Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy and Prognosis in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Background/Aims@#Controversy regarding the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) still exists. Here, we aimed to identify the potential benefits of neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery for resectable PDAC. @*Methods@#We reviewed radiologically resectable PDAC patients who received resection with curative intent at a tertiary hospital in South Korea between January 2012 and August 2019. A total of 202 patients underwent curative resection for resectable PDAC: 167 underwent surgical resection first during this period, and 35 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy/chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery. Resectable PDAC patients were subdivided, and 1:3 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce selection bias. @*Results@#Compared with the group that received surgery first, the group that received neoadjuvant treatment followed by surgery had significantly smaller tumors (22.0 mm vs 27.0 mm, p=0.004), a smaller proportion of patients with postoperative pathologic T stage (p=0.026), a smaller proportion of patients with lymphovascular invasion (20.0% vs 40.7%, p=0.022), and a larger proportion of patients with negative resection margins (74.3% vs 51.5%, p=0.049). After PSM, the group that received neoadjuvant therapy had a significantly longer progression-free survival than those in the group that underwent surgery first (29.6 months vs 15.1 months, p=0.002). Overall survival was not significantly different between the two groups after PSM analysis. @*Conclusions@#We observed significantly better surgical outcomes and progression-free survival with the addition of neoadjuvant therapy to the management of resectable PDAC. However, despite PSM, there was still selection bias due to the use of different regimens between the groups receiving surgery first and neoadjuvant therapy. Large homogeneous samples are needed in the future prospective studies.

A Prognostic Impact of Splenectomy in Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy on Benign/Borderline Pancreatic Tumors: A Change of the Era

Purpose@#In the past, spleen preservation during distal pancreatectomy (DP) was preferred; however, more recent studies reported comparable results between splenectomy and spleen preserving. We retrospectively reviewed patients in a single center who underwent laparoscopic DP with/without splenectomy, and evaluated the chronologic changes of surgical outcomes of the two procedures. @*Materials and Methods@#Patients who underwent laparoscopic DP with or without splenectomy due to benign/borderline tumor from 2005 to 2019 were included in this study. We divided this period into Era 1 (2005–2012) and Era 2 (2013–2019), and compared the chronological evolution of surgical outcomes of laparoscopic distal pancreatosplenectomy (LDPS) to those of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSpDP), including the long-term postoperative immunologic profiles. @*Results@#A total of 198 cases were included (LSpDP: 80 cases; LDPS: 118 cases). As the period changed from Era 1 to Era 2, the ratio of LSpDP decreased and the surgical outcomes of LDPS improved. In Era 1, LSpDP group showed superior results compared to LDPS group in terms of hospital days and postoperative pancreatic fistula ratio; however, in Era 2, the surgical outcomes showed no statistical differences. No significant differences were observed in all of the immunologic markers. @*Conclusion@#We carefully conclude that during laparoscopic DP, combined splenectomy can be equivalent to spleen preserving in surgical and immunological outcomes, and inevitable splenectomy can be safely conducted.

Adverse Impact of Intraoperative Conversion on the Postoperative Course Following Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Purpose@#The aim of the current study was to evaluate the adverse clinical impact of intraoperative conversion during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). @*Materials and Methods@#The medical records of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative clinical variables were compared between patients who underwent converted PD (cPD) and initially planned open PD (OPD) to investigate the clinical impact and predictive factors of intraoperative conversion during LPD. @*Results@#A total of 171 patients were included. Among them, 31 patients (19.3%) were found to have intraoperative conversion during LPD. Failure of progression due to severe adhesion (12 patients, 7%) and major vessel invasion (7 patients, 4%) were the two most frequent reasons for conversion. On multivariate analysis, age [Exp(β)=1.044, p=0.044] and pancreatic texture [Expa(β)=2.431, p=0.039) were found to be independent factors for predicting intraoperative conversion during LPD. In comparative analysis with the OPD group, the cPD group had a longer operation time (516.8 min vs. 449.9 min, p=0.001), higher rate of postoperative hemorrhage (12.1% vs. 0.85%, p=0.008), higher reoperation rate (9.1% vs. 0%, p=0.01), and higher cost (21886.4 USD vs. 17168.9 USD, p=0.018). @*Conclusion@#Intraoperative conversion during LPD can have an adverse clinical impact on the postoperative course following LPD. Appropriate patients selection and improvement of surgical techniques will be crucial for unnecessary intraoperative conversion and safe LPD.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) in pancreatic cancer is primarily criticized for its technical and oncological safety. Although solid evidence has not yet been established, many institutions are performing LPD for pancreatic cancer patients, with continuous efforts to ensure oncologic safety. In this video, we demonstrated a case of standard LPD combined with vascular resection in pancreatic cancer.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy with excision of aberrant right hepatic artery after preoperative segmental embolization in mid-bile duct cancer

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy has proven to be a safe and effective alternative to open pancreati coduodenectomy with similar oncologic outcomes. Cases including excision of the hepatic artery with or without reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy have been reported for periampullary cancer. Here we present a case of an 82-year-old patient who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy following preoperative arterial embolization of an aberrant right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery.

Adverse Impact of Intraoperative Conversion on the Postoperative Course Following Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Purpose@#The aim of the current study was to evaluate the adverse clinical impact of intraoperative conversion during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). @*Materials and Methods@#The medical records of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative clinical variables were compared between patients who underwent converted PD (cPD) and initially planned open PD (OPD) to investigate the clinical impact and predictive factors of intraoperative conversion during LPD. @*Results@#A total of 171 patients were included. Among them, 31 patients (19.3%) were found to have intraoperative conversion during LPD. Failure of progression due to severe adhesion (12 patients, 7%) and major vessel invasion (7 patients, 4%) were the two most frequent reasons for conversion. On multivariate analysis, age [Exp(β)=1.044, p=0.044] and pancreatic texture [Expa(β)=2.431, p=0.039) were found to be independent factors for predicting intraoperative conversion during LPD. In comparative analysis with the OPD group, the cPD group had a longer operation time (516.8 min vs. 449.9 min, p=0.001), higher rate of postoperative hemorrhage (12.1% vs. 0.85%, p=0.008), higher reoperation rate (9.1% vs. 0%, p=0.01), and higher cost (21886.4 USD vs. 17168.9 USD, p=0.018). @*Conclusion@#Intraoperative conversion during LPD can have an adverse clinical impact on the postoperative course following LPD. Appropriate patients selection and improvement of surgical techniques will be crucial for unnecessary intraoperative conversion and safe LPD.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD) in pancreatic cancer is primarily criticized for its technical and oncological safety. Although solid evidence has not yet been established, many institutions are performing LPD for pancreatic cancer patients, with continuous efforts to ensure oncologic safety. In this video, we demonstrated a case of standard LPD combined with vascular resection in pancreatic cancer.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy with excision of aberrant right hepatic artery after preoperative segmental embolization in mid-bile duct cancer

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy has proven to be a safe and effective alternative to open pancreati coduodenectomy with similar oncologic outcomes. Cases including excision of the hepatic artery with or without reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy have been reported for periampullary cancer. Here we present a case of an 82-year-old patient who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy following preoperative arterial embolization of an aberrant right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery.

Yonsei Criteria, a Potential Linkage to Intratumoral Foxp3⁺/CD8⁺ Ratio for the Prediction of Oncologic Outcomes in Resected Left-Sided Pancreatic Cancer

PURPOSE: This study sought to investigate associations among Yonsei criteria (tumor confined to the pancreas, intact fascia layer between the distal pancreas and the left adrenal gland and kidney, and tumor located more than 1–2 cm from the celiac axis) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in pancreatic cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent curative distal pancreatectomy due to left-sided pancreatic cancer from January 2000 to December 2011 were enrolled. Follow-up was completed September 30, 2015.RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled. Having ≥ two metastatic lymph nodes (LNs, p=0.002), intraoperative transfusion (p=0.011), low levels of tumor infiltrating CD8⁺ T-cells (p=0.001), and a high Foxp3⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (p=0.009) were independent risk factors for disease-free survival. Not satisfying the Yonsei criteria (p=0.021), having ≥ two metastatic LNs (p=0.032), low levels of tumor infiltrating CD8⁺ T-cells (p=0.040) and a high Foxp3⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (p=0.032) were associated with unfavorable overall survival. High levels of CA19-9 and not satisfying the Yonsei criteria were significantly associated with a high Foxp3⁺/CD8⁺ ratio [Exp(β)=3.558; 95% confidence inverval: 1.000–12.658; p=0.050].CONCLUSION: Yonsei criteria may be clinically detectable biologic marker with which to predict immunologic status and survival in pancreatic cancer patients.

Minimally Invasive Single-Site Cholecystectomy in Obese Patients: Laparoscopic vs. Robotic

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is treatment method for management of benign gallbladder diseases. Further attempts are made to operate single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the procedure remains technically difficult, especially in obese patient. Recently, a robotic surgical system for minimal invasive surgery was introduced to overcome the limitations of conventional laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: From April 2009 to August 2017, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with single-site, minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) cholecystectomy with high BMI (>25 kg/m2). We analyzed general characteristics and perioperative outcomes between the single-fulcrum laparoscopic cholecystectomy group and the robotic single-site cholecystectomy (RSSC) group. RESULTS: Operation time (57.56±11.10 vs 98.5±12.28 p<0.001) was significantly longer and postoperative pain score (3.61 vs 5.15 p=0.000) was significantly higher in the robotic single-site cholecystectomy (RSSC) group, but the actual dissection time (25.85±11.09 vs 25.79±13.35 p=0.978) was not significantly different between the two approaches. Iatrogenic gallbladder perforation, (13 vs 6 p=0.005), patients undergoing RSSC showed a significantly smaller amount than did those undergoing single-fulcrum laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SFLC). CONCLUSION: It is difficult to say for certain that RSSC is clearly better than SFLC in obese patients. However, because of the technical convenience and efficiency of surgery with RSSC, RSSC can be practically worthwhile. Further study is mandatory.

Preoperative Metabolic Tumor Volume(2.5) Associated with Early Systemic Metastasis in Resected Pancreatic Cancer: A Transcriptome-Wide Analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET) reflects biological aggressiveness and predicts prognoses in various tumors. Evaluating the oncologic significance of the preoperative metabolic phenotype might be necessary for planning the surgical strategy in resectable pancreatic cancers. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2015, a total of 93 patients with pathologic T3 (pT3) pancreatic cancer were included in this study. Clinicopathological parameters and PET parameters were evaluated, and transcriptome-wide analysis was performed to identify the oncologic impact and molecular landscape of the metabolic phenotype of resectable pancreatic cancers. RESULTS: Preoperative metabolic tumor volume (MTV)(2.5) was significantly higher in the pN1 group compared to the pN0 group (11.1±11.2 vs 6.5±7.8, p=0.031). Higher MTV(2.5) values (MTV(2.5) ≥4.5) were associated with multiple lymph node metastasis (p=0.003), and the lymph node ratio was also significantly higher in resected pT3 pancreatic cancer with MTV(2.5) ≥4.5 compared to those with MTV(2.5) <4.5 (0.12±0.13 vs 0.05±0.08, p=0.001). Disease-specific survival of patients with MTV(2.5) <4.5 was better than that of patients with MTV(2.5) ≥4.5 (mean, 28.8 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 40.1 to 57.0 vs mean, 32.6 months; 95% CI, 25.5 to 39.7; p=0.026). Patients with MTV(2.5) ≥4.5 who received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy showed better survival outcomes than patients with MTV(2.5) ≥4.5 who did not receive adjuvant treatment in resected pT3 pancreatic cancers (p<0.001). Transcriptome-wide analysis revealed that tumors with MTV(2.5) ≥4.5 demonstrated significantly different expression of cancer-related genes reflecting aggressive tumor biology. CONCLUSIONS: Resectable pancreatic cancer with high MTV(2.5) is not only associated with lymph node metastasis but also early systemic metastasis. The molecular background of resectable pancreatic cancer with high MTV(2.5) may be associated with aggressive biologic behavior, which might need to be considered when managing resectable pancreatic cancers. Further study is mandatory.

Normal Postoperative Computed Tomography Findings after a Variety of Pancreatic Surgeries

Pancreatic surgery remains the only curative treatment for pancreatic neoplasms, and plays an important role in the management of medically intractable diseases. Since the original Whipple operation in the 20th century, surgical techniques have advanced, resulting in decreased postoperative complications and better clinical outcomes. Normal postoperative imaging findings vary greatly depending on the surgical technique used. Radiologists are required to be familiar with the normal postoperative imaging findings, in order to distinguish from postoperative complications or tumor recurrence. In this study, we briefly review a variety of surgical techniques for the pancreas, and present the normal postoperative computed tomography findings.

The First Experiences of Robotic Single-Site Cholecystectomy in Asia: A Potential Way to Expand Minimally-Invasive Single-Site Surgery?

PURPOSE: Herein, we firstly present the robotic single-site cholecystectomy (RSSC) as performed in Asia and evaluate whether it could overcome the limitations of conventional laparoscopic single-site cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2013 to November 2013, RSSC for benign gallbladder (GB) disease was firstly performed consecutively in five patients. We evaluated these early experiences of RSSC and compared factors including clinicopathologic factors and operative outcomes with our initial cases of single-fulcrum laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SFLC). RESULTS: Four female patients and one male patient underwent RSSC. Neither open conversion nor bile duct injury or bile spillage was noted during surgery. In comparisons with SFLC, patient-related factors in terms of age, sex, Body Mass Index, diagnosis, and American Society of Anesthesiologist score showed no significant differences between two groups. There were no significant differences in the operative outcomes regarding intraoperative blood loss, bile spillage during operation, postoperative pain scale values, postoperative complications, and hospital stay between the two groups (p<0.05). Actual dissection time (p=0.003) and total operation time (p=0.001) were significantly longer in RSSC than in SFLC. There were no drain insertion or open conversion cases in either group. CONCLUSION: RSSC provides a comfortable environment and improved ergonomics to laparoscopic single-site cholecystectomy; however, this technique needs to be modified to allow for more effective intracorporeal movement. As experience and technical innovations continue, RSSC will soon be alternative procedure for well-selected benign GB disease.

Does international study group on pancreatic fistula (ISGPF) classification need modification after distal pancreatectomy?

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Few reports have validated the clinical postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) after distal pancreatectomy. The study intended to validate the predictability for clinical PF of drain amylase and lipase and to find out more appropriate postoperative day (POD) for diagnostic criterion of PF. METHODS: A total of 154 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy. We used the clinical database registry system of the Gangnam Severance Hospital and Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System for these analyses. The receiver operating characteristic curve of the drain amylase or lipase concentration on each day was used to predict clinical PF (International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula [ISGPF] grade B or C) and areas under the curves (AUC) were compared. RESULTS: Amylase and lipase AUC values poorly predicted clinical PF before POD 3 and, gradually increased until POD 5 and became well correlated with clinical PF (ISGPF grade B or C). In contrast, the prediction of clinical PF using drain lipase did not differ from that using drain amylase. The drain amylase concentration on POD 6 was most precisely correlated with clinical PF. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical PF prediction was validated by using drain amylase and lipase concentrations, in which drain amylase assessment at POD 6 appeared to be an appropriate diagnostic criterion of PF after distal pancreatectomy. We suggest some modification of ISGPF definition, especially for distal pancreatectomy.

Single-Fulcrum Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Uncomplicated Gallbladder Diseases: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis with Conventional Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

PURPOSE: Single-fulcrum laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SFLC) is a variant type of single incision and multi-port technique that does not use specialized one-port devices or articulating instruments. We retrospectively compared perioperative outcomes of SFLC with those of conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and December 2010, SFLC was performed in 130 patients. Among them, 105 patients with uncomplicated gallbladder disease (no inflammation or no clinical symptoms) and another 105 patients who underwent CLC were selected for this study. RESULTS: There was no open conversion. In comparison with CLC, SFLC was performed more often in young (46.4+/-12.2 years vs. 52.5+/-13.6 years, p=0.001) female patients (80/25 vs. 62/43, p=0.008). The total operation time was longer in SFLC (56.7+/-14.1 min vs. 47.5+/-17.1 min, p<0.001), but pain scores immediately after operation and at discharge time were lower for SFLC than for CLC (3.1+/-1.3 vs. 4.0+/-1.9, p<0.001, 2.0+/-0.9 vs. 2.4+/-0.8, p=0.002). Total cost was lower for SFLC than for CLC (US $ 1801+/-289.9 vs. US $ 2003+/-617.4, p=0.004). There were no differences in hospital stay or complication rates. CONCLUSION: SFLC showed greater technical feasibility and cost benefits in treating uncomplicated benign gallbladder disease than CLC.

Pancreas club international joint symposium on pancreatic cancer 2012, Kyoto: down staging chemo+/-radiotherapy for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

This manuscript summarized one section out of the international symposium, Pancreatic Cancer 2012, which was held last October 4th through 6th in Kyoto (Japan) under the theme, "We are the Team: Opening the Door to the Next Step for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy." Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) is a specific clinical presentation with features in between those of resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancers. The classification of pancreatic cancer is an important issue given that a cancer may look resectable but be high-risk for R1 or R2 resection. Considering that margin-negative resection is a fundamental requirement for curing pancreatic cancer, this issue is one of the most interesting to pancreatic surgeons. At Pancreatic Cancer 2012 in Kyoto, BRPC was also discussed at the Pancreatic Club International Joint Symposium. In this manuscript, the contents of the presented topics are briefly summarized to facilitate understanding of recent issues in managing BRPC.

Transumbilical Single Port Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: A Technical Report on Right and Left Adrenalectomy Using the Glove Port

Recently, single port laparoscopic surgery has been the focus of attention due to the advanced laparoscopic skills accumulated from experience and developments in laparoscopic instruments. Herein, we present two cases of initial single port laparoscopic adrenalectomies. Case 1 was a 38-year-old female patient diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism because of a the right adrenal 2.5-cm sized adenoma, and case 2 was a 31-year-old female patient diagnosed with primary adrenal Cushing's syndrome because of a left adrenal 2.9-cm sized adenoma. Both patients successfully underwent single port laparoscopic adrenalectomies via a transumbilical transperitoneal approach. There was no estimated blood loss and the total operating times were 60 and 70 minutes, respectively. Both patients recovered uneventfully. We believe that this technique presented could provide potential benefits (lesser wound pain, better cosmetic satisfaction, and shorter convalescence) if the indications are carefully selected.

Comparison of Efficacy of Enucleation and Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Small (<3 cm) Branch Duct Type Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Located at the Head of Pancreas and the Uncinate Process

PURPOSE: Accurate indications and the extent of surgery for branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas are still debatable. In particular, small tumor is located at the head portion of pancreas presents a dilemma. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of enucleation (EN) with that of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with small (2 cm

Two Cases of Portal Annular Pancreas / 대한소화기학회지

Portal annular pancreas is one of the pancreatic fusion anomalies in which the uncinate process of the pancreas extends to fuse with the dorsal pancreas by encircling the portal vein or superior mesenteric vein. We report two consecutive patients with portal annular pancreas. The first case is a 71-year-old male patient who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm in the head of pancreas. His preoperative computed tomography scan showed the suprasplenic type portal annular pancreas. The second case is a 74-year-old female patient who underwent a laparoscopic anterior radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) for pancreatic body cancer. In operative finding, portal confluence (superior mesenteric vein-splenic vein-portal vein) was encased with the uncinate process of pancreas in both cases. Therefore, they required pancreatic division at the pancreatic neck portion twice. During the postoperative period, grade B and A, respectively, postoperative pancreatic fistulas occurred and were controlled by conservative management. Surgeons need to know about this rare pancreatic condition prior to surgical intervention to avoid complications, and to provide patients with well-designed, case-specific pancreatic surgery.

Postoperative Nutritional Effects of Early Enteral Feeding Compared with Total Parental Nutrition in Pancreaticoduodectomy Patients: A Prosepective, Randomized Study

The benefits of early enteral feeding (EEN) have been demonstrated in gastrointestinal surgery. But, the impact of EEN has not been elucidated yet. We assessed the postoperative nutritional status of patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) according to the postoperative nutritional method and compared the clinical outcomes of two methods. A prospective randomized trial was undertaken following PD. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; the EEN group received the postoperative enteral feed and the control group received the postoperative total parenteral nutrition (TPN) management. Thirty-eight patients were included in our analyses. The first day of bowel movement and time to take a normal soft diet was significantly shorter in EEN group than in TPN group. Prealbumin and transferrin were significantly reduced on post-operative day (POD) 7 and were slowly recovered until POD 90 in the TPN group than in the EEN group. EEN group rapidly recovered weight after POD 21 whereas it was gradually decreased in TPN group until POD 90. EEN after PD is associated with preservation of weight compared with TPN and impact on recovery of digestive function after PD.