Negative Resection Research Articles

Middle and distal bile duct carcinoma, retrospective analysis & short-term and long-term outcomes of surgical therapy.

The prognosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is dismal and the only way to achieve long-term survival is surgical resection. While pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is the standard procedure for distal cholangiocarcinoma (distal bile duct cancer; DBDC), bile duct segmental resection (BDR) can be used as an alternative approach for middle bile duct cholangiocarcinoma (middle bile duct cancer; MBDC). The aim of the study was to calculate the short-term and long-term outcomes of curative-intent surgery in distal bile duct cholangiocarcinoma patients. A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients treated for MBDC and DBDC with PD or BDR between 1/2009-12/2019. The patients were divided according to the type of surgical resection (PD and BDR group). Demographic, clinicopathological and histopathological data and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in both groups. OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The study comprised a total of 62 patients - 45 patients (72.6%) in the PD group and 17 (27.4%) in the BDR group. Patients undergoing BDR were significantly older than those receiving PD (p=0.048). Men predominated in the PD group (N=34/45; 75.6%) while more women were included in the BDR group (N=10/17; 58.8%). Median age was higher in the BDR group (p=0.048). Serious morbidity (Clavien-Dindo III-V) (33.3% vs 11.8%), 30-day and 90-day mortality (4.4% vs 0.0% and 8.9% vs 5.9%, respectively) predominated in the PD group although the differences were not statistically significant, as well as a longer hospital stay (16.0 days vs 11.0 days; p=0.002). Pathological assessments revealed comparable numbers of positive lymph nodes in both groups, but a significantly higher number of total resected lymph nodes in the PD group (p.

Associations of Annual Hospital and Surgeon Volume with Patient Outcomes After Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Procedural volume is an important determinant of outcomes in cancer surgery. There is a lack of a comprehensive and updated assessment of hospital and surgeon volumes in relation to short- and long-term outcomes after gastrectomy for cancer. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched on January 2021. We conducted meta-analyses and meta-regressions assuming a random effects model to assess the associations of procedural volumes with outcomes after gastrectomy. Effect sizes included hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and standardized mean differences (SMDs). Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic and explored by subgroup analyses. The risk of publication bias, risk of bias, and certainty of evidence were also assessed. We identified 53 primary publications on the effect of hospital (n=48) or surgeon (n=11) volume on 11 gastrectomy outcomes. Patients operated on in high-volume centers had better overall survival (HR 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75-0.90), lower short-term mortality (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.58-0.75), more adequate lymphadenectomy (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.76-2.59), and shorter length of stay (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.12 to -0.04). The meta-analysis showed no significant associations of hospital volume with surgical complications, R0 or negative margin resection, or disease-free survival (all p>0.05). A higher surgeon volume was associated with lower 30-day mortality (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.97). The current study suggested with high confidence that gastric cancer patients operated on in high-volume centers had better overall survival. Centralization of gastrectomy in high-volume centers might lead to an overall improvement in other outcomes, but more studies, especially on surgeon volume, are needed.

Successful Resection of a Gastric Tumor With Severe Fibrosis Using Endoscopic Submucosal Tunnel Dissection and a Picking Technique With a Clutch Cutter.

CASE REPORT Resections of gastric tumors with severe fibrosis by the endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) procedure are still difficult in some cases.1 Endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection has been reported to be a good method for providing traction,2,3 and the usefulness of a picking technique with a clutch cutter (CC) for a protruding rectal tumor with the muscle-retracting sign has recently been reported.4 We report successful resection of a gastric tumor with severe fibrosis using endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection and a picking technique with a CC. ESD was performed for a 75-year-old man with gastric adenocarcinoma in the posterior wall of the lesser curvature of the lower body of the stomach. A mucosal incision was made in the lateral side of the lesion, and the incision was then extended to create a one-half of a circumferential incision with an IT knife-2 in the anal side using the near-side approach method5 in retroflex view. During submucosal dissection, we unexpectedly observed the severe fibrosis (Figure 1). Because we could not approach the area of severe fibrosis horizontally in a retroflex view, we created a submucosal tunnel from the oral side to the anal side with a CC in a forward view as a rescue plan.Figure 1.: Figure showing the gastric tumor with severe fibrosis. (A) During submucosal dissection, we observed severe fibrosis in a retroflex view. (B) A submucosal tunnel provided good traction for the fibrosis area, and we could approach the area of severe fibrosis horizontally in a forward view.The submucosal tunnel provided good traction for the fibrosis area, and we could approach the area of severe fibrosis horizontally in a forward view (Figure 1). An appropriate dissection line was identified, and we picked, pulled, and cut with the tip of the CC (picking technique) (Figure 2). Using this technique, we released part of the severe fibrosis (Figure 2). Finally, the tumor was removed (Figure 2 and Video 1; watch the video at https://links.lww.com/ACGCR/A28). Histological examination revealed intramucosal carcinoma with negative resection margins.Figure 2.: Figure showing the picking technique after the ESTD. (A) An appropriate dissection line was identified, and we picked, pulled, and cut with the tip of the CC (picking technique). (B) Using this technique, we released the part of severe fibrosis. (C) The tumor was removed.The benefits of the picking technique may be a higher en bloc R0 resection rate and a lower perforation risk than those using conventional ESD. The reason for these possible benefits is that a severely fibrotic layer can be accurately detached by using this technique. On the other hand, the disadvantage of the picking technique may be a longer time required to complete the procedure. The reason for this is that a fibrotic layer can only be detached little by little. We consider that the picking technique is useful for severely fibrotic lesions. DISCLOSURES Author contributions: S. Abiko wrote the manuscript and is the article guarantor. K. Nakajima, K. Hirata, K. Suzuki, K. Kinoshita, K. Hatanaka, Y. Yamamoto, and H. Naruse edited the manuscript. Financial disclosures: None to report. Informed consent was obtained for this case report.

The clinical value of classification of hilar cholangiocarcinoma based on actual anatomy

Objective: To examine the significance and prognostic value of the classification of hilar cholangiocarcinoma based on actual anatomical location. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including 120 patients of hilar cholangiocarcinoma treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2019 to December 2021. Patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were classified for seven types according to the site of tumor location. The clinicopathological and prognostic data of 120 patients were retrospectively analyzed(There were 57 males and 63 females,the age (M(IQR)) was 61(22)years(range:42 to 85 years)). All patients received radical resection without visible intraoperative tumor residue and negative bile duct resection margin according to intraoperative pathological biopsy. The classification variables were analyzed by Pearson χ2 test or Fisher's exact probability test,one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test.Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cox proportional risk model was used for prognostic factors. Results: The coincidence rate of preoperative surgical planning and actual operational styles was verified in 33 cases. Twenty-six cases were consistent,and 7 cases were inconsistent,with a coincidence rate of 78.8%. According to the actual anatomical location,patients in type of secondary branch experienced a significantly longer operation duration,a higher portal vein resection rate,margin positive rate and more advanced T stage(all P<0.05). The median overall survival time of the unilateral main trunck group was 27.0 months,and the bilateral group was 17.0 months. Survival analysis based on the tumor classification of the actual anatomical location showed that the unilateral or main trunck group predicted less aggressive clinical features and favorable outcomes(HR=1.931,95%CI:1.066 to 3.499,P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the actual anatomical location of the tumor type(HR=2.269,95%CI:1.333 to 3.861,P=0.003),combined liver resection(HR=0.464,95%CI:0.253 to 0.848,P=0.013) and N stage(HR=6.317,95%CI:3.083 to 12.944,P<0.01) were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients. Conclusion: The classification based on the actual anatomy can be used as a promising scheme in refining patient stratification and predicting survival in hilar cholangiocarcinoma,and it can guide the selection of surgical methods,and predict operative safety and radical resection rate.

Dermatofibrosarcoma: Case Report Series

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon, painless, slow-growth, superficial soft tissue malignant sarcoma corresponding to less than 0.1% of all malignancies. The primary treatment for DFSP is surgical excision, which is wide local excision (WLE) with tumor-free margins, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), and partial or total amputation. The goal of surgical excision is to achieve negative resection margins, thus reducing the local recurrence rate. These three cases reported large dermatofibrosarcoma, which began as a small nodule and progressed within approximately a year and were treated subsequently with wide excisions surgery. The unique and challenging part for most surgeons is removing the mass with a concentric excision due to its specific growth pattern. To achieve negative resection margins, the width of the tumor-free margins and infiltrating depth are two essential factors to be considered for complete excision for both WLE and MMS surgical techniques. Adjuvant therapy, including radiotherapy and targeted therapy, is reserved for unresectable, advanced stage, or recurrent tumors.

Extent of Surgical Resection for Gastric Cancer: The Safety Distance Between the Tumor and the Proximal Resection Margin.

A potentially curative treatment scheme for gastric cancer is considered futile without a proper surgical resection. An oncological, surgical resection for gastric cancer prerequisites a proper resection of the stomach, and a D2 lymph node dissection followed by reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract continuity. Recently, as the favorable impact of organ preserving surgery on functional outcomes has been increasingly appreciated; distal gastrectomy represents a valid alternative to total gastrectomy provided that the proper oncological principles are not violated. However, the appropriateness of distal gastrectomy as a valid type of resection becomes synonymous with achieving a negative proximal resection margin. The purpose of the present study was to assess the optimal distance between the tumor and the resection margin in a gastrectomy with curative intent, performed for gastric cancer, by reviewing the relevant literature. Having in mind, the well documented discrepancy between the gross and the pathologic boundaries of the tumor, pitfalls might be encountered. Current published guidelines have used a "safety distance" i.e., >4 or 5 cm between the proximal macroscopic tumor border and the proximal resection margin in order to guarantee a negative resection margin on pathology. An increased distance of safety is currently proposed in high-risk tumors such as tumors of the diffuse histological type.

A nomogram for predicting 10-year cancer specific survival in patients with pathological T3N0M0 rectal cancer.

BackgroundThe pathological T3N0M0 (pT3N0M0) rectal cancer is the earliest stage and has the best prognosis in the locally advanced rectal cancer, but the optimal treatment remains controversial. A reliable prognostic model is needed to discriminate the high-risk patients from the low-risk patients, and optimize adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) treatment decisions by predicting the likelihood of ACT benefit for the target population.Patients and methodsWe gathered and analyzed 276 patients in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from March 2005 to December 2011. All patients underwent total mesorectal excision (TME), without preoperative therapy, and were pathologically proven pT3N0M0 rectal cancer with negative circumferential resection margin (CRM). LASSO regression model was used for variable selection and risk factor prediction. Multivariable cox regression was used to develop the predicting model. Optimum cut-off values were determined using X-Tile plot analysis. The 10-fold cross-validation was adopted to validate the model. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated with its calibration, discrimination and clinical usefulness.ResultsA total of 188 patients (68.1%) had ACT and no patients had adjuvant radiotherapy. Age, monocyte percentage, carbohydrate antigen 19–9, lymph node dissection numbers and perineural invasion (PNI) were identified as significantly associated variables that could be combined for an accurate prediction risk of Cancer Specific Survival (CSS) for pT3N0M0 patients. The model adjusted for CSS showed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.723 (95% CI: 0.652–0.794). The calibration curves showed that the nomogram adjusted for CSS was able to predict 3-, 5-, and 10-year CSS accurately. The corresponding predicted probability was used to stratify high and low-risk patients (10-year CSS: 69.1% vs. 90.8%, HR = 3.815, 95%CI: 2.102–6.924, P < 0.0001). ACT improved overall survival (OS) in the low-risk patients (10-year OS: 91.9% vs. 83.3%, HR = 0.338, 95% CI: 0.135–0.848, P < 0.0001), while it did not exhibit a significant benefit in the high-risk patients.ConclusionThe present study showed that age, monocyte percentage, carbohydrate antigen 19–9, lymph node dissection numbers and PNI were independent prognostic factors for pT3N0M0 rectal cancer patients. A nomogram based on these prognostic factors effectively predicts CSS in patients, which can be conveniently used in clinical practice. ACT may improve overall survival in the low-risk patients. But the benefit of ACT was not seen in the high-risk patients.

The management of retroperitoneal sarcoma: The experience of a single institution and a review of the literature

ObjectivesRetroperitoneal sarcomas (RPSs) are rare mesenchymal tumors. The objective of this study was to discuss the different clinical, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of RPS in our institution. MethodsThis was a retrospective study conducted at the Department of Medical Oncology in the Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax, including 19 patients who were treated for RPSs between 1999 and 2016. ResultsThe median age was 49 years (range: 18–83 years); 68.4% of the patients were female. The commonest symptom was abdominal pain (88%) and the median tumor size was 15 cm (range: 4–30 cm). Complete resection was achieved in only five cases (26.3%). The most common histological subtypes were liposarcoma (47.4%) and leiomyosarcoma (26.3%). Eight patients had a high-grade tumor (G2 = 2 or G3 = 6). Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered in 5 patients (26%). Seventeen patients were treated with chemotherapy; six received chemotherapy in an adjuvant treatment, three as a neoadjuvant treatment, and eight were treated during the palliative phase. Relapse was observed in 58% of cases. For all patients, the overall survival (OS) was 89.5% at 1 year and 40.3% at 5 years. Prognostic factors influencing OS were sex (p = 0.037), resection margins (p = 0.02), recurrence (p = 0.042), and radiotherapy (p = 0.023). In multivariate analysis, radiotherapy (p = 0.031) and histological subtype (p = 0.028) were independent factors influencing OS and disease-free survival (DFS) respectively. ConclusionWe showed that the treatment of RPSs relies on surgery with complete resection. Other factors, such as radiotherapy and the occurrence of relapse, also have an impact on OS. To facilitate surgery and to obtain negative resection margins, preoperative radiotherapy is indicated in selected patients with a high risk of relapse. Further prospective trials are warranted to select optimal therapies with less toxicity and better efficacy in reducing recurrences, mainly at a local level.

An institutional review of treatment outcomes in extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma- the largest Asian experience

PurposeTo analyze the treatment strategies, outcomes and factors impacting these outcomes in extraosseous ewings sarcoma (EOES). Material and methodsA search of the hospital database yielded a total of 109 EOES patients registered in last 10 years out of which 25 patients were excluded from analysis due to incomplete medical records. Demographic and clinical characteristics were reported using descriptive statistics. Overall survival (OS) was taken from the time of diagnosis to death. Patients who were alive or lost to follow up were censored from the survival analysis. A total of 12 clinical and treatment related variables were taken into univariate analysis and those showing significance or a trend towards significance were taken up for multivariate analysis. Further a cluster analysis was done in a quest to find a subgroup which would have a better survival outcome as compared to other clusters. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. ResultsChest wall (n=26), lower extremity (n=22) and paraspinal area (n=14) were the common sites involved. Localised swelling (n=43) was the most common presenting symptom and the median time to presentation was 2 months. Overall survival of the entire cohort at 5 years was 52 percent. Stage at presentation had a significant impact (P value<0.001) on estimated median OS (localised 70 months versus 36 months in metastatic stage). Cluster analysis showed that, patients with localised stage at presentation, good response to chemotherapy, negative resection margin and no adjuvant RT had a median survival of 69 months. ConclusionJudicious use of trimodality treatment in EOES yields optimal results and it also adds significantly onto the scarce literature on this subtype of sarcoma.

Supine versus Prone 3D Abus Accuracy in Breast Tumor Size Evaluation.

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with negative resection margins decreases the locoregional recurrence rate. Breast cancer size is one of the main determinants of Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) staging. Our study aimed to investigate the accuracy of supine 3D automated breast ultrasound (3D ABUS) compared to prone 3D ABUS in the evaluation of tumor size in breast cancer patient candidates for BCS. In this prospective two-center study (Groups 1 and 2), we enrolled patients with percutaneous biopsy-proven early-stage breast cancer, in the period between June 2019 and May 2020. Patients underwent hand-held ultrasound (HHUS), contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) and 3D ABUS—supine 3D ABUS in Group 1 and prone 3D ABUS in Group 2. Histopathological examination (HE) was considered the reference standard. Bland–Altman analysis and plots were used. Eighty-eight patients were enrolled. Compared to prone, supine 3D ABUS showed better agreement with HE, with a slight tendency toward underestimation (mean difference of −2 mm). Supine 3D ABUS appears to be a useful tool and more accurate than HHUS in the staging of breast cancer.

National trends in the quality of segmentectomy for lung cancer

ObjectiveSegmentectomy has become an accepted procedure for the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer. Adequate lymph node sampling, sufficient margins, and proper tumor size selection are factors vital for achieving outcomes comparable to lobectomy. Previous studies have demonstrated poor adherence to lymph node sampling guidelines. However, national trends in the quality of segmentectomy and implications on survival are unknown. MethodsThe National Cancer Database was used to identify patients with clinical stage I to IIA non–small cell lung cancer surgically treated between 2004 and 2018. Facility-level trends in extent of resection and segmentectomy odds of adherence to (1) 2014 Commission on Cancer guidelines of sampling 10 or more lymph nodes, (2) negative (R0) resection margins, and (3) tumor size 2 cm or less were determined. Propensity score matching was based on segmentectomy adherence to (4) a composite of all measures, and survival was evaluated with Cox models and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. ResultsThe study included 249,391 patients with 4.4% (n = 11,006) treated with segmentectomy. The proportion of segmentectomies performed annually increased from 3.3% in 2004 to 6.1% in 2018 (P < .001). Overall, 12.6% (n = 1385) of patients who underwent segmentectomy between 2004 and 2018 were adherent to all measures, and adherence was more likely at academic programs (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.15) than nonacademic programs (P < .001, reference). Adherence to all measures was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.79). ConclusionsAs segmentectomy is increasingly established as a valid oncological option for the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer, it is important that quality remains high. This study demonstrates that continued improvement is needed.

Total mesopancreas excision is the better staging tool of the mesopancreas in pancreatic head carcinoma.

Preoperative imaging staging based on tumor, node, metastasis classification cannot be effective to avoid R1 resection because only further improvements in imaging technologies will allow the precise assessment of perineural and lymphatic invasion and the occurrence of microscopic tumour deposits in the mesopancreas. However, waiting for further improvements in imaging technologies, total mesopancreas excision remains the only tool able to precisely assess mesopancreatic resection margin status, maximize the guarantee of radicality in cases of negative (R0) mesopancreatic resection margins, and stage the mesopancreas.

Comparison of Wire-Guided Lumpectomy (WGL) Versus Hematoma-Directed Ultrasound-Guided Lumpectomy (HDUGL) in Management of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions in Achieving a Negative Resection Margin: a Randomized Trial with Superiority Hypothesis and Cost-effectiveness Analysis.

The advances in imaging techniques and growing awareness have increased the detection of nonpalpable breast lesions, which may be neoplastic or high-risk lesions. The standard technique of localizing these nonpalpable breast lesions is wire-guided biopsy/lumpectomy. However, wire-guided excision is fraught with the complications of migration, transection, patient discomfort, pneumothorax, vasovagal episodes, and injury to the radiologist, surgeon, and pathologist. We embarked upon a randomized controlled trial to compare the cost-effectiveness and patient-reported outcome (PRO) with hematoma-directed ultrasound-guided lumpectomy (HDUGL) versus conventional wire-guided lumpectomy (WGL) for nonpalpable breast lesions. This study was a parallel design, randomized controlled trial with a superiority hypothesis. Twenty-five patients could be randomized to wire-guided lumpectomy (WGL) group (n = 13) and hematoma-directed ultrasound-guided lumpectomy (HDUGL) group (n = 12). Post-excision specimen sonography and mammography for assessing adequacy of margin were done. A margin shave was performed in cases of close or suspicious margin on ultrasonography or mammogram. Both the groups were comparable in age, tumor size, histological subtypes, and location of lesions. The median resection volume in two groups was 34.5 (26.5) ml for HDUGL vs. 41 (15) ml for WGL. Intraoperative cavity shave was required only in the WGL group (n = 3.23%) and margin positivity was also more in the WGL group (n = 2,15.38%) as compared to the HDUGL group (n = 1,8.33%) but neither differences in cavity shave nor positive margins leading to re-operations were statistically significant. The difference in cost of surgery in two groups (INR 4680 ± 560.00 for HDUGL and INR 7486 ± 616.41 for WGL) was statistically significant (P = 0.00). Resultantly, HDUGL was more cost-effective (INR 5105.45) than WGL (INR 8847.09). Patients in the HDUGL group were more satisfied according to the Likert scale of 5 but this difference in two groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). The hematoma-directed ultrasound-guided lumpectomy (HDUGL) is better than wire-guided lumpectomy (WGL) for nonpalpable breast lesions in terms of cost-effectiveness. Trial details: CTRI No. CTRI/2019/05/019347. Registered on 24/05/2019, Registered prospectively.

Laterally extended endopelvic resection for advanced or recurrent gynecological malignancies: clinicopathological analysis

To explore the feasibility and safety of laterally extended endopelvic resection (LEER) for advanced and recurrent gynecological malignancies with pelvic sidewall involvement and to evaluate this therapeutic potential of this novel salvage treatment. The clinicopathological data of 5 patients with gynecological malignancies who received laparoscopic LEER treatment in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2019 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 3 cases of recurrent cervical cancer, 1 case of primary advanced endometrial cancer and 1 case of pelvic aggressive angiomyxoma. Among them, four patients achieved complete resection (R0) with a negative resection margin; the other patient with recurrent cervical cancer did not complete surgery because of the extreme risk of continuing surgery. The median operation time was 345 (225-482) minutes and the median blood loss was approximately 300 (200-600) ml. Complications occurred in three patients, including lymphocysts, urinary tract infections, and deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities. Within a median follow-up time of 283 (128-715) days, 4 patients survived tumor-free, and 1 patient died. The high rate of complete resection (R0) and the encouraging oncological outcomes suggest that LEER may be an alternative treatment option for patients with advanced and recurrent gynecological malignancies involving the pelvic sidewall.

Total laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreato-splenectomy with left-posterior superior mesenteric artery first-approach for distal pancreatic cancer: step-by-step technique with a surgical case report (with video)

IntroductionLeft-sided pancreatic cancers are uncommon but seem more aggressive than tumors of pancreatic head. Radical antegrade modular pancreato-splenectomy (RAMPS) was proved to have safe and effective advantages while comparing with standard retrograde pancreato-splenectomy (SRPS) in recent systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses. Laparoscopic SMA first-approach RAMPS was recently proceeded with optimistic perioperative outcomes.Case presentationOur patient is a 67-year-old female with a medical history of diabetes and hypertension, recruited because of upper left quadrant abdominal pain. She was referred for pancreato-splenectomy because of a 3-cm-sized mass in distal pancreas. We use 5 trocars and the patient placed in a Trendelenburg position. The retroperitoneum is opened at the left-posterior side of the meso-pancreato-duodenum along to the inframesocolic space, so that the anterior surface of the aorta (AO), inferior vena cave (IVC), left renal vein (LRV), left adrenal grand (LAG), and kidney are completely exposed. The inferior border of the pancreas had been dissected and separated from the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) below the pancreatic isthmus, removed the lymph nodes (LNs) groups 14v and 17. Then, dissect of LNs groups 7,8,9,11p,12 en bloc at the superior side of the pancreas. Dissection of LNs group 14p, d or SMA LNs after transecting the pancreas. The operation time was 240 min, the estimated blood loss was 200 ml. With no postoperative complications as well as no diarrhea, the patient was discharged on the POD10 uneventfully. Pathological result: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with T2N1 staging and negative margin (R0).ConclusionsThis technique was safe and effective to perform precise and complete lymphadenectomy and negative posterior resection in total laparoscopic left-posterior SMA first-approach RAMPS for distal pancreatic cancer.

The impact of treatment with bile acid sequestrants on quality of life in patients with bile acid diarrhoea

BackgroundBile acid diarrhoea (BAD) can be severely debilitating and negatively affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). We carried out a multi-centre prospective study exploring QoL outcomes in patients with BAD after treatment with colesevelam.MethodsPatients with or without a positive 23-seleno-25-homotaurocholic acid (SeHCAT) scan were recruited and categorised into four groups: SeHCAT negative control group (CG), idiopathic BAD, post-cholecystectomy (PC) and post-terminal ileal resection for Crohn’s disease (CD). Patients with a positive SeHCAT were treated with colesevelam and dosing was titrated to symptomatic response. Patients were reviewed at 4- and 8-weekly intervals and QoL was evaluated by EQ-5D-3L, SF-36, IBDQ-32 at each visit (where relevant). Patients with a negative SeHCAT (CG cohort) completed one set of questionnaires before being discharged from the study.Results47 patients (BAD = 24, PC = 12, CD = 11) completed paired QoL questionnaires before and after treatment and 30 CG patients completed a baseline questionnaire. There was a significant improvement in IBDQ-32 mean scores before and after treatment in CD patients [134.6 (95%CI 112.5–156.6) and 158.4 (136.1–180.6), respectively (p = 0.007). Following treatment, BAD patients had significantly improved mean SF-36 scores in the “Role limitation due to physical health” dimension (p = 0.02) and in the overall mental component summary (p = 0.03). Prior to starting treatment, BAD patients had the lowest scores in the ‘activity’ dimension of the EQ-5D-3L (p = 0.04), which improved significantly after treatment (p = 0.002). Overall, the BAD and CD cohort showed improved mean scores with treatment in all components of the SF-36 and EQ-5D-3L, while the PC cohort showed a general decline in mean scores after treatment. 55% of patients clinically responded to treatment of which 41.7%, 58.3% and 81.8% responded from the BAD, PC and CD groups respectively. Correlations between those deemed as responders with improvements on the SF-36 and EQ-5D dimensions were not statistically significant.ConclusionOur results demonstrate improved QoL in the BAD and CD cohort with treatment. Further larger studies are recommended specifically investigating the PC cohort and whether patients may improve with newer treatments such as FXR agonists.Trial registration Ethical approval REC Ref: 16/LO/1325.

Esthesioneuroblastoma (Olfactory Neuroblastoma): Overview and Extent of Surgical Approach and Skull Base Resection.

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignancy originating from the olfactory epithelium. Treatment consists of surgical resection with strong consideration for adjuvant treatment in advanced Kadish stage and high Hyams grade. In the modern era, overall outcomes for esthesioneuroblastoma are favorable compared with many other sinonasal malignancies with 5-year overall survival estimated to be 80%. When selecting the optimal surgical approach, the surgeon must consider the approach that will allow for a negative margin resection and adequate reconstruction. In appropriately selected patients, endoscopic outcomes appear at least equivalent to open approaches and unilateral endoscopic approach may be used in select olfactory preservation cases.

Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Appearance of Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma

Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma is a rare and aggressive entity that originates in the skin’s dermis. This poorly defined tumor usually appears on the sun exposed skin of the elderly and involves the male gender more often. We describe the case of a 54 year old male patient who presented to the Surgery Department with a tumor located on the scalp. Surgery was performed and the sample was sent to the Pathology Department of Mures Clinical County Hospital for further analysis. Histological analysis showed a tumor with solid architecture and nesting phenomenon, composed of pleomorphic epithelioid cells with high atypia. Typical and atypical mitoses were observed. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for the following markers: vimentin, CD68 and ki67- proliferation value of 90%. The cells were negative to CK AE1/AE3, S100, SOX10, HMB45, MelanA, CD31, Desmin and SMA. In conclusion, pleomorphic dermal sarcoma represents a challenging diagnosis. The case highlights the histological and immunohistochemistry appearance of the neoplasm. Due to the local aggressivity, difficulty in providing negative resection margins and uncertain prognosis, it’s important to take this entity into consideration each time we encounter a cutaneous pleomorphic tumor.

Endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection in the treatment of large benign colon neoplasms. Immediate results

Aim: to evaluate the early results of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD for large benign colon neo-plasms. Patients and methods: a prospective non-randomized comparative study included 100 patients with large benignepithelial colon neoplasms (more than 3 cm in diameter). The main group included 50 patients who underwentendoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection. The control group included 50 patients who underwent traditional endo-scopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Results: Four (4 %) patients (1 in the main and 3 in the control group) were excluded from the study due to theconversion of endoscopic procedure. The incidence en bloc removal of neoplasms and the negative resection margins were significantly higher in the main group than in the control one — 98 % and 87.2 % (p = 0.04) and 89.8 % and 70.2 %, respectively (p = 0.01). Conclusion: ESTD for large benign epithelial colon neoplasms shows better radicalness in comparison with endo-scopic submucosal dissection.

Atypical presentation as large ruptured tumor with associated mesosigmoid hematoma of an ovarian granulosa cell tumor recurrence

Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary represent a rare subtype of ovarian malignancies which is usually associated with low recurrence rates due to the fact that is usually diagnosed in early stages of the disease. The aim of the current paper is to report the case of a 50 year old patient diagnosed with such a recurrence at four years after the initial diagnostic. Case report: the 50 year old patient was initially submitted to surgery for an ovarian tumor at that moment radical surgery being performed. Four years later she self referred to our service for diffuse abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a presumptive hematoma at the level of the mesosigmoid loop in association with increased values of serum inhibin. The patient was submitted to surgery, intraoperatively a ruptured tumor in association with mesosigmoidian hematoma being discovered; therefore the lesion was resected en bloc with the rectosigmoidian loop. The histopathological studies confirmed the presence of negative resection margins. In conclusion, although granulosa cell tumors of the ovary rarely develop distant metastases, isolated recurrences might occur and in such cases radical resection seem to be an effective therapeutic option.