Clinical spectrum and surgical approach of adult intussusceptions: a multicentric study

BACKGROUND

The preoperative diagnosis of adult intussusceptions (AIs) remains difficult, and the assessment of the radiological methods has been evaluated very little in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interest of the different imaging modalities for the preoperative diagnosis of AI and describe causes of AI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients of 15 years and older with the postoperative diagnosis of intussusception from 1979 to 2004 were reviewed retrospectively for this multicentric study. Data concerning clinical considerations, morphological examinations, surgical procedure, histological conclusions, mortality rate and recurrence were analysed.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients with documented intussusception were included. The mean age was 51 years (15-93 years). The preoperative diagnosis of intussusception was made in 52% of the cases. The sensitivities of the different radiological methods were abdominal ultrasounds (35%), upper gastrointestinal barium study (33%), abdominal computed tomography (CT) (58%) and barium enema (73%). An organic lesion was identified in 95% of the cases. There was 29 enteric and 15 colonic (including appendicular) intussusceptions. Thirty-seven percent of the enteric lesions were malignant, and a bit less than 50% of them were metastatic melanomas. The benign enteric lesions were Meckel's diverticulum and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in half of the cases. Fifty-eight percent of the pure colonic lesions (excluding appendix) were malignant, and 85% of them were primary adenocarcinomas. The benign colonic lesions were lipomas in 80% of the cases. All patients, except one, had a surgical treatment, and 13 of them had a complete reduction of the intussusception before resection. The mortality rate was 16% and recurrence occurred in three patients; two of them had a Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Intussusception rarely occurs in adults, but nearly half of their causes are malignant. The CT scan is a helpful examination for enteric intussusceptions whether barium enema seems to be the most performing method for colonic lesions. Surgery is the recommended treatment, with or without a primary reduction of the intussusception. During the surgical procedure, this reduction can lead to a more limited bowel resection.

Preliminary experience with the hanging maneuver for pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Malignant periampullary tumours often invade retroperitoneal peripancreatic tissues and a positive resection margin following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is associated with a poor survival. The margin most frequently invaded is the retroperitoneal margin (RM). Among the different steps of PD one of the most difficult and less codified is the resection of the RM with high risk of bleeding. We have developed a surgical technique - "hanging maneuver" - which allows at the same time a standardization of this step, a complete resection of the RM, and an optimal control of bleeding.

PATIENTS/METHODS

We described the surgical technique, and we reported our preliminary experience. Surgical data, postoperative outcome and pathological results of patients submitted to PD for pancreatic carcinoma using "hanging maneuver" technique between January 2007 and December 2007 were reviewed.

RESULTS

The hanging maneuver was performed in 20 patients without any intraoperative complication and massive bleeding. No patient required blood transfusion. After had inked the surgical margins, retroperitoneal peripancreatic tissue was invaded in 12 out of 17 patients with malignant diseases (70.5%). In only one case (6%), the retroperitoneal margin was involved by the tumour (R1 resection).

CONCLUSION

The "hanging maneuver" is a useful and safe technical variant and should be considered in the armamentarium of the pancreatic surgeons in order to achieve negative retroperitoneal margins.

Utility of staging laparoscopy in subsets of biliary cancers : laparoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool in patients with intrahepatic and gallbladder carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of staging laparoscopy in patients with biliary cancers in the era of modern diagnostic imaging.

METHODS

From September 2002 through August 2004, 39 consecutive patients with potentially resectable cholangiocarcinoma underwent preoperative staging laparoscopy before laparotomy. Preoperative imaging included ultrasonography and triphasic computed tomography for all patients and magnetic resonance cholangiography in 35 patients (90%). Final pathological diagnosis included 20 hilar cholangiocarcinomas (HC), 11 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (IHC), and eight gallbladder carcinomas (GBC).

RESULTS

During laparoscopy, unresectable disease was found in 14/39 patients (36%). The main causes of unresectability were peritoneal carcinomatosis (11/14) and liver metastases (5/14). At laparotomy, nine patients (37%) were found to have advanced disease precluding resection. Vascular invasion and nodal metastases were the main causes of unresectability during laparotomy (eight out of nine). In detecting peritoneal metastases and liver metastases, laparoscopy had an accuracy of 92 and 71%, respectively. All patients with vascular or nodal involvement were missed by laparoscopy. For prediction of unresectability disease, the yield and accuracy of laparoscopy were highest for GBC (62% yield and 83% accuracy), followed by IHC (36% yield and 67% accuracy) and HC (25% yield and 45% accuracy)

CONCLUSION

Staging laparoscopy ensured that unnecessary laparotomy was not performed in 36% of patients with potentially resectable biliary carcinoma after extensive preoperative imaging. In patients with biliary carcinoma that appears resectable, staging laparoscopy allows detection of peritoneal and liver metastasis in one third of patients. Both vascular and lymph nodes invasions were not diagnosed by this procedure. Due to these limitations, laparoscopy is more useful in ruling out dissemination in GBC and IHC than in HC.

Pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma: presentation, treatment and survival

PURPOSE

The pancreas is an uncommon site of metastasis from renal cell carcinoma, comprising 2% of pancreatic tumors removed in sizable series of operations. To our knowledge the role of operative resection in the setting of metastatic malignancy to the periampullary region has not yet been defined. We reviewed the records of 6 women and 2 men who underwent pancreatic resection due to malignancy and analyzed various prognostic factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1985 and 1995, 269 patients underwent pancreatic resection for malignancy at our hospitals, including 150 (56%) for pancreatic duct cancer, 65 (24%) for carcinoma of the ampulla, 27 (10%) for distal bile duct cancer, 19 (7%) for duodenal carcinoma and 8 (3%) for renal cell carcinoma metastasis. We reviewed the records of these latter 8 cases, and analyzed demographics, primary tumor type, disease-free interval, resection type, concomitant other organ resection, histological examination of the specimen, morbidity, adjuvant therapy and survival.

RESULTS

Pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma was managed by duodenopancreatectomy in 5 patients and total pancreatectomy in 3. There were no perioperative deaths. Mean tumor size in cases of a solitary pancreatic metastasis was 4 cm. (range 1.5 to 8). In the 3 patients treated with total pancreatectomy there were 2, 5 and 3 pancreatic metastases, respectively. Pathological examination revealed negative lymph nodes in all cases. Mean survival was 48 months. At study end 6 patients were alive at 24, 26, 30, 46, 84 and 88 months, while 2 died at 13 and 70 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We advocate aggressive surgical resection when possible. Surgical removal of metastatic lesions prolongs survival but radical lymph node dissection is not mandatory. We also recommend careful long-term followup of patients with a history of renal cell carcinoma.

Two-stage hepatectomy for multiple bilobar colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

As surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) remains the only treatment for cure, efforts to extend the surgical indications to include patients with multiple bilobar CLM have been made. This study evaluated the long-term outcome, safety and efficacy of two-stage hepatectomy (TSH) for CLM in a large cohort of patients.

METHODS

Patients undergoing surgery between December 1996 and December 2009 were reviewed. The early postoperative and long-term outcomes as well as the patterns of failure to complete TSH and its clinical implications were analysed.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were scheduled to undergo TSH. Sixty-one patients had completion of TSH combined with (58 patients), or without (3) portal vein embolization/ligation (PVE/PVL). Five patients were excluded after first-stage hepatectomy and 14 after PVE/PVL. The 5-year overall survival rate and median survival in patients who completed TSH were 32 per cent and 39·6 months respectively, and corresponding recurrence-free values were 11 per cent and 9·4 months respectively. Six patients were alive beyond 5 years after TSH. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that failure to complete TSH was driven by two independent prognostic scenarios: three or more CLM in the future remnant liver (FRL) combined with age over 70 years predicted tumour progression after first-stage hepatectomy, and three or more CLM in the FRL combined with carcinomatosis at the time of first-stage hepatectomy predicted the development of additional FRL metastases after PVE/PVL.

CONCLUSION

A therapeutic strategy using TSH provided acceptable long-term survival with no postoperative mortality. Further efforts are needed to increase the number of patients who undergo TSH successfully.

Laparoscopic vs open colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis: a prospective comparative study in the elderly

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective comparative study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic and open colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in patients aged >/=75 years.

METHODS

From January 1993 to December 1998, all patients 75 years of age and older undergoing an elective colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis were included in the study. The patients were divided into the following two groups: group 1 (n = 22) consisted of patients who underwent a laparoscopic procedure; group 2 (n = 24) consisted of patients who underwent an open procedure.

RESULTS

In group 1, there were 12 women and 10 men with a mean age of 77.2 years (range, 75-82); in group 2, there were 14 women and 10 men with a mean age of 78 years (range, 76-84) (p = 0.37). There was no difference between the groups in ASA classification. The operative time was shorter in group 2 (136 vs 234 mins). The postoperative period during which parenteral analgesics were required (5.4 vs 8.2 days, p = 0.001), postoperative morbidity (18% vs 50%, p = 0.02), postoperative length of hospital stay (13.1 vs 20.2 days, p = 0.003), and the inpatient rehabilitation (6 vs 15 patients, p = 0.01) were significantly shorter for group 1 than for group 2. There were no perioperative deaths. The conversion rate was 9% in group 1.

CONCLUSION

The data from the present study suggest that laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis can be applied safely to older patients with fewer complication, less pain, shorter hospital stay, and a more rapid return to preoperative activity levels than that seen with open colorectal resection.

Primary anastomosis after intraoperative colonic lavage vs. Hartmann's procedure in generalized peritonitis complicating diverticular disease of the colon

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

For complicated diverticulitis Hartmann's procedure remains the favored option in patients with acute complicated sigmoid disease, but there has been increasing interest in primary resection and anastomosis with intraoperative colonic lavage. This study compared primary resection with intraoperative colonic lavage and Hartmann's procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1994 and November 2001, 60 patients underwent emergency laparotomy for diverticular peritonitis (Hinchey stages III and IV). Primary resection and anastomosis with intraoperative colonic lavage was performed in 27 patients and Hartmann's procedure in 33. All data were collected prospectively on a standardized form.

RESULTS

Mortality with intraoperative colonic lavage was 11% and with Hartmann's procedure 12%. The incidence of postoperative complication was significantly higher after Hartmann's procedure. The mean hospital stay was significantly longer after Hartmann's procedure than after primary resection with intraoperative colic lavage.

CONCLUSION

Primary resection with intraoperative colonic lavage compares favorably with Hartmann's procedure for diffuse purulent peritonitis in complicated diverticulitis. It should be an alternative to Hartmann's procedure in stercoral peritonitis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis. A prospective comparative study in patients with acute vs. chronic cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with acute cholecystitis versus those with chronic cholecystitis and to determine the optimal timing for LC in patients with acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

From January 1991 to July 1998, 796 patients (542 women and 254 men) underwent LC. In 132 patients (67 women and 65 men), acute cholecystitis was confirmed via histopathological examination. These patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 85) had an LC prior to 3 days after the onset of the symptoms of acute cholecystitis, and group 2 (n = 47) had an LC after 3 days.

RESULTS

There were no mortalities. The conversion rates were 38.6% in acute cholecystitis and 9.6% in chronic cholecystitis (p<10(-8)). Length of surgery (150.3 min vs. 107.8 min; p<10(-9)), postoperative morbidity (15% vs. 6.6%; p = 0.001), and postoperative length of stay (7.9 days vs. 5 days; p< 10(-9)) were significantly different between LC for acute cholecystitis and elective LC. For acute cholecystitis, we found a statistical difference between the successful group and the conversion group in terms of length of surgery and postoperative stay. The conversion rates in patients operated on before and after 3 days following the onset of symptoms were 27% and 59.5%, respectively (p = 0.0002). There was no statistical difference between early and delayed surgery in terms of operative time and postoperative complications. However, total hospital stay was significantly shorter for group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

LC for acute cholecystitis is a safe procedure with a shorter postoperative stay, lower morbidity, and less mortality than open surgery. LC should be carried out as soon as the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is established and preferably before 3 days following the onset of symptoms. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy can reduce both the conversion rate and the total hospital stay as medical and economic benefits.

Surgical management of primary anorectal melanoma

BACKGROUND

This aim of this study was to analyse outcome after surgery for primary anorectal melanoma and to determine factors predictive of survival.

METHODS

Records of 40 patients treated between 1977 and 2002 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twelve men and 28 women of mean age 58.1 (range 37-83) years were included in the analysis. Overall and disease-free survival rates were 17 and 14 per cent at 5 years. Median overall survival was 17 months and disease-free survival was 10 months. The 5-year survival rate was 24 per cent for patients with stage I tumours, and zero for those with stage II or stage III disease. There was no significant difference in overall survival after wide local excision (49 and 16 per cent at 2 and 5 years respectively) and abdominoperineal resection (33 per cent at both time points). In patients with stage I and stage II disease, there was a significant association between poor survival and duration of symptoms (more than 3 months), inguinal lymph node involvement, tumour stage and presence of amelanotic melanoma.

CONCLUSION

Anorectal melanoma is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. Wide local excision is recommended as primary therapy if negative resection margins can be achieved.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy for high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy remains the best treatment for acute cholecystitis but may cause high morbidity and mortality in critically ill or elderly patients.

METHODS

From October 1995 to March 2004, percutaneous cholecystostomy was performed in 65 patients with acute cholecystitis. The mean age was 78 years (range, 45-95). All patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class III (n = 51) or ASA IV (n = 14).

RESULTS

Percutaneous cholecystostomy was technically successful in 63 patients (97%) with no attributable mortality or major complications. In two patients, bile drainage was inefficient, requiring emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One patient developed necrotic cholecystitis and died. The 30-day mortality rate was 13.8% (n = 9); eight patients died of respiratory or cardiac complications related to comorbidities. Mean drainage time was 18 days (range, 9-60). Postoperative length of hospital stay was 15 days (range, 7-30). Early and delayed cholecystitis occurred in six and five patients, respectively. During follow-up (mean, 20.4 months), five patients died of their underlying medical condition at 5, 6, 8, 12, and 14 months, respectively. In this study, delayed elective cholecystectomy was performed in 10 patients (15.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous cholecystostomy is a valuable and effective procedure without mortality and with a low morbidity. Whenever possible, percutaneous cholecystostomy should be followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Systematic review of the influence of chemotherapy-associated liver injury on outcome after partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

The impact of chemotherapy-associated liver injury (CALI) on postoperative outcome in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to clarify the effect of CALI (sinusoidal dilatation (SD), steatosis and steatohepatitis) on postoperative morbidity and mortality by investigating a large data set from multiple international centres.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched for studies published between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013 with keywords 'chemotherapy', 'liver resection', 'outcome' and 'colorectal metastases' to identify potential collaborating centres. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using binary logistic regression models, with results presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

RESULTS

A consolidated database comprising 788 patients who underwent hepatectomy for CRLM in eight centres was obtained. In multivariable analyses, severe SD was associated with increased major morbidity (Dindo-Clavien grade III-V; OR 1·73, 95 per cent c.i. 1·02 to 2·95; P = 0·043). Severe steatosis was associated with decreased liver surgery-specific complications (OR 0·52, 95 per cent c.i. 0·27 to 1·00; P = 0·049), whereas steatohepatitis was linked to an increase in these complications (OR 2·08, 1·18 to 3·66; P = 0·012). Subgroup analysis showed that lobular inflammation was the sole component associated with increased overall morbidity (OR 2·22, 1·48 to 3·34; P = 0·001) and liver surgery-specific complications (OR 3·35, 2·11 to 5·32; P < 0·001). Finally, oxaliplatin treatment was linked to severe SD (OR 2·74, 1·67 to 4·49; P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

An increase in postoperative major morbidity and liver surgery-specific complications was observed after partial hepatectomy in patients with severe SD and steatohepatitis. Postoperative liver failure occurred more often in patients with severe SD.

Factors influencing recurrence following initial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Data on recurrence patterns following hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) and their impact on long-term outcomes are limited in the setting of modern multimodal management. This study sought to characterize the patterns of, factors associated with, and survival impact of recurrence following initial hepatectomy for CRLMs.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing initial hepatectomy for CRLMs at 39 institutions (2006-2013) was conducted. Kaplan-Meier methods were used for survival analyses. Overall survival landmark analysis at 12 months after hepatectomy was performed to compare groups based on recurrence. Multivariable Cox and regression models were used to determine factors associated with recurrence.

RESULTS

Among 2320 patients, tumours recurred in 47·4 per cent at median of 10·1 (range 0-88) months; 89·1 per cent of recurrences developed within 3 years. Recurrence was intrahepatic in 46·2 per cent, extrahepatic in 31·8 per cent and combined intra/extrahepatic in 22·0 per cent. The 5-year overall survival rate decreased from 74·3 (95 per cent c.i. 72·2 to 76·4) per cent without recurrence to 57·5 (55·0 to 60·0) per cent with recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 3·08, 95 per cent c.i. 2·31 to 4·09). After adjusting for clinicopathological variables, prehepatectomy factors associated with increased risk of recurrence were node-positive primary tumour (HR 1·27, 1·09 to 1·49), more than three liver metastases (HR 1·27, 1·06 to 1·52) and largest metastasis greater than 4 cm (HR 1·19; 1·01 to 1·43).

CONCLUSION

Recurrence after CRLM resection remains common. Although overall survival is inferior with recurrence, excellent survival rates can still be achieved.

Robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: multicentre analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy is still unclear, and whether robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) offers benefits over laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) is unknown because large multicentre studies are lacking. This study compared perioperative outcomes between RDP and LDP.

METHODS

A multicentre international propensity score-matched study included patients who underwent RDP or LDP for any indication in 21 European centres from six countries that performed at least 15 distal pancreatectomies annually (January 2011 to June 2019). Propensity score matching was based on preoperative characteristics in a 1 : 1 ratio. The primary outcome was the major morbidity rate (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or above).

RESULTS

A total of 1551 patients (407 RDP and 1144 LDP) were included in the study. Some 402 patients who had RDP were matched with 402 who underwent LDP. After matching, there was no difference between RDP and LDP groups in rates of major morbidity (14.2 versus 16.5 per cent respectively; P = 0.378), postoperative pancreatic fistula grade B/C (24.6 versus 26.5 per cent; P = 0.543) or 90-day mortality (0.5 versus 1.3 per cent; P = 0.268). RDP was associated with a longer duration of surgery than LDP (median 285 (i.q.r. 225-350) versus 240 (195-300) min respectively; P < 0.001), lower conversion rate (6.7 versus 15.2 per cent; P < 0.001), higher spleen preservation rate (81.4 versus 62.9 per cent; P = 0.001), longer hospital stay (median 8.5 (i.q.r. 7-12) versus 7 (6-10) days; P < 0.001) and lower readmission rate (11.0 versus 18.2 per cent; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The major morbidity rate was comparable between RDP and LDP. RDP was associated with improved rates of conversion, spleen preservation and readmission, to the detriment of longer duration of surgery and hospital stay.

Laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in obese and nonobese patients: a prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this prospective comparative study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis in normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients.

METHODS

From January 1995 to December 2000, all patients (n = 77) undergoing an elective colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 29) consisted of healthy, normal-weight patients (BMI, 18-24.9); group 2 (n = 27) consisted of overweight patients (BMI, 25.0-29.9); group 3 (n = 21) consisted of obese patients (BMI, 30.0-39.9). Groups 2 and 3 were compared with group 1.

RESULTS

Group 1 was comprised of 13 women and 16 men with a mean age of 58.4 years (range, 37-78); group 2, was comprised of 13 women and 14 men with a mean age of 55.2 years (range, 31-83); group 3, was comprised of 13 women and 14 men with a mean age of 54.1 years (range, 33-86). There was no difference among the three groups in ASA classification, postoperative length of hospital stay, or inpatient rehabilitation. The operating time did not differ for groups 1 and 2 (187 vs 210 min, p = 0.6), but it was shorter in group 1 than in group 3 (187 vs 247 min, p = 0.003). The conversion rate was similar for all three groups: 17.2% in group 1, 14.8% in group 2, and 19% in group 3. The postoperative period during which parenteral analgesics were required did not differ between groups 1 and 2 (5.7 vs 7.7 days, p = 0.1), but it was longer for group 3 (8.5 days, p = 0.03). The morbidity rate was similar for all three groups: 17.2% in group 7, 14.8% in group 2, and 19% in group 3. There were no perioperative deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from the present study suggest that laparoscopic colectomy for sigmoid diverticulitis can be applied safely in overweight and obese patients

Laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy: a prospective comparative study in the elderly with acute cholecystitis

The aim of this prospective comparative study was to determine the feasibility and the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in patients older than 75 years of age and to compare the results with those of open cholecystectomy. From January 1992 to December 1999, 139 patients older than 75 years of age underwent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. The two groups of patients with cholecystolithiasis included 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group 1) and 89 patients who underwent open cholecystectomy (group 2). Group 1 consisted of 30 women and 20 men, with a mean age of 81.9 years (range, 75-98). Group 2 consisted of 51 women and 38 men, with a mean age of 81.9 years (range, 75-93). There was no difference in the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification in both groups. The length of the surgery (103.3 vs. 149.7 minutes), postoperative length of stay (7.7 vs. 12.7 days), and inpatient rehabilitation (15 vs. 42 patients) were significantly shorter in group 1 than in group 2. The postoperative morbidity rate was not different between the groups. There was no mortality in group 1, but four patients died in group 2 (P = 0.29). The conversion rate was 32% (n = 16) in group 1. In summary, laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis is safe and effective. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients restores them to the best possible quality of life with the lowest cost to them physiologically.

Ultrasound detection of visceral adhesion after intraperitoneal ventral hernia treatment: a comparative study of protected versus unprotected meshes

Intraperitoneal (IP) ventral hernia repair has been proposed with the advantages of reducing dissection, operative time, and postoperative pain. The IP position of the mesh is suspected of increasing the risk of visceral adhesion and inducing complications. To overcome these drawbacks, a mesh protected on one side by a hydrophilic resorbable film (Parietex Composite) has been validated. Using a previously described ultrasound procedure, the purpose of this study was to compare the rate of visceral adhesion after intraperitoneal placement of a polyester mesh versus this protected mesh. Fifty-one patients who received a Parietex Composite mesh were prospectively compared to a retrospective series of 22 consecutive asymptomatic patients who received a Mersilene mesh. To objectively assess visceral adhesion toward the abdominal wall, an ultrasound (US) specific examination was firstly validated and secondly used to evaluate the adhesion incidence in both groups. Both groups were equivalent in terms of inclusion criteria and body mass index (BMI). Pre-operative US versus perioperative macroscopical findings determined the following parameters: sensitivity 83%, accuracy 78%, negative predictive value 81%. Using this procedure, 77% of the patients exhibited visceral adhesion to the mesh in the Mersilene group, against 18% in the Parietex Composite group (P<0.001, chi-square). US examination represents a suitable tool to evaluate postoperative adhesions to the abdominal wall. Using this procedure, a significant reduction of visceral adhesion in the Parietex Composite group was shown.

Randomized clinical trial evaluating the need for routine nasogastric decompression after elective hepatic resection

Background

The value of routine nasogastric tube (NGT) decompression after elective hepatic resection has not been investigated.

Methods

Of 200 patients who had elective hepatic resection, including 68 who had previously had colorectal surgery, 100 were randomized to NGT decompression, where the NGT was left in place after surgery until the passage of flatus or stool, and 100 to no decompression, where the NGT was removed at the end of the operation.

Results

There was no difference between patients who had NGT decompression and those who did not in terms of overall surgical complications (15·0 versus 19·0 per cent respectively; P = 0·451) medical morbidity (61·0 versus 55·0 per cent; P = 0·391), in-hospital mortality (3·0 versus 2·0 per cent; P = 0·640), duration of ileus (mean(s.d.) 4·3(1·5) versus 4·5(1·7) days; P = 0·400) or length of hospital stay (14·2(8·5) versus 15·8(10·8) days; P = 0·220). Twelve patients randomized to no NGT decompression required reinsertion of the tube 3·9(1·9) days after surgery. Previous abdominal surgery had no influence on the need for NGT reinsertion. Severe discomfort was recorded in 21 patients in the NGT group and premature removal of the tube was required in 19. Pneumonia (13·0 versus 5·0 per cent; P = 0·047) and atelectasis (81 versus 67 per cent; P = 0·043) were significantly more common in the NGT group.

Conclusion

Routine NGT decompression after elective hepatectomy had no advantages. Its use was associated with an increased risk of pulmonary complications.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery: comparative study of Nissen, Nissen-Rossetti, and Toupet fundoplication. Société Française de Chirurgie Laparoscopique

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the results of Nissen, Nissen-Rossetti, and Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication in terms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

From 1992 to 1996, 1,470 laparoscopic fundoplications were performed using one of three procedures: Nissen (n = 655), Nissen-Rossetti (n = 423), and Toupet (n = 392). Preoperative checkup included esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 1,437 patients (97. 7%), esophageal manometry in 934 patients (63.5%), and 24-h pH-metry in 799 patients (54.3%). The results were estimated at 1 month, 3 months, and 2 years. Patients unable to visit the hospital center were contacted by telephone.

RESULTS

The three groups were quite similar regarding demographic data such as age, gender, preoperative clinical symptoms, and duration of GERD. One death (0.07%) occurred. At 3 months, there were no differences among the three groups concerning conversion, morbidity, dysphagia, early reintervention, or postoperative length of stay. The length of surgery was more important in the Toupet procedure. In the Nissen group, there were fewer Visick grade I patients but more Visick grade III patients. At 2 years, the recurrence and reintervention rates were similar. The overall residual severe dysphagia rate was 0.35% (n = 5). In the Nissen group, there were fewer Visick grade I patients but more in Visick grade II patients. There was no difference in Visick grade III and IV among the groups. More than 90% of the patients were satisfied (Visick I + Visick II), with no significant difference among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study do not differ significantly from the data reported in the literature, suggesting such surgical techniques are effective and well tolerated, and that both can be properly used in the treatment of GERD.

Impact of cirrhosis in patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection in a nationwide multicentre survey

BACKGROUND

The aim was to analyse the impact of cirrhosis on short-term outcomes after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in a multicentre national cohort study.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all patients undergoing LLR in 27 centres between 2000 and 2017. Cirrhosis was defined as F4 fibrosis on pathological examination. Short-term outcomes of patients with and without liver cirrhosis were compared after propensity score matching by centre volume, demographic and tumour characteristics, and extent of resection.

RESULTS

Among 3150 patients included, LLR was performed in 774 patients with (24·6 per cent) and 2376 (75·4 per cent) without cirrhosis. Severe complication and mortality rates in patients with cirrhosis were 10·6 and 2·6 per cent respectively. Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) developed in 3·6 per cent of patients with cirrhosis and was the major cause of death (11 of 20 patients). After matching, patients with cirrhosis tended to have higher rates of severe complications (odds ratio (OR) 1·74, 95 per cent c.i. 0·92 to 3·41; P = 0·096) and PHLF (OR 7·13, 0·91 to 323·10; P = 0·068) than those without cirrhosis. They also had a higher risk of death (OR 5·13, 1·08 to 48·61; P = 0·039). Rates of cardiorespiratory complications (P = 0·338), bile leakage (P = 0·286) and reoperation (P = 0·352) were similar in the two groups. Patients with cirrhosis had a longer hospital stay than those without (11 versus 8 days; P = 0·018). Centre expertise was an independent protective factor against PHLF in patients with cirrhosis (OR 0·33, 0·14 to 0·76; P = 0·010).

CONCLUSION

Underlying cirrhosis remains an independent risk factor for impaired outcomes in patients undergoing LLR, even in expert centres.

Surgical treatment of postoperative incisional hernias by intraperitoneal insertion of dacron mesh and an aponeurotic graft: a report on 250 cases

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic problems of giant incisional hernias of the abdominal wall are often difficult to resolve. The technique of repair must make up for the loss of abdominal wall substance and reestablish the interplay of the abdominal musculature. The use of prosthetic materials complies with these 2 imperatives.

HYPOTHESIS

The results of surgical treatment of postoperative incisional hernias by intraperitoneal insertion of Dacron mesh and an aponeurotic graft were evaluated.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective study of 250 patients in a university hospital.

RESULTS

Postoperative mortality was 0.8%. Five patients (2%) developed a subcutaneous infection that did not affect the prosthesis. Another 5 patients (2%) developed a deep-seated infection that necessitated removal of the mesh in 3 cases. Eight patients (3.2%) had recurrence of incisional hernia.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study shows that giant abdominal wall hernias can be efficiently treated by the intraperitoneal positioning of Dacron mesh and an aponeurotic graft.

Development of a composite endpoint for randomized controlled trials in liver surgery

Background

The feasibility of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in liver surgery using a single-component clinical endpoint is low as such endpoints require large sample sizes owing to their low incidence. A liver surgery-specific composite endpoint (CEP) could solve this problem. The aim of this study was to develop a liver surgery-specific CEP with well-defined components.

Methods

Components of a liver surgery-specific CEP were selected based on a systematic literature search and consensus among 28 international hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeons. As an example, two prospective cohorts of patients who had undergone liver surgery in high-volume HPB centres were used to assess the event rate and effect of implementing a liver surgery-specific CEP.

Results

Components selected for the liver surgery-specific CEP were ascites, postresectional liver failure, bile leakage, intra-abdominal haemorrhage, intra-abdominal abscess and operative mortality, all with a Clavien–Dindo grade of at least 3 and occurring within 90 days after initial surgery. The incidence of this liver surgery-specific CEP was 19·2 per cent in one cohort and 10·7 per cent in the other. These rates led to an approximately twofold reduction in the theoretical sample size required for an adequately powered RCT in liver surgery using the CEP as primary endpoint.

Conclusion

The proposed liver surgery-specific CEP consists of ascites, postresectional liver failure, bile leakage, intra-abdominal haemorrhage, intra-abdominal abscess and operative mortality. It has a considerably higher event rate than any of its components. Its use as the primary endpoint will increase the feasibility and comparability of RCTs in liver surgery.

Is port-site resection necessary in the surgical management of gallbladder cancer?

INTRODUCTION

Gallbladder carcinoma is frequently discovered incidentally on pathologic examination of the specimen after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) performed for presumed "benign" disease. The objective of the present study was to assess the role of excision of port-sites from the initial LC for patients with incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) in a French registry.

METHODS

Data on patients with IGBC identified after LC between 1998 and 2008 were retrospectively collated in a French multicenter database. Among those patients undergoing re-operation with curative intent, patients with port-site excision (PSE) were compared with patients without PSE and analyzed for differences in recurrence patterns and survival.

RESULTS

Among 218 patients with IGBC after LC (68 men, 150 women, median age 64 years), 148 underwent re-resection with curative intent; 54 patients had PSE and 94 did not. Both groups were comparable with regard to demographic data (gender, age > 70, co-morbidities), surgical procedures (major resection, lymphadenectomy, main bile duct resection) and postoperative morbidity. In the PSE group, depth of tumor invasion was T1b in six, T2 in 24, T3 in 22, and T4 in two; this was not significantly different from patients without PSE (P = 0.69). Port-site metastasis was observed in only one (2%) patient with a T3 tumor who died with peritoneal metastases 15 months after resection. PSE did not improve the overall survival (77%, 58%, 21% at 1, 3, 5 years, respectively) compared to patients with no PSE (78%, 55%, 33% at 1, 3, 5 years, respectively, P = 0.37). Eight percent of patients developed incisional hernia at the port-site after excision.

CONCLUSION

In patients with IGBC, PSE was not associated with improved survival and should not be considered mandatory during definitive surgical treatment.

Laparoscopic versus open resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND

The relevance of laparoscopic resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains debated. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic (LLR) and open (OLR) liver resection for ICC, with specific focus on textbook outcome and lymph node dissection (LND).

METHODS

Patients undergoing LLR or OLR for ICC were included from two French, nationwide hepatopancreatobiliary surveys undertaken between 2000 and 2017. Patients with negative margins, and without transfusion, severe complications, prolonged hospital stay, readmission or death were considered to have a textbook outcome. Patients who achieved both a textbook outcome and LND were deemed to have an adjusted textbook outcome. OLR and LLR were compared after propensity score matching.

RESULTS

In total, 548 patients with ICC (127 LLR, 421 OLR) were included. Textbook-outcome and LND completion rates were 22.1 and 48.2 per cent respectively. LLR was independently associated with a decreased rate of LND (odds ratio 0.37, 95 per cent c.i. 0.20 to 0.69). After matching, 109 patients remained in each group. LLR was associated with a decreased rate of transfusion (7.3 versus 21.1 per cent; P = 0.001) and shorter hospital stay (median 7 versus 14 days; P = 0.001), but lower rate of LND (33.9 versus 73.4 per cent; P = 0.001). Patients who underwent LLR had lower rate of adjusted TO completion than patients who had OLR (6.5 versus 17.4 per cent; P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic approach did not substantially improve quality of care of patients with resectable ICC.

Central neck dissection in the management of sporadic medullary thyroid microcarcinoma

AIM

Treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) includes total thyroidectomy with at least bilateral central neck dissection. Systematic measurement of thyrocalcitonin (CT) levels in thyroid nodules allows for early diagnosis of MTC. As central neck dissection (CND) is associated with high morbidity, the aim of this study was to investigate the necessity of this procedure in the treatment of sporadic medullary thyroid microcarcinoma (S-mMTC).

METHODS

Prospective multicentric study including 43 patients with sporadic micro-MTC who underwent CND between January 1991 and August 2001.

RESULTS

26 women and 17 men with sporadic micro-MTC, aged 28-87 (mean age was 58 years), without family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia, underwent surgery. Total thyroidectomy was performed in all patients and combined with 'picking' (n=7) or CND (n=36). Size of tumours ranged from 0.2 to 9mm (mean size was 4.1mm). Solitary (32/43 patients) and multiple S-mMTC lesions (11/43 patients) were seen. 601 lymph nodes from the 41 subclinical patients were analysed. Mean follow-up period for these patients was 32 months. No mutations in the RET oncogene were seen.

CONCLUSION

As lymph node involvement is uncommon in S-mMTC, systematic CND is of questionable value.

Multicentre study of the impact of morbidity on long-term survival following hepatectomy for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The impact of morbidity on long-term outcomes following liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is currently unclear.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with curative intent in 24 university hospitals between 1989 and 2009. Severe morbidity was defined as any complication of Dindo-Clavien grade III or IV. Patients with severe morbidity were compared with those without in terms of demographics, pathology, management, morbidity, overall survival, disease-free survival and time to recurrence. Independent predictors of severe morbidity were identified by multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 522 patients were enrolled. Severe morbidity occurred in 113 patients (21·6 per cent) and was an independent predictor of overall survival (hazard ratio 1·64, 95 per cent c.i. 1·21 to 2·23), as were age at resection, multifocal disease, positive lymph node status and R0 resection margin. Severe morbidity did not emerge as an independent predictor of disease-free survival. Independent predictors of time to recurrence included severe morbidity, tumour size, multifocal disease, vascular invasion and R0 resection margin. Major hepatectomy and intraoperative transfusion were independent predictors of severe morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Severe morbidity adversely affects overall survival following liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.