Incomplete Excision Research Articles

An infected intracranial dermoid cyst at the region of torcular herophili: A case report

Background: Dermoid cysts result from embryonic fusion anomalies, with intracranial dermoid cysts being rare (0.1–0.7% of intracranial tumors). Often asymptomatic, they can manifest as midline swelling, headaches, seizures, or cerebral ischemia. Recognition and management are crucial for mitigating complications and ensuring favorable patient outcomes. Case Description: A 14-year-old girl presented with swelling at the occiput for 3 months. Initial imaging was suggestive of an extra-dural abscess in the occipital region with surrounding bone erosion. An infectious workup, including tests for tuberculosis, was non-contributory. A suboccipital craniectomy was done. On lifting, the bone flap, thick, purulent, and sebaceous contents with hair were spotted, which was adherent to the inner table of the skull and the dura overlying the torcular herophili, suggesting an infected dermoid cyst. A near-total excision was done, and culture-directed antibiotics were given. Postoperatively, the child made a complete recovery. Conclusion: The diagnosis of a dermoid cyst must be kept in mind, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of midline posterior fossa lesions. The risk of postoperative recurrence from incomplete excision should be weighed against the risk of injuring the venous sinuses during the extensive resection of dermoid cysts adherent to the torcular region.

Incomplete Excision Rate for Lentigo Maligna and Associated Risk Factors.

Standard treatment for lentigo maligna (LM) is surgical excision, yet insights into the frequency of and risk factors for incomplete excisions remain limited. The primary objectives were to assess the incomplete excision rate (IER) in primary LM and to explore potential risk factors for incomplete excisions. A retrospective analysis was conducted encompassing consecutive histopathologically confirmed LMs from 2014-2020. Descriptive statistics were used for LM characteristics and IER, while uni- and multivariate analyses were used for calculating risk factors. The study included 395 LMs with an IER of 16.7% (n = 66). Risk factors for higher incomplete excision rates included: head and neck lesions (p = 0.0014), clinical excision margins < 5 mm (p = 0.040), and utilization of preoperative partial biopsies (p = 0.023). Plastic surgeons had higher IERs than dermatologists (p = 0.036). Lesion diameter (p = 0.20) and surgeon experience (p = 0.20) showed no associations with incomplete excisions, yet LMs with a diameter ≥ 20 mm exhibited higher incomplete excision rates (23.2%) compared witho those < 10 mm (12.9%). LMs should be excised with at least 5-mm clinical margins, especially in the head and neck area. LMs ≥ 20 mm may be more surgically challenging. High-er incomplete excision rates associated with the use of preoperative biopsies and/or plastic surgeons may reflect challenging anatomical locations, larger lesion diameter, and/or ill-defined borders.

Two rare localizations of chondrosarcoma: cervical and thoracic spine

Chondrosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor, with spinal involvement being rare. Diagnosing this condition can be challenging and typically requires histological verification. Chondrosarcoma has the potential to invade locally and spread systemically. We report the case of 32 year-old women presenting with back pain and weight loss. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed a bone growth at the low cervical spine which extends to the upper dorsal spine. Histological examination showed low-grade chondrosarcoma. Given the tumor proximity to the spinal cord, an incomplete surgical excision was performed followed by radiotherapy sessions. Clinical course was marked by partial regression of the tumor process with a stability of the radiological image of the tumor after a three years follow-up. Our case is original because of the bifocality of the chondrosarcoma in two adjacent segments of the spine.

A Retrospective Review of the Frequency of Incomplete Excision and Upstaging of Early-Stage Melanomas at a Single Academic Institution.

A Retrospective Review of the Frequency of Incomplete Excision and Upstaging of Early-Stage Melanomas at a Single Academic Institution.

Is Complete Excision Always Enough? A Quality of Sexual Life Assessment in Patients with Deep Endometriosis.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to find the factors associated with the severe impairment of QoSL and the factors associated with a better score in QoSL, as well as the evaluation of pain symptoms and QoSL after the complete and incomplete excision of rectovaginal nodules. Materials and methods: The present prospective study was conducted in a single tertiary center for endometriosis where 116 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for deep endometriosis during a 3-year period. The goal of the intervention was to excise all endometriotic implants while conserving the rectum. Intraoperative findings were recorded after the intervention, and the patients were classified according to the ENZIAN classification and rASRM scores. QoSL was assessed using the EHP-30 Module C (QoSL Score). Results: When comparing the mean scores before and 2 years after the surgery, a highly significant improvement was found for QoSL and dysmenorrhea (p < 0.0001). The complete excision of rectovaginal nodules led to a significantly better QoSL and lower dyspareunia (p < 0.0001) than incomplete resection (p < 0.02). Conclusions: This prospective study proves that the complete laparoscopic excision of all endometriotic implants improved the QoSL and decreased the pain score of dyspareunia. Incomplete rectovaginal nodule excision was correlated with a poorer QoSL and a lower improvement of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain scores than complete excision.

WP3.2 - Craniectomy With Soft Tissue Reconstruction for Locally Advanced Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer of Scalp with Calvarial Invasion: the Nottingham experience

Abstract Introduction Locally advanced non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) involving the periosteum or calvarium remain clinically challenging for patients unfit for immunotherapy due to medical comorbidities and/or frailty. This case series aims to explore outcomes for patients that underwent craniectomy and soft tissue reconstruction. Method Patients underwent craniectomy and soft tissue reconstruction for invasive NMSC with calvarium or periosteal invasion from 2016 to 2022 were included. Data including demographics, operative details, and clinical outcomes were sourced from Nottingham University Hospitals digital health record and the histopathology electronic database. Result 8 patients (Age: 78.4, 3F 5M) with significant comorbidities and varying degrees of periosteal or bone invasion fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These included four squamous cell carcinoma, two basal cell carcinoma and two pleomorphic dermal sarcomas. Five patients had a history of prior incomplete deep margin excision. The median soft tissue defect, tumour and bone defect size was 51.83cm2, 34.63cm2 and 42.25cm2 respectively. Intraoperative complications included one dural tear. Four patients underwent local flap reconstruction and with split thickness skin grafting, four patients underwent free flap reconstruction. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered to three. Complications comprised partial graft loss in two and complete graft loss in one. There was partial flap loss in one case. One patient required subsequent parotidectomy due to regional progression before achieving disease control. All patients achieved lasting locoregional disease control (average follow up 29.7 months). Conclusion Craniectomy with soft tissue reconstruction is a safe and effective treatment option in advanced NMSC of the scalp in patients unsuitable for immunotherapy due to frailty or medical co-morbidity.

FP4.9 - Adherence to post Colonic polypectomy surveillance guidelines

Abstract Aims The British Society of Gastroenterology updated its guidelines in 2020 regarding polyps follow-up following colonoscopy. The surveillance depends on type, size, number, and histology criteria. Our aim was to assess adherence of our hospital's endoscopy department to these new guidelines. Methods A retrospective analysis of all consecutive adult patients who underwent colonoscopy were included between January and March 2022 at our hospital. Data were collected and analyzed on excel. The endoscopy report was identified from MediLogik-EMS.Histology from PICS system. Demographics including the specialty of endoscopist was also included. Non-parametric data were expressed in their Median and IQR. Results Out of the 108 patients examined 50/108 (49%) were found to have polyps and were included in the analysis. F: M =1:2, median age 64 with IQR 18.5(59-77.5). Tubular adenoma was found in 58%, hyperplastic polyps in 12%, sessile serrated polyps in 10%, tubulovillous adenoma in 8%, adenocarcinoma in 8%, and inflammatory polyps in 4%. Histopathology revealed tubular adenoma with LGD in 58%, inflammatory polyps in 16%, adenocarcinoma in 8%. Polyps were removed using cold biopsy in 58% and hot snare in 38%. BSG guidelines were followed in 92% (46/50). The reason for not adherence was either histologically incomplete excision, requiring a site check within 2-6 months which was not performed in6%(3)or high-risk features requiring 3 yearly surveillance colonoscopy follow-ups not requested in 2%(1). Conclusion There is high adherence to the guidelines but still not 100%. Our aim is to achieve 100% adherence in the re-audit.

Prospective Randomized Study on the Use of Sentinel Node Biopsy for High-risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck.

The use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is not yet clearly documented, especially for the head and neck area, due to its rich and cross-branching lymphatic system. We present the first prospective randomized study on the use of SLNB in high-risk CSCCs of the head and neck. Seventy-six patients with high-risk CSCCs of the head and neck were randomly divided into two groups: A (n = 38) and B (n = 38). In group A, SLNB was performed additionally to the excision of squamous cell carcinoma, whereas in group B, only excision of the lesion was performed. The patients were followed up for 5 years postoperatively, and local recurrences, regional metastases (regional lymph nodes), and mortality were documented. One patient of group A, who never attended any follow-up, was excluded. Both groups had similar characteristics regarding Breslow thickness, perineurial invasion, peripheral limits, differentiation, size, previous incomplete excision, age, sex, education, sun exposure, Fitzpatrick score, previous incomplete excision, previous skin cancer, and smoking. Two patients had a positive sentinel lymph node and were submitted to regional lymphadenectomy. We documented deaths (three in group A and two in group B; P = 0.674), local recurrence (seven in group A and six in group B; P = 0.768), and regional metastasis (zero in group A and two in group B; P = 0.159). There is no clear benefit on the use of SLNB in high-risk CSCCs of the head and neck regarding metastasis, mortality, or local recurrence control.

Importance of Both Clinical and Dermoscopic Findings in Predicting High-Risk Histopathological Subtype in Facial Basal Cell Carcinomas.

Being able to recognize high-risk facial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) may lead to fewer incomplete excisions and inappropriate treatments. We sought to investigate clinical and dermoscopic criteria for predicting facial BCC subtypes, analyze the interobserver agreement between readers, and develop a diagnostic algorithm to predict high-risk histopathological subtype. In this single-center, retrospective investigation, 6 independent readers evaluated predefined clinical and dermoscopic criteria in images of histopathologically verified primary facial BCCs including: topography, border demarcation, vessels, ulceration, white porcelain areas, shiny white blotches and strands, and pigmented structures and vessels within ulceration. Overall, 297 clinical and dermoscopic image pairs were analyzed. The strongest associations with high-risk subtype were: "bumpy" topography (OR 3.8, 95% CI, 3.1-4.7), ill-defined borders (OR 3.4, 95% CI 3.1-4.7), white porcelain area (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.8-4.5), and vessels within ulceration (OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.4-4.1). Predominantly focused vessels were a positive diagnostic criterium for either nodular (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.2) or high-risk (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6-2.5) subtypes and a strong negative diagnostic criterium for superficial BCC (OR 14.0, 95% CI 9.6-20.8). Interobserver agreement ranged from fair to substantial (κ = 0.36 to 0.72). A diagnostic algorithm based on these findings demonstrated a sensitivity of 81.4% (95% CI, 78.9-83.7%) and a specificity of 53.3% (95% CI, 49.7-56.9%) for predicting high-risk BCC subtype. Integration of both clinical and dermoscopic features (including novel features such as topography and vessels within ulceration) are essential to improve subtype prediction of facial BCCs and management decisions.

Margin status of basal cell carcinoma: What can be done better?

PurposeGuidelines on clinical margins for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) excisions were recently published, yet ambiguity remains for surgeons and pathologists. The purpose of this study was to determine the incomplete excision rate of BCC, determine factors associated with incomplete excision, and evaluate completeness of reporting between surgeon and pathologist. MethodsA single-centre retrospective analysis was conducted on pathology reports from single excisions of BCC specimens, between January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. The primary outcome was incomplete excision rate (positive margins) as reported by pathologist. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between incomplete excision rate and anatomical location, pathologist, and surgeon. Completeness of surgeon pathology requisition forms was evaluated qualitatively. ResultsSeven-hundred-and-fifty-six pathology reports were included. The incomplete excision rate was 12% (n=94). The most common site of incomplete excision was head and neck (n=87, 15%), followed by trunk (n=5, 7%), and extremities (n=2, 2%). Five-hundred-and-seventy-nine specimens from 6 surgeons and 9 pathologists were included in the logistic regression analysis. Wald test showed location was significantly associated with incomplete excision (p<0.05), whereas surgeon and pathologist reports were not (p>0.05). Regarding missing information, only 47 (6%) pathology reports included “excision” in the requisition. Four-hundred-and-three (53%) specimens had no clinical history. ConclusionsThe incomplete excision rate found in this study falls within the report range in the literature. Neither surgeon nor pathologist had significant association with incomplete excision. Incomplete excision rate of BCC may be inflated due to lack of standardization in requisition form reporting and pathology reporting.

Diagnostic accuracy of autofluorescence-Raman microspectroscopy for surgical margin assessment during Mohs micrographic surgery of basal cell carcinoma.

Autofluorescence (AF)-Raman microspectroscopy is a technology that can detect residual basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the resection margin of fresh, surgically excised tissue specimens. The technology does not require tissue fixation, staining, labelling or sectioning, and provides quantitative diagnosis maps of the surgical margins in 30 min. To determine the accuracy of the AF-Raman instrument in detecting incomplete BCC excisions during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), using histology as the reference standard. Skin layers from 130 patients undergoing MMS at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (September 2022-July 2023) were investigated with the AF-Raman instrument. The layers were measured when fresh, immediately after excision. The AF-Raman results and the intraoperative assessment by Mohs surgeons were compared with a postoperative consensus-derived reference produced by three dermatopathologists. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03482622). AF-Raman analysis was successfully completed for 125 of 130 layers and, on average, covered 91% of the specimen surface area, with the lowest surface area covered being 87% for the eyelid and the highest being 94% for forehead specimens. The AF-Raman instrument identified positive margins in 24 of 36 BCC-positive cases [67% sensitivity, 95% confidence interval (CI) 49-82] and negative margins in 65 of 89 BCC-negative cases (73% specificity, 95% CI 63-82). Only one of 12 false-negative cases was caused by misclassification by the AF-Raman algorithm. The other 11 false-negatives cases were a result of no valid Raman signal being recorded at the location of the residual BCC due to either occlusion by blood or poor contact between tissue and the cassette window. The intraoperative diagnosis by Mohs surgeons identified positive margins in 31 of 36 BCC-positive cases (86% sensitivity, 95% CI 70-95) and negative margins in 79 of 89 BCC-negative cases (89% specificity, 95% CI 81-95). The AF-Raman instrument has the potential to provide intraoperative microscopic assessment of surgical margins in BCC surgery. Further improvements are required for tissue processing, to ensure complete coverage of the surgical specimens.

Abstract PO2-22-11: 'A sledgehammer to crack a nut' or 'the safer option'? Understanding decision making for and against oncoplastic breast conserving surgery as an alternative to mastectomy in women with early breast cancer: The UK ANTHEM study

Abstract Background: Oncoplastic breast conserving surgery (OPBCS) may allow women with breast cancer to avoid mastectomy, but many women continue to choose more extensive surgery even when breast conserving options are offered. Reasons for women’s procedure choices are unclear. The UK prospective multicentre ANTHEM study (ISRCTN18238549) aimed to explore the feasibility of undertaking a large-scale multicentre study comparing the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of OPBCS as an alternative to mastectomy in women offered both options. The qualitative phase of the study aimed to use semi-structured interviews to explore women’s perceptions of choice and to understand factors influencing decision making for and against OPBCS in early breast cancer. Methods: Women offered OPBCS as an alternative to mastectomy were eligible to participate in the ANTHEM study. Participants underwent their surgical procedure of choice and were followed up for 12 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of women who elected to undergo either OPBCS or mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) at multiple UK centres to explore perceptions of choice, rationale for decision-making, and factors influencing procedure choice. Thematic analysis was used to explore the qualitative interview data. Sampling, data collection and analysis were undertaken concurrently and iteratively until data saturation was achieved. Results: Twenty-seven women from 12 UK breast units were interviewed. Of these, 12 elected to have OPBCS with volume displacement (n=7) or replacement procedures (n=5) and 15 chose mastectomy with (n=10) or without (n=5) IBR. Overwhelmingly, women’s decisions were guided by their surgical teams and their understanding and interpretation of the information they received from them. Indeed, although provision of choice was a pre-requisite for study entry, almost a third of women didn’t feel they had been offered meaningful choice as their surgeon recommended either OPBCS or mastectomy for them. Several women described how choice was unexpected as they had automatically assumed that they would need a mastectomy and expressed delight at being offered OPBCS as an alternative. Having choice and needing to make a decision about surgery, however, was a difficult experience for some women who reported finding the process challenging. Decision-making for and against OPBCS was underpinned by women’s perceptions of three key inter-related factors based on the information they received from their surgical teams: i) the effectiveness of OPBCS at removing all the cancer; ii) perceived longer term oncological safety and iii) practical issues. Almost all women described concerns about whether all the cancer would be removed by OPBCS, the need for further surgery for involved surgical margins and anxieties about cancer recurrence over time. Women who felt reassured that OPBCS was oncologically safe were happy to accept this option. Women who remained very anxious about incomplete excision and cancer recurrence were more likely to opt for mastectomy as a ‘safer’ option. Practical issues such as the perceived magnitude of the surgery and duration of the recovery were also important with many women choosing OPBCS as a less invasive or radical option than mastectomy. While many women described preferring to keep their breast and maintaining their femininity, only a minority of women referred to the cosmetic benefits of OPBCS as influencing their decision-making. Conclusions: Women’s decision-making for OPBCS vs mastectomy for breast cancer is complex and heavily influenced by the attitudes and beliefs of their surgical team. Adequate, high-quality, accurate information about surgical options including appropriate reassurance about the short- and long-term oncological safety of OPBCS is vital if women are to make fully informed decisions and feel confident avoiding mastectomy if this is an option for them. Citation Format: Charlotte Davies, Carmel Conefrey, Nicola Mills, Patricia Fairbrother, Chris Holcombe, Lisa Whisker, Joanna Skillman, Paul White, Douglas MacMillan, Charles Comins, William Hollingworth, Shelley Potter. 'A sledgehammer to crack a nut' or 'the safer option'? Understanding decision making for and against oncoplastic breast conserving surgery as an alternative to mastectomy in women with early breast cancer: The UK ANTHEM study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-22-11.

Unveiling a Misdiagnosed Midline Cervical Cleft: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Congenital midline cervical cleft (CMCC) is a rare congenital abnormality of the ventral neck that is often misdiagnosed. We present a case of a 12-year-old male with a history of incomplete CMCC excision and limited neck extension. We highlight the need for increased awareness of this anomaly and propose a clinical algorithm for clinicians when faced with this rare congenital condition. CMCC typically presents at birth and involves a defect along the midline of the neck, characterized by a nipple-like protrusion of the skin and a fibrous cord with an underlying sinus. Micrognathia and mandibular growth restriction are anticipated consequences of CMCC, requiring early intervention. Current treatment guidelines recommend surgical excision prior to age two using a Z-plasty technique. This report emphasizes the rarity and diagnostic challenges of CMCC. It underscores the significance of accurate identification and appropriate surgical planning in a timely manner. Based on the authors’ experience with this case and a review of the literature, we propose a clinical algorithm aimed to enhance CMCC diagnosis and management.

A Successful Arthroscopic Management of a Benign but Locally Aggressive Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumour in the Shoulder.

Introduction Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a relatively rare disorder affecting the synovial membrane and tendon sheath of a joint. It rarely affects the shoulder joint. This prospective study aims to document the challenges encountered in achieving total synovectomy and assesses the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic synovectomy for PVNS in shoulder patients. Methods This is a prospective study conducted from April 2017 to September 2023. This monoarticular disease was observed among six patients (four females and two males). All patients underwent arthroscopic extensile synovectomy with biopsy and culture. The outcomes were measured using Constant score,American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 36 months after arthroscopic synovectomy. Results All intraoperative findings were consistent with PVNS and confirmed with histopathological examination. All patients achieved a satisfactory, painless range of movements following surgery. The individual Constant score improved from a mean value of 64.83 to 94.50, the ASES score improved from a mean value of 81.15 to 99.73, and the UCLA score improved from a mean value of 23.16 to 34.83 post-arthroscopic intervention, proving its effectiveness. No recurrences were reported after 36 months of follow-up. Conclusion PVNS can be easily missed, and one must have a high index of suspicion to diagnose early.Delayed presentation of the disease had led to severe destruction of the joint. Early diagnosis and arthroscopic intervention prior to joint destruction are crucial for achieving a good functional outcome. Incomplete excision may lead to recurrence of the disease. Therefore, we propose extensile arthroscopic synovectomy of the shoulder, wherein by expecting and addressing the intraoperative challenges, complete excision can be achieved, thus preventing recurrence.

Clinical and Histopathological Investigation of Pediatric Melanonychia: A Single-Center Retrospective Case Series.

The natural history of pediatric melanonychia and the necessity of biopsy for ruling out melanoma are debated in the literature. We hypothesize that there is a low rate of malignant nail pathology among pediatric patients undergoing nail bed biopsy for melanonychia. We performed a retrospective chart review of 54 pediatric patients (age <18 years) at a single institution who presented with melanonychia and underwent nail bed biopsy from 2007 to 2022. Data points collected included patient demographics, medical history, physical exam findings, pathology reports, and clinical photos. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess for risk factors associated with high-risk pathology findings. The average age of melanonychia onset was 5.5 years (SD 4.4). The average age of first biopsy was 7.8 years (SD 4.3). On physical exam, 27 patients had at least four features concerning for melanoma (asymmetry, border irregularity, color heterogeneity, diameter > 1/3 of nail, evolving color, evolving diameter, Hutchinson's sign). The most common pathology diagnoses were melanocytic nevus (35%), atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation (AIMP) with benign features (24%), subungual lentigo (22%), and AIMP with concerning features (17%). There were no cases of melanoma in situ or invasive malignant melanoma. On multivariate regression, the only significant risk factor associated with more concerning pathology (AIMP with concerning features) was the calendar year in which biopsy was performed (coefficient = -0.34, P = 0.016). There was no association between physical exam features and high-risk pathology. Twelve patients had surgical re-excision of the lesion, 6 of which were due to incomplete excision of AIMP with concerning features and 6 of which were due to recurrence. Our case series did not find any cases of melanoma in situ or malignant melanoma arising from pediatric melanonychia. Atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferation with concerning features was associated only with the year in which the biopsy was performed, which may reflect the improved understanding of pediatric melanonychia as often benign despite concerning features on pathology. The decision to perform a nail matrix biopsy in pediatric melanonychia should be based on a collaborative discussion between the patient's parents, dermatologist, and plastic surgeon.

Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Lower Female Genital Tract: A Review of the MITO Rare Tumors Group.

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare, locally aggressive, myxoid mesenchymal neoplasm primarily found in the pelvic and perineal regions of young adult females. It is a slow growing and locally infiltrating tumor. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to the rarity of these tumors and absence of characteristic signs and symptoms. The primary management is tumor excision. Incomplete excision is common because of the infiltrating nature of the neoplasm and absence of a definite capsule. Other non- surgical modalities have been employed, such as radiotherapy, embolization, GnRH analogues or other anti-estrogenic agents. Local relapses occur in 30-40% of the cases, and often appear many years (sometimes decades) after the first excision. Occasional distant metastasis has also been reported. A limited number of cases have been reported in the literature, mostly in the form of small case series or isolated case reports. Therefore, the aim of this paper by a team of experts from the MITO rare tumors group is to review clinical findings, pathologic characteristics and outcome of patients affected by this rare condition in order to be able to offer up-to-date guidance on the management of these cases.

Fluorescence guidance using near-infrared fluorescent clips in robotic rectal surgery: a case series

PurposeTattoo markings are often used as preoperative markers for colorectal cancer. However, scattered ink markings adversely affect tumor site recognition intraoperatively; therefore, interventions for rectal cancer may lead to an inaccurate distal resection margin (DRM) and incomplete total mesorectal excision (TME). This is the first case series of fluorescence-guided robotic rectal surgery in which near-infrared fluorescence clips (NIRFCs) were used to localize rectal cancer lesions.MethodsWe enrolled 20 consecutive patients who underwent robotic surgery for rectal cancer between December 2022 and December 2023 in the current study. The primary endpoints were the rate of intraoperative clip detection and its usefulness for marking the tumor site. Secondary endpoints were oncological assessments, including DRM and the number of lymph nodes.ResultsClip locations were confirmed in 17 of 20 (85%) patients. NIRFCs were not detected in 3 out of 7 patients who underwent preoperative chemoradiation therapy. No adverse events, including bleeding or perforation, were observed at the time of clipping, and no clips were lost. The median DRM was 55 mm (range, 22–86 mm) for rectosigmoid (Rs), 33 mm (range, 16–60 mm) for upper rectum (Ra), and 20 mm (range, 17–30 mm) for low rectum (Rb). The median number of lymph nodes was 13 (range, 10–21).ConclusionThe rate of intraoperative clip detection, oncological assessment, including DRM, and the number of lymph nodes indicate that the utility of fluorescence-guided methods with NIRFCs is feasible for rectal cancer.

Using CT-Based Pelvimetry and Visceral Obesity Measurements to Predict Total Mesorectal Excision Quality for Patients Undergoing Rectal Cancer Surgery.

A complete total mesorectal excision is the criterion standard in curative rectal cancer surgery. Ensuring quality is challenging in a narrow pelvis, and obesity amplifies technical difficulties. Pelvimetry is the measurement of pelvic dimensions, but its role in gauging preoperatively the difficulty of proctectomy is largely unexplored. To determine pelvic structural factors associated with incomplete total mesorectal excision after curative proctectomy and build a predictive model for total mesorectal excision quality. Retrospective cohort study. A quaternary referral center database of patients diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma (2009-2017). Curative-intent proctectomy for rectal adenocarcinoma. All radiological measurements were obtained from preoperative CT images using validated imaging processing software tools. Completeness of total mesorectal excision was obtained from histology reports. Ability of radiological pelvimetry and obesity measurements to predict total mesorectal excision quality. Of the 410 cases meeting inclusion criteria, 362 underwent a complete total mesorectal excision (88%). Multivariable regression identified a deeper sacral curve (per 100 mm 2 [OR: 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06-1.23; p < 0.001]) and a greater transverse distance of the pelvic outlet (per 10 mm [OR:1.41, 95% CI, 1.08-1.84; p = 0.012]) to be independently associated with incomplete total mesorectal excision. An increased area of the pelvic inlet (per 10 cm 2 [OR: 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.97; p = 0.02) was associated with a higher rate of complete mesorectal excision. No difference in visceral obesity ratio and visceral obesity (ratio >0.4 vs <0.4) between BMI (<30 vs ≥30) and sex was identified. A model was built to predict mesorectal quality using the following variables: depth of sacral curve, area of pelvic inlet, and transverse distance of the pelvic outlet. Retrospective analysis is not controlled for the choice of surgical approach. Pelvimetry predicts total mesorectal excision quality in rectal cancer surgery and can alert surgeons preoperatively to cases of unusual difficulty. This predictive model may contribute to treatment strategy and aid in the comparison of outcomes between traditional and novel techniques of total mesorectal excision. See Video Abstract . ANTECEDENTES:Una escisión mesorrectal total y completa es el estándar de oro en la cirugía curativa del cáncer de recto. Garantizar la calidad es un desafío en una pelvis estrecha y la obesidad amplifica las dificultades técnicas. La pelvimetría es la medición de las dimensiones pélvicas, pero su papel para medir la dificultad preoperatoria de la proctectomía está en gran medida inexplorado.OBJETIVO:Determinar los factores estructurales pélvicos asociados con la escisión mesorrectal total incompleta después de una proctectomía curativa y construir un modelo predictivo para la calidad de la escisión mesorrectal total.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ÁMBITO:Base de datos de un centro de referencia cuaternario de pacientes diagnosticados con adenocarcinoma de recto (2009-2017).PACIENTES:Proctectomía con intención curativa para adenocarcinoma de recto.INTERVENCIONES:Todas las mediciones radiológicas se obtuvieron a partir de imágenes de TC preoperatorias utilizando herramientas de software de procesamiento de imágenes validadas. La integridad de la escisión mesorrectal total se obtuvo a partir de informes histológicos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Capacidad de la pelvimetría radiológica y las mediciones de obesidad para predecir la calidad total de la escisión mesorrectal.RESULTADOS:De los 410 casos que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, 362 tuvieron una escisión mesorrectal total completa (88%). Una regresión multivariable identificó una curva sacra más profunda (por 100 mm2); OR:1,14,[IC95%:1,06-1,23,p<0,001], y mayor distancia transversal de salida pélvica (por 10mm); OR:1,41, [IC 95%:1,08-1,84,p=0,012] como asociación independiente con escisión mesorrectal total incompleta. Un área aumentada de entrada pélvica (por 10 cm2); OR:0,85, [IC95%:0,75-0,97,p=0,02] se asoció con una mayor tasa de escisión mesorrectal completa. No se identificaron diferencias en la proporción de obesidad visceral y la obesidad visceral (proporción>0,4 vs.<0,4) entre el índice de masa corporal (<30 vs.>=30) o el sexo. Se construyó un modelo para predecir la calidad mesorrectal utilizando variables: profundidad de la curva sacra, área de la entrada pélvica y distancia transversal de la salida pélvica.LIMITACIONES:Análisis retrospectivo no controlado por la elección del abordaje quirúrgico.CONCLUSIONES:La pelvimetría predice la calidad de la escisión mesorrectal total en la cirugía del cáncer de recto y puede alertar a los cirujanos preoperatoriamente sobre casos de dificultad inusual. Este modelo predictivo puede contribuir a la estrategia de tratamiento y ayudar en la comparación de resultados entre técnicas tradicionales y novedosas de escisión mesorrectal total. (Traducción- Dr. Ingrid Melo).

Cerebral hydatid cyst masquerading as multiple cystic metastases

Hydatid disease is caused by encysted larvae of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Cerebral hydatidosis is a rare central nervous system larval infection affecting approximately 2–3% of patients. CT and MRI scans of the boy, described in our case, showed multiple cystic areas. Total surgical extirpation is the therapeutic approach, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis for a favourable prognosis. Recurrence and unfavourable outcomes are commonly associated with incomplete excision and surgical rupture, necessitating careful removal to prevent anaphylaxis and widespread infection. Dowling's technique is the preferred surgical approach and postoperatively, patients are administered antiparasitic drugs such as Albendazole or Mebendazole for 6–12 months in most cases, with doses ranging from 10-15mg/kg in divided doses. The results of pharmacological treatment vary across series, with response rates ranging from 43.5 to 80%. Early diagnosis significantly contributes to a favourable prognosis by preventing neurological consequences.

Spinal thoracic tuberculoma in neurofibromatosis type-1

The clinical manifestations of neurofibromatosis type-1 have in common the presence of neurofibromas, schwannomas and cafe`-au-lait macules, which can potentially appear within any organ system of the body, involving primarily the skeleton, skin and soft tissues. The spinal thoracic tuberculoma in neurofibromatosis is exceptional. We report here, the case of a 31-year-old male with neurofibromatosis type-1 who presented a year agoa spinal thoracic pain. The evolution was marked by the appearance of a dorsal para-vertebral mass, progressively increasing in volume for 03 months. Neurological Examination revealed normal muscle bulk and tone, and power was grade 5/5. Deep tendon reflexes were brisk and the Babinski sign was present. The sensory deficit was present below the D9 level. The remainder of the examination found a voluminous dorsal para vertebral mass ovoid, renitent, and adhering to the superficial and the deep planes. There were also "café-au-lait" spots disseminated on his body. The imagery showed a formation with respect to D11-D12, isointense on T1 and T2, heterogeneously enhanced after contrast with central necrosis, with a foraminal starting point measuring 85x78x66 mm, with external canal extension. Laminectomy D11-D12 was performed with incomplete excision of the lesion. The histological examination showed casein-follicular vertebral tuberculosis, with secondary abdominal changes. Then the patient was put on anti-bacillary drugs. The evolution was marked two weeks later by the reappearance of the back pain and the back mass. On the 42nd day of treatment, the patient had a febrile consciousness disorder with a GCS of 8, right mydriasis and meningeal stiffness. Paraclinic investigations revealed tuberculosis meningoencephalitis, responsible for an active ventricular hydrocephalus associated with a left temporoparietal extrudal hematoma. An external ventricular shunt was performed as well as a left temporo-parietal extrudal hematoma evacuation. The patient died 7 days later in a poly visceral failure chart.