Pancreatic anastomosis after pancreatoduodenectomy: A position statement by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS)

BACKGROUND

Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (grades B and C of the ISGPS definition) remains the most troublesome complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. The approach to management of the pancreatic remnant via some form of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis determines the incidence and severity of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. Despite numerous trials comparing diverse pancreatico-enteric anastomosis techniques and other adjunctive strategies (pancreatic duct stenting, somatostatin analogues, etc), currently, there is no clear consensus regarding the ideal method of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis.

METHODS

An international panel of pancreatic surgeons working in well-known, high-volume centers reviewed the best contemporary literature concerning pancreatico-enteric anastomosis and worked to develop a position statement on pancreatic anastomosis after pancreatoduodenectomy.

RESULTS

There is inherent risk assumed by creating a pancreatico-enteric anastomosis based on factors related to the gland (eg, parenchymal texture, disease pathology). None of the technical variations of pancreaticojejunal or pancreaticogastric anastomosis, such as duct-mucosa, invagination method, and binding technique, have been found to be consistently superior to another. Randomized trials and meta-analyses comparing pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy yield conflicting results and are inherently prone to bias due to marked heterogeneity in the studies. The benefit of stenting the pancreatico-enteric anastomosis to decrease clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula is not supported by high-level evidence. While controversial, somatostatin analogues appear to decrease perioperative complications but not mortality, although consistent data across the more than 20 studies addressing this topic are lacking. The Fistula Risk Score is useful for predicting postoperative pancreatic fistula as well as for comparing outcomes of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis across studies.

CONCLUSION

Currently, no specific technique can eliminate development of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. While consistent practice of any standardized technique may decrease the rate of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, experienced surgeons can have lower postoperative pancreatic fistula rates performing a variety of techniques depending on the clinical situation. There is no clear evidence on the benefit of internal or external stenting after pancreatico-enteric anastomosis. The use of somatostatin analogues may be important in decreasing morbidity after pancreatoduodenectomy, but it remains controversial. Future studies should focus on novel approaches to decrease the rate of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula with appropriate risk adjustment.

The 2016 update of the International Study Group (ISGPS) definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula: 11 Years After

BACKGROUND

In 2005, the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula developed a definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula that has been accepted universally. Eleven years later, because postoperative pancreatic fistula remains one of the most relevant and harmful complications of pancreatic operation, the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification has become the gold standard in defining postoperative pancreatic fistula in clinical practice. The aim of the present report is to verify the value of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula and to update the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification in light of recent evidence that has emerged, as well as to address the lingering controversies about the original definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

METHODS

The International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula reconvened as the International Study Group in Pancreatic Surgery in order to perform a review of the recent literature and consequently to update and revise the grading system of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

RESULTS

Based on the literature since 2005 investigating the validity and clinical use of the original International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification, a clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula is now redefined as a drain output of any measurable volume of fluid with an amylase level >3 times the upper limit of institutional normal serum amylase activity, associated with a clinically relevant development/condition related directly to the postoperative pancreatic fistula. Consequently, the former "grade A postoperative pancreatic fistula" is now redefined and called a "biochemical leak," because it has no clinical importance and is no longer referred to a true pancreatic fistula. Postoperative pancreatic fistula grades B and C are confirmed but defined more strictly. In particular, grade B requires a change in the postoperative management; drains are either left in place >3 weeks or repositioned through endoscopic or percutaneous procedures. Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula refers to those postoperative pancreatic fistula that require reoperation or lead to single or multiple organ failure and/or mortality attributable to the pancreatic fistula.

CONCLUSION

This new definition and grading system of postoperative pancreatic fistula should lead to a more universally consistent evaluation of operative outcomes after pancreatic operation and will allow for a better comparison of techniques used to mitigate the rate and clinical impact of a pancreatic fistula. Use of this updated classification will also allow for more precise comparisons of surgical quality between surgeons and units who perform pancreatic surgery.

Treatment of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: relevance of ENETS 2016 guidelines

The choice of first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (mP-NET) is mainly based on prognostic factors. ENETS-2016 guidelines stratified treatment according to 3 groups: Group 1, patients in whom all lesions could be removed; Group 2, patients with Ki67 <10%, low tumor burden, no symptoms and stable disease, for whom a watch-and-wait strategy or somatostatin analogs are proposed; Group 3, symptomatic patients or with Ki67 >10% or significant tumor burden or progressive disease, for whom a systemic chemotherapy is proposed. This retrospective study aimed to determine patient distribution, characteristics and outcome among these 3 groups. Patients with mP-NET diagnosis from 2004 to 2016 were categorized into the three groups. Prognosis was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. All treatments were recorded, and consistency with ENETS guidelines was explored. 104 patients were analyzed: 64% synchronous mP-NET, 80% grade 2 tumors and median overall survival (OS) of 104 (95% CI: 65-143) months. There were 15 patients in ENETS Group 1, 16 in Group 2 and 73 in Group 3. Median OS was not reached in Groups 1 and 2 and was 64 months (35-93) in Group 3. High liver tumor volume, high-grade tumor and progressive disease were associated with worse OS in multivariate analysis. The first-line treatment was in accordance with guidelines in 82%. 77% percent of deceased patients received less than 4 lines of treatment. Most patients are in Group 3 and do not receive all available treatments. Thus, trials are warranted to improve first-line chemotherapy. Alternative treatments may be considered for less aggressive disease.

The 2016 update of the International Study Group (ISGPS) definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula: 11 Years After

BACKGROUND

In 2005, the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula developed a definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula that has been accepted universally. Eleven years later, because postoperative pancreatic fistula remains one of the most relevant and harmful complications of pancreatic operation, the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification has become the gold standard in defining postoperative pancreatic fistula in clinical practice. The aim of the present report is to verify the value of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula and to update the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification in light of recent evidence that has emerged, as well as to address the lingering controversies about the original definition and grading of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

METHODS

The International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula reconvened as the International Study Group in Pancreatic Surgery in order to perform a review of the recent literature and consequently to update and revise the grading system of postoperative pancreatic fistula.

RESULTS

Based on the literature since 2005 investigating the validity and clinical use of the original International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification, a clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula is now redefined as a drain output of any measurable volume of fluid with an amylase level >3 times the upper limit of institutional normal serum amylase activity, associated with a clinically relevant development/condition related directly to the postoperative pancreatic fistula. Consequently, the former "grade A postoperative pancreatic fistula" is now redefined and called a "biochemical leak," because it has no clinical importance and is no longer referred to a true pancreatic fistula. Postoperative pancreatic fistula grades B and C are confirmed but defined more strictly. In particular, grade B requires a change in the postoperative management; drains are either left in place >3 weeks or repositioned through endoscopic or percutaneous procedures. Grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula refers to those postoperative pancreatic fistula that require reoperation or lead to single or multiple organ failure and/or mortality attributable to the pancreatic fistula.

CONCLUSION

This new definition and grading system of postoperative pancreatic fistula should lead to a more universally consistent evaluation of operative outcomes after pancreatic operation and will allow for a better comparison of techniques used to mitigate the rate and clinical impact of a pancreatic fistula. Use of this updated classification will also allow for more precise comparisons of surgical quality between surgeons and units who perform pancreatic surgery.

ERAS and pancreatic surgery: a review

Pancreatic surgery is still considered as a high-risk abdominal surgery. While the mortality rate is low, the morbidity remains high ranging from 30 to 60%. In 2012, the ERAS study group published the official recommendations to implement the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program in patients undergoing PD. Non-randomized studies have shown that ERAS was safe and feasible. They reported a significantly shortened LOS with lower morbidity in ERAS group. However, the level of evidence remains low due to absence of randomized study and because of a substantial heterogeneity in the content of ERAS protocols. Future studies should be prospective, multicentric and designed with a structured implementation of standardized ERAS pathway.

Endoscopic treatment of sporadic small duodenal and ampullary neuroendocrine tumors

Background and study aim: As duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare, their optimal management has not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of endoscopic treatment of duodenal NETs. Patients and methods: We reviewed the files of all patients who underwent endoscopic resection of a sporadic duodenal or ampullary NET between 1996 and 2014 at two centers. Results: A total of 29 patients with 32 uT1N0M0 NETs < 20 mm were included. Treatment consisted of endoscopic mucosal resection in 19 cases, and cap aspiration in 13 cases. Prior submucosal saline injection was used in 15 cases. Mortality was 3 % (one severe bleeding). Morbidity was 38 % (11/29). At post-resection analysis, mean tumor size was 8.9 mm (range 3 - 17 mm), 29 lesions were stage pT1, one was pT2, and 2 were pTx because of piecemeal resection. All NETs were well differentiated. A total of 27 lesions were classified as grade 1 and 5 were grade 2. The resection was R0, R1, and Rx for 16, 14, and 2 lesions, respectively. Three R1 patients underwent additional surgical treatment, with no residual tumor on the surgical specimen but with positive metastatic lymph nodes in two cases. One patient was lost to follow-up. Finally, 24 patients were included in the follow-up analysis. The median follow-up period was 56 months (range 6 - 175 months). Two patients presented a tumor recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Endoscopic treatment of small duodenal NETs was associated with significant morbidity, a difficulty in obtaining an R0 specimen, and the risk of lymph node metastasis. Nevertheless, it represents an interesting alternative in small grade 1 duodenal lesions and in patients at high surgical risk.

Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Resection: Is It Really the Future?

The introduction and widespread application of minimally invasive surgery has been one of the most important innovations that radically changed the practice of surgery during the last few decades. The application to pancreatic surgery of minimally invasive approach has only recently emerged: both laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) can be competently performed. LDP and LPD are advocated to improved perioperative outcomes, including decreased blood loss, shorter length of stay, reduced postoperative pain and expedited time to functional recovery. However, the indication to minimally invasive approach for pancreatic surgery is often benign or low-grade malignant pathologies. In this review, we summarize the current data on minimally invasive pancreatic surgery, focusing on indication, perioperative and oncological outcomes.

Synchronous resections of hepatic oligometastatic pancreatic cancer: Disputing a principle in a time of safe pancreatic operations in a retrospective multicenter analysis

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of patients with liver metastasis is generally considered dismal, and combined resections of the primary tumor and metastasectomies are not recommended. In highly selected patients, however, resections are performed. The evidence for this indication is limited. The aim of the current study was to assess the operative and oncologic outcomes of patients with combined pancreatic and liver resections of synchronous liver metastases.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis of 6 European pancreas centers, we identified 69 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and synchronous liver metastasis who underwent simultaneous pancreas and liver metastasis resections. Patients receiving exploration without tumor resection served as the control group.

RESULTS

Overall survival (OS) appeared to be prolonged in the group of resected patients (median 14 vs 8 months, P < .001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the survival benefit of the resected patients was driven by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas localized in the pancreatic head (median OS 13.6 vs 7 months, P < .001). Body/tail pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas showed no benefit of resection (median OS 14 vs 15 months, P = .312). In the multivariate analysis, tumor resection was the only independent prognosticator for OS (hazard ratio 2.044, 95% confidence interval 1.342-3.114).

CONCLUSION

The data of this retrospective and selective patient cohort suggested a clear survival benefit for patients undergoing synchronous pancreas and liver resections for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, but due to the limitations of this retrospective study and very strong potential for selection bias, a strong conclusion for resection cannot be drawn. Prospective trials must validate these data and investigate the use of combined operative and systemic treatments in case of resectable metastatic pancreatic cancer. Is it time for a multicenter, prospective trial?

Pathologic Evaluation and Reporting of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas and Other Tumoral Intraepithelial Neoplasms of Pancreatobiliary Tract: Recommendations of Verona Consensus Meeting

BACKGROUND

There are no established guidelines for pathologic diagnosis/reporting of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs).

DESIGN

An international multidisciplinary group, brought together by the Verona Pancreas Group in Italy-2013, was tasked to devise recommendations.

RESULTS

(1) Crucial to rule out invasive carcinoma with extensive (if not complete) sampling. (2) Invasive component is to be documented in a full synoptic report including its size, type, grade, and stage. (3) The term "minimally invasive" should be avoided; instead, invasion size with stage and substaging of T1 (1a, b, c; ≤ 0.5, > 0.5-≤ 1, > 1 cm) is to be documented. (4) Largest diameter of the invasion, not the distance from the nearest duct, is to be used. (5) A category of "indeterminate/(suspicious) for invasion" is acceptable for rare cases. (6) The term "malignant" IPMN should be avoided. (7) The highest grade of dysplasia in the non-invasive component is to be documented separately. (8) Lesion size is to be correlated with imaging findings in cysts with rupture. (9) The main duct diameter and, if possible, its involvement are to be documented; however, it is not required to provide main versus branch duct classification in the resected tumor. (10) Subtyping as gastric/intestinal/pancreatobiliary/oncocytic/mixed is of value. (11) Frozen section is to be performed highly selectively, with appreciation of its shortcomings. (12) These principles also apply to other similar tumoral intraepithelial neoplasms (mucinous cystic neoplasms, intra-ampullary, and intra-biliary/cholecystic).

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations will ensure proper communication of salient tumor characteristics to the management teams, accurate comparison of data between analyses, and development of more effective management algorithms.

The Impact of Severe Anastomotic Leak on Long-term Survival and Cancer Recurrence After Surgical Resection for Esophageal Malignancy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to the determine impact of severe esophageal anastomotic leak (SEAL) upon long-term survival and locoregional cancer recurrence.

BACKGROUND

The impact of SEAL upon long-term survival after esophageal resection remains inconclusive with a number of studies demonstrating conflicting results.

METHODS

A multicenter database for the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer collected data from 30 university hospitals (2000-2010). SEAL was defined as a Clavien-Dindo III or IV leak. Patients with SEAL were compared with those without in terms of demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical technique, morbidity, survival, and recurrence.

RESULTS

From a database of 2944 operated on for esophageal cancer between 2000 and 2010, 209 patients who died within 90 days of surgery and 296 patients with a R1/R2 resection were excluded, leaving 2439 included in the final analysis; 208 (8.5%) developed a SEAL and significant independent association was observed with low hospital procedural volume, cervical anastomosis, tumoral stage III/IV, and pulmonary and cardiovascular complications. SEAL was associated with a significant reduction in median overall (35.8 vs 54.8 months; P = 0.002) and disease-free (34 vs 47.9 months; P = 0.005) survivals. After adjustment of confounding factors, SEAL was associated with a 28% greater likelihood of death [hazard ratio = 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.59; P = 0.022], as well as greater overall (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.15-1.73; P = 0.011), locoregional (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.05-2.24; P = 0.030), and mixed (OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.20-2.71; P = 0.014) recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

This large multicenter study provides strong evidence that SEAL adversely impacts cancer prognosis. The mechanism through which SEAL increases local recurrence is an important area for future research.

Severe Jaundice Increases Early Severe Morbidity and Decreases Long-Term Survival after Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The influence of jaundice on outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is debated. This study aimed to determine, in a large multicentric series, the influence of severe jaundice (serum bilirubin level ≥250 μmol/L and 300 μmol/L) on early severe morbidity and survival after PD.

STUDY DESIGN

From 2004 to 2009, twelve hundred patients (median age 66 years, 57% male) with resectable PDAC underwent PD. Patients who received preoperative biliary drainage for neoadjuvant treatment or cholangitis were excluded. Pre- and intraoperative data were collected by a standardized form. Serum bilirubin level and creatinine clearance were analyzed as categorical variables. Predictive factors of severe complications and poor survival (Kaplan-Meier method) were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 21 months (95% CI, 19-23). Operative mortality was 3.9% (n = 47), with no predictive factors in multivariate analysis. Severe complications (Dindo-Clavien grade III to IV) occurred in 22% (n = 268), with male sex (p = 0.025), America Society of Anesthesiologists score 3 to 4 (p = 0.022), serum bilirubin level ≥300 μmol/L (p = 0.034), and creatinine clearance <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (p = 0.013) identified as predictive factors in multivariate analysis. Overall 3-year survival rate was 41% (95% CI, 37-45%). In multivariate analysis, serum bilirubin level ≥300 μmol/L (p = 0.048), low-volume center (p < 0.001), venous resection (p = 0.014), N1 status (p < 0.01), R1 status (p < 0.001), and absence of adjuvant treatment (p < 0.001) negatively impacted survival. There was a negative relationship between survival at 12 months or later and higher rates of bilirubin. Presence of a biliary stent did not influence early or long-term results.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicentric study, serum bilirubin level ≥300 μmol/L increased severe morbidity and decreased long-term survival after PD for PDAC. These findings suggest that biliary stenting is appropriately indicated before PD in patients with PDAC and severe jaundice.

Tumour size over 3 cm predicts poor short-term outcomes after major liver resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. By the HC-AFC-2009 group

INTRODUCTION

As mortality and morbidity after a curative resection remains high, it is essential to identify pre-operative factors associated with an early death after a major resection.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2008, we selected a population of 331 patients having undergone a major hepatectomy including segment I with a lymphadenectomy and a common bile duct resection for a proven hilar cholangiocarcinoma in 21 tertiary centres. The study's objective was to identify pre-operative predictors of early death (<12 months) after a resection.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 221 men and 110 women, with a median age of 61 years (range: 24-85). The post-operative mortality and morbidity rates were 8.2% and 61%, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 85%, 64% and 53%, respectively. The median tumour size was 23 mm on pathology, ranging from 8 to 40. A tumour size >30 mm [odds ratio (OR) 2.471 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.136-7.339), P = 0.001] and major post-operative complication [OR 3.369 (95% CI 1.038-10.938), P = 0.004] were independently associated with death <12 months in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

The present analysis of a series of 331 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma showed that tumour size >30 mm was independently associated with death <12 months.

Short- and long-term outcomes of pancreatectomy with or without biliary tract and duodenum preservation for benign and borderline neoplasms

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare short- and long-term outcomes of biliary tract and duodenum-preserving pancreatectomy (BT-DPP) versus non-conservative pancreatectomy (NCP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2008 to 2012, 39 of 259 patients underwent pancreatectomy for benign or borderline neoplasms. Patients were classified as BT-DPP (n = 15) or NCP (n = 24). Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable regarding demography, intra- and postoperative data (operative time, blood loss) and length of hospital stay. Overall complications occurred in 10 and 19 (p = 0.31), postpancreatectomy fistula in 2 and 4 (p = 0.6), biliary fistula in 3 and 1 (p = 0.15), and postpancreatectomy hemorrhage in 3 and 7 (p = 0.4) patients in the BT-DPP and NCP groups, respectively. One patient in the NCP group died. The median follow-up was 27 (4.4-56.5) and 23.4 (0.3-53) months in the BT-DPP and NCP groups, respectively. One BT-DPP patient had biliary stenosis treated endoscopically and 1 patient in the NCP group required surgery. The incidence of diabetes was equal.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that BT-DPP is feasible without an increase in morbidity compared with NCP. In the long term, BT-DPP was not associated with higher morbidity.

Extended pancreatectomy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: definition and consensus of the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS)

BACKGROUND

Complete macroscopic tumor resection is one of the most relevant predictors of long-term survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Because locally advanced pancreatic tumors can involve adjacent organs, "extended" pancreatectomy that includes the resection of additional organs may be needed to achieve this goal. Our aim was to develop a common consistent terminology to be used in centers reporting results of pancreatic resections for cancer.

METHODS

An international panel of pancreatic surgeons working in well-known, high-volume centers reviewed the literature on extended pancreatectomies and worked together to establish a consensus on the definition and the role of extended pancreatectomy in pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

Macroscopic (R1) and microscopic (R0) complete tumor resection can be achieved in patients with locally advanced disease by extended pancreatectomy. Operative time, blood loss, need for blood transfusions, duration of stay in the intensive care unit, and hospital morbidity, and possibly also perioperative mortality are increased with extended resections. Long-term survival is similar compared with standard resections but appears to be better compared with bypass surgery or nonsurgical palliative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. It was not possible to identify any clear prognostic criteria based on the specific additional organ resected.

CONCLUSION

Despite increased perioperative morbidity, extended pancreatectomy is warranted in locally advanced disease to achieve long-term survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma if macroscopic clearance can be achieved. Definitions of extended pancreatectomies for locally advanced disease (and not distant metastatic disease) are established that are crucial for comparison of results of future trials across different practices and countries, in particular for those using neoadjuvant therapy.

Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: a consensus statement by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS)

BACKGROUND

This position statement was developed to expedite a consensus on definition and treatment for borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BRPC) that would have worldwide acceptability.

METHODS

An international panel of pancreatic surgeons from well-established, high-volume centers collaborated on a literature review and development of consensus on issues related to borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

The International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) supports the National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria for the definition of BRPC. Current evidence supports operative exploration and resection in the case of involvement of the mesentericoportal venous axis; in addition, a new classification of extrahepatic mesentericoportal venous resections is proposed by the ISGPS. Suspicion of arterial involvement should lead to exploration to confirm the imaging-based findings. Formal arterial resections are not recommended; however, in exceptional circumstances, individual therapeutic approaches may be evaluated under experimental protocols. The ISGPS endorses the recommendations for specimen examination and the definition of an R1 resection (tumor within 1 mm from the margin) used by the British Royal College of Pathologists. Standard preoperative diagnostics for BRPC may include: (1) serum levels of CA19-9, because CA19-9 levels predict survival in large retrospective series; and also (2) the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio because of the prognostic relevance of the systemic inflammatory response. Various regimens of neoadjuvant therapy are recommended only in the setting of prospective trials at high-volume centers.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence justifies portomesenteric venous resection in patients with BRPC. Basic definitions were identified, that are currently lacking but that are needed to obtain further evidence and improvement for this important patient subgroup. A consensus for each topic is given.

When to perform a pancreatoduodenectomy in the absence of positive histology? A consensus statement by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) provides the best chance for cure in the treatment of patients with localized pancreatic head cancer. In patients with a suspected, clinically resectable pancreatic head malignancy, the need for histologic confirmation before proceeding with PD has not historically been required, but remains controversial.

METHODS

An international panel of pancreatic surgeons working in well-known, high-volume centers reviewed the literature and worked together to establish a consensus on when to perform a PD in the absence of positive histology.

RESULTS

The incidence of benign disease after PD for a presumed malignancy is 5-13%. Diagnosis by endoscopic cholangiopancreatography brushings and percutaneous fine-needle aspiration are highly specific, but poorly sensitive. Aspiration biopsy guided by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has greater sensitivity, but it is highly operator dependent and increases expense. The incidence of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) in the benign resected specimens is 30-43%. EUS-guided Trucut biopsy, serum levels of immunoglobulin G4, and HISORt (Histology, Imaging, Serology, Other organ involvement, and Response to therapy) are used for diagnosis. If AIP is suspected but not confirmed, the response to a short course of steroids is helpful for diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

In the presence of a solid mass suspicious for malignancy, consensus was reached that biopsy proof is not required before proceeding with resection. Confirmation of malignancy, however, is mandatory for patients with borderline resectable disease to be treated with neoadjuvant therapy before exploration for resection. When a diagnosis of AIP is highly suspected, a biopsy is recommended, and a short course of steroid treatment should be considered if the biopsy does not reveal features suspicious for malignancy.

Pancreatic fistula after a pancreaticoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma and its association with morbidity: a multicentre study of the French Surgical Association

BACKGROUNDS

A pancreatic fistula (PF) is the most relevant complication after a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This retrospective multicentric study attempts to elucidate the risk factors and complications of a PF in a large cohort of patients undergoing a PD for ductal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Using a survey tool, clinical data of 1325 patients undergoing a PD for ductal adenocarcinoma at 37 institutions, between January 2004 and December 2009, were collected. Peri-operative risk factors associated with PF and its association with morbidity and mortality were assessed. Morbidity and PF were graded according to the ISGPF (International Study group for pancreatic fistula) definition and the Dindo-Clavien classification.

RESULTS

Overall PF, mortality, morbidity and relaparotomy rates were 14.3%, 3.8%, 54.4% and 11.7%, respectively. PF occurred more frequently after a pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) compared with a pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) (16.8% vs. 10.4%; P = 0.0012). Independent risk factors for PF by multivariate analysis were absence of pre-operative diabetes (P = 0.0014), PJ reconstruction (P = 0.0035), soft pancreatic parenchyma (P < 0.0001) and low-volume centre (P = 0.0286). Clinically relevant PF (grade B and C) and severe complications (Dindo-Clavien grade IIIB, IV, V) were significantly more frequent after PJ than PG (71.6% vs. 28.3%; P = 0.030 and 24.8% vs. 19.1%; P = 0.015, respectively). Overall mortality and relaparotomy rates were similar after PG and PJ.

CONCLUSIONS

A soft pancreatic parenchyma, the absence of pre-operative diabetes, PJ and low-volume centre are independent risk factors for PF after PD for ductal adenocarcinoma. A significantly higher incidence and clinical severity of PF are associated with PJ.

European experts consensus statement on cystic tumours of the pancreas

Cystic lesions of the pancreas are increasingly recognized. While some lesions show benign behaviour (serous cystic neoplasm), others have an unequivocal malignant potential (mucinous cystic neoplasm, branch- and main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and solid pseudo-papillary neoplasm). European expert pancreatologists provide updated recommendations: diagnostic computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are indicated in all patients with cystic lesion of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound with cyst fluid analysis may be used but there is no evidence to suggest this as a routine diagnostic method. The role of pancreatoscopy remains to be established. Resection should be considered in all symptomatic lesions, in mucinous cystic neoplasm, main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and solid pseudo-papillary neoplasm as well as in branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with mural nodules, dilated main pancreatic duct >6mm and possibly if rapidly increasing in size. An oncological partial resection should be performed in main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and in lesions with a suspicion of malignancy, otherwise organ preserving procedures may be considered. Frozen section of the transection margin in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm is suggested. Follow up after resection is recommended for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, solid pseudo-papillary neoplasm and invasive cancer.