Portal vein patency after pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary cancer

Long-Term Outcomes of Angioplasty and Stent Placement for Portomesenteric Vein Obstruction following Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment for postoperative portomesenteric vein (PMV) obstruction and identify prognostic factors influencing patency rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective single-center study included patients who underwent endovascular intervention for PMV stenosis or occlusion after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery between January 2009 and December 2020. Patient characteristics, technical outcomes, and long-term patency rates were evaluated. In total, 116 patients underwent PMV intervention after liver transplantation (n = 66, 56.9%), hepatectomy (n = 21, 18.1%), or pancreatectomy (n = 29, 25%). Interventions included balloon angioplasty alone (n = 7, 6%) or stent placement (n = 106, 91.4%), performed at a median of 125 days (interquartile range, 8.5-436.5 days) after surgery.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of the PMV intervention was 95.7%. Patency rates varied significantly across the surgical groups, with liver transplantation showing superior outcomes compared with hepatectomy and pancreatectomy (5-year primary patency rates: 94.4%, 65.4%, and 64.2%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed variceal bleeding (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR], 8.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56-46.1; P = .013), stent length (sHR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99; P = .008), cumulative time (sHR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16-0.65; P = .002), and tumor etiology (sHR, 6.15; 95% CI, 1.02-36.99; P = .047) as independent prognostic factors for patency loss.

CONCLUSIONS

High technical success rates were achieved with the PMV interventions, with varying long-term patency rates. This study highlights the significance of the initial type of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery and clinical variables such as variceal bleeding, stent length, and tumor etiology in influencing PMV stenosis outcomes.

Impact of reconstructed portal vein morphology on postoperative nutritional status in pancreatoduodenectomy: a computational fluid dynamics study

This study evaluated the impact of reconstructed portal vein/superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) morphology on the long-term nutritional status following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Twenty-four patients who underwent PD with PV/SMV resection and reconstruction without tumor recurrence for over 9 months after the operation were enrolled in the study. Three-dimensional models were constructed from computed tomography images obtained 3-6 months postoperatively. The pressure (p) at the inlet and turbulence dissipation rate (ε) at the outlet were investigated in the models. Patients with values of either p or ε above the upper interquartile range were classified as the poor flow group. The prognostic nutritional index improvement rate was significantly lower at 9 postoperative months in the poor flow group than in the good flow group (P = 0.016). This finding indicates the utility of a CFD analysis for evaluating the reconstructed PV/SMV morphology.

Thrombosis and anticoagulation after portal vein reconstruction during pancreatic surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Portal vein (PV) resection and reconstruction, which includes the resection and reconstruction of the PV and superior mesenteric vein, enable surgical removal of borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Thrombosis of the reconstructed PV represents a major cause of early postoperative and long-term morbidity and mortality. No universally accepted standard for anticoagulation exists. This study aimed to assess early and late thrombosis rates after PV reconstruction with special regard to the type of PV reconstruction and anticoagulation regimen and to comprehensively assess thrombotic events and their clinical effect in patients receiving pancreatic surgery with venous resection and reconstruction.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Studies reporting on PV resection and reconstruction providing data on thrombosis rates were included. The following parameters were assessed: study type, year of publication, number of patients, type/number of PV reconstruction, follow-up period, postoperative mortality, thrombosis rate of the reconstructed PV axis, intraoperative blood loss, and anticoagulation.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies with 2751 patients were included in the final analysis. Of note, 670 patients received tangential resection of the PV with venorrhaphy or patch repair, 1505 patients had segmental resection with end-to-end reconstruction, and 576 patients received reconstruction with an interposition graft/conduit. The pooled overall thrombosis rate was 15%. Reconstruction of tangential defects with either venorrhaphy or patch repair and end-to-end repair of segmental defects resulted in a thrombosis rate of 12%. Subgroup analysis according to the type of graft reconstruction revealed the highest occlusion rates of 55% in patients with allogeneic grafts, followed by up to 27% in patients with synthetic PV conduits. Autologous conduits had a thrombosis rate of 10%. Early thrombotic events were detected in 5% of patients after venorrhaphy/patch reconstruction and end-to-end reconstruction. Early events were most common in the allogeneic graft subgroup (22%), followed by synthetic conduits (15%). There were fewer early events in the autologous graft group (7%). Early PV thrombosis was associated with relevant mortality of up to 26%. Anticoagulation regimens varied between studies.

CONCLUSION

The overall thrombosis rate after PV resection is low. However, among the different reconstruction techniques, allogeneic interposition grafts/conduits had the highest thrombosis rates among the different types of reconstruction after PV resection. No specific anticoagulation strategy can be considered beneficial based on the existing literature.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Venous Embolization and Portal Vein Stenting for Ectopic Variceal Bleeding at Choledochojejunostomy After Pancreaticoduodenectomy With Portal Vein Stenosis: A Case Report

Ectopic varices can result from portal vein stenosis following pancreaticoduodenectomy with concomitant portal vein resection reconstruction, and they can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. Although they can sometimes be fatal, various treatments have been reported. This report describes a case in which a percutaneous transhepatic approach was used to simultaneously perform variceal embolization and portal vein stenting in which a favorable outcome was achieved. The patient was a 77-year-old woman who had undergone subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy and portal vein combined resection and reconstruction for stage IIA pancreatic cancer. Although postoperative portal vein stenosis was observed, the patient was followed up because the collateral blood flow was well developed, maintaining intrahepatic blood flow. About 18 months after surgery, the day before a routine outpatient visit, she noticed melena, and a blood test performed at the time of the outpatient visit revealed anemia. An emergency contrast-enhanced computed tomography and an emergency enteroscopy revealed ectopic varices around the elevated jejunum at the choledochojejunostomy, and bleeding from the same site was suspected. Since the patient was suspected to be suffering from portal hypertension, we planned to embolize the varices for bleeding and to place a portal stent to treat portal hypertension. Since the patient had undergone mesh placement for an incisional hernia approximately one year postoperatively, a percutaneous transhepatic route was selected, and the patient was approached via the right portal vein route. The varices were embolized with coils and histoacrylate, and a stent was placed in the stenotic portal vein. The portal vein pressure was measured before and after the procedure to confirm its reduction, and the procedure was completed without complications. The patient was discharged from the hospital seven days after the procedure with no problems and is currently under outpatient follow-up with no varice recurrence. Although the optimal treatment for ectopic varices has not been established, portal vein stenting and variceal embolization via a percutaneous transhepatic approach were effective.

Rapid deterioration of steatotic liver disease due to portal vein stenosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Steatotic liver disease after pancreatoduodenectomy occurs due to various factors, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, impaired intestinal absorption, and malnutrition. The mechanism of steatogenesis differs to that of conventional steatotic liver disease associated with obesity and insulin resistance. We experienced a rare case of rapidly progressive steatotic liver disease accompanied by portal vein stenosis in the early postoperative period after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal cholangiocarcinoma. Although there was a complication due to postoperative drain infection, the patient was discharged from hospital with no nutritional problems. Two months postoperatively, the patient presented to the emergency room with dyspnea. CT showed a markedly steatotic liver, ascites, and portal vein stenosis. A portal vein stent was inserted transhepatically and the steatotic liver disease gradually improved. During the postoperative course, there were no problems indicated by nutritional markers; although the patient had diarrhea associated with postoperative pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, the symptoms were mild and improved after administration of oral pancrelipase. Before the intervention, the patient had intestinal edema, exacerbation of diarrhea, and a low serum zinc concentration, suggesting that impaired absorption caused by intestinal blood stasis and gut barrier dysfunction contributed to the development of steatotic liver disease.

Graft choice in pancreatectomy with vascular resection: equivalent safety in selected patients

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with surgical resection being the only option for long-term survival. The ability to manage vascular involvement has expanded the pool of patients who are able to undergo resection with curative intent. However, not all vascular involvements can be detected preoperatively. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of vascular resection and methods of repair or reconstruction METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective review of adult patients undergoing pancreatectomy with vascular involvement at a tertiary care referral hospital between 2010 and 2022. The primary endpoint was graft thrombosis within 90 days.

RESULTS

A total of 147 patients were included in the study. Of note, 21.8% of patients were not suspected of having vascular involvement preoperatively. Moreover, 68.0% of patients required vascular reconstruction, whereas the remaining 32.0% of patients underwent repair (either primary repair or patch angioplasty). Most patients who underwent reconstruction underwent primary end-to-end anastomosis (63.0%), with 19 patients requiring autologous interposition grafts and 16 patients requiring CryoVein interposition grafts. Univariate analysis found no clinical or technical predictors of early or 90-day thrombosis, including graft choice. In addition, 30- and 90-day mortalities occurred in 1 and 7 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatectomy with vascular resection can be performed with low mortality in carefully selected patients. Unsuspected vascular involvement is relatively common (1 in 5). If autologous graft is not readily available, CryoVein is a safe alternative with similar perioperative outcomes.

Long-Term Patency Rates of Portal Vein/Superior Mesenteric Vein Reconstruction after Pancreatic Resection for Pancreatic Tumors: Single-Center Experience

To achieve an R0 resection margin in patients with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, high-volume pancreatic centers standardly incorporate portal vein or superior mesenteric vein resection. However, there is currently no consensus on the optimal reconstructive approach. Postoperative venous thrombosis or stenosis can significantly increase patient morbidity or mortality. The objective of this study was to report the long-term patency rate of portal/superior mesenteric vein reconstruction, as well as to identify potential predictors of postoperative venous thrombosis/stenosis. A single-center retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on patients undergoing pancreatic resection due to pancreatic tumor. The patency of the vascular reconstruction was assessed by routine surveillance using computed tomographic imaging at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. A total of 297 pancreatic resections were performed with 53 patients undergoing concomitant venous resection. Among these, 26.4% (N = 14) had primary closure, 22.7% (N = 12) underwent an end-to-end anastomosis, and 50.9% (N = 27) received an interposition graft reconstruction. At the 1-year follow up, 90.2% (N = 37) of patients with venous reconstruction had a fully patent vein. The analysis did not reveal any statistically significant perioperative or postoperative factors associated with an increased risk of reconstruction thrombosis. While our study confirms a high long-term patency rate of 90.2% at 1 year, it underscores the necessity for a randomized controlled trial to determine the optimal method of venous reconstruction in pancreatic surgery.

Comparison of patency rates and complications with or without antithrombotic therapy following portal vein stent placement after pancreatic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Portal vein stent placement is used for portal vein stenosis. However, reports on postpancreatic surgery cases are rare. Whether antithrombotic therapy should be administered remains controversial. In this paper, the authors reviewed current data to evaluate the influence of antithrombosis on stent patency after pancreatic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis compared studies in which patients did or did not receive antithrombotic therapy after portal vein stent placement. The authors compared patency after stent placement and complication rate.

RESULTS

There were 22 ( n =207) studies in which patients received antithrombotic therapy and 8 ( n =61) in which patients did not receive therapy. Antithrombotic agents, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, and warfarin, were used. The overall patency rates were similar between the groups (79.2% in the antithrombosis group vs. 88.0% in the nonantithrombosis group). Subgroup analyses included those for the etiology of stenosis, types of antithrombotic agents, acute or chronic stenosis, and causes of stent stenosis. None revealed a significant difference between the patency rates in the antithrombosis and nonantithrombosis groups. However, bleeding complications only occurred in patients who received antithrombotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant benefit of antithrombotic therapy after portal vein stent placement following pancreatic surgery. Antithrombotic therapy should be performed with caution because it may cause complications, such as bleeding.

Percutaneous transhepatic stenting for acute superior mesenteric vein stenosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal vein reconstruction: A case report

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous transhepatic stent placement has become a common strategy for the postoperative treatment of portal vein (PV)/superior mesenteric veins (SMV) stenosis/occlusion. It has been widely used after liver transplantation surgery; however, reports on stent placement for acute PV/SMV stenosis after pancreatic surgery within postoperative 3 d are rare.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein, we reported a case of intestinal edema and SMV stenosis 2 d after pancreatic surgery. The patient was successfully treated using stent grafts. Although the stenosis resolved after stent placement, complications, including bleeding, pancreatic fistula, bile leakage, and infection, made the treatment highly challenging. The use of anticoagulants was adjusted multiple times to prevent venous thromboembolism and the risk of bleeding. After careful treatment, the patient stabilized, and stent placement effectively managed postoperative PV/SMV stenosis.

CONCLUSION

Stent placement is effective and feasible for treating acute PV/SMV stenosis after pancreatic surgery even within postoperative 3 d.

Technical Strategy for Pancreatic Body Cancers: A Raison d'etre of Distal Pancreatectomy with Portal Resection

BACKGROUND

Advancements in multiagent chemotherapy have expanded the surgical indications for pancreatic cancer. Although pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with portal vein resection (PVR) has become widely adopted, distal pancreatectomy (DP) with PVR remains rarely performed because of its technical complexity. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of DP-PVR compared with PD-PVR for pancreatic body cancers, with a focus on PV complications and providing optimal reconstruction techniques when DP-PVR is necessary.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on consecutive pancreatic body cancer patients who underwent pancreatectomy with PVR between 2005 and 2020. An algorithm based on the anatomical relationship between the arteries and PV was used for optimal surgical selection.

RESULTS

Among 119 patients, 32 underwent DP-PVR and 87 underwent PD-PVR. Various reconstruction techniques were employed in DP-PVR cases, including patch reconstruction, graft interposition, and wedge resection. The majority of PD-PVR cases involved end-to-end anastomosis. The length of PVR was shorter in DP-PVR (25 vs. 40 mm; p < 0.001). Although Clavien-Dindo ≥3a was higher in DP-PVR (p = 0.002), inpatient mortality and R0 status were similar. Complete PV occlusion occurred more frequently in DP-PVR than in PD-PVR (21.9% vs. 1.1%; p < 0.001). A cutoff value of 30 mm for PVR length was determined to be predictive of nonrecurrence-related PV occlusion after DP-PVR. The two groups did not differ significantly in recurrence or overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

DP-PVR had higher occlusion and postoperative complication rates than PD-PVR. These findings support the proposed algorithm and emphasize the importance of meticulous surgical manipulation when DP-PVR is deemed necessary.

A nomogram model to predict the portal vein thrombosis risk after surgery in patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common postoperative complication in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC), significantly affecting their quality of life and long-term prognosis. Our aim is to establish a new nomogram to predict the risk of PVT after PC surgery.

METHOD

We collected data from 416 patients who underwent PC surgery at our hospital between January 2011 and June 2022. This includes 87 patients with PVT and 329 patients without PVT. The patients were randomly divided into a training group and a validation group at a ratio of 7:3. We constructed a nomogram model using the outcomes from both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses conducted on the training group. The nomogram's predictive capacity was assessed using calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

RESULTS

In the study, the prevalence of PVT was 20.9%. Age, albumin, vein reconstruction and preoperative D-dimer were independent related factors. The model achieved a C-index of 0.810 (95% confidence interval: 0.752-0.867), demonstrating excellent discrimination and calibration performance. The area under the ROC curve of the nomogram was 0.829 (95% CI: 0.750-0.909) in the validation group. DCA confirmed that the nomogram model was clinically useful when the incidence of PVT in patients was 5%-60%.

CONCLUSION

We have established a high-performance nomogram for predicting the risk of PVT in patients undergoing PC surgery. This will assist clinical doctors in identifying individuals at high risk of PVT and taking appropriate preventive measures.

Allogeneic Vessels in Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Portal Vein Resection: Risk of Portal Vein Thrombosis and Prognosis

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic vessels (AV) are commonly used in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with portal vein resection (PVR), but the epidemiological characteristics of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) are still unclear.

METHODS

The clinicopathological data of patients who underwent PD combined with PVR in our hospital from January 2011 to October 2022 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent regular contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen after surgery to identify PVT or recurrence and metastasis of the tumor.

RESULTS

A total of 878 patients received PD, of which 213 patients who also underwent PVR were included in the study. Among them are 16 (7.5%) tangential/patch reconstructions, 51 (23.9%) end-to-end anastomosis, and 146 (68.5%) AV reconstructions. The cumulative incidence of PVT in 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after surgery was 0.9%, 7.3%, 7.3%, 15.9%, 23.4%, and 27.6%, respectively. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes, operation procedure, and AV reconstruction were independent risk factors for PVT (P < 0.05). In the Cox analysis, PVT was clearly correlated with tumor recurrence (P = 0.038, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.553) and overall survival (P = 0.044, HR = 1.592) of pancreatic cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PVT is high in PD with PVR, particularly in patients undergoing AV reconstructions. The occurrence of PVT has a clear correlation with the patient's long-term prognosis.

Ectopic Variceal Bleeding from the Hepaticojejunostomy due to Extrahepatic Portal Vein Occlusion: How to Treat?

Atypical variceal bleeding, which primarily stems from extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO), is a severe complication of pancreatic hepatobiliary surgery. This review provides insights into this condition's incidence, diagnosis, and management strategies. The treatment modalities for atypical variceal bleeding resulting from EHPVO range from endoscopic intervention to surgical procedures, including direct variceal ligation and shunt surgery. Here, we discuss the efficacy and potential limitations of each treatment approach. Additionally, we explored the utility and therapeutic advantages of the meso-Rex shunt, a particularly promising surgical technique for mitigating the hemodynamic and metabolic impacts of EHPVO.

Surgical Outcomes of Pancreatectomy with Resection of the Portal Vein and/or Superior Mesenteric Vein and Jejunal Vein for Pancreatic Head Cancer: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and survival benefits of portal vein and/or superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) resection with jejunal vein resection (JVR) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Few studies have shown the surgical outcome and survival of pancreatic resection with JVR, and treatment strategies for patients with PDAC suspected of jejunal vein (JV) infiltration remain unclear.

METHODS

In total, 1260 patients who underwent pancreatectomy with PV/ SMV resection between 2013 and 2016 at 50 facilities were included; treatment outcomes were compared between the PV/SMV group (PV/ SMV resection without JVR; n = 824), PV/SMV-J1 V group (PV/SMV resection with first jejunal vein resection; n = 394), and PV/SMV-J2,3 V group (PV/SMV resection with second jejunal vein or later branch resection; n = 42).

RESULTS

Postoperative complications and mortality did not differ between the three groups. The postoperative complication rate associated with PV/ SMV reconstruction was 11.9% in PV/SMV group, 8.6% in PV/SMV-J1 V group, and 7.1% in PV/SMV-J2,3V group; there were no significant differences among the three groups. Overall survival did not differ between PV/SMV and PV/SMV-J1 V groups (median survival; 29.2 vs 30.9 months, P = 0.60). Although PV/SMV-J2,3 V group had significantly shorter survival than PV/SMV group who underwent upfront surgery ( P = 0.05), no significant differences in overall survival of patients who received preoperative therapy. Multivariate survival analysis revealed that adjuvant therapy and R0 resection were independent prognostic factors in all groups.

CONCLUSION

PV/SMV resection with JVR can be safely performed and may provide satisfactory overall survival with the pre-and postoperative adjuvant therapy.

Laparoscopic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy with major vein resection for pancreatic head cancer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with major vein resection is a challenging procedure. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic vein resection in pancreatic head cancer with portal vein/superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) invasion, and compared the survival rate following laparoscopic surgery with that following open surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients with pancreatic head cancer who underwent surgery performed by a single surgeon from January 2015 to December 2017. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare the disease-free survival, while Cox-proportional hazard models were used to analyze prognostic factors for survival.

RESULTS

Among 76 patients, 63 underwent open PD and 13 underwent laparoscopic PD with PV/SMV resection. There was no significant difference in the rate of complications, including portal vein stenosis and portal vein thrombus, recurrence of tumors, or pathological outcomes after surgery between the groups. There was also no significant difference in disease-free survival (p = .803) between the two groups. Additionally, the surgical method was not an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic PD with major vein resection can be feasibly performed in select patients with abutment and focal narrowing of the PV/SMV in pancreatic head cancer.

Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of jejunal varix of the afferent loop after pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Jejunal varix is a concerning late complication after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) due to the risk of recurrent and intractable bleeding. Our aim was to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of jejunal varix after PD.

METHODS

A total of 709 patients who underwent PD between 2007 and 2017 were included. Preoperative and postoperative CT images were reviewed to evaluate the development of portal vein (PV) stenosis (≥50%) and jejunal varices.

RESULTS

Jejunal varix developed in 83 (11.7%) patients at a median of 12 months after PD. Eighteen (21.7%) patients experienced variceal bleeding. PV stenosis (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 33.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.6-66.7) and PV/superior mesenteric vein resection (P = 0.028; OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.7) were independent risk factors for jejunal varix. Of the nine patients who underwent stent placement for PV stenosis before the formation of jejunal varices, none experienced variceal bleeding. By contrast, 18 (27.3%) of the 135 patients without PV stent placement experienced at least one episode of variceal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of jejunal varix was substantial after PD. PV stenosis was a strong risk factor for jejunal varix. Early PV stent placement and maintaining stent patency could reduce the risk of variceal bleeding in patients with PV stenosis.

Portal Vein Thrombosis After Venous Reconstruction During Pancreatectomy: Timing and Risks

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have shown that portal vein resection during pancreatectomy can help achieve complete tumor clearance and long term-survival. While the safety of vascular resection during pancreatectomy is well documented, the risk of superior mesenteric vein/portal vein (SMV/PV) thrombosis after reconstruction remains unclear. This study aimed to describe the incidence and risk factors of SMV/PV thrombosis after vein reconstruction during pancreatectomy.

METHODS

All patients who underwent portal vein resection (PVR) during pancreatectomy (2007-2019) were identified from a single institution prospective clinical database. Demographic and clinical data, operative and pathological findings, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Pancreatectomy with PVR was performed in 220 patients (mean age 65.1 years, male/female ratio 0.96). Thrombosis occurred in 36 (16.4%) patients after a median of 15.5 days [IQR 38.5, 1-786 days]. SMV/PV patency rates were 92.7% and 88.7% at 1 and 3 months, respectively. The rate of SMV/PV thrombosis varied according to SMV/PV reconstruction technique: 12.8% after venorrhaphy, 13.2% end-to-end anastomosis, 22.6% autologous vein, and 83.3% synthetic graft interposition (p < 0.0001). SMV/PV thrombosis was associated with increased 90-day mortality (16.7% vs 4.9%, p = 0.02) and overall 30-day complication rate (69.4% vs 42.9%, p = 0.006). Pancreatectomy type, neoadjuvant chemoradiation, pathologic tumor venous invasion, resection margin status, and manner of perioperative anticoagulation did not influence the incidence of PV thrombosis. SMV/PV thrombosis was associated with a nearly 5-times increased risk of postoperative sepsis after pancreatectomy.

CONCLUSION

Portal vein thrombosis developed in 16% of patients who underwent pancreatectomy with PVR at a median of 15 days. PVR with synthetic interposition graft carries the highest risk for thrombosis.

Patency for autologous vein is superior to cadaveric vein in portal-mesenteric venous reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Portal venous reconstruction (PVR) is often needed during resection of hepatopancreato-biliary (HPB) malignancies. Primary repair (PR), autologous vein (AV), or cryopreserved cadaveric vein (CCV) are frequently utilized, however relative patency is not well studied.

METHODS

All patients undergoing PVR between 2007-2019 at our center were identified. 3-year primary patency (PP), overall survival (OS), and survival-adjusted patency (SAP) were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards modeling.

RESULTS

One-hundred-twenty patients were identified with a median follow-up of 11 months. PR, AV, and CCV reconstruction were used in 28 (23%), 35 (29%), and 57 (48%) patients, respectively, with two (7%), four (11%), and 29 (51%) thromboses, respectively. 3-year PP was greater for both primary repair (90%) and AV (83%) compared to CCV (33%, both p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, CCV had worse 3-year PP (HR 7.89, p=0.005) and SAP (HR 2.09, p=0.02) compared to PR; AV reconstruction had equivalent oncologic and patency-related outcomes to PR (p>0.4 for both comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary patency for PR and AV reconstruction is superior to CCV for PVR during resection of HPB malignancies. AV conduit should be the preferred choice of reconstruction when PR is not achievable. Surgeons should only use CCV when factors preclude PR/AV reconstruction.

Parachute technique for portal vein reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy with portal vein resection in patients with pancreatic head cancer

BACKGROUND

The most appropriate venous reconstruction method remains debatable when a long section of portal vein (PV) and/or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) must be resected in patients undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of the present study was to describe the technical details of the parachute technique, a modified end-to-end anastomotic maneuver that can be used in the above-mentioned circumstances, and to investigate its safety and feasibility.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients who underwent venous reconstruction using the parachute technique after receiving a PD with PV resection for pancreatic cancer between January 2014 and March 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. For the parachute technique, the posterior wall was sutured in a continuous fashion while the stitches were left untightened. The stitches were then tightened from both sides after the running suture of the posterior wall had been completed, thereby dispersing the tension applied to the stitched venous wall when the venous ends were brought together and solving any problems that would otherwise have been caused by over-tension. The postoperative outcomes and PV patency were then investigated.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were identified. The median length of the resected PV/SMV measured in vivo was 5 cm (range, 3-6 cm). The splenic vein was resected in all the patients and was reconstructed in 13 patients (87%). The overall postoperative complication rate (≥ Clavien-Dindo grade I) was 60%, while a major complication (≥ Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa) occurred in 1 patient (7%). No postoperative deaths occurred in this series. The PV patency at 1 year was 87%.

CONCLUSION

The parachute technique is both safe and feasible and is a simple venous reconstruction procedure suitable for use in cases undergoing PD when the distance between the resected PV and SMV is relatively long.

Long term clinical outcomes of portal vein stenting for symptomatic portal vein stenosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Gastrointestinal bleeding caused by portal vein (PV) stenosis is serious complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) The purpose of this study is to reveal the long-term clinical outcomes of PV stenting for symptomatic PV stenosis and risk factors of stent related complication.Fifteen patients who underwent portal vein stenting for symptomatic PV stenosis after PD between 2000 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The whole cohort was divided into 9 patients with benign stenosis group (Group-B) and 6 patients with recurrence group (Group-R).The median follow up period was 17.0 (interquartile range 12.0-38.0) months. The technical success rate and clinical success rate was revealed at 93.3% and 86.7%. The primary patency rate of stents was 79.4% and mean patency period was 14.0 (4.0-28.0) months. There was significant difference in time to stenosis and proportion of anticoagulation treatment between 2 groups [2.0 (1.0-4.0) months vs 18.5 (2.5-50.3) months, P  = .035 and 100% vs 50%, P  = .044. In univariable analysis, stent diameter was found to have a significant correlation with stent occlusion (P  = .036).PV stenting was found to be feasible and safe in the treatment of symptomatic PV stenosis from a long term point of view.

Reconsideration of the Appropriate Dissection Range Based on Japanese Anatomical Classification for Resectable Pancreatic Head Cancer in the Era of Multimodal Treatment

Patients with resectable pancreatic cancer are considered to already have micro-distant metastasis, because most of the recurrence patterns postoperatively are distant metastases. Multimodal treatment dramatically improves prognosis; thus, micro-distant metastasis is considered to be controlled by chemotherapy. The survival benefit of "regional lymph node dissection" for pancreatic head cancer remains unclear. We reviewed the literature that could be helpful in determining the appropriate resection range. Regional lymph nodes with no suspected metastases on preoperative imaging may become areas treated with preoperative and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Many studies have reported that the R0 resection rate is associated with prognosis. Thus, "dissection to achieve R0 resection" is required. The recent development of high-quality computed tomography has made it possible to evaluate the extent of cancer infiltration. Therefore, it is possible to simulate the dissection range to achieve R0 resection preoperatively. However, it is often difficult to distinguish between areas of inflammatory changes and cancer infiltration during resection. Even if the "dissection to achieve R0 resection" range is simulated based on the computed tomography evaluation, it is difficult to identify the range intraoperatively. It is necessary to be aware of anatomical landmarks to determine the appropriate dissection range during surgery.

Graft type for superior mesenteric and portal vein reconstruction in pancreatic surgery - A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Contemporary practice for superior mesenteric/portal vein (SMV-PV) reconstruction during pancreatectomy with vein resection involves biological (autograft, allograft, xenograft) or synthetic grafts as a conduit or patch. The aim of this study was to systematically review the safety and feasibility of the different grafts used for SMV-PV reconstruction.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase according to the PRISMA guidelines (January 2000-March 2020). Studies reporting on ≥ 5 patients undergoing reconstruction of the SMV-PV with grafts during pancreatectomy were included. Primary outcome was rate of graft thrombosis.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies with 603 patients were included. Four graft types were identified (autologous vein, autologous parietal peritoneum/falciform ligament, allogeneic cadaveric vein/artery, synthetic grafts). Early and overall graft thrombosis rate was 7.5% and 22.2% for synthetic graft, 5.6% and 11.7% for autologous vein graft, 6.7% and 8.9% for autologous parietal peritoneum/falciform ligament, and 2.5% and 6.2% for allograft. Donor site complications were reported for harvesting of the femoral, saphenous, and external iliac vein. No cases of graft infection were reported for synthetic grafts.

CONCLUSION

In selected patients, autologous, allogenic or synthetic grafts for SMV-PV reconstruction are safe and feasible. Synthetic grafts seems to have a higher incidence of graft thrombosis.

Hepatic Artery Embolization for Postoperative Hemorrhage: Importance of Arterial Collateral Vessels and Portal Venous Impairment

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between hepatic ischemic complications and hepatic artery (HA) collateral vessels and portal venous (PV) impairment after HA embolization for postoperative hemorrhage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 2003 to November 2019, 42 patients underwent HA embolization for postoperative hemorrhage. HA collateral vessels were classified according to visualization after embolization (grade 1, none; grade 2, 1-4 segmental HA; and grade 3, ≥4 segmental HA). Transhepatic portal vein stent placements were performed in the same session for 5 patients (11.9%) with poor HA collateral vessels (grade 1 or 2) and compromised PV flow (>70% stenosis). Hepatic ischemic complications were analyzed for relevance to HA collateral vessels and PV compromise.

RESULTS

After HA embolization, HA flow was found to be preserved (grade 3) through intra- and/or extrahepatic collateral vessels in 23 patients (54.8%), and hepatic complications did not occur regardless of PV flow status (0%). Of the 19 patients (45.2%) with poor HA collateral vessels (grade 1 or 2), segmental hepatic infarction occurred in 2 of 15 patients (13.3%) with preserved PV flow (10 naïve and 5 stented). The remaining 4 patients with poor HA collateral vessels and untreated compromised PV flow experienced multisegmental hepatic infarction (n = 3) or hepatic failure (n = 1) (100%) (P < .005).

CONCLUSIONS

After HA embolization, preserved HA flow (≥4 segmental HA) lowered the risk of hepatic complications regardless of the PV flow. Based on these findings, transhepatic PV stent placement seems to be an effective intervention for the prevention of hepatic complications in cases of poor HA collateral vessels and compromised PV flow.

Therapeutic effect of portal vein stenting for portal vein stenosis after upper-abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic effect of portal vein (PV) stenting for PV stenosis following nontransplant hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery has not been fully investigated.

METHODS

Changes in portal venous pressure (PVP) gradient before and after stenting, complications, symptomatic improvement, and stent patency were evaluated.

RESULTS

We identified 14 consecutive patients undergoing PV stenting for malignant (n = 8) and benign (n = 6) PV stenosis. Signs of PV stenosis were composed of refractory ascites in 6 patients, varices with hemorrhagic tendencies in 5, and abnormal liver function in 5. The median PVP gradient after PV stenting was 3.0 cm H2O (range, 1.5-3.0), which was significantly smaller than that before PV stenting (median, 15 cm H2O [range, 2.5-25]; P < 0.01). Thirteen out of 14 (93%) achieved clinical success with symptomatic improvement, except one patient with sustained refractory ascites because of peritoneal seeding. During the median follow-up time of 7.3 months (range, 1.0-87), stent occlusion occurred in two patients (14%) because of intrastent tumor growth. The 1-year cumulative stent patency rate was 76% in the entire cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on durable effect on patency, we deemed PV stenting for PV stenosis after HPB surgery to be safe and beneficial for improving symptoms.

Transhepatic stent placement for portal vein obstruction after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery: long-term efficacy and risk factor for stent failure

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of transhepatic portal vein (PV) stent placement in patients with postoperative PV obstruction and to identify risk factors for stent failure.

METHODS

Between January 2007 and October 2019, percutaneous transhepatic PV stent placement was attempted in 60 patients with postoperative PV obstruction. Technical and clinical success, complications, and stent patency were retrospectively evaluated. Thirteen clinical variables were analyzed to determine risk factors for stent failure.

RESULTS

Stent placement was technically successful in all patients. Thromboaspiration (n = 19) and jejunal variceal embolization (n = 7) were performed in the same session. Clinical symptoms related to portal hypertension were resolved in 54 patients (90.0%). There was no procedure-related complication. During the follow-up period (mean 630 days), stent failure occurred in 13 patients. One- and 5-year stent patency rate was 74.8% and 64.9%, respectively. The presence of a pancreatic fistula was the only independent risk factor associated with stent failure (HR 7.54; 95% CI 2.02-28.10, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous transhepatic PV stent placement is a technically feasible and effective treatment for postoperative PV obstruction. The pancreatic fistula is a risk factor for stent failure.

KEY POINTS

• Percutaneous transhepatic stent placement is an effective treatment to improve portal hypertension-related symptoms in patients with portal vein obstruction after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. • The pancreatic fistula is an independent risk factor for portal vein stent failure.

Portal vein stent placement after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of percutaneous transhepatic stent placement for portal vein (PV) stenosis after liver transplantation (LT) and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 455 patients who underwent LT and 522 patients who underwent resection of the pancreatic head between June 2011 and February 2016. Technical success, clinical success, patency, and complications were evaluated for both groups.

RESULTS

A total of 23 patients were confirmed to have postoperative PV stenosis and were treated with percutaneous transhepatic PV stent placement. The technical success rate was 100%, the clinical success rate was 80%, and the long-term stent patency was 91.3% for the entire study population. Two procedure-related hemorrhages and two early stent thromboses occurred in the HPB group while no complications occurred in the LT group. A literature review of selected studies reporting PV stent placement for the treatment of PV stenosis after HPB surgery and LT showed a technical success rate of 78-100%, a clinical success rate of 72-100%, and a long-term patency of 57-100%, whereas the procedure-related complication rate varied from 0-33.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous transhepatic PV stent is a safe and effective treatment for postoperative PV stenosis/occlusion in patients undergoing LT regardless of symptoms. Due to increased risk of complications, the indication for percutaneous PV stent placement after HPB surgery should be limited to patients with clinical symptoms after an individual assessment.

Vascular Resection for Pancreatic Cancer: 2019 French Recommendations Based on a Literature Review From 2008 to 6-2019

Introduction: Vascular resection remains a subject of debate in the management of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These French recommendations were drafted on behalf of the French National Institute of Cancer (INCA-2019).

Material and Methods: A systematic literature search, with PubMed, Medline® (OvidSP), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, was performed for abstracts published in English from January 2008 to June 2019, and identified systematic reviews/metaanalyses, retrospective analyses and case series dedicated to vascular resections in the setting of PDAC. All selected articles were graded for level of evidence and strength of recommendation was given according to the GRADE system.

Results: Neoadjuvant treatment should be performed rather than direct surgery in borderline and locally advanced non-metastatic PDAC with venous and/or arterial infiltration (T4 stage). Patients who respond or those with stable disease and good performance status should undergo surgical exploration to assess resectability because cross-sectional imaging often fails to identify the extent of the remaining viable tumor. Combining vascular resection with pancreatectomy in these cases increases the feasibility of curative resection which is still the only option to improve long-term survival. Venous resection (VR) is recommended if resection is possible in the presence of limited lateral or circumferential involvement but without venous occlusion and in the absence of arterial contact with the celiac axis (CA; cephalic tumors) or the superior mesenteric artery (SMA; all tumor locations) (Grade B). The patients should be in good general condition because mortality and morbidity are higher than following pancreatectomy without VR (Grade B). In case of planned VR, neoadjuvant treatment is recommended since it improves both rate of R0 resections and survival compared to upfront surgery (Grade B). Due to their complexity and specificities, arterial resection (AR; mainly the hepatic artery (HA) or the CA) must be discussed in selected patients, in multidisciplinary team meetings in tertiary referral centers, according to the tumor location and the type of arterial extension. In case of invasion of a short segment of the common HA, resection with arterial reconstruction may be proposed after neoadjuvant therapy. In case of SMA invasion, neoadjuvant therapy may be followed by laparotomy with dissection and biopsy of peri-arterial tissues. A pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with SMA-resection is not recommended if the frozen section examination is positive (Grade C). In case of distal PDAC with invasion of the CA, a distal pancreatectomy with CA-resection without arterial reconstruction may be proposed after neoadjuvant therapy and radiologic embolization of the CA branches (expert opinion).

Conclusion: For PDAC with vascular involvement, neoadjuvant treatment followed by pancreatectomy with venous resection or even arterial resection can be proposed as a curative option in selected patients with selected vascular involvement.

Benign Portal Vein Stenosis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

The long-term patency of the portal vein (PV) in patients who survive after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical features and risk factors for benign PV stenosis after PD.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the patients who underwent PD from September 2002 and December 2015 at our institution without intraoperative radiation therapy or concomitant PV resection. The postoperative computed tomography of each patient was evaluated, and PV stenosis was defined as the shortest diameter of the PV being <3 mm. The patients with PV stenosis due to local recurrence were excluded.

RESULTS

Of the 458 patients, PV stenosis occurred in 57 (12.4%), including benign PV stenosis in 28 (6.1%) and PV stenosis due to local recurrence in 29 (6.3%). Of the 28 patients with benign PV stenosis, 7 (25%) developed symptoms related to portal hypertension, namely recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in 5 and refractory ascites in 2. Six patients were treated with percutaneous transhepatic PV stent placement, and all of their symptoms improved. A multivariate analysis found that a postoperative pancreatic fistula was an independent risk factor for benign PV stenosis after PD (odds ratio, 4.36; p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative pancreatic fistula was a significant risk factor for benign PV stenosis after PD. Stent placement for benign PV stenosis was effective for the patients with symptoms due to portal hypertension.

Oncovascular Surgery: Essential Roles of Vascular Surgeons in Cancer Surgery

For the modern practice of cancer surgery, the concept of oncovascular surgery (OVS), defined as cancer resection with concurrent ligation or reconstruction of a major vascular structure, can be very important. OVS for advanced cancers requires specialized procedures performed by a specialized multidisciplinary team. Roles of oncovascular surgeons are summarized as: a primary surgeon in vesselorigin tumors, a rescue surgeon treating complications during cancer surgery, and a consultant surgeon as a multidisciplinary team for cancer surgery. Vascular surgeons must show leadership in cancer surgery in cases of complex advanced diseases, such as angiosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, intravenous leiomyomatosis, retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcoma, iatrogenic injury of the major vessels during cancer surgery, pancreatic cancer with vascular invasion, extremity soft tissue sarcoma, melanoma and others.

Bleeding complications after pancreatic surgery: interventional radiology management

Surgical intervention in the pancreas region is complex and carries the risk of complications, also of vascular nature. Bleeding after pancreatic surgery is rare but characterized by high mortality. This review reports epidemiology, classification, diagnosis and treatment strategies of hemorrhage occurring after pancreatic surgery, focusing on the techniques, roles and outcomes of interventional radiology (IR) in this setting. We then describe the roles and techniques of IR in the treatment of other less common types of vascular complications after pancreatic surgery, such as portal vein (PV) stenosis, portal hypertension and bleeding of varices.

Portal encasement: Significant CT findings to diagnose local recurrence after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the utility of portal encasement as a criterion for early diagnosis of local recurrence (LR) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

METHODS

A total of 61 patients who underwent PD for PDAC were included in this retrospective study. Portal stenosis was evaluated by sequential postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans and correlated with disease recurrence. In addition to the conventional LR diagnostic criterion of a growing soft tissue mass, LR was evaluated using portal encasement as an additional diagnostic criterion. Portal encasement was defined as progressive stenosis of the portal system accompanied by a soft tissue mass, notwithstanding the enlargement of the mass.

RESULTS

Benign portal stenosis was found on the first postoperative CT imaging in 16 patients. However, stenosis resolved a median of 81 days later in all but one patient whose stenosis was due to portal reconstruction during PD. Portal encasement could be distinguished from benign portal stenosis based on the timing of emergence of the portal stenosis. Portal encasement developed in 13 of the 19 patients with LR, including 6 patients in whom the finding of portal encasement led to the diagnosis of LR a median of 147 days earlier with our diagnostic criterion compared with the conventional diagnostic criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Portal encasement should be considered as a promising diagnostic criterion for earlier diagnosis of LR after PD for PDAC.

Risk Factors for Late-Onset Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage After Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

Late-onset gastrointestinal hemorrhage after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) occasionally occurs repeatedly or leads to a serious condition. This retrospective study aimed to clarify its frequency and pathogenesis.

METHODS

A total of 147 consecutive patients who underwent PD for pancreatic cancer between 2006 and 2014 were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of late-onset gastrointestinal hemorrhage on postoperative day 100 or later. Furthermore, recurrence and portal vein (PV) hemodynamics were thoroughly reevaluated by computed tomography.

RESULTS

Eleven patients experienced late-onset gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The bleeding sites were gastrojejunostomy in four patients, choledochojejunostomy in two, transverse colic marginal vein in one, and unknown in four. The median occurrence time of late-onset gastrointestinal hemorrhage was 13.3 months after PD. PV occlusion (63.6 vs. 8.9%; p < 0.001), no patency of PV-splenic vein (SPV) confluence (54.5 vs. 12.7%; p = 0.002), and SPV ligation (36.4 vs. 9.6%; p = 0.025) were found to be significant risk factors for late-onset gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Among 11 patients who experienced late-onset gastrointestinal hemorrhage, 7 had PV occlusion and 6 had local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested for the first time that both oncologic and non-oncologic factors might contribute to late-onset gastrointestinal hemorrhage after PD for pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, PV occlusion, no PV-SPV patency, and SPV ligation were found to be significant risk factors for late-onset gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Therefore, to prevent late-onset gastrointestinal hemorrhage, we must consider various approaches to maintain the patency of the PV and SPV.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy with combined superior mesenteric vein resection without reconstruction is possible: A case report and review of the literature

We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) discovered during an episode of febrile jaundice. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a mass in the head of the pancreas with circumferential infiltration of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and dilatation of the biliary and pancreatic ducts without metastases. The patient benefited from neoadjuvant chemotherapy (FOLFIRINOX) followed by radio-chemotherapy (45 Gy) and chemotherapy (LV5FU2). The revaluation CT revealed SMV thrombosis without portal vein (PV) thrombosis. There was no contact of the tumor with the PV. Pancreatoduodenectomy with combined resection of the SMV was performed with no reconstruction of this venous axis after confirmation of adequate PV, splenic, and left gastric venous flow and the absence of bowel ischemia. The pathological diagnosis was pT4N1R0 PA. There were no bowel angina issues during the follow-up period. At 15 mo after surgery, the patient died of metastatic recurrence.

Imaging of post-operative pancreas and complications after pancreatic adenocarcinoma resection

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. With surgical resection being the only definitive treatment, improvements in technique has led to an increase in number of candidates undergoing resection by inclusion of borderline resectable disease patients to the clearly resectable group. Post-operative complications associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy include delayed gastric emptying, anastomotic failures, fistula formation, strictures, abscess, infarction, etc. The utility of dual-phase CT with multiplanar reconstruction and 3D rendering is increasingly recognized as a tool for the assessment of complications associated with vascular resection and reconstruction such as hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysm, vascular thrombosis, and ischemia. Prompt recognition of the complications and distinction from benign post-operative findings such as hepatic steatosis and mesenteric fat necrosis on imaging plays a key role in helping decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. We discuss, with case examples, some of such common and uncommon findings on imaging to familiarize the abdominal radiologists evaluating post-operative imaging in both acute and chronic post-operative settings.

Portal vein reconstruction using primary anastomosis or venous interposition allograft in pancreatic surgery

OBJECTIVE

Superior mesenteric vein/portal vein (SMV/PV) resection and reconstruction during pancreatic surgery are increasingly common. Several reconstruction techniques exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of patients and clinical outcomes for SMV/PV reconstruction using interposed cold-stored cadaveric venous allograft (AG+) or primary end-to-end anastomosis (AG-) after segmental vein resections during pancreatic surgery.

METHODS

All patients undergoing pancreatic surgery with SMV/PV resection and reconstruction from 2006 to 2015 were identified. Clinical and histopathologic outcomes as well as preoperative and postoperative radiologic findings were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 171 patients were identified. The study included 42 and 71 patients reconstructed with AG+ and AG-, respectively. Patients in the AG+ group had longer mean operative time (506 minutes [standard deviation, 83 minutes] for AG+ vs 420 minutes [standard deviation, 91 minutes] for AG-; P < .01) and more intraoperative bleeding (median, 1000 mL [interquartile range (IQR), 650-2200 mL] for AG+ vs 600 mL [IQR, 300-1000 mL] for AG-; P < .01). Neoadjuvant therapy was administered more frequently for patients in the AG+ group (23.8% vs 8.5%; P = .02). Patients with AG+ had a longer length of tumor-vein involvement (median, 2.4 cm [IQR, 1.6-3.0 cm] for AG+ vs 1.8 cm [IQR, 1.2-2.4 cm] for AG-; P = .01), and a higher number of patients had a tumor-vein interface >180 degrees (35.7% for AG+ vs 21.1% for AG-; P = .02). There was no difference in number of patients with major complications (42.9% for AG+ vs 36.6% for AG-; P = .51) or early failure at the reconstruction site (9.5% for AG+ vs 8.5% for AG-; P = 1). A subgroup analysis of 10 patients in the AG+ group revealed the presence of donor-specific antibodies in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term outcome of SMV/PV reconstruction with interposed cold-stored cadaveric venous allografts is comparable to that of reconstruction with primary end-to-end anastomosis. Graft rejection could be a contributing factor to severe stenosis in patients reconstructed with allograft.

Intrahepatic portal vein thrombosis due to postoperative biliary obstruction successfully treated by a partial thrombectomy combined with thrombolytic drug therapy

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Portal vein thrombosis due to constriction of hepaticojejunostomy is rarely occured, in which increased biliary pressure by obstructive jaundice decreased portal flow.

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Re-anastomosis and postoperative thromolytic therapy recovered occluded portal flow.

Introduction

This case report aims to inform pancreatic surgeons about our perioperative management of intrahepatic portal vein thrombosis caused by an obstruction of hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Case presentation

A 65-year-old woman was diagnosed with pancreas head carcinoma involving the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). Pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with SMV resection was followed by HJ. Twisting or narrowing was not evident during anastomosis. Total bilirubin values progressively increased to 13 mg/dL on day 5. At that time, we suspected anastomotic occlusion and found complete portal thrombosis of the left liver. Therefore, emergency re-anastomosis of the HJ was followed by thrombectomy, which was not completely successful and did not completely recover initial portal flow. Thrombolytic drugs improved obstructive jaundice, eradicated the organized thrombosis and recovered the portal flow by day 30. The post-operative course was uneventful.

Discussion

A thrombosis immediately formed in the portal vein due to biliary obstruction of an anastomotic site. We speculated that biliary dilation and related inflammation caused a relative increase in arterial flow and decreased portal flow at the localized part of the umbilical portion. Although early surgical thrombectomy was attempted soon after the primary operation, the organized thrombosis persisted. However, thrombolytic therapy eradicated the thrombosis.

Conclusion

Careful anastomosis of HJ during PD was necessary to avoid postoperative biliary stricture. This type of complication affects intrahepatic blood flow, particularly via the portal vein. Although immediate re-anastomosis or thrombectomy is applied, organized thrombosis cannot always be surgically removed.

Portal Vein Stenting for Delayed Jejunal Varix Bleeding Associated with Portal Venous Occlusion after Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery

Objective

The study aimed to describe portal stenting for postoperative portal occlusion with delayed (≥ 3 months) variceal bleeding in the afferent jejunal loop.

Materials and Methods

Eleven consecutive patients (age range, 2–79 years; eight men and three women) who underwent portal stenting between April 2009 and December 2015 were included in the study. Preoperative medical history and the postoperative clinical course were reviewed. Characteristics of portal occlusion and details of procedures were also investigated. Technical success, treatment efficacy (defined as disappearance of jejunal varix on follow-up CT), and clinical success were analyzed. Primary stent patency rate was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

All patients underwent hepatobiliary-pancreatic cancer surgery except two children with liver transplantation for biliary atresia. Portal occlusion was caused by benign postoperative change (n = 6) and local tumor recurrence (n = 5). Variceal bleeding occurred at 27 months (4 to 72 months) and portal stenting was performed at 37 months (4 to 121 months), on average, postoperatively. Technical success, treatment efficacy, and clinical success rates were 90.9, 100, and 81.8%, respectively. The primary patency rate of portal stent was 88.9% during the mean follow-up period of 9 months. Neither procedure-related complication nor mortality occurred.

Conclusion

Interventional portal stenting is an effective treatment for delayed jejunal variceal bleeding due to portal occlusion after hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery.

Safety and efficacy of cryopreserved homologous veins for venous reconstruction in pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

There are several techniques for reconstructing the portal vein-superior mesenteric vein during pancreatoduodenectomy. The aim of the present study was to present our results with portal vein-superior mesenteric vein reconstruction using cryopreserved homologous veins during pancreatoduodenectomy for patients with pancreatic head cancer.

METHODS

Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head cancer were reviewed retrospectively. In patients with portal vein-superior mesenteric vein resection, the detailed method of reconstruction and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Clinical characteristics, patient survival, and portal vein-superior mesenteric vein patency were compared between those with and without homologous vein grafts. Factors affecting the patency of reconstructed veins were assessed by univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Among 144 patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy, portal vein-superior mesenteric vein resection was performed in 36 patients (25%); 18 (50%) underwent reconstruction with homologous veins, and the other 18 (50%) underwent reconstruction without homologous veins. The extent of portal vein-superior mesenteric vein involvement, operative time, duration of clamping of portal vein-superior mesenteric vein, intraoperative blood loss, and length of the venous resection were greater (P ≤ .013 each) in those with homologous vein grafts. There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity/mortality, patient survival, or portal vein-superior mesenteric vein patency. The 1- and 2-year overall patency of portal vein-superior mesenteric vein was 76% and 71%, respectively, while the 2-year patencies were 67% and 67% in those with homologous veins and 87% and 73% in those without homologous veins without difference between the groups. Circumferential resection and pathologic portal vein-superior mesenteric vein involvement were associated with the patency of the reconstructed vein (P = .002 and P = .028, resp).

CONCLUSION

Use of homologous venous grafts for portal vein-superior mesenteric vein reconstruction are feasible alternatives during pancreatoduodenectomy for advanced pancreatic head cancer.

Comparison of patency rates and clinical impact of different reconstruction methods following portal/superior mesenteric vein resection during pancreatectomy

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have compared patency rates of the different methods of venous reconstruction (VR) during a pancreatectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the patency rates and the clinical impact of various reconstruction methods.

METHODS

For the meta-analysis, databases were systematically searched to identify studies reporting the outcomes of patients who underwent PVR/SMVR. For the retrospective study, clinical data were retrospectively analyzed from patients who underwent a pancreatectomy and VR between Feb. 2009 and Oct. 2015. Patency was assessed by CT and/or ultrasound.

RESULTS

For the meta-analysis, the long-term patency rates of the primary repair group and the autologous graft group were significantly higher than that of the synthetic graft group. For the retrospective study, the reconstruction consisted of primary repair in 62 cases (89.8%) and synthetic grafting in 7 cases (10.1%). Synthetic grafting was more likely to cause acute thrombosis compared with primary repair for PVR/SMVR (85.7% versus 16.7%). Acute thrombosis was associated with decreased median survival (12 versus 6 months) and increased hazard of death. Late thrombosis and stenosis were not associated with survival or serious clinical impact. Median survival for the primary repair group and the synthetic grafting group was 12 and 7 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Primary repair following PVR/SMVR is preferred and can be achieved in most situations. Stenosis should be noted when with risk factors (long segmental and tension), but it produced little clinical impact. Synthetic grafting was associated with a higher thrombosis rate. Acute thrombosis is associated with increased mortality and decreased survival.

Cold-stored cadaveric venous allograft for superior mesenteric/portal vein reconstruction during pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

SMV/PV resection has become common practice in pancreatic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and surgical outcome of using cold-stored cadaveric venous allografts (AG) for superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and portal vein (PV) reconstruction during pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Patients who underwent pancreatic resection with concomitant vascular resection and reconstruction with AG between January 2006 and December 2014 were identified from our institutional prospective database. Medical records and pre- and postoperative CT-images were reviewed.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients underwent SMV/PV reconstruction with AG interposition (n = 37) or AG patch (n = 8). The median operative time and blood loss were 488 min (IQR: 450-551) and 900 ml (IQR: 600-2000), respectively. Major morbidity (Clavien ≥ III) occurred in 16 patients. Four patients were reoperated (thrombosis n = 2, graft kinking/low flow n = 2) and in-hospital mortality occurred in two patients. On last available CT scan, 3 patients had thrombosis, all of whom also had local recurrence. Estimated cumulative patency rate (reduction in SMV/PV luminal diameter <70% and no thrombosis) at 12 months was 52%.

CONCLUSION

Cold-stored cadaveric venous AG for SMV/PV reconstruction during pancreatic surgery is safe and associated with acceptable long-term patency.

Advances in the Surgical Management of Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreas Cancer

Successful surgical resection offers the only chance for cure in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, pancreatic resection is feasible in less than 20% of the patients. In this review, the current state of surgical management of pancreatic cancer is discussed. The definition of resectability based on cross-sectional imaging and the technical aspects of surgery, including vascular resection and/or reconstruction, management of aberrant vascular anatomy and extent of lymphadenectomy, are appraised. Furthermore, common pancreatic resection-specific postoperative complications and their management are reviewed.

[Delayed complications after pancreatic surgery: Pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption syndrome, pancreoprivic diabetes mellitus and pseudocysts]

BACKGROUND

Benign and malignant pathologies of the pancreas can result in a relevant chronic disease burden. This is aggravated by morbidities resulting from surgical resections as well as from progression of the underlying condition.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to summarize the current evidence regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, as well as of pancreatic pseudocysts.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A selective literature search was performed and a summary of the currently available data on the surgical sequelae after pancreatic resection is given.

RESULTS

Reduction of healthy pancreatic parenchyma down to 10-15 % leads to exocrine insufficiency with malabsorption and gastrointestinal complaints. Orally substituted pancreatic enzymes are the therapy of choice. Loss of pancreatic islets and/or islet function leads to endocrine insufficiency and pancreoprivic diabetes mellitus. Inflammatory, traumatic and iatrogenic injuries of the pancreas can lead to pancreatic pseudocysts, which require endoscopic, interventional or surgical drainage if symptomatic. Finally, pancreatic surgery harbors the long-term risk of gastrointestinal anastomotic ulcers, bile duct stenosis, portal vein thrombosis and chronic pain syndrome.

CONCLUSION

As the evidence is limited, an interdisciplinary and individually tailored approach for delayed pancreatic morbidity is recommended.