Preoperative scoring system for prediction of extended resection during emergency surgery for acute appendicitis

PURPOSE

Appendicectomy is the primary treatment for acute appendicitis. However, extended resection (ER) may be required in difficult cases. Preoperative prediction of ER may identify challenging cases but remains difficult. We aimed to establish a preoperative scoring system for ER prediction during emergency surgery for acute appendicitis.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study. Patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute appendicitis between January 2014 and December 2022 were included and divided into ER and appendicectomy groups. Independent variables associated with ER were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A new scoring system was established based on these independent variables. The discrimination of the new scoring system was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The risk categorization of the scoring system was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 179 patients in this study, 12 (6.7%) underwent ER. The time interval from symptom onset to surgery ≥ 4 days, a retrocecal or retrocolic appendix, and the presence of an abscess were identified as independent preoperative predictive factors for ER. The new scoring system was established based on these three variables, and the scores ranged from 0 to 6. The AUC of the scoring system was 0.877, and the rates of ER among patients in the low- (score, 0-2), medium- (score, 4), and high- (score, 6) risk groups were estimated to be 2.5%, 28.6%, and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our scoring system may help surgeons identify patients with acute appendicitis requiring ER and facilitate decision-making regarding treatment options.

Atrial resection for T4 non-small cell lung cancer with left atrium involvement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survival

PURPOSE

Extended resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with T4 left atrium involvement is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of this treatment strategy.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed database for studies on atrial resection in NSCLC patients. The primary investigated outcome was the effectiveness of the surgery represented by survival data and the secondary outcomes were postoperative morbidity, mortality, and recurrence.

RESULTS

Our search identified 18 eligible studies including a total of 483 patients. Eleven studies reported median overall survival and 17 studies reported overall survival rates. The estimated pooled 1, 3, 5-year overall survival rates were 69.1% (95% CI 61.7-76.0%), 21.5% (95% CI 12.3-32.3%), and 19.9% (95% CI 13.9-26.6%), respectively. The median overall survival was 24 months (95% CI 17.7-27 months). Most studies reported significant associations between better survival and N0/1 status, complete resection status, and neoadjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSION

Extended lung resection, including the left atrium, for NSCLC is feasible with acceptable morbidity and mortality when complete resection is achieved. Lymph node N0/1 status coupled with the use of neoadjuvant therapies is associated with better outcomes.

Epilepsy surgery for low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumor of temporal lobe: a single-institution experience of 61 patients

Background

Low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumor (LEAT) is highly responsive to surgery in general. The appropriate surgical strategy remains controversial in temporal LEAT. The aim of this study is to analyze the surgical seizure outcome of temporal LEAT, focusing on the aspects of surgical strategy.

Methods

Sixty-one patients from a single epilepsy center with temporal LEAT underwent surgery. The surgical strategy was according to the multidisciplinary presurgical evaluation. Electrocorticogram (ECoG)-assisted resection was utilized. Surgical extent including lesionectomy and extended resection was described in detail. Seizure outcome was classified as satisfactory (Engel class I) and unsatisfactory (Engel classes II–IV).

Results

After a median follow-up of 36.0 (30.0) months, 83.6% of patients achieved satisfactory outcome, including 72.1% with Engel class Ia. There was 39.3% (24/61) of patients with antiepileptic drug (AED) withdrawal. Use of ECoG (χ2 = 0.000, P > 0.1), preresection spike (χ2 = 0.000, P = 0.763), or spike residue (P = 0.545) was not correlated with the seizure outcome. For lateral temporal LEAT, outcome from lesionectomy was comparable to extended resection (χ2 = 0.499, P > 0.1). For mesial temporal LEAT, 94.7% (18/19) of patients who underwent additional hippocampectomy were satisfactory, whereas only 25% (1/4) of patients who underwent lesionectomy were satisfactory (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Surgical treatment was highly effective for temporal LEAT. ECoG may not influence the seizure outcome. For lateral temporal LEAT, lesionectomy with or without cortectomy was sufficient in most patients. For mesial temporal LEAT, extended resection was recommended.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in an elderly patient with superficial spreading melanoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a type of spindle cell sarcoma originating from the peripheral nerve, which usually results in the corresponding nerve sign on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients with MPNST may also have neurofibromatosis type 1.

CASE SUMMARY

A 78-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to a tumor in his left knee. He had a previous history of superficial spreading melanoma on the left thigh. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic mass in the subcutaneous soft tissues of the medial left knee with an abundant rich blood flow. Computed tomography scanning did not show obvious signs of bone destruction, but the skin adjacent to the tumor was slightly thickened. MRI examination revealed that the hypervascular lesion was well-circumscribed, lobulated, invaded the surrounding soft tissues and demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement but lacked an entering and exiting nerve sign. The MRI result indicated the invasiveness of the tumor. The patient underwent a left knee joint mass expanded resection and the first histopathological examination showed a MPNST with positive surgical margins. Therefore, the second extended resection was performed, and the patient had a good outcome in the short term.

CONCLUSION

MRI is a useful technique for revealing the biological characteristics of MPNST and provides clinical support for evaluation of the surgical area before operation.

Paratesticular liposarcoma: Two case reports

BACKGROUND

Paratesticular liposarcoma accounts for approximately 7% of scrotal tumors. They are rare lesions of the reproductive system with approximately 90% of the lesions originating from the spermatic cord. Surgery, with the goal of complete resection, is the mainstay for treatment of this disease. However, treatment consisting of extended resection to decrease local recurrence remains controversial.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the cases of two patients with paratesticular liposarcomas who were treated with radical testicular tumor resection without adjuvant therapy. Follow-up investigations at 9 mo showed no sign of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Surgery is the first-line treatment, regardless of whether it is a recurrent or primary tumor. Extended resection carries a higher risk of complications and should not be performed routinely. Preoperative radiotherapy can reduce the local recurrence rate without affecting the overall survival.

Laparoscopic versus open extended radical left pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: an international propensity-score matched study

BACKGROUND

A radical left pancreatectomy in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) may require extended, multivisceral resections. The role of a laparoscopic approach in extended radical left pancreatectomy (ERLP) is unclear since comparative studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after laparoscopic vs open ERLP in patients with PDAC.

METHODS

An international multicenter propensity-score matched study including patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open ERLP (L-ERLP; O-ERLP) for PDAC was performed (2007-2015). The ISGPS definition for extended resection was used. Primary outcomes were overall survival, margin negative rate (R0), and lymph node retrieval.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2015, 320 patients underwent ERLP in 34 centers from 12 countries (65 L-ERLP vs. 255 O-ERLP). After propensity-score matching, 44 L-ERLP could be matched to 44 O-ERLP. In the matched cohort, the conversion rate in L-ERLP group was 35%. The L-ERLP R0 resection rate (matched cohort) was comparable to O-ERLP (67% vs 48%; P = 0.063) but the lymph node yield was lower for L-ERLP than O-ERLP (median 11 vs 19, P = 0.023). L-ERLP was associated with less delayed gastric emptying (0% vs 16%, P = 0.006) and shorter hospital stay (median 9 vs 13 days, P = 0.005), as compared to O-ERLP. Outcomes were comparable for additional organ resections, vascular resections (besides splenic vessels), Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complications, or 90-day mortality (2% vs 2%, P = 0.973). The median overall survival was comparable between both groups (19 vs 20 months, P = 0.571). Conversion did not worsen outcomes in L-ERLP.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic approach may be used safely in selected patients requiring ERLP for PDAC, since morbidity, mortality, and overall survival seem comparable, as compared to O-ERLP. L-ERLP is associated with a high conversion rate and reduced lymph node yield but also with less delayed gastric emptying and a shorter hospital stay, as compared to O-ERLP.

Surgical Treatment for Primary Chest Wall Sarcoma: A Single-Institution Study

BACKGROUND

Primary sarcomas of the chest wall are rare aggressive tumors. Surgery is part of the multimodal treatment. We describe our institutional patient cohort and evaluate prognostic factors.

METHODS

All patients who had curative intent surgery for primary chest wall sarcoma from 2004 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Impact on survival-calculated from the date of surgery until last follow-up- was assessed for the following variables: age, gender, type of resection, size, grading, stage, completeness of resection, and neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (15 males, 65%) with a median age of 54 y (4 to 82) were included. Most common histology was chondrosarcoma (n = 5, 22%). Seven patients (30%) received neoadjuvant and 13 patients (57%) received adjuvant treatment. R0 resection was achieved in 83%. Extended chest wall resection was performed in 14 patients (61%), including lung (n = 13, 57%), diaphragm (n = 2, 9%) and pericardium (n = 1, 4%). Morbidity and 90-day mortality were 23% and 0%, respectively. Three- and 5-year overall survival was 53% and 35%, respectively. R0 resection was predictor of overall survival (P = 0.029). Tumor grade and extended resections were predictors for recurrence (P = 0.034 and P = 0.018, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection of primary chest wall sarcoma is a safe procedure even when extended resection is required.

Using taTME to maintain restorative options in locally advanced rectal cancer: A technical note

BACKGROUND

The safe adoption of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has occurred in Australasia as previously reported by the current authors. Planes beyond TME can be utilised in more advanced cases to achieve negative margins during transanal dissection.

METHODS

In this article we describe how taTME is used to perform an en-bloc partial vaginectomy and aid restore intestinal and vaginal continuity in a young female with a locally advanced rectal cancer and posterior vaginal wall involvement in the pre-treatment magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

The transanal technique allowed the surgeons to remove a disc of vagina, ensure organ preservation and control the main R1 risk point. An R0 resection was achieved.

CONCLUSION

This technical note highlights that in experienced hands, taTME may be safely implemented to maintain restorative options in locally advanced rectal cancer requiring resection beyond the total mesorectal excision plane.

Extended resections for the treatment of patients with T4 stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (T4N0-1M0) with or without cardiopulmonary bypass: a 15-year two-center experience

Background

Stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous group of patients, often requiring variable and individualized approaches. The dilemma to operate or not frequently arises, since more than 75% of the cases of NSCLC are diagnosed in advanced stages (IIIA). The main objective of this study was to assess whether the benefits outweigh surgical risks for the T₄N_0-1M₀ subgroup.

Methods

Data from 857 patients with locally advanced T4 NSCLC were retrospectively collected from two different institutions, between 2002 and 2017. Clinical data that were retrieved and analyzed, included demographics, comorbidities, surgical details, neoadjuvant or/and adjuvant therapy and postoperative complications.

Results

Twelve patients were in the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) group and thirty in the non-CPB. The most common types of lung cancer were squamous cell carcinoma (50.0%) and adenocarcinoma (35.7%). The most frequent invasion of the tumor was seen in main pulmonary artery and the superior vena cava. Significantly more patients of the CPB group underwent pneumonectomy as their primary lung resection (P=0.006). In all patients R0 resection was achieved according to histological reports. The overall 5-year survival was 60%, while the median overall survival was 22.5 months. Analysis revealed that patient age (P=0.027), preoperative chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P=0.001), tumor size (4.0 vs. 6.0 cm) (P=0.001), postoperative respiratory dysfunction (P=0.001) and postoperative atelectasis (P=0.036) are possible independent variables that are significantly correlated with patient outcome.

Conclusions

We suggest that in patients with stage IIIA/T4 NSCLC, complete resection of the T4 tumor, although challenging, can be performed in highly selected patients. Such an approach seems to result in improved long-term survival. More specific studies on this area of NSCLC probably will further enlighten this field, and may result in even better outcomes, as advanced systemic perioperative approaches such as modern chemotherapy, immunotherapy and improvements in radiation therapy have been incorporated in daily practice.

Extended resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A retrospective single-center cohort study

BACKGROUND

For complete removal of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), extended resection is often necessary. Information on the influence of visceral or vascular extension, extended resection, or postoperative morbidity on survival is scarce. The aim of this study was to show the impact of an aggressive surgical attitude on morbidity, mortality, and long-term outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All explorations at a high volume tertiary center between January 2008 and June 2018 with histological proof of ICC were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was the extent of resection, secondary outcomes were postoperative morbidity, and their influence on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

Out of 210 patients, 150 underwent curative intended resection. A total of 87 extended, 26 major, and 37 minor resections were performed.In-hospital morbidity occurred in 46% of patients, with a 90-daymortality of 8%. Severity and frequency of morbidity did not differ significantly in the extended, major, or minor resection groups. If minor or major resections with visceral and/or vascular extensions were included in the extended resection group, minor (p = 0.005) and major (p = 0.042) resection had significantly better OSthan the extended resection group. All groups had significantly better OS than the exploration group. Comparing the different extended resection groups (segmental extended resection, segmental extended resection with visceral/vascular extension, minor/major resection with visceral/vascular extension), no difference was found (p = 0.977). Regarding RFSand the extent of resection, minor resection benefitted RFS, though not significantly (p = 0.051). Morbidity had no influence on RFS (p = 0.649).

CONCLUSION

Extended resection results in worse OS in patients with ICC than major or minor liver resection. Minor and major resection with visceral or vascular extension should be classified as extended resection. Despite worse OS, extended resection offers a chance for long-term survival and performs significantly better than the exploration group with manageable accompanied risks.

[Strategy in management of adjacent organ lesion during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasible of adjacent organ resection during laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD), and summary the surgical strategies. Methods: Clinical data of 15 adjacent organ resections combined with LPD from March 2013 to September 2017 were reviewed.There were 10 male and 5 female patients aging from 20 to 86 years, and the body mass index ranged from 19.6 to 34.5 kg/m(2).Two patients had previous abdominal surgical history.Two patients underwent preoperative chemotherapy. Results: The resected adjacent organs included liver(n=4), stomach(n=3), colon(n=6), right kidney with embolectomy and vasoplastic of inferior vena cava(n=1), and spleen artery aneurysms(n=1). The operative time ranged from 280 to 450 minutes, and the blood loss ranged from 100 to 450 ml.The total complication rate was 5/15 and no one died in 90 days after surgery.The postoperative hospital stay ranged from 10 to 42 days with medium 18 days.The pathology included adenocarcinoma of stomach and duodenum(n=1), gastric cancer invading pancreas or duodenum(n=2), ampullary adenocarcinoma with left hepatolithiasis(n=1), ampullary adenocarcinoma with a benign lesion in left liver(n=1), ampullary adenocarcinoma with single liver metastasis(n=1), ampullary adenocarcinoma(n=1), pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with splenic artery aneurysms(n=1), pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm with colon cancer(n=1), distal common bile duct adenocarcinoma involving righ hepatic duct(n=1), pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm invading inferior vena cava and right renal vein(n=1), duodenal adnocarcinoma(n=1), duodenal ewing's sarcoma(n=1), duodenal intesititialoma(n=2). The follow-up was from 3 to 40 months with the medium survival of 17.5 months. Conclusions: The oncological outcomes of PD combined with adjacent organ resection is acceptable.Surgical treatment for those patients with periampullary neoplasma and adjacent organ lesions should be aggressive.

Long-term outcomes and recurrence patterns of standard versus extended pancreatectomy for pancreatic head cancer: a multicenter prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Our previous randomized controlled trial revealed no difference in 2-year overall survival (OS) between extended and standard resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The present study evaluated the 5-year OS and recurrence patterns according to the extent of pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2009, 169 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled and randomized to standard (n = 83) or extended resection (n = 86) groups to compare 5-year OS rate, long-term recurrence patterns and factors associated with long-term survival.

RESULTS

The surgical R0 rate was similar between the standard and extended groups (85.5 vs. 90.7%, P = 0.300). Five-year OS (18.4 vs. 14.4%, P = 0.388), 5-year disease-free survival (14.8 vs. 14.0%, P = 0.531), and overall recurrence rates (74.7 vs. 69.9%, P = 0.497) were not significantly different between the two groups, although the incidence of peritoneal seeding was higher in the extended group (25 vs. 8.1%, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Extended pancreatectomy does not have better short-term and long-term survival outcomes, and shows similar R0 rates and overall recurrence rates compared with standard pancreatectomy. Extended pancreatectomy does not have to be performed routinely for all cases of resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, especially considering its associated increased morbidity shown in our previous study.

Huge epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in the left axilla: a case report

This report describes a patient with a rare huge epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) in the left axilla. A male in his 70s was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of a growing tumor in his left axilla. The tumor was solid and immovable. Examination of a biopsy specimen resulted in a diagnosis of epithelioid MPNST. Two weeks after the biopsy was performed, the tumor grew to 20 cm and became painful, and the patient was unable to feel pressure on his upper arm. Immediately before surgery to remove the tumor, computed tomography suggested the presence of lung metastases. The patient and his family were informed of his disease state, and they elected surgical treatment to ease the symptoms associated with tumor enlargement. Systemic metastases appeared soon after the surgery, and the patient died within 11 weeks. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis showed that this tumor was chromosomally unstable, with impairments in gene expression.

Extended distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma with splenic vein thrombosis and/or adjacent organ invasion

BACKGROUND

Patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic body/tail and associated vascular thrombosis or adjacent organ invasion are suboptimal candidates for resection. We hypothesized that extended distal pancreatectomy (EDP) for locally advanced adenocarcinoma is associated with a survival benefit.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy (DP) for adenocarcinoma at a single academic institution (1996 to 2011) with greater than or equal to 2 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 680 DP patients, 93 were indicated for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Splenic vein thrombosis (n = 26) did not significantly affect morbidity, mortality, or survival. Standard DP was performed in 70 patients and 23 underwent EDP with no difference in morbidity/mortality. Patients with EDP had a survival comparable with patients with standard DP (disease-free survival 18 vs 12 months = .8; overall survival 23 vs 17 months, P =.6). There was no difference in survival between EDP patients with versus without pathologic invasion of adjacent organs, but a trend favored those without.

CONCLUSION

EDP is safe and should be considered in fit patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma.

Extended resections of non-small cell lung cancers invading the aorta, pulmonary artery, left atrium, or esophagus: can they be justified?

T4 tumors that invade the heart, great vessels, or esophagus comprise a heterogenous group of locally invasive lung cancers. Prognosis depends on nodal status; this relationship has been consistently demonstrated in many of the small series of extended resection. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines do not recommend surgery for T4 extension with N2-3 disease (stage IIIB). However, biopsy-proven T4 N0-1 (stage IIIA) may be operable. Localized tumors with invasion of the aorta, pulmonary artery, left atrium, or esophagus represent a small subset of T4 disease. Acquiring sufficient randomized data to provide statistical proof of a survival advantage for patients undergoing extended resections for these neoplasms will likely never be possible.Therefore, we are left to critically analyze current documented experience to make clinical decisions on a case-by-case basis.It is clear that the operative morbidity and mortality of extended resections for locally advanced T4 tumors have significantly improved over time,yet the risks are still high. The indications for such procedures and the anticipated outcomes should be clearly weighed in terms of potential perioperative complications and expertise of the surgical team. Patients with T4 N0-1 have the best prognosis and with complete resection may have the potential for cure. The use of induction therapy and surgery for advanced T4 tumors may improve survival. Current data suggest that for tumors that invade the aorta, pulmonary artery,left atrium, or esophagus, resection should be considered in relation to multidisciplinary care.For properly selected patients receiving treatment at high volume, experienced centers, extended resections may be warranted.

Oncological problems in pancreatic cancer surgery

Despite the development of more sophisticated diagnostic techniques, pancreatic carcinoma has not yet been detected in the early stage. Surgical resection provides the only chance for cure or long-term survival. The resection rate has increased due to recent advances in surgical techniques and the application of extensive surgery. However, the postoperative prognosis has been poor due to commonly occurring liver metastasis, local recurrence and peritoneal dissemination. Recent molecular-biological studies have clarified occult metastasis, micrometastasis and systemic disease in pancreatic cancer. Several oncological problems in pancreatic cancer surgery are discussed in the present review.