Fluorescence‐based bowel anastomosis perfusion evaluation: results from the IHU‐IRCAD‐EAES EURO‐FIGS registry

Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the dreaded complications following surgery in the digestive tract. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is a means to intraoperatively visualize anastomotic perfusion, facilitating fluorescence image-guided surgery (FIGS) with the purpose to reduce the incidence of AL. The aim of this study was to analyze the current practices and results of NIRF imaging of the anastomosis in digestive tract surgery through the EURO-FIGS registry. Methods: Analysis of data prospectively collected by the registry members provided patient and procedural data along with the ICG dose, timing, and consequences of NIRF imaging. Among the included upper-GI, colorectal, and bariatric surgeries, subgroup analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with complications. Results: A total of 1240 patients were included in the study. The included patients, 74.8% of whom were operated on for cancer, originated from 8 European countries and 30 hospitals. A total of 54 surgeons performed the procedures. In 83.8% of cases, a pre-anastomotic ICG dose was administered, and in 60.1% of cases, a post-anastomotic ICG dose was administered. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in the ICG dose given in the four pathology groups registered (range: 0.013–0.89 mg/kg) and a significant (p < 0.001) negative correlation was found between the ICG dose and BMI. In 27.3% of the procedures, the choice of the anastomotic level was guided by means of NIRF imaging which means that in these cases NIRF imaging changed the level of anastomosis which was first decided based on visual findings in conventional white light imaging. In 98.7% of the procedures, the use of ICG partly or strongly provided a sense of confidence about the anastomosis. A total of 133 complications occurred, without any statistical significance in the incidence of complications in the anastomoses, whether they were ICG-guided or not. Conclusion: The EURO-FIGS registry provides an insight into the current clinical practice across Europe with respect to NIRF imaging of anastomotic perfusion during digestive tract surgery

[The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by chemoembolization]

One hundred and fourteen consecutive patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were treated by chemoembolization using ethiodized oil (Lipiodol), anticancer agents. Ninety patients had concomitant chronic liver disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was diagnosed by US, contrast enhanced CT, fine needle biopsy and alpha-feto-protein level. Admission criteria were as follows: tumor confined to the liver with or without hilar nodal involvement, Child class A or B, white blood cell count above 2.000/mmc and platelet count above 75,000/mmc. All the patients underwent angiographic chemoembolization with Lipiodol and anticancer agents. In 98 patients we performed transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization (TAE) with Gelfoam or for Ivalon sponge. In 16 patients TAE was not performed because of portal thrombosis (7 cases) or technical reasons (9 cases). Mitomycin was used in 40 patients and dihydroxyanthracenedione (DADH) in 58 patients. In the TAE group 83 patients were Child A and 15 Child B. In 27 patients HCC was mononodular whereas in 71 it was multinodular. In 41 patients the tumor was more than 5 cm in diameter (in multinodular tumors only the larger lesion was taken into account). In 56 patients chemoembolization plus TAE was repeated. Seven patients died within one month after treatment: two from myocardial infarction, two from liver failure, two from digestive haemorrhage and one from necrotizing pancreatitis. Long-term survival rates were investigated in relation to prognostic factors: anti-cancer agent, number of nodes, tumor size and Child stage using Kaplan-Meier method. Survival rate at 12, 24 and 36 months are 64%, 38%, and 30% respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

No abstract availabl