Pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly adults: is it justified in terms of mortality, long-term morbidity, and quality of life?

The impact of preoperative biliary drainage on postoperative healthcare-associated infections and clinical outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy: a ten-year retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex procedure and easily accompanied by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This study aimed to assess the impact of PBD on postoperative infections and clinical outcomes in PD patients.

METHODS

The retrospective cohort study were conducted in a tertiary hospital from January 2013 to December 2022. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected from HAIs surveillance system and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 2842 patients who underwent PD, 247 (8.7%) were diagnosed with HAIs, with surgical site infection being the most frequent type (n = 177, 71.7%). A total of 369 pathogenic strains were detected, with Klebsiella pneumoniae having the highest proportion, followed by Enterococcu and Escherichia coli. Although no significant association were observed generally between PBD and postoperative HAIs, subgroup analysis revealed that PBD was associated with postoperative HAIs in patients undergoing robotic PD (aRR = 2.174; 95% CI:1.011-4.674; P = 0.047). Prolonging the interval between PBD and PD could reduce postoperative HAIs in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (≥4 week: aRR = 0.292, 95% CI 0.100-0.853; P = 0.024) and robotic PD (≤2 week: aRR = 3.058, 95% CI 1.178-7.940; P = 0.022). PBD was also found to increase transfer of patients to ICU (aRR = 1.351; 95% CI 1.119-1.632; P = 0.002), extended length of stay (P < 0.001) and postoperative length of stay (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

PBD does not exhibit a significant association with postoperative HAIs or other outcomes. However, the implementation of robotic PD, along with a suitable extension of the interval between PBD and PD, appear to confer advantages concerning patients' physiological recuperation. These observations suggest potential strategies that may contribute to enhanced patient outcomes.

Quality of life after pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic surgery is challenging owing to the anatomical characteristics of the pancreas. Increasing attention has been paid to changes in quality of life (QOL) after pancreatic surgery.

AIM

To summarize and analyze current research results on QOL after pancreatic surgery.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature available on PubMed and EMBASE was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant studies were identified by screening the references of retrieved articles. Studies on patients' QOL after pancreatic surgery published after January 1, 2012, were included. These included prospective and retrospective studies on patients' QOL after several types of pancreatic surgeries. The results of these primary studies were summarized inductively.

RESULTS

A total of 45 articles were included in the study, of which 13 were related to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), seven to duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR), nine to distal pancreatectomy (DP), two to central pancreatectomy (CP), and 14 to total pancreatectomy (TP). Some studies showed that 3-6 months were needed for QOL recovery after PD, whereas others showed that 6-12 months was more accurate. Although TP and PD had similar influences on QOL, patients needed longer to recover to preoperative or baseline levels after TP. The QOL was better after DPPHR than PD. However, the superiority of the QOL between patients who underwent CP and PD remains controversial. The decrease in exocrine and endocrine functions postoperatively was the main factor affecting the QOL. Minimally invasive surgery could improve patients' QOL in the early stages after PD and DP; however, the long-term effect remains unclear.

CONCLUSION

The procedure among PD, DP, CP, and TP with a superior postoperative QOL is controversial. The long-term benefits of minimally invasive versus open surgeries remain unclear. Further prospective trials are warranted.

Comparisons of short-term and long-term results between laparoscopic between open pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The efficacy of pancreaticoduodenectomy and open pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic tumors is controversial. The study aims to compare the efficacy of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) and open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) in the treatment of pancreatic tumors through systematic evaluation and meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of science databases were searched for clinical studies on the treatment of pancreatic tumors with LPD and OPD. The end time for the searches was 20 July 2022. Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to screen the articles, the Cochrane manual was used to evaluate the quality of the included articles, and the stata15.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the indicators. Results: In total, 16 articles were included, including two randomized controlled trials and 14 retrospective studies. Involving a total of 4416 patients, 1275 patients were included in the LPD group and 3141 patients in the OPD group. The results of the meta-analysis showed that: the operation time of LPD was longer than that of OPD [WMD = 56.14,95% CI (38.39,73.89), p = 0.001]; the amount of intraoperative blood loss of LPD was less than that of OPD [WMD = -120.82,95% CI (-169.33, -72.30), p = 0.001]. No significant difference was observed between LPD and OPD regarding hospitalization time [WMD = -0.5,95% CI (-1.35, 0.35), p = 0.250]. No significant difference was observed regarding postoperative complications [RR = 0.96,95% CI (0.86,1.07, p = 0.463]. And there was no significant difference regarding 1-year OS and 3-year OS: 1-year OS [RR = 1.02,95% CI (0.97,1.08), p = 0.417], 3-year OS [RR = 1.10 95% CI (0.75, 1.62), p = 0.614%]. Conclusion: In comparison with OPD, LPD leads to less blood loss but longer operation time, therefore the bleeding rate per unit time of LPD is less than that of OPD. LPD has obvious advantages. With the increase of clinical application of LPD, the usage of LPD in patients with pancreatic cancer has very good prospect. Due to the limitations of this paper, in future studies, more attention should be paid to high-quality, multi-center, randomized controlled studies.

Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Elderly Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) in elderly patients who often suffer from pre-existing conditions (e.g., cardiovascular diseases) and poor functional reserve remain unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LPD in elderly patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. All studies published from their inception to January 2022 reporting perioperative outcomes after LPD in elderly patients were included in the search (Group 1, comparing the perioperative outcomes of LPD and OPD in elderly patients; Group 2, comparing the perioperative outcomes after LPD between elderly and non-elderly patients). The evaluated outcomes included perioperative mortality, postoperative complications, conversion, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative hospital stay (POHS), and readmission.

Results

In total 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis of Group 1 showed that EBL, 90-day mortality, major morbidity, bile leak, POH, abdominal infection, reoperation, POP, POCE, and readmission were not significantly different between the LPD and the OPD group. LPD was associated with longer operative time, lower POPF rate, lower DEG rate, and shorter POHS. Pooled analysis of Group 2 showed that mortality, major morbidity, POPF, DEG, bile leak, POH, abdominal infection, reoperation, conversion, operative time, EBL, and readmission were not significantly different between the elderly and the non-elderly group. The POHS of elderly group was significantly longer than non-elderly group.

Conclusion

LPD may be a safe and feasible procedure for elderly patients and is associated with short POHS.

Patterns of Adjuvant Chemotherapy Use and Association With Survival in Adults 80 Years and Older With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

IMPORTANCE

Patients 80 years and older with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have not consistently received treatments that have established benefits in younger older adults (aged 60-79 years), yet patients 80 years and older are increasingly being offered surgery. Whether adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) provides additional benefit among patients 80 years and older with PDAC following surgery is not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

To describe patterns of AC use in patients 80 years and older following surgical resection of PDAC and to compare overall survival between patients who received AC and those who did not.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective cohort study among patients 80 years or older diagnosed with PDAC (stage I-III) between 2004 to 2016 who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy at hospitals across the US reporting to the National Cancer Database.

EXPOSURES

AC vs no AC 90 days following diagnosis of PDAC.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The proportion of patients who received AC was assessed over the study period. Overall survival was compared between patients who received AC and those who did not using Kaplan-Meier estimates and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. A landmark analysis was performed to address immortal time bias. A propensity score analysis was performed to address indication bias. Subgroup analyses were conducted in node-negative, margin-negative, clinically complex, node-positive, and margin-positive cohorts.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2016, 2569 patients 80 years and older (median [IQR] age, 82 [81-84] years; 1427 were women [55.5%]) underwent surgery for PDAC. Of these patients, 1217 (47.4%) received AC. Findings showed an 18.6% (95% CI, 8.0%-29.0%; P = .001) absolute increase in the use of AC among older adults who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy comparing rates in 2004 vs 2016. Receipt of AC was associated with a longer median survival (17.2 months; 95% CI, 16.1-19.0) compared with those who did not receive AC (12.7 months; 95% CI, 11.8-13.6). This association was consistent in propensity and subgroup analyses. In multivariable analysis, receipt of AC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.72; 95% CI, 0.65-0.79; P < .001), female sex (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80-0.96; P < .001), and surgery in the more recent time period (≥2011) (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.99; P = .02) were associated with a decreased hazard of death. An increased hazard of death was associated with higher pathologic stage (stage II: HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.43-1.97; P < .001; stage III: HR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.88-3.04; P < .001), positive surgical margins (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.34-1.65; P < .001), length of stay greater than median (10 days) (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.28; P < .001), and receipt of oncologic care at a nonacademic facilities (Community Cancer Program: HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.35; P < .001; Integrated Network Cancer Program: HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07-1.46; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, the use of AC among patients who underwent resection for PDAC increased over the study period, yet it still was administered to fewer than 50% of patients. Receipt of AC was associated with a longer median survival.

Quality of Life Instruments and Trajectories After Pancreatic Cancer Resection: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

This systematic review aimed to investigate the instruments available to measure quality of life (QOL) after pancreatic cancer surgery and to describe short- and long-term QOL outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was completed using PubMed, Embase, and Medline from inception to March 2019. Studies investigating QOL outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatic cancer surgery who were 18 years or older were included. The main outcomes of interest were QOL instruments and short (≤6 months) and long term (>6 months) QOL outcomes. The overarching domains of physical, psychosocial, overall QOL, symptoms, and other were used to summarize QOL outcomes. Thirty-five studies reporting on 3573 patients were included. Fifteen unique QOL instruments were identified, of which 4 were disease-specific instruments. Most of the included studies reported no changes in QOL at short- and long-term follow-ups for the overarching domains. No difference in QOL outcomes was reported between different surgical approaches, except laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy, and pancreaticoduodenectomy versus distal pancreatectomy. There are a wide range of instruments available to measure QOL outcomes in pancreatic cancer surgical patients, although only few are disease-specific. Most of the included studies reported no significant changes in QOL outcomes at short- or long-term follow-ups.

Peri-operative, long-term, and quality of life outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy in the elderly: greater justification for periampullary cancer compared to pancreatic head cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is more challenging in the elderly.

METHODS

Data of patients undergoing PD above 70 years of age was analysed to study short and long-term outcomes along with the quality of life parameters (QOL).

RESULTS

Out of 1271 PDs performed, 94 (7%) patients were 70 years or more. American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) scores were higher in comparison to patients below 70 years (ASA 1;20% vs. 54% and ASA 2&3;80% vs. 46%, p < 0.001). The postoperative 90-day mortality rate of 5.3% and morbidity (Clavein Grade III and IV of 27%) was higher but non-significant compared to 3.9% (p = 0.50) and 20% (p = 0.11) in patients less than 70 years. The median survival of 40 months was significantly better for periampullary carcinoma when compared to 15 months in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (p < 0.0001). Patients, less than 70 years had significantly better 3-year survival; 64% vs 43% with periampullary etiology (p < 0.01) and 29% vs 0% with PDAC (p < 0.0001). QLQ-PAN 26 questionnaire responses were suggestive of good long term QOL in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Although PD is safe and feasible in the elderly population with good long-term QOL, postoperative morbidity and mortality can be slightly higher and long-term survival significantly lower.

Priorities, actions and risks in the COVID-19 pandemic: a flash SoMe survey among surgical oncologists

Objectives

Corona virus-induced disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has globally affected the surgical treatment of cancer patients and has challenged the ethical principles of surgical oncologists around the world. Not only treatment but also diagnosis and follow-up have been disrupted.

Methods

An online survey was sent through Twitter and by the surgical societies worldwide. The survey consisted of 29 closed-ended questions and was conducted over a period of 24 days beginning in March 26, 2020.

Results

Overall, 394 surgical oncologists from 41 different countries answered the questionnaire. The predominant guiding principle was “saving lives” 240 (62%), and the different aspects of lock-down found hence large support (mean 7.1–9.3 out of 10). Shut-down of elective surgery and modification of cancer care found a mean support of 7.0 ± 3.0 and 5.8 ± 3.1, respectively. Modification of cancer care longer than two weeks was considered unacceptable to 114 (29%) responders. Hundred and fifty six (40%) and 138 (36%) expect “return to normal” beyond six months for surgical practice and cancer care, respectively.

Conclusions

Surgical oncologists show strong and long-lasting support for lock-down measures aiming to save lives. The impact of the pandemic on surgical oncology is perceived controversially, but the majority was forced already now to accept what is inacceptable for many of their colleagues.

Does Major Pancreatic Surgery Have Utility in Nonagenarians with Pancreas Cancer?

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to define the role of surgery and assess different therapies for nonagenarians with localized, nonmetastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients ≥ 90 years of age with nonmetastatic, localized PDAC from 2004-2016. Postoperative mortality was assessed at 30 and 90 days in patients receiving pancreatoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy. Overall survival (OS) was compared between three treatment groups: surgery alone, chemotherapy alone, and chemoradiation (chemoRT) alone.

RESULTS

Of 380,524 patients with PDAC, 98 patients ≥ 90 years of age underwent curative-intent resection; 55% were female and 75% had a Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score of 0. A total of 17% received postoperative chemotherapy, 51.1% had poorly differentiated tumors with a median tumor size of 3 cm, 55.1% had positive lymph nodes, and 19.4% had positive resection margins. Postoperative median length of stay was 11 days. Postoperative 30- and 90-day mortality was 10.0% and 18.9%, respectively. Median OS for the surgery alone group was 11.6 months compared with 20.4 months in those receiving adjuvant therapy (p = 0.01). Among nonoperative PDAC patients, median OS in patients receiving chemotherapy only (n = 207) was 7.2 months, while chemoRT only (n = 100) was similar to surgery only (11 versus 11.6 months, p = 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Even in well-selected nonagenarians, pancreatoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy carries a high mortality rate. While adjuvant therapy after resection provides the best survival, it is seldom achieved, and chemoRT alone affords identical survival statistics as surgery alone. These data suggest it is reasonable to consider chemoRT as initial therapy, then reassess candidacy for resection if performance status allows.

Development and Feasibility of an Interactive Smartphone App for Early Assessment and Management of Symptoms Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy because of pancreatic cancer experience distressing symptoms and unmet supportive care needs after discharge. To meet these needs, we have developed a mobile health app (Interaktor) for daily assessment of symptoms and access to self-care advice that includes a risk assessment model for alerts with real-time interactions with professionals.

OBJECTIVE

The study aim was to develop and test a version of the Interaktor app adapted for patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS

The app was developed and tested for feasibility in 6 patients during 4 weeks. One nurse monitored and responded to alerts. Logged data from the app were collected, and all participants were interviewed about their experiences.

RESULTS

Adherence to reporting daily was 84%. Alerts were generated in 41% of the reports. The patients felt reassured and cared for and received support for symptom management. The app was easy to use, had relevant content, and had few technical problems, although suggestions for improvement were given.

CONCLUSIONS

The daily reporting of symptoms and having access to a nurse in real time in the case of an alarming symptom seem to enhance symptom management and render a feeling of security in patients. Some modifications of the app are needed before use in a larger sample.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Daily reporting of symptoms after pancreaticoduodenectomy enhances symptom management, self-care, and participation without being a burden to patients, indicating that mobile health can be used in clinical practice by patients with poor prognosis who experience severe symptoms.

Short- and long-term outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients with periampullary cancer

Purpose

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is recently performed in older cancer patients. The complication rate of PD is high. The present study was to compare the postoperative short- and long-term outcomes of PD in between older patients and younger patients.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2014, patients who underwent PD due to periampullary cancers were enrolled. Patients aged 75 years or over were included in the older group.

Results

Total 1,249 patients were enrolled in this study and 168 patients (13.5%) were included in the older group. Postoperative complication rates, duration of postoperative hospital stay, and 30-day mortality were comparable between the 2 groups, although the admission rate of intensive care unit postoperatively was higher in the older adult group (20.8% vs. 10.5%, P < 0.001). In terms of long-term outcomes, 5-year overall survival rate was lower in the older group (23.4% vs. 41.8%, P < 0.001), and 5-year cumulative recurrence rate was higher in the older group without statistical significance (63.9% vs. 57.9%, P = 0.095). However, there were no statistical differences of cumulative recurrence in pancreatic cancer patients (81.5% vs. 82.5%, P = 0.805).

Conclusion

PD for periampullary cancer is a safe and feasible treatment in the older patients. The treatment modality for obtaining better survival outcomes will be investigated.

Increasing pancreatic cancer is not paralleled by pancreaticoduodenectomy volumes in Brazil: A time trend analysis

BACKGROUND

Currently, surgical resection represents the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC), however, the majority of tumors are no longer resectable by the time of diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe time trends and distribution of pancreaticoduodenectomies (PDs) performed for treating PC in Brazil in recent years.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively obtained from Brazilian Health Public System (namely DATASUS) regarding hospitalizations for PC and PD in Brazil from January 2008 to December 2015. PC and PD rates and their mortalities were estimated from DATASUS hospitalizations and analyzed for age, gender and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 2364 PDs were retrieved. Albeit PC incidence more than doubled, the number of PDs increased only 37%. Most PDs were performed in men (52.2%) and patients between 50 and 69 years old (59.5%). Patients not surgically treated and those 70 years or older had the highest in-hospital mortality rates. The most developed regions (Southeast and South) as well as large metropolitan integrated municipalities registered 76.2% and 54.8% of the procedures, respectively. LMIM PD mortality fluctuated, ranging from 13.6% in 2008 to 11.8% in 2015.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a trend towards regionalization and volume-outcome relationships for PD due to PC, as large metropolitan integrated municipalities registered most of the PDs and more stable mortality rates. The substantial differences between PD and PC increasing rates reveals a limiting step on the health system resoluteness. Reduction in the number of hospital beds and late access to hospitalization, despite improvement in diagnostic methods, could at least in part explain these findings.

Systematic review on the impact of pancreatoduodenectomy on quality of life in patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer have a high risk of major postoperative complications and a low survival rate. Insight in the impact of pancreatoduodenectomy on quality of life (QoL) is therefore of great importance. The aim of this systematic review was to assess QoL after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of all the English literature available in PubMed and Medline was performed. All studies assessing QoL with validated questionnaires in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were included.

RESULTS

After screening a total of 788 articles, the full texts of 36 articles were assessed, and 17 articles were included. QoL of physical and social functioning domains decreased in the first 3 months after surgery. Recovery of physical and social functioning towards baseline values took place after 3-6 months. Pain, fatigue and diarrhoea scores deteriorated postoperatively, but eventually resolved after 3-6 months.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatoduodenectomy for malignant disease negatively influences QoL in the physical and social domains at short term. It will eventually recover to baseline values after 3-6 months. This information is valuable for counselling and expectation management of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.

Multicenter outcomes of robotic reconstruction during the early learning curve for minimally-invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Perceived excess morbidity during the early learning curve of minimally-invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD) has limited widespread adoption. It was hypothesized that robot-assisted reconstruction (RA) after MIPD allows anastomotic outcomes equivalent to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

Intent to treat analysis of centrally audited data accrued during early adoption of RA-MIPD at five centers.

RESULTS

CUSUM analysis of operating times at each center identified 92 RA-MIPD during the early learning curve. Mean age was 65 ± 12 years with body mass index 25.8 ± 5.0. Surgical indications included malignant (60%) and premalignant (38%) lesions. Median operating time was 504 min (interquartile range 133) with 242 ml median estimated blood loss (IQR 398) and twelve (13%) conversions to open PD. Major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo III/IV) was 24% with 2 (2.2%) deaths and ten (10.9%) reoperations. Nine (9.9%) clinically significant pancreatic fistulae were observed (4 grade B; 5 grade C). Margin negative resection rate for malignancy was 90% (75% for PDA) with mean harvest of 16 ± 8 lymph nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

These multicenter data during the early learning curve for RA-MIPD do not demonstrate excess anastomotic morbidity compared to open. Further studies are required to determine whether surgeon proficiency and evolving technique improve anastomotic outcomes compared to open.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for the Elderly: Is It Reasonable? A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is safe and worthwhile for elderly patients remains unclear. This meta-analysis of outcomes after CRS plus HIPEC for the elderly aimed to generate a higher level of evidence and precise indications for these patients.

METHODS

A systematic literature search for studies reporting postoperative outcomes after CRS plus HIPEC for elderly patients was performed in the MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Knowledge Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science, and Google Scholar databases. The included studies evaluated the overall 30-day postoperative morbidity, 90-day postoperative mortality, grade 3 or higher postoperative morbidity, rates of anastomotic leaks, reoperation and readmission, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria were met by 13 retrospective studies involving 2544 patients. Considering only comparative studies, the 90-day postoperative mortality was significantly increased for elderly patients [odds ratio (OR), 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27-0.88; I ² = 79%]. The 30-day grade 3 or higher postoperative morbidity was increased in the patients 70 years of age or older (14.5%; 95% CI 8.1-24.4 vs. 32.3%; 95% CI 22.4-44.0%; p = 0.004; I ² = 85%). The overall 30-day postoperative morbidity, rates of anastomotic leaks, reoperation and readmission, and length of hospital stay were not affected by age.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of the elderly with CRS plus HIPEC was associated with increased severe postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, these conclusions should be weighted given the existence of major biases in the included studies. Age alone probably would not be a formal contraindication, but frailty should be taken into account. Further prospective studies are needed.

The outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients aged 80 or older: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing needed to consider pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for the treatment of pancreatic and periampullary malignancy in patients aged 80 and over, given the increasing aging population.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify selected studies that compared the outcomes of patients aged 80 years or over to those younger undergoing PD.

RESULTS

In total 18 studies were included for evaluation. Octogenarian or older populations had significantly higher 30-day post-operative mortality rate (OR: 2.22, 95% CI = 1.48-3.31, p < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (OR: 2.23, 95% CI = 1.36-3.10, p < 0.001). The overall post-operative complication rate was higher in the older group compared to the younger population (OR: 1.51, 95% CI = 1.25-1.83, p < 0.001). Elderly patients were more likely to develop pneumonia (OR: 1.72, 95% CI = 1.39-2.13, p < 0.001) and experience delayed gastric emptying (DGE) (OR: 1.77, 95% CI = 1.35-2.31, p < 0.001). The incidence of post-operative pancreatic fistula and bile leak were not significantly different between the groups. Rehabilitation and home nursing care services was also more frequently required by the older patient group at the time of hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

Patients aged 80 years and older have approximately double the risk of 30-day post-operative mortality and 50% increased rate of complications following PD. Careful patient selection is required when offering surgery in this age group.

Pancreatic resection in very elderly patients: A critical analysis of existing evidence

The aging of the population results in a rise of number of elderly patients (aged 80 years and older) with pancreatic or periampullary cancer, and more pancreatectomies could eventually be performed in such complex patients. However, early and long-term results after pancreatic resection in octogenarians are still controversial, and may trouble the surgeon when approaching this type of population. Evaluation of reported experiences shows that for almost all Authors, pancreatectomy can be performed safely in elderly population, although overall morbidity and mortality rates were 34.9% and 13.2% respectively, with a mean length of hospital stay of 18 d. These features appear higher in older patients compared to the younger counterpart. Less than 50% of patients underwent adjuvant therapy after operation. Long-term survival is reported not significantly different in aged 80 years and older patients, with a median overall survival time of 17.6 mo. The quality of life after pancreatic resection is only sporadically evaluated but, when considered, it highlights the need of health facility service after operation for these “frail” patients. Prospective studies on the quality of life of pancreatectomized octogenarians are welcome. Proper selection of patients, geriatric assessment with multidisciplinary approach, centralization of pancreatic surgery in high-volume centres and rehabilitation programs after surgery appear to be crucial points in order to improve surgical treatments of pancreatic tumors in very elderly patients.

Benefit of Postresection Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage III Colon Cancer in Octogenarians: Analysis of the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials demonstrate that postresection chemotherapy conveys survival benefit to patients with stage III colon cancer. It is unclear whether this benefit can be extrapolated to the elderly, who are underenrolled in clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine outcomes of selected octogenarians with stage III colon cancer with/without postresection adjuvant therapy.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study (2006-2011) using unadjusted Kaplan-Meier and adjusted Cox proportional hazards analyses of overall survival.

SETTING

The study was conducted with the National Cancer Database.

PATIENTS

We included patients 80 to 89 years of age who were undergoing curative-intent surgery for stage III colon cancer and excluded patients who received neoadjuvant therapy, died within 6 weeks of surgery, or had high comorbidity.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall survival was the main measure.

RESULTS

A total of 8141 octogenarians were included; 3483 (42.8%) received postresection chemotherapy, and 4658 (57.2%) underwent surgery alone. Patients receiving chemotherapy were younger (82.0 vs 84.0 years; p < 0.001), healthier (73.1% vs 70.4% with no comorbidities; p = 0.009), and more likely to have N2 disease (40.4% vs 32.8%; p < 0.001). Overall survival was improved in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (median = 61.7 vs 35.0 months; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of patients offered chemotherapy but refusing (n = 1315) demonstrated overall survival worse than those receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (median = 42.7 vs 61.7 months; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis adjusting for potential confounders showed therapy with surgery alone to be independently associated with increased mortality hazard (HR = 1.83; p < 0.001), and the mortality hazard remained elevated in patients who voluntarily refused adjuvant therapy (HR = 1.45; p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by its retrospective, nonrandomized design.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected octogenarians with stage III colon cancer, postresection adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with superior overall survival. However, less than half of the octogenarians with stage III colon cancer in the National Cancer Database received it. The remaining majority, who were all fit and survived ≥6 weeks postsurgery, could have derived benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. This represents a substantial opportunity for quality improvement in treating octogenarians with stage III colon cancer.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in the Elderly: A Case-Controlled, Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to identify factors associated with morbidity and mortality in patients older than 70 years who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC).

BACKGROUND

Major surgery is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. For PC, CRS and HIPEC is the only current potential curative therapy, but the risks inherent to this patient population have called its benefits into question.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a multi-center database from 1989 to 2015. All patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC for PC were selected and patients older than 70 years were matched 1:4 with a younger cohort according to cancer origin, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), and completeness of cytoreduction. Major morbidity and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 2328 patients, 188 patients older than aged 70 years were matched with 704 younger patients. Patients older than aged 70 years demonstrated a higher American Society of Anesthesiologist score (≥ASA III 10.8 vs. 6.6 %, p = 0.008). There was no difference in overall 90-day morbidity (≥70: 45.7 % vs. <70: 44.5 %; p = 0.171); however, patients older than 70 years had significantly more cardiovascular complications (13.8 vs. 9.2 %, p = 0.044). Differences between the older and younger cohorts failed to reach significance for 90-day mortality (5.4 and 2.7 %, respectively; p = 0.052), and failure-to-rescue (11.6 and 6.1 %, respectively; p = 0.078). In multivariate analysis, PCI > 7 (95 % CI 1.051-5.798, p = 0.038) and HIPEC duration (95 % CI 1.106-6.235, p = 0.028) were independent factors associated with morbidity in elderly patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CRS and HIPEC appear feasible for selected patients older than aged 70 years, albeit with a higher risk of medical complications associated with increased mortality.

Is Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy in Addition to Surgery Beneficial for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer in the Elderly? A National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) Study

INTRODUCTION

Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for Stages II and III rectal cancer recommend neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by curative intent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. It is unclear whether therapies in addition to surgery are truly beneficial in elderly patients. Our aim was to compare the survival of patients over 80 with Stages II and III rectal cancer undergoing curative intent surgery with or without additional therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB 2006-2011) was queried for patients over 80 with Stages II and III rectal cancer. The primary outcome was overall survival. Patients were stratified based upon therapy group. Univariate group comparisons were made. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The query yielded 3098 patients over 80 with Stage II (N = 1566) or Stage III (N = 1532) disease. Approximately, half of the patients received surgery only. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed improved survival for patients receiving neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy in addition to surgery, but there was no significant difference between those that received guideline concordant care (GCC), neoadjuvant chemoradiation only, or post-operative chemotherapy only. Cox proportional hazard modeling identified age >90 and margin positivity as independent risk factors for decreased overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of NCDB data for Stages II and III rectal cancer in patients over 80 shows a survival benefit of adjuvant and/or neoadjuvant therapy over surgery alone. There does not appear to be a difference in survival between patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation, post-resection adjuvant chemotherapy, or GCC.

Deviations from Expected Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer in Octogenarians: Analysis of Patient and Surgeon Factors

BACKGROUND

Morbidity and mortality of pancreatectomy has improved and chemotherapeutic options for pancreatic cancer (PC) are growing, yet there is reluctance to treat octogenarians. This study examined the reasons for failure to treat and analyzes outcomes in octogenarians with PC.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review 2005-2013. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, reason for lack of treatment, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and survival were analyzed. Expected treatment for early-stage patients (I/II) included surgery ± chemotherapy ± radiation. Expected treatment for advanced stage patients (III/IV) was chemotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 431 octogenarians were analyzed. Mean age was 84.0 ± 3.4, 59.6 % female, and 44.1 % received no treatment. Patients with operable tumors (I = 31 [7.2 %]/II = 214 [49.7 %]) had surgery 39.2 % of the time. Age was a predictor of not receiving surgery (odds ratio [OR] 0.78; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.70-0.86; p = 0.0001), whereas CCI was not. The most common reason for no surgery was contraindication despite similar CCI. Median overall survival for early-stage patients was better in the surgical group (15.8 vs. 5.5 months) than nonsurgical group (p < 0.0001). Advanced patients (III = 54 [12.5 %]/IV = 132 [30.6 %]) had similarly low treatment rates (n = 65 [34.9 %]). Survival for advanced disease was best for treated patients (6.9 vs. 1.8 months; p < 0.0001). CCI did not differ between those receiving chemotherapy and not, although age was significantly different (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant deviation from expected treatment for octogenarians with PC. While no correlation existed between CCI and treatment, age correlated with therapy for nearly all stages. Chronological age, not comorbidity, may drive recommendation for treatment in elderly patients.

To Operate or Not: Prediction of 3-Month Postoperative Mortality in Geriatric Cancer Patients

Context: Appropriate selection of aging patient who fit for cancer surgery is an art-of-state.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify predictive factors pertinent to 3-month postoperative mortality in geriatric cancer patients.

Methods: A total of 8,425 patients over 70 years old with solid cancer received radical surgery between 2007 and 2012 at four affiliated hospitals of the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were included. The clinical variables of patients who died within 3 months post-surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was performed by randomly selecting 50% of the patients (testing set) to identify specific groups of patients with the lowest and highest probability of 3-month postoperative mortality. The remaining 50% were used as validation set of the model.

Results: Patients' gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance (ECOG scale), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status, age, tumor staging, and mode of admission were independent variables that predicted 3-month postoperative mortality. The RPA model identified patients with an ECOG scale of 0-2, localized tumor stage, and a CCI of 0-2 as having the lowest probability of 3-month postoperative mortality (1.1% and 1.3% in the testing set and validation set, respectively). Conversely, an ECOG scale of 3-4 and a CCI >2 were associated with the highest probability of 3-month postoperative mortality (55.2% and 47.8% in the testing set and validation set, respectively).

Conclusion: We identified ECOG scale and CCI score were the two most influencing factors that determined 3-month postoperative mortality in geriatric cancer patients.

Hospital of diagnosis and likelihood of surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer

Background

Surgical resection for pancreatic cancer offers the only chance of cure. Assessment of the resectability of a pancreatic tumour is therefore of great importance. The aim of the study was to investigate whether centre of diagnosis influences the likelihood of surgery and whether this affects long-term survival.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with non-metastasized pancreatic cancer (M0) between 2005 and 2013 in the Netherlands were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Hospitals were classified as a pancreatic centre (at least 20 resections/year) or a non-pancreatic centre (fewer than 20 resections/year). The relationship between centre of diagnosis and likelihood of surgery was analysed by multivariable logistic regression. Influence of centre on overall survival was assessed by means of multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Results

Some 8141 patients were diagnosed with non-metastasized pancreatic cancer, of whom 3123 (38·4 per cent) underwent surgery. Of the 2712 patients diagnosed in one of 19 pancreatic centres, 52·4 per cent had exploratory laparotomy compared with 31·4 per cent of 5429 patients diagnosed in one of 74 non-pancreatic centres (P &lt; 0·001). A pancreatectomy was performed in 42·8 and 24·6 per cent of the patients respectively (P &lt; 0·001). Multivariable analysis revealed that patients diagnosed in a pancreatic centre had a higher chance of undergoing surgery (odds ratio 2·21, 95 per cent c.i. 1·98 to 2·47). Centre of diagnosis was not associated with improved long-term survival (hazard ratio 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·91 to 1·00).

Conclusion

Patients with non-metastasized pancreatic cancer had a greater likelihood of having surgical treatment when the diagnosis was established in a pancreatic centre.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy hospital resource utilization in octogenarians

BACKGROUND

Although pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is feasible in patients greater than or equal to 80 years, little is known about the potential strain on resource utilization.

METHODS

Outcomes and inpatient charges were compared across age cohorts (I: ≤70, II: 71 to 79, III: ≥80 years) in 99 patients who underwent PD (2005 to 2013) at our institution. The generalized linear modeling approach was used to estimate the impact of age.

RESULTS

Perioperative complications were equivalent among cohorts. Increasing age was associated with intensive care unit use, increased length of stay (LOS), and the likelihood of discharge to a skilled facility. After controlling for covariates, hospital charges were significantly higher in Cohort III (P = .006) and Cohort II (P = .035) when compared with Cohort I. However, hospital charges between Cohorts II and III were equivalent (P = .374). Complications (P = .005) and LOS (P < .001) were associated with higher hospital charges.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing age was associated with increased intensive care unit, LOS, and discharge to skilled facilities. However, octogenarians had equivalent PD charges and outcome measures when compared with septuagenarians and future studies should validate these findings in larger national studies.

Hospital-level resource use by the oldest-old for pancreaticoduodenectomy at high-volume hospitals

INTRODUCTION

Owing to limited data on hospital resources consumed in caring for the oldest-old, we examined the use of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD)-relevant hospital resources in patients of increasing age treated in high-volume hospitals participating in the University HealthSystem Consortium.

METHODS

Perioperative outcomes, resource use, and direct costs were compared across increasing age groups in 12,766 PDs (<70 years, n = 8,564; 70-79 years, n = 3,302; ≥80 years, n = 900) performed in 79 high-volume hospitals between 2010 and 2014. Linear regression models with and without covariate adjustments were used to assess the impact of older age.

RESULTS

The oldest-old experienced fewer readmissions and had equivalent intensive care unit use and mortality rates compared with both younger cohorts. However, those ≥80 years experienced more complications, blood transfusions, greater total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use, longer duration of stay, and higher direct hospital costs compared with those <70 years No differences were found between patients ≥80 years and those 70-79 years with respect to the administration of blood products, TPN, or the direct cost of PD.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest the ability to deliver quality pancreatic surgical care to an aging population without strong associations to increased resource utilization. As the number of octogenarians undergoing PD continues to grow, the impact of this technically complex procedure on other important cancer care metrics, including patient-reported outcomes and quality of life, requires further assessment.

Readmissions after major cancer surgery among older adults

BACKGROUND

Decreasing readmissions has become a focus of emerging efforts to improve the quality and affordability of health care. However, little is known about reasons for readmissions after major cancer surgery in the expanding elderly population (≥65 years) who are also at increased risk of adverse operative events. We sought to identify (1) the extent to which older age impacts readmissions and (2) factors predictive of 30- and 90-day readmissions after major cancer surgery among older adults.

METHODS

We identified 2,797 older adults who underwent 1 of 7 types of major thoracic or abdominopelvic cancer surgery within a large multihospital system from 2003 to 2012. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of 30- and 90-day readmission controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

Overall 30- and 90-day readmission rates were 16% and 24% with the majority of readmissions occurring within 15-days of discharge. Principal diagnoses of 30-day readmissions included gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and infections complications. The 30-day readmissions were associated with >2 comorbid conditions and ≥2 postoperative complications. Readmissions varied significantly according to cancer surgery type and across treating hospitals. Readmissions did not vary by increasing age. Factors associated with 90-day readmission were comparable to those observed at 30 days.

CONCLUSION

In this large, multihospital study of older adults, multiple morbidities, procedure type, greater number of complications, and the treating hospital predicted 30- and 90-day readmissions. These findings point toward the potential impact of hospital-level factors behind readmission. Our results also heighten the importance of assessing the influence of readmission on other important cancer care metrics, namely, patient-reported outcomes and the completion of adjuvant systemic therapies.

The Charlson age comorbidity index predicts early mortality after surgery for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Although operative resection represents the only hope for cure in pancreatic cancer, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, in some patients disease progression occurs very early postoperatively and no tangible benefit is seen from the operation. Identification of preoperative predictors of death within the first year of surgery could help in the counseling of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

We studied retrospectively patients who underwent resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 2002 to 2012. We calculated the age-adjusted Charlson Age Comorbidity Index (CACI) and used logistic regression models to determine predictors of mortality within 1 year of surgery. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were developed to determine hazard ratios on survival.

RESULTS

Surgery with curative intent was performed in 497 patients; 136 (27%) died within the first year. A CACI score of >4 was predictive of increased duration of stay (P < .001), postoperative complications (P = .042), and mortality within 1 year of pancreatic resection (P < .001). A CACI score of ≥ 6 increased 3-fold the odds of death within the first year.

CONCLUSION

CACI is useful to predict outcome after pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. Patients with a high CACI score have a <50% likelihood of being alive 1 year postoperatively. This information should be used when considering the appropriateness of pancreatic resection in patients with multiple comorbidities.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy via a reverse-''V'' approach with four ports: Initial experience and perioperative outcomes

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) using a reverse-“V” approach with four ports.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study of selected patients who underwent LPD at our center between April 2011 and April 2012. The following data were collected and reviewed: patient characteristics, tumor histology, surgical outcome, resection margins, morbidity, and mortality. All patients were thoroughly evaluated preoperatively by complete hematologic investigations, triple-phase helical computed tomography, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and biopsy of ampullary lesions (when present). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed for doubtful cases of lower common bile duct lesions.

RESULTS: There was no perioperative mortality. LPD was performed with tumor-free margins in all patients, including patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 6), ampullary carcinoma (n = 6), intra-ductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (n = 2), pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma (n = 2), pancreatic head adenocarcinoma (n = 3), and bile duct cancer (n = 2). The mean patient age was 65 years (range, 42-75 years). The median blood loss was 240 mL, and the mean operative time was 368 min.

CONCLUSION: LPD using a reverse-“V” approach can be performed safely and yields good results in elective patients. Our preliminary experience showed that LDP can be performed via a reverse-“V” approach. This approach can be used to treat localized malignant lesions irrespective of histopathology.

Factors influencing survival after pancreatoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma depend on patients' age

BACKGROUND

It is supposed that a prolonged lifetime will be associated with increased incidence of PDAC among the elderly. Some studies show a tendency toward decreased survival in the elderly patients following pancreatoduodenectomy for PDAC. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors, influencing survival following pancreatoduodenectomy for PDAC in different age groups.

METHODS

Data of 251 patients after pancreatoduodenectomy for PDAC between 1999 and 2012 were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to calculate survival and to compare differences between groups. The Cox proportional hazard model was applied to indentify independent prognosticators.

RESULTS

The overall median survival was 14.9 months. Postoperative morbidity was 25.5% with a 5.1% mortality rate. No significant differences in the overall morbidity (22.4 vs. 29.6%) or mortality (2.8 vs. 8.3%) rates were observed between different patients' age groups (<70 years and >70 years). Multivariate analysis revealed R1 resection (HR 1.76) and poor tumor differentiation (G3-G4) (HR 1.48) were independent negative factors for survival in patients <70 years. Lymph-node metastases (N1) - HR 4.89 and perineural invasion - HR 2.73 were independent prognosticators in the elderly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlighted different factors influencing long-term survival after pancreatoduodenectomy: R1 resection and poor tumor differentiation (G3-G4) were independent negative factors for survival in patients <70 years, while perineural invasion and lymph-node metastases result in worse survival among the elderly.

Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis in the elderly

Background. The combined treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a rigorous surgical treatment, most suitable for young and good performance status patients. We evaluated the outcomes of elderly patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis with careful perioperative care. Methods. All consecutive patients 70 years of age or older who were treated for peritoneal carcinomatosis over the past five years were included. Primary outcomes were perioperative morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes were disease-free survival and overall survival. Results. From a pool of 100 patients, with a diagnosis of PC who underwent CRS and HIPEC in our center, we have included 30 patients at an age of 70 years or older and the results were compared to the patients younger than 70 years. The total morbidity rate was 50% versus 41.5% in the group younger than 70 years (NSS). The mortality rate was 3.3% in the elderly group versus 1.43% in the younger group (NSS). Median overall survival was 30 months in the older group versus 38 months in the younger group. Conclusion. Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis may be safely performed with acceptable morbidity in selected elderly patients.

Comparison of iodine-125 seed implantation and pancreaticoduodenectomy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study compared the advantages and disadvantages of iodine-125 (125I) seed implantation and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Patients with diagnosed pancreatic cancer who were treated with 125125I seed implantation (30 patients) or PD (30 patients) in our hospital were evaluated for operative time, bleeding, liver function, time to first bowel movement and normal diet, survival, and medical costs.

RESULTS

Compared with patients who underwent PD, those given 125I seed implantation had significantly shorter operative time, less bleeding, higher albumin, shorter periods to bowel movement and normal diet, lower risk of complications, and lower medical costs (P < 0.001, each). The difference of bilirubin level, time to feeding, and median survival were not significant statistically between two treatment grouops.

CONCLUSION

For pancreatic cancer patients for whom PD is not appropriate or who refuse PD, 125I seed implantation is a good option.