Standardizing Surgical Management of Retroperitoneal Sarcomas: Dawn of a New Surgical Subspeciality in India.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal sarcomas are a complex and heterogenous group of tumors. An approach to these tumors should be guided by a clear understanding of the disease biology and anatomical principles, which mandates a dedicated multidisciplinary team approach at all steps of management. We present our experience of evolution as a high-volume sarcoma center with a dedicated multidisciplinary tumor board (the RP clinic) with consequent standardization of surgeries and management protocols. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database for patients undergoing surgery from January 2011 to June 2023 was performed. Data were divided into the pre-clinic era (2011-2017) and post-clinic era (2018-2023). Survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Chi-square test was used to test significance for categorical variables. Time trends were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Overall, 254 patients were operated during this period; 36.6% of patients underwent surgeries in the pre-RP clinic era (6 years) and 63.3% in the post-RP clinic era (4.5 years). There was a statistically significant increase in the number of cases being operated per year, from an average of 16.3 in the pre-clinic era to 42.4 in the post-RP clinic era (p = 0.001). The post-RP clinic era also showed a significant increase in compartment and multivisceral resections (49% vs. 18.2%; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Establishment of a dedicated multidisciplinary tumor board (RP clinic) resulted in standardization of management protocols, resulting in optimal oncological and surgical outcomes.

Central versus distal pancreatectomy for low-grade and benign pancreatic neck-body tumours.

PURPOSE: Central pancreatectomy (CP) offers parenchymal preservation compared to conventional distal pancreato-splenectomy for pancreatic neck and body tumours. However, it is associated with more morbidity. This study is aimed at evaluating the peri-operative and long-term functional outcomes, comparing central and distal pancreatectomies (DPs). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing pancreatic resections for low-grade malignant or benign tumours in pancreatic neck and body was performed (from January 2007 to December 2022). Preoperative imaging was reviewed for all cases, and only patients with uninvolved pancreatic tail, whereby a CP was feasible, were included. Peri-operative outcomes and long-term functional outcomes were compared between CP and DP. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two (5.2%) patients, amongst the total of 2304 pancreatic resections, underwent central or distal pancreatectomy for low-grade malignant or benign tumours. CP was feasible in 55 cases, of which 23 (42%) actually underwent CP and the remaining 32 (58%) underwent DP. CP group had a significantly longer operative time [370 min (IQR 300-480) versus 300 min (IQR 240-360); p = 0.002]; however, the major morbidity (43.5% versus 37.5%; p = 0.655) and median hospital stay (10 versus 11 days; p = 0.312) were comparable. The long-term endocrine functional outcome was favourable for the CP group [endocrine insufficiency rate was 13.6% in central versus 42.8% in distal (p = 0.046)]. CONCLUSION: Central pancreatectomy offers better long-term endocrine function without any increased morbidity in low malignant potential or benign pancreatic tumours of neck and body region.

Neuroendocrine differentiation in a metachronous metastatic deposit in a case of mature growing ovarian teratoma: A rare occurrence.

ABSTRACT: Growing teratoma syndrome is a rare condition seen in non seminomatous germ cell tumor after completion of chemotherapy. Ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal differentiation is commonly seen in mature teratoma. neuroendocrine differentiation in a metastatic deposit of mature teratoma is rarely reported. We are presenting a case of neuroendocrine differentiation in a long standing metastatic deposit of a mature teratoma.

Oncologic Liver Resections in a Geriatric Population: Peri-operative, Long-Term and Quality-of-Life Outcomes-Experience from a High-Volume Centre in India.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients can often be overlooked as candidates for a major hepatic resection, by virtue of their age. To enable better patient selection for hepatic resections in this age group, we analysed the outcomes of liver resections in elderly patients to identify any potential prognostic factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of hepatic resections from 1 January 2010 to 31 October 2021 and analysed the post-operative outcomes in patients aged 65 years or older. Short-term outcomes were analysed in terms of length of hospital stay, 90-day major morbidity, and 90-day mortality. Long-term outcome was defined by the disease-free survival, overall survival and quality of life. RESULTS: Over a period of 11 years, 170 elderly patients underwent oncologic liver resections, of which 68 (40%) underwent a major hepatectomy. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 32.8% and 5.3%, respectively. Extent of hepatic resection, increasing age, concomitant resection of other organs and a biliary-enteric anastomosis were independent predictors for poor immediate post-operative outcomes. Median disease-free survival and overall survival were 30 months and 78 months, respectively. The global health status was excellent in majority of patients with a mean score of 88.62. CONCLUSION: Major oncologic liver resections can be performed in well-selected geriatric population with acceptable peri-operative, long-term and quality-of-life outcomes.

Intra-operative enteroscopic polypectomy-An innovative hybrid approach using straight sticks.

BACKGROUND: Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is an uncommon intestinal polyposis disorder. Bowel obstructions are a recurring problem in PJS and as many as 50% of these patients require surgery. The current standard of care for these patients is to perform a flexible enteroscopic polypectomy. The traditional push-pull enteroscopy however, might be unavailable or unsuitable in an emergency setting. Alternatively, repeated laparotomies with multiple small bowel resections can lead to short bowel syndrome. METHODS: In our series, we describe an innovative technique where a short midline laparotomy permitted sufficient access to reduce the intussusception(s) and perform a bowel walk. Rigid laparoscopic instruments were introduced within the small bowel lumen via enterotomies, to perform polypectomies along the entire small bowel length. This precludes the need for small bowel resections which can thwart the development of short bowel syndrome. RESULTS: Two patients with PJS presenting with acute small bowel obstruction underwent surgery using the described approach. Another two patients with PJS having multiple intussusceptions on CT underwent an elective prophylactic polypectomy using the same approach. We were able to run the bowel in its entirety and a maximum of 41 polyps were retrieved from the port site enterotomy. The operating times were modest and no unique complications pertaining to this technique were encountered. CONCLUSION: Small bowel polypectomy using rigid instrumentation employing a limited midline laparotomy is an attractive option for both emergency and elective settings in patients with PJS.

Axial giant cell tumor - current standard of practice.

Giant cell tumors of bone are relatively rare in the axial skeleton, accounting for approximately 6.7% of all cases. Due to their anatomical complexity, difficult access and proximity to vital neurovascular structures, management of these tumors poses a huge challenge on the treating surgeon. Several data series reported on axial GCTB involve short series of limited cases with varied methods used in their local control due to which, proper guidelines are unavailable for the management of such difficult cases. Though the present data support the use of denosumab for effective management of these lesions but there is varied consensus on dosage and duration of treatment. This review article summarizes the basic features and treatment modalities related to axial GCTB stressing on multidisciplinary approach to achieve optimum outcomes.

Role of indo-cyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a retrospective review of 55 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Indo-Cyanine Green Fluorescence is an emerging technology with more frequent use in laparoscopic and robotic surgery. It relies on near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence to demonstrate tissue perfusion with demarcation of tissue planes and vascular pedicles. The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of this technology in laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). METHODS: 55 patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy using NIR Fluorescence enabled laparoscope. All cases received a standard initial dose of 5-mg dye to aid tissue visualization. Surgery proceeded with "fluorescence mode" demonstrating real-time NIR images superimposed on standard white-light imaging. The timing, number of doses were dictated by the operating surgeon, which were recorded and correlated with intra-operative fluorescence visualization. RESULTS: 54 patients underwent successful LA, with one conversion in a case of large pheochromocytoma due to difficult hemostasis. The lag between ICG administration and visualization of adrenal fluorescence varied between 30 and 75 s. The total duration of adrenal parenchymal fluorescence after a single dose did not exceed 15 min in our series. Average total administered dose was 14.4 mg. We suffered no mortality. There were no adverse effects due to the dye. 5 patients suffered Grade I complications, with one patient suffering Grade II and IV complication each, as per Clavien-Dindo Classification. Final histopathology demonstrated pheochromocytoma, adrenocortical adenoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, cushing's adenoma, aldosteronoma, and myelolipoma. CONCLUSION: We describe our initial positive experience with ICG fluorescence in LA, with a detailed description of dye administration in our study. The technology offers real-time differentiation of tissues and identification of vascular structures, providing immediate guidance during surgery. Further evaluation of its role in adrenocortical malignancy is warranted. NIR fluorescence is a safe, useful addition in laparoscopic adrenalectomy which will undergo further refinement over time.

Gallstone Ileus: Dilemma in the Management.

Gallstone ileus is a mechanical intestinal obstruction caused due to impaction of a large gallstone within the bowel. The ideal treatment of gallstone ileus remains controversial, with the main dilemma being between a one-stage and a two-stage surgical procedure. A 69-year old male patient presented with gallstone ileus. A one-stage procedure with enterolithotomy and primary closure of duodenal fistula was done. His immediate postoperative recovery was uneventful, but after 3 weeks of surgery, he developed respiratory complications and expired of multi-organ failure. In gallstone ileus, patient presents with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Enterolithotomy alone remains the most common operative method, but the definitive surgical management is still under research. An intraoperative dilemma between a one-stage or two-stage surgery is difficult to resolve in absence of clear guidelines. Hence, more studies are required to come to a consensus in deciding its definitive management.