Management of ampullary lesions

Endoscopic vacuum therapy (eVAC) combined with continuous perianastomotic irrigation for prevention of anastomotic leak after surgical ampullectomy

PURPOSE

Transduodenal surgical ampullectomy (tAMP) with papillary reimplantation is a valid alternative to pancreaticoduodenectomy for lesions of the periampullary region not amenable to endoscopic resection. As tAMP is burdened by high rates of biliopancreatic-enteric anastomotic leak, we tested preventive endoluminal vacuum therapy (eVAC) combined with post-operative continuous perianastomotic irrigation (CPI) to reduce such anastomotic leak.

METHODS

Between 10/2013 and 09/2023, 37 patients undergoing laparotomic tAMP (with or without jejunal transposition) and papillary reimplantation at Hirslanden Klinik Zurich were retrospectively analysed; of these, 16 received prophylactic eVAC combined with CPI, while the remaining represented the historical cohort.

RESULTS

The eVAC-CPI-group and the historical-cohort were homogeneous in demographic characteristics. Surgery in the prophylactic eVAC-CPI-group lasted about 30 min longer due to eVAC application (p = 0.008). The biliopancreatico-enteric anastomotic leak rates were 6.2% in the eVAC-CIP-group vs. 19.0% in the historical-cohort (p = 0.266). Along, a strong trend of less severe post-operative complications in general (p = 0.073), and borderline-significantly less cases of acute pancreatitis (p = 0.057) and tAMP-related re-operations or re-interventions (p = 0.057) in particular, were observed in the eVAC-CPI-group. The only anastomotic leak in the eVAC-CPI-group was successfully managed through repeated cycles of eVAC. The device was well tolerated by all patients; no vacuum/irrigation-related complications or malfunctioning occurred.

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to provide some technical insights demonstrating the safety and feasibility of a prophylactic approach with eVAC and perianastomotic irrigation to reduce anastomotic leak after tAMP. Increasing the number of subjects will confirm the benefit of our promising results.

[Treatment of Ampullary Adenocarcinoma]

The ampulla of Vater is a small projection formed by the confluence of the main pancreatic duct and common bile duct in the second part of the duodenum. Primary ampullary adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy, accounting for only 0.2% of gastrointestinal cancers and approximately 7% of all periampullary cancers. Jaundice from a biliary obstruction is the most common symptom of ampullary adenocarcinoma. In the early stages, radical pancreatoduodenectomy is the standard surgical approach. On the other hand, no randomized controlled trial has provided evidence to guide physicians on the choice of adjuvant/palliative chemotherapy because of the rarity of the disease and the paucity of related research. This paper reports the biology, histology, current therapeutic strategies, and potential future therapies of ampullary adenocarcinoma.

Molecular pathways in periampullary cancer: An overview

Molecular alterations in oncogenes and tumor suppressors in various signaling pathways are basis for personalized therapy in cancer. Periampullary carcinoma behaves differently from pancreatic carcinoma both in prognosis and outcome, therefore it needs special attention. Pancreatic cancer have higher incidence of nodal spread and perineural &lymphovascular invasion suggesting it biologically more aggressive tumor compared to periampullary cancer. Since PAC tumors consist of heterogenous tissue of origin, they might contain different mutations in tumor associated genes and other changes in tissue composition among different subgroups clubbed together. Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular nature of PAC in the previous two decades, and a large number of mutations and other genetic changes have been identified as being responsible for the disease. This review article targets to collate and discuss the molecular evolution of PAC and their implication in its outcome. As per literature, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), and Wnt signaling are the most common pathways involved in PAC. Mutations in KRAS, TP53, CTNNB1, SMAD4 and APC genes were the most frequently reported. I-subtype resembles colorectal cancer while the morphology of PB-type shows close resemblance to pancreatic tumors. The frequency of driver gene mutations is higher in I-type compared to PB-type of PAC indicating I-type to be genetically more unstable. The genetic landscape of PAC obtained from WES data highlighted PI3/AKT pathway to be a primary target in I-type and RAS/RAF in PB-type.

A duodenal ampullary tumor with malignant transformation of papillary polyps: a case report and literature review

Periampullary carcinoma refers to a malignant tumor within 2 cm of the duodenal ampulla. Primary ampullary carcinoma is very rare, accounting for only 0.2% of malignant gastrointestinal tumors. The small intestine accounts for 75% of the length of the gastrointestinal tract, and primary tumors in the small intestine account for only 2% of all gastrointestinal tumors. Here, we report the case of a duodenal ampullary tumor with malignant transformation of parapapillary polyps. The patient had both a primary ampullary tumor and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of juxtapapillary adenomatous duodenal polyps.

Comparison of Oncologic Outcomes between Transduodenal Ampullectomy and Pancreatoduodenectomy in Ampulla of Vater Cancer: Korean Multicenter Study

Simple Summary

This study used multicenter data to compare the oncological safety of transduodenal ampullectomy (TDA) with that of pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) in early ampulla of Vater (AoV) cancer. Data for patients who underwent surgical resection for AoV cancer (pTis–T2 stage) from 2000 to 2019 were collected from 15 institutions. A total of 486 patients were enrolled (PPPD, 418; TDA, 68). The oncologic behavior (tumor size, T stage, differentiation, lymphovascular invasion) in the PPPD group was more aggressive than that in the TDA group at all T stages. The 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival did not differ between the two groups when considering all T stages or only the Tis + T1 group. In T1 patients, PPPD had survival outcomes superior to those in the TDA group. In the TDA group, lymph node dissection did not affect survival. In conclusion, PPPD should be the standard procedure for early AoV cancer.

Abstract

This study used multicenter data to compare the oncological safety of transduodenal ampullectomy (TDA) with that of pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) in early ampulla of Vater (AoV) cancer. Data for patients who underwent surgical resection for AoV cancer (pTis–T2 stage) from January 2000 to September 2019 were collected from 15 institutions. The clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes were compared between the PPPD and TDA groups. A total of 486 patients were enrolled (PPPD, 418; TDA, 68). The oncologic behavior in the PPPD group was more aggressive than that in the TDA group at all T stages: larger tumor size (p = 0.034), advanced T stage (p < 0.001), aggressive cell differentiation (p < 0.001), and more lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.002). Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) did not differ between the two groups when considering all T stages or only the Tis+T1 group. Among T1 patients, PPPD produced significantly better DFS (PPPD vs. TDA, 84.8% vs. 66.6%, p = 0.040) and superior OS (PPPD vs. TDA, 89.1% vs. 68.0%, p = 0.056) than TDA. Lymph node dissection (LND) in the TDA group did not affect DFS or OS (TDA + LND vs. TDA-only, DFS, p = 0.784; OS, p = 0.870). In conclusion, PPPD should be the standard procedure for early AoV cancer.

Insights and updates on endoscopic papillectomy

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) has been established as a useful endoscopic therapy by the efforts of many pancreatobiliary endoscopists and is presently accepted as a reliable alternative therapy to surgery in patients with ampullary adenoma. Moreover, there have been numerous advancements in EP techniques in recent years. Various approaches and attempts toward expanding the indications of endoscopic resection have been reported. Furthermore, the management and prevention of adverse events (AEs) and endoscopic treatment for remnant or recurrent lesions have also been reported. In the present review, we focus on recent advancements in the EP technique, as well as speculate on the future issues of EP.

AREA COVERED

This review of EP encompasses the indications, preoperative assessments, endoscopic techniques, outcomes, and AEs of EP, post-EP surveillance techniques, and treatments for remnant or recurrence lesions.

EXPERT OPINION

The ultimate goal of EP is the complete resection of ampullary tumors, regardless of whether they are adenomatous or carcinomatous lesions, without causing any AEs. Therefore, the most important issue is preoperative evaluation, that is, the accurate diagnosis of lesions contraindicated for EP. In addition, further research on the prevention of AEs is also necessary towards establishing EP as a safe endoscopic procedure.

Therapeutic options for ampullary carcinomas. A review

Ampullary Carcinoma arises from a histologically heterogeneous region where three different epithelia converge. Even though Ampullary Carcinoma has a superior prognosis compared to pancreatic and biliary ductal neoplasms, at least half of the patients turn up at an advanced stage that limits the treatment prospects. In addition to surgery for early-stage disease, several studies have shown that chemoradiotherapy confers additional benefits in the management of Ampullary Carcinoma. Analogously, chemotherapy plays a crucial role in treating advanced Ampullary Carcinoma with distant metastasis/recurrences. Although, stage of the disease, lymph node status, and histo-morphology are three critical prognostic variables, recently much attention is being placed on the genetic landscape of Ampullary Carcinoma. In this review, we have discussed various studies describing the role of chemoradiation and chemotherapy in the treatment of early and advanced stage Ampullary Carcinoma. Also, we have summarized the molecular landscape of Ampullary Carcinoma and the novel therapeutic strategies which could possibly target the genetic alterations involving the tumor cells.

Imaging of malignancies of the biliary tract- an update

Malignancies of the biliary tract include cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancers and carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Biliary tract adenocarcinomas are the second most common primary hepatobiliary cancer. Due to their slow growing nature, non-specific and late symptomatology, these malignancies are often diagnosed in advanced stages with poor prognosis. Apart from incidental discovery of gall bladder carcinoma upon cholecystectomy, early stage biliary tract cancers are now detected with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Accurate characterization and staging of these indolent cancers will determine outcome as majority of the patients’ are inoperable at the time of presentation. Ultrasound is useful for initial evaluation of the biliary tract and gallbladder masses and in determining the next suitable modality for further evaluation. Multimodality imaging plays an integral role in the management of the biliary tract malignancies. The imaging techniques most useful are MRI with MRCP, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and positron emission tomography (PET). In this review we will discuss epidemiology and the role of imaging in detection, characterization and management of the biliary tract malignancies under the three broad categories of cholangiocarcinomas (intra- and extrahepatic), gallbladder cancers and ampullary carcinomas.

Endoscopic papillectomy: Indications, techniques, and results

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is currently accepted as a viable alternative therapy to surgery in sporadic ampullary adenoma and has been reported to have high success and low recurrence rates. At present, the indications for EP are not yet fully established. The accepted criteria for EP include size (up to 5 cm), no evidence of intraductal growth, and no evidence of malignancy on endoscopic findings (ulceration, friability, and spontaneous bleeding). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is the imaging modality of choice for local T staging in ampullary neoplasms. Data reported in the literature have revealed that linear EUS is superior to helical computed tomography in the preoperative assessment of tumor size, detection of regional nodal metastases and detection of major vascular invasion. Endoscopic ampullectomy is performed using a standard duodenoscope in a similar manner to snare polypectomy of a mucosal lesion. There is no standardization of the equipment or technique and broad EP methods are described. Endoscopic ampullectomy is considered a ‘‘high-risk’’ procedure due to complications. Complications of endoscopic papillectomy can be classified as early (pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, and cholangitis) and late (papillary stenosis) complications. The appropriate use of stenting after ampullectomy may prevent post-procedural pancreatitis and papillary stenosis. Tumor recurrence of benign lesions occurs in up to 20% of patients and depends on tumor size, final histology, presence of intraductal tumor, coexisting familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and the expertise of the endoscopist. Recurrent lesions are usually benign and most can be retreated endoscopically.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced duodenal and ampullary adenomatosis in familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) develop duodenal and ampullary polyps that may progress to malignancy via the adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review a large series of FAP patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced duodenal and ampullary polyposis.

METHODS

A retrospective case notes review of all FAP patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced duodenal and ampullary adenomatosis was performed.

RESULTS

Between October 1993 and January 2010, 38 FAP patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for advanced duodenal and ampullary polyps. Complications occurred in 29 patients and perioperative mortality in two. Postoperative histology revealed five patients to have preoperatively undetected cancer (R = 0.518, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in FAP is associated with significant morbidity, but low mortality. All patients under consideration for operative intervention require careful preoperative counselling and optimization.

Endoscopic resection of superficial gastrointestinal tumors

Therapeutic endoscopy plays a major role in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasia. Its indications can be generalized into four broad categories; to remove or obliterate neoplastic lesion, to palliate malignant obstruction, or to treat bleeding. Only endoscopic resection allows complete histological staging of the cancer, which is critical as it allows stratification and refinement for further treatment. Although other endoscopic techniques, such as ablation therapy, may also cure early GI cancer, they can not provide a definitive pathological specimen. Early stage lesions reveal low frequency of lymph node metastasis which allows for less invasive treatments and thereby improving the quality of life when compared to surgery. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are now accepted worldwide as treatment modalities for early cancers of the GI tract.

Synchronous adenocarcinoma of the major and minor duodenal papilla

A 50-year-old woman presented with pancreatitis, fluctuant jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and abdominal ultrasound showed slight dilatation of the biliary tree and gallbladder without calculi. Endoscopy demonstrated a tumor protruding from the papilla of Vater. First endoscopically biopsy diagnosed no tumor, and a second biopsy diagnosed as papillary adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent duodenopancreatectomy. The specimen was fixed in formalin (10%). The tissue was processed routinely, and paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff. Gross examination showed two tumors seen as prolapsed nodules growing isolated from the minor and major duodenal papillae measuring 1.5 and 1.0 cm, respectively, both covered by duodenal mucosa and the histologic study of both lesions demonstrated a moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, which invaded duodenal wall. After surgery, she is alive 24 months without evidence of recurrence.

Familial adenomatous polyposis and the small bowel: a loco-regional review and current management strategies

Small-bowel tumours are an important cause of morbidity and death in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Intensive endoscopic surveillance is now standard in the long-term management of this condition. Thus, lesions occurring throughout the small bowel are increasingly noted by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and flexible pouchoscopy. Some occur commonly de novo (in stomach, duodenum and ampulla), while others may occur following surgery (polyps of the ileostomy, ileoanal pouch, or small bowel above an anastomosis). These differ widely in incidence, natural history and management. This review provides a regional overview of these lesions, in terms of current research findings and management protocols.

Endoscopic therapy in acute recurrent pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has evolved from a largely diagnostic to a largely therapeutic modality. Cross-sectional imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and less invasive endoscopy, especially endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), have largely taken over from ERCP for diagnosis. However, ERCP remains the “first line” therapeutic tool in the management of mechanical causes of acute recurrent pancreatitis, including bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis), ampullary masses (benign and malignant), congenital variants of biliary and pancreatic anatomy (e.g. pancreas divisum, choledochoceles), sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), pancreatic stones and strictures, and parasitic disorders involving the biliary tree and/or pancreatic duct (e.g Ascariasis, Clonorchiasis).

Review of idiopathic pancreatitis

Recent advances in understanding of pancreatitis and advances in technology have uncovered the veils of idiopathic pancreatitis to a point where a thorough history and judicious use of diagnostic techniques elucidate the cause in over 80% of cases. This review examines the multitude of etiologies of what were once labeled idiopathic pancreatitis and provides the current evidence on each. This review begins with a background review of the current epidemiology of idiopathic pancreatitis prior to discussion of various etiologies. Etiologies of medications, infections, toxins, autoimmune disorders, vascular causes, and anatomic and functional causes are explored in detail. We conclude with management of true idiopathic pancreatitis and a summary of the various etiologic agents. Throughout this review, areas of controversies are highlighted.

Retroduodenal resection of ampullary carcinoid tumor in a patient with cavernous transformation of the portal vein

Although pancreatoduodenectomy is the standard treatment for periampullary neoplasms, limited pancreas-preserving resections are sometimes performed. This report describes a carcinoid tumor of the ampulla of Vater for which pancreatoduodenectomy was not feasible because of diffuse cavernous transformation of the portal vein (PV) secondary to main PV obliteration of unknown cause. We performed retroduodenal resection of the ampullary carcinoid with total preservation of the pancreas. The duodenal wall defect was primarily repaired, and the pancreatic and bile ducts were separately reconstructed using Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy and choledochojejunostomy. The patient recovered uneventfully and is currently progressing well at 10 months postoperatively, with no tumor recurrence or complications. The surgical procedures are described, and the literature pertaining to this limited surgery is reviewed.

Biliary tract neoplasms: diagnosis and staging

Most biliary tract neoplasms are malignant and have been traditionally divided into cancers of the gallbladder, the extrahepatic bile ducts, and ampulla of Vater. Although infrequent, bile duct carcinomas and cancer of the gallbladder are not rare. In the United States, an estimated 6000-7000 new cases of carcinoma of the gallbladder and 3000-4000 new cases of carcinoma of the bile ducts are diagnosed annually. Familiarity with the imaging characteristics of gallbladder and bile duct neoplasms is important to expedite the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of patients who often present with non-specific symptoms of right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, and weight loss.