SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD OF PANCREAS: EXTENDED LYMPHADENECTOMY OR MODIFIED EN BLOC RESECTION?

Pancreatoduodenectomy for the treatment of periampullary cancer was described over 70 years ago. The technique has evolved in an attempt to improve the dismal prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancers. Radical regional resection has been proposed to decrease the incidence of local recurrence as well as to improve survival. These extended resections have failed to show a significant survival benefit in prospective randomized controlled studies. Furthermore, extended pancreatic resections may be associated with increased morbidity. The concept of modified en bloc resection has been advocated and is soundly based on anatomical and pathological principals. This procedure is a modification of the radical regional resection previously described. It involves resection of the peripancreatic retroperitoneal tissue and lymph nodes en bloc with the head of pancreas, in order to achieve an R0 resection but without the morbidity associated with an extended lymphadenectomy. Conceptually, this procedure may be the most appropriate technique for the management of pancreatic head cancers although the ultimate effect on long-term survival can only be judged after further clinical studies.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of standard and extended lymphadenectomy in pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: Although some retrospective studies of extended radical lymphadenectomy for pancreatic cancer have suggested a survival advantage, this is controversial. METHODS: A literature search identified randomized controlled trials comparing extended with standard lymphadenectomy in pancreatic cancer surgery. Overall survival was analysed using hazard ratios and standard errors. Pooled estimates of overall treatment effects were calculated using a random effects model (odds ratio and 95 per cent confidence interval). RESULTS: Of four randomized trials identified for systematic review, three were included in a meta-analysis of survival. The log hazard ratios (standard errors) for survival for the three trials were 0.36 (0.22), - 0.15 (0.17) and - 0.21 (0.15); the weighted mean log hazard ratio for survival overall was 0.93 (95 per cent confidence interval 0.77 to 1.13), revealing no significant differences between the standard and extended procedure (P = 0.480). Morbidity and mortality rates were also comparable, with a trend towards higher rates of delayed gastric emptying for extended lymphadenectomy. The number of resected lymph nodes was significantly higher in the extended lymphadenectomy groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The extended procedure does not benefit overall survival, and there may even be a trend towards increased morbidity. Therefore extended lymphadenectomy should be performed only within adequately powered controlled trials, if at all.     

Tumoren des oberen Gastrointestinaltrakts

The appropriate extent of lymph node dissection in tumors of the upper gastro-intestinal tract continues to be debated. The basic tenet of surgical oncology that cancerous lymph nodes are indicators not governors of survival is under question and derives from the different theories of metastasis. Is the metastatic flow linear (indicators) or does it occur in parallel to tumorigenesis (governor)? If the latter theory is true there would be only a limited indication for lymphadenectomy (LA). Extended LA leads to an ameliorated staging of the N category. Following LA locoregional tumor control is significantly improved for esophageal and gastric cancer. In case of gastric cancer it is evident that there is a group of patients in which extended LA lead to improved long-term survival. This gain in prognosis affects patients in which lymph node metastasis is not or only slightly advanced. In locally advanced tumors there is no prognostic benefit. Patients who might benefit from the extended procedure cannot be assessed during preoperative staging. Therefore, the indications for the procedure should be liberally carried out by experienced hands and in experienced centers. According to randomized studies there is no indication for extended radical LA in pancreatic cancer.     

Chemoradiation combined with total mesorectal excision for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

Rectal cancer is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence. Although it is widely believed that local control results in improved patient outcome, its strategy is still controversial. In Japan, total mesorectal excision (TME) or tumor-specific mesorectal excision (TSME) with pelvic sidewall dissection is regarded as the standard procedure, while TME or TSME with preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is common in Western countries. Most clinical data have indicated that preoperative CRT is not associated with improved long-term survival but with a lower incidence of local recurrence. In addition, CRT is known to enhance the severity of impaired sphincter function. Currently, trials using CRT regimens with newly developed chemotherapy agents are ongoing to elucidate the effect on the control of distant metastasis. According to clinical reports, the prognosis of Japanese patients undergoing surgery alone is as favorable as that in patients undergoing surgery plus CRT in the West, which implies that CRT is not a necessary treatment but a selective option. The precise prediction of tumor response and advances in CRT regimens resulting in better survival may improve the treatment of rectal cancer in the future.     

原发性胆囊癌的预后与病理和手术类型的关系

目的 探讨提高原发性胆囊癌的治疗效果。方法 对１９８１年１月－１９９５年１２月收治的经病理证实的原发性胆囊癌６６例的临床及随访资料进行分析。结果 ６２％的病例合并有胆囊结石,右上腹疼痛,黄疸及右上腹包块是最常见的症状和体征。Ｂ超和ＣＴ有助于术前诊断。病理检查显示腺癌占７９％,早期肿瘤细胞分化程度相对较好,晚期肿瘤占６９％。５２％的病例病灶已无法切除,根治性手术仅占１６％,少数晚期患者经根治性手术可以获得长期生存。统计学分析显示肿瘤的病理分期、肿瘤细胞分级、手术方式与预后显著相关。结论 重视胆囊癌的诊断,适当扩大早期胆囊癌的手术切除范围,对晚期胆囊癌尽可能行根治性切除术,可望改善其预后。     

Radical surgery for gallbladder carcinoma

The aims of the study were to evaluate the adequacy of the surgical treatment and results of curative extended resections for gallbladder cancer. To this end we carried out a retrospective analysis of 59 patients operated on at our institution from 1983 to 2000. Nineteen patients received a curative resection with a radical intent (4 stage I-II patients and 15 stage III-IV patients, according to the AJCC classification). Kaplan-Meyer survival was 100% after one year and 66.6% after five years for stage I-II patients; 44.4% after one year and 0% after 5 years for stage III patients; 75.0% after one year and 0% after 5 years for stage IV patients. Our analysis confirms the poor prognosis of gallbladder carcinoma. In stage I-II patients surgical treatment offers a good chance of survival. In stage III-IV patients surgery affords good palliation. "Curative" extended resection is, however, a safe surgical procedure and offers a real possibility of enhancing survival.     

An appraisal of the surgical management of stage I and II cancers of the pancreas

During the period between 1966 and 1984, 65 patients with duct cell cancer of the head of the pancreas underwent pancreatectomy. Among the 15 cases with tumors less than 2 cm in size, 27% were in stage I, 53% in stage II and 20% in stages III and IV, suggesting that small pancreatic cancer is not compatible with early cancer. Prognosis of cancer of the pancreas was mainly dominated by the stage of the cancer and radicality of the operation. The 5-year survival rate in patients with curative resection in stages I and II was 60%, and prognosis was particularly satisfactory in cases with no, So, Rpo and Vo. In cases of tubular adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, the prognosis was also influenced by the lymphatic, venous, perineural and connective tissue infiltrations. These results substantiate the concept that extended radical pancreatectomy is an indispensable procedure for cancer of the pancreas even in stages I and II.     

Benefits of extended lymphadenectomy in patients with gastric carcinoma with metastasis to second level lymph nodes. An Italian multicenter study

The actual benefit of extended lymphadenectomy in terms of survival in the surgical treatment of gastric cancer is still a debated issue. The aim of this non-randomized prospective multicentre study was to evaluate long-term survival in a group of patients with involvement of the second level lymph nodes, which would not have been removed with a limited lymphadenectomy. From 1991 to 1997, 451 patients with primary gastric cancer underwent curative resection with extended lymphadenectomy in three italian surgical departments. Lymph node stations were removed and classified according to the rules of the Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer; in all cases, retrieval of the lymph nodes was performed by the surgeon on the fresh specimen. Metastases to lymph node stations 7-12 were found in 126 patients out of 451 (27.9%). A mean number of 13 +/- 9 positive lymph nodes (range: 1-42) was found in these cases. Lymph node stations 7 and 8 showed the highest incidence of metastases (61.1% and 44.4%, respectively). Morbidity and mortality rates were 17.1% and 2% in 451 cases treated by extended lymphadenectomy, and 21.4% and 3.2%, respectively, in 126 cases with involvement of second level lymph nodes. In this group of patients, the five-year survival rate was 32 +/- 4%. Multivariate analysis, identified depth of invasion (P < 0.0001, relative risk (RR) 2.4) and the number of positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001, RR 1.6) as significant predictors of a poor prognosis. Japanese-type extended lymphadenectomy is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates if performed in specialised centres. The incidence of metastases in lymph node stations removed with this technique is by no means negligible. This procedure could be beneficial as regards long-term survival even in patients with involvement of regional lymph nodes.     

游离肠系膜上动脉在扩大胰十二指肠切除术治疗胰头钩突癌中的应用及其意义

目的 探讨提高累及肠系膜根部的胰头钩突癌手术切除的安全性和术后生存率的方法 .方法 2004年1月至2008年3月,第二军医大学附属长海疾院普外科采用全程游离肠系膜上动脉(SMA)的方法 ,连续为26例胰头钩突导管腺癌患者施行以肠系膜根部切除为重点的扩大胰十二指肠切除术.其中男性16例,女性10例,年龄30～75岁,中位年龄(55.0±13.0)岁.11例施行部分门静脉和肠系膜上静脉联合切除.对所有手术切除标本进行病理学检查,并对患者进行跟踪随访.结果 全组无手术死亡.所有术后标本手术切缘均为阴性.患者接受7～45个月随访,26例患者的疼痛症状得到了完全缓解,1年和2年累积生存率分别为72.2%和48.1%.结论 在扩大胰十二指肠切除术治疗胰头钩突癌中采用全程游离SMA的方法 ,可以在一定程度上提高手术安全性和彻底性,并有益于术后生存率和生活质量的提高.     

Surgical closure of chest wall in noninflammatory locally advanced breast carcinoma with ulceration of the skin

Patients with noninflammatory locally advanced breast cancer with ulceration of skin or muscle or parietal wall infiltration, better named "extended locally advanced breast cancer," may require cancer surgery and plastic reconstruction of the chest wall after multidisciplinary evaluation. The decision is made to improve quality of life, independently of prognosis, and severity of the disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the best method for surgical closure of the chest wall and to check whether ablative surgery is an appropriate procedure in regards to the treatment of cancer. From October 1997 to June 2006, 27 patients with noninflammatory extended locally advanced breast cancer with ulceration of the skin, who were not candidate or did not respond to a neo-adjuvant treatment, underwent radical mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Sixteen patients (59%) were affected by primary tumors of the breast, and eleven patients (41%) had local recurrence after mastectomy or conservative breast surgery. Two main techniques were used for breast reconstruction: transverse rectus-abdominis musculo cutaneous flap in 19 patients (70%), and a fasciocutaneous flap in eight patients (30%). The best procedure in each patient was chosen according to the extent of skin loss or previous radiotherapy to the chest wall. Fourteen patients (52%) died during the follow-up and the median length of survival was 16 months (range 3-79) in transverse rectus-abdominis musculo cutaneous group and 4 months (range 2-23) in fasciocutaneous flap group. The median length of follow-up after treatment for patients still alive was 32.5 months (range 0-96) in transverse rectus-abdominis musculo cutaneous flap group, and 18 months (range 8-41) in fasciocutaneous flap group. At the end of the follow-up, 10 patients were alive without evidence of disease and three patients developed metastatic lesion or local recurrence. The longest recorded disease free interval for a patient still alive and tumor free was 96 months. Only three patients (11%) had local complications: two wound infections and one partial necrosis of the transverse rectus-abdominis musculo cutaneous flap. Median hospital stay was 7 days (range 3-13) for transverse rectus-abdominis musculo cutaneous and 6 days (range 3-13) for fasciocutaneous flap. Our results confirmed that transverse rectus-abdominis musculo cutaneous group and fasciocutaneous flap flaps are good reconstructive options in patients with extended locally advanced breast cancer. Quality of life has improved in this group of patients, with acceptable survival periods and in some cases very important survival rates.     

残胃癌的外科治疗及预后分析

目的探讨残胃癌的外科治疗及影响预后的因素。方法对22例经外科手术治疗的残胃癌患者的临床资料及预后进行回顾性分析。结果本组残胃癌患者占同期收治的胃癌患者总数的3．3％。其中Ⅰ期4例,Ⅱ期2例,Ⅲ期6例,Ⅳ期10例。根治性切除率分别为77．3％,联合脏器切除率为50．0％：经腹腔完成残胃癌根治手术17例,经胸腹联合切口完成残胃癌根治手术4例,剖腹探查1例。全胃切除、ROHX-en-Y消化道重建21例。淋巴结转移率为63．6％．分别为pNo8例;pN．6例;pN27例;pN,1例。残胃癌Ⅰ、Ⅱ期患者生存时间（80．2±17．2）个月;Ⅲ期患者生存时间（31．2±9．2）个月;Ⅳ期患者生存时间（23．6±6．1）个月;Ⅰ、Ⅱ期患者的生存时间明显长于Ⅲ、Ⅳ期患者（P〈0．05）。术后生存率单纯残胃切除与联合脏器切除组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;但姑息手术与标准根治手术及扩大根治手术组比较、不同分化腺癌组比较、淋巴结转移阳性与阴性组比较,差异均有统计学意义（均P〈0．05）。结论残胃癌外科治疗应选择在全胃切除D2淋巴结清扫基础上进行扩大根治手术和联合脏器切除：病期早晚、淋巴结转移与否、肿瘤生物学特性影响残胃癌患者预后。     

进展期胃癌外科综合治疗的发展趋势

在我国,胃癌仍然是死亡率最高的恶性肿瘤之一,根治性手术是治愈进展期胃癌的唯一手段;D2胃癌根治术作为治疗进展期胃癌的标准术式已被普遍接受.几项临床试验已证实与D2根治术相比,扩大手术范围并未使患者术后生存率有更多的获益.为改善进展期胃癌患者的预后,必须强调开展术前TNM分期,以便临床医生根据肿瘤的状况选择合适的治疗方案.外科综合治疗包括合理应用围手术期化疗、放疗与分子靶向治疗等是治疗进展期胃癌的最佳选择.在本文中,作者介绍了近年来国内外文献报告的有关进展期胃癌外科综合治疗的发展与趋势,供读者借鉴.     

Advanced carcinoma gallbladder

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively rare form of malignancy. As yet, the progress in its management is very slow, which leads to high mortality and very low survival. There is a dire need to help this class of patients by bringing in resources to find ways to reduce its dismal prognosis. At present, the best chances for this disease are early radical surgery. But in patients with invasion of adjacent organs, extended surgery, excising the invaded tissue, may be justified. In patients with distant lymph-node metastasis, even without adjacent organ invasion, radical surgery may not achieve a good outcome.1 Here, combination chemotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy may have some benefits.     

胆囊癌术式的选择与预后

目的 探讨不同分期胆囊癌术式的选择与预后的关系.方法 回顾性分析2001年1月至2007年5月107例胆囊癌患者的临床资料,分析不同分期选择的术式及生存情况.结果 107例随访81例,随访率75.6%,平均随访时间5年.Ⅰ期胆囊癌10例,均行单纯胆囊切除术,9例生存,1例死亡.Ⅱ期胆囊癌8例,行姑息性胆囊切除术3例,中位生存期12个月;行根治术5例,中位生存期24个月,两者中位生存期比较差异有统计学意义(X2=5.698,P<0.05).Ⅲ期胆囊癌42例,行根治术18例,中位生存期24个月;扩大根治术5例,中位生存期18个月,两者中位生存期比较差异无统计学意义(X2=0.238,P>0.05);行姑息性手术19例,中位生存期6个月,与行根治术及扩大根治术中位生存期比较差异有统计学意义(X2=5.772,6.318,P<0.05).Ⅳ期胆囊癌47例,行扩大根治术17例,姑息性手术30例,各术式中位生存期比较差异无统计学意义(X2=0.001,0.694,P>0.05);行扩大根治术的并发症发生率显著高于姑息性手术(X2=6.039,P<0.05).结论 Ⅰ期胆囊癌行单纯胆囊切除术,Ⅱ期胆囊癌行根治术,Ⅲ期胆囊癌根据侵犯范围选择根治术或扩大根治术,Ⅳ期胆囊癌选择姑息性手术.     

Prognosis of patients after resection for lung cancer with intrapulmonary metastasis in different lobes

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of lung cancer patients with intrapulmonary metastasis in different lobes (pm2) is poor. However, some patients achieve long-term survival. We retrospectively investigated the prognosis of resected primary lung cancer patients with pm2. METHOD: Among 845 patients with primary lung cancer who underwent complete resection from 1984 to 2003, 14 cases that had lung cancer with pm2 were evaluated about prognostic factors. RESULTS: The overall 5-year survival rate was 9.5%. The analysis of survival curve based on clinicopathological factors (surgical procedure, histology, tumor size, lymph nodal metastasis, pleural invasion, pleural dissemination and number of pm2) revealed that bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), the absence of pleural invasion and the absence of pleural dissemination are better prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Lung cancer patients with pm2 whose lesions show BAC histology, the absence of pleural invasion or pleural dissemination may achieve long-term survival and could be candidates for surgical treatment.     

胃癌累及胰腺的外科治疗与预后(附120例报告)

目的探讨胃癌累及胰腺的外科治疗方法与预后的关系。方法回顾性分析我院1984年6月～2003年10月手术治疗累及胰腺的胃癌120例。结果本组120例中,根治切除组41例,姑息切除组23例,未切除组56例。根治组41例中经病理证实胰腺有癌细胞浸润者30例,占73.2%,淋巴结转移率为85.4%。其中No10、11淋巴结转移率为73.1%。术后102例得到随访,随访率为85%,1、3、5年的生存率分别为:根治切除组为73%、37%、17%,姑息切除组为22%、9%、4%,未切除组为9%、2%、0%。根治切除组1,3年生存率明显高于姑息性切除组和未切除组(P<0.05),5年生存率明显高于未切除组(P<0.01),但与姑息性切除组无显著性差异。姑息性切除组和未切除组1、3年生存率无显著性差异,但5年生存率明显高于未切除组(P<0.01)。结论胃癌累及胰腺的根治切除可提高1,3年生存率,选择合适的适应征是关键。姑息切除有助于改善生存质量,对改善预后意义不大。     

Gallbladder cancer: An analysis of a series of 139 patients with invasion restricted to the subserosal layer

The goal was to study our experience in the management of a series of patients with a potentially curative subserosal gallbladder cancer who were prospectively treated by the authors. Between April 1988 and July 2004, 139 patients were enrolled in our prospective database. Of the above, 120 were operated on with an open procedure and the rest with laparoscopic surgery. In only eight patients was the diagnosis suspected before the cholecystectomy. The majority of tumors were adenocarcinoma. Six patients had an epidermoid tumor, and one had a carcinosarcoma. Of the patients, 74 underwent reoperation, while in 55 (70.2%) it was possible to perform an extended cholecystectomy with a curative aim. Operative mortality was 0%, and operative morbidity was 16%. Lymph node metastases were found in 10 (18.8%), while in 7 (13.2%) the liver was involved. The overall survival rate was 67.7%, while in those who underwent resection, the survival rate was 77%. Through the use of a multivariate analysis, the presence of lymph node metastasis was found to be an independent factor with respect to prognosis. The feasibility of performing an extended cholecystectomy in patients with gallbladder cancer and invasion of the subserosal layer allows for a good survival rate. The presence of lymph node metastases represents the main poor prognosis factor, and some type of adjuvant therapy should be studied in this particular group. Presented at the 2005 Spring Surgical Week, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, April 13–19, 2005. Supported by the generosity of the German Clinic, Santiago, Chile.     

Delay and survival in bladder cancer

OBJECTIVE: To assess in detail and evaluate the effect on survival of delays in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer (which might lead to a worse prognosis), dividing the delay from onset of symptoms to first treatment into several components, comprising patient delay, general practitioner (GP) delay, and two or more periods of hospital delay. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on 1537 new cases of urothelial cancer in the West Midlands from 1 January 1991 to 30 June 1992. Death information was obtained from the West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit and censored at 31 July 2000. The influence of delay times on survival was explored. RESULTS: The median delay from onset of symptoms to GP referral was 14 days (Delay 1), from GP referral to first hospital attendance was 28 days (Delay 2), and from first hospital attendance to first transurethral resection of bladder tumour was 20 days (Delay 3). The median hospital delay (Delay 2 + 3) was 68 days and the median total delay (Delay 1 + 2 + 3) was 110 days. Patients with a shorter Delay 1 had a lower tumour stage and a 5% better 5-year survival. Patients with a shorter hospital delay had worse survival; total delay had no effect on survival. CONCLUSIONS: There was significantly better survival for patients referred to hospital within 14 days of the onset of symptoms. The relationship between delay and survival in bladder cancer is complex. Hospital delays may be influenced more by comorbidity than by the characteristics of the tumour. However, the adverse effects of delay seem to be most pronounced for patients with pT1 tumours.     

Current standards of surgery for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer carries a dismal prognosis but there has been a vast increase in evidence on its management in the past decade. METHODS: An electronic and manual search was performed for articles on the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer published in the past 10 years. RESULTS: Six major areas of advancement were identified. Groups at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer, notably those with chronic pancreatitis and hereditary pancreatitis, have been defined, raising the need for secondary screening. Methods of staging pancreatic cancer for resection have greatly improved but accuracy is still only 85-90 per cent. Pylorus-preserving partial pancreatoduodenectomy without extended lymphadenectomy is the simplest procedure; it does not compromise long-term survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves long-term survival. Patients who are free from major co-morbidity have better palliation by surgery (with a double bypass) than by endoscopy. High-volume centres improve the results of surgery for all outcome measures including long-term survival. CONCLUSION: The surgical management of pancreatic cancer has undergone a significant change in the past decade. It has moved away from no active treatment. The standard of care can now be defined as potentially curative resection in a specialist centre followed by adjuvant systemic chemotherapy.     

S4 S5 subsegmentectomy of the liver for gallbladder carcinoma

Although innovations have occurred in imaging technology and surgical techniques, carcinoma of the gall-bladder still has a poor prognosis. Since the 1960s, we have performed extended cholecystectomy in patients with gallbladder cancer. Extended cholecystectomy is a safe and common treatment for advanced cancer, but the extent of necessary hepatic resection has not been established. In 2000, we reported that the gallbladder veins infused into the intrahepatic portal venous branch, mostly at P4 and P5(96.7%). Based on those results, we now perform resection of the lower part of segment 4(S4a) and segment 5 for advanced cancer with subserosal invasion and/or negligible direct invasion to the parenchyma of the liver. S4aS5 subsegmentectomy is thought to have a clear advantage over extended surgical margins. This procedure can remove almost all the area perfused by the gallbladder veins and as a results, it may also remove latent and occult metastatic foci. The steps in the procedure are as follows: 1) lymph nodes cleaning of the posterior of the pancreas head; 2) skeletonization of the hepatoduodenal ligament; 3) identification and ligation of the lower branch of P4; 4) identification of the boundary between the anterior and posterior segment; and 5) hepatic resection with the plate of the gallbladder. Since 1991, we have performed S4aS5 subsegmentectomy in 12 patients with gallbladder cancer. Although the follow-up period is short, it is thought that the outcome of this procedure is better than that of extended cholecystectomy because of the low mortality and morbidity rates.