Three-dimensional remnant pancreatic volume ratio indicates postoperative pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in pancreatic cancer patients after distal pancreatectomy

European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency: UEG, EPC, EDS, ESPEN, ESPGHAN, ESDO, and ESPCG evidence-based recommendations

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is defined as a reduction in pancreatic exocrine secretion below the level that allows the normal digestion of nutrients. Pancreatic disease and surgery are the main causes of PEI. However, other conditions and upper gastrointestinal surgery can also affect the digestive function of the pancreas. PEI can cause symptoms of nutritional malabsorption and deficiencies, which affect the quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality. These guidelines were developed following the United European Gastroenterology framework for the development of high-quality clinical guidelines. After a systematic literature review, the evidence was evaluated according to the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology, as appropriate. Statements and comments were developed by the working groups and voted on using the Delphi method. The diagnosis of PEI should be based on a global assessment of symptoms, nutritional status, and a pancreatic secretion test. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), together with dietary advice and support, are the cornerstones of PEI therapy. PERT is indicated in patients with PEI that is secondary to pancreatic disease, pancreatic surgery, or other metabolic or gastroenterological conditions. Specific recommendations concerning the management of PEI under various clinical conditions are provided based on evidence and expert opinions. This evidence-based guideline summarizes the prevalence, clinical impact, and general diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for PEI, as well as the specifics of PEI in different clinical conditions. Finally, the unmet needs for future research are discussed.

Clinical efficacy of pancreas-preserving distal pancreatectomy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The long-term survival rate of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has improved alongside the development of multidisciplinary treatment, and there is now demand for less invasive surgery that maintains postoperative pancreatic function. We evaluated the efficacy of pancreas-preserving distal pancreatectomy in terms of oncologic parameters and postoperative pancreatic function.

METHODS

The data of 98 consecutive patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma between 2012 and 2022 in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical outcomes, overall survival, and postoperative pancreatic function were compared between pancreas-preserving distal pancreatectomy, in which the pancreatic stump was distal to the left margin of the portal vein on postoperative computed tomography, and conventional distal pancreatectomy.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (16%) underwent pancreas-preserving distal pancreatectomy. Fewer lymph nodes were dissected in the pancreas-preserving distal pancreatectomy group than the conventional distal pancreatectomy group (19 vs 31, respectively; P < .01); however, the R0 resection rate (94% vs 93%, respectively; P = 1.00), recurrence-free survival, and overall survival were similar. Similar results were obtained in an analysis limited to patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the pancreatic tail. Patients who underwent pancreas-preserving distal pancreatectomy were less likely to develop worsening of their diabetes than those who underwent conventional distal pancreatectomy (19% vs 39%, respectively; P = .16). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease newly developed in 22% of the patients who underwent conventional distal pancreatectomy but in none of those who underwent pancreas-preserving distal pancreatectomy (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

The pancreatic transection site should be distally located to preserve postoperative pancreatic function when R0 resection can be achieved.

Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy Using Three-Dimensional Computer Graphics for Surgical Navigation With a Deep Learning Algorithm: A Case Report

We have demonstrated the utility of SYNAPSE VINCENT® (version 6.6; Fujifilm Medical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), a 3D image analysis system, in semi-automated simulations of the peripancreatic vessels, pancreatic ducts, pancreatic parenchyma, and peripancreatic organs using an artificial intelligence (AI) engine developed with deep learning algorithms. Furthermore, we investigated the usefulness of this AI engine for patients with pancreatic cancer. Here, we present a case of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with an extended surgical procedure performed using surgical simulation and navigation via an AI engine. An 80-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed main pancreatic duct dilatation with a maximum diameter of 40 mm. Furthermore, there was a 17 mm cystic lesion between the pancreatic head and the pancreatic body and a 14 mm mural nodule in the pancreatic tail. Thus, the lesion was preoperatively diagnosed as an intraductal papillary carcinoma (IPMC) of the pancreatic tail and classified as T1N0M0 stage IA according to the 8th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control guidelines. The present patient had laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and regional lymphadenectomy. In particular, since it was necessary to include the cystic lesion in the pancreatic neck, pancreatic resection was performed at the right edge of the portal vein, which is closer to the head of the pancreas than usual. We routinely employed three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCG) surgical simulation and navigation, which allowed us to recognize the surgical anatomy, including the location of pancreatic resection. In addition to displaying the detailed 3DCG of the surgical anatomy, this technology allowed surgical staff to share the situation, and it has been reported that this approach improves the safety of surgery. Furthermore, the remnant pancreatic volume (47.6%), pancreatic resection surface area (161 mm2), and thickness of the pancreatic parenchyma (12 mm) at the resection location were investigated using 3DCG imaging. Intraoperative frozen biopsy confirmed that the resection margin was negative. Histologically, an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with low-grade dysplasia was observed in the pancreatic tail. No malignant findings, including those related to the resection margin, were observed in the specimen. At the 12-month postoperative follow-up examination, the patient's condition was unremarkable. We conclude that the SYNAPSE VINCENT® AI engine is a useful surgical support for the extraction of the surrounding vessels, surrounding organs, and pancreatic parenchyma including the location of the pancreatic resection even in the case of extended surgical procedures.

Transduodenal ampullectomy for early ampullary cancer: Clinical management, histopathological findings and long-term outcomes at a single center

BACKGROUND

Transduodenal ampullectomy has been attempted in ampullary tumors, including early ampullary cancer. However, the indication and extent of transduodenal ampullectomy with curative intent remain controversial. Herein, we address the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients with early ampullary cancer who underwent transduodenal ampullectomy at a single center.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 10 early ampullary cancer patients who underwent transduodenal ampullectomy and 11 early ampullary cancer patients who underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy at Saitama Cancer Center between October 2008 and May 2021. Among this cohort, we analyzed the perioperative outcomes and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

In terms of the perioperative outcomes between the transduodenal ampullectomy and subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy groups, the transduodenal ampullectomy group exhibited a shorter operating time (244 minutes vs 390 minutes, P = .003), less intraoperative blood loss (67.5 grams vs 774 grams, P = .006) and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay (15 days vs 33 days). With respect to the postoperative nutrition status, the transduodenal ampullectomy group exhibited less postoperative weight loss (0.67% vs 8.95%, P = .021), a better Controlling Nutritional Status score (1.0 vs 2.1, P = .011) and a better Prognostic Nutritional Index score (42.9 vs 40.9, P = .018). The 5-year survival in the adenoma with high-grade dysplasia and T1 ampullary cancer which invaded the mucosal layer groups was 100%, whereas the median survival time in the T1 ampullary cancer which invaded the sphincter of Oddi group was 20.7 months (P = .0028).

CONCLUSION

Transduodenal ampullectomy is assumed to be a feasible and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of selected patients with early ampullary cancer, including patients with adenoma with high-grade dysplasia or T1 ampullary cancer which invaded the mucosal layer ampullary cancer.

Development of de novo nonalcoholic fatty liver disease following pancreatectomy

De novo non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) after pancreatectomy is a recognized phenomenon; however, its pathophysiology is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the incidence and identify peri-operative risk factors for the development of de novo NAFLD within various pancreatectomy groups. This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent pancreatectomy between 2000 and 2020. The incidence rate of de novo NAFLD and time to diagnosis were recorded across patients with malignant versus benign indications for pancreatectomy. The overall incidence of de novo NAFLD after pancreatectomy was 17.5% (24/136). Twenty-one percent (20/94) of patients with malignant indications for surgery developed NAFLD compared to 9.5% (4/42) with benign indications (P = .09). Time to development of hepatic steatosis in the malignant group was 26.4 months and was significantly shorter by an average of 6 months when compared to the benign group (32.8 months, P = .03). Higher pre-operative body mass index was associated with new-onset NAFLD (P = .03). Pre-operative body mass index is a significant predictor for de novo NAFLD and highlights a group that should be closely monitored post-operatively, especially after resections for pancreatic malignancy.

De novo non-alcoholic fatty liver disease after pancreatectomy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

As operative techniques and mortality rates of pancreatectomy have improved, there has been a shift in focus to maintaining and improving the nutritional status of these patients as we continue to learn more about post-operative complications. Although pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiencies are known complications of pancreatectomy, increased longevity of these patients has also led to a higher incidence of de novo fatty liver disease which differs from traditional fatty liver disease given the lack of metabolic syndrome.

AIM

To identify and summarize patterns and risk factors of post-pancreatectomy de novo fatty liver disease to guide future management.

METHODS

We performed a database search on PubMed selecting papers published between 2001 and 2022 in the English language. PubMed was last accessed 1 June 2022.

RESULTS

Various factors influence the development of de novo fatty liver including indication for surgery (benign vs malignant), type of pancreatectomy, amount of pancreas remnant, and peri-operative nutritional status. With an incidence rate up to 75%, de novo non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can develop within 12 mo after pancreatectomy and various risk factors have been established including pancreatic resection line and remnant pancreas volume, peri-operative malnutrition and weight loss, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (EPI), malignancy as the indication for surgery, and postmenopausal status.

CONCLUSION

Since majority of risk factors leads to EPI and malnutrition, peri-operative focus on nutrition and enzymes replacement is key in preventing and treating de novo NAFLD after pancreatectomy.

Postoperative Poor Oral Intake After Distal Pancreatectomy

OBJECTIVES

Poor oral intake (POI) without an identifiable cause is frequently observed after distal pancreatectomy (DP). This study was designed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of POI after DP, and its impact on the length of hospital stay.

METHODS

The prospectively collected data of patients who received DP were retrospectively reviewed. A diet protocol after DP was followed, and POI after DP was defined as the oral intake being less than 50% of the daily requirement and parenteral calorie supply being required on postoperative day 7.

RESULTS

Of the 157 patients, 21.7% (34) experienced POI after DP. The multivariate analysis revealed that the remnant pancreatic margin (head; hazard ratio, 7.837; 95% confidence interval, 2.111-29.087; P = 0.002) and postoperative hyperglycemia >200 mg/dL (hazard ratio, 5.643; 95% confidence interval, 1.482-21.494; P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for POI after DP. The length of hospital stay (median [range]) of the POI group was significantly longer than that of the normal diet group (17 [9-44] vs 10 [5-44] days; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing pancreatic resection at pancreatic head portion should follow a postoperative diet, and postoperative glucose levels should be strictly regulated.

Three-dimensional simulation of the pancreatic parenchyma, pancreatic duct and vascular arrangement in pancreatic surgery using a deep learning algorithm

Three-dimensional surgical simulation, already in use for hepatic surgery, can be used in pancreatic surgery. However, some problems still need to be overcome to achieve more precise pancreatic surgical simulation. The present study evaluates the performance of SYNAPSE VINCENT® (version 6.6, Fujifilm Medical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) in the semiautomated surgical simulation of the pancreatic parenchyma, pancreatic ducts, and peripancreatic vessels using an artificial intelligence (AI) engine designed with deep learning algorithms. One-hundred pancreatic cancer patients and a control group of 100 nonpancreatic cancer patients were enrolled. The evaluation methods for visualizing the extraction were compared using the Dice coefficient (DC). In the pancreatic cancer patients, tumor size, position, and stagewise correlations with the pancreatic parenchymal DC were analyzed. The relationship between the pancreatic duct diameter and the DC, and between the manually and AI-measured diameters of the pancreatic duct were analyzed. In the pancreatic cancer/control groups, the pancreatic parenchymal DC and pancreatic duct extraction were 0.83/0.86 and 0.84/0.77. The DC of the arteries (portal veins/veins) and associated sensitivity and specificity were 0.89/0.88 (0.89/0.88), 0.85/0.83 (0.85/0.82), and 0.82/0.81 (0.84/0.81), respectively. No correlations were observed between pancreatic parenchymal DC and tumor size, position, or stage. No correlation was observed between the pancreatic duct diameter and the DC. A positive correlation (r = 0.61, p<0.001) was observed between the manually and AI-measured diameters of the pancreatic duct. Extraction of the pancreatic parenchyma, pancreatic duct, and surrounding vessels with the SYNAPSE VINCENT® AI engine assumed to be useful as surgical simulation.

Nutritional status of patients undergoing pancreatic resection

Changes in the exocrine function of the pancreas often develops after proximal and distal resections. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is characterized by a reduced secretion of pancreatic enzymes, because of which the digestion and absorption of nutrients is impaired. Clinical manifestations of EPI and, as a consequence, changes in nutritional status significantly affect the quality of life of patients.