Background
Cancer cachexia and skeletal muscle wasting are related to poor survival. In this study, quantitative body composition measurements using computed tomography (CT) were investigated in ...relation to survival, post‐operative complications, and surgical site infections in surgical patients with cancer of the head of the pancreas.
Methods
A prospective cohort of 199 patients with cancer of the head of the pancreas was analysed by CT imaging at the L3 level to determine (i) muscle radiation attenuation (average Hounsfield units of total L3 skeletal muscle); (ii) visceral adipose tissue area; (iii) subcutaneous adipose tissue area; (iv) intermuscular adipose tissue area; and (v) skeletal muscle area. Sex‐specific cut‐offs were determined at the lower tertile for muscle radiation attenuation and skeletal muscle area and the higher tertile for adipose tissues. These variables of body composition were related to overall survival, severe post‐operative complications (Dindo–Clavien ≥ 3), and surgical site infections (wounds inspected daily by an independent trial nurse) using Cox‐regression analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis, respectively.
Results
Low muscle radiation attenuation was associated with shorter survival in comparison with moderate and high muscle radiation attenuation median survival 10.8 (95% CI: 8.8–12.8) vs. 17.4 (95% CI: 14.7–20.1), and 18.5 (95% CI: 9.2–27.8) months, respectively; P < 0.008. Patient subgroups with high muscle radiation attenuation combined with either low visceral adipose tissue or age <70 years had longer survival than other subgroups (P = 0.011 and P = 0.001, respectively). Muscle radiation attenuation was inversely correlated with intermuscular adipose tissue (rp = −0.697, P < 0.001). High visceral adipose tissue was associated with an increased surgical site infection rate, OR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.1–5.3; P = 0.027).
Conclusions
Low muscle radiation attenuation was associated with reduced survival, and high visceral adiposity was associated with an increase in surgical site infections. The strong correlation between muscle radiation attenuation and intermuscular adipose tissue suggests the presence of ectopic fat in muscle, warranting further investigation. CT image analysis could be implemented in pre‐operative risk assessment to assist in treatment decision‐making.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
BACKGROUND:Textbook outcome (TO) is a multidimensional measure for quality assurance, reflecting the “ideal” surgical outcome.
METHODS:Post-hoc analysis of patients who underwent ...pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) for all indications between 2014 and 2017, queried from the nationwide prospective Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit. An international survey was conducted among 24 experts from 10 countries to reach consensus on the requirements for TO in pancreatic surgery. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify TO predictors. Between-hospital variation in TO rates was compared using observed-versus-expected rates.
RESULTS:Based on the survey (92% response rate), TO was defined by the absence of postoperative pancreatic fistula, bile leak, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (all ISGPS grade B/C), severe complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥III), readmission, and in-hospital mortality. Overall, 3341 patients were included (2633 (79%) PD and 708 (21%) DP) of whom 60.3% achieved TO; 58.3% for PD and 67.4% for DP. On multivariable analysis, ASA class 3 predicted a worse TO rate after PD (ASA 3 OR 0.59 0.44–0.80), whereas a dilated pancreatic duct (>3 mm) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) were associated with a better TO rate (OR 2.22 2.05–3.57 and OR 1.36 1.14–1.63, respectively). For DP, female sex and the absence of neoadjuvant therapy predicted better TO rates (OR 1.38 1.01–1.90 and OR 2.53 1.20–5.31, respectively). When comparing institutions, the observed-versus-expected rate for achieving TO varied from 0.71 to 1.46 per hospital after casemix-adjustment.
CONCLUSIONS:TO is a novel quality measure in pancreatic surgery. TO varies considerably between pancreatic centers, demonstrating the potential benefit of quality assurance programs.
Abstract Background The impact of body composition on outcomes after surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of ...sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity on morbidity, diseasefree (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Method Between 2005 and 2012, all patients undergoing a partial liver resection for CRLM in the Maastricht University Medical Centre, and who underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging within 3 months before liver surgery, were included. Body composition was primarily based on preoperative CT measurements. Sarcopenia was based on total muscle area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra and predefined body mass index (BMI) and genderspecific cutoff values for sarcopenia were used. Body fat percentages were calculated and the top 40% for men and women were considered obese. Results Of the 171 included patients undergoing liver surgery for CRLM, 80 (46.8%) patients were sarcopenic, 69 (40.4%) obese and 49 (28.7%) sarcopenic obese. The presence of sarcopenia, obesity or sarcopenic obesity did not affect the complication rates. However, readmission rates were significantly increased in patients with (sarcopenic) obesity ( P < 0.05). Surprisingly, obesity seemed to prolong OS ( P = 0.021) and was identified as an independent predictor hazard ratio (HR):0.58 and P = 0.046 for better OS. Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity did not affect DFS or OS. Conclusion Sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity did not worsen DFS, OS and complication rates after a partial liver resection for CRLM.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer can result in complete disappearance of tumor and involved nodes. In patients without residual tumor on imaging and endoscopy (clinical complete ...response cCR) a wait-and-see-policy (omission of surgery with follow-up) might be considered instead of surgery. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of a wait-and-see policy with strict selection criteria and follow-up.
Patients with a cCR after chemoradiotherapy were prospectively selected for the wait-and-see policy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopy plus biopsies. Follow-up was performed 3 to 6 monthly and consisted of MRI, endoscopy, and computed tomography scans. A control group of patients with a pathologic complete response (pCR) after surgery was identified from a prospective cohort study. Functional outcome was measured with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) bowel function questionnaire and Wexner incontinence score. Long-term outcome was estimated by using Kaplan-Meier curves.
Twenty-one patients with cCR were included in the wait-and-see policy group. Mean follow-up was 25 ± 19 months. One patient developed a local recurrence and had surgery as salvage treatment. The other 20 patients are alive without disease. The control group consisted of 20 patients with a pCR after surgery who had a mean follow-up of 35 ± 23 months. For these patients with a pCR, cumulative probabilities of 2-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 93% and 91%, respectively.
A wait-and-see policy with strict selection criteria, up-to-date imaging techniques, and follow-up is feasible and results in promising outcome at least as good as that of patients with a pCR after surgery. The proposed selection criteria and follow-up could form the basis for future randomized studies.
Abstract Objectives Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) or fast‐track protocols have been implemented in different fields of surgery to attenuate the surgical stress response and accelerate ...recovery. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on outcomes of ERAS protocols applied in liver surgery. Methods The MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case–control studies and case series published between January 1966 and October 2011 comparing adult patients undergoing elective liver surgery in an ERAS programme with those treated in a conventional manner. The primary outcome measure was hospital length of stay (LoS). Secondary outcome measures were time to functional recovery, and complication, readmission and mortality rates. Results A total of 307 articles were found, six of which were included in the review. These comprised two RCTs, three case–control studies and one retrospective case series. Median LoS ranged from 4 days in an ERAS group to 11 days in a control group. Morbidity, mortality and readmission rates did not differ significantly between the groups. Only two studies assessed time to functional recovery. Functional recovery in these studies was reached 2 days before discharge. conclusions This systematic review suggests that ERAS protocols can be successfully implemented in liver surgery. Length of stay is reduced without compromising morbidity, mortality or readmission rates.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Early recognition and management of postoperative complications, before they become clinically relevant, can improve postoperative outcomes for patients, especially for high-risk procedures such as ...pancreatic resection.
We did an open-label, nationwide, stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial that included all patients having pancreatic resection during a 22-month period in the Netherlands. In this trial design, all 17 centres that did pancreatic surgery were randomly allocated for the timing of the crossover from usual care (the control group) to treatment given in accordance with a multimodal, multidisciplinary algorithm for the early recognition and minimally invasive management of postoperative complications (the intervention group). Randomisation was done by an independent statistician using a computer-generated scheme, stratified to ensure that low–medium-volume centres alternated with high-volume centres. Patients and investigators were not masked to treatment. A smartphone app was designed that incorporated the algorithm and included the daily evaluation of clinical and biochemical markers. The algorithm determined when to do abdominal CT, radiological drainage, start antibiotic treatment, and remove abdominal drains. After crossover, clinicians were trained in how to use the algorithm during a 4-week wash-in period; analyses comparing outcomes between the control group and the intervention group included all patients other than those having pancreatic resection during this wash-in period. The primary outcome was a composite of bleeding that required invasive intervention, organ failure, and 90-day mortality, and was assessed by a masked adjudication committee. This trial was registered in the Netherlands Trial Register, NL6671.
From Jan 8, 2018, to Nov 9, 2019, all 1805 patients who had pancreatic resection in the Netherlands were eligible for and included in this study. 57 patients who underwent resection during the wash-in phase were excluded from the primary analysis. 1748 patients (885 receiving usual care and 863 receiving algorithm-centred care) were included. The primary outcome occurred in fewer patients in the algorithm-centred care group than in the usual care group (73 8% of 863 patients vs 124 14% of 885 patients; adjusted risk ratio RR 0·48, 95% CI 0·38–0·61; p<0·0001). Among patients treated according to the algorithm, compared with patients who received usual care there was a decrease in bleeding that required intervention (47 5% patients vs 51 6% patients; RR 0·65, 0·42–0·99; p=0·046), organ failure (39 5% patients vs 92 10% patients; 0·35, 0·20–0·60; p=0·0001), and 90-day mortality (23 3% patients vs 44 5% patients; 0·42, 0·19–0·92; p=0·029).
The algorithm for the early recognition and minimally invasive management of complications after pancreatic resection considerably improved clinical outcomes compared with usual care. This difference included an approximate 50% reduction in mortality at 90 days.
The Dutch Cancer Society and UMC Utrecht.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Background
Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) is nowadays considered as the standard of care for various liver malignancies. However, studies focusing on perioperative outcome after LH in patients with ...severe comorbidities are still sparse.
Methods
247 patients, who underwent LH between January 2016 and March 2020 at European surgical center Aachen Maastricht (ESCAM) were retrospectively analyzed regarding surgical outcome. All patients were categorized according to the ASA guidelines and a propensity score matched (PSM) analysis was performed to compare patients with severe comorbidities with patients with minor or no comorbidities.
Results
After PSM, no statistically significant differences regarding clinical characteristics were observed. We performed major resections in 26.4% of h‐ASA (ASA > 2) patients and 19.4% of l‐ASA (ASA≤2) patients, respectively (P = .322). Overall morbidity (Clavien‐Dindo≥1) was observed more frequently in the h‐ASA group (h‐ASA: 25.0% vs. l‐ASA: 8.3%; P = .007) while analysis of major morbidity (Clavien‐Dindo≥3b) showed a non‐significant tendency for more complications in h‐ASA patients (h‐ASA: 8.3% vs. l‐ASA: 1.4%; P = .053). A subgroup analysis identified major resection (HR = 5.05; P = .006) as an independent risk factor for the occurrence of any postoperative complication and chronic kidney disease (HR = 22.59; P = .030) and liver fibrosis (HR = 30.16; P = .031) as risk factors for the occurrence of major complications in h‐ASA patients.
Conclusion
LH in patients with severe systemic comorbidities shows a strong tendency towards an increased rate of major complications. Careful patient selection with respect to the planned extent of resection and the presence of chronic kidney disease and liver fibrosis should be performed to improve perioperative results.
HighlightHeise and colleagues compared the short‐term results of laparoscopic hepatectomy in patients with and without severe systemic comorbidities stratified by the ASA‐score. Patients with ASA ≥III showed a strong tendency towards an increased rate of major complications. Risk factors were the presence of chronic kidney disease and liver fibrosis.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Abdominal infections including cholangitis represent a major problem in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). Thus, we investigated bacterial colonization of the bile ducts and ...determined its impact on postoperative outcome focusing on abdominal infections. A cohort of 95 pCCA patients who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2019 with available intraoperative microbial bile cultures were analyzed regarding bile duct colonization and postoperative abdominal infection by group comparisons and logistic regressions. 84.2% (80/95) showed bacterial colonization of the bile ducts and 54.7% (52/95) developed postoperative abdominal infections. Enterococcus faecalis (38.8%, 31/80), Enterococcus faecium (32.5%, 26/80), Enterobacter cloacae (16.3%, 13/80) and Escherichia coli (11.3%, 9/80) were the most common bacteria colonizing the bile ducts and Enterococcus faecium (71.2%, 37/52), Enterococcus faecalis (30.8%, 16/52), Enterobacter cloacae (25.0%, 13/52) and Escherichia coli (19.2%, 10/52) the most common causes of postoperative abdominal infection. Further, reduced susceptibility to perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (OR = 10.10, p = .007) was identified as independent predictor of postoperative abdominal infection. Bacterial colonization is common in pCCA patients and reduced susceptibility of the bacteria to the intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is an independent predictor of postoperative abdominal infections. Adapting antibiotic prophylaxis might therefore have the potential to improve surgical outcome pCCA patients.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Purpose
To retrospectively compare tube and placement related results of a 12Fr-pigtail and a 14Fr-balloon gastrostomy tube.
Materials and Methods
All consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous ...radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) between January 2016 and June 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective single-center analysis. Follow-up for all patients was 180 days. Mortality after 30 days, technical success, days to first complication within 180 days, reason of unexpected visit (tube, anchor or pain related), and tube specific complications (obstruction, pain, luxation, leakage) were taken as outcome measures. Data were obtained from both PACS software and electronic health records.
Results
A total of 247 patients were enrolled (12Fr-pigtail:
n
= 139 patients and 14Fr-balloon:
n
= 108 patients). 30-day mortality was very low in both groups and never procedure related. Technical success was 99% in both groups. The average number of complications within 180 days after initial PRG placement was significantly higher in the 12Fr-pigtail group (12Fr-pigtail: 0.93 vs. 14Fr-balloon: 0.64,
p
= 0.028). Time to first complication within 180 days was significantly longer in the 14Fr-balloon group (12Fr-pigtail: 29 days vs. 14Fr-balloon: 53 days,
p
= 0.005). In the 14Fr-balloon group, the rate of tube-related complications (luxation and obstruction) was significantly lower compared to 12Fr-pigtail (29% vs. 45%,
p
= 0.011).
Conclusion
14Fr-balloon gastrostomy tubes have significantly lower (tube-related) complications rates and longer time to first complication compared to 12Fr-pigtail tubes. No procedure-related mortality was observed in either group. Technical success was very high in both groups.
Level of Evidence
Level 3, non-controlled retrospective cohort study.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ