Influence of sarcopenia in major pancreatic surgery. A systematic review of the literature.

Post-operative morbidity of pancreatectomies occurs in up to 40-50% of patients, even in modern series. There is a need to find a simple scale in order to identify patients with increased risk of developing major post-operative complications after pancreatic resections. Many studies have been published on sarcopenia and surgical outcomes. Aspects of sarcopenia are presented, along with a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines, in order to search for articles about sarcopenia and pancreatic surgery. The impact of sarcopenia on morbidity and mortality in pancreatic resections is still unclear. The studies presented have been carried out over long periods of time, and many of them compare patients with different diseases. There are also different definitions of sarcopenia, and this can influence the results, as some of the reviewed articles have already shown. It is necessary to unify criteria, both in the definition and in the cut-off values. Prospective studies and consensus on sarcopenia diagnosis should be achieved.

The origins of oncological pancreatic surgery in Spain. A tribute to pioneers. / Inicios de la cirugía pancreática oncológica en España. Un tributo a los pioneros.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a very complex operation. Its development took place very slowly at the most prestigious centers in the world. The aim of this investigation is to know who were the first surgeons to perform a PD in Spain as well as its historical circumstances. Despite all kinds of difficulties and very few resources, the first PD in Spain were carried out in Barcelona at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau where from the mid-50s a school of gastrointestinal surgery emerged with surgeons soon to become the spearhead of the Spanish surgery and a reference for the whole country: Pi-Figueras, Vicente Artigas, Antonio Soler-Roig and Antonio Llauradó. Almost simultaneously, in Oviedo, Luis Estrada also introduced the PD and total pancreaticoduodenectomy after a period of training with the pioneers of pancreatic surgery in the United States.

Initial Experience in the Treatment of "Borderline Resectable" Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. / Experiencia inicial en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma de páncreas borderline resectable.

INTRODUCTION: A borderline resectable group (APBR) has recently been defined in adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. The objective of the study is to evaluate the results in the surgical treatment after neoadjuvancy of the APBR. METHOD: Between 2010 and 2014, we included patients with APBR in a neoadjuvant and surgery protocol, staged by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Treatment with chemotherapy was based on gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. Subsequently, MDCT was performed to rule out progression, and 5-FU infusion and concomitant radiotherapy were given. MDCT and resection were performed in absence of progression. A descriptive statistical study was performed, dividing the series into: surgery group (GR group) and progression group (PROG group). RESULTS: We indicated neoadjuvant treatment to 22 patients, 11 of them were operated, 9 pancreatoduodenectomies, and 2 distal pancreatectomies. Of the 11 patients, 7 required some type of vascular resection; 5 venous resections, one arterial and one both. No postoperative mortality was recorded, 7 (63%) had any complications, and 4 were reoperated. The median postoperative stay was 17 (7-75) days. The pathological study showed complete response (ypT0) in 27%, and free microscopic margins (R0) in 63%. At study clossure, all patients had died, with a median actuarial survival of 13 months (9,6-16,3). The median actuarial survival of the GR group was higher than the PROG group (25 vs. 9 months; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The neoadjuvant treatment of APBR allows us to select a group of patients in whom resection achieves a longer survival to the group in which progression is observed. Post-adjuvant pancreatic resection requires vascular resection in most cases.

Is pancreaticoduodenectomy a safe procedure in the cirrhotic patient? / ¿Es la duodenopancreatectomía cefálica una intervención segura en el paciente cirrótico?

INTRODUCTION: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is usually contraindicated in chronic liver disease. The objective of the present study was to analyze PD results in cirrhotic patients, and compare them with non-cirrhotic ones. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2014 we prospectively collected all patients with a PD for periampullar neoplasms in Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge. We registered preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables. We defined patients undergoing PD with liver cirrhosis as the study group (CH group), and those without liver cirrhosis as the control group (NCH group). A case/control study was performed (1/2). RESULTS: We registered 15 patients in the CH group, all with good liver function (Child A), and included 30 patients in NCH group. The causes of hepatopathy were HCV (60%) and alcoholism (40%). For the 3 moments studied, the CH group had a lower blood platelet count and a higher prothrombin ratio, compared with NCH group. Postoperative morbidity was 60% and mean postoperative stay was 25±19 days, with no differences in terms of complications between CH group and NCG group (73% vs. 53%, P=.1). Presence of ascites was higher in the CH group compared with NCH group (28 vs. 0%, P<.001). There were no differences in terms of hemorrhage or pancreatic fístula. Four patients of the CH group and 2 patients of the NCH group were reoperated on (26.7 vs. 6.7%, P=.1). There was no postoperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS: PD is a safe procedure in cirrhotic patients with good liver function although it presents high morbidity.

Utility of 18 fludeoxyglucose in preoperative positon-emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) in the early diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic cancer: A study of 139 resected cases. / Utilidad de la 18-fluorodeoxiglucosa en la tomografía por emisión de positrones-tomografía computarizada (PET-TC) preoperatoria en el diagnóstico precoz del cáncer de páncreas exocrino: estudio en 139 casos resecados.

INTRODUCTION: In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), surgical resection is the only curative treatment, but due to its late clinical presentation only 15-25% patients are candidates for curative resection. The aim of this prospective, single-center study is to determine the diagnostic utility of preoperative PET-CT for early detection of PDA and early panIN lesions. METHODS: We studied the histopathological features of PDA and different panIN lesions in 139 surgical samples from patients undergoing pancreatic resection (from 2010-2014), comparing these results with preoperative PET-CT and MDCT study. For tumor diagnosis in PET-CT maximum standard SUV 2.5 was used. Pancreatic baseline SUVmax is the maximum uptake of the radiotracer 18-2FDG on the ROI curve determined for the area of the normal pancreas after pathological reassessment with areas not affected by tumours or preneoplastic lesions. Tumour Uptake Index is the ratio between the tumour SUVmax and pancreatic baseline SUVmax. RESULTS: Using an standard maximum SUV value of 2.5, PET-CT sensitivity was 77.7% (108 of the 139 cases) against 75.5% (105 of the 139 cases) of MDCT. But when we combined this value with maximum SUV of normal pancreatic tissue from each patient, PET-CT sensitivity improved its value to 94.9%. CONCLUSION: A combination of studies of PET-CT in tumor and non-tumor tissue of each patient might be a very useful diagnostic tool not only for preoperative diagnosis of PDA, but also for early panIN lesions.

Outcomes of pancreatic surgery in patients older than 70 years.

INTRODUCTION: The proportion of elderly patients is growing rapidly. Knowing the results of pancreatic surgery in this group of patients would help surgeons to make therapeutic decisions. The objective is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of pancreatic resections in patients over 70 years. METHODS: Retrospective study including patients undergoing pancreatic resection during the period 2009-2014. The sample was divided into 2 groups. G1: Patients under 70 years and G2: Patients older than 70 years. Surgical results between the 2 groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy three pancreatic resections were performed, 51 (70%) patients belonged to G1 and 22 (30%) to G2. There were no significant differences between G1 and G2 in terms of operative time and hospitalization days. No significant difference was obtained in the incidence of delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic fistula or biliary fistula. The overall mortality in the series was 4.1% showing difference between both groups, with 2% in G1 and 13.6% in G2 (P=.04). When a sub-analysis in G2 was made, mortality in this group occurred only in patients with significant comorbidities with ASA ≥ 3 (P=.004). Both groups with oncologic disease had similar overall survival and disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Age should not be a limiting factor for pancreatic resections. The elderly have similar results as younger patients and their increased perioperative mortality is due to the presence of important associated comorbidities rather than age as an independent risk factor.

[Surgery for pancreatic cancer: Evidence-based surgical strategies]. / Cirugía del cáncer de páncreas: estrategias quirúrgicas según los datos basados en la evidencia.

Pancreatic cancer surgery represents a challenge for surgeons due to its technical complexity, the potential complications that may appear, and ultimately because of its poor survival. The aim of this article is to summarize the scientific evidence regarding the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer in order to help surgeons in the decision making process in the management of these patients .Here we will review such fundamental issues as the need for a biopsy before surgery, the type of pancreatic anastomosis leading to better results, and the need for placement of drains after pancreatic surgery will be discussed.

Outcomes of pancreatogastrostomy with gastric partition after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with gastric partition.

INTRODUCTION: Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with gastric partition (PPPD-GP) seems to be associated to a better postoperative outcome than conventional pancreaticojejunostomy in the setting of a prospective-randomized study. The aim of this study is to further evaluate the surgical outcome in a series of 129 consecutive patients. METHODS: Between 2007 and June 2013, 129 patients with periampullary tumors surgically treated with PPPD-GP were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical complications (Clavien-Dindo score), as well as pancreatic and non-pancreas related complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall postoperative complication rate was 77%, although 50% of complications were graded I-II by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula was 18%: ISGFP type B: 12%, and type C: 6%. Other pancreas specific complications such as delayed gastric emptying and pospancreatectomy haemorrhage were 27 and 15%, respectively, similar to results published in the literature. Overall perioperative mortality rate was 4.6%. CONCLUSION: PPPD-GP results show that it is a technique with an acceptable morbidity, low mortality and pancreatic fistula rate similar to other techniques currently described of pancreaticoenteric reconstruction.

Venous resection in pancreatic oncologic surgery: Different techniques for different situations.

INTRODUCTION: To report the clinical results of patients with malignant pancreatic lesions who underwent oncological surgery with vascular resection. The type of intervention performed, types of vascular reconstruction, the pathological anatomy results, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and survival at 3 and 5 years were analyzed. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional and comparative analysis. We include 41 patients with malignant pancreatic lesions who underwent surgery with vascular resection due to vascular involvement, from 2013 to 2021. RESULTS: The most performed surgery was pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) using median laparotomy, in 35 out of the 41 patients (85%). One of the cases in the series was performed laparoscopically. Type 1 reconstruction (simple suture) was performed in 11 (27%) patients, type 2 in 4 (10%) cases, type 3 (end-to-end) in 23 (56%) cases, and type 4 reconstruction by autologous graft in 3 (7%) cases. The mean length of the resected venous segment was 21 (11-46) mm, and mean surgical time was 290 (220-360) minutes. 90% (37/41) were pancreatic adenocarcinoma. 83% were considered R0, and there was involvement in the resected vascular section in 41% of the cases. Four patients had Clavien Dindo morbidity >3, and there were no cases of postoperative mortality. Survival at 3 years was 48% and at 5 years 20%. CONCLUSIONS: The aggressive surgical treatment with venous resection in pancreatic malignant lesions to ensure R0 and its vascular reconstruction is a feasible technique, with an acceptable morbid-mortality rate and overall survival.

Experience in the resection of the uncinate process of the pancreas: Indications and results. Literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study is to assess the accumulated experience in the use of uncinatectomy (UC) as a parenchymal-sparing pancreatectomy technique. METHOD: We have carried out a observational and descriptive study including restrospectively all the patients undergoing UC at Hospital Universitary de Bellvitge (HUB) and an exhaustive review of the cases described in the english literature. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2019, seven patients have been operated by UC in the HUB with a diagnostic orientation of pancreatic lesion considered premalignant. All patients have presented morbidity, mainly in the form of postoperative pancreatic fistula, and none of them have presented endocrine or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Currently, all patients are alive and without recurrence of neoplastic disease. Another 29 cases have been described in the literature. Of all the cases (36 patients), the approach was minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) in 6 patients (16.7%), leading to a shorter hospital stay. The global incidence of pancreatic fistula is 50%, with a re-admission rate of less than 10%, but without requiring re-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: UC is an infrequent and poorly standardized technique for the resection of benign lesions or those with low potential for malignancy located in the uncinate process of the pancreas. Although it is associated with equal or greater morbidity than standardized resection techniques, it offers excellent preservation of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function, with the consequent long-term benefit in the patients life quality.

What does preoperative three-dimensional image contribute to complex pancreatic surgery?

The possibility of modelling diagnostic images in three dimensions (3D) in pancreatic surgery is a novelty that provides us multiple advantages. A better visualization of the structures allows us a more accurate planning of the surgical technique and makes it easier the surgery in complex cases. We present the case study of a borderline pancreatic head adenocarcinoma patient to illustrate the advantages of 3D modelling in complex pancreatic surgery. The help of 3D technology allowed us to optimally plan the intervention and facilitate surgical resection. The use of this tool could translate into: shorter operative time, fewer intraoperative complications or an increase in R0 resections. The usability of the program used in our case, agile and intuitive, was an added advantage.

What does preoperative three-dimensional image contribute to complex pancreatic surgery? / ¿Qué aporta la imagen tridimensional preoperatoria en la cirugía pancreática compleja?

The possibility of modelling diagnostic images in three dimensions (3D) in pancreatic surgery is a novelty that provides us multiple advantages. A better visualization of the structures allows us a more accurate planning of the surgical technique and makes it easier the surgery in complex cases. We present the case study of a borderline pancreatic head adenocarcinoma patient to illustrate the advantages of 3D modelling in complex pancreatic surgery. The help of 3D technology allowed us to optimally plan the intervention and facilitate surgical resection. The use of this tool could translate into: shorter operative time, fewer intraoperative complications or an increase in R0 resections. The usability of the program used in our case, agile and intuitive, was an added advantage.

Implementation of a regional reference center in pancreatic surgery. Experience after 631 procedures.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study is to determine whether our unit meets the quality standards required by the scientific community from the reference centers for pancreatic surgery in terms of peri-operative results. The secondary objectives are to compare the different pancreatic surgery techniques performed in terms of early post-operative morbidity and mortality and to analyze the impact of the resections added in these terms. METHOD: Descriptive, retrospective and single-center study, corresponding to the period 2006-2019. The results obtained were compared with the proposed quality standards, by Bassi et al. and Sabater et al., required from the reference centers in pancreatic surgery. The sample was divided according to surgical technique and compared in terms of early post-operative morbidity and mortality, studying the impact of extended vascular and visceral resections. All patients undergoing pancreatic surgery in our unit due to pancreatic, malignant and benign pathology were included, since it was implemented as a reference center. Emergency procedures were excluded. RESULTS: 631 patients were analyzed. The values ​​obtained in the quality standards are in range. The most frequent surgery was pancreaticoduodenectomy, which associated higher peri-operative morbidity and mortality rates (P ≤ .05). The extended vascular resections impacted the pancreaticoduodenectomy group, associating a longer mean stay (P = .01) and a higher rate of re-interventions (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The experience accumulated allows to meet the required quality standards, as well as perform extended resections to pancreatectomy with good results in terms of post-operative morbidity and mortality.

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectoy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy or Whipple's operation, is the elective surgical procedure to treat different periampullary diseases. Through the years this surgery has been doing open, but in the lasts decades thanks to the improve technology and trained surgeons, today is feasible doing it laparoscopic with good results. OBJECTIVE: To present the initial experience and results in totally laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy in Hospital Regional ISSSTE Puebla, reporting the second number of cases in México. METHOD: Since July 2014-July 2018, 8 patients has been operated by totally laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy, 7 in Hospital Regional ISSSTE Puebla and 1 in a private Hospital. RESULTS: Evaluating all the patients, not one had mortality during operation, no morbidity or immediate reoperation, so the results are favourable. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy is a very complex procedure but feasible, and good results depends on various factors, like the appropriate patient selection.

ANTECEDENTES: La pancreatoduodenectomía o cirugía de Whipple es el procedimiento de elección en el tratamiento de las enfermedades periampulares. A través de los años se ha realizado de manera abierta, y actualmente, gracias a la mejora de los recursos humanos y tecnológicos, se realiza este procedimiento por mínima invasión con buenos resultados. OBJETIVO: Presentar la experiencia inicial en la pancreatoduodenectomía totalmente laparoscópica en el Hospital de Alta Especialidad del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) de Puebla, dando a conocer la segunda serie de casos reportada en México. MÉTODO: De julio de 2014 a julio de 2018 se han realizado ocho pancreatoduodenectomías totalmente laparoscópicas, siete en el hospital de alta especialidad ISSSTE Puebla y una en un hospital privado. RESULTADOS: En todos los pacientes intervenidos los resultados son favorables, sin mortalidad transoperatoria y sin presentar complicaciones graves ni reintervención. CONCLUSIÓN: La pancreatoduodenectomía laparoscópica es un procedimiento de alta complejidad que, teniendo una adecuada selección de pacientes y un manejo multidisciplinario, se puede llevar a cabo con excelentes resultados.

Implementation of a regional reference center in pancreatic surgery. Experience after 631 procedures. / Implementación de un centro de referencia regional en cirugía pancreática. Experiencia tras 631 procedimientos.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this study is to determine if our unit meets the quality standards required by the scientific community from the reference centers for pancreatic surgery in terms of peri-operative results. The secondary objectives are to compare the different pancreatic surgery techniques performed in terms of early post-operative morbidity and mortality and to analyze the impact of the resections added in these terms. METHOD: Descriptive, retrospective and single-center study, corresponding to the period 2006-2019. The results obtained were compared with the proposed quality standards, by Bassi et al. and Sabater et al., required from the reference centers in pancreatic surgery. The sample was divided according to surgical technique and compared in terms of early post-operative morbidity and mortality, studying the impact of extended vascular and visceral resections. All patients undergoing pancreatic surgery in our unit due to pancreatic, malignant and benign pathology were included, since it was implemented as a reference center. Emergency procedures were excluded. RESULTS: 631 patients were analyzed. The values ??obtained in the quality standards are in range. The most frequent surgery was cephalic duodenopancreatectomy, which associated higher peri-operative morbidity and mortality rates (p ≤ 0.05). The extended vascular resections impacted the cephalic duodenopancreatectomy group, associating a longer mean stay (p = 0.01) and a higher rate of re-interventions (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The experience accumulated allows to meet the required quality standards, as well as perform extended resections to pancreatectomy with good results in terms of post-operative morbi-mortality.

Duodenopancreatectomía cefálica con resección vascular laparoscópica / Laparoscopic cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy with laparoscopic vascular resection

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (DPC) con resección vascular venosa está indicada para el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma ductal y de tumores neuroendocrinos de páncreas, tanto por laparoscopia como por laparotomía. Objetivo: describir los resultados de una serie de pacientes operados de DPC con resección vascular venosa y comparar la morbimortalidad entre los abordados por laparoscopia y por laparotomía. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, comparativo, retrospectivo de pacientes con DPC con resección vascular entre enero de 2022 y agosto de 2023. El abordaje laparoscópico fue determinado en menores de 80 años, invasión venosa tumoral igual a 180° o menor en la tomografía, buen performance status, y no haber realizado tratamiento neoadyuvante. Resultados: fueron realizadas 23 DPC con resección vascular venosa: 11 por laparoscopia y 12 por laparotomía. Las 11 realizadas por laparoscopia fueron resecciones laterales, y, en los 12 abordados por laparotomía, se realizó resección total de vena porta en 5 y en el resto, resección lateral. El tiempo de "clampeo" (pinzamiento) portal y la necesidad de transfusiones fue similar en ambos grupos. El estudio patológico reveló R0 en el 78,2% de los pacientes e invasión venosa en el 40.9%. La morbilidad con laparoscopia y con laparotomía consistió, respectivamente, en: fístula pancreática en 7 (4 y 3), vaciamiento gástrico retardado en 4 (1 y 4), fístula biliar en uno (1 y 0), neumonía en dos (1 y 1) e infección de herida en uno (0 y 1). La mortalidad fue de 8,6% por el fallecimiento de dos pacientes, uno en cada grupo. Conclusión: de acuerdo con los criterios empleados, la morbimortalidad de la DPC con resección vascular fue similar por laparoscopia y por laparotomía.

ABSTRACT Background: Cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy (CPD) with venous resection is indicated for the treatment of ductal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas, either through laparoscopy or laparotomy. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the results of a series of patients undergoing CPD with venous vascular resection and compare morbidity and mortality between the laparoscopic approach and open surgery. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective, comparative and observational study of patients who underwent CPD with venous vascular resection between January 2022 and July 2023. Criteria for laparoscopic surgery were age < 80 years, interface between tumor and vein of 180° of the circumference of the vessel wall or less on computed tomography, good performance status, and no previous neoadjuvant treatment. Results: A total of 23 CPD procedures with venous vascular resection were performed: 11 by laparoscopy and 12 by laparotomy. The 11 laparoscopic procedures were lateral resections, and in the 12 patients approached by laparotomy, 5 were total portal vein resections and 7 were lateral resections. Portal vein clamping time and need for transfusion was similar in both groups. The pathological examination reported R0 resections in 78.2% and venous invasion in 40.9%. The complications associated with laparoscopy and laparotomy were pancreatic fistula in 4 and 3 patients, respectively, delayed gastric emptying in 1 and 4 patients, respectively, biliary fistula in 1 and 0 patients, respectively, aspiration pneumonia i 1 and 1 patients, respectively and surgical site infection in 0 and 1 patients, respectively. Mortality was 8.6% (n =2), one in each group. Conclusion: According to the criteria used, the morbidity and mortality of CPD with vascular resection were similar for laparoscopy and laparotomy.

Outcome quality standards in pancreatic oncologic surgery in Spain. / Estándares de calidad en la cirugía oncológica pancreática en España.

INTRODUCTION: To establish quality standards in oncologic surgery is a complex but necessary challenge to improve surgical outcomes. Unlike other tumors, there are no well-defined quality standards in pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study is to identify quality indicators in pancreatic oncologic surgery in Spain as well as their acceptable limits of variability. METHODS: Quality indicators were selected based on clinical practice guidelines, consensus conferences, reviews and national publications on oncologic pancreatic surgery between the years 2000 and 2016. Variability margins for each indicator have been determined by statistical process control techniques and graphically represented with the 99.8 and 95% confidence intervals above and below the weighted average according to sample size. RESULTS: The following indicators have been determined with their weighted average and acceptable quality limits: resectability rate 71% (>58%), morbidity 58% (<73%), mortality 4% (<10%), biliary leak 6% (<14%), pancreatic fistula rate 18% (<29%), hemorrhage 11% (<21%), reoperation rate 11% (<20%) and mean hospital stay (<21 days). CONCLUSIONS: To date, few related series have been published, and they present important methodological limitations. Among the selected indicators, the morbidity and mortality quality limits have come out higher than those obtained in international standards. It is necessary for Spanish pancreatic surgeons to adopt homogeneous criteria regarding indicators and their definitions to allow for the comparison of their results.

Pancreatectomía izquierda laparoscópica: ¿la sistematización de la técnica es de utilidad? / Laparoscopic left pancreatectomy: is systematization of the technique useful?

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la pancreatectomía izquierda laparoscópica es un procedimiento de alta complejidad que debe ser sistematizado para reducir complicaciones y tiempos quirúrgicos. Objetivo: Describir los resultados con una técnica sitematizada de esplenopancreatectomía laparoscópica. Material y métodos: se seleccionaron pacientes candidatos a realizar esplenopancreatecomía distal en el período comprendido entre 2007 y 2022. Se excluyeron pacientes con enfermedad sistémica. La técnica quirúrgica laparoscópica consiste en ligar los vasos cortos como primer paso, luego disecar y cortar la arteria esplénica, dejando la sección de la vena como último gesto quirúrgico. Esto evita la congestión venosa del bazo. Se analizaron variables preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y posoperatorias. Resultados: sobre un total de 155 pacientes, 90 fueron intervenidos por vía laparoscópica y 65 por vía convencional. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue 168 minutos. Cuando se analizó el tiempo quirúrgico en los abordajes laparoscópicos, se observó una disminución del tiempo a partir del caso número 30. La mortalidad fue del 1,12%. La incidencia de fístula pancreática total fue 41%. La necesitad de transfusión intraoperatoria ocurrió en el 10,7% de los pacientes y la tasa de conversión fue del 13,3%. Conclusión: la sistematización de la técnica de la pancreatectomía laparoscópica permite la reducción de los tiempos quirúrgicos, adquirir mayor seguridad en la disección y realizar procedimientos cada vez más complejos.

ABSTRACT Background: Laparoscopic left pancreatectomy is a high complexity procedure that should be systematized to reduce complications and operative time. Objective: To describe the results achieved with a systematized technique for laparoscopic pancreatectomy and splenectomy. Materials and methods: We selected patients who were candidates for distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy between 2007 and 2022. Patients with systemic diseases were excluded. The laparoscopic technique consists of ligating the short vessels as a first step, then dissecting and cutting the splenic artery, leaving the section of the vein as the last surgical gesture to avoid venous congestion of the spleen. Perioperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables were analyzed. Results: A total of 155 patients were analyzed, 90 underwent laparoscopy and 65 underwent conventional surgery. Mean operative time was 168 minutes The operative time in the laparoscopic approach decreased from case 30 onwards. Mortality rate was 1.12%. The incidence of pancreatic fistula was 41%. Need for intraoperative transfusion occurred in 10.7% of the patients and the conversion rate was 13.3%. Conclusion: The systematization of the technique of pancreatic laparoscopy is essential to reduce surgical times, ensure safe dissections and performe more complex procedures.

Pancreatectomía posneoadyuvancia en cáncer resecable "borderline" / Pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la pancreatectomía posneoadyuvancia en paciente sin progresión de la enfermedad es el tratamiento estándar en el cáncer pancreático "borderline"; sin embargo, no existe hasta ahora ninguna serie nacional publicada. Objetivo: evaluar la morbilidad y mortalidad de la pancreatectomía en pacientes con cáncer de páncreas resecable "borderline" tratados previamente con neoadyuvancia. Material y métodos: se analizaron 15 pacientes tratados en el período 2011-2018. Se evaluaron los datos epidemiológicos, el tipo de neoadyuvancia, la respuesta radiológica posneoadyuvancia, la morbilidad, mortalidad y supervivencia. Se compararon los 15 pacientes pancretectomizados posneoadyuvancia con 15 pacientes pancreatectomizados sin neoadyuvancia previa. Resultados: de los 15 pacientes, 8 eran del sexo masculino y el promedio de edad fue de 66,5 años. El tipo de neoadyuvancia más frecuente fue folforinox (n = 6) y gemcitabina/placitaxel (n = 5); se adicionó radioterapia en 8 pacientes. La evaluación radiológica posneoadyuvancia mostró enfermedad estable en 10 pacientes y respuesta parcial en 4. Se realizaron 11 duodenopancreatectomías y 4 esplenopancreatectomías. En 10 pacientes fue necesario algún tipo de resección vascular. La morbilidad fue del 60% (9/6), no se registró mortalidad y la supervivencia media fue de 23,4 meses. No hubo diferencias significativas en la morbilidad, mortalidad y supervivencia cuando se comparó con los 15 pacientes pancreatectomizados sin neaodyuvancia. Conclusión: el tratamiento con neoadyuvancia en cáncer de páncreas avanzado permite ampliar su resecabilidad. La pancreatectomía posneoadyuvancia, en centros de alto volumen, tiene morbilidad, mortalidad y supervivencia similares a las de las pancreatectomías que no requieren neaoadyuvancia.

ABSTRACT Background: Pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy in patients without disease progression is the standard treatment for borderline pancreatic cancer; however, no national series have been published to date. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate morbidity and mortality of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer undergoing pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy. Material and methods: A total of 15 patients treated between 2011 and 2018 were analyzed. The epidemiologic data, type of neodajuvant therapy, radiological evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant therapy, morbidity, mortality and survival were evaluated. These 15 patients who underwent pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy were compared with 15 pancreatectomized patients without previous neoadjuvant therapy. Results: Mean age was 66.5 years and 8 patients were men. The most common neoadjuvant therapy regimens were FOLFIRINOX (n = 6) and gemcitabine/paclitaxel (n = 5); 8 patients required additional radiation therapy. The radiological evaluation of the response to neoadjuvant therapy showed stable disease in 10 patients and partial response in 4. Eleven patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and 4 underwent splenectomy and pancreatectomy. Ten patients required some type of vascular resection. Morbidity was 60% (9/15), there were no deaths and mean survival was 23.4 months. There were no significant differences in morbidity, mortality and survival with the 15 pancreatectomized patients without previous neoadjuvant therapy. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant therapy has extended resectability of advanced pancreatic cancer. In high volume centers, pancreatectomy after neoadjuvant therapy has similar morbidity, and survival to those of pancreatic resections without previous neoadjuvant therapy.

Impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en la cirugía pancreática. Análisis en dos instituciones, una pública y otra privada / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pancreatic surgery. Analysis in a public and a private institution

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la pandemia de COVID-19 ha introducido cambios drásticos en el sistema de salud. Las cirugías electivas son una de las actividades quirúrgicas que más han descendido durante la pandemia. Objetivo: analizar el impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la cirugía pancreática en una institución pública y otra privada. Se comparó, en cada institución, con el número de cirugías en el mismo período del año pasado. Material y métodos: se revisaron en una base prospectiva los pacientes que recibieron una cirugía pancreática en las dos instituciones entre el 10/3/20 y el 24/6/20. Se determinaron los datos epide miológicos, el tipo de resección pancreática, el diagnóstico anatomopatológico, la morbilidad y la mor talidad. Se compararon con los pacientes en ambas instituciones que recibieron cirugía pancreática durante el período 10/3/19 al 24/6/19. Resultados: durante la pandemia se realizaron 23 resecciones pancreáticas (13 duodenopancreatec tomías cefálicas, 9 pancreatectomías izquierdas y 1 pancreatectomía total). El 70% (16/23) fueron adenocarcinomas. La morbilidad alcanzó el 34,7% y no se registró mortalidad. Ningún paciente ni miembro del equipo quirúrgico se infectó con coronavirus. La pandemia no tuvo impacto en el núme ro de cirugías en el centro privado (22 vs. 20, p = 0,88), mientras que en el centro público hubo una reducción significativa en el número de cirugías (14 vs. 3, p = 0,009). Conclusión: la cirugía pancreática se puede hacer con seguridad durante la pandemia. En el centro privado se mantuvo el número de cirugías pancreáticas. En el centro público, con máxima prioridad para pacientes con COVID-19, hubo un descenso significativo.

ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced dramatic changes in the health system. Elective surgeries are the surgical activities with greater decline during the pandemic. Objective: The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in pancreatic sur gery in a public and a private institution. The number of surgeries performed in each institution was compared with those performed in same period of the previous year. Material and methods: Data from a prospective database of all the patients who underwent pancrea tic surgery between March 10, 2020, and June 3, 2020, were analyzed. The epidemiological data, type of pancreatic resection, pathology diagnosis, morbidity and mortality were determined in each insti tution and compared with patients who underwent pancreatic surgery in both institutions between March 3, 2019, and June 24, 2019. Results: 23 pancreatic resections were performed during the pandemic (13 cephalic pancreaticoduo denectomies, 9 left pancreatectomies and 1 total pancreatectomy); 70% (16/23) were adenocarcino mas. There were 34.7% complications and no deaths were reported. None of the patients was infected with coronavirus. The pandemic had no impact on the number of pancreatic resections in the private institution (22 vs. 20, p = 0.88), while the number of pancreatic surgeries was significantly lower in the public center (14 vs. 3, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Pancreatic surgery can be safely performed during the pandemic. The number of pancrea tic surgeries did not decline during the pandemic. The priority for treating patients with COVID-19 at the public center resulted in a significant decrease in pancreatic surgeries.