Inferior Infracolic 'Superior Mesenteric Artery First' Approach with a No-Touch Isolation Surgical Technique in Patients with a Borderline Resectable Cancer of the Pancreatic Head

Pancreatoduodenectomy with colon-last approach for advanced pancreatic head cancer

PURPOSE

Margin-negative surgery is very important in surgical oncology. Considering margin-negative pancreatectomy is known to be essential for cure of the pancreatic cancer, pancreatoduodenectomy with combined venous vascular or arterial resection can be a potential option for margin-negative resection, especially, in era of neoadjuvant treatment with potent systemic chemotherapy. To the contrary, special attention was not paid on combined colonic resection during PD. In this article, safe surgical technique for PD with combined colonic resection is introduced, under the name of PD with "colon-last" approach.

METHODS

At Severance Hospital (Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea), between 2014 and 2021, a total of six patients underwent PD with "colon-last" approach. The surgical technique and surgical outcome are reviewed.

RESULTS

All patients recovered without major complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ III) after surgery, and most of them recovered after conservative treatment with postoperative pancreatic fistula biochemical leak. None of the patients were readmitted. Only the first and second cases represent cancer-related mortality, and the other patients are still alive and are being followed up.

CONCLUSION

It is hoped that the present technique, PD with colon-last approach, could be helpful enhance the procedural safety in treating advanced cancer requiring PD with combined colon resection. However, its technical safety and oncologic role should be validated by many pancreatic surgeons' collaborative studies in the near future.

Pancreaticoduodenectomies with Concurrent Colectomies: Indications, Technical Issues, Complications, and Oncological Outcomes

Multi-visceral resections for colon and pancreatic cancer (PDAC) are feasible, safe, and justified for early and late outcomes. However, the use of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with concurrent colectomies is highly debatable in terms of morbidity and oncological benefits. Based on current literature data, this review assesses the early and long-term outcomes of PD with colectomies. The association represents a challenging but feasible option for a few patients with PDAC or locally advanced right colon cancer when negative resection margins are anticipated because long-term survival can be achieved. Concurrent colectomies during PD should be cautiously approached because they may significantly increase complication rates, including severe ones. Thus, patients should be fit enough to overcome potential severe complications. Patients with PD and colectomies can be classified as borderline resectable, considering the high risk of developing postoperative complications. Carefully selecting patients suitable for PD with concurrent colectomies is paramount to mitigate the potentially severe complications of the two surgical procedures and maximize the oncological benefits. These procedures should be performed at high-volume centers with extensive experience in pancreatectomies and colectomies, and each patient situation should be assessed using a multimodal approach, including high-quality imaging and neoadjuvant therapies, in a multidisciplinary team discussion.

Application of Retrocolic Approach with Uncinate Process Priority in Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex operative procedure, which remains the primary curative treatment for pancreatic, distal bile duct, and periampullary cancers. In recent years, with the continuous development of laparoscopic technology and equipment, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) has been performed gradually in many high-volume surgical centers. However, it is still challenging even for experienced pancreatic surgeons to perform LPD, at the same time, with the accumulation of surgical experience, different surgical approaches are also constantly discussed. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 323 patients who received LPD at a single institution. Among them, 200 patients received operations with retrocolic approach, 123 patients were treated with traditional approach. In this study, we analyzed perioperative data and compared survival time for patients with pancreatic cancers in two groups. Result: Compared with traditional approach, retrocolic approach with uncinate process priority has a shorter operative time (94.25 ± 6.46 minutes versus 116.43 ± .4.78 minutes, P = .009) and less intraoperative blood loss (80 mL versus 150 mL, P = .562). However, there is no statistical significance in the incidence of postoperative complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo [CD] III) (65 [32.5%] versus 45 [36.58%], P = .871), R0 resection rates (41 versus 38, P = .826), and the number of lymph nodes harvested (16.64 ± 5.93 versus 15.37 ± 4.65, P = .785) between two groups. Meanwhile, the median survival time of patients with pancreatic cancers in posterior approach group was longer than those in traditional approach group (30.34 months versus 28.54 months, P > .05); however, there was no statistical significance between them. Conclusion: Retrocolic approach with uncinate process priority is a feasible method for pancreatic cancer, which could reduce operating time and intraoperative bleeding, meanwhile, not increase the incidence of postoperative complications. Retrocolic approach with uncinate process priority can be generalized to larger group sizes.

An Orthotopic Resection Surgical Technique Using an Inferior Infracolic Approach for Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

The no-touch isolation technique has been widely used in cancer surgery as a strategy to prevent cancer cells from spreading; however, it is difficult to apply in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). Here, we describe an orthotopic resection surgical technique that applies a no-touch principle for LPD and can help with the in situ resection of tumors. In implementing this surgical strategy, Kocher's maneuver was not performed first. Instead, after the exploration of the abdominal cavity, the distal stomach and the pancreatic neck were transected. Then, the dissection of the uncinate process of the pancreas, the duodenum, and the superior mesenteric vein and artery is carried out via an inferior infracolic approach. Finally, the pancreatic head and duodenum were removed in situ. Among the 41 patients who underwent this technique, two (4.9%) required conversion to open surgery due to uncontrolled bleeding. The average operative time was 335 min (248-1055 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 300 mL (50-1250 mL). Two patients (4.9%) underwent combined PV resection and reconstruction; six patients (14.6%) required a blood transfusion; two patients (4.9%) suffered from postoperative bleeding; two patients (4.9%) suffered from Grade B pancreatic fistulas; one patient (2.4%) suffered from bile leakage; and three patients (7.3%) suffered from abdominal fluid collection. No patients died during the perioperative period. Therefore, orthotopic LPD using an inferior infracolic approach is safe and feasible for patients with malignant pancreatic head and periampullary tumors. However, further investigations are required to elucidate its oncological benefits.

The "No-touch" technique improves the survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinomas treated by liver transplantation: A single-center prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) is the best treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the surgical technique needs to be improved. The present study aimed to evaluate the "no-touch" technique in LT.

METHODS

From January 2018 to December 2019, we performed a prospective randomized controlled trial on HCC patients who underwent LT. The patients were randomized into two groups: a no-touch technique LT group (NT group, n = 38) and a conventional LT technique group (CT group, n = 46). Operative outcomes and survival in the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The perioperative parameters were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.732) or overall survival (OS) (P = 0.891). Of 36 patients who were beyond the Hangzhou criteria for LT, the DFS of the patients in the NT group was significantly longer than that in the CT group (median 402 vs. 126 days, P = 0.025). In 31 patients who had portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), DFS and OS in the NT group were significantly better than those in the CT group (median DFS 420 vs. 167 days, P = 0.022; 2-year OS rate 93.8% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.043). In 14 patients who had diffuse-type HCCs, DFS and OS were significantly better in the NT group than in the CT group (median DFS 141 vs. 56 days, P = 0.008; 2-year OS rate 75.0% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis showed that for patients with PVTT and diffuse-type HCCs, the no-touch technique was an independent favorable factor for OS (PVTT: HR = 0.018, 95% CI: 0.001-0.408, P = 0.012; diffuse-type HCCs: HR = 0.034, 95% CI: 0.002-0.634, P = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

The no-touch technique improved the survival of patients with advanced HCC compared with the conventional technique. The no-touch technique may provide a new and effective LT technique for advanced HCCs.

En bloc proximal peri-mesenteric clearance for pancreatic head cancer surgery

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) first approach and meso-pancreas excision (MPE) during pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic head cancer have been suggested for complete local tumor control, less operative blood loss, and early determination of resectability. However, SMA-first approach is merely a mode of approach and the concept of MPE has been challenged due to its anatomical obscurity. Dissection around proximal mesenteric vessels, superior mesenteric vein and SMA, is a critical procedure point for local tumor control as tumor infiltration is frequently observed both at the time of initial diagnosis and recurrence. The meso-pancreas, which encompasses the soft tissue between the uncinated process and SMA, does not include all the aforementioned points of proximal mesenteric areas. Therefore, the authors propose a new terminology named, “en bloc proximal peri-mesenteric clearance (PPMC)”, to describe the removal of all the lymph nodes including soft tissue around proximal mesenteric vessels, especially the SMA, to ensure complete local tumor control of pancreatic head cancer. The SMA-first approach applied either by the mesenteric approach or supra-colic approach can make this procedure more feasible. The extent of the circumferential dissection of the peri-SMA nerve plexus can be adjusted according to the primary disease. PPMC including the removal of all lymph nodes around the proximal SMA may be considered as a standard extent of PD for pancreatic head cancer.

Combination of anterior superior mesenteric vein-first and right posterior superior mesenteric artery-first approaches for uncinate process dissection in minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

Uncinate process dissection is a key step in minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD), including laparoscopic and robotic procedures, which increase the intraoperative blood loss and operative time and decrease the R0 resection rate if improperly handled. However, few studies have reported the operative skills in detail.

Methods

We performed uncinate process dissection using a combination of the anterior superior mesenteric vein (SMV)-first approach and the right posterior superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach in MIPD for 138 patients with periampullary tumors between March 2017 and October 2019. The demographic and perioperative data of all the patients were collected to evaluate the efficacy of this method.

Results

All patients underwent an uneventful operation. An assistant incision was performed to separate extensive adhesion between the tumor and the SMV in 3 patients. The combined approach had a notably shorter operation time and resection time, less intraoperative blood loss and a shorter postoperative hospital stay than the traditional approach (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in conversion rate, numbers of harvested lymph node or postoperative complications, including postoperative pancreatic fistula, bile leakage, delayed gastric emptying, postoperative bleeding and reoperation between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no deaths during the perioperative period.

Conclusions

The combination of the anterior SMV-first approach and the right posterior SMA-first approach is a safe and feasible technique for uncinate process dissection in MIPD.

Novel morphological classification of the normal pancreatic uncinate process based on computed tomography

Objectives

This study aimed to assess computed tomographic (CT) features of the normal pancreatic uncinate process (UP) and to classify UP types on the basis of morphological characteristics.

Methods

From November 2017 to December 2018, consecutive Han Chinese adults were enrolled in this retrospective study. Morphometric evaluation of the UP was performed using CT imaging, including assessment of the maximal transverse diameter of the UP (MTDUP) and pancreas head, and assessment of the relationship between the UP and superior mesenteric vessels.

Results

A total of 318 participants were studied. The mean MTDUP and maximal transverse diameter of the pancreas head were 15.89 ± 4.82 mm and 46.47 ± 7.18 mm, respectively. The mean MTDUP was 10.83 ± 2.59 mm for type I UP (21.70% of participants), 13.87 ± 2.35 mm for type II (13.21%), 17.08 ± 3.43 mm for type III (56.29%), and 23.74 ± 5.02 mm for type IV (8.81%). There was a significant difference among the UP types.

Conclusions

Four types of normal UP can be defined on the basis of morphological CT features. The length of the UP significantly increases from types I to IV, and type III accounts for > 50%.

An anatomical review of various superior mesenteric artery-first approaches during pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer

When pancreatic head cancer invades the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), attempts at curative resection are aborted. Preoperative imaging diagnostics to determine the surgical curability have yet to surpass the intraoperative information acquired via inspection, palpation, and trial dissection. Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a standard measure for treating periampullary cancers. In conventional PD, SMA invasion is usually identified by dissecting the retroportal lamina, which connects the uncinate process and SMA nerve plexus after dividing the neck of the pancreas. During PD for pancreatic head cancer, this retroperitoneal margin frequently vitiates surgical curability. SMA-first approaches during PD are methods where the SMA is dissected first by severing the posterior pancreatic capsule to assess the SMA involvement of pancreatic cancer early in the operation. The first report of such an approach prompted subsequent reports of various maneuvers that are now known collectively as "artery-first" approaches. We herein review those approaches by classifying them according to (1) the side of the mesocolon from where the SMA approach occurs (supracolic or infracolic) and (2) the direction of access (right or left and anterior or posterior). The steps of the reported PD procedures are numbered according to a timeline and summarized using anatomical division of the SMA.

Dorsal Pancreatic Artery—a Study of Its Detailed Anatomy for Safe Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Early division of the dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) or its branches to the uncinate process during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in addition to early division of the gastroduodenal artery and inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery should be performed to reduce blood loss by completely avoiding venous congestion. However, the significance of early division of DPA or its branches to the uncinate process has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy of DPA and its branches to the uncinate process using the currently available high-resolution dynamic computed tomography (CT) as the first step to investigate the significance of DPA in the artery-first approach during PD. Preoperative dynamic thin-slice CT data of 160 consecutive patients who underwent hepato–pancreato–biliary surgery were examined focusing on the anatomy of DPA and its branches to the uncinate process. DPA was recognized in 103 patients (64%); it originated from the celiac axis or its branches in 70 patients and from the superior mesenteric artery or its branches in 34 patients. The branches to the uncinate process were visualized in 82 patients (80% of those with DPA), with diameters of 0.5–1.5 mm in approximately 80% of the 82 patients irrespective of DPA origin. DPA branches to the uncinate process were recognized using high-resolution CT in approximately half of the patients.

Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways benefit patients with soft pancreatic texture following pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway with the standard perioperative care protocol concerning complications, postoperative length of stay and 1-year survival rate.

METHODS

Using a before-after cohort study design, data from patients with pancreatic head cancer, who consecutively underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, patients with soft pancreas in the enhanced recovery after surgery group had a lower incidence of delayed gastric emptying (36.7% vs 13.3%, P = 0.026) and respiratory complications (46.7% vs 20.0%, P = 0.028), and shorter postoperative length of stay (All: 10.9 ± 3.4 d vs13.5 ± 3.8 d, P = 0.002; Soft: 11.2 ± 3.8 d vs14.0 ± 4.5 d, P = 0.001). The 1-year survival rates were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The enhanced recovery after surgery pathways can significantly reduce the incidence of certain surgical complications and decrease the postoperative length of stay. It does not affect 1-year survival.

Clinical significance of defining borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

Since the introduction of the concept of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC), various definitions of this disease entity have been suggested. However, there are several obstacles in defining this disease category. The current diagnostic criteria of BRPC mainly focuses on its expanded 'technical resectability'; however, they are difficult to interpret because of their ambiguity using potential subjective or arbitrary terminology, In addition, limitations in current imaging technology and a lack of evidence in radiological-pathological-clinical correlation make it difficult to refine the criteria. On the other hand, neoadjuvant treatment is usually applied to increase the R0 resection rate of BRPC focusing on the 'oncological curability'. However, evidence is needed concerning the effect of neoadjuvant treatment by quality-controlled prospective randomized clinical trials based on a standardized radiologic and pathologic reporting system. In conclusion, there are two aspects in the current concept of BRPC, which are technical resectability and oncological curability. Although the recent evolution of surgical techniques is expanding the scope of technical resectability, it should not be overlooked that the disease entity must be defined based on the evidence of oncological curability.

Mesenteric approach during pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Mesenteric approach is an artery‐first approach during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). In the present study, we evaluated clinical and oncological benefits of this procedure for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreas head. Between 2000 and 2015, 237 consecutive PDAC patients underwent PD. Among them, 72 experienced the mesenteric approach (mesenteric group) and 165 the conventional approach (conventional group). A matched‐pairs group consisted of 116 patients (58 patients in each group) matched for age, gender, resectability status, and neoadjuvant therapy. Surgical and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups in unmatched‐ and matched‐pair analyses. Intraoperative blood loss was lower in the mesenteric group than in the conventional group in both resectable PDAC (R‐PDAC) and borderline resectable PDAC (BR‐PDAC) on unmatched‐ and matched‐pairs analyses (R‐PDAC, unmatched: 312.5 vs 510 mL, P=.008; matched: 312.5 vs 501.5 mL, P=.023; BR‐PDAC, unmatched: 507.5 vs 935 mL, P<.001; matched: 507.5 vs 920 mL, P=.003). Negative surgical margins (R0) and overall survival (OS) rates in the mesenteric group were better in R‐PDAC patients (R0 rates, unmatched: 100% vs 87.7%, P=.044; matched: 100% vs 86.7%, P=.045; OS, unmatched: P=.008, matched: P=.021), although there were no significant differences in BR‐PDAC patients. Mesenteric approach might reduce blood loss by early ligation of the vessels to the pancreatic head. Furthermore, it might increase R0 rate, leading to improvement of survival for R‐PDAC patients. However, R0 and survival rates could not be improved only by the mesenteric approach for BR‐PDAC patients. Therefore, effective multidisciplinary treatment is essential to improve survival in BR‐PDAC patients.