Impaired immune reaction and increased lactate and C-reactive protein for early prediction of severe morbidity and pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy

Background: Prediction of complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) remains of interest. Blood parameters and biomarkers during rst and second postoperative days (POD1, POD2) may be early indi- cators of complications. Methods: This case-control study included 50 patients. Baseline, POD1 and POD2 values of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin and arterial lactate were compared between individuals presenting Clavien ≥ III morbidity, pancreatic stula (PF) or clinically relevant PF (CRPF) and those without these morbidities. Common variables reaching signi cance were further analyzed in order to calculate a predictive score. Results: Severe morbidity, PF and CRPF rates were 28.0%, 26.0% and 14.0%, respectively. Patients with severe morbidity had lower leukocytes on POD2 (P=0.04). Patients with PF presented higher CRP on POD2 (P=0.001), higher lactate on POD1 (P=0.007) and POD2 (P=0.008), and lower lymphocytes on POD1 (P=0.007) and POD2 (P=0.008). Patients with CRPF had lower leukocytes and neutrophils on POD1 (P =0.048, P =0.038), lower lymphocytes on POD1 (P =0.001) and POD2 (P =0.003), and higher CRP on POD2 (P =0.001). Baseline parameters and procalcitonin obtained no statistical associations. Score was de ned according to lymphocytes on POD1 < 650/μL and CRP on POD2 ≥ 250 mg/L allocating patients in 3 risk categories. PF and CRPF rates were statistically higher as risk category increased (P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves and Hosmer Lemeshow tests showed a good accuracy. Conclusions: Impaired immunological reaction during early postoperative period (lower leukocytes and, particularly, lymphocytes) in response to surgical aggression would favor complications after PD. Likewise, acidosis (higher arterial lactate) could behave as risk factor of PF. An elevated CRP on POD2 is also an early biomarker of PF. Our novel score based on postoperative lymphocyte count and CRP seems reliable for early prediction of PF.

Stem cell therapy for faecal incontinence: Current state and future perspectives

Faecal continence is a complex function involving different organs and systems. Faecal incontinence is a common disorder with different pathogeneses, disabling consequences and high repercussions for quality of life. Current management modalities are not ideal, and the development of new treatments is needed. Since 2008, stem cell therapies have been validated, 36 publications have appeared(29 in preclinical models and seven in clinical settings), and six registered clinical trials are currently ongoing. Some publications have combined stem cells with bioengineering technologies. The aim of this review is to identify and summarise the existing published knowledge of stem cell utilization as a treatment for faecal incontinence. A narrative or descriptive review is presented. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that cellular therapy, mainly in the form of local injections of muscle-derived(muscle derived stem cells or myoblasts derived from them) or mesenchymal(bone-marrow-or adipose-derived) stem cells, is safe. Cellular therapy has also been shown to stimulate the repair of both acute and subacute anal sphincter injuries, and some encouraging functional results have been obtained. Stem cells combined with normal cells on bioengineered scaffolds have achieved the successful creation and implantation of intrinsically-innervated anal sphincter constructs. The clinical evidence, based on adipose-derived stem cells and myoblasts, is extremely limited yet has yielded some promising results, and appears to be safe. Further investigation in both animal models and clinical settings is necessary to drawing conclusions. Nevertheless, if the preliminary results are confirmed, stem cell therapy for faecal incontinence may well become a clinical reality in the near future.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery to treat hepatopancreatobiliary cancer:A technical review

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery(SILS),or laparoendoscopic single-site surgery,was launched to minimize incisional traumatic effects in the 1990s.Minor SILS,such as cholecystectomies,have been gaining in popularity over the past few decades.Its application in complicated hepatopancreatobiliary(HPB)surgeries,however,has made slow progress due to instrumental and technical limitations,costs,and safety concerns.While minimally invasive abdominal surgery is pushing the boundaries,advanced laparoscopic HPB surgeries have been shown to be comparable to open operations in terms of patient and oncologic safety,including hepatectomies,distal pancreatectomies(DP),and pancreaticoduodenectomies(PD).In contrast,advanced SILS for HPB malignancy has only been reported in a few small case series.Most of the procedures involved minor liver resections and DP;major hepatectomies were rarely described.Singleincision laparoscopic PD has not yet been reported.We herein review the published SILS for HPB cancer in the literature and our three-year experience focusing on the technical aspects.

Endoscopic Sphinterotomy in Patients with Mild Acute Biliary Pancreatitis, in <i>Situ</i>Gallbladder and Alithiasic Bile Duct: Is It Justified?

Objective: To compare the long-term results of the treatment of mild acute biliary pancreatitis in patients with gallbladder in situ, without stones in the bile duct, treated by cholecystectomy, and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) versus simple cholecystectomy in the prevention of recurrence of this pathology. Material and Methods: Between May 2008 and December 2012, 110 consecutive patients with a mild acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) were prospectively studied. None had undergone cholecystectomy, and choledocholithiasis was ruled out by ERCP. Two groups of patients were created and randomized: Group I (n = 55) who underwent ERCP plus ES and Group II (n = 55) only had diagnostic ERCP. Patients were then referred for cholecystectomy. Follow up was completed in 101 patients. Group I was made up of 53 patients and Group II had 48 similar characteristics. Patients were followed for an average of 105 months. At the end of the follow-up, 12 (22.6%) from Group I and 6 (12.5%) from Group II (p = 0.143) remained with the gallbladder in situ. Results: There were 53 patients in Group I (100%). Only 42 (87.5%) of those in Group II evolved without biliopancreatic complications (p = 0.0096). In the latter, 6 (12.5%) were complicated, and 5 had not had cholecystectomy. In Group I patients, there was no recurrence of acute biliary pancreatitis, but this was seen in 4 cases (8.4%) in Group II (p = 0.0476). Group I also had 2 cases of biliary colic (4.2%) and 2 cases of obstructive jaundice (4.2%). Conclusions : The risk of recurrence is significant in patients with mild acute biliary pancreatitis, without bile duct stones, and in whom cholecystectomy is not performed;thus, an ES is recommended.

Gastric Adenocarcinoma Treatment in Africa: Surgery Alone or Perioperative Chemotherapy?

Aim: Evaluate the impact of MAGIC trial on gastric adenocarcinoma’s management in Africa. Method and methodology: It was about a review of literature on therapeutic aspects of gastric adenocarcinoma in the African area. We have taken a census of 21 articles including 2792 patients published between 1980 and 2013. We have distinguished articles published before 2006 (group 1) from those published after 2006 (group 2) to better understand therapeutic changes after that perioperative chemotherapy has become a standard in gastric adenocarcinoma’s management. Results: Surgery remains in Africa the first and practically the only treatment weapon in gastric adenocarcinoma: 46% to 92% people in the 1st group and 65% to 100% people in the 2nd group underwent surgical procedures. Perioperative chemotherapy takes longer to be part of therapeutic habits (0.18%). Factors related to patients such alteration of general state with a WHO performance status superior to 2 in 72% of cases, the lack of financial accessibility to anticancerous drugs explains partly the non-use of perioperative chemotherapy. This is also due to factors peculiar to our sanitation structures which don’t have enough cancer specialists. So we noticed that MAGIC trial is simply ignored in certain studies. The lack of adoption of perioperative chemotherapy explains with delayed diagnosis the low survival of patients in the African area. Conclusion: MAGIC trial practically has no effect on therapeutic behavior yet comparatively to gastric adenocarcinoma in Africa. The insurance particularly relies on surgery only until now. However, it might enable us to improve gastric adenocarcinoma’s survival rates.

New therapeutic strategy with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory hepatopulmonary syndrome after liver transplant: A case report

BACKGROUND Due to the lack of published literature about treatment of refractory hepatopulmonary syndrome(HPS)after liver transplant(LT),this case adds information and experience on this issue along with a treatment with positive outcomes.HPS is a complication of end-stage liver disease,with a 10%-30%incidence in cirrhotic patients.LT can reverse the physiopathology of this process and restore normal oxygenation.However,in some cases,refractory hypoxemia persists,and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)can be used as a rescue therapy with good results.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old patient with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension was included in the LT waiting list for HPS.He had good liver function(Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score 12,Child-Pugh class B7).He had pulmonary fibrosis and a mild restrictive respiratory pattern with a basal oxygen saturation of 82%.The macroaggregated albumin test result was>30.Spirometry demonstrated a forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1)of 78%,forced vital capacity(FVC)of 74%,FEV1/FVC ratio of 81%,diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide of 42%,and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient of 57%.He required domiciliary oxygen at 2 L/min(16 h/d).The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)and extubated in the first 24 h,needing high-flow therapy and non-invasive ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide afterwards.Reintubation was needed after 72 h.Due to the non-response to supportive therapies,installation of ECMO was decided with progressive recovery after 9 d.Extubation was possible on the tenth day,maintaining a high-flow nasal cannula and de-escalating to conventional oxygen therapy after 48 h.He was discharged from ICU on postoperative day(POD)20 with a 90%-92%oxygen saturation.Steroid recycling was needed twice for acute rejection.The patient was discharged from hospital on POD 27 with no symptoms,with an 89%-90%oxygen saturation.CONCLUSION Due to the favorable results observed,ECMO could become the central axis of treatment of HPS and refractory hypoxemia after LT.

Increased postoperative complications after protective ileostomy closure delay: An institutional study

AIM: To study the morbidity and complications as-sociated to ileostomy reversal in colorectal surgery pa-tients, and if these are related to the time of closure. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 93 patients, who had undergone elective ileostomy closure between 2009 and 2013 was performed. Demographic, clinical and surgical variables were reviewed for analysis. All complications were recorded, and classified according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification. Statistical univariate and multivariate analysis was performed, setting a P value of 0.05 for significance.RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 60.3 years, 58% male. The main procedure for ileostomy cre-ation was rectal cancer(56%), and 37% had received preoperative chemo-radiotherapy. The average delay from creation to closure of the ileostomy was 10.3 mo. Postoperative complications occurred in 40% of the pa-tients, with 1% mortality. The most frequent were ileus(13%) and wound infection(13%). Pseudomembra-nous colitis appeared in 4%. Increased postoperative complications were associated with delay in ileostomyclosure(P = 0.041). Male patients had more complica-tions(P = 0.042), mainly wound infections(P = 0.007). Pseudomembranous colitis was also associated with the delay in ileostomy closure(P = 0.003). End-to-end in-testinal anastomosis without resection was significantly associated with postoperative ileus(P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Although closure of a protective il-eostomy is a fairly common surgical procedure, it has a high rate of complications, and this must be taken into account when the indication is made. The delay in stoma closure can increase the rate of complications in general, and specifically wound infections and colitis.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration to treat choledocholithiasis in situs inversus patients:A technical review

Situs inversus(SI)is a rare congenital condition characterized by a mirror-image transposition of the major visceral organs.Since the 1990s,more than one hundred SI patients have been reported to have successfully undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy.In these cases,the major problem is to overcome is the left-right condition for right-handed surgeons.Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE),an alternative to treat patients with bile duct stones,has shown equivalent efficacy and is less likely to cause pancreatitis than endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.Recent updated meta-analyses revealed that a shorter postoperative hospital stay,fewer procedural interventions,cost-effectiveness,a higher stone clearance rate,and fewer perioperative complications are additional advantages of LCBDE.However,the technique is technically demanding,even for skilled laparoscopic surgeons.Conducting LCBDE in patients with difficult situations,such as SI,is more complex than usual.We herein review published SI patients with choledocholithiasis treated by LCBDE,including our own experience,and this paper focuses on the technical aspects.

Short-term outcomes of robotic liver resection: An initial singleinstitution experience

BACKGROUND Liver surgery has traditionally been characterized by the complexity of its procedures and potentially high rates of morbidity and mortality in inexperienced hands.The robotic approach has gradually been introduced in liver surgery and has increased notably in recent years.However,few centers currently perform robotic liver surgery and experiences in robot-assisted surgical procedures continue to be limited compared to the laparoscopic approach.AIM To analyze the outcomes and feasibility of an initial robotic liver program implemented in an experienced laparoscopic hepatobiliary center.METHODS A total of forty consecutive patients underwent robotic liver resection(da Vinci Xi,intuitive.com,United States)between June 2019 and January 2021.Patients were prospectively followed and retrospectively reviewed.Clinicopathological characteristics and perioperative and short-term outcomes were analyzed.Data are expressed as mean and standard deviation.The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board.RESULTS The mean age of patients was 59.55 years,of which 18(45%)were female.The mean body mass index was 29.41 kg/m^(2).Nine patients(22.5%)were cirrhotic.Patients were divided by type of resection as follows:Ten segmentectomies,three wedge resections,ten left lateral sectionectomies,six bisegmentectomies(two VVI bisegmentectomies and four IVb-V bisegmentectomies),two right anterior sectionectomies,five left hepatectomies and two right hepatectomies.Malignant lesions occurred in twenty-nine(72.5%)of the patients.The mean operative time was 258.11 min and two patients were transfused intraoperatively(5%).Inflow occlusion was used in thirty cases(75%)and the mean total clamping time was 32.62 min.There was a single conversion due to uncontrollable hemorrhage.Major postoperative complications(Clavien–Dindo>Ⅲb)occurred in three patients(7.5%)and mortality in one(2.5%).No patient required readmission to the hospital.The mean hospital stay was 5.6 d.CONCLUSION Although robotic hepatectomy is a safe and feasible procedure with favorable short-term outcomes,it involves a demanding learning curve that requires a high level of training,skill and dexterity.

Pelvic exenterations for primary rectal cancer:Analysis from a 10-year national prospective database

AIM To identify short-term and oncologic outcomes of pelvic exenterations(PE) for locally advanced primary rectal cancer(LAPRC) in patients included in a national prospective database.METHODS Few studies report on PE in patients with LAPRC. For this study, we included PE for LAPRC performed between 2006 and 2017, as available, from the Rectal Cancer Registry of the Spanish Association of Surgeons [Asociación Espa?ola de Cirujanos(AEC)]. Primary endpoints included procedure-associated complications, 5-year local recurrence(LR), disease-free survival(DFS) and overall survival(OS). A propensitymatched comparison with patients who underwent non-exenterative surgery for low rectal cancers was performed as a secondary endpoint.RESULTS Eight-two patients were included. The mean age was 61.8 ± 11.5 years. More than half of the patients experienced at least one complication. Surgical site infections were the most common complication(abdominal wound 18.3%, perineal closure 19.4%). Thirty-three multivisceral resections were performed, including two hepatectomies and four metastasectomies. The long-term outcomes of the 64 patients operated on before 2013 were assessed. The five-year LR was 15.6%, the distant recurrence rate was 21.9%, and OS was 67.2%, with a mean survival of 43.8 mo. R+ve resection increased LR [hazard ratio(HR) = 5.58, 95%CI: 1.04-30.07, P = 0.04]. The quality of the mesorectum was associated with DFS. Perioperative complications were independent predictors of shorter survival(HR = 3.53, 95%CI: 1.12-10.94, P = 0.03). In the propensity-matched analysis, PE was associated with better quality of the specimen and tended to achieve lower LR with similar OS.CONCLUSION PE is an extensive procedure, justified if disease-free margins can be obtained. Further studies should define indications, accreditation policy, and quality of life in LAPRC.

Severe morbidity after pancreatectomy is accurately pre dicte d by preoperative pancreatic resection score(PREPARE): A prospective validation analysis from a medium-volume center

Background: Major morbidity in pancreatic surgery remains high. Different scores for predicting complications have been described. Preoperative pancreatic resection(PREPARE) score is based on objective preoperative variables and offers good predictive accuracy for Clavien ≥ III complications. This study aimed to validate this score and analyze other preoperative variables in a prospective study performed in a medium-volume center. Methods: A total of 50 pancreatic resections were included. Preoperative variables were registered and PREPARE was calculated. The main outcome was severe morbidity(Clavien ≥ III) up to 30 days after discharge. The secondary outcomes were length of stay(LOS) and readmission. Statistical validation was performed to compare severe morbidity rate among the scores categories. Association with other preoperative variables(not included in PREPARE) was also tested. Results: Of the 50 pancreatic resections, the severe morbidity was 34.0%, with median LOS of 11 days. Readmission rate was 25.5%. Severe morbidity rates according to PREPARE categories were 18.5% in lowrisk group, 41.7% in intermediate-risk group, and 63.6% in high-risk group, respectively( P = 0.023). The accuracy was 72%(Hosmer–Lemeshow, P = 0.86). ROC curve was obtained both for PREPARE score expressed as incremental values and categorized as the three risk groups, showing an area under curve(AUC) of 0.736(95% CI: 0.586–0.887; P = 0.007) and 0.712(95% CI: 0.555–0.869; P = 0.015), respectively. PREPARE was significant in multivariate analysis. Median LOS was statistically higher as PREPARE category increases(9, 11 and 15 days in low-, intermediate-and high-risk groups, respectively; P = 0.009). Readmission was not associated with any variables. Conclusions: PREPARE behaves as an independent risk factor for severe morbidity after pancreatic surgery. Score validation shows good accuracy prediction. Increasing PREPARE category is also associated with longer LOS.

Spectrum of Acute Non Traumatic Diffuse Secondary Peritonitis in the Tropics

Background: Peritonitis is one of the most common surgical emergency in tropical countries. It is still a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to describe the aetiology of acute non traumatic diffuse secondary peritonitis (ANDSP) and to report the outcome after treatment. Material and Methods: A retrospective survey of patients with ANDSP was carried out from January 2007 to December 2016 in the Digestive and General Surgery Service of Bouaké Teaching Hospital in the central part of C&ocirc;te d’Ivoire. The hospital is a tertiary referral centre and serves urban and rural population from Bouaké’s agglomeration but also from the whole central and northern parts of the country. During the study period, all patients found to have at laparotomy ANDSP were included. The analysed variables include epidemiologic charts, clinical presentation, cause of peritonitis, surgical treatment, postoperative outcome and prognostic factors. Results: Over the studied period 626 cases of ANDSP were operated on. The main aetiologies were gastroduodenal peptic ulcer perforation (n = 252, 41.1%), typhoid ileal perforation (n = 207, 33%) and appendicular peritonitis (n = 123, 19.6%). The mean duration of hospital stay was 13.8 ± 9.6 days (range 8 - 87 days). The length of hospital stay was significantly influenced by postoperative complications (23.5 ± 5.4 days versus 10.8 ± 2.7 days P = 0.000000). Two hundred and sixty one postoperative complications were recorded in 242 patients (38.6%) with wound infection being the commonest postoperative complication. A repeat laparotomy was indicated in 73 patients. Eigthy (n = 80) patients died (mortality 11.2%). Risk factors for death were hemodynamic shock, ASA > II, Age ≥ 60 years, M PI > 29 and digestive sutures performed in septic environment below the transverse mesocolon. Conclusion: The spectrum of aetiology of ANDSP in this tropical area is different from the one observed in the Western countries. Proper treatment of typhoid fever and amoebiasis can reduce the incidence of peritonitis. Early consultation together with adequate resuscitation and surgical management can improve the prognostic which still remains poor.

Preoperative pancreatic resection score:a preliminary prospective validation from Spain

To the Editor：We read with outstanding interest the article by Celik et al. It is the first external description of the Hamburg＇s preoperative pancreatic resection （PREPARE） score since it was published in 2014 by Uzunoglu et al. According to the latter authors, it is necessary to stratify risk of major morbidity and mortality before performing a pancreatic resection, and PREPARE score is a simple index, validated in a multicenter cohort of patients undergoing this group of technically demanding procedures.

Acute Bowel Obstructions of the Elderly in a Low African Country

Background: Acute bowel obstruction is one of the main causes of non-traumatic gastro—intestinal surgical emergencies. When they occur in elderly patients, they seem to induce higher morbi-mortality. The aim of our study was to identify the causes of these bowel obstructions in elderly patients and to expose the results of their surgical management. Patients and Methods: Retrospective and analytical study of patients aged 65 years and over, operated on between January 2013 and December 2019 for acute bowel obstruction at the University Hospital of Bouake. Demographic, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary data were analysed. Results: The study involved 36 men and 23 women (sex ratio = 1.6). The mean age of these patients was 70 ± 4.6 years (65 and 90 years). A history and/or co-morbidities were found in 67.8% of them. Patients were classified as ASA I (20.3%), ASA II (42.4%), ASA III (33.9%) or ASA IV (3.4%). The average consultation time was 5.3 ± 4.1 days (2 days and 28 days). Bowel obstructions were due to colonic volvulus (38.9%), colonic cancer (22%), postoperative adhesions (18.6%), strangulated groin hernia (16.9%) or internal bowel hernia (3.3%). Volvulated or necrotic bowel and resectable cancers were resected followed by immediate anastomosis or stoma. Near upstream stomas were performed for unresectable cancers. A herniorrhaphy for groin hernias and a mesenteric breach suture for internal hernia were performed after bowel disinterment. Adhesions were released. The time to surgery was 22.3 ± 12.4 hours (2 hours and 72 hours). The post-surgery morbidity was 32.2%, marked by parietal suppurations (47.4%). The post-surgery mortality was 16.9%. Hemodynamic or septic shock, ASA score ≥ III, bowel necrosis and ICU stay were the significant risk factors. Conclusion: Acute bowel obstructions in the elderly are dominated by colonic volvulus. The high mortality is related to various factors highlighting the frailty of the elderly. A multidisciplinary management involving the geriatrician could improve the prognosis.

Surgical Management of a Giant Hydrocele of the Vagina in Adult

Introduction: Vaginal hydrocele is an amber-colored, sterile collection found between the parietal and visceral testis. It is said to be giant when it is larger than the patient’s skull or when it contains more than two liters of liquid. Objective: To report our method and the result of the surgical treatment. Observation: The authors reported an observation of a 50-year-old patient who consulted for a painless large left bursa. Clinical and paraclinical investigations, in particular scrotal ultrasound, have made it possible to diagnose a giant hydrocele of the vagina. The patient had surgical treatment which consisted of resecting of the vagina with hemostatic suture of the resected vaginal slice. The post-operation effects were not complicated. After a six-month setup, we did not notice any recurrence. Conclusion: Resection of the vagina with hemostatic suture of the resected vaginal slice in case of giant hydrocele could certainly give good results.

Urogenital Trauma by Pelvic Impalement: A Case Reported at Bouake University Hospital

Urogenital impalement trauma is a particular form of penetrating trauma to the pelvis. They are rare, spectacular or dramatic because they can be responsible for serious vascular and/or visceral lesions. This study reports a case of hypogastric impalement in a 19-year-old young man that caused musculoaponeurotic and urogenital lesions. Emergency surgical exploration was carried out urgently by a multidisciplinary team.

International consensus statement on robotic pancreatic surgery

The robotic surgical system has been applied to various types of pancreatic surgery. However, controversies exist regarding a variety of factors including the safety, feasibility, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of robotic pancreatic surgery and put forth experts' consensus and recommendations to promote its development. Based on the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development, a Consensus Steering Group* and a Consensus Development Group were established to determine the topics, prepare evidence-based documents, and generate recommendations. The GRADE Grid method and Delphi vote were used to formulate the recommendations. A total of 19 topics were analyzed. The first 16 recommendations were generated by GRADE using an evidence-based method (EBM) and focused on the safety, feasibility, indication, techniques, certification of the robotic surgeon, and cost-effectiveness of robotic pancreatic surgery. The remaining three recommendations were based on literature review and expert panel opinion due to insufficient EBM results. Since the current amount of;evidence was low/meager as evaluated by the GRADE method, further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed in the future to validate these recommendations.