Pylorus Preservation Research Articles

Comparison of Sleeve Gastrectomy with Loop Duodenojejunal Bypass Versus One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of Pylorus Preservation.

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is recognized as a standard procedure in metabolic surgery. However, concerns about postoperative bile reflux and nutritional risks are prevalent. Comparatively, sleeve gastrectomy with loop duodenojejunal bypass (SG + LoopDJB) bypasses an equivalent length of the foregut as OAGB while maintaining pyloric function. The role of pylorus function remains to be further elucidated regarding these metabolic procedures' therapeutic outcomes and side effects. A retrospective study was conducted in our center to compare the surgical safety and 1-year outcomes of OAGB and SG + LoopDJB regarding type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission, weight loss, gastrointestinal disorders, and nutritional status in T2DM patients matched by gender, age, and BMI. The baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Compared with OAGB, SG + LoopDJB had longer operative time and length of stay (LOS) but similar major postoperative complications. At 1-year follow-up, OAGB has similar diabetes remission (both 91.9%), weight loss effect (28.1 ± 7.1% vs. 30.2 ± 7.0% for %TWL), and lipidemia improvement to SG + LoopDJB (P > 0.05). However, OAGB presented a higher incidence of hypoalbuminemia (11.9% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.026) but a low incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms (9.5% vs. 26.2%, P = 0.046) than SG + LoopDJB. There was no statistical difference regarding other gastrointestinal disorders and nutritional deficiencies between groups. Both OAGB and SG + LoopDJB show comparable, favorable outcomes in weight loss, T2DM remission, and lipidemia improvement at the 1-year follow-up. Pylorus preservation, while increasing surgical difficulty and the risk of de novo GERD, may reduce the risk of postoperative hypoalbuminemia.

HPB P51 One hundred consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies performed by a newly appointed consultant surgeon: perioperative clinical outcomes

Abstract Background Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) involves surgical resection of pathology affecting the pancreas and periampullary region. PD was historically associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. More recently there has been a reduction in 90-day mortality (2-5% in most series), however morbidity remains high. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a main source of major morbidity after PD. There is conflicting data regarding POPF and morbidity rates, which may be higher for newly appointed compared to established consultants, reflecting reduced operative exposure for senior trainees. We present a consecutive series for a newly appointed consultant surgeon, with particular attention on clinical outcomes. Methods Between July 2018 and April 2023, 100 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed by a single surgeon (AA). Pancreatico-jejunostomy reconstruction was performed in all cases using a 2 layer duct to mucosa technique, reproduced from a senior surgical mentor (AD) during training. A post hoc analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed to determine outcomes of these patients. Data collected included patient demographics, neoadjuvant therapy, intraoperative details, Pancreatic Fistula Risk Scores, morbidity details, length of stay and 90-day readmission. POPF was defined according to the latest definition by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. Results 43 patients underwent a pylorus preserving procedure whereas 57 underwent a classic PD (M:F 3:2; median age 66 (range 20–85) years; median BMI 25.4; ASA ≥ III n=38). The mean operative time was 479 minutes; mean blood loss was 719ml and mean pancreatic duct size was 4.8mm. 13 patients underwent portal vein resection. Median hospital stay was 8 days (range 5–35). Clinically significant pancreatic fistula rate was 6% (5 Grade B and 1 Grade C). 90-day mortality was zero and major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III) rate was 7%. 90 day readmission rate was 6%. Conclusions This case series of 100 PDs by a newly appointed consultant demonstrates clinical outcomes which are comparable to more experienced established consultants in the best performing units. These outcomes can be attributed to standardisation and reproduction of operative reconstruction technique learned during training from a senior surgical mentor, meticulous post-operative care and multidisciplinary team working at a high-volume pancreatic surgery centre. Excellent clinical outcomes from PD can be achieved by new consultant surgeons, in an era of relatively diminished surgical exposure during training, by following these tenets.

Preoperative and postoperative complications as risk factors for delayed gastric emptying following pancreaticoduodenectomy: A single-center retrospective study.

Mortality rates after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have significantly decreased in specialized centers. However, postoperative morbidity, particularly delayed gastric emptying (DGE), remains the most frequent complication following PD. To identify risk factors associated with DGE after the PD procedure. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, clinical data were collected from 114 patients who underwent PD between January 2015 and June 2018. Demographic factors, pre- and perioperative characteristics, and surgical complications were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for post-PD DGE. The study included 66 males (57.9%) and 48 females (42.1%), aged 33-83 years (mean: 62.5), with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1.4:1. There were 63 cases (55.3%) of PD and 51 cases (44.7%) of pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Among the 114 patients who underwent PD, 33 (28.9%) developed postoperative DGE. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in four of the 14 clinical indexes observed: pylorus preservation, retrocolonic anastomosis, postoperative abdominal complications, and early postoperative albumin (ALB). Logistic regression analysis further identified postoperative abdominal complications [odds ratio (OR) = 4.768, P = 0.002], preoperative systemic diseases (OR = 2.516, P = 0.049), and early postoperative ALB (OR = 1.195, P = 0.003) as significant risk factors. Postoperative severe abdominal complications, preoperative systemic diseases, and early postoperative ALB are identified as risk factors for post-PD DGE.

Determination of the optimal reconstruction for pancreaticoduodenal resection based on modified scintigraphy of gastrointestinal motility

Aim. To improve the outcomes of pancreaticoduodenal resection by determining the optimal reconstruction based on objective assessment of the functional state of the upper gastrointestinal tract using a modified “double” scintigraphic study.Materials and methods. 147 pancreaticoduodenal resections were performed in the period of 2016–2022. Patients underwent “double” scintigraphic study on days 30 and 90 after surgery. The mean age of the patients was 59.6 years (23–83); the male to female ratio was 1.27:1. All patients underwent gastropancreatoduodenal resection or pancreatoduodenal resection with pylorus preservation. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the variant of the reconstructive stage of surgery. Group 1 underwent reconstruction according to Child, group 2 – Child reconstruction and interintestinal anastomosis formation according to Brown, the reconstructive stage in group 3 involved Roux-en-Y isolation of the small intestine (Roux-en-Y reconstruction).Results. “Double” scintigraphic study revealed that the best result on the 30th and 90th postoperative days was observed in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenal resection with pylorus preservation, reconstructive stage according to Child and formation of interintestinal anastomosis after Brown.Conclusion. “Double” scintigraphy is an effective procedure to determine the motility of the stomach, biliodigestive anastomosis and motility of the small intestine. As a result, the optimal reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenal resection was determined in patients with neoplasms of the pancreatic head or the periampullary region and chronic pancreatitis.

Delayed gastric emptying after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy: Comparison between traditional open surgery and full-robotic approach with da Vinci Xi.

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a frequent complication after pancreatoduodenectomy, especially after pylorus preservation (Pp). We evaluated the effect of a fully robotic approach with da Vinci Xi on DGE after PpPD. Open and robotic PDs were performed in 353 and 50 cases, respectively, from January 2009 to March 2022. We compared the clinical outcomes and incidence of clinically relevant DGE between robotic PpPD (R-PpPD) and open PpPD after one-to-one case-control matching. Each group consisted of 30 patients. Clinically relevant DGE was less common after R-PpPD (3/30 [10%] vs. 10/30 cases [33.3%], p=0.028). The median length of hospital stay (LoS) was significantly lower in the R-PpPD group (10 vs. 15days, p=0.013). The reduced tissue trauma by the minimally invasive robotic approach is associated with a lower incidence of DGE, reducing the LoS and encouraging PpPD performed using the fully robotic approach.

Delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy: One complication, two different entities

BackgroundDelayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after pancreatoduodenectomy associated with a low complication burden but a prolonged hospital stay. The present study aimed to characterize DGE, with a particular focus on its subtypes and related predictors. MethodsA 2-center retrospective analysis was performed including consecutive pancreatoduodenectomy over 5 years. Primary delayed gastric emptying (pDGE) and secondary delayed gastric emptying (sDGE) were defined according to the presence of concomitant causing factors. Predictors of DGE, pDGE and sDGE were assessed through logistic regression. ResultsOut of 1,170 patients considered, 188 developed delayed gastric emptying (16.1%). Most DGE (71.8%) were secondary. sDGE resolved later (P = .007), with hospital stay, duration of total parenteral nutrition, and of enteral nutrition being longer than for pDGE (all P < .005). Smoking status, total operative time, indication for surgery other than pancreatic cancer, estimated blood loss, and soft pancreatic texture were independent predictors of DGE. In the subgroup analysis of pDGE, smoking was the only independent predictor, whereas pylorus-preservation was a protective factor. Smoking, indication for surgery, estimated blood loss, soft gland texture, and main pancreatic duct diameter were independent predictors of sDGE. ConclusionDGE after pancreatoduodenectomy consists of 2 different subtypes. The primary form resolves earlier, and its occurrence might be reduced by pylorus preservation. For the secondary form, clinicians should focus on preventing and treating other trigger complications. The diagnosis of the DGE subtype has critical therapeutic implications and paves the way for further systematic studies.

Enhanced Recovery Program after Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a Resource Constrained Country

Enhanced Recovery Program after Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a Resource Constrained Country

Pylorus-Preservation Pancreatoduodenectomy Is Associated with Higher Rate of Delayed Gastric Emptying in Patients with Intermediate/High Risk for Pancreatic Fistula

INTRODUCTION: The association between delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) vs classic pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) remains controversial. This study aims to identify preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with DGE based on the well-established pancreatic fistula risk score (FRS). We hypothesized that a stratified approach to surgical technique selection may be beneficial given the association of DGE with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). METHODS: The 2014 to 2019 NSQIP pancreatectomy Participant User Data File (PUF) was queried for patients who underwent PPPD or PD. Multivariable logistic regression assessed perioperative characteristics associated with DGE. Sensitivity analyses stratified patients into negligible/low (FRS ≤2) or intermediate/high (FRS ≥3) cohorts based on their risk for clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF). RESULTS: DGE was present in 15.5% of the overall cohort (N = 2,197/14,181), in 16.3% (N = 948/5,799) of the PPPD group, and in 14.9% (N = 1,249/8,382) of the classic PD group; 6.4% of patients (N = 903/14,181) were in the negligible/low-risk and 93.6% (N = 13,278) were in the intermediate/high-risk CR-POPF subgroups. In adjusted analysis of the overall cohort, patients who underwent PPPD were more likely to develop DGE (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, p = 0.02). In the negligible/low-risk CR-POPF subgroup, there was no association between DGE and PPPD (OR 1.05, p = 0.82). In the intermediate/high-risk CR-POPF subgroup, PPPD was significantly associated with DGE (OR 1.1, p = 0.04; Table). Table. - Predicting Delayed Gastric Emptying after Pylorus-Preserving vs Classic Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Stratified by Fistula Risk Score Surgical approach, pylorus preserving vs classic pancreatoduodenectomy Risk of clinically relevant- postoperative pancreatic fistula Adjusted odds ratio* 95% CI p Value Overall 1.11 1.01–1.22 0.02 Negligible/low risk 1.05 0.69–1.60 0.82 Intermediate/high risk 1.11 1.01–1.22 0.04 *Adjusted for age, sex, race, ASA class, history of comorbidities (eg smoking, hypertension, diabetes, blood disorder, weight loss, jaundice), preoperative stent placement, preoperative chemotherapy/radiation therapy, drain placement, pancreas gland texture, and duct size. CONCLUSION: Pylorus preservation in PD may have greater odds for developing DGE, driven by an increased association in patients who are at intermediate/high risk for CR-POPF. Use of the FRS for intraoperative decision-making regarding management of the pylorus may help minimize postoperative morbidity.

Risk Factors for Delayed Gastric Emptying After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a complication that affects the length of hospitalization and associated cost after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The reported risk factors for DGE were controversial. This study aimed to identify risk factors for the development of DGE after PD. The patients who underwent PD between October 2010 and October 2020 were retrospectively examined. Multivariate analysis was performed to predict the variables causing DGE. In total, 225 patients underwent PD. The pylorus preserving PD was applied to 151 patients (67%), whereas standard PD to 74 (33%). The DGE was detected in 26 patients (11.5%). The majority of cases were classified as grade A (57.7%), whereas 38.4% as grade B and 3.9% as grade C. In the multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 3.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-8.34; P = 0.05), the preoperative biliary stent (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.04-5.99; P = 0.039), and the pylorus resection (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.28-7.25; P = 0.012) were independently associated with DGE. We demonstrated that implementation of the preoperative stent, pylorus resection, and diabetes mellitus are independent risk factors for DGE. Pylorus preservation should remain the standard of care in PD.

The impact of pylorus preservation on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A historical cohort study.

The pathophysiology and associated factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remain elusive. We aimed to investigate these factors, including the operation type, for NAFLD development after PD. This historical cohort study included 786 consecutive patients treated with either classic Whipple operation or pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) in Korea between 2012 and 2018. De novo NAFLD was determined based on hepatic attenuation in nonenhanced computed tomography during follow-up. Of the 786 patients, 216 (27.5%) had a newly developed NAFLD at 2 years after PD. The incidences of newly developed NAFLD at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 years were 13 (1.7%), 41 (5.2%), 48 (6.1%), and 114 (14.5%), respectively. The Whipple group showed a significantly higher incidence of NAFLD than the PPPD group (40.3% vs 24.5%, P < .001). Seventeen patients (2.2%) had severe fatty liver with abnormal liver enzymes. Multivariable analysis revealed that Whipple operation (vs PPPD; adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.92, P < .001) and high preoperative body mass index (vs normal; AOR: 1.71, P=.001) were independently associated with a higher risk of NAFLD. The incidence of NAFLD was 27.5% at 2 years after PD. Undergoing Whipple operation and high preoperative body mass index were significantly associated with de novo NAFLD development.

Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas in Children and Adolescents - Tailored Diagnostic and Operative Concepts in Four Patients

Pancreatic tumors in children and adolescents are rare entities that can stay asymptomatic for long periods. They often become apparent as incidental findings or due to clinical symptoms, like abdominal pain. Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas (SPN) are rare representatives of this group, being low-grade malignant processes and requiring radical surgical treatment. We present four cases of SPN with different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. A retrospective analysis of four cases of SPN treated between 2015 and 2020 was performed. Four female patients (11-17 years) were found to have SPN during diagnostic procedures. Three of them were located in the pancreatic head. Histological confirmation was obtained with endosonographic-, CT-guided and open biopsy, respectively. R0 resection was achieved by a pylorus preserving, partial duodenopancreatectomy according to Traverso-Longmire. In one patient the tumor was located in the pancreatic tail with tumor adherence to the splenic vessels. A CT guided biopsy confirmed an SPN. A distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy was performed. Follow-up (6 months - 6 years) revealed no evidence of tumor recurrence, metastasis, or pancreoprive diabetes. For the treatment plan preoperative histological confirmation of SPN is necessary. Based on the tailored diagnostic and operative concepts, treatment at a center with a specialized pediatric surgery, pediatric oncology, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric radiology and pathology is mandatory.

Impact of pylorus preservation on delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy-analysis of 5,000 patients based on the German StuDoQ|Pancreas-Registry.

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreatic head resection. It leads to increased length of hospital stay, high costs for healthcare systems and reduced quality of life. The primary aim of the study was to assess the impact of pylorus preservation, respectively resection on the occurrence of DGE in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). All cases of pylorus-resecting PD (PRPD) and pylorus-preserving PD (PPPD) entered in the StuDoQ|Pancreas nationwide registry of the German Society of General and Visceral Surgery from 01/01/2014 until 31/12/2018 including demographics, surgical techniques, histopathological and perioperative data were retrospectively analyzed. This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. Data of 5,080 patients were enrolled. PPPD was the method of choice (70.4%). Pylorus preservation had no impact on the occurrence of DGE (20.3% vs. 21.5%, P=0.33), but further risk factors could be identified. The comparison of PPPD and PRPD groups showed statistically significant differences in the surgical approach (primary open approach, 94.8% vs. 98.0%, P<0.001), duration of surgery (326.4 vs. 352.1 minutes, P<0.001), technique of pancreatic anastomosis (pancreaticojejunostomy vs. pancreaticojejunostomy), 78.6% vs. 85.2%, P<0.001). Patient factors, intraoperative factors, duration of surgery and postoperative factors (postoperative pancreatic fistula, biliary leakage and other surgical complications) were identified as risk factors for DGE. Future research should focus on register-based, prospective, randomised-controlled studies such as the currently recruiting "PyloResPres trial".

The PrEDICT-DGE score as a simple preoperative screening tool identifies patients at increased risk for delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Morbidity after Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has remained unchanged over the past decade. Delayed Gastric Emptying (DGE) is a major contributor with significant impact on healthcare-costs, quality of life and, for malignancies, even survival. We sought to develop a scoring system to aid in easy preoperative identification of patients at risk for DGE. The ACS-NSQIP dataset from 2014 to 2018 was queried for patients undergoing PD with Whipple or pylorus preserving reconstruction. 15,154 patients were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for DGE, which were incorporated into a prediction model. Subgroup analysis of patients without SSI or fistula (primary DGE) was performed. We identified 9 factors independently associated with DGE to compile the PrEDICT-DGE score: Procedures (Concurrent adhesiolysis, feeding jejunostomy, vascular reconstruction with vein graft), Elderly (Age>70), Ductal stent (Lack of biliary stent), Invagination (Pancreatic reconstruction technique), COPD, Tobacco use, Disease, systemic (ASA>2), Gender (Male) and Erythrocytes (preoperative RBC-transfusion). PrEDICT-DGE scoring strongly correlated with actual DGE rates (R2=0.95) and predicted patients at low, intermediate, and high risk. Subgroup analysis of patients with primary DGE, retained all predictive factors, except for age>70 (p=0.07) and ASA(p=0.30). PrEDICT-DGE scoring accurately identifies patients at high risk for DGE and can help guide perioperative management.

P-P57 The first experience of intraoperative radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer in the UK

Abstract Background Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) involves giving a targeted single fraction of high dose radiation to the resection bed. The main advantages are exclusion of vulnerable structures from the radiation field and ability to direct the electron beam to threatened margins. IORT in pancreatic cancer is not new, with Japanese centres reporting series from the 1970s. Early reports were exciting, suggesting that IORT was useful in reducing visceral pain, achieving local control and improving survival in locally advanced and unresectable patients. However, paucity of randomised trials in the ensuing decades has limited its widespread adoption. Methods With funding from the PLANETS charity (www.planetscharity.org), University Hospitals Southampton acquired a Mobetron 2000 linear accelerator (IntraOp, USA) in 2016. Testing was done at the National Physical Laboratory (Teddington, UK) over two months to collect beam data and ensure consistency in treatment delivery. Staff training included visits to the Heidelberg Cancer Centre and several dry runs. Inclusion criteria were: (i) patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinomas; (ii) threatened vascular margins; (iii) WHO performance status 1-2; (iv) no evidence of distant metastasis. Results Nineteen patients had pancreaticoduodenectomy (traditional or pylorus preserving) combined with IORT. Median age was 66 (42-81) years. Median ASA grade was 2 (2-3). 16/19 had locally advanced pancreatic cancer and 18/19 had neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Median IOERT dose was 15 (10-15) Gy, energy 7.5 (6-12) MeV, to a mean depth of 1.6 +/- 0.8 cm, with median cone size 5 (4-6) cm and bevel angle 15 (0-30) degrees. All tumours were pT1-T3 and 10/19 had positive regional nodes. 10/19 were R1 resections, with 4/19 specimens exhibiting vascular invasion and 6/19 perineural invasion. Mean operating time (including IOERT) was 534 +/- 77 min. Median length of stay was 8.5 (6-41) days. 30-day mortality was zero. 6/19 patients had post-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo 1-2 only), with clinically detectable pancreatic fistula in 1/19. Conclusions This is the first UK experience of IORT for pancreatic cancer, showing that this treatment modality is safe and feasible. With the appropriate expertise, an IORT service can be implemented within 12 months of acquiring the Mobetron system. We hope that these data will encourage other UK and European HPB units to consider setting up regional IORT services, such that larger scale prospective trials can be initiated to demonstrate its efficacy.

Pylorus resection versus pylorus preservation in pancreatoduodenectomy (PyloResPres): study protocol and statistical analysis plan for a German multicentre, single-blind, surgical, registry-based randomised controlled trial

IntroductionPartial pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is the treatment of choice for various benign and malignant tumours of the pancreatic head or the periampullary region. For reconstruction of the gastrointestinal passage, two stomach-preserving...

Surgical approach and short-term outcomes in adults and children undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation: A report from the Prospective Observational Study of TPIAT

BackgroundTotal pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is a viable option for treating debilitating recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) in adults and children. No data is currently available regarding variation in approach to operation. MethodsWe evaluated surgical techniques, islet isolation and infusion approaches, and outcomes and complications, comparing children (n = 84) with adults (n = 195) enrolled between January 2017 and April 2020 by 11 centers in the United States in the Prospective Observational Study of TPIAT (POST), which was launched in 2017 to collect standard history and outcomes data from patients undergoing TPIAT for RAP or CP. ResultsChildren more commonly underwent splenectomy (100% versus 91%, p = 0.002), pylorus preservation (93% versus 67%; p < 0.0001), Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy reconstruction (92% versus 35%; p < 0.0001), and enteral feeding tube placement (93% versus 63%; p < 0.0001). Median islet equivalents/kg transplanted was higher in children (4577; IQR 2816-6517) than adults (2909; IQR 1555-4479; p < 0.0001), with COBE purification less common in children (4% versus 15%; p = 0.0068). Median length of hospital stay was higher in children (15 days; IQR 14–22 versus 11 days; IQR 8–14; p < 0.0001), but 30-day readmissions were lower in children (13% versus 26%, p = 0.018). Rate of portal vein thrombosis was significantly lower in children than in adults (2% versus 10%, p = 0.028). There were no mortalities in the first 90 days post-TPIAT. ConclusionsPancreatectomy techniques differ between children and adults, with islet yields higher in children. The rates of portal vein thrombosis and early readmission are lower in children.

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy and segmental gastrectomy: discrimination of concepts and surgical procedures

Both pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) and segmental gastrectomy (SG) achieve the preservation of gastric cardia and pylorus through the circumferential resection of stomach, while concepts and surgical procedures of these two operations are obviously different. In this sense, transectional gastrectomy includes both PPG and SG. PPG is one of the standard surgical procedure for early gastric cancer (EGC). The extent of lymph node dissection (No.1, 3, 4sb, 4d, 6, 7, 8a, 9) and the retention of infrapyloric vessels, hepatic and pyloric branch of vagal nerve has formed a consensus. Meanwhile, SG is regarded as an investigational treatment according to the Japanese gastric cancer treatment guidelines. It is still controversial and may generate an ethical risk in the clinical practice. This article distinguishes the difference in the concepts and surgical procedures between PPG and SG, assisting a comprehensive evaluation in further research.

Postprandial Asymptomatic Glycemic Fluctuations after Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device.

PurposeAlthough dumping symptoms are thought to involve postprandial glycemic changes, postprandial glycemic variability without dumping symptoms remains poorly understood due to the lack of a method that allows the easy and continuous measurement of blood glucose levels.Materials and MethodsPatients having undergone distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I (DG-BI) or Roux-en-Y reconstruction (DG-RY), total gastrectomy with RY (TG-RY) and pylorus preserving gastrectomy (PPG) for gastric cancer 3 months to 3 years prior, diagnosed as pathological stage I or II, were prospectively enrolled from March 2018 to January 2020. The interstitial tissue glycemic levels were measured every 15 min, up to 14 days by continuous glucose monitoring. Moreover, using a diary recording the diet and symptoms, asymptomatic glucose profiles without sugar supplementation within 3 h postprandially were compared among the four procedures.ResultsA total of 40 patients were enrolled, 10 patients for each of the four procedures. There were 47 glucose profiles with DG-BI, 46 profiles with DG-RY, 38 profiles with TG-RY, and 46 profiles with PPG. PPG showed the slowest increase with a subsequent gradual decrease in glucose fluctuations, without hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, among the four procedures. In contrast, TG-RY and DG-RY showed spike-like glycemic variability, sharp rises during meals, and rapid drops. The glucose profiles of DG-BI were milder than those of RY.ConclusionsThe asymptomatic glycemic changes after meals differ among the types of surgical procedures for gastric cancer. Given the mild glycemic fluctuations in PPG and the glucose spikes in TG-RY and DG-RY, pylorus preservation and physiological reconstruction without changes in food pathways may optimize postprandial glucose profiles after gastrectomy.

Robotic reoperative pancreatectomy for recurrent disease after pancreaticoduodenectomy, with conversion of pancreaticojejunostomy to pancreaticogastrostomy: approach and outcomes

Presenter: Krishnaraj Mahendraraj MD | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Background: We describe here the rare case of a reoperative pancreatectomy following pancreaticoduodenectomy with conversion of the pancreaticojejunostomy to a pancreaticogastrostomy. This is a 74yo woman who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy one year prior for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. On surveillance she was found to have a focal area of recurrence right at the pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis, which progressed despite somatostatin analog therapy. Given that this was the sole site of recurrence and that she had 50-60% of native pancreas volume left, we opted for reoperative pancreatectomy. Methods: Case review Results: Four robotic ports were placed across the lower abdomen along with a suprapubic assist port. The pancreatic remnant was densely adherent to the underlying portal vein and superior mesenteric vein. Robotic exploration revealed a 3 cm mass of the proximal pancreatic remnant, right at the prior pancreaticojejunostomy. We traced the previous pancreaticobiliary limb to find a point between pancreas and the biliary anastomosis where this could be divided. We opened up the jejunum right at the pancreaticojejunostomy to allow full mobility. We used a linear stapler and divided the jejunum proximal to the biliary limb, preserving the hepaticojejunostomy. We were able to separate the pancreatic mass off the splenic artery as well as celiac artery and vein. Distally, fine branches were taken with clips and vessel sealer. We eventually got to the point where we were completely free of the underlying structures and the mass was completely mobilized. We used ultrasound to confirm our margin before dividing the pancreas down with cautery. The specimen was passed off the field in an Endobag and pathology confirmed negative margin at the point of transection. We now turned our attention to reconstruction. The stomach laid over the pancreatic remnant roughly at the body-tail junction of pancreas, which was well to the left of midline, placing it in an ideal location for tension-free anastomosis without the need for extensive mobilization. Her Whipple had been pylorus preserving, giving us a complete stomach to work with. We made a gastrotomy at the posterior gastric wall and the pancreatic anastomosis was performed by an invaginating technique. We used 4-0 Monocryl with interrupted horizontal mattress sutures to invaginate the gland into the back wall of the stomach. This anastomosis was tested with methylene blue into the stomach and we saw no leak. Her largest skin incision at the end of the operation was the 4 cm suprapubic assist post which was also used to deliver the specimen. The patient made an excellent recovery and was subsequently discharged on Postoperative Day 4 with normal vitals, ambulating, with good pain control, and tolerating food. She resumed somatostatin analog therapy and close surveillance is maintained due to her risk for recurrence. Pathology and subsequent imaging show her to be disease-free. Conclusion: The robotic approach allowed for precise navigation in narrow spaces, such as maneuvering the pancreatic remnant under the stomach. It allowed us to perform a complex oncologic resection through small incisions resulting in expedited recovery, as well as avoid her prior incision thereby reducing hernia risk.

Is delayed gastric emptying associated with pylorus ring preservation in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy?

Background/objectiveA high incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is observed in patients undergoing pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PpPD). However, DGE incidence after pancreaticoduodenectomy varied because of heterogeneity in surgical techniques, number of surgeons, and DGE definition. This study aimed to evaluate the difference in the incidence of DGE following PpPD and pylorus-resecting pancreaticoduodenectomy (PrPD) and to analyze the risk factor of DGE by a single surgeon to determine whether pylorus preservation was the main factor of DGE. MethodsThis retrospective study included 115 patients who underwent PpPD (with pylorus ring preservation) and PrPD (without pylorus ring preservation) with laparotomy by a single surgeon at a tertiary center. ResultsThe overall incidence of DGE was 23.1%. For comparison, 20 patients (39.2%) in the PpPD group and 5 patients (8.8%) in the PrPD group had DGE, showing a significant difference (p < 0.001). On univariate analysis, hypertension, PpPD, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, packed red blood cell transfusion ≥500 mL, and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula were associated with DGE. Multivariate analysis identified pylorus preservation and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula as risk factors for DGE. ConclusionCompared with PpPD, PrPD significantly reduced the incidence of DGE.