Adrenocortical carcinoma: surgical progress or status quo?

HYPOTHESIS: Outcome of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) has improved with the advent of more widely available and higher quality imaging. Operative management strategies and use of adjuvant therapy have not changed. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patient histories, imaging studies, operative data, adjuvant therapy, and outcomes at a single institution. Follow-up was complete for a mean of 53 months. Data was compared with prior institutional experience. SETTING: Tertiary care referral center. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing operative management for ACC during the period from 1980 to 1996. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determinants of recurrence, survival, and the effect of adjuvant therapy on overall outcome. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (30 men, 28 women) with a mean age of 53 years underwent primary operative management for ACC. Functional tumors were identified in 27 patients (47%). Mean tumor size was 12.5 cm. Stage according to the TNM staging system (AJCC Cancer Staging Manual) at presentation was I (n = 0), II (n = 30), III (n = 7), and IV (n = 21). Surgical management included curative resection in 41 (71%), noncurative resection in 14 (24%), and open biopsy in 3 (5%). Perioperative mortality was 5%. Recurrence occurred in 30 patients (73%) with a median time to recurrence of 17 months. Five-year survival by the Kaplan-Meier method was 37%. Prognostic factors (P<.05) included functional status, stage, and chemotherapy in stage III/IV patients. When compared with our prior institutional experience (1960-1980), current patients were more likely to present with stages I to II (52% vs. 34%), have curative resections (71% vs. 50%), and have improved 5-year survival (37% vs. 16%). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Surgical resection remains the principal treatment for stage I to III disease. (2) Adjuvant therapy may improve survival in patients with stage III or IV disease. (3) Current patients were more likely to present at an earlier stage, undergo curative resections, and have improved 5-year survival than institutional historical comparisons.     

Colorectal cancer in the elderly: which surgical approach?

Single-operator case studies of 135 patients undergoing surgery for colon rectal carcinoma (CRC) between June 2004 and April 2008 in our Institute. Patients were divided into two groups (A: < 70 years old, n = 44, - = 27 U = 17, B: ≥ 70 years old, n = 91, - = 49 U = 42) and were compared clinical, pathological and surgical data. In particular, were analyzed age range and average age, ASA score, post-operative complications (major and minor), mortality at 30 days. Surgical procedure with radical intent (R0) was achieved in 41 (93%) and 76 (83%) patients respectively in group A and B; Given the more than double the number in group B than in group A is easy to imagine that for equal numbers in both groups might have observed an almost equal R0 resections in both groups; Despite the uneven number of groups A and B, it was noted that age is not a factor in determining the surgical therapeutic strategy in the CRC, as well as the clinical conditions of patients.     

Incidental gall bladder carcinoma: does the surgical approach influence the outcome?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome in patients with unsuspected gall bladder carcinoma diagnosed after cholecystectomy, comparing the laparoscopic approach with open surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was done of 16 patients who were diagnosed with unsuspected gall bladder carcinoma out of the 2850 who had undergone cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis at our institution between 1990 and 2004. Eight cases (seven women and one man, mean age 63 (range 49-75 years) ) were diagnosed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group A) and eight cases (six women and two men, mean age 63 (range 50-79 years) ) after open cholecystectomy (group B). We evaluated the outcome in the two groups correlating the cumulative survival rates with tumour stage and surgical technique. RESULTS: In group A, three patients had port-site recurrence (1 pT1a and 2 pT1b tumours) after 6, 7 and 9 months, one had intraperitoneal dissemination (pT2) after 3 months, and four had no recurrence (1 pTis, 2 pT1a and 1 pT1b). In group B, five patients had recurrences (4 pT1b and 1 pT2) after an average of 8 months (range 5-11) and three had no recurrence (1 pTis and 2 pT1a). Survival rate was statistically correlated with tumour stage but not with the surgical approach used to perform cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical approach used for cholecystectomy would seem not to influence the outcome in patients with unsuspected gall bladder carcinoma. The tumour stage is the most important prognostic factor.     

Rectal prolapse: which surgical option is appropriate?

Numerous surgical procedures have been suggested to treat rectal prolapse. In elderly and high-risk patients, perineal approaches such as Delorme’s procedure and perineal rectosigmoidectomy (Altemeier’s procedure) have been preferred, although the incidence of recurrence and the rate of persistent incontinence seem to be high when compared with transabdominal procedures. Functional results of transabdominal procedures, including mesh or suture rectopexy and resection–rectopexy, are thought to be associated with low recurrence rates and improved continence. Transabdominal procedures, however, usually imply rectal mobilization and fixation, colonic resection, or both, and some concern is voiced that morbidity, in terms of infection or leakage, and mortality could be increased. If we focus on surgical outcome, our own experience of laparoscopic resection–rectopexy for rectal prolapse shows that the laparoscopic approach is safe and effective, and functional results with respect to recurrence are favorable. However, the controversy “which operation is appropriate?” cannot be answered definitely, as a clear definition of rectal prolapse, the extent of a standardized diagnostic assessment, and the type of surgical procedure have not been identified in published series. Randomized trials are needed to improve the evidence with which the optimal surgical treatment of rectal prolapse can be defined.     

E‐learning vs lecture: which is the best approach to surgical teaching?

Aim Most medical teaching is still delivered by traditional face‐to‐face interaction. E‐learning has the potential benefit of instilling deeper learning of topics by virtue of repeated and convenient access to content presented in a range of media. We aimed to evaluate objectively the benefit of educating medical students on a common surgical topic (haemorrhoids), through a website and podcast package vs a traditional lecture. Method Baseline knowledge was established by a questionnaire given to two different groups of third‐year medical students starting their first clinical attachment. Group A (n = 73) was given a lecture and group B (n = 75) was asked to use a website containing text and pictures augmented by a podcast. Students were reassessed using the same preintervention questionnaire, and satisfaction was acquired from details given in a feedback form. Results There was no difference in knowledge between the two groups at baseline. Both groups demonstrated significant gains in knowledge after intervention (P < 0.0001). Group B (Web/podcast) showed a significantly greater increase in knowledge (P < 0.05) than group A (lecture). Preintervention subjective assessment of knowledge rated by the students showed no difference between the groups. Both groups of students were equally satisfied with the educational method. Conclusion E‐learning supplemented with a podcast results in greater knowledge acquisition when compared with a traditional lecture, without a loss of satisfaction with teaching. Using augmented Web‐based educational tools reduces demands on teaching time with no decrease in quality for selected parts of the curriculum.     

Is a surgical approach justified for octogenarians with pancreatic carcinoma? Projecting surgical decision making for octogenarian patients

Background

In recent years, more elderly patients have undergone surgery for pancreatic cancer, although the safety and efficacy of performing complex pancreatic resections in patients older than 80 years remain controversial.

Methods

Patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent curative surgical treatment were divided into 2 subgroups: the younger group (<80 years) and the octogenarian group (≥80 years).

Results

From March 2005 to December 2013, 194 consecutive surgically curable patients with diagnosed pancreatic cancer were studied, among which 34 (17.5%) were of 80 years or older. There were no significant differences in postoperative severe complication rates for younger and octogenarian groups (16% vs 20%, respectively) or perioperative mortality rates (1.3% vs .0%). The incidence of postoperative delirium in the octogenarian group was greater than that in the younger group (23.5% vs 3.8%).

Conclusions

Octogenarian pancreatic cancer patients should not be denied a priori the opportunity for surgery, particularly if the patient represents an ideal candidate and if the co-operation of the family can be obtained.     

Reconstruction of proctocolectomy: which is the best surgical procedure?

Total proctocolectomy is commonly performed in patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatosis coli. The standard surgical procedure for reconstruction is the ileal pouch anal anastomosis with rectal mucosal stripping (IPAA), which is radical treatment for the disease, or stapled ileal pouch anal anastomosis with preserved anal canal (stapled IPAA), which results in a lower incidence of soiling with a high possibility of one-stage surgery. Postoperative cancer surveillance colonoscopy is recommended in patients with stapled IPAA, and patients with IPAA have also at risk for cancer in the anastomotic site, although at very low incidence. Quality of life (QOL) studies (SF36, etc.) found good QOL after surgery in patients who underwent both procedures. Patients with permanent ileostomy for preoperative anal dysfunction also had good QOL. The surgical procedure for reconstruction should be determined based on surgical indications, preoperative anal function, and patient's request. For improved QOL in the future, pouch surgery should have a lower incidence of diverting ileostomy and result in fewer bowel movements and a lower incidence of soiling, with optimal management of pouchitis.     

Pericardial cysts in children: surgical or conservative approach?

The authors present a case of an 11-year-old boy with a history of mild asthma and cough who underwent radiographic examination of the chest. The radiograph showed a round, discrete mass in the right cardiophrenic angle. The patient underwent thoracoscopic excision, and histologic examination found a unilocular, pericardial cyst. The possible causes of mediastinal masses and an argument for their surgical removal is presented.     

Adrenocortical carcinoma – our experience with 11 cases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumour with an incidence of approximately 0.5-2 cases per million per year. Diagnosis is mostly delayed and prognosis is poor. We report our experiences with 11 patients operated on within the last 10 years. PATIENTS/METHODS: The data of the patients with ACC were reviewed and presenting symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment and results of follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: The group of patients consisted of eight women and three men with a mean age of 40.2 (15-57) years. Median follow-up was 16 (1-71) months. Six patients presented with Cushing's syndrome, two presented with virilism and hirsutism caused by androgen-producing tumours. Three patients had hormonally inactive tumours. At the time of diagnosis, five tumours were classified as stage II, two as stage III and four as stage IV. Four patients had tumours with intravascular extension, prompting recurrence in two cases. Eight adrenalectomies, one resection of local recurrence, one adrenalectomy with splenectomy and one adrenalectomy and resection of a liver metastasis were performed. Five patients received additional chemotherapy. Five of the 11 patients are still alive (three stage II, one stage III and one stage IV at the time of diagnosis), three of whom have no evidence of disease (14, 48 and 71 months after surgery). The other six patients died after a median postoperative period of 10 (1-21) months. CONCLUSIONS: Venography should be performed prior to surgery to detect or exclude thrombotic tumour masses in the suprarenal vein, renal vein or inferior vena cava. Radical surgery is the only curative approach and is recommended for all patients with resectable tumours, including those patients with recurrent disease. There is no consensus concerning adjuvant therapy. The value of multidisciplinary strategies needs to be assessed in multicentre trials.     

Appendectomy during early pregnancy: what is the preferred surgical approach?

Appendectomy is the most common nongynecologic surgery performed during pregnancy. Although many surgeons offer laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) as an alternative to open appendectomy (OA) during early pregnancy, few studies have compared the effects of LA versus OA on the fetus and the outcome of the pregnancy. Twenty-eight consecutive females undergoing appendectomy for presumed appendicitis in the first two trimesters of pregnancy between January 2000 and December 2002 were identified retrospectively. Demographic information, weeks of pregnancy at operation, and surgical approach (LA or OA) were recorded. Study outcomes included operative and pregnancy-related complications, length of hospitalization, final outcome of pregnancy, and infant birth weight. Seventeen LA and 11 OA were performed. There were no significant differences in surgical or obstetrical complications, length of hospitalization, or birth weight between the two groups. Two cases of postoperative fetal demise were noted in the LA group. Although not statistically significant, the two fetal losses in the laparoscopic group are concerning. The current study did not demonstrate any advantages to the laparoscopic approach. Pending further investigation, the open approach may be preferred for appendectomy in pregnant patients during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.     

Nasal dermoïd cyst with intracranial extension: which approach?

Dermoïd cyst is the most common midline congenital nasal tumor. Intracranial extension is rare but possible, must be suspected and confirmed by a cerebral magnetic resonance imagining (MRI). Only total surgical removal via a combined intracranial/extracranial approach appears to provide a complete resolution and effective protection against late recurrence. We report a case of a 2 years old patient who was operated for a nasal congenital cyst extending to the nasal septum. Anatomopathology showed a dermoïd cyst. Five years later, he presented local recurrence of the dermoïd cyst with intracranial extension through a bifid crista galli. We conclude that to avoid recurrence, the removal of the nasal cyst and sinus tract must be followed to its dural attachment. A transfacial approach can be associated with frontal craniotomy, which can provide adequate exposure for complete removal of the intracranial component of the cyst and sinus tract. A literature review was performed.     

Laparoscopic surgical treatment for patients with short- and long-segment Barrett's esophagus: which technique in which patient?

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is very successful in patients with short-segment Barrett's esophagus (BE), but in patients with long-segment BE, the results remain in discussion. In these patients, during the open era of surgery, we performed acid suppression + duodenal diversion procedures added to the antireflux procedure (fundoplication + vagotomy + antrectomy + Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy) to obtain better results at long-term follow-up. The aim of this prospective study is to present the results of 3 to 5 years' follow-up in patients with short-segment and long-segment or complicated BE (ulcer or stricture) who underwent fundoplication or the acid suppression-duodenal diversion technique, both performed by a laparoscopic approach. One hundred eight patients with histologically confirmed BE were included: 58 patients with short-segment BE, and 50 with long-segment BE, 28 of whom had complications associated with severe erosive esophagitis, ulcer, or stricture. After surgery, among patients treated with fundoplication with cardia calibration, endoscopic erosive esophagitis was observed in 6.9% of patients with short-segment BE, while 50% of patients with long-segment BE presented with positive acid reflux, persistence of endoscopic esophagitis with intestinal metaplasia, and progression to dysplasia (in 5% of cases; P = 0.000). On the contrary, after acid suppression-duodenal diversion surgery in patients with long-segment BE, more than 95.6% presented with successful results regarding recurrent symptoms and endoscopic regression of esophagitis. Regression of intestinal metaplasia to the cardiac mucosa was observed in 56.9% of patients with short-segment BE who underwent fundoplication and in 61% of those with long-segment BE treated with the acid suppression-duodenal diversion procedure. Patients with long-segment BE who experienced fundoplication alone presented no regression of intestinal metaplasia; on the contrary, progression to dysplasia was observed in 1 case (P = 0.049). Patients with short-segment BE can be successfully treated with fundoplication, but for patients with long-segment BE, we suggest performance of fundoplication plus an acid suppression-duodenal diversion procedure.