Time-to-Surgery and Survival Outcomes in Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Multi-Institutional Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is associated with improved survival; however, the impact of time to resection on survival is unknown. The current multi-institutional study sought to evaluate the influence of time from diagnosis (Dx) to resection (Rx) on survival outcomes among patients with resectable, metachronous CRLM and to compare practice patterns across hospitals.

STUDY DESIGN

Medical records of patients with ≤4 metachronous CRLM treated with surgery were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. Time from Dx to Rx was analyzed as a continuous variable and also dichotomized into 2 groups (group 1: Dx to Rx <3 months and group 2: Dx to Rx ≥3 months) for additional analysis. Survival time distributions after resection were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Between-group univariate comparisons were based on the log-rank test and multivariable analysis was done using Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2010, six hundred and twenty-six patients were identified. Type of initial referral (p < 0.0001) and use of neoadjuvant (p = 0.04) and/or adjuvant (p < 0.0001) chemotherapy were significantly different among hospitals. Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 108) and those with unresectable disease at laparotomy (n = 5) were excluded from final evaluation. Median overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 74 months (range 63.8 to 84.2 months) and 29 months (range 23.9 to 34.1 months), respectively. For the entire cohort, longer time from Dx to Rx was independently associated with shorter overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06-1.18; p < 0.0001), but not recurrence-free survival. Median overall survival for group 1 was 76 months (range 62.0 to 89.2 months) vs 58 months (range 34.3 to 81.7 months) in group 2 (p = 0.10). Among patients with available data pertaining to adjuvant chemotherapy (N = 457; 318 treated and 139 untreated), overall survival (87 months [range 71.2 to 102.8 months] vs 48 months [range 25.3 to 70.7 months]; p <0.0001), and recurrence-free survival (33 months [range 25.3 to 40.7 months] vs 22 months [range 14.5 to 29.5 months]; p = 0.05) were improved significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

In select patients undergoing initial resection for CRLM, longer time from Dx to Rx is independently associated with worse overall survival. In addition, despite uniform disease characteristics, practice patterns related to definitely resectable CRLM vary significantly across hospitals.

Completion pancreatectomy in the acute management of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of the literature

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic fistula remains a major complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Re-operation is generally considered only after exhaustion of non-surgical options. A variety of pancreas-preserving operations have been proposed, but completion pancreatectomy (CP) stands out in locally complicated cases as a universal approach. This study aims to provide a qualitative synthesis of the peer-reviewed literature regarding emergency CP for post-PD pancreatic fistula.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE for all studies reporting clinical outcomes for CP in the acute treatment of pancreatic fistula following PD from January 1975 until May 2016.

RESULTS

Eleven patient-series with a total of 5566 PD and 151 (3%) emergency CP were included. Median time from PD to CP ranged from 6 to 17 days (7 studies), and mean operative time and blood loss - reported in only two studies - were 197 min and 2173 mL respectively. Re-laparotomy following CP was required in 35% of patients. Median hospital length-of-stay varied from 21 to 64 days, and postoperative mortality was 42%.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency surgery for postoperative pancreatic fistula should only be considered after expert consultation. CP carries a high risk of mortality, and it is most commonly recommended for a selected subgroup of patients with locally complicated fistula.

Assessing resectability of colorectal liver metastases: How do different subspecialties interpret the same data?

BACKGROUND

Multimodal treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) relies on precise upfront assessment of resectability. Variability in the definition of resectable disease and the importance of early consultation by a liver surgeon have been reported. In this pilot study we investigated the initial resectability assessment and patterns of referral of patients with CRLMs.

METHODS

Surgeons and medical oncologists involved in the management of colorectal cancer at 2 academic institutions and affiliated community hospitals were surveyed. Opinions were sought regarding resectability of CRLMs and the type of initial specialty referral (hepatobiliary surgery, medical oncology, palliative care or other) in 6 clinical cases derived from actual cases of successfully performed 1- or 2-stage resection/ablation of hepatic disease. Case scenarios were selected to illustrate critical aspects of assessment of resectability, best therapeutic approaches and specialty referral. Standard statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 75 surgeons contacted, 64 responded (response rate 85%; 372 resectability assessments completed). Hepatic metastases were more often considered resectable by hepatobiliary surgeons than all other respondents (92% v. 57%, p < 0.001). Upfront systemic therapy was most commonly prioritized by surgical oncologists (p = 0.01). Hepatobiliary referral was still considered in 73% of "unresectable" assessments by colorectal surgeons, 59% of those by general surgeons, 57% of those by medical oncologists and 33% of those by surgical oncologists (p = 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Assessment of resectability varied significantly between specialties, and resectability was often underestimated by nonhepatobiliary surgeons. Hepatobiliary referral was not considered in a substantial proportion of cases erroneously deemed unresectable. These disparities result largely from an imprecise understanding of modern surgical indications for resection of CRLMs.

Preoperative Single-dose Methylprednisolone Prevents Surgical Site Infections After Major Liver Resection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single preoperative dose of methylprednisolone for preventing postoperative complications after major liver resections.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Hepatic resections are associated with a significant acute systemic inflammatory response. This effect subsequently correlates with postoperative morbidity, mortality, and length of recovery. Multiple small trials have proposed that the administration of glucocorticoids may modulate this effect.

METHODS

This study was a parallel, dual-arm, double-blind randomized controlled trial. Adult patients undergoing elective major hepatic resection (≥3 segments) at a quaternary care institution were included (2013-2019). Patients were randomly assigned to receive a single preoperative 500 mg dose of methylprednisolone versus placebo. The main outcome measure was postoperative complications after liver resection, within 90 days of the index operation. Standard statistical methodology was employed (P < 0.05 = significant).

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients who underwent a major hepatic resection were randomized (mean age = 62.8 years; 57% male; body-mass-index = 27.9). No significant differences were identified between the intervention and control groups (age, sex, body-mass-index, preoperative comorbidities, hepatic function, ASA class, portal vein embolization rate) (P > 0.05). Underlying hepatic diagnoses included colorectal liver metastases (69%), hepatocellular carcinoma (18%), noncolorectal liver metastases (7%), and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (6%). There was a significant reduction in the overall incidence of postoperative complications in the methylprednisolone group (31.2% vs 47.3%; P = 0.042). Patients in the glucocorticoid group also displayed less frequent organ space surgical site infections (6.5% vs 17.6%; P = 0.036), as well as a shorter length of hospital stay (8.9 vs 12.5 days; P = 0.015). Postoperative serum bilirubin and prothrombin timeinternational normalized ratio (PT-INR) levels were also lower in the steroid group (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Multivariate analysis did not identify any additional significant modifying factor relationships (estimated blood loss, duration of surgery, hepatic vascular occlusion (rate or duration), portal vein embolization, drain use, etc) (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A single preoperative dose of methylprednisolone significantly reduces the length of hospital stay, postoperative serum bilirubin, and PT-INR, as well as infectious and overall complications following major hepatectomy.

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in acute pancreatitis, hepato-pancreato-biliary operations and liver transplantation

Intra-abdominal hypertension, even preceding the onset of abdominal compartment syndrome, is still recognized as an adverse prognostic factor. Unfortunately, most of the current supporting evidence within the critical care environment remains observational in nature. In acute pancreatitis, an active role for intra-abdominal hypertension early in the disease process follows a strong intuitive basis, and it is corroborated by preliminary evidence from animal models. Additional studies are needed to better characterize the optimal fluid resuscitation strategy, as well as the importance of intra-abdominal hypertension as an early therapeutic target. All critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis should be considered for routine intra-abdominal pressure monitoring. The prevalence and clinical relevance of intra-abdominal hypertension after elective major abdominal operations are underestimated in the literature. Hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery and liver transplantation represent high-risk surgical subspecialties, and routine intra-abdominal hypertension risk assessment to indicate postoperative intra-abdominal pressure monitoring can be recommended. Conservative management of intra-abdominal hypertension should be promptly initiated upon diagnosis. Although abdominal catheter drainage and decompressive laparotomy may be required in refractory cases based on expert clinical judgment, precise indications and timing are still unclear. Implementation of institutional protocols based on the Abdominal Compartment Society reference standards is crucial to optimize both clinical management and research in this evolving area.

Acute kidney injury following resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: prognostic value of the acute kidney injury network criteria

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality after liver resection. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a higher risk of AKI owing to the underlying association between hepatic and renal dysfunction. Use of the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) diagnostic criteria is recommended for patients with cirrhosis, but remains poorly studied following liver resection. We compared the prognostic value of the AKIN creatinine and urine output criteria in terms of postoperative outcomes following liver resection for HCC.

Methods

All patients who underwent a liver resection for HCC from January 2010 to June 2016 were included. We used AKIN urine output and creatinine criteria to assess for AKI within 48 hours of surgery.

Results

Eighty liver resections were performed during the study period. Cirrhosis was confirmed in 80%. Median hospital stay was 9 (interquartile range 7–12) days, and 30-day mortality was 2.5%. The incidence of AKI was higher based on the urine output than on the creatinine criterion (53.8% v. 20%), and was associated with prolonged hospitalization and 30-day postoperative mortality when defined by serum creatinine (hospital stay: 11.2 v. 20.1 d, p = 0.01; mortality: 12.5% v. 0%, p < 0.01), but not urine output (hospital stay: 15.6 v. 10 d, p = 0.05; mortality: 2.3% v. 2.7%, p > 0.99).

Conclusion

The urine output criterion resulted in an overestimation of AKI and compromised the prognostic value of AKIN criteria. Revision may be required to account for the exacerbated physiologic postoperative reduction in urine output in patients with HCC.

The adequacy of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary training: how closely do perceptions of fellows and programme directors align?

BACKGROUND

Hepatopancreatobiliary fellowship programmes have recently undergone significant changes with regards to training standards, case-volume thresholds and multimodality educational platforms. The goals of this study were to compare the perspectives of fellows and programme directors (PDs) on perceptions of readiness to enter practice and identify core Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) procedures that require increased emphasis during training.

METHODS

This survey targeted PDs and trainees participating in the Fellowship Council/AHPBA pathway. Data related to demographics, education and career plans were collected. Analysis of PD and fellow opinions regarding their confidence to perform core HPB procedures was completed.

RESULTS

The response rate was 88% for both fellows (21/24) and PDs (23/26). There was good agreement between PDs and fellows in the perception of case volumes. Select differences where PDs ranked higher perceptions included major hepatectomies (PDs: 87% versus fellows: 57%, P = 0.04), pancreaticoduodenectomies (100% versus 81%, P = 0.04) and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies (78% versus 43%, P = 0.03). 'Good or excellent' case volumes translated into increased fellow readiness, except for some pancreatitis procedures, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies and potentially major hepatectomies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insight into content domains that may require additional attention to achieve an appropriate level of proficiency and confidence upon completion of training.

Acute care and emergency general surgery in patients with chronic liver disease: how can we optimize perioperative care? A review of the literature

The increasing prevalence of advanced cirrhosis among operative candidates poses a major challenge for the acute care surgeon. The severity of hepatic dysfunction, degree of portal hypertension, emergency of surgery, and severity of patients’ comorbidities constitute predictors of postoperative mortality. Comprehensive history taking, physical examination, and thorough review of laboratory and imaging examinations typically elucidate clinical evidence of hepatic dysfunction, portal hypertension, and/or their complications. Utilization of specific scoring systems (Child-Pugh and MELD) adds objectivity to stratifying the severity of hepatic dysfunction. Hypovolemia and coagulopathy often represent major preoperative concerns. Resuscitation mandates judicious use of intravenous fluids and blood products. As a general rule, the most expeditious and least invasive operative procedure should be planned. Laparoscopic approaches, advanced energy devices, mechanical staplers, and topical hemostatics should be considered whenever applicable to improve safety. Precise operative technique must acknowledge common distortions in hepatic anatomy, as well as the risk of massive hemorrhage from porto-systemic collaterals. Preventive measures, as well as both clinical and laboratory vigilance, for postoperative hepatic and renal decompensation are essential.

Efficacy of a dual-ring wound protector for prevention of incisional surgical site infection after Whipple's procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) with preoperatively-placed intrabiliary stents: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Among surgical oncology patients, incisional surgical site infection is associated with substantially increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Moreover, while adults undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with preoperative placement of an intrabiliary stent have a high risk of this type of infection, and wound protectors may significantly reduce its risk, no relevant studies of wound protectors yet exist involving this patient population. This study will evaluate the efficacy of a dual-ring wound protector for prevention of incisional surgical site infection among adults undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with preoperatively-placed intrabiliary stents.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will be a parallel, dual-arm, randomised controlled trial that will utilise a more explanatory than pragmatic attitude. All adults (≥18 years) undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with preoperative placement of an intrabiliary stent will be considered eligible. Exclusion criteria will include patient age <18 years and those receiving long-term glucocorticoids. The trial will employ block randomisation to allocate patients to a commercial dual-ring wound protector (the Alexis Wound Protector) or no wound protector and the current standard of care. The main outcome measure will be the rate of surgical site infection as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria within 30 days of the index operation date as determined by a research assistant blinded to treatment allocation. Outcomes will be analysed by a statistician blinded to allocation status by calculating risk ratios and 95% CIs and compared using Fisher's exact test.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This will be the first randomised trial to evaluate the efficacy of a dual-ring wound protector for prevention of incisional surgical site infection among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Results of this study are expected to be available in 2016/2017 and will be disseminated using an integrated and end-of-grant knowledge translation strategy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01836237.

Management of haemothoraces in blunt thoracic trauma: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Haemothorax following blunt thoracic trauma is a common source of morbidity and mortality. The optimal management of moderate to large haemothoraces has yet to be defined. Observational data have suggested that expectant management may be an appropriate strategy in stable patients. This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients with haemothoraces following blunt thoracic trauma treated with either chest drainage or expectant management.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a single-centre, dual-arm randomised controlled trial. Patients presenting with a moderate to large sized haemothorax following blunt thoracic trauma will be assessed for eligibility. Eligible patients will then undergo an informed consent process followed by randomisation to either (1) chest drainage (tube thoracostomy) or (2) expectant management. These groups will be compared for the rate of additional thoracic interventions, major thoracic complications, length of stay and mortality.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the institution's research ethics board and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. All eligible participants will provide informed consent prior to randomisation. The results of this study may provide guidance in an area where there remains significant variation between clinicians. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03050502.

Abdominal intra-compartment syndrome - a non-hydraulic model of abdominal compartment syndrome due to post-hepatectomy hemorrhage in a man with a localized frozen abdomen due to extensive adhesions: a case report

BACKGROUND

Postoperative hemorrhage is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following liver resection. It typically presents early within the postoperative period, and conservative management is possible in the majority of cases. We present a case of late post-hepatectomy hemorrhage associated with overt abdominal compartment syndrome resulting from a localized functional compartment within the abdomen.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 68-year-old white man was readmitted with sudden onset of upper abdominal pain, vomiting, and hemodynamic instability 8 days after an uneventful hepatic resection for metachronous colon cancer metastasis. A frozen abdomen with adhesions due to complicated previous abdominal surgeries was encountered at the first intervention, but the surgery itself and initial recovery were otherwise unremarkable. Prompt response to fluid resuscitation at admission was followed by a computed tomography of his abdomen that revealed active arterial hemorrhage in the liver resection site and hemoperitoneum (estimated volume <2 L). Selective arteriography successfully identified and embolized a small bleeding branch of his right hepatic artery. He remained hemodynamically stable, but eventually developed overt abdominal compartment syndrome. Surgical exploration confirmed a small volume of ascites and blood clots (1.2 L) under significant pressure in his supramesocolic region, restricted by his frozen lower abdomen, which we evacuated. Dramatic improvement in his ventilatory pressure was immediate. His abdomen was left open and a negative pressure device was placed for temporary abdominal closure. The fascia was formally closed after 48 hours. He was discharged home at postoperative day 6.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-abdominal pressure and radiologic findings of intra-abdominal hemorrhage should be carefully interpreted in patients with extensive intra-abdominal adhesions. A high index of suspicion and detailed understanding of abdominal compartment mechanics are paramount for the timely diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome in these patients. Clinicians should be aware that abnormal anatomy (such as adhesions) coupled with localized pathophysiology (such as hemorrhage) can create a so-named abdominal intra-compartment syndrome requiring extra vigilance to diagnose.

The adequacy of hepatopancreatobiliary training: How does operative exposure and perceived readiness in fellowship translate into subsequent practice?

SUMMARY

Over the last 3 decades, expansion in the scope and complexity of hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery has resulted in significant improvements in postoperative outcomes. As a result, the importance of dedicated fellowship training for HPB surgery is now well established, and the definition of formal program requirements has been actively pursued by a collaboration of the 3 distinct accrediting bodies within North America. While major advances have been made in defining minimum case volume requirements, qualitative assessment of the operative experience remains challenging. Our research collaborative (HPB Manpower and Education Study Group) has previously explored the perceived case volume adequacy of core HPB procedures within fellowship programs. We conducted a 1-year follow-up survey targeting the same cohort to investigate the association between operative case volumes and comfort performing HPB procedures within initial independent practice.

Preoperative single-dose methylprednisolone versus placebo after major liver resection in adults: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Although randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that preoperative glucocorticoids may improve postoperative surrogate outcomes among patients undergoing major liver resection, evidence supporting improved patient-important outcomes is lacking. This superiority trial aims to evaluate the effect of administration of a bolus of the glucocorticoid methylprednisolone versus placebo during induction of anaesthesia on postoperative morbidity among adults undergoing elective major liver resection.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This will be a randomised, dual-arm, parallel-group, superiority trial. All consecutive adults presenting to a large Canadian tertiary care hospital who consent to undergo major liver resection will be included. Patients aged <18 years and those currently receiving systemic corticosteroid therapy will be excluded. We will randomly allocate participants to a preoperative 500 mg intravenous bolus of methylprednisolone versus placebo. Surgical team members and outcome assessors will be blinded to treatment allocation status. The primary outcome measure will be postoperative complications. Secondary outcome measures will include mortality, the incidence of several specific postoperative complications, and blood levels of select proinflammatory cytokines, acute-phase proteins, and laboratory liver enzymes or function tests on postoperative days 0, 1, 2 and 5. The incidence of postoperative complications and mortality will be compared using Fisher's exact test, while the above laboratory measures will be compared using mixed-effects models with a subject-specific random intercept.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial will evaluate the protective effect of a single preoperative dose of methylprednisolone on the hazard of postoperative complications. A report releasing study results will be submitted for publication in an appropriate journal, approximately 3 months after finishing the data collection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01997658; Pre-results.

Temporal trends in the use of diagnostic imaging for inpatients with pancreatic conditions: How much ionizing radiation are we using?

BACKGROUND

Low-dose ionizing radiation from medical imaging has been indirectly linked with subsequent cancer and increased costs. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for defining pancreatic anatomy and complications. Our primary goal was to identify the temporal trends associated with diagnostic imaging for inpatients with pancreatic diseases.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2000 to 2008. Pancreas-related ICD-9 diagnostic codes were matched to all relevant imaging modalities.

RESULTS

Between 2000 and 2008, a significant increase in admissions (p < 0.001), but decrease in overall imaging procedures (p = 0.032), for all pancreatic disorders was observed. This was primarily a result of a reduction in the number of CT and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography examinations (i.e., reduced radiation exposure, p = 0.008). A concurrent increase in the number of inpatient magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography/magnetic resonance imaging performed was observed (p = 0.040). Intraoperative cholangiography and CT remained the dominant imaging modality of choice overall (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Inpatients with pancreatic diseases often require diagnostic imaging during their stay. This results in substantial exposure to ionizing radiation. The observed decrease in the use of CT may reflect an improved awareness of potential stochastic risks.