SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF LARGE HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA: THE FIRST SINGLE-CENTER STUDY FROM WESTERN INDIA.

BACKGROUND: Majority of patients with large size HCC (>10 cm) are not offered surgery as per Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) criteria and hence, their outcomes are not well studied, especially from India, owing to a lower incidence. AIM: To analyze outcomes of surgery for large HCCs. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included all patients who underwent surgery for large HCC from January 2007 to December 2017. The entire perioperative and follow up data was collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included. Ten were non-cirrhotic; 16 were BCLC grade A; one BCLC grade B; and two were BCLC C. Two cirrhotic and three non-cirrhotic underwent preoperative sequential trans-arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization. Right hepatectomy was the most commonly done procedure. The postoperative 30-day mortality rate was 5% (1/19). Wound infection and postoperative ascites was seen in seven patients each. Postoperative liver failure was seen in five. Two cirrhotic and two non-cirrhotic patients had postoperative bile leak. The hospital stay was 11.9±5.4 days (median 12 days). Vascular invasion was present in four cirrhotic and five non-cirrhotic patients. The median follow-up was 32 months. Five patients died in the follow-up period. Seven had recurrence and median recurrence free survival was 18 months. The cumulative recurrence free survival was 88% and 54%, whereas the cumulative overall survival was 94% and 73% at one and three years respectively. Both were better in non-cirrhotic; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The recurrence free survival was better in patients without vascular invasion and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Large HCC is not a contraindication for surgery. Vascular invasion if present, adversely affects survival. Proper case selection can provide the most favorable survival with minimal morbidity.

Multimodality Management of Ruptured Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Recurrence: Rupture at Presentation Should Not Rupture Hope of Long-Term Survival.

A 59-year-old gentleman with a history of aortic valve replacement presented with spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma in right lobe of a hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease with hemoperitoneum. This acute emergency was managed by transarterial embolization. Right trisectionectomy with preservation of segment IVB after augmentation of future liver remnant by transarterial chemoembolization followed by portal vein embolization was subsequently performed. Sustained virological response to HCV was attained after surgery using sofosbuvir-based regimen. He had a delayed operative bed recurrence 1.5 years later with pulmonary metastatic disease which was managed by operative bed metastasectomy with mesh reconstruction of diaphragm and sorafenib. He is on sorafenib since past 3 years and doing well at 4.5-years follow-up since the first presentation, with significant regression of pulmonary disease and no other disease elsewhere, which highlights that where there is hope, there is a way.

Surgical management of large hepatocellular carcinoma: the first single-center study from western india / Manejo cirúrgico de grandes carcinomas hepatocelulares: primeiro estudo de um único centro da índia ocidental

ABSTRACT Background: Majority of patients with large size HCC (>10 cm) are not offered surgery as per Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) criteria and hence, their outcomes are not well studied, especially from India, owing to a lower incidence. Aim: To analyze outcomes of surgery for large HCCs. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all patients who underwent surgery for large HCC from January 2007 to December 2017. The entire perioperative and follow up data was collected and analyzed. Results: Nineteen patients were included. Ten were non-cirrhotic; 16 were BCLC grade A; one BCLC grade B; and two were BCLC C. Two cirrhotic and three non-cirrhotic underwent preoperative sequential trans-arterial chemoembolization and portal vein embolization. Right hepatectomy was the most commonly done procedure. The postoperative 30-day mortality rate was 5% (1/19). Wound infection and postoperative ascites was seen in seven patients each. Postoperative liver failure was seen in five. Two cirrhotic and two non-cirrhotic patients had postoperative bile leak. The hospital stay was 11.9±5.4 days (median 12 days). Vascular invasion was present in four cirrhotic and five non-cirrhotic patients. The median follow-up was 32 months. Five patients died in the follow-up period. Seven had recurrence and median recurrence free survival was 18 months. The cumulative recurrence free survival was 88% and 54%, whereas the cumulative overall survival was 94% and 73% at one and three years respectively. Both were better in non-cirrhotic; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The recurrence free survival was better in patients without vascular invasion and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.011). Conclusion: Large HCC is not a contraindication for surgery. Vascular invasion if present, adversely affects survival. Proper case selection can provide the most favorable survival with minimal morbidity.

RESUMO Racional: A maioria dos pacientes com CHC de grande porte (>10 cm) não tem indicação cirúrgica conforme os critérios do Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) e, portanto, seus resultados não são bem estudados, principalmente na Índia, devido a uma menor incidência. Objetivo: Analisar os resultados da cirurgia para HCCs de grande porte. Métodos: Este estudo observacional retrospectivo incluiu todos os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para grandes CHC de janeiro de 2007 a dezembro de 2017. Todos os dados perioperatórios e de acompanhamento foram coletados e analisados. Resultados: Dezenove pacientes foram incluídos. Dez não eram cirróticos; 16 eram BCLC grau A; um BCLC grau B; e dois eram BCLC C. Dois cirróticos e três não-cirróticos foram submetidos à quimioembolização transarterial sequencial pré-operatória e embolização da veia porta. Hepatectomia direita foi o procedimento mais comumente realizado. A taxa de mortalidade pós-operatória em 30 dias foi de 5% (1/19). Infecção da ferida e ascite pós-operatória foram observadas em sete pacientes cada. Insuficiência hepática pós-operatória foi observada em cinco. Dois pacientes cirróticos e dois não cirróticos apresentaram vazamento de bile no pós-operatório. O tempo de internação foi de 11,9±5,4 dias (mediana de 12 dias). A invasão vascular estava presente em quatro pacientes cirróticos e cinco não cirróticos. O acompanhamento médio foi de 32 meses. Cinco pacientes morreram no período de acompanhamento. Sete tiveram recorrência e sobrevida mediana livre de recorrência foi de 18 meses. A sobrevida livre de recorrência cumulativa foi de 88% e 54%, enquanto a sobrevida global cumulativa foi de 94% e 73% em um e três anos, respectivamente. Ambos eram melhores em não-cirróticos; no entanto, a diferença não foi estatisticamente significante. A sobrevida livre de recidiva foi melhor nos pacientes sem invasão vascular e a diferença foi estatisticamente significante (p=0,011). Conclusão: CHC grande não é contraindicação para cirurgia. Invasão vascular, se presente, afeta adversamente a sobrevida. Seleção adequada de casos pode fornecer sobrevida mais favorável com morbidade mínima.

Late postcholecystectomy Mirizzi syndrome due to a sessile gall bladder remnant calculus managed by laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy: a feasible surgical option.

Postcholecystectomy Mirizzi syndrome (PCMS) is an uncommon entity that can occur due to cystic duct stump calculus, gall bladder remnant calculus or migrated surgical clip. It can be classified into early PCMS or late PCMS. It is often misdiagnosed and the management depends on the site of impaction of stone or clip. Endoscopy can be performed for cystic duct stump calculus. However, surgery is the treatment for remnant gall bladder calculus. Role of laparoscopic management is controversial. We present here a case of a 48-year-old woman with late PCMS due to an impacted calculus in a sessile gall bladder remnant following a subtotal cholecystectomy, managed with laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy, review the literature, provide tips for safe laparoscopy for PCMS and summarise our algorithmic approach to the management of the postcholecystectomy syndrome.

Revision Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy for a post-cholecystectomy complex vasculobiliary injury with complete proper hepatic artery occlusion: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Complete proper hepatic arterial [PHA] occlusion due to accidental coil migration during embolization of cystic artery stump pseudoaneurysm resulting from a complex vasculobiliary injurie [CVBI] post laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC] is an extremely rare complication with less than 15 cases reported. We present a case depicting our strategy to tackle this obstacle in management of CVBI and review the relevant literature. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 35 year old lady presented on sixth postoperative day with an external biliary fistula following Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy [RYHJ] for biliary injury during LC. She developed a leaking cystic artery pseudoaneurysm, during angioembolisation of which, one coil accidentally migrated into left hepatic artery resulting in complete PHA occlusion. Fourteen months later, cholangiogram revealed a worsening RYHJ stricture despite repeated percutaneous balloon dilatations. Multiple collaterals had developed. Revision RYHJ was fashioned to the anterior wall of biliary confluence with an extension into left duct. Minimum hilar dissection ensured preservation of collateral supply to the biliary enteric anastomosis. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patient is doing well at 1 year follow up. DISCUSSION: Definitive biliary enteric repair should be delayed till collateral circulation is established within the hilar plate, hepatoduodenal ligament and perihepatic/peribiliary collaterals to provide an adequate arterial blood supply to biliary confluence and extrahepatic portion of the bile duct. CONCLUSION: Assessment of hepatic arteries should be part of investigation of all complex biliary injuries. Delayed definitive biliary enteric repair ensures a well-perfused anastomosis. Minimum hilar dissection is the key to preserve biliary and hepatic neovasculature.

Diagnosis and Management of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in the Background of Chronic Pancreatitis: Core Issues.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is as high as 5%. It is a commonly encountered diagnostic challenge in patients with CP on long-term follow-up. SUMMARY: This review consolidates the existing literature on assessment of PDAC in background of CP, its evaluation through the available investigations, surgical management, and prognostication. Recent change in symptomatology of an otherwise stable CP should raise a suspicion of malignancy. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is more specific and sensitive in establishing the diagnosis of PDAC compared to cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging). Intraoperative assessment with careful palpation coupled with careful clinical judgment helps in differentiating between an inflammatory mass and pancreatic cancer. Confirmation can be obtained with either preoperative EUS-guided fine needle cytology/core biopsy or intraoperative core biopsy under ultrasound guidance. However, despite complete evaluation with above options, 1-6% patients often show malignancy on final histopathological examination. Key Messages: Diagnosis of PDAC in CP needs a high index of suspicion. Cross-sectional imaging has poor negative predictive value. CA 19-9 with MUC5AC combination may become an ideal investigation. EUS with core biopsy/frozen section has a good sensitivity and specificity and low false negative results. Complete radical resection should be the aim to get long-term survival.

Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy in the management of persistent external pancreatic fistula: is it olde worlde?

OBJECTIVES: This article aimed to identify patient selection criteria and approach in treating persistent external pancreatic fistulas surgically with Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy, and the study evaluated the outcomes of Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy with a review of the relevant literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective data analysis from January 2010 to May 2017 revealed 6 patients managed with Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy for persistent external pancreatic fistulas, and their details were entered in a proforma. Standard surgical steps were performed in all patients, and the patients were followed up postoperatively for 1 year. Data were analyzed for outcomes, and the literature was reviewed. RESULTS: Four of 6 patients had persistent external pancreatic fistulas following pancreatic necrosectomy, 1 had surgery for pancreatic pseudocyst, and 1 after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head mass. An average duration of conservative management was 14 weeks, and Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy was performed at a median distance of 6 cm from pancreas via a midline laparotomy. All patients recovered without major complications. Only 1 patient developed diabetes at a 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fistulojejunostomy is a safe and effective treatment for persistent pancreatic fistula having the benefit of avoiding a difficult major pancreatic resectional surgery in an already debilitated patient with frozen tissue planes, along with low postoperative morbidity and mortality. The short- and mid-term outcomes in the literature for this procedure are good, as it has also been seen in our study on diverse indications.

An outcome analysis of videoscopic assisted retroperitoneal debridement in infected pancreatic necrosis: a single centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: Infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is a dreadful complication of moderately severe and severe acute necrotising pancreatitis (ANP). Videoscopic assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) is a minimally invasive surgical option for predominantly left sided, posterior and laterally located disease in patients not responding to conservative and percutaneous options. This study aimed to present an outcome analysis of VARD in the management of IPN at our tertiary care centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present retrospective analysis of prospectively entered data included 22 patients diagnosed as ANP with IPN from January 2015 to December 2017. These patients were admitted in the surgical gastroenterology unit of our tertiary care centre. The outcome of these patients managed with VARD was evaluated. RESULTS: The aetiology of ANP was idiopathic, and gallstones were found in 7 patients each and alcohol in 8. Twelve patients were managed with a single VARD procedure; whereas, 10 required a re-debridement due to suboptimal improvement. Eighteen out of 22 patients survived whereas 4 succumbed to major postoperative bleeding/severe sepsis and multiorgan failure (Mortality 18.2%). Hospital stay after the index procedure was between 6 to 11 weeks. CONCLUSION: VARD is a safe and effective surgical option for the management of IPN that worsens or fails to respond to conservative and percutaneous drainage options after a minimum of 4 weeks of moderately severe and severe ANP. It decreases postoperative morbidity and mortality and avoids major laparotomy, and hence, it can be considered in a selected group of patients.

An outcome analysis of laparoscopic management of diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: All operative procedures for simple or complicated diverticulitis, including primary resection and anastomosis (PRA) with or without a diverting stoma, Hartmann procedure (HP), or stoma reversal, whether done in an elective setting or as an emergency, can be performed laparoscopically. However, owing to low incidence of the disease and complexity of the procedure, there are very few studies on outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid diverticulitis from India. AIM: The present study was undertaken to evaluate outcomes of laparoscopically treated patients of sigmoid diverticulitis. METHODS: Prospective observational study enrolled 37 patients with sigmoid diverticulitis managed laparoscopically from March 2015 to March 2017. Demographic, clinical, operative, postoperative, and complication data were entered into a patient proforma and analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven simple and 26 complicated diverticulitis patients were operated laparoscopically, 22 in emergency setting and 15 in elective setting. Only three patients required conversion to open surgery-two due to dense adhesions and one due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). No patients had ureteric or bowel injury. Eighteen patients underwent laparoscopic PRA without stoma, 11 patients had PRA with stoma, 6 had HP, and 2 had laparoscopic lavage. Results showed lesser blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications in the elective group and simple diverticulitis patients. None of the patients had anastomosis-related complications. Two patients had stoma-related complications. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of diverticulitis is feasible, safe, provides the benefits of less wound-related complications, and shorter hospital stay and should be the surgical procedure of choice in elective or emergency setting for simple/complicated diverticulitis.

Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy in the management of persistent external pancreatic fistula: Is it olde worlde?

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to identify the patient selection criteria and approach in treating persistent external pancreatic fistulas surgically with Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy, and it evaluates the outcomes of Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy with a review of the relevant literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective data analysis from January 2010 to May 2017 revealed 6 patients who were managed with Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy for persistent external pancreatic fistulas, and their details were entered in a proforma. Standard surgical steps were performed in all patients, and the patients were followed up postoperatively for 1 year. Data were analyzed for outcomes, and the literature was reviewed. RESULTS: Four of 6 patients had persistent external pancreatic fistulas following pancreatic necrosectomy, 1 had surgery for pancreatic pseudocyst, and 1 after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head mass. An average duration of conservative management was 14 weeks, and Roux-en-Y fistulojejunostomy was performed at a median distance of 6 cm from pancreas via a midline laparotomy. All patients recovered without major complications. Only 1 patient developed diabetes at a 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fistulojejunostomy is a safe and effective treatment for persistent pancreatic fistula having the benefit of avoiding a difficult major pancreatic resectional surgery in an already debilitated patient with frozen tissue planes, along with low postoperative morbidity and mortality. The short- and mid-term outcomes in the literature for this procedure are good, as it has also been seen in our study on diverse indications.

Laparoscopic Management of a Proximal Jejunal Gallstone Ileus with Patulous Ampulla and Choledochal Cyst-a Report of Unusual Presentation and a Review.

Gallstone ileus is a diagnosis of rarity, and a proximal site of obstruction in a young patient is even rare. Of the three cases in our experience, we found two cases of gallstone ileus (GSI) with typical epidemiology and presentation, one had combination of multiple rare associations. We report such a case, suspected to have gallstone ileus on ultrasound and confirmed diagnosis on computed tomography. Presence of biliary-enteric fistula, old age, and obstructive features, as in typical cases, was a bigger asset for diagnosis, but it was difficult to entertain diagnosis of GSI in young girl in absence of a demonstrable biliary-enteric fistula, with uncommon association of choledochal cyst and sickle cell disease. A very surprising finding, dilated major papilla, could however explain the pathogenesis which has also been reported in the past. Although differential opinions regarding management exist, we decided to follow two-stage surgery as our institute protocol. A minimal access approach has been immensely helpful in accurate diagnosis, and expedative management with early recovery has been proven in the past studies which we agreed with our experience.

Postoperative Mesh Infection-Still a Concern in Laparoscopic Era.

Introduction of synthetic mesh was a landmark breakthrough in the management of hernia repair and has significantly reduced recurrence rates. But in addition to the benefits, some more problems have come in picture major being 'mesh infection'. Prolene mesh has shown promise when used in abdominal and inguinal hernia repair, especially when used in planned surgeries. This material, derived from monofilament polypropelene, is found to be biologically inert in almost every person. Being a foreign material, a slightest breach in asepsis can lead to favourable environment for bacterial proliferation and form a 'biofilm'. This phenomenon especially after laparoscopic surgeries gives rise to chronic discharging sinus at the port site, abscess formation around mesh and even sepsis. It appears that laparoscopic hernia repair is a promising method but having chances of mesh infection owing to difficult approach and lack of uniformity in sterilization of laparoscopic instruments. Slightest breach in sterility or protocols might lead to such a large ventral wall sinus, increasing morbidity and cost of treatment. Treatment of infected mesh is possible by local debridement, irrigation, mesh removal and systemic antibiotics culminating in increased morbidity over duration of disease, but still it would be worth emphasizing-'Prevention is better than cure'.