Long-term outcomes following minimally invasive and open esophagectomy in Finland: A population-based study

BackgroundStudies of long-term survival after minimally invasive and open esophagectomy are needed. The aim of this study was to compare long-term outcomes following minimally invasive and open esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at the population level.MethodsAll patients undergoing minimally invasive (n = 159) or open transthoracic (n = 431) esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in Finland between 2004 and 2014 were identified from nationwide registries. Propensity score matching was used to create groups of 150 minimally invasive and open esophagectomies with balanced baseline characteristics (sex, age, comorbidity, center volume, year of surgery, histology, stage (local or locally advanced), and neoadjuvant therapy). The primary outcome was 1-year survival after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the 3-year, 5-year, and 90-day survival.ResultsThe propensity matched 1-year survival rate was 85.3% after minimally invasive and 74.7% after open esophagectomy (adjusted HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31–0.89; P = 0.0174). At 3 years, those were 68.7% and 55.6% (adjusted HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43–0.91; P = 0.0144), respectively; at 5 years, survival rates were 61.8% and 51.9% (adjusted HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.97; P = 0.0347). The 30- and 90-day survival rates after minimally invasive and open surgery were 99.3% vs. 98.0% and 97.3% vs. 92.0%, respectively, without statistical significance.ConclusionsIn this population-based propensity matched study, minimally invasive esophagectomy was associated with improved long-term survival. Due to multiple confounding factors replication studies are needed.     

胸腹腔镜与传统开放手术治疗食管癌的围手术期疗效对比

背景与目的：传统三切口手术是治疗食管癌的重要手段,但术后并发症多、死亡率高。微创食管切除术是目前胸外科发展的方向,具有创伤小、恢复快等特点。该研究回顾性分析2013年1月—2015年1月在新疆医科大学附属肿瘤医院接受胸腹腔镜(thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy,TLE)、单纯腹腔镜(open-laparoscopic esophagectomy,OLE)以及开放手术(open esophagectomy,OE)的食管癌患者的临床资料,比较3组围手术期手术疗效。方法：TLE组72例,OLE组76例,OE组115例,采用单因素方差分析、Kruskal-Wallis检验、χ2检验以及方差分割法比较3组间的一般临床资料、围手术期恢复相关指标、淋巴结清扫数目以及术后并发症之间的差异。结果：在术中出血量、重症监护时间和首次下床站立时间方面,3组间差异有统计学意义,两两比较TLE组要显著优于OE组(P<0.0125)。淋巴结清扫总数3组间差异无统计学意义,但对于食管上段淋巴结区域,TLE组要优于OLE和OE组(P<0.001)。虽然外科系统总并发症发生率3组相当,但喉返神经损伤TLE组要显著高于OLE和OE组(P=0.012,0.003)。术后发生重症呼吸循环系统并发症方面,3组间差异有统计学意义,两两比较TLE组发生率显著低于OLE和OE组(P<0.0125)。术后第1、3天全身炎症反应综合征(systemic inflammatory response syndrome,SIRS)发生率TLE组均低于OLE和OE组(P<0.0125)。结论：胸腹腔镜联合食管癌切除与传统开放手术比较是安全可行的,同时具有创伤小、术后恢复快、并发症少等优点,淋巴结清扫与传统开胸手术相当,但对于上纵隔区喉返神经旁区域淋巴结清扫效果更佳。     

Minimally invasive esophagectomy versus open esophagectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The paradigm of the treatment of esophageal cancer has been changing with the increasing use of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in detriment of open esophagectomy (OE). We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate and compare these two techniques in terms of mortality and associated complications.The literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and U.S. National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials, considering eligible articles since 2015 to 2020. Clinical trials and observational studies were included. We presented results as mean differences with 95% confidence intervals and calculation of heterogeneity associated to the included studies.Thirty-one articles were included with a total of 34,465 participants diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. MIE had tendency towards a decrease in 30- and 90- day mortality after surgery, but no statistically significative results were found. Major cardiovascular and respiratory complications were less frequent in the MIE group, despite high heterogeneity. Also, MIE might contribute to a decrease of minor post-operative complications, to an increase need of a second surgical intervention, to a greater risk for vocal cord lesions; but these results were not statistically significant. Additionally, no differences were found concerning risk of wound infection and for local and systemic recurrence.MIE may be more beneficial than OE, but these findings should be considered carefully.     

端端分层吻合加胃底套入包埋在微创食管癌切除术中的应用

背景与目的：食管癌术中胃与食管吻合的方式有多种,每种吻合方式各有优缺点。探讨端端分层吻合加胃底套入包埋在微创食管癌切除术中的安全性和实用性。方法：回顾并分析2019年4月—2021年4月在自贡市第四人民医院接受微创食管癌切除术的129例患者的临床病理学资料。全部患者采用胸腹腔镜联合下颈胸腹三切口（McKeown术式）的食管癌切除方法,胸部操作在胸腔镜下完成,腹部操作在腹腔镜下完成。根据吻合方式分为端端分层吻合组（87例）和端侧器械吻合组（42例）。术后随访比较两组的并发症,其中吻合口瘘、吻合口狭窄、胃食管反流是本研究的主要观察目标。结果：129例患者均顺利完成微创食管癌切除手术。端端分层吻合组术前接受新辅助治疗的患者较端侧器械吻合组多（12.0%vs2.3%,P=0.037）,两组患者的其余基本临床资料差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。两组的平均手术时间无显著差异。端侧器械吻合组的吻合时间少于端端分层吻合组[（32.0±6.8）min vs (15.0±5.4)min,P=0.021]。两组术后并发症中吻合口瘘（1.1%vs 11.9%,P=0.023）、胃食管反流（9.1%vs...     

Lasting symptoms and long-term health-related quality of life after totally minimally invasive,hybrid and open Ivor Lewis esophagectomy

AimCompared to open esophagectomy (OE), both totally minimally invasive (TMIE) and laparoscopy-assisted hybrid minimally invasive (HMIE) reduce postoperative morbidity and improve short-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to compare lasting symptoms and long-term HRQoL in an international population-based setting between patients who underwent Ivor Lewis TMIE, HMIE or OE.MethodsPatients who were relapse-free at least one year after TMIE, HMIE or OE for esophageal or junctional carcinoma between January 2010 and June 2016 were included. Patients completed the LASER questionnaire to assess lasting symptoms after esophagectomy and the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25 questionnaires to assess HRQoL. Primary endpoint was chest pain and secondary endpoints were pain from chest scars or abdominal scars, abdominal pain, fatigue and physical functioning. Differences in lasting symptoms and HRQoL were assessed with multivariable logistic and ANCOVA regression, respectively.ResultsA total of 362 patients were included (TMIE n = 91, HMIE n = 85, OE n = 186). Median follow-up was 3.9 years (IQR 2.8–5.4). Chest pain was reported less after TMIE compared with HMIE (adjusted OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.05–0.84), but was comparable between TMIE and OE (adjusted OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.12–1.41) and between HMIE and OE (adjusted OR 1.85, 95% CI 0.71–4.81). All secondary endpoints were comparable between TMIE, HMIE and OE. The impact of symptoms on taking medication, return to work, and performance status were comparable between groups.ConclusionSurgical technique seems to have little effect on lasting symptoms and long-term HRQoL after a median of four years after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.     

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.     

Surgery by a minimally invasive approach is associated with improved textbook outcomes in oesophageal and gastric cancer

IntroductionTextbook outcome (TBO) is a composite measure of a number of peri-operative and clinical outcomes in oesophagogastric malignancy. It has previously been shown that TBOs are associated with improved overall survival in both oesophageal and gastric cancer. The influence of a minimally invasive approach (MIA) on TBO is not well defined. The purpose of this study is to validate TBO in our population, examine the influence of a MIA on achieving a TBO, and the impact of TBO on long-term survival.Methods269 patients undergoing oesophagectomy and 258 patients undergoing subtotal or total gastrectomy were included in this study. Demographic, clinical and pathological differences between patients with and without a TBO were compared using univariable and multivariable analysis. Overall survival for those with and without a TBO was examined. The influence of MIA on overall survival and TBO was determined using Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsPatients undergoing oesophagectomy and gastrectomy were significantly more likely to achieve a TBO when MIA was used (p = 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). When MIA is included as an outcome measure patients achieving a TBO show improved overall survival in both oesophageal and gastric cancer. MIA, clear resection margins and no unplanned admission to critical care are the strongest predictors of overall survival from the putative bundle of TBO parameters.ConclusionMinimally invasive surgery is associated with improved TBO. Completion of a minimally invasive approach should be considered for inclusion as a textbook parameter.     

Comparing minimally invasive surgical and open approaches to pelvic exenteration for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies - Systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionPelvic exenteration (PE) is a complex multivisceral surgical procedure indicated for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies. It poses significant technical challenges which account for the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure. Developments in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches and enhanced peri-operative care have facilitated improved long term outcomes. However, the optimum approach to PE remains controversial.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify studies comparing MIS (robotic or laparoscopic) approaches for PE versus the open approach for patients with locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed systematically and a meta-analysis was conducted.Results11 studies were identified, including 2009 patients, of whom 264 (13.1%) underwent MIS PE approaches. The MIS group displayed comparable R0 resections (Risk Ratio [RR] 1.02, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 0.98, 1.07, p = 0.35)) and Lymph node yield (Weighted Mean Difference [WMD] 1.42, 95% CI -0.58, 3.43, p = 0.16), and although MIS had a trend towards improved towards improved survival and recurrence outcomes, this did not reach statistical significance. MIS was associated with prolonged operating times (WMD 67.93, 95% CI 4.43, 131.42, p < 0.00001) however, this correlated with less intra-operative blood loss, and a shorter length of post-operative stay (WMD -3.89, 955 CI -6.53, −1.25, p < 0.00001). Readmission rates were higher with MIS (RR 2.11, 95% CI 1.11, 4.02, p = 0.02), however, rates of pelvic abscess/sepsis were decreased (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21, 0.95, p = 0.04), and there was no difference in overall, major, or specific morbidity and mortality.ConclusionMIS approaches are a safe and feasible option for PE, with no differences in survival or recurrence outcomes compared to the open approach. MIS also reduced the length of post-operative stay and decreased blood loss, offset by increased operating time.     

Lymphadenectomy,obesity and open surgery are associated with surgical complications in endometrial cancer

ObjectiveTo investigate surgical complications related to the staging procedure for endometrial cancer (EC) and to explore complication associations towards patient characteristics and survival.MethodsA population-based cohort study of women diagnosed with EC where primary surgery was performed at a tertiary centre between 2012 and 2016. The Swedish Quality Registry for Gynecological Cancer was used for identification, medical records reviewed and surgical outcomes, including complications according to Clavien-Dindo (CD), and comorbidity (Charlson's index) registered. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with complications as outcome and multivariable Cox regression analysis with overall survival (OS) as endpoint.ResultsIn total 549 women were identified where 108 (19.7%) had CD grade II-V complications. In the multivariable regression analysis; surgical technique, BMI and lymph node dissection, but not comorbidity or age, were found to be risk factors for complications CD grade II-V, with OR of 0.32 (95%CI:0.18–0.56) for minimalinvasive surgery (MIS) compared to open, OR 2.18 (95%CI:1.37–3.49) for BMI ≥30 and OR 2.63 (95%CI:1.32–5.31) for pelvic and paraaortic lymphnode dissection. In Cox regression analysis, a significant lower OS was found within the first 1.5 years for the cohort of complications (CD II-V) compared to no complications.ConclusionSurgical staging with lymphadenectomy was found a risk factor for complications together with high BMI in EC. Using MIS was significantly associated with less complications. Overall survival was found to be negatively affected within the first years after complications. Our results may be taken into consideration when performing updated treatment guidelines including surgical staging.     

Quadrant微创通道椎间融合内固定术与开放椎间融合内固定术治疗腰椎间盘突出症疗效的比较

目的：探讨Quadrant微创通道椎间融合内固定术治疗伴腰椎不稳椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法2009年1月至2012年4月,我科治疗腰椎间盘突出症并且获随访57例患者,其中Quadrant微创通道椎间融合内固定治疗23例,开放椎间融合内固定术治疗34例,比较两组术中出血量、术后引流量、手术时间,椎间隙高度,VAS评分和ODI评分。结果所有患者均无定位错误、神经损伤、脑脊液漏、椎间隙感染等严重并发症,与开放手术组相比,Quadrant手术组术中出血量及术后引流量均明显减少（P＜0.05）,手术时间差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。Quadrant微创通道手术组与开放手术组在术前、术后1个月及末次随访在椎间隙高度差异均无统计学意义。在VAS评分和ODI评分方面,Quadrant微创通道手术组与开放手术组在术前及随访差异无统计学意义,Quadrant微创通道手术组与开放手术组术后1个月差异有统计学意义。结论Quadrant微创通道椎间融合内固定术组与开放椎间融合内固定术组具有相同临床疗效,Quadrant微创通道椎间融合内固定术在手术创伤方面具有优势,近期疗效好,值得推广。     

Centrosomal aberrations in primary invasive breast cancer are associated with nodal status and hormone receptor expression

Our purpose was to assess the presence of centrosomal aberrations as measured by immunohistochemistry in primary invasive breast cancer and their association with established and proposed prognostic factors. Tissue sections of 103 primary invasive breast cancers were examined using centrosome-specific antibodies to pericentrin and gamma-tubulin. At least 3 different tumor regions per case were examined to determine maximum centrosomal aberration levels, which represent the proportion of cells with abnormal centrosomes in the region with the highest percentage of cells with centrosomal aberrations. The chi(2) test was performed to evaluate the association of maximum centrosomal aberration levels with patient age; tumor size; nodal status; nuclear grade; hormone receptor and Her2/neu expression; proportion of Ki67-, p53- and Bcl-2-positive tumor cells; DNA index; S-phase fraction; and proliferation index. With pericentrin immunohistochemistry, maximum centrosomal aberration levels >35% were detectable in 92 of the 103 breast carcinomas (89%). We found a highly significant correlation of maximum centrosomal aberration levels above 35% with axillary nodal tumor involvement (p < 0.0001) and the absence of hormone receptors (p < 0.0001). In addition, there was a borderline significant relationship with age <50 years (p = 0.050) and Her2/neu overexpression (p = 0.050). Among node-negative patients, maximum centrosomal aberration levels >35% were also associated with an increased DNA index (p = 0.006). In a subset of patients, additional staining of centrosomes with a monoclonal anti-gamma-tubulin antibody essentially confirmed these results. In primary invasive breast cancer, centrosomal aberrations are associated with those factors predicting a more aggressive course of disease. This might indicate a fundamental role of centrosomal dysfunction in disease evolution, possibly as a result of chromosome missegregation during mitosis.     

胸段食管癌术后局部复发因素在确定术后放射治疗指征及放疗靶区中的价值

目的:探讨胸段食管癌术后局部复发因素对确定术后放疗指征及术后放疗靶区的指导意义.方法:回顾性分析2009年1月-2011年6月75例胸段食管癌术后局部复发患者的临床病理资料,探讨局部复发规律及其影响因素.结果:75例患者中,男性68例,女性7例;术前病变位于胸上段8例,胸中段53例,胸下段14例;术后病理分期:Tis期0例,T1期6例,T2期17例,T3期48例,T4期4例;N0期35例,N1期40例;临床分期:Ⅰ期5例,ⅡA期26例,ⅡB期7例,Ⅲ期35例,ⅣA期1例,ⅣB期1例;病理分型:鳞癌72例,腺癌2例,鳞癌小细胞癌混合型1例;食管癌根治术中行喉返神经旁淋巴结清扫14例,未行清扫61例;颈部淋巴结清扫9例,未行清扫66例.胸段食管癌根治术后局部复发时间为1～68个月,平均复发时间为13个月.局部复发部位包括双侧锁骨上区27例,上纵隔47例,中纵隔11例,下纵隔为0例,腹腔淋巴结转移4例,吻合口复发8例.结论:胸段食管癌根治术后局部复发位置主要是在双侧锁骨上区、中上纵隔和吻合口,且复发者主要为未行喉返神经淋巴结清扫和颈部淋巴结清扫的患者.建议应结合不同的手术方式及术后病理分期来决定是否应行术后放疗,放疗靶区则以双侧锁上区、中上纵隔和吻合口为主.     

Accelerated hyperfractionation (AHF) compared to conventional fractionation (CF) in the postoperative radiotherapy of locally advanced head and neck cancer: influence of proliferation

Based on the assumption that an accelerated proliferation process prevails in tumour cell residues after surgery, the possibility that treatment acceleration would offer a therapeutic advantage in postoperative radiotherapy of locally advanced head and neck cancer was investigated. The value of T(pot) in predicting the treatment outcome and in selecting patients for accelerated fractionation was tested. Seventy patients with (T2/N1-N2) or (T3-4/any N) squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, larynx and hypopharynx who underwent radical surgery, were randomized to either (a) accelerated hyperfractionation: 46.2 Gy per 12 days, 1.4 Gy per fraction, three fractions per day with 6 h interfraction interval, treating 6 days per week or (b) Conventional fractionation: 60 Gy per 6 weeks, 2 Gy per fraction, treating 5 days per week. The 3-year locoregional control rate was significantly better in the accelerated hyperfractionation (88 +/- 4%) than in the CF (57+/- 9%) group, P=0.01 (and this was confirmed by multivariate analysis), but the difference in survival (60 +/- 10% vs 46 +/- 9%) was not significant (P=0.29). The favourable influence of a short treatment time was further substantiated by demonstrating the importance of the gap between surgery and radiotherapy and the overall treatment time between surgery and end of radiotherapy. Early mucositis progressed more rapidly and was more severe in the accelerated hyperfractionation group; reflecting a faster rate of dose accumulation. Xerostomia was experienced by all patients with a tendency to be more severe after accelerated hyperfractionation. Fibrosis and oedema also tended to be more frequent after accelerated hyperfractionation and probably represent consequential reactions. T(pot) showed a correlation with disease-free survival in a univariate analysis but did not prove to be an independent factor. Moreover, the use of the minimum and corrected P-values did not identify a significant cut-off. Compared to conventional fractionation, accelerated hyperfractionation did not seem to offer a survival advantage in fast tumours though a better local control rate was noted. This limits the use of T(pot) as a guide for selecting patients for accelerated hyperfractionation. For slowly growing tumours, tumour control and survival probabilities were not significantly different in the conventional fractionation and accelerated hyperfractionation groups. A rapid tumour growth was associated with a higher risk of distant metastases (P=0.01). In conclusion, tumour cell repopulation seems to be an important determinant of postoperative radiotherapy of locally advanced head and neck cancer despite lack of a definite association between T(pot) and treatment outcome. In fast growing tumours accelerated hyperfractionation provided an improved local control but without a survival advantage. To gain a full benefit from treatment acceleration, the surgery-radiotherapy gap and the overall treatment time should not exceed 6 and 10 weeks respectively.     

Confocal fluorescence microscopy to evaluate changes in adipocytes in the tumor microenvironment associated with invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ

Adipose tissue is a dynamic organ that provides endocrine, inflammatory and angiogenic factors, which can assist breast carcinoma cells with invasion and metastasis. Previous studies have shown that adipocytes adjacent to carcinoma, known as cancer‐associated adipocytes, undergo extensive changes that correspond to an “activated phenotype,” such as reduced size relative to adipocytes in non‐neoplastic breast tissue. Optical imaging provides a tool that can be used to characterize adipocyte morphology and other features of the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we used confocal fluorescence microscopy to acquire images of freshly excised breast tissue stained topically with proflavine. We developed a computerized algorithm to identify and quantitatively measure phenotypic properties of adipocytes located adjacent to and far from normal collagen, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma. Adipocytes were measured in confocal fluorescence images of fresh breast tissue collected from 22 patients. Results show that adipocytes adjacent to neoplastic tissue margins have significantly smaller area compared to adipocytes far from the margins of neoplastic lesions and compared to adipocytes adjacent to non‐neoplastic collagenous stroma. These findings suggest that confocal microscopic images can be utilized to evaluate phenotypic properties of adipocytes in breast stroma which may be useful in defining alterations in microenvironment that may aid in the development and progression of neoplastic lesions.     

Distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) using retroperitoneal-first laparoscopic approach (Retlap): A novel minimally invasive approach for determining resectability and achieving tumor-free resection margins of locally advanced pancreatic body cancer

BackgroundConventional open distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) using the ventral approach is technically challenging, highly invasive, and not easy to ensure ample dorsal surgical margins. Hence, we describe a novel minimally invasive strategy for DP-CAR using the retroperitoneal-first laparoscopic approach (Retlap), i.e., Retlap DP-CAR, for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer (LAPC), and assess its utility.MethodsRetlap DP-CAR was performed in 10 patients with LAPC that was categorized as either unresectable (UR-LA, n = 4) or borderline (BR-A, n = 6). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was applied on 8 patients and upfront surgery on 2. Retlap was used to create a working space in the retroperitoneal cavity between the pancreatic body and the left kidney and confirm technical resectability, such as securing the celiac axis and preserving the superior mesenteric artery in an early operative stage. Retlap DP-CAR was laparoscopic in 8 patients and robotic in 2. Surgical procedures are directly manipulated from the dorsal side of the pancreas and tumor, facilitating confirmation of technical resectability and obtaining ample dorsal margins in a no-touch isolation approach. Once technical resectability was confirmed, the procedure was converted to the ventral approach for completing DP-CAR.ResultsMedian operating time and blood loss during Retlap were 271 min and 10 mL, respectively, while median resection time and intraoperative blood loss were 582 min and 412 mL, respectively. Tumor-free resection margins were obtained in all cases. The major morbidity rate (C-D > IIIa) was 10%. No mortality was recorded within 90 days. Median overall survival was 53.8 months [95% confidence interval 32.7–75.0].ConclusionsRetlap DP-CAR is a novel minimally invasive procedure for resecting LAPC located close to the celiac axis. It is both safe and feasible, enables determination of technical resectability, achieves dorsal surgical margins, and can improve outcomes and QOL in patients with LAPC.     

Different dissecting orders of the pulmonary bronchus and vessels during right upper lobectomy are associated with surgical feasibility and postoperative recovery for lung cancer patients

Background: Right upper lobectomy (RUL) for lung cancer with different dissecting orders involves the most vari-able anatomical structures, but no studies have analyzed its effects on postoperative recovery. This study compared the conventional surgical approach, VAB (dissecting pulmonary vessels first, followed by the bronchus), and the alter-native surgical approach, aBVA (dissecting the posterior ascending arterial branch first, followed by the bronchus and vessels) on improving surgical feasibility and postoperative recovery for lung cancer patients. Methods: According to the surgical approach, consecutive lung cancer patients undergoing RUL were grouped into aBVA and VAB cohorts. Their clinical, pathologic, and perioperative characteristics were collected to compare periop-erative outcomes. Results: Three hundred one patients were selected (109 in the aBVA cohort and 192 in the VAB cohort). The mean operation time was shorter in the aBVA cohort than in the VAB cohort (164 vs. 221 min, P < 0.001), and less blood loss occurred in the aBVA cohort (92 vs. 141 mL, P < 0.001). The rate of conversion to thoracotomy was lower in the aBVA cohort than in the VAB cohort (0% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). The mean duration of postoperative chest drainage was shorter in the aBVA cohort than in the VAB cohort (3.6 vs. 4.5 days, P = 0.001). The rates of postoperative complica-tions were comparable (P = 0.629). The median overall survival was not arrived in both cohorts (P > 0.05). The median disease-free survival was comparable for all patients in the two cohorts (not arrived vs. 41.97 months) and for patients with disease recurrences (13.25 vs. 9.44 months) (both P > 0.05). The recurrence models in two cohorts were also comparable for patients with local recurrences (6.4% vs. 7.8%), distant metastases (10.1% vs. 8.3%), and both (1.8% vs. 1.6%) (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: Dissecting the right upper bronchus before turning over the lobe repeatedly and dissecting veins via the aBVA approach during RUL would promote surgical feasibility and achieve comparable postoperative recovery for lung cancer patients.