Role of preoperative biliary stents, bile contamination and antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical site infections after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Effective drain care and management in community settings

The literature indicates that drain monitoring is a frequently undervalued aspect of patient care, and that the drain care provided is often inconsistent and inadequate. There are numerous potential implications of suboptimal drain care for patients, nurses, teams and healthcare organisations. Since acute care is increasingly being delivered in the community, there is a greater need for nurses to have an understanding of effective drain care. This article describes the rationale for drain insertion and its associated complications. It uses a case study to illustrate how suboptimal drain monitoring and documentation can negatively affect patient care and safety. This article also discusses several important issues raised in the case study, such as suboptimal documentation, and how these may have consequences for nurses, teams and healthcare organisations. Recognition of these elements supports initiatives that nurses could apply to practice to reduce the occurrence of similar incidents.

Microbiology of pancreatoduodenectomy and recommendations for antimicrobial prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

The microbiology of pancreatoduodenectomy is challenging and published guidelines regarding perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis are variable with poor adherence.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the microbiological results of 294 consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. Intraoperative specimen culture results were available for 50 patients and their medical records were reviewed to determine the following demographics and factors; age; sex; tumour location, histopathology, grade and stage; neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy; preoperative biliary stenting; surgeon; surgery type and antimicrobial prophylaxis coverage. Outcomes assessed included; post-operative infections, mortality (all and 90-day), and intensive care unit and hospital admission durations. Univariate analysis with chi-squared testing was performed.

RESULTS

Intraoperative specimen cultures were positive in 48 (96%) patients and polymicrobial in 45 (90%) patients with a predominance of Enterobacteriaceae (38/76%), Enterococcus species (27/54%), and Candida species (25/50%). Isolates were potentially susceptible to the current perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis regimen of ceftriaxone with or without metronidazole in only six patients. However, only neoadjuvant radiotherapy was associated with statistically significant increased intensive care unit and hospital admission durations.

CONCLUSION

Although this study was probably underpowered to detect any statistically significant associations, perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis coverage of the operative field microbiological milieu of pancreatoduodenectomy is logical and current guidelines may be inadequate.

The impact of preoperative biliary stenting in pancreatic cancer: A case-matched study from the German nationwide pancreatic surgery registry (DGAV StuDoQ|Pancreas)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The impact of preoperative biliary stenting (PBS) before pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is controversial.

METHODS

Patients undergoing PD with or without PBS for PDAC were identified from the German DGAV-StuDoQlPancreas registry. The impact of PBS on perioperative complications was analyzed.

RESULTS

1133 patients undergoing PD for PDAC were identified from the registry. After matching, 480 PBS patients vs. 480 patients without PBS were analyzed. Postoperative complications Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) grade IIIa-IVb were higher in PBS patients (PBS 27% vs. no PBS 22%, p = 0.027). 320 PBS patients (66%) had no history of jaundice. In these patients, PBS was associated with higher morbidity. In contrast, PBS was not associated with higher complication rates in patients with history of jaundice. Serum bilirubin levels of 15 mg/dl and higher lead to more CDC IIIa-IVb (24% vs. 28%, p = 0.053) and higher mortality (3% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). PBS in patients with serum bilirubin levels of >15 mg/dl increased CDC IIa-IVb complications (21% vs. 50%, p = 0.001), mortality was equivalent.

CONCLUSION

Most PBS procedures were performed in patients with no history of jaundice and increased morbidity. Serum bilirubin levels >15 mg/dl lead to higher morbidity and mortality. PBS correlated with higher complication rates in these patients.

Efficacy of a Dual-ring Wound Protector for Prevention of Surgical Site Infections After Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Patients With Intrabiliary Stents: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a dual-ring wound protector for preventing incisional surgical site infection (SSI) among patients with preoperative biliary stents undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study was a parallel, dual-arm, double-blind randomized controlled trial. Adult patients with a biliary stent undergoing elective PD at 2 tertiary care institutions were included (February 2013 to May 2016). Patients were randomly assigned to receive a surgical dual-ring wound protector or no wound protector, and also the current standard of care. The main outcome measure was incisional SSI, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, within 30 days of the index operation.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients were recruited (mean age 67.2 years; standard deviation 12.9; 65% male). No significant differences were identified between the intervention and control groups (age, sex, body mass index, preoperative comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, prestent cholangitis). There was a significant reduction in the incidence of incisional SSI in the wound protector group (21.1% vs 44.0%; relative risk reduction 52%; P = 0.010). Patients with completed PD also displayed a decrease in incisional SSI with use of the wound protector compared with those palliated surgically (27.3% vs 48.7%; P = 0.04). Multivariate analysis did not identify any significant modifying factor relationships (estimated blood loss, duration of surgery, hospital site, etc.) (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Among adult patients with intrabiliary stents, the use of a dual-ring wound protector during PD significantly reduces the risk of incisional SSI.

Impact of Bile Exposure Time on Organ/space Surgical Site Infections After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Organ/space surgical site infections (SSIs) are critical complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy. We investigated the impact of the time between division of the common hepatic duct and completion of biliary reconstruction [bile exposure (BE) time] on the occurrence of post-pancreaticoduodenectomy organ/space SSI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-one patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were retrospectively studied. The impact of perioperative variables and BE time on organ/space SSI occurrence was analyzed.

RESULTS

Organ/space SSIs occurred in 17 patients (28%). Patients were divided into two groups according to BE time. The incidence of organ/space SSIs was significantly higher in the long BE time group than in the short BE time group (42% versus 13%, p=0.0127). Multivariate analysis revealed that long BE times [odds ratio (OR)=4.8; p=0.0240] and soft pancreatic texture (OR=16.5; p=0.0106) were independent risk factors for organ/space SSIs.

CONCLUSION

Long BE time is a risk factor for post-pancreaticoduodenectomy organ/space SSIs. Shortening BE time may reduce organ/space SSI occurrence.

Perioperative Bundle to Reduce Surgical Site Infection after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is historically associated with incisional surgical site infection (iSSI) rates between 15% and 20%. Prospective studies have been mixed with respect to the benefit of individual interventions directed at decreasing iSSI. We hypothesized that the application of a perioperative bundle during pancreaticoduodenectomy would decrease the rate of iSSIs significantly.

METHODS

An initial cohort of 150 consecutive post-pancreaticoduodenectomy patients were assessed within 2 to 4 weeks of operation to determine baseline iSSI rates. The CDC definition of iSSI was used. A 4-part perioperative bundle was then instituted for the second cohort of 150 patients. This bundle consisted of a double-ring wound protector, gown/glove and drape change before fascial closure, irrigation of the wound with bacitracin solution, and a negative-pressure wound dressing that was left in place until postoperative day 7 or day of discharge. Three-hundred patients provided 80% power to detect a 50% risk reduction in iSSIs.

RESULTS

Cohorts 1 and 2 were similar with respect to age (68 vs 69 years; p = 0.918), sex (male, 51% vs 55%; p = 0.644), BMI (26 vs 26 kg/m²; p = 0.928), use of neoadjuvant therapy (21% vs 17%; p = 0.377), median operative time (222 vs 215 minutes; p = 0.366), and presence of a preoperative stent (53% vs 41%; p = 0.064). The iSSI rate was 22.3% in the initial cohort. This rate was higher than both our institutional database (13%) and NSQIP reporting (11%). Within the second cohort, the iSSI rate decreased significantly to 10.7% (n = 16; p = 0.012). All 4 components of the bundle were used in 91% of cohort 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort study of 300 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, the implementation of a 4-part bundle decreased iSSI rate from 22% to 11%.

Perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis and prevention of hepatobiliary surgical site infections

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the microbiology of hepatobiliary surgical site infections (SSIs) and to explore the relationship between specific antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens and the development of SSIs.

DESIGN

Retrospective matched case-control study comparing patient, procedure, and antimicrobial prophylaxis characteristics among patients undergoing a hepatobiliary surgical procedure with and without an SSI.

SETTING

A tertiary referral acute-care facility.

METHODS

Patients undergoing procedures defined as "BILI" (bile duct, liver, or pancreas surgery) using National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions, excluding those undergoing concomitant liver transplantation, from January 2013 through June 2016 were included in the study population. The SSIs were identified through routine infection control surveillance using NHSN definitions. All patients who developed an SSI were considered cases. Controls were selected randomly matched 2:1 with cases based on fiscal quarter of the procedure. Logistic regression modeling was performed to explore variables associated with SSI, including antimicrobial prophylaxis received.

RESULTS

Among 975 procedures, 80 (8.2%) resulted in an SSI. Most cases involved an organism nonsusceptible to standard prophylaxis regimens, including cefazolin (68.8%), cefazolin plus metronidazole (61.3%), and ampicillin-sulbactam (52.5%). In a multivariate model, antimicrobial coverage against Enterococcus spp (aOR, 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-2.04; P=.40) and against Pseudomonas spp (aOR, 2.40; 95% CI, 0.56-10.29; P=.24) were not protective against the development of an SSI. The presence of a documented β-lactam allergy was significantly associated with the development of an SSI (aOR, 3.54; 95% CI, 1.36-9.19; P=.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Although SSIs at the study institution were associated with pathogens nonsusceptible to the most commonly used prophylaxis regimens, broader-spectrum coverage was not associated with a reduction in SSIs.

Surgical site infections after pancreatic surgery in the era of enhanced recovery protocols

Few data exist on risk factors (RF) for surgical site infections (SSI) among patients treated in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway. This study aimed to assess RF for SSI after pancreas surgery in a non-ERAS group and an ERAS cohort.An exploratory retrospective analysis of all pancreas surgeries prospectively collected (01/2000-12/2015) was performed. RF for SSI were calculated using uni- and multivariable binary logistic regressions in non-ERAS and ERAS patients.Pancreas surgery was performed in 549 patients. Among them, 144 presented a SSI (26%). In the non-ERAS group (n = 377), SSI incidence was 27% (99/377), and RF for SSI were male gender and preoperative biliary stenting. Since 2012, 172 consecutive patients were managed within an ERAS pathway. Forty-five patients (26%) had SSI. On multivariable analysis no RF for SSI in the ERAS cohort was found. In the ERAS group, patients with a pathway compliance ≤70% had higher occurrence of SSI (30/45 = 67% vs. 7/127 = 6%, p < 0.001) and patients with and without SSI had similar median overall compliances (77%, IQR 71-80 vs. 80%, IQR 73-83, p = 0.097).In the non-ERAS cohort, male gender and preoperative biliary stenting were RF for SSI, whereas in the ERAS group no RF for SSI was found. In an ERAS pathway, having an overall compliance >70% might diminish the SSI rate.

Risk factors for surgical site infection after major hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery

Major hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HP) surgeries are complex procedures associated with a high incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) and are commonly performed in patients with cancer in Japan. This study was performed to investigate the risk factors for SSI, including incisional and organ/space SSI, in HP surgery. The following procedures were included in the study: hepatectomy with and without biliary tract resection, pancreatectomy [pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), others], and open cholecystectomy. In total, 735 patients were analyzed. The incidence of SSI was 17.8% (incisional, 5.2%; organ/space, 15.5%; both 2.9%). The highest incidence of SSI was observed in patients who underwent hepatectomy with biliary tract resection (39.1%), followed by pancreatectomy (PD, 28.8%; others, 29.8%). Almost all SSIs after these three procedures were classified as organ/space (39.1%, 25.0%, and 27.7%, respectively), and these procedures were risk factors for not only total SSI but also organ/space SSI in the multivariate analysis. An American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of ≥3 was a risk factor for incisional SSI. Preoperative biliary drainage, prolonged surgery, concomitant surgery, and massive intraoperative bleeding were associated with SSI. In conclusion, the main type of SSI was organ/space SSI after HP surgery, and different risk factors were identified between organ/space and incisional SSI. Procedure-related factors and preoperative biliary drainage were independent risk factors for SSI. To prevent SSI, the indication for preoperative biliary drainage should be carefully evaluated in patients undergoing HP surgery.

Unique predictors and economic burden of superficial and deep/organ space surgical site infections following pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common following pancreatectomy and associated with significant morbidity and economic burden. We sought to identify distinct predictors for superficial versus deep/organ space SSIs and their effects on surgical outcomes.

METHODS

ACS-NSQIP targeted pancreatectomy 2014 and 2015 databases were queried. Univariate and multivariate models were developed for both types of SSI, length of stay (LOS), and readmission. Costs were estimated based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recommendations.

RESULTS

Of 8093 patients, there were 422 (5.2%) superficial and 1005 (12.4%) deep/organ space SSIs. On multivariate analyses, preoperative biliary stenting was predictive only for superficial SSI (OR: 2.21), while BMI of 25-29.9 (OR: 1.25) and BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (OR: 1.53), pancreatic duct size <3 mm (OR: 1.30), and intermediate (OR: 1.67) versus hard gland texture were predictors of deep/organ-space SSI. Superficial and deep/organ space SSIs were independent predictors of prolonged LOS (OR: 1.74 vs 1.80) and readmission (OR: 2.59 vs 6.57). Additional readmission costs per patient secondary to superficial SSI and deep/organ space SSI were $7661.37 and $18,409.42, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Deep/organ space SSI contributes more profoundly to prolonged hospital stay, readmission, and additional costs, suggesting that strategies should focus on preferential prevention of deep/organ space infections.

Liver resection and transplantation in Caroli disease and syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Caroli disease (CD) is a congenital dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. In combination with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, it is called Caroli syndrome (CS). Infectious complications and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are secondary problems. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical pattern and outcome in patients with CD/CS who underwent liver surgery.

METHODS

Between January 2004 and December 2016, 21 patients with CD/CS were treated with liver resection or transplantation (LTX) and post-operative data of patients with CD/CS were retrospectively analysed in a database.

RESULTS

Two patients underwent LTX, and 19 patients underwent liver resection due to CD/CS. During follow-up, one patient developed lung cancer nine years after LTX. Patients resected due to CD/CS were predominantly females (74%) with an overall low incidence of co-morbidities. The median post-operative Clavien-Dindo score was 1 (range: 0-3). There was no death during a median follow-up period of over five years. In four patients, cholangiocarcinoma was confirmed. Tumor recurrence was seen in three patients, and was treated with chemotherapy or repeated liver resection.

CONCLUSIONS

LTX and liver resections due to CD/CS are rare and associated with an acceptable post-operative morbidity and low mortality. Surgical treatment should be performed as early as possible to avoid recurrent episodes of cholangitis or carcinogenesis.

Preoperative surveillance rectal swab is associated with an increased risk of infectious complications in pancreaticoduodenectomy and directs antimicrobial prophylaxis: an antibiotic stewardship strategy?

BACKGROUND

Despite improvements in the perioperative care, the morbidity rate after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still higher than 50%. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to assess the correlation between preoperative rectal swab (RS) and intraoperative bile cultures; to examine the impact of RS isolates on postoperative course after PD.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted analyzing all consecutive PD performed from January 2015 to July 2016. Based on the positivity/negativity of preoperative RS for multi-drug resistant bacteria, two groups of patients were identified (RS+ vs. RS-) and then compared.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-eight patients were considered for the analysis. RS culture showed a perfect correlation (species and phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility pattern) with bile culture in 157 patients (86.7%). Fifty patients (14.8%) had a RS+. Preoperative biliary drain (PBD) was the single independent preoperative risk factor associated to RS+ (p = 0.021, OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.5-11.7). Infective complications (IC) and mortality were independently correlated to RS+ (p = 0.013, OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.3-6.7; p = 0.009 OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.8-14.9, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative surveillance RS-culture's positivity correlates to biliary colonization that occurs after PBD. IC and mortality after PD are associated with RS+. Preoperative RS can direct antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce morbidity and mortality after PD.

Histologic Tumor Grade and Preoperative Bilary Drainage are the Unique Independent Prognostic Factors of Survival in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer; most patients die during the first 6 months after diagnosis. With a 5% 5-year survival rate, is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in developed countries. In this regard, several clinical, histopathologic and biological characteristics of the disease favoring long-term survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy have been reported to be significant prognostic factors. Despite the availability of this information, there is no consensus about the different prognostic factors reported in the literature, probably due to variations in patient selection, methods, and sample size studied. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical and pathologic features associated to prognosis of the disease after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical and pathologic data from 78 patients who underwent a potentially curative resection for PDAC at our institution between 2003 and 2014 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Overall, high-grade PDAC cases showed larger tumor size (P=0.009) and a higher frequency of deaths in association with a nonsignificantly shortened patient overall survival (median of 12.5 vs. 21.7 mo; P=0.065) as compared with low-grade PDAC patients. High histologic grade (P=0.013), preoperative drainage on the main bile duct (P=0.014) and absence of adjuvant therapy (P=0.035) were associated with a significantly poorer outcome. Overall survival multivariate analysis showed histologic grade (P=0.019) and bile duct preoperative drainage (P=0.016) as the sole independent variables predicting an adverse outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that histologic tumor grade and preoperative biliary drainage are the only significant independent prognostic factors in PDAC patients after pancreatectomy.

Effect of preoperative biliary stenting on post-operative infectious complications in pancreaticoduodenectomy

Backgrounds/Aims

The impact of pre-operative biliary stenting (PBS) in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy on post-operative infectious complications is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between PBS and post-operative infectious complications, to determine the effect of PBS on bile bacteriology, and to correlate the bacteriology of bile and bacteria cultured from post-operative infectious complications in our institute.

Methods

Details of 51 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy January 2011-April 2015 were reviewed. Of 51 patients, 30 patients underwent pre-operative biliary stenting (PBS group) and 21 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy without pre-operative biliary stenting. Post-operative infectious complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

Overall post-operative infectious complication rate was 77% and 67% in the PBS and non-PBS groups respectively. Wound infection was the main infectious complication followed by intraabdominal abscess. The rate of wound infection doubled in the PBS group (50% vs 28%). There was slight increase in incidence of intraabdominal abscess in PBS group (53% vs 46%). 80% of PBS patients had positive intraoperative bile culture as compared to 20% in non-PBS group.

Conclusions

Preoperative biliary drainage prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy increases risk of developing post-operative wound infections and intra-abdominal collections.

Outcomes of preoperative endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM

To compare the outcomes of preoperative endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

Data from 153 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage prior to PD between January 2009 and July 2016 were analyzed. We compared the clinical data, procedure-related complications of endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) and postoperative complications of PD between the ENBD and ERBD groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were used to identify the risk factors for deep abdominal infection after PD.

RESULTS

One hundred and two (66.7%) patients underwent ENBD, and 51 (33.3%) patients underwent ERBD. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was less frequently performed in the ENBD group than in the ERBD group (P = 0.039); the EBD duration in the ENBD group was shorter than that in the ERBD group (P = 0.036). After EBD, the levels of total bilirubin (TB) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were obviously decreased in both groups, and the decreases of TB and ALT in the ERBD group were greater than those in the ENBD group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.000, respectively). However, the rate of EBD procedure-related cholangitis was significantly higher in the ERBD group than in the ENBD group (P = 0.007). The postoperative complications of PD as graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification system were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.864). However, the incidence of deep abdominal infection after PD was significantly lower in the ENBD group than in the ERBD group (P = 0.019). Male gender (OR = 3.92; 95%CI: 1.63-9.47; P = 0.002), soft pancreas texture (OR = 3.60; 95%CI: 1.37-9.49; P = 0.009), length of biliary stricture (≥ 1.5 cm) (OR = 5.20; 95%CI: 2.23-12.16; P = 0.000) and ERBD method (OR = 4.08; 95%CI: 1.69-9.87; P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for deep abdominal infection after PD.

CONCLUSION

ENBD is an optimal method for patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction prior to PD. ERBD is superior to ENBD in terms of patient tolerance and the effect of biliary drainage but is associated with an increased risk of EBD procedure-related cholangitis and deep abdominal infection after PD.

Effectiveness and risk of biliary drainage prior to pancreatoduodenectomy: review of current status

Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) prior to pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) has gained popularity as bridge management to resolve jaundice, but its role is being challenged as it is thought to increase morbidity. To clarify the current recommendations for PBD prior to PD, we reviewed the literature, including all relevant articles published in English up until December, 2015. There is increasing evidence that PBD causes bile infection, which is related to the morbidity of infectious complications. Results of transhepatic drainage are poorer than those of endoscopic stenting, especially in an oncologic setting, although it is still unclear whether metallic stents are superior to nasobiliary drainage. PBD should be avoided whenever possible and performed only in selected cases, such as the emergency setting, an inevitable long delay (>4 weeks) before PD, and jaundice-related anorexia. Seemingly, transhepatic drainage should be reserved for refractory cases if endoscopic drainage is not possible. Further studies comparing endoscopic drainage techniques, such as metallic stents and nasobiliary drainage, are required to assess the most effective technique of PBD. Bile infection should be prevented by adequate antibiotic prophylaxis and treated even in the absence of symptoms, and bile status should be assessed systematically.

A nomogram prediction of postoperative surgical site infections in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the major morbidities after radical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC). This study aimed to clarify the risk factors and construct a nomogram to predict SSIs in patients with PHCC.A total of 335 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy combined with hepaticojejunostomy between January 2013 and December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. SSIs, including incisional (superficial and deep) and space/organ infection, were defined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) system. Risk factors associated with postoperative SSIs were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. A nomogram was developed on the basis of results from the multivariate logistic model and the discriminatory ability of the model was analyzed.PHCC patients had higher organ/space SSI rate than incisional SSI rate after radical resection. Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors indicating postoperative overall SSIs (incisional and organ/space) included coexisting cholangiolithiasis [odds ratio (OR): 6.77; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.40-19.11; P < .001], blood loss >1500 mL (OR: 4.77; 95% CI: 1.45-15.65; P  =  .010), having abdominal surgical history (OR: 5.85; 95% CI: 1.91-17.97; P  =  .002), and bile leakage (OR: 15.28; 95% CI: 5.90-39.62; P < .001). The β coefficients from the multivariate logistic model were used to construct the model for estimation of SSI risk. The scoring model was as follows: -4.12 +1.91 × (coexisting cholangiolithiasis  =  1) + 1.77 × (having previous abdominal surgical history  =  1) +1.56 × (blood loss >1500 mL  =  1) + 2.73 × (bile leakage  =  1). The discriminatory ability of the model was good and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.851.In PHCC patients, there may be a relationship between postoperative SSIs and abdominal surgical history, coexisting cholangiolithiasis, bile leakage, and blood loss. The nomogram can be used to estimate the risk of postoperative SSIs in patients with PHCC.

3rd St. Gallen EORTC Gastrointestinal Cancer Conference: Consensus recommendations on controversial issues in the primary treatment of pancreatic cancer

The primary treatment of pancreatic cancer was the topic of the 3rd St. Gallen Conference 2016. A multidisciplinary panel reviewed the current evidence and discussed controversial issues in a moderated consensus session. Here we report on the key expert recommendations. It was generally accepted that radical surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy offers the only evidence-based treatment with a chance for cure. Initial staging should classify localised tumours as resectable or unresectable (i.e. locally advanced pancreatic cancer) although there remains a large grey-zone of potentially resectable disease between these two categories which has recently been named as borderline resectable, a concept which was generally accepted by the panel members. However, the definition of these borderline-resectable (BR) tumours varies between classifications due to their focus on either (i) technical hurdles (e.g. the feasibility of vascular resection) or (ii) oncological outcome (e.g. predicting the risk of a R1 resection and/or occult metastases). The resulting expert discussion focussed on imaging standards as well as the value of pretherapeutic laparoscopy. Indications for biliary drainage were seen especially before neoadjuvant therapy. Following standard resection, the panel unanimously voted for the use of adjuvant chemotherapy after R0 resection and considered it as a reasonable standard of care after R1 resection, even though the optimal pathologic evaluation and the definition of R0/R1 was the issue of an ongoing debate. The general concept of BR tumours was considered as a good basis to select patients for preoperative therapy, albeit its current impact on the therapeutic strategy was far less clear. Main focus of the conference was to discuss the limits of surgical resection and to identify ways to standardise procedures and to improve curative outcome, including adjuvant and perioperative treatment.