A population-based analysis of the presentation and outcomes of pediatric patients with osteosarcoma in Canada: a report from CYP-C.

BACKGROUND: Frequently occurring in adolescents, osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone disease, with a reported 15% of patients who present with metastasis. With advances in imaging and improvements in surgical care, an updated analysis is warranted on the outcomes of pediatric patients with osteosarcoma. METHODS: We completed a retrospective review of pediatric patients who presented with osteosarcoma between 2001 and 2017, using The Cancer in Young People in Canada (CYP-C) national database. Data on 304 patients aged younger than 15 years were analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of patients who presented with metastasis was 23.0%. The overall 5-year survival (OS) for patients who presented with metastasis was 37.4%. Overall survival and event-free survival (EFS) were lower in these patients than in patients with localized disease (hazard ratio [HR] 4.3, p < 0.0001 and HR 3.1, p < 0.0001). For patients who presented with metastatic disease, the OS for those undergoing an operative intervention was 44.1% compared with 17.6% for those who did not undergo resection (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients who presented with metastatic osteosarcoma in our population is higher than previously reported. Overall outcomes of patients with metastatic disease have not changed. Our data reaffirm a role for surgical resection in patients with metastasis with a need to explore new treatment strategies to improve the overall prognosis of these patients.

Adverse Outcomes After Bile Spillage in Incidental Gallbladder Cancers: A Population-based Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of bile spillage during cholecystectomy on oncological outcomes in incidental gallbladder cancers. BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is rare, but lethal. Achieving complete resection offers the best chance of survival. About 30% of GBCs are discovered incidentally after cholecystectomy for benign pathology. There is an anecdotal association between peritoneal dissemination and bile spillage during the index cholecystectomy. However, no population-based studies are available that measure the consequences of bile spillage on patient outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort comparison of patients with incidental GBC. All cholecystectomies and cases of GBC in Alberta, Canada, from 2001 to 2015, were identified. GBCs discovered incidentally were included. Operative events leading to bile spillage were reviewed. Patient outcomes were compared between cases of bile spillage versus no contamination. RESULTS: In all, 115,484 cholecystectomies were performed, and a detailed analysis was possible in 82 incidental GBC cases. In 55 cases (67%), there was bile spillage during the index cholecystectomy. Peritoneal carcinomatosis occurred more frequently in those with bile spillage (24% vs 4%; P = 0.0287). Patients with bile spillage were less likely to undergo a radical re-resection (25% vs 56%; P = 0.0131) and were less likely to achieve an R0 resection margin [odds ratio 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06-0.55]. On Cox regression modeling, bile spillage was an independent predictor of shorter disease-free survival (hazard ratio 1.99, 95% CI 1.07-3.67). CONCLUSION: For incidentally discovered GBC, bile spillage at the time of index cholecystectomy has measureable adverse consequences on patient outcomes. Early involvement of a hepatobiliary specialist is recommended where concerning features for GBC exist.

Ruptured gastroepiploic artery aneurysm: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroepiploic artery aneurysms are extremely rare, with few reported cases in the literature. The risk of rupture however, is high and thus warrants attention. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Here we present a rare case of a women who presented to the emergency department in shock and was found to have a ruptured gastroepiploic artery aneurysm during surgical exploration. Suture ligation of the aneurysm was completed. DISCUSSION: Although rare, gastroepiploic artery aneurysms have up to a 90% rate of rupture and therefore require intervention. A laparoscopic approach has been described however, in cases where rupture has occurred, urgent laparotomy and control of hemorrhage is needed. CONCLUSION: We describe a rare case of a ruptured gastroepiploic aneurysm that was successfully managed with urgent laparotomy and aneurysmal resection.

Boerhaave's syndrome secondary to an incarcerated inguinal hernia: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Boerhaave's syndrome is defined as the spontaneous perforation of the esophagus. Although it has been reported in association with different gastrointestinal pathologies, there are no previous reports in association with an incarcerated inguinal hernia containing ischemic small bowel. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present an unusual case of a gentleman who presented with severe chest pain after a 24-h period of emesis. He was found to have developed an esophageal perforation presumed secondary to an incarcerated inguinal hernia causing small bowel obstruction. The patient underwent a thoracotomy to repair the perforated esophagus followed by a groin exploration, small bowel resection and repair of the inguinal hernia. DISCUSSION: Boerhaave's syndrome is well known to be a postemetic phenomenon in association with upper gastrointestinal obstruction. However, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of esophageal perforation secondary to strangulated bowel in an inguinal hernia. In similar situations, we recommend the surgical correction of the esophageal perforation, followed by exploration and resection of any ischemic small bowel. CONCLUSION: Here we present a patient who was diagnosed with a perforated esophagus after forceful emesis secondary to an incarcerated inguinal hernia containing ischemic bowel.

A large incarcerated Meckel's diverticulum in an inguinal hernia.

INTRODUCTION: Littre's hernia is a rare finding consisting of a Meckel's diverticulum inside of a hernia sac. Clinically, it is indistinguishable from a hernia involving small bowel and therefore may be difficult to diagnose pre-operatively. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of an inguinal hernia involving an unusually large Meckel's diverticulum measuring 15cm in length. The diverticulum was resected using a linear GI stapler and the hernia was repaired without complication. DISCUSSION: Meckel's diverticulum is an embryologic remnant of the vitelline duct occurring in 1-3% of the adult population with an estimated 4% becoming complicated and presenting with intestinal obstruction, infection, bleeding or herniation. Surgical resection is the recommended treatment for any Meckel's diverticulum causing symptoms. In the case of a Littre's hernia, resection of the diverticulum should be followed by repair of the fascial defect in a standard fashion. CONCLUSION: Littre's hernia, although rare, should be a consideration at the time of repair for any abdominal hernia involving small bowel as resection of the Meckel's diverticulum is critical in avoiding recurrent complications.