Preoperative biliary drainage in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma undergoing major hepatectomy

AIM:To investigate the effect of preoperative biliary drainage(PBD)in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma(HCCA)undergoing major liver resections.METHODS:An observational study was carried out by reviewing a prospectively maintained database of HCCA patients who underwent major liver resection for curative therapy from January 2002 to December 2012.Patients were divided into two groups based on whether PBD was performed:a drained group and an undrained group.Patient baseline characteristics,preoperative factors,perioperative and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.Risk factors for postoperative complications were also analyzed by logistic regression test with calculating OR and 95%CI.RESULTS:In total,78 jaundiced patients with HCCA underwent major liver resection:32 had PBD prior to operation while 46 did not have PBD.The two groups were comparable with respect to age,sex,body mass index and co-morbidities.Furthermore,there was no significant difference in the total bilirubin(TBIL)levels between the drained group and the undrained group at admission(294.2±135.7 vs 254.0±63.5,P=0.126).PBD significantly improved liver function,reducing not only the bilirubin levels but also other liver enzymes.The preoperative TBIL level was significantly lower in the drained group as compared to the undrained group(108.1±60.6 vs 265.7±69.1,P=0.000).The rate of overall postoperative complications(53.1%vs 58.7%,P=0.626),reoperation rate(6.3%vs 6.5%,P=1.000),postoperative hospital stay(16.5 vs 15.0,P=0.221)and mortality(9.4%vs 4.3%,P=0.673)were similar between the two groups.In addition,there was no significant difference in infectious complications(40.6%vs 23.9%,P=0.116)and noninfectious complications(31.3%vs 47.8%,P=0.143)between the two groups.Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that preoperative TBIL>170μmol/L(OR=13.690,95%CI:1.275-147.028,P=0.031),Bismuth-Corlette classification(OR=0.013,95%CI:0.001-0.166,P=0.001)and extended liver resection(OR=14.010,95%CI:1.130-173.646,P=0.040)were independent risk factors for postoperative complications.CONCLUSION:Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates after major liver resection are not improved by PBD in HCCA patients with jaundice.Preoperative TBIL>170μmol/L,Bismuth-Corlette classification and extended liver resection are independent risk factors linked to postoperative complications.

Roux-en-Y versus BillrothⅠreconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM: To conduct a meta-analysis to compare Roux-en-Y (R-Y) gastrojejunostomy with gastroduodenal Billroth?I?(B-I) anastomosis after distal gastrectomy (DG) for gastric cancer.METHODS: A literature search was performed to identify studies comparing R-Y with B-I?after DG for gastric cancer from January 1990 to November 2012 in Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library. Pooled odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95%CI were calculated using either ?xed or random effects model. Operative outcomes such as operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative outcomes such as anastomotic leakage and stricture, bile re?ux, remnant gastritis, re?ux esophagitis, dumping symptoms, delayed gastric emptying and hospital stay were the main outcomes assessed. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.0 software (Cochrane library).RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 9 non-randomized observational clinical studies (OCS) involving 478 and 1402 patients respectively were included. Meta-analysis of RCTs revealed that R-Y reconstruction was associated with a reduced bile re?ux (OR 0.04, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.14; P < 0.00?001) and remnant gastritis (OR 0.43, 95%CI: 0.28, 0.66; P = 0.0001), however needing a longer operation time (WMD 40.02, 95%CI: 13.93, 66.11; P = 0.003). Meta-analysis of OCS also revealed R-Y reconstruction had a lower incidence of bile re?ux (OR 0.21, 95%CI: 0.08, 0.54; P = 0.001), remnant gastritis (OR 0.18, 95%CI: 0.11, 0.29; P < 0.00?001) and re?ux esophagitis (OR 0.48, 95%CI: 0.26, 0.89; P = 0.02). However, this reconstruction method was found to be associated with a longer operation time (WMD 31.30, 95%CI: 12.99, 49.60; P = 0.0008).CONCLUSION: This systematic review point towards some clinical advantages that are rendered by R-Y compared to B-I?reconstruction post DG. However there is a need for further adequately powered, well-designed RCTs comparing the same.

Meta-analysis of laparoscopic vs open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic liver resection(LLR) and open liver resection(OLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS:PubMed(Medline),EMBASE and Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library were searched systematically to identify relevant comparative studies reporting outcomes for both LLR and OLR for HCC between January 1992 and February 2012.Two authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted the data.Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.0 software(The Cochrane Collaboration,Oxford,United Kingdom).Pooled odds ratios(OR) or weighted mean differences(WMD) with 95%CI were calculated using either fixed effects(Mantel-Haenszel method) or random effects models(DerSimonian and Laird method).Evaluated endpoints were operative outcomes(operation time,intraoperative blood loss,blood transfusion requirement),postoperative outcomes(liver failure,cirrhotic decompensation/ascites,bile leakage,postoperative bleeding,pulmonary complications,intraabdominal abscess,mortality,hospital stay and oncologic outcomes(positive resection margins and tumor recurrence).RESULTS:Fifteen eligible non-randomized studies were identified,out of which,9 high-quality studies involving 550 patients were included,with 234 patients in the LLR group and 316 patients in the OLR group.LLR was associated with significantly lower intraoperative blood loss,based on six studies with 333 patients [WMD:-129.48 mL;95%CI:-224.76-(-34.21) mL;P = 0.008].Seven studies involving 416 patients were included to assess blood transfusion requirement between the two groups.The LLR group had lower blood transfusion requirement(OR:0.49;95%CI:0.26-0.91;P = 0.02).While analyzing hospital stay,six studies with 333 patients were included.Patients in the LLR group were found to have shorter hospital stay [WMD:-3.19 d;95%CI:-4.09-(-2.28) d;P < 0.00001] than their OLR counterpart.Seven studies including 416 patients were pooled together to estimate the odds of developing postoperative ascites in the patient groups.The LLR group appeared to have a lower incidence of postoperative ascites(OR:0.32;95%CI:0.16-0.61;P = 0.0006) as compared with OLR patients.Similarly,fewer patients had liver failure in the LLR group than in the OLR group(OR:0.15;95%CI:0.02-0.95;P =0.04).However,no significant differences were found between the two approaches with regards to operation time [WMD:4.69 min;95%CI:-22.62-32 min;P = 0.74],bile leakage(OR:0.55;95%CI:0.10-3.12;P = 0.50),postoperative bleeding(OR:0.54;95%CI:0.20-1.45;P = 0.22),pulmonary complications(OR:0.43;95%CI:0.18-1.04;P = 0.06),intra-abdominal abscesses(OR:0.21;95%CI:0.01-4.53;P = 0.32),mortality(OR:0.46;95%CI:0.14-1.51;P = 0.20),presence of positive resection margins(OR:0.59;95%CI:0.21-1.62;P = 0.31) and tumor recurrence(OR:0.95;95%CI:0.62-1.46;P = 0.81).CONCLUSION:LLR appears to be a safe and feasible option for resection of HCC in selected patients based on current evidence.However,further appropriately designed randomized controlled trials should be undertaken to ascertain these findings.

Biliary tract intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: Report of 19 cases

AIM: To gain a better understanding of biliary tract intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(BT-IPMN).METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2013, 19cases of BT-IPMN were retrospectively identified from a total of 343 biliary tract tumors resected in our single institution.Demographic characteristics, clinical data, pathology, surgical strategies, and long-term follow-up were analyzed.RESULTS: The mean age of the 19 BT-IPMN cases was 53.8 years(range: 25-74 years).The most common symptom was abdominal pain(15/19; 78.9%), followed by jaundice(7/19; 36.8%).Cholangitis was associated with most(16/19; 84.2%) of the BT-IPMN cases.Macroscopically visible mucin was detected in all 19 patients, based on original surgical reports.The most common abnormal preoperative imaging findings for BT-IPMN were bile duct dilation(19/19; 100%) and intraluminal masses(10/19; 52.6%).Thirteen(68.4%) cases involved the intrahepatic bile duct and hilum.We performed left hepatectomy in 11/19(57.9%), right hepatectomy in 2/19(10.5%), bile duct resection in 4/19(21.1%), and pancreatoduodenectomy in 1/19(5.3%) patients.One(5.3%) patient was biopsied and received a choledochojejunostomy because of multiple tumors involving the right extrahepatic and left intrahepatic bile ducts.Histology showed malignancy in 10/19(52.6%) patients.The overall median survival was 68 mo.The benign cases showed a non-significant trend towards improved survival compared to malignant cases(68 mo vs 48 mo, P = 0.347).The patient without tumor resection died of liver failure 22 mo after palliative surgery.CONCLUSION: BT-IPMN is a rare biliary entity.Complete resection of the tumor is associated with good survival, even in patients with malignant disease.

Laparoscopic vs open total gastrectomy for gastric cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis comparing laparoscopic total gastrectomy(LTG)with open total gastrectomy(OTG)for the treatment of gastric cancer.METHODS:Major databases such as Medline(PubMed),Embase,Academic Search Premier(EBSCO),Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL)in The Cochrane Library were searched for studies comparing LTG and OTG from January 1994 to May 2013.Evaluated endpoints were operative,postoperative and oncological outcomes.Operative outcomes included operative time and intraoperative blood loss.Postoperative recovery included time to first fatus,time to first oral intake,hospital stay and analgesics use.Postoperative complications comprised morbidity,anastomotic leakage,anastomotic stenosis,ileus,bleeding,abdominal abscess,wound problems and mortality.Oncological outcomes included positive resection margins,number of retrieved lymph nodes,and proximal and distal resection margins.The pooled effect was calculated using either a fixed effects or a random effects model.RESULTS:Fifteen non-randomized comparative studies with 2022 patients were included(LTG-811,OTG-1211).Both groups had similar short-term oncological outcomes,analgesic use(WMD-0.09;95%CI:-2.39-2.20;P=0.94)and mortality(OR=0.74;95%CI:0.24-2.31;P=0.61).However,LTG was associated with a lower intraoperative blood loss(WMD-201.19 mL;95%CI:-296.50--105.87 mL;P<0.0001)and overall complication rate(OR=0.73;95%CI:0.57-0.92;P=0.009);fewer wound-related complications(OR=0.39;95%CI:0.21-0.72;P=0.002);a quicker recovery of gastrointestinal motility with shorter time to frst fatus(WMD-0.82;95%CI:-1.18--0.45;P<0.0001)and oral intake(WMD-1.30;95%CI:-1.84--0.75;P<0.00001);and a shorter hospital stay(WMD-3.55;95%CI:-5.13--1.96;P<0.0001),albeit with a longer operation time(WMD 48.25 min;95%CI:31.15-65.35;P<0.00001),as compared with OTG.CONCLUSION:LTG is safe and effective,and may offer some advantages over OTG in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Meta-analysis of subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy vs pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM: To investigate the differences in outcome following pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy(PPPD) and subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy(SSPPD).METHODS: Major databases including Pub Med(Medline), EMBASE and Science Citation Index Expanded and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library were searched for comparative studies between patients with PPPD and SSPPD published between January 1978 and July 2014. Studies were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was delayed gastric emptying(DGE). Secondary outcomes included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, pancreatic fistula, postoperative hemorrhage, intraabdominal abscess, wound infection, time to starting liquid diet, time to starting solid diet, period of nasogastric intubation, reinsertion of nasogastric tube, mortality and hospital stay. The pooled odds ratios(OR) or weighted mean difference(WMD) with 95% confidence intervals(95%CI) were calculated using either a fixed-effects or random-effects model. RESULTS: Eight comparative studies recruiting 650 patients were analyzed, which include two RCTs, one non-randomized prospective and 5 retrospective trial designs. Patients undergoing SSPPD experienced significantly lower rates of DGE(OR = 2.75; 95%CI: 1.75-4.30, P < 0.00001) and a shorter period of nasogastric intubation(OR = 2.68; 95%CI: 0.77-4.58,P < 0.00001), with a tendency towards shorter time to liquid(WMD = 2.97, 95%CI:-0.46-7.83; P = 0.09) and solid diets(WMD = 3.69, 95%CI:-0.46-7.83; P = 0.08) as well as shorter inpatient stay(WMD = 3.92, 95%CI:-0.37-8.22; P = 0.07), although these latter three did not reach statistical significance. PPPD, however, was associated with less intraoperative blood loss than SSPPD [WMD =-217.70, 95%CI:-429.77-(-5.63); P = 0.04]. There were no differences in other parameters between the two approaches, including operative time(WMD =-5.30, 95%CI:-43.44-32.84; P = 0.79), pancreatic fistula(OR = 0.91; 95%CI: 0.56-1.49; P = 0.70), postoperative hemorrhage(OR = 0.51; 95%CI: 0.15-1.74; P = 0.29), intraabdominal abscess(OR = 1.05; 95%CI: 0.54-2.05; P = 0.89), wound infection(OR = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.39-1.97; P = 0.75), reinsertion of nasogastric tube(OR = 1.90; 95%CI: 0.91-3.97; P = 0.09) and mortality(OR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.05-2.01; P = 0.22).CONCLUSION: SSPPD may improve intraoperative and short-term postoperative outcomes compared to PPPD, especially DGE. However, these findings need to be further ascertained by well-designed randomized controlled trials.

Recurrence and survival after surgery for pancreatic cancer with or without acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND In pancreatic cancer,acute pancreatitis(AP)is a serious morbidity,but its negative effect on long-term outcomes remains to be elucidated.AIM To investigate the effects of AP on the tumor recurrence pattern of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)and tumor-specific survival.METHODS The medical records of 219 patients with curative pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer at the Pancreatic Surgery Center of West China Hospital from July 2012 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.The severity of acute pancreatitis was classified according to the Atlanta classification of AP.The patient demographics and tumor characteristics were assessed.Early recurrence was defined as a relapse within 12 mo after surgery.Overall and disease-free survival and recurrence patterns were analyzed.Mild acute pancreatitis was excluded because its negative effects can be negligible.RESULTS Early recurrence in AP group was significantly higher than in non-AP group(71.4%vs 41.2%;P=0.009).Multivariate analysis of postoperative early recurrence showed that moderate or severe AP was an independent risk factor for an early recurrence[odds ratio(OR):4.13;95%confidence interval(CI):1.41-12.10;P=0.01].The median time to recurrence was shorter in patients with AP than in those without(8.4 vs 12.8 mo;P=0.003).Multivariate analysis identified AP as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival[relative risk(RR):2.35;95%CI:1.45-3.83]and disease-free survival(RR:2.24;95%CI:1.31-3.85)in patients with PDAC.CONCLUSION Patients with moderate or severe acute pancreatitis developed recurrences earlier than those without.Moderate or severe AP is associated with shorter overall and disease-free survival of patients with PDAC.

Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas in male patients: Report of 16 cases

AIM: To investigate the clinical characteristics, surgical strategies and prognosis of solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) of the pancreas in male patients. METHODS: From July 2003 to March 2013, 116 patients were diagnosed with SPT of the pancreas in our institution. Of these patients, 16 were male. The patients were divided into two groups based on gender: female (group 1) and male (group 2). The groups were compared with regard to demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, surgical strategies, complications and follow-up outcomes. RESULTS: Male patients were older than female patients (43.1 +/- 12.3 years vs 33.1 +/- 11.5 years, P = 0.04). Tumor size, location, and symptoms were comparable between the two groups. All patients, with the exception of one, underwent complete surgical resection. The patients were regularly followed up. The mean follow-up period was 58 mo. Two female patients (1.7%) developed tumor recurrence or metastases and required a second resection, and two female patients (1.7%) died during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Male patients with SPT of the pancreas are older than female patients. There are no significant differences between male and female patients regarding surgical strategies and prognosis. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Prophylactic intra-peritoneal drain placement following pancreaticoduodenectomy:A systematic review and metaanalysis

AIM:To conduct a meta-analysis comparing outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)with or without prophylactic drainage.METHODS:Relevant comparative randomized and nonrandomized studies were systemically searched based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with and those without routine drainage.Pooled odds ratios(OR)with 95%CI were calculated using either fixed effects or random effects models.RESULTS:One randomized controlled trial and four non-randomized comparative studies recruiting 1728patients were analyzed.Patients without prophylactic drainage after PD had significantly higher mortality(OR=2.32,95%CI:1.11-4.85;P=0.02),despite the fact that they were associated with fewer overall complications(OR=0.62,95%CI:0.48-0.82;P=0.00),major complications(OR=0.75,95%CI:0.60-0.93;P=0.01)and readmissions(OR=0.77,95%CI:0.60-0.98;P=0.04).There were no significant differences in the rates of pancreatic fistula,intraabdominal abscesses,postpancreatectomy hemorrhage,biliary fistula,delayed gastric emptying,reoperation or radiologic-guided drains between the two groups.CONCLUSION:Indiscriminate abandonment of intraabdominal drainage following PD is associated with greater mortality,but lower complication rates.Future randomized trials should compare routine vs selective drainage.

Clinical impact of preoperative acute pancreatitis in patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors

AIM: To investigate the impact of preoperative acute pancreatitis(PAP) on the surgical management of periampullary tumors.METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with periampullary tumors and PAP were retrospectively analyzed. Thirtyfour patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) and 4 patients who underwent total pancreatectomy were compared with a control group of 145 patients without PAP during the same period.RESULTS: The preoperative waiting time was significantly shorter for the concomitant PAP patients who underwent a resection(22.4 d vs 54.6 d, p < 0.001)compared to those who did not. The presence of PAP significantly increased the rate of severe complications(Clavien grade 3 or higher)(17.6% vs 4.8%, p = 0.019)and lengthened the hospital stay(19.5 d vs 14.5 d,p = 0.006). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PAP was an independent risk factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula(OR = 2.91; 95%CI:1.10-7.68; p = 0.032) and severe complications(OR =4.70; 95%CI: 1.48-14.96; p = 0.009) after PD. There was no perioperative mortality.CONCLUSION: PAP significantly increases the incidence of severe complications and lengthens thehospital stay following PD. PD could be safely performed in highly selective patients with PAP.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for splenic littoral cell angioma

AIM:To establish the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy(LS) for littoral cell angioma(LCA).METHODS:From September 2003 to November 2013,27 patients were diagnosed with LCA in our institution.These patients were divided into two groups based on operative procedure:LS(13 cases,Group 1) and open splenectomy(14 cases,Group 2).Data were collected retrospectively by chart review.Comparisons were performed between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics(sex and age); operative outcomes(operative time,estimated blood loss,transfusion,and conversion); postoperative details(length of postoperative stay and complications); and follow-up outcome.RESULTS:LS was successfully carried out in all patients except one in Group 1,who required conversion to hand-assisted LS because of perisplenic adhesions.The average operative time for patients in Group 1 was significantly shorter than that in Group 2(127 ± 34 min vs 177 ± 25 min,P = 0.001).The average estimated blood loss in Group 1 was significantly lower than in Group 2(62 ± 48 m L vs 138 ± 64 m L,P < 0.01).No patient in Group 1 required a blood transfusion,whereas one in Group 2 required a transfusion.Two patients in Group 1 and four in Group 2 suffered from postoperative complications.All the complications were cured by conservative therapy.There were no deaths in our series.All patients were followed up and no recurrence or abdominal metastasis were found.CONCLUSION:LS for patients with LCA is safe and feasible,with preferable operative outcomes and longterm tumor-free survival.

Prospects and applications of enucleation in solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms(SPNs)of the pancreas are rare,low-grade,malignant neoplasms that are mostly seen in young women in the second and third decades of life and are quite uncommon in children.Standard resection for benign and borderline neoplasms of the pancreas is associated with a substantial risk of postoperative morbidity and long-term functional impairment,whereas enucleation leads to less morbidity and preserves healthy parenchyma as well as exocrine and endocrine function.Enucleation of SPNs has been increasingly reported to be feasible and safe for preserving the normal physiological function of the pancreas,especially in teenagers and children.This review summarizes findings published in recent years on the enucleation of SPNs as well as potential future developments and directions.Enucleation has undoubtedly come to stay as an alternative surgical procedure for SPNs.However,many questions remain unresolved,and future directions toward the best surgical indication,the prevention and intervention of complications,especially pancreatic fistula,intraoperative resection margin safety assessment,and long-term oncology prognosis remain to be evaluated and should be explored in future clinical trials.

Duodenum and ventral pancreas preserving subtotal pancreatectomy for low-grade malignant neoplasms of the pancreas: An alternative procedure to total pancreatectomy for low-grade pancreatic neoplasms

AIM To describe the indications, technique and outcomes of the novel surgical procedure of duodenum and ventral pancreas preserving subtotal pancreatectomy(DVPPSP).METHODS Data collected retrospectively from 43 patients who underwent DVPPSP and TP between 2009 and 2015 in our single centre were analysed. For enrolment, only patients with low-grade pancreatic neoplasms, such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms(IPMNs), and solid pseudopapillary tumors, were included. Ten DVPPSP(group 1) and 13 TP(group 2) patients were selected in this study.RESULTS There were no significant differences in age, gender, comorbidities, preoperative symptoms, American Society of Anesthesiologists score or indications for surgery between the two groups. The most common indication was IPMN for DVPPSP and TP(60% vs 85%, P = 0.411). Compared with the TP group, the DVPPSP group had comparable postoperative morbidities(P = 0.405) and mortalities(both nil), but significantly shorter operative time(232 ± 19.6 min vs 335 ± 32.3 min, P < 0.001). DVPPSP preserved better long-term pancreatic function with less supplementary therapy(P < 0.001) and better quality of life(Qo L) after surgery, including better scores in social(P = 0.042) and global health(P = 0.047) on functional scales and less appetite loss(P = 0.049) on the symptom scale. CONCLUSION DVPPSP is a feasible and safe procedure that could be an alternative to TP for low-grade neoplasms arising from the body and tail region but across the neck region of the pancreas; DVPPSP had better metabolic function and Qo L after surgery.

Analysis of invasiveness and tumor-associated macrophages infiltration in solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas

BACKGROUND Solid pseudopapillary tumor(SPT)is a rare pancreatic tumor.Considering its malignant behaviors,SPT has been classified as a low-grade malignant tumor.Indeed,only 9.2%of all SPT patients are initially diagnosed as malignant with invasion or metastasis.Thus,one of the challenges in managing SPT patients is predicting malignant behavior.AIM To investigate the malignant behavior and tumor-associated macrophage(TAM)infiltration between different histopathologic features of SPT patients.METHODS Twenty-five formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 22 patients pathologically diagnosed with an SPT between 2009 and 2019 at West China Hospital were included in this retrospective study.Integrity of the capsule and growth pattern of the tumor cells was assessed microscopically in hematoxylineosin(HE)-stained sections.Based on the histopathological features,the SPT patients were divided into two groups:capsule or invasion.Clinical features,malignant behavior,and TAM infiltration were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Among the 22 SPT patients,11 were identified for each group,having either a capsule or invasion histopathologic feature.Malignant behavior was more frequent in the invasion group,including 2 patients who had peripheral organ invasion,3 with liver metastasis,and 1 with both lymph node and spleen metastases(P=0.045).Ki-67 index of more than 3%was also more frequent in the invasion group(P=0.045).Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the invasion group had a significant increase of CD68-positive TAMs in intratumor and peritumor sites in comparison with the capsule group(all P<0.0001).Similarly,CD163-positive M2-like macrophages were also markedly increased in the intratumor and peritumor sites in the invasion group(all P<0.0001).At the liver metastasis site,both intratumor and peritumor tissues showed relatively high-level CD68-positive TAMs and CD163-positive M2-like macrophages infiltration.However,the differences between the intratumor,peritumor and normal hepatic tissues did not reach statistical significance(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION SPT patients with invasion evident under microscope were more likely to exhibit malignant behavior and TAM infiltration,especially M2-like macrophages.This finding can help in future investigations of the underlying mechanism of TAM-mediated SPT malignant behavior.

Role of original and modified Frey's procedures in chronic pancreatitis

AIM To retrospectively review patients with chronic pancreatitis(CP) treated with Frey's procedures between January 2009 and January 2014.METHODS A retrospective review was performed of patients with CP treated with Frey's procedures between January 2009 and January 2014 in the Department of Pancreatic Surgery. A cross-sectional study of postoperative pain relief, quality of life(Qo L), and alcohol and nicotine abuse was performed by clinical interview, letters and telephone interview in January 2016. Qo L of patients was evaluated with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30) version 3.0. The patients were requested to fill in the questionnaires by themselves via correspondence or clinical interview.RESULTS A total of 80 patients were enrolled for analysis, including 44 who underwent the original Frey's procedure and 36 who underwent a modified Frey's procedure. The mean age was 46 years in the original group and 48 years in the modified group. Thirtyfive male patients(80%) were in the original group and 33(92%) in the modified group. There were no differences in the operating time, blood loss, and postoperative morbidity and mortality between the two groups. The mean follow-up was 50.3 mo in the original group and 48.7 mo in the modified group. There were no differences in endocrine and exocrine function preservation between the two groups. The original Frey's procedure resulted in significantly betterpain relief, as shown by 5-year follow-up(P = 0.032), better emotional status(P = 0.047) and fewer fatigue symptoms(P = 0.028). When stratifying these patients by the M-ANNHEIM severity index, no impact was found on pain relief after the two types of surgery.CONCLUSION The original Frey's procedure is as safe as the modified procedure, but the former yields better pain relief. The severity of CP does not affect postoperative pain relief.

Standard Versus Extended Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Treating Adenocarcinoma of the Head of the Pancreas

Objectives To compare the postoperative complications and survival of standard pancreatoduodenectomy （SPD） and extended pancreatoduodenectomy （EPD） in patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Methods Between January 1994 and December 2011, 165 patients with biopsy-proven adenocardnoma of the pancreatic head were treated in West China Hospital, among whom 93 underwent SPD and 72 had EPD. Complications and survival after the surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Results The median operation time of the EPD group was longer compared with the SPD group （375 minutes vs. 310 minutes, P〈O.O1）, the volume of blood transfusion was larger （700 mL vs. 400 mL, P〈0.05）, while the median hospital stay （13.5 days vs. 12 days, P = 0.79） and the total complication rates were comparable （34.7% vs. 32.4%, P=0.93）. The total recurrence rates of the SPD and EPD groups were not significantly different （52.7% vs. 43.1%, P=0,83）. No significant differences were found between the SPD and EPD groups in 1-year （81.7% vs. 86.1%）, 3-year （38.7% vs. 43.1%）, 5-year （16.7% vs. 19.4%）, and median survivals （19.8 months vs. 23.2 months, P= 0.52）. Conclusion The postoperative complications and survival donot differ significantly between SPD and EPD.

Mesenterico-portal vein invasion should be an important factor in TNM staging for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Proposed modification of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system

BACKGROUND The 8^th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer(AJCC)staging system for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)excludes extrapancreatic extension from the assessment of T stage and restages tumors with mesenterico-portal vein(MPV)invasion into T1-3 diseases according to tumor size.However,MPV invasion is believed to be correlated with a poor prognosis.AIM To analyze whether the inclusion of MPV invasion can further improve the 8th edition of the AJCC staging system for PDAC.METHODS This study retrospectively included 8th edition AJCC T1-3N0-2M0 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy/total pancreatectomy from two cohorts and analyzed survival outcomes.In the first cohort,a total of 7539 patients in the surveillance,epidemiology,and end results database was included,and in the second cohort,689 patients from the West China Hospital database were enrolled.RESULTS Cox regression analysis showed that MPV invasion is an independent prognostic factor in both databases.In the MPV-group,all pairwise comparisons between the survival functions of patients with different stages were significant except for the comparison between patients with stage IIA and those with stage IIB.However,in the MPV+group,pairwise comparisons between the survival functions of patients with stage IA,stage IB,stage IIA,stage IIB,and stage III were not significant.T1-3N0 patients in the MPV+group were compared with the T1N0,T2N0,and T3N0 subgroups of the MPV-group;only the survival of MPV-T3N0 and MPV+T1-3N0 patients had no significant difference.Further comparisons of patients with stage IIA and subgroups of stage IIB showed(1)no significant difference between the survival of T2N1 and T3N0 patients;(2)a longer survival of T1N1 patients that was shorter than the survival of T2N0 patients;and(3)and a shorter survival of T3N1 patients that was similar to that of T1-3N2 patients.CONCLUSION The modified 8th edition of the AJCC staging system for PDAC proposed in this study,which includes the factor of MPV invasion,provides improvements in predicting prognosis,especially in MPV+patients.

Functionality is not an independent prognostic factor for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

BACKGROUND Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(pNENs)that produce hormones leading to symptoms are classified as functional tumors,while others are classified as nonfunctional tumors.The traditional view is that functionality is a factor that affects the prognosis of pNEN patients.However,as the sample sizes of studies have increased,researches in recent years have proposed new viewpoints.AIM To assess whether functionality is an independent factor for predicting the prognosis of pNEN patients.METHODS From January 2004 to December 2016,data of patients who underwent surgery at the primary site for the treatment of pNENs from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database and West China Hospital database were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS Contemporaneous data from the two databases were analyzed separately as two cohorts and then merged as the third cohort to create a large sample that was suitable for multivariate analysis.From the SEER database,age(P=0.006)and T stage(P<0.001)were independent risk factors affecting the survival.From the West China Hospital database,independent prognostic factors were age(P=0.034),sex(P=0.032),and grade(P=0.039).The result of the cohort consisting of the combined populations from the two databases showed that race(P=0.015),age(P=0.002),sex(P=0.032)and T stage(P<0.001)were independent prognostic factors.In the West China Hospital database and in the total population,nonfunctional pNETs and other functional pNETs tended to have poorer prognoses than insulinoma.However,functionality was not associated with the survival time of patients with pNETs in the multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION Functionality is not associated with prognosis.Race,age,sex,and T stage are independent factors for predicting the survival of patients with pNETs.

Neoadjuvant therapy in resectable pancreatic cancer:A promising curative method to improve prognosis

Currently,15 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)have been designed to investigate whether neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)benefits patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma(R-PA)compared to surgery alone.Five of them have acquired results so far;however,corresponding conclusions have not been obtained.We speculated that the reason for this phenomenon could be that some prognostic factors had proven to be adverse through upfront surgery curative patterns,but some of them were not regarded as independent baseline characteristics,which is important to obtaining comparability between the NAT and upfront surgery groups.This fact could cause bias and lead to the difference in the outcomes of RCTs.In this review,we collate data about risk factors(such as tumor size,resection margin,and lymph node status)influencing the prognoses of patients with R-PA from five RCTs and discuss the possible reasons for the varying outcomes.

Regional differences in islet amyloid deposition in the residual pancreas with new-onset diabetes secondary to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Islet amyloid deposition and reducedβ-cell mass are pathological hallmarks in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects.To date,the pathological features of the islets in diabetes secondary to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)have not been specifically addressed.AIM To provide further insight into the relationship between islet amyloid deposition of the residual pancreas in PDAC patients and to explore whether regional differences(proximal vs distal residual pancreas)are associated with islet amyloid deposition.METHODS We retrospectively collected clinical information and pancreatic tissue removed from tumors of 45 PDAC patients,including 14 patients with normal glucose tolerance(NGT),16 patients with prediabetes and 15 new-onset diabetes(NOD)patients diagnosed before surgery by an oral glucose tolerance test at West China Hospital from July 2017 to June 2020.Pancreatic volume was calculated by multiplying the estimated area of pancreatic tissue on each image slice by the interval between slices based on abdominal computer tomography scans.Several sections of paraffin-embedded pancreas specimens from both the proximal and/or distal regions remote from the tumor were stained as follows:(1)Hematoxylin and eosin for general histological appearance;(2)hematoxylin and insulin for the determination of fractionalβ-cell area(immunohistochemistry);and(3)quadruple insulin,glucagon,thioflavin T and DAPI staining for the determination ofβ-cell area,α-cell area and amyloid deposits.RESULTS Screening for pancreatic histologic features revealed that duct obstruction with islet amyloid deposition,fibrosis and marked acinar atrophy were robust in the distal pancreatic regions but much less robust in the proximal regions,especially in the prediabetes and NOD groups.Consistent with this finding,the remnant pancreatic volume was markedly decreased in the NOD group by nearly one-half compared with that in the NGT group(37.35±12.16 cm^(3) vs 69.79±18.17 cm^(3),P<0.001).As expected,islets that stained positive for amyloid(islet amyloid density)were found in the majority of PDAC cases.The proportion of amyloid/islet area(severity of amyloid deposition)was significantly higher in both prediabetes and NOD patients than in NGT patients(P=0.002;P<0.0001,respectively).We further examined the regional differences in islet amyloid deposits.Islet amyloid deposit density was robustly increased by approximately 8-fold in the distal regions compared with that in the proximal regions in the prediabetes and NOD groups(3.98%±3.39%vs 0.50%±0.72%,P=0.01;12.03%vs 1.51%,P=0.001,respectively).CONCLUSION In conclusion,these findings suggest that robust alterations of the distal pancreas due to tumors can disturb islet function and structure with islet amyloid formation,which may be associated with the pathogenesis of NOD secondary to PDAC.