Colorectal cancer liver metastases: laparoscopic and open radiofrequency-assisted surgery

Introduction: The liver is the most common site of colorectal metastases (colorectal liver metastases – CLM). Surgical treatment in combination with oncological therapy is the only potentially curative method. Unfortunately, only 10–25% of patients are suitable for surgery. Traditionally, open liver resection (OLR) is usually performed. However, laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has become popular worldwide in the last two decades. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and benefits of radiofrequency minor LLR of CLM in comparison with OLR. Material and methods: The indication for surgery was CLM and the possibility to perform minor laparoscopic or OLR not exceeding two hepatic segments according to Couinaud’s classification. Results: Sixty-six minor liver resections for CLM were performed. Twenty-five (37.9%) patients underwent a laparoscopic approach and 41 (62.1%) patients underwent OLR. The mean operative time was 166.4 min for LLR and 166.8 min for OLR. Average blood loss was 132.3 ±218.0 ml during LLR and 149.5 ±277.5 ml during OLR. Length of hospital stay was 8.4 ±2.0 days for LLR and 10.5 ±5.8 days for OLR. All resections were R0. There was no case of mortality. Postoperative complications were recognized in 9 (13.6%) patients: 8 in the group of OLR patients and 1 in the LLR group. The median survival time for LLR was 70.5 months and for OLR 61.9 months. The 5-year overall survival rate was higher for LLR vs. OLR – 82.1% vs. 69.8%. The average length of disease-free interval after LLR was greater (52.2 months) in comparison with OLR (49.4%). The 5-year disease-free interval was 63.2% for LLR and 58% for OLR. Conclusions: Outcomes and oncological radicality of minor laparoscopic liver resections of CLM are comparable to outcomes of OLR.Web of Science10221220

New semi-spherical radiofrequency energy device for liver resection: an experimental study in pigs

The aim of this experimental study was to verify a new semi-spherical surgical tool for bipolar radiofrequency liver ablation, which can solve some of the disadvantages of the commonly used device, such as long duration of ablation. A total of 12 pigs which were randomly divided into two groups were used. Each pig underwent resection of the two liver lobes. In group 1, pigs were treated with the commonly used device; in group 2 the newly developed semispherical device was used. During surgery and the post-surgical period, many categories were observed and later analyzed. The blood count and biochemistry were monitored on days 0, 14 and 30 from the operation. On day 14 since the liver resection, pigs underwent diagnostic laparoscopy to evaluate their condition focusing on the site of the liver lobe resection. On day 30 after operation, all pigs were euthanized and subjected to histopathological examination. Histopathological evaluation of thermal changes at the resection margin showed strong thermal alteration in both groups. Data between both groups were compared using median test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS software version 18.0. Statistical analysis of collected data did not prove any significant (P < 0.05) differences between the commonly used device and the newly designed surgical tool.Web of Science84439

Post-kidney transplantation results after circulatory or brain death without pre-mortem heparin administration

Background: Kidney donation after circulatory death (DCD) follows confirmation of death using cardiorespiratory criteria, while donation after brain death (DBD) uses neurological criteria. DBD and DCD donors are the main sources of grafts for transplantation. This retrospective cohort study from a single center in the Czech Republic aimed to compare 5-year post-transplantation outcomes after DCD and DBD transplantation without pre-mortem heparin administration. Material/Methods: A total of 227 recipients with matched donors enrolled in the transplantation program at our institution between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed. Following the application of the inclusion criteria, 99 recipients and 94 matched donors were finally included in the study. Results: The duration of cold ischemia (median 961 vs 1100 min, P=0.028) and the perfusion with the preservation solution (median 11 vs 22 min, P<0.001) was statistically significantly shorter in DBD than in DCD grafts. The 1-year survival rates were 97.5% (95% CI 94.1-100.0%) and 90.0% (95% CI: 77.8-100.0%) for DBD and DCD recipients, respectively. The 3-year survival rates were 91.9 (95% CI: 86.0-98.4) and 90.0 (95% CI: 77.8-100.0) for the DBD and DCD groups, respectively. The overall difference in survival between the 2 groups of patients was not statistically significant (P=0.750) nor was disease-free survival (P=0.370). Conclusions: This retrospective study from a single center showed similar 5-year results after kidney transplantation for DCD and DBD donors without pre-mortem heparin administration, including the time to graft failure and patient survival.Web of Science28art. no. e93687

Obesity in cases undergoing the surgical procedure of lung lobectomy: risk or benefit?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of body mass index on patients’ short-term results following lung lobectomy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we compared the perioperative and short-term postoperative results of obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) versus nonobese patients (BMI&lt;30 kg/m2) who underwent anatomical lung resection for cancer. The two groups had the same distribution of input risk factors and the same ratio of surgical approaches (thoracoscopy vs. thoracotomy). RESULTS: The study included a total of 144 patients: 48 obese and 96 non-obese patients. Both groups had the same ratio of thoracoscopic vs. thoracotomy approach (50/50%), and were comparable in terms of demographics and clinical data. The g roups did not significantly differ in the frequency of perioperative or postoperative complications. Postoperative morbidity was higher among non-obese patients (34.4 vs. 27.1%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.053). Hospital stay was similar in both study groups (p=0.100). Surgery time was significantly longer among obese patients (p=0.133). Postoperative mortality was comparable between the study groups (p=0.167). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity does not increase the frequency of perioperative and postoperative complications in patients after lung lobectomy. The slightly better results in obese patients suggest that obesity may have some protective role. © 2022 Associacao Medica Brasileira. All rights reserved.MZ ČR – RVO-FNOs/201

Effect of bariatric surgery on fatty liver disease in obese patients: A prospective one year follow-up study

Background. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, manifests itself as steatosis, hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even end-stage liver disease. NAFLD causes inflammation, insulin resistance and cardiovascular complications. The current study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery on biochemical parameters of hepatic functions in obese patients by comparing them before and one-year after the surgery. Methods. A total of 72 morbidly obese patients underwent bariatric surgery between 2016 and 2018. The incidence of diabetes mellitus in this group was 29%, median body weight was 124.5 kg (109.0-140.0) and mean body mass index (BMI) was 44.38 +/- 6.770 kg/m(2). The used surgical procedures included gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastric plication, and single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass-sleeve gastrectomy. Biochemical parameters including ALT/AST ratio (AAR), NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), hepatic fibrosis index (FIB-4) and Fatty Liver Index (FLI) were evaluated in all patients at the time of surgery and one year after the intervention. Results. Significant improvement after the intervention was observed in 64 patients. A significant reduction in body weight (P<0.0001), waist circumference (P<0.0001), and body mass index (P<0.0001) were observed. NAFLD liver fibrosis index changed significantly (P<0.0001), suggesting a trend of improvement from advanced fibrosis towards stages 0-2. The FIB-4 fibrosis index indicated significant improvement (P=0.0136). Besides, a significant decline in hepatic steatosis (P<0.0001) was observed after bariatric surgery as compared to the pre-surgery fatty liver conditions. Conclusion. Among the strategies to overcome NAFLD-associated impediments, bariatric surgery can be considered effective in reducing obesity and metabolic co-morbidities.University of Ostrava in The Czech Republi

Obesity paradox in patients undergoing lung lobectomy – myth or reality?

Abstract Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of BMI on the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing lung lobectomy. Methods This was a retrospective clinical cohort study conducted in a single institution to assess the short-term outcomes of obese patients undergoing lung resection. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were compared between the two study subgroups: obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and non-obese patients (BMI < 30 kg/m2). Results In total, 203 patients were enrolled in the study (70 obese and 133 non-obese patients). Both study subgroups were comparable with regards to demographics, clinical data and surgical approach (thoracoscopy vs. thoracotomy). The surgery time was significantly longer in obese patients (p = 0.048). There was no difference in the frequency of intraoperative complications between the study subgroups (p = 0.635). The postoperative hospital stay was similar in both study subgroups (p = 0.366). A 30-day postoperative morbidity was higher in a subgroup of non-obese patients (33.8% vs. 21.7%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.249). In the subgroup of non-obese patients, a higher frequency of mild and severe postoperative complications was observed. However, the differences between the study subgroups were not statistically significant due to the borderline p-value (p = 0.053). The 30-day postoperative mortality was comparable between obese and non-obese patients (p = 0.167). Conclusions Obesity does not increase the incidence and severity of intraoperative and postoperative complications after lung lobectomy. Slightly better outcomes in obese patients indicate that obesity paradox might be a reality in patients undergoing lung resection

Semi-spherical Radiofrequency Bipolar Device - A New Technique for Liver Resection: Experimental In Vivo Study on the Porcine Model

PubMed ID: 24945372The incidence of colorectal carcinoma is still growing in the Czech Republic and also all around the world. With success of oncological treatment is also growing a number of potential patients with liver metastases, who can profit from surgical therapy. The aim of this study was to confirm on porcine models that this method by using new surgical device is effective and safe for patients who have to undergo liver resection. The primary hypothesis of the study was to evaluate whether this new device is able to consistently produce homogeneous and predictable areas of coagulation necrosis without the Pringle maneuver of vascular inflow occlusion. The secondary hypothesis of the study was to compare the standard linear radiofrequency device and a new semi-spherical bipolar device for liver ablation and resection in a hepatic porcine model. Twelve pigs were randomly divided into two groups. Each pig underwent liver resection from both liver lobes in the marginal, thinner part of liver parenchyma. The pigs in first group were operated with standard using device and in the second group we used new developed semi-spherical device. We followed blood count in 0th, 14th and 30th day from operation. 14th day from resection pigs underwent diagnostic laparoscopy to evaluate of their state, and 30th day after operation were all pigs euthanized and subjected to histopathological examination. Histopathological evaluation of thermal changes at the resection margin showed strong thermal alteration in both groups. Statistical analysis of collected dates did not prove any significant (p < 0.05) differences between standard using device and our new surgical tool. We proved safety of new designed semi-spherical surgical. This device can offer the possibility of shortening the ablation time and operating time, which is benefit for patients undergoing the liver resection.Web of Science14558257

Predictive factors for non-sentinel lymph nodes affection in breast carcinoma--outcomes of a Czech multicenter study of sentinel lymph nodes

The aim of the study was to assess positivity nonsentinel lymph nodes in patients with macro, micro and submicrometastases in sentinel lymph nodes and find predictive factors of positivity nonsentinel lymph nodes. Study was conducted at the Department of Surgery in Pardubice, Pilsen, Ostrava and Zlín. Sentinel lymph nodes were assessed based on standards of Czech Pathological Society. Detection of sentinel lymph nodes was performed based on radionavigation or combination of radionavigation and blue dye method. In group N1 (macrometastases) there was found positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes in 50% (45 from 90 patients). In group N1 Mi (micrometastases) there was found positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes in 26.7% (16 from 60 patients). In group NO I+ (sub-micrometastases) there was found positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes in 6.7% (1 from 15 patients). Predictive factors were size of metastasis, number of positive sentinel lymph nodes and grading. Size of tumor was not found to be a predictive factor of positivity nonsentinel lymph nodes. High positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes in pacients with macro and micrometastases in sentinel lymph nodes advocates to perform axillary lymph nodes dissection. Due to small number of patients with submicrometastases it is not possible to assess if axillary dissection is necessary or not. Predictive factors of positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes are size of metastasis in sentinel lymph nodes, number of positive sentinel lymph nodes and grading. Size of tumor was not found to be a predictive factor due to small tumors in the study. In spite of this it is necessary to consider it like a predictive factor of positivity nonsentinel lymph nodes. In patients with macro and micrometastases it is necessary to perform axillary dissection. In patients with submicrometastases in sentinel lymph nodes it is necessary to consider predictive factors

Predictive factors for non-sentinel lymph nodes affection in breast carcinoma--outcomes of a Czech multicenter study of sentinel lymph nodes

The aim of the study was to assess positivity nonsentinel lymph nodes in patients with macro, micro and submicrometastases in sentinel lymph nodes and find predictive factors of positivity nonsentinel lymph nodes. Study was conducted at the Department of Surgery in Pardubice, Pilsen, Ostrava and Zlín. Sentinel lymph nodes were assessed based on standards of Czech Pathological Society. Detection of sentinel lymph nodes was performed based on radionavigation or combination of radionavigation and blue dye method. In group N1 (macrometastases) there was found positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes in 50% (45 from 90 patients). In group N1 Mi (micrometastases) there was found positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes in 26.7% (16 from 60 patients). In group NO I+ (sub-micrometastases) there was found positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes in 6.7% (1 from 15 patients). Predictive factors were size of metastasis, number of positive sentinel lymph nodes and grading. Size of tumor was not found to be a predictive factor of positivity nonsentinel lymph nodes. High positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes in pacients with macro and micrometastases in sentinel lymph nodes advocates to perform axillary lymph nodes dissection. Due to small number of patients with submicrometastases it is not possible to assess if axillary dissection is necessary or not. Predictive factors of positivity of nonsentinel lymph nodes are size of metastasis in sentinel lymph nodes, number of positive sentinel lymph nodes and grading. Size of tumor was not found to be a predictive factor due to small tumors in the study. In spite of this it is necessary to consider it like a predictive factor of positivity nonsentinel lymph nodes. In patients with macro and micrometastases it is necessary to perform axillary dissection. In patients with submicrometastases in sentinel lymph nodes it is necessary to consider predictive factors