Comparison of economic and patient outcomes with minimally invasive versus traditional off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting techniques

Issues and considerations in perioperative management of robotic coronary bypass grafting

Minimally invasive approaches to address coronary artery disease, such as robotic coronary bypass grafting, are emerging in surgery and have been shown to be beneficial with a reduction in morbidity. The perioperative management of this subset of patients is crucial to the success of the operation as there are several preoperative and postoperative issues and considerations that need to be addressed. A meticulous preoperative workup with an extensive history, physical exam, and appropriate imaging are instrumental to ensure a successful operation. Protocolized postoperative care is also essential to garnish the most benefit from this minimally invasive approach. All of these factors, in conjunction with a heart team approach and surgeon experience, are imperative for the successful outcome of robotic coronary artery revascularization.

Cost Analysis of Robot-Assisted Versus On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Single-Center Surgical and 30-Day Outcomes Comparison

OBJECTIVE

Throughout Europe, the interest in implementing robot-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (RA-MIDCAB) has been growing. However, concerns about additional costs have emerged concurrently. In this analysis, we aim to provide a comparison of the cumulative perioperative costs of RA-MIDCAB, on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and off-pump CABG (OPCAB).

METHODS

We conducted a propensity score-matched analysis comparing patients undergoing RA-MIDCAB with those undergoing CABG or OPCAB at our institution from January 2016 to December 2021. After matching, we analyzed the combined intraoperative surgical costs and 30-day postoperative costs. We first compared RA-MIDCAB costs to CABG and then to OPCAB separately. Violin plots illustrated the cost distribution among individual patients. Total cost uncertainty was estimated using 1,000 bootstrapping iterations.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine RA-MIDCAB patients were matched to 158 CABG patients, and 80 RA-MIDCAB patients were matched to 149 OPCAB patients. Considering both surgical and clinical outcomes, RA-MIDCAB yielded an average cost of €17,121 per patient (€16,781 to €33,294), CABG was €16,571 per patient (€16,664 to €41,860), and OPCAB was €15,463 per patient (€10,895 to €57,867). After bootstrap iterations, RA-MIDCAB was found to be €472 (2.8%) and €1,599 (10.3%) more expensive per patient than CABG and OPCAB, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In The Netherlands, the adoption of RA-MIDCAB did not show a significant economic impact on hospital resources. The additional robotic costs for the surgery were almost entirely offset by the cost savings during the postoperative hospital stay. However, these comparisons may differ when considering hybrid coronary revascularization with its additional percutaneous coronary intervention costs.

Clipless internal mammary artery harvesting for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting using the shear-tip harmonic scalpel

Background

The internal mammary artery (IMA) is the most commonly used graft in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) because of its superior long-term patency rate. However, its small diameter poses challenges in handling, and any vascular damage that may occur during harvesting can significantly affect surgical outcomes. The primary focus during IMA harvesting is to ensure safe and effective hemostasis without direct vascular injury, while ensuring secure and reliable ligation of the vascular branches. Various methods using multiple surgical instruments have been used for this purpose. Unlike traditional instruments, the shear-tip Harmonic scalpel offers more precise vessel branching control, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. In this study, we assessed the utility of the shear-tip Harmonic scalpel in patients undergoing minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICABG).

Methods

From April 2019 to May 2023, a total of 40 patients underwent MICABG. The IMA was harvested using the shear-tip Harmonic scalpel with a clipless skeletonized technique. In this cohort, 5 patients underwent complete endoscopic harvesting, while 34 patients underwent direct visualization harvesting through minimal thoracotomy. Graft patency was assessed by measuring a Doppler flowmeter in the bypass conduit.

Results

Successful graft patency was achieved in all patients. The mean duration of IMA harvesting was 87 min. In total, 38 of the 40 patients underwent MICABG without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, ensuring a stable procedure. There were no graft-related events or complications observed in any of the patients, and all were discharged without any issues. During a median follow-up period of 15.2 months, only one patient experienced graft occlusion necessitating intervention.

Conclusions

The utilization of shear-tip Harmonic scalpel for IMA harvesting in MICABG is feasible and yields stable early results.

Optimizing Treatment Strategy for Oligometastases/Oligo-Recurrence of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, and nearly half of CRC patients experience metastases. Oligometastatic CRC represents a distinct clinical state characterized by limited metastatic involvement, demonstrating a less aggressive nature and potentially improved survival with multidisciplinary treatment. However, the varied clinical scenarios giving rise to oligometastases necessitate a precise definition, considering primary tumor status and oncological factors, to optimize treatment strategies. This review delineates the concepts of oligometastatic CRC, encompassing oligo-recurrence, where the primary tumor is under control, resulting in a more favorable prognosis. A comprehensive examination of multidisciplinary treatment with local treatments and systemic therapy is provided. The overarching objective in managing oligometastatic CRC is the complete eradication of metastases, offering prospects of a cure. Essential to this management approach are local treatments, with surgical resection serving as the standard of care. Percutaneous ablation and stereotactic body radiotherapy present less invasive alternatives for lesions unsuitable for surgery, demonstrating efficacy in select cases. Perioperative systemic therapy, aiming to control micrometastatic disease and enhance local treatment effectiveness, has shown improvements in progression-free survival through clinical trials. However, the extension of overall survival remains variable. The review emphasizes the need for further prospective trials to establish a cohesive definition and an optimized treatment strategy for oligometastatic CRC.

Recommendations for the optimal management of peritoneal metastases in patients with colorectal cancer: a TTD and GECOP-SEOQ expert consensus statement

Peritoneal metastases (PM) occur when cancer cells spread inside the abdominal cavity and entail an advanced stage of colorectal cancer (CRC). Prognosis, which is poor, correlates highly with tumour burden, as measured by the peritoneal cancer index (PCI). Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in specialized centres should be offered especially to patients with a low to moderate PCI when complete resection is expected. The presence of resectable metastatic disease in other organs is not a contraindication in well-selected patients. Although several retrospective and small prospective studies have suggested a survival benefit of adding hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to CRS, the recently published phase III studies PRODIGE-7 in CRC patients with PM, and COLOPEC and PROPHYLOCHIP in resected CRC with high-risk of PM, failed to show any survival advantage of this strategy using oxaliplatin in a 30-min perfusion. Final results from ongoing randomized phase III trials testing CRS plus HIPEC based on mitomycin C (MMC) are awaited with interest. In this article, a group of experts selected by the Spanish Group for the Treatment of Digestive Tumours (TTD) and the Spanish Group of Peritoneal Oncologic Surgery (GECOP), which is part of the Spanish Society of Surgical Oncology (SEOQ), reviewed the role of HIPEC plus CRS in CRC patients with PM. As a result, a series of recommendations to optimize the management of these patients is proposed.

Revascularization Modalities in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Review of the Current State of Evidence

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) stands as a leading global cause of mortality, underscoring the importance of effective prevention, early diagnosis, and timely intervention. While medications offer benefits to many patients, revascularization procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and emerging hybrid approaches remain pivotal for ACS management. This review delves into the 2018 ESC/EACTS guidelines alongside an analysis of existing literature to shed light on the spectrum of revascularization methods. While both CABG and PCI demonstrate promising outcomes, the optimal choice between the two hinges on a comprehensive assessment of individual patient factors, anatomical complexity guided by advanced imaging, comorbidities, and age. The determination of whether to pursue culprit or total revascularization, as well as immediate or staged revascularization, is contingent upon various factors, including age, disease complexity, and clinical outcomes. This evidence-based decision-making process is orchestrated by a multidisciplinary heart team grounded in ongoing clinical evaluation. The primary objective of this review is to provide valuable insights into revascularization strategies and scrutinize the congruence of current guidelines with recent advancements in the field.

Effect of different coronary artery revascularization procedures on cognition: A systematic review

Coronary revascularization interventions have been associated with post-intervention cognitive decline. Hence, this systematic review aims to compare the long-term effects of different coronary revascularization interventions on cognition. The Cochrane Library and MEDLINE databases were searched for articles published between January 2009 and January 2023. Articles on clinical trials and cohort studies that compared at least two different interventions with a minimum three months follow up were included to evaluate the consequences of different intervention techniques on cognition. Each selected study was evaluated using a revised tool to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB 2), and Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions(ROBINS-1) was used for evaluating non-randomized studies. Five eligible studies, with four different comparisons, were included. Out of these studies, three RCTs and two cohort studies were included A participants gone through different procedures; on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CCPB), the miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (MCPB) and endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (Endo-CABG). These comparisons showed that different interventions have different effects on cognition; however, there is no solid evidence of correlations between them. Thus, the results of this review suggest that there should be greater focus on comparing interventions and that a reasonable follow-up duration should be set to avoid the influence of confounders. There is also a need to determine the effect of long-term cognitive decline while reducing interference by other variables.

Impact of robotic surgery on patient flow and resource use intensity in ovarian cancer

There is an emerging focus on the role of robotic surgery in ovarian cancer. To date, the operational and cost implications of the procedure remain unknown. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of integrating minimally invasive robotic surgery on patient flow, resource utilization, and hospital costs associated with the treatment of ovarian cancer during the in-hospital and post-discharge processes. 261 patients operated for the primary treatment of ovarian cancer between January 2006 and November 2014 at a university-affiliated tertiary hospital were included in this study. Outcomes were compared by surgical approach (robotic vs. open surgery) as well as pre- and post-implementation of the robotics platform for use in ovarian cancer. The in-hospital patient flow and number of emergency room visits within 3 months of surgery were evaluated using multi-state Markov models and generalized linear regression models, respectively. Robotic surgery cases were associated with lower rates of postoperative complications, resulted in a more expedited postoperative patient flow (e.g., shorter time in the recovery room, ICU, and inpatient ward), and were between $10,376 and $7,421 less expensive than the average laparotomy, depending on whether or not depreciation and amortization of the robotic platform were included. After discharge, patients who underwent robotic surgery were less likely to return to the ER (IRR 0.42, p = 0.02, and IRR 0.47, p = 0.055, in the univariate and multivariable models, respectively). With appropriate use of the technology, the addition of robotics to the medical armamentarium for the management of ovarian cancer, when clinically feasible, can bring about operational efficiencies and entails cost savings.

Effect of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in combination with cytoreductive surgery on the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Peritoneal metastasis often occurs in patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis, and the prognosis is poor. A large body of evidence highlights the beneficial effects of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on survival, but to date, there is little consensus on the optimal treatment strategy for patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of CRS + HIPEC on survival and provide reference for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Knowledge, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were screened from inception of the review to March 11, 2022. Ten studies were included in qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Results

A total of 3200 patients were enrolled in the study, including 788 patients in the CRS and HIPEC groups and 2412 patients in the control group, of which 3 were randomized controlled trials and 7 were cohort studies. The 3 randomized controlled studies were of high quality, and the quality scores of the 7 cohort studies were all 7 or above, indicating high quality. The results showed that the OS of CRS + HIPEC group was higher than that of control group (HR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.38–0.73; P < 0.00001, I² = 82.9%); the heterogeneity of the studies was large. The subgroup analysis showed that the OS of CRS and HIPEC group was higher than that of PC group (HR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.30–0.47; P = 0.215, I² = 31%) and higher than that in CRS group (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.49–1.07; P = 0.163, I² = 44.8%); the heterogeneity of the studies was low. In the OPEN group, the OS of THE CRS and HIPEC groups was higher than that in the control group (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.38–0.70; P = 0.353, I² = 3.9%); OPEN group showed lower heterogeneity. The OS of 60–100-min group was higher than that in the control group (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.49–0.88; P = 0.172, I² = 37.4%); the heterogeneity of the studies was low. Sensitivity analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the results of the combined analysis after each study was deleted. The results of publication bias showed that the P-value of Egger and Begg tests was 0.078 > 0.05, indicating that there is no publication bias.

Conclusions

CRS + HIPEC can improve the survival rate of patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis

The pattern of peritoneal colorectal metastasis predicts survival after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal cancer index (PCI) has been used reliably to prognosticate patients with peritoneal metastasis, however, it fails to describe the patterns of peritoneal spread and to correlate these patterns to survival outcomes. We aim to define the scattered peritoneal spread (SPS) as a pattern associated with worse survival in colorectal peritoneal metastasis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of metastatic colorectal cancer patients from a prospectively maintained database of peritoneal surface malignances (n = 280) between 2015 and 2020. SPS was defined by the presence of at least two distant and non-contiguous PCI regions. We compared patients with SPS (n = 73) and clustered peritoneal spread (CPS) (n = 88) for demographics, perioperative and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

No difference in demographics or post-operative course was noted between the groups. The median follow-up was 15.4 months (0.4-70.8 months). Worse disease-free survival (DFS) in the SPS group with an estimated median of 8.2 months compared to 22.5 months in the CPS spread group, (p = 0.001). The estimated median overall survival (OS) for SPS group was 35.7 months whereas in the CPS group the median was not reached (p = 0.025). The same effect of SPS was preserved even after stratification of PCI.

CONCLUSIONS

We defined and described the association of the peritoneal spread pattern to survival outcomes. SPS patients exhibit worse DFS and OS independent of the PCI level. Integration of malignant spread pattern into prognostication models along with PCI may aid in predicting oncological outcomes.

The Characteristics of 206 Long-Term Survivors with Peritoneal Metastases from Colorectal Cancer Treated with Curative Intent Surgery: A Multi-Center Cohort from PSOGI

Simple Summary

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy improves survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the characteristics of long-term survivors are not well documented. This study set out to investigate the patient characteristics associated with the long-term survival of peritoneal metastases from CRC. We retrospectively analyzed 206 long-term survivors who underwent CRS for peritoneal metastases from CRC. We found that most long-term survivors showed low peritoneal cancer index (PCI), low PCI of small bowel subsets, and complete cytoreduction (CC-0), while some exhibited characteristics considered associated with poor prognosis.

Abstract

Background: We conducted this study to review the patient characteristics associated with long-term survival in patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS). Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients with peritoneal metastases from CRC treated with curative intent surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at 13 institutions worldwide between January 1985 and April 2015 and survived longer than five years after the first CRS for peritoneal metastases. Clinical and oncological features and therapeutic parameters were described and analyzed. Results: Two hundred six long-term survivors were available for study. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) of this cohort was 4 (interquartile range (IQR), 2–7), and the median score of the small bowel regions of the PCI (SB-PCI) was 0 (IQR, 0–2). Complete cytoreduction (CC-0) was achieved in 180 (87.4%) patients. Recurrence was observed in 122 (59.2%) patients at a median of 1.8 (IQR, 1.2–2.6) years. Conclusions: While most long-term survivors showed low PCI/SB-PCI and CCR-0, some had characteristics considered associated with poor prognosis. Curative intent treatments may be considered in well-informed and fit patients showing negative factors affecting survival outcome.

Minimally invasive resection of benign cardiac tumors

Primary cardiac tumours for which surgical resection is the main stay of treatment are rare and present both diagnostic and management challenges. The majority of patients are asymptomatic and one third of those who have symptoms present with vague constitutional symptoms which further complicates the process of early diagnosis. The current state-of-the art multi-modality imaging, routine use of intra-operative transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) in most cardiac centres and the tremendous advances of endoscopic adjuncts greatly enhances both the diagnosis and management of those group of patients. The surgical burden of median sternotomy and the contemporary trend towards less invasive surgery urged the necessity for adopting minimally invasive surgery in general and cardiac tumours are no exception. Despite the rarity of theses tumours, minimally invasive resection is successful in the hands of experienced minimally invasive surgeons who employ the same minimal access valve surgery platform to access the tumours in various cardiac chambers and valves with no compromise to the oncological clearance and hence achieve the benefits of minimally invasive surgery without compromising long term outcomes.

Thirty-three long-term survivors after cytoreductive surgery in patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer: a retrospective descriptive study

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) improves survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). However, little has been reported on characteristics and clinical course of long-term survivors with CRC-PM beyond 5 years. The objective of this study was to identify the clinical and oncological features affecting long-term survival of CRC-PM after comprehensive treatment.

METHODS

Between January 1990 and April 2015, CRC-PM patients who underwent CRS with or without HIPEC in two Japanese tertiary hospitals were analyzed. Clinicopathological parameters and therapeutic details for long-term survivors (patients surviving ≥ 5 years after CRS) were described and compared with those for non-survivors (patients surviving < 5 years).

RESULTS

The study identified 236 patients with CRC-PM who underwent CRS, with a median follow-up period of 2.5 years. Thirty-three patients (14.0%) were considered as long-term survivors. Compared with non-survivors, long-term survivors had a lower median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) [4 (1-27) vs 9 (0-39), p < 0.001]. Complete cytoreduction (CCR-0) was achieved in all long-term survivors, with a significantly higher rate [33/33 (100%) vs 141/203 (69.8%), p < 0.001]. Metachronous onsets of PM were more frequently observed in the long-term survivor group [26/33 (78.8%) vs 103/203 (50.3%), p = 0.018]. Regarding histopathology, long-term survivors more frequently had mucinous adenocarcinoma than non-survivors [8/33 (24.2%) vs 27/203 (13.3%)] and less likely exhibited poorly differentiated or signet ring cell carcinoma [2/33 (6.1%) vs 48/203 (23.7%)] (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

One in seven patients with CRC-PM achieved the long-term milestone after CRS. A long-term survival was associated with the presence of low PCI, CCR-0, metachronous onset, and mucinous histology.

Clinical outcomes of multivessel coronary artery disease patients revascularized by robot-assisted vs conventional standard coronary artery bypass graft surgeries in real-world practice

The treatment of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) by coronary stenting (PCI) and the "gold standard" conventional coronary-artery bypass grafting (C-CABG) has been well explored in the literature. However, the clinical outcomes of robot-assisted CABG (R-CABG) vs C-CABG in MVD patients in real-world practice were unknown. We aimed to study the clinical outcomes of MVD patients who underwent R-CABG (robotic MIDCAB) and C-CABG at our institution between January 2005 and December 2013.A total of 516 MVD patients received CABG were recruited into this study. Among them, 281 patients received R-CABG and 235 patients underwent C-CABG. Patients in the R-CABG group were younger, and had fewer vessels with coronary artery disease (CAD), lower prevalence of chronic renal disease (CKD), higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), as well as lower Euro scores. The in-hospital and long-term mortalities were lower in the R-CABG group, but the incidences of target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke were not significantly different between the two groups. The long-term mortality was related to age, lower LVEF, and CKD, but not residual SYNTAX score, or completeness of revascularization. The revascularization modality (R-CABG vs C-CABG) was a borderline significantly independent predictor of long-term mortality (OR 1.76 [0.99-3.14], P = .055).Our study concluded that R-CABG, in comparison with C-CABG, for MVD carried out in younger patients involved fewer clinical complexities was associated with lower in-hospital and long-term mortalities in real-world practice. However, the long-term rates of TLR, TVR, MI, and stroke were similar. The long-term mortality was correlated with age, lower LVEF, and CKD, where R-CABG remained a borderline significant predictor after correcting for confounding factors. R-CABG could be an effective alternative to C-CABG for MVD patients with fewer clinical complexities in real-world practice.

Robot-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted coronary bypass (RCAB) surgery has been proposed as an alternative to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (C-CABG) for managing coronary heart disease, but the evidence on its performance compared to other existing treatments is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess, through a systematic review of comparative studies, the safety and clinical effectiveness of RCAB compared to C-CABG and other minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of coronary heart disease.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of primary studies in the English-language literature comparing RCAB to existing treatment options (C-CABG, minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass [MIDCAB] and port-access coronary artery bypass [PA-CAB]) following Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Meta-analyses were performed where appropriate.

RESULTS

We reviewed 13 studies: 11 primary studies of RCAB (v. C-CABG in 7, v. MIDCAB in 3 and v. PA-CAB in 1) and 2 multicentre database studies (RCAB v. non-RCAB). The overall quality of the evidence was low. Most studies showed no significant benefit of RCAB over other treatments in a majority of outcome variables. Meta-analyses showed that RCAB had lower rates of pneumonia or wound infection than C-CABG, and shorter intensive care unit length of stay than C-CABG or MIDCAB. Individual studies showed that RCAB had some better outcomes than C-CABG (ventilation time, transfusion, postoperative pain, hospital length of stay) or MIDCAB (transfusion, postoperative pain, time to return to normal activities, physical functioning and hospital length of stay). The review of the database studies showed that RCAB was statistically superior to non-RCAB approaches in postoperative pain, renal failure, transfusion, reoperation for bleeding, stroke and hospital length of stay; however, the difference between the 2 groups in several of these outcomes was small.

CONCLUSION

Although the findings from this review of comparative studies of RCAB appear promising and suggest that RCAB may offer some benefits to patients, in the absence of randomized controlled trials, these results should be interpreted cautiously.

Prognostic factors influencing survival in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for isolated colorectal peritoneal metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer confer the worst survival among all metastatic sites. The adoption of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can offer selected patients with isolated colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) a favourable long-term survival. There are numerous factors postulated to influence survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC. The aim of this study was to identify the key perioperative prognostic factors that influence survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for isolated CRPM.

METHOD

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate prognostic factors influencing survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for isolated CRPM.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies fitted the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, with 25 studies included in the meta-analysis. On pooled analysis, incomplete cytoreduction, increasing peritoneal carcinoma index (PCI) and lymph node involvement were significantly associated with a worse survival. Additionally, a rectal primary [hazard ratio (HR) 1.93, 95% CI 1.10-3.37], adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.93) and perioperative grade III/IV morbidity (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.17-2.16) were also found to significantly influence survival. Notably, tumour differentiation and signet ring cell histology did not influence survival on pooled analysis.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis confirms that in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for isolated CRPM, incomplete cytoreduction, high PCI and lymph node involvement have a negative influence on survival. In addition, a rectal primary, adjuvant chemotherapy use and grade III/IV morbidity are important factors that also significantly influence survival.

The role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous tumor rupture is a distinctive disease pattern in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The application of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (srHCC) is debatable. Our study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of srHCC vs. nrHCC and to test the role of postoperative HIPEC in patients with srHCC after hepatectomy.

METHODS

From 2014 to 2018, PSM was performed to compare 57 patients who performed liver resection for srHCC and met the research criteria with 57 nrHCC patients selected from 446 consecutive patients. Then patients with srHCC were divided into two groups according to whether they underwent HIPEC after hepatectomy.

RESULTS

After 1:1 PSM, the clinical characteristics of the patients with srHCC and nrHCC were comparable. In terms of long-term outcomes, the nrHCC group had significantly longer OS (P=0.026) and DFS (P<0.001) than the srHCC group. Of the 57 srHCC patients, the HIPEC group showed added complications compared to the non-HIPEC group, including an increased length of hospital stay and higher in-hospital costs. However, there were no significant differences in the metastatic patterns of these recurrent patients, and there was no statistically significant difference in DFS (P=0.28) or OS (P=0.56) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of ruptured HCC patients were worse than those of non-ruptured HCC patients. HIPEC may not be a robust treatment for srHCC now.

Analysis of the logistical, economic and minimally invasive cardiac surgical training difficulties in India

Significant advances have been made in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) over the past 3 decades. However, the acceptance and practice of MICS continue to remain low in the developing world owing to several challenges. This study aimed to analyse the logistical, economic and training difficulties in MICS with a special focus on the Indian scenario. A systematic review of the current literature on MICS with an emphasis on these challenges was performed. MICS has been shown to have clear cost-benefit advantage that stems from shorter ICU and hospital stay, lesser transfusion requirements and avoidance of sternal wound complications. However, only limited reports are currently available detailing the economic and training challenges for the application of MICS in the developing world, particularly India. Though several challenges exist in widening MICS practice in India, these can be overcome through a target-oriented approach.

Perioperative Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review overviews perioperative stroke as it pertains to specific surgical procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

As awareness of perioperative stroke increases, so does the opportunity to potentially improve outcomes for these patients by early stroke recognition and intervention. Perioperative stroke is defined to be any stroke that occurs within 30 days of the initial surgical procedure. The incidence of perioperative stroke varies and is dependent on the specific type of surgery performed. This chapter overviews the risks, mechanisms, and acute evaluation and management of perioperative stroke in four surgical populations: cardiac surgery, carotid endarterectomy, neurosurgery, and non-cardiac/non-carotid/non-neurological surgeries.

CRS and HIPEC in patients with peritoneal metastasis secondary to colorectal cancer: The small-bowel PCI score as a predictor of survival

Background

Combining cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic IntraPeritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) can benefit patients with peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer. The present study evaluates the small bowel subset of the Peritoneal Cancer Index (Small-Bowel-PCI score (SB-PCI), min-max 0–12) as a prognostic factor in such patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients that underwent CRS and HIPEC for recurrent colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis. Patient characteristics, procedure details, and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Eighty patients were included. The mean intraoperative PCI-score was 16.8, with a mean SB-PCI score of 5.9. CC0/1 was achieved in 62/80 patients. The mean follow-up period was 26.3 months. Univariate regression analysis showed that the ECOG status, the presence of severe complications, the HIPEC regimen (oxaliplatin vs. mitomycin-C), the PCI score, the SB-PCI score and the completeness of cytoreduction correlated significantly with overall survival. In multivariate analysis, the SB-PCI and CC score were identified as independent prognostic factors of survival. When the SB-PCI was stratified in three groups (0–4, 5–8 and 9–12), Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed significant difference in survival (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The SB-PCI correlates with overall survival in patients with peritoneal metastases secondary to colorectal cancer in this retrospective cohort. Its use should be validated in prospective patient series.

Hepatectomy for metachronous colorectal liver metastases following complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal metastases: a report of three cases

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal metastasis (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported to substantially improve the prognosis and the quality of life of patients in comparison to systemic chemotherapy or palliative approaches. This study aimed to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of hepatectomy for metachronous liver metastases from CRC following CRS and HIPEC for PM on the basis of three case reports.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe three cases involving patients who underwent hepatectomy for metachronous liver metastases from CRC after CRS and HIPEC for PM. All patients underwent CRS and HIPEC after primary tumor resection, and hepatectomy was performed for the metachronous liver metastases after CRS and HIPEC. The hepatectomy procedures for cases 1, 2, and 3 were left hemihepatectomy and partial resection of S5, posterior sectionectomy, and left-lateral sectionectomy and partial resection of S5 and S8, respectively. Although adhesion of surrounding organs to the liver surface was observed on a broad level, dissections and hepatectomy could be performed safely. No recurrence was detected in cases 1 and 2 after hepatectomy. In case 3, liver metastases were detected from the time of the initial diagnosis of the primary tumor, and complete remission was achieved once with systemic chemotherapy. Although we performed hepatectomy for the recurrence of liver metastases after complete remission, early re-recurrence was observed after hepatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatectomy for metachronous liver metastases after CRS and HIPEC for PM could be a multi-modality treatment option for CRC recurrence.

Assessment of Physical Activity by Wearable Technology During Rehabilitation After Cardiac Surgery: Explorative Prospective Monocentric Observational Cohort Study

Background

Wearable technology is finding its way into clinical practice. Physical activity describes patients’ functional status after cardiac surgery and can be monitored remotely by using dedicated trackers.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the progress of physical activity in cardiac rehabilitation by using wearable fitness trackers in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery by either the conventional off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) or the robotically assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (RA-MIDCAB). We hypothesized faster recovery of physical activity after RA-MIDCAB in the first weeks after discharge as compared to OPCAB.

Methods

Patients undergoing RA-MIDCAB or OPCAB were included in the study. Each patient received a Fitbit Charge HR (Fitbit Inc, San Francisco, CA) physical activity tracker following discharge. Rehabilitation progress was assessed by measuring the number of steps and physical activity level daily. The physical activity level was calculated as energy expenditure divided by the basic metabolic rate.

Results

A total of 10 RA-MIDCAB patients with a median age of 68 (min, 55; max, 83) years and 12 OPCAB patients with a median age of 69 (min, 50; max, 82) years were included. Baseline characteristics were comparable except for body mass index (RA-MIDCAB: 26 kg/m²; min, 22; max, 28 versus OPCAB: 29 kg/m²; min, 27; max, 33; P<.001). Intubation time (P<.05) was significantly lower in the RA-MIDCAB group. A clear trend, although not statistically significant, was observed towards a higher number of steps in RA-MIDCAB patients in the first week following discharge.

Conclusions

RA-MIDCAB patients have an advantage in recovery in the first weeks of revalidation, which is reflected by the number of steps and physical activity level measured by the Fitbit Charge HR, as compared to OPCAB patients. However, unsupervised assessment of daily physical activity varied widely and could have consequences with regard to the use of these trackers as research tools.

Totally endoscopic robotic-assisted excision of right ventricular papillary fibroelastoma

Although they comprise a small number of primary tumors of the heart, papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are the second most common type of benign cardiac tumor. PFEs of the right heart are uncommon, and those arising from the right-ventricular (RV) wall are extremely rare, with only a handful of reported cases in the literature. Removal of these tumors has been described, primarily through a median sternotomy approach, with only one report of using a right-sided mini-thoracotomy technique. The advantages of endoscopic robotic-assisted cardiac surgery have been demonstrated and described extensively. We report on a case of an incidentally found PFE in the RV that was successfully removed with a totally endoscopic robotic-assisted approach. The focus of our report is on the uniqueness of both the right-sided nonvalvular PFE and the treatment with a robotic totally endoscopic surgical approach.

Systematic Review of Variations in Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) for Peritoneal Metastasis from Colorectal Cancer

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS), followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), combines radical surgery with abdominal heated chemotherapy, constituting a multimodal treatment approach. Since clear standards for HIPEC conduct in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are lacking, we aimed to provide a comprehensive structured survey. Data sources and study eligibility criteria: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, with keywords “HIPEC” and “colorectal cancer”, according to established guidelines. Articles were systematically screened, selecting 87 publications complemented by 48 publications identified through extended search for subsequent synthesis and evaluation, extracting inter alia details on used drugs, dosage, temperature, exposure times, and carrier solutions. Results: Compiled publications contained 171 reports on HIPEC conduct foremost with mitomycin C and oxaliplatin, but also other drugs and drug combinations, comprising at least 60 different procedures. We hence provide an overview of interconnections between HIPEC protocols, used drugs and carrier solutions as well as their volumes. In addition, HIPEC temperatures and dosing benchmarks, as well as an estimate of in vivo resulting drug concentrations are demonstrated. Conclusions and implications: Owing to recent developments, HIPEC conduct and practices need to be reassessed. Unfortunately, imprecise and lacking reporting is frequent, which is why minimal information requirements should be established for HIPEC and the introduction of final drug concentrations for comparability reasons seems sensible.

Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis

BACKGROUND

Gastric Cancer (GC) with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis (PC) has long been regarded as a terminal disease. Over the past two decades, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has changed the traditional concept of peritoneal metastases from being a systemic disease, to being considered a locoregional dissemination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study was performed at a high-volume Carcinomatosis Center to evaluate survival, morbi-mortality and prognostic factors for survival in a cohort of patients with GC and PC treated with CRS + HIPEC between June 2006 and December 2016.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 54 months. Postoperative major complications (>grade IIIa) occurred in 25.7% of patients, including 2 deaths (mortality 5.7%). The median overall survival (OS) was 16 months and the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 70.8%, 21.3% and 21.3% %, respectively. The median OS for patients with PCI ≤6 was 19 months, in contrast to 12 months for the 19 patients with PCI >6. Three patients were included with only a positive cytology and their median OS was not reached. Perineural invasion was the only factor that had a negative influence in prognosis (HR 18.8) in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Although GC with PC still has a poor prognosis, survival has improved in selected patients with CRS + HIPEC and perioperative systemic chemotherapy. Patients with isolated positive cytology or peritoneal carcinomatosis with PCI less than 6 had encouraging survival rates.

Hybrid coronary revascularization for the treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has typically been treated either medically, with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). As advances in stent technology and minimally invasive surgery have developed, a third option has emerged: hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR). In HCR, minimally invasive CABG and PCI are both employed to treat a single patient, often during the same hospital stay. Patients appropriate for this technique vary widely, from low-risk patients with low SYNTAX lesions outside the left anterior descending artery (LAD), to high-risk patients with multiple comorbidities who are felt by the heart team to benefit most by avoiding a sternotomy. Across both our experience and other series in the literature, mortality with HCR is around 1%. Hospital length of stay is less than one week, and typically less than after conventional CABG, but longer than with isolated PCI. Return to baseline activity is substantially shorter after minimally invasive CABG compared to conventional CABG due to the avoidance of a sternotomy; deep sternal wound infections are entirely avoided. Mid-term need for repeat revascularization may be higher with HCR, though randomized data are lacking. In conclusion, HCR is an evolving method to treat multivessel CAD with favorable early results in high volume centers, though growth in the field is limited by surgical experience and success with minimally invasive techniques.

Crosstalk Between Apoptosis and Autophagy Is Regulated by the Arginylated BiP/Beclin-1/p62 Complex

Emerging evidence demonstrates that autophagy and apoptosis are interconnected and their interplay greatly affects cell death. However, the key regulators in this crosstalk remain elusive. Therefore, the role of N-terminal arginylated BiP (R-BiP)/Beclin-1/p62 complex was examined in the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy during combination chemotherapy with mitomycin C and bortezomib using immunoblot, immunoprecipitation, and cellular imaging assays in wild-type (WT) and genetically engineered colorectal cancer cells. In addition, the tumoricidal efficacy of the combinatorial treatment in a nude mouse tumor xenograft model of colorectal cancer was assessed. Bortezomib combined with mitomycin C synergistically induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis rather than autophagy. Mechanistically, this combination inactivated Akt and subsequently induced Beclin-1 (BECN1) dephosphorylation at Ser 234/295. Dephosphorylation of Beclin-1 resulted in increased cleavage of Beclin-1 and disruption of the R-BiP/Beclin-1/p62 complex, which led to switching autophagy to the synergistic induction of apoptosis. Importantly, the combination significantly suppressed LS174T intraperitoneal xenograft tumor growth, induced Akt inactivation and Beclin-1 cleavage, and decreased autophagy in vivo Moreover, the tumoricidal efficacy of the combinatorial treatment was less effective, in vitro and in vivo, in HCT116 tumors harboring a Beclin-1 caspase 8 cleavage site mutant knock-in.Implications: This study uncovers that the R-BiP/Beclin-1/p62 complex has an important role in the crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy. The results also propose how mono-drug resistance can be overcome using potent combinations to improve anticancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 16(7); 1077-91. ©2018 AACR.

PCI is Not Predictive of Survival After Complete CRS/HIPEC in Peritoneal Dissemination from High-Grade Appendiceal Primaries

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is a treatment option in patients with carcinomatosis from high-grade appendiceal (HGA) primaries. It is unknown if there is a Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index (PCI) upper limit above which a complete CRS/HIPEC does not assure long-term survival.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis from three centers was performed. The PCI was used to grade volume of of disease. Survival in relation to PCI was studied on patients with complete cytoreduction.

RESULTS

Overall, 521 HGA patients underwent CRS/HIPEC from 1993 to 2015, with complete CRS being achieved in 50% (260/622). Mean PCI was 14.8 (standard deviation 8.7, range 0-36). Median survival for the complete CRS cohort was 6.1 years, while 5- and 10-year survival was 51.7% (standard error [SE] 4.6) and 36.1% (SE 6.3), respectively. Arbitrary cut-off PCI limits with 5-point splits (p = 0.63) were not predictive of a detrimental effect on survival as long as a complete CRS was achieved. A linear effect of the PCI on survival (p = 0.62) was not observed, and single-point PCI cohort splits within a PCI range of < 5 to > 10 were not predictive of survival for complete CRS patients. The PCI correlated with the ability to achieve a complete CRS, with a mean PCI of 14.7 (8.7) for completeness of cytoreduction (CC)0, 22.3 (7.8) for CC1 and 26.1 (9.5) for CC2/3 resections (p = 0.0001, hazard ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.09), with an HR of 1.15 for each 1-unit increase in the PCI score. Only 21% of the cohort achieved a complete CRS with a PCI ≥ 21.

CONCLUSIONS

The PCI correlates with the ability to achieve a complete CRS in carcinomatosis from HGA. PCI is not associated with survival as long as a complete CRS can be achieved.

Neurological outcome after minimal invasive coronary artery surgery (NOMICS): protocol for an observational prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Adverse neurocognitive outcomes are still an important cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. The most common neurocognitive disorders after conventional cardiac surgery are postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), stroke and delirium. Minimal invasive cardiac procedures have recently been introduced into practice. Endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (Endo-CABG) is a minimal invasive cardiac procedure based on the conventional CABG procedure. Neurocognitive outcome after minimal invasive cardiac surgery, including Endo-CABG, has never been studied. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to examine neurocognitive outcome after Endo-CABG.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will perform a prospective observational cohort study including 150 patients. Patients are categorised into three groups: (1) patients undergoing Endo-CABG, (2) patients undergoing a percutaneous coronary intervention and (3) a healthy volunteer group. All patients in the Endo-CABG group will be treated following a uniform, standardised protocol. To assess neurocognitive outcome after surgery, a battery of six neurocognitive tests will be administered at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. In the Endo-CABG group, a neurological examination will be performed at baseline and postoperatively and delirium will be scored at the intensive care unit. Quality of life (QOL), anxiety and depression will be assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Satisfaction with Endo-CABG will be assessed at 3-month follow-up. Primary endpoints are the incidence of POCD, stroke and delirium after Endo-CABG. Secondary endpoints are QOL after Endo-CABG, patient satisfaction with Endo-CABG and the incidence of anxiety and depression after Endo-CABG.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The neurological outcome after minimal invasive coronary artery surgery study has received approval of the Jessa Hospital ethics board. It is estimated that the trial will be executed from December 2016 to January 2018, including enrolment and follow-up. Analysis of data, followed by publication of the results, is expected in 2018.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02979782.

The Impact of Early Recurrence on Quality of Life after Cytoreduction with HIPEC

Improved oncological outcomes after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in highly selected patients have been well documented. The extensive nature of the procedure adversely affects quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study is to longitudinally evaluate QoL following CRS/HIPEC. This is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with peritoneal malignancies undergoing CRS/HIPEC. Clinicopathological data, oncologic outcomes, and QoL were analyzed preoperatively and post-operatively at 2 weeks, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal instrument was used to determine changes in QoL after CRS/HIPEC and the impact of early recurrence (<12 months) on QoL. Thirty-six patients underwent CRS/HIPEC over 36 months. The median peritoneal cancer index score was 18 and the completeness of cytoreduction-0/1 rate was 97.2 per cent. Postoperative major morbidity was 16.7 per cent with one perioperative death. Disease-free survival was 12.6 months in patients with high-grade tumors versus 31.0 months in those with low-grade tumors (P = 0.03). QoL decreased postoperatively and improved to baseline in six months. Patients with early recurrence had a decrease in global QoL compared with preoperative QoL at 6 (P < 0.03) and 12 months (P < 0.05). This correlation was not found in patients who had not recurred. Patients who undergo CRS/HIPEC have a decrease in QoL that plateaus in 3 to 6 months. Early recurrence adversely impacts QoL at 6 and 12 months. This study emphasizes the importance of patient selection for CRS/HIPEC. The expected QoL trajectory in patients at risk for early recurrence must be carefully weighed against the potential oncological benefit of CRS/HIPEC.

Clinicopathological Parameters in Patient Selection for Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer Metastases: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To improve patient selection for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) by evaluating various preoperatively assessable clinicopathological parameters as markers for survival after CRS and HIPEC.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Peritoneal metastases (PMs) originating from colorectal cancer are treated with CRS and HIPEC. Despite increasing survival, high morbidity and mortality warrant selection of patients with optimal benefit from this treatment. Many studies report a number of variables to be associated with survival after CRS and HIPEC, but no definitive analysis has been made to validate various markers.

METHODS

In concordance with PRISMA guidelines, we performed a literature search encompassing 4110 articles to select 50 articles that reported the influence of 1 or more clinicopathological variables on overall survival after CRS and HIPEC. In absence of RCTs, 25 cohort studies could be used to perform a meta-analysis on 10 prognostic variables.

RESULTS

We determined that concurrent liver metastasis, lymph node metastasis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, tumor differentiation, and signet ring cell histology are all negative prognostic variables on overall survival after CRS and HIPEC. Conversely, sex and location of primary could not be validated as prognostic markers. More research is required to make definitive conclusions about neoadjuvant chemotherapy, onset of PMs, and mucinous histology.

CONCLUSIONS

Current clinical practice, which selects patients based on extraperitoneal metastasis, lymph node stage, performance status, and tumor histology, is validated by our pooled analysis. Our data merit further research into neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the setting of CRS and HIPEC for PMs.

Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy improves survival for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence

Objectives

The therapeutic efficacy of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC) is still under debate. This meta-analysis and systematic review of published literature on this comprehensive strategy aims to evaluate its efficacy on CRC patients with PC.

Methods

A systemic review with meta-analysis of published literatures on treatment of CRS plus HIPEC for patients with PC from CRC was performed. In addition, a summary of study results of published literatures concerning CRS plus HIPEC treating patients with PC from CRC was also conducted.

Results

A total of 76 studies were selected, including 1 randomized controlled trial, 14 non-randomized controlled studies, and 61 non-controlled studies. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) in the 15 researches for meta-analysis was 2.67 (95% CI, 2.21-3.23, I₂= 0%, P < 0.00001), and no significant evidence of publication bias was found. The difference of chemotherapy regimens of HIPEC was not associated with OS and DFS (disease-free survival) after CRS and HIPEC, with no significant difference of heterogeneity (P = 0.27, I2 = 24.1%). In both groups of mitomycin C based HIPEC group and oxaliplatin group, patients received HIPEC had significant better survival (P < 0.00001). The mean mortality and morbidity for HIPEC program were 2.8% and 33.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis revealed that comprehensive therapeutic strategy of CRS plus HIPEC could bring survival benefit for selected patients with PC from CRC with acceptable safety.

Minimally invasive compared to conventional approach for coronary artery bypass grafting improves outcome

INTRODUCTION

Minimally invasive (MI) cardiac surgery is a rapidly gaining popularity, globally as well as in India. We aimed to compare the outcome of MI to the conventional approach for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care cardiac surgical center. All patients who underwent CABG surgery via MI approach (MI group) from July 2015 to December 2015 were enrolled and were compared against same number of EuroSCORE II matched patients undergoing CABG through conventional mid-sternotomy approach (CON group). Demographic, intra- and post-operative variables were collected.

RESULTS

In MI group, duration of the surgery was significantly longer (P = 0.029). Intraoperative blood loss lesser (P = 0.002), shorter duration of ventilation (P = 0.002), shorter Intensive Care Unit stay (P = 0.004), shorter hospital stay (P = 0.003), lesser postoperative analgesic requirements (P = 0.027), and lower visual analog scale scores on day of surgery (P = 0.032) and 1 st postoperative day (P = 0.025). No significant difference in postoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, or duration of inotrope requirement observed. There was no conversion to mid-sternotomy in any patients, 8% of patients had desaturation intraoperatively. There was no operative mortality.

CONCLUSION

MI surgery is associated with lesser intraoperative blood loss, better analgesia, and faster recovery.

Strategies to prevent peritoneal carcinomatosis arising from colorectal cancer

In the last decades, cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy became a curative option for peritoneal metastases in selected patients, otherwise considered for palliative therapy alone. Better knowledge of physiopathology of peritoneal spread and identification of predictive factors for peritoneal relapse prompted specialized centers to investigate the role of a 'proactive approach' in order to early detect peritoneal metastasis. These encouraging data could justify an active attitude in selected patients at high risk of peritoneal recurrence after curative resection of primary tumor. Selection criteria and the timing of complementary hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy remain important points of discussion. In this article, we will discuss treatment principles and future perspectives to early treat and, if possible, to prevent peritoneal dissemination after curative treatment of colorectal cancer.

Infectious Complications after Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intra-Peritoneal Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to review the post-operative and infectious complications and determine the risk factors associated with infections in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between October 2007 and December 2013, patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC with a curative intent were included in the study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System definitions were used to identify post-operative nosocomial infections.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-nine CRS and HIPEC procedures were performed. Overall, 155 complications were observed in 82 (48.5%) patients. Grade 3-4 morbidity rate was 25.5% (n = 43). Seventy infections occurred in 47 patients. Surgical site infection was the most common infectious complication. The most common micro-organism isolated from the cultures was Escherichia coli. Age (odds ratio [OR]1.039, confidence interval [CI] 1.006-1.073), the mean total number of staff scrubbing in the operation(OR 2.241, CI 1.415-3.548), and intensive care unit stay (OR 1.325, CI 0.953-1.842) were independent risk factors for infectious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Infectious complications are the most important cause of peri-operative morbidity and death in CRS and HIPEC. As well as patient and tumor characteristics, surgeon/center-related factors play an important role in infectious morbidity. Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis should be considered as a complex oncologic group at high risk of infectious complications.

Direct to consumer advertising of robotic heart bypass surgery: effectiveness, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes

Purpose

Robotic coronary artery bypass (rCABG) is a relatively novel and less invasive form of surgery. A yearlong direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) campaign was initiated to provide the community with information regarding rCABG, increase awareness and recruit patients. To optimize information content and ensure appropriate messaging for future campaigns, this study aims to analyze the campaign effectiveness and compared service quality perceptions and clinical outcomes, following surgery across DTCA-responder and control groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The institution initiated an rCABG program and one-year DTCA campaign. The authors prospectively documented all rCABG referrals prompted by these ads (DTCA-responder group) and concurrent referrals from medical providers (controls). Groups were compared according to baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, patient satisfaction (HCAHPS survey) and functional capacity at three weeks (Duke Activity Status Index). At six months, both groups were surveyed for patient satisfaction and unmet expectations.

Findings

There were 103 DTCA responders and 77 controls. The subset of responders that underwent rCABG (n = 54) had similar characteristics to controls, except they were younger, less likely to have lung disease or to be scheduled as an urgent case. Both groups had similar 30-day clinical outcomes, functional capacity recovery and overall satisfaction at three weeks. Follow-up interviews at six months and four years revealed that the DTCA group reported more unmet expectations regarding the “size of the skin incisions” and “recovery time” but no concern about “expertise of their surgeon”.

Practical implications

The DTCA campaign was effective at recruiting patients. The specific focus of the ads and narrow timeframe for decision-making about CABG lends confidence that the incremental cases seen during the campaign were prompted primarily by DTCA. However, differences in unmet expectations underscore the need to better understand the impact of message content on patients recruited via DTCA campaigns.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to provide real-world direct empirical evidence of patients’ clinical and attitudinal outcomes for DTCA campaigns. Furthermore, the findings contradict prevailing beliefs that DTCA is ineffective for prompting surgical referrals.

A systematic review on robotic coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

Robotic-assisted coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) has been performed over the past decade. Despite encouraging results from selected centres, there is a paucity of robust clinical data to establish its clinical safety and efficacy. The present systematic review aimed to identify all relevant clinical data on robotic CABG. The primary endpoint was perioperative mortality, and secondary endpoints included perioperative morbidities, anastomotic complications, and long-term survival.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed using three online databases from their dates of inception to 2016. Relevant studies fulfilling the predefined search criteria were categorized according to surgical techniques as (I) totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass without cardiopulmonary bypass (TECAB off-pump); (II) TECAB on-pump; and robotic-assisted mammary artery harvesting followed by minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (robotic MIDCAB).

RESULTS

The present systematic review identified 44 studies that fulfilled the study selection criteria, including nine studies in the TECAB off-pump group and 16 studies in the robotic MIDCAB group. Statistical analysis reported a pooled mortality of 1.7% for the TECAB off-pump group and 1.0% for the robotic MIDCAB group. Intraoperative details such as the number and location of grafts performed, operative times and conversion rates, as well as postoperative secondary endpoints such as morbidities, anastomotic complications and long-term outcomes were also summarized for both techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

A number of technical, logistic and cost-related issues continue to hinder the popularization of the robotic CABG procedure. Current clinical evidence is limited by a lack of randomized controlled trials, heterogeneous definition of techniques and complications, as well as a lack of robust clinical follow-up with routine angiography. Nonetheless, the present systematic review reported acceptable perioperative mortality rates for selected patients at specialized centres. These results should be considered as a useful benchmark for future studies, until further data is reported in the form of randomized trials.

Patient-level costs of major cardiovascular conditions: a review of the international literature

OBJECTIVE

Robust cost estimates of cardiovascular (CV) events are required for assessing health care interventions aimed at reducing the economic burden of major adverse CV events. This review synthesizes international cost estimates of CV events.

METHODS

MEDLINE database was searched electronically for English language studies published during 2007-2012, with cost estimates for CV events of interest - unstable angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and CV revascularization. Included studies provided at least one estimate of patient-level direct costs in adults for any identified country. Information on study characteristics and cost estimates were collected. All costs were adjusted for inflation to 2013 values.

RESULTS

Across the 114 studies included, the average cost was US $6,466 for unstable angina, $11,664 for acute myocardial infarction, $11,686 for acute heart failure, $11,635 for acute ischemic stroke, $37,611 for coronary artery bypass graft, and $13,501 for percutaneous coronary intervention. The ranges for cost estimates varied widely across countries with US cost estimate being at least twice as high as European Union costs for some conditions. Few studies were found on populations outside the US and European Union.

CONCLUSION

This review showed wide variation in the cost of CV events within and across countries, while showcasing the continuing economic burden of CV disease. The variability in costs was primarily attributable to differences in study population, costing methodologies, and reporting differences. Reliable cost estimates for assessing economic value of interventions in CV disease are needed.

Robust Automatic Feature Tracking on Beating Human Hearts for Minimally Invasive CABG Surgery

This paper presents a robust algorithm for automatic tracking of feature points on the human heart. The emphases and key contributions of the proposed algorithm are uniform distribution of the feature points and sustained tolerable tracking error. While in many methods in the literature, detection takes place independently from the tracking procedure, adopting a different approach, we selected a data-driven detection stage, which works based on the feedback from tracking results from the Lucas–Kanade (LK) tracking algorithm to avoid unacceptable tracking errors. To ensure a uniform spatial distribution of the total detected feature points for tracking, a cost function is employed using the simulated annealing optimizer, which prevents the newly detected points from accumulating near the previously located points or stagnant regions. Implementing the proposed algorithm on a real human heart dataset showed that the presented algorithm yields more robust tracking and improved motion reconstruction, compared with the other available methods. Furthermore, to predict the motion of feature points for handling short-term occlusions, a state space model is utilized, and thin-plate spline (TPS) interpolation was also employed to estimate motion of any arbitrary point on the heart surface.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of metastatic colorectal cancer: a consensus statement of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncologists (HeSMO)

There is discrepancy and failure to adhere to current international guidelines for the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) in hospitals in Greece and Cyprus. The aim of the present document is to provide a consensus on the multidisciplinary management of metastastic CRC, considering both special characteristics of our Healthcare System and international guidelines. Following discussion and online communication among the members of an executive team chosen by the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO), a consensus for metastastic CRC disease was developed. Statements were subjected to the Delphi methodology on two voting rounds by invited multidisciplinary international experts on CRC. Statements reaching level of agreement by ≥80% were considered as having achieved large consensus, whereas statements reaching 60-80% moderate consensus. One hundred and nine statements were developed. Ninety experts voted for those statements. The median rate of abstain per statement was 18.5% (range: 0-54%). In the end of the process, all statements achieved a large consensus. The importance of centralization, care by a multidisciplinary team, adherence to guidelines, and personalization is emphasized. R0 resection is the only intervention that may offer substantial improvement in the oncological outcomes.

Oncologic Outcomes of Colon Cancer Patients with Extraregional Lymph Node Metastasis: Comparison of Isolated Paraaortic Lymph Node Metastasis with Resectable Liver Metastasis

BACKGROUND

The treatment strategy and benefit of extended lymph node dissection among patients with preoperatively diagnosed paraaortic lymph node metastasis (PALNM) in colon cancer remains highly controversial. In the current study, we analyzed the oncologic outcomes of patients who underwent extraregional lymph node dissection for colon cancer with isolated PALNM.

METHODS

From March 2000 to December 2009, the study group included 1082 patients who underwent curative surgery for colonic adenocarcinoma with pathological lymph node metastasis.

RESULTS

Of 1082 patients who underwent curative surgery for colonic carcinoma, 953 (88.1 %) patients underwent regional lymphadenectomy, and 129 (11.9 %) patients underwent paraaortic lymph node dissection. Pathologic examination revealed N1 stage disease in 738 (68.2 %), N2 in 295 (27.3 %), and PALNM in 49 (4.5 %). Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rate were significantly better in the regional LNM group than in the PALNM group (OS 75.1 vs. 33.9 %, p < 0.001; DFS 66.2 vs. 26.5 %, p < 0.001). Five-year OS and DFS were not significantly different between the PALNM and resectable liver metastasis patients who underwent curative resection (OS 33.9 vs. 38.7 %, p = 0.080; DFS 26.5 vs. 27.6 %, p = 0.604).

CONCLUSIONS

PALNM in colon cancer is associated with poorer survival than regional lymph node metastasis and showed comparable survival rates with metastasectomy for liver metastasis. Further studies evaluating the net benefit of upfront chemotherapy compared with initial resection for patients with potentially resectable PALNM are needed.

Robotic surgery: disruptive innovation or unfulfilled promise? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the first 30 years

Background

Robotic surgery has been in existence for 30 years. This study aimed to evaluate the overall perioperative outcomes of robotic surgery compared with open surgery (OS) and conventional minimally invasive surgery (MIS) across various surgical procedures.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from 1990 up to October 2013 with no language restriction. Relevant review articles were hand-searched for remaining studies. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective comparative studies (PROs) on perioperative outcomes, regardless of patient age and sex, were included. Primary outcomes were blood loss, blood transfusion rate, operative time, length of hospital stay, and 30-day overall complication rate.

Results

We identified 99 relevant articles (108 studies, 14,448 patients). For robotic versus OS, 50 studies (11 RCTs, 39 PROs) demonstrated reduction in blood loss [ratio of means (RoM) 0.505, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.408–0.602], transfusion rate [risk ratio (RR) 0.272, 95 % CI 0.165–0.449], length of hospital stay (RoM 0.695, 0.615–0.774), and 30-day overall complication rate (RR 0.637, 0.483–0.838) in favour of robotic surgery. For robotic versus MIS, 58 studies (21 RCTs, 37 PROs) demonstrated reduced blood loss (RoM 0.853, 0.736–0.969) and transfusion rate (RR 0.621, 0.390–0.988) in favour of robotic surgery but similar length of hospital stay (RoM 0.982, 0.936–1.027) and 30-day overall complication rate (RR 0.988, 0.822–1.188). In both comparisons, robotic surgery prolonged operative time (OS: RoM 1.073, 1.022–1.124; MIS: RoM 1.135, 1.096–1.173). The benefits of robotic surgery lacked robustness on RCT-sensitivity analyses. However, many studies, including the relatively few available RCTs, suffered from high risk of bias and inadequate statistical power.

Conclusions

Our results showed that robotic surgery contributed positively to some perioperative outcomes but longer operative times remained a shortcoming. Better quality evidence is needed to guide surgical decision making regarding the precise clinical targets of this innovation in the next generation of its use.

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Colon Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Data for Cytoreduction and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

A systematic review of the literature on the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colon cancer with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) was undertaken using OVID Medline. Forty-six relevant studies were reviewed. Mean weighted overall morbidity following CRS and IPC was 49% (range 22-76%) and mortality was 3.6% (range 0-19%). Median overall survival ranged from 15 to 63 months, and 5-year overall survival ranged from 7 to 100%. This represents an improvement over historical treatment with systemic chemotherapy alone, even in the era of modern chemotherapeutic agents. Quality of life following surgery is initially decreased but improves with time and approaches baseline. Available data appear to support the treatment of PC from colon cancer with CRS and IPC. There is a large amount of variability among studies and few high-quality studies exist. Further studies are needed to standardize techniques.