A modified pancreaticojejunostomy anastomotic technique using double U-sutures for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

Although recent advances in laparoscopic technology have popularized laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD), laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis (PJA) still presents a major technical challenge. From February 2021 to January 2023, 42 patients underwent LPD with modified double U-suture PJA. Data on the demographic characteristics and clinical results of these patients were investigated. The median operation time was 316 min (249-596 min). The median PJA time was 32 min (25-40 min). The median intraoperative blood loss was 150 mL (50-500 mL). The median postoperative stay was 12 days (7-30 days). Complications occurred in 10 (23.8%) patients, including two cases (4.8%) of delayed gastric emptying and nine cases (21.4%) of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). One patient presented delayed gastric emptying and POPF. Eight patients (19.0%) experienced biochemical leakage, and one patient (2.4%) had grade B POPF. Laparoscopic double U-suture PJA is a feasible and safe technique for performing LPD.

Telomere length assessment and molecular characterization of TERT gene promoter in periampullary carcinomas

Genetic and epigenetic alterations of the telomere maintenance machinery like telomere length and telomerase reverse transcriptase (encoded by TERT gene) are reported in several human malignancies. However, there is limited knowledge on the status of the telomere machinery in periampullary carcinomas (PAC) which are rare and heterogeneous groups of cancers arising from different anatomic sites around the ampulla of Vater. In the current study, we investigated the relative telomere length (RTL) and the most frequent genetic and epigenetic alterations in the TERT promoter in PAC and compared it with tumor-adjacent nonpathological duodenum (NDu). We found shorter RTLs (1.27 vs 1.33, P = 0.01) and lower TERT protein expression (p = 0.04) in PAC tissues as compared to the NDu. Although we did not find any mutation at two reactivating hotspot mutation sites of the TERT promoter, we detected polymorphism in 45% (9/20) of the cases at rs2853669 (T > C). Also, we found a hypermethylated region in the TERT promoter of PACs consisting of four CpGs (cg10896616 with Δβ 7%; cg02545192 with Δβ 9%; cg03323598 with Δβ 19%; and cg07285213 with Δβ 15%). In conclusion, we identified shorter telomeres with DNA hypermethylation in the TERT promoter region and lower TERT protein expression in PAC tissues. These results could be used further to investigate molecular pathology and develop theranostics for PAC.

Preoperative diagnosis of perineural invasion in patients with periampullary carcinoma by MSCT imaging: preliminary observations and clinical implications

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) in preoperatively diagnosing perineural invasion (PNI) of periampullary carcinoma (PAC).

METHODS

Of 81 patients pathologically diagnosed as PAC, 73 patients were included. Their clinical documents and preoperative upper abdominal enhanced MSCT images were retrospectively reviewed to analyse clinical characteristics and MSCT features. MSCT features included tumor size, classification of fat tissue around celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the differences between PNI group and Non-PNI group. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic efficiency for PAC PNI.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in some clinical characteristics and MSCT features. PAC PNI patients had significantly higher CA19-9 levels, higher CEA levels, larger tumor size and higher classification of fat tissue around celiac trunk than Non-PNI patients (All P values < 0.05). In univariate analysis, tumor size had the highest AUC as 0.806, fat tissue around celiac trunk and CEA had the highest specificity as 100% (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, classification of fat tissue around celiac trunk incorporated with tumor size, CA19-9, CEA, age and sex, showed the highest AUC as 0.939, with specificity of 95.0% and sensitivity of 90.4% (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

PAC PNI could be diagnosed preoperatively by evaluating abdominal enhanced MSCT images with high accuracy, combined with serum tumor marker could be more helpful.

Controversies in the diagnosis and treatment of periampullary tumours

Most tumours in the head of the pancreas are adenocarcinomas of the exocrine pancreas. However, carcinomas located in the head of the pancreas may originate from the papilla of Vater, the distal part of the common bile duct, or the duodenum. Tumours of that region, within 2 cm of the greater duodenal papilla, have been usually described as periampullary neoplasms. Adenocarcinomas separated from the major duodenal papilla and located in the major pancreatic duct, common bile duct, or duodenum are identified as ductal pancreatic carcinomas, distal bile duct cholangiocarcinomas or duodenal carcinomas. Surgical treatment is the only chance for cure. Pancreatoduodenectomy is the procedure of choice. Regional lymphadenectomy and removal of at least 16 lymph nodes are necessary for optimal long-term outcomes. Indications for adjuvant chemotherapy remain controversial. This review evaluates the available data on the pathological assessment of periampullary tumours and discusses the controversies of therapeutic management, emphasising adjuvant treatment.

Short-term and pathologic outcomes of robotic versus open pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary and pancreatic head malignancy: an early experience

Open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) is associated with high perioperative morbidity. Adoption of robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy (RAPD) has been slow despite ergonomic advantages, improved visualization and dexterity. We aim to report our experience comparing operative and short-term outcomes following RAPD and OPD. We did retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database, including all consecutive patients who underwent RAPD or OPD between January 2016 and August 2019. 48 patients were included, 21 in RAPD group and 27 in OPD group. RAPD was associated with longer mean operative time (440 vs. 414.1 min) but had significantly less mean intra-operative blood loss (256.9 vs. 404.5 ml), median length of ICU stay (1 vs. 3 days), overall length of stay (11 vs. 13 days) and lower rates of SSI (23.8% vs. 63%). Both groups showed equal incidence of POPF, comparable R0 resection rates (100% vs. 96.3%) and median number of lymph nodes harvested (14 vs. 18). Rate of open conversion was 28.6% (n = 6), most commonly for bleeding (66.6%) and mesenteric vessel involvement (33.3%). When compared to first ten RAPD cases, mean operative time (483.5 vs. 400.5 min) and rate of conversion (36.36% vs. 20%) was less in last eleven cases. RAPD is significantly better than OPD in terms of intra-operative blood loss, length of ICU stay, length of total stay and SSI. The longer operative time and conversion rate associated with RAPD progressively decreased as experience accumulated and the learning curve was crossed. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate cost-effectiveness and long-term oncologic survival in RAPD patients.

Effects of body mass index and serum albumin on overall survival in patients with cancer undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy: a single-center retrospective cohort study

Objectives

We aimed to explore whether body mass index (BMI) and albumin were associated with overall survival (OS) in individuals who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for cancer.

Methods

Three-hundred twenty-nine consecutive patients who underwent PD for cancer were enrolled from January 2020 to December 2020. All clinicopathological information was extracted based on medical records. The survival follow-ups were regularly performed and ended on June 30, 2021. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models were used to assess the association of BMI and albumin with OS.

Results

Of the 329 patients, 186 (56.5%) were male, and median age at admission was 65.0 (56.0–71.0) years. There were 258 patients (78.4%) with BMI < 25.0 kg/m² and 89 patients (27.05%) with albumin < 35.0 g/L respectively. In overall cohort, BMI < 25.0 kg/m² was associated with OS (adjusted HR = 3.516, 95% CI = 1.076–11.492, P = 0.037). In contrast, albumin < 35.0 g/L did not affect OS. Subgroup analysis showed, in patients with pancreas lesion, BMI < 25.0 kg/m² had a higher risk for OS compared to BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m² (adjusted HR = 3.209, 95% CI = 0.985–10.451, P = 0.048), while albumin < 35.0 g/L was not linked to OS. In patients with lesion in ampulla of Vater, duodenum, or common bile duct, there was no significant association of BMI and albumin with OS.

Conclusions

BMI, rather than serum albumin, was associated with OS in patients who underwent PD for cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02678-z.

Adjuvant therapy for periampullary carcinoma and the significance of histopathological typing: A systematic review

•

The efficacy of adjuvant therapy for periampullary carcinoma is controversial.

•

There is a trend of classification periampullary carcinoma into PB-type and IN-type, and the prognosis of different subtypes may be significantly different.

•

The PB-type patients who accepted gemcitabine based chemotherapy and IN-type patients who accepted 5-FU based chemotherapy, maybe improved the prognosis.

•

Chemoradiotherapy appears to be more effective in patients with advanced stages.

•

There are few related studies on targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and further research is needed.

Objective

This review investigates the role of adjuvant therapy (AT) and the importance of histopathological typing in periampullary carcinoma (PAC) treatment.

Background

PAC is a relatively rare gastrointestinal malignancy. The regimen and effect of AT in PAC are still controversial. However, there is a treatment based on histopathological types (pancreaticobiliary-type, PB-type or intestinal-type, IN-type), but there are no clear guidelines indicating that typing can be used to guide the selection of AT drugs.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted for studies published from January 2001 to August 2021 on the use of AT in PAC.

Results

A total of 75 studies were included in this review. According to existing studies, AT for PAC is mostly based on 5-FU or gemcitabine, but the effect is unknown. However, when PAC is classified into different histopathological types, AT with gemcitabine is beneficial for patients with the PB-type of PAC, while 5-FU-based AT is beneficial for patients with the IN-type of PAC. In addition, the benefits of AT are more pronounced in patients with a high-risk disease, such as patients with stage II/III, T3/T4 tumors, or positive lymph node involvement. There are few studies on targeted therapy and immunotherapy for PAC.

Conclusions

This review suggests that AT has potential survival benefits, especially when based on the histopathologic type that helps the choice of drugs during AT in PAC patients.

A duodenal ampullary tumor with malignant transformation of papillary polyps: a case report and literature review

Periampullary carcinoma refers to a malignant tumor within 2 cm of the duodenal ampulla. Primary ampullary carcinoma is very rare, accounting for only 0.2% of malignant gastrointestinal tumors. The small intestine accounts for 75% of the length of the gastrointestinal tract, and primary tumors in the small intestine account for only 2% of all gastrointestinal tumors. Here, we report the case of a duodenal ampullary tumor with malignant transformation of parapapillary polyps. The patient had both a primary ampullary tumor and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of juxtapapillary adenomatous duodenal polyps.

Clinical importance of preoperative red-cell volume distribution width as a prognostic marker in patients undergoing radical surgery for pancreatic cancer

Background and purpose

A new noninvasive biomarker is being sought to predict the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. Red-cell volume distribution width (RDW), a descriptive parameter for erythrocyte variation, has been shown to have prognostic value for some tumor types. Our purpose was to assess the RDW value to predict the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods

The subjects of this retrospective study were 792 patients who underwent radical surgery for pancreatic cancer, divided into high-RDW and low-RDW groups based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis (15.6%). The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score was used to assess preoperative nutritional status. Statistical analysis was conducted to investigate the differences between the high and low RDW groups, and to explore the possibility of the RDW being used as prognostic predictor for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Results

The immune-nutritional status was worse in the high-RDW group than in the low-RDW group. The high-RDW group patients also had a poorer prognosis. Risk factor analysis showed that the RDW could be an independent risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

The RDW is associated with immune-nutritional status in pancreatic cancer patients and can be used as an independent prognostic factor for their postoperative survival.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00595-021-02374-7.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on morbidity and survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignancy

Backgrounds/Aims

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known risk factor for morbidity, length of hospital stay, or mortality after surgery, however, its impact on postoperative course and long-term survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is not clear.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database of 141 patients with periampullary and pancreatic head adenocarcinoma operated between January 2001 and March 2019. Clinico-pathological records and follow-up data were retrieved and analyzed. Cumulative hazard was computed for comparing the survival between DM and non-DM.

Results

DM was present in 31/141 (21.9%) patients, while 16/31 (51.6%). were new-onset DM (NODM). Tumor size, lymphovascular & perineural invasion, type of surgery, lymph node positivity and R0 resection rate were comparable between diabetic and non-diabetic. There was no significant difference in postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, infectious complication, hospital stay and mortality between DM and nondiabetics. Patients with DM had worse survival at 3 years (OS: HR, 3.11 [1.43-6.76] p=0.004, DFS: HR, 2.61 [1.23-5.53] p=0.01) and 5 years (OS: HR, 3.32 [1.46-7.53] p=0.004, DFS: HR, 2.87 [1.29-6.41] p=0.009). On multivariate analysis, DM (3 year OS: HR, 2.61 [1.14-5.98] p=0.022, DFS: HR, 2.19; p=0.058) (5 year OS: HR, 2.55; p=0.04, DFS: HR, 2.25; p=0.068) and pylorus resecting surgery were significantly associated with worse survival at 3 and 5 years.

Conclusions

Preoperative DM has no significant effect on postoperative course but has negative impact on 3-year and 5-year OS and DFS after PD for pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma.

Unforeseen encounter of acquired hemophilia A in a preoperative case of periampullary carcinoma: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare disorder characterized by development of antibodies against factor VIII, which can present as paraneoplastic syndrome in various malignancies like periampullary cancer, cancer of lung, prostate, gastrointestinal stromal tumour and non malignant cases like pregnancy, autoimmune disease and medication.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of elderly man presented with paraneoplastic AHA in periampullary carcinoma in preoperative period which was diagnose by mixing study and inhibitor assay and managed with bypass agents like recombinant factor VII, FEIBA and immunosuppresion to eliminate inhibitor with help of steroid, cyclophosphamide and emicizumab. Patient underwent Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy after which coagulation study became normal in immediate postoperative period. Patient was discharged and followed up with chemotherapy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Periampullary carcinoma presenting as AHA is rare and rarer in pre-operative settings. The usual mode of presentation is bleeding after biopsy and from minor surgical scars. The pathogenesis is yet to be delineated. It is managed by factor VIII administration and immunosuppressive therapy.

CONCLUSION

High index suspicion should be there to diagnose AHA as a paraneoplastic manifestation and elective surgery should be delayed till normalization of coagulation parameters.

[Preliminary observation on the short-term efficacy of laparoscopic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy in the treatment of periampullary malignant tumors]

Objective: To compare the short-term results of laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and open pancreaticoduodenectomy in periampullary carcinoma patients. Methods: The clinical data of patients with periampullary carcinoma who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy or open pancreaticoduodenectomy at Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Jinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2013 to February 2018 were collected. Totally 127 patients were included in the study. There were 73 males and 54 females, aged (61.2±9.4) years (range: 37-80 years). Propensity score matching method was used to perform 1∶1 matching between laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and open pancreaticoduodenectomy. Perioperative outcomes and overall survival were compared between the two groups using t test, χ(2) test, Fisher exact probability, Kaplan-Meier curve and Log-rank test, respectively. Results: A total of 32 pairs of patients were successfully matched by propensity score matching. There were 21 males and 11 females in open pancreaticoduodenectomy group, aged (62.1±9.3)years, 21 males and 11 females in laparoscopic group, aged (63.7±9.4)years. Comparion with open pancreaticoduodenectomy, the laparoscopic group had longer operative time (381(47)minutes vs. 249(92)minutes)(t=-5.949,P=0.000), higher hospitalization cost ((64.8±7.2) thousand yuan vs. (56.0±9.2)thousand yuan, t=-3.464, P=0.001), but less in estimated blood loss ((249.38±91.40)ml vs.(329.69±120.26)ml) (t=3.008, P=0.004), shorter in the time to first flatus ((3.39± 1.1)days vs. (5.03±1.65)days, t=5.316, P=0.000) and preoperative hospital stay((18.6±5.59)days vs. (21.9±5.5)days) (t=2.242, P=0.018). There was no significant difference in vascular invasion, nerve invasion, number of lymph nodes dissected, perioperative complications and pathology (all P>0.05). After PSM, there was no significant difference found in 1-year overall survival rate (60.0% vs. 62.0%, P=0.729). Conclusions: Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy is safe and feasible for the treatment of periampullary carcinoma. It not only has advantages of less trauma and faster recovery, but also achieves similar of lymph node dissection and equivalent short-term prognosis when compared with open approach.

Prognostic Factors and the Role of Adjuvant Treatment in Periampullary Carcinoma: a Single-Centre Experience of 95 Patients

PURPOSE

The effect of adjuvant treatment on those undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary carcinomas (PAC) is not well studied. Most studies employed chemoradiation as the adjuvant modality. We aimed to analyse clinicopathological differences between types of PACs, the prognostic factors and the role of adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy in the majority).

METHODS

Patients with PAC who underwent PD from Jan 2011 to Dec 2015 were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients with PAC underwent PD in the study period. Ampullary carcinoma (AC) was the most common. Pancreatic carcinomas (PC) were larger. AC had lower T stage, perineural invasion (PNI) and R1 resections. Median overall survival (OS) was 32.7 months. On multivariate analysis, lymph node ratio (LNR) ≥ 0.2 and advanced T stage adversely affected the OS. Fifty-seven (66.3%) patients received adjuvant treatment, of which 50 had chemotherapy alone. Adjuvant treatment resulted in better OS in patients with T stage ≥ 3, lymph node involvement, LNR ≥ 0.2, lymphovascular invasion, PNI, tumour size > 2 cm, higher grade and distal cholangiocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

In patients of PAC undergoing PD, AC had favourable clinicopathological profile. LNR ≥ 0.2 and advanced T stage adversely affected OS. Adjuvant treatment resulted in significantly better OS in patients with high-risk features.

Ventilation after pancreaticoduodenectomy increases perioperative mortality: Identification of risk factors and their relevance in Germany that do not apply in England

BACKGROUND

Pre-operative risk factors for post-operative ventilation and their influence on survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignancy are unknown.

METHODS

Totally 391 patients operated in Hannover, Germany were investigated with multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression modeling to identify independent risk factors for post-operative ventilation ≥6 h, patient survival and 90-day mortality. And 84 patients operated in Birmingham, United Kingdom were analyzed to assess the external relevance of findings.

RESULTS

Longer operations, history of thrombosis, intra-operative blood transfusion, lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) and higher values of the age at operation divided by the Horovitz Quotient independently increased the risk of post-operative ventilation ≥ 6 h in German patients (n = 108; 27.6%) (P<0.050). Blood transfusion and lower pre-operative eGFR levels increased the risk of early death in German patients significantly and independently of established prognostic factors. A history of thrombosis and lower eGFR levels were also independent significant risk factors for 90-day mortality in German patients but not in English patients. None of the English patients received post-operative ventilation. Significantly more German patients were >75 years, had a history of thrombosis, received blood transfusions, and had significantly worse lung function parameters. pT4 tumors were detected in 18 German patients (4.6%), but not in the English patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Identified risk factors for post-operative ventilation are clinically relevant in Germany but not in England and may be used to lower mortality risk. The German and the English cohorts displayed significant differences in the approach to patient selection and early post-operative extubation.

Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater: A Rare Histopathological Variant

Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) of the ampulla of Vater is an extremely rare tumor. Our case describes a 45-year-old female presenting with jaundice and pruritus. Computed tomography, endoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a tumor of the ampulla of Vater without distant metastasis. Histological biopsy confirmed a malignant tumor with SRCC characteristics and immunohistochemical staining revealed a mixed type profile (both intestinal and pancreatobiliary characteristics). A pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was performed and the patient recovered without complications. Pathology results concluded a pT2N0 ampullary SRCC. SRCC of the ampulla of Vater is known to be highly malignant. After 13 months of follow-up, our patient showed no signs of recurrence.

Clinicopathological Study of Carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater with Special Reference to MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC Expression

INTRODUCTION

The ampulla of Vater consists of papilla, common channel, distal common bile duct and the distal main pancreatic duct. Ampullary carcinomas arise from two different types of mucosa, reflecting their broad histomorphological spectrum. Adenocarcinomas originating in the ampulla of Vater are classified as having either 'Intestinal' or 'Pancreatobiliary' type of differentiation. Pancreatobiliary type has consistently shown a worse prognosis. Various types of mucins are distributed in normal tissues and gastrointestinal tumours. MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC are known to be the most important amongst all.

AIM

To study clinicopathological features of different types of carcinoma of ampulla with MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 20 cases of ampullary adenocarcinoma in this study, diagnosed after radical surgery. The histopathological slides were reviewed and the tumours were classified into intestinal type, pancreatobilliary and other types. Representative block of tumours was subjected to immunohistochemical (IHC) study with MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC antibodies. Results were subsequently analysed.

RESULTS

Pancreaticobiliary type of ampullary carcinoma cases predominated (50%) over intestinal type (25%). Carcinomas of "other types" included one case each of mucinous carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma and undifferentiated carcinoma and well differentiated neuroendocrine tumours. Pancreatobiliary type of carcinomas was associated with higher tumour stage and grade and lymph node metastasis. All the pancreatobiliary type expressed MUC1 and all intestinal type carcinomas expressed MUC2. MUC 5AC expression was seen predominantly in pancreatobiliary type of ampullary carcinomas.

CONCLUSION

Mucin markers are associated with two different subtypes of ampullary carcinomas which have different prognosis. Immunohistochemical study of mucin expression can define the different types of carcinomas of ampulla of Vater with better objective criteria.

Survival outcome and prognostic factors after pancreatoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma: a retrospective multicenter study

PURPOSE

Pancreatoduodenectomy is the most common operative procedure performed for distal bile duct carcinoma. Data on outcome after surgery for this rare malignancy is scarce, especially from western countries. The purpose of this study is to explore the prognostic factors and outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients receiving pancreatoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma were identified from institutional databases of five German and one Russian academic centers for pancreatic surgery. Univariable and multivariable general linear model, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression were used to identify prognostic factors for postoperative mortality and overall survival.

RESULTS

N = 228 patients operated from 1994 to 2015 were included. Reoperation (OR 5.38, 95%CI 1.51-19.22, p = 0.010), grade B/C postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (OR 3.73, 95%CI 1.13-12.35, p = 0.031), grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula (OR 4.29, 95%CI 1.25-14.72, p = 0.038), and advanced age (OR 4.00, 95%CI 1.12-14.03, p = 0.033) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in multivariable analysis. Median survival was 29 months, 5-year survival 27%. Positive resection margin (HR 2.07, 95%CI 1.29-3.33, p = 0.003), high tumor grade (HR 1.71, 95%CI 1.13-2.58, p = 0.010), lymph node (HR 1.68, 95%CI 1.13-2.51, p = 0.011), and distant metastases (HR 2.70, 95%CI 1.21-5.58, p = 0.014), as well as severe non-fatal postoperative complications (HR 1.64, 95%CI 1.04-2.58, p = 0.033) were independent negative prognostic factors for survival in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSION

Distant metastases and positive resection margin are the strongest negative prognostic factors for survival after pancreatoduodenectomy for distal bile duct carcinoma; thus, surgery with curative intent is only warranted in patients with local disease, where R0 resection is feasible.

Isolating tape method is useful for an early judgment of curability during pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer

Positive surgical margin of extrapancreatic nerve plexus (ENP) is a major cause of non-curative resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary carcinoma (PC), which is difficult to detect at the early stage of PD. We describe a novel surgical technique using an isolating tape (iTape)-oriented ENP-first dissection (IOEFD) during PD. The iTape is firstly passed through the retroperitoneal space between ENP and inferior vena cava. Then, the iTape is further extracted from major vessels such as the common hepatic and superior mesenteric artery. Consequently, the iTape encircles ENP alone. By tugging both ends of the iTape and vessel tapes to various directions from the caudal and cranial side of the pancreas, ENP is individually dissected without dividing any organ or tissue. Ten patients with periampullary carcinomas, consisting of one distal bile duct carcinoma, four ampullary carcinomas and five pancreatic head carcinomas underwent IOEFD during PD. Among these, nine underwent PDs after confirming negative surgical margin of ENP by IOEFD, while in the other case, PD was abandoned and converted to digestive bypass because of positive ENP margin during IOEFD. By final pathological diagnosis, R0 resection has been established in all nine patients who underwent PD with IOEFDs. Our pilot study indicated that inappropriate non-curative resection can be avoided by IOEFD during PD.

Synchronous malignancies of the gall bladder and common bile duct: a case report

BACKGROUND

Synchronous malignancies of the gall bladder and common bile duct are a rare entity. Much of our knowledge on this topic comes from Japanese literature. Most of the synchronous carcinomas described in Japanese literature are associated with the presence of an anomalous pancreatic-bile duct junction (APBDJ).

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of synchronous malignancy of the extrahepatic biliary tree involving the fundus of the gall bladder and the intrapancreatic portion of the common bile duct (CBD). A 50-year-old female patient presented to us with clinical features of obstructive jaundice and on radiological evaluation was diagnosed to have a periampullary carcinoma; the patient underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy, and histopathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma of the gall bladder and the intrapancreatic portion of the CBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Synchronous malignancies have been rarely reported from the Indian subcontinent; therefore, it is essential for the clinician as well as the pathologist to maintain a high index of suspicion while evaluating such lesions and to look for the presence of an anamolous pancreatic-bile duct junction whenever indicated.

Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomographic Study on the Prevalence of Duodenal Diverticulum in Indian Population

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal diverticulum (DD) is the second most common diverticulum, yet its incidence varies widely from 1-22% based on the mode of investigation. Computed Tomography (CT) of abdomen is the preferred modality to diagnose acute abdomen including those of complications of DD. Moreover, the prevalence of DD in Indian population is not yet been studied using CT.

AIM

The current study aim to look for the prevalence of DD in Indian population using Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) abdomen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was done to assess the presence of DD using the CECT abdomen of 565 patients. The number, size, location, wall thickness and the contents of the diverticulum were noted. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 17.0. The mean, percentage of frequency of each variable and the association of DD with pancreatitis, cholelithiasis and colonic diverticulum were also looked for. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all categorical variables. Spearman's rho correlation was done for age, diameter and content of DD.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DD in Indian population was 8.3% with the mean diameter of 17.13mm+7.26. The prevalence increased with age with no sex predilection. 89.3% were solitary and 10.64% were multiple. It was predominantly seen in the second part of duodenum (90.38%) and juxtapapillary type was the commonest. As the diameter of DD increased, fluid became its content. No significant association was observed between the presence of DD with pancreatitis, cholelithiasis or colonic diverticulum. A case of periampullary carcinoma arising from DD, a rare entity is being reported in this study.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of DD in Indian population is high compared to western population. DD has been attributed to the cases of acute abdomen and fluid alone as a content of DD with an incidence of 1.92% can be mistaken for a cystic neoplasm of pancreas. Rarely, a periampullary carcinoma can also arise from the wall of the pre-existing DD. This knowledge should be emphasised upon by the radiologist, surgeons and gastroenterologist who will be dealing with cases of acute abdomen and periampullary carcinoma.

Clinical assessment of feasibility of pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients

AIM: To assess the feasibility of pancreaticoduodenectomy in elderly patients.

METHODS: Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at our hospital from February 2008 to February 2014, including those aged over 65 years, were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS: There were 68 patients in the old age group and 201 patients in the young age group. There were no significance differences between the old and young groups in postoperative complications or mortality rate (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the rates of postoperative biliary fistula, hemorrhage, abdominal infection, gastric emptying, and intestinal obstruction between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Pancreaticoduodenectomy can be performed in aged people. Intensive perioperative care and excellent operative techniques of operators are important for operative security and standardization. Early evaluation and intervention and timely treatment should be done after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Diagnostic Accuracy of MRCP as Compared to Ultrasound/CT in Patients with Obstructive Jaundice

BACKGROUND

The expanding spectrum of therapeutic options for patients with surgical jaundice makes it necessary for the radiologist to precisely assess the etiology, location, level and extent of disease.

AIM

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with Ultrasound and Computed Tomography (CT) in evaluation of patients with obstructive jaundice taking direct cholangiographies (ERCP and PTC), hystologic tests and anatomo-pathological findings after surgical intervention as gold standard.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This prospective study included 50 patients who were referred to the radiology department with clinical features of biliary obstructive disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initial ultrasonography (USG) evaluation was followed by Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP);however in cases of benign pathologies where USG findings were unequivocal Computed tomography (CT )was not done to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure. The results were read by radiologists blinded to other imaging findings. The characteristic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) features/ histopathological diagnosis / surgical findings (as applicable) were considered as final.

RESULTS

Diagnostic accuracy of MRCP (98%) in the diagnosis of benign and malignant diseases was relatively high (98% and 98%) as compared to CT (82.86% and 91.43% in benign and malignant respectively) and USG (88% and 88%). In the diagnosis of benign diseases MRCP was 100% sensitive compared to ultrasound (80.77%), which was more sensitive than CT scan (54.55%).In the diagnosis of malignant diseases, MRCP was more sensitive (95.83%) as compared to CT scan (91.67%), which was more sensitive than ultrasonography (79.17%).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound as a screening modality is useful to confirm or exclude biliary dilatation and to choose patients for MRCP examination. MRCP is an important non invasive imaging investigation in the pre operative evaluation of patients with obstructive jaundice.

MicroRNA profiling in periampullary carcinoma

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA expression patterns in many physiological and oncogenic processes have been established. However, the role of aberrant miRNA expression in periampullary carcinoma (PAC) has not been elucidated. We hypothesize that PAC may have differential expression of miRNAs which may differentiate the tumor histological subtypes.

METHODS

Fresh paired tumor and control samples were collected from the PAC patients undergoing Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy. Microarray miRNA profiling was performed utilizing tumor (n = 40) and control tissues; adjacent normal pancreas (n = 22), six each distal CBD, duodenum and ampulla. Data obtained was subjected to statistical and bioinformatic analysis. Differentially expressed miRNAs obtained were validated using qPCR in an independent set of samples.

RESULTS

Comparison of PAC tissue samples with controls revealed 29 common and differentially expressed miRNAs (20 upregulated and 9 downregulated) with a higher statistical significance (p < 0.001) and fold change (log2 FC > 1.5). A subset of 16 miRNAs (15 overexpressed and 1 underexpressed) differed in expression levels between pancreatobiliary and intestinal subtypes. Among these, miR-375, miR-31 and miR-196a expressions varied significantly between histological subtypes. Differential expression profiles of miRNAs specific to TNM staging was also observed in PAC subtypes. Target gene prediction for the differentially expressed miRNAs in PAC revealed that target genes are enriched for certain pathways. Particularly, Wnt signaling pathway genes appear to be relevant targets for most of the differentially expressed miRNAs.

CONCLUSION

Differentially expressed common miRNA signatures identified in PAC subgroups may have a role in pathogenesis of PAC and miR-375, miR-31 and miR-196a expression patterns may differentiate PAC subtypes.

Elevated pre-operative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts disease free survival following pancreatic resection for periampullary carcinomas

BACKGROUND

The pre-operative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), when ≥5 has been associated with reduced survival for patients with various gastrointestinal tract cancers, however, it's prognostic value in patients with periampullary tumour has not been reported to date.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prognostic value of pre-operative NLR in terms of survival and recurrence of resected periampullary carcinomas.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary carcinoma (pancreatic, ampullary, cholangiocarcinoma) identified from a departmental database. The effect of NLR upon survival and recurrence was explored.

RESULTS

Overall median survival amongst 228 patients was 24 months (inter-quartile range [IQR]: 12-43). The median survival for those whose NLR was <5 was not significantly greater than those patients whose NLR was ≥5 (24 months [IQR: 14-42] versus 13 months [IQR: 8-48], respectively; p = 0.234). However, for those that developed recurrence, survival was greater in those with an NLR <5 at (20 months [IQR: 12-27] versus 11 months [IQR: 7-22], respectively; p = 0.038). This effect was most marked in those patients with cholangiocarcinoma (p = 0.019) whilst a trend to worse survival was seen in those with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. No effect was seen in patients with ampullary carcinoma (p = 0.516).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides further evidence that pre-operative NLR offers important prognostic information regarding disease-free survival. This effect, however, is dependent upon the tumour type amongst patients undergoing PD.

Intestinal and pancreatobiliary differentiation in periampullary carcinoma: the role of immunohistochemistry

Periampullary carcinoma (PC) is classified into intestinal and pancreatobiliary subtypes using morphology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Different combinations of markers have been used in the literature. One hundred eight PCs were classified using morphology and IHC (CDX2, mucin [MUC] 2, cytokeratin [CK] 20, CK7, CK17, and MUC1). The expression of these markers was compared with different histologic subtypes, histopathologic prognostic parameters, and patients' survival. There were 38 intestinal and 53 pancreatobiliary subtypes classified on morphology alone. CDX2 showed high sensitivity (89.5%) and specificity (100%) for intestinal type. CK20 and MUC2 showed low sensitivity (50% and 39.5%) but high specificity (86.8% and 96.2%) for intestinal type. CK7 and CK17 showed a sensitivity of 90.5% and 32% and a specificity of 21% and 89.4%, respectively, for pancreatobiliary subtype. MUC1 was 100% sensitive but 0% specific in pancreatobiliary subtype. The overall median survival in morphologic and IHC intestinal type was 45 months versus 20 months in pancreatobiliary type (P = 0.01). Intestinal and pancreatobiliary types of PC were differentiated in 84.2% of cases by morphology alone and in 87.9% cases with IHC. CDX2-positive tumors had a median survival of 44 months versus 22 months in CDX2-negative tumors (P = .03). IHC helped in reclassifying an additional 4 cases of mixed and other types. Among the panel used, CDX2 showed a high sensitivity and specificity for intestinal subtype and was an independent prognostic marker for longer survival. Thus, CDX2 may be used routinely with morphology in subtyping of PC, and a panel of markers may be used in morphologically difficult cases.

A rare case of periampullary carcinoma with ectopic ending of Vater’s ampulla

A 71-year-old woman was referred to our department complaining of painless progressive jaundice for the last 3 mo. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed the ectopic hepatopancreatic ampulla draining into the fourth part of the duodenum adjacent to the duodenojejunal flexure; the irregular morphology of the duodenojejunal flexure likely due to a soft tissue mass. Laparotomy confirmed the presence of the abnormal ampulla of Vater located at the fourth part of the duodenum and a soft tissue tumor about 6 cm × 5 cm × 5 cm with a peduncle adjoining the ampulla. Resection of the tumor, including some peripheral tissue, and a Roux-Y loop anastomosis choledochojejunostomy were performed. Pathological examination indicated an intestinal villous adenoma accompanied by severe dysplasia and focal canceration. Periampullary carcinoma with ectopic ending of the Vater’s ampulla into the fourth part of the duodenum is rather rare. The embryonic genetic background of this anomaly has not yet been fully explained. It is worth mentioning that MRCP is useful for demonstrating anomalies and anatomic variants of the biliary tract system and pancreatic duct.

Stomach-interposed cholecystogastrojejunostomy: A palliative approach for periampullary carcinoma

AIM: For patients of periampullary carcinoma found to be unresectable at the time of laparotomy, surgical palliation is the primary choice of treatment. Satisfactory palliation to maximize the quality of life with low morbidity and mortality is the gold standard for a good procedure. Our aim is to explore such a procedure as an alternative to the traditional ones.

METHODS: A modified double-bypass procedure is performed by, in addition to the usual gastrojejunostomy, implanting a mushroom catheter from the gall bladder into the jejunum through the interposed stomach as an internal drainage. A retrospective review was performed including 22 patients with incurable periampullary carcinomas who underwent this surgery.

RESULTS: Both jaundice and impaired liver function improved significantly after surgery. No postoperative deaths, cholangitis, gastrojejunal, biliary anastomotic leaks, recurrent jaundice or late gastric outlet obstruction occurred. Delayed gastric emptying occurred in two patients. The total surgical time was 150±26 min. The estimated blood loss was 160±25 mL. The mean length of hospital stay after surgery was 22±6 d. The mean survival was 8 mo (range 1.5-18 mo).

CONCLUSION: In patients of unresectable periampullary malignancies, stomach-interposed cholecystogastr-ojejunostomy is a safe, simple and efficient technique for palliation.