Feasibility and efficacy of minimally invasive limited resection for primary duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The primary duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare type of gastrointestinal tract tumor. Limited resection (LR) has been increasingly performed for duodenal GIST. However, only a few studies reported minimally invasive limited resection (MI-LR) for primary duodenal GIST.

METHODS

The clinical data of 33 patients with primary duodenal GIST from December 2014 to February 2024 were retrospectively analyzed including 23 who received MI-LR and 10 who received laparoscopic or robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD/RPD).

RESULTS

A total of 33 patients with primary duodenal GIST were enrolled and retrospectively reviewed. Patients received MI-LR exhibited less OT (280 vs. 388.5min, P=0.004), EBL (100 vs. 450ml, P<0.001), and lower morbidity of postoperative complications (52.2% vs. 100%, P=0.013) than LPD/RPD. Patients received LPD/RPD burdened more aggressive tumors with larger size (P=0.047), higher classification (P<0.001), and more mitotic count/50 HPF(P=0.005) compared with patients received MI-LR. The oncological outcomes were similar in MI-LR group and LPD/RPD group. All the patients underwent MI-LR with no conversion, including 12 cases of LLR and 11 cases of RLR. All of the clinicopathological data of the patients were similar in both groups. The median OT was 280(210-480) min and 257(180-450) min, and the median EBL was 100(20-1000) mL and 100(20-200) mL in the LLR and the RLR group separately. The postoperative complications mainly included DGE (LLR 4 cases, 33.4% and RLR 4 cases, 36.4%), intestinal fistula (LLR 2 cases, 16.7%, and RLR 0 case), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (LLR 0 case and RLR 1 case, 9.1%), and intra-abdominal infection (LLR 3 cases, 25.0% and RLR 1 case, 9.1%). The median postoperative length of hospitalization was 19.5(7-46) days in the LLR group and 19(9-38) days in the RLR group. No anastomotic stenosis, local recurrence or distant metastasis was observed during the follow-up period in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive limited resection is an optional treatment for primary duodenal GIST with satisfactory short-term and long-term oncological outcomes.

Multiple duodenal epithelial tumors in a patient with polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis in POLE variant

Polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis (PPAP) is a rare disease with autosomal-dominant inheritance caused by germline variants in the POLE and POLD1 genes. PPAP has been reported to increase the risk of multiple cancers, including colon, duodenal, and endometrial cancers. Herein, we report a case in which multiple duodenal tumors led to the detection of a POLE mutation. A 43-year-old woman underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Multiple duodenal tumors were detected, and all lesions were treated endoscopically. The patient had a history of multiple colorectal cancers and endometrial cancer along with a family history of cancer; hence, genetic testing was performed, and POLE variant, c.1270C > G (p.Leu424Val) was detected. Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes should be considered in patients with colorectal cancer who have multiple cancers or a family history of cancer, and multigene panel sequencing is useful in confirming the diagnosis. In addition, duodenal tumors frequently coexist in patients with PPAP-carrying POLE variants, while the endoscopic treatment for duodenal tumors becomes safe and useful with several new approaches. Therefore, surveillance EGD is necessary in such patients for the early detection and treatment of duodenal tumors.

Characteristics of synchronous and metachronous duodenal tumors and association with colorectal cancer: a supplementary analysis

BACKGROUND

We previously reported outcomes of endoscopic resection for duodenal tumors in a large cohort. This study investigated the frequency and characteristics of synchronous and metachronous lesions, and their association with colorectal advanced adenoma (CAA) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Patients underwent duodenal endoscopic resection during January 2008 to December 2018. Background and characteristics, incidence of synchronous and metachronous lesions, and incidence of CAA and CRC were investigated. Patients without synchronous lesions were classified as the single group, and those with synchronous lesions as the synchronous group. Patients were also classified as the metachronous and non-metachronous groups. The characteristics among the groups were compared.

RESULTS

We included 2658 patients with 2881 duodenal tumors: 2472 (93.0%) patients had single, 186 (7.0%) had synchronous, and 54 (2.0%) had metachronous lesions. The 5-year cumulative incidence of metachronous lesions was 4.1%. In total, 208 (7.8%) had CAA and 127 (4.8%) patients had CRC, and colonoscopy was performed in 936 (35.2%) patients. The incidence of CAA in the synchronous groups tended to be higher compared with that in the single groups (11.8% vs 7.5%, adjusted risk ratio 1.56), and the incidence of CRC in the metachronous groups tended to be higher compared with that in the non-metachronous groups (13.0% vs 4.6%, adjusted risk ratio 2.75), but there was no difference after adjusting for colonoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the incidence of synchronous and metachronous duodenal lesions. There was no significant difference in incidence of CAA and CRC among each group, but further studies are warranted.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm mimicking a duodenal tumor

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas are characterized by ductal dilatation, mucus secretion, and intraductal papillary growth. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms can cause fistulation and extend to adjacent organs. However, they rarely present as large mass in the small bowel that causes bowel obstruction. Herein, we describe a case of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm that protruded into the duodenal lumen through the ampulla of Vater, presented as a large duodenal tumor, and developed duodenal obstruction. A 78-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with a 2-day history of vomiting and epigastric pain and 2 kg weight-loss in 2 months. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a duodenal mass; however, the endoscope could not pass further, and visualization of the entire tumor was impossible. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogeneous enhancing mass measuring 8 cm in the second portion of the duodenum, which continued further as an intraductal mass of the pancreas. The main pancreatic duct was dilated, and the parenchyma was atrophied. The biopsy showed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and an intact overlying duodenal mucosa. Surgical option of treatment was offered to the patient; however, she refused it due to her advanced age and personal religious beliefs. Thus, we conclude that the experience and knowledge gathered through this patient regarding intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms could provide further understanding of this disease and evolve subsequent patient care.

Effectiveness and safety of endoscopic resection for duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A single center analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic resection for duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is still considered a great challenge with a high risk of complications, including perforation, bleeding, tumor rupture, and residual tumor.

AIM

To assess the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic resection for duodenal GISTs.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and January 2022, 11 patients with duodenal GISTs were treated with endoscopic resection. Data were extracted for the incidence of complete resection, bleeding, perforation, postoperative infection, recurrence, and distant metastasis.

RESULTS

The incidence of successful complete resection of duodenal GISTs was 100%. Three cases (27.3%) had suspected positive margins, and the other 8 cases (72.7%) had negative vertical and horizontal margins. Perforation occurred in all 11 patients. The success rate of perforation closure was 100%, while 1 patient (9.1%) had suspected delayed perforation. All bleeding during the procedure was managed by endoscopic methods. One case (9.1%) had delayed bleeding. Postoperative infection occurred in 6 patients (54.5%), including 1 who developed septic shock and 1 who developed a right iliac fossa abscess. All 11 patients recovered and were discharged. The mean hospital stay was 15.3 d. During the follow-up period (14-80 mo), duodenal stenosis occurred in 1 case (9.1%), and no local recurrence or distant metastasis were detected.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic resection for duodenal GISTs appears to be an effective and safe minimally invasive treatment when performed by an experienced endoscopist.

Lymph node recurrence and re-excision after primary tumor resection of a histiocytic sarcoma of duodenal origin: a case report

BACKGROUND

Histiocytic sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor that is similar in characteristics to a mature histiocyte/macrophage and is a relatively new disease entity. In approximately one-third of cases, the site of origin is a lymph node; development from the gastrointestinal tract, spleen, soft tissue, and skin has further been reported. The tumor characteristics are not well-understood as reports on its clinical presentation and treatment are limited. We report a case of duodenal primary histiocytic sarcoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

An elevated lesion in the second part of the duodenum was detected in a 70-year-old woman during routine examination using upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. Blood biochemistry findings were normal for tumor markers. No abnormal findings were observed in the blood count and biochemical examination. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 20-mm elevated lesion with a slight depression in the center, opposite to the papilla of the descending duodenum. The biopsy showed erosions of the mucosal epithelium and inflammatory cell infiltration, but no evidence of malignancy. Ultrasound-guided endoscopy revealed an ischemic tumor of submucosal origin, and bowel biopsy suggested a histiocytic sarcoma. Distant metastasis and lymph node enlargement were absent on abdominal sonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Duodenal segmental resection was performed. Immunostaining of the excised lesion was positive for CD68, CD163, CD4, CD5, CD15, and CD45 and negative for CD1a, CD21, CD34, MPO, and S-100 protein. Ki-67 positivity was approximately 20%. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma was confirmed. Ten months after the surgery, a lymph node recurrence in the dorsum of the pancreatic uncus was observed. No evidence of recurrence was found in any other part; hence, we performed pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathological findings of the excised lymph node confirmed the recurrence of histiocytic sarcoma in the lymph node.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported case of a duodenal primary histiocytic sarcoma with recurrence in the lymph node after the primary resection. The patient was treated for recurrence by lymph node excision and pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Relationship between gene mutations and clinicopathological features in nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors

BACKGROUND

Molecular features of nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (NADETs) remain unclear.

AIM

The aim of this study is to determine the association between the genetic features and clinicopathological findings of NADETs.

METHODS

In total, 75 NADETs were enrolled in this study, and was performed targeted DNA sequencing of the GNAS, KRAS, TP53, and APC genes. Histological grade was classified as category 3 or category 4/5 according to the Vienna classification, and the immunophenotype was categorized as the gastric phenotype (G type), gastrointestinal phenotype (GI type), or the intestinal phenotype (I type).

RESULTS

The prevalence of GNAS and KRAS mutations was significantly higher in the G type than in the GI/I type (GNAS, P = 0.027; KRAS, P = 0.005). In contrast, the frequency of TP53 mutations was significantly higher in the GI/I type than in the G type (P = 0.049). Notably, APC mutations, excluding c.4479 G>A which was synonymous mutation, were more frequently identified in category 4/5 tumors than in category 3 tumors (50% vs. 24.5%; P = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

G-type NADETs harbored frequent GNAS and KRAS mutations, whereas TP53 mutations are common in NADETs with intestinal features. APC mutations were significantly associated with high-grade neoplasia and invasive carcinoma.

Epithelioid angiosarcoma of the duodenum: a case report

Background

Angiosarcomas are rare malignant tumors that arise from the endothelium of blood vessels. They occur most commonly in the skin and soft tissue, and less commonly in the breast, liver, bone, and spleen. Gastrointestinal angiosarcomas are extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of duodenal epithelioid angiosarcoma that was treated with surgical resection.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man presented with a 1-month history of fatigue and hypotension. He visited the outpatient clinic for a routine follow-up. Laboratory examination revealed anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed multiple duodenal lesions with central ulceration. A biopsy showed a sheet-like arrangement of large round and spindle-shaped tumor cells that were positive for CD31. Based on the histological and immunohistochemical staining findings, an epithelioid angiosarcoma was diagnosed. Computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography–CT revealed no lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis. Radical subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. After removing the specimen, reconstruction was performed using the Child procedure. Grossly, two dark-red polypoid tumors were found in the second portion of the duodenum. Histological evaluation revealed proliferation of malignant round and polygonal cells arranged in sheets and spindle-like cells arranged in bundles. Vasoformative structures were recognized as slit-like spaces containing red blood cells. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the tumor cells were positive for CD31. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma in the duodenum. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 19 without any complications. At a follow-up examination in the outpatient clinic at postoperative 4 months, no evidence of recurrence was detected.

Conclusion

The present report describes a case of duodenal epithelioid angiosarcoma. Duodenal angiosarcomas may cause anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding. Because angiosarcomas sometimes show epithelioid cytomorphology, immunohistochemical analysis is useful for confirming the diagnosis.

Cold snare polypectomy for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumor: a prospective clinical trial (pilot study)

BACKGOUND

Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) can minimize the risk of adverse events and has become a standard treatment for small colorectal polyps. CSP might also be suitable for small superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs). This study aimed to evaluate the safety of CSP for SNADETs.

METHODS

The major indication criteria were as follows: (1) endoscopically diagnosed SNADET, (2) ≤ 10 mm, and (3) a single primary lesion. CSP was performed using an electrosurgical snare without electrocautery. Follow-up endoscopy and scar biopsy were performed 3 months after CSP. The primary endpoint was the delayed adverse events rate.

RESULTS

In total, 21 patients were enrolled. Two and 19 lesions were located in the duodenal bulb and 2nd portion, respectively; the median lesion size was 8 mm. CSP was attempted for all lesions; three lesions could not be resected without electrocautery and were removed by conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The rate of spurting bleeding after CSP was 0%. The median procedure time was 12 min, the median resected specimen size was 12 mm, and the rate of en bloc resection was 81% (17/21). No adverse events were observed intraoperatively, with no delayed adverse events after CSP. Histopathology revealed 15 adenomas, 4 cancers (intramucosal), and 2 non-neoplastic lesions. The horizontal margins were negative/positive/undetermined in 9, 1, and 11 cases, respectively. All vertical margins were negative. Only one recurrence was detected by follow-up endoscopy 3 months after CSP.

CONCLUSIONS

CSP can be performed safely for small SNADETs.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry ( http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm ), and the registration number is UMIN000019157.

Current Treatment Strategy for Superficial Nonampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumors

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment method for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers. However, it has not been standardized for duodenal lesions because of its high complication rates. Recently, minimally invasive and simple methods such as cold snare polypectomy and underwater endoscopic mucosal resection have been utilized more for superficial nonampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs). Although the rate of complications associated with duodenal ESD has been gradually decreasing because of technical advancements, performing ESD for all SNADETs is unnecessary. As such, the appropriate treatment plan for SNADETs should be chosen according to the lesion type, patient condition, and endoscopist’s skill.

Two case of bilateral approach in laparoscopic pancreas-sparing distal duodenectomy for duodenal neoplasms arising from the distal duodenum

•

Surgical procedures for duodenal tumors at third and fourth portion of duodenum.

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The procedures do not require either Kocher’s maneuver and Cattell–Braasch maneuver.

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Preferable approach for laparoscopic pancreas sparing distal duodenectomy.

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Pancreas was safely preserved during the procedures.

Introduction

Laparoscopic pancreas-sparing distal duodenectomy is a less invasive surgical therapy; however, the anatomical complexity of the duodenum increases the difficulty of laparoscopic procedures. We introduce our technique for laparoscopic pancreas-sparing distal duodenectomy for distal duodenal tumors.

Presentation of cases

A first patient was 47-year-old woman who had 30 mm of duodenal tumor which located in third portion of duodenum. A second patient was 66-year-old man who had 35 mm of submucosal tumor which located in the third portion of duodenum. Laparoscopic pancreas-sparing duodenectomy was performed using bilateral approach for both cases. We began by dissecting an avascular area on the right side of the transverse mesocolon to mobilize the second and third portions of the duodenum with the uncinate process of the pancreas. Next, from the left side, the jejunum and the fourth portion of the duodenum were fully mobilized orally from the surrounding tissue, connecting the dissection plane with the right-side area. The jejunum and duodenum were cut with a linear stapler. Intracorporeal reconstruction was performed in an overlapped manner. We performed this procedure in two patients. Operative time was 326 and 370 min, respectively. Patients were discharged on postoperative days 9–12 without postoperative complications.

Discussion

Duodenal tumors are found increasingly often because of developments in endoscopic technology and techniques; therefore, establishing safe surgical procedures for duodenal tumor excision is imperative. Our surgical approach was simple and safe procedure.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic pancreas-sparing distal duodenectomy with a bilateral approach is a useful approach without wide mobilization of duodenum.

A Case of Duodenal Tumor Adjacent to the Diverticulum That Was Resected by the Technique of Partial Submucosal Injection Combined with Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

A 66-year-old male was referred to our hospital for treatment of duodenal tumor. The most difficult part was that the lesion was adjacent to duodenal diverticulum. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was difficult because submucosal injection spread broadly and quickly and makes it difficult to visualize the diverticulum edge of the lesion. Simple underwater EMR (UEMR) had risk for perforation at the diverticulum part because duodenal diverticulum is spurious diverticulum that defects the proper muscle layer. Therefore, to make sufficient distance between diverticulum and the lesion, we performed partial submucosal injection into only the diverticulum side of the lesion combined with simple UEMR. The lesion was resected en bloc without any adverse events. Histopathological diagnosis was tubular adenoma with moderate atypia and surgical margin negative. Partial submucosal injection combined with simple UEMR might be useful for duodenal tumor that has any technical difficulties as in this case.

Protruded duodenal tumor arising from Santorini's duct of the pancreas: a rare case of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm mimicking a duodenal polypoid tumor

Background

We experienced a rare case of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm arising from Santorini’s duct (SD) forming a tumor protruding into the duodenum .

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed with a 3 cm type Isp polypoid tumor in the second portion of the duodenum at another hospital. Enhanced CT and endoscopic ultrasound revealed that the origin of this protruding tumor was arising from SD and that the tumor mimicked a pedunculated duodenal tumor. Our preoperative diagnosis was a malignant pancreatic tumor arising from SD with invasion into the duodenum. She underwent a subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, and the resected specimen showed a 25 mm tumor protruding into the duodenum with a villous surface. The pathological findings revealed that the tumor was intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma (IPMA) arising from SD.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of IPMA protruding into the duodenal lumen from SD, although most of the tumors arising from SD have been reported to be malignant.

Endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic submucosal dissection for a duodenal epithelial tumor

We present the case of a 46-year-old obese woman with a 3.5-cm adenoma in the descending part of the duodenum who was treated with a totally laparoscopic approach. The preoperative examination revealed a pedunculated superficial tumor on the side of pancreas from the inferior duodenal angulus to 5 cm proximal to the papilla that was associated with massive blood flow. We chose not to perform endoscopic submucosal dissection, pancreaticoduodenectomy, or transduodenal tumor excision with laparotomy for this obese patient because of the poor exposure, risk of bleeding, and substantial invasiveness. We performed endoscopy-assisted laparoscopic submucosal dissection as a novel laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgical approach in this patient. This surgery was surgically and oncologically safe.

Feasibility and Safety of a Novel Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery Technique for Superficial Duodenal Tumor Resection: How I Do It

BACKGROUND

Pancreatoduodenectomy is considered to be a very invasive treatment for early superficial duodenal tumors (SDTs), which have a lower risk of lymph node metastasis. Partial resection of the duodenum with endoscopic submucosal dissection for SDT resection is an attractive technique but it is associated with a high risk of complications. We describe our technique for SDT resection.

METHOD

It includes the following elements: freeing the transverse mesocolon, exposing and mobilizing the second part of the duodenum and the head of the pancreas (Kocher maneuver), confirming the location of the ulcer bed for endoscopic submucosal dissection, and laparoscopic suturing by hand in the seromuscular layer of the duodenum. We performed this technique in 10 patients between March 2015 and March 2017.

RESULTS

The median tumor diameter and resected tissue diameter were 36 (20-54) and 41 (25-60) mm, respectively. Curative resection (R0) with negative margins was achieved for all patients. There were no conversions to open surgery in this series. No postoperative complications were above grade 2 in the Clavien-Dindo classification system. No recurrences were observed during the medium-term follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

This technique is safe and feasible and can be an option for surgical SDT resection.

Current Status and Challenges of Endoscopic Treatments for Duodenal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Superficial tumors of the duodenum, other than ampullary tumors, have been traditionally considered rare. However, reports of this kind of tumor have increased in recent times, and the demand for minimally invasive treatments have also increasing.

SUMMARY

Adenomas and intramucosal carcinomas are target lesions for treatment. A preoperative diagnosis has not been established, but unnecessary biopsies increase the difficulty of treatment and should be avoided. Cold snare polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and underwater EMR are treatment options for small lesions. Endoscopic submucosal dissection enables secure resection even for large lesions, but it is technically demanding and associated with a higher complication rate. After endoscopic resections, exposure of digestive juices is believed to cause delayed complications. To prevent these complications, several closing and covering methods are proposed, with favorable clinical results. Key message: A treatment method should be chosen based on each patient's situation. With any of the treatment methods, post-resection measures are required to prevent delayed complications. Secure closure of resection wounds seems promising.

Laparoscopic segmental duodenectomy for a gastrointestinal stromal tumor located in the second portion of the duodenum: A case report

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the duodenum are rare. For benign tumors, premalignant lesions, or malignant potential tumors located in the second portion of the duodenum close to the papilla of Vater, pancreaticoduodenectomy is sometimes performed. A case of laparoscopic segmental duodenectomy for a gastrointestinal stromal tumor at the second portion of the duodenum is reported. The surgical procedure was performed as follows: first, the second portion of the duodenum was separated from the pancreatic head; second, the duodenum was cut off with the linear stapler after having confirmed preservation of the papilla by intraoperative endoscopy; and third, reconstruction was carried out by a side-to-side duodenojejunostomy. Laparoscopic segmental duodenectomy for duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors is thought to be advantageous compared with pancreaticoduodenectomy in terms of low burden and organ function preservation. The present procedure is feasible for benign or low-malignant tumors that do not infiltrate outside of the duodenal walls.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for duodenal tumors

Recently, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the duodenal tumors has come to be treated in many institutions, but has also showed many problems of feasibility and safety compared with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Although duodenal ESD is expected to be more effective for the prevention of postoperative local recurrence, high incidence rate of duodenal perforation and emergency surgical rescue are big problem. Prophylactic mucosal closure by clipping device, polyglycolic acid sheets shielding, and the laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery are reported to be effective measures to overwhelm the various problems associated with duodenal ESD. However, duodenal ESD still has quite a bit of room for improvement of the procedure, and currently the indication should be well discussed before treatment in consideration of the expected therapeutic effect and complications.

Laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery is a safe and effective treatment for superficial nonampullary duodenal tumors

The use of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for duodenal neoplasms has increased in recent years, but delayed perforation and bleeding are also known to frequently occur. We present two cases in which duodenal adenoma was successfully treated with laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery. ESD was combined with laparoscopic seromuscular sutures. The lesions in both cases were located in the second portion of the duodenum. The patients requested resection of the lesion, and we performed laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative surgery. After the laparoscopic surgeon mobilized the duodenum, the endoscopic surgeon performed ESD for the duodenal tumor without perforation. The laparoscopic surgeon sutured the duodenal wall in the seromuscular layer to strengthen the ulcer bed after ESD. Histopathological studies confirmed that the surgical margins were tumor-free in both cases. The patients were discharged with no complications. This unique laparoscopic-endoscopic cooperative procedure is a safe and effective method for resecting superficial nonampullary duodenal tumors.

Laparoscopy-assisted transduodenal excision of superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors

INTRODUCTION

Transduodenal excision (transduodenal submucosal dissection) is an alternative to pancreaticoduodenectomy for the treatment of benign and low-grade malignant tumors of the duodenum. However, laparoscopic transduodenal excision or laparoscopy-assisted transduodenal excision (LATDE) of such tumors has been rarely reported. In this paper, we present the preliminary results of LATDE in patients with superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors.

METHODS

Three patients with superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (mucosal adenocarcinoma, n = 1; tubular adenoma, n = 2) underwent LATDE. LATDE consists of four major procedures: (i) laparoscopic wide Kocher maneuver (mobilization of the pancreaticoduodenum); (ii) extracorporeal approach to the fully mobilized duodenum through the upper median longitudinal incision (4 cm in length); (iii) tumor excision by submucosal dissection under direct vision through longitudinal duodenotomy (4 cm in length); and (iv) hand-sewn closure of the mucosal defect and duodenotomy.

RESULTS

LATDE was successfully carried out without any intraoperative or postoperative adverse events. The mean operating time and estimated blood loss were 155 min and 17 mL, respectively. Contrast roentgenography on postoperative day 4 showed neither duodenal deformity nor disturbance of gastroduodenal emptying in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

LATDE could eliminate the possibility of peritoneal or port-site seeding of tumor cells because the duodenotomy and tumor excision are performed extracorporeally. The meticulously hand-sewn closures of the mucosal defect and duodenotomy can minimize the possibility of postoperative hemorrhage and/or anastomotic leakage. LATDE is a feasible, safe, and minimally invasive treatment for patients with superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors that have no risk of lymph node metastasis in the first and second portions of the duodenum.

Future directions of duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic therapies for lesions of the duodenum are technically more difficult than those for lesions of the other parts of the gastrointestinal tract due to the anatomical features of the duodenum, and the incidence rate of complications such as perforation and bleeding is also higher. These aforementioned trends were especially noticeable for the case of duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The indication for ESD of duodenal tumors should be determined by assessment of the histopathology, macroscopic morphology, and diameter of the tumors. The three types of candidate lesions for endoscopic therapy are adenoma, carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. For applying endoscopic therapies to duodenal lesions, accurate preoperative histopathological diagnosis is necessary. The most important technical issue in duodenal ESD is the submucosal dissection process. In duodenal ESD, a short needle-type knife is suitable for the mucosal incision and submucosal dissection processes, and the Small-caliber-tip Transparent hood is an important tool. After endoscopic therapies, the wound should be closed by clipping in order to prevent complications such as secondary hemorrhage and delayed perforation. At present, the criteria for selection between ESD and EMR vary among institutions. The indications for ESD should be carefully considered. Duodenal ESD should have limitations, such as the need for its being performed by experts with abundant experience in performing the procedure.

Selection of appropriate endoscopic therapies for duodenal tumors: An open-label study, single-center experience

AIM: To determine an appropriate compartmentalization of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for duodenal tumors.

METHODS: Forty-six duodenal lesions (excluding papillary lesions) from 44 patients with duodenal tumors treated endoscopically between 2005 and 2013 were divided into the ESD and EMR groups for retrospective comparison and analysis.

RESULTS: The mean age was 65 ± 9 years (35-79 years). There were 24 lesions from men and 22 from women. The lesions consisted of 6 early cancers, 31 adenomas and 9 neuroendocrine tumors. Lesion location was the duodenal bulb in 15 cases and the descending part of the duodenum in 31 cases. The most common macroscopic morphology was elevated type in 21 cases (45.6%). Mean tumor diameter was 11.9 ± 9.7 mm (3-60 mm). Treatment procedure was ESD (15 cases) vs EMR (31 cases). The examined parameters in the ESD vs EMR groups were as follows: mean tumor diameter, 12.9 ± 14.3 mm (3-60 mm) vs 11.4 ± 6.7 mm (4-25 mm); en bloc resection rate, 86.7% vs 83.9%; complete resection rate, 86.7% vs 74.2%; procedure time, 86.5 ± 63.1 min (15-217 min) vs 13.2 ± 17.0 min (2-89 min) (P < 0.0001); intraprocedural perforation, 3 cases vs none (P = 0.0300); delayed perforation, none in either group; postprocedural bleeding, 1 case vs none; mean postoperative length of hospitalization, 8.2 ± 2.9 d (5-16 d) vs 6.1 ± 2.0 d (2-12 d) (P = 0.0067); recurrence, none vs 1 case (occurring at 7 mo postoperatively).

CONCLUSION: ESD was associated with a longer procedure time and a higher incidence of intraprocedural perforation; EMR was associated with a lower rate of complete resection.

Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor: clinicopathological characteristics, surgical outcomes, long term survival and predictors for adverse outcomes. Am J Surg. 2013;206:360-367. [PMID: 23673012 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2012.11.010]

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) occur rarely in the duodenum. Because of their low incidence, data on long-term survival and prognostic factors are limited. The aims of this study were to present the authors' experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease and to evaluate long-term surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Clinical data from 22 consecutive patients with duodenal GISTs surgically managed from May 1999 to August 2011 were retrospectively studied. A pooled analysis was done by systematically reviewing other case series reported in the English literature. Recurrence-free survival and independent predictors of adverse outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression.

RESULTS

Duodenal GISTs had a mild male predominance (68.2%), occurring primarily in older adults (median age, 58 years), with a frequency of 7.49% among all GISTs. Clinical presentations were nonspecific, with gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain or discomfort being the most common symptoms. The tumors were located mainly in the second portion of the duodenum, in 14 patients (63.6%), with a median size of 3.75 cm (range, 1.4 to 14). All patients underwent curative surgical resection, including 9 pancreaticoduodenectomy, 3 segmental duodenectomy, and 10 local resection. Eighteen patients were alive without evidence of recurrence after a median follow-up period of 67.5 months (range, 3 to 118). The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year rates of recurrence-free survival were 95%, 89.5%, and 86.7%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests showed that surgical pattern, mitosis, and risk grade were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (P < .05 for all). However, only high mitosis was a significant predictive factor for adverse outcomes on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 16.414; 95% confidence interval, 1.914 to 140.756; P = .011).

CONCLUSIONS

Duodenal GIST is an unusual neoplasm with favorable survival after curative resection. Mitotic activity was more influential than tumor size and risk grade in predicting adverse outcomes. All patients with duodenal GISTs require long-term follow-up, because late relapse can occur even if the tumor has low malignant potential.

Multiple giant duodenal ulcers associated with duodenal gastrinoma

A 59-year-old Japanese man with a history of chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis was admitted to hospital because of severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. His discomfort had begun 2 months earlier and was localized to the upper abdomen. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple ulcerative lesions from the duodenal bulb to the descending part of the duodenum, one of which was a giant ulcer that filled half of the intestinal lumen. Despite continuous intravenous lansoprazole therapy, his abdominal symptoms did not improve. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was again performed to detect the tumor, but it was difficult to observe the tumor with a conventional endoscope. We then inverted a transnasal endoscope into the duodenum, and this enabled us to detect a 15-mm submucosal tumor in the upper wall of the duodenal bulb. Examination of specimens from endoscopic ultrasonography fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor revealed gastrinoma in the duodenal bulb. We decided to perform an operative resection. The patient's symptoms resolved after surgery, and he remained asymptomatic at follow-up 18 months later. Therefore, when it is difficult to detect the tumor directly by conventional endoscopy, we recommend that attempts be made to detect the tumor by inverting a transnasal endoscope into the duodenal bulb.