Surgical Margins Research Articles

Low CD8+ Density Variation and R1 Surgical Margin as Independent Predictors of Early Post-Resection Recurrence in HCC Patients Meeting Milan Criteria.

Our study included 41 patients fulfilling the Milan criteria preoperatively and aimed to identify individuals at high risk of post-resection HCC relapse, which occurred in 18 out of 41 patients (43.9%), retrospectively. We analyzed whole slide images of CD8 immunohistochemistry with automated segmentation of tissue classes and detection of CD8+ lymphocytes. The image analysis outputs were subsampled using a hexagonal grid-based method to assess spatial distribution of CD8+ lymphocytes with regards to the epithelial edges. The CD8+ lymphocyte density indicators, along with clinical, radiological, post-surgical and pathological variables, were tested to predict HCC relapse. Low standard deviation of CD8+ density along the tumor edge and R1 resection emerged as independent predictors of shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS). In particular, patients presenting with both adverse predictors exhibited 100% risk of relapse within 200 days. Our results highlight the potential utility of integrating CD8+ density variability and surgical margin to identify a high relapse-risk group among Milan criteria-fulfilling HCC patients. Validation in cohorts with core biopsy could provide CD8+ distribution data preoperatively and guide preoperative decisions, potentially prioritizing liver transplantation for patients at risk of incomplete resection (R1) and thereby improving overall treatment outcomes significantly.

Uniportal Laser-Assisted Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy (U-LA-VATS) for Lung Metastasectomy: Technical Description, Peri-Operative Results and Pertinent Literature Review.

Pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) is a well-established treatment that is able to contribute to the cure of oligometastatic cancer. Surgery should adopt the most lung-sparing approach possible to preserve pulmonary function (and, consequently, the quality of life) and to spare the lung for potential additional lung resections. In this framework, laser technology has been introduced in recent decades, but only few experiences combining laser technology with VATS approaches have been reported till now. The main focus of this manuscript is to report our institutional experience in performing lung-sparing laser-assisted PM by uniportal VATS (uniportal laser-assisted VATS: U-LA-VATS). The surgical technique and peri-operative results from our series of patients were herein presented and compared with the pertinent literature. Methods: Between March 2021 and November 2023, among 98 patients who underwent PM, a total of 24 patients (18 men (75%); 6 women (25%); mean age 61.4 years; age range 13-83 years) were treated with laser-assisted PM at our institution. Patients who underwent anatomical resection were excluded for the purpose of the analysis. The U-LA-VATS procedure adopted a modified laser-assisted lung resection technique for performing PM via VATS. Dedicated instruments are used, characterized by a long shape and a curved shape, with distal and proximal articulations. A surgical laser system (Thulium + Diodo OUTPUT 30-10 W, Quanta System S.p.a., Solbiate Olona, Italy) was used, and a 550-μm sterile optical fibre conducted through a specific thoracoscopic handpiece was introduced in the lowest part of the incision. Peri-operative results were analysed in all cohort and compared according to the surgical technique. Moreover, these results were compared with those reported in the literature. Comprehensive research of the literature was conducted on PubMed from 2000 to 2024. A review was performed and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: In 12 cases (50%), thulium laser-assisted resection was performed using uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and in the other cases (12, 50%), a (mini)thoracotomy access was adopted. In the thoracotomy group, the mean duration of surgery was 95 ± 57.7 min; meanwhile, it was 73.5 ± 35.5 in the uniportal VATS group. At the univariate analysis, this difference resulted to be statistically significant (p value 0.025). We did not observe intra-operative complications or remarkable malfunction of the laser system. We also did not report major complications after surgery; also the air-leak rate was 8.3% and 0% after thoracotomic and VATS procedures, respectively. Surgical margins were free from disease in all cases. Major and minor post-op complication rates were similar in both groups. The mean hospitalization after surgery was 2.9 ± 0.3 days for the uniportal VATS group and 3.7 ± 0.9 days for the thoracotomy group, this difference being statistically significant at the univariate analysis (p value = 0.015). Conclusions: U-LA-VATS is a safe and effective procedure, able to combine a parenchymal sparing exeresis with a mini-invasive approach. This procedure is associated with a shorter hospital stay compared with PM performed by a thoracotomic approach. Compared with the selected works for the review, our series is the only one describing the use of laser resection combined with a uniportal VATS approach.

Porcine Cross-Linked Collagen Matrix for Peri-Implant Vertical Soft Tissue Augmentation: A Randomized Prospective Observational Study.

The mucosa height has always been of interest in modern implant dentistry to obtain biomimetic results. Papilla height, mucosa scalloping, and free mucosal margin level are crucial to achieve "pink aesthetics". The aim of this study was to investigate the vertical increase in the peri-implant soft tissues with a porcine cross-linked collagen matrix (Geistlich Fibro-Gide®). Methods: A total of 60 patients were divided into the following three groups: Group 1-patients who received porcine cross-linked collagen matrix for vertical soft tissue augmentation and a cover screw combined with a coronally advanced flap (CAF); Group 2-patients who received the collagen matrix combined with a healing abutment and CAF; Group 3 (control group)-patients who received a traditional surgical approach based on crestal incision and no collagen matrix as well as no CAF. Results: The average horizontal tissue thickness growth after 3 months was more effective for Group 1 (1.35 ± 1.23 mm) compared to Group 2 (0.85 ± 0.67 mm) and the control group (0.20 ± 0.41 mm). The average tissue height growth was 1.05 ± 1.39 mm for Group 1, 0.32 ± 1.28 mm for Group 2, and -0.05 ± 0.39 mm for the control group. Finally, the average increase in the band of keratinized mucosa was 0.60 ± 1.23 mm for Group 1, -0.60 ± 0.94 mm for Group 2, and 0.45 ± 0.60 mm for the control group. Conclusions: The combination of the CAF, porcine cross-linked collagen matrix, and cover screw resulted in better clinical results compared to Group 2 and 3.

Local extension findings on MRI compensate for the ability of pathological staging to predict oncological outcome.

We investigated whether local extension findings on preoperative MRI and excisional pathology are associated with positive surgical margin and biochemical recurrence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. We identified 704 of our patients that underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy between 2012 and 2020, and extracted the 326 patients who had preoperative MRI scans and a radiologist reading. These patients were classified into groups according to the presence of local extension on MRI and pathological findings: ≤ cT2pT2 (195 cases), ≤ cT2pT3 (55 cases), cT3pT2 (31 cases), and cT3pT3 (45 cases). We compared positive surgical margin and biochemical recurrence between them. Median age was 69years, positive surgical margin rate was 20.2%, and five-year biochemical recurrence rate was 20.3%. Of the 226 patients without local invasion on excisional pathology, those with local extension on MRI (cT3pT2) had relatively higher positive surgical margin rate (29.0% vs. 14.4%, p = 0.05) and significantly higher five-year biochemical recurrence rate (25.8% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.01) than those without local extension on MRI (≤ cT2pT2). Similarly, among the 100 patients with local extension on excisional pathology, those with cT3pT3 had relatively higher positive surgical margin (37.8% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.08) and significantly higher five-year biochemical recurrence (53.3% vs. 29.3%, p = 0.01) than those with ≤ cT2pT3. In multivariate analysis, local extension on MRI was an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.1-3.9, p = 0.01). Local extension on MRI is a prognostic factor independent of pathological stage. The use of MRI may complement the prognostic value of excisional pathology of prostate cancer.

Lower survival for surgical treatment of human papillomavirus–related oropharynx cancer at community cancer centers

Abstract Background The rate of primary surgery for human papillomavirus (HPV)–related oropharynx cancer has recently declined, whereas use of transoral robotic surgery has lagged at community cancer centers. We hypothesize that differences in overall survival exist between patients undergoing surgery for HPV-related oropharynx cancer at community centers and low transoral robotic surgery volume (<15 transoral robotic surgeries per year) academic centers and high transoral robotic surgery volume (≥15 transoral robotic surgeries per year) academic centers. Methods Patients from the US National Cancer Database with a diagnosis of HPV-related oropharynx cancer from 2010 to 2019 who underwent primary surgical treatment were included. Trends in transoral robotic surgery use, rates of positive surgical margins, quality of adjuvant treatment, and 5-year overall survival were compared between community centers, low transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers, and high transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers. Results A total of 5406 patients met study criteria. A clinically and statistically significantly lower proportion of patients at community centers underwent transoral robotic surgery than at low transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers or high transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers (26.2% vs 44.0% vs 73.9%, respectively; P < .001). The rate of positive surgical margins was clinically and statistically significantly higher at community centers than at low transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers or high transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers (25.7% vs 15.3% vs 9.2%, respectively; P < .001). A greater proportion of patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) received prolonged courses (23.6% vs 13.1% vs 8.8%; P < .001) or excessive doses (16.5% vs 11.5% vs 8.7%; P < .001) of RT at community centers than at low transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers or high transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers, respectively. Five-year overall survival was lowest at community centers (85.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 81.7% to 88.2%), intermediate at low transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers (88.9%, 95% CI = 87.2% to 90.4%), and highest at high transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers (91.4%, 95% CI = 89.5% to 92.9%; Plog-rank < .01). Conclusions Clinically and statistically significant differences in the type and quality of surgical and adjuvant treatment for HPV-related oropharynx cancer exist between facility types based on transoral robotic surgery volume. Overall survival was lowest at community centers, intermediate at low transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers, and highest at high transoral robotic surgery volume academic centers.

SP3.3 - Real World Experience of 600+ Minimally Invasive Abdominoperineal Resections (APR) Done for Low Rectal Cancers in Tertiary Cancer Care Center

Abstract Introduction APR is standard of care surgery for low rectal cancers involving sphincter. Surgery is commonly done in minimally invasive way. Robotic surgery has recently gained popularity due to ease of procedure. Margin positivity and local recurrence still remain a challenge. Methods It is a retrospective study from prospectively maintained database from Aug 2013 to Aug 2023. Surgical and oncological outcome were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. Results Total 657 minimally invasive APRs were done. All were done in supine lithotomy position. 570 were laparoscopic and 87 robotic. Mean age was 48.4 years. 6 cases were converted to open (5 lap and 1 robotic). Mean BMI was 22.3. Mean distance from anal verge was 3 cm. Majority patients were cT3 (74%). Median blood loss was 150 ml. Clavien Dindo grade III and beyond complications were seen in 11.2%. Mean hospital stay was 7 days. Mean nodes harvested were 13. Mean no of positive nodes were 1.22. Extended resections (extended TME) were 25% in lap and 42% in robotic. Poorly differentiated and signet histology was seen in 27%. CRM positivity was 6.9%. It increases to 15.5% in signet ring histology. Median follow up achieved was 46 months. Local recurrence was 5.5%. Distant recurrence was 20%. 3-year OS and DFS were 73% and 63% respectively. Conclusion In high volume minimally invasive surgery centre, MIS abdominoperineal resection - both laparoscopic and robotic has acceptable surgical and oncological outcomes.

Comparing open and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy – a single institution report

BackgroundOpen partial nephrectomy (OPN) has previously been considered the gold standard procedure for treatment of T1 localized renal tumors. After introduction of robot assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) as an alternative method to OPN, OPN was gradually abandoned at our department. The aim of the study was to retrospectively compare the results of patients treated with either OPN or RAPN for suspected renal carcinoma.MethodsPatients who underwent either open or robotic assisted partial nephrectomy between January 1st 2010 and December 31st 2020 were retrospectively included in the study. Each tumor subjected to surgery was scored preoperatively by the RENAL nephrometry score. Complications within 30 days were assessed according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system.ResultsA total of 197 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy were identified; 75 were subjected to OPN and 122 were treated with RAPN. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to age (OPN: 63 years ± 11, RAPN: 62 years ± 10), gender (OPN: 71/29%, RAPN: 67/33%), body mass index (OPN: 28 ± 5, RAPN: 28 ± 5), ASA score (OPN: 2.4 ± 0.6, RAPN: 2.2 ± 0.5), or nephrometry score (OPN: 6.6 ± 1.7, RAPN: 6.9 ± 1.7, p = 0.2). The operative time was significantly shorter in the OPN group (81 min) compared to the RAPN group (144.5 min, p < 0.001). Mean perioperative blood loss was 227 ± 162 ml in the OPN group compared to 189 ± 152 ml in the RAPN group (p = 0.1). Mean length of stay was shorter in the RAPN group (3 days) compared to the OPN group (6, days, p < 0.001). Positive surgical margin rate was significantly higher in the OPN group (21.6%) compared to the RAPN group (4.2%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in the number of Clavien-Dindo graded complications between the groups (p = 0.6).ConclusionsThe introduction of RAPN at our department resulted in shorter length of stay and fewer positive surgical margins, without increasing complications.

Anatomic Versus Non-anatomic Liver Resection for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Patient-Level Meta-Analysis.

The current standard treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) involves complete liver resection with negative surgical margins and lymphadenectomy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Debate is ongoing regarding the necessity of systematic anatomic resection (AR). This study aimed to summarize existing literature to determine whether AR leads to better oncologic outcomes than non-AR for patients with resectable ICC. A systematic literature review (PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar) was performed until December 2023. Only studies comparing the oncologic outcomes of AR and non-AR for ICC using propensityscorematching or inverse probability of treatmentweighting were considered. A meta-analysis of aggregated data for perioperative variables and a reconstructed patient-level meta-analysis for survival data were performed. Five articles were gathered (n = 930 patients after matching: 465 AR/465 non-AR patients). The overall survival (OS) rates were higher in the AR group than in the non-AR group at 1, 3, and 5 years (71.5%, 46.1% and 34.3% vs. 63.6%, 32.9%, and 24.8%, respectively; hazard ratio [HR] 0.74; 95% CI 0.63-0.87; P < 0.001). The same results were observed for the disease-free survival (DFS) rates (58.3%, 33.4%, and 24.5% for AR vs. 45.6%, 23.1%, and 17.4% for non-AR; HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.63-0.86; P < 0.001). The results were confirmed in the two-stage meta-analysis for OS (HR 0.73; P < 0.001) and DFS (HR 0.73; P < 0.001). No differences were observed between the two approaches in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, overall and major morbidity, and hospital length of stay. By pooling the available evidence, the current study demonstrated that AR for ICC patients is associated with better OS and DFS without any negative impact on postoperative outcomes.

ThP1.8 - Margin re-excision after Wise pattern or Vertical scar therapeutic mammoplasty for early breast cancer - a single institution 4-year review

Abstract Introduction Therapeutic mammoplasty is a technique which facilitates large volume cancer excisions whilst maintaining breast cosmesis in patients with breast cancer. The aim of this audit was to evaluate the rates of positive margins and cancer recurrence in this cohort and determine any risk factors for requiring margin re-excision. Methods All patients undergoing therapeutic mammoplasty using a Wise-pattern or vertical scar technique for the treatment of breast cancer over a 4-year period (November 2019- October 2023) were included. Data was collected on patient demographics, tumour characteristics, re-excision rates and cancer recurrence. Results Of a total of 61 patients who underwent therapeutic mammoplasty, 10 (16.4%) required margin re-excision. DCIS alone was present at the margin in the majority (70%). Re-excision specimens contained further cancer in 4/10, of which 2 had clear new margins, one required further re-excision and one underwent completion mastectomy. Half of those who required re-excision had a cancer that was either mammographically occult or was non-concordant with the pre-operative imaging on final histology in terms of extent and/or focality. There was one case only of in-breast recurrence, in a patient who had not previously required margin re-excision. Conclusions Therapeutic mammoplasty is an oncologically safe technique and in the vast majority of patients the breast can continue to be preserved even when margins are close or involved. Patients undergoing therapeutic mammoplasty who have mammographically occult tumours may be at higher risk of margin re-excision even with the addition of MRI imaging.

SP6.3 - Comparison of three new wireless non-radiation techniques for localization of non-palpable breast cancer - an updated systematic review and pooled meta-analysis

Abstract The method for finding non-palpable breast cancers has evolved due to technological advancements. New wire-free techniques have made implantation and retrieval easier with improved oncological outcomes. Although some evidences are available as to reduced requirement for re-operation with wireless techniques when compared to wire, in current clinical practice, the choice of selection amongst wireless technique depends on clinician preference and there is a lack of consensus. The objective of current systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the clinical effectiveness between three new wireless non radiation localisation techniques, such as Magseed (Magnetic seed), Radiofrequency identification tag (RFID) and Savi-scout reflector localization from published literature over the last 3 years. Literature search as per PRISMA guidelines revealed twenty-six studies from 2020 to 2022 involving 6275 innovative agents analysing the 3 groups were identified. Statistical analysis using Medcalc software showed a pooled positive margin rate of 12.28% (95% CI, 10 -15%) and a re-excision rate of 11.29% (95%CI, 9 -14%) for all 3 innovative technique combined whereas studies that compare innovative techniques with wire, showed higher positive margin rate of 14.87% (95% CI, 12-18%) and re-excision rate of 16.23% (95% CI, 14-18%) for wire localization, along with considerable heterogeneity. In sub group analysis with Kruskal-Wallis test, there were no statistical significance for margin (p 0.797) and re-operation (p 0.464) rates between each group. Consolidated insertion and retrieval success for innovative group were 98.13% and 99.13% respectively. To establish the best localization approach, future RCT's will be required to assess quantitative cost-effective analyses.

Oncological outcome following Hartmann's procedure compared with anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer-The type of procedure does not influence local recurrence or distant metastasis: A population-based study.

The type of surgical procedure used in rectal cancer treatment may affect cancer recurrence. The aim of this study was to determine whether the type of procedure influences oncological outcomes in rectal cancer surgery. We gathered data from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry regarding patients with TNM Stage I-III rectal cancer who underwent R0/R1 surgery from 2013 to 2017. The outcomes after Hartmann's procedure (HP), anterior resection (AR) and abdominoperineal resection (APR) were compared, and a multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed. The primary outcome of the study was the local recurrence rate. The secondary outcomes were distant metastasis, disease-free survival and overall survival at 5 years as well as risk factors for local recurrence. A total of 4741 patients were included in the study: 614 underwent HP, 3075 underwent AR and 1052 underwent APR. Multivariable Cox regression revealed no difference in local recurrence, distant metastasis or disease-free survival. Overall survival was higher following AR (OR 0.62, CI 0.54-0.72). Risk factors for local recurrence were intraoperative bowel perforation (OR 2.41, CI 1.33-4.40), a pT4 tumour (OR 1.93, CI 1.11-3.4) and a positive circumferential resection margin (OR 5.62, CI 3.28-9.61). This nationwide study showed that the type of procedure did not affect the local recurrence rate or distant metastasis. In patients who are unfit for restorative surgery, HP is a viable alternative with oncological outcomes similar to those of APR.

En Bloc Total Vertebrectomy of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine.

Background/Objectives: We evaluated the outcomes of patients undergoing en bloc total vertebrectomy at our institution within the last three decades. The aim of our study was to analyse the oncological and neurological outcomes and the changes over time. Methods: We included 22 consecutive patients treated with a total vertebrectomy at our institution between January 1990 and December 2022. The standard follow-up protocol for sarcoma patients was performed. Early complications were defined as complications within the first three months postoperatively. Local recurrence was defined as the reoccurrence of a tumour at least four months after surgery. Adequate statistical methods were applied to evaluate the survival rates and the influence of potential risk factors. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: From 1990 to 2010, five total vertebrectomies were performed each decade, whereas twelve patients underwent the procedure in the period from 2010 to 2022. The mean follow-up period was 101.25 months (±112; 2-339). The one-, five- and ten-year overall survival rates were 91% (CI = (0.79; 1.00)), 59% (CI = (0.37; 0.81)) and 51% (CI = (0.27; 0.75)), respectively. For soft tissue tumours, the average overall survival was 6.2 years, whereas, for bone sarcomas, it was 13.6 years. None of the patients with wide surgical margins developed local recurrence. Complications necessitating revision procedures occurred in 54% of all cases. Conclusions: A total vertebrectomy is a highly demanding procedure, requiring accurate patient selection, meticulous preoperative planning and a highly collaborative interdisciplinary team. Adequate surgical treatment seems to be indispensable when aiming for curative treatment. Owing to the rarity of the indications, this procedure should be restricted to large tumour centres.

Socioeconomic Barriers to Receiving Early Salvage Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

Purpose This study aimed to identify factors associated with delays in initiating early salvage radiation therapy in prostate cancer patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure after prostatectomy. Methods We conducted a single-institution, retrospective study of patients receiving salvage radiation therapy after radical prostatectomy from 2011 to 2022. Patient demographics and clinical data were examined to identify factors that may have influenced the time to start of radiation therapy after surgery. Utilizing a PSA cut off of 0.25 ng/ml or less, we classified patients as receiving either early "PSA low" or late "PSA high" salvage therapy depending on their PSA at the time of initiating treatment. Results Of the 81 patients evaluated, the median age was 61.9 years (IQR 57.9 - 66.5), with most presenting with pT3 (65.4%), Grade Group 2 disease (35.8%), and positive margins 55%). Median PSA at salvage radiation therapy commencement was 0.30 ng/mL (0.18 - 0.48). 40 patients completed early salvage and 41 patients completed late salvage in the overall cohort. A significant association was found between patient insurance carrier and pre-radiation PSA levels. Patients with HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) insurance were more likely to complete late salvage radiation compared to non-managed Medicare patients (HMO OR 4.0, p <0.05 & PPO OR 3.3 p <0.05 vs non-managed Medicare). All uninsured patients in the cohort received late salvage radiation. Conclusions Insurance type was significantly associated with the timing of salvage radiation therapy post-prostatectomy, suggesting a relationship with providers requiring prior authorization (HMO and PPO coverage). This study supports proper PSA surveillance, in particular for those with HMO or PPO coverage.

Real-World Experience of Clinical Outcomes of Microscopic Margin Positivity After Radical Gastrectomy from a Tertiary Cancer Center in Northeast India

AbstractSurgical resection for gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) remains the only potentially curative treatment, and the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy improves survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Margin-positive resection is a known poor prognostic factor. A retrospective observational study of patients undergoing radical gastrectomy of any type for GAC was done at a tertiary care cancer center in Northeast India. The study included patients who were operated on from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021 (5 years), and they were followed up to 31 March 2024. A total of 172 patients underwent gastrectomy of any type for GAC during the study period of which 13 patients were found to have microscopic positive (R1) histopathological margin (7.6%). The median age of the patients with positive margins was 48 years (range 27 to 69 years). The male-to-female ratio was 9:4. Ten patients (77%) had poorly differentiated or signet-ring cell carcinoma. The distal margin was the most frequent margin which was positive (84.6%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was used in only 23.1% patients. At the end of our study period, only 1 patient out of 13 patients was alive. Median disease-free survival (DFS) was 16.2 months (95% confidence interval 1.2 to 31.1 months). Median overall survival (OS) was 20.2 months (95% confidence interval 9.3 to 31.2 months). Patients who have microscopic positive margins after gastrectomy are found to have a high incidence of poorly differentiated or signet-ring cell carcinoma.

Moving from the O-Z flap to the O-S flap for scalp reconstruction: A new geometrical model

The O-Z flap is the most commonly used local flap technique to repair round and oval scalp defects in clinical practice. Preoperative flap marking is one of the major technical issues of this reconstructive method and it is essential to achieve an optimal outcome. Nevertheless, the absence of a unified arc design scheme could significantly limit the use of this useful and reliable technique, and flap drawing is sometimes based more on the surgeon's experience than on a real geometrical model. Our aim was to describe an intuitive and standardizable method for O-Z flap marking, that we called "O-S flap," based on a simple and easily replicable geometrical pattern. We reported our experience in this case series of eight patients with skin tumors of the scalp who underwent scalp reconstruction with the "O-S flap" technique at our university hospital. Most patients had defects located on the vertex or parieto-occipital regions of the scalp. The area of the defects ranged from 7 to 78.5 cm2. There were no cases of flap necrosis, wound infection, or positive margins, and no patients required revision surgery. We believe that our technical refinement represents a safe, easy, and reproducible method for O-Z flap marking. It follows a simple geometrical model which could be customized according to different clinical needs.

Spermatic cord liposarcoma presented as scrotal swelling: a case report

BackgroundLiposarcoma is considered the most common among spermatic cord sarcomas. It usually presents as a progressively enlarging inguinoscrotal mass. The resemblance between the spermatic cord liposarcoma and the inguinal hernia allows the swelling to be tolerated for a long duration giving time for hematogenous dissemination. In this article, we share the experience of a unique case of metastatic liposarcoma of the spermatic cord that showed a stationary course of the lower abdominal satellite lesions on follow-up following palliative resection.Case presentationWe present a case of a 53-year-old male with progressively enlarging painless scrotal swelling over 1-year duration. A heterogeneous lesion of the right hemiscrotum and spermatic cord with non-specific radiological features was described by imaging. Two lower abdominal skip lesions were also discovered synchronously in addition to the primary one and were designated inoperable as they were adherent to the nearby bowel loops. The patient underwent cytoreductive surgery of the primary tumour which was proven to be an undifferentiated liposarcoma with free safety margins based on histopathology. Finally, the patient was referred for adjuvant chemotherapy and sequential follow-up.ConclusionsDespite being a rare tumour, the radiologist should always consider the liposarcoma of the spermatic cord in the differential diagnosis of inguinoscrotal lesions even in the absence of typical imaging features. The diagnosis and management of spermatic cord liposarcoma remain a challenge with no clear accepted guidelines.

Efficacy of robotic surgery in liver resections: oncological outcomes and quality of life

Introduction: Hepatic resection is a crucial surgical intervention for the treatment of hepatic neoplasms, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal metastases. Recently, robotic surgery has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional techniques, offering greater surgical precision and potentially improving clinical and oncological outcomes. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of robotic hepatic resection in comparison to open and laparoscopic surgical approaches, with a focus on oncological outcomes and patient quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies published between 2013 and 2023 that compared robotic hepatic resections with traditional approaches, focusing on oncological outcomes and postoperative quality of life. Results: The results show that robotic hepatic resection achieves tumor-free margins (R0) in up to 96% of cases, comparable or superior to open and laparoscopic techniques. Tumor recurrence rates were also slightly lower with robotic surgery. Additionally, the robotic technique presented a lower incidence of postoperative complications, with faster recovery and improved quality of life. Discussion and Conclusion: Robotic surgery offers significant advantages in terms of surgical precision, safety, and postoperative recovery. However, challenges such as high costs and the learning curve remain. Additional studies, including randomized clinical trials, are necessary to confirm these findings and expand the clinical indications for robotic hepatic resection.

Successful modified CLEAN-NET with semicircular seromuscular layer incision for a gastric GIST near the cardia: a case report and video demonstration

BackgroundThe combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with a non-exposure technique (CLEAN-NET) is a laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS). It combines laparoscopic gastric resection and endoscopic techniques for local resection of gastric tumors, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), with minimal surgical margins. A conventional CLEAN-NET surgical procedure is complex, requiring careful techniques to preserve the cardia, particularly in case of nearby lesions. We describe the case of a patient who underwent a modified CLEAN-NET approach with a semi-circular seromuscular layer incision surrounding the base of the tumor, different from a circular shape seromuscular layer in the conventional CLEAN-NET: around the tumor to preserve mucosal continuity, which acts as a barrier to avoid intraoperative tumor dissemination.Case presentationA 43-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a gastric submucosal tumor near the cardia, detected on medical examination. The patient was diagnosed with gastric GIST based on the results of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration. Modified CLEAN-NET was performed with a semicircular incision of the seromuscular layer on the opposite side of the cardia, making the surgical procedure simple and minimizing partial resection of the gastric wall, including the tumor, while preserving the cardia. The operative time was 147 min, preoperative blood loss volume was 3 mL, and postoperative hospital stay was 9 days. The resected specimen revealed a minimal resection of the gastric wall, including the tumor. The cardia and gastric nerves were preserved, and the postoperative food intake was good.ConclusionsThe modified CLEAN-NET with semicircular seromuscular layer dissection is a simple and reliable surgical procedure for GIST near the cardia.

Sacrococcygeal Chordoma: A Clinical and Imaging Review

Sacrococcygeal chordoma is a rare, locally aggressive malignant tumor originating from remnants of the notochord, and it represents the most common primary malignancy of the sacrum. This review provides an in-depth discussion of the clinical presentation, pathological features, imaging characteristics, and management of sacrococcygeal chordomas. These tumors typically present with local pain, neurological deficits, and a palpable mass, and they are known for their high recurrence rate and challenging surgical management. Imaging, especially MRI, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning, given its ability to delineate the extent of the tumor and its relationship with surrounding structures. Complete surgical excision remains the cornerstone of treatment, with prognosis largely depending on the ability to achieve negative surgical margins. We present a case of a 45-year-old male who presented with bowel and bladder dysfunction and a painful, progressively enlarging mass over the sacrum. MRI revealed a large, well-defined soft tissue mass involving the distal sacrum and coccyx, extending into the retrorectal space. The patient underwent successful en bloc surgical resection, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of chondroid chordoma.

Rethinking Surgical Margins: A New Approach to Predict Outcomes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

The traditional categorical division of surgical margins using a 5 mm cutoff in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is controversial. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the presence of an optimal cutoff point or, alternatively, assess the potential improvement in predictive value by considering the surgical margins as a continuum. Retrospective analysis of OCSCC patients at a tertiary medical center in 1995-2020. Clinical, pathological, and surgical data were evaluated for effect on survivability by regression analyses. The cohort included 266 patients (48.1% male, mean age 65.4 ± 17.7). Patient stratification by categorical margin status yielded no significant between-group differences in survival (p = 0.54). Significance was achieved when margin distance was reevaluated as a continuous variable (p = 0.0018). Similar results were shown in local control (categorical p = 0.59 vs. continuous p = 0.06). Multivariate model excluded possible confounders. A predictive model was created to provide a more accurate prediction of survival. The continuum spectrum of margin distance better predicts survival outcomes and locoregional control in OCSCC. 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.