Perioperative outcomes in patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy versus up-front surgery in patients with oesophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Oesophagectomy is the mainstay of curative treatment for oesophageal cancer. The role of neoadjuvant therapy has evolved over time as evidence for its survival benefit comes to hand. Clinician reluctance to offer patients neoadjuvant therapy may be based on the perception that patients receiving treatment before surgery may be exposed to a greater risk of perioperative complications. The aim of this study was to examine short-term outcomes in patients who undergo neoadjuvant therapy versus up-front surgery in patients with oesophageal cancer. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collated data from 2001 to 2020 of patients undergoing resection for oesophageal cancer. Patients who had neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy and up-front surgery were compared for perioperative morbidity (via the Clavien-Dindo classification), length of stay, unplanned readmission, and 30- and 90-day mortality. Logistic regression was performed to predict perioperative morbidity following surgery. RESULTS: In total, 284 patients underwent an oesophagectomy. Most patients received neoadjuvant treatment (41% received chemoradiotherapy (117/284), 33% received chemotherapy (93/284)), and 26% of patients received up-front surgery (74/284). Patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or up-front surgery were more likely to have a complication (57%, 67/117 and 57%, 43/74) than patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy only (38%, 35/93, P = 0.009). The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 1.4% (n = 4) and 2.8% (n = 8), respectively, with no difference between the use of neoadjuvant therapy. CONCLUSION: In this series, we found that patients who received neoadjuvant treatment could undergo oesophagectomy with curative intent with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Delayed metastatic endometrial carcinoma mimicking primary colon adenocarcinoma: A surprise histopathological finding.

Key Clinical Message: Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy worldwide, with an increasing incidence. Colonic metastasis is a rare occurrence; thus, misdiagnosis is common. Immunohistochemistry facilitates accurate diagnosis and subsequent management. Abstract: Most cancers in the colon are primary colorectal cancers, however metastasis from another primary is possible, albeit rare. Endometrial cancer metastasis to the colon is a rare occurrence and is only described in a handful of cases. We describe a rare case of metastatic endometrial cancer in the colon presenting 5 years post radical hysterectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy in a 62-year-old female. She presented with a 1-week history of right upper quadrant pain, with no other associated symptoms. She was presumed to have a primary colorectal cancer based on her colonoscopy and CT findings; later proven otherwise by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Endometrial cancer metastasis to the colon is rare, thus misdiagnosis can easily occur. Currently, there are 6 similar cases reported in the literature, all occurring in the absence of colorectal endometriosis. This case illustrates the relative importance of considering colon as a potential site for metastasis of endometrial cancer and the utility of IHC in aiding diagnosis and guiding further management.

The Impact of Age on the Post-operative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Resection for Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Within our ageing population, there is an increasing number of elderly patients presenting with oesophagogastric cancer. Resection remains the mainstay of curative treatment however it has substantial morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess whether age was an independent predictor of resection related complications in our unit. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collated data from 2002 to 2020 of patients undergoing resection for oesophageal and gastric cancers was analysed. Patients aged over 75 and 75 and under were compared for peri-operative morbidity (via the Clavien-Dindo classification), length of stay (LOS), unplanned readmission, 30- and 90-day mortality, and use of neoadjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Data for 466 consecutive patients undergoing oesophagogastric resection (277 oesophagectomy and 189 gastrectomy) were available for analysis. 22% of patients were aged over 75 (14% (39/277) of the oesophagectomy cohort, 34% (65/189) of the gastrectomy cohort). Oesophagectomy patients over 75 were more likely to develop post-operative complications, particularly cardiac or thromboembolic, (69.2%) than those in the younger cohort (50.4%, p = 0.029). There was no difference in complication rates between the younger and older patients undergoing gastrectomy (29.0% vs. 33.9% p = 0.495). The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 1.4% (n = 4) and 2.5% (n = 7), respectively, for the oesophagectomy cohort and 1.1% (n = 2) and 1.6% (n = 3) for the gastrectomy cohort, with no difference between age groups. CONCLUSION: In this series, we found that patients over the age of 75 were able to undergo oesophageal and gastric resection with curative intent with acceptable post-operative morbidity and mortality.

How to Surveil Perianal Paget's Disease: A Case Report.

Perianal Paget's disease (PPD) is a rare manifestation of extramammary Paget's disease. It is characterized by the presence of malignant glandular epithelial cells within the squamous epithelium. There is a well-established but poorly understood association between PPD and underlying malignancy. Due to the rarity of the disease, there are no established guidelines for treatment or surveillance of PPD. We present the unusual case of a 73-year-old woman with primary PPD without an underlying malignant lesion. The rarity of the disease renders its management and surveillance an ongoing challenge. Our case of PPD without an underlying malignancy poses the question of the most appropriate surveillance for this rare disease.

Postoperative superior mesenteric artery syndrome following appendicectomy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rare cause of proximal intestinal obstruction. It is caused by a narrow aortomesenteric angle resulting in external compression of the duodenum as it traverses between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Presenting symptoms tend to be non-specific and aetiological risk factors for this syndrome remain subjects to debate. The lack of awareness for this phenomenon often results in a delayed diagnosis, yet it can predispose to potentially life-threatening complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe an acquired case of SMA syndrome, in an 88-year old male who underwent an open appendicectomy 20 years prior. The patient presented with an 18-month history of progressive anorexia, weight loss, and intractable vomiting. After inconclusive initial investigations, an exploratory laparotomy demonstrated extensive postoperative adhesions, placing traction on the SMA through its ileocolic branch, resulting in acute angulation of the SMA and subsequent external duodenal compression. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates the acute evolving presentation of gastric and duodenal obstruction associated with SMA syndrome, and the need to raise the index of suspicion for its diagnosis. In this case, it is postulated that SMA syndrome presented as a late complication of an open appendicectomy - A rare presentation for a rare disease. CONCLUSION: SMA syndrome is an uncommon, but important differential for upper gastrointestinal obstruction. This case illustrates the challenges in the diagnosis of this rare clinical entity. Further study is warranted to understand the varied aetiology and optimal management for patients presenting with SMA syndrome.

General surgery primary operator rates: a guide to achieving future competency.

BACKGROUND: Competency in surgical training is a topic of much recent discussion, with concern regarding the adequacy of current training schemes to achieve competency. Most programmes use caseload and primary operator rates to assess trainee progression. Some trainees still lack technical competence even when recommended procedural numbers are met. It is possible that current measures of individual's capabilities used in surgical education are outdated. METHODS: Logbook data of New South Wales general surgical trainees between 2010 and 2012 was obtained through General Surgeons Australia. The top 10 most common operations recorded in trainee logbooks were identified. Individual trainee data were grouped by the surgical education and training year and primary operator versus assistant experience. The data were analysed focusing on the primary operator rate, comparing between trainee levels to identify progression. RESULTS: A total of 183 319 operations were recorded in New South Wales general surgery trainee logbooks. A positive association was demonstrated between trainee seniority and primary operator rates for the most common procedures, indicating trainee's continual progression in experience as they advance. However, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, oversew of gastroduodenal ulcer, open cholecystectomy and right hemicolectomy showed poor primary operator rates among trainees regardless of trainee year, despite these operations being among the 10 most common. CONCLUSION: General surgical trainees accumulate operative experience with progression through the surgical education and training programme, highlighting expected technical progression and competency of trainees for common procedures. For less common or more complicated procedures, the use of entrustable professional activities and accompanying simulation training could be used to achieve the necessary technical expertise.