One-Stage Total Laparoscopic Treatment for Colorectal Cancer With Synchronous Metastasis. Is It Safe and Feasible?

The vaginal route for minimally invasive surgery: a practical guide for general surgeons

INTRODUCTION

Vaginal approaches have become routine in the field of gynecologic surgery, whereas in general surgery vaginal wall transection is an infrequent practice typically reserved for extensive tumor resections. Approximately two decades ago, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) revolutionized conventional boundaries by accessing the peritoneal cavity transorally, transrectally, or transvaginally, enabling general surgery without visible scars. Although transvaginal approaches have been successfully used for various abdominal procedures by general surgeons, a gap remains in comprehensive training to fully exploit the potential of this route.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve relevant articles illustrating how general surgeons can adeptly manage vaginal approaches.

RESULTS

The article presents a practical framework for general surgeons to execute a complete vaginal approach, addressing the management of vaginal specimen extraction and vaginal cuff closure, even in the absence of an experienced gynecologist.

CONCLUSION

The evolution of abdominal surgery is moving towards less invasive techniques, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nuances and challenges associated with the vaginal route. This approach is linked to minimal oncological, sexual, and infective complications, and to the absence of pregnancy-related complications. Such knowledge becomes increasingly crucial, particularly with the renewed demand for transvaginal access in robot-assisted NOTES procedures.

Robotic versus open resection for colorectal liver metastases in a "referral centre Hub&Spoke learning program". A multicenter propensity score matching analysis of perioperative outcomes

Background

Surgical resection is still considered the optimal treatment for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). Although laparoscopic and robotic surgery demonstrated their reliability especially in referral centers, the comparison between perioperative outcomes of robotic liver resection (RLR) and open (OLR) liver resection are still debated when performed in referral centers for robotic surgery, not dedicated to HPB. Our study aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of perioperative outcomes after RLR and OLR for CRLM in an HUB&Spoke learning program (H&S) between a high volume center for liver surgery and high volume center for robotic surgery.

Methods

We analyzed prospective databases of Pineta Grande Hospital (Castel Volturno) and Robotic Surgical Units (Foligno-Spoleto and Arezzo) from 2011 to 2021. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed according to baseline characteristics of patients, solitary/multiple CRLM, anterolateral/posterosuperior location.

Results

383 patients accepted to be part of the study (268 ORL and 115 RLR). After PSM, 45 patients from each group were included. Conversion rate was 8.89 %. RLR group had a significantly lower blood loss (226 vs. 321 ml; p=0.0001), and fewer major complications (13.33 % vs. 17.78 %; p=0.7722). R0 resection was obtained in 100% of OLR (vs.95.55%, p =0.4944. Hospital stay was 8.8 days in RLR (vs. 15; p=0.0001).Conclusion: H&S represents a safe and effective program to train general surgeons also in Hepatobiliary surgery providing R0 resection rate, blood loss volume and morbidity rate superimposable to referral centers. Furthermore, H&S allow a reduction of health mobility with consequent money saving for patients and institutions.

Colorectal Cancer: Current Updates and Future Perspectives

Colorectal cancer is a frequent neoplasm in western countries, mainly due to dietary and behavioral factors. Its incidence is growing in developing countries for the westernization of foods and lifestyles. An increased incidence rate is observed in patients under 45 years of age. In recent years, the mortality for CRC is decreased, but this trend is slowing. The mortality rate is reducing in those countries where prevention and treatments have been implemented. The survival is increased to over 65%. This trend reflects earlier detection of CRC through routine clinical examinations and screening, more accurate staging through advances in imaging, improvements in surgical techniques, and advances in chemotherapy and radiation. The most important predictor of survival is the stage at diagnosis. The screening programs are able to reduce incidence and mortality rates of CRC. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of incidence, mortality, and survival rate for CRC.

Artificial Intelligence to Early Predict Liver Metastases in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Current Status and Future Prospectives

BACKGROUND

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analysis represents an evolving medical field. In the last few decades, several studies have reported the diagnostic efficiency of AI applied to Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to early detect liver metastases (LM), mainly from colorectal cancer. Despite the increase in information and the development of different procedures in several radiological fields, an accurate method of predicting LM has not yet been found. This review aims to compare the diagnostic efficiency of different AI methods in the literature according to accuracy, sensibility, precision, and recall to identify early LM.

METHODS

A narrative review of the literature was conducted on PubMed. A total of 336 studies were screened.

RESULTS

We selected 17 studies from 2012 to 2022. In total, 14,475 patients were included, and more than 95% were affected by colorectal cancer. The most frequently used imaging tool to early detect LM was found to be CT (58%), while MRI was used in three cases. Four different AI analyses were used: deep learning, radiomics, machine learning, and fuzzy systems in seven (41.18%), five (29.41%), four (23.53%), and one (5.88%) cases, respectively. Four studies achieved an accuracy of more than 90% after MRI and CT scan acquisition, while just two reported a recall rate ≥90% (one method using MRI and CT and one CT).

CONCLUSIONS

Routinely acquired radiological images could be used for AI-based analysis to early detect LM. Simultaneous use of radiomics and machine learning analysis applied to MRI or CT images should be an effective method considering the better results achieved in the clinical scenario.

Effects of chronic liver disease on the outcomes of simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: a propensity score matching study

Introduction

Given the rising prevalence of chronic liver disease (CLD), it is increasingly important to understand its impact on surgical outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of CLD on short-term outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases undergoing simultaneous surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases who underwent simultaneous resection between January 2013 and June 2022. Patients were divided into the CLD and non-CLD groups. Data regarding short-term surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 187 patients were included. After propensity score matching, there were 42 patients in each group, and the basic characteristics of the two groups were similar. Patients with CLD had a significantly greater incidence of postoperative complications (47.6% vs. 26.2%; P = 0.042). The operation times of the CLD and non-CLD groups were similar (297 vs. 307.5 min, P = 0.537), and the blood loss was comparable between the two groups (250 vs. 155 ml, P = 0.066). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in pneumonia (P > 0.999), urinary infection rate (P > 0.999), ileus rate (P = 0.474), wound infection rates (P > 0.999), abdominal infection rate (P = 0.533), anastomotic leakage rate (P > 0.999), digestive hemorrhage rate (P > 0.999), bile leakage rate (P > 0.999), hepatic hemorrhage rate (P > 0.999), reoperation rate (P > 0.999), intensive care rate (P > 0.999), or severe liver failure (P > 0.999). There were no deaths in the two groups. CLD significantly prolonged the length of hospital stay (P = 0.011).

Discussion

CLD is an important factor affecting postoperative complications in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases undergoing simultaneous surgery. Considering the large number of patients with CLD in China, more attention and medical care should be provided to patients with CLD who require simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases.

An elevated preoperative cholesterol-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts unfavourable outcomes in colorectal cancer liver metastasis patients receiving simultaneous resections: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

To explore the clinical prognostic utility of the preoperative cholesterol-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR) in outcomes for colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) patients receiving simultaneous resection of the primary lesion and liver metastases.

METHODS

A total of 444 CRLM patients receiving simultaneous resections were enrolled. The optimal cut-off value for CLR was determined using the highest Youden's index. Patients were divided into the CLR < 3.06 group and the CLR≥3.06 group. Propensity score matching analysis (PSM) and the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method were conducted to eliminate bias between the two groups. The outcomes included short-term outcomes and long-term outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to analyse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

In the short-term outcome analysis, after 1:1 PSM, 137 patients were distributed to the CLR < 3.06 group and CLR≥3.06 group. No significant difference was noted between the two groups (P > 0.1). Compared with patients with CLR < 3.06, patients with CLR≥3.06 had comparable operation times (320.0 [272.5-421.0] vs. 360.0 [292.5-434.5], P = 0.088), blood loss (200.0 [100.0-400.0] vs. 200.0 [150.0-450.0], P = 0.831), postoperative complication rates (50.4% vs. 46.7%, P = 0.546) and postoperative ICU rates (5.8% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.087). In the long-term outcome analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that compared with patients with CLR < 3.06, patients with CLR≥3.06 had worse PFS (P = 0.005, median: 10.2 months vs. 13.0 months) and OS (P = 0.002, median: 41.0 months vs. 70.9 months). IPTW-adjusted Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the CLR≥3.06 group had worse PFS (P = 0.027) and OS (P = 0.010) than the CLR < 3.06 group. In the IPTW-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, CLR≥3.06 was an independent factor for PFS (HR = 1.376, 95% CI 1.097-1.726, P = 0.006) and OS (HR = 1.723, 95% CI 1.218-2.439, P = 0.002). IPTW-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis including postoperative complications, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion and postoperative chemotherapy revealed that CLR≥3.06 was an independent factor for PFS (HR = 1.617, 95% CI 1.252-2.090, P < 0.001) and OS (HR = 1.823, 95% CI 1.258-2.643, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative CLR level predicts unfavourable outcomes in CRLM patients receiving simultaneous resection of the primary lesion and liver metastases and should be taken into consideration when developing treatment and monitoring strategies.

Hepatic Resection in Patients with Colo-Rectal Liver Metastases: Surgical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Single-Center Experience

Introduction: Surgical resection has a fundamental role in increasing the chance of survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases. The guidelines have been modified and expanded in time in order to increase the number of patients that can benefit from this treatment. The aim of this study is to analyze the main prognostic factors related to overall and disease-free survival of a series of consecutive patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing liver resection for CRLM between April 2018 and September 2021 was performed. Clinical data and laboratory parameters were evaluated using the log-rank test. OS and DFS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A retrospective study on 75 patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM was performed. The OS and DFS at 1 and 3 years were 84.3% and 63.8% for OS, 55.6% and 30.7% for DFS, respectively. From the analysis of the data, the most significant results indicate that: patients with a lower CEA value <25 ng/mL had an OS of 93.6% and 80.1% at 1 and 3 years, with an average of 36.7 months (CI 95% 33.1–40.3); moreover, patients with a value equal to or greater than 25 ng/mL had a 1-year survival equal to 57.4%, with an average of 13.8 months (CI 95% 9.4–18.2) (p < 0.001); adjuvant chemotherapy increases by 3 years the overall survival (OS: 68.6% vs. 49.7%) (p = 0.013); localization of the primary tumor affects OS, with a better prognosis for left colon metastases (OS at 42 months: 85.4% vs. 42.2%) (p value = 0.056); patients with stage T1 or T2 cancer have a better 3 years OS (92.9–100% vs. 49.7–56.3%) (p = 0.696), while the N0 stage results in both higher 3 years OS and DFS than the N + stages (OS: 87.5% vs. 68.5% vs. 24.5%); metachronous metastases have a higher 3 years OS than synchronous ones (80% vs. 47.4%) (p = 0.066); parenchymal sparing resections have a better 3 years DFS than anatomical ones (33.7% vs. 0%) (p = 0.067); a patient with a parenchymal R1 resection has a much worse prognosis than an R0 (3 years OS: 0% vs. 68.7%) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: CEA value of less than 25 ng/mL, localization of the primary tumor in the left colon, primary tumor in stage T1/2 and N0, metachronous presentation, R0 resection, fewer than four metastases, and use of adjuvant chemotherapy are all parameters that in our analysis have shown a correlation with a better prognosis; moreover, the evaluation of the series is in line with the latest evidence in the literature in defining the non-inferiority of minimally invasive and parenchymal sparing treatment compared to the classic laparotomic approach with anatomic resection.

Development and validation of a nomogram for survival prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma after partial hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

The prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is complex due to its high level of heterogeneity, even after radical resection. This study was designed to develop and validate a prognostic nomogram for predicting the postoperative prognosis for HCC patients following partial hepatectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We extracted data on HCC patients and randomly divided them into two groups (primary and validation cohorts), using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We developed the prediction model based on the data of the primary cohort and prognostic factors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed for predicting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival probability of HCC patients after surgery based on the results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated in terms of its discrimination and calibration. To validated the model, discrimination and calibration were also evaluated in the validation cohort. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess the clinical utility of the nomogram.

RESULTS

A total of 890 patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for HCC were included in the study. The primary cohort enrolled 628 patients with a median follow-up time of 39 months, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate were 95.4%, 52.7% and 25.8% during follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that differentiation, tumor size, AFP and fibrosis were independently association with the prognosis of HCC patients after partial hepatectomy. The nomogram showed a moderate discrimination ith a C-index of 0.705 (95% CI 0.669 to 0.742), and good calibration. Similar discrimination with a C-index of 0.681 (95% CI 0.625 to 0.737), and calibration were also observed in the validation cohort. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram could be useful to predicting the prognosis in HCC patients following partial hepatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed nomogram is highly predictive and has moderate calibration and discrimination, potentially contributing to the process of managing HCC patients after partial hepatectomy in an individualized way.

Surgical Resection of a Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Portal Vein Thrombosis: Is It a Good Treatment Option? A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most frequent diagnosed tumor worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer related death. According to the EASL Guidelines, HCC with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is classified as an advanced stage (BCLC stage C) and the only curative option is represented by systemic therapy. Therefore, treatment of HCC patients with PVTT remains controversial and debated. In this paper, we describe the case of a 66-year-old man with a recurrent HCC with PVTT who underwent surgical resection. A systematic review of the literature, comparing surgical resection with other choices of treatment in HCC patients with PVTT, is reported. Methods: A systematic review of the literature regarding all prospective and retrospective studies comparing the survival outcomes of HCC patients with PVTT treated with surgical resections (SRs) or other non-surgical treatments (n-SRs) has been conducted. Case presentation: A 66-year-old Caucasian man with a history of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) related liver cirrhosis and previous hepatocellular carcinoma of the VI segment treated with percutaneous ethanol infusion (PEI) seven years before presented to our clinics. A new nodular hypoechoic lesion in the VI hepatic segment was demonstrated on follow-up ultrasound examination. A hepatospecific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan confirmed also the presence of a 18 × 13 mm nodular lesion in the V hepatic segment with satellite micronodules associated with V–VIII sectoral portal branch thrombosis. The case was then discussed at the multidisciplinary team meeting, and it was decided to perform a right hepatectomy. The postoperative course was regular and uneventful, and the discharge occurred seven days after the surgery. At eight-month follow-up, there was no clinical nor radiological evidence of neoplastic recurrence, with well-preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A5). Results: Nine studies were included in the review. Median Overall Survaival (OS) ranged from 8.2 to 30 months for SRs patients and from 7 to 13.3 for n-SRs patients. In SR patients, one-year survival ranged from 22.7% to 100%, two-year survival from 9.8% to 100%, and three-year survival from 0% to 71%. In n-SRs patients, one-year survival ranged from 11.8% to 77.6%, two-year survival from 0% to 47.8%, and three-year survival from 0% to 20.9%. Conclusion: The present systematic literature review and the case presented demonstrated the efficacy of surgery as a first-line treatment in well-selected HCC patients with PVTT limited or more distal to the right and left portal branches. However, further studies, particularly randomized trials, need to be conducted in future to better define the surgical indications.

Laparoscopic Resection of Synchronous Liver Metastasis Involving the Left Hepatic Vein and the Common Trunk Bifurcation: A Strategy of Parenchyma-Sparing Resection with Left Sectionectomy and 4a Subsegmentectomy by Arantius Approach

When colorectal cancer presents with liver metastasis, hepatic resection remains the most important factor in prolonging survival, and new paradigms have been proposed to augment resectability. An adequate liver remnant and vascularisation are the only limits in complex liver resection, and parenchyma-sparing surgery is a strategy for minimising the complications, preserving liver function, and allowing patients to undergo further liver resection. The laparoscopic approach represents a new challenge, especially when lesions are located in the superior or posterior part of the liver. We discuss the case of an 81-year-old patient with a single synchronous liver metastasis involving the left hepatic vein and leaning into the middle hepatic vein at the common trunk, where we performed a simultaneous laparoscopic colonic resection with a left sectionectomy extended to segment 4a. The strategic approach to the Arantius ligament by joining the left and middle hepatic vein allowed us to avoid a major liver hepatectomy, preserve the liver parenchyma, reduce complications, enhance patient recovery, and perform the entire procedure by laparoscopy. Our example suggests that the Arantius approach to the left hepatic vein and the common trunk could be a feasible approach to consider in laparoscopic surgery for lesions located in their proximity.

The Prevalence and the Impact of Frailty in Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Frailty has been associated with increased mortality among hepatobiliary pancreatic (HBP) cancer patients. Nevertheless, estimates of frailty prevalence in HBP cancers and the precise average effect regarding mortality remains uncertain. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify: (1) the prevalence of frailty in patients with liver and pancreatic cancers and (2) the impact of frailty on mortality in patients affected by liver and pancreatic cancers. Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed database search was conducted from inception until 1 November 2021, the pooled prevalence and relative risk (RR) estimate were calculated. Results: A total of 34,276 patients were identified and the weighted prevalence of frailty was 39%; (95% [C.I.] 23–56; I2 = 99.9%, p < 0.0001). Frailty was significantly associated with increased mortality RR 1.98 (95% [C.I.] 1.49–2.63; I2 = 75.9%, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Frailty prevalence is common among HBP cancer patients and exerts a significant negative impact on survival. These findings are characterized by significant heterogeneity and caution is warranted on their interpretation. However, stratification of patients with HBP cancer by frailty status may provide prognostic information and may inform priorities for decision-making strategy.

Value of multi-slice spiral computerized tomography for diagnosis of synchronous colorectal carcinoma: a retrospective study

Objective

To compare the accuracy of multi-slice spiral computerized tomography (MSCT) with colonoscopy for diagnosing synchronous colorectal carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients admitted to our institution with colorectal carcinoma between 19 September 2014 and 31 January 2020. Data on SCC patients who had undergone MSCT and colonoscopy were analyzed. Information on tumor location, tumor size, missed diagnosis by MSCT or colonoscopy, T stage, pathological type, and reasons for missed diagnosis was recorded and used to assess the diagnostic accuracies of MSCT and colonoscopy.

Results

Twenty-three cases met the inclusion criteria. MSCT plus colonoscopy had a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (93.5%) than colonoscopy alone. There were significant differences in missed diagnosis rates of proximal cancer (34.8%) and distal cancer (4.3%) by colonoscopy. For MSCT, the missed diagnosis rate for tumors with a median long diameter of 1.25 cm (interquartile range 0.80, 1.50) was significantly lower than that for larger tumors (long diameter 4.00 cm; 3.00, 6.00).

Conclusions

MSCT is a valuable diagnostic tool for SCC that can effectively minimize the missed diagnosis rate of primary tumors when combined with colonoscopy.