Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery: Where do we stand?

Large comparative studies and multiple prospective randomized control trials (RCTs) have reported equivalence in short and long-term outcomes between the open and laparoscopic approaches for the surgical treatment of colon cancer which has heralded widespread acceptance for laparoscopic resection of colon cancer. In contrast, laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) for the treatment of rectal cancer has been welcomed with significantly less enthusiasm. While it is likely that patients with rectal cancer will experience the same benefits of early recovery and decreased postoperative pain from the laparoscopic approach, whether the same oncologic clearance, specifically an adequate TME can be obtained is of concern. The aim of the current study is to review the current level of evidence in the literature on laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery with regard to short-term and long-term oncologic outcomes. The data from 8 RCTs, 3 meta-analyses, and 2 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was reviewed. Current data suggests that laparoscopic rectal cancer resection may benefit patients with reduced blood loss, earlier return of bowel function, and shorter hospital length of stay. Concerns that laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery compromises short-term oncologic outcomes including number of lymph nodes retrieved and circumferential resection margin and jeopardizes long-term oncologic outcomes has not conclusively been refuted by the available literature. Laparoscopic rectal cancer resection is feasible but whether or not it compromises short-term or long-term results still needs to be further studied.     

Laparoscopic liver resection for living donation: Where do we stand?

In Western countries, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) may represent a valuable alternative to deceased donor liver transplantation. Yet, after an initial peak of enthusiasm, reports of high rates of complications and of fatalities have led to a certain degree of reluctance towards this procedure especially in Western countries. As for living donor kidney transplantation, the laparoscopic approach could improve patient’s tolerance in order to rehabilitate this strategy and reverse the current trend. In this setting however, initial concerns regarding patient’s safety and graft integrity, need for acquiring surgical expertise in both laparoscopic liver surgery and living donor transplantation and lack of evidence supporting the benefits of laparoscopy have delayed the development of this approach. Similarly to what is performed in classical resectional liver surgery, initial experiences of laparoscopy have therefore begun with left lateral sectionectomy, which is performed for adult to child living donation. In this setting, the laparoscopic technique is now well standardized, is associated with decreased donor blood loss and hospital stays and provides graft of similar quality compared to the open approach. On the other hand laparoscopic major right or left hepatectomies for adult-adult LDLT currently lack standardization and various techniques such as the full laparoscopic approach, the hand assisted approach and the hybrid approach have been reported. Hence, even-though several reports highlight the feasibility of these procedures, the true benefits of laparoscopy over laparotomy remain to be fully assessed. This could be achieved through standardization of the procedures and creation of international registries especially in Eastern countries where LDLT keeps on flourishing.     

Laparoscopic surgery for cancer: are we ready?

Following feasibility studies more and more large prospective reports even randomised trials document the treatment of digestive cancer using a laparoscopic approach. While the spectre of port-site recurrences, once so alarming has faded, it has become a challenge for laparoscopic surgeons to provide long-term follow-up. There is good class II and III evidence that staging laparoscopy (SL) has a value for oesophageal, gastric, pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancer as well as for intra-abdominal lymphomas since it adds to primary staging and often alters the clinical stage of the disease and hence the management of the individual patient. For minimally invasive oesophagectomy and gastric cancer surgery several series have demonstrated shorter perioperative morbidity and hospital stay however at present most studies report smaller numbers of selected patients and long term follow up is rare. The laparoscopic resection of pancreatic malignancies is not reported to be feasible, safe or potentially beneficial for the patient while the curative resection of suspected early gallbladder cancer is a poor indication. Nevertheless laparoscopy is documented to be safe and applicable for small malignant liver lesions and the Lacy trial was significantly in favour of laparoscopy-assisted colectomy, predominantly for stage III disease. Bearing in mind that in many fields of digestive cancer surgery, laparoscopy should still be conducted as part of a trial, it is safe to say that "we are ready" for this revolution to arise.     

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Where do we stand?

Hepatocellular carcinoma represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death. Liver transplantation is a key tool for the treatment of this disease in human therefore hepatocellular carcinoma is increasing as primary indication for grafting. Although liver transplantation represents an outstanding therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, due to organ shortage, the careful selection and management of patients who may have a major survival benefit after grafting remains a fundamental question. In fact, only some stages of the disease seem amenable of this therapeutic option, stimulating the debate on the appropriate criteria to select candidates. In this review we focused on current criteria to select patients with hepatocellular carcinoma for liver transplantation as well as on the strategies (bridging) to avoid disease progression and exclusion from grafting during the stay on wait list. The treatments used to bring patients within acceptable criteria (down-staging), when their tumor burden exceeds the standard criteria for transplant, are also reported. Finally, we examined tumor reappearance following liver transplantation. This occurrence is estimated to be approximately 8%-20% in different studies. The possible approaches to prevent this outcome after transplant are reported with the corresponding results.     

Biliary atresia: Where do we stand now?

The pathway from clinical suspicion to establishing the diagnosis of biliary atresia in a child with jaundice is a daunting task. However, investigations available help to point towards the correct diagnosis in reasonable time frame. Imaging by Sonography has identified several parameters which can be of utility in the diagnostic work up. Comparison of Sonography with imaging by Nuclear medicine can bring out the significant differences and also help in appropriate imaging. The battery of Biochemical tests, available currently, enable better understanding of the line-up of investigations in a given child with neonatal cholestasis. Management protocols enable standardized care with optimal outcome. The place of surgical management in biliary atresia is undisputed, although Kasai procedure and primary liver transplantation have been pitted against each other. This article functions as a platform to bring forth the various dimensions of biliary atresia.     

Roux-en-Y versus BillrothⅠreconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis to compare Rouxen-Y(R-Y) gastrojejunostomy with gastroduodenal Billroth Ⅰ(B-Ⅰ) anastomosis after distal gastrectomy(DG) for gastric cancer.METHODS:A literature search was performed to identify studies comparing R-Y with B-Ⅰ after DG for gastric cancer from January 1990 to November 2012 in Medline,Embase,Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library.Pooled odds ratios(OR) or weighted mean differences(WMD) with 95%CI were calculated using either fixed or random effects model.Operative outcomes such as operation time,intraoperative blood loss and postoperative outcomes such as anastomotic leakage and stricture,bile reflux,remnant gastritis,reflux esophagitis,dumping symptoms,delayed gastric emptying and hospital stay were the main outcomes assessed.Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.0 software(Cochrane library).RESULTS:Four randomized controlled trials(RCTs) and 9 non-randomized observational clinical studies(OCS) involving 478 and 1402 patients respectively were included.Meta-analysis of RCTs revealed that R-Y reconstruction was associated with a reduced bile reflux(OR 0.04,95%CI:0.01,0.14;P < 0.00 001) and remnant gastritis(OR 0.43,95%CI:0.28,0.66;P = 0.0001),however needing a longer operation time(WMD 40.02,95%CI:13.93,66.11;P = 0.003).Metaanalysis of OCS also revealed R-Y reconstruction had a lower incidence of bile reflux(OR 0.21,95%CI:0.08,0.54;P = 0.001),remnant gastritis(OR 0.18,95%CI:0.11,0.29;P < 0.00 001) and reflux esophagitis(OR 0.48,95%CI:0.26,0.89;P = 0.02).However,this reconstruction method was found to be associated with a longer operation time(WMD 31.30,95%CI:12.99,49.60;P = 0.0008).CONCLUSION:This systematic review point towards some clinical advantages that are rendered by R-Y compared to B-Ⅰ reconstruction post DG.However there is a need for further adequately powered,welldesigned RCTs comparing the same.     

How do we improve outcomes for gastric cancer?

Although the incidence of gastric cancer is decreasing globally, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death, accounting for 600,000 deaths annually worldwide. It is particularly common in Asia and especially in China, Japan and Korea. In Singapore, it is the fourth commonest cancer in men, who have a 1:50 lifetime risk of developing gastric cancer. Gastric cancer traditionally carries a poor prognosis because of late presentation at an advanced stage of disease. If diagnosed at an early stage, it is a curable disease. Four strategies will systematically help to improve outcomes for gastric cancer: (i) early detection by screening of high-risk groups; (ii) clarification of the hypothesis that Helicobacter pylori eradication in endemic areas with a high incidence of gastric cancer is an effective primary prevention strategy; (iii) improvement of treatment by well-designed clinical trials, coupled with molecular characterization of tumors; and (iv) improving our biological understanding of gastric carcinogenesis.     

Management of borderline and locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Where do we stand?

Many patients with pancreas cancer present with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). The principle tools used for diagnosis and staging of LAPC include endoscopic ultrasound, axial imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and diagnostic laparoscopy. The definition of resectability has historically been vague, as there is considerable debate and controversy as to the definition of LAPC. For the patient with LAPC, there is some level of involvement of the surrounding vascular structures, which include the superior mesenteric artery, celiac axis, hepatic artery, superior mesenteric vein, or portal vein. When feasible, most surgeons would recommend possible surgical resection for patients with borderline LAPC, with the goal of an R0 resection. For initially unresectable LAPC, neoadjuvant should be strongly considered. Specifically, these patients should be offered neoadjuvant therapy, and the tumor should be assessed for possible response and eventual resection. The efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy with this approach as a bridge to potential curative resection is broad, ranging from 3%-79%. The different modalities of neoadjuvant therapy include single or multi-agent chemotherapy combined with radiation, chemotherapy alone, and chemotherapy followed by chemotherapy with radiation. This review focuses on patients with LAPC and addresses recent advances and controversies in the field.     

Hepatitis C virus micro-elimination: Where do we stand?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030, using direct-acting antiviral treatments, has been promoted by the World Health Organization. This achievement is not attainable, however, particularly after the 2020 pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019. Consequently, the more realistic objective of eliminating HCV from population segments for which targeted strategies of prevention and treatment are easily attained has been promoted in Europe, as a valid alternative. The underlying idea is that micro-elimination will ultimately lead to macro-elimination. The micro-elimination strategy may target different specific populations and at-risk groups. Different settings, including prisons and hospitals, have also been identified as micro-elimination scenarios. In addition, dedicated micro-elimination strategies have been designed that are tailored at the geographical level according to HCV epidemiology and individual country’s income. The main elements of a valid and successful micro-elimination project are reliable epidemiological data and active involvement of all the stakeholders. Community involvement represents another essential component for a successful program.     

Severity scoring for acute pancreatitis: Where do we stand in 1999?

The last few years have seen a rapid evolution in the care of acute pancreatitis. Interventions such as endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone extraction and administration of platelet activating factor are effective but must be applied early. Ranson criteria and modified Glasgow score are widely used, but these systems often cannot separate mild versus severe pancreatitits within 24 hours of hospital admission. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) is a good predictive system for severity of disease at admission. New single agent biologic markers hold some promise. The CT severity index is better than APACHE II for predicting local complications but not as good for predicting mortality and systemic morbidity. Modern care of acute pancreatitis requires the development of a rapid response team model, with early assessment by APACHE II, biologic markers, and, if indicated, the CT Severity Index.     

Markers for gastric cancer premalignant lesions: where do we go?

Only a small proportion of patients infected with Helicobacter pylori develop gastric cancer during their lifetime. At the same time, this type of cancer remains an important cause of mortality globally. The current interventional strategies have not been successful in decreasing the global burden of the disease; therefore, biomarkers for the identification of the individuals at high risk as well as those in the early stage of the disease is of high importance. In addition, predicting the point of no return for the development of the malignancy is of particular interest; whether atrophy, intestinal or spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia, or some of their subtypes correspond to this point, still needs to be answered. The current review addresses the place of 'old markers', in particular pepsinogen tests for the identification of increased risk conditions. More data in Caucasian populations are required before these tests can be recommended for routine screening. Several of the host genetic factors are related to the development of sporadic gastric cancer; still their importance is probably not so high as initially thought, and at this stage host genetic factors cannot be used to identify high-risk groups. The detection of specific microRNAs could become a potential field in marker development, and several other new approaches for marker identification are emerging. To achieve the goal, a screening marker has to be not only accurate, but also available and cost-effective in the target populations, many of which are from low-income countries. This has to be considered when developing a marker or set of markers offered for gastric cancer screening programs.     

Neo-adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplantation: Where do we stand?

Liver transplantation(LT)for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)within Milan criteria is a widely accepted optimal therapy.Neo-adjuvant therapy before transplantation has been used as a bridging therapy to prevent dropout during the waiting period and as a down-staging method for the patient with intermediate HCC to qualify for liver transplantation.Transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation are the most commonly used method for locoregional therapy.The data associated with newer modalities including drugeluting beads,radioembolization with Y90,stereotactic radiation therapy and sorafenib will be discussed as a tool for converting advanced HCC to LT candidates.The concept"ablate and wait"has gained the popularity where mandated observation period after neoadjuvant therapy allows for tumor biology to become apparent,thus has been recommended after downstaging.The role of neo-adjuvant therapy with conjunction of"ablate and wait"in living donor liver transplantation for intermediate stage HCC is also discussed in the paper.     

Treating the primary in low burden metastatic prostate cancer: Where do we stand?

On the basis of endocrine therapy for patients with low burden metastatic prostate cancer (LBMP), the clinical efficacy and quality of life were compared between prostate-only directed radiotherapy (PODT) and prostate and metastasis radiotherapy (PMRT).From November 2009 to November 2015, total 91 patients newly diagnosed with LBMP were retrospectively analyzed, of which 52 patients received PODT and 39 patients received PMRT. The biochemical failure free interval (IBF), prostate specific survival (PCSS), and overall survival (OS) time were compared between the 2 groups, and expanded prostate cancer index composite (EPIC) scale was used to evaluate the difference in quality of life between the 2 groups.The median IBF of the PODT group was 31 months, which was significantly lower than the 39 months of the PMRT group (P < .05); the 5-year OS and PCSS were 58.9%, 65.3% in PODT group, and 58.9%, 71.79% in PMRT group, respectively. There was no significant between the 2 groups (P > .05); the side effects of acute radiotherapy in PMRT group were significantly higher than PODT group (P < .05), especially in bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal reactions; The scores of urinary system function and intestinal system function in PMRT group were significantly higher than PODT group at the end of radiotherapy, 3 months after radiotherapy, and 6 months after radiotherapy (P < .05). The score of sexual function in PMRT group was significantly lower than that in PODT group after radiotherapy (P < .05), and higher than that in PORT group at other follow-up time points (P < .05). The hormone function was decreased at each follow-up time point in 2 groups, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P > .05).Patients with LBMP receiving PMRT can improve IBF, but cannot increase PCSS and OS, and increase the incidence of acute radiation injury.     

Pharmacogenetics of response to statins: Where do we stand?

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death, especially in developed countries. Blood cholesterol lowering by way of statin therapy is a common risk-lowering therapy. The risk reduction for coronary artery disease for patients using statins is 27%. These reductions, however, are average effects for all patients included in the trials. There is notable interindividual variation in response to statins, and the origins of this variation are poorly understood. Pharmacogenetics seeks to determine the role of genetic factors in variation of drug response. In patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, 23 studies have examined the effects of genetic polymorphisms at 20 different loci on the lipid response to statin treatment, and 18 studies examined genetic polymorphisms involved in the benefits of statin therapy in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Even though many studies have been performed, few results have been replicated. It is our contention that larger sample sizes and consideration of multiple genes are needed in the field of pharmacogenetics of statin response.     

Statins and inflammatory bowel disease: Where do we stand?

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the western world that is rapidly expanding in newly industrialized countries. Novel strategies are urgently needed to prevent and improve the treatment of this costly and disabling disease. Statins are the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. Besides their lipid-lowering effects, statins may exert complex immunomodulatory properties and multiple pleiotropic effects including the inhibition of T-cell activation, antigen-presenting function and leukocyte infiltration of target organs which might render statins as beneficial agents for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. In this review, we summarize the experimental findings on the topic, and critically appraise the epidemiological evidence regarding the value of statins as a potential strategy for preventing and treating inflammatory bowel disease.Several experimental studies have shown that statins reduce inflammation in animal models of colitis; however, clinical studies investigating their disease-modifying and preventive potential in IBD have demonstrated some limitations and conflicting results. The available epidemiological evidence is not yet sufficient to support the use of statin for preventing or treating inflammatory bowel disease. Additional high-quality research is warranted.     

Clot waveform analysis: Where do we stand in 2017?

Analysis of the optical waveform generated during global coagulation assays, such as activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time, can provide much precious information on the global coagulation state of the plasma sample tested, in addition to a single clotting time. Many studies have been published concerning patient diagnosis and management in haemophilia A, and in the early diagnosis and prognosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation and sepsis. However, many other works have also been published on further potential clinical applications such as lupus anticoagulant diagnosis and anticoagulant monitoring. Altogether, these publications have demonstrated the ability for clot waveform analysis (CWA) to improve patient management, especially as this tool is inexpensive, rapid and readily available on coagulation analysers with optical detection systems. By an extensive review of the literature related to studies performed on CWA, this publication aims at providing a review of current knowledge in this specific field, ranging from research data to potential clinical applications and future trends.