The Value of Textbook Outcome in Benchmarking Pancreatoduodenectomy for Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome (TO) is a composite variable that can define the quality of pancreatic surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate TO after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent PD for NF-PanNETs (2007-2016) in different centers were included in this retrospective study. TO was defined as the absence of severe postoperative complications and mortality, length of hospital stay ≤ 19 days, R0 resection, and at least 12 lymph nodes harvested.

RESULTS

Overall, 477 patients were included. The TO rate was 32%. Tumor size [odds ratio (OR) 1.696; p = 0.013], a minimally invasive approach (OR 12.896; p = 0.001), and surgical volume (OR 2.062; p = 0.023) were independent predictors of TO. The annual frequency of PDs increased over time as well as the overall rate of TO. At a median follow-up of 44 months, patients who achieved TO had similar disease-free (p = 0.487) and overall survival (p = 0.433) rates compared with patients who did not achieve TO. TO rate in patients with NF-PanNET > 2 cm was 35% versus 27% in patients with NF-PanNET ≤ 2 cm (p = 0.044). Considering only NF-PanNETs > 2 cm, patients with TO and those without TO had comparable 5-year overall survival rates (p = 0.766) CONCLUSIONS: TO is achieved in one-third of patients after PD for NF-PanNETs and is not associated with a benefit in terms of long-term survival.

Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage versus sigmoidectomy for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis: three-year follow-up of the randomised LOLA trial

Background

This study aimed to compare laparoscopic lavage and sigmoidectomy as treatment for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis during a 36 month follow-up of the LOLA trial.

Methods

Within the LOLA arm of the international, multicentre LADIES trial, patients with perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis were randomised between laparoscopic lavage and sigmoidectomy. Outcomes were collected up to 36 months. The primary outcome of the present study was cumulative morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included reoperations (including stoma reversals), stoma rates, and sigmoidectomy rates in the lavage group.

Results

Long-term follow-up was recorded in 77 of the 88 originally included patients, 39 were randomised to sigmoidectomy (51%) and 38 to laparoscopic lavage (49%). After 36 months, overall cumulative morbidity (sigmoidectomy 28/39 (72%) versus lavage 32/38 (84%), p = 0·272) and mortality (sigmoidectomy 7/39 (18%) versus lavage 6/38 (16%), p = 1·000) did not differ. The number of patients who underwent a reoperation was significantly lower for lavage compared to sigmoidectomy (sigmoidectomy 27/39 (69%) versus lavage 17/38 (45%), p = 0·039). After 36 months, patients alive with stoma in situ was lower in the lavage group (proportion calculated from the Kaplan–Meier life table, sigmoidectomy 17% vs lavage 11%, log-rank p = 0·0268). Eventually, 17 of 38 (45%) patients allocated to lavage underwent sigmoidectomy.

Conclusion

Long-term outcomes showed that laparoscopic lavage was associated with less patients who underwent reoperations and lower stoma rates in patients alive after 36 months compared to sigmoidectomy. No differences were found in terms of cumulative morbidity or mortality. Patient selection should be improved to reduce risk for short-term complications after which lavage could still be a valuable treatment option.

Graphical abstract

Portal vein resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. An international multicenter comparative study

BACKGROUND

The role of portal vein resection for pancreatic cancer is well established but not for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Evidence from studies providing information on long-term outcome after venous resection in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms patients is lacking.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study comparing pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection with standard pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the long-term survival in both groups. Progression-free survival and overall survival were calculated using the method of Kaplan and Meier, but a propensity score-matched cohort analysis was subsequently performed to remove selection bias and improve homogeneity. The secondary outcome was Clavien-Dindo ≥3.

RESULTS

Sixty-one (11%) patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection and 480 patients pancreaticoduodenectomy. Five (1%) perioperative deaths were recorded in the pancreaticoduodenectomy group, and postoperative clinically relevant morbidity rates were similar in the 2 groups (pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection 48% vs pancreaticoduodenectomy 33%). In the initial survival analysis, pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection was associated with worse 3-year progression-free survival (48% pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection vs 83% pancreaticoduodenectomy; P < .01) and 5-year overall survival (67% pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection vs 91% pancreaticoduodenectomy). After propensity score matching, no significant difference was found in both 3-year progression-free survival (49% pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection vs 59% pancreaticoduodenectomy; P = .14) and 5-year overall survival (71% pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection vs 69% pancreaticoduodenectomy; P = .98).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates no significant difference in perioperative risk with a similar overall survival between pancreaticoduodenectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy with vein resection. Tumor involvement of the superior mesenteric/portal vein axis should not preclude surgical resection in patients with locally advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Impact of nationwide enhanced implementation of best practices in pancreatic cancer care (PACAP-1): a multicenter stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial

Background

Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis. Best practices for the use of chemotherapy, enzyme replacement therapy, and biliary drainage have been identified but their implementation in daily clinical practice is often suboptimal. We hypothesized that a nationwide program to enhance implementation of these best practices in pancreatic cancer care would improve survival and quality of life.

Methods/design

PACAP-1 is a nationwide multicenter stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled superiority trial. In a per-center stepwise and randomized manner, best practices in pancreatic cancer care regarding the use of (neo)adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, and metal biliary stents are implemented in all 17 Dutch pancreatic centers and their regional referral networks during a 6-week initiation period. Per pancreatic center, one multidisciplinary team functions as reference for the other centers in the network. Key best practices were identified from the literature, 3 years of data from existing nationwide registries within the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Project (PACAP), and national expert meetings. The best practices follow the Dutch guideline on pancreatic cancer and the current state of the literature, and can be executed within daily clinical practice. The implementation process includes monitoring, return visits, and provider feedback in combination with education and reminders. Patient outcomes and compliance are monitored within the PACAP registries. Primary outcome is 1-year overall survival (for all disease stages). Secondary outcomes include quality of life, 3- and 5-year overall survival, and guideline compliance. An improvement of 10% in 1-year overall survival is considered clinically relevant. A 25-month study duration was chosen, which provides 80% statistical power for a mortality reduction of 10.0% in the 17 pancreatic cancer centers, with a required sample size of 2142 patients, corresponding to a 6.6% mortality reduction and 4769 patients nationwide.

Discussion

The PACAP-1 trial is designed to evaluate whether a nationwide program for enhanced implementation of best practices in pancreatic cancer care can improve 1-year overall survival and quality of life.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03513705. Trial opened for accrual on 22th May 2018.

Meta-analysis comparing upfront surgery with neoadjuvant treatment in patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

Background

Studies comparing upfront surgery with neoadjuvant treatment in pancreatic cancer may report only patients who underwent resection and so survival will be skewed. The aim of this study was to report survival by intention to treat in a comparison of upfront surgery versus neoadjuvant treatment in resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies reporting median overall survival by intention to treat in patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer treated with or without neoadjuvant treatment. Secondary outcomes included overall and R0 resection rate, pathological lymph node rate, reasons for unresectability and toxicity of neoadjuvant treatment.

Results

In total, 38 studies were included with 3484 patients, of whom 1738 (49·9 per cent) had neoadjuvant treatment. The weighted median overall survival by intention to treat was 18·8 months for neoadjuvant treatment and 14·8 months for upfront surgery; the difference was larger among patients whose tumours were resected (26·1 versus 15·0 months respectively). The overall resection rate was lower with neoadjuvant treatment than with upfront surgery (66·0 versus 81·3 per cent; P < 0·001), but the R0 rate was higher (86·8 (95 per cent c.i. 84·6 to 88·7) versus 66·9 (64·2 to 69·6) per cent; P < 0·001). Reported by intention to treat, the R0 rates were 58·0 and 54·9 per cent respectively (P = 0·088). The pathological lymph node rate was 43·8 per cent after neoadjuvant therapy and 64·8 per cent in the upfront surgery group (P < 0·001). Toxicity of at least grade III was reported in up to 64 per cent of the patients.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant treatment appears to improve overall survival by intention to treat, despite lower overall resection rates for resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42016049374.

Improved survival with neoadjuvant treatment

Nationwide comprehensive gastro-intestinal cancer cohorts: the 3P initiative

BACKGROUND

The increasing sub-classification of cancer patients due to more detailed molecular classification of tumors, and limitations of current trial designs, require innovative research designs. We present the design, governance and current standing of three comprehensive nationwide cohorts including pancreatic, esophageal/gastric, and colorectal cancer patients (NCT02070146). Multidisciplinary collection of clinical data, tumor tissue, blood samples, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures with a nationwide coverage, provides the infrastructure for future and novel trial designs and facilitates research to improve outcomes of gastrointestinal cancer patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients aged ≥18 years with pancreatic, esophageal/gastric or colorectal cancer are eligible. Patients provide informed consent for: (1) reuse of clinical data; (2) biobanking of primary tumor tissue; (3) collection of blood samples; (4) to be informed about relevant newly identified genomic aberrations; (5) collection of longitudinal PROs; and (6) to receive information on new interventional studies and possible participation in cohort multiple randomized controlled trials (cmRCT) in the future.

RESULTS

In 2015, clinical data of 21,758 newly diagnosed patients were collected in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Additional clinical data on the surgical procedures were registered in surgical audits for 13,845 patients. Within the first two years, tumor tissue and blood samples were obtained from 1507 patients; during this period, 1180 patients were included in the PRO registry. Response rate for PROs was 90%. The consent rate to receive information on new interventional studies and possible participation in cmRCTs in the future was >85%. The number of hospitals participating in the cohorts is steadily increasing.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive nationwide multidisciplinary gastrointestinal cancer cohort is feasible and surpasses the limitations of classical study designs. With this initiative, novel and innovative studies can be performed in an efficient, safe, and comprehensive setting.

Nationwide outcomes in patients undergoing surgical exploration without resection for pancreatic cancer

Background

Despite improvements in diagnostic imaging and staging, unresectable pancreatic cancer is still encountered during surgical exploration with curative intent. This nationwide study investigated outcomes in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer found during surgical exploration.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with primary pancreatic (adeno)carcinoma (2009–2013) in the Netherlands Cancer Registry were included. Predictors of unresectability, 30-day mortality and poor survival were evaluated using logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

There were 10 595 patients with pancreatic cancer during the study interval. The proportion of patients undergoing surgical exploration increased from 19·9 to 27·0 per cent (P &lt; 0·001). Among 2356 patients who underwent surgical exploration, the proportion of patients with tumour resection increased from 61·6 per cent in 2009 to 71·3 per cent in 2013 (P &lt; 0·001), whereas the contribution of M1 disease (18·5 per cent overall) remained stable. Patients who had exploration only had an increased 30-day mortality rate compared with those who underwent tumour resection (7·8 versus 3·8 per cent; P &lt; 0·001). In the non-resected group, among those with M0 (383 patients) and M1 (435) disease at surgical exploration, the 30-day mortality rate was 4·7 and 10·6 per cent (P = 0·002), median survival was 7·2 and 4·4 months (P &lt; 0·001), and 1-year survival rates were 28·0 and 12·9 per cent, respectively. Among other factors, low hospital volume (0–20 resections per year) was an independent predictor for not undergoing tumour resection, but also for 30-day mortality and poor survival among patients without tumour resection.

Conclusion

Exploration and resection rates increased, but one-third of patients who had surgical exploration for pancreatic cancer did not undergo resection. Non-resectional surgery doubled the 30-day mortality rate compared with that in patients undergoing tumour resection.

Metal or plastic stents for preoperative biliary drainage in resectable pancreatic cancer

INTRODUCTION

In pancreatic cancer, preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) increases complications compared with surgery without PBD, demonstrated by a recent randomised controlled trial (RCT). This outcome might be related to the plastic endoprosthesis used. Metal stents may reduce the PBD-related complications risk.

METHODS

A prospective multicentre cohort study was performed including patients with obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic cancer, scheduled to undergo PBD before surgery. This cohort was added to the earlier RCT (ISRCTN31939699). The RCT protocol was adhered to, except PBD was performed with a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS). This FCSEMS cohort was compared with the RCT's plastic stent cohort. PBD-related complications were the primary outcome. Three-group comparison of overall complications including early surgery patients was performed.

RESULTS

53 patients underwent PBD with FCSEMS compared with 102 patients treated with plastic stents. Patients' characteristics did not differ. PBD-related complication rates were 24% in the FCSEMS group vs 46% in the plastic stent group (relative risk of plastic stent use 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.2, p=0.011). Stent-related complications (occlusion and exchange) were 6% vs 31%. Surgical complications did not differ, 40% vs 47%. Overall complication rates for the FCSEMS, plastic stent and early surgery groups were 51% vs 74% vs 39%.

CONCLUSIONS

For PBD in pancreatic cancer, FCSEMS yield a better outcome compared with plastic stents. Although early surgery without PBD remains the treatment of choice, FCSEMS should be preferred over plastic stents whenever PBD is indicated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Dutch Trial Registry (NTR3142).

Hepatic vascular inflow occlusion is associated with reduced disease free survival following resection of colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Hepatic vascular inflow occlusion (VIO) can be applied during resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) to control intra-operative blood loss, but has been linked to accelerated growth of micrometastases in experimental models. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hepatic VIO on disease-free and overall survival (DFS and OS) in patients following resection for CRLM.

METHODS

All patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM between January 2006 and September 2015 at our center were analyzed. Hepatic VIO was performed if deemed indicated by the operating surgeon and severe ischemia was defined as ≥20 min continuous or ≥45 min cumulative intermittent VIO. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for DFS and OS.

RESULTS

A total of 208 patients underwent liver resection for CRLM. VIO was performed in 64 procedures (31%), and fulfilled the definition of severe ischemia in 40 patients. Patients with severe ischemia had inferior DFS (5-year DFS 32% vs. 11%, P < 0.01), and inferior OS (5-year OS 37% vs. 64%, P < 0.01). At multivariate analysis, a high clinical risk score (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.60 (1.08-2.36)) and severe ischemia (HR 1.89 (1.21-2.97)) were independent predictors of worse DFS. Severe ischemia was not an independent predictor of OS.

CONCLUSION

The present cohort study suggests that prolonged hepatic VIO during liver resection for CRLM was associated with reduced DFS. A patient-tailored approach seems advisable although larger studies should confirm these findings.

Survival after resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma-development and external validation of a prognostic nomogram

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to derive and validate a prognostic nomogram to predict disease-specific survival (DSS) after a curative intent resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A nomogram was developed from 173 patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, USA. The nomogram was externally validated in 133 patients treated at the Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Prognostic accuracy was assessed with concordance estimates and calibration, and compared with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. The nomogram will be available as web-based calculator at mskcc.org/nomograms.

RESULTS

For all 306 patients, the median overall survival (OS) was 40 months and the median DSS 41 months. Median follow-up for patients alive at last follow-up was 48 months. Lymph node involvement, resection margin status, and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors in the derivation cohort (MSKCC). A nomogram with these prognostic factors had a concordance index of 0.73 compared with 0.66 for the AJCC staging system. In the validation cohort (AMC), the concordance index was 0.72, compared with 0.60 for the AJCC staging system. Calibration was good in the derivation cohort; in the validation cohort patients had a better median DSS than predicted by the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed nomogram to predict DSS after curative intent resection of PHC had a better prognostic accuracy than the AJCC staging system. Calibration was suboptimal because DSS differed between the two institutions. The nomogram can inform patients and physicians, guide shared decision making for adjuvant therapy, and stratify patients in future randomized, controlled trials.

Gastric emptying and quality of life after pancreatoduodenectomy with retrocolic or antecolic gastroenteric anastomosis

Background

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a major problem after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). A recent multicentre randomized trial reported no difference in gastric emptying rates between retrocolic and antecolic reconstruction routes. The present study looked at quality of life with these two approaches and the correlation with gastric emptying.

Methods

This was a substudy of patients completing a panel of quality-of-life questionnaires within a randomized trial comparing retrocolic and antecolic gastroenteric reconstruction after PD. Gastric emptying was assessed by scintigraphy 1 week after surgery. Quality of life was measured with the EuroQoL – 5D questionnaire (EQ-5D™), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) with its pancreatic cancer module (PAN26), and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI).

Results

There were 38 patients in the retrocolic and 35 in the antecolic group. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were similar in the two groups. Median time to half-emptying of stomach content after surgery was 145 and 64 min in the retrocolic and antecolic group respectively (P = 0·189). Median percentages of residual activity after 2 h were 64 and 28 per cent respectively (P = 0·213). Quality of life did not differ at any time point between the groups. At 2 weeks after surgery, patients with DGE had significantly worse outcomes on two EQ-5D™ domains, ten QLQ-C30/PAN26 subscales, and two GIQLI subscales and total score. Effect sizes were moderate to large.

Conclusion

The route of gastroenteric reconstruction after PD does not influence either gastric emptying at scintigraphy or quality of life. The impact of DGE on quality of life is clinically significant. Registration number NTR1697 (www.trialregister.nl).

Impact of lymph node ratio on survival in patients with pancreatic and periampullary cancer

Background

According to some studies, the number of lymph nodes with metastases in relation to the total number of removed lymph nodes, the lymph node ratio (LNR), is one of the most powerful predictors of survival after resection in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, contradictory results have been reported, and small sample sizes of the cohorts and different definitions of a microscopic positive resection margin (R1) hamper the interpretation of data.

Methods

The predictive value of LNR for 3-year survival was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model. From 1992 to 2012, all patients with pancreatic and periampullary cancer operated on with pancreatoduodenectomy were selected from a database. Clinicopathological characteristics were analysed. Microscopic positive resection margin was defined as the microscopic presence of tumour cells within 1 mm of the margins. A nomogram was created.

Results

Some 760 patients were included. Predictive factors for death in 350 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma included in the nomogram were: R1 resection (hazard ratio (HR) 1·55, 95 per cent c.i. 1·07 to 2·25), poor tumour differentiation (HR 2·78, 1·40 to 5·52), LNR above 0·18 (HR 1·75, 1·13 to 2·70) and no adjuvant therapy (HR 1·54, 1·01 to 2·34). The C statistic was 0·658 (0·632 to 0·698), and calibration was good (Hosmer–Lemeshow χ2 = 5·67, P =0·773). LNR and poor tumour differentiation (HR 4·51 and 3·30 respectively) were also predictive in patients with distal common bile duct (CBD) cancer. LNR, R1 resection and jaundice were predictors of death in patients with ampullary cancer (HR 7·82, 2·68 and 1·93 respectively).

Conclusion

LNR is a common predictor of poor survival in pancreatic, distal CBD and ampullary cancer.

Systematic review of innovative ablative therapies for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is associated with a very poor prognosis. Current palliative (radio)chemotherapy provides only a marginal survival benefit of 2-3 months. Several innovative local ablative therapies have been explored as new treatment options. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the clinical outcomes of these ablative therapies.

METHODS

A systematic search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify clinical studies, published before 1 June 2014, involving ablative therapies in LAPC. Outcomes of interest were safety, survival, quality of life and pain.

RESULTS

After screening 1037 articles, 38 clinical studies involving 1164 patients with LAPC, treated with ablative therapies, were included. These studies concerned radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (7 studies), irreversible electroporation (IRE) (4), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) (16), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) (5), iodine-125 (2), iodine-125-cryosurgery (2), photodynamic therapy (1) and microwave ablation (1). All strategies appeared to be feasible and safe. Outcomes for postoperative, procedure-related morbidity and mortality were reported only for RFA (4-22 and 0-11 per cent respectively), IRE (9-15 and 0-4 per cent) and SBRT (0-25 and 0 per cent). Median survival of up to 25·6, 20·2, 24·0 and 12·6 months was reported for RFA, IRE, SBRT and HIFU respectively. Pain relief was demonstrated for RFA, IRE, SBRT and HIFU. Quality-of-life outcomes were reported only for SBRT, and showed promising results.

CONCLUSION

Ablative therapies in patients with LAPC appear to be feasible and safe.

Non-radical resection versus bypass procedure for pancreatic cancer - a consecutive series and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Most survival studies comparing non-radical resections to bypass surgery in patients with pancreatic cancer often do not differentiate between an R1 and R2 resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether non-radical R1 and R2 resections have better postoperative outcomes and survival compared to a palliative bypass.

METHODS

A single center cohort study was performed analyzing mortality, morbidity and 1-year survival after R1 (tumor cells within 1 mm from the circumferential margin), R2 and bypass surgery in patients with pancreatic cancer. For the systematic review, studies were identified comparing R1 or R2 resections with bypass, in patients with pancreatic cancer. Postoperative outcomes were compared including the cohort study.

RESULTS

The cohort study (n=405) showed higher morbidity rates after R1 (n=191) and R2 (n=11) resections compared to bypass (52% and 73% vs. 34%, p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality did not differ (overall 1.7%). 1-year survival rates were 71%, 46% and 32% after R1, R2 resection and bypass (p=0.6 between R2 and bypass). The systematic review identified 8 studies, after including the cohort study 1535 patients were analyzed. Increased morbidity after R1-R2 resection (48%) compared to bypass (30-34%) was found. Median survival was 14-18 months after R1 resection vs. 9-13 months after bypass and 8.5-11.5 months after R2 resection vs. 7.5-10.7 months after bypass.

CONCLUSION

An R2 resection should be avoided in patients with pancreatic cancer due to its poor prognosis. Survival benefit after an R1 resection, as compared to bypass surgery, justifies a resection despite the increased morbidity rate.

Pancreatoduodenectomy associated complications influence cancer recurrence and time interval to death

BACKGROUND

Resection is the only life-prolonging option for pancreatic or periampullary cancer. Cell-mediated immunity might reduce progression of metastasis or local recurrence likelihood, but surgery associated morbidity can suppress this immunity. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of complications on cancer specific survival after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic and periampullary cancer.

METHOD

517 consecutive patients who underwent PD for pancreatic or periampullary adenocarcinoma were analysed.

RESULTS

After median follow-up of 24 (14-44) months, 377 (73%) patients had died from progressive disease, 140 (27%) were alive. Median survival for pancreatic adenocarcinoma was 22 (18-25) months following an uncomplicated postoperative course versus 16 (13-19) months for patients with major surgical complications (p = 0.021). Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that microscopically residual disease (R1), complications, and adjuvant therapy were independent factors for recurrence. Within the R1 group, survival for patients with complications was even more limited, 9.7 (8.3-11.0) versus 18.7 (15.0-22.5) for those without (p < 0.001). For patients with R1 resection complications was the only independent predictor for a shorter time interval to death (hazard ratio 1.96; 95% CI 1.16-3.30). Complications did not influence survival of patients with periampullary adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Complications after resection are independently related to an impaired survival following PD for pancreatic, but not periampullary cancer. The effect is even more dramatic in patients who had an R1 resection. Although the relation is not causal per se, the findings support the hypothesis of a complication-induced, compromised immunity rendering patients more susceptible for recurrent disease.

Partial liver resection because of bile duct injury

AIM

To analyze the outcome of partial liver resection (PHx) after bile duct injury (BDI) in patients after multimodality treatment.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 2012, 800 BDI patients were referred to our tertiary center. Patient characteristics and long-term outcomes were described.

RESULTS

PHx was performed in 11 patients (1.4%), mean age 48.3 years (range 29.3-83.5 years), mainly because of complex injury [Amsterdam classification type D (n = 10, 91%), Strasberg type E (n = 7, 64%) and Bismuth type IV (n = 8, 73%)]. In 7 patients (64%), concomitant vasculobiliary injury had occurred in the right hepatic artery (n = 3), proper hepatic artery (n = 1), portal vein (PV; n = 2) and the right hepatic artery and PV simultaneously (n = 1). Early PHx was performed in 2 patients and delayed resection in 9 patients after a median of 57.8 months (range 3.9-183.4 months). The in-hospital mortality was 18% (n = 2) and long-term mortality 9% (n = 1). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between early and late resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Indications for PHx after BDI in patients referred to a tertiary center are relatively low (1.4%) and generally apply to vasculobiliary injury. The implications for treatment are important, so it is worthwhile to classify vascular injuries in the management of BDI.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagectomy does not increase morbidity in patients over 70

Esophagectomy in elderly esophageal carcinoma patients is correlated with a high morbidity and even mortality. Studies on neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NT) in elderly patients are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of advanced age in combination with NT in esophageal carcinoma patients who underwent an esophagectomy. Patients who underwent NT prior to esophagectomy between 1993 and 2010 were divided into three groups: <70, 70-74, and ≥75 years. Toxicity of NT and postoperative morbidity were compared between groups. Primary endpoints were toxicity, complication rate, and survival. Two hundred thirteen patients underwent NT during the study period, 26 were aged 70-74 years, and 17 were ≥70 years. Toxicity of NT was comparable for younger and elderly patients (46% vs. 54% vs. 47%, P = 0.263). Overall complications occurred in 62% of younger patients versus 73% and 71% among patients aged 70-74 years and ≥75 years, respectively (P = 0.836). Cardiac complications occurred in 14% of younger patients versus 27% and 41% of elderly patients (P = 0.021). Three-year survival rates were 59% versus 44% versus 31% among patients aged <70, 70-74, and ≥75 years, respectively (P = 0.237). Higher age (odds ratio 1.750, P < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for development of cardiac complications. Toxicity of NT and postoperative complications are comparable for patients aged <70, 70-74, and ≥75 years, with the exception of cardiac complications. Therefore, we consider NT followed by esophagectomy in elderly patients a safe treatment modality in our center.

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy for esophageal or junctional cancer

BACKGROUND

The role of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of patients with esophageal or esophagogastric-junction cancer is not well established. We compared chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery with surgery alone in this patient population.

METHODS

We randomly assigned patients with resectable tumors to receive surgery alone or weekly administration of carboplatin (doses titrated to achieve an area under the curve of 2 mg per milliliter per minute) and paclitaxel (50 mg per square meter of body-surface area) for 5 weeks and concurrent radiotherapy (41.4 Gy in 23 fractions, 5 days per week), followed by surgery.

RESULTS

From March 2004 through December 2008, we enrolled 368 patients, 366 of whom were included in the analysis: 275 (75%) had adenocarcinoma, 84 (23%) had squamous-cell carcinoma, and 7 (2%) had large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma. Of the 366 patients, 178 were randomly assigned to chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery, and 188 to surgery alone. The most common major hematologic toxic effects in the chemoradiotherapy-surgery group were leukopenia (6%) and neutropenia (2%); the most common major nonhematologic toxic effects were anorexia (5%) and fatigue (3%). Complete resection with no tumor within 1 mm of the resection margins (R0) was achieved in 92% of patients in the chemoradiotherapy-surgery group versus 69% in the surgery group (P<0.001). A pathological complete response was achieved in 47 of 161 patients (29%) who underwent resection after chemoradiotherapy. Postoperative complications were similar in the two treatment groups, and in-hospital mortality was 4% in both. Median overall survival was 49.4 months in the chemoradiotherapy-surgery group versus 24.0 months in the surgery group. Overall survival was significantly better in the chemoradiotherapy-surgery group (hazard ratio, 0.657; 95% confidence interval, 0.495 to 0.871; P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy improved survival among patients with potentially curable esophageal or esophagogastric-junction cancer. The regimen was associated with acceptable adverse-event rates. (Funded by the Dutch Cancer Foundation [KWF Kankerbestrijding]; Netherlands Trial Register number, NTR487.).

Survival analysis and prognostic nomogram for patients undergoing resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tumor location of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) might influence survival after resection.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 175 patients who had undergone a potentially curative resection of extrahepatic CCA was analyzed. We calculated concordance indices of different constructed prognostic models for survival including TNM (tumour-node-metastasis) staging and developed a nomogram of the most sensitive model.

RESULTS

Overall cancer-specific survival rates were 83%, 58%, and 26% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Cancer-specific survival according to location was 42% for proximal, 23% for mid, and 19% for distal CCA after 5 years. Tumor location was not an independent significant predictor (P = 0.06). A prognostic model using all potential prognostic variables predicted survival better compared with TNM staging (concordance index 0.65 versus 0.63). A reduced model containing only lymph node status, microscopically residual tumor status, and tumor differentiation grade, also outperformed TNM staging (concordance index 0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor location of extrahepatic CCA does not independently predict cancer-specific survival after resection. We developed a nomogram, based on a prognostic model with lymph node status, microscopically residual tumor status of resection margins, and tumor differentiation grade, that predicted survival better than TNM staging.

Impact of nationwide centralization of pancreaticoduodenectomy on hospital mortality

BACKGROUND

The impact of nationwide centralization of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) on mortality is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse changes in hospital volumes and in-hospital mortality after PD in the Netherlands between 2004 and 2009.

METHODS

Nationwide data on International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision (ICD-9) code 5-526 (PD, including Whipple), patient age, sex and mortality were retrieved from the independent nationwide KiwaPrismant registry. Based on established cut-off points of annually performed PDs, hospitals were categorized as very low (fewer than 5), low (5-10), medium (11-19) or high (at least 20) volume. A subgroup analysis based on a cut-off age of 70 years was also performed.

RESULTS

Some 2155 PDs were included. The number of hospitals performing PD decreased from 48 in 2004 to 30 in 2009 (P = 0·011). In these specific years, the proportion of patients undergoing PD in a medium- or high-volume centre increased from 52·9 to 91·2 per cent (P < 0·001). Nationwide mortality rates after PD decreased from 9·8 to 5·1 per cent (P = 0·044). The mortality rate during the 6-year period was 14·7, 9·8, 6·3 and 3·3 per cent in very low-, low-, medium- and high-volume hospitals respectively (P < 0·001). The difference in mortality between medium- and high-volume centres was statistically significant (P = 0·004). The volume-outcome relationship was not influenced by age (P = 0·467). The mortality rate after PD in patients aged at least 70 years was 10·4 per cent compared with 4·4 per cent in younger patients (P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

With nationwide centralization of PD, the in-hospital mortality rate after this procedure decreased. Further centralization of PD is likely to decrease mortality further, especially in the elderly.

A high body mass index in esophageal cancer patients does not influence postoperative outcome or long-term survival

Background

The body mass index (BMI) in the general population has increased over the past decades. A high BMI is a known risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Several studies on the influence of a high BMI on the postoperative course and survival after esophagectomy have shown contradictory results. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of a high BMI on postoperative complications and survival among a large cohort of esophageal cancer patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent an esophagectomy between 1993 and 2010 were divided into three groups according to their BMI: normal weight (<25 kg/m²), overweight (25–30 kg/m²) or obese (≥30 kg/m²). Severity of complications was scored according to the Dindo classification, which was divided into three categories: no complications, minor to moderate complications, and severe complications. Long-term survival was determined according to the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

A total of 736 esophagectomy patients were divided into three groups: normal weight (n = 352), overweight (n = 308), and obese (n = 72). Complications rates were similar for all groups (65–72%, P = 0.241). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was higher among obese patients compared to the other groups (20% vs. 10–12% respectively, P = 0.019), but there was no significant difference between the three groups regarding the severity of complications according to the Dindo classification (P = 0.660) or in 5-year survival rates (P = 0.517).

Conclusions

A high BMI is not associated with an increased incidence or severity of complications after esophagectomy; however, anastomotic leakage occurred more frequently in obese patients. Five-year survival rates were not influenced by the preoperative BMI. A high BMI is therefore ought not be an exclusion criterion for esophagectomy.

Evaluation of a selective management strategy of patients with primary cystic neoplasms of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that a selective group of patients with primary cystic neoplasms of the pancreas can be managed conservatively by radiological follow-up. The aim of this study was to analyze if such a strategy is efficient and safe.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analyses was performed of patients who underwent resection between January 1992 and January 2006 for primary cystic neoplasms of the pancreas in an era of aggressive management (i.e. all patients underwent resection) in order to analyze if the selective algorithm as proposed by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is efficient and safe.

RESULTS

One hundred patients underwent a resection for pancreatic cysts. Thirty-five percent of the patients with symptomatic cysts had a (pre)malignant lesion compared with 15% of the patients with an incidental cysts. In hospital mortality occurred in 1% of the patients and a postoperative complications in 39%. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center nomogram was able to correctly identify all patients with a benign incidental cyst.

CONCLUSION

A selective management strategy can be implemented and algorithm proposed by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center nomogram is safe and efficient.

Multidisciplinary management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor): extended resection is associated with improved survival

BACKGROUND

Effective diagnosis and treatment of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is based on the synergy of endoscopists, interventional radiologists, radiotherapists and surgeons. This report summarizes the multidisciplinary experience in management of HCCA over a period of two decades at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, with emphasis on surgical outcome.

METHODS

From 1988 until 2003, 117 consecutive patients underwent resection on the suspicion of HCCA. Preoperative work-up included staging laparoscopy, preoperative biliary drainage, assessment of volume/function of future remnant liver and radiation therapy to prevent seeding metastases. More aggressive surgical approach combining hilar resection with extended liver resection was applied as of 1998. Outcomes of resection including actuarial 5-year survival were assessed.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (15.3%) appeared to have a benign lesion on microscopical examination of the specimen, leaving 99 patients with histologically proven HCCA. These 99 patients were analysed according to three 5-year time periods of resection, i.e. period 1 (1988-1993, n=45), 2 (1993-1998, n=25) and 3 (1998-2003, n=29). The rate of R0 resections increased and actuarial five-year survival significantly improved from 20±5% for the periods 1 and 2, to 33±9% in period 3 (p<0.05). Postoperative morbidity and mortality in the last period were 68% and 10%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Extended surgical resection resulted in increased rate of R0 resections and significantly improved survival. Candidates for resection should be considered by a specialized, multidisciplinary team.

Intrathoracic manifestations of cervical anastomotic leaks after transhiatal and transthoracic oesophagectomy

BACKGROUND

A possible advantage of cervical oesophagogastrostomy over intrathoracic anastomosis after oesophagectomy is the presumed mild clinical course of cervical anastomotic leakage. The incidence and consequences of intrathoracic manifestations after cervical anastomotic leakage remain unclear, and were investigated in this study.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing potentially curative transhiatal oesophagectomy (THO) or transthoracic oesophagectomy (TTO) with cervical oesophagogastrostomy between 1993 and 2007 were included. Intrathoracic manifestations after cervical anastomotic leakage were compared following THO and TTO. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for intrathoracic manifestations.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine (15.8 per cent) of 501 patients developed anastomotic leakage after THO compared with 50 (15.3 per cent) of 327 after TTO (P = 0.853). Intrathoracic manifestations developed in 21 (27 per cent) and 22 (44 per cent) patients respectively (P = 0.041). A transthoracic approach was the only independent predictor of the development of intrathoracic manifestations in patients with cervical leakage (odds ratio 2.60; P = 0.022). Total hospital stay (P < 0.001), intensive care unit stay (P < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (P = 0.035) were greater in patients with intrathoracic manifestations than in those without.

CONCLUSION

Intrathoracic manifestations of cervical anastomotic leakage are associated with a prolonged hospital stay, carry a higher mortality and occur more frequently after TTO than THO.

Mucinous cystadenomas in liver: management and origin

BACKGROUND

Mucinous cystadenomas of the liver are rare cystic neoplasms. The aim of this study was to assess management of a consecutive series of patients who underwent laparotomy for a suspected cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. Secondly, the origin of ovarian stroma (OS) in mucinous liver cystadenomas was examined during early embryonic development.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with mucinous liver cystadenomas or cystadenocarcinoma between 1994 and 2009 were included. Pathology specimens of patients who had undergone resection were reviewed for OS. Furthermore, in human embryos, morphology of the peritoneal epithelium and the position of the gonads in relation to the embryonic liver, pancreas and spleen were examined.

RESULTS

15 surgically treated patients (13 female, 2 male) with hepatic tumors were eventually diagnosed with mucinous liver cystadenomas (12) or cystadenocarcinomas (3). OS was present in all female patients with mucinous cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. The 2 male patients were rediagnosed as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) or cystadenocarcinoma with features of IPMN. In human embryos, preceding their 'descent', the gonads are situated directly under the diaphragm, dorsal to the liver, the tail of the pancreas and the spleen, but separated from these organs by the peritoneal cavity. In contrast to the peritoneal epithelium elsewhere, the cells covering the gonads show an activated morphology.

CONCLUSION

For the diagnosis of mucinous liver cystadenoma, the presence of OS is prerequisite. This may be explained by the common origin of cystadenoma and OS in epithelial cells that cover the embryonic gonads in early fetal life.

Acute Pancreatitis in the Postoperative Course after Esophagectomy: A Major Complication Described in 4 Patients

Background

Postoperative pancreatitis is a rare but devastating complication after esophageal surgery. It has been described in connection with abdominal surgery but the etiology in connection with esophageal surgery has never been evaluated. The present study describes 4 cases of postoperative pancreatitis, and a hypothesis about the etiology is formed.

Methods

We performed a search for patients with postoperative pancreatitis after esophagectomy using our prospective database including all patients that underwent esophageal resection at our institution between 1993 and 2008. Pancreatitis was described as abdominal pain, hyperamylasemia, signs of pancreatitis on CT scan or findings during laparotomy or autopsy.

Results

A total of 950 patients underwent esophagectomy at our institution, 4 patients developed postoperative pancreatitis (incidence 0.4%). Two out of four patients died. Discussion: Pancreatitis following esophageal surgery is a serious, potentially lethal complication. Diagnosis can be difficult as clear clinical or laboratory findings might be lacking. Peroperative manipulation of the pancreas, mobilization of the duodenum or compromized vascularization have been suggested as etiological factors; although in the described patients, none of these factors were identified as the cause of pancreatitis. In conclusion, pancreatitis following esophageal surgery is a serious but rare complication that should always be considered in patients who deteriorate postoperatively.

Evaluation of POSSUM for patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy

Background

Comparison of operative morbidity rates after pancreatoduodenectomy between units may be misleading because it does not take into account the physiological variable of the condition of the patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM) for pancreatoduodenectomy patients and to look for risk factors associated with morbidity in a high-volume center.

Methods

Between January 1993 and April 2006, 652 patients underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy, 502 of them for malignant disease. POSSUM performance was evaluated by assessing the “goodness-of-fit” with the linear analysis method.

Results

Overall, 332 of the 652 patients (50.9%) had one or more complication after pancreatoduodenectomy, and 9 patients (1.4%) died. POSSUM had a significant lack of fit using goodness-of-fit analysis. In multivariate analysis, one statistically significant factor associated with morbidity and not incorporated in POSSUM (P < 0.05) was identified: ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.07–2.80).

Conclusions

Overall, there is a lack of calibration of POSSUM among patients who undergo pancreatoduodenectomy.

Systematic review of pancreatic surgery for metastatic renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

This study examined the clinical outcome of patients with pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

A systematic literature search produced individual data for 311 surgically and 73 non-surgically treated patients with pancreatic RCC metastases. A further ten patients underwent resection at the authors' institution.

RESULTS

In the resected group, pancreatic metastases were solitary in 65.3 per cent, symptomatic in 57.4 per cent, and were preceded and/or accompanied by extrapancreatic disease in 22.3 per cent. Respective values in the unresected group were 59, 60 and 58 per cent. Disease-free survival rates were 76.0 and 57.0 per cent respectively at 2 and 5 years after resection, and overall survival rates were 80.6 and 72.6 per cent. The only significant risk factor for disease-free survival after pancreatic resection was extrapancreatic disease (P = 0.001), and that for overall survival was symptomatic RCC metastasis (P = 0.031). Two- and 5-year overall survival rates were 41 and 14 per cent respectively in unresected patients.

CONCLUSION

The actuarial 5-year overall survival rate following pancreatic surgery for RCC metastases was 72.6 per cent, as determined by pooled analysis from published series. Extrapancreatic disease was an independent risk factor for recurrence, but had no significant impact on overall survival.

Preoperative biliary drainage in patients with obstructive jaundice: history and current status

RATIONALE

Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) has been introduced to improve outcome after surgery in patients suffering from obstructive jaundice due to a potentially resectable proximal or distal bile duct/pancreatic head lesion. In experimental models, PBD is almost exclusively associated with beneficial results: improved liver function and nutritional status; reduction of systemic endotoxemia; cytokine release; and, as a result, an improved immune response. Mortality was significantly reduced in these animal models. Human studies show conflicting results.

FINDINGS

For distal obstruction, currently the "best-evidence" available clearly shows that routine PBD does not yield the appreciated improvement in postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing resection. Moreover, PBD harbors its own complications. However, most of the available data are outdated or suffer from methodological deficits.

CONCLUSION

The highest level of evidence for PBD to be performed in proximal obstruction, as well as over the preferred mode, is lacking but, nevertheless, assimilated in the treatment algorithm for many centers. Logistics and waiting lists, although sometimes inevitable, could be factors that might influence the decision to opt for PBD, as well as an extended diagnostic workup with laparoscopy (on indication) or scheduled preoperative chemotherapy.

Validation of a nomogram for predicting survival after resection for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

Background

Nomograms are statistical tools providing the overall probability of a specific outcome; they have shown better individual discrimination than the tumour node metastasis staging system in several cancers. The pancreatic nomogram, originally developed in the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in the USA, combines clinicopathological and operative data to predict disease-specific survival at 1, 2 and 3 years from initial resection.

Methods

An external patient cohort from a retrospective pancreatic adenocarcinoma database at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam was used to test the validity of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma nomogram. The cohort included 263 consecutive patients who had surgery between January 1985 and December 2004.

Results

Data for all the necessary variables were available for 256 patients (97·3 per cent). At the last follow-up, 35 patients were alive, with a median follow-up of 27 (range 3–114) months. The 1-, 2- and 3-year disease-specific survival rates were 60·8, 30·4 and 16·0 per cent respectively. The nomogram concordance index was 0·61. The calibration analysis of the model showed that the predicted survival did not significantly deviate from the actual survival.

Conclusion

The MSKCC pancreatic cancer nomogram provided an accurate survival prediction. It may aid in counselling patients and in stratification of patients for clinical trials.

POSSUM predicts survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer and to analyze whether POSSUM can predict the long-term outcome in these patients. Such a scoring system could be useful to aid in the decision between surgical and endoscopic palliation.

METHODS

Between January 1993 and December 2004, 241 patients were found to have unresectable pancreatic cancer during exploratory laparotomy and underwent a double bypass procedure consisting of a gastrojejunostomy and a hepaticojejunostomy.

RESULTS

Overall, 64 of 240 patients (27%) had one or more complications after bypass surgery and 4 patients (2%) died. POSSUM predicted morbidity in 114 patients (47%). The observed:predicted (O:P) ratio for morbidity was 0.56 and the model had a significant lack of fit (p < 0.001) using a goodness-of-fit analysis. The overall median survival was 7 months. The POSSUM scoring system was, however, an independent predictor of survival in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, POSSUM overpredicted morbidity but was an independent predictor of survival.

Pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy versus standard pancreatoduodenectomy for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and polyps in the duodenum

BACKGROUND

Pancreas-preserving total duodenectomy (PPTD) was introduced as a replacement for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This study analysed the results of PPTD in the Netherlands and reviewed the relevant literature.

METHODS

All 26 patients who underwent PPTD for FAP in four centres in the Netherlands between January 2000 and January 2007 were compared with a group of 77 patients who had PD for ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma at one centre during the same interval.

RESULTS

Morbidity rates were similar after PPTD for FAP (16 patients, 62 per cent) and PD for ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma (44 patients, 57 per cent) (P = 0.694). One patient (4 per cent) died after PPTD and two (3 per cent) after PD. A review of the literature, including patients from the present study, found that 71 patients had PPTD, with postoperative morbidity in 36 (51 per cent) and one death (1 per cent). In publications containing a total of 94 patients who underwent PD for FAP, 43 (46 per cent) developed complications and three (3 per cent) died.

CONCLUSION

PPTD has similar short-term results to PD in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery versus surgery alone for patients with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (CROSS)

Background

A surgical resection is currently the preferred treatment for esophageal cancer if the tumor is considered to be resectable without evidence of distant metastases (cT1-3 N0-1 M0). A high percentage of irradical resections is reported in studies using neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery versus surgery alone and in trials in which patients are treated with surgery alone. Improvement of locoregional control by using neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy might therefore improve the prognosis in these patients. We previously reported that after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with weekly administrations of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel combined with concurrent radiotherapy nearly always a complete R0-resection could be performed. The concept that this neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy regimen improves overall survival has, however, to be proven in a randomized phase III trial.

Methods/design

The CROSS trial is a multicenter, randomized phase III, clinical trial. The study compares neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery with surgery alone in patients with potentially curable esophageal cancer, with inclusion of 175 patients per arm.

The objectives of the CROSS trial are to compare median survival rates and quality of life (before, during and after treatment), pathological responses, progression free survival, the number of R0 resections, treatment toxicity and costs between patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery with surgery alone for surgically resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Over a 5 week period concurrent chemoradiotherapy will be applied on an outpatient basis. Paclitaxel (50 mg/m2) and Carboplatin (Area-Under-Curve = 2) are administered by i.v. infusion on days 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. External beam radiation with a total dose of 41.4 Gy is given in 23 fractions of 1.8 Gy, 5 fractions a week. After completion of the protocol, patients will be followed up every 3 months for the first year, every 6 months for the second year, and then at the end of each year until 5 years after treatment. Quality of life questionnaires will be filled out during the first year of follow-up.

Discussion

This study will contribute to the evidence on any benefits of neoadjuvant treatment in esophageal cancer patients using a promising chemoradiotherapy regimen.

Trial registration

ISRCTN80832026

Surgery for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: predictors of survival

The incidence of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is increasing worldwide and is often in an advanced stage at diagnosis and difficult to treat. The TNM (tumor node metastasis) cancer staging system predicts survival on the basis of tumor histopathology and the presence of distant metastases. However, numerous prognostic factors have been described that are not included in the TNM system. This review focuses on the prognostic significance of clinical, surgical, and histopathological factors as reported in the literature. Overall, the most important independent prognostic factors for long-term survival are negative surgical margins, lymph node status, and differentiation grade of the tumor. Further improvement of staging systems and identification of prognostic factors are crucial if we are to better select patients for surgical and adjuvant therapy and, hence, increase the rate of curative resections.

Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis in patients resected for presumed malignant bile duct strictures

Background

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis has been described in the context of autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking distal cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of this entity in benign bile duct strictures in patients resected for presumed hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Of 185 patients who had undergone resection of proximal bile ducts on suspicion of hilar cholangiocarcinoma between January 1984 and June 2005, 32 (17·3 per cent) had a benign bile duct stricture on histopathological examination. After re-evaluation, further immunohistochemical analysis was performed on specimens from patients with features of autoimmune-like disease.

Results

The periductal stroma in 15 patients showed features of autoimmune-like disease (diffuse, moderate to severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with marked fibrosis). Abundant IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration around the bile duct lesions was seen in two of these. Although not significant, patients with features of autoimmune-like disease on histological changes showed a higher incidence of recurrent biliary complications than those without (P = 0·250).

Conclusion

Features of autoimmune-like bile duct disease were seen in almost half (15 of 32) of patients with benign hilar strictures resected for presumed hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Frank IgG4-related sclerosing disease was found in only two of the 15 patients with autoimmune-like bile duct disease.

Prognostic significance of extracapsular lymph node involvement in patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater

Background

Lymphatic dissemination is an important predictor of survival in patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. The incidence and clinical consequences of extracapsular lymph node involvement (LNI) in patients who undergo resection are unknown.

Methods

In a consecutive series of 160 patients with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, 75 (46·9 per cent) had positive lymph nodes (N1). The relation of extracapsular LNI with tumour stage and number of positive nodes was evaluated and its prognostic significance analysed.

Results

Extracapsular LNI was identified in 44 (59 per cent) of the 75 patients. Median overall survival was 30 and 18 months in patients with intracapsular and extracapsular LNI respectively (P = 0·015). The 5-year overall survival rate was 20 and 9 per cent respectively, compared with 59 per cent in patients without LNI (N0). Extracapsular LNI and tumour differentiation were independent prognostic factors for survival. In patients with N1 disease, extracapsular LNI was the only significant prognostic factor for recurrent disease after radical resection (R0).

Conclusion

The presence of extracapsular LNI identifies a subgroup of patients who have a significantly worse prognosis. Adjuvant therapy is advised following resection in these patients.

Incidence and management of bile leakage after partial liver resection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Bile leakage after partial liver resection still is a common complication and is associated with substantial morbidity and even mortality.

METHODS

A total of 234 consecutive liver resections without biliary reconstruction, performed between January 1992 and December 2004, were analyzed for postoperative bile leakage.

RESULTS

Postoperative bile leakage occurred in 6.8% of patients (16/234). In univariate analysis, male gender (p = 0.037), major liver resection (p = 0.004), right-sided hepatectomy (p = 0.005), prolonged operation time (p = 0.001), intraoperative blood loss >500 ml (p = 0.009), red cell transfusion (p = 0.02), tumor size (p = 0.026), duration of vascular occlusion (p = 0.03) and surgical irradicality (p = 0.001) were risk factors. No independent risk factors were associated with bile leakage after liver resection. Bile leakage originated from the resection plane in 10 patients (63%). Endoscopic biliary decompression was performed in 9 patients as initial treatment, and percutaneous drainage of the bile collection was used in 4 patients. Bile leakage resolved spontaneously in 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Bile leakage is a persisting complication and in this study occurred in 6.8% of patients after partial liver resection. Percutaneous drainage of bile collection with or without endoscopic biliary decompression are effective interventions in the management of most cases of bile leakage.

Synchronous esophageal and renal cell carcinoma: incidence and possible treatment strategies

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of synchronous malignancies in patients suffering from esophageal cancer is a frequent phenomenon, but the reported incidence of synchronous renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is very low. The present study investigated the incidence of synchronously detected RCC since the introduction of preoperative CT scans in a tertiary referral center for esophageal cancer patients.

METHODS

The medical records of 392 consecutive patients included in a prospective database of patients scheduled to undergo surgery for esophageal tumors were scrutinized for the presence of renal neoplasms. The coincidence of esophageal cancer and RCC was then estimated by analyzing only those patients who were operated on for an esophageal malignancy after a CT scan was obtained.

RESULTS

192 patients were operated on for an esophageal malignancy after abdominal CT scanning was performed. RCC was diagnosed in 4 of these patients resulting in an incidence of synchronous esophageal and renal malignancies of 2.1%.

CONCLUSION

Since the introduction of CT scanning the incidence of synchronous RCC in esophageal cancer patients appears to be much higher than previously reported and suggests a genetic and/or environmental association between these malignancies. Simultaneous treatment of both tumors appeared safe at our institute.

A systematic review of the efficacy of gum chewing for the amelioration of postoperative ileus

BACKGROUND

Recent trials have shown promising results for the efficacy of gum chewing for the amelioration of postoperative ileus. This finding could have a major clinical impact since gum chewing is relatively harmless and cheap while postoperative ileus has a significant impact on healthcare.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of gum chewing after colorectal surgery to a standard control for the amelioration of postoperative ileus, expressed as time to flatus, time to defecation and overall hospital stay.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials with a total number of 158 patients were found. The studies were homogeneous and a meta-analysis was performed. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of time to flatus was significantly shorter for the gum-chewing group (20 h with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 13-27). The pooled WMD of time to defecation was significantly shorter (29 h, 95% CI of 19-39). There was a non-significant trend towards a shorter postoperative hospital stay (1.3 days shorter, 95% CI of 3.2 days shorter to 0.6 days longer).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows a favorable effect of gum chewing on time to flatus and defecation but no significant effect on the hospital stay.

Intestinal handling-induced mast cell activation and inflammation in human postoperative ileus

BACKGROUND

Murine postoperative ileus results from intestinal inflammation triggered by manipulation-induced mast cell activation. As its extent depends on the degree of handling and subsequent inflammation, it is hypothesised that the faster recovery after minimal invasive surgery results from decreased mast cell activation and impaired intestinal inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify mast cell activation and inflammation in patients undergoing conventional and minimal invasive surgery.

METHODS

(1) Mast cell activation (ie, tryptase release) and pro-inflammatory mediator release were determined in peritoneal lavage fluid obtained at consecutive time points during open, laparoscopic and transvaginal gynaecological surgery. (2) Lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA as well as leucocyte influx were quantified in non-handled and handled jejunal muscle specimens collected during biliary reconstructive surgery. (3) Intestinal leucocyte influx was assessed by 99mTc-labelled leucocyte single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) - computed tomography (CT) scanning before and after abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy.

RESULTS

(1) Intestinal handling during abdominal hysterectomy resulted in an immediate release of tryptase followed by enhanced interleukin 6 (IL6) and IL8 levels. None of the mediators increased during minimal invasive surgery except for a slight increase in IL8 during laparoscopic surgery. (2) Jejunal ICAM-1 and iNOS mRNA transcription as well as leucocyte recruitment were increased after intestinal handling. (3) Leucocyte scanning 24 h after surgery revealed increased intestinal activity after abdominal but not after vaginal hysterectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that intestinal handling triggers mast cell activation and inflammation associated with prolonged postoperative ileus. These results may partly explain the faster recovery after minimal invasive surgery and encourage future clinical trials targeting mast cells to shorten postoperative ileus.

Review article: Surgical management of chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic approach to patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is complicated by the fact that patients are presented to the physician at different stages of disease and in the presence of varying clinical symptoms. Generally, an expectant approach is justified for patients with asymptomatic CP. At present, patients with symptoms related to gland destruction are initially treated by endoscopic means, while surgical treatment of CP is usually reserved for intractable abdominal pain, suspicion of cancer, and complications such as persistent pseudocysts.

AIM

To review the studies currently available evaluating surgical and/or endoscopic management of CP.

RESULTS

Improvements in imaging techniques, as well as a better understanding of the pathophysiology of CP and mechanisms causing pain, have led to a more conscious selection of patients for surgery. Type of surgery depends on whether the pancreatic duct is dilated, presence of an inflammatory mass and occurrence of complications (pseudocysts, gastric outlet obstruction). Eventually, after initial endoscopic treatment, a substantial number of patients still need surgery for persistent complaints.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with symptomatic CP, a multidisciplinary approach is indicated with low threshold to surgical intervention, since long-term pain relief is accomplished more often after surgical treatment than after endoscopic treatment.

Original article: New surgical approaches to the Klatskin tumour

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumours) is difficult because of its central location in the liver hilum. Recent developments in surgical techniques have improved the outcome after resection.

AIM

To describe the surgical approaches currently applied in our centre and the impact of these strategies on outcome and criteria for resection.

METHODS

From 1988 to 2003, 99 consecutive patients underwent resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Patients were analysed for rate of R0 resections in relation with Bismuth classification. Morbidity, mortality and survival were assessed.

RESULTS

The rate of hilar resections in combination with (extended) liver resections for type III and IV tumours increased from 24% to 95% in the last 5 years of the study period. Eight patients (8%) had Bismuth type IV tumours. Four of these patients underwent palliative local excisions of the hepatic duct confluence whereas the other four patients underwent hilar resection in combination with partial liver resection, resulting in microscopically radical resections. There was no mortality in this group. Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality were 68% and 10%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

An aggressive surgical approach consisting of hilar resections combined with partial liver resections including segments 1 and 4, resulted in a higher rate of R0 resections. Even Bismuth type IV tumours may be resectable depending on the biliary anatomy of the hepatic duct confluence.

Evaluation of O-POSSUM in predicting in-hospital mortality after resection for oesophageal cancer

Background

The aims of the present study were to validate the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality adjusted for oesophagogastric surgery (O-POSSUM).

Methods

Data on patients who underwent potentially curative oesophagectomy in a tertiary referral centre for adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus were analysed. The in-hospital mortality predicted by O-POSSUM was compared with the actual value by linear analysis.

Results

Twenty-four (3·6 per cent) of 663 patients died in hospital. The observed : predicted ratio for in-hospital mortality was 0·29. The model had a poor fit (P &lt; 0·001). The area under the receiver–operator characteristic curve was 0·60 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·47 to 0·72); P = 0·113). O-POSSUM score was not related to the severity of complications.

Conclusion

O-POSSUM overpredicted in-hospital mortality threefold and could not identify patients at higher risk of death. O-POSSUM needs substantial modification before it can be used for comparison of treatment outcomes between centres.

[Quality of care a matter of experience]

In an evidence-based review of the relationship between volume and quality of care, the independent Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement (CBO) concluded that volume appears to be related to outcome for certain surgical procedures (case fatality after pancreatic and oesophageal cancer) and that quality of care might be improved by centralisation. The Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement also identified conditions required for centralisation, particularly acceptance by professionals and hospitals. In the USA, programmes to improve quality ofcare initiated by the Leapfrog Group using volume criteria or, more recently, using 'public reporting' and 'pay for performance' principles have led to improvements in quality. In Canada, the Surgical Oncology programme within the Cancer System Quality Index programme has reduced case fatality following pancreatic resection. The Canadian programme was based not only on volume but also on standards, guidelines, rapid access strategies and publicly available performance assessments. In The Netherlands, the Dutch Health Care Inspectorate is introducing the so-called performance indicators of care. Other initiatives are underway to develop a system with multiple quality criteria as in Canada. These programmes should not be restricted to surgical procedures but should include complex procedures in other specialties as well.

[Primary colon carcinoma in a colon interposition graft after oesophageal resection]

A 79-year-old man presented with a massive subcutaneous swelling due to extreme dilatation ofa subcutaneously interposed right-sided hemicolon; 7 years earlier he had undergone oesophageal resection and gastric tube reconstruction for a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the distal oesophagus. The procedure was complicated by gastric tube necrosis, and the tube was removed. One year later the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract was restored by a right-sided isoperistaltic colon graft: the terminal ileum, including the ileocecal valve, was anastomosed to the pre-existing cervical portion of the oesophagus. The dilatation was caused by an obstructive adenocarcinoma located in the distal part of the interposed colon in combination with an intact ileocecal valve in the neck. The tumour was a primary colon carcinoma with no evidence of further dissemination. The colon graft was removed, and the patient received a definitive salivary fistula placed in the neck and permanent feeding tube by jejunostomy. Development of primary colon carcinoma in a colon graft is rare; 7 cases have been reported in the literature so far. Routine endoscopic follow-up of a graft does not appear to be warranted, but endoscopy should be performed if symptoms arise.

Management of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas: a comparison with standard pancreatic neoplasms

Background

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) of the pancreas are increasingly diagnosed, but the exact surgical management in terms of extent of the resection is not well defined.

Materials and Methods

Patients operated on in our hospital between January 1993 and March 2005 formed the study groups.

Results

From 659 consecutive resections for pancreatic neoplasms, 12 female patients (1.8%) with a median age of 21 years who underwent resection for (SPN) are compared with the remaining 647 pancreatic resection patients. Jaundice (SPN 0 versus PR 73%, p < 0.001) and weight loss (SPN 0 versus PR 49%, p = 0.001) occurred significantly less often. Neoplasms were distributed equally among the pancreatic head (SPN 5 out of 12 patients versus PR 88%, p < 0.001) and corpus/tail (SPN 6 out of 12 patients versus PR 8%, p < 0.001). The operative time was significantly shorter (SPN 233 min versus PR 280 min, p = 0.012), and there were significantly fewer complications (SPN 1 of 12 patients versus PR 48%, p = 0.007). The mortality was not different (SPN 0 versus PR 1.6%, p = 1.000), and the hospital stay was significantly shorter (SPN 9 days versus PR 15 days, p = 0.012). The median size of the neoplasms was significantly larger (SPN 6.9 cm versus PR 2.5 cm). The median number of lymph nodes harvested was significantly fewer (SPN 1 versus PR 6, p = 0.001), and lymph node metastases occurred significantly less often (SPN 0 versus PR 64%, p < 0.001). The 5-year survival of SPN patients was 100% and is significantly better compared with survival of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (12%, p < 0.001) and ampulla of Vater adenocarcinoma (22%, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Patients with solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas present differently and the course of the disease is more benign. These patients can be adequately managed by pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy or spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with excellent early and long-term results.