postoperative length of stay and total hospital cost decreased concurrently. The incidence of CR-POPF did not decrease over time. The group with CR-POPF had more complications and prolonged length of stay. The cost was 1.5 times higher for patients with CR-POPF and the cost did not decline despite the increase of hospital volume. CONCLUSION: Centralization of pancreatic surgery did not decrease the rate of CR-POPF nor its subsequent impact on LOS and costs. Further efforts must be made to reduce the incidence of CR-POPF.

Routine intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy is a cost-effective approach when analysing the cost of iatrogenic bile duct injuries.

BACKGROUND: The total cost of bile duct injuries (BDIs) in an unselected national cohort of patients undergoing cholecystectomy are unknown. The aim was to evaluate costs associated with treatment of cholecystectomy-related BDIs and to calculate cost effectiveness of routine vs. on-demand intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). METHODS: Data from Swedish patients suffering a BDI during a 5 year period were analysed. Questionnaires to investigate loss-of-production and health status (EQ-5D) were distributed to patients who suffered a BDI during cholecystectomy and who underwent uneventful cholecystectomy (matched control group). Costs per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) gained by intraoperative diagnosis were estimated for two strategies: routine versus on-demand IOC during cholecystectomy. RESULTS: Intraoperative diagnosis, immediate intraoperative repair, and minor BDI were all associated with reduced direct treatment costs compared to postoperative diagnosis, delayed repair, and major BDI (all p < 0.001). No difference was noted in loss-of-production for minor versus major BDIs or between different treatment strategies. The cost per QALY gained with routine intraoperative cholangiography (ICER-incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) to achieve intraoperative diagnosis was €50,000. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative detection and immediate intraoperative repair is the superior strategy with less than half the cost and superior functional patient outcomes than postoperative diagnosis and delayed repair. The cost per QALY gained (ICER) using routine IOC was considered reasonable.

Pancreatic cancer: yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Pancreatic cancer is one of our most lethal malignancies. Despite substantial improvements in the survival rates for other major cancer forms, pancreatic cancer survival rates have remained relatively unchanged since the 1960s. Pancreatic cancer is usually detected at an advanced stage and most treatment regimens are ineffective, contributing to the poor overall prognosis. Herein, we review the current understanding of pancreatic cancer, focusing on central aspects of disease management from radiology, surgery and pathology to oncology.

A wait-and-see strategy with subsequent self-expanding metal stent on demand is superior to prophylactic bypass surgery for unresectable periampullary cancer.

BACKGROUND: A patient with unresectable periampullary malignancy found at laparotomy has traditionally received a prophylactic double bypass (biliary and duodenal), associated with considerable morbidity. With modern endoscopic treatments, surgical bypass has become questionable. This study aims to compare the two strategies. Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SU) performs a double bypass (DoB) routinely, and Skåne University Hospital Lund (SUL) secures biliary drainage endoscopically and treats only symptomatic duodenal obstruction (Wait and See, WaS). METHOD: Between 2004 and 2013, 73 patients from SU and 70 from SUL were retrospectively identified. Demographics, tumour-related factors and postoperative outcomes during the remaining lifetime were noted. RESULTS: The DoB group had significantly more complications (67% vs. 31%, p = 0.00002) and longer hospital stay (14 vs. 8 days, p = 0.001) than the WaS-group. The two groups had similar proportion of patients in need of readmission. The DoB patients and the WaS patients with metallic biliary stents were comparable regarding their need of re-interventions and hospitalisation due to biliary obstruction. Surgical duodenal bypass did not prevent future duodenal obstructions. CONCLUSION: Patients with unresectable periampullary malignancies can safely be managed with endoscopic drainage on demand and with lower morbidity and shorter hospital stay than with surgical prophylactic bypass.

A wait-and-see strategy with subsequent self-expanding metal stent on demand is superior to prophylactic bypass surgery for unresectable periampullary cancer.

BACKGROUND: A patient with unresectable periampullary malignancy found at laparotomy has traditionally received a prophylactic double bypass (biliary and duodenal), associated with considerable morbidity. With modern endoscopic treatments, a surgical bypass has become questionable. This study aims to compare the two strategies. Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SU) performs a double bypass (DoB) routinely, and Skåne University Hospital Lund (SUL) secures biliary drainage endoscopically and treats only symptomatic duodenal obstruction (Wait and See, WaS). METHOD: Between 2004 and 2013, 73 patients from SU and 70 from SUL were retrospectively identified. Demographics, tumour-related factors and post-operative outcomes during the remaining lifetime of the patients were noted. RESULTS: The DoB group had significantly more complications (67% versus 31%, P = 0.00002) and a longer hospital stay (14 versus 8 days, P = 0.001) than the WaS group. The two groups had a similar proportion of patients in need of readmission. The DoB patients and the WaS patients with metallic biliary stents were comparable regarding their need of re-interventions and hospitalization as a result of biliary obstruction. A surgical duodenal bypass did not prevent future duodenal obstructions. CONCLUSION: Patients with unresectable periampullary malignancies can safely be managed with endoscopic drainage on demand and with a lower morbidity and a shorter hospital stay than with a surgical prophylactic bypass.