Tumor cell dissemination during laparoscopy: prevention and therapeutic opportunities

A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis of Laparoscopic Surgery Versus Open Surgery for Gallbladder Cancer

Introduction

Laparoscopy in gallbladder cancer (GBC) has a possible role in staging, radical cure, and palliation in gallbladder cancer. However, a few studies have advocated the use of laparoscopic approach and concluded the safety of this approach. This present study was undertaken to determine the safety and feasibility between open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with the non-metastatic GBC.

Materials and Methods

A systematic database search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar for relevant articles. As a result, a list of such studies, clinical trials, published in English up to May 2021, was obtained,14 studies were included and statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan software 5.3 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre).

Results

The 5-year survival rate was reported in 13 out of 14 studies (1388 patients), and all compared laparoscopic and open approach. There was no significant heterogeneity in between the studies (chi-square, 10.66; df, 12; I2, 0%). There was significant higher overall survival in open group (389/850 vs 194/538 or 1.45, 95% CI (1.12-1.88), P value, 0.005). There was no significant difference in recurrence rate, operative time, blood loss, lymph node yield, and postoperative complication in between open and laparoscopic groups.

Conclusions

Our present study demonstrates that overall survival is significantly increased with open approach when compared with laparoscopic approach. There is no difference in recurrence rate, operative time, blood loss, lymph node yield, and postoperative complications between the open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy groups.

Percutaneous Gallbladder Biopsy: Indications, Technique and Complications

Gallbladder percutaneous tissue sampling is a not-so-common technique in cytohistological diagnosis of gallbladder tissue or masses, which can be useful in cases of surgically unresectable disease and unfeasible endoscopic assessment to address the most adequate chemotherapy course. Nonetheless, gallbladder percutaneous tissue sampling can be of great utility in the patient’s diagnostic and therapeutic work-up. This article summarizes the literature evidence on gallbladder biopsy techniques, complications, and technical precautions for a safe and effective sampling.

Axillary metastases after port site recurrences of gallbladder carcinoma: a case report

Background

Incidental gallbladder carcinoma is often discovered after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis or cholecystolithiasis. Port site recurrences may occur. Patients with port site metastases of gallbladder carcinoma have a poor prognosis.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old man underwent an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy because of cholecystitis and gallstones. Pathology revealed a gallbladder carcinoma. After referral to a tertiary center, radical re-resection followed.

Three years later, an epigastric port site recurrence emerged, partially fixed to the xiphoid process. A wide abdominal wall resection was performed, including part of the xiphoid process. Follow-up was continued with periodical imaging and standard blood work.

Three years after resection of this port site metastasis, the patient presented with an occasionally painful mass in the left axilla. Pathology revealed the presence of an adenocarcinoma, most likely arising from the prior gallbladder carcinoma.

Given the extensive dissemination and limited symptoms in the axillary node, we decided against a surgical intervention, instead of adopting a wait-and-see policy. Disease progression occurred within 1 year, and the patient was treated with palliative radiotherapy, followed by palliative chemotherapy.

The patient died of metastatic disease approximately 6.5 years after the initial cholecystectomy.

Conclusions

Port site recurrences of (incidental) gallbladder carcinoma occur after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, despite preventive perioperative measures. Patients with port site recurrences can develop axillary lymph node metastases, similar to other truncal malignancies. Surgical interventions should be limited.

Short-term and Medium-term Outcomes of Low Midline and Low Transverse Incisions in Laparoscopic Rectal Cancer Surgery

Purpose

Limited data exist on the use of low midline and transverse incisions for specimen extraction or stoma sites in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery (LRCS). We compared the short-term and medium-term outcomes of these incisions and assessed whether wound complications in specimen extraction sites (SES) are increased by specimen extraction through the stoma site (SESS) in LRCS.

Methods

From March 2010 to December 2017, 189 patients who underwent LRCS and specimen extraction through low abdominal incisions were divided into 2 groups: midline (n = 102) and transverse (n = 87), and perioperative outcomes were compared.

Results

The midline group showed a higher frequency of temporary stoma formation (P = 0.001) and splenic flexure mobilization (P < 0.001) than the transverse group. The overall incisional hernia and wound infection rates in the SES were 21.6% and 25.5%, respectively, in the midline group and 26.4% and 17.2%, respectively, in the transverse group (P = 0.494 and P = 0.232, respectively). In patients who underwent SESS, the incisional hernia and wound infection rates of SES after stoma closure were 39.1% and 43.5%, respectively, in the midline group, and 35.5% and 22.6%, respectively, in the transverse group (P = 0.840 and P = 0.035, respectively).

Conclusion

In terms of incisional hernia and wound infection at the SES, a low midline incision may be used as a low transverse incision in patients without temporary stoma in LRCS. However, considering the high wound complication rates after stoma closure in patients with SESS in this study, SESS should be performed with caution in LRCS.

Right lower transverse incision versus vertical transumbilical incision for laparoscopic specimen extraction in patients with left-sided colorectal cancer: a comparative study of two mini-laparotomy techniques

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of a right lower transverse incision with a vertical transumbilical incision for laparoscopic specimen extraction in patients with left-sided colorectal cancer.

Methods

One hundred eighty-three patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for rectosigmoid colon or upper rectal cancer were included. Propensity score matching was performed to reduce bias caused by differences between the right lower transverse incision (RLT group) and vertical transumbilical incision (VTU group).

Results

After matching, 57 patients in the RLT group and 57 patients in the VTU group were found to be equivalent regarding baseline clinicopathological characteristics. Median follow-up time was 31 months. The RLT group showed comparable results to those of the VTU group in terms of perioperative outcomes, postoperative course, and postoperative complications. However, the proportion of patients requiring an additional incision for diverting stoma was significantly lower in the RLT group (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

A right lower transverse incision appears to be as effective as a vertical transumbilical incision regarding short-term outcomes after laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colorectal cancer and may be a preferred extraction site because of its lowered risk of additional mini-laparotomy for diverting stoma.

Technical Aspects of Gallbladder Cancer Surgery

In this review, the authors present an updated description of gallbladder cancer in 2 sections based on presentation: disease that presents incidentally following laparoscopic cholecystectomy and malignancy that is suspected preoperatively. Elements pertaining to technical aspects of surgical resection provide the critical focus of this review and are discussed in the context of evidence-based literature on gallbladder cancer today.

Minimally invasive versus the conventional open surgical approach of a radical cholecystectomy for gallbladder cancer: a retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery has traditionally been contraindicated for the management of gall bladder cancer (GBC). This study was undertaken to determine the safety and feasibility of a laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy (LRC) for GBC and compare it with an open radical cholecystectomy (ORC).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of primary GBC patients (with limited liver infiltration) and incidental GBC (IGBC) patients (detected after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy) who underwent LRC between June 2011 and October 2013. Patients who fulfilled the study criteria and underwent ORC during the same period formed the control group.

RESULTS

During the study period, 147 patients with GBC underwent a radical cholecystectomy. Of these, 24 patients (primary GBC- 20, IGBC - 4) who underwent a LRC formed the study group (Group A). Of the remaining 123 patients who underwent ORC, 46 matched patients formed the control group (Group B). The median operating time was higher in Group A (270 versus 240 mins, P = 0.021) and the median blood loss (ml) was lower (200 versus 275 ml, P = 0.034). The post-operative morbidity and mortality were similar (P = 1.0). The pathological stage of the tumour in Group A was T1b (n = 1), T2 (n = 11) and T3 (n = 8), respectively. The median lymph node yield was 10 (4-31) and was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.642). During a median follow-up of 18 (6-34) months, 1 patient in Group A and 3 in Group B developed recurrence. No patient developed a recurrence at a port site.

CONCLUSION

LRC is safe and feasible in selected patients with GBC, and the results were comparable to ORC in this retrospective comparison.

Incidence of port-site metastasis after undergoing robotic surgery for biliary malignancies

AIM: To investigate the incidence of clinically detected port-site metastasis (PSM) in patients who underwent robotic surgery for biliary malignancies.

METHODS: Using a prospective database, the patients undergoing fully robotic surgery for biliary malignancies between January 2009 and January 2011 were included. Records of patients with confirmed malignancy were reviewed for clinicopathological data and information about PSM.

RESULTS: Sixty-four patients with biliary tract cancers underwent robotic surgery, and sixty patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 67 year (range: 40-85 year). During a median 15-mo follow-up period, two female patients were detected solitary PSM after robotic surgery. The incidence of PSM was 3.3%. Patient 1 underwent robotic anatomatic left hemihepatectomy and extraction of biliary tumor thrombi for an Klatskin tumor. She had a subcutaneous mass located at the right lateral abdominal wall near a trocar scar. Patient 2 underwent robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal biliary cancer. She had two metachronous subcutaneous mass situated at the right lateral abdominal wall under a same trocar scar at 7 and 26 mo. The pathology of the excised PSM masses confirmed metastatic biliary adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of PSMs after robotic surgery for biliary malignancies is relatively low, and biliary cancer can be an indication of robotic surgery.

Port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urological malignancy: forgotten or missed

Purpose. Port-site metastasis has been a concern with the common use of laparoscopy in urologic oncology. We conducted this study to provide a review of port-site metastases reported after the laparoscopy in managing urologic malignancies, possible contributing factors and preventative measures. Materials and Methods. An electronic search of MEDLINE using the combined MESH key words “port-site metastasis” and “Urology”. Results. 51 articles addressing port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urolo¬gical malignancy were identified. Conclusion. Port-site metastasis after laparoscopic surgery for urolo¬gical malignancy is rare. The incidence is comparable to the rate for surgical wound metastases.

Evolving treatment strategies for gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer is an uncommon cancer that has traditionally been associated with a poor prognosis. In the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, incidental gallbladder cancer has dramatically increased and now constitutes the major way patients present with gallbladder cancer. While patients with incidental gallbladder cancer have a better survival than patients with nonincidental gallbladder cancer, incidental gallbladder cancer can be associated with a varied prognosis. Imaging with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and [18]F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), as well as diagnostic laparoscopy, all have varying roles in the workup of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer. For patients with T1b, T2, and T3 incidental gallbladder cancer re-resection is generally recommended. At re-exploration, many patients with incidental gallbladder cancer will have residual disease. Definitive oncologic management requires re-resection of the liver, portal lymphadenectomy, and attention to the common bile duct. The extent of the hepatic resection should be dictated by the ability to achieve a microscopically negative (R0) margin. Routine resection of the common bile duct is unnecessary but should be undertaken in the setting of a positive cystic duct margin. If an incidental gallbladder cancer is discovered at the time of surgery, whether the surgeon should directly proceed with a more definitive oncologic operation should depend on the surgeon's skill-set and experience. Gallbladder cancer has a propensity to recur. Although data for adjuvant therapy following resection are limited, some data do suggest a survival benefit for adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Management of patients with gallbladder cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach with input from a surgeon skilled in hepatobiliary surgery.

Reducing peritoneal vascular endothelial growth factor concentration and inhibiting cancer scattering in a mouse model of laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of early intraperitoneal (i.p.) paclitaxel administration in reducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration in peritoneal fluid and preventing intraoperative cancer scattering during laparoscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Nude mice were given i.p. ovarian cancer SKOV-3 xenografts to simulate intraoperative cancer dissemination and were assigned into concurrent- (day 0) and salvage-giving (day 5) treatment groups and nontreatment and nonxenografted groups.

RESULTS

The xenografted nontreatment group showed markedly increased peritoneal VEGF concentrations, whereas the paclitaxel (no-tumor) control group showed significantly reduced concentrations. In mice with cancer xenografts, both concurrent- and salvage-giving treatment groups showed significantly decreased peritoneal VEGF concentrations (P < .05), and the concurrent-giving group had significantly fewer implanted cancer nodules (P < .05), whereas the salvage-giving group had decreased total tumor weights (P < .05) compared with nontreatment. Total tumor weights were found closely correlated to peritoneal VEGF concentrations in a positive exponential relationship (P = .003, R(2) = 0.581).

CONCLUSION

Early treatment with IP paclitaxel significantly decreased the VEGF concentration in peritoneal fluid, which was associated with reduced implantation and growth of disseminated cancer cells after laparoscopy. These encouraging results suggest a useful strategy for future clinical applications.

Surgical strategies in patients with gallbladder cancer: nihilism to optimism

INTRODUCTION

Gallbladder cancer is an aggressive disease with dismal results of surgical treatment and a poor prognosis. However, over the last few decades selected groups have reported improved results with aggressive surgery for gallbladder cancer.

METHODS

Review of recent world literature was done to provide an update on the current concepts of surgical treatment of this disease.

RESULTS

Long-term survival is possible in early stage gallbladder carcinoma. Tis and T1a gallbladder carcinoma can be treated with simple cholecystectomy only. However, in T1b and beyond cancers, aggressive surgery (extended cholecystectomy) is important in improving the long-term prognosis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy should not be performed where there is a high index of suspicion of malignancy due to the frequent association with factors (such as gallbladder perforation and bile spill) which may lead to implantation of cancer cells and dissemination. Surgical resection for advanced carcinoma gallbladder is recommended only if a potentially curative R0 resection is possible. Aggressive surgery with vascular and multivisceral resection has been shown to be feasible albeit with an increase in mortality and morbidity. However, the true benefit of these radical resections is yet to be realized, as the actual number of long-term survivors of advanced gallbladder carcinoma is few.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for gallbladder carcinoma, like other malignancies, has the potential to be curative only in local or regional disease. Pattern of loco-regional spread of disease dictates the surgical procedure. Radical surgery improves survival in early gallbladder carcinoma. The long-term benefit of aggressive surgery for advanced disease is unclear and may be offset by the high mortality and morbidity.

Laparoscopic small bowel resection of metastatic pulmonary carcinosarcoma

Carcinosarcoma of the lung is a rare malignancy consisting of both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Although metastatic disease is common, metastatic disease to the small intestine is rare and has been reported only once in the literature. An unusual case of pulmonary carcinosarcoma with metastasis to the small bowel is presented. At the time of laparoscopic exploration, a 4 x 4 cm mass was seen in the jejunum involving the adjacent mesentery. The affected small bowel and mesentery were resected laparoscopically and bowel continuity was restored through an entirely intracorporeal technique. Laparoscopic small bowel resection can be performed safely in the setting of malignant disease and imparts many of the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Influence of laparoscopy on postoperative recurrence and survival in patients with ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatic resection

Background

Use of laparoscopy in patients with gastrointestinal cancer has been associated with port-site and peritoneal tumour metastases. The effect of laparoscopy on tumour recurrence and long-term survival in patients undergoing resection of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown.

Methods

Between June 1994 and December 2001, 59 patients with ruptured HCC underwent surgical exploration with a view to hepatic resection. Laparoscopy with laparoscopic ultrasonography was performed in 33 patients; the other 26 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy without laparoscopy. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Exploratory laparotomy was avoided in 12 of 13 patients with irresectable HCC who had a laparoscopy. The hospital stay of these 12 patients was significantly shorter than that of eight patients found to have irresectable HCC at exploratory laparotomy (median 11 versus 15 days; P = 0·043). Twenty patients had a laparoscopy followed by open resection of HCC, whereas 18 patients underwent laparotomy and resection without laparoscopy. There were no significant differences in disease-free (16 versus 19 per cent; P = 0·525) and overall (32 versus 48 per cent; P = 0·176) survival at 3 years between the two groups. The tumour recurrence pattern was similar between the two groups, and there were no port-site or wound metastases.

Conclusion

Use of diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with ruptured HCC helps avoid unnecessary exploratory laparotomy. The present data suggest that laparoscopy does not have an adverse effect on tumour recurrence or survival in patients who undergo resection.

Patterns of initial disease recurrence after resection of gallbladder carcinoma and hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Current approaches to adjuvant treatment after resection of gallbladder carcinoma (GBCA) and hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) are based on an incomplete understanding of the recurrence patterns of these diseases. Through an in-depth analysis of the sites of initial recurrence after resection of GBCA and HCCA, the current study aimed to highlight differences in the biology of these tumors and to provide further insight for adjuvant therapeutic strategies.

METHODS

Patients with either GBCA or HCCA who underwent a potentially curative resection were identified prospectively from a maintained database. Specific sites of initial disease recurrence were identified retrospectively and categorized as locoregional (resection margin, porta hepatis, or retroperitoneal lymph nodes) or distant (peritoneal, extraabdominal, or discontiguous liver metastases). Differences in disease recurrence patterns, time to disease recurrence, and overall and site-specific survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Between May 1990 and August 2001, 177 patients underwent potentially curative resection, 97 for GBCA and 80 for HCCA. Disease recurrence and follow-up data were available for 156 patients (80 with GBCA and 76 with HCCA). The median time to disease recurrence was shorter for patients with GBCA compared with patients with HCCA (11.5 vs. 20.3 months; P = 0.007). Overall, 52 (68%) patients with HCCA and 53 (66%) patients with GBCA had disease recurrene at a median follow-up of 24 months. Of those who developed disease recurrence, isolated locoregional disease as the first site of failure occurred in 15% of patients with GBCA compared with 59% of patients with HCCA (P < 0.001). By contrast, an initial GBCA recurrence involving a distant site, with or without concomitant locoregional recurrence, occurred in 85% of patients compared with 41% of patients with HCCA (P < 0.001). This pattern of disease recurrence was diagnosis specific and did not change significantly when patients were stratified by several clinicopathologic factors, including disease stage and its component variables. Using multivariate analysis, diagnosis was an independent predictor of the site of disease recurrence. Among patients who experienced disease recurrence, survival was greater among the patients with HCCA compared with patients with GBCA (29 months vs. 20.6 months, respectively; P = 0.037). For both tumors, the site of initial disease recurrence had no apparent impact on survival time.

CONCLUSIONS

After resection, recurrent GBCA is much more likely than recurrent HCCA to involve a distant site. GBCA is also associated with a much shorter time to recurrence and a shorter survival period after recurrence. The results demonstrated significant differences in the clinical behavior of these tumors and suggested that an adjuvant therapeutic strategy targeting locoregional disease, such as radiotherapy, is unlikely to have a significant impact in the overall management of GBCA. Conversely, there is at least some rationale for such an approach in patients with HCCA based on the pattern of initial recurrence.