Predicting post-operative pancreatic fistulae using preoperative pancreatic imaging: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative pancreatic fistulae (POPF) remain a major contributor to morbidity and mortality following pancreatic resection. Evidence for preoperative prediction of POPF based on cross-sectional imaging has not been systemically reviewed. This review aimed to determine whether preoperative imaging modalities can accurately predict the development of POPF. METHODS: A systematic review of major reference databases was undertaken, according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, up to May 2018. RESULTS: There were 18 studies (2150 patients), seven used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), five used computed tomography (CT) scans, four used transabdominal ultrasonography and one study each used MRI and CT and endoscopic ultrasonography elastography. All were retrospective, single-centre studies. Intensity of the pancreas signal relative to the spleen, liver or muscle was commonly used. Other studies compared signal intensity between unenhanced and post-contrast-enhanced pancreas, apparent diffusion coefficient values comparing normal parenchyma to fibrosis, perfusion fraction (f) of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging, or utilized a muscle-normalized signal intensity curve with signal intensity ratio or directly assessed pancreatic volume and duct width. Shear wave velocity measurement on transabdominal ultrasonography may reflect pancreas tissue fibrosis or stiffness and predict POPF. Most parameters used to predict the development of POPF were based on identifying imaging features of a fatty or fibrotic pancreas and main pancreatic duct diameter. CONCLUSION: A number of different and highly promising parameters have been used for preoperative prediction of POPF using ultrasound, MRI, CT or both. Large multicentre prospective studies are needed to determine which parameters most accurately predict POPF, using standardized definitions and methodology.

The accuracy of multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis of non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia in patients after cardiovascular surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the diagnosis of nonocclusive mesenteric ischaemia (NOMI) among patients after cardiovascular surgery. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective review of 38 patients in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit who underwent MDCT examination before laparotomy for suspected NOMI between January 2001 and December 2012. INTERVENTION AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The MDCT studies were examined independently by three radiologists, who were asked to make a determination on the presence or absence of NOMI. The radiological diagnosis was compared against the surgical and/or histological outcome to determine the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT in the diagnosis of NOMI were 96% and 33%-60%, respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratio were 1.43-2.39, 0.072-0.13 and 11-33.2, respectively. The inter-rater agreement was 68%, with a Fleiss κ of 0.43. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT has high sensitivity but lacks specificity in the diagnosis of NOMI. Its main value is in selection of patients for non-operative management, at least in the short-to-medium term.

A survey of the accuracy of interpretation of intraoperative cholangiograms.

OBJECTIVES: There are few data in the literature regarding the ability of surgical trainees and surgeons to correctly interpret intraoperative cholangiograms (IOCs) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of surgeons' interpretations of IOCs. METHODS: Fifteen IOCs, depicting normal, variants of normal and abnormal anatomy, were sent electronically in random sequence to 20 surgical trainees and 20 consultant general surgeons. Information was also sought on the routine or selective use of IOC by respondents. RESULTS: The accuracy of IOC interpretation was poor. Only nine surgeons and nine trainees correctly interpreted the cholangiograms showing normal anatomy. Six consultant surgeons and five trainees correctly identified variants of normal anatomy on cholangiograms. Abnormal anatomy on cholangiograms was identified correctly by 18 consultant surgeons and 19 trainees. Routine IOC was practised by seven consultants and six trainees. There was no significant difference between those who performed routine and selective IOC with respect to correct identification of normal, variant and abnormal anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the accuracy of detection of both normal and variants of normal anatomy was poor in all grades of surgeon irrespective of a policy of routine or selective IOC. Improving operators' understanding of biliary anatomy may help to increase the diagnostic accuracy of IOC interpretation.

Hepatocellular carcinoma during pregnancy: case report and review of the literature.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during pregnancy is very rare with poor prognosis. We report a case of a HCC in a 33-year-old, pregnant female with an otherwise normal liver and no risk factors, diagnosed by routine prenatal ultrasound scan and elevated alpha-feto protein levels. She underwent a synchronous caesarean section and liver resection at 30 weeks of gestation with good perioperative outcome and no recurrent disease at 1-year follow-up. This case report discusses the clinical presentations, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and literature review of this rare presentation.