Systematic review of management of incidental gallbladder cancer after cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer is rare, but cancers detected incidentally after cholecystectomy are increasing. The aim of this study was to review the available data for current best practice for optimal management of incidental gallbladder cancer.

METHODS

A systematic PubMed search of the English literature to May 2018 was conducted.

RESULTS

The search identified 12 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, in addition to several consensus reports, multi-institutional series and national audits. Some 0·25-0·89 per cent of all cholecystectomy specimens had incidental gallbladder cancer on pathological examination. Most patients were staged with pT2 (about half) or pT1 (about one-third) cancers. Patients with cancers confined to the mucosa (T1a or less) had 5-year survival rates of up to 100 per cent after cholecystectomy alone. For cancers invading the muscle layer of the gallbladder wall (T1b or above), reresection is recommended. The type, extent and timing of reresection remain controversial. Observation time may be used for new cross-sectional imaging with CT and MRI. Perforation at initial surgery had a higher risk of disease dissemination. Gallbladder cancers are PET-avid, and PET may detect residual disease and thus prevent unnecessary surgery. Routine laparoscopic staging before reresection is not warranted for all stages. Risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis increases with each T category. The incidence of port-site metastases is about 10 per cent. Routine resection of port sites has no effect on survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy is poorly documented and probably underused.

CONCLUSION

Management of incidental gallbladder cancer continues to evolve, with more refined suggestions for subgroups at risk and a selective approach to reresection.

Meta-analysis of ischaemic preconditioning for liver resections

BACKGROUND

Vascular clamping reduces blood loss during liver resection but leads to ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Ischaemic preconditioning (IP) may reduce this. This study aimed to evaluate IP in liver resection under clamping.

METHODS

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating IP in adults undergoing liver resection under either continuous clamping (CC) or intermittent clamping (IC). Primary outcomes were mortality, liver failure and morbidity. Secondary outcomes included duration of operation, blood loss, length of hospital stay, length of intensive therapy unit stay, transfusion requirements, prothrombin time, and bilirubin and aminotransferase levels. Weighted mean differences were calculated for continuous data, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous data. Results were produced with a random-effects model with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.).

RESULTS

A total of 2960 records were identified and 11 RCTs included 669 patients (IP 331, control 338). No significant difference in mortality (6 RCTs; IP 186, control 190; OR 1·36, 95 per cent c.i. 0·13 to 13·68; P = 0·80) or morbidity (6 RCTs; IP 186, control 190; OR 0·58, 0·31 to 1·07; P = 0·08) was found for IP plus CC versus CC. Nor was there a significant difference in mortality (4 RCTs; IP 122, control 121; OR 1·33, 0·24 to 7·32; P = 0·74) or morbidity (4 RCTs; IP 122, control 121; OR 0·87, 0·52 to 1·47; P = 0·61) for IP plus (CC or IC) versus IC. No significant differences were found for secondary outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis failed to find a significant benefit of IP in liver resection.

Outcomes following a dedicated period of research during surgical training

With recent 'working-time'-related changes to surgical training structure, the value of dedicated research during surgical training has been questioned. Online survey examining career and academic outcomes following a period of surgically related dedicated research at a Scottish University between 1972 and 2007. Of 58 individuals identified, contact details were available for 49 and 43 (88%) responded. Ninety-five percent (n = 41) of respondents continue to pursue a career in surgery and 41% (n = 17) are currently in academic positions. Ninety-one percent (n = 39) had published one or more first-author peer-reviewed articles directly related to their research, with 53% (n = 23) publishing three or more. Respondents with a clinical component to their research published significantly more papers than those with purely laboratory-based research (P = 0.04). Eighty-one percent (n = 35) thought that research was necessary for career progression, but only 42% (n = 18) felt research should be integral to training. In conclusion, the majority of surgical trainees completing a dedicated research period, published papers and continued to pursue a surgical career with a research interest. A period of dedicated research was thought necessary for career progression, but few thought dedicated research should be integral to surgical training.

Perioperative platelet and monocyte activation in patients with critical limb ischemia

BACKGROUND

Patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) have a high rate of adverse cardiovascular events, particularly when undergoing surgery. We sought to determine the effect of surgery and vascular disease on platelet and monocyte activation in vivo in patients with CLI.

METHODS

An observational, cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary referral hospital in the southeast of Scotland. Platelet and monocyte activation were measured in whole blood in patients with CLI scheduled for infrainguinal bypass and compared with matched healthy controls, patients with chronic intermittent claudication, patients with acute myocardial infarction, and those undergoing arthroplasty (n = 30 per group). Platelet and monocyte activation were quantified using flow cytometric assessment of platelet-monocyte aggregation, platelet P-selectin expression, platelet-derived microparticles, and monocyte CD40 and CD11b expression.

RESULTS

Compared with those with intermittent claudication, subjects with CLI had increased platelet-monocyte aggregates (41.7% +/- 12.2% vs 32.6% +/- 8.5%, respectively), platelet microparticles (178.7 +/- 106.9 vs 116.9 +/- 53.4), and monocyte CD40 expression (70.0% +/- 12.2% vs 52.4% +/- 15.2%; P < .001 for all). Indeed, these levels were equivalent (P-selectin, 4.4% +/- 2.0% vs 4.9% +/- 2.2%; P > .05) or higher (platelet-monocyte aggregation, 41.7% +/- 12.2% vs 33.6% +/- 7.0%; P < .05; platelet microparticles, 178.7 +/- 106.9 vs 114.4 +/- 55.0/microL; P < .05) than in patients with acute myocardial infarction. All platelet and monocyte activation markers remained elevated throughout the perioperative period in patients with CLI (P < .01) but not those undergoing arthroplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing surgery for CLI have the highest level of in vivo platelet and monocyte activation, and these persist throughout the perioperative period. Additional antiplatelet therapy may be of benefit in protecting vascular patients with more severe disease during this period of increased risk.

Randomized clinical trial of laxatives and oral nutritional supplements within an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol following liver resection

BACKGROUND

Routine laxatives may expedite gastrointestinal recovery and early tolerance of food within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme. Combined with carbohydrate loading and oral nutritional supplements (ONS), it may further enhance recovery of gastrointestinal function and promote earlier overall recovery.

METHODS

Seventy-four patients undergoing liver resection were randomized in a two-by-two factorial design to receive either postoperative magnesium hydroxide as a laxative, preoperative carbohydrate loading and postoperative ONS, their combination or a control group. Patients were managed within an ERAS programme of care. The primary outcome measure was time to first passage of stool. Secondary outcome measures were gastric emptying, postoperative oral calorie intake, time to functional recovery and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients completed the trial. The laxative group had a significantly reduced time to passage of stool: median (interquartile range) 4 (3-5) versus 5 (4-6) days (P = 0.034). The ONS group showed a trend towards a shorter time to passage of stool (P = 0.076) but there was no evidence of interaction in patients randomized to the combination regimen. Median length of hospital stay was 6 (4-7) days. There were no differences in secondary outcomes between groups.

CONCLUSION

Within an ERAS protocol for patients undergoing liver resection, routine postoperative laxatives result in an earlier first passage of stool but the overall rate of recovery is unaltered.

The relationship between hospital volume and post-operative mortality rates for upper gastrointestinal cancer resections: Scotland 1982-2003

BACKGROUND

Centralisation of surgical treatment of cancer has resulted in improved outcomes. We aimed to determine evidence of benefit for specialised management of upper gastrointestinal cancer in high-volume centres in Scotland.

METHODS

Discharge records of patients undergoing oesophagectomy, gastrectomy, hepatectomy or pancreatectomy between 1982 and 2003 were identified. Hospital data were analysed on a year-by-year basis to derive 'hospital-years'. Hospital-years were divided into quartiles by volume, and were analysed with regard to in-hospital mortality during the operative admission [Chi-square test (chi(2)) and Chi-square test for trend (chi(2)(trend))].

RESULTS

10,625 patients and 982 in-hospital deaths were included. In-hospital mortality rates declined during the study period: oesophagectomy 11.7-7.9%; gastrectomy 11.2-7.2%; hepatectomy 11.1-3.0%; and pancreatectomy 8.3-4.9%. For all resections except gastrectomy, mortality decreased as quartile of hospital-year volume increased (oesophagectomy: chi(2)p=0.006, chi(2)(trend)p=0.001; hepatectomy: chi(2)p=0.004, chi(2)(trend)p=0.003; pancreatectomy: chi(2)p=0.002, chi(2)(trend)p=0.001). ORs of death were lower for oesophagectomy (OR=0.58; 95%CI=0.39, 0.88; p=0.009) and pancreatectomy (OR=0.35; 95%CI=0.19, 0.64; p<0.001) in hospital-years within highest-volume quartiles compared with lowest. Scattergraphs of all resection types demonstrated inverse power relationships between number of resections per hospital-year and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Concentration of cancer care has had major effects on health service delivery in Scotland. Centralisation should be supported in surgical management of upper gastrointestinal cancer.

Continuing professional development for surgeons

With the introduction of revalidation, continuing professional development (CPD) is becoming an increasingly important part of a surgeon's professional life. There is minimal existing information describing the CPD practices and attitudes of surgeons to CPD. This review describes the current CPD expectations of the General Medical Council and the current CPD activities and attitudes of surgeons, based around the results of an on-line study performed by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Validation of a prognostic nomogram in patients undergoing resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in a UK tertiary referral centre

INTRODUCTION

Survival following resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains poor. The aim of this study was to validate a survival nomogram designed at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) in a UK tertiary referral centre.

METHODS

Patients who underwent resection for PDAC between 1995 and 2005 were analysed retrospectively. Standard prognostic factors and nomogram-specific data were collected. Continuous data are presented as median (inter-quartile range).

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients were analysed. The median survival was 326 (209-680) days. On univariate analysis lymph node status (node +ve 297 (194-471) days versus node -ve 367 (308-1060) days, p=0.005) and posterior margin involvement (margin +ve 210 (146-443) days versus margin -ve 355 (265-835) days, p=0.024) were predictors of a poor survival. Only lymph node positivity was significant on multivariate analysis (p=0.006). The median nomogram score was 217 (198-236). A nomogram score of 113-217 predicted a median survival of 367 (295-847) days compared to 265 (157-443) days for a score of 218-269, p=0.012.

CONCLUSION

Increasing nomogram score was associated with poorer survival. However the accuracy demonstrated by MSKCC could not be replicated in the current cohort of patients and may reflect differences in patient demographics, accuracy of pathological staging and differences in treatment regimens between the two centres.

Initial experience with a multimodal enhanced recovery programme in patients undergoing liver resection

Background

Accelerated recovery from surgery has been achieved when patients are managed within a multimodal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. This study evaluated the benefit of an ERAS programme for patients undergoing liver resection.

Methods

The ERAS protocol of epidural analgesia, early oral intake and early mobilization was studied prospectively in a consecutive series of 61 patients. Outcomes were compared with those in a consecutive series of 100 patients who underwent liver resection before the start of the study. Endpoints were postoperative length of hospital stay, postoperative resumption of oral intake, readmissions, morbidity and mortality.

Results

Fifty-six patients (92 per cent) in the ERAS group tolerated fluids within 4 h of surgery and a normal diet on day 1 after surgery. Median hospital stay, including readmissions, was 6·0 days compared with 8·0 days in the control group (P &lt; 0·001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission (13 and 10·0 per cent respectively), morbidity (41 and 31·0 per cent) and mortality (0 and 2·0 per cent) between ERAS and control groups.

Conclusion

The ERAS fast-track protocol is safe and effective for patients undergoing liver resection. It allows early oral intake, promotes faster postoperative recovery and reduces hospital stay.

Tryptophan catabolites in mesenteric lymph may contribute to pancreatitis-associated organ failure

Background

Multiple organ failure (MOF) is the key determinant of mortality in acute pancreatitis (AP). Mesenteric lymph cytotoxicity contributes to organ failure in experimental models of systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mesenteric lymph pathway and the lymph injury proteome in experimental AP-associated MOF, and to test the hypothesis that immunoregulatory tryptophan catabolites contribute to mesenteric lymph cytotoxicity.

Methods

Using an experimental model of AP in rats, the humoral component of mesenteric lymph in AP was compared with that from sham-operated control animals, using in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity assays, high-throughput proteomics and high-performance liquid chromatography. The experimental findings were corroborated in a cohort of 34 patients with AP.

Results

Compared with biologically inactive lymph from sham-operated rats, mesenteric lymph in AP became cytotoxic 3 h after induction. Hierarchical clustering of lymph proteomic mass spectra predicted the biological behaviour of lymph. Levels of the immunoregulatory tryptophan catabolite, 3-hydroxykynurenine, were increased in cytotoxic lymph and re-created cytotoxicity in vitro. In humans with AP, plasma kynurenine concentrations correlated in real time with MOF scores and preceded a requirement for mechanical ventilation and haemodialysis.

Conclusion

These results support the concept that mesenteric lymph-borne kynurenines may contribute to pancreatitis-associated MOF.

Liver resection and transplantation in the management of iatrogenic biliary injury

BACKGROUND

Biliary injury during cholecystectomy can be managed successfully by biliary reconstruction in the majority of patients; however, a proportion of patients may require hepatic resection or even liver transplantation.

METHODS

Data on all patients referred with biliary injuries were recorded prospectively. The details of patients who required hepatic resection or transplantation were analyzed and compared to those patients managed with biliary reconstruction alone.

RESULTS

From November 1984 until November 2003 there were 119 patients referred with Strasberg grade E injuries to the biliary tree, 14 of whom (9 women, 5 men) required hepatic resection or transplantation. The median age of these 14 patients was 48 (range: 30-81) years. Nine patients were considered for hepatic resection, and of these six underwent right hepatectomy, two had a left lateral sectionectomy, and one patient was deemed unfit for surgery and underwent metal stenting of the right hepatic duct. All patients are alive and remain well. Five patients developed hepatic failure and were considered for liver transplantation. Two patients who were unfit for transplantation died, and another died while on the waiting list for transplantation. The remaining two patients underwent liver transplantation, and one of them died from overwhelming sepsis. Concomitant vascular injury was demonstrated in 8 of the 14 patients (57%), and in 3 of the 4 (75%) patients that died.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic atrophy or sepsis after biliary injury can be managed successfully with hepatic resection. Liver transplantation is required occasionally for patients with secondary biliary cirrhosis, but is rarely successful for early hepatic failure following iatrogenic biliary injury.

The selective use of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the imaging of the axial biliary tree in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is an emerging modality in the management of acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP). The aim of this study was to assess the impact following the introduction of MRCP in the management of AGP in a tertiary referral unit.

METHODS

Patients presenting with AGP from January 2002 to December 2004 were reviewed to assess the impact of the introduction of MRCP in June 2003. The indication for MRCP was suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones in the absence of biliary sepsis. Definitive treatment for AGP was laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and sphincterotomy reserved for patients unfit for cholecystectomy and those with biliary sepsis.

RESULTS

249 patients were identified of whom 36 (14.5%) underwent ERCP and sphincterotomy as definitive treatment. 96 patients with a non-dilated CBD and normal or resolving liver function tests proceeded to laparosocopic cholecystectomy and intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC), 8 (8.5%) of whom had CBD stones intraoperatively. Eleven patients underwent cholecystectomy during pancreatic necrosectomy. Of those undergoing preoperative diagnostic biliary tract imaging, ERCP was undertaken in 57 patients and MRCP in 49 patients. There was no significant difference in serum bilirubin levels [ERCP 43 mmol/l (18-204) vs. MRCP 39 mmol/l (24-180), p = NS] or the proportion of patients with CBD stones [ERCP 10 (17.5%) vs. MRCP 7 (14.2%), p = NS] between the two groups. Patients who underwent MRCP had a shorter median hospital stay [MRCP 5 days (range: 3-14) vs. ERCP 9 days (range: 4-20), p < 0.01] and higher rate of cholecystectomy during the index admission (MRCP 83.3% vs. ERCP 67.2%, p < 0.05). There was a high degree of correlation between preoperative MRCP results and findings of subsequent IOC or therapeutic ERCP (area under ROC curve: 0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

MRCP is an accurate modality for imaging the axial biliary tree in patients with AGP. Selective use of MRCP reduces the need for ERCP and results in shorter hospital stay. and IAP.

Staging laparoscopy for cholangiocarcinoma

The precise role of laparoscopic assessment of biliary tract malignancy is yet to be defined. The evidence for its use has been reviewed to establish the role of laparoscopy for preoperative staging of cholangiocarcinoma. Published papers were reviewed for the evidence relevant to intrahepatic, proximal intrahepatic and distal biliary carcinoma. There is no randomized trial evaluating staging laparoscopy or laparoscopic ultrasound in the assessment of cholangiocarcinoma and the quality of the available data is extremely variable. There is a need for further studies to determine the specific role of laparoscopic staging of cholangiocarcinoma. The current standard of management should be to perform laparoscopic staging prior to proceeding to resection for patients with cholangiocarcinoma as it may prevent unnecessary laparotomy in up to 30% of patients. However, a selective approach identifying high-risk patients who will not benefit from surgical palliation may be more cost effective and future studies should be performed to identify such patients.

Prognostic factors in patients undergoing surgery for severe necrotizing pancreatitis

Pancreatic necrosectomy remains an important treatment modality for the management of infected pancreatic necrosis but is associated with significant mortality. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with mortality following pancreatic necrosectomy. Patients who underwent pancreatic necrosectomy from January 1995 to December 2004 were reviewed. The association between admission, preoperative and postoperative variables, and mortality was assessed using logistic regression analysis. A total of 1248 patients presented with acute pancreatitis, of whom 94 (7.5%) underwent pancreatic necrosectomy (51 men, 43 women). The preoperative median Acute Physiology, Age, and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score was 9 (range 2-19). The median cumulative organ dysfunction score was 2 (0-9) preoperatively and 4 (1-11) postoperatively. In all, 23 patients (24.5%) died. Those who died were older than the survivors; the ages (median and range) were 69 years (40-80 years) versus 52 years (19-79 years) (p < 0.05). They also had higher admission APACHE II scores (median and range): 14 (12-19) versus 9 (2-22) (p < 0.001). There were significant associations between preoperative (p < 0.01) and postoperative (p < 0.01) Marshall scores and mortality following pancreatic necrosectomy. The presence of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) during the first 48 hours (p < 0.01) and the time between presentation and necrosectomy (p < 0.01) were independent predictors of survival. Pancreatic necrosectomy is associated with higher mortality in patients with increased APACHE II scores, early persistent SIRS, and unresolved multiorgan dysfunction. Necrosectomy is associated with poorer outcome when performed within 2 weeks of presentation.

Open cholecystectomy in the laparoscopic era

INTRODUCTION

As techniques in laparoscopic cholecystectomy have improved, surgeon experience of open cholecystectomy may be limited. This study examined the current indications for and techniques used in primary open cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Some 3100 consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency cholecystectomy over a 5-year interval were identified from a prospective surgical audit database. Demographic, diagnostic and procedural data were examined.

RESULTS

There were 123 (4.0 per cent) primary and 219 (7.4 per cent) converted open cholecystectomies. Some 48.0 and 45.6 per cent of patients in the primary open cholecystectomy and converted groups respectively were men, compared with 24.0 per cent of 2758 who had a successful laparoscopic procedure. Primary open cholecystectomy was employed principally for previous upper abdominal open surgery (22.7 per cent) and emergency operation for general peritonitis (19.5 per cent). The fundus-first approach was employed in 53.7 per cent of primary open procedures and 53.0 per cent of conversions, with subtotal excision in 4.9 and 13.2 per cent respectively.

CONCLUSION

Primary open cholecystectomy remains a common procedure in the treatment of gallbladder disease despite the success of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Successful outcome in difficult cases requires familiarity with specific techniques, exposure to which may be limited in current training programmes.

An audit of the management of patients with acute pancreatitis against national standards of practice

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to audit the management of patients with acute pancreatitis against the standards of practice in the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines.

METHODS

The study assessed consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis over 5 years. Audit targets were overall mortality below 10 per cent, mortality for severe acute pancreatitis below 30 per cent, correct diagnosis and severity stratification within 48 h, aetiology determined in more than 80 per cent, availability of computed tomography and high-dependency or intensive therapy units when indicated and definitive treatment of gallstone pancreatitis within 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Of 759 patients with acute pancreatitis, 219 (28.9 per cent) had severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Overall mortality was 5.9 per cent, and 19.6 per cent in those with SAP. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed within 48 h of presentation in 96.3 per cent of patients. The definitive aetiology was classified in 87.5 per cent. Of patients with SAP, 95.9 per cent underwent computed tomography within 6-10 days of admission. Of 93 patients with severe gallstone pancreatitis, 48 per cent had urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and 89.6 per cent of 359 patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis underwent definitive management within 2 weeks of admission.

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute pancreatitis can be managed according to revised guidelines with a low associated mortality.

Clinical prognostic scoring system to aid decision-making in gastro-oesophageal cancer

Background

Accurate prediction of prognosis in gastro-oesophageal cancer remains challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a robust model for outcome prediction.

Methods

The study included 220 patients with gastric or oesophageal cancer newly diagnosed over a 2-year period. Patients were staged and underwent treatment following discussion at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. Clinical and investigative variables were collected, including performance and nutritional status, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Primary endpoints were death within 12 and 24 months.

Results

Overall median survival was 13 months. Advanced clinical stage (P &lt; 0·001), reduced performance score (P &lt; 0·001), weight loss exceeding 2·75 per cent per month (P = 0·026) and serum CRP concentration above 5 mg/l (P = 0·031) were identified as independent prognostic indicators in multivariable analysis. A prognostic score was constructed using these four variables to estimate a probability of death. Applying the model gave an area under the receiver–operator characteristic curve of 0·84 and 0·85 for prediction of death at 12 and 24 months respectively (both P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion

This model accurately estimated the probability of death within 12 and 24 months. This may aid the MDT decision-making process.

Palliation for suspected unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of different techniques of palliation for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

METHOD

All patients treated with palliative intent between 1988 and 2004 at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were reviewed. Patients were analysed on an intention to treat basis. Demographics, procedure and outcome (including re-admissions) were recorded.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-three patients underwent palliative treatment for suspected hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically in 109 patients. The procedure related morbidity and mortality was 54/225 and 18/207 respectively. Seventy-one patients required re-admission. Twenty patients underwent surgical biliary bypass for jaundice. Those undergoing surgical palliation had a longer median (95% CI) time to re-admission (16 (0-36) vs.7 (2-12) weeks, p=0.001). Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) and stenting was only successful in 28 patients and was associated with a significantly higher re-admission rate compared to patients in whom ERCP was not performed (60/179 vs. 4/27, p=0.050). The overall median (95% CI) survival was 145 (124-185) days.

CONCLUSION

Current options for palliation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma provide good short term success but are all associated with significant early and late morbidity. Due to its low success and association with an increased re-admission rate, ERCP for definitive palliation should not be used in the first line staging and management of these patients.

Predicting survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A UK perspective

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer of rising incidence in the UK. The aim of this study was to compare the Okuda, Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP), and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classifications as predictors of survival in UK patients with HCC.

METHODS

Data were analysed from a prospective database maintained in a specialist hepatobiliary unit from 1998 to 2003. Each system was assessed for its discriminatory power, monotonicity of gradient, and independent contribution to prediction of mortality status based on a multivariate model.

RESULTS

One hundred and two patients (77 males, 25 females) were identified with a median age of 65 (range, 14-87) years. The overall median survival time was 13 months and the one- and five-year survival rates were 52.9% (95% CI: 43.2%, 62.6%) and 35.3% (95% CI: 26.0%, 44.6%), respectively. All three classification systems had the capacity to differentiate between patient survival times across different stages. The Okuda system was superior in overall discriminatory power and in strength of monotonicity. The BCLC system, however, made the highest independent contribution of all three systems in predicting survival in the Cox regression model.

CONCLUSIONS

All three classification systems were effective in predicting survival for patients with HCC in a UK population.

Follow-up and outcomes for resection of colorectal liver metastases in Edinburgh

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the value of a defined follow-up protocol for patients undergoing potentially curative hepatic resection for colorectal hepatic metastases.

METHODS

A standard protocol for the duration of the study consisted of clinical assessment, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and computed tomography. Patterns of recurrence, method and timing of diagnosis and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-one patients underwent potentially curative resection from 1989 to 2004 of whom 103 developed recurrence. The median (inter-quartile range) follow-up was 24.4 (6.5-42.3) months. The median (IQR) time to recurrence and overall survival was 25.0 (10 -not yet reached) and 45.2 (21-123) months, respectively. Seventeen patients (8.9%) underwent further surgery with curative intent. Fifty-five patients (57.9%) had recurrence diagnosed at routine follow-up with 71% (44/62) being diagnosed by CEA and CT. The CEA was elevated in 85.7% (72/84 patients) at the time of diagnosis of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Although the detection of recurrent disease is common during follow-up after hepatic resection for colorectal metastases, few patients will be suitable for further intervention with curative intent. The exact nature of the follow-up protocol remains to be determined but if it is going to be performed it should be most intensive within the first 3 years.

Perioperative transfusion for pancreaticoduodenectomy and its impact on prognosis in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a major operative intervention performed most commonly for malignancy in the head of pancreas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization of blood transfusion for PD and to determine whether this had prognostic significance in a subset of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data on blood transfusion requirement were retrospectively collected for patients undergoing PD from 1998 to 2005. Standard prognostic factors and survival data were also collected in patients with PDAC.

RESULTS

One-hundred-and-seventy patients underwent PD. Seventy-six patients (45%) received transfusion. The median (interquartile range) number of units of red cell concentrate (RCC) transfused perioperatively (intraoperatively and within 24 h of surgery) was 1.5 (0.5-2.5). The median preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) was 126 g/dl. The median number of units of RCC transfused perioperatively in patients with Hb <126 g/dl was 2 (1-3); for those with Hb > or = 126 g/dl the median was 0 (0-1); p=0.003. Forty-nine patients who were resected for PDAC were subjected to survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that only posterior resection margin invasion was associated with an adverse outcome (margin positive 198 [143-470] days vs margin negative 398 [303-859] days; p=0.02). Perioperative RCC transfusion requirement was not a significant predictor of survival (transfusion 408 [214-769] days vs no transfusion 331 [217-391] days; p=0.18). Furthermore, RCC transfusion within 30 days of operation was not a significant predictor of poor survival (transfusion 331 [201-459] days vs no transfusion 317 [196-769] days; p=0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

PD can be performed with a moderately low requirement for RCC transfusion; however, low preoperative haemoglobin is a predictor for the requirement of RCC transfusion. Administration of RCC transfusion does not appear to be a significant adverse prognostic factor in patients with resected PDAC.

Association between early systemic inflammatory response, severity of multiorgan dysfunction and death in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Mortality in patients with acute pancreatitis is associated with the number of failing organs and the severity and reversibility of organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the significance of early systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in the development of multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death from acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Data for all patients with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis between January 2000 and December 2004 were reviewed. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores and presence of SIRS were recorded on admission and at 48 h. Marshall organ dysfunction scores were calculated during the first week of presentation. Presence of SIRS and raised serum CRP levels on admission and at 48 h were correlated with the cumulative organ dysfunction scores in the first week.

RESULTS

A total of 759 patients with acute pancreatitis were identified, of whom 45 (5.9 per cent) died during the index admission. SIRS was identified in 162 patients on admission and was persistent in 138 at 48 h. The median (range) cumulative Marshall score in patients with persistent SIRS was significantly higher than that in patients in whom SIRS resolved and in those with no SIRS (4 (0-12), 3 (0-7) and 0 (0-9) respectively; P < 0.001). Thirty-five patients (25.4 per cent) with persistent SIRS died from acute pancreatitis, compared with six patients (8 per cent) with transient SIRS and four (0.7 per cent) without SIRS (P < 0.001). No correlation was observed between CRP level on admission and Marshall score (P = 0.810); however, there was a close correlation between CRP level at 48 h and Marshall score (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Persistent SIRS is associated with MODS and death in patients with acute pancreatitis and is an early indicator of the likely severity of acute pancreatitis.

Surgical resection of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer: a systematic review of published studies

No consensus on the indications for surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases exists. This systematic review has been undertaken to assess the published evidence for its efficacy and safety and to identify prognostic factors. Studies were identified by computerised and hand searches of the literature, scanning references and contacting investigators. The outcome measures were overall survival, disease-free survival, postoperative morbidity and mortality, quality of life and cost effectiveness, and a qualitative summary of the trends across all studies was produced. Only 30 of 529 independent studies met all the eligibility criteria for the review, and data on 30-day mortality and morbidity only were included from a further nine studies. The best available evidence came from prospective case series, but only two studies reported outcomes for all patients undergoing surgery. The remainder reported outcomes for selected groups of patients: those undergoing hepatic resection or those undergoing curative resection. Postoperative mortality rates were generally low (median 2.8%). The majority of studies described only serious postoperative morbidity, the most common being bile leak and associated perihepatic abscess. Approximately 30% of patients remained alive 5 years after resection and around two-thirds of these are disease free. The quality of the majority of published papers was poor and ascertaining the benefits of surgical resection of colorectal hepatic metastases is difficult in the absence of randomised trials. However, it is clear that there is group of patients with liver metastases who may become long-term disease- free survivors following hepatic resection. Such survival is rare in apparently comparable patients who do not have surgical treatment. Further work is needed to more accurately define this group of patients and to determine whether the addition of adjuvant treatments results in improved survival.

Insulin induces heme oxygenase-1 through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway and the Nrf2 transcription factor in renal cells

Heme oxygenase-1 catalyzes the breakdown of heme and is protective in models of kidney transplantation. In this study we describe the induction of heme oxygenase-1 mRNA and protein by insulin. Following treatment with insulin, a five-fold increase in heme oxygenase-1 mRNA and a four-fold increase in protein expression were observed in renal adenocarcinoma cells; insulin-induced heme oxygenase-1 expression was also demonstrated in mouse primary tubular epithelial cells. The induction of heme oxygenase-1 in renal adenocarcinoma cells was blocked by actinomycin D and cycloheximide and was abolished by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, but not by the inactive analog LY303511. Overexpressing a dominant-negative form of Akt abrogated the heme oxygenase-1-inducing effects of insulin, whereas cells transfected with a constitutively active Akt construct demonstrated an increase in heme oxygenase-1 promoter activity and protein expression. The transcription factor NF-E2-related factor-2 was found to translocate to the nucleus following insulin treatment in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent manner. Pretreatment with NF-E2-related factor-2 small-interfering RNA abolished insulin-induced heme oxygenase-1 induction. Insulin was also found to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades p38 and extracellular signal-related kinase; however, inhibition of these pathways with SB202190 and PD98059 did not alter insulin-induced heme oxygenase-1 expression. Thus, insulin induces heme oxygenase-1 mRNA and protein expression in renal cells in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and NF-E2-related factor-2-dependent manner.

Refining the role of laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound in the staging of presumed pancreatic head and ampullary tumours

Laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound have been validated previously as staging tools for pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to identify if assessment of vascular involvement with abdominal computed tomography (CT) would allow refinement of the selection criteria for laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS). The details of patients staged with LUS and abdominal CT were obtained from the unit's pancreatic cancer database. A CT grade (O, A-F) of vascular involvement was recorded by a single radiologist. Of 152 patients, who underwent a LUS, 56 (37%) had unresectable disease. Three of 26 (12%) patients with CT grade O, 27 of 88 (31%) patients with CT grade A to D, 17 of 29 (59%) patients with CT grade E and all nine patients with CT grade F were found to have unresectable disease. In all, 24% of patients with tumours <3 cm were found to have unresectable disease. In those patients with tumours considered unresectable, local vascular involvement was found in 56% of patients and vascular involvement with metastatic disease in 17%, while 20% of patients had liver metastases alone and 5% had isolated peritoneal metastases. The remaining patient was deemed unfit for resection. Selective use of laparoscopic ultrasound is indicated in the staging of periampullary tumours with CT grades A to D.

Early specialist repair of biliary injury

BACKGROUND

Considerable debate surrounds the timing of repair of injury to the common bile duct following cholecystectomy. In the absence of sepsis or significant peritoneal soiling, repair within the first week may be optimal. This study compared the outcome of early (within the first 2 weeks) and delayed (between 2 weeks and 6 months) repair.

METHODS

Data on all patients referred with biliary injuries were recorded prospectively. In the absence of sepsis or significant peritoneal soiling, repair was considered within 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Between November 1988 and November 2003, 123 patients were referred with injury to the biliary tree. Repair of the injury had been attempted in 55 patients (44.7 per cent) before referral. Of the 68 patients with no previous repair, nine were managed without surgery and 59 required subsequent surgical reconstruction of the ductal injury. Within the first 2 weeks after injury, 22 patients underwent primary biliary repair and three had revision of a failed biliary repair. Between 2 weeks and 6 months, a further 22 injuries were repaired. Successful repair was possible in 22 of 25 early repairs compared with 20 of 22 delayed repairs (P = 0.615). The overall operative mortality rate for patients undergoing repair was 4 per cent (two of 47 patients).

CONCLUSION

A successful outcome was achieved in a high proportion of patients (42 of 47) when repair of the bile duct injury was undertaken in a unit experienced in the management of biliary injury. In selected patients, early repair within the first 2 weeks resulted in a similar outcome to that of delayed repair.

Bile duct injury in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard of care for symptomatic cholelithiasis, but it is associated with a higher incidence of bile duct injury than the open approach.

METHODS

A review was performed of the English language literature on the management of bile duct injury listed on Medline databases.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

There is consensus that careful dissection and correct interpretation of the anatomy avoids the complication of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy. Routine intraoperative cholangiography is associated with a lower incidence and early recognition of bile duct injury. Early detection and repair is associated with an improved outcome, and the minimum standard of care after the recognition of a bile duct injury is immediate referral to a surgeon experienced in bile duct injury repair. Surgery provides the mainstay of treatment, with proximal hepaticojejunostomy Roux en Y being the operation of choice; a selective role for endoscopic or radiological treatment exists. The outcome after bile duct injury remains poor, especially in relation to the initial expectation of the cholecystectomy. Patients are often committed to a decade of follow-up.

Firefly luciferase terminally degraded by mild heat exposure: implications for reporter assays

Luciferase reporter constructs are an accurate method of assessing gene promoter activity and vectors constitutively expressing luciferase are useful in quantifying transfection efficiency. Common methodologies for examining the induction of the heat shock (stress) response require exposure of cells transfected with luciferase-expressing vectors to a mild heat stress. Here we re-examine the under-recognised phenomenon that luciferase is exquisitely sensitive to small temperature changes. In cells subjected to mild heat exposure following transfection with both luciferase and beta-galactosidase reporter vectors, a marked reduction in luciferase activity was observed compared with beta-galactosidase activity. On exposing recombinant firefly luciferase to small increases in temperature in vitro, a time and temperature dependent decrease in luciferase activity was demonstrated. Loss of luciferase activity following mild heat exposure will result in misinterpretation of reporter activity. This vastly underappreciated effect is worthy of further emphasis and luciferase reporter vectors should be used with caution in protocols that involve exposure to temperatures outside the physiological range.

Bile duct injury in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard of care for symptomatic cholelithiasis, but it is associated with a higher incidence of bile duct injury than the open approach.

METHODS

A review was performed of the English language literature on the management of bile duct injury listed on Medline databases.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

There is consensus that careful dissection and correct interpretation of the anatomy avoids the complication of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy. Routine intraoperative cholangiography is associated with a lower incidence and early recognition of bile duct injury. Early detection and repair is associated with an improved outcome, and the minimum standard of care after the recognition of a bile duct injury is immediate referral to a surgeon experienced in bile duct injury repair. Surgery provides the mainstay of treatment, with proximal hepaticojejunostomy Roux en Y being the operation of choice; a selective role for endoscopic or radiological treatment exists. The outcome after bile duct injury remains poor, especially in relation to the initial expectation of the cholecystectomy. Patients are often committed to a decade of follow-up.

Meta-analysis of the value of somatostatin and its analogues in reducing complications associated with pancreatic surgery

BACKGROUND

The role of somatostatin and its analogues in reducing complications after pancreatic resection is controversial. This is a meta-analysis of the evidence of benefit.

METHODS

A literature search using Medline and ISI Proceedings with exploration of the references identified 22 studies. Of these, ten met the inclusion criteria for data extraction. Estimates of effectiveness were performed using fixed- and random-effects models. The effect was calculated as an odds ratio (OR) with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.) using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Level of significance was set at P < 0.050.

RESULTS

Outcomes for 1918 patients were compared. Somatostatin and its analogues did not reduce the mortality rate after pancreatic surgery (OR 1.17 (0.70 to 1.94); P = 0.545) but did reduce both the total morbidity (OR 0.62 (0.46 to 0.85); P = 0.003) and pancreas-specific complications (OR 0.56 (0.39 to 0.81); P = 0.002). Somatostatin and its analogues reduced the rate of biochemical fistula (OR 0.45 (0.33 to 0.62); P < 0.001) but not the incidence of clinical anastomotic disruption (OR 0.80 (0.44 to 1.45); P = 0.459).

CONCLUSION

Somatostatin and its analogues reduce the incidence of complications after surgery.

The value of residual liver volume as a predictor of hepatic dysfunction and infection after major liver resection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Major liver resection incurs a risk of postoperative liver dysfunction and infection and there is a lack of objective evidence relating residual liver volume to these complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Liver volumetry was performed on computer models derived from computed tomography (CT) angioportograms of 104 patients with normal synthetic liver function scheduled for liver resection. Relative residual liver volume (%RLV) was calculated as the relation of residual to total functional liver volume and related to postoperative hepatic dysfunction and infection. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was undertaken to determine the critical %RLV predicting severe hepatic dysfunction and infection. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to delineate perioperative predictors of severe hepatic dysfunction and infection.

RESULTS

The incidence of severe hepatic dysfunction and infection following liver resection increased significantly with smaller %RLV. A critical %RLV of 26.6% was identified as associated with severe hepatic dysfunction (p<0.0001). Additionally, body mass index (BMI), operating time, and intraoperative blood loss were significant prognostic indicators for severe hepatic dysfunction. It was not possible to predict the individual risk of postoperative infection precisely by %RLV. However, in patients undergoing major liver resection, infection was significantly more common in those who developed postoperative severe hepatic dysfunction compared with those who did not (p=0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

The likelihood of severe hepatic dysfunction following liver resection can be predicted by a small %RLV and a high BMI whereas postoperative infection is more related to liver dysfunction than precise residual liver volume. Understanding the relationship between liver volume and synthetic and immune function is the key to improving the safety of major liver resection.

The administration of an oral carbohydrate-containing fluid prior to major elective upper-gastrointestinal surgery preserves skeletal muscle mass postoperatively—a randomised clinical trial

AIM

Recent evidence suggests that the provision of energy-containing fluids is safe and may impact positively on markers of recovery. The aims of this study were to assess the tolerance of preoperative carbohydrate fluid administration and to determine its effect on postoperative metabolic and clinical responses.

METHODS

Patients admitted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for major, elective abdominal surgery were recruited to this double-blind, randomised study and received either a placebo drink or carbohydrate (12.6g/100ml) drink (CHOD). Patients consumed 800 ml of their drink on the evening before surgery and 400 ml on the day of surgery 2-3 h before the induction of anaesthesia. Nutritional status was determined using body mass index (BMI) and upper arm anthropometry; all measurements were taken preoperatively, postoperatively and at discharge. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations were also measured preoperatively and on the first post operative day. Length of hospital stay (LOS) and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were recruited and 65 (34 male:31 female) completed this study. Thirty-four patients were randomised to receive the placebo drink (control group) and 31 patients to receive the carbohydrate drink (CHOD group). Groups were well-matched in terms of gender and age. There were no differences between the two groups at baseline for BMI (control: -25.1+/-1.7 kg/m2; CHOD -25.2+/-1.2 kg/m2), upper arm anthropometry or surgical procedure. At discharge loss of muscle mass (arm muscle circumference) was significantly greater in the control group when compared with the CHOD group (control: -1.1+/-0.15 cm; CHOD: -0.5+/-0.16 cm; P<0.05). Baseline insulin (control: 20.7+/-4.9 mU/l; CHOD: 24.6+/-6.2 mU/l) and glucose (control: 6.0+/-1.4 mmol/l; CHOD 5.7+/-1.4 mmol/l) were comparable in the two groups and did not differ postoperatively. No complications were recorded as a result of preoperative fluid consumption. Postoperative morbidity occurred in six patients from each group. Median LOS in the control group was 10 days (IQR=6), and 8 days (IQR=4) in the CHOD group.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative consumption of carbohydrate-containing fluids is safe. Provision of a carbohydrate energy source prior to surgery may attenuate depletion of muscle mass after surgery. Further studies are required to determine if this preservation of muscle mass is reflected in improved function and reduced rehabilitation time.

Incidence of benign pathology in patients undergoing hepatic resection for suspected malignancy

BACKGROUND

Confirming the presence of hepatic or proximal bile duct malignancy pre-operatively remains difficult and some patients may undergo surgical resection for suspected malignant lesions which subsequently turn out to be benign. The aim of this study was to establish whether improvements in pre-operative staging might better identify this patient population.

METHODS

Analysis of a prospectively collected database, which has been maintained in our unit since 1988.

RESULTS

Of 250 consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resection for presumed malignancy, 18 (7.2%) were shown to have benign pathology. These "false positive" rates were 4 out of 160 (2.5%) resections for colorectal metastases, 4 out of 49 (8.2%) resections for other solid hepatobiliary tumours and 10 out of 41 (24.4%) resections for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Four of the 18 patients (22%) developed post-operative complications but there was no postoperative mortality.

CONCLUSION

Although hepatic resection remains a potentially curative procedure for patients with tumours involving the liver parenchyma or proximal bile ducts, pre-operative confirmation of malignancy remains difficult. Despite appropriate investigation a subset of patients with benign disease will still be subjected to major hepatic resection which should be undertaken in a specialist unit.

Surgical palliation for unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma

The majority of patients who present with hilar cholangiocarcinoma will have incurable disease and require only palliation. Efficient relief of disabling symptoms is required with minimal morbidity and mortality and can be achieved by either surgical or non-operative options. A review of the indications, anatomical considerations and surgical techniques is presented. Segment III cholangio-jejunostomy is the most frequently used surgical bypass procedure and in those patients with an expected survival of more than 6 months, surgical palliation offers good quality and long-lasting palliation. There is a need for randomized controlled data to define the optimal role of surgical palliation in this difficult disease.

Presentation, treatment and outcome in patients with ampullary tumours

BACKGROUND

Ampullary tumours are relatively rare, and few large single-centre reports provide information on their treatment and outcome. The aim of this study was to analyse outcome and determine predictors of survival for patients with ampullary tumours treated in a specialist centre.

METHODS

Over an 11-year period, 561 patients were treated for periampullary tumours, 88 of whom had a histologically proven ampullary neoplasm. Prospectively gathered data were analysed to assess predictors of survival.

RESULTS

The overall resection rate was 92 per cent; there were no postoperative deaths. Median survival was 45.8 months for patients with resectable tumours and 8.0 months for those with irresectable disease (P < 0.001). On univariate analysis, age less than 70 years (P = 0.015) and a bilirubin level of 75 micromol/l or less (P = 0.012) favoured long-term survival. Among 70 patients who underwent cancer resection, factors associated with significantly worse long-term survival on univariate analysis included poorly differentiated tumour (P < 0.001), positive nodes (P < 0.001), perineural invasion (P = 0.001) and invasion of the pancreas (P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis identified positive nodes and bilirubin concentration as independent predictors of survival.

CONCLUSION

An aggressive surgical approach to ampullary tumours is justified by the low proportion of benign lesions, the absence of postoperative mortality and improved long-term survival.