A comparison of whole-mount and conventional sections for pathological mesorectal extension and circumferential resection margin assessment after total mesorectal excision.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study is to compare 2 techniques for histological handling of rectal cancer specimens, namely whole-mount in a large block vs conventional sampling using small blocks, for mesorectal pathological assessment of circumferential resection margin status and depth of tumor invasion into the mesorectal fat. METHODS: This is a prospective study including 27 total mesorectal excision specimens of rectal cancer from patients treated for primary rectal carcinoma between 2020 and 2022 in a specialized multidisciplinary Colorectal Unit. For each total mesorectal excision specimen, 2 contiguous representative tumoral slices were selected and comparatively analyzed with whole-mount and small blocks macroscopic dissection techniques, enabling comparison between them in the same surgical specimen. The agreement between the 2 techniques to assess the distance of the tumor from the circumferential resection margin as well as the depth of tumor invasion was evaluated with the Student's t-test for paired samples, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and the Bland-Altman method comparison analysis. RESULTS: Complete mesorectal excision was observed in 8% of cases. Circumferential resection margin involvement was observed in only one case (4 %). The whole-mount and small block techniques obtained similar results when we assessed the distance to the circumferential resection margin (t-test P = 0.8, r = 0.92) and the depth of mesorectal infiltration (t-test P = 0.6, r = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Both gross dissection techniques (whole-mount vs multiple small cassettes) are equivalent and reliable to assess the distance to circumferential resection margin and the depth of mesorectal infiltration in the mesorectal fat in rectal cancer staging.

The percentage of mesorectal infiltration as a prognostic factor after curative surgery for pT3 rectal cancer.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of a novel variable - the percentage of mesorectal infiltration (PMI) - in pT3 rectal cancer. METHOD: A cohort of 241 patients with pT3 rectal adenocarcinoma, operated on between February 2002 and May 2019, was selected for the analysis. Data concerning patient, treatment and tumour characteristics were collected. The depth of mesorectal infiltration (DMI) and the distance between the deepest invasion and the circumferential resection margin (CRM) were measured. The PMI was calculated using a formula combining these parameters. RESULTS: Neoadjuvant therapy was administered in 33.2% of cases. A complete mesorectal excision was achieved in 74% of patients. The CRM was affected in 24 patients (9.9%). The 5-year actuarial local recurrence (LR), overall recurrence (OR) and overall survival (OS) rates were 7.5%, 22.9% and 72.4%, respectively. The PMI was significantly associated with worse oncological outcomes regarding LR (p = 0.009), OR (p = 0.001) and OS (p = 0.016) rates. A cut-off value of PMI >60% had the highest specificity (80%) for LR (p = 0.026), OR (p = 0.04) and OS (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: The PMI has an adverse prognostic impact on the oncological results following surgery for pT3 rectal cancer. It allows prediction of the risk of both LR and distant recurrence with higher accuracy than the DMI or the distance to the CRM. A PMI >60% may be used as a cut off value while subclassifying pT3 rectal tumours. It may influence decision-making while establishing adjuvant treatment and the follow-up schedule.

Early colorectal cancer diagnosed after endoscopic resection: Conservative treatment is safe in most of the cases. Proposal for a risk-based management.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic resection offers advantages over surgical resection for early colorectal cancer (ECC). However, there might be a presumed risk of recurrence. We aimed to determine the risk of recurrence after endoscopic removal of ECC. METHODS: A single-centre series of endoscopic resections for ECC. Patients were stratified according to four risk factors: positive resection margins, Haggitt 4, lymphatic/vascular invasion and tumour budding. RESULTS: We included 127 patients. Haggitt classification was grade 4 in 54.0%. Positive margins were found in 43 (33.9%), 16 (12.6%) had lymphatic or vascular invasion, and 5 (4.0%) had high grade budding. In 82 (64.5%) endoscopic excision was the definitive treatment, 45 (35.4%) underwent surgery. Six patients (13.3%) had residual tumour on specimen and/or node metastases. Postoperative complications occurred in ten (22.2%). At a median follow-up of 63 months, none of the 82 patients treated with endoscopic resection alone had recurrence. After stratifying patients according to risk factors, those who had residual tumour also had ≥2 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic follow up might be a valid option for patients with ECC. A risk-adjusted management seems prudent.

Análisis comparativo de 2 técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la hernia incisional subxifoidea. Estudio observacional / Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study

Introducción: La hernia incisional subxifoidea presenta complejidad en su solución quirúrgica por las características de la región anatómica donde aparece. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue el análisis de los resultados obtenidos con las diferentes técnicas realizadas en nuestro centro durante 9 años, incidiendo en las complicaciones postoperatorias y la tasa de recidiva. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo desde enero de 2011 hasta enero de 2019 de los pacientes intervenidos de hernia incisional subxifoidea en nuestra Unidad. Se analizaron las comorbilidades, técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas (eventroplastia preperitoneal o TP, y técnica de doble malla ajustada) y variables postoperatorias, incidiendo en la recidiva herniaria. Las complicaciones se recogieron según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Resultados: Se intervinieron un total de 42 pacientes: 22 (52,4%) mediante una TP, y 20 (47,6%) mediante técnica de doble malla ajustada. Todas las complicaciones registradas fueron leves (grado i) y aparecieron mayoritariamente en el grupo de la TP (p=0,053). El seguimiento medio postoperatorio fue 25,8±15,1 meses; no existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a recidiva comparando los 2 grupos de tratamiento (p=0,288). Conclusiones: Según nuestros resultados, la TP fue la técnica ideal para reparar una hernia incisional subxifoidea. La técnica de doble malla ajustada puede representar un abordaje eficaz con un bajo índice de complicaciones, aunque analizando globalmente la tasa de recidiva, el cierre fascial por encima de la prótesis preperitoneal conlleva un menor impacto en la misma. (AU)

Introduction: The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate. Methods: It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: 42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P=.053). The average follow up was 25.8±15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P=.288). Conclusions: According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it. (AU)

Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate. METHODS: It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: 42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P = .053). The average follow up was 25.8 ± 15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P = .288). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it.

Esofaguectomía «tubeless»: menos es más / “Tubeless” esophagectomy: Less is more

La cirugía del cáncer de esófago es un procedimiento complejo con tasas de morbimortalidad elevadas, por lo que para obtener resultados adecuados se precisa de centros experimentados, un completo soporte multidisciplinar y vías clínicas adecuadas. Se describe la experiencia inicial y la técnica de la esofaguectomía «tubeless» en la que tras realizar una resección esofágica y linfadenectomía mediastínica extendida, al final del procedimiento no son colocados drenajes ni sondas de ningún tipo, con el fin de disminuir la agresividad del mismo, mejorar el bienestar postoperatorio y acelerar la recuperación funcional del paciente. (AU)

The esophageal cancer surgery is a complex procedure with elevated rates of both morbidity and mortality, which is why, in order to achieve adequate results, it should be performed in high volume centers, where complete multidisciplinary support is available and recent clinical guidelines are applied. We describe the initial experience and the technique of “tubeless” esophagectomy where esophageal resection and mediastinal lymphadenectomy are performed and no drains nor tubes of any kind are placed, with the aim to decrease the level of surgical aggression, enhance the postoperative comfort and accelerate the patient́s recovery. (AU)

"Tubeless" esophagectomy: Less is more.

The esophageal cancer surgery is a complex procedure with elevated rates of both morbidity and mortality, which is why, in order to achieve adequate results, it should be performed in high volume centers, where complete multidisciplinary support is available and recent clinical guidelines are applied. We describe the initial experience and the technique of "tubeless" esophagectomy where esophageal resection and mediastinal lymphadenectomy are performed and no drains nor tubes of any kind are placed, with the aim to decrease the level of surgical aggression, enhance the postoperative comfort and accelerate the patient́s recovery.

Early colorectal cancer diagnosed after endoscopic resection: Conservative treatment is safe in most of the cases. Proposal for a risk-based management.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic resection offers advantages over surgical resection for early colorectal cancer (ECC). However, there might be a presumed risk of recurrence. We aimed to determine the risk of recurrence after endoscopic removal of ECC. METHODS: A single-centre series of endoscopic resections for ECC. Patients were stratified according to four risk factors: positive resection margins, Haggitt 4, lymphatic/vascular invasion and tumour budding. RESULTS: We included 127 patients. Haggitt classification was grade 4 in 54.0%. Positive margins were found in 43 (33.9%), 16 (12.6%) had lymphatic or vascular invasion, and 5 (4.0%) had high grade budding. In 82 (64.5%) endoscopic excision was the definitive treatment, 45 (35.4%) underwent surgery. Six patients (13.3%) had residual tumour on specimen and/or node metastases. Postoperative complications occurred in ten (22.2%). At a median follow-up of 63 months, none of the 82 patients treated with endoscopic resection alone had recurrence. After stratifying patients according to risk factors, those who had residual tumour also had ≥2 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic follow up might be a valid option for patients with ECC. A risk-adjusted management seems prudent.

Small bowel obstruction secondary to a pericecal hernia in an adult patient, an extremely rare condition.

Internal hernias are defined by the protrusion of an abdominal organ through a peritoneal or mesenteric aperture. They are responsable for up to 5.8% of all small bowel obstructions (SBOs). Pericecal hernia is a highly unusual variation. We present a case of a 17-year-old Asian male turned to the emergency department due to abrupt abdominal pain and peritonitis. An emergent laparotomy revealed a small bowel herniation through the avascular space of Treves with small bowel necrosis. A pericecal hernia is an extremely unusual clinical entity; however, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SBO.

ANTECEDENTES: La hernia interna se define como la protrusión de un órgano abdominal a través de un orificio peritoneal o mesentérico. Las hernias son causa de hasta el 5% de las obstrucciones de intestino delgado. La hernia pericecal es un subtipo extremadamente infrecuente. Presentamos el caso de un varón asiático de 17 años que acudió a nuestro centro por un cuadro de abdomen agudo con dolor y peritonitis. Durante la laparotomía se evidenció la herniación del intestino delgado a través del espacio avascular de Treves, con necrosis del mismo. La hernia pericecal es un subtipo extremadamente raro, pero que debemos plantearnos en el diagnóstico diferencial del síndrome de obstrucción intestinal.

Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study. / Análisis comparativo de 2 técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la hernia incisional subxifoidea. Estudio observacional.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate. METHODS: It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: 42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P=.053). The average follow up was 25.8±15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P=.288). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it.

[Novel strategies of ovarian cancer treatment]. / Nowe strategie leczenia raka jajnika.

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. Due to scarce specific symptoms, women usually seek medical help once the disease is highly advanced, with distant metastases. Currently no screening is available, making this particular cancer hard to detect in the early stage. Standard treatment is insufficient for many patients, especially in the recurrent disease. This fact explains the tremendous need to search for novel therapeutic approaches. Inhibition of angiogenesis and destruction of cancer stem cells are attempts that affect the tumor microenvironment. There is a lot of potential in inhibiting poly(ADP-rybose)polymerase (PARP) or I class histone deacetylase. Drug repositioning may also be beneficial, as it gives old drugs new purposes. Metformin, a well-known antidiabetic agent, is an example of this phenomenon. Constant progress in medicine and science makes us hope for positive outcomes while treating this highly dangerous disease.

[The newest perspectives on the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme]. / Najnowsze perspektywy w leczeniu glejaka wielopostaciowego.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and most malignant primary brain tumor, with a yearly incidence of 2.5 in 100,000. It has a very dismal prognosis, since the medium overall survival of untreated patients is as low as 3 months. Location in the central nervous system, high aggressiveness, spreading alongside blood vessels and white matter, cause a lot of therapeutic challenges. The blood-brain barrier unables most of the systemic drugs to reach the tumor and complete resection is usually impossible. Because of that, effects of the standard treatment remain unsatisfying. It forces to search for novel treatment options. Regarding pharmacotherapy a lot of attention is brought to antiangiogenic therapies, where the most common drug is bevacizumab. In Europe it is registered to use in diffuse breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, colon and rectal cancer with metastases, but for glioblastoma it's use is still considered to be experimental. Inhibition of integrins, extracellular matrix metalloproteinases and EGFR are among other therapeutic goals. There is a broad range of studies on breaking the resistance of cancer stem cells, modifying the niche of cancer cells, active immunotherapy and the use of microRNAs. The field of stereotactic radiosurgery is also under constant improvement. Methods of both genetic and biomedical engineering, such as nanotubes or liposomes, can be helpful to overcome the blood-brain barrier and insert the drugs directly and even selectively into the tumor.

[The newest perspectives on diagnostic methods and treatment of insulinoma]. / Najnowsze perspektywy w diagnostyce i leczeniu wyspiaka.

Insulinoma is the most common hormonally active neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. Low blood sugar, caused by excessive secretion of insulin from the tumor cells, leads to a variety of symptoms (e.g. signs of neuroglycopaenia), that may be mistaken for diseases of the central nervous system, psychiatric disturbances or cardiovascular conditions. That is why a lot of attention should be brought to the diagnostic tests towards insulinoma. The development of imaging techniques in the past years has lead to the possibility of locating an insulinoma of a few milimetres in size, which is helpful to avoid the need of a blind resection and preserves the pancreatic parenchyma. 90% of insulinomas are benign and surgery is the treatment of choice. However, as in any neuroendocrine tumor, a malignant form may occur--resection of the metastases is the only curative method, but radiofrequency ablation, selective internal radiation therapy, hepatic artery embolization or chemoembolization, can also have positive therapeutic applications. Systemic therapies regarding malignant insulinoma are: chemotherapy, somatostatin analogs, radiolabelled somatostatin analogs and the newly developed biological targeted therapies such as everolimus--oral inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin, and sunitinib--the tyrosine kinase inhibitor.