International Study Group Research Articles

The pancreas-to-muscle signal intensity ratio on T1-weighted MRI as a predictive biomarker for postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy: a single-center retrospective study

BackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the serious complications of pancreatic surgery. When POPF occurs and becomes severe, it causes secondary complications and a longer treatment period. We previously reported a correlation between pancreatic fibrosis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and MRI may have the potential to predict POPF. This study aimed to assess the predictive ability of the pancreas-to-muscle signal intensity ratio on T1-weighted MRI (SIR on T1-w MRI) for POPF after distal pancreatectomy (DP).MethodsThis single-institution retrospective study comprised 117 patients who underwent DP. It was conducted between 2010 and 2021 at the Gifu University Hospital. We statistically analyzed pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors to assess the correlation with POPF.ResultsAccording to the definition and grading of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF), 29 (24.8%) of the 117 patients had POPF grades B and C. In the univariate analysis, POPF was significantly associated with the pancreas-to-muscle SIR on T1-w MRI, the drainage fluid amylase concentration (D-Amy) levels on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 3, white blood cell count on POD 1 and 3, C-reactive protein level on POD 3, and heart rate on POD 3. In multivariate analysis, only the pancreas-to-muscle SIR on T1-w MRI (>1.37; odds ratio [OR] 23.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.93–454.03; p < 0.01) and D-Amy level on POD 3 (>737 U/l; OR 3.91; 95% CI 1.02–16.36; p = 0.046) were identified as independent predictive factors.ConclusionsThe pancreas-to-muscle SIR on T1-w MRI and postoperative D-Amy levels were able to predict the development of POPF after DP. The pancreas-to-muscle SIR on T1-w MRI may be a potential objective biomarker reflecting pancreatic status.

Drainage volume on postoperative day one to predict clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula following distal pancreatectomy

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine how the drain fluid volume on the first day after surgery (DFV 1) can be used to predict clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula following distal pancreatectomy (DP).MethodA retrospective analysis of 175 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy in hepatobiliary surgery at Chengdu 363 Hospital (China) from January 2015 to January 2021 has been performed. Depending on the presence of pancreatic fistula, all patients were divided into two groups: POPF and non-POPF. The clinical factors were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 and Medcalc software. In order to assess the effectiveness of DFV 1 in predicting POPF after surgery, ROC curves were used to calculate its cut-off point,, which yielded sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% for excluding POPF.ResultOf the 175 patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy, the incidence of overall pancreatic fistula was 36%, but the rate of clinically significant (grade B and C) fistula, as defined by the International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula, 30 was only 17.1% (28 grade B and 2 grade C fistula). The results from univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that drain fluid volume on the first postoperative day (OR = 0.95, P = 0.03), drainage fluid amylase level on POD1 (OR = 0.99, P = 0.01) and the preoperative ALT level (OR = 0.73, P = 0.02) were independent risk factors associated with CR-POPF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that a drainage volume of 156 mL within 24 h and an amylase greater than 3219.2 U/L on the first postoperative day were the optimal thresholds associated with complications.ConclusionAfter distal pancreatectomy, the drainage volume on the first postoperative day can predict the presence of a clinically relevant pancreatic fistula.

Functional assessment of liver regeneration after major hepatectomy.

BackgroundLiver regeneration is crucial to restore the functional liver mass after liver resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early postoperative changes in remnant liver function, volume and liver stiffness after major liver resection and their correlation with postoperative outcomes.MethodsPatients undergoing major liver resection (≥3 segments) between February and November 2018 underwent both functional assessment using technetium-99m mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) and CT-volumetry of the (future) remnant liver on preoperative day 1, the 5th postoperative day, and 4–6 weeks after resection. At the same time points, patients underwent transient elastography (TE) for the assessment of liver stiffness. Severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3A) and mortality were correlated with the functional and volumetric increases of the remnant liver. Liver failure was graded according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) criteria.ResultsA total of 18 patients were included of whom 10 (56%) had severe complications and one patient (5%) developed liver failure. Function and volume of the remnant liver had increased by the 5th postoperative day from 6.9 (5.4–10.9) to 9.6 (6.7–13.8) %/min/m2, P=0.004 and from 795.5 (538.3–1,037.5) to 1,080.0 (854.0–1,283.3) mL, P<0.001, respectively. After 4–6 weeks, remnant liver volume had further increased [from 1,080.0 (854.0–1,283.3) to 1,222.0 (1,016.0–1,380.5) mL, P=0.035], however, liver function did not show any significant, further increase [from 9.6 (6.7–13.8) to 10.9 (8.8–13.6) %/min/m2, P=0.177]. Liver elasticity of the future remnant liver (FRL) increased [from 10.8 (5.7–18.7) to 17.5 (12.4–22.6) kPa, P=0.018] and gradually recovered after 4–6 weeks to a median of 10.9 (5.7–18.8) kPa (T3 vs. T4, P=0.079). Patients who had severe postoperative complications did not show a significant increase in liver function on the 5th postoperative day (P=0.203), despite increase of volume (P<0.01).ConclusionsFunctional regeneration of the remnant liver predominantly occurs during the first 5 days after resection. In case of severe complications, functional regeneration is delayed, in contrast to volume increase.

Serum Endocan Levels and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Behçet's Syndrome.

Background and AimBehçet disease (BD) is a rare chronic relapsing-remitting inflammatory systemic vasculitis. BD patients were reported to have marked acceleration of subclinical atherosclerosis (SCA). Endocan is a soluble proteoglycan mainly secreted by the activated endothelium. The present study aimed to assess the relation between serum endocan levels and SCA in BD patients.Subjects and MethodsThe study included 40 adult BD patients in addition to twenty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. BD was diagnosed according to International Study Group criteria. Upon recruitment, all participants were subjected to careful history taking and thorough clinical examination. BD activity was assessed using Behçet Syndrome Activity Score. Measurement of serum endocan was performed using quantitative double-antibody sandwich ELISA kit. CIMT measurement was done using B-mode ultrasound.ResultsComparison between patients and controls regarding serum endocan levels revealed significantly higher endocan levels in BD patients [median (IQR): 155.0 (69.3–610.0) versus 73.8 (51.9–94.6)]. Using ultrasound assessment, SCA was found in 14 BD patients (35.0%). Comparison between patients with SCA and patients without regarding the clinical and laboratory data revealed that the former group had significantly higher CRP [median (IQR): 36.5 (26.8–43.5) versus 21.0 (11.8–26.8) mg/dL, p < 0.001] and endocan [median (IQR): 622.0 (107.4–974.8) versus 104.5 (64.0–342.0) mg/dL, p = 0.004] levels. Logistic regression analysis recognized endocan [OR (95% CI): 1.0 (1.0–1.012), p0.035] levels as significant predictor of SCA in multivariate analysis.ConclusionThe present study identified the clinical value of serum endocan levels as a possible early marker of vascular involvement in BD patients.

Liberal Application of Portal Vein Embolization for Right Hepatectomy Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Strategy to Achieve Zero Mortality for a Damaged Liver.

Right hepatectomy and extended right hepatectomy (Rt-Hr) are identified as risk factors for the development of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Although portal vein embolization (PVE) has made it possible to safely perform extended hepatectomy, to ensure safety, in our department, PVE is performed prior to Rt-Hr for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) regardless of the resection rate. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the clinical course of PVE prior to Rt-Hr for HCC cases resected in our department and the appropriateness of our policy by clarifying complications and deaths. The target period was from 2005 to 2020. Among the HCC cases resected at our hospital, those in which PVE was performed prior to Rt-Hr were included in this study. For PHLF, the definition of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery was used. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used for postoperative complications. Perioperative mortality was defined as the overall mortality within 30 days following surgery and surgery-related deaths within 90 days following surgery. A total of 79 cases were included. Rt-Hr was possible in all cases after PVE and there were no cases in which serious complications occurred after PVE. PHLF was found in 14 cases (17.7%)/5 cases (6.4%)/0 cases (0%) of Grade A/B/C, respectively. Regarding postoperative complications, there were no Grade IV, and Grade IIIa/IIIb were found in 13 cases (16.5%). There were no perioperative deaths. Our department's policy of performing PVE prior to all Rt-Hr was considered to be a safe and reasonable treatment strategy.

Postpancreatectomy Acute Pancreatitis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Distinct Clinical Entity.

This study aimed to characterize postpancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in a high-volume center. The International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) has recently proposed a new definition and grading scale of PPAP, but specific studies are lacking. Patients who underwent PD from 2020 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. PPAP was defined based on the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery definition: sustained elevation of serum amylase levels for least the first 48 hours postoperatively and radiologic alterations consistent with PPAP. Among a total of 716 patients who were finally analyzed, PPAP occurred in 152 (21.2%) patients. Patients with PPAP were associated with significantly higher incidences of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (40.8% vs 11.7%, P <0.001), major complications (13.8% vs 6.6%, P =0.004), and biliary leak (11.8% vs 4.6%, P =0.001). Among them, 8 patients developed grade C PPAP leading to organ failure, reoperation, or death. Patients developing PPAP alone also demonstrated a statistically significantly increased rate of major complications than those without PPAP or POPF. In contrast, no differences were found in postoperative outcomes in patients with POPF in terms of whether they were associated with PPAP. PPAP is a distinct complication after PD with distinctive clinical outcomes. A part of PPAP presents as an inflammatory process in the early postoperative period but sometimes could lead to necrotizing pancreatitis or other severe clinical scenarios, and another part of PPAP would lead to anastomotic failure that accounts for a great proportion of POPF occurrence.

Effects of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on safety and disease exacerbation in patients with Behçet syndrome in a monocentric cohort.

AimVaccination represents a cornerstone in mastering the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. There is a paucity of data regarding the safety of COVID‐19 vaccines in patients with rheumatic diseases such as Behçet syndrome (BS). The present study aimed to investigate the side‐effects and post‐vaccine disease exacerbation rates of COVID‐19 vaccines in a BS cohort.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 450 BS patients followed in our clinic who met the criteria of the International Study Group. COVID‐19 vaccination status, type of vaccine received (Pfizer‐BioNTech vs CoronaVac), post‐vaccine side‐effects and exacerbations were evaluated by interviewing patients over the phone or face to face. Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) scores were calculated for BS symptoms before and after vaccination.ResultsIn all, 287 patients received at least one dose of the COVID‐19 vaccine. Of the total number of COVID‐19 vaccines (n = 639), 379 (59%) were Pfizer‐BioNTech vaccines and 257 (41%) were CoronaVac vaccines. The number of side‐effects after first, second, third and fourth vaccine doses were 151 (52.6%), 135 (49.4%), 29 (42.6%), and 3 (30%), respectively. BS exacerbation after first, second, third, and fourth vaccine doses were 151 (52.6%), 135 (49.4%), 16 (23.5%), and 3 (30%), respectively. Injection site pain/swelling was the most common side‐effect at all vaccine doses followed by fatigue and arthralgia.ConclusionCOVID‐19 vaccines are well tolerated in patients with BS, and more side‐effects develop after mRNA vaccines. Regardless of the vaccine type, exacerbations after the COVID‐19 vaccine are common, predominantly mucocutaneous and articular involvement, and exacerbations in the form of other organ involvement are rare.

Impact of post-hepatectomy liver failure on morbidity and short- and long-term survival after major hepatectomy.

BackgroundPost-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is one of the most serious postoperative complications after hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) definition of PHLF on morbidity and short- and long-term survival after major hepatectomy.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent major hepatectomy (three or more liver segments) for various liver tumours between 2010 and 2018 at two Swedish tertiary centres for hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Descriptive statistics, regression models, and survival analyses were used.ResultsA total of 799 patients underwent major hepatectomy, of which 218 patients (27 per cent) developed ISGLS-defined PHLF, including 115 patients (14 per cent) with ISGLS grade A, 76 patients (10 per cent) with grade B, and 27 patients (3 per cent) with grade C. The presence of cirrhosis, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer, right-sided hemihepatectomy and trisectionectomy all significantly increased the risk of clinically relevant PHLF (grades B and C). Clinically relevant PHLF increased the risk of 90-day mortality and was associated with impaired long-term survival. ISGLS grade A had more major postoperative complications compared with no PHLF but failed to be an independent predictor of both 90-day mortality and long-term survival. The impact of PHLF grade B/C on long-term survival was no longer present in patients surviving the first 90 days after surgery.ConclusionsThe presently used ISGLS definition for PHLF should be reconsidered regarding mortality as only PHLF grade B/C was associated with a negative impact on short-term survival; however, even ISGLS grade A had clinical implications.

Portal Vein Resection in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery: Risk of Thrombosis and Radicality Determine Survival.

To evaluate the outcomes of pancreatic cancer [pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)] surgery with concomitant portal vein resection (PVR), focusing on the PVR type according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS). Surgery offers the only chance for cure in PDAC. PVR is often performed for borderline or locally advanced tumors. Consecutive patients with PDAC operated between January 2006 and January 2018 were included. Clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes were analyzed and tested for survival prediction. Of 2265 PDAC resections, 1571 (69.4%) were standard resections and 694 (30.6%) were resections with PVR, including 149 (21.5%) tangential resections with venorrhaphy (ISGPS type 1), 21 (3.0%) resections with patch reconstruction (type 2), 491 (70.7%) end-to-end anastomoses (type 3), and 33 (4.8%) resections with graft interposition (type 4). The 90-day mortality rate was 2.6% after standard resection and 6.3% after resection with PVR ( P <0.0001). Postoperative portal vein thrombosis and pancreas-specific surgical complications most frequently occurred after PVR with graft interposition (21.2% and 48.5%, respectively). In multivariable analysis, age 70 years and above, ASA stages 3/4, increased preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9, neoadjuvant treatment, total pancreatectomy, PVR, higher UICC stage, and R+ resections were significant negative prognostic factors for overall survival. Radical R0 (>1mm) resection resulted in 23.3 months of median survival. This is the largest single-center, comparative cohort study of PVR in PDAC surgery, showing that postoperative morbidity correlates with the reconstruction type. When radical resection is achieved, thrombosis risk is outweighed by beneficial overall survival times of nearly 2 years.

Risk factors predicting the development of a pancreatic fistula following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundA postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy is considered a life-threatening complication. This study was designed to analyze the risk factors for the development of a POPF in a tertiary care center (Al-Rajhi Liver Hospital/Assiut University). Patients and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed 96 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at our hospital from January 2017 to December 2020. A pancreatic fistula was defined according to the 2016 update of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula. The risk factors for a pancreatic fistula were analyzed via a univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. ResultsA clinically relevant pancreatic fistula was detected in 26/96 patients (27.1%) who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. The perioperative mortality rate was 8.3% (8/96 patients). Univariate analysis showed a significant association between the incidence of a POPF and the following factors: body mass index (BMI) (<28 vs. >28: 12% vs. 43.5%, respectively, p = 0.014), pancreatic consistency (firm vs. soft: 16.7% vs. 44.4%, respectively, p = 0.036), pancreatic duct diameter (>3 mm vs. <3 mm: 12.5% vs. 56.3%, respectively, p = 0.001), and drain amylase level POD 3 (p = 0.000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified BMI (p = 0.020), pancreatic consistency (p = 0.042), pancreatic duct diameter (p = 0.003), and drain amylase level (p = 0.003) as significant independent factors for a POPF. Using a ROC curve, the drain amylase level at POD 3 had the best sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (82.9%) when using a cutoff value of 644 IU. ConclusionOur study demonstrated that a BMI of >28, soft pancreatic texture, small pancreatic duct diameter of ≤3 mm, and drain amylase level at POD 3 (cutoff point = 644 IU) were the most significant risk factors for the development of a POPF following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Delayed gastric emptying after classical Whipple or pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy: a randomized clinical trial (QUANUPAD)

PurposePylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) has been the gold standard for pancreatic head lesion resection for several years. Some studies have noted that it involves more delayed gastric emptying (DGE) than classical Whipple (i.e., pancreatoduodenectomy with antrectomy). Our working hypothesis was that the classical Whipple has a lower incidence of DGE. We aimed to compare the incidence of DGE among pancreatoduodenectomy techniques.MethodsThis pragmatic, randomized, open-label, single-center clinical trial involved patients who underwent classical Whipple (study group) or PPPD (control group). Gastric emptying was clinically evaluated using scintigraphy. DGE was defined according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) criteria. The secondary endpoints were postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay, anthropometric measurements, and nutritional status.ResultsA total of 84 patients were randomized (42 per group). DGE incidence was 50% (20/40, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 35–65%) in the study group and 62% (24/39, 95% CI: 46–75%) in the control group (p = 0.260). No differences were observed between both groups regarding postoperative morbidity or length of hospital stay. Anthropometric measurements at 6 months post-surgery: triceps fold measurements were 12 mm and 16 mm (p = 0.021). At 5 weeks post-surgery, triceps fold measurements were 13 mm and 16 mm (p = 0.020) and upper arm circumferences were 26 cm and 28 cm (p = 0.030). No significant differences were observed in nutritional status.ConclusionDGE incidence and severity did not differ between classical Whipple and PPPD. Some anthropometric measurements may indicate a better recovery with PPPD.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03984734.

Contraindications to magnetically controlled growing rods: consensus among experts in treating early onset scoliosis.

The purpose of this study was to describe contraindications to the magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) in patients with early onset scoliosis (EOS) by establishing consensus amongst expert surgeons who treat these patients frequently. Nine pediatric spine surgeons from an international EOS study group participated in semi-structured interviews via email to identify factors that influence decision making in the use of MCGR. A 39-question survey was then developed to specify these factors as contraindications for MCGR-these included patient age and size, etiology, medical comorbidities, coronal and sagittal curve profiles, and skin and soft tissue characteristics. Pediatric spine surgeons from the EOS international study group were invited to complete the survey. A second 29-item survey was created to determine details and clarify results from the first survey. Responses were analyzed for consensus (> 70%), near consensus (60-69%), and no consensus/variability (< 60%) for MCGR contraindication. 56 surgeons of 173 invited (32%) completed the first survey, and 64 (37%) completed the second survey. Responders had a mean of over 15years in practice (range 1-45) with over 6years of experience with using MCGR (range 2-12). 71.4% of respondents agreed that patient size characteristics should be considered as contraindications, including BMI (81.3%) and spinal height (84.4%), although a specific BMI range or a specific minimum spinal height were not agreed upon. Among surgeons who agreed that skin and soft tissue problems were contraindications (78.6%), insufficient soft tissue (98%) and skin (89%) to cover MCGR were specified.Among surgeons who reported curve stiffness as a contraindication (85.9%), there was agreement that this curve stiffness should be defined by clinical evaluation (78.2%) and by traction films (72.3%). Among surgeons who reported sagittal curve characteristics as contraindications, hyperkyphosis (95.3%) and sagittal curve apex above T3 (70%) were specified. Surgeons who indicated the need for repetitive MRI as a contraindication (79.7%) agreed that image quality (72.9%) and not patient safety (13.6%) was the concern. In the entire cohort, consensus was not achieved on the following factors: patient age (57.4%),medical comorbidities (46.4%), etiology (53.6%),andcoronal curve characteristics (58.9%). Surgeon consensus suggests that MCGR should be avoided in patients who have insufficient spinal height to accommodate the MCGR, have potential skin and soft tissue inadequacy, have too stiff a spinal curve, have too much kyphosis, and require repetitive MRI, particularly of the spine. Future data-driven studies using this framework are warranted to generate more specific criteria (e.g. specific degrees of kyphosis) to facilitate clinical decision making for EOS patients. Level V-expert opinion.

Early Predictive Factors for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Cancer.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most serious complication of distal pancreatectomy (DP). When POPF occurs and becomes severe, it causes secondary complications and leads to a longer treatment period. This study aimed to identify early predictive factors of POPF after DP for pancreatic cancer (PC). This retrospective, single-institution study comprised of 55 patients with PC who underwent DP between 2010 and 2021 at the Gifu University Hospital. We statistically analyzed pre-, intra-, and post-operative factors to identify early predictive factors for POPF. According to the definition and grading of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF), 12 (21.8%) of 55 patients had POPF grades B and C. In the univariate analysis, POPF was significantly associated with the pancreas-to-muscle signal intensity ratio on T 1 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SIR on T 1 -w MRI), the drainage fluid amylase (D-Amy) levels on postoperative day 3 (POD3), C-reactive protein (CRP) on POD3, and heart rate on POD3. In multivariate analysis, pancreas-to-muscle SIR on T 1 -w MRI [>1.37; odds ratio (OR)=17.08; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.64-598.16; p=0.02], D-Amy levels on POD3 (>1,200 U/l; OR=20.00; 95% CI=1.73-563.83; p=0.02) and heart rate on POD3 (>100 bpm; OR=15.33; 95% CI=1.53-258.45; p=0.02) were identified as independent early predictive factors. Preoperative pancreas-to-muscle SIR on T 1 -w MRI and postoperative D-Amy levels and heart rate significantly correlated with POPF after DP for PC. Postoperative management based on these predictive factors may improve the postoperative course.

A systematic review of post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage management stratified according to ISGPS grading.

Morbidity and mortality from post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) remains high. The International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) published guidelines to standardise definitions of PPH severity, management and reporting. This study aimed to i) identify the number of studies reporting PPH using ISGPS guidelines (Grade A, B or C) and ii) describe treatment modality success by grade. A systematic literature review was performed, identifying studies reporting PPH by ISGPS Grade and their subsequent management. Of 62 studies reporting on PPH management, 17 (27.4%) stratified by ISGPS guidelines and included 608 incidences of PPH: 48 Grade A, 274 Grade B (62 early, 166 late, 46 unspecified) and 286 Grade C. 96% of Grade A PPH were treated conservatively. Of 62 early Grade B, 54.8% were managed conservatively and 37.1% surgically. Late Grade B were managed non-operatively in 25.3% (42/166), with successful endoscopy in 90.9% (10/11) and angiography in 90.3% (28/31). In Grade C, endoscopic treatment was successful in 64.4% (29/45) and angiography in 90.8% (108/119). Surgical intervention was required in 43.5% early Grade B, 7.8% late Grade B and 33.2% Grade C. PPH grading is underreported and despite guidelines, inconsistencies remain when using definitions and reporting of outcomes.

Delayed gastric emptying after surgery for transverse colon cancer: diagnosis, management and prevention

Delayed gastric emptying is a syndrome of gastric motility disorder with slow gastric emptying as the main sign, provided that mechanical factors such as intestinal obstruction and anastomotic stricture are excluded. The incidence of delayed gastric emptying after colon cancer surgery is 1.4%, mainly after transverse colon cancer surgery. Most of the studies on delayed gastric emptying are case reports, lacking systematic studies. The diagnoses and treatments can be draw on the experience of delayed gastric emptying after pancreatic surgery. Our retrospective study indicated that the incidence of delayed gastric emptying after surgery for transverse colon cancer was 4.0%, higher than that for other colon cancer. Patients who underwent gastrocolic ligament lymph node dissection were at higher risk than those who did not (3.6% vs. 0.8%). Gastrocolic ligament lymph node dissection and stress are causative factors for delayed gastric emptying after surgery for transverse colon cancer. We add the gastrografin test upon the diagnostic criteria of the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery, which is simple and practical. Nasogastric tube decompression, enteral nutrition combined with parenteral nutrition, glucocorticoids, and prokinetic agents can cure most patients with postoperative delayed gastric emptying. All the patients with postoperative delayed gastric emptying were cured in our studies. Strict indications for gastrocolic ligament lymph node dissection (patients with cT3-4 and cN+) may decrease the occurrence of delayed gastric emptying after surgery for transverse colon cancer.

Validation of the ISGLS classification of bile leakage after pancreatic surgery: A rare but severe complication

IntroductionHepaticoenterostomy is an important step of reconstruction during hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery with a subsequent bile leakage rate of up to 5%. The International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) proposed a severity grading system for defining bile leakage after HPB surgery, which has not been validated after pancreatic surgery in a large patient cohort. The present study aimed to validate the ISGLS definition for bile leakage in pancreatic surgery and to investigate the postoperative outcomes of bile leakage after pancreatic resections. Materials and methodsData from the prospectively maintained database for pancreas surgery were extracted for any type of pancreatectomy with hepaticoenterostomy between 2006 and 2019. The severity of bile leakage was graded according to the ISGLS definition. The influence of our standardized hepaticoenterostomy technique and of the complexity of the surgical procedure on the rate of clinically relevant bile leakages (B and C) were assessed in three different timeframes. ResultsBile leakage was detected in 152 of 5,300 patients (2.9%). Clinically relevant bile leakages included seventy patients with grade B and eighty-two patients with grade C bile leakages (46.1% and 53.9%, respectively). During the study period, the overall rate of bile leakage showed to be stable (from 3.5% to 2.4%). Patients with grade C bile leakage had a higher rate of postoperative wound infection (P < 0.001) and longer ICU stays and hospital stays compared to patients with grade B bile leakage (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001 respectively). These parameters were significantly higher in patients with late grade C bile leakage but were similar between patients with grade B bile leakage and early grade C bile leakage (<5th day POD). In the whole patients’ cohort, the 90-day mortality rate was 3.2% (174/5,300), with a rate of 25% in patients with bile leakage (38/152). ConclusionThe ISGLS classification is a valid method for classifying postoperative bile leak after pancreas surgery. Standardization of our hepaticoenterostomy technique resulted in a stable rate of bile leakage. Although rare, bile leakage following pancreas surgery is a severe complication that has a major impact on patient outcomes and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality, even in the absence of POPF.

Pancreatico-Gastrostomy: A Modified Two-Layered Technique.

Introduction: Pancreato-duodenal resections are commonly done for periampullary carcinomas. The outcome of the procedure is decided by pancreato-enterostomy. Pancreato-jejunostomy (PJ) has been employed largely as pancreato-enterostomy. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in pancreato-gastrostomy (PG). The debate continues on the choice of reconstruction.Methods: A hundred cases of periampullary carcinoma were subjected to modified pancreatico-gastrostomy. The pancreatico-gastrectomy was evaluated by drain fluid amylase done on days 1, 3, and 5 post-operatively and clinical findings. The leaks were classified according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) classification of biochemical leaks, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) B and POPF C. The leaks were evaluated against pancreatic factors like duct diameter, consistency of the pancreas, the thickness of the pancreatic neck, and duct location. Observations: Eighty percent of patients had no leaks. The biochemical leak was seen in 10% of cases. POPF B and C were observed at 5% each. Mortality was 3%. The diameter of the pancreatic duct of more than 3 mm and the firm consistency of the pancreas were favourable factors in the outcome of the anastomosis.Conclusion: A modified pancreatico-gastrostomy technique appears to be technically feasible and safe. The leak rates and mortality appear to be low. We need a higher number of patients to confirm the efficacy of this modified pancreatico-enterostomy.

Preservation of the round ligament to accommodate transient portal hypertension after major hepatectomy

PurposePosthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a leading cause of death after extensive liver resection. Apart from the size and function of the remaining liver remnant, the development of postresection portal hypertension (pHT) plays a crucial role in the development of PHLF. We hypothesize that the umbilical vein in the preserved round ligament (RL) may recanalize in response to new-onset pHT after extended hepatectomy, thus providing a natural portosystemic shunt.MethodsIn this exploratory study, RL was preserved in 10 consecutive patients undergoing major liver resection. Postoperative imaging was pursued to obtain evidence of reopened umbilical vein in the RL. The postoperative course, including the occurrence of PHLF, as well as the rate of procedure-specific complications were recorded.ResultsNone of the 10 cases presented with an adverse event due to preservation of the RL. In 6 cases, postoperative imaging demonstrated reopening of the umbilical vein with hepatofugal flow in the RL. The rates of procedure-related surgical complications were lower than would be expected in this population; in particular, the rate of occurrence of PHLF as defined by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) was low.ConclusionOur results support the theoretical concept of portosystemic pressure relief via a preserved umbilical vein after major liver surgery. As preservation of the RL is easily done, we suggest keeping it intact in extended hepatectomy cases and in patients with preexistent pHT.

Phenotype-based management of coronary microvascular dysfunction

40-70% of patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography with signs and symptoms of ischemia are found to have no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA). When this heterogeneous group undergo coronary function testing, approximately two-thirds have demonstrable coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), which is independently associated with adverse prognosis. There are four distinct phenotypes, or subgroups, each with unique pathophysiological mechanisms and responses to therapies. The clinical phenotypes are microvascular angina, vasospastic angina, mixed (microvascular and vasospastic), and non-cardiac symptoms (reclassification as non-INOCA). The Coronary Vasomotor Disorders International Study Group (COVADIS) have proposed standardized criteria for diagnosis. There is growing awareness of these conditions among clinicians and within guidelines. Testing for CMD can be done using invasive or non-invasive modalities. The CorMicA study advocates the concept of ‘functional angiography’ to guide stratified medical therapy. Therapies broadly fall into two categories: those that modulate cardiovascular risk and those to alleviate angina. Management should be tailored to the individual, with periodic reassessment for efficacy. Phenotype-based management is a worthy endeavor for both patients and clinicians, aligning with the concept of ‘precision medicine’ to improve prognosis, symptom burden, and quality of life. Here, we present a contemporary approach to the phenotype-based management of patients with INOCA.

Experience of using stent grafts in the treatment of patients with arrosive bleeding after pancreatic surgery

Aim. To evaluate inhospital outcomes of endovascular treatment in patients who underwent endoprosthetic replacement of the culprit vessel due to arrosive bleeding after pancreatic surgery.Material and methods. In the period 2012-2021 at the A. V. Vishnevsky National Medical Research Center of Surgery, 821 operations on the pancreas due to tumors and complicated chronic pancreatitis were performed. Seventy-five (9,1%) patients developed postoperative arrosive bleeding. Stent grafts were used to stop bleeding in 14 (18,7%) of them. There were 9 men (64,3%) and 5 women (35,7%). The median age of patients was 60 years (men — 61 years, women — 59 years). Arrosive bleeding occurred after pancreaticoduodenal resection in 13 patients, while in one case — after distal pancreatic resection. In all 14 cases, postoperative bleeding was severe and classified as grade C according to the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) classification.Results. There were following sources of bleeding: gastroduodenal artery — 4 (28,6%) patients, proximal hepatic arteries (right/left) — in 4 (28,6%) patients, proximal superior mesenteric artery — in 2 (14,3%), dorsal pancreatic artery — in 1 (7,1%), false aneurysm of proximal splenic artery — in 1 (7,1%), proximal common hepatic artery — in 2 (14,3%). In 10 (71,4%) patients, endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal segment of culprit artery was performed, while in 4 (28,6%) patients with arrosion of short gastroduodenal artery stump and false aneurysm, endoprosthesis replacement of the common hepatic artery was performed with a transition to the proper hepatic artery. The technical success of endovascular hemostasis (absence of contrast media extravasation) was achieved in 100% of cases. Three (21,4%) of 14 patients developed rebleeding from another arterial source. Inhospital mortality was 28,6% (n=4). The cause of deaths in 3 cases was the direct complications of endovascular hemostasis, while in one patient — progressive postoperative pancreatitis with the outcome in multiple organ failure.Conclusion. Endovascular hemostasis using a stent graft is an effective surgical method for the treatment of arrosive bleeding after pancreatic surgery. The intervention is associated with possible complications, the risk of which must be taken into account before the procedure. We consider arrosive bleeding from a defect in the main vessel (common/ proper/right or left hepatic arteries, superior mesenteric artery) as an indication for performing endoprosthetic replacement.