Pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with an unusual course of the hepatic artery.

INTRODUCTION: Variations in hepatic artery anatomy are very common in the population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rates of individual types of hepatic artery variants in the population of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), assess the accuracy of preoperative staging CT imaging to identify hepatic artery variants, and evaluate the impact of the hepatic artery variants on perioperative and postoperative morbidity of PD patients. METHODS: A prospective observation study of 147 patients undergoing PD for a pancreatic head pathology at the 1st Department of Surgery, University Hospital Olomouc between 1/2015-12/2018. Preoperative diagnosis of the course of the hepatic artery was made based on staging CT imaging analysis of the abdomen. The result was classified according to the Michels' scale and correlated with the final perioperative finding. Demographic, histopathological and clinicopathological data were included in a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients were included in the study, 83 (56.5%) males and 64 (43.5%) females, median age 65.0 (37-83) years. A variant course of the hepatic artery was found in 37 (25.2%) patients. The accuracy of preoperative CT imaging in determining the variant was 100%. The presence of a hepatic artery variant was not statistically significant as a factor in terms of postoperative complications - CD I-II (50.0% vs 47.2%), CD III-IV (8.3% vs 13.8%). Similarly, the 30-day (4.2% vs 2.4%) and 90-day mortality rates (4.2% vs 3.3%) were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: Preoperative diagnosis of vascular variants based on multidetector CT imaging of the abdomen is routinely available and shows high detection accuracy. There was no difference in postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with and without a variant hepatic artery undergoing PD.

Middle and distal bile duct carcinoma, retrospective analysis & short-term and long-term outcomes of surgical therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The prognosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is dismal and the only way to achieve long-term survival is surgical resection. While pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is the standard procedure for distal cholangiocarcinoma (distal bile duct cancer; DBDC), bile duct segmental resection (BDR) can be used as an alternative approach for middle bile duct cholangiocarcinoma (middle bile duct cancer; MBDC). The aim of the study was to calculate the short-term and long-term outcomes of curative-intent surgery in distal bile duct cholangiocarcinoma patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients treated for MBDC and DBDC with PD or BDR between 1/2009-12/2019. The patients were divided according to the type of surgical resection (PD and BDR group). Demographic, clinicopathological and histopathological data and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in both groups. OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The study comprised a total of 62 patients - 45 patients (72.6%) in the PD group and 17 (27.4%) in the BDR group. Patients undergoing BDR were significantly older than those receiving PD (p=0.048). Men predominated in the PD group (N=34/45; 75.6%) while more women were included in the BDR group (N=10/17; 58.8%). Median age was higher in the BDR group (p=0.048). Serious morbidity (Clavien-Dindo III-V) (33.3% vs 11.8%), 30-day and 90-day mortality (4.4% vs 0.0% and 8.9% vs 5.9%, respectively) predominated in the PD group although the differences were not statistically significant, as well as a longer hospital stay (16.0 days vs 11.0 days; p=0.002). Pathological assessments revealed comparable numbers of positive lymph nodes in both groups, but a significantly higher number of total resected lymph nodes in the PD group (p.

Enzyme replacement following total pancreatectomy; population analysis

Introduction: Total pancreatectomy (TPE) inevitably leads to absolute exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). No specific recommendations are available for enzyme replacement in such cases. The aim of our analysis was to explore the actual EPI replacement rates among patients following TPE after a certain period of time from the surgery. Methods: This retrospective analysis of living patients who had undergone TPE more than 2 years ago was done using a simple questionnaire to investigate the following: BMI prior to TPE, 3 months after TPE and at the time of data collection (in 2022), together with the actual number of daily bowel movements; and the replacement characteristics ­ the daily dose, its scheme and subjective satisfaction evaluation. Results: In total, we obtained data from 26 living patients with the history of TPE with their median follow up of 56 months (30­157). Malignant disease was confirmed in 69% patients based on histology; a benign tumor was present in the rest, although malignancy had been suspected preoperatively. Median BMI decreased from preoperative 27.4 (19.1­41.1) to 24.1 (19.8­33.7) 3 months following TPE, and median BMI value of 25.5 (21.2­34.5) was established at 30­157 months from TPE. The mean number of daily bowel movements was 2.2 (median 2, range 1­8) and the mean daily replacement dose was 182,000 units of lipase (median 175,000 u., range 0­250,000 u.) at the time of our investigation. Subjective satisfaction was reported by 85% responders and a lack of satisfaction despite maximum EPI replacement was expressed by 15% responders. Conclusion: BMI decreased shortly after TPE. In the long term, up to 80% of the patients achieved preoperative BMI values ±10% after TPE. Due to persistent steatorrhea and more frequent bowel movements despite enzyme replacement, 15% of the patients remained subjectively dissatisfied after TPE, but 85% of the patients did not perceive even more frequent bowel movements as unpleasant and were satisfied with their condition. The need of individualized enzyme replacement therapy of EPI following TPE is evident.

Pancreatic cancer in chronic pancreatitis ­ the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma; an overview of cases

Introduction: Any mass in chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problem. The aim of the study is a) to use our own group to determine the actual incidence of non-malignant masses in CP where any mass is highly suspected of being malignant; and b) to determine the actual incidence of malignant tumors in CP. Methods: We present a retrospective analysis of our group of patients operated in 2015­2019 for CP, a mass in CP and suspected malignancy in the mass in CP. Additionally, we present difficult cases in terms of preoperative diagnosis. Results: Thirty-three of 340 (9.7%) pancreatic resection were done due to any form of chronic pancreatitis in 2015­2019. A mass in the pancreatic head was present in 16 (48%) patients; of these, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was suspected in 10 (62%) patients based on EUS, CT or PETCT, and also based on positive tissue diagnosis using EUS-FNA in 6 cases. Bypass or Frey procedure were done in 59 patients (HJA, PJA, Frey). Preoperative tissue sampling was done in 8 (13%) patients and malignancy was suspected in 25%. Intraoperatively, malignancy was confirmed only in one patient assessed as non-malignant in the preoperative period. The clinical course in 3 other patients undergoing HJA, although tumor-free at the time of the surgery, indicated PDAC in CP. Conclusion: The ability to detect malignant cells in a mass in CP remains poor even using all of the available sophisticated methods and the success depends on many variable factors. The rate of "unnecessary" right-sided resections of a mass in CP reached 48% in our patient group, while the rate of resections which should have been performed instead of bypass procedures was 7%. A certain percentage of the so-called excessive pancreatic resections, as well as the failure to perform a resection due to an undetected/unrecognized pancreatic tumor in CP should continue to be expected.

Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm rupture as a cause of haemoperitoneum - case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Arterial aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade (PDA) represent approximately 2% of all aneurysms of visceral arteries. Despite a low incidence, this group of aneurysms is clinically significant due to its high risk of rupture. CASE REPORT: A 45 years old patient presented with a pancreaticoduodenal arcade aneurysm rupture along with a tight stenosis at the origin of the coeliac trunk. Retrograde blood flow from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) to the hepatic artery (HA) via PDA limited our therapeutic options due to the necessity to maintain liver perfusion. The patient was indicated for an interventional radiology procedure, which consisted of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with stent placement at the origin of the coeliac trunk and subsequent transarterial embolisation (TAE) - trapping of the aneurysm using coils. Due to clinical signs of the intra-abdominal compartment syndrome, within 24 hours of the radiological treatment, the patient was indicated for surgical revision (laparotomy). During the surgery, no signs of active bleeding were found; coagula were evacuated from the abdominal cavity (800 ml) and laparostomy was performed with a temporary closure using a grid. Final closure of the abdominal cavity was performed on postoperative day 20 from the initial procedure. Follow-up abdominal CT performed 22 months after TAE showed no recurrence of the aneurysm. CONCLUSION: Aneurysm rupture represents a serious case of acute abdomen which requires urgent treatment. The preferred method of treatment for ruptured PDA aneurysms is the endovascular intervention using TAE, which is associated with lower morbidity and mortality than the surgical intervention. Concurrent coeliac trunk stenosis requires consideration given the need to maintain sufficient liver perfusion after TAE of the PDA aneurysm, acting up to this point as a collateral circulation of the liver. The choice of the therapeutic approach should be individualised taking into account the above mentioned recommendations.

Complications and mortality of surgical therapy for esophageal cancer: 10 years single center experience.

A single-center retrospective study the complication and mortality of surgical treatment of esophageal cancer 2006 to 2015 is presented. A total of 212 patients with esophageal cancer were operated at the First Department of Surgery University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic in the period between 2006 and 2015. Adenocarcinoma was histologically described in 127 patients (59.9%), squamous cell carcinoma in 82 patients (38.7%), and other types of carcinoma were described in 3 cases. According to the preoperative staging of esophageal cancer, the patients with early stage disease (T1-2N0M0) had primary surgery, while the patients with advanced stage (T3-4N0-2M0) were indicated for neoadjuvant chemoradiation with the surgery being performed subsequently. Transhiatal laparoscopic esophagectomy was performed in 183 patients, and Orringer esophagectomy in 4 patients. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed in 17 patients and thoracotomy in 30 patients. Respiratory failure with the development of ARDS syndrome accompanied by multiple-organ failure occurred in 21 patients. Statistically significant association between mortality and ASA (p = 0.009) and between respiratory complications and ASA (p = 0.006) was demonstrated. The majority of patients who died were under 60 years of age (p = 0.039). Further, significant association between 30-day mortality and tumor stage (p = 0.021), gender (p = 0.022) and age (p = 0.018) was evident. A significant association between tumor stage and fistula in anastomosis, (p = 0.043) was observed. Esophagectomy is a procedure, which should be performed in specialized high-volume centers experienced in treatment of this serious malignancy and by certified oncology surgeons with long time experience in esophageal surgery.

Esophageal cancer results of surgical treatment at the Department of Surgery I. at the University Hospital Olomouc.

The authors present the results of surgical treatment of esophageal cancer at Department of Surgery I, University Hospital Olomouc between 20062016. The aim of the study was to use retrospective analysis to evaluate the results of patients operated for esophageal cancer and statistically evaluate the results based on the type of surgical approach (transhiatal, transthoracic). Method: A total of 240 patients with esophageal cancer were operated at Department of Surgery I between the beginning of 2006 and the end of 2016. We evaluated respiratory complications, the incidence of anastomotic fistula and complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification of complications, based on the type of surgical approach selected (transhiatal or transthoracic esophagectomy). Results: The patient set included 207 men (86.3%) and 33 women (13.7%). The mean patient age was 60.4 years. The histological type was adenocarcinoma in 145 (60.4%) and squamous cell carcinoma in 90 (37.5%) patients; another type of carcinoma was observed in 5 cases. Transhiatal esophagectomy was performed in 194 patients (80.2%) (transhiatal laparoscopic in 190 and classic Orringer in 4 patients). Transthoracic approach was used in 46 patients (19.2%), thoracoscopic in 16, and thoracotomic in 30 patients. A gastric conduit was used in 236 patients and coloplasty was performed in 4 patients. The mean duration of surgery was 217 min for the transhiatal approach, 239 min for the thoracoscopic approach and 277 min for the thoracotomic approach. Total blood loss per patient was 562 ml on average for all the operated patients. Peri- or postoperative blood transfusions were administered to 148 patients. Lymphadenectomy was performed as part of the procedure in all patients; the mean of 16.1 lymph nodes were removed. The average hospital stay was 20.7 days. In the patient set, 30-day mortality included 12 patients (respiratory complications 10, MI 1, conduit necrosis 1) and 90-day mortality included 4 (multi organ failure during ARDS). Based on statistical analysis, the incidence of respiratory complications significantly correlated with ASA classification (p=0.0001) and Clavien-Dindo classification (p.

[Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas]. / Solidní pseudopapilární tumor pankreatu.

INTRODUCTION: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a very rare neoplasm that occurs in girls and young women in 90% of cases; the range is 779 years of age, and the median is 28 years of age. This tumour was first described by Virginia Frantz in 1959 as a papillary cystic tumour of the pancreas. METHODS: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the incidence of SPN in all patients with a pancreatic tumour operated at the 1st Dept. of Surgery, University Hospital Olomouc between years 2006 and 2015. Clinical symptoms, imaging methods used, tumour marker positivity, histological findings, postoperative complications and disease-free interval were all evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 454 patients operated on between 20062015, the diagnosis of SPN was made in five female patients. The following imaging methods were used in the preoperative diagnostic process: CT, MRI, PET/CT and endosonography. In four patients the tumour was localised in the tail of the pancreas; these women underwent left-sided pancreatectomy. In one patient, the tumour was located in the pancreatic head and a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Complications were seen only in one patient who underwent revision on the first postoperative day for bleeding from the pancreatic cut surface. Pancreatic fistula was not observed in any of the patients. The procedures were considered as sufficient from the oncological viewpoint due to the radical resection procedure and negative resection margin, and therefore no adjuvant oncological treatment was indicated in any of the patients. During the follow-up period, recurrence was not observed in any one of the patients. CONCLUSION: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas is a rare disorder with a low malignant potential occurring primarily in young women. Generally, SPN has a good prognosis; however, advanced stages of the disease with distant metastases may be encountered in rare cases. The only curative treatment is radical surgical resection.Key words: solid pseudopapillary neoplasm Frantzs tumour pancreas.

[Proximal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction in a selected set of patients immediate and long-term results]. / Proximální gastrektomie u selektovaných pacientu s adenokarcinomem gastroezofageální junkce, bezprostrední a dlouhodobé výsledky operacní terapie.

INTRODUCTION: The authors present the results of surgical resection in the form of proximal gastrectomy in a selected set of patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction. The selection criteria included: ASA III-IV, internal comorbidities and elderly patients. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2015, 28 patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction underwent proximal gastrectomy at the 1st Department of Surgery. The patient set consisted of 19 (67.8%) men and 9 (32.3%) women aged 5289 years with the median age of 72.5 years. Endoscopic examination revealed a tumour of the gastroesophageal junction, which was evaluated according to the Siewert classification: type I was present in 4 (16.7%) cases, type II in 12 (42.3%), and type III in 12 (42.3%). Histological analysis revealed adenocarcinoma in all cases. Proximal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed in all patients. Splenectomy was performed in eleven patients. The continuity of the gastrointestinal tract was ensured by esophagogastroanastomosis, and pyloromyotomy was performed as a standard procedure. Cryostatic examination revealed positive resection margins in the esophagus in five patients, which led to the resection of the distal esophagus from the right-sided thoracotomy. RESULTS: Injury to the biliary tract was observed in one case in the perioperative period, which was treated by hepaticojejunoanastomosis onto an excluded jejunal loop. The following complications were observed postoperatively: bleeding, respiratory complications, anastomotic dehiscence, laparotomy wound dehiscence, and inflammatory infiltration in the abdominal cavity. Thirty-day mortality was 10.7% in our patient set. CONCLUSION: Proximal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy is an appropriate alternative for polymorbid patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction and provides good short- and long-term results.Key words: cancer of gastroesophageal junction proximal gastrectomy complications of therapy.

[Determination of CEA, EGFR and hTERT expression in peritoneal lavage in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma using RT - PCR method]. / Stanovení exprese CEA, EGFR a hTERT v peritoneální lavázi u pacientu s adenokarcinomem pankreatu metodou RT-PCR.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to assess the significance of CEA, EGFR and hTERT as markers of occult tumor cells for predicting treatment outcomes in pancreatic cancers, as well as determining the cut-off values of these markers individually in peritoneal lavage. METHOD: The study compared 87 patients undergoing palliative operations (bypass surgery, biological sampling for subsequent oncological treatment) for either stage III or IV (UICC) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas with a control group of 24 healthy patients. Abdominal cavity lavage was performed at the beginning of the surgery in both groups, using 100 ml of physiological solution (phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.2). The samples were transported in bottles containing 1.5 ml 0.5 M EDTA and 10 ml of fetal bovine serum. Total RNA samples were all processed and purified by reverse transcription. Occult tumor cells in the peritoneal lavage were detected by the real-time RT-PCR method using CEA, EGFR and hTERT as markers of tumor cells. Another aim was to calculate the cut-off values of these markers. Statistical analysis was done using software R (www.r-project.org) and Statistica (StatSoft, Inc. USA). RESULTS: Mean expression of CEA, EGFR and hTERT in peritoneal lavage in the control group was 2501, 716749 and 104 copies of mRNA / mg RNA. Threshold, cut-off values were determined as the "mean + 2 times standard deviation". Absolute expression values were further normalized to expression of the house-keeping gene glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). After normalization, cut-off values of the tested markers were 4.89, 115.88 and 0.02 copies of mRNA/GAPDH mRNA. As regards absolute expression of the markers tested, only hTERT was able to statistically significantly (p<0.001) distinguish the analysed groups, where patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma had a higher expression of hTERT. Absolute expression of CEA or EGFR was not able to discriminate between the two groups. The more accurate normalized expression values of the test markers demonstrated a statistically significantly higher expression of hTERT (p<0.005) and CEA (p<0.001) in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Absolute hTERT expression in peritoneal lavage of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer was significantly higher compared to the control group.