The Role of Preoperative Inflammatory Markers in Pancreatectomy: a Norwegian Nationwide Cohort Study

Background and purpose Preoperative infammatory markers, such as Glasgow prognostic score, modifed Glasgow prognostic score and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio, were shown to be associated with prognosis in patients undergoing pancreatectomy for cancer. However, little is known about their predictive role in a Western population. Methods The Norwegian National Registry for Gastrointestinal Surgery (NORGAST) was used to capture all pancreatectomies performed within the study period (November 2015—April 2021). The association between the preoperative infammatory markers and postoperative outcomes was studied. Their impact on survival was examined in patients operated for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Results A total of 1554 patients underwent pancreatectomy in this period. Glasgow prognostic score, modifed Glasgow prognostic score and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio were associated with severe complications (Accordion grade≥III) in the univariable but not in the multivariable analysis. C-reactive protein to albumin ratio, but not Glasgow prognostic score and modifed Glasgow prognostic score, was linked to survival following pancreatectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma. In the multivariable model, age, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, ECOG score, C-reactive protein to albumin ratio and total pancreatectomy correlated with survival. Also, preoperative C-reactive protein to albumin ratio was signifcantly associated with survival after pancreatoduodenectomy. Conclusions Preoperative Glasgow prognostic score, modifed Glasgow prognostic score and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio have no role in predicting the complications after pancreatectomy. C-reactive protein to albumin ratio is a signifcant predictor for survival in ductal adenocarcinoma, yet its clinical relevance should be explored in conjunction with the pathology parameters and adjuvant therapy

Preoperative Inflammatory Markers in Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A National Registry-Based Study

Background Preoperative inflammatory markers were shown to be associated with prognosis following surgery for hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer. Yet little evidence exists about their role in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This study aimed to examine the association between selected preoperative inflammatory markers and outcomes of liver resection for CRLM. Methods Data from the Norwegian National Registry for Gastrointestinal Surgery (NORGAST) was used to capture all liver resections performed in Norway within the study period (November 2015–April 2021). Preoperative inflammatory markers were Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) and C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR). The impact of these on postoperative outcomes, as well as on survival were studied. Results Liver resections for CRLM were performed in 1442 patients. Preoperative GPS C 1 and mGPS C 1 were present in 170 (11.8%) and 147 (10.2%) patients, respectively. Both were associated with severe complications but became non-significant in the multivariable model. GPS, mGPS, CAR were significant predictors for overall survival in the univariable analysis, but only CAR remained such in the multivariable model. When stratified by the type of surgical approach, CAR was a significant predictor for survival after open but not laparoscopic liver resections. Conclusions GPS, mGPS and CAR have no impact on severe complications after liver resection for CRLM. CAR outperforms GPS and mGPS in predicting overall survival in these patients, especially following open resections. The prognostic significance of CAR in CRLM should be tested against other clinical and pathology parameters relevant for prognosis

Laparoscopic versus open liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter propensity score-matched study

Background: The role of laparoscopy in the treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains unclear. This multicenter study examined the outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection for ICC. Methods: Patients with ICC who had undergone laparoscopic or open liver resection between 2012 and 2019 at four European expert centers were included in the study. Laparoscopic and open approaches were compared in terms of surgical and oncological outcomes. Propensity score matching was used for minimizing treatment selection bias and adjusting for confounders (age, ASA grade, tumor size, location, number of tumors and underlying liver disease). Results: Of 136 patients, 50 (36.7%) underwent laparoscopic resection, whereas 86 (63.3%) had open surgery. Median tumor size was larger (73.6 vs 55.1 mm, p¼ 0.01) and the incidence of bi-lobar tumors was higher (36.6 vs 6%, p< 0.01) in patients undergoing open surgery. After propensity score matching baseline characteristics were comparable although open surgery was associated with a larger fraction of major liver resections (74 vs 38%, p< 0.01), lymphadenectomy (60 vs 20%, p< 0.01) and longer operative time (294 vs 209 min, p< 0.01). Tumor characteristics were similar. Laparoscopic resection resulted in less complications (30 vs 52%, p¼ 0.025), fewer reoperations (4 vs 16%, p¼ 0.046) and shorter hospital stay (5 vs 8 days, p< 0.01). No differences were found in terms of recurrence, recurrence-free and overall survival. Conclusion: Laparoscopic resection seems to be associated with improved short-term and with similar long-term outcomes compared with open surgery in patients with ICC. However, possible selection criteria for laparoscopic surgery are yet to be defined

The Brescia Internationally Validated European Guidelines on Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery (EGUMIPS)

Objective: To develop and update evidence-based and consensus-based guidelines on laparoscopic and robotic pancreatic surgery. Summary Background Data: Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery (MIPS), including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, is complex and technically demanding. Minimizing the risk for patients requires stringent, evidence-based guidelines. Since the International Miami Guidelines on MIPS in 2019, new developments and key publications have been reported, necessitating an update. Methods: Evidence-based guidelines on 22 topics in 8 domains were proposed: terminology, indications, patients, procedures, surgical techniques and instrumentation, assessment tools, implementation and training, and artificial intelligence. The Brescia Internationally Validated European Guidelines on Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery (EGUMIPS, September 2022) used the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) methodology to assess the evidence and develop guideline recommendations, the Delphi method to establish consensus on the recommendations among the Expert Committee, and the AGREE II-GRS tool for guideline quality assessment and external validation by a Validation Committee. Results: Overall, 27 European experts, 6 international experts, 22 international Validation Committee members, 11 Jury Committee members, 18 Research Committee members, and 121 registered attendees of the 2-day meeting were involved in the development and validation of the guidelines. In total, 98 recommendations were developed, including 33 on laparoscopic, 34 on robotic, and 31 on general MIPS, covering 22 topics in 8 domains. Out of 98 recommendations, 97 reached at least 80% consensus among the experts and congress attendees, and all recommendations were externally validated by the Validation Committee. Conclusions: The EGUMIPS evidence-based guidelines on laparoscopic and robotic MIPS can be applied in current clinical practice to provide guidance to patients, surgeons, policy-makers, and medical societies.</p

Nasogastric Tube on Demand is Rarely Necessary After Pancreatoduodenectomy Within an Enhanced Recovery Pathway

Background - Evidence-based guidelines for enhanced recovery (ERAS) pathways after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) are available. Routine use of nasogatric tube (NGT) after PD is not recommended. This study aims to evaluate the need for NGT reinsertion after PD performed within an ERAS setting. Methods - It is a prospective observational study of all patients undergoing PD in a tertiary referral hospital within the study period from 2015 throughout 2016. Pre- and postoperative variables were collected. Patients requiring NGT reinsertion were identified. Comparative analysis of patients with and without a NGT reinsertion was performed, as well as multivariate analysis for risk factors for on-demand NGT reinsertion. Results - Two-hundred and one patients were included. In total, 45 (22.4%) patients required NGT reinsertion after PD. A total of 32 (15.9%) patients underwent a relaparotomy. Reinsertion of NGT in patients not undergoing a relaparotomy occurred in 26 (15.4%) patients. The presence of a major postoperative complication was a risk factor for reinsertion of NGT, OR 5.27 (2.54–10.94, p = 0.001). Patients with the need for a NGT reinsertion had a higher frequency of major postoperative complications and relaparotomy compared to patients without the need of a NGT reinsertion, 26 (57.8%) versus 32 (20.5%), p p  Conclusion - Routine use of NGT after PD is not justified within an ERAS setting. Immediate removal of the NGT after the procedure can be performed safely, and reinsertion on demand is rarely necessary in uncomplicated courses

Gastrectomy for metastatic gastric cancer: a 15-year experience from a developing country

The role of surgery in the management of metastatic gastric cancer (MGC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical and oncologic outcomes of gastrectomy in patients with MGC. The study included prospectively collected data of patients with MGC operated at four medical centers in Yerevan, Armenia, between 2000 and 2014. Armenian National Center of Oncology Registry and hospital records were used to obtain survival data. Factors associated with performing gastrectomy in patients with MGC were analyzed by using the logistic regression model. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied for survival analysis, and the Cox regression model with backward selection was used for multivariate analysis. A total number of 733 patients were operated for gastric cancer including 112 (15.3%) with MGC. Of those, 70 underwent gastrectomy, while 42 had exploratory laparotomy or bypass. Morbidity and mortality were similar after gastrectomy and exploratory laparotomy/bypass (18.6 vs 21.4%, p = 0.71 and 2.9 vs 7.1% p = 0.36, respectively). Female gender, involvement of N1 and/or N2 lymph node stations, and differentiated adenocarcinoma were associated with opting for gastrectomy. Gastrectomy with synchronous resection of distant metastases resulted in postoperative outcomes similar to those following gastrectomy without synchronous organ resection. Median follow-up was 6 months. Eighteen (16.1%) patients received chemotherapy. Median survival following gastrectomy and exploratory laparotomy/bypass were 7 and 4 months (p = 0.015), respectively. The use of chemotherapy following gastrectomy significantly improved survival compared with gastrectomy only (14 vs 6 months, p = 0.01). In the multivariable analysis, chemotherapy and nodal stage correlated with survival after gastrectomy. Gastrectomy for MGC is associated with satisfactory surgical outcomes and can be combined with synchronous resection of distant metastases in selected patients. Gastrectomy results in longer survival compared with exploratory laparotomy/bypass, especially when followed by chemotherap

Minimally invasive pancreatic surgery-where are we going?

Background Introduced in the mid-1990s, minimally invasive pancreatic surgery (MIPS) developed slowly over the next two decades, and its real-life benefits remained unclear. Methods In this review, the current status and evidence on the most common types of MIPS, such as minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD), distal pancreatectomy, enucleation, and central pancreatectomy are presented. Results Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is the most frequently used procedure among these, and its indications are nowadays expanding. MIDP for benign and low-grade malignant tumors is advantageous compared to the open approach, suggesting less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospital stay, faster functional recovery, and better quality of life. The oncological adequacy of MIDP in pancreatic cancer is unclear, as no randomized trials have been published. In contrast, MIPD is a technically challenging procedure performed in a small number of centers and in a selected group of patients. Its use remains controversial, as conflicting data have been reported in the literature. Annual volume and learning curve seem to be the key determinants of safety in MIPD. Minimally invasive pancreatic enucleation and central pancreatectomy are less common. Although one randomized trial was published on minimally invasive vs. open central pancreatectomy, current evidence on these procedures is mostly based on retrospective, single-institution series clearly affected by selection bias and small sample size. Conclusion Well-designed prospective studies based on national registries are needed to expand knowledge on MIPS and determine its role in pancreatic surgery. To facilitate further development of MIPS, it has to integrate effectively with the outcome-improving effect of a dedicated pancreatic team

Billroth-I anastomosis in distal subtotal gastrectomy for non-early gastric adenocarcinoma

Billroth-I (B-I) anastomosis is known as a simple and physiological reconstruction method after distal subtotal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer. Yet its role and oncological validity in non-early gastric adenocarcinoma (NEGA) remain unclear

Implementation and training with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: 23-year experience from a high-volume center

Abstract Background Distal pancreatectomy is the most common procedure in minimally-invasive pancreatic surgery. Data in the literature suggest that the learning curve flattens after performing up to 30 procedures. However, the exact number remains unclear. Methods The implementation and training with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) in a high-volume center were studied between 1997 and 2020. Perioperative outcomes and factors related to conversion were assessed. The individual experiences of four different surgeons (pioneer and adopters) performing LDP on a regular basis were examined. Results Six hundred forty LDPs were done accounting for 95% of all distal pancreatectomies performed throughout the study period. Conversion was needed in 14 (2.2%) patients due to intraoperative bleeding or tumor adherence to the major vasculature. Overall morbidity and mortality rates were 35 and 0.6%, respectively. Intra- and postoperative outcomes did not change for any of the surgeons within their first 40 cases. Operative time significantly decreased after the first 80 cases for the pioneer surgeon and did not change afterwards although the proportion of ductal adenocarcinoma increased. Tumor size increased after the first 80 cases for the first adopter without affecting the operative time. Conclusions In this nearly unselected cohort, no significant changes in surgical outcomes were observed throughout the first 40 LDPs for different surgeons. The exact number of procedures required to overcome the learning curve is difficult to determine as it seems to depend on patient selection policy and specifics of surgical training at the corresponding center

Laparoscopic versus open liver resection in the posterosuperior segments: a sub-group analysis from the OSLO-COMET randomized controlled trial

Background Laparoscopic liver resection in the posterosuperior segments is technically challenging. This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes for laparoscopic and open resection of colorectal liver metastases located in the posterosuperior segments. Methods This was a subgroup analysis of the OSLO-COMET randomized controlled trial, where 280 patients were randomly assigned to open or laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing liver resections of colorectal metastases. Patients with tumors in the posterosuperior segments were identified, and perioperative outcomes and health related quality of life (HRQoL) were compared. Results We identified a total of 136 patients, 62 in the laparoscopic and 74 in the open group. The postoperative complication rate was 26% in the laparoscopic and 31% in the open group. The blood loss was less in the open group (500 vs. 250 ml, P = 0.006), but the perioperative transfusion rate was similar. The operative time was similar, while postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (2 vs. 4 days, P < 0.001). HRQoL was significantly better after laparoscopy at 1 month. Conclusion In patients undergoing laparoscopic or open liver resection of colorectal liver metastases in the posterosuperior segments, laparoscopic surgery was associated with shorter hospital stay and comparable perioperative outcomes