Risk factors for complications after surgery for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

A comprehensive study on postoperative complications and postoperative pancreatic fistula in sporadic non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: A retrospective cohort study

Backgrounds/Aims

Balancing surgical risks and benefits is crucial for managing non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs). Despite high postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) rates, studies on postoperative complications of sporadic NF-PNETs are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to investigate postoperative complications and identify risk factors for POPF.

Methods

A retrospective review of 166 NF-PNET surgeries performed at Severance Hospital between February 2000 and August 2023 was conducted.

Results

Age > 65 years and higher American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade were not significantly correlated with severe complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.10, p = 0.871 and OR: 1.47, p = 0.491, respectively). Surgical procedures included enucleation (13.9%), distal pancreatectomy (50.0%), central pancreatectomy (4.8%), pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) (26.5%), and total pancreatectomy (4.8%). Severe complications occurred in 12.05% of surgeries. The overall incidence of all POPFs including biochemical leaks was 53%, while clinically relevant POPF (grade B or C) occurred in 7.8% of patients. Logistic regression showed that PD (OR: 3.94, p = 0.092) tended to be risk factor for POPF and that diameter of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) ≤ 3 mm was a significant risk factor for POPF (OR: 0.22, p = 0.008). A pancreas thickness (PT)/MPD ratio > 4.47 on preoperative computed tomography predicted all POPFs in PD patients (OR: 11.70, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Age and comorbidities had no significant impact on surgical outcomes. PD was associated with higher serious complications and POPF rates. The PT/MPD ratio is a valuable preoperative tool for predicting POPF risk in PD patients.

Using the comprehensive complication index to assess the impact of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM)-defined malnutrition on postoperative complications after resection for biliary tract cancer

PURPOSE

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, proposed in 2018, provide universal diagnostic standards for malnutrition, a known risk factor for postoperative complications in patients with various cancers. However, its impact on surgery for biliary tract cancer (BTC) remains unclear. This study evaluates the relationship between GLIM-defined malnutrition and postoperative complications after resection for BTC.

METHODS

The subjects of this retrospective study were patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy or major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection for BTC between January, 2013 and December, 2021. The comprehensive complication index (CCI), an indicator of postoperative complications, was calculated based on the total number and severity of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

GLIM-defined malnutrition was diagnosed in143 (71.1%) of the total 201 patients. The median CCI was significantly higher in the GLIM-defined malnutrition group than in the non-malnutrition group (37.2 vs. 28.3; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that GLIM-defined malnutrition (odds ratio 2.87 [95% confidence interval 1.38-5.96], P = 0.005) and intraoperative blood loss > 1,000 mL (odds ratio 3.77 [95% confidence interval 1.06-13.47], P = 0.041) were independent predictors of high morbidity (CCI ≥ 37.1).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative GLIM-defined malnutrition was closely associated with increased postoperative complications in patients who underwent resection for BTC.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor PET/CT with 68Ga-exendin-4 for localizing insulinoma: a real-world, single-center study

PURPOSE

Accurate preoperative localization is imperative for the treatment of insulinomas. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) imaging has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in localization of insulinomas. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of GLP-1R PET/CT with 68Ga-exendin-4 in localization of insulinoma, and to provide evidence for clinical practice from a real-world study.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of our prospective cohort study of 68Ga-exendin-4 PET/CT in insulinoma (NCT02560376). Patients with endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and definite final diagnosis were enrolled. Results of contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) with pancreatic perfusion scan, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound, and 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC SPECT/CT were collected. The gold standard for diagnosis was histopathology (for insulinoma) or a definite clinical diagnosis of the etiology of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after hospitalization in the endocrinology department (for non-insulinomatous hypoglycemia).

RESULTS

A total of 357 patients (including 296 insulinoma patients and 61 non-insulinoma patients) with were included. The overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 68Ga-exendin-4 PET/CT in localizing insulinoma were 94.93% (95%CI, 91.78%˜97.14%), 100.00% (95%CI, 94.13%˜100%), 95.79% (95%CI, 93.16%˜97.63%), 100.00% (95%CI, 98.32%˜100%), 80.26% (95%CI, 71.29%˜86.94%), respectively. The area under the ROC of 68Ga-exendin-4 PET/CT for diagnosing insulinoma was 0.975 (95%CI, 0.953 ˜ 0.988), which was superior to that of CECT (AUC = 0.873 [95%CI, 0.833 ˜ 0.906]), MRI (AUC = 0.825 [95%CI, 0.773 ˜ 0.869]), EUS (AUC = 0.746 [95%CI, 0.652 ˜ 0.825]) and 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC SPECT/CT (AUC = 0.618 [95%CI, 0.562 ˜ 0.672]). The lesion-based sensitivity of 68Ga-exendin-4 PET/CT in sporadic benign insulinoma was 95.47% (95%CI, 92.22%˜97.64%), and the PPV was 99.61% (95%CI 99.60%˜99.62%). In contrast, the diagnostic efficacy of 68Ga-exendin-4 PET/CT was found to be less effective in cases of sporadic malignant insulinoma or inherited syndromes, yielding a lesion-based detection rate of 66.43% and 68.04%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

68Ga-exendin-4 PET/CT is a preferred imaging modality in diagnosing insulinoma, particularly in sporadic benign insulinomas.

Somatostatin analogs for resectable pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in high-risk surgical patients: Data from a single-center cohort

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of long-acting somatostatin-analogs (SSA) for treating non-advanced, resectable pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) with indications to surgery, in high-risk patients who were not candidates for surgery.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with histology-proven, non-advanced G1/low-G2 68Ga-TC/PET-positive PNETs >20 mm who did not undergo surgery due to comorbidities/old age/high-risk surgical profile, which were treated with SSA at a single, high-volume institution were included. The efficacy of SSA was evaluated using the analysis of tumor growth rate (TGR). "Negative TGRTx-TpreSSA" was defined as the first time point after the initiation of SSA when a negative TGRTx-TpreSSA was observed.

RESULTS

Between 2014 and 2024, 20 patients were treated with long-acting SSA. The median age was 76 (IQR 72-80), and the median ASA score was 3 (IQR 3-3). Fifteen patients (75 %) received Lanreotide, and five (25 %) octreotide acetate (Sandostatin® LAR). The median overall survival was 68.5 months (IQR 60-99). In four patients (20 %), SSA were interrupted when the tumor had shrunk below 2 cm. In one of them, SSA reintroduction was necessary due to disease progression (after 14 months). In two patients (10 %), the treatment was interrupted due to side effects. In one of these, the disease progressed until death at 87 years old. At the last follow-up, sixteen patients were alive, 3 had died (1 death of disease), and 13 were receiving SSA. T2 PNETs presented a significantly faster response to SSA therapy compared to T3 (Median time to "Negative TGRTx-TpreSSA": 6 [95 % CI 5, na] vs 52 [95 % CI 19, na] months, respectively; p = 0.0092) CONCLUSION: In patients at high surgical risk, with localized, resectable, G1 or low-G2, 68Ga-TC/PET-positive PNETs >20 mm, SSA can obtain disease control with a manageable safety profile.

Ideal outcome after pancreatic resection for neuroendocrine tumors: a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic resections for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) may experience a higher complication rate than for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study aimed to determine the rate of the novel composite "Ideal Outcome" measure after resection for pNET, using PDAC as reference.

METHODS

This observational cohort study included all consecutive patients after pancreatic resection for pNET and PDAC using the nationwide Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit (2014-2021). The primary outcome was Ideal Outcome; absence of postoperative mortality, postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) grade B/C, other major complications, prolonged length of stay, reoperations and readmissions.

RESULTS

In total, 524 pNET and 2851 PDAC resections were included. The rate of Ideal Outcome was lower after resection for pNET (47.7% versus 55.7%; P<0.001) as compared to PDAC. This difference was driven by a lower rate of Ideal Outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy for pNET (37.7% versus 56.3%; P<0.001), with no difference after left pancreatectomy (54.5% versus 52.5%; P=0.598). Among the individual components of Ideal Outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy, the largest difference was a four times higher rate of POPF (32.1% versus 7.9%; P<0.001) after resection of pNET.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for pNET have a reduced Ideal Outcome rate compared to patients with PDAC, related to a fourfold increased risk of POPF. This highlights the value of pNET-specific patient counseling and the need for effective POPF mitigation strategies.

Early mobilization after pancreatic surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic surgery has long been burdened with high postoperative morbidity. Early mobilization has been advocated to prevent complications and improve functional capacity. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting how to implement early mobilization and its independent impact on postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of implementing early mobilization in reducing postoperative complications and enhancing recovery in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a single-blind, randomized trial in patients who underwent pancreatic surgery in a tertiary hospital in China. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. Patients in the control group received usual care, whereas those in the intervention group received the early enforced mobilization protocol. The protocol consisted of 2 key components: professional assistance with the first ambulation on postoperative day 1 and family-involved supervision to achieve daily walking goals. The primary outcome was postoperative complications within 30 days, measured by the Comprehensive Complication Index. Secondary outcomes were postoperative mobilization, time to recovery of gastrointestinal function, postoperative pulmonary complications, pancreatic surgery-specific complications, patient-reported outcome measures, and 30-day readmission and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 135 patients were enrolled: 67 in the intervention group and 68 in the control group. The median Comprehensive Complication Index was not statistically significant between groups (mean difference -1.7; 95% confidence interval -8.7 to 0). Patients in the intervention group had earlier first ambulation postoperatively, walked greater distances on postoperative days 1-7, and had earlier time to first defecation. Trends for improvement in patient-reported outcomes showed that scores of Quality of Recovery 15 at postoperative day 3, physical function of Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 at postoperative day 7, and global quality of life at postoperative day 30 were significantly greater in the intervention group. There was no between-group difference in other domains of the Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 or other secondary outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

Early enforced mobilization intervention did not reduce postoperative complications of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, but it can enhance postoperative mobilization and improve the recovery of gastrointestinal function and patient-perceived quality of recovery.

Approach to the Patient: Insulinoma

Insulinomas are hormone-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms with an estimated incidence of 1 to 4 cases per million per year. Extrapancreatic insulinomas are extremely rare. Most insulinomas present with the Whipple triad: (1) symptoms, signs, or both consistent with hypoglycemia; (2) a low plasma glucose measured at the time of the symptoms and signs; and (3) relief of symptoms and signs when the glucose is raised to normal. Nonmetastatic insulinomas are nowadays referred to as "indolent" and metastatic insulinomas as "aggressive." The 5-year survival of patients with an indolent insulinoma has been reported to be 94% to 100%; for patients with an aggressive insulinoma, this amounts to 24% to 67%. Five percent to 10% of insulinomas are associated with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome. Localization of the insulinoma and exclusion or confirmation of metastatic disease by computed tomography is followed by endoscopic ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging for indolent, localized insulinomas. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography or positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging is a highly sensitive localization technique for seemingly occult, indolent, localized insulinomas. Supportive measures and somatostatin receptor ligands can be used for to control hypoglycemia. For single solitary insulinomas, curative surgical excision remains the treatment of choice. In aggressive malignant cases, debulking procedures, somatostatin receptor ligands, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, everolimus, sunitinib, and cytotoxic chemotherapy can be valuable options.

[Individualized approach for MEN1-associated duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms]

BACKGROUND

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)-associated duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (dpNEN) represent the most frequent syndrome-associated cause of death, but the adequate treatment is sometimes considered controversial.

OBJECTIVE

Presentation of possible diagnostic and therapeutic options for MEN1-associated dpNENs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this review article retrospective case studies, expert recommendations, national and international guidelines as well as personal experiences were analyzed and evaluated.

RESULTS

Due to early detection programs and the use of the most modern imaging techniques, dpNEN are nowadays diagnosed much earlier. Nonfunctional pNENs currently represent the most frequent dpNENs with about 70%, followed by gastrinomas and insulinomas. Regardless of their functional activity, dpNENs with a size of > 2 cm are generally an indication for surgery. The choice of the optimal treatment strategy, however, in most cases remains the subject of controversial discussions, although nowadays surgery should always be performed in an organ-preserving and minimally invasive way when feasible. Recurrences or new dpNENs are expected in more than 60% of cases, necessitating a reoperation in up to 40% of these cases. Duodenopancreatic resections and reoperations can be carried out safely by experienced practitioners and with an acceptable level of risk.

CONCLUSION

The planning of treatment requires careful consideration of the suitable timing, the extent of the operation, the risk of recurrence and potential morbidities. Furthermore, preserving pancreatic function and the quality of life is of utmost importance. In view of the complexity of the disease, MEN1 patients should be treated in specialized centers.

[Indication and Surgical Procedures for MEN1-associated Duodenopancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms]

The optimal therapy of duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasia (dpNEN), which occurs in the context of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, is still a major challenge and is controversial. Due to the rarity of the disease, there is a lack of prospective randomised studies, so that most recommendations regarding the surgical indication and procedure are based on retrospective case series. In summary, surgical therapy is indicated for non-functional dpNEN > 2 cm, suspected malignancy and functionally active dpNEN. Enucleation or formal pancreatic resections with or without lymphadenectomy may be considered. The aim of therapy should be to eliminate hormone-associated symptoms and prevent an aggressive metastatic disease. At the same time, pancreatic function and quality of life should be preserved in the mostly young patients by resections that save as much parenchyma as possible.

Sequential changes in body composition and metabolic response after pancreatic trauma

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic trauma and subsequent pancreatic operation result in early pathophysiologic alterations. Understanding changes in energy expenditure and body composition is essential for optimal management. This study aims to observe changes in energy expenditure and body composition in patients during the early postoperative days (PODs) after pancreatic trauma.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for blunt pancreatic trauma in a single trauma center. Data of body composition by bioimpedance spectroscopy and energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry were collected and analyzed in patients during the early PODs. The association of body composition parameters with major complications was analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were included. Compared with POD-3, the total body water, extracellular water, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass on POD-7 and -14 decreased significantly (all P < 0.05). The phase angle (PhA) increased significantly from POD-3 to -14 (P < 0.05). Resting energy expenditure was significantly higher than predicted and remained high throughout the study period. Over the 14-d study period, delivered energy was escalated to the level of resting energy expenditure. The PhA was significantly lower in patients with severe morbidity than in those without (3.6 [3.3-4.2] versus 4.5 [4.2-5.0]; P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis found that PhA was the independent variable for severe complications, with an odds ratio of 0.069 (95% CI, 0.011-0.427; P = 0.004). The predictive ability of PhA revealed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.837, with an optimal threshold of 4.23.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in body composition and hypermetabolism state were observed from POD-3 to -14 after pancreatic trauma. A postoperative value of PhA < 4.23 is associated with severe complications.

Status of Surveillance and Nonsurgical Therapy for Small Nonfunctioning Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) occur in < 1/100,000 patients and most are nonfunctioning (NF). Approximately 5% occur as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Anatomic and molecular imaging have a pivotal role in the diagnosis, staging and active surveillance. Surgery is generally recommended for nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) >2 cm to prevent metastases. For tumors ≤2 cm, active surveillance is a viable alternative. Tumor size and grade are important factors to guide management. Assessment of death domain-associated protein 6/alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked and alternative lengthening of telomeres are promising novel prognostic markers. This review summarizes the status of surveillance and nonsurgical management for small NF-PNETs, including factors that can guide management.