手助腹腔镜技术在胰体尾切除术中的应用

目的：探讨手助腹腔镜胰体尾切除术的安全性和有效性。方法：回顾分析2002年9月至2009年12月施行的10例手助腹腔镜胰体尾切除术与14例开腹胰体尾切除术的临床资料。结果：腹腔镜组手术切口[（4.8±0.8）cm]显著短于开腹组[（14.4±2.6）cm]（P〈0.001）,术中出血量[（116.0±64.8）m l]少于开腹组[（328.6±314.8）m l]（P=0.048）,术后恢复肛门排气时间[（2.8±0.6）d]显著短于开腹组[（3.9±0.7）d]（P=0.002）,术后恢复饮食时间[（3.7±0.7）d]显著短于开腹组[（4.7±0.8）d]（P=0.001）,术后住院时间[（9.5±4.2）d]显著短于开腹组[（12.7±2.7）d]（P=0.033）。而两组手术时间、术后并发症发生率差异无统计学意义。结论：手助腹腔镜胰体尾切除术患者创伤小,手术时间短,术后康复快,是治疗胰体尾肿瘤安全、可行的方法。     

Comparison of ultrasonically activated scalpel versus conventional division for the pancreas in distal pancreatectomy

Purpose: The goal of this study was to compare the benefits and complications of using an ultrasonically activated scalpel and conventional division of the pancreas in patients undergoing a distal pancreatectomy. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy at the Department of Surgery, Koshigaya Municipal Hospital. In the ultrasonically activated scalpel (US) group (n = 11), the pancreas was divided using coagulation shears. The stump of the pancreas was left open without parenchymal suturing. In the conventional surgical division (CV) group (n = 20), the pancreas was cut with a knife and the stump was oversewn with interrupted mattress sutures. The main pancreatic duct was ligated in all patients in both groups. The postoperative courses in the two groups were then compared in terms of postoperative serum amylase levels and the incidence of pancreatic fistulas. Results: The postoperative serum amylase levels were significantly lower in the US group than in the CV group (P < 0.01 on the day of operation). The incidence of pancreatic fistulas was also significantly lower in the US group (0%) than in the CV group (30%) (P = 0.04). Conclusions: The use of the ultrasonically activated scalpel was found to reduce the incidence of pancreatic fistula in distal pancreatectomy. Furthermore, the use of this device without any clamping or parenchymal suturing may reduce the damage to the remnant pancreas. Received: December 22, 2000 / Accepted: March 9, 2001     

A retrospective comparative study of robotic distal pancreatectomy with or without splenic vessel and spleen preservation

BackgroundRobotic distal pancreatectomy has been accepted to be safe and effective for pancreatic tail lesion. Whether spleen preservation by preserving the splenic vessels with robot assistance is feasible and beneficial remains controversial. Here we would like to compare the operative outcomes of robotic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy (DPS) with robotic spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy by means of splenic vessel preservation (SVP).MethodsBetween March 2011 and September 2019, 56 consecutive patients undergoing robotic distal pancreatectomy were identified, with 28 patients in each group. Patient demographics, histopathology findings and operative outcomes were prospectively collected and compared between the two groups. A subgroup analysis was made after excluding malignant and pancreatic lesions >6 cm in the DPS group.ResultsThe two groups had similar conversion rate, blood loss, morbidity and pancreatic fistula rate. There was no operative mortality. The SVP group had shorter median operative time (245 vs 303.5 min, P = 0.019) and shorter median hospital stay (5 vs 6 days, P = 0.019) than the DPS group. However, all malignant lesions occurred in the DPS group and lesion size in DPS group was significantly larger. After matching, there were 28 SVP and 15 DPS. The histopathology findings and lesion size became comparable. The SVP group still had shorter operative time (245 vs 290 min, P = 0.022) and shorter hospital stay (5 vs 7 days, P = 0.014) than the DPS group.ConclusionApart from avoiding risk of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis, robotic SVP had additional advantage of shorter operative time and shorter hospital stay than robotic DPS.     

A Central Pancreatectomy for Benign or Low-Grade Malignant Neoplasms

Inctroduction  A central pancreatectomy is a parenchyma-sparing procedure that is performed to reduce long-term endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. Method  In this study, we analyzed the perioperative course, the frequency of postoperative onset of diabetes mellitus, and long-term change of body weight in patients undergoing a central pancreatectomy, in comparison to the patients undergoing a distal pancreatectomy for low-grade neoplasms including cystic neoplasms and neuroendocrine tumors. Results and Discussion  The rate of postoperative complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula was no different between both groups. Only one patient undergoing a central pancreatectomy (4.7%) developed new onset of mild diabetes, whereas 35% in the distal pancreatectomy group developed new onset or worsening diabetes (p = 0.0129). The body weight in the distal pancreatectomy group was significant lower than that in the central pancreatectomy group at 1 and 2 years after surgery (1 year; P < 0.0001, 2 years; P = 0.0055), and the body weight in the patients undergoing a central pancreatectomy improved to preoperative values within 2 years after surgery. Conclusion  A central pancreatectomy is a safe procedure for the treatment of low-grade malignant neoplasms in the pancreatic body; the rate of onset of diabetes is minimal, and the body weight improves early in the postoperative course.     

Distal Pancreatectomy is Not Associated with Increased Perioperative Morbidity when Performed as Part of a Multivisceral Resection

Purpose  To evaluate the indications for and the outcomes from distal pancreatectomy. Methods  Retrospective chart review of 171 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital between January 1996 and August 2005. Results  Nearly one-third of distal pancreatectomies were performed as part of an en bloc resection for a contiguous or metastatic tumor. Fifty-six percent of the patients underwent a standard distal pancreatectomy +/− splenectomy (group 1), whereas 44% of distal pancreatic resections included additional organs or contiguous intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal tumor (group 2). The overall post-operative complication rate was 37%; the most common complication was pancreatic duct leak (23%). When compared to patients undergoing standard distal pancreatectomy, those with a more extensive resection including multiple viscera and/or metastatic or contiguous tumor resection had no significant difference in overall complication rate (35% v. 39%, p = 0.75), leak rate (25% v. 20%, p = 0.47), new-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (3% v. 4%, p = 1.0), and mortality (2% v. 4%, p = 0.656). Conclusion  This series includes a large number of patients in whom distal pancreatectomy was performed as part of a multivisceral resection or with en bloc resection of contiguous tumor. Complications were no different in these patients when compared to patients undergoing straightforward distal pancreatectomy. Poster presentation: DDW/SSAT Poster Session: Clinical/Pancreas—May 22, 2006 Los Angeles, CA.     

Short and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive central pancreatectomy: Comparison with minimally invasive spleen-preserving subtotal distal pancreatectomy

BackgroundCentral pancreatectomy(CP) is more complex surgery and higher complication rate than distal pancreatectomy(DP). However, with the development of minimally invasive surgery, CP has become a safer surgery technique. In this study, we compare minimally invasive CP(MI-CP) and Minimally invasive spleen-preserving subtotal DP(MI-SpSTDP) to figure out the short-term and long-term outcomes of MI-CP.MethodsFrom March 2007 to June 2020, 36 cases of MI-SpSTDP and 23 cases of MI-CP were performed for benign and borderline malignant pancreatic tumors in Severance hospital. The occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF) and Clavian-Dindo classification grade 3 or more in the two group was investigated, and the Controlling nutritional status scores(CONUT score) before and 1-year after surgery were compared to determine the long-term outcomes of exocrine function.ResultsThere was no difference in postoperative complications including POPF between the two groups(17.4% vs 5.1%, p = 0.294). And there were no statistical differences in either the MI-CP group (0.74 ± 0.75 vs. 0.78 ± 0.99, p = 0.803) or the MI-SpSTDP group (0.86 ± 0.83 to 0.61 ± 0.59, p = 0.071).ConclusionsMI-CP had longer operation time and hospital stay and is safe and effective in preserving endocrine and exocrine functions in treatment of benign or borderline tumors located at the neck or proximal body of the pancreas.     

DISTAL PANCREATECTOMY: IS STAPLE CLOSURE BENEFICIAL?

Background: Appropriate closure of the pancreatic remnant after distal pancreatectomy remains controversial. Data on distal pancreatectomy were reviewed to evaluate the effectiveness of staple closure compared with suture closure. Methods: Thirty‐three patients underwent distal pancreatectomy between January 1994 and December 2001. They were subdivided according to the method of closure of the distal pancreatic stump: the staple group comprised 10 patients and the suture group comprised 23 patients. Charts were reviewed for the method of closure of the distal stump as well as for the serum and urinary amylase level, mortality and morbidity. Results: In the staple group, no patient developed a pancreatic fistula, whereas in the suture group, eight patients (33.3%) developed a pancreatic fistula (P = 0.0353). The serum amylase level (mean ± SD) on the first postoperative day was 185 ± 71 IU/L in the staple group and 499 ± 461 IU/L in the suture group (P = 0.0413). Conclusion: Staple closure by means of a Powered Multifire Endo GIA 60 is a simple, quick and safe alternative to the standard suture closure technique, as it reduces the incidence of pancreatic fistula.     

Laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy in pancreatic tumours: a case–control study

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has become an increasingly used procedure in the surgical treatment of benign or borderline cystic and endocrine tumours. The feasibility and safety of this technique is well known but its results when compared with open distal pancreatectomy were rarely reported in literature. Data from 22 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy were recorded in a prospective database from January 2006 to January 2010. These patients were matched with 22 patients who underwent open distal pancreatectomy from January 2000 to December 2005, regarding age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, pancreatic pathology. Intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcome were compared between the two groups. Blood loss, amount of analgesic drugs administered, postoperative mortality and morbidity and pancreatic fistula rate were similar in laparoscopic and open groups. Tumour size was significantly smaller in laparoscopic group (2.0 ± 3.3 vs. 5.0 ± 4.2 cm; P = 0.038). Operative time was significantly shorter in open group (145 ± 49 vs. 225 ± 83 min, P = 0.045). Time to adequate oral intake and length of postoperative hospital stay were significantly better in laparoscopic group than in open group (3.0 ± 0.8 vs. 4.0 ± 0.7 days; P = 0.030 and 8.0 ± 1.3 vs. 11.0 ± 3.0 days; P = 0.011, respectively). Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is a feasible and safe surgical approach as well as open distal pancreatectomy.     

Distal Pancreatectomy: Incidence of Postoperative Diabetes

Introduction  Distal pancreatectomy is an accepted and safe procedure for lesions of the body and tail of the pancreas. Limited resections, including central pancreatectomy, have recently been advocated as possible strategies to preserve pancreatic endocrine function. The true rate of diabetes after distal pancreatectomy is not known, but we hypothesize that the risk is nominal. Materials and Methods  We reviewed 125 consecutive patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy between January 1, 1992, and March 31, 2006. Results  Of these 125 patients, 27 (21.6%) had an islet cell tumor, 25 (20%) adenocarcinoma, 24 (18.4%) serous cystic neoplasm, 19 (15.2%) mucinous cystic neoplasm, 11 (8.8%) chronic pancreatitis, and eight (6.4%) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. In addition to the distal pancreatectomy, 105 (84%) of the patients underwent splenectomy and 12 (9.6%) a concomitant liver resection. The median operative time was 232 min and median blood loss 250 cc. Postoperative complications occurred in 44 (35.2%) patients (12% fistula), and there was one death. Fourteen patients had known type 2 diabetes preoperatively. Discussions  With a median follow-up of 21 months, 10 (9%) of previously nondiabetic patients developed new onset diabetes. There was a trend toward increased risk of new onset diabetes among patients with pancreatitis (odds ratio, 2.9). In the absence of pancreatitis, the rate was 7.5%. Length of hospitalization was greater for patients with new onset diabetes (9.4 vs 7.5, P < .05). Neither demographics, diagnosis, nor operative statistics impacted the risk of postoperative diabetes. Conclusion  We conclude that the rate of clinically apparent new onset diabetes after distal pancreatectomy is minimal. Alternative pancreatic resections aimed at preserving pancreatic mass are likely to be unwarranted.     

Early technical pancreas failure in Simultaneous Pancreas–Kidney Recipients does not impact renal allograft outcomes

Early pancreas loss in simultaneous pancreas–kidney (SPK) transplants has been associated with longer perioperative recovery and reduced kidney allograft function. We assessed the impact of early pancreas allograft failure on transplant outcomes in a contemporary cohort of SPK patients (n = 218). Early pancreas allograft loss occurred in 12.8% (n = 28) of recipients. Delayed graft function (DGF) was more common (21.4% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.03) in the early pancreas loss group, but there were no differences in hospital length of stay (median 6.5 vs. 7.0, p = 0.22), surgical wound complications (p = 0.12), or rejection episodes occurring in the first year (p = 0.87). Despite differences in DGF, both groups had excellent renal function at 1 year post‐transplant (eGFR 64.1 ± 20.8 vs. 65.8 ± 22.9, p = 0.75). There were no differences in patient (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.18–1.87, p = 0.26) or kidney allograft survival (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.23–3.06, p = 0.77). One‐ and 2‐year protocol kidney biopsies were comparable between the groups and showed minimal chronic changes; the early pancreas loss group showed more cv changes at 2 years (p = 0.04). Current data demonstrate good outcomes and excellent kidney allograft function following early pancreas loss.     

Developing an Institutional Protocol Guideline for Laparoscopy-Assisted Distal Gastrectomy

Background  The technical difficulty of lymph node dissection in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) remains a barrier for extending the indication for this modality and limits its widespread clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate our institutional guidelines for LADG, limiting the indications for this modality to only clinical stage T1N0 or T1N1 gastric cancer. Methods  From January 2002 to October 2006, a total of 294 cases of LADG and 664 cases of open distal gastrectomy (ODG) for clinical T1N0 or T1N1 gastric cancer were performed at the National Cancer Center, Korea. The two groups’ clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical outcome, morbidity, and survival were compared. Results  The mean operating time for the LADG group was significantly longer than that for the ODG group (265.8 ± 56.3 vs. 171.4 ± 43.1 minutes, P < .001). The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes in the LADG group was higher than that of the ODG group (39.5 ± 14.7 vs. 37.2 ± 12.9, P = .017). The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the LADG group (8.0 ± 3.3 vs. 10.5 ± 4.1 days, P < .001). The complications rate was lower for the LADG group than that for the ODG group (6.8% vs. 11.3%, P = .032). The overall survival rate was not significantly different between the two groups (P = .880). Conclusions  Before considering expanding the indications for LADG, developing a carefully thought-out guideline and conducting an audit are mandatory.     

Pancreatico‐jejunostomy decreases post‐operative pancreatic fistula incidence and severity after central pancreatectomy

Backgrounds

Central pancreatectomy (CP) is an alternative to pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy in benign tumours of pancreatic isthmus management. It is known for a high post‐operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rate. The purpose of this study was to compare POPF incidence between pancreatico‐jejunostomy (PJ) and pancreatico‐gastrostomy (PG).

Methods

Fifty‐eight patients (mean age 53.9 ± 1.9 years) who underwent a CP in four French University Hospitals from 1988 to 2011 were analysed. The distal pancreatic remnant was either anastomosed to the stomach (44.8%, n = 25) or to a Roux‐en‐Y jejunal loop (55.2%, n = 35) with routine external drainage allowing a systematic search for POPF. POPF severity was classified according to the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) and Clavien‐Dindo classifications.

Results

The groups were similar on sex ratio, mean age, ASA score, pancreas texture, operative time and operative blood loss. Mean follow‐up was 36.2 ± 3.9 months. POPF were significantly more frequent after PG (76.9 versus 37.5%, P = 0.003). PG was associated with significantly higher grade of POPF both when graded with ISGPF classification (P = 0.012) and Clavien‐Dindo classification (P = 0.044). There was no significant difference in post‐operative bleeding (0.918) and delayed gastric emptying (0.877) between the two groups. Hospital length of stay was increased after PG (23.6 ± 3.5 days versus 16.5 ± 1.9 days, P = 0.071). There was no significant difference in incidence of long‐term exocrine (3.8 versus 19.2%, P = 0.134) and endocrine (7.7 versus 9.4%, P = 0.575) pancreatic insufficiencies.

Conclusion

PG was associated with a significantly higher POPF incidence and severity in CP. We recommend performing PJ especially in older patients to improve CP outcomes.     

Prolonged peri-firing compression with a linear stapler prevents pancreatic fistula in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Background  

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (Lap-DP) is one of the most accepted laparoscopic procedures in the field of pancreatic surgery. However, pancreatic fistula remains a major and frequent complication in Lap-DP, as in open surgery. The aim of this retrospective study is to clarify the advantages of prolonged peri-firing compression (PFC) with a linear stapler for prevention of pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.     

Is extended resection for adenocarcinoma of the body or tail of the pancreas justified?

Patients with body or tail tumors of the pancreas often have contiguous organ involvement or portalsplenic confluence adherence requiring extensive resection in order to obtain grossly negative margins. The aim of this study was to determine whether long-term survival is possible after contiguous organ or portal vein resection in patients with adenocarcinoma of the body or tail of the pancreas. Between 1983 and 2000, a total of 513 patients with adenocarcinoma of the body or tail of the pancreas were identified from a prospective database. Distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy was performed in 57 patients (11%). Extended resection was necessary in 22 patients (39%): 14 (64%) for contiguous organ involvement and eight (36%) for portal vein resection Estimated blood loss, blood transfused, and length of hospital stay were significantly greater in patients requiring extended resection compared to standard resection (P = 0.02, P = 0.01, and P = 0.02, respectively). Median follow-up for patients still alive was 84 months (range 40 to 189 months). Median survival following resection was 15.9 months compared to 5.8 months in patients who were not resected (P < 0.0001). Actual 5- and 10-year survival rates were 22% and 18%, respectively, following extended resection, 8% and 8% following standard resection, and 0% and 0% if no resection was attempted because of locally unresectable disease. Patients undergoing extended resection for adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic body or tail have long-term survival rates similar to those for patients undergoing standard resection; they also have markedly improved long-term survival compared to those who are not considered resectable because of locally advanced disease. Extended distal pancreatectomy is justified in this group of patients. Presented at the Forty-Fourth Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Orlando, Florida, May 17–22, 2003. Supported by a grant from the Stern Foundation.     

Primary Cooperative Application of a LARS® Tube and 3D-Printed Prosthesis for Reconstruction of the Distal Radius after en bloc Resection of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: A Comparative Retrospective Study

Objective

Using a fibula autograft (FA) to reconstruct defects after en bloc resection of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in the distal radius is classic but has high complication rates. We describe a novel reconstruction method employing the cooperative application of LARS® and a 3D-printed prosthesis (L-P) and investigate whether it improves postoperative outcomes.

Methods

From April 2015 to August 2022, 14 patients who underwent the cooperative L-P reconstruction method after en bloc resection of distal radial GCTBs and 31 patients who received FA reconstruction were enrolled as two retrospective cohorts in this comparative study. The properties of the implants and critical surgical techniques were elaborated in the L-P group. Preoperative function, intraoperative data, and postoperative clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes of all patients were recorded and compared between the two groups. The grip strength and range of wrist motion, including extension, flexion, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation, were measured. The Mayo modified wrist and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores were chosen to assess wrist function and surgical functional outcomes, respectively. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated to analyze the significant differences in complication rates and implant survival between the two groups.

Results

In both groups, all 45 patients underwent the operation without complication with similar average osteotomy lengths and bleeding volumes, while a shorter operative duration was achieved in the L-P group (201.43 ± 22.87 min vs. 230.16 ± 51.44 min, P = 0.015). At a mean follow-up of 40.42 ± 18.43 months (range, 14–72 months), both reconstruction methods effectively ameliorated postoperative function. Patients who received L-P showed higher postoperative modified Mayo wrist scores (81.43 ± 5.49 vs. 71.13 ± 16.10, P = 0.003), Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores (27.64 ± 1.34 vs. 25.06 ± 2.95, P = 0.004), and grip strength on the normal side (68.71% ± 8.00% vs. 57.81% ± 12.31%, P = 0.005) than the FA group. Better wrist extension (63.21° ± 8.99° vs. 45.32° ± 14.53°, P < 0.001) and flexion (45.36° ± 7.90° vs. 30.48° ± 12.07°, P < 0.001) were also observed in the L-P group. The complication rate was significantly higher in the FA group (29/31, 93.55%) than in the L-P group (1/14 7.14%, P < 0.001). The L-P group showed higher implant survival than the FA group, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The cooperative application of LARS® and 3D-printed prostheses is an effective modality for reconstructing musculoskeletal defects after en bloc resection of distal radial GCTBs, which can improve functional outcomes, diminish complication rates, and promote wrist joint stability and motion.     

Case-control comparison of laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is becoming an increasingly used modality in the surgical treatment of pancreatic disease. The assumption is that this will lead to shorter hospitalization and faster recovery. However, actual comparative data between open and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy is lacking. The purpose of this study is to compare these surgical procedures. All patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open distal pancreatectomy/splenectomy were reviewed. Fifteen patients underwent laparoscopic resection, whereas 41 underwent an open resection. The 15 laparoscopic patients were matched to 15 open patients for age, gender, and pancreatic pathology. Data gathered included length of stay, pancreatic leak, postoperative complications, and return to normal activity. Of the 15 laparoscopic patients, three were converted to open operations. Laparoscopic patients had a median length of stay of 5 days (range, 3–9) compared with 8 days (range, 6–23) for the open patients (P = 0.02). The pancreatic leak rate was 13% in each group. Overall postoperative complication rate was 20% in the laparoscopic group compared with 27% in the open group. Laparoscopic patients reported a return to normal activity in 3 weeks (range, 2–7) compared with 6 weeks (range, 4–10) for open patients (P =0.03). Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy/splenectomy does lead to shorter hospital stay and faster return to normal activity. Pancreatic leak rate and overall complication rate appear similar. Presented at the 2005 American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Congress, Hollywood, Florida, April 14–17, 2005 (poster presentation).     

Comparison of usefulness of the wall thickness of the left anterior descending coronary artery, determined by transthoracic echocardiography, and carotid intima-media thickness in predicting multivessel coronary artery disease

Background  Wall thickness in the distal part of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) can be measured by using two-dimensional high-resolution transthoracic echocardiography (2DHTTE). The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of measuring carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and distal LAD wall thickness for prediction of multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD). Methods  We measured wall thickness in the distal LAD using 2DHTTE and carotid IMT using B-mode ultrasound in 100 patients who subsequently underwent coronary angiography (CAG). Patients were classified into three groups based on the results of CAG—no significant stenosis (group N), single-vessel disease (group S), or multivessel disease (group M). Results  Successful measurements of LAD wall thickness were accomplished in 96 patients. Distal LAD wall thickness was significantly greater in group M (0.92 ± 0.20 mm) than in group N (0.72 ± 0.11 mm, P < 0.01) and group S (0.76 ± 0.19 mm, P < 0.01). Carotid IMT was significantly greater in group M (0.90 ± 0.24 mm) than in group N (0.75 ± 0.21 mm, P < 0.05) and group S (0.80 ± 0.17 mm, P < 0.05). Distal LAD wall thickness >0.8 mm had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 67% in predicting MVD, whereas carotid IMT >0.8 mm was 63% sensitive and 67% specific in the prediction of MVD. There was a weak but significant correlation between distal LAD wall thickness and IMT (r = 0.31, P < 0.01). Conclusions  Non-invasive measurement of distal LAD wall thickness by 2DHTTE is feasible, and has equivalent diagnostic accuracy to IMT measurements for predicting MVD.     

Combination of pancreas volume and HbA1c level predicts islet yield in patients undergoing total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation

Islet yield is an important predictor of acceptable glucose control after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT). We assessed if pancreas volume calculated with preoperative MRI could assess islet yield and postoperative outcomes. We reviewed dynamic MRI studies from 154 adult TP-IAT patients (2009-2016), and associations between calculated volumes and digest islet equivalents (IEQs) were tested. In multivariate regression analysis, pancreas volume (P < .001) and preoperative HbA1c levels (P = .009) were independently associated with digest IEQs. The IEQ prediction formula was calculated according to each preoperative HbA1c level, (a) pancreas volume × 5800 for HbA1c ≥ 6.5, (b) pancreas volume × 10 000 for HbA1c ≥5.7/<6.5 and (iii) pancreas volume × 11 400 for HbA1c < 5.7. The formula was internally validated with 28 TP-IAT patients between 2017 and 2018 (r² = .657 and r² = .710 when restricted to 24 patients without prior pancreatectomy). An estimated IEQs/Body Weight (kg) ≥3700 predicted HbA1c ≤6.5 and insulin independence at 1 year after TP-IAT with 77% and 88% sensitivity and 55% and 43% specificity, respectively. The combination of pancreas volume and preoperative HbA1c levels may be useful to estimate islet yield. Estimated IEQs were reasonably sensitive to predict acceptable glucose control at 1 year.     

A simple and safe pancreas transection using a stapling device for a distal pancreatectomy

Pancreatic fistula is the most common major complication to occur after distal pancreatectomy, ranging in frequency from 5% to 40%. The appropriate technique for treating the pancreatic stump still remains controversial. Thirty-six patients underwent distal pancreatectomy in Kagawa University Hospital between January 2000 and February 2007. Their hospital records were reviewed to evaluate the usefulness of a stapling closure using several types of staplers in comparison to a suture closure. They were subdivided according to the method used to close the pancreas stump: the suture group comprised 11 patients, the staple group comprised 24 patients, including 7 patients for whom was used the new endopath stapler Echelon 60 (Ethicon Endo-surgery; Johnson & Johnson, Cincinnati, OH, USA). Overall pancreatic fistula rate was 17% (6/36) in this series. In the staple group, 3 of the 24 patients (12%) developed a pancreatic fistula, whereas in the suture group, 3 of 11 patients (27%) developed a pancreatic fistula. Of the 7 patients for whom the Echelon 60 was used, none developed a pancreatic fistula. The length of postoperative hospital stay was also significantly shorter for the patients with the Echelon 60 than in the patients either with sutures or another stapling device. These findings support the advantages of using a stapler closure in distal pancreatectomy. This method, using a new stapler device, is considered to be a simple and safe alternative to the standard suture closure technique.