Portal vein thrombosis following elective laparoscopic splenectomy: incidence and analysis of risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive splenectomy is now well established for a wide range of pathologies. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is increasingly being recognised as a complication of splenectomy. The aim was to determine the incidence and risk factors for PVT after laparoscopic splenectomy. METHODS: All cases of elective laparoscopic splenectomy performed from 1993 to 2020 were reviewed. Parameters recorded included demographics, diagnostic criterion and post-operative outcomes. Data were analysed using Minitab V18 with a p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: 210 patients (103 female, 107 male) underwent laparoscopic splenectomy (14 to 85 years). A major proportion of cases were performed for ITP (n = 77, p = 0.012) followed by lymphoma (n = 28), indeterminate lesions (n = 21) and myelofibrosis (n = 19). Ten patients developed symptomatic portal vein thrombosis (4.8%). Patients presented most commonly with pain and fever and diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) or ultrasonography (USS). There were 10 conversions (4.8%) to open and two postoperative deaths, one from PVT and one from pneumonia. The remaining nine patients were successfully treated with anticoagulation. Of 19 patients with myelofibrosis, six patients developed PVT (p = 0.0002). Patients who developed PVT had significantly greater specimen weights (1773 g vs 348 g, p < 0.001). Forty-three patients had a specimen weight of 1 kg or greater, and of these 9 developed portal vein thrombosis (21%), versus one with PVT of 155 with a specimen weight of less than 1 kg (p < 0.0001). Myelofibrosis (p = 0.0039), specimen weight (p < 0.001) and mean platelet count (p = 0.0049) were predictive of PVT. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion for this complication should be maintained and prompt treatment with anticoagulation. High-risk patients should be considered for prophylactic anticoagulation and routine imaging of the portal vein.

Comparison of lipid-normalised concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) between serum and adipose tissue.

Human biomonitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is typically based on serum analysis and for comparison and modelling purposes, data are often normalised to the lipid content of the serum. Such approach assumes a steady state of the compound between the serum lipids and for example lipid-rich adipose tissue. Few published data are available to assess the validity of this assumption. The aim of this study was to measure concentrations of POPs in both serum and adipose tissue samples from 32 volunteers and compare the lipid-normalised concentrations between serum and adipose tissue. For p,p'-DDE, PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180, lipid-normalised adipose tissue concentrations were positively correlated to the respective serum concentrations but generally were more highly concentrated in adipose tissue. These results suggest that the investigated legacy POPs that were consistently found in paired samples may often not be in a steady state between the lipid compartments of the human body. Consequently, the analysis of serum lipids as a surrogate for adipose tissue exposure may more often than not underestimate total body burden of POPs. Further research is warranted to confirm the findings of this study.

Body mass index and surgical outcomes in laparoscopic liver resections: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resection is gaining momentum; however, there is limited evidence on its efficacy and safety in obese patients. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between BMI and outcomes after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) using a systematic review of the existing literature. METHODS: A systematic search of Medline (Ovid 1946-present), PubMed (NCBI), Embase (Ovid 1966-present) and Cochrane Library was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement for parameters of LLR and BMI. Operative, post-operative and oncological outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Of 1460 abstracts, seven retrospective studies were analysed, published between 2015 and 2017 (study periods 1998-2017). Total patient cohort were classified as 481 obese and 1180 non-obese with a median age range of 42.5-69.4 years. Variations existed in definitions of obesity (Asia BMI >25 kg/m2 , Western BMI >30 kg/m2 ). Rates of conversion were examined in four studies (0-31%) with one reporting BMI >28 kg/m2 as an independent risk factor. Estimated blood loss and transfusion rates were similar. Operative time was increased in obese patients in one study (P = 0.02). Mortality rates ranged from 0% to 4.3% with no difference between BMI classes. No difference in major morbidity was demonstrated. Bile leak rates were increased in obese groups in one study (0-3.44%, P < 0.05). Wound infections were reported in five studies, with higher rates in obese patients (0-5.8% versus 0-1.9%). Tumour size was comparable in both groups. Completeness of resection was analysed in four studies with one study reporting increased R0 rates in obese patients (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: This systematic review highlights that current evidence shows LLR in obese patients is safe, however, further studies are required.

Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations in biopsy-proven type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis: comparative analysis with biopsy-proven type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune processes are now an increasingly recognized cause of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare, benign pathology with two distinct clinicopathologic subtypes. The aim of this study was to compare the presentation, diagnostic considerations and outcomes of patients with biopsy-proven type 1 and 2 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). METHODS: A retrospective review of the Queensland Health pathology database of histologically proven AIP was conducted. Parameters compared included demographics, diagnostic criterion and post-treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients had a confirmed histological diagnosis of AIP (type 1 = 13, type 2 = 10). Patients with type 2 AIP were younger (median age 49 versus 59 years, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in gender distribution of disease at presentation. Type 2 AIP presented with significant increased focal pancreatic changes on cross-sectional imaging (80% versus 54%, P < 0.05). Serum IgG4 levels were raised (>1.40 g/L) in 69% of patients with type 1 AIP and not detected in type 2 (P < 0.01). Concurrent underlying inflammatory bowel disease was present in a higher proportion of type 2 AIP (40% versus 15%, P < 0.05). A significantly increased proportion of patients with type 2 AIP underwent surgical resection (70% versus 30%, P < 0.05). Conservative management was utilized in more patients with type 1 disease (54% versus 30%). On follow-up, two patients have experienced symptomatic relapse at 6-18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic challenges do exist and clinicians must suspect 2 type AIP in young, serum IgG4-negative inflammatory bowel disease patients with recurrent pancreatitis.

Synchronous colorectal liver metastases in pregnancy and post-partum.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in pregnancy and post-partum is rare, but represents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for clinicians. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is essential. This study reports the first series in the Australasian literature, describing our experience with and management of pregnant and post-partum patients diagnosed with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (sCRLM). METHOD: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data for patients with sCRLM diagnosed during pregnancy or post-partum, presenting to a tertiary referral hospital between 2009 and 2014, was performed. Data regarding patient presentation, imaging, management, histopathology and survival were analysed. Patient characteristics and outcomes were reviewed, including age, presenting complaint and median survival. RESULTS: Five patients were identified with sCRLM: three patients were diagnosed antepartum and two post-partum. Median age was 31 years (range 26-34). All patients were diagnosed with colorectal primary and synchronous liver lesions. All patients received folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin chemotherapy, two intrapartum. One patient had both the primary lesion and liver metastases excised early post-partum. Second-line chemotherapy with folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan and other biological agents was used in some cases post-partum. One patient suffered a fetal loss, while the other four had uncomplicated live births. Median survival was 7.6 months, with two patients dying shortly after delivery. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of mCRC in pregnancy is challenging and survival is poor. A MDT approach to management is essential. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment from the second trimester. Rapid confirmation of diagnosis and early chemotherapy, followed by post-partum colorectal and liver resection may improve survival.

Early Experience with Laparoscopic Frey Procedure for Chronic Pancreatitis: a Case Series and Review of Literature.

The Frey procedure has been demonstrated to be an effective surgical technique to treat patients with painful large duct chronic pancreatitis. More commonly reported as an open procedure, we report our experience with a minimally invasive approach to the Frey procedure. Four consecutive patients underwent a laparoscopic Frey procedure at our institution from January 2012 to July 2015. We herein report our technique and describe short- and medium-term outcomes. The median age was 40 years old. The median duration of pancreatic pain prior to surgery was 12 years. Median operative time and intraoperative blood loss was 130 min (100-160 min) and 60 mL (50-100 mL), respectively. The median length of stay was 7 days (3-40 days) and median follow-up was 26 months (12-30 months). There was one major postoperative complication requiring reoperation. Within 6 months, in all four patients, frequency of pain and analgesic requirement reduced significantly. Two patients appeared to have resolution of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. The Frey procedure is possible laparoscopically with acceptable short- and medium-term outcomes in well-selected patients.

Long-term survival in laparoscopic vs open resection for colorectal liver metastases: inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity scores.

BACKGROUND: This study compares long-term outcomes between intention-to-treat laparoscopic and open approaches to colorectal liver metastases (CLM), using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity scores to control for selection bias. METHOD: Patients undergoing liver resection for CLM by 5 surgeons at 3 institutions from 2000 to early 2014 were analysed. IPTW based on propensity scores were generated and used to assess the marginal treatment effect of the laparoscopic approach via a weighted Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 298 operations were performed in 256 patients. 7 patients with planned two-stage resections were excluded leaving 284 operations in 249 patients for analysis. After IPTW, the population was well balanced. With a median follow up of 36 months, 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) for the cohort were 59% and 38%. 146 laparoscopic procedures were performed in 140 patients, with weighted 5-year OS and RFS of 54% and 36% respectively. In the open group, 138 procedures were performed in 122 patients, with a weighted 5-year OS and RFS of 63% and 38% respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of OS or RFS. CONCLUSION: In the Brisbane experience, after accounting for bias in treatment assignment, long term survival after LLR for CLM is equivalent to outcomes in open surgery.

On the road to single-site laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: lessons learned from 60 cases.

BACKGROUND: Single-site laparoscopic surgery is a promising emerging technique with potential to decrease postoperative pain, reduce port-site complications, and improve cosmetic results. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LapGB) is a procedure that lends itself well to single-site laparoscopic surgery because the surgery is confined to a single region of the body, the need for a larger incision for port implantation and the fact that bariartric patients are more likely to be body image conscious. The procedure is, however, technically challenging and potentially more time consuming and hazardous. To simplify learning, a hybrid technique that used multiple conventional trocars and laparoscopic equipment through a single periumbilical incision while retaining the use of the Nathanson retractor via a separate epigastric incision was developed. The authors' experience and results with this technique are described. METHODS: This retrospective review describes the prospectively collected data for the first 60 consecutive cases completed using the minimally invasive technique described. RESULTS: The 60 cases in this study comprised 12 men and 48 women with an average age of 39 years (range 20-59 years). Their average body mass index (BMI) was 39.1 kg/m(2) (range 32-52 kg/m(2)). Four patients (6.7%) needed an additional port either for hemostasis or for access difficulties. Concomitant hiatal hernia repair was performed for 13 patients. Five patients (8.3%) had superficial wound infection requiring oral antibiotic therapy and dressings. No other complications were observed. Overall, the average operating time was 55 min (range 30-160 min). For both surgeons, the learning curve was six cases, with a significant difference in the operating times between the first six cases and the remaining cases (p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' early experience with the minimally invasive LapGB technique shows that it is feasible and safe. It can be used either as a bridging technique to single-site LapGB or on its own as a minimally invasive technique.