Excess Weight Adversely Influences Treatment Length of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula: A Retrospective Study of 900 Patients

Application analysis of omental flap isolation and modified pancreaticojejunostomy in pancreaticoduodenectomy (175 cases)

Background

To explore the application value of free omental wrapping and modified pancreaticojejunostomy in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

The clinical data of 175 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively analysed. In total, 86 cases were divided into Group A (omental wrapping and modified pancreaticojejunostomy) and 89 cases were divided into Group B (control group). The incidences of postoperative pancreatic fistula and other complications were compared between the two groups, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the potential risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula. Risk factors associated with postoperative overall survival were identified using Cox regression.

Results

The incidences of grade B/C pancreatic fistula, bile leakage, delayed bleeding, and reoperation in Group A were lower than those in Group B, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Group A had an earlier drainage tube extubation time, earlier return to normal diet time and shorter postoperative hospital stay than the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procalcitonin (PCT) inflammatory factors 1, 3 and 7 days after surgery also showed significant. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24, pancreatic duct diameter less than 3 mm, no isolation of the greater omental flap and modified pancreaticojejunostomy were independent risk factors for pancreatic fistula (P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that age ≥ 65 years old, body mass index ≥ 24, pancreatic duct diameter less than 3 mm, no isolation of the greater omental flap isolation and modified pancreaticojejunostomy, and malignant postoperative pathology were independent risk factors associated with postoperative overall survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Wrapping and isolating the modified pancreaticojejunostomy with free greater omentum can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula and related complications, inhibit the development of inflammation, and favourably affect prognosis.

Comparison of prognostic impact of anatomic location of the pancreas on postoperative pancreatic fistula in laparoscopic and open gastrectomy

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a serious complication after gastric cancer surgery. The current study aimed to investigate the significance of the anatomic location of the pancreas as a predictor for POPF in both laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) and open gastrectomy (OG).

Methods

In total, 233 patients with gastric cancer were assessed retrospectively. We measured the maximum vertical (P-L height; PLH) and horizontal length (P-L depth; PLD) between the upper border of pancreas and the root of left gastric artery on a preoperative CT in the sagittal direction. The maximum length of the vertical line between the surface of the pancreas and the aorta (P-A length), previously reported as prognostic factor of POPF, was also measured. We investigated the correlations between these parameters and the incidence of POPF in LG and OG groups.

Results

Among the patients in this study, 118 underwent OG and 115 underwent LG. In LG, the median PLH and P-A length in patients with POPF were significantly longer compared with those without POPF (p = 0.026, 0.034, respectively), but not in OG. There was no significant difference in the median PLD between the patients with or without POPF in both LG and OG. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that PLH (odds ratio [OR] 4.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57–11.3, P = 0.004) and P-A length (OR 4.06, 95%CI 1.05–15.7, P = 0.042] were independent factors for predicting POPF in LG. However, intraoperative blood loss (OR 2.55, 95%CI 1.05–6.18, P = 0.038) was extracted as an independent factor in OG. The median amylase level in the drained fluid (D-Amy) were significantly higher in patients with high PLH(≥12.4 mm) or high P-A length (≥45 mm) compared with those with low PLH or low P-A length in LG. However, there were no differences in the D-Amy levels by PLH or P-A length in OG patients.

Conclusions

The anatomic location of the pancreas is a specific and independent predictor of POPF in LG but not in OG. PLH is a simple parameter that can evaluate the anatomic position of the pancreas, and it may be useful for preventing POPF after LG.

Impact of Qualitative and Quantitative Biliary Contamination Status on the Incidence of Postoperative Infection Complications in Patients Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Bacterial contamination status may differ under different biliary drainage conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of qualitative and quantitative biliary bacterial contamination on the incidence of infection complications in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.

METHODS

Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary diseases with different biliary drainage conditions, such as external drainage (ED), internal drainage (ID), and no drainage (ND), were included. Bile was collected intraoperatively, and biliary contamination status was qualified and quantified using bacterium-specific ribosomal RNA-targeted reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The impact of biliary contamination status on infection complications was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients were included (38 with ED, 40 with ID, and 74 with ND). The positive rate of microorganisms in bile was higher in the ID group (98%) compared with the ED group (82%, p = 0.021) and the ND group (65%, p < 0.001). The number of microorganisms detected in bile samples was higher in the ID group compared with the ED group (median 489,788 vs. 5375 bacteria/mL of bile, p < 0.001). With multivariate analysis, soft pancreas, intraoperative bleeding (> 600 mL), and biliary contamination by Atopobium cluster were identified as independent risk factors for infection complications. Biliary contamination by Atopobium cluster was significantly higher in the ID group compared with the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary bacterial contamination is more frequently induced by ID than either ED or ND. In addition to the previously known risk factors, biliary contamination with Atopobium cluster may be one of the risk factors of infection complications following pancreatoduodenectomy.

Pancreatic Fat and Body Composition Measurements by Computed Tomography are Associated with Pancreatic Fistula After Pancreatectomy

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most threatening complication after pancreatectomy. This study aimed to directly assess pancreatic fatty infiltration with preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging and to investigate whether a preoperative analysis of patient variables, including CT characteristics and clinical factors, can predict POPF.

METHODS

We enrolled 150 consecutive patients who underwent curative pancreatectomy. Radiographic factors, including pancreatic fat volume, were measured using preoperative CT imaging and the predictive factors were explored using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

POPF developed in 30 patients (20.0%). The ratio of pancreatic fat (RPF) ≥ 4.83% was associated with a risk of POPF, high body mass index (BMI), and obese body habitus. Patients with POPF were significantly more likely to have high BMI (≥ 25 kg/m²), obese body habitus, and an RPF ≥ 4.83% than patients without POPF. In the multivariate analysis, visceral fat area/skeletal muscle index (VFA/SMI) ≥ 1.94 (odds ratio [OR] 4.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-12.9, p = 0.0095) was the sole independent predictive factor for POPF. For patients with a soft pancreas, VFA/SMI ≥ 1.94 (OR 5.67, 95% CI 2.05-15.7, p = 0.0008) was again the sole independent predictive factor for POPF.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative CT images can examine pancreatic fatty infiltration, and patients who had POPF were significantly associated with a high RPF. Among several parameters, VFA/SMI was the only independent predictive factor for clinically relevant POPF. Preoperative evaluation of these body composition variables and the pancreatic configuration could be useful for predicting POPF.

Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography-elastography as a predictive tool for the occurrence of pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a major complication following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Pancreatic texture is a risk factor for PF, but its evaluation depends on the subjective judgment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether preoperative endoscopic ultrasonography-elastography (EUS-EG), which objectively assesses tissue elasticity, predict the development of PF following PD.

METHODS

Fifty-nine patients who underwent EUS-EG before PD and had pancreas parenchyma histologically evaluated were included. Using histogram analysis, mean elasticity (ME), which represents tissue elasticity and is inversely correlated with pancreatic fibrosis, was calculated.

RESULTS

Among 59 patients, 19 developed PF (32.2%). The ME in patients with PF was significantly higher than that in patients without PF (85.4 vs. 55.6, P < 0.001). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the accuracy of pancreatic texture and ME for predicting PF were 0.718 and 0.846, respectively. When a ME of 70.0 was used as a cut-off value for predicting PF, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.2% and 80.0%, respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only a ME of >70.0 was an independent predictor of PF (odds ratio 10.02, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasonography-elastography may be an accurate and objective method for predicting PF following PD.

Usefulness of preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate to predict complications after curative gastrectomy in patients with clinical T2-4 gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastrectomy with systemic lymphadenectomy is the standard of care for resectable gastric cancer (GC), but it is sometimes associated with postoperative morbidity. Predicting complications is therefore an essential part of risk management in clinical practice. The renal function is routinely evaluated before surgery by blood examinations to determine dose of medication and infusion. However, the value of various parameters of renal function in prediction of postoperative complications remain unclear.

METHODS

We included 315 patients who underwent curative D2 gastrectomy for clinical T2-T4 GC without preoperative treatment, and evaluated the correlation between the incidence of postoperative complications and the indicators of renal function.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients experienced clinically relevant postoperative complications. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) showed a higher area under the curve for predicting complications compared with urea nitrogen, creatinine, and creatinine clearance. The optimal eGFR cutoff value was 63.2 ml/min/1.73 m², and eGFR < 63.2 was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications in multivariable analysis (odds ratio 4.67; 95 % confidence interval 2.16-10.5; p < 0.001). Particularly, the incidence of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in patients with eGFR < 63.2 than those with eGFR ≥ 63.2 (9.4 % vs. 3.5 %). eGFR < 63.2 was also associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications independent of age, body mass index, operative procedure, and clinical disease stage. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the eGFR < 63.2 group.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative eGFR is a simple and useful predictor for complications after gastrectomy in patients with GC and may improve clinical care and the process of obtaining informed consent.

Preoperative Cholangitis Affects Survival Outcome in Patients with Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer

BACKGROUND

It remains controversial whether preoperative cholangitis affects long-term outcomes after resection in patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer.

METHODS

A total of 107 patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer who underwent resection with curative intent from 2008 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the presence or absence of preoperative cholangitis. Clinicopathological variables and long-term outcomes were compared in the two groups.

RESULTS

In the preoperative cholangitis group, the rate of preoperative biliary drainage, the number of tube changes and/or additions, and the rate of lymph node metastasis were higher compared to the no-cholangitis group. Overall survival and disease-free survival were significantly worse in the cholangitis group compared to the no-cholangitis group (p = 0.022, p = 0.007). A poorer prognosis was not observed with an increasing grade of cholangitis in Tokyo Guidelines 2013 (p = 0.09). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the preoperative cholangitis was an independent prognostic factor for extrahepatic bile duct cancer.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative cholangitis is an independent prognostic factor in patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer regardless of the severity of the cholangitis.

Infections in Cancer Patients with Solid Tumors: A Review

Solid tumors are much more common than hematologic malignancies. Although severe and prolonged neutropenia is uncommon, several factors increase the risk of infection in patients with solid tumors, and the presence of multiple risk factors in the same patient is not uncommon. These include obstruction (most often caused by progression of the tumor), disruption of natural anatomic barriers such as the skin and mucosal surfaces, and treatment-related factors such as chemotherapy, radiation, diagnostic and/or therapeutic surgical procedures, and the increasing use of medical devices such as various catheters, stents, and prostheses. Common sites of infection include the skin and skin structures (including surgical site infections), the bloodstream (including infections associated with central venous catheters), the lungs, the hepato-biliary and intestinal tracts, and the urinary tract, and include distinct clinical syndromes such as post-obstructive pneumonia, obstructive uropathy, and neutropenic enterocolitis. The epidemiology of most of these infections is changing with resistant organisms [MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms] being isolated more often than in the past. Polymicrobial infections now predominate when deep tissue sites are involved. Conservative management of most of these infections (antibiotics, fluid and electrolyte replacement, bowel rest when needed) is generally effective, with surgical intervention being reserved for the drainage of deep abscesses, or to deal with complications such as intestinal obstruction or hemorrhage. Infected prostheses often need to be removed. Reactivation of certain viral infections (HBV, HCV, and occasionally CMV) has become an important issue, and screening, prevention and treatment strategies are being developed. Infection prevention, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship are important strategies in the overall management of infections in patients with solid tumors. Occasionally, infections mimic solid tumors and cause diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Percutaneous biliary drainage is oncologically inferior to endoscopic drainage: a propensity score matching analysis in resectable distal cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) increases the incidence of seeding metastasis and shortens postoperative survival compared with endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD).

METHODS

A total of 376 patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy following either PTBD (n = 189) or EBD (n = 187) at 30 hospitals between 2001 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Seeding metastasis was defined as peritoneal/pleural dissemination and PTBD sinus tract recurrence. Univariate and multivariate analyses followed by propensity score matching analysis were performed to adjust the data for the baseline characteristics between the two groups.

RESULTS

The overall survival of the PTBD group was significantly shorter than that of the EBD group (34.2 % vs 48.8 % at 5 years; P = 0.003); multivariate analysis showed that the type of biliary drainage was an independent predictor of survival (P = 0.036) and seeding metastasis (P = 0.001). After two new cohorts with 82 patients each has been generated after 1:1 propensity score matching, the overall survival rate in the PTBD group was significantly less than that in the EBD group (34.7 % vs 52.5 % at 5 years, P = 0.017). The estimated recurrence rate of seeding metastasis was significantly higher in the PTBD group than in the EBD group (30.7 % vs 10.7 % at 5 years, P = 0.006), whereas the recurrence rates at other sites were similar between the two groups (P = 0.579).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with EBD, PTBD increases the incidence of seeding metastasis after resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma and shortens postoperative survival.

Predictive value of drain amylase content for peripancreatic inflammatory fluid collections after laparoscopic (assisted) distal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic (assisted) distal gastrectomy (LDG) with radical lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer has been widely conducted, particularly in the Far East. Peripancreatic inflammatory fluid collection (PIFC) is a serious and frequent postoperative complication after LDG for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of drain amylase content (D-AMY) for clinically relevant PIFC after LDG.

METHODS

Two hundred and sixty-four patients who underwent LDG with prophylactic drains were enrolled. The predictive value of D-AMY on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD 3 in the diagnosis of PIFC was evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty (7.6 %) patients experienced postoperative PIFC. Area under the curve in terms of receiver operating characteristics curve analysis of D-AMY on POD 1 was 0.801, and the optimal cutoff value for prediction of PIFC was 904 IU/l, with 98.2 % negative predictive value. Another cutoff was proposed as 4078 IU/l, with 92.2 % specificity. Multivariable analyses identified D-AMY on POD 1 ≥900 and ≥4000 IU/l as independent diagnostic factors for PIFC. Among patients at high risk of PIFC (D-AMY on POD 1 ≥900 IU/l), those who on POD 3 retained D-AMY value in excess of 31.2 % of the D-AMY value on POD 1 were more likely to experience PIFC compared with those with a pronounced decrease in D-AMY.

CONCLUSIONS

D-AMY on POD 1 serves as a predictive factor for clinically relevant PIFC after LDG. Time-dependent changes in D-AMY can also be used for determining management of drains in patients at high risk of PIFC.

Modified Blumgart Suturing Technique for Remnant Closure After Distal Pancreatectomy: a Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Despite recent advances in surgical techniques including staple closure and ultrasonic devices, the reported incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) remains high. Therefore, we devised a new strategy in which the pancreatic stump is enveloped with the elevated jejunum (EJ) by a modified Blumgart anastomotic technique. Eighty-one patients who underwent open DP with splenectomy from January 2008 to December 2014 were enrolled. Comparisons were made between 42 patients who underwent placement of an EJ patch using the modified Blumgart method after scalpel transection and 39 patients who underwent scalpel transection alone, using unmatched and propensity score-matched analysis. After 25 patients from each group were selected by propensity score matching, the EJ patch technique was significantly associated with a lower incidence of clinically relevant POPF (P = 0.036). Multivariate analysis showed that the EJ patch was an independent predictor of a lower incidence of POPF (odds ratio, 0.16; 95 % confidence interval, 0.01–0.48; P = 0.017) as was the estimated remnant pancreatic volume. Addition of the EJ patch improves postoperative outcomes in patients who undergo open DP with splenectomy by scalpel transection and hand-sewn closure of the pancreatic remnant.

Oral Food Intake Versus Fasting on Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy: A Multi-Institutional Randomized Controlled Trial

The usefulness of enteral nutrition via a nasointestinal tube for patients who develop postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after miscellaneous pancreatectomy procedures has been reported. However, no clear evidence regarding whether oral intake is beneficial or harmful during management of POPF after distal pancreatectomy (DP) is currently available.To investigate the effects of oral food intake on the healing process of POPF after DP.Multi-institutional randomized controlled trial in Nagoya University Hospital and 4 affiliated hospitals.Patients who developed POPF were randomly assigned to the dietary intake (DI) group (n = 15) or the fasted group (no dietary intake [NDI] group) (n = 15). The primary endpoint was the length of drain placement.No significant differences were found in the length of drain placement between the DI and NDI groups (12 [6-58] and 12 [7-112] days, respectively; P = 0.786). POPF progressed to a clinically relevant status (grade B/C) in 5 patients in the DI group and 4 patients in the NDI group (P = 0.690). POPF-related intra-abdominal hemorrhage was found in 1 patient in the NDI group but in no patients in the DI group (P = 0.309). There were no significant differences in POPF-related intra-abdominal hemorrhage, the incidence of other complications, or the length of the postoperative hospital stay between the 2 groups.Food intake did not aggravate POPF and did not prolong drain placement or hospital stay after DP. There may be no need to avoid oral DI in patients with POPF.

Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Analysis of Upfront Surgery Versus Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Surgery for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma with Arterial Abutment

Combined arterial resection during pancreatectomy can be a challenging treatment, and outcome would be more favorable if the tumor becomes technically removable from the artery. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) is expected to achieve locoregional control and enable margin-negative resection. To investigate the effects of NACRT in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) which were deemed borderline resectable through preoperative imaging due to abutment of the major artery, including the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or common hepatic artery (CHA), but were still considered to be technically removable. In the current study, comparisons were make between 71 patients who underwent upfront surgery and 21 patients who underwent NACRT followed by surgery in the strategy to preserve the artery, using unmatched and inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis (UMIN000017115). Fifty patients in the upfront surgery group and 18 in the NACRT group underwent curative resection (70% vs 86%, respectively; P = 0.16). The results of the propensity score weighted logistic regressions indicated that the incidences of pathological lymph node metastasis and a pathological positive resection margin were significantly lower in the NACRT group (odds ratio, 0.006; P < 0.001 and odds ratio, 0.007; P < 0.001, respectively). Among the propensity-score matched patients, the estimated 1- and 2-year survival rates in the upfront surgery group were 66.7% and 16.0%, respectively, and those in the NACRT group were 80.0% and 65.2%, respectively. In conclusion, it was suggested that chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery provided clinical benefits in patients with PDACs in contact with the SMA or CHA.