Morbidity and mortality of elderly patients with pancreaticobiliary disease according to age and comprehensive geriatric assessment: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to analyze the influence of age and comprehensive geriatric evaluation on clinical results of pancreaticobiliary disease management in elderly patients.

METHODS

A prospective observational study has been undertaken, including 140 elderly patients (over 75 years) with benign pancreaticobiliary disease. Patients were divided according to age in the following groups: group 1: 75-79 years old; group 2: 80-84 years old; group 3: 85 years and older. They underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment with different scales: Barthel Index, Pfeiffer Index, Charlson Index, and Fragility scale, at admission and had been follow-up 90 days after hospital discharge to analyze its influence on morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 140 patients have been included (group 1=51; group 2=43 and group 3=46). Most of them, 52 cases (37.8%), had acute cholecystitis, followed by 29 cases of acute cholangitis (20.2%) and acute pancreatitis with 25 cases (17.9%). Significant differences has been observed on complications in different age groups (p=0.033). Especially in patients with a Barthel Index result ≤60, which suggests that these less functional patients had more severe complications after their treatment (p=0.037). The mortality rate was 7.1% (10 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences were found between age, morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with pancreaticobiliary disease. Comprehensive geriatric scales showed some utility in their association with specific complications.

Microfracture-coagulation for the real robotic liver parenchymal transection

The use of the robotic approach in liver surgery is exponentially increasing. Although technically the robot introduces several innovative features, the instruments linked with the traditional laparoscopic approach for the liver parenchymal transection are not available, which may result in multiple technical variants that may bias the comparative analysis between the different series worldwide. A real robotic approach, minimally efficient for the liver parenchymal transection, with no requirement of external tool, available for the already existing platforms, and applicable to any type of liver resection, counting on the selective use of the plugged bipolar forceps and the monopolar scissors, or "microfracture-coagulation" (MFC) transection method, is described in detail. The relevant aspects of the technique, its indications and methodological basis are discussed.

Venous resection in pancreatic oncologic surgery: Different techniques for different situations

INTRODUCTION

To report the clinical results of patients with malignant pancreatic lesions who underwent oncological surgery with vascular resection. The type of intervention performed, types of vascular reconstruction, the pathological anatomy results, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and survival at 3 and 5 years were analyzed.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional and comparative analysis. We include 41 patients with malignant pancreatic lesions who underwent surgery with vascular resection due to vascular involvement, from 2013 to 2021.

RESULTS

The most performed surgery was pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) using median laparotomy, in 35 out of the 41 patients (85%). One of the cases in the series was performed laparoscopically. Type 1 reconstruction (simple suture) was performed in 11 (27%) patients, type 2 in 4 (10%) cases, type 3 (end-to-end) in 23 (56%) cases, and type 4 reconstruction by autologous graft in 3 (7%) cases. The mean length of the resected venous segment was 21 (11-46) mm, and mean surgical time was 290 (220-360) minutes. 90% (37/41) were pancreatic adenocarcinoma. 83% were considered R0, and there was involvement in the resected vascular section in 41% of the cases. Four patients had Clavien Dindo morbidity >3, and there were no cases of postoperative mortality. Survival at 3 years was 48% and at 5 years 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

The aggressive surgical treatment with venous resection in pancreatic malignant lesions to ensure R0 and its vascular reconstruction is a feasible technique, with an acceptable morbid-mortality rate and overall survival.

Laparoscopic and robotic distal pancreatectomy: the choice and the future

INTRODUCTION

Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is currently well established as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure, using either a laparoscopic (LDP) or robotic (RDP) approach.

METHODS

Out of 83 DP performed between January 2018 and March 2022, 57 cases (68.7%) were performed using MIS: 35 LDP and 22 RDP (da Vinci Xi). We have assessed the experience with the two techniques and analyzed the value of the robotic approach. Cases of conversion have been examined in detail.

RESULTS

The mean operative times for LDP and RDP were 201.2 (SD 47.8) and 247.54 (SD 35.8) minutes, respectively (P = NS). No differences were observed in length of hospital stay or conversion rate: 6 (5-34) vs. 5.6 (5-22) days, and 4 (11.4%) vs. 3 (13.6%) cases, respectively (P = NS). The readmission rate was 3/35 patients (11.4%) treated with LDP and 6/22 (27.3%) cases of RDP (P = NS). There were no differences in morbidity (Dindo-Clavien ≥ III) between the two groups. Mortality was one case in the robotic group (a patient with early conversion due to vascular involvement). The rate of R0 resection was greater and statistically significant in the RDP group (77.1% vs. 90.9%) (P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) is a safe and feasible procedure in selected patients. Surgical planning and stepwise implementation based on prior experience help surgeons successfully perform technically demanding procedures. RDP could be the approach of choice in distal pancreatectomy, and it is not inferior to LDP.

Robotic liver surgery: A new reality. Descriptive analysis of 220 cases of minimally invasive liver surgery in 182 patients

INTRODUCTION

The level of recommendation of the robotic approach in liver surgery is controversial. The objective of the study is to carry out a single-center retrospective descriptive analysis of the short-term results of the robotic and laparoscopic approach in liver surgery during the same period.

METHODS

Descriptive analysis of the short-term results of the robotic and laparoscopic approach on 220 resections in 182 patients undergoing minimally invasive liver surgery.

RESULTS

Between April 2018 and June 2022, a total of 92 robotic liver resections (RLR) were performed in 83 patients and 128 laparoscopic (LLR) in 99 patients. The LLR group showed a higher proportion of major surgery (P < .001) and multiple resections (P = .002). The two groups were similar in anatomical resections (RLR 64.1% vs. LLR 56.3%). In the LLS group, the average operating time was 212 min (SD 52.1). Blood loss was 276.5 mL (100-1000) and conversion 12.1%. Mean hospital stay was 5.7 (SD 4.9) days. Morbidity was 27.3% and 2% mortality. In the RLS group, the mean operative time was 217 min (SD 53.6), blood loss 169.5 mL (100.900), and conversion 2.5%. Mean hospital stay was 4.1 (SD 2.1) days. Morbidity was 15%, with no mortality.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive liver surgery is a safe technique, and in particular, RLS allows liver resections to be performed safely and reproducibly; it appears to be a non-inferior technique to LLS, but randomized studies are needed to determine the minimally invasive approach of choice in liver surgery.

Long-term results of liver-first approach strategy in patients with advanced synchronous liver metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The "liver-first" approach (LFA) is a strategy indicated for advanced synchronous liver metastases (ASLM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). Includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy, resection of the ASLM followed by CRC resection.

METHODS

Retrospective descriptive analysis from a prospective database of hepatectomies from liver metastases (LM) from CRC in two centers. Between 2007-2019, 88 patients with CRC-ASLM were included in a LFA scheme. Bilobar (LM) was present in 65.9%, the mean number of lesions was 5.5 and mean size 42.7 mm. Response to treatment was assessed by RECIST criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

Seventy-five of 88 patients (85.2%) completed the LFA. RECIST evaluation showed partial response in 75.7% and stable disease in 22.8%. Severe morbidity rate (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIA) after liver and colorectal surgery was present in 29.4% and 9.3%, respectively. There was no 90-day postoperative mortality in both liver and colorectal surgeries. Recurrence rate was 76%, being the liver the most frequent site, followed by the pulmonary. From the total number of recurrences (106) in 56 patients, surgical with chemotherapy rescue treatment was accomplished in 34 of them (32.1%). The mean PFS was 8.5 and 5-year OS was 53%.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with CRC-ASLM the LFA allows control of the liver disease beforehand and an assessment of the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, optimising the chance of potentially curative liver resection, which influences long-term survival.

Dose and administration time of indocyanine green in near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DOTIG): study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

One of the most severe complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is intraoperative bile duct injury (BDI). Despite its low incidence, the medical implications for the patient can be serious. Besides, BDI can also generate significant legal issues in healthcare. Different techniques have been described to reduce the incidence of this complication, and near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography with indocyanine green (NIRFC-ICG) is one of the latest additions. In spite of the great interest aroused by this procedure, there are currently great disparities in the usage or administration protocols of ICG.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a randomised, multicentre, per-protocol analysis, open clinical trial with four arms. The estimated duration of the trial is 12 months. The aim of the study is to analyse whether there are differences between the dose and administration ICG intervals to obtain good-quality NIRFC during LC. The primary outcome is the degree of identification of critical biliary structures during LC. In addition, different factors will be analysed that may have an influence on the results of this technique.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial will be conducted according to the recommendations for Clinical Trials in the Declaration of Helsinki Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects and the recommendations of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPs) for clinical trials. This trial was approved by the local institutional Ethics Committee and the AEMPs. The results of the study will be presented to the scientific community through publications, conferences or other means.

EUDRACT NUMBER

2022-000904-36.

PROTOCOL VERSION

V.1.4, 2 June 2022 TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05419947.

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Simplifying time and dose

BACKGROUND

This article aims to analyze and to simplify the optimal dose and time of intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) administration to achieve the identification of the cystic duct and the common bile duct (CBD).

METHODS

A consecutive series of 146 patients was prospectively analyzed and divided into three groups according to the time of ICG administration: at induction of anesthesia group (20-30 min); hours before group (between 2 and 6 h); and the day before group (≥6 h); and two groups according to the dose of ICG: 1 cc (2.5 mg) or weight-based dose (0.05 mg/kg).

RESULTS

The CBD was better visualized in the at induction of anesthesia group (85.4%), in the hours before group (97.1%) (p = 0.002) and in the 1cc group (p = 0.011). When we analyzed the 1 cc group (n = 126) a greater visualization of the CBD was observed in the at induction of anesthesia group (86.7%) and in the hours before group (97.1%) (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Due to its simplicity and reproducibility, we suggest a dose of 2.5 mg administered 2-6 h before the procedure is the optimal. However, ICG administered 30 min prior to the surgery is enough for adequate visualization of biliary structures.

Challenge and future of liver and pancreatic robotic surgery. Analysis of 64 cases in a specialized unit

INTRODUCTION

Robotic surgery has proven effective in certain surgical procedures. However, in liver and pancreatic surgery (HBP) its use is still rare. The initial experience in HBP robotic surgery of a specialized unit of a tertiary hospital is presented.

METHOD

The results of patients undergoing robotic HBP surgery between April 2018 and October 2020 have been prospectively studied. The data analyzed correspond to demographic data, surgical techniques performed, associated morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

64 patients were operated, corresponding to 35 hepatectomies (major [6.7%], anatomic [52.9%], limited [34.4%], cystectomies [3%] and marsupialization [3%]), 29 pancreatectomies (distal [48.2%], central [6.9%], cephalic [13.8%], enucleations [24.1%], ampullectomies [3.5%] and duodenal resections [3.5%]). In liver surgery the mean operative time was 204.4 min (100-265 min), the median postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo scale was one (1-4), the mean blood losses 166.7 mL (100-300 mL), there was no conversion and the mean postoperative stay was four days (2-14 days). In pancreatic surgery, the mean operative time was 243.8 min (125-460 min), the median of postoperative complications was two (1-4), blood loss of 202.3 mL (100-500 mL) associated to a conversion rate 17.8% and an average stay of seven days (3-23 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic HBP surgery is safe and feasible. It is suggested that its use facilitates parenchymal sparing surgery, access to posterior liver segments and anastomosis in pancreatic reconstruction compared to laparoscopic surgery.

How to Predict Postoperative Complications After Early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis: the Chole-Risk Score

BACKGROUND

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) is the gold standard treatment for patients with acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC); however, it is still related to significant postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications and develop a preoperative score able to predict them.

METHODS

Multicentric retrospective analysis of 1868 patients with ACC submitted to ELC. Included patients were divided into two groups according to the presentation of increased postoperative complications defined as postoperative complications ≥ Clavien-Dindo IIIa, length of stay greater than 10 days and readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Variables that were independently predictive of increased postoperative complications were combined determining the Chole-Risk Score, which was validated through a correlation analysis.

RESULTS

We included 282 (15.1%) patients with postoperative complications. The multivariate analysis predictors of increased morbidity were previous percutaneous cholecystostomy (OR 2.95, p=0.001), previous abdominal surgery (OR 1.57, p=0.031) and diabetes (OR 1.62, p=0.005); Charlson Comorbidity Index >6 (OR 2.48, p=0.003), increased total bilirubin > 2 mg/dL (OR 1.88, p=0.002), dilated bile duct (OR 1.79, p=0.027), perforated gallbladder (OR 2.62, p<0.001) and severity grade (OR 1.93, p=0.001). The Chole-Risk Score was generated by grouping these variables into four categories, with scores ranging from 0 to 4. It presented a progressive increase in postoperative complications ranging from 5.8% of patients scoring 0 to 47.8% of patients scoring 4 (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The Chole-Risk Score represents an intuitive tool capable of predicting postoperative complications in patients with ACC.

Highs and lows in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is not widely accepted, and its use is controversial. Only correct patient selection and appropriate training of groups experienced in pancreatic surgery and laparoscopy will be able to establish its role and its hypothetical advantages.

METHODS

Out of 138 pancreatic surgeries performed in a two-year period (2017-2019), 23 were laparoscopic PD. We evaluate its efficacy and safety compared to 31 open PD.

RESULTS

There were no cases of B/C pancreatic or biliary fistula, nor any cases of delayed gastric emptying in the laparoscopic group, but hemorrhage required one reoperation. The conversion rate was 21% (five cases): one due to bleeding, and the remainder for non-progression. The converted patients showed no differences compared to those completed by laparoscopy. There were no differences between laparoscopic and open PD in surgical time, postoperative complications, reintervention rate, readmissions or mortality. R0 resection in tumor cases was 85% for laparoscopy and 69% in open surgery without statistical significance. The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic PD group (eight vs. 15 days).

CONCLUSIONS

In a selected group, laparoscopic PD can be safely and effectively performed if carried out by groups who are experts in pancreatic surgery and advanced laparoscopy. The technique has the same postoperative results as open surgery and is oncologically adequate, with less hospital stay. Proper patient selection, a step-by-step program and a lax and early conversion prevents serious operating accidents.

Challenge and future of liver and pancreatic robotic surgery. Analysis of 64 cases in a specialized unit

INTRODUCTION

Robotic surgery has proven effective in certain surgical procedures. However, in liver and pancreatic surgery (HBP) its use is still rare. The initial experience in HBP robotic surgery of a specialized unit of a tertiary hospital is presented.

METHOD

The results of patients undergoing robotic HBP surgery between April 2018 and October 2020 have been prospectively studied. The data analyzed correspond to demographic data, surgical techniques performed, associated morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

64 patients were operated, corresponding to 35 hepatectomies (major [6.7%], anatomic [52.9%], limited [34.4%], cystectomies [3%] and marsupialization [3%]), 29 pancreatectomies (distal [48.2%], central [6.9%], cephalic [13.8%], enucleations [24.1%], ampullectomies [3.5%] and duodenal resections [3.5%]). In liver surgery the mean operative time was 204.4 minutes (100-265 min), the median postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo scale was one (1-4), the mean blood losses 166.7 mL (100-300 mL), there was no conversion and the mean postoperative stay was four days (2-14 days). In pancreatic surgery, the mean operative time was 243.8 minutes (125-460 min), the median of postoperative complications was two (1-4), blood loss of 202.3 mL (100-500 mL) associated to a conversion rate 17.8% and an average stay of seven days (3-23 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic HBP surgery is safe and feasible. It is suggested that its use facilitates parenchymal sparing surgery, access to posterior liver segments and anastomosis in pancreatic reconstruction compared to laparoscopic surgery.

Highs and lows in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is not widely accepted, and its use is controversial. Only correct patient selection and appropriate training of groups experienced in pancreatic surgery and laparoscopy will be able to establish its role and its hypothetical advantages METHODS: Out of 138 pancreatic surgeries performed in a two-year period (2017-2019), 23 were laparoscopic PD. We evaluate its efficacy and safety compared to 31 open PD.

RESULTS

There were no cases of B/C pancreatic or biliary fistula, nor any cases of delayed gastric emptying in the laparoscopic group, but hemorrhage required one reoperation. The conversion rate was 21% (five cases): one due to bleeding, and the remainder for non-progression. The converted patients showed no differences compared to those completed by laparoscopy. There were no differences between laparoscopic and open PD in surgical time, postoperative complications, reintervention rate, readmissions or mortality. R0 resection in tumor cases was 85% for laparoscopy and 69% in open surgery without statistical significance. The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic PD group (eight vs. 15 days).

CONCLUSIONS

In a selected group, laparoscopic PD can be safely and effectively performed if carried out by groups who are experts in pancreatic surgery and advanced laparoscopy. The technique has the same postoperative results as open surgery and is oncologically adequate, with less hospital stay. Proper patient selection, a step-by-step program and a lax and early conversion prevents serious operating accidents.

Fluorescent cholangiography with direct injection of indocyanine green (ICG) into the gallbladder: a safety method to outline biliary anatomy

PURPOSE

Near infrared cholangiography (NIRC) with indocyanine green (ICG) directly injected into the gallbladder is a novel technique to outline biliary anatomy. The purpose of this article is to analyze the usefulness and feasibility of NIRC as a safety method during laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case-controlled study comparing 20 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomies with NIRC with direct injection of ICG into the gallbladder to 20 consecutive standard cholecystectomies. Operative time, length of stay, complications, conversion rates, and biliary injury were analyzed.

RESULTS

Both groups were comparable in epidemiological characteristics. In the ICG group fluorescent visualization of the junction of the Hartmann pouch and the whole cystic duct was achieved in 16 (80%) patients. Median surgical time was 65 (50-76) and 55 (45-71) min for the ICG and the control group, respectively (p = 0.113). There were no postoperative complications and no biliary duct injuries in any of the groups, and a patient from both groups underwent conversion to open surgery.

CONCLUSION

NIRC with direct injection of ICG into the gallbladder is a feasible method that is not time-consuming; it does not require a different learning curve from standard laparoscopic cholecystectomies and has no major complications described so far.

Application of Fast-Track Recovery Protocols in Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery Versus Multiport Laparoscopic Surgery for Colon Resection

AIM

The aim of this study is to analyze whether fast-track (FT) recovery protocols can be applied to single-port laparoscopic surgery for colon resection, as they are in multiport laparoscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study comparing single-port laparoscopic surgery (SP-FT) versus multiport laparoscopic surgery (MP-FT) for colon resection, and the applicability of our FT recovery protocol in all patients between 2013 and 2014. Variables evaluated were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, tumor size, number of nodes, surgery performed, postoperative morbidity, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

A total of 83 patients (28 SP-FT group and 55 MP-FT group) underwent FT recovery. The median age was 62 (11-85) years in SP-FT group and 72 (57-84) in MP-FT group. ASA score showed no significant difference (P = .973). The surgical procedures performed were as follows: SP-FT group 20 right hemicolectomy, 5 left hemicolectomy, and 3 subtotal colectomy and MP-FT group were 26 right hemicolectomy, 28 left hemicolectomy, and 1 subtotal colectomy. Mean operative time (minutes) was shorter in SP-FT group (151 ± 47.9 versus 182 ± 50.7), but no significant difference was observed. Regarding the tumor size (SP-FT 4.2 [2-7] cm versus MP-FT 4 [3-12] cm) and postoperative morbidity Clavien-Dindo ≥2 (SP-FT 10 patients versus MP-FT 20 patients), there were no significant differences (P = .535; P = .383). The median length of hospital stay was statistically significant: SP-FT 4.5 (3-53) days versus MP-FT 7 (4-33) days (P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

FT rehabilitation is safe and reproducible in single-port laparoscopic surgery for colon pathologies, with postoperative results comparable with conventional laparoscopic surgery.