Reliability of extracellular contrast versus gadoxetic acid in assessing small liver lesions using liver imaging reporting and data system v.2018 and European association for the study of the liver criteria.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The diagnostic accuracy of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v.2018 and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria for the diagnosis of HCC have been widely evaluated, but their reliability should be investigated. We aimed to assess and compare the reliability of LI-RADS v.2018 and EASL criteria for the diagnosis of HCC using MRI with extracellular contrast agents (ECAs) and gadoxetic acid (GA) and determine the effect of ancillary features on LI-RADS reliability. APPROACH & RESULTS: Ten readers reviewed MRI studies of 92 focal liver lesions measuring <3 cm acquired with ECAs and GA <1 month apart from two prospective trials, assessing EASL criteria, LI-RADS major and ancillary features, and LI-RADS categorization with and without including ancillary features. Inter-reader agreement for definite HCC diagnosis was substantial and similar for the two contrasts for both EASL and LI-RADS criteria. For ECA-MRI and GA-MRI, respectively, inter-reader agreement was k = 0.72 (95% CI, 0.63-0.81) and k = 0.72 (95% CI, 0.63-0.80); for nonrim hyperenhancement, k = 0.63 (95% CI, 0.54-0.72) and k = 0.57 (95% CI, 0.48-0.66); and for nonperipheral washout, k = 0.49 (95% CI, 0.40-0.59) and k = 0.48 (95% CI, 0.37-0.58) for enhancing capsule. The inter-reader agreement for LI-RADS after applying ancillary features remained in the same range of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Agreement for definite HCC was substantial and similar for both scoring systems and the two contrast agents in small focal liver lesions. Agreement for LI-RADS categorization was lower for both contrast agents, and including LI-RADS ancillary features did not improve agreement.

Outcomes after neoadjuvant treatment with gemcitabine and erlotinib followed by gemcitabine-erlotinib and radiotherapy for resectable pancreatic cancer (GEMCAD 10-03 trial).

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients has shown promising results in non-randomized trials. This is a multi-institutional phase II trial of NAT in resectable PDAC patients. METHODS: Patients with confirmed resectable PDAC after agreement by two expert radiologists were eligible. Patients received three cycles of GEM (1000 mg/m2/week) plus daily erlotinib (ERL) (100 mg/day). After re-staging, patients without progressive disease underwent 5 weeks of therapy with GEM (300 mg/m2/week), ERL 100 mg/day and concomitant radiotherapy (45 Gy). Efficacy was assessed using tumor regression grade (TRG) and resection margin status. Using a single-arm Simon's design, considering the therapy not useful if R0 < 40% and useful if the R0 > 70% (alpha 5%, beta 10%), 24 patients needed to be recruited. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01389440. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. Adverse effects of NAT were mainly mild gastrointestinal disorders. Resectability rate was 76%, with a R0 rate of 63.1% among the resected patients. Median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 23.8 (95% CI 11.4-36.2) and 12.8 months (95% CI 8.6-17.1), respectively. R0 resection patients had better median OS, compared with patients with R1 resection or not resected (65.5 months vs. 15.5 months, p = 0.01). N0 rate among the resected patients was 63.1%, and showed a longer median OS (65.5 vs. 15.2 months, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm promising oncologic results with NAT for patients with resectable PDAC. Therefore, the present trial supports the development of phase II randomized trials comparing NAT vs. upfront surgery in resectable pancreatic cancer.

Radiological diagnosis and staging of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignant tumor arising from the epithelium of the bile ducts. Surgery is still the only chance of potentially curative treatment in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, radical resection requires aggressive surgical strategies that should be tailored optimally according to the location, size and vascular invasion of the tumors. Accurate diagnosis and staging of these tumors is therefore critical for optimal treatment planning and for determining a prognosis. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR cholangiography are useful tools, both to diagnose and stage hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Modern imaging techniques allow accurate detection of the level of obstruction and the longitudinal and radial spread of the tumor. In addition, high-resolution MDCT and MR provide specific radiographic features to determine vascular involvement of anatomic structures, such as the hepatic artery or the portal vein, which are critical to decide the surgical strategy. Finally, radiological staging allows detection of patients with distant metastasis in the liver or peritoneum who will not benefit from a surgical approach.

Factors influencing mortality in patients undergoing surgery for acute pancreatitis: importance of peripancreatic tissue and fluid infection.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of present study were to analyze the mortality risk factors in patients who had surgery for acute pancreatitis and to assess the importance of culturing peripancreatic tissue or fluid infection to ascertain the infection status. METHODS: Surgery was indicated both in patients with infected severe acute pancreatitis and in those with sterile pancreatitis with an unfavorable course. During surgery, cultures were taken of tissues (pancreatic necrosis and peripancreatic fat), intra-abdominal fluid, and bile. RESULTS: Of 107 patients operated on, fluid culture was analyzed in 94 patients, pancreatic necrosis in 61 patients, peripancreatic fat in 39 patients, and bile in 38 patients. Sterile pancreatitis with sterile ascites was found in 17 patients, sterile pancreatitis with infected ascites in 22, and pancreatic tissue infection in 60. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that sterile tissue cultures, age over 65 years, and fewer than 12 days between the beginning of pain and surgery were risk factors for mortality. Sterile pancreatitis with sterile ascites and sterile pancreatitis with infected ascites had similar postoperative mortality (41% and 50%, respectively); the group with pancreatic tissue infection had a lower mortality (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Early surgery, advanced age, and sterility of tissue cultures have been demonstrated as mortality factors for acute pancreatitis. Intra-abdominal fluid may be infected in the presence of sterile necrosis.

Indicaciones y resultados de la resección de metástasis pancreáticas. Experiencia en el Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge / Indications and results of pancreatic metastasis resection. experience in the Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge

Objetivo: Analizar las indicaciones y resultados de nuestro centro en la resección de metástasis en el páncreas. Pacientes y métodos. Análisis de la base de datos prospectiva desde 1990 hasta 2010. Se analizan los detalles clinicopatológicos, perioperatorios y los resultados de seguimiento. Resultados De 710 resecciones pancreáticas realizadas, en 7 casos (0,99%) fueron por metástasis en el páncreas. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 53,3 años (20-77 años), 5 hombres y 2 mujeres. Cinco pacientes estaban (70%) asintomáticos. El origen de las metástasis fue: colon (n=3), riñón (n=2), yeyuno (n=1) y testículo (n=1). Se localizaron en 4 casos en la cabeza, 2 en la cola y uno en el cuerpo. En 4 pacientes (57%) las metástasis fueron metacrónicas y el intervalo libre de enfermedad fue de 29 meses (17-48). Hubo 3 casos (43%) de metástasis sincrónicas. Se realizó cirugía radical en todos los casos incluyendo la del tumor primario en los casos sincrónicos. En las metástasis sincrónicas el tiempo medio libre de recidiva fue de 14 meses y la supervivencia de 21,6 meses, inferior al de los pacientes con metástasis metacrónicas que fue de 27,8 meses y la supervivencia de 32 meses. El intervalo libre de recidiva y supervivencia global fue de 21,85 y 27,5 meses, respectivamente. Conclusión La resección de las metástasis en páncreas puede prolongar la supervivencia en pacientes seleccionados (AU)

Objective: To analyse the indications and results of pancreatic metastasis resection in a university hospital. Patients and methods: An analysis was performed on a prospective database from 1990 to2010. The clinical-pathological and perioperative details, as well the follow-up results were analysed. Results: Of the 710 pancreatic resections performed, 7 cases (0.99%) were due to a metastasis in the pancreas. The mean age of the patients was 53.3 years (20-77 years), and 5 were male and 2 were women. Five (70%) patients were asymptomatic. The origin of the metastasis was: colon (n = 3), kidney (n = 2), jejunum (n = 1), and testicle (n = 1). In 4 cases they were situated in the head, 2 in the tail, and one in the body. The metastases were metachronous in4 (57%) patients and the disease free interval was 29months (17-48). There were 3 cases (43%)of synchronous metastases, with a mean recurrence-free time of 14 months, and survival of21.6 months. This was lower than that of patients with metachronous metastases, which was 27.8 months and with a survival of 32 months, respectively. The overall disease free interval and survival was 21.85 months and 27.5 months, respectively. Conclusion: Resection of pancreatic metastases can extend survival in selected patients (AU)

[Indications and results of pancreatic metastasis resection. Experience in the Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge]. / Indicaciones y resultados de la resección de metástasis pancreáticas. Experiencia en el Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the indications and results of pancreatic metastasis resection in a university hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An analysis was performed on a prospective database from 1990 to 2010. The clinical-pathological and perioperative details, as well the follow-up results were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 710 pancreatic resections performed, 7 cases (0.99%) were due to a metastasis in the pancreas. The mean age of the patients was 53.3 years (20-77 years), and 5 were male and 2 were women. Five (70%) patients were asymptomatic. The origin of the metastasis was: colon (n=3), kidney (n=2), jejunum (n=1), and testicle (n=1). In 4 cases they were situated in the head, 2 in the tail, and one in the body. The metastases were metachronous in 4 (57%) patients and the disease free interval was 29 months (17-48). There were 3 cases (43%) of synchronous metastases, with a mean recurrence-free time of 14 months, and survival of 21.6 months. This was lower than that of patients with metachronous metastases, which was 27.8 months and with a survival of 32 months, respectively. The overall disease free interval and survival was 21.85 months and 27.5 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Resection of pancreatic metastases can extend survival in selected patients.

Preoperative staging of patients with liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma. Does PET/CT really add something to multidetector CT?

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine prospectively whether the systematic use of PET/CT associated with conventional techniques could improve the accuracy of staging in patients with liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma. We also assessed the impact on the therapeutic strategy. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2008, 97 patients who were evaluated for resection of LMCRC were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative workup included multidetector-CT (MDCT) and PET/CT. In 11 patients with liver steatosis or iodinated contrast allergy, MR also was performed. Sixty-eight patients underwent laparotomy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive values for hepatic and extrahepatic staging of MDCT and PET-CT were calculated. RESULTS: In a lesion-by-lesion analysis of the hepatic staging, the sensitivity of MDCT/RM was superior to PET/CT (89.2 vs. 55%, p < 0.001). On the extrahepatic staging, PET/CT was superior to MDCT/MR only for the detection of locoregional recurrence (p = 0.03) and recurrence in uncommon sites (p = 0.016). New findings in PET/CT resulted in a change in therapeutic strategy in 17 patients. However, additional information was correct only in eight cases and wrong in nine patients. CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT has a limited role in hepatic staging of LMCRC. Although PET-CT has higher sensitivity for the detection of extrahepatic disease in some anatomic locations, its results are hampered by its low PPV. PET/CT provided additional useful information in 8% of the cases but also incorrect and potentially harmful data in 9% of the staging. Our findings support a more selective use of PET/CT, basically in patients with high risk of local recurrence.

Primary hepatic leiomyoma: case report.

The patient is a previously healthy 28-year-old woman with incidentally detected focal liver lesion. On CT, the tumor showed brisk arterial enhancement and persistent hyperenhancement on portal and delayed phases. Histological study showed spindle cells without atypia and immunohistochemical study was consistent with leiomyoma.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del adenocarcinoma pancreático mediante duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (parte 2). Seguimiento a largo plazo tras 204 casos / Surgical treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma using cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (Part 2). Long term follow up after 204 cases

Objetivo: Definir factores pronóstico de supervivencia a largo plazo tras la duodenopancreatectomía cefálica por adenocarcinoma pancreático. Introducción: La cirugía es el tratamiento aceptado en el adenocarcinoma de páncreas cefálico, sin embargo la supervivencia a largo plazo sigue siendo baja. Material y métodos: Hemos recogido la experiencia en el tratamiento del adenocarcinoma de cabeza de páncreas (ADCP) en el Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge mediante duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (DPC) desde 1991 hasta 2007. Resultados: Se realizaron 204 DPC por ADCP. El estudio histológico evidenció que el tumor resecado tenía un tamaño superior a 3cm. en 70, con permeación linfática en un 73%, invasión perineural en 89% y afectación linfática en 71%. En 120 pacientes se resecaron más de 15 adenopatías. Tras la cirugía, se administró tratamiento adyuvante a 113 pacientes (60%). Se contabilizaron 148 fallecimientos (73%), estando vivos al cierre del mismo 55 (27%). La supervivencia actual media fue de 2,54 años (IC95% 2,02–3,07) y la supervivencia actuarial a 5 años de 13,55% (IC95% 7,69–19,41). El estudio de factores de riesgo de mortalidad reveló que el sexo femenino (p=0,005), la ausencia de transfusión perioperatoria (p=0,003), la resección de más de 15 adenopatías en la intervención (p=0,004) y la administración de tratamiento adyuvante (p=0,004) comportaron mejor pronóstico a largo plazo. El estudio multivariante demostró que transfusión y sexo fueron las variables de interés. Conclusiones: La cirugía del adenocarcinoma de cabeza de páncreas debe incluir una linfadenectomía suficiente y debe realizarse con baja morbilidad y sin necesidad de transfusión perioperatoria (AU)

Introduction: Surgery is the accepted treatment in adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas; however, the long-term survival continues to be low. The aim of this study is to define prognos:tic factors of long-term survival after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy due to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Material and methods: We have collected data on the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas (ADHP) by means of a cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (CDP) performed n the Bellvitge University Hospital (Barcelona) from 1991 to 2007. Results: A total of 204 CDP due to ADHP were performed. The histology showed that the resected tumour was larger than 3cms in 70 cases, with lymphatic infiltration in 73%, perineural invasion in 89%, and lymphatic involvement in 89%. More than 15 lymph nodes were resected in 120 patients. A total of 113 (60%) patients received adjuvant treatment after surgery. There were 148 (73%) deaths, of which 55 (27%) were alive at closure. The actual mean survival was 2.54 years (95% CI; 2.02–3.07) and an actuarial survival at 5 years of 13.55% (95% CI; 7.69–19.41). The study of mortality risk factors showed that, female gender, absence of peri-operative transfusion (p=0.003), the resection of more than 15 lymph nodes during the operation (P=0.004), and the administration of adjuvant treatment (p=0.004) had a better long-term prognosis. The multivariate analysis showed that transfusion and gender were the most significant variables. Conclusions: Surgery of head of the pancreas adenocarcinoma must include an adequate lymphadectomy, and must be performed with a low morbidity and without the need of a peri-operative transfusion (AU)

Tratamiento quirúrgico del adenocarcinoma pancreático mediante duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (Parte 1). Complicaciones postoperatorias en 204 casos en un centro de referencia / Surgical treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (Part 1). Post-surgical complications in 204 cases in a reference hospit

Introducción: La duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (DPC) es el tratamiento de elección en el adenocarcinoma de cabeza de páncreas. Sin embargo, sigue presentando elevada morbilidad y mortalidad posquirúrgica. El objetivo de este estudio es definir las variables que influyen en la morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria tras la duodenopancreatectomía cefálica por adenocarcinoma de páncreas (ADCP). Material y métodos: Se han recogido prospectivamente las variables de los pacientes intervenidos entre 1991–2007, con el fin de investigar los factores asociados a una mayor morbilidad. Resultados: Se han intervenido 204 pacientes por ADCP, de ellos 57 eran mayores de 70 años. Se han realizado 119 DPC, 11 con linfadenectomía extendida, 66 DPC con preservación pilórica y 8 con ampliación a pancreatectomía total por afectación del margen de sección. Treinta y cinco casos asociaron resección venosa portal o mesentérica. Se han detectado complicaciones postquirúgicas en el 45% de casos, las más frecuentes: vaciado gástrico lento (20%), infección incisional (17%), fístula pancreática (10%), y complicaciones médicas graves (8%). El 13% fue reintervenido y la mortalidad postoperatoria global fue del 7%. La edad del paciente superior a 70 años, el hemoperitoneo postoperatorio, la dehiscencia gastroentérica, y la presencia de complicaciones médicas graves fueron factores de riesgo de mortalidad postquirúgica en el estudio multivaviante. La fístula pancreática no fue un factor relacionado con la mortalidad posquirúrgica. Conclusiones: La duodenopancreatectomía cefálica es una técnica segura pero con morbilidad considerable. Los pacientes con edad superior a 70 años deben ser seleccionados cuidadosamente antes de intervenirlos. Las complicaciones médicas graves deben tratarse de forma agresiva para evitar una evolución desfavorable (AU)

Introduction: Cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (CDP) is the treatment of choice in cancer of the head of the pancreas. However, it continues to have a high post-surgical morbidity and mortality. The aim of this article is to define variables that influence post-surgical morbidity and mortality after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy due to pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) cancer of the head of the pancreas (CHP). Material and methods: The variables were prospectively collected form patients operated on between 1991 and 2007, in order to investigate the factors of higher morbidity. Results: A total of 204 patients had been intervened due to PA, of whom 57 were older than 70 years. Of these patients, 119 had a CPD, 11 extended lymphadectomy, 66 with pyloric conservation, and 8 with extension to total pancreatectomy due to involvement of the section margin. Portal or mesenteric vein resection was included in 35 cases. Post-surgical complications were detected in 45% of cases, the most frequent being: slow gastric emptying (20%), surgical wound infection (17%), pancreatic fistula (10%), and serious medical complications (8%). Further surgery was required in 13%, and the over post-surgical mortality was 7%. A patient age greater than 70 years, post-surgical haemoperitoneum, gastroenteric dehiscence, and the presence of medical complications were post-surgical mortality risk factors in the multivariate analysis. Pancreatic fistula was not a factor associated with post-surgical mortality. Conclusions: Cephalic duodenopancreatectomy is a safe technique but with a considerable morbidity. Patients over 70 years of age must be carefully selected before considering surgery. Serious medical complications must be treated aggressively to avoid an unfavourable progression (AU)

[Surgical treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma using cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (Part 2). Long term follow up after 204 cases]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del adenocarcinoma pancreático mediante duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (parte 2). Seguimiento a largo plazo tras 204 casos.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is the accepted treatment in adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas; however, the long-term survival continues to be low. The aim of this study is to define prognostic factors of long-term survival after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy due to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have collected data on the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas (ADHP) by means of a cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (CDP) performed n the Bellvitge University Hospital (Barcelona) from 1991 to 2007. RESULTS: A total of 204 CDP due to ADHP were performed. The histology showed that the resected tumour was larger than 3cms in 70 cases, with lymphatic infiltration in 73%, perineural invasion in 89%, and lymphatic involvement in 89%. More than 15 lymph nodes were resected in 120 patients. A total of 113 (60%) patients received adjuvant treatment after surgery. There were 148 (73%) deaths, of which 55 (27%) were alive at closure. The actual mean survival was 2.54 years (95% CI; 2.02-3.07) and an actuarial survival at 5 years of 13.55% (95% CI; 7.69-19.41). The study of mortality risk factors showed that, female gender, absence of peri-operative transfusion (p=0.003), the resection of more than 15 lymph nodes during the operation (P=0.004), and the administration of adjuvant treatment (p=0.004) had a better long-term prognosis. The multivariate analysis showed that transfusion and gender were the most significant variables. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery of head of the pancreas adenocarcinoma must include an adequate lymphadectomy, and must be performed with a low morbidity and without the need of a peri-operative transfusion.

[Surgical treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (Part 1). Post-surgical complications in 204 cases in a reference hospital]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del adenocarcinoma pancreático mediante duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (Parte 1). Complicaciones postoperatorias en 204 casos en un centro de referencia.

INTRODUCTION: Cephalic duodenopancreatectomy (CDP) is the treatment of choice in cancer of the head of the pancreas. However, it continues to have a high post-surgical morbidity and mortality. The aim of this article is to define variables that influence post-surgical morbidity and mortality after cephalic duodenopancreatectomy due to pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) cancer of the head of the pancreas (CHP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The variables were prospectively collected form patients operated on between 1991 and 2007, in order to investigate the factors of higher morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 204 patients had been intervened due to PA, of whom 57 were older than 70 years. Of these patients, 119 had a CPD, 11 extended lymphadenectomy, 66 with pyloric conservation, and 8 with extension to total pancreatectomy due to involvement of the section margin. Portal or mesenteric vein resection was included in 35 cases. Post-surgical complications were detected in 45% of cases, the most frequent being: slow gastric emptying (20%), surgical wound infection (17%), pancreatic fistula (10%), and serious medical complications (8%). Further surgery was required in 13%, and the over post-surgical mortality was 7%. A patient age greater than 70 years, post-surgical haemoperitoneum, gastroenteric dehiscence, and the presence of medical complications were post-surgical mortality risk factors in the multivariate analysis. Pancreatic fistula was not a factor associated with post-surgical mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Cephalic duodenopancreatectomy is a safe technique but with a considerable morbidity. Patients over 70 years of age must be carefully selected before considering surgery. Serious medical complications must be treated aggressively to avoid an unfavourable progression.

Organ-preserving surgery for benign lesions and low-grade malignancies of the pancreatic head: a matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative results of various preservative surgery (PS) techniques with those of two types of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: The subjects of this study were 65 patients treated surgically for chronic pancreatitis, or benign or borderline tumors. We defined PS as any of the following: duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR), uncinatectomy (UC), and cystic tumor enucleation (EN). The two types of PD were Whipple pancreatoduodenectomy (WPD) and pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD). RESULTS: Benign lesions were treated with PD in 41 patients and PS in 24 patients. Whipple pancreatoduodenectomy was performed in 17 patients, PPPD in 24, DPPHR in 20, EN in 3, and UC in 1. The main indication for surgery was chronic pancreatitis (66%). Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) was seen in 41% of patients in the PD group but none in the PS group (P = 0.04). However, there were no differences between the two groups in the incidence of pancreatic fistulas or other complications. Reoperation was required in five of the PD patients, but none of the PS patients. CONCLUSION: Surgical techniques for preserving pancreatic tissue are effective for carefully selected patients with benign pancreatic disorders.

[Bile duct cysts in adults: surgical procedure]. / Quistes de los conductos biliares del adulto: estrategia quirúrgica.

OBJECTIVE: The reported prevalence rate of bile duct cysts is very low. However, the clinical presentation of bile duct cysts is common to other hepatobiliary diseases. In this article, we report on a series of patients who have been surgically treated over the last 15 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All the patients who had undergone bile duct cyst-related surgery at this hospital had their clinical history reviewed retrospectively from 1990 to 2002. Data were obtained prospectively from 2002 to 2005. The following variables were taken into account in our analysis: diagnosis data, surgical procedure, morbidity, post-surgery mortality rates, and follow-up. RESULTS: Over the last 15 years, 18 patients have undergone surgery at our hospital (6 male, 12 female). The most common clinical presentation was that of abdominal pain and the usual symptoms associated with acute cholangitis. As for surgical procedure, a complete cyst resection with biliary derivation was performed in all 15 cases. The histopathological diagnosis was choledochal cyst in 12 cases, Caroli's disease in 5 cases and a malignant choledochal cyst (adenocarcinoma) in 1 case. The most frequent post-surgical complication was bile leak (3 cases, 16.6%). There was no post-surgical mortality (0%). There were no relapses in the subsequent follow-up CONCLUSIONS: Our preferred surgical procedure is that of complete cyst resection with biliary derivation. Our overall results are similar to those of medical teams who practise a radical resective procedure, and better than those who practise partial resections.

[Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Diagnostic and therapeutic management]. / Neoplasias quísticas del páncreas. Manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico.

Management of the cystic lesions of the pancreas is of interest to general and pancreatic surgeons and physicians of other disciplines: gastroenterology, internal medicine, endoscopy, radiology, pathology, etc. The majority of cystic lesions are inflammatory pseudo-cysts. Cystic neoplasms represents only 10% of cystic lesions of the pancreas and 1% of pancreatic tumours. Preoperative diagnosis is crucial given the differences in natural history of the spectrum of benign, malignant, and borderline lesions. Serous cystadenoma is a benign lesion that requires non-surgical management if there are no symptoms. Mucinous neoplasms are premalignant lesions that mainly require pancreatic resection. Despite improved radiographic imaging techniques, definitive diagnosis is only made after studying the resection sample. The pancreatic surgical risk is a problem for the appropriate management of these patients.

Neoplasias quísticas del páncreas. Manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico / cystic neoplasms of the pancreas. Diagnostic and therapeutic management

El manejo de las lesiones quísticas del páncreas interesa tanto al cirujano general y pancreático como a los especialistas en otras disciplinas: gastroenterología, medicina interna, endoscopia, radiología, anatomía patológica, etc. La mayoría de estas lesiones son seudoquistes inflamatorios. Las neoplasias quísticas suponen sólo un 10% del total de las lesiones quísticas del páncreas y un 1% de los tumores pancreáticos. El diagnóstico preoperatorio es crucial, dadas las diferencias en la historia natural del espectro de las lesiones: benignas, malignas y borderline. El cistadenoma seroso es una lesión benigna que no precisa resección quirúrgica, salvo cuando es sintomática. Las neoplasias mucinosas son lesiones premalignas que requieren mayoritariamente resección pancreática. A pesar de los avances en las técnicas de imagen, el diagnóstico definitivo se establece únicamente tras el estudio histológico de la pieza de resección. El riesgo que comporta la cirugía pancreática es un problema asociado al manejo apropiado de estos pacientes (AU)

Management of the cystic lesions of the pancreas is of interest to general and pancreatic surgeons and physicians of other disciplines: gastroenterology, internal medicine, endoscopy, radiology, pathology, etc. The majority of cystic lesions are inflammatory pseudo-cysts. Cystic neoplasms represents only 10%of cystic lesions of the pancreas and 1% of pancreatic tumours. Preoperative diagnosis is crucial given the differences in natural history of the spectrum of benign, malignant, and borderline lesions. Serous cystadenoma is a benign lesion that requires non-surgical management if there are no symptoms. Mucinous neoplasms are premalignant lesions that mainly require pancreatic resection. Despite improved radiographic imaging techniques, definitive diagnosis is only made after studying the resection sample. The pancreatic surgical risk isa problem for the appropriate management of these patients (AU)

Quistes de los conductos biliares del adulto: estrategia quirúrgica / Bile duct cysts in adults: surgical procedure

Introducción. Los quistes de los conductos biliares son una enfermedad muy poco prevalente. Sin embargo, su presentación clínica es común a la de otros procesos biliopancreáticos. Presentamos nuestra serie de pacientes intervenidos en los últimos 15 años. Material y método. Se han revisado retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de los pacientes intervenidos por esta enfermedad, en nuestro hospital, entre 1990 y 2002. A partir de 2002, se toman los datos de forma prospectiva hasta 2005. Se han analizado variables de métodos de diagnóstico, técnica quirúrgica, morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria y seguimiento posterior. Resultados. En los últimos 15 años se ha intervenido a 18 pacientes (6 varones, 12 mujeres). La presentación clínica más común ha sido el dolor abdominal, seguido del cuadro clínico de colangitis aguda. La técnica quirúrgica ha sido resección total del quiste + derivación biliodigestiva en el 100% de los casos. El diagnóstico anatomopatológico ha sido de quiste coledocal en 12 casos, enfermedad de Caroli en 5 casos, quiste coledocal malignizado (adenocarcinoma) en 1 caso. La complicación postoperatoria más frecuente ha sido la fístula biliar (3 casos, 16,6%). La mortalidad postoperatoria ha sido del 0%. En el seguimiento tardío, no se ha evidenciado recidiva del quiste en ningún caso (0%). Conclusiones. El tratamiento quirúrgico de elección es la resección total del quiste con derivación biliodigestiva. Nuestros resultados son equiparables a los de los equipos que practican una técnica de resección radical y, a su vez, son mejores que los de las series que practican resecciones parciales (AU)

Objective. The reported prevalence rate of bile duct cysts is very low. However, the clinical presentation of bile duct cysts is common to other hepatobiliary diseases. In this article, we report on a series of patients who have been surgically treated over the last 15 years. Material and method. All the patients who had undergone bile duct cyst-related surgery at this hospital had their clinical history reviewed retrospectively from 1990 to 2002. Data were obtained prospectively from 2002 to 2005. The following variables were taken into account in our analysis: diagnosis data, surgical procedure, morbidity, post-surgery mortality rates, and follow-up. Results. Over the last 15 years, 18 patients have undergone surgery at our hospital (6 male, 12 female). The most common clinical presentation was that of abdominal pain and the usual symptoms associated with acute cholangitis. As for surgical procedure, a complete cyst resection with biliary derivation was performed in all 15 cases. The histopathological diagnosis was choledochal cyst in 12 cases, Caroli´s disease in 5 cases and a malignant choledochal cyst (adenocarcinoma) in 1 case. The most frequent post-surgical complication was bile leak (3 cases, 16.6%). There was no post-surgical mortality (0%). There were no relapses in the subsequent follow-up Conclusions. Our preferred surgical procedure is that of complete cyst resection with biliary derivation. Our overall results are similar to those of medical teams who practise a radical resective procedure, and better than those who practise partial resections (AU)

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma on the waiting list for orthotopic liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) before undergoing liver transplantation at our institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to August 2005, 56 patients with HCC underwent TACE before orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Radiologic findings before and after TACE were assessed and correlated with histologic findings after OLT. The area of induced necrosis was pathologically evaluated in each HCC nodule. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one HCC nodules were detected at histologic study. One hundred seventeen HCC nodules (91.4%) were hyperenhancing in the arterial phase on the preoperative imaging studies. The percentage of tumor necrosis was greater than 90% in 48 nodules (38%), between 50% and 90% in 19 nodules (15%), and less than 50% in 61 nodules (48%); tumor necrosis data were not recorded for the remaining three nodules. The size of the preoperatively detected lesions ranged from 0.2 to 9 cm (mean, 2.58 cm). The mean percentage of tumor necrosis was 67.8% in this group, but it rose to 79.2% in the hypervascular lesions. The size of the nodules that were not detected preoperatively ranged from 0.1 to 1.9 cm (mean, 0.68 cm), and the mean percentage of tumor necrosis was only 1.57%. CONCLUSION: TACE is a safe treatment in well-selected patients. Its antitumoral effect is high in hypervascular lesions (mean necrosis, 79.2%). It provides good local control in preoperatively diagnosed HCC (mean necrosis, 67.8%), but its impact is limited in lesions not detected preoperatively (mean necrosis, 1.57%).

[Indications and results of pancreatic surgery preserving the duodenopancreatic region]. / Indicaciones y resultados de la cirugía conservadora en las lesiones localizadas en la cabeza pancreática.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery that preserves the duodenopancreatic region has become well-established in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and some groups have begun to use these techniques to treat benign tumors and even those with uncertain potential malignancy. However, the technical complexity of this type of intervention may be greater than that of cephalic duodenopancreatectomy and complications may be even more frequent and consequently the indications for these procedures are debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience accumulated at our center over the past few years in the use of pancreatic surgery preserving the duodenopancreatic region (PS). MATERIAL AND METHODS. Between 1996 and 2006, we carried out PS in 24 patients with disease localized in the head of the pancreas. PS was defined as any of the following techniques: resection of the head of the pancreas with duodenal preservation (RHPDP), uncinatectomy (UC) and cystic tumor enucleation (EN). RESULTS: RHPDP was performed in 20 patients (83%), UC in 1 (4%) and EN in 3 (13%). Surgery was performed for CP in 11 patients, serous cystoadenoma in 4, intraductal papillary mucinous tumor in 5 and miscellaneous injuries in the four remaining patients. Overall, the series showed 54% morbidity with no post-operative mortality. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 11 days (7-43). CONCLUSION: After analyzing the experience accumulated over the years, showing nil mortality and acceptable morbidity, we believe that the use of these 3 techniques for preserving the pancreatic parenchyma is useful when their suitability is rigorously indicated. Subsequent studies should look in depth at improving quality of life and physiological effects, depending on the technique used.

Indicaciones y resultados de la cirugía conservadora en las lesiones localizadas en la cabeza pancreática / Indications and results of pancreatic surgery preserving the duodenopancreatic region

Introducción. La cirugía conservadora de la región duodenopancreática ha quedado bien establecida en pancreatitis crónica (PC) e incluso algunos grupos han comenzado a utilizar estas técnicas para tratar tumores benignos y de potencial de malignidad incierto. Ahora bien, la complejidad técnica de este tipo de intervenciones puede ser superior a la de la duodenopancreatectomía cefálica y las complicaciones, incluso más frecuentes; por lo tanto, las indicaciones están en debate. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la experiencia acumulada en nuestro centro durante los últimos años en el empleo de la cirugía conservadora (CC) de la región duodenopancreática. Material y métodos. Desde 1996 a 2006, hemos realizado CC por afección localizada en la región cefálica del páncreas en 24 pacientes. Hemos definido CC como cualquiera de las siguientes técnicas: pancreatectomía cefálica con preservación duodenal (PCPD), uncinectomía (UC) y enucleación de tumores quísticos (EN). Resultados. Realizamos PCPD en 20 (83%) pacientes, UC en 1 (4%) y EN en 3 (13%). Los pacientes fueron intervenidos por PC en 11 casos, cistoadenoma seroso en 4, TPMI en 5 y lesiones de estirpe diversa en los 4 casos restantes. En cuanto a la evolución postoperatoria, la serie presenta una morbilidad del 54%, sin mortalidad postoperatoria. La estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria mediana fue de 11 (7-43) días. Conclusiones. En definitiva, tras analizar la experiencia obtenida en estos años, y evidenciar una nula mortalidad con morbilidad aceptable, creemos que la utilización de tres técnicas de preservación de parénquima pancreático es útil mientras éstas sean indicadas con rigor. Estudios posteriores deberían ahondar en la mejoría de la calidad de vida y la repercusión fisiológica según la técnica empleada (AU)

Introduction. Surgery that preserves the duodenopancreatic region has become well-established in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and some groups have begun to use these techniques to treat benign tumors and even those with uncertain potential malignancy. However, the technical complexity of this type of intervention may be greater than that of cephalic duodenopancreatectomy and complications may be even more frequent and consequently the indications for these procedures are debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience accumulated at our center over the past few years in the use of pancreatic surgery preserving the duodenopancreatic region (PS). Material and methods. Between 1996 and 2006, we carried out PS in 24 patients with disease localized in the head of the pancreas. PS was defined as any of the following techniques: resection of the head of the pancreas with duodenal preservation (RHPDP), uncinatectomy (UC) and cystic tumor enucleation (EN). Results. RHPDP was performed in 20 patients (83%), UC in 1 (4%) and EN in 3 (13%). Surgery was performed for CP in 11 patients, serous cystoadenoma in 4, intraductal papillary mucinous tumor in 5 and miscellaneous injuries in the four remaining patients. Overall, the series showed 54% morbidity with no post-operative mortality. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 11 days (7-43). Conclusion. After analyzing the experience accumulated over the years, showing nil mortality and acceptable morbidity, we believe that the use of these 3 techniques for preserving the pancreatic parenchyma is useful when their suitability is rigorously indicated. Subsequent studies should look in depth at improving quality of life and physiological effects, depending on the technique used (AU)