Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas: Is Enucleation Safe?

BACKGROUND: While solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas are oncologically low-risk tumors, their resection with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or partial pancreatectomy (PP) carries a significant risk for morbidity. To balance the favorable prognosis with the surgical morbidity of pancreas resection, this study explores the oncologic safety of enucleation (EN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for resected SPT from January 2004 through December 2020. Perioperative outcomes and survival were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Kaplan-Meier analysis (with log-rank test). Survival analysis was performed to compare patients with and without lymph node (LN) metastases and binary logistic regression for predictors of LN metastasis. RESULTS: A total of 922 patients met inclusion criteria; 18 patients (2%) underwent EN, 550 (59.6%) underwent PP, and 354 (38.4%) underwent PD. Mean tumor size was 57.6 mm. Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter for EN compared with PP and PD groups (3.8 versus 6.2 versus 9.4 days, p < 0.001). There was a nonsignificant improvement in unplanned readmission [0% versus 8% versus 10.7% (p = 0.163)], 30-day mortality [0% versus 0.5% versus 0% (p = 0.359)], and 90-day mortality [0% versus 0.5% versus 0% (p = 0.363)] between EN, PP, and PD groups. Survival analyses showed no difference in OS when comparing EN versus PP (p = 0.443), and EN versus PD (p = 0317). Patients with LN metastases (p < 0.001) fared worse, and lymphovascular invasion, higher T category (T3-4) and M1 status were found as predictors for LN metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: EN may be considered for select patients leading to favorable outcomes. Because survival was worse in the rare cohort of patients with LN metastases, the predictors for LN metastasis identified here may aid in stratifying patients to EN versus resection.

Laparoscopic Dissection of Lymph Node Station 16-Why and How?

BACKGROUND: Dissection of para-aortic lymph nodes (Station 16) provides an important prognosticator for patients with gastrointestinal, colorectal, and hepatobiliary cancers.1-4 For example, a positive Station 16 lymph node has been shown to lead to 2-year survival of 3% in patients with pancreas adenocarcinoma, akin to stage IV disease.5,6 Thereby, Station 16 involvement can help with the risk/benefit stratification of the decision to move forward with radical surgery.7-9 Furthermore, it has been shown for gallbladder cancer that involvement of Station 16 cannot necessarily be predicted from the dissection of the hepatoduodenal ligament lymph nodes only.10,11 TECHNIQUE: With the patient in the French position, a complete Kocherization and a Cattel-Braasch maneuver is performed, allowing for visualization of LN station 16b. Station 16b is the inferior border of the station 16 compartment. The left renal vein (LRV) serves as an important landmark to identify the superior border of the dissection comprised by Stations 16a2 and 16b1. Station 16a2 dissection may be associated with a traction injury of the left renal vein or damage of right renal or suprarenal arteries and is dissected if there are specific concerns regarding involvement. CONCLUSIONS: While station 16 provides important prognostic information for risk stratification, a strategic and stepwise approach is needed for a safe sampling. This is accomplished by wide mobilization of the duodenum, implementation of thermal fusion to minimize chyle leak, and careful dissection below the left renal vein.

Anatomic Laparoscopic Partial Hepatectomy of a Segment 4a B-Catenin Mutated Adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Although a ß-catenin mutated hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign liver tumor, it can cause bleeding, obstruction, pain, and hepatocellular carcinoma.1-3 Because surgery needs to balance these risks with its morbidity, a minimally invasive approach may be well suited.4-6 In this report, a strategic approach to minimally invasive resection of HCA encompassing segment 4a (S4a) is reviewed. PATIENT: A 22-year-old woman with abdominal pain was found to have two liver lesions involving segment 4a (5 cm) and segment 8 (S8) (4.5 cm). Liver biopsy confirmed a ß-catenin mutated HCA in the S4a lesion. After embolization, an anatomic S4a segmentectomy and a partial S8 resection were planned. TECHNIQUE: Three-dimensional modeling was used to perform a preoperative virtual hepatectomy; to visualize the spatial relationship between the HCA, the portal bifurcation, and the hepatic veins; and to preplan the port sites.7 With the patient in the French position, after port placement, intraoperative ultrasound was performed to identify the transection plane.8 The main left portal pedicle and Rex's recessus were exposed, and the branches of S4a were dissected out, clipped, and divided. Using ultrasound, the middle hepatic vein was exposed to define the lateral border of the dissection plane. CONCLUSION: Although a ß-catenin mutated HCA in S4a does not necessitate a formal segmentectomy, understanding the anatomic structures outlining its borders can facilitate the resection, especially for a large HCA. Virtual hepatectomy helps to achieve a detailed comprehension of the complex borders of segment 4a. Preoperative embolization can firm up the tumor and minimize the risk of intraoperative rupture from manipulation.

Analysis of the Extent of Liver Oncological Extended Resection for Incidental Gallbladder Cancer: How Much Is Too Much?

BACKGROUND: Liver resection is pivotal in treating incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC). However, the adequate volume of liver resection remains controversial. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was performed on resected IGBC patients between 1999 and 2018. Morbidity was evaluated according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The theoretical volume of a 2-cm and 1.5-cm wedge liver resection was calculated (105 cm3 and 77.5 cm3, respectively) and used as reference. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: Among 111 patients re-resected for IGBC, 84 provided sufficient data to calculate liver resection volume. Patients with a resection volume ≥ 105 cm3 had a higher rate of overall morbidity (P = 0.001) and length of stay (P = 0.012), with no difference in mortality. There was no significant difference in OS according to residual cancer or T-category. A resection volume ≥ 77.5 cm3 was more frequent in T ≥ 3 than in T1-2 patients (P = 0.026), and residual cancer was higher (P = 0.041) among patients with ≥ 77.5 cm3 resected. Cox multivariate regression showed that residual cancer (HR = 11.47, P < 0.001), perineural/lymphovascular invasion (HR = 2.48, P = 0.021), and Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa morbidity (HR = 5.03, P = 0.003) predict worse OS, but not liver volume resection. CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences in OS based on resected liver volume of IGBC, when R0 is achieved. There is a significant difference in morbidity and length of stay when liver wedges are ≥ 105 cm3, which is lost when analyzed by Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIa. A 77.5-105 cm3 resection is indicated in ≥ T3 patients, minimizing morbidity risk, while addressing concerns of overall survival.

Benchmarks and Geographic Differences in Gallbladder Cancer Surgery: An International Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: High-quality surgery plays a central role in the delivery of excellent oncologic care. Benchmark values indicate the best achievable results. We aimed to define benchmark values for gallbladder cancer (GBC) surgery across an international population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included consecutive patients with GBC who underwent curative-intent surgery during 2000-2021 at 13 centers, across seven countries and four continents. Patients operated on at high-volume centers without the need for vascular and/or bile duct reconstruction and without significant comorbidities were chosen as the benchmark group. RESULTS: Of 906 patients who underwent curative-intent GBC surgery during the study period, 245 (27%) were included in the benchmark group. These were predominantly women (n = 174, 71%) and had a median age of 64 years (interquartile range 57-70 years). In the benchmark group, 50 patients (20%) experienced complications within 90 days after surgery, with 20 patients (8%) developing major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIa). Median length of postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (interquartile range 4-8 days). Benchmark values included ≥ 4 lymph nodes retrieved, estimated intraoperative blood loss ≤ 350 mL, perioperative blood transfusion rate ≤ 13%, operative time ≤ 332 min, length of hospital stay ≤ 8 days, R1 margin rate ≤ 7%, complication rate ≤ 22%, and rate of grade ≥ IIIa complications ≤ 11%. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for GBC remains associated with significant morbidity. The availability of benchmark values may facilitate comparisons in future analyses among GBC patients, GBC surgical approaches, and centers performing GBC surgery.

Subsegmental approaches to S7: anatomic laparoscopic transdiaphragmatic and nonanatomic robotic transthoracic.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive liver surgery of postero-superior segments (S4a, S7, S8) remains a challenge. The caudal view, an increased distance between trocars and the operative field, and the liver fulcrum limiting the view, contribute to the difficulty [1, 2]. We and other groups have previously reported the use of intercostal trocars to access subdiaphragmatic tumors (transdiaphragmatic approach) [3-5], only few reports on a laparoscopic total transthoracic approach, none (to our knowledge) dynamic manuscripts of a total transthoracic robotic approach, and none (to our knowledge) that use preoperative port site and anatomic modelling exist. Further, we developed a total transthoracic (thoracoscopic) approach to avoid a hostile abdomen, while bringing viewing axis and instruments close to the target [6-10]. In this context, this report details the advantages of a laparoscopic vs. robotic transthoracic approach. According to institutional protocol, reports of individual cases in print or video format do not require institutional review board approval. PATIENT: A 68-year-old male on peritoneal dialysis with left colon adenocarcinoma and a single synchronous liver metastasis in S6-7 close to the root of the right hepatic vein underwent a laparoscopic transdiaphragmatic metastasectomy. Two years later, the patient developed a recurrent 1.5 cm liver metastasis in S7, which lend itself to a robotic transthoracic approach. TECHNIQUE: Following 3-D modelling and virtual port placement planning, the first metastasectomy was performed laparoscopically using a transdiaphragmatic approach. The recurrence was managed transthoracically due to more apical, subdiaphragmatic location. For this operation, a robotic approach was optimal as robotic wrist articulation facilitates manipulation via the limited intercostal space. This was particularly helpful during the diaphragmatic reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Total transthoracic liver surgery is certainly an advanced procedure requiring superior MIS liver skills. Recommendations for starting with a total transthoracic approach are not unlike from starting a standard, none-transthoracic liver surgery. Early on in the experience we recommend advanced liver MIS skills, and single, small, subdiaphragmatic tumors away from major vessels. Nonetheless, when these recommendations are followed a total transthoracic approach may be safer and result in less access trauma, than traversing a hostile abdomen to reach the posterior-superior liver. Both laparoscopic and robotic transthoracic approaches can facilitate the resection of subdiaphragmatic tumors, especially in patients with hostile abdomens. While the laparoscopic approach has advantages due to a broader spectrum of available surgical tools (flexible tip camera, parenchymal dissection, and energy devices), the robotic wrist articulation facilitates manipulation via the restricted intercostal space.

Bile duct injury following cholecystectomy: delayed referral to a tertiary care center is strongly associated with malpractice litigation.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury (BDI) following cholecystectomy is associated with malpractice litigation. Aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for litigation in patients with BDI referred in a tertiary care center. METHODS: Patients treated for BDI between 1994 and 2016. Stabilized inverse probability therapy weighting was used and multivariable logistic regression analysis identified risk factors for malpractice litigation. RESULTS: Of the 211 treated patients, 98 met the inclusion criteria: early-referral group (<20 days; 51.0%), late-referral (≥20 days; 49.0%). 36 patients (36.7%) initiated malpractice litigation with verdict in favor of plaintiff in 86.7% of cases (median payment = €90 500, up to €600 000). Attempts at surgical and endoscopic repair before referral were significantly higher in late-referral group. Failed postoperative management (delayed referral, attempts at repair before referral) was one of the strongest predictors for litigation. Risk of litigation progressively increased from 23.8%, when referral time was within 19 days, to 54.5% (61-120 days), to 60.0% (121-210 days) and to 65.1% (211-365 days). DISCUSSION: Litigation rate after BDI was 37%. Delayed referral to tertiary care center was one of the strongest predictors for litigation. Prompt referral to tertiary experienced centers without any attempt at repair may reduce the risk of litigation.

Short and long-term outcomes after minimally invasive liver resection for single small hepatocellular carcinoma: An analysis of 714 patients from the IGoMILS (Italian group of minimally invasive liver surgery) registry.

BACKGROUND: Widespread use of minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) contributed to the reduction of surgical risk of liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aim of this study was to analyze outcomes of MILS for single ≤3 cm HCC. METHODS: Patients who underwent MILS for single ≤3 cm HCC (November 2014 - December 2019) were identified from the Italian Group of Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery (IGoMILS) Registry. RESULTS: Of 714 patients included, 641 (93.0%) were Child-Pugh A; 65.7% were limited resections and 2.2% major resections, with a conversion rate of 5.2%. Ninety-day mortality rate was 0.3%. Overall morbidity rate was 22.4% (3.8% major complications). Mean postoperative stay was 5 days. Robotic resection showed longer operative time (p = 0.004) and a higher overall morbidity rate (p < 0.001), with similar major complications (p = 0.431). Child-Pugh B patients showed worse mortality (p = 0.017) and overall morbidity (p = 0.021), and longer postoperative stay (p = 0.005). Five-year overall survival was 79.5%; cirrhosis, satellite micronodules, and microvascular invasion were independently associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: MILS for ≤3 cm HCC was associated with low morbidity and mortality rates, showing high safety, and supporting the increasing indications for surgical resection in these patients.

Effect of Diameter and Number of Hepatocellular Carcinomas on Survival After Resection, Transarterial Chemoembolization, and Ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Most studies predicting survival after resection, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and ablation analyzed diameter and number of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) as dichotomous variables, resulting in an underestimation of risk variation. We aimed to develop and validate a new prognostic model for patients with HCC using largest diameter and number of HCCs as continuous variables. METHODS: The prognostic model was developed using data from patients undergoing resection, TACE, and ablation in 645 Japanese institutions. The model results were shown after balanced using the inverse probability of treatment-weighted analysis and were externally validated in an international multi-institution cohort. RESULTS: Of 77,268 patients, 43,904 patients, including 15,313 (34.9%) undergoing liver resection, 13,375 (30.5%) undergoing TACE, and 15,216 (34.7%) undergoing ablation, met the inclusion criteria. Our model (http://www.u-tokyo-hbp-transplant-surgery.jp/about/calculation.html) showed that the 5-year overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC undergoing these procedures decreased with progressive incremental increases in diameter and number of HCCs. For patients undergoing resection, the inverse probability of treatment-weighted-adjusted 5-year OS probabilities were 10%-20% higher compared with patients undergoing TACE for 1-6 HCC lesions <10 cm and were also 10%-20% higher compared with patients undergoing ablation when the HCC diameter was 2-3 cm. For patients undergoing resection and TACE, the model performed well in the external cohort. DISCUSSION: Our novel prognostic model performed well in predicting OS after resection and TACE for HCC and demonstrated that resection may have a survival benefit over TACE and ablation based on the diameter and number of HCCs.

Simultaneous Sigmoid Colectomy, Bilobar Liver Resection and Lung Metastasectomy via a Transdiaphragmatic Approach for Stage IV Colonic Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence supports the curative resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous liver and lung metastases in selected patients.1,2 This video shows simultaneous left colectomy, bilobar liver resection, and lung metastasectomy via a transdiaphragmatic approach for stage IV colorectal cancer.3 PATIENT: A 57-year-old man with a stage IV colonic adenocarcinoma was considered for simultaneous resection of primary, liver, and lung metastases without thoracic incision. The tumor mutational status was KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF wild-type, and the patient underwent preoperative chemotherapy. TECHNIQUE: After performing a midline laparotomy, atypical liver resection of segments 8/4a was performed under the guidance of intraoperative ultrasonography and intermittent Pringle maneuver using the two-surgeon's technique. A small capsular lesion in segment 3 also was intraoperatively detected and resected. Lung metastasectomy of the right lower lobe was performed via a transdiaphragmatic approach using an endoscopic stapler. Sigmoid colectomy with transanal circular-stapled anastomosis was performed. Duration of surgery and blood loss were 358 min and 400 ml, respectively. Histopathological examination showed metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma with negative surgical margins and final stage was T3N2aM1b. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 without complication. He was alive and free of disease at 90-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous colon, liver, and lung resection via a transdiaphragmatic approach is a feasible and safe surgical strategy in selected patients with peripheral lung metastases and favorable tumor biology.4 This surgical strategy avoids thoracic incision, multiple operations, and may reduce the healthcare costs and the recovery time to early implement postoperative therapy.

Conditional Recurrence-Free Survival after Oncologic Extended Resection for Gallbladder Cancer: An International Multicenter Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data to guide surveillance following oncologic extended resection (OER) for gallbladder cancer (GBC) are lacking. Conditional recurrence-free survival (C-RFS) can inform surveillance. We aimed to estimate C-RFS and identify factors affecting conditional RFS after OER for GBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with ≥ T1b GBC who underwent curative-intent surgery in 2000-2018 at four countries were identified. Risk factors for recurrence and RFS were evaluated at initial resection in all patients and at 12 and 24 months after resection in patients remaining recurrence-free. RESULTS: Of the 1071 patients who underwent OER, 484 met the inclusion criteria; 290 (60%) were recurrence-free at 12 months, and 199 (41%) were recurrence-free at 24 months. Median follow-up was 24.5 months for all patients and 47.21 months in survivors at analysis. Five-year RFS rates were 47% for the overall population, 71% for patients recurrence-free at 12 months, and 87% for the patients without recurrence at 24 months. In the entire cohort, the risk of recurrence peaked at 8 months. T3-T4 disease was independently associated with recurrence in all groups: entire cohort [hazard ratio (HR) 2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49-3.13, P < 0.001], 12-month recurrence-free (HR 3.42, 95% CI 1.88-6.23, P < 0.001), and 24-month recurrence-free (HR 2.71, 95% CI 1.11-6.62, P = 0.029). Of the 125 patients without these risk factors, only 2 had recurrence after 36 months. CONCLUSION: C-RFS improves over time, and only T3-T4 disease remains a risk factor for recurrence at 24 months after OER for GBC. For all recurrence-free survivors after 36 months, the probability of recurrence is similar regardless of T category or disease stage.

RAS Mutation Clinical Risk Score to Predict Survival After Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of RAS mutation status on the traditional clinical score (t-CS) to predict survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). BACKGROUND: The t-CS relies on the following factors: primary tumor nodal status, disease-free interval, number and size of CLM, and carcinoembryonic antigen level. We hypothesized that the addition of RAS mutation status could create a modified clinical score (m-CS) that would outperform the t-CS. METHODS: Patients who underwent resection of CLM from 2005 through 2013 and had RAS mutation status and t-CS factors available were included. Multivariate analysis was used to identify prognostic factors to include in the m-CS. Log-rank survival analyses were used to compare the t-CS and the m-CS. The m-CS was validated in an international multicenter cohort of 608 patients. RESULTS: A total of 564 patients were eligible for analysis. RAS mutation was detected in 205 (36.3%) of patients. On multivariate analysis, RAS mutation was associated with poor overall survival, as were positive primary tumor lymph node status and diameter of the largest liver metastasis >50 mm. Each factor was assigned 1 point to produce a m-CS. The m-CS accurately stratified patients by overall and recurrence-free survival in both the initial patient series and validation cohort, whereas the t-CS did not. CONCLUSIONS: Modifying the t-CS by replacing disease-free interval, number of metastases, and CEA level with RAS mutation status produced an m-CS that outperformed the t-CS. The m-CS is therefore a simple validated tool that predicts survival after resection of CLM.

Treatment of oligo-metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to the liver: is there a role for surgery? A narrative review.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a prognostically unfavorable malignancy that presents with distant metastases at the time of diagnosis in half of patients. Even if patients with metastatic PDAC have not been traditionally considered candidates for surgery, an increasing number of researchers have been investigating the efficacy of surgical treatment for patients with liver-only oligometastases from PDAC, showing promising results in extremely selected patients, mainly with metachronous metastases after perioperative chemotherapy. Nevertheless, a standardized definition of oligometastatic disease should be adopted and additional investigations focusing on the role of perioperative chemotherapy and tumor biology are warranted to reliably assess the role of resection for PDAC metastatic to the liver.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear today whether the poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and whether this may affect providers and patients, today. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on care delivery and outcomes of patients with PDAC in the United States. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for PDAC, between 2017 and 2020. Changes in the number of diagnoses and treatment patterns were compared annually for the entire cohort. Changes in surgical outcomes and median time from diagnosis to treatment were compared and analyzed. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. RESULTS: Of 127,613 patients with PDAC, PDAC diagnoses from 2017 (30,573) to 2019 (33,465) increased but decreased in 2020 (31,218). The number of patients receiving surgery or radiotherapy was stable between 2017 to 2019 (21.75% ± 0.05% and 13.9% ± 0.3%, respectively) but decreased in 2020 (20.7% and 12.4% respectively). Although patients received chemotherapy with increasing frequently from 2016 (60.7%) to 2019 (63.5%), this trend stopped in 2020 (63%). Of 27,490 patients undergoing surgery, the mean time from diagnosis to surgery increased from 2017 (34 days) to 2019 (56 days), with an increase in delay in 2020 (81 days). Moreover, patients who were tested for COVID-19, had a longer median time from diagnosis to surgery even if tested negative (COVID+, 140 days; COVID-, 112 days; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Although the oncologic quality of PDAC surgery remained the same during the pandemic, not only did the pandemic lead to an underdiagnosis of PDAC and care delays, but even the suspicion of COVID-19 in patients with a negative test adversely affected their care.