Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with regional lymphadenectomy through retroperitoneal-first laparoscopic approach (Retlap) for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer

BackgroundLaparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is widely performed [1,2]. However, LDP with regional lymphadenectomy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is technically demanding [3]. We previously reported a new strategy named “retroperitoneal-first laparoscopic approach (Retlap)” for distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection [4]. In this study, Retlap is applied during LDP with regional lymphadenectomy (see Fig. 1).MethodsThis video demonstrates the case of a 70-year-old woman with a 100 × 40-mm LAPC. Preoperative computed tomography revealed a large tumor near the root of the celiac axis and acute pancreatitis in the pancreatic head. An ample dorsal margin should be secured and regional lymphadenectomy performed because of the large tumor. In Retlap, the celiac axis was exposed using the retroperitoneal approach from the dorsal side of the pancreatic body, and then the left adrenal grand and left celiac ganglion were removed. Without interfering with the tumor, the root of the splenic artery was identified, facilitating easy performance of lymphadenectomy around the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery in Retlap. After dividing the splenic artery, the procedure was converted to laparoscopic approach and resection was completed.ResultsThe operative time and estimated blood loss were 487 min and 45 mL, respectively. Pathological examination confirmed a negative surgical margin, and R0 resection was achieved with uneventful postoperative course.ConclusionRetlap was technically feasible and useful for achieving adequate and secure surgical margin and regional lymphadenectomy. Retlap can help secure the operative field of view in difficult cases of LAPC.     

Wrapping double-mattress anastomosis for pancreaticojejunostomy in minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy can significantly reduce postoperative pancreatic fistula rate compared with conventional pancreaticojejunostomy in open surgery: An analysis of a propensity score-matched sample

BackgroundMinimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD), including laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD), is technically demanding because of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ). Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most serious complication of MIPD and open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). Contrary to expectations, conventional PJ in MIPD did not improve POPF rate and length of hospital stay. High POPF rates are attributed to technical issues encountered during MIPD, which include motion restriction and insufficient water tightness. Therefore, we developed wrapping double-mattress anastomosis, the Kiguchi method, which is a novel PJ technique that can improve MIPD. Herein, we describe the Kiguchi method for PJ in MIPD and compare the outcomes between this technique and conventional PJ in OPD.MethodsThe current retrospective study included 83 patients in whom the complete obstruction of the main pancreatic duct by pancreatic tumors was absent on preoperative imaging. This research was performed from September 2016 to August 2020 at Fujita Health University Hospital. All patients were evaluated as having a soft pancreatic texture, which is the most important factor associated with POPF development. Briefly, 50 patients underwent OPD with conventional PJ (OPD group). Meanwhile, 33 patients, including 15 and 18 who had LPD and RPD, respectively, underwent MIPD using the Kiguchi method (MIPD group). After a 1:1 propensity score matching, 30 patients in the OPD group were matched to 30 patients in the MIPD group.ResultsThe patients’ preoperative data did not differ. The grade B/C POPF rate was significantly lower in the MIPD group than in the OPD group (6.7% vs 40.0%, p = 0.002). The MIPD group had a significantly shorter median length of hospital stay than the OPD group (24 vs 30 days, p = 0.004).ConclusionThe novel Kiguchi method in MIPD significantly reduced the POPF rate in patients without complete obstruction of the main pancreatic duct.     

Paraaortic dissection in “total mesopancreas excision” and “mesopancreas-first resection” pancreaticoduodenectomies for pancreatic cancer: Useless,optional, or necessary?A systematic review

The mesopancreas does not have well-defined boundaries but is continuous and connected through its components with the paraaortic area. The mesopancreatic resection margin has been indicated as the primary site for R1 resection after PD in pancreatic head cancer and total mesopancreas excision has been proposed to achieve adequate retropancreatic margin clearance and to minimize the likelihood of R1 resection. However, the anatomy of the mesopancreas requires extended dissection of the paraaortic area to maximize posterior clearance. The artery-first surgical approach has been developed to increase local radicality at the mesopancreatic resection margin. During PD, the artery-first approach begins with dissection of the connective tissues around the SMA. However, the concept of the mesopancreas as a boundless structure that includes circumferential tissues around the SMA, SMV, and paraaortic tissue highlights the need to shift from artery-first PD to mesopancreas-first PD to reduce the risk of R1 resection. From this perspective the “artery-first” approach, which allows for the avoidance of R2 resection risk, should be integrated into the “mesopancreas-first” approach to improve the R0 resection rate.In total mesopancreas excision and mesopancreas-first pancreaticoduodenectomies, the inclusion of the paraaortic area and circumferential area around the SMA in the resection field is necessary to control the tumour spread along the mesopancreatic resection margin rather than to control or stage the spread in the nodal basin.     

Lymph node yield in the pathological staging of resected nonmetastatic colon cancer: The more the better?

IntroductionGuidelines recommend regional lymphadenectomy with a lymph node yield (LNY) of at least 12 lymph nodes (LN) for adequate colon cancer (CC) staging. LNY ≥22LN may improve survival, especially in right-sided CC [Lee et al., Surg Oncol, 27(3), 2018]. This multicentric retrospective cohort study evaluated the impact of LNY and tumor laterality on CC staging and survival.Materials and methodsPatients with stage I-III CC that underwent surgery from 2012 to 2018 were grouped according to LNY: <22 and ≥ 22. Primary outcomes were LN positivity (N+ rate) and disease-free survival (DFS). Overall survival (OS) was the secondary outcome. Exploratory analyses were performed for laterality and stage.ResultsWe included 795 patients (417 < 22LN, 378 ≥ 22LN); 53% had left-sided CC and 29%/37%/38% had stage I/II/III tumors. There was no association between LNY ≥22LN and N+ rate after adjustment for grade, T stage, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and perineural invasion; a trend for a higher N+ rate in left-sided CC was identified (interaction p = 0.033). With a median follow-up of 63.6 months for DFS and 73.2 months for OS, 254 patients (31.9%) relapsed and 207 (26.0%) died. In multivariate analysis adjusted for age, ASA score, laparoscopic approach, T/N stage, mucinous histology, LVI and adjuvant chemotherapy, LNY ≥22LN was significantly associated with both DFS (HR 0.75, p = 0.031) and OS (HR 0.71, p = 0.025). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a more significant benefit for right-sided CC.ConclusionLNY ≥22LN was associated with longer DFS and OS in patients with operable CC, especially for right-sided CC.     

Postoperative pancreatic fistulas decrease the survival of pancreatic cancer patients treated with surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: A retrospective analysis

Background and objectivesA postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a critical complication after surgery for pancreatic cancer. Whether a POPF affects the long-term prognosis of pancreatic cancer cases remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the effect of a POPF on the long-term prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients, especially after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT).MethodsPatients who underwent curative pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer between January 2012 and June 2019 at Kyoto University Hospital were retrospectively investigated. A fistula ≥ Grade B was considered a POPF.ResultsDuring the study period, 148 patients underwent upfront surgery (Upfront group), and 52 patients underwent surgery after NACRT (NACRT group). A POPF developed in 16% of patients in the Upfront group and 13% in the NACRT group (p = 0.824). In the Upfront group, development of a POPF did not have a significant effect on recurrence-free survival (p = 0.766) or overall survival (p = 0.863). However, in the NACRT group, development of a POPF significantly decreased recurrence-free survival (HR 5.856, p = 0.002) and overall survival (HR 7.097, p = 0.020) on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThe development of a POPF decreases the survival of pancreatic cancer patients treated by surgery after NACRT.     

Postoperative morbidity adversely impacts long-term oncologic prognosis following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter observational study

Background & aimsPostoperative morbidity following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common and its impact on long-term oncological outcome remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate if postoperative morbidity impacts long-term survival and recurrence following hepatectomy for HCC.MethodsThe data from a multicenter Chinese database of curative-intent hepatectomy for HCC were analyzed, and independent risks of postoperative 30-day morbidity were identified. After excluding patients with postoperative early deaths (≤90 days), early (≤2 years) and late (>2 years) recurrence rates, overall survival (OS), and time-to-recurrence (TTR) were compared between patients with and without postoperative morbidity.ResultsAmong 2,161 patients eligible for the study, 758 (35.1%) had postoperative 30-day morbidity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus, obesity, Child-Pugh grade B, cirrhosis, and intraoperative blood transfusion were independent risks of postoperative morbidity. The rates of early and late recurrence among patients with postoperative morbidity were higher than those without (50.7% vs. 38.8%, P < 0.001; and 41.7% vs. 34.1%, P = 0.017). Postoperative morbidity was associated with decreased OS (median: 48.1 vs. 91.6 months, P < 0.001) and TTR (median: 19.8 vs. 46.1 months; P < 0.001). After adjustment of confounding factors, multivariable Cox-regression analyses revealed that postoperative morbidity was associated with a 27.8% and 18.7% greater likelihood of mortality (hazard ratio 1.278; 95% confidence interval: 1.126–1.451; P < 0.001) and recurrence (1.187; 1.058–1.331; P = 0.004).ConclusionThis large multicenter study provides strong evidence that postoperative morbidity adversely impacts long-term oncologic prognosis after hepatectomy for HCC. The prevention and management of postoperative morbidity may be oncologically important.     

Validation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging system for the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Background & aimsThe American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition staging system for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) contains several significant changes. This study aimed to validate the AJCC 8th edition staging system of PDA.MethodsWe analyzed patients with resected PDA between 2001 and 2017 using the Korean Pancreatic Cancer (K-PaC) registry. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves and compared via the log-rank test.ResultsIn total, 701 resected PDA patients were identified. During a median follow-up of 24.5 months, the median OS was 21.7 months. Meanwhile, the median OS of each stage according to the AJCC 8th edition was 73.5 months (stage IA), 41.9 months (stage IB), 24.2 months (stage IIA), 18.3 months (stage IIB), and 16.8 months (stage III). However, the new N-category (pN1 vs. pN2) did not subdivide prognosis, although the lymph node ratio (i.e., the ratio of the number of LN involved to the number of examined LN) did. Although pT3 and pN2 belong under stage III, pN2 has a significantly longer median OS than pT3 (16.9 months vs 11.2 months; p < 0.01).ConclusionThe AJCC 8th edition staging system appropriately stratifies the prognosis of PDA patients. However, the cutoff of the N-category is not statistically valid, and the new stage III includes a heterogeneous category (pN2 and pT4). Therefore, we propose that stage III be divided into stage IIIA (Tany N2 M0) and stage IIIB (T4 Nany M0).     

Sentinel lymph node procedure in early-stage vulvar cancer: Correlation of lymphoscintigraphy with surgical outcome and groin recurrence

IntroductionIn early-stage vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) a sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure is regarded successful if at least one SLN is removed with minimal residual radioactivity. An inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is considered if not all SLNs visualized on lymphoscintigraphy can be found, with subsequent increased morbidity. We correlated lymphoscintigraphy findings with surgical outcome and groin recurrence with focus on number of SLNs found.MethodsThis study concerns a retrospective cohort of 171 women treated for early-stage VSCC who underwent a SLN procedure between 2000 and 2020. The risk of groin recurrence was compared after either a successful or complete SLN procedure, i.e. removal of all SLNs that were visualized on lymphoscintigraphy.ResultsIn 13 (7.6%) groins of 171 patients SLN visualization on lymphoscintigraphy failed. In 230 of the 246 (93.5%) groins in which a SLN was visualized, at least one SLN was found during surgery. In 224 of the 246 (91.1%) groins the SLN procedure was regarded either successful (n = 14) or complete (n = 210). An isolated groin recurrence was documented in 5 out of 192 (2.6%, 95%-CI; 0.34 to 4.9) SLN-negative groins after a median follow-up of 47.0 months. All recurrences were noted in the complete SLN group (5/180 groins). The difference with the successful SLN group (0/12 groins) was not significant.ConclusionRisk of groin recurrence was 2.6% after SLN negative biopsy in early-stage VSCC. The risk appeared not increased if at least one SLN was found with minimal residual radioactivity, in case more SLNs were visualized on lymphoscintigraphy.     

The effects of uterine manipulators in minimally invasive hysterectomy for endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMinimally invasive surgery has achieved great success in the surgical treatment of many kinds of cancer. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence evaluating the effects of the use of uterine manipulators in minimally hysterectomies for endometrial cancer patients.MethodsWe searched the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to Sep. 12, 2019 to identify relevant prospective or retrospective studies, using the intersection of “endometrial neoplasms”, “endometrial carcinoma”, “endometrial cancer”; “uterine manipulator”, and “intrauterine manipulator”. The initial search identified 251 items in total. The main outcomes of interest were the presence of LVSI (lymphovascular space invasion), the incidence of positive peritoneal cytology, and the presence of recurrence during follow-up.ResultsAfter screening for eligibility, 11 studies were included in the meta-analysis finally. The timing of uterine manipulators insertion during MIS for endometrial cancer was not associated with an increased risk of positive peritoneal cytology (RR: 1.21, 95% CI, 0.68 to 2.16). Moreover, there was no significant difference for the rate of positive peritoneal cytology (RR: 1.53, 95% CI, 0.85 to 2.77), LVSI (RR: 1.18, 95% CI, 0.66 to 2.11) or the rate of recurrence (RR: 1.25, 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.74) regarding the use of uterine manipulators for laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of endometrial cancer patients.ConclusionWe found that the use of uterine manipulators is not associated with an increased incidence of positive peritoneal cytology, LVSI, or recurrence among patients with endometrial cancer.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, CRD42020147111.     

Multivariate analysis on complications of central venous access devices in children with cancer and severe disease influenced by catheter tip position and vessel insertion site (A STROBE-compliant study)

ContextReliable long-term central venous access device (CVAD) is essential for the management of pediatric patients with cancer or chronic diseases. However, there is no general consensus for optimal catheter tip location and vessel insertion site in children.ObjectiveThis single center study analyzes the risk of complications associated with long-term upper body CVAD and evaluates them with respect to catheter tip location as well as vessel insertion site.DesignPediatric patients who received long-term upper body CVAD from January 2008 through April 2017 and underwent radiographic documentation of the tip location were retrospectively included in the study. Data on demographics, catheter tip location on chest x-ray, intraoperative vessel insertion sites and postoperative complications were analyzed. Catheter tip location was categorized as “high” (above the right mainstem bronchus), “medium” (at the level of the bronchus), and “low” (below the right mainstem bronchus). Distance to the carina was measured as well.ResultsA total of 396 patients, 74.7% suffering from cancer were included in our study (mean age 6.3 ± 0.3 years). Complications occurred in about one fourth of all patients. Catheter-related blood stream infections (BSI) (n = 40, 36.4%) were most prevalent, but catheter tip position or vessel insertion site had no impact on the risk of infections. Dislodgement (n = 27, 24.6%) and occlusion (n = 11, 10.0%) were more frequent in “high” positioned catheter tips.While there was one patient who developed arrhythmia, no case of cardiac perforation, and in particular, no catheter-related death was recorded in our series. The vessel insertion site seemed to have no influence on the complication frequency of CAVDs.ConclusionThe catheter tip position seems to have an impact on the catheter-related complication profile in children. To avoid complications, we recommend avoiding a “high” localization of the catheter tip above the right main bronchus. “Low” catheter tip placement was associated with the lowest dislocation rate.Given the overall low complication rate, insertion and use of CVADs in children can generally be considered as safe.     

Stereotactic radiofrequency ablation as first-line treatment of recurrent HCC following hepatic resection

BackgroundTo evaluate the therapeutic efficacy, safety and overall clinical outcome of multiprobe stereotactic RF ablation (SRFA) as first-line treatment of HCC recurrence after hepatic resection (HR).Study designIn this retrospective single-center study, 34 consecutive patients with previous HR were treated by SRFA between 2006 and 2018 for 140 HCCs in 60 ablation sessions.ResultsThe median treated tumor size was 3.0 cm (range 0.5–10 cm). SRFA was primarily successful for 133/140 (95%) tumors. Four tumors were successfully retreated, resulting in a secondary technical efficacy rate of 97.9%. Local tumor recurrence developed in 4 of 140 tumors (2.9%). The major complication rate was 4.8% (3 of 60 ablations). No periprocedural deaths occurred.The overall survival (OS) rates at 1-, 3-, and 5- years from the date of the first SRFA were 94.0%, 70.2%, and 53.3%, respectively, with a median OS of 69.1 months (95% CI 18.8–119.3). The disease-free survival (DFS) was 52.6%, 19.7% and 15.8%, at 1-, 3- and 5- years, respectively, with a median DFS of 12.8 months (95% CI 9.0–28.9).ConclusionStereotactic RFA is a safe, feasible and useful option in the management of recurrent HCC following HR with low morbidity paired with good clinical outcome.     

Perioperative nutritional assessment and interventions in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): A systematic review

BackgroundPeritoneal carcinomatosis is a catabolic state and cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is a high morbidity operation. Optimising perioperative nutrition is crucial to improve outcomes. This systematic review sought to examine literature describing clinical outcomes related to preoperative nutrition status and nutrition interventions in patients undergoing CRS with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).MethodsA systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (300326). A search of eight electronic databases was undertaken on 8th May 2022 and reported according to the PRISMA statement. Studies reporting nutrition status through use of screening and assessment tools, nutrition interventions or nutrition-related clinical outcomes for patients undergoing CRS with HIPEC were included.ResultsOf 276 screened studies, 25 studies were included for review. Commonly used nutrition assessment tools for CRS-HIPEC patients included Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), sarcopenia assessment with computed tomography, preoperative albumin, and body mass index (BMI). Three retrospective studies compared SGA with postoperative outcomes. Malnourished patients were more likely to have postoperative infectious complications (p = 0.042 SGA-B, p = 0.025 SGA-C). Malnutrition was significantly associated with increased hospital length of stay (LOS) in two studies (p = 0.006, p = 0.02), and with overall survival in another study (p = 0.006). Eight studies analysing preoperative albumin levels reported conflicting associations with postoperative outcomes. BMI in five studies was not associated with morbidity. One study did not support routine nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding.ConclusionsPreoperative nutritional assessment tools, including SGA and objective sarcopaenia measures, have a role in predicting nutritional status for CRS-HIPEC patients. Optimisation of nutrition is important for preventing complications.     

Is bile leakage after hepatic resection associated with impaired long-term survival?

BackgroundBile leakage (BL) is a frequent and severe complication following liver surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for BL, related other complications and association with long-term survival.MethodsThis study included all patients undergoing hepatectomy in a single centre from 2005 to 2016. Perioperative risk factors related to BL were identified using univariable and multivariable analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.ResultsBL occurred in 48 of 458 patients (11%). BLs were more frequent in patients after major hepatectomy (p = 0.001). Portal vein embolization, bilioenteric-anastomosis, lymphadenectomy, vascular reconstruction and operative time were significant factors for developing BL. Comparing patients with or without BL, BL was more commonly associated with other postoperative complications (p = 0.001), especially acute kidney failure and surgical-site-infections. There was no difference in 90-day-mortality (p = 0.124). The median disease-free survival was comparable (17 vs. 15 months, p = 0.976), also no difference was observed when stratifying for different tumour entities. There was no difference in median overall survival (OS) among malignant disease (35 vs. 47 months, p = 0.200) and in 3-year OS (46% vs. 59%). Multivariate analysis confirmed that postoperative liver failure and major hepatectomy were risk factors for reduced OS (p = 0.010).ConclusionsMany concerns have been raised regarding tumour progression after major complications. In this study, we only found a relevant influence of BL on OS in pCC, whereas no association was seen in other cancer types, indicating that tumour progression might be triggered by BL in cancer types arising from the bile ducts itself.     

Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade-based nomogram to predict tumor recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundTumor recurrence after curative resection is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but large-scale long-term prediction on an individual basis has seldom been reported. We aimed to construct an albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade-based nomogram to predict tumor recurrence in patients with HCC undergoing surgical resection.MethodsA total 1038 patients with newly diagnosed HCC undergoing curative resection between 2002 and 2016 were enrolled. Baseline characteristics, tumor status and severity of liver functional reserve were collected. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to predict tumor recurrence and construct the nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by the discrimination and calibration tests.ResultsAfter a mean follow up time of 30 months, 510 (49%) patients developed tumor recurrence. The cumulative recurrence-free survival at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 79%, 51%, 38% and 26%, respectively. In the Cox multivariate model, ALBI grade 2–3, multiple tumors, tumor size equal or large than 2 cm, serum ɑ-fetoprotein level equal or greater than 20 ng/ml and total tumor volume equal or larger than 227 cm³ were independent risk factors associated with tumor recurrence. A nomogram was constructed based on these five variables. Internal validation with 10,380 bootstrapped sample sets had a good concordance of 0.607 (95% of confidence interval: 0.587–0.627). The calibration plots for 1-, 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival well matched the idealized 45-degree line.ConclusionsALBI is a feasible marker for tumor recurrence. This easy-to-use ALBI grade-based nomogram may predict tumor recurrence for individual HCC patient undergoing surgical resection.     

Off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for purely hilar tumors: Technique,perioperative, oncologic and functional outcomes from a single center series

ObjectivesPurely hilar lesions and those abutting the main renal artery or vein may be significantly different in terms of surgical complexity, requiring different resection strategies. To describe surgical technique and to assess its safety, oncologic and functional outcomes of a single centre experience of Off-Clamp Robotic Partial Nephrectomy (Off-C RPN) for purely hilar renal masses.MethodsThe Institutional Review Board renal cancer database was queried for: “robotic”, “partial nephrectomy” and “hilar”. Baseline imaging was reviewed for all cases to strictly select patients with purely hilar tumors, defined as tumors arising into the renal hilum without any exophytic growth. Off-C RPN with straight access to the hilum was performed in all cases. We reported baseline, perioperative, oncologic and functional outcomes of the institutional series of purely hilar masses treated with Off-C RPN.ResultsBetween 2011 and 2019, 680 Off-C RPN were performed. Overall, 20 cases were classified as “hilar” renal tumors. Ten lesions abutting the main renal artery or vein were excluded leaving 10 purely hilar cases for analysis. Median operative time was 85 (range 68–115) minutes. No high-grade complications occurred. One patient (10%) required blood transfusion. At a median follow-up of 27 months, one renal recurrence and one newly onset Chronic Kidney Disease stage 3A was observed.ConclusionsRPN for purely hilar tumors has been poorly addressed and distinguishing purely hilar from tumors abutting the hilar vessels may have significant technical implications. In tertiary referral centers, Off-C RPN for purely hilar tumors provides excellent perioperative, oncologic and functional outcomes.     

Clinicopathological features and prognostic impact of splenic hilar lymph node metastasis in proximal gastric carcinoma

BackgroundLymph nodes (LNs) at the splenic hilum (no. 10) are treated as regional LNs in proximal gastric carcinoma. However, patients with no.10 LN metastasis show a poor prognosis after curative surgery. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of no.10 LN metastasis in proximal gastric carcinoma.MethodsWe retrospective reviewed 665 proximal gastric carcinoma patients who underwent total gastrectomy and D2 LN dissection. Clinicopathological features were compared between patients with and without no.10 LN metastasis. The prognostic value of no.10 LN metastasis was examined using Cox prognostic model.ResultsThere were 63 (9.5%) patients with no. 10 LN metastasis. No. 10 LN metastasis only existed in stage III/IV, and was significantly associated with greater curvature/circumferential tumor location, larger tumor size, B4 gross type, undifferentiated histology, lymphovascular invasion. The 5-year survival of no.10 LN metastasis group was 26%, which was significantly lower than those without no.10 LN metastasis (79%, p < 0.001). Patients with no. 10 LN metastasis also showed a significantly worse survival than those without in each tumor stage (stage III = 45% vs. 66%, p = 0.044, stage IV = 13% vs. 33%, p = 0.024). In the multivariate cox model, no.10 LN metastasis was an independent poor prognostic factor when adjusting for TNM stage and other prognostic factors.ConclusionThe prognosis of no.10 LN metastasis is as poor as that of distant metastasis. This suggests that no. 10 LN should rather be considered as non-regional LNs in the treatment of proximal gastric carcinoma.     

A nomogram to predict early postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumour thrombus after R0 liver resection: A large-scale,multicenter study

BackgroundPortal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) is a significant poor prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with PVTT limited to a first-order branch or above of the main portal vein (MPV) could benefit from R0 liver resection (LR). A nomogram is needed to predict early postoperative recurrence (ER) in HCC patients with PVTT and to guide selection of these patients for adjuvant therapy to reduce postoperative recurrence risks.MethodsHCC patients with PVTT limited to a first-order branch or above of the MPV after R0 LR as an initial therapy were included. A nomogram using data from a retrospective training cohort was developed with the Cox regression model. The model was tested in a prospective internal validation cohort and three external validation cohorts.ResultsOf 979 patients, 657 developed postoperative ER (67.1%). ER occurred in 165 of 264 patients (62.5%) in the training cohort, 146 of 218 patients (70.0%) in the internal validation cohort, and 204 of 284 patients (71.8%), 77 of 113 patients (68.1%), and 65 of 100 patients (65%) in the three external validation cohorts, respectively. The nomogram included the following variables: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), PVTT, HBV DNA, satellite nodules, α-fetoprotein, and tumour diameter. The ROC were 0.836, 0.763, 0.802, 0.837, and 0.846 in predicting ER in the five respective cohorts.ConclusionA nomogram was developed and validated to predict postoperative ER in patients with HCC with PVTT after R0 LR. This nomogram could select appropriate patients with high ER risks for postoperative adjuvant therapy.     

Patient reported outcome and cosmetic evaluation following implant-based breast-reconstruction with a titanized polypropylene mesh (TiLOOP® Bra): A prospective clinical study in 269 patients

IntroductionImplant-based or expander-supported breast reconstruction is an established surgical method after mastectomies due to cancer or to prophylactic reasons. Patient reported outcome (PRO) and cosmetic outcome after breast reconstruction with a synthetic surgical mesh was investigated in a prospective, single-arm, multi-center study.Material and methodsPrimary or secondary implant-based breast reconstruction with support of TiLOOP® Bra was performed in 269 patients during the PRO-BRA study. PRO 12 months after breast reconstruction was evaluated using Breast-Q questionnaire. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated by two independent experts by means of pictures taken preoperatively and at the follow-up visits.ResultsBreast-Q and 12 months FU were completed by 210 women. Patients without adverse event had a significantly higher Breast-Q score for “sexual well-being” (p = 0.001); “psychosocial well-being” was negatively influenced by prior therapies (p < 0.01), and older patients had significantly lower scores at 12 months FU compared to pre-OP for “satisfaction with breasts” (p < 0.01) while the opposite was true for younger patients. Unilateral surgery resulted in reduced “satisfaction with breast” at 12 months FU (p < 0.01). Radiotherapy negatively influenced “satisfaction with breast”, “sexual well-being” and “physical well-being chest”. The cosmetic evaluation showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the evaluation by the patients and experts with the patients' assessment being worse compared to experts' assessment.ConclusionOur study showed that two years after implant-based breast reconstruction with support of TiLOOP® Bra PRO is influenced by different factors. This information can be used to improve the decision-making process for women who chose implant-based breast reconstruction.     

Do certain surgical steps increase postoperative morbidity after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC- a retrospective analysis

IntroductionIt has been shown that cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an effective treatment for patients suffering from peritoneal malignancies. Despite good results, there is an ongoing debate about this treatment due to perioperative morbidity.The aim of this study is to identify relevant risk factors for an unfavorable postoperative outcome after CRS and HIPEC.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of a prospectively recorded database of all patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC between 2013 and 2020 in the Department of Surgery of the University Hospital Dresden was performed with a special focus on certain surgical steps of multivisceral resection, one- or 2- stage CRS/HIPEC and underlying diagnosis as possible risk factors for worse postoperative course.ResultsN = 173 CRS and HIPEC procedures were performed for various diagnoses. Relevant postoperative morbidity was 24% and 30d-mortality 1.2%. Simultaneous liver resections, preoperative hypalbuminemia and 2-staged CRS/HIPEC were significant risk factors for a worse postoperative course in multivariable analysis. Assessment of the association of simultaneous anastomoses and morbidity and mortality was inconclusive.ConclusionCRS and HIPEC is a safe treatment without relevant intraoperative morbidity and mortality and acceptable postoperative outcome. One-stage CRS/HIPEC should be preferred.