Influence of Molecular Status on Recurrence Site in Patients Treated for a Stage III Colon Cancer: a Post Hoc Analysis of the PETACC-8 Trial.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence patterns in stage III colon cancer (CC) patients according to molecular markers remain unclear. The objective of the study was to assess recurrence patterns according to microsatellite instability (MSI), RAS and BRAFV600E status in stage III CC patients. METHODS: All stage III CC patients from the PETACC-8 randomized trial tested for MSI, RAS and BRAFV600E status were included. The site and characteristics of recurrence were analyzed according to molecular status. Survival after recurrence (SAR) was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1650 patients were included. Recurrence occurred in 434 patients (26.3%). Microsatellite stable (MSS) patients had a significantly higher recurrence rate (27.2% vs. 18.7%, P = 0.02) with a trend to more pulmonary recurrence (28.8% vs. 12.9%, P = 0.06) when compared to MSI patients. MSI patients experienced more regional lymph nodes compared to MSS (12.9% vs. 4%, P = 0.046). In the MSS population, the recurrence rate was significantly higher in RAS (32.2%) or BRAF (32.3%) patients when compared to double wild-type patients (19.9%) (p < 0.001); no preferential site of recurrence was observed according to RAS and BRAFV600E mutations. Finally, decreased SAR was observed in the case of peritoneal recurrence or more than two recurrence sites. CONCLUSIONS: Microsatellite, RAS and BRAFV600E status influences recurrence rates in stage III CC patients. However, only microsatellite status seems to be associated with specific recurrence patterns. More than two recurrence sites and recurrence in the peritoneum were associated with poorer SAR.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendicular and extra-appendicular origin.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of the primary neoplasm responsible for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) remains poorly studied. The aim of this study was to determine the prognosis for patients with extra-appendicular PMP (EA-PMP) treated optimally with complete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: All patients treated for PMP with CCRS and HIPEC between 1994 and 2016 were selected retrospectively from a French multicentre database. Patients with EA-PMP had pathologically confirmed non-neoplastic appendices and were matched in a 1 : 4 ratio with patients treated for appendicular PMP (A-PMP), based on a propensity score. RESULTS: Some 726 patients were identified, of which 61 (EA-PMP group) were matched with 244 patients (A-PMP group). The origins of primary tumours in the EA-PMP group included the ovary (45 patients), colon (4), urachus (4), small bowel (1), pancreas (1) and unknown (6). The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index was comparable in EA-PMP and A-PMP groups (15·5 versus 18 respectively; P = 0·315). In-hospital mortality (3 versus 2·9 per cent; P = 1·000) and major morbidity 26 versus 25·0 per cent; P = 0·869) were also similar between the two groups. Median follow-up was 66·9 months. The 5-year overall survival rate was 87·8 (95 per cent c.i. 83·2 to 92·5) per cent in the A-PMP group and 87 (77 to 96) per cent in the EA-PMP group. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 66·0 (58·7 to 73·4) per cent and 70 (53 to 83) per cent respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall and disease-free survival following treatment with CCRS and HIPEC is similar in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendicular or extra-appendicular origin.

Prediction of clinical outcome using blood flow volume in the superior mesenteric artery in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei treated by cytoreductive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare carcinomatosis limited to the peritoneal cavity, mainly supplied by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The only curative treatment is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) associated with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of blood flow volume (BFV) recorded in the SMA using Doppler ultrasonography pre-operatively to predict the extent and resectability of the disease and post-operatively to assess clinical outcome. METHODS: BFV was measured in the SMA of forty-nine patients before and the year following CRS. Patients were categorized in 3 groups according to clinical and surgical outcomes: group-1 (n = 22): patient with completed CRS, group-2 (n = 16): incomplete resection with slowly progressive disease (alive at 2 years without severe clinical symptoms), group-3 (n = 11): incomplete resection and with severe clinical symptoms or dead within two years. RESULTS: Pre-operative mean SMA BFV was higher in group-2 (510 mL/min, p = 0.027) and in group-3 (572 mL/min, p = 0.004) than in group-1 (378 mL/min). After surgery, BFV dropped to normal values (203 mL/min, p = 0.001) in group-1, and to 423 mL/min (p = 0.047) in group-2. It remained elevated in group-3 (626 mL/min, p = 0.566). BFV allowed stratification of 1) resectability before CRS (group-2 and -3 vs group-1, area under the ROC curve: 0.794 [0.650-0.939]), and 2) non progression after incomplete CRS (group-3 vs group-2, area under the ROC curve: 0.827 [0.565-1.00]. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative BFV in the SMA correlates with extent and resectability of PMP. After incomplete surgery, post-operative BFV might aid in identifying patients who may benefit of post-operative therapy.

Epidural analgesia combined with a comprehensive physiotherapy program after Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC is associated with enhanced post-operative recovery and reduces intensive care unit stay: A retrospective study of 124 patients.

BACKGROUND: Although Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) confers health benefits in peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) treatment, it is associated with significant postoperative morbidity and mortality rate with increased length of hospital stay. The goal of this study is to determine whether a new comprehensive physiotherapy program including epidural loco-regional analgesia can improve the quality of care and patients recovery. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2013, 124 patients with PC were operated for CRS and HIPEC procedures. These patients were analyzed and divided in 2 groups by means of time. No Physio group included patients operated from 2009 to 2011 (n = 57) having a thoracic patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) but no preoperative physiotherapy program. The Physio group included patients operated from 2012 to 2013 (n = 67) having both a PCEA with a preoperative physiotherapy program. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 1.6% (n = 2). The median length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was lower in the Physio group, 2 days vs. 0 for No Physio group (p < 0.0001). The first time of mobilization after surgery was shorter in the Physio group (day 3 vs. 2, p = 0.0043). The overall satisfaction in the Physio group was achieved in 93% of patients, helping in decreasing fear of surgery and mobilization in 70% and 84% of cases respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that a clear pre-operative information and education by a physiotherapist, associated with a PCEA-pain management significantly benefits the patient's post-operative recovery and reduces the length of stay in the ICU.

Colorectal anastomotic leakage can be predicted by abdominal aortic calcification on preoperative CT scans: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: There have been no solid data regarding whether patients with aortic calcification (AC) who have undergone colorectal surgery are at increased risk for anastomotic leakage. Our study aim to investigate the impact of AC on anastomotic leakage (AL) and postoperative morbidity after colorectal resection. METHODS: This was a cohort study of 60 patients who were prospectively registered in a database. We evaluated the relationship between an aortic calcification score (ACS), measured on preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging, and surgical complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. RESULTS: ACS was strongly correlated with mortality rate. All three of the deceased patients were in the ACS-2 group (5%; P=0.021). The rate of AL was positively correlated with ACS; no leakage was found cases of ACS-0, with a rate of 18% in cases of ACS-1 and 44% in cases of ACS-2 (P=0.022). The consequences of AL were more serious according to the grade of ACS. DISCUSSION: This study suggested that aortic calcification score is correlated with surgical outcomes, particularly anastomosis leakage, after colorectal surgery. These findings could provide useful tools for adapting surgical strategies by delaying colorectal anastomosis in high-risk patients.

Cytoreductive surgery with a hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy program: Safe after 40 cases, but only controlled after 140 cases.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), used to treat peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM), is a complex procedure with significant major morbidity (MM). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the learning curve (LC) of CRS with HIPEC in a new specialized surgical unit with a fully trained senior surgeon and individualize the variables associated with morbidity and oncological results. METHODS: A total of 290 consecutive patients with PSM were included. Complete CRS with HIPEC was performed in 204 patients. A risk-adjusted sequential probability ratio test was used to assess the LC on the basis of rates of incomplete cytoreduction (IC) and MM. RESULTS: Complete CRS, MM, and mortality rates were 70.4%, 30.4%, and 2.5%, respectively. Tumor histotype, a high peritoneal cancer index (PCI) and the invaded region were the major independent risk factors for IC, whereas previous surgery, high PCI, stomia realization and blood transfusion were predictors of MM. RA-SPRT showed that 140 and 40 cases were needed to achieve the lowest risk of IC and MM, respectively. CONCLUSION: CRS with HIPEC to treat PSM has a steep LC. Drastic selection has to be made at the beginning, excluding high PCI, rare peritoneal disease and patients previously operated on.

Gastrointestinal stenting: Current status and imaging features.

The use of stents in the gastrointestinal tract has been subjected to major changes. Initially, the use of stents was restricted to malignant strictures in patients with metastatic disease. But thanks to reduction of the morbidity and mortality rates, they are now used with curative intention and in patients with benign diseases after careful selection. However, for patients presenting with colon obstruction due to an advanced colon carcinoma, the mortality and morbidity are still high. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of indications, techniques and further developments of the stents in the gastrointestinal tract and to highlight the predominant role of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) in the detection of potential complications.

What is the established contribution of laparoscopy in the treatment of rectal cancer?

The results of laparoscopic treatment of rectal cancer have been evaluated in several randomized trials. Still, the validity of this approach remains controversial because of concerns regarding its oncological safety. In this review, oncological results of laparoscopic rectal resection were similar to those of laparotomy, with no observed survival difference. Conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy seemed to be associated with worse oncological results and an increased post-operative morbidity including nervous sequelae. Intra-operative blood loss was significantly reduced with the laparoscopic approach, but post-operative morbidity was not different. Post-operative pain and length of hospital stay were decreased by the laparoscopic approach, and short-term quality of life was improved. There was no demonstration of significant reduction in late morbidity such as incisional hernia and bowel adhesions.

Lymph road mapping obtained via blue sentinel node detection to avoid middle colic artery resection for highly selected colon cancer cases: proof of a concept?

BACKGROUND: In theory, perioperative detection of lymph nodes with the injection of isosulfan blue dye should provide lymph road mapping (LRM) able to direct the resection. However, there is no supporting evidence for this theory in cases of colon cancer. We reanalysed all operative reports using the sentinel lymph node technique with blue dye injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 140 patients who underwent the sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure between February 2001 and November 2007, including 70 cases in which the in vivo technique was used. In 8 cases (11%), LRM was used by the surgeon to determine the extent of resection. RESULTS: In 5 cases, including limited or extended resection, the final pathological stage was II at the end of the follow-up period, and the patients had no recurrent disease. However, findings for 3 cases of stage III cancer were more relevant to the aims of this study. In these 3 patients, one with cancer (T3N1(3/22)) located at the hepatic flexure, and 2 with cancers (T3N2(7/41) and T2N2 (4/15)) at the splenic flexure, the middle colic artery was conserved as a result of LRM information. Of these 3 patients, 1 was alive without disease at 6-year follow-up and 2 at 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: LRM obtained via blue sentinel node detection makes it possible to avoid middle colic artery resection for selected colon cancer cases. LRM seems particularly suitable in cases of colonic flexure location or prior colon surgery.

Peritoneal pseudomyxoma: results of a systematic policy of complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is characterized by progressive intraperitoneal accumulation of mucous and mucinous implants, usually derived from a ruptured, possibly malignant mucinous neoplasm of the appendix. Treatment based on complete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is gaining support. The aim of this study was to identify pre- and perioperative factors of prognostic value. METHODS: A total of 105 patients (with no residual tumours exceeding 2 mm) were treated with CCRS plus HIPEC based on oxaliplatin. Clinical, radiological, pathological factors and blood markers were analysed to determine their prognostic value for survival. RESULTS: Mortality (7.6 per cent) and morbidity (67.6 per cent) were significantly correlated with peritoneal index, pathological grade and blood CA19.9 level. The median follow-up was 48 months. Seven patients died after hospital discharge. Overall and disease-free 5-year survival rates were 80.0 and 68.5 per cent respectively. The Cox model identified only two significant factors impacting on disease-free survival: CA19.9 level and pathological grade. CONCLUSION: CCRS is the most effective treatment for PMP, and adding HIPEC prolongs long-term survival. Further strategies should focus on improving postoperative outcome in extended PMP.

[Short account of the history of thyroid surgery]. / Cenni storici sulla chirurgia della tiroide.

Historical writings have described abnormalities of the thyroid gland for more than 3500 years. The relationship between the thyroid gland and goiter has been unknown until the XX century. Originally, what we know today as goiter was described as bronchocele. It was Wharton who in 1656 named the gland "thyroid", not because of the shape of the gland but because of the proximity to the thyroid cartilage. Rare attempts at thyroidectomy were made early on primarily for prevention of suffocation secondary to goiter with little success and a mortality rate as high as 40%. In 1791, Desault performed the first successful partial thyroidectomy. The most notable surgeon of 20th-century was Emil Theodore Kocher, who is considered the father of thyroid surgery. Christian Albert Theodor Billroth also made significant contributions to thyroid surgery.