Online)

ABSTRACT Context Synchronous cystic neoplasms of pancreas are a highly rare occurrence. Case report We report a very rare case of coexistent serous cystadenoma and multi-side branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Conclusion To our knowledge, there has been only one previous case report in the literature of a synchronous serous cystadenoma and a solitary IPMN lesion. This case report is intended to increase the awareness of this condition while alluding to the need for diligent examination by endosonographers. It also highlights the clinical impact of endosonography on the diagnosis and management of cystic legions in the pancreas

Lymph node retrieval in pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens: does educating the pathologist matter?

AbstractBackgroundMany previous studies have suggested that the number of lymph nodes retrieved should serve as a benchmark for assessing the adequacy of the resection. The aim was to retrospectively observe the impact of nodal retrieval after educating the pathologist.MethodsPatients undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) between September 2005 and March 2009 were included in the study. The PDs performed between September 2005 and March 2008 were designated as Group A. The pathologists were educated regarding the importance of nodal counts in PD by the surgeon on the 1st April 2008. PDs performed between April 2008 and March 2009 were designated as Group B.ResultsNinety-eight PDs performed by a single surgeon (D.R.J.) for peri-ampullary malignancy were evaluated. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved in Group A was 11(3–32) nodes. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved in Group B was 22 (10–29) nodes (P < 0.001).The lymph node ratio (positive/total nodes), median number of positive nodes retrieved, and the node positivity (node positive compared to node negative) rate did not change.DiscussionA single intervention with the pathologists did impact the number of lymph nodes retrieved from PD specimens. However, the lymph node ratio and lymph node positivity rate remained unchanged. The pathologist is critical to nodal retrieval in PD, but the use of this lymph node number for benchmark of surgical adequacy may be simplistic

Training Paradigms in Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery: an Overview of the Different Fellowship Pathways

Hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) surgery, and the training of HPB surgeons, has evolved significantly over the last several decades. The current state of training in HPB surgery in North America is defined through three main pathways: the Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) ACGME fellowship, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) fellowship, and the Americas Hepatopancreaticobiliary Association (AHPBA) fellowship. These fellowships offer variable experiences in pancreas, liver, and biliary cases, and each pathway offers a unique perspective on HPB surgery. The CGSO ACGME, ASTS, and AHPBA fellowships represent decades of work by the three major surgical leadership stakeholders to improve and ensure quality training of future HPB surgeons. The best care is provided by the HPB surgeon who has been trained to understand the importance of all available treatment options within the context of a multidisciplinary setting. The three fellowship pathways are outlined in this paper with the nuances and variations characteristic of the different training programs highlighted

The adequacy of Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary training: how closely do perceptions of fellows and programme directors align?

BackgroundHepatopancreatobiliary fellowship programmes have recently undergone significant changes with regards to training standards, case‐volume thresholds and multimodality educational platforms. The goals of this study were to compare the perspectives of fellows and programme directors (PDs) on perceptions of readiness to enter practice and identify core Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary (HPB) procedures that require increased emphasis during training.MethodsThis survey targeted PDs and trainees participating in the Fellowship Council/AHPBA pathway. Data related to demographics, education and career plans were collected. Analysis of PD and fellow opinions regarding their confidence to perform core HPB procedures was completed.ResultsThe response rate was 88% for both fellows (21/24) and PDs (23/26). There was good agreement between PDs and fellows in the perception of case volumes. Select differences where PDs ranked higher perceptions included major hepatectomies (PDs: 87% versus fellows: 57%, P = 0.04), pancreaticoduodenectomies (100% versus 81%, P = 0.04) and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies (78% versus 43%, P = 0.03). ‘Good or excellent’ case volumes translated into increased fellow readiness, except for some pancreatitis procedures, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies and potentially major hepatectomies.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into content domains that may require additional attention to achieve an appropriate level of proficiency and confidence upon completion of training.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/113116/1/hpb12457.pd

Role of yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy in the treatment of liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer: An evidence-based expert consensus algorithm

Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases is associated with greater survival compared with non-surgical treatment, and a meaningful possibility of cure. However, the majority of patients are not eligible for resection and may require other non-surgical interventions, such as liver-directed therapies, to be converted to surgical eligibility. Given the number of available therapies, a general framework is needed that outlines the specific roles of chemotherapy, surgery, and locoregional treatments [including selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Y-90 microspheres]. Using a data-driven, modified Delphi process, an expert panel of surgical oncologists, transplant surgeons, and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeons convened to create a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment algorithm that includes appropriate treatment options for patients stratified by their eligibility for surgical treatment. The group coined a novel, more inclusive phrase for targeted locoregional tumor treatment (a blanket term for resection, ablation, and other emerging locoregional treatments)