Patency Rates of Portal Vein/Superior Mesenteric Vein Reconstruction After Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Cancer

Background

Pancreatectomy with venous reconstruction (VR) for pancreatic cancer (PC) is occurring more commonly. Few studies have examined the long-term patency of the superior mesenteric-portal vein confluence following reconstruction.

Methods

From 2007 to 2013, patients who underwent pancreatic resection with VR for PC were classified by type of reconstruction. Patency of VR was assessed using surveillance computed tomographic imaging obtained from date of surgery to last follow-up.

Results

VR was performed in 43 patients and included the following: tangential resection with primary repair (7, 16 %) or saphenous vein patch (9, 21 %); segmental resection with splenic vein division and either primary anastomosis (10, 23 %) or internal jugular vein interposition (8, 19 %); or segmental resection with splenic vein preservation and either primary anastomosis (3, 7 %) or interposition grafting (6, 14 %). All patients were instructed to take aspirin after surgery; low molecular weight heparin was not routinely used. An occluded VR was found in four (9 %) of the 43 patients at a median follow-up of 13 months; median time to detection of thrombosis in the four patients was 72 days (range 16–238).

Conclusions

Pancreatectomy with VR can be performed with high patency rates. The optimal postoperative pharmacologic therapy to prevent thrombosis requires further investigation.     

Hand-assisted laparoscopic splenectomy for thrombocytopenia in patients with cirrhosis

Purpose

Although splenectomy plays an important role in the management of patients with liver cirrhosis, the optimal technique, open surgery, total laparoscopic surgery or hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS), has not yet been defined. The present study evaluated the outcomes of HALS splenectomy for cirrhotic patients.

Methods

A total of 28 consecutive patients with cirrhosis that underwent HALS splenectomy were enrolled into this study. The preoperative laboratory and morphometric data, intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were reviewed from the hospital charts.

Results

The postoperative platelet count was remarkably elevated in all cases. A re-operation was required in 1 patient complicated with postoperative hemorrhage. Enhanced CT on POD 7 revealed a high incidence of portal or splenic vein thrombosis (PSVT; 22 patients, 78.6 %). PSVT was significantly associated with higher serum bilirubin, higher indocyanine green retention value at 15 min (ICG R-15), and larger splenic vein diameter.

Conclusion

HALS splenectomy was a very feasible and appropriate procedure for cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism. PSVT was a frequent complication and large splenic vein diameter, high serum bilirubin, and high ICG R-15 were found to be significant risk factors for PSVT after HALS splenectomy in cirrhotic patients.     

Two Anatomical Pathways for Retroperitoneoscopic Pancreatectomy: Indications for the Posterior and Lateral Approaches

Background

Retroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy (RP) is a novel surgical procedure that is safe and feasible in animal models and clinical practice. However, the optimal approach for RP has not been established.

Objective

This study aimed to introduce the posterior and lateral approaches for RP.

Methods

This prospective study included 19 patients with suspected pancreatic lesions who underwent RP. RP was performed using either a posterior or a lateral approach.

Results

The posterior, lateral, and jointed approaches were used in 13 (68.4 %), 3 (15.8 %), and 3 (15.8 %) cases, respectively. Patients underwent enucleation (N = 8), distal pancreatectomy (N = 4), and resection of cystic pancreatic lesions (N = 2) and non-pancreatic lesions (N = 5). All retroperitoneoscopic procedures were successfully accomplished with no conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery. Intraoperative complications occurred in two (12.5 %) cases, including one case with injury to the peritoneum and one case with injury to the peritoneum and splenic vein. Postoperative grade A pancreatic fistulas occurred in six cases, and were cured by delayed drainage. No disease recurrence or abnormal symptoms were observed during the mean follow-up period of 14.06 ± 9.60 months.

Conclusions

RP using the posterior or lateral approach is feasible and effective, but has different indications. The posterior approach is useful for distal pancreatectomy, as well as resection of pancreatic lesions in the posterior or superoposterior region of the distal pancreas. The lateral approach is useful for resection of pancreatic lesions in the anterior or inferior region of the body and tail. The two approaches can be used in combination or conversion.     

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy is safe and effective in patients with focal benign splenic lesion

Background

Traditionally, splenectomy is considered as the treatment for splenic lesions. The risk of early and late complications and the awareness of immunologic function of spleen have pushed the development of spleen sparing techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic partial splenectomy in selected patients.

Methods

From May 2011 we initiated performing laparoscopic partial splenectomy in patients with focal benign splenic lesion. The main surgical procedure consisted of four steps: 1. Mobilizing the perisplenic ligaments. 2. Ligating and dissecting the vessels which supplying the involved spleen. 3. Dissecting the spleen along the demarcation. 4. Hemostasis was achieved by bipolar energy device. The perioperative data were collected and analyzed. The follow-up including quality of life and splenic regrowth was routinely undergone 6 months after surgery.

Results

From May 2011 to December 2013, laparoscopic partial splenectomy had been performed on 11 patients aged from 13 to 57 (mean 33). The indications included nonparasitic cyst (n = 6), lymphangioma (n = 3), and hemangioma (n = 2). The mean operative time was 148 min (range 110–200 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 189 ml (range 100–400 ml). One patient converted to total splenectomy because of hemorrhaging. Two patients suffered from postoperative complications: the one who converted to total splenectomy suffered from portal vein thrombosis, the other one underwent partial splenectomy suffered from fluid collection around splenic recess. There was no blood transfusion and postoperative mortality. All patients discharged uneventfully. Seven patients finished the follow-up including evaluation of CT scan and quality of life 6 month after surgery. The results demonstrated all these patients had different degree of splenic regrowth and gained a good quality of life.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic partial splenectomy is safe and effective in patients with focal benign splenic lesion. Meanwhile, this technique potentially retains some splenic function, and confers the benefit of a minimal access technique.     

Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Central Pancreatectomy: Technique and Outcomes

Background

Central pancreatectomy is a definitive treatment for low-grade tumors of the pancreatic neck that preserves pancreatic and splenic function at the potential expense of postoperative pancreatic fistula. We analyzed outcomes after robot-assisted central pancreatectomy (RACP) to reexamine the risk–benefit profile in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of nine RACP performed between August 2009 through June 2010 at a single institution.

Results

The average age of the cohort was 64 (range 18–75 years) with six women (67 %). Indications for surgery included: five benign cystic neoplasm and four pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Median operative time was 425 min (range 305–506 min) with 190 ml median blood loss (range 50–350 ml) and one conversion to open due to poor visualization. Median tumor size was 3.0 cm (range 1.9–6.0 cm); all patients achieved R0 status. Pancreaticogastrostomy was performed in seven cases and pancreaticojejunostomy in two. The median length of hospital stay was 10 days (range 7–19). Two clinically significant pancreatic fistulae occurred with one requiring percutaneous drainage. No patients exhibited worsening diabetes or exocrine insufficiency at the 30-day postoperative visit.

Conclusions

RACP can be performed with safety and oncologic outcomes equivalent to published open series. Although the rate of pancreatic fistula was high, only 22 % had clinically significant events, and none developed worsening pancreatic endocrine or exocrine dysfunction.     

Changes in Gastrosplenic Circulation and Splenic Function after Distal Pancreatectomy with Spleen Preservation and Splenic Vessel Excision

Introduction

Distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation and splenic vessel excision is a commonly used technique. However, it produces significant gastrosplenic circulation and splenic function changes.

Purpose

The aim of this work was to determine the immediate consequences on gastrosplenic circulation, late consequences on splenic function, and development of varicose veins.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with pancreatic tumors and anatomical feasibility were included. Preoperative splenic circulation was evaluated by dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. Early splenic perfusion was assessed by CT 7 days after surgery and late changes in gastrosplenic circulation 6 months after surgery. Varicose veins were evaluated by CT and endoscopy 6 months after surgery. Pitted cells and Howell–Jolly bodies were used as markers of splenic function. Postoperatory findings included changes in splenic perfusion 7 days and 6 months after surgery, development of varicose veins on CT scans and endoscopy, and detection of markers of splenic hypofunction on blood smears.

Results and Conclusion

Seven days after surgery, 63 % of patients had some degree of splenic hypoperfusion, and 6 months after surgery, 83 % of patients had normal perfusion. CT scans showed varices in 26 patients, and endoscopy revealed varicose veins in 11. Two patients experienced bleeding; markers of splenic hypofunction were found in 59 % of cases.     

The use of the continuous suture technique in dunking pancreatojejunostomy without stenting

Purpose

To evaluate the newly developed continuous suture technique in dunking pancreatojejunostomy without pancreatic duct stenting after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

Thirty-four consecutive pancreaticojejunostomies (patient age 73 ± 11, 41–88) with continuous sutures without stenting after PD were performed from 2006 to 2011. This study evaluated the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, initial postoperative day of oral feeding, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative early complications, and late complications. The indications for surgery included bile duct cancer (n = 12), pancreatic cancer (n = 11), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (n = 3), cancer of the papilla (n = 3), duodenal cancer (n = 2), and others (n = 3). Portal vein or superior mesenteric vein resections and reconstructions were performed in 7 patients, and another organ was resected in 3.

Results

No operative or in-hospital deaths occurred. The operation time (minutes) was 315 ± 68 and, postoperative hospital stay (days) was 27 ± 16. Pancreatic fistula, wound infection, and delayed gastric emptying were observed in 15, 15, and 9 %, respectively. Grade C pancreatic fistula was seen in 2 patients. Both recovered after laparotomy and drainage and were successfully discharged. Worsening diabetes mellitus was seen in 2 of 34 patients, and dilatation of the pancreatic duct was seen in 3 of 28 patients.

Conclusion

The newly developed continuous suture technique in dunking pancreatojejunostomy without stenting may therefore produce favorable results in PD.     

S-1 vs. Gemcitabine as an Adjuvant Therapy after Surgical Resection for Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas

Background

Pancreatectomy with regional lymphadenectomy remains the only curative treatment option for pancreatic cancer. There is no clear consensus on what type of adjuvant therapy should be used for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Objective

Our objective was to retrospectively evaluate whether postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy using S-1 is clinically beneficial in managing resectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Patients were divided into three groups: those undergoing surgery alone, those receiving gemcitabine infusion, and those receiving S-1 orally.

Results

Of 189 studied patients, the median overall survival was 15.0 months after surgery alone, 33.0 months in the gemcitabine group, and 45.0 months in patients receiving S-1. A multivariate analysis identified regional lymph node metastasis, positive surgical margins, and absence of adjuvant chemotherapy as independent negative prognostic factors. S-1 was not inferior to gemcitabine in terms of survival outcomes and showed a favorable hazard ratio compared with gemcitabine in the subsets of patients with positive vascular invasion.

Conclusions

There was no difference between adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1 and gemcitabine in overall survival for patients with curative pancreatic cancer. Our results suggested that S-1 can be used as a second agent to gemcitabine after surgical resection for ordinary adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.     

Laparoscopic Pancreatectomy for Solid Pseudo-Papillary Tumors of the Pancreas is a Suitable Technique; Our Experience with Long-Term Follow-up and Review of the Literature

Background

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) are rare pancreatic neoplasms of low malignant potential that occur mainly in young women. Only 17 cases of SPT treated laparoscopically have been published in the literature and long-term follow-up data are still lacking.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of ten patients (8 women, 2 men; mean age, 25.4 years) (DS: 12.1; minimum 11, maximum 51) who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with a definitive histological diagnosis of SPT. Long-term follow-up data were collected.

Results

The average tumor size was 43.8 mm (minimum 20, maximum 65 mm). The mean operative time was 177.5 minutes (DS: 53.7; minimum 120, maximum 255). In all, five patients underwent distal splenopancreatectomy; five patients underwent spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy of whom three with splenic vessel preservation and two with the Warshaw technique. The conversion rate was nil and no case of perioperative mortality was recorded. The mean hospital stay was 7 days (DS: 2.7; minimum 4, maximum 12). Six patients had an uneventful postoperative course and four had postoperative complications. Two of them underwent reoperation, and the other two had nonsurgical complications. After a median follow-up of 47 (range, 5–98) months, all patients were alive and disease-free.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic pancreatic resection is a safe and feasible procedure that could become the treatment of choice for patients affected by pancreatic SPT. Distal pancreatectomy should be performed, if possible, with spleen-preserving technique, especially in young patients. To avoid metastatic spread, laparoscopic or laparotomic biopsy should not be performed in patients affected by SPT.     

Laparoscopic extended (subtotal) distal pancreatectomy with resection of both splenic artery and vein

Background

Spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy can be performed safely and effectively by resecting both splenic vessels (Warshaw procedure) [1–4]. This simplified spleen-preserving technique might also be applied to minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy of benign and borderline malignant tumor [5, 6].

Methods

Although the conservation of both splenic vessels is paramount to preserving the spleen during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, preservation of the splenic vessels is not always possible, especially under the following conditions: (1) relatively large tumor, (2) associated with chronic pancreatitis, (3) tumor abutting splenic vascular structures, and (4) bleeding during the splenic vessel conserving procedure, which are potential indications of laparoscopic extended Warshaw procedure. Patient preparation and position was the same as that described in our previous study [7].

Results

During the study’s time period, 38 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy. Of those, five patients underwent a laparoscopic extended Warshaw procedure, which all included among 16 patients of extended distal pancreatectomy by dividing the pancreas at the pancreatic neck. All patients were women with a median age of 55 (range, 38–75) years. Median total operation time and blood loss were 215 (range, 200–386) minutes and 100 (range, 0–300) ml, respectively. The median length of hospital stay was 8 (range, 5–15) days. All of postoperative complications (two grade A and two grade B postoperative pancreatic fistula; one grade A bleeding) were able to be treated conservatively. During the median follow-up period of 11 (range, 7–42) months, one focal splenic infarction and one gastric varix were noted; however, no clinically significant complications were reported.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving extended distal pancreatectomy with resection of both the splenic vessels is feasible and safe [8]. This surgical technique is thought to increase the chance of preservation of the spleen with minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy in well-selected benign or borderline malignant tumor of the distal pancreas.     

Safety of postoperative thromboprophylaxis after major hepatobiliary–pancreatic surgery in Japanese patients

Background and purpose

Thromboprophylaxis is recommended for preventing postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) after abdominal surgery; however, its use after major hepatobiliary–pancreatic surgery is typically avoided as it increases the risk of bleeding. We conducted this study to evaluate the safety of thromboprophylaxis after major hepatobiliary–pancreatic surgery.

Methods

We analyzed the rates of postoperative bleeding, VTE, morbidity, and prolonged hospital stay in 349 patients who underwent major hepatobiliary–pancreatic surgery, such as pancreaticoduodenectomy, hemihepatectomy or greater, and hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy.

Results

Chemical thromboprophylaxis was associated with significantly increased rates and risks of overall bleeding events vs. no chemical thromboprophylaxis (26.6 vs. 8.5 %, respectively). The rate of minor hemorrhage was significantly higher in patients who received chemical thromboprophylaxis (21.7 vs. 3.5 %); however, there were no differences in the rate of major hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion or hemostatic intervention between the groups (4.8 vs. 4.9 %). The postoperative VTE rate was also significantly decreased by chemical thromboprophylaxis (2.9 vs. 7.7 %). However, chemical thromboprophylaxis did not affect the rate of SSI, severe morbidity, or duration of the postoperative hospital stay.

Conclusion

We consider that chemical thromboprophylaxis is beneficial and can be safely used even after major hepatobiliary–pancreatic surgery.     

Portal vein infusion chemotherapy with gemcitabine after surgery for pancreatic cancer

Purposes

Pancreatic cancer still has a poor prognosis even after curative resection because of the high incidence of postoperative liver metastasis. This study prospectively evaluated the feasibility and tolerability of portal vein infusion chemotherapy of gemcitabine (PVIG) as an adjuvant setting after pancreatic resection.

Methods

Thirteen patients enrolled in this study received postoperative chemotherapy with PVIG. The patients received intermittent administration of gemcitabine (800 mg/m²) via the portal vein on days 1, 8, and 15 after surgery. The tolerability and the toxicity of PVIG were closely monitored.

Results

The PVIG was started on an average of 3.1 days after surgery. Complete doses of chemotherapy (three sessions of portal infusion) were accomplished in 11 of the 13 patients. Grade 3 or 4 leukocytopenia was observed in three patients (23 %), and liver dysfunction was found in one patient (7.7 %). Grade 2 sepsis developed in two cases due to bloodstream infection. Liver metastasis was the first site of recurrence in only two patients.

Conclusions

PVIG can be administered to the liver with acceptable toxicity, but myelosuppression is similar to the systemic use of gemcitabine. Careful observation is required even for locoregional chemotherapy.     

Robotic Left Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor

Background

Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumors of pancreas are a rare entity, seen most often in females in their second or third decades. Although previously believed to be benign, this tumor is currently considered a low-grade malignant epithelial neoplasm with low metastatic rate and high overall survival.1,2 Its resection could be performed by robotic technique with respect to oncological principles to avoid tumor cell dissemination.3

Methods

In this multimedia article, we present a 28-year-old female with a history of hyperthyroidism who underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan because of a persistent high C-reactive protein level following caesarean section. This CT scan revealed a 7-cm cystic lesion of the pancreatic tail. The serum tumor marker CA 19-9 was normal. Further investigation with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed that the lesion was macrocystic with internal septas compatible with a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm.4 The patient was treated with robotic distal splenopanceatectomy (video).

Results

The operative time was 5 h with an estimated blood loss of 250 mL. No blood transfusion was necessary. The postoperative period was uneventful, and she was discharged on postoperative day 8. The histological finding revealed a solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas pT2pN0 (0/14 lymph nodes removed). There was no evidence of clinical, biological, and radiological pancreatic fistula, and a control CT scan on postoperative day 8 did not show any abdominal fluid collection. The patient’s 1 month follow-up was normal.

Discussion

The robotic distal splenopancreatectomy is a procedure that offers some technical and oncological advantages over the already described minimally invasive techniques for distal pancreatic tumors.5,6 These advantages are mainly due to the stability of the operative field, to the 3D and magnified vision, and to the articulated robotic arms.7–9 The 3D representation and the stability of the operative field facilitate the performance of operative steps, as the creation of the retropancreatic tunnel and vascular identification. Moreover, the robotic articulated arms permit a superior handling of vascular structures, allowing a fine dissection that is extremely useful during lymphadenectomy. Articulated instruments easily achieve the correct rotation axis, thus minimizing peri-pancreatic tissue retraction and manipulation of the pancreatic gland. This smooth and no-touch technique in theory minimizes the risk of pancreatic capsule rupture as well as tumor cell dissemination, respecting oncological surgical standards. However, robotic surgery needs an adequate learning curve, especially concerning the installation and the lack of force feedback.

Conclusion

The robotic distal pancreatectomy is a possible minimally invasive technique for patients with solid pseudopapillary pancreatic tumors. It presents some advantages over the laparoscopic approach. Nevertheless its oncological indications are yet to be defined.10     

Pylorus- and spleen-preserving total pancreatoduodenectomy with resection of both whole splenic vessels: feasibility and laparoscopic application to intraductal papillary mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas

Background

Total pancreatectomy is recommended for intraductal papillary mucinous tumors with widespread involvement of the entire pancreas. Organ-preserving and minimally invasive surgery should be applied in benign and borderline pancreatic lesions.

Methods

Pylorus- and spleen-preserving total pancreatoduodenectomy (PpSpTPD) with segmental resection of both splenic vessels was attempted for five patients. The technique was based on the concepts of two surgical procedures: pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy with segmental resection of splenic vessels (“extended” Warshaw’s procedure).

Results

Three patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted PpSpTPD and two underwent open surgery. No mortality was noted. Short-term follow-up (median, 28?months) suggested that all patients tolerated the insulin therapy and showed relatively good nutritional status. Only minimal to moderate perigastric fundal varices were noted without gastrointestinal bleeding.

Conclusions

PpSpTPD with segmental resection of both splenic vessels is feasible and safe. Even a minimally invasive approach can be indicated in selected patients.     

A Modification of Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy for Adenocarcinoma of the Left Pancreas: Significance of En Bloc Resection Including the Anterior Renal Fascia

Background

Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) has theoretical advantages for curative resection of adenocarcinomas of the left pancreas. The anterior renal fascia is a key structure, and resection planes should run posterior to this fascia. However, it is difficult to delineate this fascia and set a precise dissection plane. We modified RAMPS to achieve such a precise dissection plane with ease.

Methods

After clamping the splenic artery, the third duodenal portion was mobilized from the left to the right to locate the inferior vena cava, which was covered by the anterior renal fascia. Here, the anterior renal fascia was incised while approaching the dissection plane. Dissection then continued cephalad, with this plane along the inferior vena cava, and then turned along the left renal vein at the confluence of the left renal vein toward the renal hilum. At this point, dissection continued along the coronal plane to the superior edge of the pancreas.

Results

Between July 2007 and December 2012, a total of 24 pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients underwent modified RAMPS. Tumor extension beyond the pancreatic parenchyma (T3) and lymph node metastases was confirmed in 17 and 13 cases, respectively. Histologically clear surgical margins were achieved (R0 resection) in 21 patients (88 %). The 5-year overall survival rate was 53 %. Six patients survived for over 5 years without recurrence.

Conclusions

This modification of RAMPS is advantageous for en bloc resection while actually including removal of the anterior renal fascia. It is associated with satisfactory survival rates for patients with distal pancreatic carcinomas.     

Centralization of Services and Reduction of Adverse Events in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Background

The perioperative period is critical in the outcome for patients with pancreatic cancer. The aim of the present analysis was to examine adverse events in patients dying under surgical care in relation to changes in the organization of pancreatic cancer surgery.

Methods

From 1996 to 2005, 1,033 patients with pancreatic cancer, mean age of 71 years (range 21–97 years) died under surgical care. The incidence, mortality, and number of operations for pancreatic cancer remained stable across the time period, but the proportion of patients undergoing surgery in the five specialist cancer centers increased from 50 to 80 % (p < 0.001). Prior to death 260 (25 %) patients underwent operation and 96 (9 %) had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There was a significant rise in ERCP (p = 0.03) and a decrease in non-resectional operations (p = 0.001).

Results

Since 1996, 52 (15 %) patients in whom 90 adverse events were recorded died following surgical intervention: 28 adverse events related to the perioperative period with 15 due to direct procedure complications such as bleeding or anastomotic leak; 13 were attributed to decision making around the choice or timing of the procedure. The postoperative mortality after curative pancreatic resection reduced from 3.5 to 1.8 %. Identified adverse events fell significantly in patients who died relating to the operative period (median of 3 per annum [1994–2000] to 1 per annum [2001–2005]) (p = 0.014) and medical care (3–0) (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Continuous peer review audit has demonstrated a reduction in the number of adverse events in patients dying with pancreatic cancer under surgical care as increased numbers of patients treated in specialist cancer centers.     

Pure laparoscopic middle pancreatectomy: single-center experience with 13 cases

Background

Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery is performed with increasing frequency, but laparoscopic middle pancreatectomy (LMP) is rarely described. This study aimed retrospectively to describe the authors’ unicentrically and prospectively collected data at a specialized center.

Methods

Since July 2011, 13 patients have undergone LMP. In this study, all their demographics and operative and postoperative data were studied from a prospectively maintained database.

Results

The study included eight women and five men with a mean age of 51 (range 27–75 years) and a body mass index of 26 kg/m² (range 22–32 kg/m²). The main indications were neuroendocrine tumor (n = 7), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (n = 2), solid pseudopapillary tumor (n = 2), and other (n = 2). The median duration of surgery was 190 min (range 120–285 min), and the mean blood loss was 100 ml (range 50–800 ml). Only one conversion was performed (8 %). The postoperative outcomes showed no mortality. Clinically significant pancreatic fistula (B and C) were found in 30 % of the cases. Bleeding was observed in two patients (15 %) and reintervention in three patients (23 %). The median hospital stay was 24 days (range 14–53 days), with no readmissions. The long-term follow-up evaluation showed no endocrine insufficiency and only one endocrine insufficiency (8 %).

Conclusions

LMP is a safe surgical procedure allowing a minimally invasive approach for low malignant-potential lesions and offering a postoperative outcome comparable with that of the open approach.     

Retrospective Evaluation of the Influence of Postoperative Tumor Marker Status on Survival and Patterns of Recurrence After Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer Based on RECIST Guidelines

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of postoperative tumor marker (TM) normalization on survival after pancreatectomy for pancreatic carcinoma. We propose the concept of surgical RECIST based on residual tumor and TM status.

Methods

A total of consecutive patients with pancreatic carcinoma underwent pancreatectomy between August 1, 1989, and August 1, 2008. Pre- and postoperative TM values were available for 194 patients. The relationship between TM status, survival, and other clinical and demographic data was determined with univariate log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

Postoperative TM levels remained elevated in 92 patients (47.4%; partial responders). TM levels normalized in 102 patients (52.6%; complete responders). Lymph node metastases, portal vein resection, absence of retroperitoneal clearance, residual tumor, preoperative high CA19-9, and surgical partial response were associated with decreased survival. Nodal stage (P = 0.0227) and surgical RECIST (P = 0.025) were significant predictors of survival. Partial responders had a significantly lower median survival time (P = 0.0008) and significantly higher frequency of hepatic metastasis (P = 0.0299).

Conclusions

Postresection TM normalization is a strong prognostic factor for pancreatic cancer. The efficacy of pancreatic cancer surgery should be evaluated in the context of both local clearance and serum TM kinetics.     

Pancreatic Secondary Lesions from Renal Cell Carcinoma

Background

Metastatic lesions to the pancreas are uncommon. The most frequent metastases are from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We analyzed the clinical features and survival of patients with pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with pancreatic metastases from RCC, observed in our department from January 2004 to March 2010. Follow-up continued to September 2013.

Results

In the study period 13 patients with a diagnosis of metastasis from RCC were observed in our clinic, and among them 9 pancreatic resections were performed (2 pancreaticoduodenectomy, 1 duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection, 1 central pancreatectomy, and 5 distal pancreatectomy). Four patients did not undergo a pancreatic resection: two refused surgery, one had an endoscopic biliary stent for jaundice placed and then underwent a surgical biliary bypass, and the fourth patient was too advanced and had only an endoscopic biliary stent. The mean follow-up was 56 months (range  5–115, median  53), with one nonresected patient lost in follow-up after 38 months. Among the other 12 patients, 4 died: two for progression of disease 5 and 20 months respectively after our observation. The mean (±SEM) disease-free survival of seven resected patients with curative intent was 40 ± 11 months (median  34).

Conclusions

Pancreatic metastases from RCC are often asymptomatic. They generally present slow growth and an indolent behavior. Surgery is the treatment of choice in those patients with only pancreatic involvement, achieving long-term survival and disease-free survival.     

Clinical influence of anastomotic stricture caused by pancreatogastrointestinalstomy following pancreatoduodenectomy

Background and purpose

Pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is not uncommon, but few reports describe a stricture after pancreatogastrointestinalstomy. We investigated the clinical influence of anastomotic stricture caused by pancreatogastrointestinalstomy after PD.

Methods

The subjects of this prospective cohort study were 132 patients who underwent PD or pylorus-preserving PD. We reviewed the relationships between pancreatic duct dilatation of the remnant pancreas and several risk factors. We also compared pancreatic duct dilatation with pancreatic atrophy and analyzed nutrient parameters in the first postoperative year.

Results

Patients with a preoperative pancreatic duct diameter less than 3 mm had a significantly dilated postoperative pancreatic duct diameter (p = 0.0001). The average atrophy rate of the remnant pancreas was 26.3 %, with the lowest atrophy rate (7.3 %) seen in patients without pre- or postoperative pancreatic duct dilation. A normal pancreas in which pancreatic duct dilatation developed postoperatively had a high atrophy rate (34.9 %). Moreover, only patients without pre- or postoperative pancreatic dilatation gained body weight (3.9 %).

Conclusion

This study shows a significant correlation between pancreatic atrophy rate and weight loss. Atrophy of the remnant pancreas caused by anastomotic stricture influences the exocrine function of patients after PD. The anastomotic method must be improved to prevent pancreatic duct dilatation and allow for early diagnosis and management of stenotic lesions.