Surprising Twist in the Plot - Sister Mary Joseph's Nodule of Pancreatic Cancer Mimicking Wound Infection after Umbilical Hernia Repair

Metastasis of missed cholangiocarcinoma in the left lobe through abdominal wall laparoscopic port-site and umbilicus after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Case report and literature review

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been widely used by surgeons. However, the missed diagnosis of intraperitoneal malignant tumor may occur. If the malignancy exists, the changes of the abdominal environment or the laparoscopic operation might brought the cancer cells to abdominal cavity or wall, to more extreme condition, will be located in the navel, which is known as Sister Mary Joseph's nodule(SMJN). A 63-year-old female who had undergone cholecystectomy and choledocholithotomy ten months ago was hospitalized for upper abdominal pain. Laboratory examination indicated that most of tumor markers were increased. CT revealed a progressively enhanced mass around the left lobe bile duct, multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity and nodular lesions were found under the costal margin of the right side of abdominal wall and the umbilicus. Biopsy of the nodules under the original surgical scar showed middle differentiated adenocarcinoma. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, surgeons should not only focus on the local lesions, but also look around other the tissues and organs to avoid missing the abdominal malignant tumor. When atypical symptoms or abnormalities have been found pre-operation, all abdominal organs should be evaluated in detail to avoid missed diagnosis of potential malignant tumors. On the other hand, when there is a nodule in the umbilicus, all organs in abdomen should be examined to find the potential malignant tumor. Finally, multiple cholelithiasis in the left lobe of the liver should be regarded as a high risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma.

Late recurrences of pancreatic cancer in patients with long-term survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer remains a relevant clinical problem due to poor prognosis. Even after curative pancreaticoduodenectomy tumor recurrences occur in up to 80%. Risk factors for postoperative tumor recurrences have been identified before, but data on risk factors for tumor recurrences in patients with long-term-survival is scarce.

METHODS

In this retrospective study consecutive long-term survival-patients (defined as at least 60 months survival) undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer from 2007-2014 were identified in the 2nd largest pancreatic surgery center in Germany. Clinical, pathohistological and laboratory values were analyzed to identify risk factors for tumor recurrence.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of one-hundred-sixty-seven patients were identified as long-term-survival-patients in the study period. Of those, 10 patients (29.4%) suffered from tumor recurrence. Lymph vessel invasion was identified as an independent risk factor (P=0.031, hazard ratio 13.127, 95% confidence interval: 1.270-135.698). Median postoperative time to tumor recurrence in long-term-survival-patients was 49 months. Overall survival after diagnosis of tumor recurrence was 33 months. 80% (N=8) of the patients were asymptomatic. Half of the patients (N=5) suffered from local disease, with 40% undergoing curative tumor resection. CA 19-9 levels were significantly elevated at 57 U/mL (normal <27 U/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor recurrence in long-term-survival-patients is typically asymptomatic. Especially long-term-survival-patients with lymph vessel invasion are more likely to develop tumor recurrence. Therefore, a structured follow-up program including CT-scans and CA 19-9 surveillance must be continued in all patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy even in cases of long-term-survival.