Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the efficacy of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases (pmCRC) in a large international data set of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with pmCRC from 39 centres who underwent cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC between 1991 and 2018 were selected and compared for the HIPEC protocols received-oxaliplatin-HIPEC versus mitomycin-HIPEC. Following analysis of crude data, propensity-score matching (PSM) and Cox-proportional hazard modelling were performed. Outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and the HIPEC dose-response effects (high versus low dose, dose intensification and double drug protocols) on OS, RFS and 90-day morbidity. Furthermore, the impact of the treatment time period was assessed.

RESULTS

Of 2760 patients, 2093 patients were included. Median OS was 43 months (95% c.i. 41 to 46 months) with a median RFS of 12 months (95% c.i. 12 to 13 months). The oxaliplatin-HIPEC group had an OS of 47 months (95% c.i. 42 to 53 months) versus 39 months (95% c.i. 36 to 43 months) in the mitomycin-HIPEC group (P = 0.002), aHR 0.77, 95% c.i. 0.67 to 0.90, P < 0.001. The OS benefit persisted after PSM of the oxaliplatin-HIPEC group and mitomycin-HIPEC group (48 months (95% c.i. 42 to 59 months) versus 40 months (95% c.i. 37 to 44 months)), P < 0.001, aHR 0.78 (95% c.i. 0.65 to 0.94), P = 0.009. Similarly, matched RFS was significantly higher for oxaliplatin-HIPEC versus others (13 months (95% c.i. 12 to 15 months) versus 11 months (95% c.i. 10 to 12 months, P = 0.02)). High-dose mitomycin-HIPEC protocols had similar OS compared to oxaliplatin-HIPEC. HIPEC dose intensification within each protocol resulted in improved survival. Oxaliplatin + irinotecan-HIPEC resulted in the most improved OS (61 months (95% c.i. 51 to 101 months)). Ninety-day mortality in both crude and PSM analysis was worse for mitomycin-HIPEC. There was no change in treatment effect depending on the analysed time period.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxaliplatin-based HIPEC provided better outcomes compared to mitomycin-based HIPEC. High-dose mitomycin-HIPEC was similar to oxaliplatin-HIPEC. The 90-day mortality difference favours the oxaliplatin-HIPEC group. A trend for dose-response between low- and high-dose HIPEC was reported.

Perioperative chemotherapy in colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases: A global propensity score matched study

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of studies evaluating perioperative systemic chemotherapy in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases (CRCPM). The aim was to evaluate neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant systemic therapy in CRCPM.

METHODS

Patients with CRCPM from 39 treatment centres globally from January 1, 1991, to December 31, 2018, who underwent CRS+HIPEC were identified and stratified according to neoadjuvant/adjuvant use. Crude data analysis, propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox-proportional hazard modelling was performed.

FINDINGS

Of 2093 patients, 1613 were included in neoadjuvant crude evaluation with 708 in the PSM cohort (354 patients/arm). In the adjuvant evaluation, 1176 patients were included in the crude cohort with 778 in the PSM cohort (389 patients/arm). The median overall survival (OS) in the PSM cohort receiving no neoadjuvant vs neoadjuvant therapy was 37.0 months (95% CI: 32.6-42.7) vs 34.7 months (95% CI: 31.2-38.8, HR 1.08 95% CI: 0.88-1.32, p = 0.46). The median OS in the PSM cohort receiving no adjuvant therapy vs adjuvant therapy was 37.0 months (95% CI: 32.9-41.8) vs 45.7 months (95% CI: 38.8-56.2, HR 0.79 95% CI: 0.64-0.97, p = 0.022). Recurrence-free survival did not differ in the neoadjuvant evaluation but differed in the adjuvant evaluation - HR 1.04 (95% CI: 0.87-1.25, p = 0.66) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70-0.98, p = 0.03), respectively. Multivariable Cox-proportional hazard modelling in the crude cohorts showed hazard ratio 1.08 (95% CI: 0.92-1.26, p = 0.37) for administering neoadjuvant therapy and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.72-1.03, p = 0.095) for administering adjuvant therapy.

INTERPRETATION

Neoadjuvant therapy did not confer a benefit to patients undergoing CRS+HIPEC for CRCPM, whereas adjuvant therapy was associated with a benefit in this retrospective setting.

FUNDING

None.

Myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma of the falciform ligament: a rare case report

Liposarcomas are a group of malignancies that mainly affect adults. Myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma (MPL) is a newly added subtype of liposarcomas [1]. It is extremely rare and mostly affects infants and children, and it has a predilection for the mediastinum. We report a case of a 58-years-old female with MPL originating from the falciform ligament who presented initially with vague abdominal pain. MPLs have an aggressive pathology and high metastasis and recurrence potential.

Outcomes and prognostic factors of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in high-volume peritoneal carcinomatosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The management of patients with extensive appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and mesothelioma is controversial. Our aims were to analyze overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and independent prognostic factors associated with high peritoneal cancer index (PCI) status in patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC).

METHODS

A prospectively-maintained database for patients with appendiceal neoplasms and mesothelioma undergoing CRS/PIC from year 1996 to 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients who achieved complete cytoreduction were stratified into limited (PCI < 30) and extensive (PCI ≥ 30) disease groups.

RESULTS

260 female and 235 male patients were identified. The 5-year survival for low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) was significantly higher in the low PCI group (96.2% vs. 63.5%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the OS across both groups in high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (HAMN) (63 vs. 69 months; p = 0.942) and mesothelioma (72 vs. 42 months; p = 0.058). Overall mortality was 2%. Grade III/IV complications were significantly higher in extensive disease (68% vs. 36.6%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, use of EPIC and blood transfusion (>8 units) were independent positive and negative prognostic factors, respectively, associated with OS. Meanwhile, use of EPIC conferred benefit in DFS while increased blood transfusion (>8 units) and elevated preoperative CA125 were predictive of a poor DFS.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survivals following CRS/PIC are achievable with acceptable mortality and higher morbidity rates in extensive appendiceal mucinous neoplasms and mesothelioma. High PCI status does not preclude treatment with CRS/PIC.

Sodium thiosulfate during cisplatin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is associated with transient hypernatraemia without clinical sequelae

Objectives

Cisplatin is commonly used during intraperitoneal chemotherapy however has well-established nephrotoxic side-effects. Sodium thiosulfate is often added to cisplatin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) protocols to mitigate this, however evidence regarding risk of hypernatraemia is scarce as of yet.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal surface malignancies of any origin at a single high-volume unit between April 2018 and December 2020. Patients were included if they received cisplatin-based HIPEC with intravenous sodium thiosulfate. Blood tests were collected pre-surgery and then daily during admission. Hypernatraemia was defined as serum sodium >145 mmol/L. Renal impairment was defined using the RIFLE criteria.

Results

Eleven CRSs met inclusion criteria, the majority of which were indicated for ovarian cancer (72.7%). One (9.1%) patient with mesothelioma received mitomycin C as an additional chemotherapy agent. The incidence of hypernatraemia was 100% but all cases were transient, with no clinical sequelae observed. The rate of AKI was 36.4%, with three (27.3%) patients classified as risk and one (9.1%) instance of failure. No long-term renal impairment was observed.

Conclusions

Despite biochemical evidence of mild hypernatraemia but with the absence of clinical sequelae, sodium thiosulfate appears to be safe when used in adjunct to cisplatin-based HIPEC during CRS. These findings should be evaluated with further comparative studies. When describing renal impairment, it is important that standardisation in reporting occurs, with the RIFLE and Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria now the preferred consensus definitions.

Cost-effectiveness of Iterative Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

BACKGROUND

Iterative cytoreduction (iCRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a treatment for recurrence of peritoneal carcinomatosis. There are considerable upfront costs for this approach for which the cost-effectiveness has not been evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used a prospectively maintained database of patients having undergone primary and iterative cytoreduction at St. George Hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017, which was linked with financial data. Cost effectiveness and survival outcomes were used to compare primary cytoreduction (pCRS) and iterative cytoreduction (iCRS) in addition to comparison with other treatment modalities.

RESULTS

The average cost per patient in Australian dollars was $69,295 ($14,691-$696,002) and the average cost per life-year was $15,842. There was no difference in cost-effectiveness between those who had undergone pCRS and those who had undergone iCRS. The overall survival was 52.5 months (95% confidence interval=49.7-55.2 months) with no difference in survival between pCRS and iCRS groups. The median length of hospital stay was significantly longer for patients in the pCRS treatment group (25.51 days) when compared to the iCRS treatment group (21.15 days, p=0.034).

CONCLUSION

iCRS is a cost-effective treatment in the management of recurrent peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Acute Kidney Injury Following Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy With Cisplatin

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cisplatin increases the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) during systemic chemotherapy. However, little is known about its risk of inducing AKI when used during intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This study aimed to determine the incidence of AKI in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cisplatin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients who received cisplatin-based HIPEC from November 2008 to March 2018 was undertaken to determine the incidence of AKI.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients were identified. The incidence of AKI was 15.3% (17/111). Univariate analysis showed increased peritoneal cancer index (PCI), low intraoperative and post-operative urine output were significantly associated with the development of AKI. Multivariate analyses did not identify any significant predictors factors for AKI.

CONCLUSION

Cisplatin-based HIPEC is associated with AKI. At our centre, the incidence of AKI was 15.3%. Risk factors that may influence its development include high PCI and low perioperative diuresis.

Impact of signet ring cells on overall survival in peritoneal disseminated appendix cancer treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

To determine the effect of signet ring cell (SRC) histopathology in appendix cancer with peritoneal dissemination on overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study from a prospectively maintained database of patients that underwent CRS/HIPEC for appendix cancer from April 1999 to December 2019.

RESULTS

255 patients were identified. 174 had high-grade disease with no SRC component, 35 with a low count of SRC and 46 with a high count of SRC. Median OS without SRC was 93.8 months vs 58.2 months for low count SRC and 23.7 months for high count SRC (P < 0.001). 5-year OS was 60% for patients with no SRC, 35.5% and 10% in those with low count and high count SRC respectively. On multivariate analysis, presence of SRC and complete cytoreduction score were identified as independent factors that affect OS.

CONCLUSION

The presence of SRC in appendix cancer with peritoneal dissemination is associated with worse OS when compared to an absence of SRC in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC.

Repeat cytoreductive surgery with or without intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent epithelial appendiceal neoplasms

Background

With recurrence rates after primary cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in excess of 50 per cent, repeat CRS is being performed increasingly, but survival outcomes have not been reported widely. This study examined the outcomes following repeat CRS for appendiceal cancer with peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM), and evaluated its feasibility and safety.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of patients who had surgery between 1996 and 2018 were analysed. Patients who underwent a single CRS procedure with or without heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were compared with those who had multiple procedures with or without HIPEC. Perioperative morbidity and survival outcomes were analysed.

Results

Some 462 patients were reviewed, 102 of whom had repeat procedures. For high‐grade tumours, patients who had a single CRS procedure had significantly reduced overall survival (OS) compared with those who had repeat CRS (55·6 versus 90·7 months respectively; P = 0·016). For low‐grade tumours, there was no difference in OS (P = 0·153). When patients who had a single procedure were compared with those who had multiple procedures, there was no significant difference in major morbidity (P = 0·441) or in‐hospital mortality (P = 0·080). For multiple procedures, no differences were found in major morbidity (P = 0·262) or in‐hospital mortality (P = 0·502) when the first procedure was compared with the second. For low‐grade cancers, the peritoneal carcinomatosis index was a significant prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1·11, 95 per cent c.i. 1·05 to 1·17; P < 0·001), whereas for high‐grade cancers repeat CRS (HR 0·57, 0·33 to 0·95; P = 0·033), complete cytoreduction score (HR 1·55, 1·01 to 2·40; P = 0·046) and presence of signet ring cells (HR 2·77, 1·78 to 4·30; P < 0·001) were all significant indicators of long‐term survival.

Conclusion

In selected patients presenting with PSM from epithelial appendiceal neoplasms, repeat CRS performed in high‐volume centres could provide survival benefits.

Long-term survival outcomes of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Single-institutional experience with 1225 cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To review long-term survival outcomes of patients with Peritoneal metastasis (PM) who underwent colorectal cancer (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC).

METHODS

Patients that underwent CRS, with or without PIC, from January 1996 to March 2018 at the Peritonectomy Unit of St. George Hospital, Sydney were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively maintained database.

RESULTS

The study comprised of 1225 cases, including 687 females (56.1%) and 538 males (43.9%). Diagnoses included CRC (n = 363), followed by HAMN (n = 317), LAMN (n = 297), mesothelioma (n = 101), ovarian cancer (n = 55), and others including gastric, sarcoma, and neuroendocrine tumor (n = 92). The median OS, 5- and 10-year survivals for CRC were 35 months, 33% and 8%, respectively. Patients with LAMN, in relative to HAMN, experienced a higher median OS, 5- and 10-year survivals (248 months vs 63 months; 82% vs 52% and 59% vs 28%). The median OS for mesothelioma was 60 months with 5- and 10-year survivals of 48% and 19%, respectively. In ovarian cancer, the median OS was 30 months with 5- and 10-year survivals of 26% and 10%, respectively. For the remaining histological diagnoses, median OS and 5-year survival were 28 months and 27%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our large-cohort data showed that CRS/PIC can provide long-term survival benefit to patients with PM of gastrointestinal and ovarian origin.

Preoperative Nutrition Status and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a complex surgery to treat peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM). PSM and gastrointestinal (GI) resection from CRS can lead to significant GI symptoms and malnutrition. There is limited research into the nutrition status of this patient group and the impact of malnutrition on morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine if preoperative malnutrition, assessed using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), is associated with postoperative morbidity and increased length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for PSM.

METHODS

This study prospectively assessed the nutritional status of patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC using a validated nutrition assessment tool. Preoperative clinical symptoms, Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), intraoperative blood transfusions, operative time, GI resections, postoperative morbidity, and LOS, as well as pre- and postoperative nutritional interventions, were recorded. The impact of preoperative nutritional status was assessed in relation to postoperative complications and hospital LOS.

RESULTS

The study included 102 participants; 34 patients (33%) were classified as malnourished (SGA = B or C). Preoperative weight loss (15% vs. 74%; p ≤ 0.001) and the presence of clinical symptoms (18% vs. 47%; p = 0.002) were significantly higher in malnourished patients. While PCI, intraoperative blood transfusions, and GI resections were independent predictors of morbidity, malnutrition was significantly associated with infectious complications and LOS. For each grade of worsening malnutrition, LOS increased by an average of 7.65 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative malnutrition is prevalent in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC and postoperative morbidity is common. Malnutrition is linked to LOS and plays a role in postoperative outcomes such as infection. Clear pre- and postoperative nutrition pathways are needed to optimize nutrition support and postoperative recovery.

The effect of intraoperative fluid administration on outcomes of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Background

Determine the effect of intraoperative fluids (IOFs) administered during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on postoperative patient outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent CRS/HIPEC from February 2010 to June 2017.

Results

A total of 335 patients formed the cohort study. Patients who received higher IOFs had longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (34 vs. 22.5 days; P<0.001), extended intensive care unit (ICU) admission (5.3 vs. 3.2 days; P<0.001) and a 12% increase in grade 3/4 complications (P<0.001). Greater amounts of blood product transfusion were associated with longer hospital LOS (33.7 vs. 23 days; P<0.001), and ICU admission (5 vs. 3.4 days; P<0.001) and 12% increase in grade 3/4 complications (P<0.001). When corrected for weight and peritoneal cancer index (PCI), increased transfusion of blood products still resulted in longer hospital LOS (31.2 vs. 25.2 days; P=0.04) and longer ICU admission (4.7 vs. 3.6 days; P=0.03). On multivariable analysis, less blood product transfusions demonstrated a decreased LOS in hospital by 4.8 days (P=0.01) and fewer grade 3/4 complications (OR 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35-0.99; P=0.05).

Conclusions

Greater IOF administration is associated with an increase in postoperative morbidity, including hospital LOS, ICU admission and grade 3/4 complications, in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC.

Case report: Intraoperative thrombosis cardiac arrest in extended right hepatectomy involving use of local haemostatic agent in intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) and administration of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa)

•

Intractable intraoperative haemorrhage is a result of both surgical and coagulopathic (nonsurgical) components.

•

There is increasing off-label use of rFVIIa for ceasing refractory bleeding aside from its application in patient with haemophilia.

•

rFVIIa use may be associated with increased thromboembolic events according to some literature.

•

The use of topical haemostatic agent in conjunction with ICS may potentially lead to systemic clot formation upon re-infusion of the chemical.

•

Avoid use of cell saver suction while the surgical field is contaminated with topical clotting factors before irrigation with 0.9% sodium chloride.

Introduction

In modern surgical era, local haemostatic agents and blood components such as recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) have expanded surgeons’ armamentarium in controlling “surgical” and “nonsurgical bleeding”. We report a case of intraoperative thrombosis and cardiac arrest involving use of local haemostatic agent in intraoperative cell salvage and rFVIIa administration in extended right hepatectomy.

Presentation of case

A 46-year-old lady underwent extended right hepatectomy using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and autotransfusion with ICS for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour. She became extremely coagulopathic following weaning of CPB despite an array of fluid and blood products replacements. Decision to administer rFVIIa as a measure to arrest bleeding was unsuccessful. Extensive systemic thrombosis occurred which resulted in cardiac arrest and mortality.

Discussion

The thromboembolic event was unclear but likely multifactorial. Two important hypotheses were the administration of rFVIIa and use of local haemostatic agent in ICS.

Conclusion

Reported incidence of thromboembolism with use of rFVIIa in refractory bleeding is variable. More randomised controlled trials are needed to ascertain the efficacy and safety profile of the haemostatic agent. At present, off-label use of rFVIIa should be guided by the risk:benefit profile on a case-to-case basis. The authors also feel strongly against the use of local haemostatic gel in conjunction with ICS due to potential systemic circulation of the thrombin.

Iterative cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal metastases: A multi-institutional experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aims of this multi-institutional study were to assess the feasibility of iterative cytoreductive surgery (iCRS)/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, iCRS in colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis (CRPC), evaluate survival, recurrence, morbidity and mortality outcomes, and identify prognostic factors for overall survival.

METHODS

Patients with CRPC that underwent an iCRS, with or without intraperitoneal chemotherapy, from June 1993 to July 2016 at 13 institutions were retrospectively analyzed from prospectively maintained databases.

RESULTS

The study comprised of 231 patients, including 126 females (54.5%) with a mean age at iCRS of 51.3 years. The iterative high-grade (3/4) morbidity and mortality rates were 23.4% and 1.7%, respectively. The median recurrence-free survival was 15.0 and 10.1 months after initial and iCRS, respectively. The median and 5-year survivals were 49.1 months and 43% and 26.4 months and 26% from the initial and iCRS, respectively. Independent negative predictors of survival from the initial CRS included peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) > 20 ( P = 0.02) and lymph node positivity ( P = 0.04), and from iCRS, PCI > 10 ( P = 0.03 for PCI 11-20; P < 0.001 for PCI > 20), high-grade complications ( P = 0.012), and incomplete cytoreduction ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

iCRS can provide long-term survival benefits to highly selected colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis patients with comparable mortality and morbidity rates to the initial CRS procedure. Careful patient selection is necessary to improve overall outcomes.

Survival difference between mucinous vs. non-mucinous colorectal cancer following cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

It is believed that the oncologic behavior of mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma (MC) is different from non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (NMC). The aim of the study is to compare long-term survivals between patients with MC and those with NMC following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of patients with peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin following CRS and IPC. Group I included patients with MC which was defined as being composed of >50% extracellular mucin. Group II included those with NMC. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the location of primary tumor.

RESULTS

A total of 213 patients were included in this study. The two groups had similar hospital mortality, high dependency unit stay. MC group had a significantly longer mean intensive care unit (ICU) stay (p = .037) and total hospital stay (p = .037). There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between two groups (p = .657 and p = .938, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of mucin was not an independent negative prognostic factor for OS (p = .190).

CONCLUSION

In summary, patients with MC had a similar long-term survival outcome with those with NMC following CRS and IPC.

Microwave ablation of liver metastasis complicated by Clostridium perfringens gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess (GPLA) in a patient with past gastrectomy

•

GPLA is one rare complication of liver microwave ablation.

•

It can be diagnosed with CT scan which shows gas-containing infective focus.

•

Patients with gastrectomy may have an increased risk of such infection due to gut flora change.

•

To date, data on effectiveness of empirical antibiotic is not convincing.

•

Close monitoring following ablation should be prioritised to allow timely intervention and prevent escalation of infection.

Introduction

Gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess (GPLA) caused by C. perfringens is rare but fatal. Patients with past gastrectomy may be prone to such infection post-ablation.

Presentation of case

An 84-year-old male patient with past gastrectomy had MW ablation of his liver tumors complicated by GPLA. Computerised tomography scan showed gas-containing abscess in the liver and he was managed successfully with antibiotic and percutaneous drainage of the abscess.

Discussion

C. perfringens GPLA secondary to MW ablation in a patient with previous gastrectomy has not been reported in the literature. Gastrectomy may predispose to such infection. Even in high-risk patients, empirical antibiotic before ablation is not a standard of practice. Therefore following the procedure, close observation of patients’ conditions is necessary to allow early diagnosis and intervention that will prevent progression of infection.

Conclusion

Potential complication of liver abscess following MW ablation can never be overlooked. The risk may be enhanced in patients with previous gastrectomy. Early diagnosis and management may minimise mortality and morbidity.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Extensive Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Following Cytoreductive Surgery and Perioperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

AIM

The aims of this study were to explore clinical outcomes and assess the learning curve for cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC) for patients with a high peritoneal cancer index (PCI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with a PCI of 20 or more following CRS and PIC. Outcomes in five successive groups based on the operation date were analyzed.

RESULTS

Three hundred and five patients were included in the study. The median overall survival (OS) was 89.3 months (95% confidence interval=58.9-107.6 months). OS at 1, 3 and 5 years of our study cohort was 89.4%, 70.4% and 57.5%, respectively. In terms of the learning curve, the mean duration of operation and hospital mortality decreased (p<0.001 and p=0.006 respectively). A trend for decreasing intensive care unit stay (p=0.497), high dependency unit stay (p=0.042) and total hospital stay (p=0.202) were also recorded.

CONCLUSION

A high PCI alone should not be a contraindication for cytoreductive surgery and PIC in specialized centres.

Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for refractory malignant ascites in patients unsuitable for cytoreductive surgery

INTRODUCTION

Malignant ascites (MA) is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity of patients with intraperitoneal dissemination of their disease and is associated with a short life expectancy. The most common clinical feature is a progressive increase of abdominal distention resulting in pain, discomfort, anorexia and dyspnoea. Currently, no treatment is established standard of care due to limited efficacy or considerable toxicity. The objective was to examine the efficacy of laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the palliation of refractory MA in patients who were unsuitable for cytoreductive surgery.

METHODS

From May 2009 to June 2015, 12 patients with MA due to their peritoneal malignancy were treated with laparoscopic HIPEC. The time between operation and repeat paracentesis, in-hospital data, and the proportion of patients that did not require repeat paracentesis was analyzed.

RESULTS

One patient (8%) was admitted to ICU for 1 day. The mean operating time and hospital stay was 149.3 min (range 79-185) and 4.6 days (range 2-11) respectively. Neither high-grade morbidity nor mortality was observed. The median OS was 57 days. In our experience, a complete and definitive disappearance of MA was observed in 83% of patients. Two patients (17%) developed recurrent MA 124 days and 283 days post-HIPEC.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic HIPEC is a beneficial treatment for the management and palliation of refractory MA and results in an excellent clinical and radiological resolution in patients with a complete resolution observed in selected patients.

Impacts of low peritoneal cancer index on the survival outcomes of patient with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin

INTRODUCTION

The combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative chemotherapy (PIC) have been proposed as an innovative technique for peritoneal carcinomatosis and is currently considered as a standard treatment for colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis (CRPC) in selected patients. Peritoneal cancer index (PCI) has been suggested to be the most important prognostic factors for the outcomes of patients with CRPC. In this paper, we have studied patients with CRPC and a very low PCI of 5 or less and their survival outcomes.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of 60 consecutive patients with CRPC and PCI ≤ 5, who underwent CRS and PIC by the same surgical team at St George hospital in Sydney, Australia between January 1996 and April 2015. Clinical outcomes of these patients were analysed.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality was 0%. 14 patients (23.4%) had grade III/IV morbidity. The median follow-up was 22.2 months (range = 0.1-104.2). The median survival was 80.6 months (95% confidence interval (CI) = 35.1-126.1), with an overall 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rate of 96.1%, 72.6% and 54.7% respectively. Among 60 patients, 31 patients experienced the recurrence of the disease (51.7%). The median disease-free survival was 10.8 months (95% CI = 7.2-14.4).

CONCLUSION

This innovative approach combining CRS and PIC has shown encouraging outcomes and offers hope for patients with CRPC. Our results suggest that CRS and PIC can be performed safely to provide significant survival benefits for patients with low volume of disease. Early referral to specialist centre for evaluation is warranted for better survival outcomes.

Cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is life-threatening without cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC). Only a few studies in the literature addressed the relationship between age and outcomes of peritonectomy. This study was designed to review the clinical outcomes in elderly patients who underwent CRS and PIC.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of 611 consecutive patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis who underwent CRS and PIC by the same surgical team at St George Hospital in Sydney, Australia, between January 1996 and December 2013. Patients were divided into two groups; group 1 (<65 years old, n = 487) and group 2 (≥ 65 years old, n = 124). Subgroup analysis was performed in patients who were ≥75 years old (n = 20). A significant difference was defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

There was no significant statistical difference in terms of mean total hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, high dependency unit stay and complication rates. Postoperative mortality was 2 and 3 % in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Overall survival did not reach a statistical significance between the two groups. In subgroup analysis, patients showed similar morbidity results to patients who were <65 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

CRS and PIC can be safely done in the elderly. Age alone should not be the single exclusion criterion but rather taken into consideration along with other factors to determine the suitability of elderly patients.

Repeat cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

INTRODUCTION

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has shown to improve survival outcomes for patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of 44 consecutive patients with DMPM who underwent CRS and HIPEC by the same surgical team at St George Hospital in Sydney, Australia. A total of 58 operations were performed. Clinical data were divided according to the number of operation and HIPEC the patient had undergone (Group 1 = initial CRS and HIPEC; Group 2 = 2nd CRS and HIPEC; Group 3 included 3rd CRS and HIPEC; Group 4 = 4th CRS and HIPEC). A significant difference was defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in mortality and morbidity results among the four groups. The median survival for those who only had one operation was 22 months (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0-47.2), whereas the median survival for those who had a second operation was 62 months (95% CI = 22.9-101.1). However, such a difference did not translate into a statistical significance (p = 0.141).

CONCLUSION

We report an encouraging median survival of 62 months in patients who had recurrence of disease and had repeat CRS and HIPEC with similar morbidity and mortality with the initial operation. Due to the learning curve of this technique, patients with recurrent mesothelioma should be referred to specialised tertiary care centres for evaluation. Selected patients may experience prolonged survival after repeat CRS and HIPEC.

Effects of sex hormones on survival of peritoneal mesothelioma

Background

Previous studies have suggested the presence of steroid receptors as a favourable prognostic factor in peritoneal mesothelioma (PM). This study aims to investigate possible hormonal effects on survival of PM.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of 52 consecutive patients with PM who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) by the same surgical team at St George Hospital in Sydney, Australia, between April 1996 and April 2013. Females were arbitrarily divided into assumed premenopausal (<51 years old; n = 15) and assumed postmenopausal (≥51 years old, n = 9). In each gender group, patients were furthered divided into three age groups (<40, 40–60, >60). A significant statistical difference was defined as p < 0.05.

Results

Females with epithelial mesothelioma had a significantly higher survival than males (p = 0.023). They also had a better overall median survival (>60 months) than males (43 months), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.098). Survival of postmenopausal females became similar to males after excluding benign cystic mesothelioma.

Conclusions

The better survival in premenopausal females could probably be explained by higher levels of oestradiol and progesterone. Also, our data suggests that higher rates of benign cystic mesothelioma in females was not the key reason for the better survival in female patients, further supporting the hypothesis of hormonal links with survival of PM. Therapeutic effects of sex steroid hormones on PM may be a valuable area to explore.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy as bridging therapy for colorectal liver metastases

BACKGROUND

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has been shown to be beneficial in the management of unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This systematic review evaluates the potential role of HAIC as a neoadjuvant downstaging therapy, prior to hepatic resection with curative intent for initially unresectable CRLM.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using Pubmed, EMBASE and Medline databases from January 2000 to November 2013. Studies adopting HAIC as a neoadjuvant bridging therapy for hepatic resection for CRLM were included.

RESULTS

Eleven studies (n = 1514) were included. HAIC response rate was 50% and achieved conversion to surgery rate in 18% of patients. The median overall and 5-year survival for patients who underwent conversion to hepatectomy was 53 months and 49% compared to 16 months and 3% for patients who did not undergo surgery. Meta-analysis demonstrated strong association between hepatectomy and improved 5-year survival (RR 0.56, 95% CI = 0.48-0.65, Z = 7.26, p < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

For patients presenting with unresectable CRLM, HAIC in conjunction with current systemic chemotherapy may allow some patients to undergo resection and potentially provide long-term survival.

Systematic review of efficacy and outcomes of salvage liver transplantation after primary hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Upfront liver transplantation is the gold standard in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis, but a shortage of donor organs negatively impacts on survival outcomes, with significant disease progression during long waiting lists. This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of salvage liver transplantation (SLT) as treatment for recurrent HCC after initial hepatic resection.

METHODS

Electronic searches of Pubmed, Embase, and Medline databases identified 130 abstracts, from which 16 eligible studies comprising 319 patients were selected for review. Studies adopting SLT following primary hepatic resection for recurrent HCC with more than five patients were included. Demographic details, morbidity and mortality indices, and survival outcomes were collected from each study and were tabulated.

RESULTS

All patients included in the studies had liver cirrhosis, with the majority being Child-Pugh A (50%) and B (33%). The etiology of liver disease was hepatitis B in the majority of patients (84%). Disease recurrence occurred in 27-80% of patients at a median of 21.4 months (range 14.5-34) following initial resection. SLTs were performed on 41% of recurrences, and were associated with biliary complications (8%), infection (11%), bleeding (8%), and vascular complications (7%). There were 18 perioperative deaths (5.6%). The median 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall and disease-free survival was 89%, 80%, and 62%, and 86%, 68%, and 67%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Synthesis of available observational studies suggests that SLT following primary hepatic resection is a highly applicable strategy with long-term survival outcomes that are comparable to upfront liver transplantation.

Repeat cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for recurrent colorectal peritoneal metastases: yes or no?

PURPOSE

To clarify the role of repeat CRS for recurrent colorectal carcinoma (CRC) through: (i) Systematic review of the literature (ii) Analysis of survival outcomes in a prospective cohort.

METHODS

(i) Pubmed and MEDLINE from 1980 to July 2013 searched using terms: colorectal carcinoma, peritonectomy, cytoreductive surgery, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), redo, repeat, and iterative. (ii) Kaplan-Meier Survival analysis of consecutive patients undergoing repeat CRS at St George Hospital between Jan 2000 and July 2013.

RESULTS

(i) The search strategy yielded 309 articles, 5 meeting inclusion criteria, reporting on 91 patients. Median overall survival from first CRS ranged from 39 to 57.6 months with 3-yr survival of 50%, and 5-year survival of 30%. Median survival from second CRS was 20-months with 1-yr survivals of 72% and 66% and 2-year survivals of 50% and 44%. (ii) Repeat CRS performed on 18 patients found median survival from first CRS was 59 months, with 1, 3, and 5-year survival of 100%, 52% and 26% respectively. Median survival from repeat CRS was 22.6 months with 1, 2, and 3-year survival of 94%, 48% and 12% respectively.

CONCLUSION

The current data on repeat CRS in CRC is relatively immature and more data is required before drawing clear conclusions. Patient selection should be on a case by case basis conducted through a MDT process with emphasis on surrogate markers for favourable outcomes.