Defining the Minimal and Optimal Thresholds for Lymph Node Resection and Examination for Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Derived Pancreatic Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To establish minimal and optimal lymphadenectomy thresholds for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN)-derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and evaluate their prognostic value.

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend a minimum of 12-15 lymph nodes (LNs) in PDAC. This is largely based on pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN)-derived PDAC, a biologically distinct entity from IPMN-derived PDAC.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective study including consecutive patients undergoing upfront surgery for IPMN-derived PDAC was conducted. The minimum cut-off for lymphadenectomy was defined as the maximum number of LNs where a significant node positivity difference was observed. Maximally selected log-rank statistic was used to derive the optimal lymphadenectomy cut-off (maximize survival). Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to analyze overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Multivariable Cox-regression was used to determine hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

In 341 patients with resected IPMN-derived PDAC, the minimum number of LNs needed to ensure accurate nodal staging was 10 (P=0.040), whereas ≥20 LNs was the optimal number associated with improved OS (80.3 vs. 37.2 mo, P<0.001). Optimal lymphadenectomy was associated with improved OS [HR:0.57 (95%CI 0.39-0.83)] and RFS [HR:0.70 (95%CI 0.51-0.97)] on multivariable Cox-regression. On sub-analysis the optimal lymphadenectomy cut-offs for pancreatoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and total pancreatectomy were 20 (P<0.001), 23 (P=0.160), and 25 (P=0.008).

CONCLUSION

In IPMN-derived PDAC, lymphadenectomy with at least 10 lymph nodes mitigates under-staging, and at least 20 lymph nodes is associated with the improved survival. Specifically, for pancreatoduodenectomy and total pancreatectomy, 20 and 25 lymph nodes were the optimal cut-offs.

A nationwide assessment of hepatocellular adenoma resection: Indications and pathological discordance

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are benign liver tumors associated with bleeding or malignant transformation. Data on the indication for surgery are scarce. We analyzed indications and outcome of patients operated for HCAs < 50 mm compared to HCAs ≥ 50 mm. Changes in final postoperative diagnosis were assessed. We performed a retrospective study that included patients who underwent resection for (suspected) HCAs in the Netherlands from 2014 to 2019. Indication for resection was analyzed and stratified for small (<50 mm) and large (≥50 mm) tumors. Logistic regression analysis was performed on factors influencing change in tumor diagnosis. Out of 222 patients who underwent surgery, 44 (20%) patients had a tumor <50 mm. Median age was 46 (interquartile range [IQR], 33-56) years in patients with small tumors and 37 (IQR, 31-46) years in patients with large tumors ( p  = 0.016). Patients with small tumors were more frequently men (21% vs. 5%, p  = 0.002). Main indications for resection in patients with small tumors were suspicion of (pre)malignancy (55%), (previous) bleeding (14%), and male sex (11%). Patients with large tumors received operations because of tumor size >50 mm (52%), suspicion of (pre)malignancy (28%), and (previous) bleeding (5.1%). No difference was observed in HCA-subtype distribution between small and large tumors. Ninety-six (43%) patients had a postoperative change in diagnosis. Independent risk factors for change in diagnosis were tumor size <50 mm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.4; p  < 0.01), male sex (aOR, 3.7; p  = 0.03), and lack of hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) (aOR, 1.8; p  = 0.04). Resection for small (suspected) HCAs was mainly indicated by suspicion of (pre)malignancy, whereas for large (suspected) HCAs, tumor size was the most prevalent indication. Male sex, tumor size <50 mm, and lack of hepatobiliary CE-MRI were independent risk factors for postoperative change in tumor diagnosis.

Safety and feasibility of rigid fixation by SternaLock Blu plates during the modified Ravitch procedure: a pilot study

Background

Patients with anterior chest wall deformities unsuitable for minimally invasive repair are commonly treated by the modified Ravitch procedure. Although rigid plate fixation of the sternal osteotomy has previously shown to facilitate adequate sternal union, its use is troubled by an implant removal rate of up to 23% due to local complaints or complications associated with bulky plates. In contrast, the use of thinner and therefore biomechanically weaker plates may result in a higher incidence of non- or mal-union. In this pilot study, we evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of rigid sternal fixation by thin pre-shaped anatomical locking plates during the modified Ravitch procedure.

Methods

Between June 2018 and December 2019, all consecutive patients who underwent anterior chest wall deformity repair by the modified Ravitch procedure in our tertiary referral centre were included. Data was collected retrospectively. All pectus types were included. The sternal osteotomy was fixated using thin SternaLock Blu plates. Patients were followed for at least one year.

Results

Nine patients were included. The group consisted of six male and three female patients, with a median age of 20 years [interquartile range (IQR), 16–35 years]. Median duration of follow-up was 25 months (IQR, 16–28 months). No intraoperative complications occurred. No patients presented with symptomatic non- or mal-union. Plate removal was performed in one patient for atypical pain without relief. No other postoperative complications occurred.

Conclusions

Based on these pilot results, thin SternaLock Blu plates are deemed to be safe and effective in providing adequate rigid fixation of the sternal osteotomy during the modified Ravitch procedure. Compared to literature, the need for plate removal within 25 months after surgery was reduced.

A case series: xiphoidectomy for xiphodynia, a rare thoracic wall disorder

Background

Xiphodynia is a rare musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain at the lower anterior chest or epigastric region. Treatment options include oral analgesics, local injection with analgesic or laser therapy. Yet, these often provide only short-term symptom relieve. A definite reduction in pain sensation might be achieved by performing a xiphoidectomy, though studies on its safety and efficacy are scarce. In the current single-centre study the outcomes of xiphoidectomy for xiphodynia are retrospectively assessed.

Methods

All patients undergoing xiphoidectomy for xiphodynia between April 2013 and February 2020 at Zuyderland Medical Centre, Heerlen, the Netherlands, were included in this case series. Pain scores using the Numeric Rating Scale were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively and submitted to the Wilcoxon signed rank test. A clinically significant improvement was defined as a 2-point decrease in Numeric Rating Scale score. In addition, surgical outcomes, including complications and duration of surgery were extracted from the patient records.

Results

A total of 19 patients underwent xiphoidectomy for xiphodynia. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 83 months. Seventeen out of 19 patients showed a clinically relevant improvement in Numeric Rating Scale pain scores where the overall pain scores also revealed a statistically significant decrease from 8 (interquartile range, 7–8) to 0 (interquartile range, 0–0; P<0.001) after surgery. Median procedure time was 29 minutes (interquartile range, 24–38 minutes) and no postoperative complications occurred.

Conclusions

Xiphoidectomy for xiphodynia is a safe and effective surgical procedure with good outcomes on pain relief. Though, future comparative studies are urged to elucidate its value among other treatment options.