Survival impact of distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic body carcinoma

BackgroundThe survival benefit associated with distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) for patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic body carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of DP-CAR following neoadjuvant chemotherapy on survival in patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic body carcinoma.MethodsMedical records of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent distal pancreatectomy (DP, n = 102) and DP-CAR following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 32) between 2008 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsAll patients who underwent DP-CAR had tumor contact with the celiac axis. Of these, 30 patients underwent preoperative embolization of the common hepatic artery. The pretreatment tumor size of patients who underwent DP-CAR was larger (P < 0.001), and rates of blood transfusion (P = 0.003) and postoperative complications (P = 0.016) were higher in patients who underwent DP-CAR compared with patients who underwent DP. The 5-year survival rate of patients who underwent DP and DP-CAR were 50.6% and 41.1%, respectively (median survival time, 65.9 vs 37.0 months). For all 134 patients, pretreatment serum CA19-9 levels (P < 0.001), adjuvant chemotherapy (P < 0.001), and lymph node status (P = 0.035) were independent prognostic factors of overall survival by multivariate analysis.ConclusionsDP-CAR following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic body carcinoma may bring the same survival impact as DP, despite increased morbidity.     

Distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac resection for locally advanced pancreas carcinoma

In locally advanced pancreatic body cancers, cancer infiltrates major vessels such as the celiac axis, common hepatic artery and superior mesenteric artery or vein, which is the borderline of resectability. Patients also suffer severe abdominal pain. Kondo and Hirano et al. developed a radical operation called "distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac resection (DP-CAR)" for such cases. We applied this procedure three times in two patients with pancreatic body carcinomas, in which combined vascular resection was necessary. Radical operation was eventually achieved.     

A successful case of locally advanced pancreatic cancer undergoing curative distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection after combination chemotherapy of nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine

Pancreatic cancer patients have a poor prognosis because of a low rate of resection that results from distant metastases or local advancement. We report a successful case of unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer in a patient who was curatively resected after combination therapy with nab-paclitaxel (nab-PTX) and gemcitabine (GEM). A 61-year-old man was referred for treatment of a 45-mm pancreatic tail tumor involving the celiac axis, common hepatic artery, and splenic artery that appeared as an abnormal soft-density mass on imaging. This patient’s tumor was defined as unresectable due to local advancement, and, therefore, the powerful combined chemotherapy regimen of nab-PTX with GEM was initiated to allow for possible resection later. After three cycles of chemotherapy, a CT scan revealed that the soft-density mass around the celiac axis and common hepatic artery had dramatically disappeared, and the tumor was then determined to be a resectable lesion. Thus, distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection was performed and curability was achieved. There has been no tumor recurrence or distant metastasis at more than 12 months after surgery, and the patient remains alive at 17 months after initial chemotherapy.     

Important technical remarks on distal pancreatectomy with en-bloc celiac axis resection for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer (with video)

Background

We have already reported the feasibility, safety, and excellent long-term results of distal pancreatectomy with en-bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer. An international standard for the surgical technique of DP-CAR has yet to be established.

Methods

DP-CAR was carefully performed in 42 patients in Hokkaido University Hospital from 1998 to July 2007. Arterial blood flow alteration and collateral flow development toward the liver and stomach was obtained following preoperative routine transcatheter arterial embolization of the common hepatic artery. The right-sided approach to the superior mesenteric artery and celiac artery, and the preservation of the inferior pancreatoduodenal artery during the dissection of the plexus around the pancreatic head, are the key techniques in DP-CAR.

Results

The operative morbidity and mortality were 43 and 4.8%, respectively. R0 resection could be done in 39 (93%) patients. Median operation time and intraoperative blood loss were 478?min and 1030?ml, respectively. Ischemic gastropathy was complicated in 5 (12%) patients, but liver abscess was found in only one patient and no liver failure was encountered.

Conclusions

We emphasize again the feasibility and safety of DP-CAR; it should be a treatment of choice for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer.     

Two successful curative operations using stomach-preserving distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic body cancer

Large vessel invasion is a serious factor determining whether an operation for pancreatic body cancer is feasible. The Appleby operation is a radical operation for the treatment of pancreatic body cancer that has infiltrated the celiac axis. Since this procedure includes a total gastrectomy, the operation is associated with a high morbidity, mortality, and deteriorating postoperative quality of life (QOL). We experienced two cases in which radical operations consisting of a stomach-preserving distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of the celiac, common hepatic, and left gastric artery were performed. The use of adjuvant chemotherapy in these cases led to a good postoperative QOL.     

Total pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection for a pancreatic adenocarcinoma involving both the gastroduodenal artery and the celiac artery

A pancreatic adenocarcinoma involving both the celiac artery and the gastroduodenal artery is often considered to be unresectable because the simultaneous division of both arteries may result in an acute severe ischemia of the liver and the stomach. We report here a case of total pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection for a 61-year-old female with a pancreatic adenocarcinoma involving both the celiac artery and the gastroduodenal artery. The patient had a replaced right hepatic artery from the superior mesenteric artery and a replaced left hepatic artery from the left gastric artery, which was directly arising from the aorta. Preserving these collateral arteries, neither hepatic artery reconstruction nor total gastrectomy was needed after resection. The reported incidence of similar arterial anatomy was only 0.2% but the precise evaluation of arterial anatomy is important to offer a chance of curative resection for patients with usually unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.     

Tips and tricks of the surgical technique for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: mesenteric approach and modified distal pancreatectomy with en‐bloc celiac axis resection

Borderline resectable (BR) pancreatic cancer involves the portal vein and/or superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV), major arteries including the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or common hepatic artery (CHA), and sometimes includes the involvement of the celiac axis. We herein describe tips and tricks for a surgical technique with video assistance, which may increase the R0 rates and decrease the mortality and morbidity for BR pancreatic cancer patients. First, we describe the techniques used for the “artery‐first” approach for BR pancreatic cancer with involvement of the PV/SMV and/or SMA. Next, we describe the techniques used for distal pancreatectomy with en‐bloc celiac axis resection (DP‐CAR) and tips for decreasing the delayed gastric emptying (DGE) rates for advanced pancreatic body cancer. The mesenteric approach, followed by the dissection of posterior tissues of the SMV and SMA, is a feasible procedure to obtain R0 rates and decrease the mortality and morbidity, and the combination of this aggressive procedure and adjuvant chemo(radiation) therapy may improve the survival of BR pancreatic cancer patients. The DP‐CAR procedure may increase the R0 rates for pancreatic cancer patients with involvement within 10 mm from the root of the splenic artery, as well as the CHA or celiac axis, and preserving the left gastric artery may lead to a decrease in the DGE rates in cases where there is more than 10 mm between the tumor edge and the root of the left gastric artery. The development of safer surgical procedures is necessary to improve the survival of BR pancreatic cancer patients.     

Outcomes of pancreatectomy with portomesenteric venous resection and reconstruction for locally advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

BackgroundWhile pancreatectomy with portomesenteric venous resection and reconstruction is commonly performed for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, little is known regarding outcomes for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs).MethodsPatients who underwent non-parenchyma-sparing pancreatectomy for panNENs at Mayo Clinic from 2000 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matching was performed and patient characteristics and outcomes compared.ResultsOf 867 eligible patients, 41 (4.7%) required vascular resection, including 38 patients who underwent portomesenteric venous resection only. Of these, 23 underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy and 15 distal pancreatectomy. Patients who required portomesenteric venous resection had larger tumors, higher tumor grade, and higher disease stage. After propensity score matching to patients undergoing standard resection, the portomesenteric venous resection group had longer operative times, greater blood loss, and higher transfusion rates. While portomesenteric venous thrombosis was more common after venous resection, major complication rates and perioperative mortality were similar between the two groups, as were 5-year overall and progression-free survival.ConclusionFor patients with locally advanced panNENs, pancreatectomy with portomesenteric venous resection and reconstruction can be performed in selected patients at high-volume centers with acceptable perioperative morbidity and short- and long-term survival.     

En bloc urinary bladder resection for locally advanced colorectal cancer: a 17-year experience

Background and objectives  

En bloc bladder resection is often required for treating colorectal cancer with suspected urinary bladder invasion. Our aim was to review our institutional experience in en bloc resection of locally advanced colorectal cancer involving the urinary bladder over a period of 17 years.     

A pooled analysis of en bloc right hemicolectomy with pancreaticoduodenectomy for locally advanced right-sided colon cancer

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of en bloc right hemicolectomy with pancreaticoduodenectomy (RHCPD) for locally advanced right-sided colon cancer (LARCC).

Method

A pooled data analysis was performed on individual patients identified from the literature and the authors’ institutions. The short- and long-term outcomes were assessed.

Results

Recruited in this study were 81 LARCC patients undergoing RHCPD, including 75 patients reported in the literature and 6 patients from our own institutions. R0 resection was achieved in 97.5% cases. Morbidity and the 30-day mortality rate were 53.8 and 3.7%, respectively. The median survival duration was 70.4 months, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 77.8, 64.6, and 55.2%, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified only lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio 3.474, 95% confidence interval 1.323–9.120; P?=?0.011) as independent predictors of poor survival.

Conclusion

En bloc RHCPD for LARCC can be performed safely with a high proportion of R0 resection and a good postoperative survival outcome.

     

Preoperative embolization of the common hepatic artery in preparation for radical pancreatectomy for pancreas body cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess preliminary results of preoperative embolization of the common hepatic artery in preparation for distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of the celiac and common hepatic arteries for carcinoma of the body of the pancreas involving these arteries. METHODOLOGY: Four patients underwent the embolization with coils 1-7 (median: 5) days before surgery. A detachable coil was used to obtain the best position of the first coil as an anchor in 3 patients. RESULTS: Immediately after embolization, collateral pathways developed from the superior mesenteric artery via the pancreatoduodenal arcades to the proper hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries in all 4 patients; however, they were relatively poor in one patient. There were no complications after embolization. The pulsation of the proper hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries was well palpable during surgery, although it had been compromised sometimes in previous cases without embolization. There were no ischemia-related complications in the 2 patients who underwent radical surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative embolization of the common hepatic artery is a safe technique and has the potential to enlarge the collateral pathways by the time of distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of the celiac artery and prevent postoperative fatal ischemia-related complications.     

Middle colic artery-gastroepiploic artery bypass for compromised collateral flow in distal pancreatectomy with celiac artery resection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radical distal pancreatectomy with en-bloc resection of the common hepatic, celiac, and left gastric arteries for pancreatic body cancer that involves these arteries does not routinely require arterial reconstruction because the collateral pathways via the pancreatoduodenal arcades from the superior mesenteric artery are recruited immediately. However, accidental injury to the pancreatoduodenal artery compromises collateral blood flow and may lead to fatal complications. This article describes the middle colic artery-gastroepiploic artery bypass as an emergent salvage procedure for restoring collateral flow. METHODOLOGY: The inferior pancreatoduodenal artery was accidentally injured in 2 of 9 patients who underwent the radical procedure between 1997 and 2001. Microvascular anastomosis between the left branch of the middle colic artery and the gastroepiploic artery in an end-to-side fashion was employed. RESULTS: The pulsation of the gastroepiploic artery and the color of the stomach recovered immediately after completion of the middle colic artery-gastroepiploic artery bypass. No ischemia-related complication developed postoperatively. Postoperative angiography showed the middle colic artery-gastroepiploic artery bypass supplying arterial flow to the liver, stomach, duodenum, and pancreas. CONCLUSIONS: The middle colic artery-gastroepiploic artery bypass is an excellent alternative restoring compromised collateral flow via the pancreatoduodenal arcades when microsurgical technique is available.