The unexpected social cost of inguinal hernioplasty procedures derived from the COVID-19 pandemic: Surgical trend analysis based on an Italian hospital series.

BACKGROUND: The majority of inguinal hernias are usually paucisymptomatic, so are restored electively. The main purpose of this study is to assess the trends in hernia repair surgery before and during the pandemic period, analyzing an Italian hospital series of 390 patients, in an attempt to quantify the negative impact regarding social costs derived from the Covid-19 outbreak. Moreover, we want to focus on the concept of apparently minor pathology as hernioplasty which could represent a life-threatening condition for patients. METHODS: The study population consisted of all patients operated for inguinal hernia in a General Surgery Unit from 2019 to 2021, divided into a pre-pandemic and a pandemic period. RESULTS: The Covid-19 pandemic increased urgent operations in a complicated setting. A statistically significant difference was found regarding the trend of hospitalization length as well as a strong positive correlation between the severity of hernia and the hospitalization length. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, it has been registered a mishandling of inguinal hernias to the detriment of both the healthcare system and patients, due to multifactorial issues and, in particular, to the restrictions imposed by the regional government that erroneously declassed hernia pathology as a minor problem for public health. We do believe that patients, after diagnosis of inguinal hernia, should learn the Taxis maneuver for its feasibility and ease of execution, in order to reduce access to emergencies in many cases and likewise to better pain and discomfort perceived, even in the event of unexpected worldwide healthcare scenario.

Impact of Intermittent Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) on the Learning Curve for Total Thyroidectomy by Residents in General Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RNL) identification constitutes the standard in thyroidectomy. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) has been introduced as a complementary tool for RLN functionality evaluation. The aim of this study is to establish how routine use of IONM can affect the learning curve (LC) in thyroidectomy. METHODS: Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy performed by surgery residents in their learning curve course in 2 academic hospitals, were divided into 2 groups: Group A, including 150 thyroidectomies performed without IONM by 3 different residents, and Group B, including 150 procedures with routine use of intermittent IONM, by other 3 different residents. LC was measured by comparing operative time (OT), its stabilization during the development of the LC, perioperative complication rate. RESULTS: As previously demonstrated, the LC was achieved after 30 procedures, in both groups, with no differences due to the use of IONM. Similarly, there were no significant differences among the 2 groups, and between subgroups independently matched, for both OT and complications, even when comparing RLN palsy. Direct nerve visualization and IONM assessment rates were comparable in all groups, and no bilateral RLN palsy (transient or permanent) were reported. No case of interrupted procedure to unilateral lobectomy, due to evidence of RLN injury, was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that the use of IONM thyroid surgery, despite requiring a specific training with experienced surgeons, does not particularly affect the learning curve of residents approaching this kind of surgery, and for this reason its routine use should be encouraged even for trainees.

Breast Reconstruction in Patients with Prior Breast Augmentation: Searching for the Optimal Reconstructive Option.

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer in patients with prior breast augmentation poses unique challenges for detection, diagnosis, and management. Mastectomy rates are increasing, and patients with prior augmentation often have a lower body mass index, making autologous techniques unsuitable. This study aims to assess the best reconstructive option in patients with a history of subglandular or dual-plane breast augmentation. Materials and methods: A prospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Patients with subglandular or dual-plane breast augmentation were included. Patients were divided into submuscular breast reconstruction (Group 2) or prepectoral breast reconstruction (Group 1) groups. Demographic and surgical data were collected. Results: A total of 47 patients were included, with 23 in Group 1 and 24 in Group 2. Complications occurred in 11 patients (23.4%), with significant differences between groups. The most common complication was seroma formation. Implant loss occurred in 4.3% of cases in Group 1, while no implant loss was observed in Group 2. Patient-reported satisfaction scores were similar between groups at 12 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Subpectoral breast reconstruction with a tissue expander seems a safer and effective technique for patients with prior breast augmentation. It resulted in fewer complications. This approach should be considered as an option for breast reconstruction after mastectomy in this cohort of patients.

The critical view of safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Strasberg Yes or No? An Italian Multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the gold standard for the treatment of gallbladder lithiasis; nevertheless, the incidence of bile duct injuries (BDI) is still high (0.3-0.8%) compared to open cholecystectomy (0.2%). In 1995, Strasberg introduced the "Critical View of Safety" (CVS) to reduce the risk of BDI. Despite its widespread use, the scientific evidence supporting this technique to prevent BDI is controversial. METHODS: Between March 2017 and March 2019, the data of patients submitted to laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 30 Italian surgical departments were collected on a national database. A survey was submitted to all members of Italian Digestive Pathology Society to obtain data on the preoperative workup, the surgical and postoperative management of patients and to judge, at the end of the procedure, if the isolation of the elements was performed according to the CVS. In the case of a declared critical view, iconographic documentation was obtained, finally reviewed by an external auditor. RESULTS: Data from 604 patients were analysed. The study population was divided into two groups according to the evidence (Group A; n = 11) or absence (Group B; N = 593) of BDI and perioperative bleeding. The non-use of CVS was found in 54.6% of procedures in the Group A, and 25.8% in the Group B, and evaluating the operator-related variables the execution of CVS was associated with a significantly lower incidence of BDI and intraoperative bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The CVS confirmed to be the safest technique to recognize the elements of the Calot triangle and, if correctly performed, it significantly impacted on preventing intraoperative complications. Additional educational programs on the correct application of CVS in clinical practice would be desirable to avoid extreme conditions that may require additional procedures.

Modified "Blumgart-Type" Suture for Wirsung-Pancreaticogastrostomy: Technique and Results of a Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) represents the principal determinant of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Since 1994 we have been performing pancreaticogastrostomy with duct-to-mucosa anastomosis (Wirsung-pancreaticogastric anastomosis [WPGA]), but postoperative morbidity, although limited, was still a concern. An original pancreas-transfixing suture technique, named "Blumgart's anastomosis" (BA), has shown efficacy at reducing fistula rates from pancreaticojejunostomy. Few cohort studies have shown that WPGA with pancreas-transfixing stitches may help reduce the rate of POPF. We designed a novel "Blumgart-type" modification of WPGA (B-WPGA) aiming at harnessing the full potential of the Blumgart design. METHODS: A prospective development study was designed around the application of B-WPGA after pancreaticoduodenectomy for primary periampullary tumors. It focused on describing the early iterations of this technique and on assessing the rate of POPF and delayed post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (DPH) (primary outcomes), along with other perioperative outcomes. Technically, after mobilizing the pancreatic remnant for a few centimeters, the Wirsung duct is cannulated. A lozenge of seromuscular layer is excised from the posterior gastric wall, matching the shape and size of the pancreas's cut surface. Two to four transparenchymal pancreatic-to-gastric submucosa U stitches with 4/0 Gore-Tex are positioned cranially and caudally to the Wirsung duct, respectively, mounted on soft clamps, and tied onto the gastric serosa only after duct-to-mucosa anastomosis. Postoperative follow-up was standardized by protocol and included a pancreatic enzyme check on the drain output. RESULTS: From February 2018 to June 2019, in 15 continuous cases, B-WPGA was performed after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Indications for pancreaticoduodenectomy were mainly ampulla of Vater and pancreatic head adenocarcinomas. There was no operative mortality and no pancreatic anastomosis-related morbidity. Two events (13%) of transiently elevated amylase in the drain fluid, not matching the definition of POPF, were identified in patients with a soft pancreas on postoperative day 2. No DPHs were recorded after a minimum follow-up of 18.6 months. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The principles of BA may be safely applied to the WPGA model. B-WPGA allows (1) gentle compression and closure of the small secondary ducts in the pancreatic remnant; (2) partial invagination of the pancreatic body in the gastric wall, with the pancreatic cut surface protected by the gastric submucosa; and (3) prevention of parenchymal fractures, as the pancreaticogastric stitches are tied onto the gastric serosa. Despite the limited number of cases in this study, the absence of mortality and anastomosis-related complications supports further reproduction of this technical variant. Larger studies are necessary to determine its efficacy.

Complicated Diaphragmatic Hernia in Emergency Surgery: Systematic Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Complicated diaphragmatic hernia (DH) can be congenital or acquired. Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) are rare and often can be asymptomatic until adulthood. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) is a complication that occurs in about 1-5% of victims of road accidents and in 10-15% of penetrating traumas of the lower chest. CDH and TDH are potentially life-threatening conditions, and the management in emergency setting still debated. This study aims to evaluate the surgical treatment options in emergency setting. METHODS: A bibliographic research reporting the item "emergency surgery" linked with "traumatic diaphragmatic rupture" and "congenital diaphragmatic hernia" was performed. Several parameters were recorded including sex, age, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, site and herniated organs. RESULTS: The research included 146 articles, and 1542 patients were analyzed. Most of the complicated diaphragmatic hernias occurred for a diaphragmatic defect due to trauma, only 7.2% occurred for a congenital diaphragmatic defect. The main diagnostic method used was chest X-ray and CT scan. Laparotomic approach still remains predominant compared to the minimally invasive approach. CONCLUSION: Surgery is the treatment of choice and is strongly influenced by the preoperative setting, performed mainly with X-ray and CT scan. Minimally invasive approach is safe and feasible but is highly dependent on the surgeon's expertise, especially in emergency setting.

A Combined Open and Laparoscopic Technique for the Treatment of Umbilical Hernia: Retrospective Review of a Consecutive Series of Patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and outcomes of laparoscopic control of intraperitoneal mesh positioning in open umbilical hernia repair. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of a series of adult patients with uncomplicated umbilical hernia who underwent elective open repair with a self-expanding patch with laparoscopic control from March 2011 to December 2018. The adequacy of mesh positioning was inspected with a 5-mm 30° scope in the left flank. The primary endpoint was recurrence. Secondary endpoints were rate of mesh repositioning, intraoperative complications and time, length of stay and postoperative pain. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients underwent open inlay repair of primary umbilical hernia with laparoscopic control. Six patients (17.1%) were obese. The mean operating time was 63.3 min. The mean defect size was 2.6 cm (0.6-5) and the mean mesh overlap was 3.2cm (2.2-4.5). There were no intraoperative complications. Laparoscopic control required mesh repositioning in 5 cases (14.3%). The median length of stay was 2 days. Perioperative complications were recorded in three cases (8.6%): one seroma and two serous wound discharge (Clavien-Dindo I). The recurrence rate was 2.9% (1 case) at a median follow-up of 60 months. BMI>30 was associated with a higher rate of intraoperative mesh repositioning (p=0.001). Non-reabsorbable mesh and COPD were associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications (p=0.043). Postoperative pain scores were consistently at mild levels, with no statistically significant differences between patients who had their mesh repositioned and those who had not. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic control of mesh positioning is a safe addition to open inlay umbilical hernia repair and enables the accurate verification of correct mesh deployment with low complication and recurrence rates.

Skin-Reducing Mastectomy and Pre-pectoral Breast Reconstruction in Large Ptotic Breasts.

OBJECTIVES: Pre-pectoral breast reconstruction is increasingly offered to breast cancer patients, as the one-stage technique has proved surgical and oncological safety and aesthetic effectiveness. Nevertheless, there are limited data on outcomes after pre-pectoral breast reconstruction in large and ptotic breasts. The aim of the paper is to present the authors' experience in performing Wise pattern mastectomy with pre-pectoral implant and complete acellular dermal matrix (ADM) coverage as a single-stage procedure in patients with large ptotic breasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of protective collected data from January 2017 to June 2019 of patients who presented with large and ptotic breasts undergoing skin-reducing mastectomy and immediate pre-pectoral breast reconstruction with complete ADM coverage and inferior dermal sling was performed. Oncological and surgical outcomes were collected. Satisfaction with reconstruction and related quality of life were evaluated through BREAST-Q questionnaire. RESULTS: Nineteen patients met the inclusion criteria. The average patient age was 55.6 years, and the mean body mass index was 31.2. Mean follow-up was 23.2 months from the initial reconstruction. One patient experienced seroma, and two cases of wound dehiscence at the T junction were observed and treated conservatively with no implant loss. All patients were satisfied with the final reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The Wise pattern skin-reducing mastectomy and pre-pectoral breast reconstruction could be offered to patients presenting with large and ptotic breasts. Future studies should better define long-term outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Current concepts in parathyroid carcinoma: a single Centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare neoplasm that may present sporadically or in the context of a genetic syndrome. Diagnosis and management are challenging due to the lack of clinical and pathological features that may reliably distinguish malignant from benign disease. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2017, from 358 consecutive patients affected by parathyroid diseases, 3 patients with parathyroid carcinoma were treated at our academic Department of General Surgery. We present our experience as illustrative of the different features of clinical presentation of parathyroid carcinoma and review its management considering the recent relevant literature. RESULTS: Case 1: A 62-year-old man was hospitalized for left-sided palpable neck mass, hypercalcemia and elevated PTH. US-guided FNA was suspect for parathyroid carcinoma. A large cystic mass was excised in bloc with total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection. Genetic studies framed a pathologically confirmed parathyroid carcinoma within MEN1 syndrome. Case 2: A 48-year-old woman with hypothyroidism had total thyroidectomy performed for a suspect for right follicular thyroid lesion. Pathology revealed parathyroid carcinoma. Case 3: A 47 year-old man was admitted for hypercalcaemic crisis and renal failure in the context of PHPT. A lesion suggestive on US and MIBI scan for parathyroid adenoma in the right lower position was removed by mini-invasive approach. Pathology revealed parathyroid cancer and patient had completion hemythyroidectomy and central neck dissection. CONCLUSION: Parathyroid cancer is a particularly rare endocrine malignancy, however it should be suspected in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism when severe hypercalcemia is associated to cervical mass, renal and skeletal disease. Parathyroid surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Radical tumour resection and expedited treatment in a dedicated endocrine Center represent crucial prognostic factors.

Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of elective rectal resection for rectal cancer in adults by robotic surgery compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Technological advantages of robotic surgery favor precise dissection in narrow spaces. However, the evidence base driving recommendations for the use of robotic surgery in rectal cancer primarily hinges on observational data. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials (until August 2016) comparing robotic surgery versus conventional laparoscopic surgery. Data on the following endpoints were evaluated: circumferential margin status, mesorectal grade, number of lymph nodes harvested, rate of conversion to open surgery, postoperative complications, and operative time. Data were summarized as relative risks (RR) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Risk of bias of studies was assessed with standard methods. RESULTS: Five trials were eligible, including 334 robotic and 337 laparoscopic surgery cases. Meta-analysis showed that RS was associated with lower conversion rate (7.3%; 4 studies, 544 participants, RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.35-0.97, P = 0.04, I = 0%) and longer operating time (MD 38.43 minutes, 95% CI 31.84-45.01: P < 0.00001) compared with laparoscopic surgery. Perioperative mortality, rate of circumferential margin involvement (2 studies, 489 participants, RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.39-1.73), and lymph nodes collected (mean 17.4 Lymph Nodes; 5 trials, 674 patients, MD -0.35, 95% CI -1.83 to 1.12) were similar. The quality of the evidence was moderate for most outcomes. CONCLUSION: Evidence of moderate quality supports that robotic surgery for rectal cancer produces similar perioperative outcomes of oncologic procedure adequacy to conventional laparoscopic surgery. Robotic surgery portraits lower rate of conversion to open surgery, while operating time is significantly longer than by laparoscopic approach.

A method to repair the recurrent laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy.

Summary: Vocal cord palsy (VCP) is one of the most frequent complications following thyroidectomy. We evaluated the outcomes of intraoperative reconstruction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Of 917 patients who underwent thyroid surgery in a single high-volume general surgery ward between 2000 and 2015, 12 (1.3%) were diagnosed with RLN injury and were retrospectively categorized into 2 groups: group A (n = 5), with intraoperative evidence of iatrogenic transection or cancer invasion of the RLN, and group B (n = 7), with postoperative confirmation of VCP. In group A, immediate microsurgical primary repair of the RLN was performed. Postoperative assessment included subjective ratings (aspiration and voice quality improvement) and objective ratings (perceptual voice quality according to the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia and strain [GRBAS] scale, and direct laryngoscopy). In group A, roughness, breathiness and strain were significantly lower at 9 months than at 3 months (p < 0.05). Although larger, multicentre studies are needed, the results suggest potentially excellent postoperative phonatory function after immediate RLN reconstruction.

Targeting Angiogenesis in Biliary Tract Cancers: An Open Option.

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are characterized by a bad prognosis and the armamentarium of drugs for their treatment is very poor. Although the inflammatory status of biliary tract represents the first step in the cancerogenesis, the microenvironment also plays a key role in the pathogenesis of BTCs, promoting tumor angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Several molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), are involved in the angiogenesis process and their expression on tumor samples has been explored as prognostic marker in both cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. Recent studies evaluated the genomic landscape of BTCs and evidenced that aberrations in several genes enrolled in the pro-angiogenic signaling, such as FGF receptor-2 (FGFR-2), are characteristic of BTCs. New drugs targeting the signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis have been tested in preclinical studies both in vitro and in vivo with promising results. Moreover, several clinical studies tested monoclonal antibodies against VEGF and tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the VEGF and the MEK/ERK pathways. Herein, we evaluate both the pathogenic mechanisms of BTCs focused on angiogenesis and the preclinical and clinical data available regarding the use of new anti-angiogenic drugs in these malignancies.

Role of prophylactic central compartment lymph node dissection in clinically N0 differentiated thyroid cancer patients: analysis of risk factors and review of modern trends.

In the last years, especially thanks to a large diffusion of ultrasound-guided FNBs, a surprising increased incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), "small" tumors and microcarcinomas have been reported in the international series. This led endocrinologists and surgeons to search for "tailored" and "less aggressive" therapeutic protocols avoiding risky morbidity and useless "overtreatment". Considering the most recent guidelines of referral endocrine societies, we analyzed the role of routine or so-called prophylactic central compartment lymph node dissection (RCLD), also considering its benefits and risks. Literature data showed that the debate is still open and the surgeons are divided between proponents and opponents of its use. Even if lymph node metastases are commonly observed, and in up to 90% of DTC cases micrometastases are reported, the impact of lymphatic involvement on long-term survival is subject to intensive research and the best indications of lymph node dissection are still controversial. Identification of prognostic factors for central compartment metastases could assist surgeons in determining whether to perform RLCD. Considering available evidence, a general agreement to definitely reserve RCLD to "high-risk" cases was observed. More clinical researches, in order to identify risk factors of meaningful predictive power and prospective long-term randomized trials, should be useful to validate this selective approach.

Parathyroid Reimplantation in Forearm Subcutaneous Tissue During Thyroidectomy: A Simple and Effective Way to Avoid Hypoparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroid autotransplantation plays an important role in preventing hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy. The preferred reimplantation site is still the sternocleidomastoid muscle, but this approach does not permit to check graft vitality postoperatively. The authors report the first prospective evaluation of normal parathyroid gland reimplantation in forearm subcutaneous tissue (using the same technique proposed during parathyroidectomy for hyperplasia) in case of devascularized or inadvertently removed glands during thyroid surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2013 to August 2014, we performed 348 consecutive thyroidectomies for various disease, both benign and malignant. In 25 cases, due to inadvertent parathyroid removal or evidence of insufficient blood supply, we removed and fragmented the gland into 0.5-1 mm slices (one for frozen section) and reimplanted it into two subcutaneous pockets on the non-dominant forearm. After surgery we checked grafted gland function by evaluation of serum parathormone gradient between reimplanted versus non-reimplanted arm (considering significant a ratio of 1.5 or more), at 1 week, 1 and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: We observed recovery of reimplanted graft function in 48, 88 and 96% of patients respectively at 1 week, 1 and 3 months after surgery. All patients showed normal parathormone levels in peripheral blood (non-reimplanted arm). In one case we observed post-operative wound hematoma on graft-site. This patient showed no graft functionality in post-operative period (even at 3 months follow-up). CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroid gland reimplantation in forearm subcutaneous tissue during thyroid surgery is a safe, easy and effective procedure; furthermore, it allows a good control of graft functionality and would allow an easy grafted gland removal if needed.

Mid-Term Follow Up of TAPP Hernia Repair Without Staples and Glue: An Audit of the Data.

Groin hernia repair by using the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair approach presents lower post-operative pain with a quicker return to normal patient activity compared to the open technique. Nevertheless, the long learning curve, general anaesthesia, and increased costs due to devices are the arguments against TAPP. Currently, the only mesh fixation techniques are those using glue or tacks. We report the audit of two years follow-up about our experience using a self-gripping lightweight mesh Parietex ProGrip™ (Covidien, Trevoux, France). The records of 39 patients for the first 50 procedures were reported. We registered wound infection, hematoma, seroma, neuralgia, numbness, and recurrence. In our opinion, TAPP procedure with ProGrip™ mesh is a feasible procedure without using fixation devices; costs, chronic pain and recovery are improved. Moreover, in the medium-term follow-up, we are able to reduce foreign body sensation and numbness.

Minimally invasive treatment of Mirizzi's syndrome: is there a safe way? Report of a case series.

Mirizzi's syndrome (MS) is a rare complication of the inveterate biliary lithiasis. Diagnostic and therapeutic standardization is still missing, especially since laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard approach for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Our study is a retrospective analysis based on a case-series. It considered 370 cholecystectomies performed from 2006 to 2011. We selected 11 patients affected by MS (2.97%). We divided them according to Csendes' classification. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) was used for biliary drainage when the patient suffered jaundice and/or cholangitis and, preoperatively, to confirm the suspicion of MS obtained through Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP). We found it useful to exploit nasobiliary drainage (NBD) for intra-operative check of the biliary tree. In all 5 patients of the type 1 group MS was discovered intraoperatively and treated with Laparoscopic Sub-total Cholecystectomy (LSC). One patient suffered from biliary leakage, solved with NBD positioning. The type 2 group was made up of 2 women and 1 man. All of them were preoperatively submitted to ERCP and NBD positioning. Two underwent LSC and one was converted to laparotomy. The type 3 was represented by a 63-year-old woman suffering from recurrent cholangitis. She was submitted to MRCP, ERCP and then underwent LSC. The 2 patients affected by type 4 underwent open biliary reconstruction. In conclusion, every attempt should be made to identify MS prior to LCS since it will allow NBD insertion by ERCP. Once LCS is initiated, if MS is identified intra-operatively, we can provide the most practical surgical options.

Intrapancreatic common hepatic artery in pancreatoduodenectomy: a technical note on how to deal with this exceedingly rare arterial variation.

Arterial variations in the liver's blood supply play a pivotal role in the success of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), impacting both its technical execution and oncological outcomes. Among these variations, a common hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occurs in about 3% of cases. An exceptionally rare variation is the intrapancreatic common hepatic artery (IPCHA). Preserving or reconstructing the IPCHA is vital during PD to prevent liver and biliary necrosis. Particularly for cases of pancreatic cancer with high rates of intrapancreatic perineural spread, preserving IPCHA without compromising radicality presents challenges. We present a detailed report of the technique used for PD in the presence of IPCHA. Surgical technique details include a pylorus-preserving PD with the Cattell-Braasch maneuver, an artery-first approach, and meticulous dissection using "cold" scissors. We emphasize the importance of strategic surgical planning based on high-quality imaging studies, underscoring the need for pancreatic surgeons to be proficient in managing variations in visceral vessels. In conclusion, this case underscores the significance of navigating rare arterial variations in liver supply during PD, highlighting the necessity for meticulous surgical planning and execution.

Benchmarking in pancreatic surgery: a systematic review of metric development and validation.

Benchmarking in healthcare, particularly in the context of complex surgical procedures like pancreatic surgery, plays a pivotal role in comparing and evaluating the quality of care provided to patients. There is a growing body of evidence validating existent metrics and introducing new ones in the pursuit of safety and excellence in pancreatic surgery. A systematic review adhering to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was conducted on metric development and validation across multiple databases, including PUBMED Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, until February 2024. The extracted data were categorized into three domains according to the Donabedian model: structure, process, and outcomes. Thirty-four studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. Among these articles, 20 contributed to metric development, while 14 studies validated them. A total of 234 metrics were identified across the 34 studies, of which 185 were included in the analysis. Thirty-three of these metrics were relative to structure, 79 to processes, and 73 to outcomes. The distribution of metric domains across the included studies revealed that structure, process, and outcome domains were reported in 12, 26, and 26 studies, respectively. In conclusion, this systematic review underscores the heterogeneity in metric development methodologies and the varying degrees of consensus among different quality indicators, despite the growing interest in benchmarking in pancreatic surgery. This review aims to inform future research efforts and contribute to the ongoing pursuit of excellence in pancreatic surgical care.