Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumors:The importance of preoperative diagnosis

Accurate preoperative diagnosis is highly important for the treatment of perivascular epithelioid cell tumors(PEComas)because PEComas are mainly benign tumors and may not require surgical intervention.By analyzing the causes,properties and clinical manifestations of PEComas,we summarize the challenges and solutions in the diagnosis of PEComas.

National guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

A consensus meeting of national experts from all major national hepatobiliary centres in the country was held on May 26,2023,at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute&Research Centre(PKLI&RC)after initial consultations with the experts.The Pakistan Society for the Study of Liver Diseases(PSSLD)and PKLI&RC jointly organised this meeting.This effort was based on a comprehensive literature review to establish national practice guidelines for hilar cholangiocarcinoma(hCCA).The consensus was that hCCA is a complex disease and requires a multidisciplinary team approach to best manage these patients.This coordinated effort can minimise delays and give patients a chance for curative treatment and effective palliation.The diagnostic and staging workup includes high-quality computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreato-graphy.Brush cytology or biopsy utilizing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a mainstay for diagnosis.However,histopathologic confirmation is not always required before resection.Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration of regional lymph nodes and positron emission tomography scan are valuable adjuncts for staging.The only curative treatment is the surgical resection of the biliary tree based on the Bismuth-Corlette classification.Selected patients with unresectable hCCA can be considered for liver transplantation.Adjuvant chemotherapy should be offered to patients with a high risk of recurrence.The use of preoperative biliary drainage and the need for portal vein embolisation should be based on local multidisciplinary discussions.Patients with acute cholangitis can be drained with endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage.Palliative chemotherapy with cisplatin and gemcitabine has shown improved survival in patients with irresectable and recurrent hCCA.

Tumour response following preoperative chemotherapy is affected by body mass index in patients with colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent malignancy globally and ranks second in cancer-related mortality,with the liver being the primary organ of metastasis.Preoperative chemotherapy is widely recommended for initially or potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases(CRLMs).Tumour pathological response serves as the most important and intuitive indicator for assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy.However,the postoperative pathological results reveal that a considerable number of patients exhibit a poor response to preoperative chemotherapy.Body mass index(BMI)is one of the factors affecting the tumori-genesis and progression of colorectal cancer as well as prognosis after various antitumour therapies.Several studies have indicated that overweight and obese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer experience worse prognoses than those with normal weight,particularly when receiving first-line chemotherapy regimens in combination with bevacizumab.AIM To explore the predictive value of BMI regarding the pathologic response following preoperative chemotherapy for CRLMs.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed in 126 consecutive patients with CRLM who underwent hepatectomy following preoperative chemotherapy at four different hospitals from October 2019 to July 2023.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to analyse potential predictors of tumour pathological response.The Kaplan-Meier method with log rank test was used to compare progression-free survival(PFS)between patients with high and low BMI.BMI<24.0 kg/m^(2) was defined as low BMI,and tumour regression grade 1-2 was defined as complete tumour response.RESULTS Low BMI was observed in 74(58.7%)patients and complete tumour response was found in 27(21.4%)patients.The rate of complete tumour response was significantly higher in patients with low BMI(29.7%vs 9.6%,P=0.007).Multivariate analysis revealed that low BMI[odds ratio(OR)=4.56,95%confidence interval(CI):1.42-14.63,P=0.011],targeted therapy with bevacizumab(OR=3.02,95%CI:1.10-8.33,P=0.033),preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level<10 ng/mL(OR=3.84,95%CI:1.19-12.44,P=0.025)and severe sinusoidal dilatation(OR=0.17,95%CI:0.03-0.90,P=0.037)were independent predictive factors for complete tumour response.The low BMI group exhibited a significantly longer median PFS than the high BMI group(10.7 mo vs 4.7 mo,P=0.011).CONCLUSION In CRLM patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy,a low BMI may be associated with better tumour response and longer PFS.

Goblet cell carcinoid of the appendix:Six case reports

BACKGROUND Goblet cell carcinoid(GCC)of the appendix is a rare tumor characterized by neuroendocrine and adenocarcinoma features.Accurate preoperative diagnosis is very difficult,with most patients complaining mainly of abdominal pain.Computed tomography shows swelling of the appendix,so diagnosis is usually made incidentally after appendectomy based on a preoperative diagnosis of appendicitis.Even if a patient undergoes preoperative colonoscopy,accurate endoscopic diagnosis is very difficult because GCC shows a submucosal growth pattern with invasion of the appendiceal wall.CASE SUMMARY Between 2017 and 2022,6 patients with GCC were treated in our hospital.The presenting complaint for 5 of these 6 patients was abdominal pain.All 5 patients underwent appendectomy,including 4 for a preoperative diagnosis of appendicitis and the other for diagnosis and treatment of an appendiceal tumor.The sixth patient presented with vomiting and underwent ileocecal resection for GCC diagnosed from preoperative biopsy.Although 2 patients with GCC underwent colonoscopy,no neoplastic changes were identified.Two of the six patients showed lymph node metastasis on pathological examination.As of the last followup(median:15 mo),all cases remained alive without recurrence.CONCLUSION As preoperative diagnosis of GCC is difficult,this possibility must be considered during surgical treatments for presumptive appendicitis.

Influence of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety of preschool-aged children undergoing surgery

BACKGROUND Preschoolers become anxious when they are about to undergo anesthesia and surgery,warranting the development of more appropriate and effective interventions.AIM To explore the effect of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety and anesthesia induction compliance in preschool-aged children undergoing surgery.METHODS One hundred and sixteen preschool-aged children were selected and assigned to the drug(n=37),intervention(n=40),and control(n=39)groups.All the children received routine preoperative checkups and nursing before being transferred to the preoperative preparation room on the day of the operation.The drug group received 0.5 mg/kg midazolam and the intervention group treatment consisting of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments.The control group received no intervention.The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale was used to evaluate the children’s anxiety level on the day before surgery(T0),before leaving the preoperative preparation room(T1),when entering the operating room(T2),and at anesthesia induction(T3).Compliance during anesthesia induction(T3)was evaluated using the Induction Compliance Checklist(ICC).Changes in mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),and respiratory rate(RR)were also recorded at each time point.RESULTS The anxiety scores of the three groups increased variously at T1 and T2.At T3,both the drug and intervention groups had similar anxiety scores,both of which were lower than those in the control group.At T1 and T2,MAP,HR,and RR of the three groups increased.The drug and control groups had significantly higher MAP and RR than the intervention group at T2.At T3,the MAP,HR,and RR of the drug group decreased and were significantly lower than those in the control group but were comparable to those in the intervention group.Both the drug and intervention groups had similar ICC scores and duration of anesthesia induction(T3),both of which were higher than those of the control group.CONCLUSION Combining static cartoons with dynamic virtual environments as effective as medication,specifically midazolam,in reducing preoperative anxiety and fear in preschool-aged children.This approach also improve their compliance during anesthesia induction and helped maintain their stable vital signs.

Clinical significance of preoperative nutritional status in elderly gastric cancer patients undergoing radical gastrectomy:A singlecenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND The population of elderly patients with gastric cancer is increasing,which is a major public health issue in China.Malnutrition is one of the greatest risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes in elderly patients with gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the preoperative nutritional status and its association with delayed discharge of elderly gastric cancer patients following radical gastrectomy.METHODS A total of 783 patients aged 65 years and older harboring gastric adenocarcinoma and following radical gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed from the prospectively collected database of Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University between January 2018 and May 2020.RESULTS The overall rate of malnutrition was 31.8%.The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the malnourished group compared to the well-nourished group(P<0.001).Nutritional characteristics in the malnourished group,including body mass index,prognostic nutritional index(PNI),albumin,prealbumin,and hemoglobin,were all significantly lower than those in the well-nourished group.The percentage of patients who received postoperative total nutrient admixture was lower in the malnourished group compared to the wellnourished group(22.1%vs 33.5%,P=0.001).Age≥70 years(HR=1.216,95%CI:1.048-1.411),PNI<44.5(HR=1.792,95%CI:1.058-3.032),operation time≥160 minutes(HR=1.431,95%CI:1.237-1.656),and postoperative complications grade III or higher(HR=2.191,95%CI:1.604-2.991)were all recognized as independent risk factors associated with delayed discharge.CONCLUSION Malnutrition is relatively common in elderly patients undergoing gastrectomy.Low PNI is an independent risk factor associated with delay discharge.More strategies are needed to improve the clinical outcome of these patients.

Association of preoperative antiviral treatment with incidences of post-hepatectomy liver failure in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Post-hepatectomy liver failure(PHLF)is a common consequence of radical partial hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).AIMS To investigate the relationship between preoperative antiviral therapy and PHLF,as well as assess the potential efficacy of hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA level in predicting PHLF.METHODS A retrospective study was performed involving 1301 HCC patients with HBV who underwent radical hepatectomy.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis was used to assess the capacity of HBV DNA to predict PHLF and establish the optimal cutoff value for subsequent analyses.Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the independent risk factors of PHLF.The increase in the area under the ROC curve,categorical net reclassification improvement(NRI),and integrated discrimination improvement(IDI)were used to quantify the efficacy of HBV DNA level for predicting PHLF.The P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS Logistic regression analyses showed that preoperative antiviral therapy was independently associated with a reduced risk of PHLF(P<0.05).HBV DNA level with an optimal cutoff value of 269 IU/mL(P<0.001)was an independent risk factor of PHLF.All the reference models by adding the variable of HBV DNA level had an improvement in area under the curve,categorical NRI,and IDI,particularly for the fibrosis-4 model,with values of 0.729(95%CI:0.705-0.754),1.382(95%CI:1.341-1.423),and 0.112(95%CI:0.110-0.114),respectively.All the above findings were statistically significant.CONCLUSION In summary,preoperative antiviral treatment can reduce the incidence of PHLF,whereas an increased preoperative HBV DNA level has a correlative relationship with an increased susceptibility to PHLF.

Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress scoring system for predicting complications following abdominal surgery: A metaanalysis spanning 2004 to 2022

BACKGROUND Postoperative complications remain a paramount concern for surgeons and healthcare practitioners.AIM To present a comprehensive analysis of the Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress(E-PASS)scoring system’s efficacy in predicting postoperative complications following abdominal surgery.METHODS A systematic search of published studies was conducted,yielding 17 studies with pertinent data.Parameters such as preoperative risk score(PRS),surgical stress score(SSS),comprehensive risk score(CRS),postoperative complications,post-operative mortality,and other clinical data were collected for meta-analysis.Forest plots were employed for continuous and binary variables,withχ2 tests assessing heterogeneity(P value).RESULTS Patients experiencing complications after abdominal surgery exhibited significantly higher E-PASS scores compared to those without complications[mean difference and 95%confidence interval(CI)of PRS:0.10(0.05-0.15);SSS:0.04(0.001-0.08);CRS:0.19(0.07-0.31)].Following the exclusion of low-quality studies,results remained valid with no discernible heterogeneity.Subgroup analysis indicated that variations in sample size and age may contribute to hetero-geneity in CRS analysis.Binary variable meta-analysis demonstrated a correlation between high CRS and increased postoperative complication rates[odds ratio(OR)(95%CI):3.01(1.83-4.95)],with a significant association observed between high CRS and postoperative mortality[OR(95%CI):15.49(3.75-64.01)].CONCLUSION In summary,postoperative complications in abdominal surgery,as assessed by the E-PASS scoring system,are consistently linked to elevated PRS,SSS,and CRS scores.High CRS scores emerge as risk factors for heightened morbidity and mortality.This study establishes the accuracy of the E-PASS scoring system in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality in abdominal surgery,underscoring its potential for widespread adoption in effective risk assessment.

Research Progress of Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer ranks third in the global cancer data in 2020. Colorectal scope is the most effective method to diagnose colorectal diseases such as benign and malignant colorectal tumors. The poor quality of intestinal preparation causes an increased rate of missed diagnosis of colorectal tumors, reduces the rate of cecal intubation for colorectal examination, increases the discomfort, and reduces the compliance of re-examination. Therefore, we should try our best to improve the quality of intestinal preparation. This study reviewed the latest advances related to the preoperative preparation for colonoscopy. Recent research shows that smartphone apps can provide more detailed education and guidance on bowel preparation;Pre-packaged foods are more suitable as a way to eat before colonoscopy. The use of smaller doses, better taste of cathartic agents, and some auxiliary measures, combined with the patient’s situation to provide personalized intestinal preparation measures to improve the quality of intestinal preparation. Starting from the quality of colonoscopy bowel preparation, continuous improvement of patients’ tolerance to bowel preparation, continuous improvement of bowel preparation plan based on individual factors’ needs, and better communication with examined subjects by using existing scientific information technology, may be the hot spot of colonoscopy bowel preparation research in the next few years.

Exploring influences and risk of bias of studies on return to sport and work after lateral ankle sprain:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Lateral ankle sprains are the most common traumatic musculoskeletal injuries of the lower extremity,with an incidence rate of 15%-20%.The high incidence and prevalence highlights the economic impact of this injury.Ankle sprains lead to a high socioeconomic burden due to the combination of the high injury incidence and high medical expenses.Up to 40%of patients who suffer from an ankle sprain develop chronic ankle instability.Chronic instability can lead to prolonged periods of pain,immobility and injury recurrence.Identification of factors that influence return to work(RTW)and return to sports(RTS)after a lateral ankle sprain(LAS)may help seriously reduce healthcare costs.AIM To explore which factors may potentially affect RTW and RTS after sustaining an LAS.METHODS EMBASE and PubMed were systematically searched for relevant studies published until June 2023.Inclusion criteria were as follows:(1)Injury including LAS or chronic ankle instability;(2)Described any form of treatment;(3)Assessment of RTW or RTS;(4)Studies published in English;and(5)Study designs including randomized controlled clinical trials,clinical trials or cohort studies.Exclusion criteria were:(1)Studies involving children(age<16 year);or(2)Patients with concomitant ankle injury besides lateral ankle ligament damage.A quality assessment was performed for each of the included studies using established risk of bias tools.Additionally quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADEpro tool in cases where outcomes were included in the quantitative analysis.A best evidence synthesis was performed in cases of qualitative outcome analysis.For all studied outcomes suitable for quantitative analysis a forest plot was created to calculate the effect on RTW and RTS.RESULTS A total of 8904 patients were included in 21 studies,10 randomized controlled trials,7 retrospective cohort studies and 4 prospective cohort studies.Fifteen studies were eligible for meta-analysis.The overall RTS rate ranged were 80%and 83%in the all treatments pool and surgical treatments pool,respectively.The pooled mean days to RTS ranged from 23-93 d.The overall RTW rate was 89%.The pooled mean time to RTW ranged from 5.8-8.1 d.For patients with chronic ankle instability,higher preoperative motivation was the sole factor significantly and independently(P=0.001)associated with the rate of and time to RTS following ligament repair or reconstruction.Higher body mass index was identified as a significant factor(P=0.04)linked to not resuming sports or returning at a lower level(median 24,range 20-37),compared to those who resumed at the same or higher level(median 23,range 17-38).Patients with a history of psychological illness or brain injury,experienced a delay in their rehabilitation process for sprains with fractures and unspecified sprains.The extent of the delayed rehabilitation was directly proportional to the increased likelihood of experiencing a recurrence of the ankle sprain and the number of ankle-related medical visits.We also observed that 10%of athletes who did return to sport after lateral ankle sprain without fractures described non-ankle-related reasons for not returning.CONCLUSION All treatments yielded comparable results,with each treatment potentially offering unique advantages or benefits.Preoperative motivation may influence rehabilitation after LAS.Grading which factor had a greater impact was not possible due to the lack of comparability among the included patients.

Major liver resections,perioperative issues and posthepatectomy liver failure:A comprehensive update for the anesthesiologist

Significant advances in surgical techniques and relevant medium-and long-term outcomes over the past two decades have led to a substantial expansion in the indications for major liver resections.To support these outstanding results and to reduce perioperative complications,anesthesiologists must address and master key perioperative issues(preoperative assessment,proactive intraoperative anesthesia strategies,and implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery approach).Intensive care unit monitoring immediately following liver surgery remains a subject of active and often unresolved debate.Among postoperative complications,posthepatectomy liver failure(PHLF)occurs in different grades of severity(A-C)and frequency(9%-30%),and it is the main cause of 90-d postoperative mortality.PHLF,recently redefined with pragmatic clinical criteria and perioperative scores,can be predicted,prevented,or anticipated.This review highlights:(1)The systemic consequences of surgical manipulations anesthesiologistsmust respond to or prevent,to positively impact PHLF(a proactive approach);and(2)the maximal intensivetreatment of PHLF,including artificial options,mainly based,so far,on Acute Liver Failure treatment(s),to buytime waiting for the recovery of the native liver or,when appropriate and in very selected cases,toward livertransplant.Such a clinical context requires a strong commitment to surgeons,anesthesiologists,and intensivists towork together,for a fruitful collaboration in a mandatory clinical continuum.

Association Between Constipation and a Reduction in Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Preoperative Patients with Thoracic Spinal Tumors

Objective To investigate the clinical symptoms experienced by patients with thoracic spinal tumors and verify the associated symptoms that are predictive of a decline in muscle strength in the lower limbs.Methods A single-center,retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on in-patients diagnosed with epidural thoracic spinal tumors between January 2011 and May 2021.The study involved a review of electronic medical records and radiographs and the collection of clinical data.The differences in clinical manifestations between patients with constipation and those without constipation were analyzed.Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with a decline in muscle strength in the lower limbs.Results A total of 227 patients were enrolled,including 131 patients with constipation and 96 without constipation.The constipation group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who experienced difficulty walking or paralysis compared to those without constipation prior to surgery(83.2%vs.17.7%,χ~2=99.035,P 0.001).Constipation(OR=9.522,95%CI:4.150±21.849,P 0.001)and urinary retention(OR=14.490,95%CI:4.543±46.213,P 0.001)were independent risk factors for muscle strength decline in the lower limbs.Conclusions The study observed that patients with thoracic spinal tumors who experienced constipation symptoms had a higher incidence of lower limb weakness.Moreover,the analysis revealed that constipation and urinary retention were independent risk factors associated with a preoperative decline in muscle strength of lower limbs.

Research Progress of Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer ranks third in the global cancer data in 2020.Colorectal scope is the most effective method to diagnose colorectal diseases such as benign and malignant colorectal tumors.The poor quality of intestinal preparation causes an increased rate of missed diagnosis of colorectal tumors,reduces the rate of cecal intubation for colorectal examination,increases the discomfort,and reduces the compliance of re-examination.Therefore,we should try our best to improve the quality of intestinal preparation.This study reviewed the latest advances related to the preoperative preparation for colonoscopy.Recent research shows that smartphone apps can provide more detailed education and guidance on bowel preparation;Pre-packaged foods are more suitable as a way to eat before colonoscopy.The use of smaller doses,better taste of cathartic agents,and some auxiliary measures,combined with the patient’s situation to provide personalized intestinal preparation measures to improve the quality of intestinal preparation.Starting from the quality of colonoscopy bowel preparation,continuous improvement of patients’tolerance to bowel preparation,continuous improvement of bowel preparation plan based on individual factors’needs,and better communication with examined subjects by using existing scientific information technology,may be the hot spot of colonoscopy bowel preparation research in the next few years.

Efficacy and safety of preoperative immunotherapy in patients with mismatch repair-deficient or microsatellite instability-high gastrointestinal malignancies

BACKGROUND Programmed death protein(PD)-1 blockade immunotherapy significantly prolongs survival in patients with metastatic mismatch repair-deficient(dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high(MSI-H)gastrointestinal malignancies such gastric and colorectal cancer.However,the data on preoperative immunotherapy are limited.AIM To evaluate the short-term efficacy and toxicity of preoperative PD-1 blockade immunotherapy.METHODS In this retrospective study,we enrolled 36 patients with dMMR/MSI-H gastrointestinal malignancies.All the patients received PD-1 blockade with or without chemotherapy of CapOx regime preoperatively.PD1 blockade 200 mg was given intravenously over 30 min on day 1 of each 21-d cycle.RESULTS Three patients with locally advanced gastric cancer achieved pathological complete response(pCR).Three patients with locally advanced duodenal carcinoma achieved clinical complete response(cCR),followed by watch and wait.Eight of 16 patients with locally advanced colon cancer achieved pCR.All four patients with liver metastasis from colon cancer reached CR,including three with pCR and one with cCR.pCR was achieved in two of five patients with nonliver metastatic colorectal cancer.CR was achieved in four of five patients with low rectal cancer,including three with cCR and one with pCR.cCR was achieved in seven of 36 cases,among which,six were selected for watch and wait strategy.No cCR was observed in gastric or colon cancer.CONCLUSION Preoperative PD-1 blockade immunotherapy in dMMR/MSI-H gastrointestinal malignancies can achieve a high CR,especially in patients with duodenal or low rectal cancer,and can achieve high organ function protection.

Automated decision support for Hallux Valgus treatment options using anteroposterior foot radiographs

BACKGROUND Assessment of the potential utility of deep learning with subsequent image analysis to automate the measurement of hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles from radiographs to serve as a preoperative aid in establishing hallux valgus severity for clinical decision-making.AIM To investigate the accuracy of automated measurements of angles of hallux valgus from radiographs for further integration with the preoperative planning process.METHODS The data comprises 265 consecutive digital anteroposterior weightbearing foot radiographs.181 radiographs were utilized for training(161)and validating(20)a U-Net neural network to achieve a mean Sørensen–Dice index>97%on bone segmentation.84 test radiographs were used for manual(computer assisted)and automated measurements of hallux valgus severity determined by hallux valgus(HVA)and intermetatarsal angles(IMA).The reliability of manual and computerbased measurements was calculated using the interclass correlation coefficient(ICC)and standard error of measurement(SEM).Inter-and intraobserver reliability coefficients were also compared.An operative treatment recommendation was then applied to compare results between automated and manual angle measurements.RESULTS Very high reliability was achieved for HVA and IMA between the manual measurements of three independent clinicians.For HVA,the ICC between manual measurements was 0.96-0.99.For IMA,ICC was 0.78-0.95.Comparing manual against automated computer measurement,the reliability was high as well.For HVA,absolute agreement ICC and consistency ICC were 0.97,and SEM was 0.32.For IMA,absolute agreement ICC was 0.75,consistency ICC was 0.89,and SEM was 0.21.Additionally,a strong correlation(0.80)was observed between our approach and traditional clinical adjudication for preoperative planning of hallux valgus,according to an operative treatment algorithm proposed by EFORT.CONCLUSION The proposed automated,artificial intelligence assisted determination of hallux valgus angles based on deep learning holds great potential as an accurate and efficient tool,with comparable accuracy to manual measurements by expert clinicians.Our approach can be effectively implemented in clinical practice to determine the angles of hallux valgus from radiographs,classify the deformity severity,streamline preoperative decision-making prior to corrective surgery.

Impact of preoperative therapy on surgical outcomes of laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer

Objective: As laparoscopic surgery is widely applied for primarily treated gastric cancer(GC)/gastroesophageal junction cancer(GEJC) and gains many advantages, the feasibility of laparoscopic total gastrectomy(LTG) for GC/GEJC patients who have received preoperative therapy(PT) has come to the fore. This study aims to analyze the safety and feasibility of LTG after PT for GC/GEJC patients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 511 patients with GC/GEJC undergoing LTG, of which 405received LTG(LTG group) and 106 received PT+LTG(PT-LTG group) at Nanfang Hospital between June 2018and September 2022. The surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results: The surgical duration was significantly longer in the PT-LTG group(P<0.001), while the incidence of intraoperative complications(P=1.000), postoperative complications(LTG group vs. PT-LTG group: 26.2% vs.23.6%, P=0.587), the classification of complication severity(P=0.271), and postoperative recovery was similar between two groups. Notably, the incidence of anastomotic complications of esophagojejunostomy was also comparable between the two groups(LTG group vs. PT-LTG group: 5.9% vs. 5.7%, P=0.918). The univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that positive proximal margin [positive vs. negative: odds ratio(OR)=14.094, 95%confidence interval(95% CI): 2.639-75.260, P=0.002], rather than PT, has an impact on anastomotic complications after LTG(OR=0.945, 95% CI: 0.371-2.408, P=0.905).Conclusions: PT did not increase the surgical risk of LTG for GC/GEJC. Therefore, considering the positive effect of PT on long-term survival, the broader application of PT and LTG for GC/GEJC is supported by our findings.

Preoperative Fasting of More Than 14 Hours Increases the Risk of Time-to-Death after Cardiothoracic Surgery in Children:A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background:Prolonged preoperative fasting can cause hypoglycemia,hyperglycemia,and intravascular volume depletion in children.We aimed to examine whether prolonged preoperative fasting is associated with in-hospital mortality and other morbidities in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included children aged 0–3 years who underwent cardiac surgery between July 2014 and October 2020.The patient demographic data,surgery-related and anesthesia-related factors,and postoperative outcomes,including hypoglycemia,hyperglycemia,sepsis,length of intensive care unit stay,and in-hospital mortality,were recorded.The main exposure and outcome variables were prolonged fasting and time-to-death after surgery,respectively.The associations between prolonged fasting and perioperative death were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression analysis.Results:In total,402 patients were recruited.The incidence of perioperative mortality was 21%(85/402).The proportion of perioperative deaths was significantly higher in the prolonged fasting group than that in the normal fasting group.The proportion of postoperative bacteremia and hypoglycemia was significantly higher in the very prolonged fasting group than that in the prolonged fasting group.After adjusting for preoperative conditions and anesthesia-and surgery-related factors,preoperative prolonged fasting>14.4 h was significantly associated with time-to-death(HR[95%CI]:2.2[1.2,3.9],p=0.036).The 30-day survival rates of fasting time>14.4 h,9.25–14.4 h,and<9.25 h were 0.67(0.55,0.81),0.79(0.72,0.87),and 0.85(0.79,0.91),respectively.Conclusions:Preoperative fasting of more than 14.4 h was associated with a two-fold increase in the hazard rate of time-to-death in children who underwent cardiac surgery.

Development of preoperative prognostic models including radiological features for survival of singular nodular HCC patients

Background:Early singular nodular hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is an ideal surgical indication in clinical practice.However,almost half of the patients have tumor recurrence,and there is no reliable prognostic prediction tool.Besides,it is unclear whether preoperative neoadjuvant therapy is necessary for patients with early singular nodular HCC and which patient needs it.It is critical to identify the patients with high risk of recurrence and to treat these patients preoperatively with neoadjuvant therapy and thus,to improve the outcomes of these patients.The present study aimed to develop two prognostic models to preoperatively predict the recurrence-free survival(RFS)and overall survival(OS)in patients with singular nodular HCC by integrating the clinical data and radiological features.Methods:We retrospective recruited 211 patients with singular nodular HCC from December 2009 to January 2019 at Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital(EHBH).They all met the surgical indications and underwent radical resection.We randomly divided the patients into the training cohort(n=132)and the validation cohort(n=79).We established and validated multivariate Cox proportional hazard models by the preoperative clinicopathologic factors and radiological features for association with RFS and OS.By analyzing the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,the discrimination accuracy of the models was compared with that of the traditional predictive models.Results:Our RFS model was based on HBV-DNA score,cirrhosis,tumor diameter and tumor capsule in imaging.RFS nomogram had fine calibration and discrimination capabilities,with a C-index of 0.74(95%CI:0.68-0.80).The OS nomogram,based on cirrhosis,tumor diameter and tumor capsule in imaging,had fine calibration and discrimination capabilities,with a C-index of 0.81(95%CI:0.74-0.87).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of our model was larger than that of traditional liver cancer staging system,Korea model and Nomograms in Hepatectomy Patients with Hepatitis B VirusRelated Hepatocellular Carcinoma,indicating better discrimination capability.According to the models,we fitted the linear prediction equations.These results were validated in the validation cohort.Conclusions:Compared with previous radiography model,the new-developed predictive model was concise and applicable to predict the postoperative survival of patients with singular nodular HCC.Our models may preoperatively identify patients with high risk of recurrence.These patients may benefit from neoadjuvant therapy which may improve the patients’outcomes.

Role of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging on the surgical outcomes of radical prostatectomy:Does preoperative tumor recognition reduce the positive surgical margin in a specific location?Experience from a Thailand prostate cancer specialized center

Objective Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)has become the standard of care for the diagnosis of prostate cancer patients.This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative MRI on the positive surgical margin(PSM)rates.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1070 prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy(RP)at Siriraj Hospital between January 2013 and September 2019.PSM rates were compared between those with and without preoperative MRI.PSM locations were analyzed.Results In total,322(30.1%)patients underwent MRI before RP.PSM most frequently occurred at the apex(33.2%),followed by posterior(13.5%),bladder neck(12.7%),anterior(10.7%),posterolateral(9.9%),and lateral(2.3%)positions.In preoperative MRI,PSM was significantly lowered at the posterior surface(9.0%vs.15.4%,p=0.01)and in the subgroup of urologists with less than 100 RP experiences(32%vs.51%,odds ratio=0.51,p<0.05).Blood loss was also significantly decreased when a preoperative image was obtained(200 mL vs.250 mL,p=0.02).Multivariate analysis revealed that only preoperative MRI status was associated with overall PSM and PSM at the prostatic apex.Neither the surgical approach,the neurovascular bundle sparing technique,nor the perioperative blood loss was associated with PSM.Conclusion MRI is associated with less overall PSM,PSM at apex,and blood loss during RP.Additionally,preoperative MRI has shown promise in lowering the PSM rate among urologists who are in the early stages of performing RP.

Preoperative risk modelling for oesophagectomy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Oesophageal cancer is a frequently observed and lethal malignancy worldwide.Surgical resection remains a realistic option for curative intent in the early stages of the disease.However,the decision to undertake oesophagectomy is significant as it exposes the patient to a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality.Therefore,appropriate patient selection,counselling and resource allocation is important.Many tools have been developed to aid surgeons in appropriate decision-making.AIM To examine all multivariate risk models that use preoperative and intraoperative information and establish which have the most clinical utility.METHODS A systematic review of the MEDLINE,EMBASE and Cochrane databases was conducted from 2000-2020.The search terms applied were((Oesophagectomy)AND(Risk OR predict OR model OR score)AND(Outcomes OR complications OR morbidity OR mortality OR length of stay OR anastomotic leak)).The applied inclusion criteria were articles assessing multivariate based tools using exclusively preoperatively available data to predict perioperative patient outcomes following oesophagectomy.The exclusion criteria were publications that described models requiring intra-operative or post-operative data and articles appraising only univariate predictors such as American Society of Anesthesiologists score,cardiopulmonary fitness or pre-operative sarcopenia.Articles that exclusively assessed distant outcomes such as long-term survival were excluded as were publications using cohorts mixed with other surgical procedures.The articles generated from each search were collated,processed and then reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.All risk models were appraised for clinical credibility,methodological quality,performance,validation,and clinical effectiveness.RESULTS The initial search of composite databases yielded 8715 articles which reduced to 5827 following the deduplication process.After title and abstract screening,197 potentially relevant texts were retrieved for detailed review.Twenty-seven published studies were ultimately included which examined twenty-one multivariate risk models utilising exclusively preoperative data.Most models examined were clinically credible and were constructed with sound methodological quality,but model performance was often insufficient to prognosticate patient outcomes.Three risk models were identified as being promising in predicting perioperative mortality,including the National Quality Improvement Project surgical risk calculator,revised STS score and the Takeuchi model.Two studies predicted perioperative major morbidity,including the predicting postoperative complications score and prognostic nutritional index-multivariate models.Many of these models require external validation and demonstration of clinical effectiveness.CONCLUSION Whilst there are several promising models in predicting perioperative oesophagectomy outcomes,more research is needed to confirm their validity and demonstrate improved clinical outcomes with the adoption of these models.