Subtotal Esophagectomy-Akiyama Procedure： In a Case with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Adenocarcinoma, typically in the distal third of the esophagus, and squamous cell carcinoma, typically in the proximal two thirds of the esophagus, each make up 49% of cases of esophageal cancer. The remaining cancers in this area include sarcoma (1%), lymphoma (0.5%), cylindroma (0.25%), and primary melanoma (0.25%). Case report We present patient S.G. 62 years old, male, with the following symptoms started 3 months from hospital admission: difficult swalloing mostly for the hard foods and eventually for the liquids too, chest burning, cough and vomiting, throat pain, weight loss. In the laboratory findings only a mild anemia was found, Hemoglobine 10.8 g/dl, and slightly high values of CRP. Patient was hospitalized in the First Clinic of General Surgery, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” Tirana, Albania and underwent an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and 28 cm form the incisive teeth and esophageal narrowing was detected which could not allow the scope to go lower for further examination. Biopsy was taken through endoscopy. Patient was planned for a CT scan and tumor markers, CEA and CA 19-9, both later ones came in normal values. CT scan showed an irregular, asymmetric narrowing of the thoracic esophagus, thickening of the esophagus walls with 4 cm of extension without invasion of local periesophageal fat and regional lymphadenopathy. The biopsy resulted; esophageal squamous cell carcinoma G2. In these circumstances patient underwent a feeding jejunostomy and was sent to follow the protocol of neoadjuvant chemo and radiotherapy. Three months later the patient is returned in our clinic, where he underwent the surgical intervention. Postoperatively the patient was treated in the Intensive Care Unit. The next day after the operation, cervical drains were removed and in the fourth postoperative day the thoracic and abdominal drains were also removed. Patient comes in the surgery ward in the fifth postoperative day where is treated afterwards with an excellent postoperative course. In the tenth postoperative day the anastomosis integrity is verified by x-ray swallowing contrast gastrografin, and the next day he was discharged from the hospital. Keywords: Esophageal, squamous cell carcinoma, subtotal esophagectomy DOI: 10.7176/ALST/79-05 Publication date:March 31st 202

Retroperitoneal, Para-aortocaval Lymphatic Resection as the Surgical Treatment of Choice in Seminoma Grade II

Background Testicular cancer remains one of the most common malignant diseases in young men. The highest incidence was seen in the ages of 25-29 years. A significant part of them come from germ cell tumors, which are divided into seminoma and non-seminoma. Although the aggressiveness of tumors with germ cells remains high, it should be noted that there is a very high response to surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment, where a 5-year disease-free survival is evident in more than 95% of cases. The metastatic spread of these tumors follows the lymphatic drainage of the testes. The retroperitoneal and pre-aortocaval spread, which are resistant to chemotherapy, requires the intervention of an extended surgical procedure, which consists in the removal of the lymph nodes in these regions. The purpose of this procedure is the resection of pre-aortocaval lymph nodes remaining after orchidectomy, a procedure which represents one of the major components of the curative treatment. Case presentation There are three cases of patients, aged 37/32/39-years-old, who have undergone the surgical procedure of right orchidectomy. The biopsy obtained after the surgical intervention showed grade II seminoma. All three patients, who underwent orchidectomy in different years, were subjected to chemotherapeutic treatment with the 3 preparations bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin. After that, for a period of 1.5-2 years, they carried out occasional checks, which they then stopped. The lack of control for a 5-year period, as well as the limitation of the surgical procedure only in the right orchidectomy, has led to the metastasis of the seminoma in the pre-aortocaval region. In this study, we consider the fact of performing the retroperitoneal lymphatic drainage procedure according to the lymphatic drainage route of the tests, in the cases of the biopsy result "Seminoma grade II" and above, as one of the major components of the curative treatment in addition to Chemotherapeutic treatment. Discussion The implementation of retroperitoneal, pre-aortocaval lymphadenectomy is considered mandatory, especially in the results of "Seminoma grade II" biopsy. In cases where laboratory and imaging examinations indicate residual retroperitoneal, pre-aortocaval masses, the surgical procedure of lymphadenectomy should be performed as soon as possible. The principle of the lymphadenectomy according to the way of drainage of the testes is important when we talk about oncological principles. Statistical data show the advantage of the extended surgical procedure, consisting of a disease-free survival period of 5 years at a rate of 95%. The choice of the retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy procedure has resulted in the normalization of tumor markers for at least a 2-year period after the intervention, also showing an improvement in the patient's prognosis. Conclusion In cases of histopathological response, where the result of Seminoma grade II and above is concluded, the surgical procedure should not be limited to simple orchidectomy or radical inguinal orchidectomy with the aim of avoiding metastatic spread along the lymphatic drainage route. Keywords: General surgery, Testicular cancer, Seminoma, Para-aortocaval retroperitoneal lymphatic resection, RPLND. DOI: 10.7176/ALST/95-06 Publication date: November 30th 202

Gastro-Duodenal Artery Aneurysm Rupture – Case Report

Background The definition of an aneurysm is a dilation of an artery more than 1.5 to 2 times its normal diameter. Visceral (or splanchnic) artery aneurysms include those concerning the celiac truncus, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, and their branches. This classification does not include aortic and renal artery aneurysms. It is a rare, but clinically significant pathology because of the high mortality risk. Despite this rarity, cases have been accumulated and this pathology is better understood. Novel techniques for the management of aneurysms have been developed with the advent of interventional radiology. However, our case concerns the emergent surgical repair of a ruptured aneurysm, rather than the elective repair. Case presentation The 61-year-old female patient complains of diffuse, intermittent abdominal pain lasting for almost one week. On the last day the patient suffers from excruciating abdominal pain and is brought to the emergency department. Objective evaluation shows pallor, diaphoresis, low blood pressure, tachycardia and abdominal guarding in all quadrants. An abdominal ultrasound spots the presence of free fluid in all recesses. A diagnostic peritoneal needle aspiration shows pure blood. AB0 and Rhesus blood type is identified and the patient is prepared for the operating theatre. Following a laparotomy, peritoneal lavage, a rupture of gastro-duodenal aneurysm is identified and the artery is ligated in its origin. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged in good health. Discussion Rare case reports in literature have reported Gastro-duodenal artery aneurysms. Because of this rarity in incidence there is no clear protocol on how to diagnose and manage it. Possible risk factors and associated conditions include: chronic pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, vascular abnormalities as fibromuscular dysplasia and polyarteritis nodosa. Other events and diseases such as trauma, septic emboli, hypertension and atherosclerosis are also mentioned. The main symptoms of visceral artery aneurysms, with or without rupture are abdominal pain, hypotension, gastric emptying delay and other non-specific manifestations such as vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, upper gastro-intestinal tract haemorrhage (which occurs in about 50% of the cases with gastro-duodenal artery aneurysms) and retro and intra-peritoneal bleeding. Conclusion The rupture of gastro-duodenal artery is a serious fatal presentation of a rare condition. It requires high alertness and decisive action, as warning signs and symptoms may be dull or absent. Quick diagnosis before rupture can change the course of this disease and prevent lethal complications. As this disorder is so uncommon, there are no specific screening or follow-up recommendations. Treatment and diagnostic options should be decided on a case basis. Keywords: General Surgery, Visceral Artery Aneurysm, VAA, Splanchnic Aneurysm, Aneurysm Rupture. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-8-02 Publication date:March 31st 202

Right Hepatectomy (Réglée) for Liver Metastasis Post Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma – Case Report

Background Metastatic tumors of the liver are the most common hepatic malignant disease, responsible for more than 95% of the total. The size and number of metastases of the liver varies considerably. They maintain the anatomo-pathologic features of the primary cancer, but often are complicated by central necrosis. Pancreatic tumors often metastasize to the liver because of venous drainage to the portal vein. In cases of this occurrence, the disease is considered to be at stage IV with minimal to no consideration for a surgical approach despite the late improvements in liver resection and more efficient chemotherapy. There is a severely limited number of studies for patients undergoing liver resection for liver metastases that arise after a surgical treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, these studies, which take in consideration the surgical liver resection versus chemotherapy alone in patients with metachronous metastases of pancreatic cancer demonstrate a significantly longer survival rate. Case presentation The 65 y/o male patient­­­­­­ was diagnosed one year prior to the current events with an adenocarcinoma of the pancreas tail, for which he underwent the surgical procedure of pancreatic tail resection and splenectomy. Ten months after the surgery he complains of fever and body temperature of 38 - 39°C. Despite taking antibiotics for over a month and a half he has no improvement. He is hospitalized in a febrile state, asthenic and pale skin and mucosa. Following an MRI the diagnosis leans towards a liver metastasis. A right réglée hepatectomy is performed. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged in good health. Discussion Determining the amount of liver parenchyma to be removed is an important decision. Anatomic resections mostly include two or more hepatic segments, whereas non-anatomic resection involves the resection of the metastases with a margin of healthy tissue (segmentectomy). The decision concerning the extent of resection is more relevant for the post-operative chemotherapy in colorectal metastasis, where an effort is made to conserve as much as possible remnant liver tissue. A preoperative chemotherapy allows more patients to be considered resectable, but may damage hepatic function and increase the risk of post-operative liver insufficiency. Conclusion In conclusion, hepatic resection for metastatic non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine tumors is safe and is linked to better outcomes in chosen patients. However primary tumour type and disease-free intervals seem to be important variables. Sometimes, hepatic resection may be the only option offering a potential cure, so it should be considered in some patients with liver metastases of non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine tumors. Keywords: General Surgery, Right Hepatectomy, Liver Metastasis, Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-9-07 Publication date:March 31st 202

Recurrent Retroperitoneal and Subhepatic EGIST – Case Report

Background GISTs (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) are a common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a diverse pathology that can occur in any portion of the gastrointestinal tract, from distal esophagus to anus. However, the stomach is the most common origin. GISTs evolve from small neoformations, to a large, metastasizing sarcoma. Their pathogenesis is linked with the KIT or PDGFRA mutations. GIST is to be suspected in cases where a round mass is encountered in close relations to the stomach, intestine or lower esophagus. It has to be differentiated with other neuroendocrine tumors, lymphomas and other rare cancers by means of a biopsy. Case presentation The 62 y/o male patient was diagnosed 4 years prior to the current events with GIST for which a surgical procedure of distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy and partial resection of curvatura major of the stomach was performed at another hospital. This was followed by chemotherapy as advised by the treating doctors. The patient presents to our clinic with the complaints of left flank pain for over a week, dysphagia and weight loss. CT shows a giant formation of the left flank, at the splenic lodge, with dimensions of 30 × 32 cm, with close proximity to the left kidney, abdominal aorta, the lienal flexure of colon, the stomach, superior mesenteric artery. Besides this, another 8 × 9 cm subhepatic formation is noted, which has a close vicinity to the portal vein and hepatic hilum. He underwent the surgical procedure for the extirpation of the both masses, also partial resection of curvatura major, vagotomy, Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty, segmental hepatic flexure colon resection and end-to-end anastomosis. The procedure was tolerated well and he was discharged in good health. The following pathology report confirms GIST. Discussion Treatment of GISTs and EGISTs consists on the R0 resection of the mass, without the need for radical removal of healthy tissue since these types of tumors do not normally infiltrate adjacent tissue. If other organs are invaded it is recommended to perform an en-bloc resection, taking care to avoid the rupture of the mass, as to minimize the chances of peritoneal dissemination. A prompt adjuvant therapy including the use of selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib) is strongly advised. The patient should be followed with periodic controls for recurrence. Conclusion There is a clear role surgery can play in improving the outcomes in such patients. However, some authors still debate whether surgery improves results in such patients. For this purpose, it is necessary to involve a team of oncologists, imaging specialists and experienced surgeons in the treatment plan of GIST patients to provide the best treatment. Keywords: General Surgery, Retroperitoneal EGIST, Hepatic EGIST, GIST. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-9-06 Publication date:March 31st 202

A Rare Case of Advanced Duodenal Cancer Infiltrating the Head of Pancreas and the Mesocolon of the Hepatic Flexure

Background Primary small bowel carcinoma is a very rare tumor, with non-specific symptoms that usually cause a delay in diagnosis and, consequently, a negative outcome. Duodenal carcinoma is on its own an uncommon tumor of the intestinal tract. Our case presented further local advancement with infiltration of the hepatic flexure mesocolon. En-block pancreaticoduodenectomy plus right hemicolectomy or Colo-Pancreatico- Duodenectomy (cPD) is feasible in highly selected patients if performed by experienced surgeons. Case presentation We are introducing the case of a 48 y/o male patient presenting with a dull pain of the lower abdomen and dark stools (melena) in the recent episodes of defecation; considerable weight loss; jaundice (total bilirubin level 10 mg/dL). In the radiologic investigations, IV contrast CT of the abdomen revealed the presence of a 7.7 cm x 8.5 cm mass of duodenum (D3) which infiltrates the head of pancreas as evidenced by homogeneous contrast enhancement. The pancreatic duct of Wirsung was dilated, 4.4 mm. Gastroduodenoscopy visualizes a non-circumferential ulcerative proliferation. Exploratory laparotomy was performed. Intraoperatively we encountered the presence of local progression of the primary duodenal lesion into head of the pancreas, the mesocolon of the hepatic flexure with infiltration of the right colic vessels. Colo-Pancreatico-Duodenectomy (cPD) and Whipple’s procedure was performed, with Blumgart type pancreatico-jejunal and ileo-colic anastomoses. Discussion En-block pancreaticoduodenectomy plus right hemicolectomy or Colo-Pancreatico-Duodenectomy (cPD) is feasible in highly selected patients if performed by experienced surgeons. The most common indication of cPD is locally advanced pancreatic head cancer that directly invades the colon or mesocolon, followed by locally invaded colon cancer at the duodenum and/or pancreatic head. The cPD procedure is rarely performed in gastrointestinal surgery. This is due to its complexity, difficulty, and high risks. In certain acute situations, cPD is the efficacious path forward. Conclusion Following a careful evaluation plan, along with necessary consults for accompanying disorders, the indications for colo-pancreatico-duodenectomy were clearly set for this patient with locally advanced duodenal adenocarcinoma infiltrating the pancreas head and hepatic flexure mesocolon. Our experience highlights the importance of meticulous and experienced perioperative care to minimize complications and mortality. Keywords: General surgery, Duodenal cancer, Whipple procedure, colo-pancreatico-duodenectomy, cPD, Blumgart pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis DOI: 10.7176/ALST/95-01 Publication date: November 30th 202

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI

Solitary Cecal Diverticulitis During Surgery for Acute Appendicitis.

Background: Caecal diverticulitis is an unusual condition that presents clinically similar to appendicitis. The diagnosis is not always easy and in the majority of cases, it is usually made at laparotomy. The aim of the present study is to retrospectively report our personal experience with solitary caecal diverticulitis, to determine its incidence in patients presenting as an acute abdomen, as well as identify the symptoms and clinical features that may aid in making a pre-operative diagnosis. And to compare this with a review of the literature, focusing on the surgical treatment and also on the indication of appendectomy in the presence of caecal diverticulitis not requiring surgery. Materials and methods: Data was collected in patients hospitalized for acute appendicitis or acute abdomen, in the surgical emergency unit of University Hospital Center "Mother Teresa" of Tirana, in a period of 3 years (2015-2017). Sex, age, duration of symptoms, preoperative diagnosis, management, intraoperative findings, histologic examination, length of hospital stay and complications of allpatients affected by solitary caecal diverticulitis were reviewed. Results: In the study period, 15 patients presented with a solitary caecal diverticulitis. Most of patients had pain in the right iliac fossa, with a duration of 2–6 days. All patients presented with abdominal pain, additional symptoms were nausea, vomiting and fever. The mean white blood cell count was from 8500-19.200/mm3, while the remaining laboratory results were normal. There were no specific findings on abdominal X-ray or ultrasonography. Intraoperative findings ranged from localized /circumscript peritonitis to generalised peritonitis due to acute diverticulitis and a normal appendix. Surgery ranged from diverticulum resection accompanied to appendectomy, to ileocaecal resection, and right hemicolectomy. Conclusions: Cecal diverticulitis should be included in the differen­tial diagnosis of the cases with pain in the right lower quadrant. Preoperative diagnosis of caecal diverticulitis cannot always be made, since the signs and symptoms are similar to acute appendicitis, but is impor­tant in order to decide how to manage this condition.Diverticulectomy and incidental appendectomy are the preferred method of treatment in uncomplicated cases. Right hemicolectomy is a recommended treatment option in complicated patients or those suspicious for tumor during surgery

The surgical treatment of secondary hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma

The Surgical Treatment of Secondary Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Carcinoma. Henri KOLANI1*; Frenki VILA2; Eriol BRAHOLLI2; Eljona XHELILI3; Bledi MASATI3; Asfloral HAXHIU3; Etmont CELIKU4Abstract Introduction:Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of mortality among men and women in our country, and is represented by a vast number of cases diagnosed and treated in our clinic slightly second to gastric cancer. More than 50% of the patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have or will develop metastasis, with a quarter having distant metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, most frequently in the liver. Liver metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in colorectal cancer. The only potentially curative treatment for liver metastasis is liver resection, but only 15% to 20% of the patients are suitable for surgical resection. Regardless the early diagnosis and the treatment strategy the survival rarely exceeds the 3-year period. Treatment: Surgical resection remains one of the major curative treatment options available to patients with colorectal liver metastases. Surgery and chemotherapy form the backbone of the treatment in patients with colorectal liver metastases.This article provides an overview of the surgical management of colorectal liver metastases. Conclusions: According to the data from retrospective and comparative studies the surgical resection remains the best choice of treatment followed by higher rates of survivability. Our experiences with cases operated with synchronous and metachronous liver metastases secondary to colorectal cancer, shows an increase in survivability by 25 to 50%, and in the meantime, there is no positive data in the conservatory treated cases limited to chemiotherapy. Keywords: Hepatic metastases; Colorectal cancer; Surgical resection