Missed Pancreaticobiliary Malignancy: The Flaw of the Expedited Cholecystectomy

Background: Early cholecystectomy has been recommended for patients with acute cholecystitis and gallstone pancreatitis. However, patients with pancreaticobiliary malignancy may present acutely with similar symptoms. We hypothesize that the diagnoses of these malignancies may potentially be delayed as an unintended consequence of expedited cholecystectomies. This study reviews a cohort of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) to identify those who underwent a separate cholecystectomy before their PD. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 162 PDs performed between 2012 and 2022. Data collected included: demographics, disease etiology and the presence of cholelithiasis. We identified patients who had a previous cholecystectomy and the time elapsed before PD as well as procedures done during the interval. We reported detailed case summaries on those patients who had a cholecystectomy within 1 year of PD. Results: In the entire cohort, mean age was 65 years, 54% were males, and 83% had a malignant reason for PD. Thirty-one patients had cholelithiasis with 23 (14%) patients having had previous cholecystectomy. Six patients had cholecystectomy within 1 year of PD. They had the following malignancies: ampullary—3, pancreas—1, cholangiocarcinoma—1 and neuroendocrine—1. Four of these patients had expedited cholecystectomy on their index hospital admission and were later found to have a periampullary malignancy with further work up. Conclusions: Pancreaticobiliary malignancies can be difficult to diagnose, and surgeons should not overlook these potential diagnoses when considering expedited cholecystectomy. Future studies in large cohorts are needed to identify high risk candidates who should undergo more detailed testing to exclude malignancy before proceeding with cholecystectomy.

Advanced Endoscopic Palliation of Unresectable Periampullary Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Background and Aims: Periampullary malignancies often present at an advanced unresectable stage requiring palliation of symptoms for the better quality of life. Though they require multispecialty support;role of endoscopic interventions in palliation is paramount because of the advancement in technology and increase experience of Gastroenterologist. Methods: We did extensive review of articles regarding endoscopic advances in the management of Unresectable Periampullary Malignancies. Several systematic reviews, Meta analysis, and Randomized controlled trials published over the last 2 decades were thoroughly searched on PUBMED and GOOGLE SCHOLAR. Results: Advanced Endoscopic procedures have been emerging as a superior modality than conventional measures because of minimal invasiveness and greater clinical and technical success. Conclusion: Periampullary malignancies often present at an advanced unresectable stage requiring palliation of symptoms for the better quality of life. Several endoscopic interventions have already been established as the standard of care in palliation of symptoms of unresectable periampullary malignancies, we can say with confidence that with growing advances in EUS, advancement in technologies and increasing experiences, the role of gastroenterologist will be pivotal in these groups of patients.

Prognostic Value of ALP and LDH in Periampullary Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Surgery

Objective:Conversion of normal cells to cancer cells is often accompanied by abnormal synthesis of serum enzymes.Both alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)have been reported to have prognostic value in a variety of malignancies.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of preoperative serum ALP and LDH levels on the prognosis of patients with periampullary carcinoma who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy(PD).

A new approach for Roux-en-Y reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND： Postoperative pancreatic fistula remains the most common complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy （PD） and is potentially lethal. It contributes significantly to prolonged hospitalization and mortality. In this study, we introduced a new technical approach, a modified Roux-en-Y reconstruction and evaluated its safety and feasibility. METHODS： We retrospectively reviewed the patients who had undergone PD with the modified Roux-en-Y reconstructive technique for periampullary malignancies from January 2011 to June 2012. The data on complications, hospital stay and outcomes after the modified Roux-en-Y reconstruction were analyzed. RESULTS： The reconstruction was performed in 171 patients, of whom 92 received pancreaticogastrostomy and 79 received pancreaticojejunostomy. The median duration of surgery was 4.0 hours （range 3.1-6.9） in all patients, and the median blood loss was 530 mL （range 200-2000）. Sixty-nine patients were subjected to transfusions, with a median transfusion volume of 430 mL （range 200-1400）. The median hospital stay of the patients was 14 days （range 11-38）. Their operative mortality was zero and overall morbidity was 18.1% （31 patients）. Only four patients （2.3%） developed pancreatic fistulas （grade A fistulas in two patients and grade B in two patients）; no patients developed grade C fistula. None of the patients developed bile reflux gastritis. CONCLUSIONS： The modified Roux-en-Y reconstruction, which isolates biliary anastomosis from pancreatic, gastric or jejunalanastomosis, is a safe, reliable, and favorable technique. But it needs further investigation in randomized controlled trials.