Resection Margin Research Articles

Outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic-assisted surgery in patients with rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Robotic-assisted rectal surgery (RARS) and Laparoscopic-assisted rectal surgery are the two techniques that are increasingly used for rectal cancer, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. This meta-analysis will analyze the outcomes of both techniques to determine their relative performance and suitability. An extensive search was carried out on PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, followed by a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess both approaches for rectal cancer. This meta-analysis is comprised of fifteen RCTs. The conversion to open surgery (RR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.38-0.74, P = 0.0002) was significantly lower in the RARS group. The outcomes like anastomotic leak, postoperative ileus, postoperative urinary retention (POUR), surgical site infection (SSI), and intra-abdominal abscess showed no significant difference between the two groups. The reoperation rate (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34-0.95, P = 0.03) was lower in the robotic group. High heterogeneity was obtained when pooling data on operative time, length of hospital stay, and blood loss. Oncological outcomes, including local recurrence, the number of harvested lymph nodes (LN) and distal resection margin showed no significant distinction among both groups, while the positive circumferential resection margin (CRM) (RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.91, P = 0.01) was lower in the RARS group. RARS demonstrated a significantly higher rate of total mesorectal excision (TME) (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.14, P = 0.03). RARS is safe and feasible for rectal cancer patients and may be superior or equivalent to Laparoscopic-assisted rectal surgery, but high-standard, large-scale trials are required to determine the best approach.

Influence of pancreatic fistula on survival after upfront pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: multicentre retrospective study.

The effects of postoperative pancreatic fistula on survival rates remain controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of postoperative pancreatic fistula on overall survival and recurrence-free survival after upfront pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Patients operated on between January 2007 and December 2017 at seven tertiary pancreatic centres for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were included in the study. Postoperative pancreatic fistula was defined using the 2016 International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery grading system. The impact of postoperative pancreatic fistula on overall survival, recurrence-free survival (excluding 90-day postoperative deaths) and corresponding risk factors were investigated by univariable and multivariable analyses. Comparisons between groups were made using the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. Odds ratios were estimated with their 95% confidence intervals. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method with their 95% confidence intervals. A total of 819 patients were included between 2007 and 2017. Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 14.4% (n = 118) of patients; of those, 7.8% (n = 64) and 6.6% (n = 54) accounted for grade B and grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula respectively. The 5-year overall survival was 37.0% in the non-postoperative pancreatic fistula group and 45.3% in the postoperative pancreatic fistula cohort (P = 0.127). Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula (excluding 90-day postoperative deaths) was not a prognostic factor for overall survival. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 26.0% for patients without postoperative pancreatic fistula and 43.7% for patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula (P = 0.003). Eight independent prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival were identified: age over 70 years, diabetes, moderate or poor tumour differentiation, T3/T4 tumour stage, lymph node positive status, resection margins R1, vascular emboli and perineural invasion. This high-volume cohort showed that grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula, based on the 2016 International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery grading system, does not impact overall or recurrence-free survival (excluding 90-day postoperative deaths).

Frequency and clinicopathological correlation of gastrointestinal polyps: A six-year single center experience.

Most gastrointestinal polyps are asymptomatic; therefore, assessing symptoms associated with cancer and precancerous polyps is essential. The aim of this study was to study the histopathology, number, distribution, and degree of polyps' dysplasia in terms of age, gender, and clinical presentation. This study was performed on patients who underwent endoscopy from July 2015 to August 2021 in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq. Surgical pathology records of patients were analyzed for age, sex, nature of the polyps, number, site, histopathology, degree of dysplasia, resection margins and patients' presented clinical data. The mean patients' age was 51.4 ± 17.1 years, and most were males (51.9%). The most common indications for endoscopy were screening (28.62%), and the least common was weight loss (4.46%). Neoplastic polyps were common among patients with hematemesis (75%), while non-neoplastic were common among those with dyspepsia (60%). Most polyps were solitary in upper (80.8%) and lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Most polyps in the upper GIT were non-neoplastic (87.3%), while most lower proximal/distal GIT polyps were neoplastic. Most neoplastic polyps showed low-grade dysplasia (94.4%), and most high-grade dysplasia was a villous type (24.1%). Initiation of the screening program is highly recommended as a facilitating method for the early detection of multiple and high-grade gastrointestinal polyps. Thus, screening programs can reduce the rate of mortality of carcinoma in this locality.

Clinical significance of positive resection margin for patients with rectal neuroendocrine tumors within 20 mm following initial endoscopic resection: A multi-center study

BackgroundThe incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (RNETs) has witnessed a significant surge, with a notable proportion being amenable to endoscopic removal. However, the clinical significance of positive resection margin for RNETs patients following endoscopic resection remain unknown, resulting in a lack of consensus regarding the appropriateness of implementing salvage treatment. MethodsIn this large, multicenter, retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the medical records of individuals who underwent endoscopic resection for RNETs and classified them into two groups: the positive resection margin and the negative resection margin group. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared among two group. The independent variables were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to predict positive resection margin. Then, the model was established to predict the patients with positive resection margin using multivariate logistic regression. Results181 RNETs patients (34.3 %) represented positive margin after endoscopic resection. Following a median follow-up period of 72 months, tumor recurrence manifested in 12 out of 527 patients (2.2 %) and the presence of positive resection margin was associated with worse DFS. Independent factors correlating with positive resection margin included endoscopic resection method choice, RNETs located in the low rectum, NLR >4.44 and tumor size exceeding 14.89 mm. A prediction model was therefore established with high predictive accuracy and excellent clinical applicability determined by calibration curves and DCA curve. Among RNETs patients with positive margin following endoscopic resection, implementing salvage treatment was beneficial for improving DFS and salvage endoscopic resection offer equal efficiency compared with salvage radical resection. ConclusionsPositive resection margin following endoscopic resection may indicate negative prognosis. Salvage treatment can improve the prognosis of RNETs patients with positive resection margin. Notably, salvage local resection exhibited similar efficacy compared with radical surgery in term of survival benefit.

Lymphovascular invasion is a dominant risk factor for lymph node metastasis in T2 rectal cancer.

Background and study aims Surgical resection is standard treatment of T2 rectal cancer due to risk of concomitant lymph node metastases (LNM). Local resection could potentially be an alternative to surgical treatment in a subgroup of patients with low risk of LNM. The aim of this study was to identify clinical and histopathological risk factors of LNM in T2 rectal cancer. Patients and methods This was a retrospective registry-based population study on prospectively collected data on all patients with T2 rectal cancer undergoing surgical resection in Sweden between 2009 and 2021. Potential risk factors of LNM, including age, gender, resection margin, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), histologic grade, mucinous cancer, and perineural invasion (PNI) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Of 1607 patients, 343 (21%) with T2 rectal cancer had LNM. LVI (odds ratio [OR] = 4.21, P < 0.001) and age < 60 years (OR = 1.80, P < 0.001) were significant and independent risk factors. However, PNI (OR = 1.50, P = 0.15), mucinous cancer (OR = 1.14, P = 0.60), histologic grade (OR = 1.47, P = 0.07) and non-radical resection margin (OR = 1.64, P = 0.38) were not significant risk factors for LNM in multivariate analyses. The incidence of LNM was 15% in the absence of any risk factor. Conclusions This was a large study on LNM in T2 rectal cancer which showed that LVI is the dominant risk factor. Moreover, low age constituted an independent risk factor, whereas gender, resection margin, PNI, histologic grade, and mucinous cancer were not independent risk factors of LNM. Thus, these findings may provide a useful basis for management of patients after local resection of early rectal cancer.

744. LEFT THORACOABDOMINAL ESOPHAGECTOMY: ITS VALIDITY IN MODERN ESOPHAGEAL SURGERY

Abstract Background The optimal surgical approach for the treatment of esophageal and gastroesophageal junction tumors remains elusive. An open left thoracoabdominal approach may prove particularly useful in certain clinical scenarios, mainly because of its versatility and excellent exposure provided. The aim of this study is to present our experience and evaluate the early outcomes related to an open left thoracoabdominal esophagectomy (LTE). Methods A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data was conducted from two institutions performing esophageal surgery. Patients with distal esophageal or junctional tumors who underwent an open LTE between November 2018 and December 2023 were included. Primary outcomes were 30-day and in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, and surrogates of oncological efficacy, including resection margin status and lymph node yield. Complications were recorded using the definitions provided by the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group and scored according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Circumferential resection margin status was based on the definition used by the College of American Pathologists. Results During the study period 22 patients underwent an open LTE with a standard two-field lymphadenectomy. Eight patients (36%) suffered from postoperative complications, with pulmonary complications being the most common (7 patients; 32%). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) occurred in 3 patients. One patient experienced a clinical anastomotic leak. None of the patients required a reoperation or a step-up to a higher level of care. The 30-day and in-hospital mortality were zero. On histological examination, 6 patients (27%) had tumor cells at the surgical margin, most commonly the circumferential resection margin. A mean number of 27 lymph nodes were retrieved. Conclusion This small series demonstrates the applicability of an open left thoracoabdominal approach in everyday surgical practice for the treatment of distal esophageal and gastroesophageal junction tumors. Our results imply that open LTE can be implemented in select patients with acceptable morbidity and oncological efficacy.

Impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on pathologic response in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe impact of chemoradiotherapy on pathologic response, resection margin, and survival benefit is still debated. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of pathologic complete response (pCR) in surgical resection following neoadjuvant chemotherapy vs. chemoradiotherapy, and secondarily, to compare the rate of R0 resection and Overall Survival (OS). MethodsA systematic review on MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science and Google Scholar was conducted for studies published between 2012 and 2024 (PROSPERO CRD42022341467). All studies reporting clinical outcomes of patients with Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) following neoadjuvant therapy were considered eligible for inclusion. A meta-analysis comparing the rate of pCR, R0 resection rate, and 3-year OS following Chemotherapy vs chemoradiotherapy in patients was performed. The overall quality of evidence was evaluated using a GRADE approach. ResultsOut of 5194 potentially relevant studies, 29 studies were considered eligible for full-text assessment, and 11 studies were included in the systematic review and in the meta-analysis. Of these, five were retrospective single-center, five retrospective multi-center studies, and one was a phase II multi-center RCT. Overall, 1830 Chemotherapy patients and 2299 Chemoradiotherapy patients were included in the meta-analysis. A statistically significant increased rate of pCR and R0 resections were found in chemoradiotherapy patients (OR 3.58, 95 % CI 2.47–5.18, p ≤ 0.00001) (OR 1.49, 95 % CI 1.17–1.90, p = 0.001), whereas 3-year OS (OR 1.07, 95 % CI 0.84–1.36, p = 0.6) did not differ significantly. ConclusionsChemoradiotherapy may have a positive impact on pathologic response and R0 resection rate, whereas a survival benefit was not reported.

Factors affecting treatment decisions for endoscopically resected low- and high-risk malignant colorectal polyps in a screening setting

IntroductionThe European Guidelines for colorectal cancer screening of 2006 state that only high-risk endoscopically resected malignant colorectal polyps (MCPs), defined as poor/no differentiation or positive resection margins or lymphovascular invasion, require colonic resection. MethodsA multicentre series of 954 patients with screen-detected MCP (northern Italy, 2005–2016, age 50–69) was studied to identify (1) the factors affecting the choice of colonic resection, and (2) the factors associated with deviation from the European Guidelines for low- and high-risk patients. Data analysis was based on multilevel logistic regression models. ResultsFive hundred sixty-four (59.1 %) patients underwent colonic resection. The factors significantly associated with surgical referral included: distal and rectal versus proximal tumour site (inverse association); sessile and flat versus pedunculated morphology (direct association); tumour size (direct); moderate/poor versus good differentiation (direct); adenocarcinoma of not otherwise specified type versus adenocarcinoma with a residual adenoma component (direct); positive versus negative resection margins (direct); lymphovascular invasion (direct); and high-grade versus low-grade/absent tumour budding (direct). In low-risk MCPs, tumour budding encouraged strongly the decision for surgery. In high-risk MCPs, a distal/rectal tumour site encouraged the follow-up option. ConclusionThe identification of factors associated with treatment choices other than those currently recommended may help prioritise the clinical questions in the development of future guidelines.

311. PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF DIFFERENT CIRCUMFERENTIAL MARGIN SITES IN OESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A 10-YEAR COHORT STUDY

Abstract Background There’s a growing interest towards the prognostic value of circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement in oesophageal cancers. However, there is no sufficient data about the association of the site-specific CRM and survival. In this study, we analysed the influence of different involved CRM sites on survival. Methods This study included patients who had curative oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between 2010 till June 2021. Follow up till April 2022 was achieved. Patients with involved proximal or distal margins were excluded. The sites of CRM were defined anatomically to anterior (pericardial), posterior (aorta), lateral (pleurae). The outcomes between different CRM margins were retrospectively analysed. The long-term follow up data was obtained via direct contact with the patients during our oncological clinics, cross-checked with our hospital/national patients’ electronic databases. Results 117 patients had CRM-positive after curative oesophagectomy during the study period. 33 cases had multi-involved CRM sites, while 84 patients had single involved CRM site. Posterior margins were the most common involved site 37/117 (31.6%). No differences in baseline pathological criteria (pT, pN stages and type of cancer) and neoadjuvant therapy. Positive anterior margins carried the worst overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival compared to lateral and posterior margins (OS: 29 vs 41 vs 32 months respectively, p-value 0.37, DFS: 19.2 vs 32.1 vs 28.7 months respectively, p-value 0.39). Multi-involved CRM sites led to worse OS and DFS in comparison with single involved CRM site (OS: 19 vs 32 months respectively, p-value 0.008, DFS: 12.1 months vs 27.6 months respectively, p-value 0.05). Conclusion The site of involved CRM should be rigorously assessed in oesophagectomy specimens. The involved margin sites within CRM had different survival rates, with inferiority towards anterior resection margins. Larger studies are required to better evaluate the prognostic significance of various CRM sites.

358. IMPLICATIONS ON OVERALL SURVIVAL FROM POSITIVE CIRCUMFERENTIAL RESECTION MARGINS IN OESOPHAGEAL CANCER PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTRE IN ENGLAND

Abstract Background The oesophagogastric (OG) tertiary referral centre at our Trust was established in March 2009.It caters to a catchment population of approximately 1.6 million. Oesophageal cancer is a morbid disease contributing to 18% of cancer mortalities worldwide. Involvement of circumferential resection margin (CRM) is an indicator of poor prognosis. The aim was to calculate the microscopic positive resection rate in patients undergoing resections for oesophageal cancers, assess disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in this cohort. Methods Patients undergoing oesophageal resections for cancer at our OG unit who satisfied the inclusion criteria - age&amp;gt;18, operation with curative intent, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancer with a microscopic positive resection margin (R1) were included. Data was collected from the electronic patient record (Quadramed). Retrospective analysis was performed using MS Excel and IBM SPSS statistics Ver 27. Results A total of 640 oesophageal cancer resections performed between April 2009 - March 2023, who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included. Median age at surgery was 66 years. The R1 rate was 40% in our cohort (R0:R1 =380:260). Male to female ratio in the R1 cohort was 4:1. 98% (255 patients) had T3/T4 disease. 47.7% (124 patients developed recurrence. Of these, 83.8% (104 patients) developed distant metastasis and 16.2 %(20 patients) had locoregional metastasis. Median time to recurrence was 12 months and disease-free survival was also12 months. The OS at one year of 81% (140/260) was comparable to national data. Conclusion We conclude that locally advanced tumour staged T3 and above is the most likely cause for higher rate of CRM positivity. Other factors that could contribute is the lack of serosal layer in the oesophagus and the practise of ex situ removal of nodes from the main specimen in theatre which could potentially lead to stripping of the adventitia thus making the CRM falsely R1 during pathological staging. The R1 status however does not seem to affect the overall survival rate.

Analysis of influencing factors of recurrence after en bloc spondylectomy of spinal tumors

Objectives: To investigate the survival and tumor recurrence after en bloc spondylectomy of spinal tumor and analyze the risk factors of postoperative tumor recurrence. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. Data of 101 patients undergoing en bloc spondylectomy of spinal tumors in the Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Peking University People's Hospital from December 2006 to June 2022 were analyzed. There were 58 males and 43 females, aged (38.2±15.8) years (range: 10 to 79 years) at the time of surgery; the follow-up time was(44.0±36.0) months (range: 12 to 171 months).Among them, there were 25 relapsed patients, with 7 females and 18 males; aged (34.8±16.3) years (range: 12 to 66 years) at the time of surgery. The types of tumors included 5 giant cell tumors of bone, 6 osteosarcomas, 1 chordoma, 5 chondrosarcomas, 1 undifferentiated sarcoma, 1 fibrosarcoma, 2 Ewing sarcomas, 3 metastases and 1 malignant giant cell tumor of bone. Survival analysis of overall and relapsed patients were performed using the Kaplan-Meier curves. A segmented regression model was used to fit the sequence of recurrence rate changes over time since admission and identify change points for further analysis on risk factors. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were performed to assess risk factors associated with recurrence rate; results from multivariate regression analysis were presented using a forest plot. Results: The tumor recurrence rate after en bloc spondylectomy was 24.8% (25/101).The overall median recurrence-free survival after en bloc spondylectomy was 161 months (95%CI: 92 months to NA).The median recurrence-free survival of recurrent patients was 13 months (95%CI: 12 to 27 months).Regarding the classification based on tumor malignancy, and relapse-free survival of metastatic tumors was significantly shorter (P=0.007); and among the surgical margin groups, relapse-free survival of R0 group was significantly better than the R1 and R2 groups (P<0.01). According to the segmented regression model, the tumor recurrence rate for en bloc spondylectomy showed a significant downward trend over time, with relatively higher recurrence rates before 2009 and a relatively stable trend after 2014. The results of univariate analysis showed that surgical margin and time of admission were the influencing factors of patient recurrence. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the R1 resection(OR=13.453,95%CI:2.897 to 97.941,P=0.002) and R2 resection(OR=11.379,95%CI:2.658 to 79.429,P=0.003) were independent influencing factor affecting patient recurrence. Conclusions: The overall tumor recurrence rate after en bloc spondylectomy was high. The surgical margin of tumor resection is an independent risk factor affecting tumor recurrence. Specifically, R2 and R1 resections significantly increase the risk of tumor recurrence.

Factors associated with leakage after reversal of protective stoma in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer following curative resection and anastomosis

IntroductionAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a significant complication in colorectal surgery with numerous general and specific risk factors. The determinants of colorectal AL following the reversal of a protective defunctioning ileostomy remain unclear and warrant further investigation. Material and methodsData from April 2008 to December 2014 were collected and retrospectively reviewed for 361 consecutive patients who underwent protective ileostomy reversal following curative resection with anastomosis for rectal cancer. The baseline, treatment, and oncological variables of patients associated with post-reversal AL were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The impact of AL on long-term survival outcomes was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. ResultsIn a study of 361 patients, 52 (14.4 %) experienced leakage following stoma reversal, manifesting at a median of 5.7 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that an anastomosis located less than 7 cm from the anal verge (OR 2.82, p = 0.008), a side-to-end anastomotic configuration (OR 2.02, p = 0.036), involvement of the circumferential resection margin (OR 6.46, p = 0.043), and adjuvant radiotherapy (OR 4.69, p = 0.003) significantly predicted post-reversal AL. Notably, five-year overall survival (63.4 % vs. 90.3 %, p < 0.0001) and disease-free survival (46.9 % vs. 71.1 %, p = 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with post-reversal AL. ConclusionsOur analysis identified several clinicopathological factors associated with post-reversal AL, which is linked to a significant decrease in long-term survival and oncological outcomes. Alleviating these adverse effects necessitates ensuring early detection and effective management of leaks among high-risk patients.

Recent advances in the diagnosis of rectal cancer and evaluation of clinical treatment efficacy using magnetic resonance imaging

Accurate preoperative tumor staging is essential for precise treatment of rectal cancer, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred method. In addition to accurately determining tumor (T) and stages node (N), MRI can also be used to evaluate factors related to the prognosis of rectal cancer, such as depth of tumor invasion into the muscular layer, extramural vascular invasion of the tumor, and distance to the circumferential resection margin. MRI is also an important method for evaluating tumor regression after neoadjuvant therapy, and quantitative biomarkers of functional MRI can objectively reflect treatment efficacy. Moreover, MRI can predict response after neoadjuvant therapy, local recurrence rate, and disease-free survival before treatment. The present article reviews recent advances in the preoperative diagnosis and staging of rectal cancer, reassessment after neoadjuvant therapy, and evaluation of clinical treatment efficacy using MRI.

354. NEOADJUVANT CHEMORADIOTHERAPY FOLLOWED BY SURGERY VERSUS UPFRONT SURGERY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: LONG-TERM OUTCOMES IN A CROSS TRIAL STUDY CENTER

Abstract Background Since the publication of the CROSS-trial, showing improved survival following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy + surgery (CRT-S) compared to upfront surgery (U-S) for esophageal cancer, this neoadjuvant regimen has become standard care in the Netherlands. Given the relatively low R0 rate in the U-S arm (69%) and lymph node yield (LNY) in both arms (15 U-S, 18 CRT-S) observed in the CROSS-trial, the present study aimed to compare survival of patients who underwent CRT-S versus U-S in a tertiary referral center that participated in the CROSS-trial, within the era that the trial was performed. Methods This retrospective study included patients, who underwent an esophagectomy between 2004-2010, and met the CROSS-trial inclusion criteria. Primary outcome was 10-year overall survival (OS), and patients with CRT-S and U-S were compared. Secondary outcomes were R0-resection rate, LNY and positive LNY. Subgroup analyses were performed for histology (adenocarcinoma [AC] and squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] and for surgical approach (transthoracic [TTE] and transhiatal [THE] esophagectomy). Results We included 288 patients: 144 after CRT-S, 144 after U-S. 112 (39%) participated in the CROSS-trial. 10-year OS was not significantly better for CRT-S (40%) versus U-S (34%; p=0.183). In SSC, OS following CRT-S was 49% and after U-S 35% (p=0.228), versus 38% and 34% in AC (p=0.396). Following TTE, OS was better compared to THE in both CRT-S and U-S groups: 44% and 39% (p=0.369) versus 32% and 29% (p=0.590). R0-rates were 96% (CRT-S) and 86% (U-S). Median LNY was equal: 23. 55 (38%) and 100 (69%) patients had positive lymph nodes after respectively CRT-S and U-S. Conclusion This study showed that, with a radical TTE, comparable OS results can be achieved, and therefore CRT may not be indicated in all patients. Further analyses are necessary to identify patients who may benefit from the additional local treatment that CRT is (e.g SCC or involved circumferential resection margin). Additionally, surgical techniques have improved since the CROSS-trial, with less surgical trauma in minimally invasive esophagectomy. This may result in better outcomes for surgery nowadays, indicating the need for further studies in the current era.

538. COMPARISON OF EARLY POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES OF CERVICAL ANASTOMOSIS TO HIGH INTRATHORACIC ANASTOMOSIS AMONG PATIENTS WITH UPPER THORACIC ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract Background For upper thoracic esophageal cancer, esophagectomy combined with cervical esophagogastrostomy (cervical anastomosis, CA) and three-field lymph node dissection (3FLND) has been proposed as the standard surgical approach. However, while CA provides sufficient length of proximal resection margins, it is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications such as anastomotic leaks, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, and increased mortality. As an alternative, high-intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis (high-ITA) with 3FLND has been performed. We aimed to evaluate the benefits and limitations of high-ITA compared to conventional CA in terms of early postoperative outcomes. Methods A total of 232 patients, who underwent curative esophagogastrostomy with 3FLND and either of high-intrathoracic anastomosis (high-ITA) or cervical anastomosis (CA) for upper thoracic esophageal cancer a tertiary hospital from January 2010 to December 2021. Collected data from medical records were analyzed retrospectively regarding morbidity and mortality rates. The primary end point was recurrence. Anastomotic leak, RLN palsy, hospital stay, and 90-day mortality and in-hospital mortality were evaluated using Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and T-test. The risk of mortality and recurrence were analyzed using Cox-proportional hazard regression with a median follow-up of 39.1(IQR 17.8, 80.2) months. Results Among the fifty patients with high-ITA and 182 patients with CA, the high-ITA group reported fewer anastomotic leaks (6.0% vs. 19.8%, p=0.02) and a shorter hospital stay (median 12days vs. 15 days, p&amp;lt;0.001). No significant difference was observed in RLN palsy (6.0% vs. 13.7%, p=0.22) and the 90-day or in-hospital mortality rate (2.0% vs. 2.2%, p=1.0). The number of lymph nodes dissected (LND) was similar between the groups (47.4(±15.4) vs. 52.7(±18.3), p=0.06), and there was no difference in the risk of mortality and recurrence according to the high-ITA method (HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.6-1.6; HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.6-1.7) after adjustment for age, sex, and stage. Conclusion In the esophagogastrostomy with three-field lymph node dissection, performing high-intrathoracic anastomosis may reduce the incidence of anastomotic leaks and shorten the hospital stay without adversely affecting overall survival.

Prognostic significance of involvement of the circumferential resection margin/surface in patients with pancreatic head cancer: A prospective evaluation of pancreatoduodenectomy specimens using the 0 and 1 mm rules

Background/ObjectivesThe prognostic significance of circumferential resection margin (CRM) or circumferential surface (CS) in pancreatic head cancer is controversial. We investigated the survival outcomes according to CRM or CS involvement in pancreatoduodenectomy specimens of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). MethodsA total of 102 pancreatoduodenectomy specimens after upfront surgery for PDAC between 2014 and 2018 were prospectively collected. The superior mesenteric vein/portal vein or superior mesenteric artery margins were classified as CRM, and the anterior or posterior surfaces as CS. Survival outcomes and recurrence were compared according to the CRM/CS status, which was categorized into R10mm, R11mm, and R0 (≥1 mm) by the 0 and 1 mm rules. ResultsFor CRM, R10mm had significantly lower overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (P < 0.001) rates than R11mm and R0, with no difference between R11mm and R0. For CS, R0 had a significantly higher OS rate (P < 0.001) than R10mm and R11mm, with no difference between R10mm and R11mm. In multivariable analysis, R10mm CRM was an independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio 2.410, P = 0.003) and DFS (hazard ratio 5.019, P < 0.001). When CRM/CS were analyzed separately, only the R10mm superior mesenteric artery margin was significantly associated with local recurrence (P = 0.012). ConclusionsThe results suggest that CRM involvement defined by the 0 mm rule is more appropriate than the 1 mm rule for predicting survival outcomes, but CS involvement defined by the 0 or 1 mm rules is not prognostically significant.

Chest wall resection and reconstruction for primary chest wall sarcomas: Analysis of survival, predictors of outcome, and long-term functional status

ObjectivesWe aimed to analyze survival, predictors of outcome, and the long-term functional status of patients with a diagnosis of primary chest wall sarcoma who undergo chest wall resection and reconstruction. MethodsWe analyzed a prospectively maintained database, including all patients operated on between 2008 and 2021. The primary outcome measures were overall and disease-free survival and analyses were employed to determine the risk factors for poor survival and recurrence. ResultsOne hundred thirty-nine patients were included, 55% were men. The majority (96%) had an R0 resection and 75.1% had no postoperative complications up to 30 days postprocedure; median length of hospital stay was 7 days (range, 6-10 days). Median overall and disease-free survival was 58.8 and 53.6 months, respectively. For those alive, at long-term follow-up, 80% had a Medical Research Council dyspnea score of 0 and Karnofsky index >80%. Survival and mortality rates were better in chondrosarcomas compared with nonchondromatous sarcomas (P < .05). Previous history of radiotherapy, previous history of cancer, the type of sarcoma (Ewing's or soft tissue), the need for adjuvant treatment and tumor grade were significant predictors of mortality and recurrence on univariate testing. Extended resection, a higher number of ribs removed, and the incidence of postoperative complications were significantly associated with a worse postoperative Medical Research Council dyspnea score. ConclusionsCareful patient selection and multidisciplinary decision making is crucial. This leads to clear resection margins, good overall, and disease-free survival and good functional outcomes.

Increasing opportunities for breast-conserving therapy in multiple ipsilateral breast cancer: Dutch nationwide study.

An increasing number of breast cancer patients undergo breast-conserving surgery (BCS), but multiple ipsilateral breast cancer (MIBC) is still considered a relative contraindication for breast conservation. This study provides an update on trends in the surgical management for MIBC over a 10-year period. Nationwide data from the Netherlands Cancer Registration of all patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2011 and 2021 were analysed. The primary outcomes of this study were the incidence of MIBC and the trend in breast surgery type among patients between 2011 and 2021. Secondary outcomes were the positive resection margin rates in patients treated with BCS, the proportion of patients requiring re-excision and overall survival. In total, 114 433 patients (83%) with unifocal breast cancer and 23 932 patients (17%) with MIBC were identified. The incidence of MIBC was stable (17%) over the years. Overall BCS rates, both primary and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, increased in MIBC from 29% in 2011 to 41% in 2021. Re-excision was performed in 1348 patients (n = 8455, 16%). The 5-year OS estimate for patients with MIBC treated with BCS was 93%. The pathological complete response (pCR) in MIBC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by mastectomy was 23%. The breast conservation rate in MIBC has increased over the last decade. In addition, 23% of MIBC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by mastectomy achieved a pCR. This suggests increasing opportunities for even more BCS in MIBC.

Cold Knife Conization Vs. Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure in Premalignant Cervical Lesions in a Cohort of Females in Romania

Cold knife conization and loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP) are two methods of minimally invasive treatment used in Romania for high-grade cervical dysplasia. The purpose of this study is to identify correlations between the results of the Papanicolaou (PAP) smear and biopsy and to evaluate the positivity of resection margins in both types of conizations: cold knife conization versus LEEP. The 96 cases enrolled in this study were gathered from ‘Prof. Dr. Ioan Pușcaș’ City Hospital of Șimleu Silvaniei, Romania, in a time interval from 01.01.2022 to 01.01.2024. The results of our study showed that out of 20 women who underwent PAP smear for ASC-US, 4 were actually found to have high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (H-SIL) according to biopsy results. The estimated risk in females who underwent LEEP procedure with positive margins in the histopathological examination, in the studied population, is almost 0.5 times higher compared to those who underwent cold knife conization. Histopathological examination of cervical specimens is the gold standard method in detecting high-risk cervical lesions. Our study shows that positive deep endocervical margins are more likely to occur in loop electrosurgical excision procedures compared with cold knife conization.

Local Delivery of Irinotecan to Recurrent GBM Patients at Reoperation Offers a Safe Route of Administration.

Glioblastomas are impossible to completely resect and almost always recur at the borders of the resection margin. There is no established chemotherapy regimen available to patients who recur, while systemic treatment is hampered by the blood-brain barrier. Here, we report on the first evaluation in humans of the intraparenchymal injection of irinotecan into the resection cavity after surgical resection of recurrent glioblastoma patients. The cytotoxicity of irinotecan was compared to SN-38 in primary cells from recurrent glioblastoma patients. Irinotecan was injected at multiple (~30) sites of the resection cavity wall at a depth of 3 to 5 mm. SN-38 was more cytotoxic than irinotecan at concentrations below 1 µM due to enzyme kinetics. The intraparenchymal administration of irinotecan was safe, with good wound healing and an absence of swelling, inflammation, or pseudo-abscess formation. The median survival post irinotecan administration was 32.6 weeks. The median overall survival was 30.5 months, with a two-year survival rate of 56%. This study demonstrates that local delivery of irinotecan into the brain parenchyma offers a safe route of administration over systemic delivery in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma.