Incidence and Diagnosis of Ampullary Carcinoma in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital

Background Endoscopy from a suspected ampulla of vator may establish an early preoperative diagnosis of ampullary carcinoma. However, information regarding the diagnostic accuracy of this procedure is limited and variable. Objective To study the preoperative diagnostic accuracy of Endoscopic/ERCP appearance of ampullary tumors with that of endoscopic biopsy. Method Among patients who were performed endoscopy during a one year period; a suspicious ampulla of vator was seen in 44 cases. Endoscopic biopsy specimens were classified into four groups based on the degree of epithelial atypia: group 1 (no evidence of malignancy), group 2 (presence of dysplasia), group 3 (suspicious of malignancy) and group 4 (positive for malignancy). In each case comparison was made between the pre-endoscopic biopsy clinical diagnosis and endoscopic appearance. Result Endoscopic biopsy diagnosis of malignancy (group 4) were seen in 22 cases, Suspicious of malignancy (group 3) in 3 cases, dysplasia (group 2) in 9 cases and no evidence of malignancy (group 1) in 10 cases. Pre-endoscopic diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy/ ERCP was 50% compared to the diagnosis by biopsy. Conclusion Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy/ERCP was 50% compared to the diagnosis by biopsy. A diagnosis of non malignancy in the forceps biopsy material does not rule out the presence of cancerous foci in ampullary neoplasms.

Signet ring cell carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater: outcomes of patients in the United States

BACKGROUND

Signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) of the ampulla of Vater is poorly understood, with approximately 22 reported cases. Our study sought to create a comprehensive review of cases in the United States.

METHODS

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program to collect all cases of ampullary adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 2010 and 2015.

RESULTS

The age-adjusted incidence rate of SRCC of the ampulla of Vater was 1.2 cases per 10,000,000 persons per year, with 50% more cases in males than females. We identified 3448 cases of adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, 81 of which were SRCC (2.3%). SRCC tended to present a later stage than other ampullary cancers, with median survival times of 17 vs. 25 months, (p = 0.07). Survival was significantly worse for SRCC when accounting for other clinical features (HR 1.46, p = 0.01). Factors portending worse prognosis in SRCC of the ampulla of Vater were advanced age, late stage and lack of surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Our study represents the largest study of SRCC of the ampulla of Vater to date. SRCC has a poorer prognosis compared with other ampullary cancers. Optimal treatment regimen is the most important future area of study.

Smoking, Alcohol, and Biliary Tract Cancer Risk: A Pooling Project of 26 Prospective Studies

BACKGROUND

Tobacco and alcohol are well-established risk factors for numerous cancers, yet their relationship to biliary tract cancers remains unclear.

METHODS

We pooled data from 26 prospective studies to evaluate associations of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption with biliary tract cancer risk. Study-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations with smoking and alcohol consumption were calculated. Random-effects meta-analysis produced summary estimates. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Over a period of 38 369 156 person-years of follow-up, 1391 gallbladder, 758 intrahepatic bile duct, 1208 extrahepatic bile duct, and 623 ampulla of Vater cancer cases were identified. Ever, former, and current smoking were associated with increased extrahepatic bile duct and ampulla of Vater cancers risk (eg, current vs never smokers HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.34 to 2.13 and 2.22, 95% CI = 1.69 to 2.92, respectively), with dose-response effects for smoking pack-years, duration, and intensity (all Ptrend < .01). Current smoking and smoking intensity were also associated with intrahepatic bile duct cancer (eg, >40 cigarettes per day vs never smokers HR = 2.15, 95 % CI = 1.15 to 4.00; Ptrend = .001). No convincing association was observed between smoking and gallbladder cancer. Alcohol consumption was only associated with intrahepatic bile duct cancer, with increased risk for individuals consuming five or more vs zero drinks per day (HR = 2.35, 95%CI = 1.46 to 3.78; Ptrend = .04). There was evidence of statistical heterogeneity among several cancer sites, particularly between gallbladder cancer and the other biliary tract cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking appears to increase the risk of developing all biliary tract cancers except gallbladder cancer. Alcohol may increase the risk of intrahepatic bile duct cancer. Findings highlight etiologic heterogeneity across the biliary tract.

Incidence and comparative outcomes of periampullary cancer: A population-based analysis demonstrating improved outcomes and increased use of adjuvant therapy from 2004 to 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Periampullary adenocarcinoma (PAC) is stratified anatomically: ampullary adenocarcinoma (AA), distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC), duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We aimed to determine differences in incidence, prognosis, and treatment in stage-matched PAC patients in a longitudinal study.

METHODS

PAC patients were identified in The National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2012. Clinicopathological variables were compared between subtypes. Covariate-adjusted treatment use and OS were compared.

RESULTS

The 116 705 patients with PAC were identified: 1320 (9%) AA, 3732 (3%) DCC, 7142 (6%) DA, and 95 511 (82%) PDAC. DA, DCC, and PDAC were associated with worse survival compared with AA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.1-1.1; HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.4-1.6, and HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.8-1.9). Among resected patients, DA was associated with improved survival compared with AA (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.67-0.75); DCC and PDAC were associated with worse survival (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.31-1.53 and HR, 2.041; 95% CI, 1.07-2.12). Resected AA, PDAC, and DA, but not DCC, demonstrated significantly improved survival over the studied period. While all patients had increased adjuvant therapy (AT) receipt over time (P < 0.001), only patients with PDAC had increased neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) receipt ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Resected PDAC, AA, and DA were associated with clinically significant improved survival over time, mirroring a concurrent associated increased receipt of AT.

The usefulness of wire-guided endoscopic snare papillectomy for tumors of the major duodenal papilla

OBJECTIVES

Although endoscopic papillectomy is useful for treating papillary tumors, it is associated with a high rate of complications including pancreatitis; therefore, safer treatment options are needed. We examined the utility of wire-guided endoscopic papillectomy by comparing the pancreatic duct stenting and pancreatitis rates before and after wire-guided endoscopic papillectomy was introduced at our institution.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the data from 16 consecutive patients who underwent conventional endoscopic papillectomy between November 1995 and July 2005 and the data from 33 patients in whom wire-guided endoscopic papillectomy was first attempted at our institution between August 2005 and April 2017. We compared the pancreatic duct stenting and pancreatitis rates between the two groups.

RESULTS

Of the 33 patients in whom wire-guided endoscopic papillectomy was first attempted, the procedure was completed in 21. Pancreatic duct stenting was possible in 30 of the 33 patients in whom wire-guided endoscopic papillectomy was attempted (91%), and this rate was significantly higher than that before the introduction of wire-guided endoscopic papillectomy (68.8%). The incidence of pancreatitis before the introduction of wire-guided endoscopic papillectomy was 12.5%, but after August 2005, the incidence was reduced by half to 6.1%, which includes those patients in whom wire-guided endoscopic papillectomy could not be completed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although wire-guided endoscopic papillectomy cannot be completed in some patients, we believe that this method shows some potential for reducing the total incidence of post-endoscopic papillectomy pancreatitis owing to more successful pancreatic duct stenting.

Trends in incidence and management of cancer of the ampulla of Vater

AIM: To provide trends in incidence, management and survival of cancer of the ampulla of Vater in a well-defined French population.

METHODS: Data were obtained from the population-based digestive cancer registry of Burgundy over a 34-year period. Age-standardized incidence rates were computed using the world standard population. Average annual variations in incidence rates were estimated using a poisson regression. A univariate and multivariate relative survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Age-standardized incidence rates were 0.46 and 0.30 per 100000 inhabitants for men and women, respectively. Incidence rate increased from 0.26 (1976-1984) to 0.58 (2003-2009) for men and remained stable for women. Resection for cure was performed in 48.3% of cases. This proportion was stable over the study period. Among cases with curative resection, pancreatico-duodenectomy was performed in 94.0% of cases and ampullectomy in 6.0% of cases. A total of 50.8% of cancers of the ampulla of Vater were diagnosed at an advanced stage. Their proportion remained stable throughout the study period. The overall 1- and 5-year relative survival rates were 60.2% and 27.7%, respectively. Relative survival did not vary over time. Treatment and stage at diagnosis were the most important determinants of survival. The 5-year relative survival rate was 41.5% after resection for cure, 9.5% after palliative surgery and 6.7% after symptomatic treatment. In multivariate analysis, only stage at diagnosis significantly influenced the risk of death.

CONCLUSION: Cancer of the ampulla of Vater is still uncommon, but its incidence increased for men in Burgundy. Diagnosis is often made at an advanced stage, dramatically worsening the prognosis.

Association of metabolic syndromes and risk factors with ampullary tumors development: A case-control study in China

AIM: To evaluate the risk factors for ampullary adenoma and ampullary cancer.

METHODS: This case-control study included ampullary tumor patients referred to Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Controls were randomly selected from an existing database of healthy individuals at the Health Screening Center of the same hospital. Data on metabolic syndromes, medical conditions, and family history were collected by retrospective review of the patients’ records and health examination reports, or by interview.

RESULTS: A total of 181 patients and 905 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. We found that a history of diabetes, cholecystolithiasis, low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein A were significantly related to ampullary adenomas. Diabetes, cholecystolithiasis, chronic pancreatitis, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein A were also significantly related to ampullary cancer.

CONCLUSION: Some metabolic syndrome components and medical conditions are potential risk factors for the development of ampullary tumors. Cholelithiasis, diabetes, and apolipoprotein A may contribute to the malignant transformation of benign ampullary adenomas into ampullary cancer.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for bile duct carcinoma of a patient undergoing hemodialysis

A 69-year-old Japanese man underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for the resection of carcinoma at lower part of the common bile duct. Hemodialysis had already begun to treat chronic renal failure. He had been admitted for obstructive jaundice due to the carcinoma four months earlier. The serum total bilirubin was then 38.5 mg/dL, and the serum creatinine was 7 mg/dL. Hemodialysis was performed the day before the operation, and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th postoperative day. A rapidly degrading synthetic protease inhibitor was used as an anti-coagulant in the dialyzer to prevent systemic bleeding during the first postoperative week. Heparin was used from the second week. The maximum discharge from the drains was 2,300mL on the 3rd postoperative day. The drip intravenous infusion was changed from 1,900mL to 3,300mL during the first week to maintain the same body weight as the preoperative weight. Fresh frozen plasma and partial plasma fraction were used to maintain the colloidal pressure in the vessels so body weight reflects the fluid volume in the vessels. The postoperative course was uneventful. We present herein a successful case of pancreaticoduodenectomy for a patient undergoing hemodialysis to maintain the same body weight.

Periampullary and pancreatic incidentaloma: a single institution's experience with an increasingly common diagnosis

BACKGROUND

While incidental masses in certain organs have received particular attention, periampullary and pancreatic incidentalomas (PIs) remain poorly characterized.

METHODS

We reviewed 1944 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies (PD) over an 8-year period (April 1997 to October 2005). A total of 118 patients (6% of all PDs) presented with an incidental finding of a periampullary or pancreatic mass. The PI patients were analyzed and compared with the rest of the cohort (NI, nonincidentaloma group, n = 1826).

RESULTS

Thirty-one percent of the PI patients (n = 37) had malignant disease (versus 76% of the NI patients, P < 0.001), 47% (n = 55) had premalignant disease, and the remaining 22% (n = 26) had little or no risk for malignant progression. The 3 most common diagnoses in the PI group were IPMN without invasive cancer (30%), cystadenoma (17%), and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (10%). The PI group had a higher overall complication rate (55% versus 43%, P = 0.02), due in part to a significantly increased rate of pancreatic fistulas (18.4% PI versus 8.5% NI, P < 0.001). Patients in the PI group with malignant disease had a superior long-term survival (median, 30 months, P = 0.01) compared with patients in the NI group with malignant disease (median, 21 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidentally discovered periampullary and pancreatic masses comprise a substantial proportion of patients undergoing PD. Roughly three fourths of these lesions are malignant or premalignant, and amenable to curative resection. Resected malignant PIs have favorable pathologic features as compared with resected malignant NIs, and resection of these early lesions in asymptomatic individuals is associated with improved survival, compared with patients with symptomatic disease.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy for common bile duct cancer in a patient with situs inversus totalis: a case report

We describe the first case of successfully performed pancreaticoduodenectomy to treat common bile duct cancer in a patient with situs inversus totalis. A 65-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the working diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. He had a history of cholecystectomy, and situs inversus totalis had been diagnosed at that time in another hospital. Preoperative work-ups with ultrasonography, computed tomography, and percutaneous cholangiography were followed by drainage lead to the diagnosis of common hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery. He underwent curative pancreaticoduodenectomy without complications. The postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on postoperative day 29. He is doing well, with no evidence of recurrence 40 months after surgery. Deliberately performed preoperative imaging studies, especially selective angiography, were essential for the surgical resection of bile duct cancer in this patient with situs inversus totalis.

Invasive micropapillary carcinomas of the ampullo-pancreatobiliary region and their association with tumor-infiltrating neutrophils

Invasive micropapillary carcinoma, originally described as a distinctive type of invasive carcinoma in the breast, is being increasingly recognized as a separate entity in many other organs; however, it has not yet been documented in the pancreas or periampullary region. In this study, 313 pancreatic and 73 periampullary carcinomas were reviewed to investigate the micropapillary pattern in this location. Eight periampullary and eight pancreatic cases (4%) were composed at least focally (>20%) of invasive micropapillary carcinoma. The patients were 10 males and six females, mean age 69 years. The mean tumor size was 3.2 cm. Lymph node metastasis was detected in 11/15 cases. The median survival was 8 months (all were resected). Invasive micropapillary carcinoma was characterized by small, closely packed micropapillary clusters (without fibrovascular cores) lying within clefts. The cells had moderate degree of nuclear atypia. In nine cases, there was abundant inflammation composed of neutrophils concentrating around the tumor cells, both intraepithelial ('cannibalism') and stromal. Molecules implicated in abnormalities of tumor cell-stroma adhesion, galectin-3 and E-cadherin were expressed in the cytoplasm of 11/11 and 9/11 cases, respectively. Reversal of cell polarity was observed by MUC 1 in all 11 cases tested, which showed labeling in the stroma-facing surfaces of the micropapillary clusters, also confirming that the clefts are not merely a processing artifact, but indeed a true biologic alteration. In conclusion, invasive micropapillary carcinoma constitutes 4% of carcinomas in the pancreatic/periampullary region and is commonly associated with abundant neutrophilic infiltrates. Invasive miropapillary carcinoma appears to be more common in periampullary than in pancreatic invasive micropapillary carcinoma would qualify as poorly differentiated both based on pattern and the median survival (8 months)..

Adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy in ampullary cancers

PURPOSE

Patterns of failure following surgical treatment of ampullary cancers indicate that up to 45% of patients develop loco-regional recurrence. The effect of adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy on survival and loco-regional control is not yet established in this malignancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1989 to December 2000, 113 patients underwent pancreatico-duodenectomy for ampullary cancer. One hundred and four patients who survived the operation were available for analysis to study the effect of adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy on survival and loco-regional control. Forty-nine patients received adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (median dose 50.4 Gy with concurrent 5-Flurouracil) and long-term outcome in these patients was compared with those 55 who did not receive adjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

The overall median survival was 30.1 (range 1.6-140.0) months with actuarial 1, 3 and 5-year survival rates of 79, 43 and 33%, respectively. No significant difference in median survival (34.6 vs 24.5 months; P=0.3) and actuarial 5-year survival rates (38 vs 28%) was seen between those who received and those who did not receive adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy did not influence the survival in high-risk patients (P=0.84), in various T and N stages and had no impact on loco-regional recurrence (P=0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy did not improve the long-term survival or decrease recurrence rates in patients with ampullary cancers who had undergone pancreatico-duodenectomy.

Neoplastic diseases of the papilla of Vater

Although it is quite small, the papilla of Vater is an important part of the body. Carcinoma of the papilla may be one of the smallest cancers that can cause death. The 5-year survival rate after resection was 51%, which is not satisfactory. In this article, the topics discussed are (1) pathogenesis, (2) histological characteristics, and (3) the molecular biological characteristics of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater. From results obtained by the investigation of 576 autopsied and 51 resected cases, atypical epithelium was found most frequently in the common channel, where pancreatic juice and bile mix physiologically. Atypical epithelia may be a precursor of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater. Carcinoma of the papilla of Vater could be classified into two types histologically, an intestinal type and a pancreaticobiliary type. The prognosis of patients with the intestinal type was much better than that of patients with the pancreaticobiliary type. These two types of carcinoma should be treated by different operative procedures or adjuvant therapies. Regarding the molecular biological characteristics of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater; (1) K- ras mutation is mainly associated with the intestinal type, and carcinomas of the intestinal and pancreaticobiliary types may develop via different mechanisms; (2) p53 overexpression may play a role in tumor ulceration; and (3) p21/Waf1 overexpression was significantly correlated with a poor prognosis.

Association of ampullary and colorectal malignancies

BACKGROUND

Because of the similarities in terms of carcinogenesis and natural history between cancer of the ampulla of Vater and colorectal cancer, the authors examined whether ampullary and colorectal malignancies occur in the same individuals at increased rates.

METHODS

We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute for the period from January 1973 through December 1999. Person-years of follow-up for patients with ampullary (or colorectal) cancer were used to calculate the expected number of cases of colorectal (or ampullary) cancer as a second primary malignancy. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Byar limits and assuming a Poisson distribution.

RESULTS

The authors identified 2043 white patients with ampullary cancer who were included in the SEER registry between 1973 and 1999. Over an aggregate 5674 person-years of follow-up, 30 patients, compared with an expected 14, developed colorectal cancer, yielding an overall SIR of 2.14 (95% CI, 1.45-3.06). Similarly, 57 of 262,066 white patients with colorectal cancer developed ampullary cancer over an aggregate 1,270,255 person-years of follow-up, yielding an SIR of 2.18 (95% CI, 1.69-2.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ampullary cancer are at increased risk for a second primary colorectal malignancy, and patients with colorectal cancer are at increased risk for a second primary ampullary malignancy. These findings suggest that ampullary and colorectal malignancies share common environmental and/or genetic risk factors.

[Diagnosis and treatment of distal bile duct carcinoma: our experience]

Bile duct carcinomas are known to be difficult to cure, due to frequent locoregional recurrence even after radical resection. The Authors analyze their experience in a study about 53 patients treated between October 1991-January 2002.

Imaging for the diagnosis and staging of periampullary carcinomas

Multiple imaging modalities are available for investigating patients with a suspected periampullary neoplasm. The relative utility of each imaging modality is discussed regarding its role in diagnosis and staging. A general imaging approach to patients with a distal biliary obstruction also is presented.

Gall bladder cancer, extrahepatic bile duct cancer and ampullary carcinoma in New Zealand: Demographics, pathology and survival

INTRODUCTION

The aim of present paper was to document the incidence of gall bladder cancer, cancer of the extrahepatic bile ducts and ampullary carcinoma in New Zealand.

METHODS

Data were collected from the New Zealand Cancer Registry from 1980 to 1997 and combined with national census statistics to give crude and age standardized incidence rates.

RESULTS

Over the 18-year study period, 226 carcinomas of the ampulla of Vater, 608 gall bladder cancers, and 486 extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas were registered. The age standardized incidence rates for gall bladder carcinoma in all New Zealanders were 0.41/100 000 in men and 0.74/100 000 in women. The age standardized incidence rates for gall bladder cancer in Maori were 1.49/100 000 in Maori men and 1.59/100 000 in Maori women. The corresponding age standardized incidence rates for extrahepatic bile duct cancers were 0.67/100 000 in men and 0.45/100 000 in women. There were insufficient cases to calculate an age standardized incidence in Maori or Pacific Islanders. For carcinoma of the ampulla, the age standardized rates were 0.34/100 000 in men and 0.25/100 000 in women. There were insufficient cases to calculate an age standardized incidence rate for Maori or Pacific Islanders. When histology was defined adenocarcinoma was the most common form of cancer occurring in 66% of gall bladder cancers, 91% of extrahepatic bile duct cancers and 70% of ampullary cancers. Most tumours were advanced at presentation with regional or distant metastases present in 72% of gall bladder cancers, 63% of extrahepatic bile duct cancers and 69% of ampullary tumours at diagnosis. Survival was poor with median survivals of 86 days, 151 days and 440 days recorded for gall bladder cancer, extrahepatic bile duct cancer and ampullary cancer, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The demographic profile, pathology and survival of patients with gall bladder cancer, extrahepatic bile duct cancer and ampullary carcinoma are similar in New Zealand to that of other Western countries. However New Zealand Maori have a relatively high incidence of gall bladder cancer, and the incidence is equal in both Maori men and women, while cancers of the extra-hepatic bile duct and ampulla of Vater are rare in Maori. In comparison, cancers of the gall bladder, extrahepatic bile ducts and ampulla are rare in Pacific Islanders.

Incidence of cancer of the pancreas, extrahepatic bile duct and ampulla of Vater in the United States, before and after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Some epidemiologic studies have identified cholecystectomy as a risk factor for pancreatic and biliary cancer.

METHODS

We compared the incidence of cancers of the pancreas, extrahepatic bile duct and ampulla of Vater before and after the widespread adoption of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the United States in 1991, when the use of cholecystectomy increased dramatically.

RESULTS

Compared with 1980 to 1991, there was no increase in the incidence of cancer of the pancreas (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94 to 0.99) or extrahepatic bile duct (IRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.87) during 1992 to 1996. There was a small increase in the incidence of ampullary cancer (IRR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.26).

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find clear evidence of a short-term increase in the incidence of cancers of the pancreas, bile duct, and ampulla of Vater, that was attributable to the increased use of cholecystectomy.

Cancer of the ampulla of Vater: results of a 20-year population-based study

BACKGROUND

Relatively little attention has been given to the epidemiology and management of cancer of the ampulla of Vater.

SETTING

A series of 111 patients with a cancer of the ampulla of Vater diagnosed over a 20-year period (1976-1995) in a well-defined French population was used to analyse its incidence, management and prognosis as well as to determine time trends. Prognosis was determined by using crude and relative survival rates. Factors predictive of survival were also identified using a relative survival model in a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Age-standardized incidence rates were 3.8 per 1000000 inhabitants in men and 2.7 per 1000000 inhabitants in women. Incidence increased over time in men from 1.9 during the first period (1976-1980) to 5.9 during the last period (1991-1995). In women, incidence rates remained stable. A resection for cure was performed in 52 cases (48.1%). Overall, 9.9% of these cancers were classified TNM stage I and 54.1% stage IV. There was no significant variation in treatment modalities and in stage at diagnosis over the study period. The overall operative mortality rate was 7.5%. Relative survival rates were 58.9% at 1 year, 30.9% at 3 years and 20.9% at 5 years. Five-year relative survival rates varied from 72.8% in TNM stage I cancers to 6.6% in TNM stage IV cancers. Age, treatment procedure and stage at diagnosis significantly influenced the prognosis of cancer of the ampulla of Vater. In a multivariate analysis, stage at diagnosis remained the major prognostic factor (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although its incidence is increasing in men, cancer of the ampulla of Vater remains a rare tumour in both sexes. No improvements in the management and care of patients have been achieved. Further studies are needed to enhance the understanding of this cancer.

Treatment options for villous adenoma of the ampulla of Vater

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal villous adenoma arising from the ampulla of Vater has a high risk of malignant development. Excluding associated malignant disease prior to resection of an adenoma of the ampulla is not always possible. Therefore, the surgical procedure of choice to treat this rare tumour is still controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate retrospectively results of treatment of villous adenoma arising from ampulla of Vater with dysplasia or associated carcinoma limited to the ampulla.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1985 to 1996, eight patients have been diagnosed with ampullary villous adenoma suitable for resection. We have reviewed treatment, morbidity, mortality, follow-up and final outcome.

RESULTS

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) was performed in 4 patients. Transduodenal ampullectomy and endoscopic resection was performed in 2 patients each. There was no perioperative mortality. None of the patients had biliary, pancreatic or intestinal leakage but two patients who underwent PD had minor postoperative complications. The mean follow-up was 44 (range: 6-132) months. Villous adenoma was associated with adenocarcinoma in 50% of the cases (4/8 patients). During the follow-up both patients who underwent transduodenal ampullectomy developed recurrent disease. All patients initially treated by PD are alive without evidence of recurrent disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of villous adenoma of the ampulla must be individualized within certain limits. In our series, PD achieve good results and it appears to be the procedure of choice in order to treat villous adenomas with proved presence of carcinoma, carcinoma in situ or severe dysplasia. Endoscopic or local resection may be appropriate for small benign tumours in high risk patients.

Adenoma of the papillae of Vater. Report of eleven cases

Eleven patients with a preoperative diagnosis of adenoma of the papillae of Vater were followed up during the fifteen-year period from 1984 till 1998 in the Oulu University Hospital. Seven patients were treated primarily by transduodenal excision without any recurrences so far. One of these seven patients was found to have adenocarcinoma in a histological examination. Active surgery for adenoma of the papillae of Vater is recommended because of the precancerous nature of the lesion, and because malignancy cannot always be detected by endoscopic biopsies. Transduodenal excision could be recommend for patients at high operative risk, especially in cases with small adenomas and low-grade dysplasia, where histologically free resection margins can be achieved, but pancreaticoduodenectomy should still be performed on patients at low operative risk.

Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater in Crete. A clinical and ERCP registry over eight years

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater is an infrequent tumor that can be diagnosed, early.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients with histologically proven carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater were retrospectively studied and their data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Most common presenting symptoms were jaundice (67%), weight loss (58%), fever and pain (54%). Endoscopic biopsies which were taken in 19 patients revealed carcinoma or dysplasia in 15 patients and were normal for in the rest. Twelve patients were treated with a Whipple's resection, 5 with local resection, 2 with palliative surgery and 2 received a stent endoscopically. During a mean follow-up period of 25 months, (range 1-82) 12 deaths were noted, and one patient was lost during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Presenting symptoms, endoscopic and histological findings were similar as in other series. The contribution of duodenoscopy, ERCP and endoscopic biopsy is essential for diagnosis but endoscopic biopsies may be misleading.

Trends in indications and outcomes in the Whipple procedure over a 40-year period

There have been increasing changes in the role of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) in the management of benign and malignant pancreatic disease. The aim of this paper was to compare the current role of PD with that of our earlier experience. The records of patients undergoing PD at our institution between 1983 and 1996 (Group A) were reviewed and compared with cases between 1956 and 1982 (Group B). Student's t test was used to analyze differences between groups. A total of 153 PDs were performed with 98 (64%) in Group A (88% of these in the last 6 years) and 55 (36%) in Group B. Carcinoma of the head of the pancreas was the most common indication for surgery in both periods (43% and 47% for Groups A and B, respectively). In Group A, the next most common indication was chronic pancreatitis, accounting for 28 per cent versus 13 per cent in Group B. Carcinoma of ampulla of Vater was also a common indication, making up 21 per cent of the cases in Group A and 20 per cent in Group B. Preoperative biliary drainage was performed in 62 per cent of Group A and 3 per cent of Group B patients (P < 0.001). Postoperative complications were comparable in both groups: delayed gastric emptying (22%), wound infection (17%), pancreatic fistula (13%), gastrointestinal bleeding (8%), and intestinal obstruction (3%). The perioperative mortality rate was significantly different between the two groups: 1 per cent in Group A versus 16 per cent in Group B (P < 0.001). Mean postoperative length of stay was 17 days in Group A (22 days for benign disease) and 25 days for Group B (P < 0.01). In the last 40 years, there has been a rise in the use of PD for chronic pancreatitis and a significant decrease in postoperative mortality and hospital length of stay. These data support the safety of PD in the management of patients with both benign and malignant periampullary disease.

The association between biliary tract cancers and cancers of other sites

OBJECTIVE

Cancers of the biliary tract, including cancers of the gallbladder and bile duct, generally carry a very poor prognosis. Little is known about their etiology. The pattern of co-occurrence of two cancers may give clues to shared etiological risk factors. We therefore investigated the association of biliary tract cancer with other cancers, especially with estrogen- and tobacco-related cancers.

METHODS

We used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute. Associations between biliary tract cancer and other cancers were evaluated using the standardized incidence ratio as an estimate of the relative risk of a second primary malignancy.

RESULTS

Estrogen-related cancers of the breast and uterine corpus and smoking-related upper aerodigestive tract cancers were not associated with biliary tract cancer. The risk of gallbladder cancer was inversely related to the risk of prostate cancer in men, but positively related to the risk of cervical cancer in women.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that smoking and estrogen exposure have minimal roles in the pathogenesis of biliary tract cancer. Our finding of an inverse relationship between prostate cancer and gallbladder cancer requires confirmation by further studies.

The contribution of endoscopy and biopsy to the diagnosis of periampullary tumors

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopy and biopsy from a suspicious Vater's papilla may establish an early preoperative diagnosis of a periampullary tumor. However, information regarding the diagnostic accuracy of this procedure is limited and variable. The aim of the present study was to evaluate retrospectively the accuracy of this procedure compared to that of other diagnostic methods.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Among 928 patients referred to our institute for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a suspicious Vater's papilla was seen in 28. In each case comparison was made between the pre-ERCP clinical diagnosis, endoscopic appearance, histologic interpretation of endoscopic biopsies, and the final diagnosis. Two patients in whom a final diagnosis was not available were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

A final diagnosis of an ampullary or periampullary carcinoma was established in 17 patients (65%), a carcinoma within an adenoma of the papilla in three patients (12%), and adenoma and a metastatic gallbladder carcinoma in one patient each. The remaining four patients (15%) were finally diagnosed as having "pseudotumors" (due to choledocholithiasis). Eight (38%) of the 21 patients with ampullary or periampullary neoplasm also had gallstones. A pre-ERCP diagnosis (by clinical evaluation and non-invasive imaging) of tumor versus choledocholithiasis was accurate in only 65% of all 26 patients. In these, the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic appearance and endoscopic biopsy was 77% and 85%, respectively. Regarding the 21 patients with carcinomas, the diagnosis by endoscopic appearance was more accurate than that by endoscopic biopsy (90% vs 81%). Unlike the positive predictive values, the negative predictive values for malignancy were weak: 33% for the endoscopic appearance and 50% for the endoscopic biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of a high incidence of concurrent cholelithiasis, many patients with a periampullary tumor seen during ERCP are misdiagnosed earlier (by clinical evaluation and non-invasive imaging) as having choledocholithiasis only. However, the accuracy of endoscopy and biopsy is also limited. This limitation must be considered when evaluating the optimal management of patients with suspected periampullary tumor.

Carcinoid somatostatinoma of the papilla of Vater: a case report

A 57 year-old Japanese man with a carcinoid somatostatinoma of the papilla of Vater is presented. He was found to have cholecystolithiasis without any symptoms. Physical examination showed no abnormal findings. Routine laboratory data gave normal results, except for glucose intolerance and an elevated somatostatin concentration. A yellowish papillary tumor was found at the papilla of Vater, and histological examination suggested the diagnosis of carcinoid. He underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy in March 1992. The gallbladder contained a single pure cholesterol stone. Histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic studies resulted in the diagnosis of a carcinoid somatostatinoma of the papilla of Vater, without regional lymph node metastases. Post-operative pancreatic juice output from the total pancreatic duct drainage increased to more than 1000 mL/day. Although an anastomotic leakage of the pancreatojejunostomy was noted, the pancreatic fistula closed 8 weeks later. His postoperative somatostatin value was normal. He has been well for 54 months following surgery, without any signs of recurrence.

Rising incidence of biliary tract cancers in Shanghai, China

Cancers of the biliary tract, including cancers of the gallbladder, extra-hepatic bile ducts, and ampulla of Vater, are relatively uncommon malignancies. From 1972 to 1994, biliary tract cancer was the most rapidly rising malignancy in Shanghai, China, with a 119% increase in men and 124% in women. The increase in incidence was seen for all 3 subsites, both sexes, and all age groups. Future studies are needed to identify reasons for the large increases in these rates.

Risk of subsequent primary cancers in patients with carcinoma of the Ampulla of Vater

Data were collected on subsequent primary cancers occurring in 194 individuals diagnosed with ampullary carcinoma during 1979-92 in the north western region of England, UK. Four cancers were identified compared with 6.62 expected (relative risk 0.60), suggesting that individuals with ampullary carcinoma are not at increased risk of developing subsequent primary cancers.

High prevalence of adenomas and microadenomas of the duodenal papilla and periampullary region in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are traditionally considered to be at high risk for duodenal-papillary and periampullary adenomas and cancer.

AIM

To evaluate prospectively the prevalence, histology and clinical significance of ampullary and periampullary macroscopic and microscopic lesions in our population of affected patients.

SETTING

Three gastroenterological departments of northern Italian hospitals.

PATIENT AND METHODS

Twenty-five affected patients were carefully investigated over a 24-month period by end-viewing and side-viewing upper panendoscopy. Biopsies were performed on representative macroscopic lesions and randomly on normal-appearing papillary and periampullary mucosa.

RESULTS

Seven patients had macroscopic adenomas of the duodenal papilla, three of the periampullary region and five at both sites (cumulative prevalence 40%). An additional six patients had macroadenomas in the rest of the duodenum (overall prevalence 64%). Microscopic adenomas were identified in nine and two patients in the papilla and periampullary region, respectively, and in three at both sites (overall prevalence 44%). Thus, a total of 17 (68%) patients presented macro- or microadenomas at these locations. The prevalence rose to 72%, when a further patient with macroadenomas in the rest of the duodenum only was included. Malignancy was not encountered and severe dysplasia was observed only in a macroadenoma of the second duodenal portion. A higher frequency of macroadenomas in the papilla and periampullary region was significantly correlated with the presence and number of such lesions in the rest of the duodenum (P = 0.04). No other significant association was detected either between micro- or macroadenomas at different sites or with the demographic, clinical and pathological features.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that the duodenal papilla and periampullary region are sites with high prevalence of macro- and microscopic adenomas in patients with FAP. However, our data do not seem to support a higher frequency and malignancy potential of such lesions as compared to polyps in the rest of the duodenum. Nevertheless, these findings warrant a periodic, careful examination of the duodenum with either end-viewing or side-viewing endoscopy, the need for random biopsies of the papilla and periampullary region and the removal of any larger or rapidly growing lesions detected.

Risk of pancreatic and periampullar cancer following cholecystectomy: a population-based cohort study

An increased risk of pancreatic cancer following cholecystectomy has been reported in some studies but not in others. In order to settle this question, a population-based cohort consisting of 62,615 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy was followed up for the occurrence of pancreatic and periampullar cancer up to 23 years. After excluding the first year after operation, there were 261 pancreatic cancers vs 216.8 expected [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.37]; and 11 periampullar cancers vs 7.2 expected (SIR = 1.52; 95% CI = 0.76-2.72). The increased risk of pancreatic cancer was most prominent up to four years after operation, but was also significantly increased 15 years or more after operation (SIR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.00-1.78). We conclude that there is a modest excess risk of pancreatic and periampullar cancer following cholecystectomy, most prominent up to four years after operation, but that also exists 15 years or more after operation.

[7 cases of carcinoma of the distal choledochus]

Seven patients with carcinoma of the lower third of the extrahepatic bile duct over a twenty year period, were analyzed with emphasis to the presentation, laboratory, surgical findings, histology and outcome. There were four males and three females. The mean age was 59 years (range 53 to 68). All patients presented jaundice, abdominal pain and weight loss. Serum bilirubin levels were over 5 mg/dL in six patients (86%). The most useful diagnostic studies were endoscopic cholangiography, percutaneous cholangiography and computed tomography. All patients underwent a Whipple procedure. There was no operative mortality. In the long term follow-up, three patients were free of disease, and four had died. Tumor recurrence was high (43%) in spite of the curative resection.

Risk factors for extrahepatic bile duct cancers: Los Angeles County, California (USA)

Extrahepatic bile duct (EBD) cancers are rare and their risk factors are poorly understood. Except for a history of gallbladder diseases, evidence for other potential risk factors, such as excess body weight and use of tobacco and alcohol, is scant. A case-control study was conducted to examine risk factors for EBD cancers, including ampulla of Vater tumors, among Los Angeles County (California, USA) residents. Included were 105 histologically confirmed cases diagnosed between 1 March 1985 and 31 October 1989, aged 30 to 84 years, and 255 population-based controls frequency-matched to cases by gender and age in five-year groups. Cases and controls were interviewed about their demographic background and potential risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, and beverage consumption, diet, medical history, and reproductive factors among women. For deceased cases, their next-of-kin were interviewed. Risk of cancers of both subsites of extrahepatic duct and ampulla of Vater increased with smoking of cigars/pipes or cigarettes. For both men and women, risks increased twofold or more among those who smoked cigarettes for 50 or more pack-years. While a history of gallbladder diseases substantially increased the risk of cancers of both subsites, excess body mass index was associated only with cancer of extrahepatic duct subsite (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-14.2 among men and OR = 2.7; CI = 0.8-9.4 among women in the highest quartile relative to those in the lowest quartile). Alcohol drinkers had lower risks compared with nondrinkers, but no consistent trend was observed with amount consumed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Carcinoma of the papilla of Vater in a brother and sister with familial adenomatous polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by the development of adenomas throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. We describe a brother and sister with FAP who developed adenocarcinoma around the papilla of Vater. Incidence, premalignancy, treatment and the need for prophylactic endoscopy are discussed.

Surgical treatment of periampullary cancer--review of 766 surgical experiences of 8 hospitals

The incidence of periampullary cancer has been steadily rising in Korea. In the present study, we have reviewed 766 cases of surgically treated periampullary cancers, including 122 cases of our own, which were published in the Korean literature from 1984 to 1992. The 6th decade was the most prevalent age group, occupying 38% of the patients. The ratio of male of female was 1.7 to 1. Approximately 60% of lesion located at the head of the pancreas. Computed tomography which had 85% sensitivity was the most commonly employed modality for a diagnosis. The diagnostic sensitivity of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography was 72%, of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was 71%, and of ultrasonography was 54% in order of frequency. Tumor markers such as CA-19, CEA, and CA-125 were also studied in pancreatic cancer. The combinations of these markers recorded a higher positivity than using solely. The resection rate for lesions at the head of the pancreas was 21%, and that of distal common bile duct, ampulla of vater, and duodenum were 37%, 85%, and 50%, respectively. The morbidity and mortality rates after pancreatoduodenectomy were 44% and 12%, respectively. TNM staging revealed 66% of patients were in stage III, 26% in stage I, and 8% in stage II. The actual 5-year survival rates for cancer of the head of the pancreas was 11%, and that of duodenal cancer, distal choledochal cancer, and ampullary cancer were 21%, 18%, and 15%, respectively. In nonresected group, none survived over 18 months after treatment. Relatively high portion of lymph node metastatic patients may explain the poor survival observed in our series.

Metastatic prostate cancer presenting as obstructive jaundice

Metastatic cancer of the prostate, presenting with carcinomatous obstruction of the common bile duct as a cause of jaundice and abnormal liver function tests is very unusual. The literature suggests an association between abnormal liver function tests and poor survivability in those patients with liver parenchymal metastases. This case illustrates that patients with abnormal liver function tests on the basis of extrahepatic ductal obstruction may have a better prognosis than those with hepatic disease.

Present status of periampullary cancer treatment in Korea

The incidence of periampullary cancer has been steadily risen in Korea. In the present study, we have reviewed 766 cases of surgically treated periampullary cancers, including 122 cases of our own, that were published in the Korean literatures in last ten years. The 6th decade was the most common age group, occupying 37.9% of the patients. Male to female, ratio was 1.7 to 1. C-T scan was the principal modality available for diagnosis and preoperative staging, and recorded 84% of diagnostic accuracy. The accuracy rate of PTC was 72%, ERCP of 68%, and USG of 51%, in order of frequency. For the screening of pancreatic cancer, diagnostic serologic test using serum markers such as CA 19-9, CEA, CA 125, and various combinations were studied. The combinations of these markers recorded higher positivity. Overall resectability was 36.2%. Preoperative C-T scan with antigraphy correlated with better discrimination of the resectable lesion preoperatively than C-T scan alone was performed (63% VS 46%). The morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy were 46% and 13.2%, and 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates after the resection were 68, 25, and 15%, respectively. In non-resected group, none survived at 18 months after treatment. To improve resectability; early detection, precise preoperative staging, and improved surgical approach are imperative. Future studies will be necessary to find a better multimodality therapy.

Carcinoma of the pancreas and papilla of Vater: presenting symptoms, signs, and diagnosis related to stage and tumour site. A prospective multicentre trial in 472 patients. Norwegian Pancreatic Cancer Trial

During the period 1984-87, 472 patients with histologically or cytologically verified carcinoma of the pancreas (n = 442) or the papilla of Vater (n = 30) were accrued. Diagnostic investigations were performed in accordance with the ordinary routines of 38 Norwegian hospitals. Jaundice at presentation, found in 47% of the patients, indicated a relatively low staging. Abdominal pain or weight loss, present in 72% and 58%, respectively, indicated higher staging. The sensitivities of the diagnostic investigations were 1) endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), 79%, and computed tomography (CT), 75%; 2) ultrasonography (US), 57%; angiography performed in 18% to assess unresectability, sensitivity, 43%; fine-needle aspiration cytology performed in 27%, sensitivity, 86%; and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) performed solely on papillar and head tumours in 16%, sensitivity, 85%. In stage I, PTC and ERCP had a sensitivity of 78%; CT, 52%; and US, 40%. Patient's, physician's, and diagnostic delay averaged 1.8, 2.4, and 4.0 months, respectively. The delays were shortest in stage I and papillar carcinomas.

Villous tumors of the duodenum. Presentation of five cases

Five cases of villous tumors of the duodenum are reported. These tumors have a predilection for the periampullary region and tend to present with jaundice or obstruction of the duodenal lumen. In four of these patients, malignant transformation was seen. Endoscopy and biopsy play a major rôle in attempting to obtain an accurate preoperative diagnosis. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of malignant degeneration is frequently missed, even when multiple biopsies are taken. For this reason villous tumors should always be resected, and the strategy of treatment must depend on pre-, intra- and postoperative histological evaluation, location in the duodenum and intra-operative findings.

Primary melanoma of the common bile duct

We have described what we believe is the first reported case of primary melanoma of the common bile duct. The presenting sign was obstructive jaundice. An extensive evaluation for another primary source was unrevealing. Despite a Whipple procedure, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly.

International variations in epidemiology of cancers of the extrahepatic biliary tract

Previous studies of the descriptive epidemiology of biliary tract cancers have not differentiated among different types of biliary tract cancer because until recently the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) did not classify them separately. Recent versions of the ICD now distinguish cancers of the gallbladder, extrahepatic bile ducts, and ampulla of Vater. In order to describe more precisely the distribution of these three cancers, we obtained data from nine cancer registries throughout the world which used the eighth or ninth revision of the ICD. Sex-specific, age-adjusted disease rates were calculated for each disease. Log-linear models were used to evaluate the association of age and sex with the risk of acquiring each disease and to assess whether the risk of acquiring disease or the age and sex distribution of the three diseases varied by geographic location. Gallbladder cancer was the most common of the three diseases and occurred more frequently in females. Extrahepatic bile duct cancer was the next most common disease and occurred equally in both sexes. Cancer of the ampulla of Vater was the least common and was more common in males. The incidence of each of the diseases increased with age. The age and sex distributions of the different diseases different among the nine registries. Thus these three neoplasms differ in their descriptive epidemiology and should therefore be considered separately in clinical practice and in future investigations.