Gastroblastoma in Adulthood-A Rarity among Rare Cancers-A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Gastroblastoma (GB) is a rare gastric epithelial-mesenchymal neoplasm, first described by Miettinen et al. So far, all reported cases described the tumor in children or young adults, and similarities with other childhood blastomas have been postulated. We report a case of GB in a 43-year-old patient with long follow up and no recurrence up to 100\u2009months after surgery. So far, this is the second case of GB occurring in the adult age >40-year-old. Hence, GB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of microscopically comparable conditions in adults carrying a worse prognosis and different clinical approach

Training curriculum in minimally invasive emergency digestive surgery : 2022 WSES position paper

Background Minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including laparoscopic and robotic approaches, is widely adopted in elective digestive surgery, but selectively used for surgical emergencies. The present position paper summarizes the available evidence concerning the learning curve to achieve proficiency in emergency MIS and provides five expert opinion statements, which may form the basis for developing standardized curricula and training programs in emergency MIS. Methods This position paper was conducted according to the World Society of Emergency Surgery methodology. A steering committee and an international expert panel were involved in the critical appraisal of the literature and the development of the consensus statements. Results Thirteen studies regarding the learning curve in emergency MIS were selected. All but one study considered laparoscopic appendectomy. Only one study reported on emergency robotic surgery. In most of the studies, proficiency was achieved after an average of 30 procedures (range: 20-107) depending on the initial surgeon's experience. High heterogeneity was noted in the way the learning curve was assessed. The experts claim that further studies investigating learning curve processes in emergency MIS are needed. The emergency surgeon curriculum should include a progressive and adequate training based on simulation, supervised clinical practice (proctoring), and surgical fellowships. The results should be evaluated by adopting a credentialing system to ensure quality standards. Surgical proficiency should be maintained with a minimum caseload and constantly evaluated. Moreover, the training process should involve the entire surgical team to facilitate the surgeon's proficiency. Conclusions Limited evidence exists concerning the learning process in laparoscopic and robotic emergency surgery. The proposed statements should be seen as a preliminary guide for the surgical community while stressing the need for further research.Peer reviewe

2020 WSES guidelines for the detection and management of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy.

Bile duct injury (BDI) is a dangerous complication of cholecystectomy, with significant postoperative sequelae for the patient in terms of morbidity, mortality, and long-term quality of life. BDIs have an estimated incidence of 0.4-1.5%, but considering the number of cholecystectomies performed worldwide, mostly by laparoscopy, surgeons must be prepared to manage this surgical challenge. Most BDIs are recognized either during the procedure or in the immediate postoperative period. However, some BDIs may be discovered later during the postoperative period, and this may translate to delayed or inappropriate treatments. Providing a specific diagnosis and a precise description of the BDI will expedite the decision-making process and increase the chance of treatment success. Subsequently, the choice and timing of the appropriate reconstructive strategy have a critical role in long-term prognosis. Currently, a wide spectrum of multidisciplinary interventions with different degrees of invasiveness is indicated for BDI management. These World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) guidelines have been produced following an exhaustive review of the current literature and an international expert panel discussion with the aim of providing evidence-based recommendations to facilitate and standardize the detection and management of BDIs during cholecystectomy. In particular, the 2020 WSES guidelines cover the following key aspects: (1) strategies to minimize the risk of BDI during cholecystectomy; (2) BDI rates in general surgery units and review of surgical practice; (3) how to classify, stage, and report BDI once detected; (4) how to manage an intraoperatively detected BDI; (5) indications for antibiotic treatment; (6) indications for clinical, biochemical, and imaging investigations for suspected BDI; and (7) how to manage a postoperatively detected BDI

Colorectal Cancer Stage at Diagnosis Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

IMPORTANCE Delays in screening programs and the reluctance of patients to seek medical attention because of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 could be associated with the risk of more advanced colorectal cancers at diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was associated with more advanced oncologic stage and change in clinical presentation for patients with colorectal cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included all 17 938 adult patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021 (pandemic period), and from January 1, 2018, to February 29, 2020 (prepandemic period), in 81 participating centers in Italy, including tertiary centers and community hospitals. Follow-up was 30 days from surgery. EXPOSURES Any type of surgical procedure for colorectal cancer, including explorative surgery, palliative procedures, and atypical or segmental resections. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was advanced stage of colorectal cancer at diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were distant metastasis, T4 stage, aggressive biology (defined as cancer with at least 1 of the following characteristics: signet ring cells, mucinous tumor, budding, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and lymphangitis), stenotic lesion, emergency surgery, and palliative surgery. The independent association between the pandemic period and the outcomes was assessed using multivariate random-effects logistic regression, with hospital as the cluster variable. RESULTS A total of 17 938 patients (10 007 men [55.8%]; mean [SD] age, 70.6 [12.2] years) underwent surgery for colorectal cancer: 7796 (43.5%) during the pandemic period and 10 142 (56.5%) during the prepandemic period. Logistic regression indicated that the pandemic period was significantly associated with an increased rate of advanced-stage colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95%CI, 1.01-1.13; P = .03), aggressive biology (OR, 1.32; 95%CI, 1.15-1.53; P < .001), and stenotic lesions (OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 1.01-1.31; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study suggests a significant association between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the risk of a more advanced oncologic stage at diagnosis among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer and might indicate a potential reduction of survival for these patients

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

3D reconstruction in complex parenchymal sparing liver surgery

Background: Prognosis of stage IV colorectal cancer is related to control of liver metastasis. As of now, surgery provides survival advantage for patients affected by resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), with parenchymal sparing strategies representing the most accepted strategy {[1]. In this setting, 3D reconstruction programs represent the newest available technological leap to improve anatomical accuracy [2]. Despite being quite expensive, 3D models have proved themselves as helpful adjunctive tools to enhance pre-operative strategy [3] in complex liver procedures, even in the eyes of expert hepatobiliary surgeons [4]. Methods: We present a video describing the practical use of a custom-made 3D model, acquired following specific quality criteria [2], for a case of bilateral CLRM after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results: In our reported case and as described in the video, pre-operative visualization of 3D reconstructions altered significantly the pre-operative surgical plan. First, following the principles of parenchymal sparing surgery, challenging atypical resections of metastatic lesions close to main vessels (right posterior branch of the portal vein, inferior vena cava) were preferred to anatomic resections/major hepatectomies, allowing the highest projected future liver remnant volume possible (up to 65%) amongst different available strategies. Secondly, the order of hepatic resections was planned to follow a decreasing degree of difficulty, in order minimize the effect of blood redistribution after previous resections during parenchymal dissection (thus starting from atypical resections close to main vessels, followed by anatomical resections and atypical resections of superficial resections). In addition, the availability of the 3D model in the operating room was crucial in the surgical field to guide safe surgical pathways, especially during atypical resections of lesions close to the main vessels: detection and navigation were further enhanced thanks to tools of augmented reality that allowed the surgeon to manipulate the 3D model through a touchless sensor in a dedicated screen in the operating room and to replicate a mirroring snapshot of the surgical field, without compromising sterility nor the surgical set-up. In the setting of these complex liver procedures, the application of 3D printed models has been described [4]; when available, 3D printed models, particularly useful in the pre-operative phase when explaining the procedure to patients and relatives, have been reported to have comparable significant impact, with feedback from expert hepatobiliary surgeons that is very similar to the one we are reporting in our experience [4]. Conclusion: Routine use of 3D technology does not claim to revolutionize the world of traditional imaging but may be impactful in helping the surgeon visualize the anatomy of that specific individual in a dynamic and three-dimensional way that is similar to the surgical field, thus improving multidisciplinary preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation during complex liver surgery

Postoperative morbidity and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatic duct occlusion compared to pancreatic anastomosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Pancreatoduodenectomy is burdened by elevated postoperative morbidity. Pancreatic duct ligation or occlusion have been experimented as an alternative to reduce the insurgence of postoperative pancreatic fistula. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare postoperative mortality and morbidity (pancreatic fistula, postoperative hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and diabetes mellitus) between patients undergoing pancreatic anastomosis or pancreatic duct ligation/occlusion after pancreatoduodenectomy. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane protocol (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021249232). Results: No difference in postoperative mortality was highlighted. Pancreatic anastomosis was found to be protective considering all-grades pancreatic fistula (RR: 2.38, p = 0.0005), but pancreatic duct occlusion presented a 3-folded reduced risk to develop "grade C" pancreatic fistula (RR: 0.36, p = 0.1186), although not significant. Diabetes mellitus was more often diagnosed after duct occlusion (RR: 1.61, p < 0.0001); no difference was found in terms of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (RR: 1.19, p = 0.151). Conclusion: Postoperative mortality is not influenced by the pancreatic reconstruction technique. Pancreatic anastomosis is associated with a reduction in all-grades pancreatic fistula. More high-quality studies are needed to clarify if duct sealing could reduce the prevalence of "grade C" fistula

Contrast-Enhanced Harmonic Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration versus Standard Fine-Needle Aspiration in Pancreatic Masses: A Propensity Score Analysis

Background: Whether endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) contrast-enhanced fine-needle aspiration (CH-EUS-FNA) determines superior results in comparison to standard EUS-FNA in tissue acquisition of pancreatic masses remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare these two techniques on a series of patients with solid pancreatic lesions. Methods: 362 patients underwent EUS-FNA (2008–2019), after the propensity score matching of two groups were compared; 103 treated with CH-EUS-FNA (group 1) and 103 with standard EUS-FNA (group 2). The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy. Secondary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, and sample adequacy. Results: Diagnostic sensitivity was 87.6% in group 1 and 80% in group 2 (p = 0.18). The negative predictive value was 56% in group 1 and 41.5% in group 2 (p = 0.06). The specificity and positive predictive values were 100% for both groups. Diagnostic accuracy was 89.3% and 82.5%, respectively (p = 0.40). Sample adequacy was 94.1% in group 1 and 91.2% in group 2 (p = 0.42). The rate of adequate core histologic samples was 33% and 28.1%, respectively (p = 0.44), and the number of needle passes to obtain adequate samples were 2.4 ± 0.6 and 2.7 ± 0.8, respectively (p = 0.76). These findings were confirmed in subgroup analyses, conducted according to lesion size and contrast enhancement pattern. Conclusions: CH-EUS-FNA does not appear to be superior to standard EUS-FNA in patients with pancreatic masses

Natural Progression of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis to Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic and progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its global incidence is increasing which makes NASH an epidemic and a public health threat. Due to repeated insults to the liver, patients are at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The progression of NASH to HCC was initially defined according to a two-hit model which involved the development of steatosis, followed by lipid peroxidation and inflammation. However, current research defines a “multi-hit” or “multi-parallel hit” model which synthesizes several contributing pathways involved in progressive fibrosis and oncogenesis. This perspective considers the effects of cellular, genetic, immunologic, metabolic, and endocrine pathways leading up to HCC which underscores the complexity of this condition. This article will provide an updated review of the pathogenic mechanisms leading from NASH to HCC as well as an exploration of the role of biomarkers and screening

Angiotensin Receptor 1 Blockers Prolong Time to Recurrence after Radiofrequency Ablation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma patients: A Retrospective Study

Inhibition of angiotensin II synthesis seems to decrease hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after radical therapies; however, data on the adjuvant role of angiotensin II receptor 1 blockers (sartans) are still lacking. Aim of the study was to evaluate whether sartans delay time to recurrence and prolong overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after radiofrequency ablation. Data on 215 patients were reviewed. The study population was classified into three groups: 113 (52.5%) patients who received neither angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors nor sartans (group 1), 59 (27.4%) patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (group 2) and 43 (20.1%) patients treated with sartans (group 3). Survival outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared with log-rank test. In the whole study population, 85.6% of patients were in Child-Pugh A-class and 89.6% in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer A stage. Median maximum tumor diameter was 30 mm (10–40 mm) and alpha-fetoprotein was 25 (1.1–2100) IU/mL. No differences in baseline characteristics among the three groups were reported. Median overall survival was 48 months (42–51) in group 1, 51 months (42–88) in group 2, and 63 months (51–84) in group 3 (p = 0.15). Child-Pugh stage and Model for End-staging Liver Disease (MELD) score resulted as significant predictors of overall survival in multivariate analysis. Median time to recurrence was 33 months (24–35) in group 1, 41 (23–72) in group 2 and 51 months (42–88) in group 3 (p = 0.001). Number of nodules and anti-angiotensin treatment were confirmed as significant predictors of time to recurrence in multivariate analysis. Sartans significantly improved time to recurrence after radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients but did not improve overall survival