Single High-volume Center Research Articles

Preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy for resectable pancreatic head tumors increases operative time but not complications: a single center cohort study.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided aspiration or biopsy allows preoperative confirmation of malignancy but is not necessary for resectable pancreatic cancer. Preoperative biopsy may induce pancreatitis, making surgery difficult and complex. Therefore, the authors performed a retrospective study to evaluate the association between preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy and surgical outcomes in patients with resectable pancreatic head tumors. A prospectively enrolled cohort from a single high-volume pancreatic center was analyzed. Between 2007 and 2019, a total of 518 patients with resectable pancreatic head tumors underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. This analysis was performed to determine the association of preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy with operating time and major complications. In 518 patients who received pancreaticoduodenectomy, 164 patients (31.6%) underwent preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy increased surgical time (46.9min, 95% CI: 25.1-68.8, P -value <0.05) without increasing complications (odds ratio: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.31-1.29, P -value=0.29). Preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy for pancreatic head tumors may increase operative time but is not associated with an increased risk of mortality and complications.

Establishing Minimal Detectable Change Thresholds for the International Knee Documentation Committee and Kujala Scores at One and Two Years After Patellofemoral Joint Arthroplasty

Objectives To define the minimal detectable change (MDC) for the international knee documentation committee (IKDC) and Kujala scores one and two years after patellofemoral joint arthroplasty (PFA). Methods A distribution-based method was applied to establish MDC thresholds among 225 patients undergoing primary PFA at a single high-volume musculoskeletal-care center. Stability of change in MDC achievement was explored by quantifying the proportion of achievement at one- and two-year postoperative timepoints. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between sociodemographic and operative features on MDC achievement. Results MDC thresholds for the Kujala score were 10.3 (71.1% achievement) and 10.6 (70.4% achievement) at one- and two years, respectively. The MDC thresholds for the IKDC score were 11.2 (78.1% achievement) and 12.3 (69.0% achievement) at one- and two years, respectively. Predictors of achieving the MDC for the Kujala and IKDC scores at both time points were lower preoperative Kujala and IKDC scores, respectively. Preoperative thresholds of ≤ 24.1 and 7.6 for the Kujala and IKDC scores, respectively, were associated with a 90% MDC achievement probability. When preoperative thresholds approached 64.3 and 48.3 for the Kujala and IKDC, respectively, MDC achievement probability reduced to 50%. Conclusion The MDC thresholds for the Kujala and IKDC scores two years after PFA were 10.6 and 12.3, respectively. Clinically significant health status changes were maintained overall, with a slight decrease in achievement rates between one and two years. MDC achievement was associated with disability at presentation. These findings may assist knee surgeons with patient selection and the decision to proceed with PFA by better understanding the patient-specific propensity for MDC achievement.

Impact of intravascular imaging on mortality in patients undergoing left main coronary artery PCI. Propensity score matching analysis of the high-volume single centre registry

Abstract Background Recent guidelines endorsed use of intravascular imaging in left main coronary artery (LMCA) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, impact of adjunctive percutaneous imaging tools on mortality is ambiguous. Purpose The purpose was to investigate impact of intravascular imaging (IVI) on all-cause mortality in patients with LMCA disease. Methods Group of 998 individuals undergoing LMCA PCI was selected from medical records of patients hospitalized in years 2008-2022. Data on mortality were obtained from the Ministry of Digital Affairs. Overall observation time was 14 years (mean 4.3 years). Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression in the overall and propensity-score matched (PSM) population. Results The median age was 71 y.o. (IQR 16), 265 (41.0%) of patients presented with acute myocardial infarction and 183 (20.7%) had history of previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). IVI-guided PCI was performed in 353 (35.4%) patients. In the overall unmatched population, IVI reduced one-year and long-term mortality by 70% (HR 0.3, 95% 0.19-0.47, P&amp;lt;0.001) and 57% (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.34-0.55, P&amp;lt;0.001). In the subgroup analysis stratified on the history of previous CABG, in patients with unprotected LMCA, IVI resulted in 74% and 63% mortality reduction in the one-year and long-term follow-up (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.16-0.42, P&amp;lt;0.001; HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.28-0.47, P&amp;lt;0.001; respectively). No influence of IVI on patients with previous CABG was observed. After PSM adjustment for baseline and angiographical characteristics, in the overall population IVI was still associated with significant one-year (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.99, P=0.045) and long-term mortality reduction (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.97, P=0.03). In patients with unprotected LMCA disease, IVI reduced mortality in two-year observation (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.91, P=0.02) and long-term follow-up (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.93, P=0.02), with no significant effect in one-year observation. No effect of IVI was observed in the PS-matched cohort of patients with previous CABG. Conclusions Intravascular imaging is associated with significantly better survival in patients undergoing LMCA PCI. The greatest benefit may be obtained in patients with no previous history of CABG. Further studies should investigate subgroups that benefit the most from adjunctive percutaneous tools.PS-matching detailsKaplan-Meier curves in subgroups

Implementation of Evidence-Based International Recommendations Reduces Postoperative Delirium Rate in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery or Interventions: A System-Based Quality Improvement Study.

Delirium is a frequent and serious complication of cardiac procedures that can lead to serious long-term health restrictions. As primary prevention is more effective in reducing rate of delirium than the therapy itself, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a multidisciplinary delirium prevention bundle on the postoperative delirium rate in patients undergoing cardiac procedures. In this system-based quality improvement study, a four-component delirium prevention bundle was implemented in patients undergoing cardiac procedures at a single high-volume center. The program included preoperative delirium risk stratification, multidisciplinary education of consensus guidelines, written memory aids, and post-anesthetic visits with delirium screening until postoperative day three. Overall, 234 patients were included and analyzed during the 6-month study period. The overall delirium incidence rate was 12.4%. After the first 3-month baseline implementation period, the delirium rate was 17.2%, compared with 7.6% (p = 0.026) after implementation of the delirium prevention bundle. Multivariate analysis revealed independent risk factors such as age [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.046; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-1.092; p = 0.042], double valve surgery [adjusted OR: 13.1; 95% CI: 3.240-52.974; p < 0.0001], and peripheral artery disease [adjusted OR: 8.131; 95% CI: 2.336-28.306; p < 0.001]. Hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with delirium [median 13 (12-19.5) versus 12 (11-14) days, p = 0.009]. This multidisciplinary system-based quality improvement study demonstrated a beneficial effect on the delirium rate after the implementation of a four-component delirium prevention bundle in patients undergoing cardiac surgery or intervention. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed important independent risk factors for delirium development. This might improve early risk stratification and strategies for this high-risk patient collective.

Vascular Resection for Pancreas Cancer - 10-year Experience from a Single High Volume-center.

Combined pancreatic and vascular resections are increasingly performed for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We evaluated the outcomes after pancreatectomy with non-vascular resection (NVR), venous resection (VR), and arterial resection (AR). Retrospective review (2011-2023) of 715 PDAC patients treated with curative-intent surgery. Associations among clinicopathological data, perioperative therapy, time to recurrence (TTR), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Initial staging revealed 533 resectable, 98 borderline, and 84 locally advanced PDAC cases. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was the most common procedure (n=467). NVR was performed in 351 (58.2%) patients, VR in 181 (30.0%), and AR in 70 (11.8%). The median TTR and OS did not significantly differ according to the initial staging or type of pancreas resection. Median TTR and OS were significantly shorter for VR (14.5 and 22.7mo) compared to NVR (18.6 and 30.5mo, P<0.001) and AR (20.6 and 30.9mo, P=0.004 and P=0.017). Chemotherapy or chemoradiation significantly prolonged TTR (20.1 vs. 10.2mo, P<0.001 and 25.3 vs. 16.4mo, P<0.001) and OS (31.5 vs. 17.2mo, P<0.001 and 35.5 vs. 27.5mo, P=0.030). AR was associated with higher 90-day mortality rates. In the multivariable analysis, vascular resection was not associated with OS. Perioperative therapy, pathological N0 status, and absence of perineural invasion were the key predictors of longer TTR and OS. Pancreatectomy with AR was not associated with worse oncological outcomes when controlling for perioperative therapy. However, AR was associated with higher 90-day mortality rates. Patient selection is crucial when performing AR in patients with PDAC.

Oncological Outcomes of Open Versus Minimally Invasive Surgery for Ductal Adenocarcinomas of Pancreatic Head: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Minimally invasive pancreatic resections (MIPRs) have been shown to be safe and feasible, but there is still a lack of high-level evidence on oncological outcomes for cephalic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study was to compare the oncological outcomes of patients undergoing MIPR and open pancreatic resection (OPR) for pancreatic head cancer in a single high-volume center. Data from a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent radical-intent surgery for resectable and borderline resectable PDAC of the head at our institution between January 2013 and May 2023 were retrieved and analyzed, comparing the surgical and oncological outcomes of MIPR and OPR, using a propensity score matching analysis. In the study period, 220 patients were selected. After matching, a total of 81 MIPRs and 81 OPRs were compared. No difference was found regarding R0 rate (OPR 83.9% vs. MIPR 74.1%, p = 0.122). Median overall survival (24 and 31 months for the OPR and MIPR groups, respectively; log rank p = 0.665) and disease-free survival (12 and 21 months for the OPR and MIPR groups, respectively; log rank p = 0.118) did not differ between the groups. The MIPR group was associated with a greater number of harvested lymph nodes (22 vs. 16, p = 0.0008), longer operative time (565 vs. 420 min, p < 0.0001), and shorter length of stay (12 vs. 18 days; p = 0.0001). No differences between the groups were found regarding all other postoperative and pathological outcomes. Regarding oncological outcomes, MIPR appeared to be comparable to OPR for treating patients with PDAC of the head. Despite an increased operative time, MIPR was associated with a greater number of LNs harvested and a shorter length of stay.

Laser Ablation of Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia for Medically Refractory Epilepsy.

Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH) is the most common neuronal heterotopia, frequently resulting in pharmaco-resistant epilepsy. Here, we characterize variables that predict good epilepsy outcomes following surgical intervention using stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) -informed magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT). A retrospective review of consecutive cases from a single high-volume epilepsy referral center identified patients who underwent SEEG evaluation for PVNH to characterize the intervention and outcomes. Thirty-nine patients underwent SEEG-guided MRgLITT of the seizure onset zone (SoZ) in PVNH and associated epileptic tissue. PVNH and polymicrogyria (PMG) were densely sampled with a mean of 16.5 (SD = 2)/209.4 (SD = 36.9) SEEG probes/recording contacts per patient. Ablation principally targeted just the PVNH and cortex that was abnormal on imaging was ablated (5 patients) only if implicated in the SoZ. Volumetric analyses revealed a high percentage of PVNH SoZ ablation (96.6%, SD = 5.3%) in unilateral and bilateral (92.9%, SD = 7.2%) cases. Mean follow-up duration was 31.4 months (SD = 20.9). Seizure freedom (ILAE 1) was excellent: unilateral PVNH without other imaging abnormalities, 80%; PVNH with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) or PMG, 63%; bilateral PVNH, 50%. SoZ ablation percentage significantly impacted surgical outcomes (p < 0.001). PVNH plays a central role in seizure genesis as revealed by dense recordings and selective targeting by LITT. MRgLITT represents a transformative technological advance in PVNH-associated epilepsy with seizure control outcomes consistent with those seen in focal lesional epilepsies. In localized unilateral cases and otherwise normal imaging, PVNH ablation without invasive recordings may be considered, and this approach deserves to be explored further. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:1174-1184.

Early and Mid-Term Results of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with the Cordis Incraft Ultra-Low Profile Endograft: A High-Volume Center Experience.

Background/Objectives: In recent years, manufacturers have developed new low-profile stent grafts to allow endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in patients with small access vessels. We evaluated the early and mid-term outcomes of the Incraft (Cordis Corp, Bridgewater, NJ, USA) ultra-low profile endograft implantation in a high-volume single center. Methods: Between 2014 and 2023, 133 consecutive endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) procedures performed using the Incraft endograft were recorded in a prospective database. Indications included infrarenal aortic aneurysms, common iliac aneurysms, and infrarenal penetrating aortic ulcers. Mid-term results were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: During the study period, 133 patients were treated with the Cordis Incraft endograft, in both elective and urgent settings. The Incraft graft was the first choice for patients with hostile iliac accesses, a feature characterizing at least one side in 90.2% of the patients in the study cohort. The immediate technical success rate was 78.2%. The intraoperative endoleak rate was 51.9% (20.3% type 1 A, 0.8% type 1 B, and 30.8% type 2 endoleak). Within 30 days, technical and clinical success rates were both 99.3%; all type 1A and 1B endoleaks were resolved at the 30-day follow-up CT-angiogram. After a mean follow-up of 35.4 months, the actuarial freedom from the re-intervention rate was 96.0%, 91.1%, and 84.0% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The iliac leg patency rate was 97.1%, 94.1%, and 93.1% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between hostile and non-hostile access groups, nor between the groups with grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 access hostility. Conclusions: The ultra-low profile Cordis Incraft endograft represents a valid option for the endovascular treatment of AAA in patients with hostile iliac accesses. The procedure can be performed with high rates of technical and clinical success at 30 days and the rates of iliac branch occlusion observed during the follow-up period appear acceptable in patients with poor aorto-iliac outflow.

Growth Rate and Outcomes in Locally Recurrent Extremity and Truncal Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

Improved prognostic tools are needed for patients with locally recurrent extremity or truncal soft tissue sarcoma (STS). To examine the association between average local recurrence (LR) growth rate and outcomes following resection of locally recurrent extremity or truncal STS. This retrospective cohort study used a prospectively maintained database from a single high-volume tertiary sarcoma referral center in the US to identify patients 16 years of age or older who underwent repeat resection of a locally recurrent extremity or truncal STS between July 1, 1982, and December 31, 2021. Patients with atypical lipomatous tumors, desmoid tumors, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, angiosarcomas, and prior or synchronous distant recurrence were excluded. Data were analyzed from November 1, 2022, to June 17, 2024. Average LR growth rate, defined as the sum of recurrent tumor maximal diameters divided by the disease-free interval after index operation. The primary outcomes were cumulative incidences of disease-specific death (DSD), with death from other causes as a competing risk, and second LR, with death from any cause as a competing risk. The study cohort included 253 patients (median [IQR] age, 64 [51-73] years; 140 [55.3%] male). The 5-year cumulative incidence of DSD after repeat resection was 29%. Multivariable analysis indicated that LR growth rate (hazard ratio [HR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08-1.18]; P < .001), younger age (HR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97-0.99]; P = .002), R1 or R2 margins (HR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.03-2.84]; P = .04), high LR grade (HR, 2.90 [95% CI, 1.17-7.20]; P = .02), and multifocality (HR, 2.92 [95% CI, 1.70-5.00]; P < .001) were independently associated with higher incidence of DSD. Using the minimum P value method, the optimal cutoff for growth rate was found to be 0.68 cm/mo. Patients with values above this cutoff had higher 5-year incidences of DSD following repeat resection (63% vs 19%; permutation test P < .001) and higher amputation rates (19% vs 7%; P = .008). Only R1 margins were independently associated with higher incidence of second LR (HR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.19-2.78]; P = .006). In this cohort study of patients undergoing resection of a locally recurrent extremity or truncal STS, LR growth rate was independently associated with DSD. These findings suggest that patients with growth rates higher than 0.68 cm/mo who undergo LR resection may have high disease-specific mortality and amputation rates and should be considered for perioperative systemic therapy.

556. PREDICTORS OF EARLY RECURRENCE AFTER OESOPHAGECTOMY AND NEOADJUVANT FLOT

Abstract Background FLOT, a novel type of perioperative chemotherapy, has led to improved survival after surgery for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Yet, rates of cancer recurrence remain high. There is limited research on predictors for early recurrence (ER) in patients receiving FLOT. The aim of this study was to investigate ER and survival rates and identify risk factors of ER. Methods Patients who underwent neoadjuvant FLOT and oesophagectomy for oesophageal and oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas at a single high-volume centre between August 2018 and January 2023 were evaluated for ER, defined as disease present within one year of surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for ER. Patients who died in-hospital or within 90 days of surgery and those with positive longitudinal margin were excluded. Results 145 patients were included. 139 (95.9%) and 63 (43.4%) patients fully completed neoadjuvant and adjuvant FLOT. 44 patients (30.3%) developed recurrence and 22 patients (15.2%) had ER in the follow up period. Distant, local or mixed type of recurrence was found in 32, 6 and 6 patients respectively. The estimated recurrence free survival and overall survival at one, two and three years were 81.4%, 66.9%, 52.0% and 89.0%, 73.7%, 65.5% respectively. The estimated median survival after recurrence was 4.9 months. In multivariable analysis ypN3 status was identified to be an independent predictor of ER (OR 13.769, 95%CI 1.358-139.573, p=0.026). Conclusions This study confirms that ER after neoadjuvant FLOT is common. Patients with a high pathological nodal stage are particularly at risk. It is possible that some patients with ER might have undetected metastases prior to surgery and some do not respond well to neoadjuvant treatment. Identifying chemotherapy non-responders is an important area for future research. These results might be beneficial for prognostication and tailoring follow up care, such as regular surveillance imaging, treatment, and frequency of reviews.

Predictive factors for postoperative ileus after elective right hemicolectomy performed on over 80% Enhanced Recovery After Surgery-adherent patients: a retrospective cohort study.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is the standard surgical approach for treatment of right-sided colonic neoplasms. Although performed within a strict Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program, patients still develop postoperative ileus. The aim of this study was to describe the factors responsible for postoperative ileus after right hemicolectomy in a patient population with over 80% ERAS adherence. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 499 consecutive patients undergoing elective right-sided colectomy for neoplastic disease in a single high-volume center. All patients followed an updated ERAS program. The overall median ERAS adherence was 80%. Patients with ≥ 80% adherence (n = 271) were included in further analysis. Their median ERAS adherence was 88.9% (interquartile range, 80-90; range, 80-100). Twenty-four of 271 patients (8.9%) developed postoperative ileus. A univariate regression analysis revealed carcinoma situated in the transverse colon, duration of operation over 200 minutes, and opiate consumption over 10 mg on the second postoperative day (POD) to be associated with a significantly higher risk of postoperative ileus. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that duration of surgery over 200 minutes (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-5.8; P = 0.045) and opiate consumption over 10 mg on POD 2 (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.6-14.3; P = 0.005) independently predict a higher risk for postoperative ileus. The median length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with postoperative ileus (8 days vs. 3 days, P < 0.001). None of the 271 patients died during a 30-day follow-up. Long duration of surgery, even minor postoperative opiate use, predict a higher risk for postoperative ileus in strictly ERAS-adherent patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

632. CAN CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING PREDICT NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY TOXICITY IN OESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA PATIENTS?

Abstract Background Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a method of assessing cardiopulmonary fitness. In the context of surgery, it is used to risk-stratify patients, allowing targeted prehabilitation to optimise comorbidities and fitness prior to surgery, and triage patients to the appropriate level of care after the operation. Various CPET-derived variables have been shown to be associated with short- and long-term outcomes after various surgery. In patients post-oesophagectomy, these variables are predictive of long-term survival. This study aimed to assess the use of this tool to predict neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) related complications in patients receiving neoadjuvant FLOT prior to oesophagectomy. Methods All patients who underwent routine CPET during the staging process prior to NAC with FLOT and oesophagectomy in a single high-volume centre between September 2018 and January 2023 were included. Data were extracted from the unit’s contemporaneously maintained database. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare CPET variables in patients who completed NAC with FLOT fully versus those who did not finish NAC with FLOT due to acute chemotherapy toxicities. Results There were 129 patients who received neoadjuvant FLOT and had routine CPET performed during the defined study period. Six of those patients (4.7%) did not complete neoadjuvant chemotherapy due to acute chemotherapy toxicities but progressed to surgery. The median anaerobic threshold, VO2 peak, and VE/VCO2 among those who completed NAC were 14.2 ml/kg/min, 20.3 ml/kg/min, and 28, respectively, compared to 13.4 ml/kg/min, 19.7 ml/kg/min, and 31 in those who did not complete NAC (p=0.595, p=0.695, and p=0.160, respectively). Conclusion Although patients who received all four cycles of NAC with FLOT prior to oesophagectomy demonstrated CPET values indicating better base-line fitness than those who had to discontinue NAC due to acute chemotherapy toxicity, these differences did not reach the level of statistical significance. This study, therefore, did not demonstrate any predictive value of CPET in assessing the risk of incomplete NAC treatment prior to oesophagectomy.

Incisional hernia after major pancreatic resection: long term risk assessment from two distinct sources – A large multi-institutional network and a single high-volume center

BackgroundPost-operative incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication following abdominal surgery. Data regarding IH after major pancreatic surgery are limited. We aim to evaluate the long-term risk of IH following major pancreatic resection. MethodsA dual-approach study: a large multi-institutional research network (RN) was investigated for IH incidence and risk factors in propensity-score matched survivors after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP), was complemented by a patient-reported questionnaire. ResultsRN analysis identified 22,113 patients that underwent pancreatic surgery. 11.0% of PD patients and 8.6% of DP patients developed IH (P < 0.0001). IH rates were higher with open surgery compared with minimally invasive approaches in PD (OR = 1.56, P = 0.03) and DP (OR = 1.94, P = 0.003). BMI>35 was found to correlate with increased IH rates for PD and DP (OR = 1.87, and OR = 1.86, respectively, P < 0.0001 each), as did postoperative intraabdominal infections (P < 0.0001). Patient-based survey of 104 patients, revealed that 16 patients (15%) reported post-operative IH during the follow-up period. BMI≥30, SSI and intra-abdominal abscesses were associated with increased IH risk (P < 0.05). ConclusionImproved survival after pancreatic resection has led to an increased prevalence of long-term surgical sequela. In this study, we demonstrate significant rates of IH among long-term survivors and assess potential risk factors.

Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes after Robotic Surgery for Gastric Cancer in Elderly and Younger Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Robot-assisted surgery has recently been introduced to overcome some drawbacks and technical limitations in performing laparoscopic gastrectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of robotic gastrectomy in elderly patients. The study enrolled 143 patients who underwent robotic gastrectomy in a single high-volume centre. All patients were divided into two groups based on age: elderly group ≥ 75 years old (EG; n = 64) and non-elderly group < 75 years old (NEG; n = 79). Comorbidities were significantly more frequent in the EG (95.3%) than in the NEG (81%) (p = 0.011). Similarly, the percentage of ASA 3 patients was significantly higher in the EG than in the NEG (43.8% vs. 24.0%, respectively; p = 0.048). Nevertheless, the incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade III and IV complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (10.9% in the EG and 6.3% in the NEG; p = 0.852). Moreover, operative time, re-operation rate, mean number of harvested lymph nodes, 30-day mortality, and median hospital stay were similar within the two groups. Our study suggests that robotic gastrectomy can be performed safely for elderly patients. In particular, chronological age does not seem to affect either the clinical or oncological short-term outcomes after robotic gastrectomy.

Sleeve lobectomy versus pneumonectomy following neoadjuvant therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Neoadjuvant therapy has gained widespread acceptance as the standard modality for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, the clinical benefit of sleeve lobectomy (SL) or pneumonectomy (PN) following neoadjuvant therapy remains controversial. The clinical and pathological characteristics of non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent SL or PN after neoadjuvant therapy at a high-volume single centre between December 2019 and March 2023 were retrospectively collected. The SL group was matched 4:1 with the PN group by propensity score matching. The surgical outcomes were systematically collected and analysed. During a 5-year study period, the majority of patients (175 of 215, 81.4%) underwent the SL procedure, while 40 patients (18.6%) underwent PN. Following propensity score matching, the SL group exhibited lower postoperative arrythmia (4.8% vs 26.9%, P < 0.001), lower 30-day mortality (1.0% vs 7.7%, P = 0.046) and a shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (6.0 days vs 10.0 days, P < 0.001), compared with the PN group. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of disease-free survival or overall survival (P = 0.977 and P = 0.913, respectively). SL stands as a safe and feasible option for patients with centrally located non-small-cell lung cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant therapy, in comparison to PN. This finding suggests that SL remains the preferable choice when feasible in the context of the widespread utilization of neoadjuvant therapy.

1000 Robotic-assisted lobectomies for primary lung cancer: 16 years single center experience

ObjectiveThis study aimed at describing our high-volume single center experience in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) to evaluate short outcome and feasibility of the technique, the adequacy of oncological results, and the learning curve. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 1000 consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy and systematic lymphadenectomy for primary lung cancer using RATS approach between May 2007 and May 2023. ResultsNine-hundred ninety-seven patients (99.7 %) underwent lobectomy, whereas 3 (0.03 %) patients bilobectomy. Conversion rate to open surgery was 3.7 %. Minor complications occurred in 213 (21.3 %) patients, major complications in 29 patients (2.9 %). The 30-day and 90-day operative mortality was 0 % and 0.1 %, respectively. The median number of N1 + N2 stations resected was 5 (range 0–9), with a median number of 17 of N1 + N2 lymph nodes resected (range 0–55). The oncological outcome was evaluated only on the subgroup of patients (n = 895) with non-small cell lung cancer. Pathological lymph node upstaging from cN0 to pN1/pN2 was evident in 147 patients (17.3 %): 9 % from cN0 to pN1 and 7.1 % from cN0 to pN2. With a median follow-up of 3.9, 5-year OS and DFS were respectively 89.3 % and 83.6 % for stage I, 74 % and 66.5 % for stage II, and 61 % and 36.4 % for stage IIIA. ConclusionsBetter vision and excellent instrument maneuverability of the robotic surgical system allowed excellent results in terms of early, adequate oncological outcome comparable to open surgery literature data, and acceptable learning curve. Ultramini abstract1000 consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy and systematic lymphadenectomy for primary lung cancer using RATS approach have been analyzed with the aim to describe our high-volume single center experience, and to evaluate short outcome and feasibility of the technique, the adequacy of oncological results, and the learning curve.

IgA nephropathy recurrence after living donor kidney transplantation: a retrospective analysis of postoperative outcomes at a single high-volume transplant center

BackgroundIgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a common primary glomerulonephritis leading to end-stage renal disease. Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is considered a favorable treatment option, but IgAN recurrence rates and the impact on outcome is unclear. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed the rate of IgAN recurrence, risk factors and clinical outcomes in LDKT recipients.MethodsWe analyzed 193 adult patients who received a LDKT between 2011 and 2017 of which 32 (16.7%) had IgAN as underlying disease. Demographic data and clinical outcomes, especially regarding IgAN recurrence, were evaluated. Mean follow-up period was 102.13 months in the IgAN group vs. 97.27 months in the control group.ResultsAmong the IgAN cohort, five (15.63%) experienced IgAN recurrence. Patients with IgAN underwent LDKT at a significantly younger age (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in demographic factors, HLA-mismatches, or AB0-compatibility. Patients receiving an immunosuppressive regimen including Cyclosporine A (60% vs. 7.4%) instead of Tacrolimus (40% vs. 92.6%) were significantly more likely to develop IgAN recurrences (p < 0.001). Moreover, early post-surgery serum creatinine levels were higher in the recurrence group at one week (4.25 vs. 1.65 mg/dl; p < 0.001), one month (2.13 vs. 1.53 mg/dl; p = 0.027) and two years (2.65 vs. 1.34 mg/dl; p = 0.008). Although graft survival displayed a tendency towards inferior outcomes after recurrence, significance was not reached (p = 0.14, log-rank test).ConclusionLiving donor kidney transplantation continues to be recommended as the preferred treatment option for IgAN patients, despite the potential risk of recurrence and graft loss.

Short-term results of robot-assisted pancreatoduodeodenectomy: a retrospective cohort study of 146 patients operated in a high-volume center

BackgroundPancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a challenging operation because of complex anatomy and difficult and multiple reconstructions. Robot-assisted PD (RPD) is a novel minimally invasive technique, providing equivalent oncological outcomes to open surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of a single high-volume center series. MethodsPatients who underwent RPD from 2014 to 2021 in a high-volume center were included. Patient and disease-specific data, operative details, postoperative complications including postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), length of stay (LOS) and long-term survival were recorded. Two groups were compared: Group 1: patients operated between 2014–2019 and Group 2 between 2020–2021. ResultsOne hundred and forty-six patients had RPD on the study period (99 in Group 1 and 47 in Group 2). Operative time was 320 min (285–360), major complications were observed in 28% and clinically significant POPF in 20% of the cases. Conversion rate was 2.1%. LOS was 14 days (9–22). Postoperative mortality was 4.1%. Clinically significant POPF decreased from 24% in Group 1 to 11% in Group 2 (p = 0.05). LOS decreased from 16(11–26) days in Group 1 to 11(8–14) in Group 2 (p < 0.001). ConclusionRPD is safe and feasible. Technique standardization led to better post-operative outcomes, encouraging the dissemination and implementation of the procedure.

Pulmonary vein reconnection and repeat ablation characteristics following cryoballoon-compared to radiofrequency-based pulmonary vein isolation.

Despite advances in efficacy and safety of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after PVI remains common. PV-reconnection is the main finding during repeat PVI procedures performed to treat recurrent AF. To analyze pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection patterns during repeat ablation procedures in a large cohort of consecutive patients undergoing radio frequency or cryoballoon-based PVI. Retrospective analysis of PV-reconnection patterns and analysis of re-ablation strategies in consecutive index RF- and CB-based PVI and their respective re-ablation procedures during concomitant usage of both energy sources at a single high-volume center in Germany. A total of 610 first (06/2015-10/2022) and 133 s (01/2016-11/2022) repeat ablation procedures after 363 (60%) RF- and 247 (40%) CB-based index PVIs between 01/2015 and 12/2021 were analyzed. PV-reconnection was found in 509/610 (83%) patients at first and 74/133 (56%) patients at second repeat procedure. 465 of 968 (48%) initially via CB isolated PVs were reconnected at first re-ablation but 796 of 1422 initially RF-isolated PV (56%) were reconnected (OR: 0.73 [95% CI: 0.62-0.86]; p < .001). This was driven by fewer reconnections of the left PVs (LSPV: OR: 0.60 [95% CI: 0.42-0.86]; p = .005 and LSPV: 0.67 [0.47-0.95]; p = .026). PV-reconnection was more likely after longer, RF-based index PVI and in older females. Repeat procedures were shorter after CB-compared to after RF-PVI. Reconnection remains the most common reason for repeat AF ablation procedures after PVI. Our data suggest to preferentially use of the cryoballoon during index PVI, especially in older women.

Validation of the GERAADA score to predict 30-day mortality in acute type A aortic dissection in a single high-volume aortic centre.

Validation of the GERAADA score to predict 30-day mortality in acute type A aortic dissection in a single high-volume aortic centre.