Defining a textbook outcome for the resection of colorectal liver metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Textbook outcomes (TBO) are composite measures of care which may be superior in assessing quality compared to traditional methods. We aim to define TBO which are specific to surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases, and investigate their impact on survival. METHODS: Single center analysis of all liver resections performed at our center from 2009 to 2020. A Cox model was used to identify perioperative outcomes which impacted on overall survival. These were retained with important postoperative outcomes to form a "TBO." The impact of a TBO on overall survival was investigated using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. RESULTS: TBO was achieved in 72.2% (197/273) of resections. Major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) at 19.4% was the major limiting factor in not achieving a TBO. TBO was associated with improved 3-year (77% vs. 55%), 5-year (60.7% vs. 42.5%), and median (93 vs. 44 months) overall survival (log-rank test, p = 0.006). Multivariable analysis revealed age >65 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists Grade III-IV, and resection of >2 segments as factors predictive of not achieving a TBO. CONCLUSION: TBO is a useful composite measure in surgery for colorectal liver metastases. It can highlight areas which may be targeted for quality improvement and be useful as a tool to examine variation between centers. Achieving a TBO is associated with a significant improvement in survival.

Open versus laparoscopic liver resection of colorectal metastases: a meta-analysis of matched patient populations.

In recent years, the management of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) has evolved significantly. Laparoscopic liver resection is increasingly being performed, despite a lack of major randomized controlled trial evidence or widespread international consensus. The objective of this review was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes following open and laparoscopic CRLM resection. A systematic review of comparative matched population studies was performed. Evaluated endpoints included surgical outcomes and survival outcomes. Twelve studies were included in this review, reporting on 3095 patients. R0 (negative margins) rates were higher in the laparoscopic CRLM group (89.3% versus 86.9%). In addition, laparoscopic resection was associated with less blood loss (486 mls versus 648 mls, p ≤ 0.0001*) and reduced blood transfusion rates (6.7% vs. 12.2%, OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.08-4.19, p = 0.03*). Major complication rates were higher in the open CRLM group (12.5% vs. 8.1%, OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.30-2.33, p = 0.03*), as was overall hospital length of stay (median 7 versus 5.5 days, p = 0.001*). Perioperative mortality was similar between both groups, and there was no significance in 5-year overall survival for open or laparoscopic CRLM resection groups (58% and 61% respectively). Laparoscopic CRLM resection is associated with less blood loss, lower transfusion rates, major complications, and overall hospital length of stay with comparable oncological outcome.

Successful maintenance of process and outcomes for oesophageal cancer surgery in Ireland during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of the novel coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the coronavirus disease COVID-19 has impacted enormously on non-COVID-19-related hospital care. Curtailment of intensive care unit (ICU) access threatens complex surgery, particularly impacting on outcomes for time-sensitive cancer surgery. Oesophageal cancer surgery is a good example. This study explored the impact of the pandemic on process and short-term surgical outcomes, comparing the first wave of the pandemic from April to June in 2020 with the same period in 2019. METHODS: Data from all four Irish oesophageal cancer centres were reviewed. All patients undergoing resection for oesophageal malignancy from 1 April to 30 June inclusive in 2020 and 2019 were included. Patient, disease, and peri-operative outcomes (including COVID-19 infection) were compared. RESULTS: In 2020, 45 patients underwent oesophagectomy, and 53 in the equivalent period in 2019. There were no differences in patient demographics, co-morbidities, or use of neoadjuvant therapy. The median time to surgery from neoadjuvant therapy was 8 weeks in both 2020 and 2019. There were no significant differences in operative interventions between the two time periods. There was no difference in operative morbidity in 2020 and 2019 (28% vs 40%, p = 0.28). There was no in-hospital mortality in either period. No patient contracted COVID-19 in the perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing surgical resection for oesophageal cancer was feasible and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. The national response to this threat was therefore successful by these criteria in the curative management of oesophageal cancer.

C-Reactive Protein-Lymphocyte Ratio Identifies Patients at Low Risk for Major Morbidity after Oesophagogastric Resection for Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Complications following oesophagogastric surgery have significant implications for patient recovery. OBJECTIVE: identify cost-effective biomarkers which can predict morbidity. METHODS: Analysis of all upper gastrointestinal resections in Galway University Hospital from 2014 to 2018 was performed. The ability of C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and CRP-lymphocyte ratio (CLR) to predict morbidity, including anastomotic leak (AL), was assessed and compared. RESULTS: Seventy-one oesophagectomies and 77 gastrectomies were performed. There were 2 (1%) 30-day mortalities and 83 (56%) morbidities of which 30 (20%) were of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher. The rate of major morbidity within the oesophagectomy cohort was 27% and was 14% in the gastrectomy cohort. There were 11 (7%) ALs, 7 in the oesophagectomy cohort, and 4 in the gastrectomy cohort. From post-operative day (POD) 2 onwards, CRP could predict AL (POD2 AUC = 0.705, p = 0.025; POD3 AUC = 0.757, p = 0.005, POD4 AUC = 0.811, p = 0.001; and POD5 AUC = 0.824, p = 0.001). CLR predicted AL on POD2 onwards (POD2 AUC = 0.722, p = 0.005; POD3 AUC = 0.736, p = 0.01; POD4 AUC = 0.775, p = 0.003; and POD5 AUC = 0.817, p = 0.001). CRP level of 218 mg/dL and CLR level of 301 at POD 2 generated negative predictive values of 97 and 98%, respectively, for AL. Post-operative NLR did not display sufficient discriminatory ability for the outcomes. CONCLUSION: CRP and CLR are reliable negative predictors of major morbidity, including AL, after oesophagogastric resection. Their use can inform patient intervention and recovery.

Serial CRP levels following oesophagectomy: a marker for anastomotic dehiscence.

BACKGROUND: Following oesophagectomy, the most concerning complication is that of anastomotic leak (AL). Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial to facilitate an optimal outcome. Other complications, particularly respiratory, are not infrequent. Early identification of AL versus other sources of the inflammatory response can be problematic. AIMS: To evaluate the role of serial CRP as a prognosticator for oesophagogastric AL. METHODS: All oesophagectomies carried out at our institution from 2010 to 2017 were included. Serial C-reactive protein (CRP) and white cell count (WCC) were recorded pre-operatively and on each consecutive day up to day 10 post-op. All complications were recorded and the timing of diagnosis compared with serial CRP and WCC measurements to determine any correlation. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients underwent oesophagectomy (84 male, 18 female) with a mean age of 62.5 years (± 9.8). Forty-seven patients developed post-operative complications, with pulmonary (n = 28) the most common. There were 5 cases of AL. Patients in the AL group (n = 5) had a significantly higher mean CRP compared to those who did not develop AL (n = 97) pre-operatively (50 vs. 14, p = 0.046), on post-op day 3 (300 vs. 218, p = 0.02) and on post-op day 4 (279 vs. 184, p = 0.009). There was no significant difference in mean daily CRP between patients with pulmonary complications (PC, n = 29) and those who did not develop complications (NC, n = 54). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated CRP may be a useful marker in facilitating the prompt diagnosis of AL following oesophagectomy. Serial CRP may not contribute to identifying lower respiratory tract infections, partly as a result of the pro-inflammatory response following surgery.

Ductus arteriosus aneurysm presenting as hoarseness: successful repair with an endovascular approach.

An aneurysm of the ductus arteriosus is a rare finding, particularly in the adult population. These saccular aneurysms arise at the site of an incompletely obliterated ductus arteriosus along the lesser curvature of the aortic arch. Left untreated, it is associated with a high risk of potentially life-threatening complications including rupture, infection and thromboembolism. As a result, surgical correction is recommended. Previously, options were limited to open repair but as endovascular experience grows, novel techniques afford safer and less invasive alternatives. In contrast, neonatal ductus arteriosus aneurysms may regress spontaneously and expectant treatment can be justified. We present the case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with hoarseness secondary to a ductus arteriosus aneurysm; a diagnosis consistent with Ortner's syndrome. The patient underwent an uncomplicated endovascular repair using the chimney-graft technique.