Safety and outcome of combined liver and pancreatic resections

The application of hepatopancreatoduodenectomy in advanced gallbladder carcinoma: Patients' selection, surgical outcome and influence on survival compared to radical cholecystectomy

AIM

to investigate hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) application in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) and compare it to radical cholecystectomy (RC) regarding patients' characteristics, surgical outcome and survival.

METHODS

Patients treated in our center were included. Three groups (HPD, RC, no-surgery) were compared. Comparisons included basic characteristics, liver function, tumor biomarkers, surgical complications, outcome, and survival. Differences in severity, surgical risks and survival were investigated.

RESULTS

In total, 19 patients in HPD, 89 in RC and 20 in no-surgery groups were included. Median follow-up was 42.0 months. Compared to RC, HPD group revealed increased severity represented by significantly higher rates of elevated ALT, AST, TB, DB, preoperative biliary decompression, T3/4, N1/2, stage III/IV, and MVI. Similar severity was observed between HPD and no-surgery groups. Additionally, HPD presented higher risks of perioperative bleeding, transfusion and complications (grade III/IV). Pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying were most encountered in HPD and only one mortality was recorded. Although HPD had shorter survival in general population (HPD: 17 ± 5.804, RC: 49 ± 11.433,P < 0.001); however, in matched (PSM) advanced stages, its benefits matched RC (HPD: 17 ± 4.793, RC: 11 ± 1.169, P = 0.966). Significant survival advantages were observed when comparing HPD to no-surgery group (HPD: 17 ± 5.804, no-surgery: 7 ± 0.836, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Cases benefiting from HPD are usually severe and comparable to unresectable cases. Although HPD complexity and complication risks are higher than RC, the survival benefits of HPD in advanced GBC stages are not inferior. Thus, HPD is a valuable option in such patients and can be the only approach to achieve R0 resection.

Safety and Outcomes of Combined Pancreatic and Hepatic Resections for Metastatic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

BACKGROUND

Approximately 40-50% of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) initially present with distant metastases. Little is known about the outcomes of patients undergoing combined pancreatic and hepatic resections for this indication.

METHODS

Patients who underwent hepatectomy for metastatic pNETs at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 2000 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Major pancreatectomy was defined as pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy, and major hepatectomy as right hepatectomy or trisegmentectomy. Characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent pancreatectomy with simultaneous hepatectomy were compared with those of patients who underwent isolated hepatectomy (with or without prior history of pancreatectomy).

RESULTS

205 patients who underwent hepatectomy for metastatic pNETs were identified: 131 underwent pancreatectomy with simultaneous hepatectomy and 74 underwent isolated hepatectomy. Among patients undergoing simultaneous hepatectomy, 89 patients underwent minor pancreatectomy with minor hepatectomy, 11 patients underwent major pancreatectomy with minor hepatectomy, 30 patients underwent minor pancreatectomy with major hepatectomy, and 1 patient underwent major pancreatectomy with major hepatectomy. Patients undergoing simultaneous hepatectomy had more numerous liver lesions (10 or more lesions in 54% vs. 34%, p = 0.008), but the groups were otherwise similar. Rates of any major complications (31% versus 24%, p = 0.43), hepatectomy-specific complications such as bile leak, hemorrhage, and liver failure (0.8-7.6% vs. 1.4-12%, p = 0.30-0.99), and 90-day mortality (1.5% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.62) were similar between the two groups. 5-year overall survival was 64% after combined resections and 65% after isolated hepatectomy (p = 0.93).

CONCLUSION

For patients with metastatic pNETs, combined pancreatic and hepatic resections can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality in selected patients at high-volume institutions.

Surgical treatment of hepatic oligometastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: An analysis of the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND

Patients with liver-only metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma have traditionally been offered palliative chemotherapy alone. Recent studies have explored the role of surgical resection among patients with limited metastatic disease. National practice patterns and the impact of surgery among these patients remains unknown.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for all patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2015. The primary outcome was overall survival from the time of diagnosis. Patients with liver-only metastatic disease were included. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine the association of patient, hospital, and regional factors with receipt of surgical resection. A propensity score-matched cohort (1:1) was generated by matching patient- and tumor-related factors (age, sex, race, comorbidity burden, primary tumor site, primary tumor size) among patients with liver-only stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received chemotherapy alone compared to those who received chemotherapy and underwent pancreatectomy and liver metastatectomy.

RESULTS

Among 312,426 patients who met the study criteria, one half (n = 140,043, 50.4%) had stage IV disease; metastatic sites included bone (n = 5493, 3.1%), brain (n = 620, 0.4%), lung (n = 16,580, 9.5%), and liver (n = 62,444, 35.7%). Patients with stage IV disease were more likely to be younger (odds ratio: 1.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.2; P = .03) and have poorly (odds ratio: 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.8-2.5; P < .001) or undifferentiated (odds ratio: 3.1, 95% confidence interval: 2.3-4.1; P < .001) tumors. Among stage IV patients with liver-only disease (n = 47,785, 14.9%), 891 patients (1.9%) underwent pancreatic resection. Patients who underwent resection were more likely to be younger (odds ratio 1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.8; P = .03) and treated at an academic/research center (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-3.5; P = .006). Median overall survival among patients who underwent resection was 10.74 months versus 3.4 months among patients who did not undergo resection. After controlling for patient and disease-related factors, patients who underwent surgical resection had a lower risk of death versus patients who did not undergo surgery (hazard ratio: 0.5, 95% confidence interval: 0.4-0.6; P < .001). After propensity score matching, patients who received multimodality treatment for liver-only metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (surgery, chemotherapy) had a longer median overall survival (15.6 months vs 8.1 months) compared to those who received chemotherapy alone (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that pancreatic resection in patients with liver metastases, in combination with chemotherapy and/or chemoradiation, may be associated with improved survival in well-selected patients. However, attempts at an aggressive surgical approach for patients with liver-only stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients should only be performed only under a well-designed prospective clinical trial.

Survey of surgical resections for neuroendocrine liver metastases: A project study of the Japan Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (JNETS)

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Hepatic resection is considered the treatment of choice for neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELM). However, the safety and efficacy of resection have not been fully evaluated using a large cohort. The aim of the present study was to collect real-world data regarding hepatic resections for NELM.

METHODS

A retrospective, multicenter survey was conducted. The background characteristics of patients undergoing an initial hepatic resection for NELM, the operative details, pathological findings, and patient outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 222 patients were enrolled from 30 institutions. The primary tumor site was the pancreas in 58.6%, and the presentation of NELM was synchronous in 63.1% of the cases. Concomitant resection of the primary tumor and liver metastases was performed for 66.4% of the synchronous metastases, and the 90-day morbidity and mortality rates were 12.6% and 0.9%, respectively. The operations resulted in R2 resections in 26.1% of the cases, and 83.4% of the patients experienced recurrence after R0/1 resections. However, the patients were treated using multiple modalities after R2 resection or recurrence, and the overall survival rate was relatively favorable, with 5-year and 10-year survival rates of 70.2%, and 43.4%, respectively. Univariable and multivariable analyses identified the tumor grading (G3) of the primary tumor as a significant prognostic factor for both the recurrence-free and overall survivals.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data confirmed the safety of the surgical resection of NELM. Although recurrences were frequent, the survival outcomes after resection were favorable when a multi-disciplinary treatment approach was used.

Clinical presentation and prognosis of adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas - Matched-pair analysis with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas (ASCP) is a rare subtype of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of ASCP in comparison to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with ASCP treated between December 2001 and December 2017 were identified from a prospective database. Clinicopathological and follow-up data were analyzed. A nested case-control-study with matched-pair analysis was performed to compare overall survival of ASCP and PDAC.

RESULTS

Of 4009 patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic adenocarcinoma 91 patients had ASCP. Compared to PDAC ASCP were larger (4.0 vs. 3.2 cm; p < 0.0001), more frequently involved lymph nodes (88% vs. 78%; p = 0.0216), more frequently showed poor differentiation (G3: 79% vs. 36%; p < 0.0001) and more frequently were located in the pancreatic tail (19% vs. 10%; p = 0.0179). Overall median post-resection-survival was shorter in ASCP (10.8 vs. 20.5 months in PDAC; p = 0.0085), but 5-year survival rates were comparable (18.2% vs. 17.5%). After matching for the unevenly distributed prognostic factors survival after resection of ASCP and PDAC was comparable (p = 0.8301). Localization in the head or several parts of the pancreas, high CA 19-9 levels, and M1 disease were independent predictors of survival in patients with ASCP.

CONCLUSION

ASCP is more aggressive with poorer differentiation and higher rates of lymph node metastases compared to PDAC. In spite of a shorter median survival, 5-year survival rates after surgical resection of about 18% can be expected in ASCP and support resection as part of a multimodal therapy as the treatment of choice in this rare cancer.

Deuterium Depletion Inhibits Cell Proliferation, RNA and Nuclear Membrane Turnover to Enhance Survival in Pancreatic Cancer

The effects of deuterium-depleted water (DDW) containing deuterium (D) at a concentration of 25 parts per million (ppm), 50 ppm, 105 ppm and the control at 150 ppm were monitored in MIA-PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells by the real-time cell impedance detection xCELLigence method. The data revealed that lower deuterium concentrations corresponded to lower MiA PaCa-2 growth rate. Nuclear membrane turnover and nucleic acid synthesis rate at different D-concentrations were determined by targeted [1,2-13C2]-D-glucose fate associations. The data showed severely decreased oxidative pentose cycling, RNA ribose 13C labeling from [1,2-13C2]-D-glucose and nuclear membrane lignoceric (C24:0) acid turnover. Here, we treated advanced pancreatic cancer patients with DDW as an extra-mitochondrial deuterium-depleting strategy and evaluated overall patient survival. Eighty-six (36 male and 50 female) pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients were treated with conventional chemotherapy and natural water (control, 30 patients) or 85 ppm DDW (56 patients), which was gradually decreased to preparations with 65 ppm and 45 ppm deuterium content for each 1 to 3 months treatment period. Patient survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Pearson correlation was taken between medial survival time (MST) and DDW treatment in pancreatic cancer patients. The MST for patients consuming DDW treatment (n = 56) was 19.6 months in comparison with the 6.36 months' MST achieved with chemotherapy alone (n = 30). There was a strong, statistically significant Pearson correlation (r = 0.504, p < 0.001) between survival time and length and frequency of DDW treatment.

Hybrid Laparoscopic and Robotic Hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy for Cholangiocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Combined hepatic resection and pancreaticoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice for patient with extensive horizontal-spreading cholangiocarcinoma involving both the perihilar bile duct and the intrapancreatic distal bile duct.^1-3 This surgical procedure is extremely complex, and incurs a high risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality.⁴ However, in recent years, this complicated high-risk operation can be safely performed in well-selected patients.⁵ However, as we know, none of these operations have been reported as minimally invasive surgery.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A 73-year-old female presented with jaundice and was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. The preoperative image studies revealed a 4.3-cm-long diffuse, infiltrative cholangiocarcinoma from the hilar bile duct to the intrapancreatic bile duct without major vascular invasion. The patient was scheduled to undergo left hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy to obtain a free resection margin. In order to maximize the efficiency of each surgical modality, we designed a hybrid method of laparoscopic resection and robotic reconstruction for this complicated surgery with a long operation time. A 12-mm port was placed at the subxiphoid area, which was utilized for laparoscopic CUSA during the liver resection. Three 12-mm ports around the umbilicus and an 8-mm robotic port at the right flank were placed. In the resection phase, pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed first, followed by hilar dissection and liver resection in en bloc manner. Here, a hanging maneuver was helpful for the complete resection of the caudate lobe in environment with the large specimen attached. In reconstruction phase, the right flank 8-mm port and the left side 12-mm port (using the double docking technique) were used for docking of two robotic working arms.

RESULTS

The total operation time was 510 min, and the estimated blood loss was 350 mL without transfusion. The patient's postoperative recovery was smooth, except for a mild fever due to cystitis, and she was discharged on the 16th postoperative day. Permanent pathologic examination revealed a disease-free proximal bile duct margin, but a metastasis was discovered in one regional lymph node metastasis from 18 retrieved lymph nodes. The patient is receiving adjuvant gemcitabine chemotherapy and regular surveillance. We performed two consecutive cases and the perioperative outcomes were summarized in the attached video.

CONCLUSION

Hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy has a long operative time, involves complicated anatomical structures and difficulty of R0 resection, and it is a remaining frontier of minimally invasive surgery. However, we expect that highly selected patients can carefully undergo minimally invasive surgery if the advantages of the currently available surgical methods are well utilized.

Macrovascular venous invasion of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: impact on surgical outcomes and survival

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the impact of macrovascular venous invasion (MVI) on surgical and survival outcomes of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data of 125 patients operated for PNETs. Operative, pathological,and survival outcomes were compared between PNETs with and without MVI.

RESULTS

Macrovascular venous invasion was detected in 25 of 125 PNETs (20%) presenting as tumour thrombi (n = 12) or venous wall invasion (n = 13). MVI was associated with larger tumours, a higher rate of lymph node involvement, less differentiated tumours, and a higher rate of perineural invasion. Resection of PNETS with MVI more often necessitated combined hepatic, venous and multivisceral resections, had a higher rate of intraoperative blood transfusion (p = 0.04) but similar morbidity (44% vs. 42%) and mortality (0 vs. 1%) as PNETs without MVI. PNETs with MVI had a lower median overall survival rate (60 vs. 149 months; p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis revealed that PNETs of the pancreatic head, synchronous liver metastases and higher tumour grade were prognostic factors for overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

MVI is found in more advanced PNETs. Resection of PNETs with MVI is characterized by increased transfusion rate and reduced overall survival.

Hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy for Biliary Cancer: Strategies for Near-zero Operative Mortality and Acceptable Long-term Outcome

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hepatopancreaticoduodenectomy (HPD) for patients with biliary cancer.

BACKGROUND

HPD is thought to be the only curative treatment for widespread bile duct cancer and for some advanced cases of gallbladder cancer; however, HPD has not yet been accepted as a standard operative procedure because of concerns over morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients undergoing HPD were retrospectively reviewed. The patient and tumor characteristics, preoperative treatments, operative results, and survival outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

Preoperative biliary drainage and portal vein embolization were applied for all patients undergoing right-sided HPD or a left trisectionectomy. A major hepatectomy was performed in 42 patients, and a 2-stage pancreaticojejunostomy was selected in all the cases. The 90-day mortality was 0; however, 1 patient died because of a liver abscess 230 days after surgery. Postoperative significant complications (grade III or greater) and liver insufficiency were observed in 19 (37%) and 2 (3.8%) patients, respectively, and no abdominal bleeding events after the formation of a pancreatic fistula were encountered. The 5-year overall survival rate was 44.5%, and a significant difference was not observed between patients with bile duct cancer and those with gallbladder cancer. The operative procedure was switched to an HPD in 13 patients based on intraoperative findings, and the recurrence-free survival rate for these patients was poorer than that for patients who did not require a switch in operative procedure (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

HPD can be safely performed using the presently reported surgical strategies with acceptable short and long-term outcomes. A precise assessment of the extent of tumor spread might improve patient outcome.

How to better identify patients at high risk of postoperative complications?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Preoperative risk assessment and perioperative factors may help identify patients at increased risk of postoperative complications and allow postoperative management strategies that improve patient outcomes. This review summarizes historical and more recent scoring systems for predicting patients with increased morbidity and mortality in the postoperative period.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most prediction scores predict postoperative mortality with, at best, moderate accuracy. Scores that incorporate surgery-specific and intraoperative covariates may improve the accuracy of traditional scores. Traditional risk factors including increased ASA physical status score, emergent surgery, intraoperative blood loss and hemodynamic instability are consistently associated with increased mortality using most scoring systems.

SUMMARY

Preoperative clinical risk indices and risk calculators estimate surgical risk with moderate accuracy. Surgery-specific risk calculators are helpful in identifying patients at increased risk of 30-day mortality. Particular attention should be paid to intraoperative hemodynamic instability, blood loss, extent of surgical excision and volume of resection.

Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy for advanced hepatobiliary malignancies: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy is a complicated and challenging procedure but necessary for curative resection for advanced hepatobiliary malignancies. This retrospective study was to examine the safety and survival outcomes of hepatopancreatoduodenectomy in our center.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of 12 patients who underwent hepatopancreatoduodenectomy for advanced hepatobiliary malignancies in our hospital from January 1998 to December 2014 were analyzed. The primary endpoints are treatment-related morbidity and mortality and the secondary endpoints are overall survival and disease-free survival.

RESULTS

Curative resection was achieved in 11 (91.7%) patients. Complications developed in 10 (83.3%) patients. Three hospital deaths resulted from multiorgan failure secondary to postoperative pancreatic fistula or hepaticojejunostomy leakage. Six of the nine remaining patients had disease recurrence. The nine patients had a median survival of 39.8 (5.3-151.8) months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 66.7%, 55.6% and 27.8%, respectively. The corresponding disease-free survival rates were 55.6%, 44.4% and 29.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity and mortality after hepatopancreatoduodenectomy were significant. With R0 resection, the 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 27.8% and 29.6%, respectively.

Surgical Therapy of Cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with cholangiocarcinoma present with advanced disease that is often challenging to diagnose and to treat. The optimal preoperative evaluation requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. Surgical resection is the mainstay of therapy.

METHODS

This systematic review delineates surgical treatment strategies for cholangiocarcinoma in general as well as special considerations concerning the particular tumor localization. A literature search (see keywords) was conducted using PubMed and publications between 1990 and 2016 regarding resectable and advanced cholangiocarcinoma were reviewed. Selected studies were utilized based on their significance and innovation.

RESULTS

The type and extent of resection performed depends on the location of the cholangiocarcinoma within the liver or biliary tree and the extent of local tumor invasion. The common surgical strategy contains: (i) for intrahepatic tumors: tailored partial hepatectomy combined with extended hilar, suprapancreatic, celiac axis lymphadenectomy, (ii) for hilar tumors: complete resection of the extrahepatic biliary tree combined with extended hepatectomy inclusive of segment I, resection of portal vein bifurcation, and systematic N1/N2 lymphadenectomy, and (iii) for distal tumors: en bloc pancreatoduodenectomy combined with complete resection of the extrahepatic bile duct below the hepatic confluence and systematic N1/N2 lymphadenectomy. Pathologic confirmation is not required prior to resection. Preoperative biliary drainage and remnant liver volume augmentation are necessary in selected patients with intrahepatic or hilar cholangiocarcinoma considered for extensive liver resection.

CONCLUSION

Cure for cholangiocarcinoma requires complete surgical resection with histologically negative margins. R0 resection provides a satisfactory long-term outcome in patients with lymph node-negative stage. Neoadjuvant treatment followed by liver transplantation provides long-term survival in highly selected cases with localized, unresectable, lymph node-negative hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Multivisceral Resection in Patients with Advanced Abdominal Tumors

BACKGROUND/AIM

Multivisceral resection for advanced tumors can result in prolonged survival but may also increase the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether extensive resections increase the severity of postoperative complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted between 2009 and 2014 at the Linköping University Hospital surgical department. All patients with a confirmed or presumed malignant disease who underwent a non-standardized surgical procedure requiring a multivisceral resection were included. The primary endpoint was 90-day complications according to the Clavien-Dindo score.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were included, with an age range of 17-77 years. A median of three organs was resected. The most common diagnoses were neuroendocrine tumor (n = 8), gastric cancer (n = 7), and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n = 6). One patient died during surgery. Complications ⩾ grade 3b according to Clavien-Dindo score occurred in 10 patients. R0 resection was achieved in 32 patients. No correlation was observed between the number of anastomoses, perioperative blood loss, operative time, and complications. Only postoperative blood transfusion was correlated with severe complications (p = 0.046); however, a tendency toward more complications with an increasing number of resected organs was observed (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Multivisceral resection can result in R0, potentially curing patients with advanced tumors. Here, no correlation between extensive resections and complications was observed. Only postoperative blood transfusion was correlated with severe complications.

Metastases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A systematic review of literature and a new functional concept

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic cancer, especially Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, is still associated with a high mortality and morbidity for affected patients notwithstanding considerable progresses in diagnosis and both surgical pharmacological therapy. Despite metastases from colorectal, gastric and neuroendocrine primary tumor and their treatment are widely reported, the literature has been rarely investigated the impact of localization and numbers of pancreatic metastases. This study performed a systematic analysis of the most recent scientific literature on the natural history of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma focusing attention on the role that the "M" parameter has on a possible prognostic stratification of these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed and Science Direct databases were searched for relevant articles on these issue.

RESULTS

Initial database searches yielded 7231 studies from PubMed and 29101 from Science Direct. We evaluated 1031 eligible full text articles.

CONCLUSIONS

An updated insight into the world of Pancreatic Tumors might help physicians in better evaluating mechanisms of metastases, patients selection and survival and in programming appropriate interventions to modify the worst outcomes of advanced disease.