Rescue from complications after pancreaticoduodenectomies at a low-volume Caribbean center:Value of tailored peri-pancreatectomy protocols

BACKGROUND Pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)is a technically complex operation,with a re-latively high risk for complications.The ability to rescue patients from post-PD complications is as a recognized quality measure.Tailored protocols were instituted at our low volume facility in the year 2013.AIM To document the rate of rescue from post-PD complications with tailored protocols in place as a measure of quality.METHODS A retrospective audit was performed to collect data from patients who experienced major post-PD complications at a low volume pancreatic surgery unit in Trinidad and Tobago between January 1,2013 and June 30,2023.Stan-dardized definitions from the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery were used to define post-PD complications,and the modified Clavien-Dindo classification was used to classify post-PD complications.RESULTS Over the study period,113 patients at a mean age of 57.5 years(standard deviation[SD]±9.23;range:30-90;median:56)underwent PDs at this facility.Major complications were recorded in 33(29.2%)patients at a mean age of 53.8 years(SD:±7.9).Twenty-nine(87.9%)patients who experienced major morbidity were salvaged after aggre-ssive treatment of their complication.Four(3.5%)died from bleeding pseudoaneurysm(1),septic shock secondary to a bile leak(1),anastomotic leak(1),and myocardial infarction(1).There was a significantly greater salvage rate in patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists scores≤2(93.3%vs 25%;P=0.0024).CONCLUSION This paper adds to the growing body of evidence that volume alone should not be used as a marker of quality for patients requiring PD.Despite low volumes at our facility,we demonstrated that 87.9%of patients were rescued from major complications.We attributed this to several factors including development of rescue protocols,the competence of the pancreatic surgery teams and continuous,and adaptive learning by the entire institution,cul-minating in the development of tailored peri-pancreatectomy protocols.

Upper-gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to peptic ulcer disease:Incidence and outcomes

AIM:To evaluate the incidence,surgery,mortality,and readmission of upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)secondary to peptic ulcer disease(PUD).METHODS:Administrative databases identified all hospitalizations for UGIB secondary to PUD in Alberta,Canada from 2004 to 2010(n=7079)using the International Classification of Diseases Codes(ICD-10).A subset of the data was validated using endoscopy reports.Positive predictive value and sensitivity with 95%confidence intervals(CI)were calculated.Incidence of UGIB secondary to PUD was calculated.Logistic regression was used to evaluate surgery,in-hospital mortality,and 30-d readmission to hospital with recurrent UGIB secondary to PUD.Co-variants accounted for in our logistic regression model included:age,sex,area of residence(i.e.,urban vs rural),number of Charlson comorbidities,presence of perforated PUD,undergoing upper endoscopy,year of admission,and interventional radiological attempt at controlling bleeding.A subgroup analysis(n=6356)compared outcomes of patients with gastric ulcers to those with duodenal ulcers.Adjusted estimates are presented as odds ratios(OR)with95%CI.RESULTS:The positive predictive value and sensitivity of ICD-10 coding for UGIB secondary to PUD were85.2%(95%CI:80.2%-90.2%)and 77.1%(95%CI:69.1%-85.2%),respectively.The annual incidence between 2004 and 2010 ranged from 35.4 to 41.2 per100000.Overall risk of surgery,in-hospital mortality,and 30-d readmission to hospital for UGIB secondary to PUD were 4.3%,8.5%,and 4.7%,respectively.Interventional radiology to control bleeding was performed in 0.6%of patients and 76%of these patients avoided surgical intervention.Thirty-day readmission significantly increased from 3.1%in 2004 to 5.2%in 2010(OR=1.07;95%CI:1.01-1.14).Rural residents(OR rural vs urban:2.35;95%CI:1.83-3.01)and older individuals(OR≥65 vs<65:1.57;95%CI:1.21-2.04)were at higher odds of being readmitted to hospital.Patients with duodenal ulcers had higher odds of dying(OR=1.27;95%CI:1.05-1.53),requiring surgery(OR=1.73;95%CI:1.34-2.23),and being readmitted to hospital(OR=1.54;95%CI:1.19-1.99)when compared to gastric ulcers.CONCLUSION:UGIB secondary to PUD,particularly duodenal ulcers,was associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Early readmissions increased over time and occurred more commonly in rural areas.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm:Coming of age

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN) is a disease in evolution.Since its first description almost 30 years ago,a better understanding of the disease has steadily accrued.Yet,there are numerous challenges still for clinicians who treat this fascinating disease.A group of leading content experts on IPMN was assembled and charged with presenting cutting-edge knowledge on various topics for which they have considerable experience.This manuscript provides an historical perspective of both clinical and biological quandaries that have been resolved to date.Furthermore,it poses new avenues for investigation while highlighting the contributions of the various authors to this collective review.

Synchronous colorectal liver metastases: a national survey of surgeon opinions on simultaneous resection and multidisciplinary cooperation

Background: The management of patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (sCRLM) has evolved significantly (improved chemotherapy, hepatic surgery advancements, colonic stenting, consultation synergies). We sought to better understand surgeon viewpoints on optimal referral patterns and the delivery of simultaneous resections. Methods: A 40 question on-line survey was offered to members of the Canadian surgical community. Statistical analysis was descriptive. Results: A total of 52 surgeons responded. Most colorectal surgeons (CRS) had access to and a good working relationship with regional hepatobiliary (HPB) surgeons (86%) and medical oncologists (100%). The majority (92%) believed there was a role for simultaneous resection of sCRLM, with 69% having first hand experience. Many CRS (62%) discussed all cases of known hepatic metastases with HPB prior to any resection. When a lesion was asymptomatic/minimally symptomatic, most CRS (92%) discussed them with medical oncology/HPB prior to resection (8%). Bilobar metastases (58%), patient comorbidities (35%), portal lymphadenopathy (35%), and patient age (15%) restricted CRS from obtaining HPB consultations. Many CRS (46%) did not believe that resecting hepatic metastases prior to the primary lesion might be beneficial. Most CRS (60%) reported they could not accurately predict hepatic resectability, with only 27%familiarity with evidence-based guidelines. Despite working in smaller hospitals with less access to HPB and less experience with simultaneous resections, non-CR general surgeons more commonly supported a 'liver-first' approach. Conclusions: There was general agreement between CRS and general surgeons on numerous topics, but additional education is required with regard to HPB surgical capabilities and to provide truly individualized patient-centered care.

An updated scoring system for prediction of survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases: addition of KRAS status as an important risk modifier

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) were traditionally associated with a very poor prognosis after resection, with some historical series reporting 5-year survival rates as low as 14% for completely resected multiple metastases (1). However, as modern chemotherapy and surgical techniques have evolved, there has been much progress made in improving survival for this unique group of patients, with 5-year survival approaching 55% with R0 resection (2). However, not all CRLM are the same, with very different biological behaviour and ultimately oncologic outcomes in different patients. There have been many attempts to create a scoring system defining factors which will predict this behaviour, with the system created by Fong et al. in 1999 being the most commonly employed (3). These scoring systems are important because they help the selection of patients who are likely to benefit from surgical treatment of their metastases. Patients who are unlikely to benefit from surgical resection may be better treated by alternative and potentially less morbid therapies, such as the various forms of ablation, or with systemic treatments. It is apparent that the accuracy of this prediction is essential to allow patients to benefit either by having appropriate surgical therapy or by avoiding potentially unnecessary surgical morbidity.