Multiple Biliary Stones: a Rare Long-term Complication after Whipple Procedure / Múltiplos cálculos biliares: uma complicação rara a longo prazo após o procedimento de Whipple

A hypertensive, diabetic woman underwent a successful Whipple procedure at the age of 84 due to carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. She presented an extremely rare complication 24 months after the surgery, consisting of acute cholangitis due to multiple biliary lithiases associated with a bilioenteric anastomotic stricture. The diagnosis was confirmed with computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and cholangiography. The patient was successfully treated with multiple percutaneous transhepatic cholangioplasties (AU)

Uma mulher hipertensa e diabética foi submetida a um procedimento bem-sucedido de Whipple aos 84 anos devido a um carcinoma da ampola de Vater e apresentou uma complicação extremamente rara 24 meses após da cirurgia, consistindo em colangite aguda devido à presença de litíase biliar múltipla associada com estenose da anastomose bilio-entérica. O diagnóstico foi confirmado com tomografia computadorizada, colangiopancreatografia por ressonância mag-nética e colangiografia.O paciente foi tratado com sucesso com múltiplas colangioplastias transhepáticas percutâneas (AU)

Clinical efficacy of pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary diseases: a report of 2 019 cases / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary diseases.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinico-pathological data of 2 019 patients with periampullary diseases who underwent PD in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to December 2020 were collected. There were 1 193 males and 826 females, aged 63(15) years. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) postoperative conditions; (3) postoperative pathological examinations; (4) prognosis of patients with periampullary carcinoma. Regular follow-up was conducted by telephone interview and outpatient examination once every 3 months within the postoperative first year and once every 6 months thereafter to detect the survival of patients with periampullary carcinoma. The follow-up was up to December 2021. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(IQR) or M(range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the rank sum test. Count data were described as absolute numbers and (or) percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed by the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves and calculate survival rates, and Log-Rank test was used to conduct survival analysis. Results:(1) Surgical situations: of 2 019 patients, 1 116 cases were admitted from 2016-2018 and 903 cases were admitted from 2019-2020. There were 1 866 cases undergoing open PD and 153 cases undergoing laparoscopic or robot-assisted PD. There were 1 049 cases under-going standard PD and 970 cases undergoing pylorus-preserved PD. There were 215 cases combined with portal mesenteric vein resection, 3 cases combined with arterial resection. The operation time of 2 019 patients was 255(104)minutes and the volume of intraoperative blood loss was 250(200)mL. The intraoperative blood transfusion rate was 31.401%(623/1 984), with the blood transfusion data of 35 cases missing. The proportions of pylorus-preservation, combination with portal mesenteric vein resection, intraoperative blood transfusion were 585 cases(52.419%), 97cases(8.692%), 384 cases(34.941%) for patients admitted in 2016-2018, versus 385 cases(42.636%), 118 cases(13.068%), 239 cases(27.006%) for patients admitted in 2019-2020, showing significant differences between them ( χ2=19.14,10.05,14.33, P<0.05). (2) Postoperative conditions: the duration of postoperative hospital stay of 2 019 patients was 13 (10) days. One of 2 019 patients lacked the data of postopera-tive complications. The overall postoperative complication rate was 45.292%(914/2 018), of which the incidence rate of grade B or C pancreatic fistula was 23.439%(473/2 018), the rate of grade B or C hemorrhage was 8.127%(164/2 018), the rate of grade B or C delayed gastric emptying was 15.312%(309/2 018), the rate of biliary fistula was 2.428%(49/2 018) and the rate of abdominal infection was 12.884%(260/2 018). The reoperation rate of 2 019 patients was 1.932%(39/2 019), the in-hospital mortality was 0.644%(13/2 019), the postoperative 30-day mortality was 1.238%(25/2 019), and the postoperative 90-day mortality was 2.675%(54/2 019). There were 541 cases(48.477%) with overall postoperative complications, 109 cases(9.767%) with grade B or C hemorr-hage, 208 cases(18.638%) with grade B or C delayed gastric emptying , 172 cases(15.412%) with abdominal infection, 39 cases(3.495%) with postoperative 90-day mortality of 1 116 patients admitted in 2016-2018. The above indicators were 373 cases(41.353%), 55 cases(6.098%), 101 cases(11.197%), 88 cases(9.756%), 15 cases(1.661%) of 902 patients admitted in 2019-2020, respectively. There were significant differences in the above indicators between them( χ2=10.22, 9.00, 21.30, 14.22, 6.45 , P<0.05). The in-hospital mortality occurred to 11 patients(0.986%) of 1 116 patients admitted in 2016-2018 and to 2 cases(0.221%) of 903 patients admitted in 2019-2020, showing a significant difference between them ( P<0.05). (3) Postoperative pathological examinations. Disease area of 2 019 patients reported in postoperative pathological examinations: there were 1 346 cases(66.667%) with lesions in pancreas, including 1 023 cases of carcinoma (76.003%) and 323 cases(23.997%) of benign diseases or low potential malignancy. There were 250 cases(12.382%) with lesions in duodenal papilla, including 225 cases of carcinoma (90.000%) and 25 cases(10.000%) of benign diseases or low potential malignancy. There were 174 cases(8.618%) with lesions in bile duct, including 156 cases of carcinoma (89.655%) and 18 cases(10.345%) of benign diseases or low potential malignancy. There were 140 cases(6.934%) with lesions in ampulla, including 134 cases of carcinoma (95.714%) and 6 cases(4.286%) of benign diseases or low potential malignancy. There were 91 cases(4.507%) with lesions in duodenum, including 52 cases of carcinoma (57.143%) and 39 cases(42.857%) of benign diseases or low potential malignancy. There were 18 cases(0.892%) with carcinoma in other sites. Postoperative pathological examination showed carcinoma in 1 608 cases(79.643%), benign diseases or low potential malignancy in 411 cases(20.357%). The histological types of 1 608 patients with carcinoma included adenocarcinoma in 1 447 cases (89.988%), intra-ductal papillary mucinous carcinoma in 37 cases(2.301%), adenosquamous carcinoma in 35 cases(2.177%), adenocarcinoma with other cancerous components in 29 cases(1.803%), neuroendocrine carcinoma in 18 cases(1.119%), squamous carcinoma in 1 case (0.062%), and other histological malignancies in 41 cases(2.550%). The histological types of 411 patients with benign or low poten-tial malignancy included intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm in 107 cases (26.034%), chronic or autoimmune inflammatory disease in 62 cases(15.085%), neuroendocrine tumor in 58 cases(14.112%), pancreatic serous cystadenoma in 52 cases(12.652%), pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor in 36 cases(8.759%), gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 29 cases(7.056%), villous ductal adenoma in 20 cases(4.866%), pancreatic mucinous cystadenoma in 2 cases(0.487%), pancreatic or duodenal trauma in 2 cases(0.487%) and other histological types in 43 cases(10.462%). (4) Prognosis of patients with periampullary carcinoma. Results of survival analysis of 1 590 patients with main locations of periampullary carcinoma showed that of 1 023 patients with pancreatic cancer, 969 cases were followed up for 3.0-69.6 months, with a median follow-up time of 30.9 months. The median overall survival time, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates of pancreatic cancer patients were 19.5 months [95% confidence interval ( CI) as 18.0-21.2 months], 74.28%, 29.22% and 17.92%. Of 225 patients with duodenal papillary cancer, 185 cases were followed up for 3.0-68.9 months, with a median follow-up time of 36.7 months. The median overall survival time, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were unreached, 94.92%, 78.87% and 66.94%. Of 156 patients with distal bile duct cancer, 110 cases were followed up for 3.0-69.5 months, with a median follow-up time of 25.9 months. The median overall survival time, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 50.6 months (95% CI as 31.4 to not reached), 90.37%, 56.11% and 48.84%. Of 134 patients with ampullary cancer, 100 cases were followed up for 3.0-67.8 months, with a median follow-up time of 28.1 months. The median overall survival time, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 62.4 months (95% CI as 37.8 months to not reached), 90.57%, 64.98% and 62.22%. Of 52 patients with duodenal cancer, 38 cases were followed up for 3.0-69.5 months, with a median follow-up time of 26.2 months. The median overall survival time, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 52.0 months (95% CI as 30.6 months to not reached), 93.75%, 62.24% and 40.01%.There was a significant difference in overall survival after PD between patients with different locations of periampullary malignancies ( χ2=163.76, P<0.05). Conclusions:PD is safe and feasible in a high-volume pancreas center, but the incidence of overall postoperative complications remains high. With the increase of PD volume, the incidence of overall postoperative complications has significantly decreased. There is a significant difference in overall survival time after PD among patients with different locations of periampullary malignancies. The 5-year survival rate after PD for duodenal papillary cancer, ampullary cancer, duodenal cancer and distal bile duct cancer is relatively high, whereas for pancreatic cancer is low.

The Role of Endoscopy in Diagnosis and Treatment of Ampullary Tumor / 대한췌담도학회지

Tumors of the major duodenal papilla, also known as ampullary tumor, are rare with an approximate 5% incidence of all gastrointestinal neoplasm. These tumors seem to be detected more frequently with increasing performance of upper endoscopic examination and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Adenoma, most common benign disease of ampullary tumor, is very important because of its potential to undergo malignant transformation to ampullary cancer. Especially, endoscopic ultrasound or transpapillary intraductal ultrasonography can provide more detailed and accurate information on the extent of ampullary tumors and proper treatment should be done after diagnosis. Considering perioperative morbidity and mortality of surgical resection, endoscopic papillectomy is regarded as a curative treatment of ampullary adenoma. However, the indication of the procedure is very strict and there are various complications related to the procedure. Therefore, it is important to understand the role of endoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of ampullary tumor. In this review, the diagnostic role of endoscopy for ampullary tumor and the treatment method of endoscopic papillectomy will be discussed.

RAS Mutation is a Local Tumour Event and Not a Field Change in Pancreatobiliary Tumours.

Background: KRAS mutation (KRM) is the earliest, most common mutation in pancreatic cancer. Accurate assessment of tumour KRM status in pancreatobiiary tumours is relevant in an era of targeted molecular therapies. Aim: To assess KRM in tumour and non-tumourous margin tissue in patients undergoing a pancreatic resection. Study Design: Original research, retrospective review of prospectively collected specimens. Place and Duration of Study: Patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatic resection at the Royal Adelaide Hospital from 2011-2012 were consented for the study. Methods: Patient demographics, background history and tumour details were collated. Tumour tissue and margin areas were macrodissected from FFPE tissue sections following identification by a pathologist. DNA was prepared from the tissue using the QIAamp FFPE Tissue kit (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden Germany). KRM at codons 12 and 13 was assessed using SNaPShot TM (Applied Biosystems, Warrington UK) in tumour tissue and non-tumourous margin tissue. Fourteen patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients in the study was 68 (range 57-86) years. The M : F ratio was 8 : 6. Results: Twelve patients had adenocarcinomas (5 pancreatic; 4 ampullary, 3 biliary) and two had benign mucinous tumours. Six patients with adenocarcinomas had KRM (5@codon 12 and 1@codon 13). Margin tissue was negative for KRM in all the tested patients (p<0.016 Fisher) particularly, in those with tumour KRM. Tumours with KRM were associated with larger tumours 30(22-65) mm vs 20(15-35) mm [median(range)](p = .045 – MW-U). Nodal disease occurred in 6/6 with KRM vs 2/6 without KRM (p = .61 – Fisher). Conclusions: KRM is a local tumour event and not a field change. This suggests that testing for KRM should be reliant on tumour tissue and not surrounding normal margin tissue. KRM was associated with larger malignant tumours and a trend towards nodal disease.

A Case of Ampullary Carcinoma Managed with Endoscopic Snare Ampullectomy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The ampullary carcinoma is a rare disease that occurs in approximately 0.2% of all gastrointestinal carcinomas and in 7% of all periampullary carcinomas. The clinical manifestations of ampullary carcinoma are anorexia, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, itching, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc. When discovered, approximately 80% of cases are operable because of the rare regional invasion of the tumor. The 5-year survival rate after surgery is approximately 35%, but closer to 0% without surgery. Therefore the treatment of choice is surgery (pancreaticoduodenec-tomy, Whipple's operation). However, less invasive procedures are needed for patients in poor general condition, old age, and those who refuse surgery. We report a case of an ampullary carcinoma in which an endoscopic snare ampullectomy was performed as a second option after the patient refused surgery.

Clinical Usefulness of Endoscopic Choledochoduochoduodenal Fistulotomy in Patients with Ampullary Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGORUND/AIMS: Endoscopic choledochoduodenal fistulotomy(fistulotomy), using a needle-knife sphin-cterotome as an alternative to failed duct cannulation and subsequent endoscopic drainage in patients with ampullary cancer, can be performed in patients with a suprapapillary bulged or distorted papilla. The purpose of this prospective sutdy was to evaluate the safety and clinical usefulness of endoscopic fistulotomy in patients with ampullary cancer. METHODS: Of the 29 patients with ampullary cancer requiring biliary drainage, 13 patients with a suprapapillary bulged papilla underwent fistulotomy either alone or followed by an upward extension of the fistulous orifice using a standard sphincterotome (fistulotomy group). Of the remaing 16 patients, transpapillary biliary stenting was successful in 13 patients (biliary stenting group). In both group, the rate of successful bile duct cannulation and effective biliary drainage were assessed and compared. RESULTS: Bile duct cannulation was successful in 92.3% of the patients in the fistulotomy group and 81.3% of patients in the biliary stenting group, and the only complications were mild bleeding in 1 patient (7.7%) and cholangitis in 1 patient(6.3%). The success rate for initial biliary drainage with the fistulotomy or transpapillary stenting were 100% and 84.6%, respectively. Of the 12 patients in whom biliary drainage was used as the definite treatment, the symptom-free duration was 3.2 months in 6 patients of the fistulotomy group and 3.9 months in 6 patients in the biliary stenting group. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic fistulotomy is safe and effective for both preoperative and palliative biliary decompression in patients with ampullary cancer and it is suggested that the procedure can be applied primarily to increase the success rate of biliary access and subsequent biliary drainage especially in patients with a bulged papilla.

Unexposed Ampullary Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND: Ampullary cancer is a malignant lesion in the pancreatobiliary system with a relatively good prognosis because of its slow growth, early appearance of symptoms and high resectability. Hndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography(ERCP) is an important and useful method in the diagnosis of ampullary cancer because it identifies the location of lesions endoseopically and by opacification of the bilio-pancreatic ducts and allows confirmation by biopsy, But the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic forcep biopsy was variable according to the macroscopic appearance of ampullary cancer. In unexposed type ampullary cancer, biopsy after endoscopic sphincterotomy or intraluminal cannulatian biopsy has been recommended because the cancer tissue was either not visible at all or barely visible from the lumen of the duodenum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of endoscopic sphincterotomy to the diagnosis of ampullary cancer and to compare the clinical eharasteristics of unexposed type ampullary cancer with those of exposed type ampullary cancer. METHOD: Thirty-one cases of the ampullary cancers over the past 5 years were reviewed. Macroscopically, thirty one ampullary cancers were classified into two types. The unexposed type ampullary cancer was defined normal ampullary mucosa with or without protruding. The exposed type ampullary cancer was defined abnormal ampullary mucosa including nodular, ulcerative, nodulo-ulcerative and polypoid appearance. Ampullary cancers were diagnosed preoperatively by forcep biopsy, biopsy after endoscopic sphincterotomy, or brushing cytology. RESULT: The proportion of unexposed type in ampullary cancer was 29%(9 cases). There were no differences of age, sex, diagnostic clue, distal common bile duct(CBD) shape and CBD dilatation by ERCP between unexposed and exposed type ampullary cancers. The serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and GGT were lower in unexposed type comparting with exposed type. The unexposed ampullary cancers could be diagnosed with biopsy after endoscopic sphincterotomy except one case. Biopsy samples were successfully obtained immediately after sphincterotomy in 3 patients and a few days (3 days later-1 month later) after sphincterotomy in 5 patients. CONCLUSION: Weconsider the possibility of unexposed ampullary cancer in cases of jaundice or duct dilatation with normal ampullary cancer in cases of jaundice or duct dilatation with normal ampulla mucosa and should perform biopsy after endoscopic sphincterotomy.