Ganglioneuromas (GNs) are extremely rare, slowly growing, benign tumors that can arise from Schwann cells, ganglion cells, and neuronal or fibrous tissues. Due to their origin from the sympathetic ...neural crest, they show neuroendocrine potential; however, most are reported to be hormonally inactive. Nevertheless, complete surgical removal is recommended for symptom control or for the prevention of potential malignant degeneration.
A 30-year-old female was referred to our oncologic center due to a giant retroperitoneal and mediastinal mass detected in computed tomography (CT) scans. The initial symptoms were transient nausea, diarrhea, and crampy abdominal pain. There was a positive family history including 5 first- and second-degree relatives. Presurgical biopsy revealed a benign ganglioneuroma. Total resection (TR) of a 35 × 25 × 25 cm, 2550-g tumor was obtained successfully via laparotomy combined with thoracotomy and partial incision of the diaphragm. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Surgically challenging aspects were the bilateral tumor invasion from the retroperitoneum into the mediastinum through the aortic hiatus with the need of a bilateral 2-cavity procedure, as well as the tumor-related displacement of the abdominal aorta, the mesenteric vessels, and the inferior vena cava. Due to their anatomic course through the tumor mass, the lumbar aortic vessels needed to be partially resected. Postoperative functioning was excellent without any sign of neurologic deficit.
Here, we present the largest case of a TR of a GN with retroperitoneal and mediastinal expansion. On review of the literature, this is the largest reported GN resected and was performed safely. Additionally, we present the first systematic literature review for large GN (> 10 cm) as well as for resected tumors growing from the abdominal cavity into the thoracic cavity.
The incidence of benign diseases among pancreatic resections for suspected malignancy still represents a relevant issue in the surgical practice. This study aims to identify the preoperative pitfalls ...that led to unnecessary surgeries at a single Austrian center over a twenty-year period.
Patients undergoing surgery for suspected pancreatic/periampullary malignancy between 2000 and 2019 at the Linz Elisabethinen Hospital were included. The rate of "mismatches" between clinical suspicion and histology was considered as primary outcome. All cases that, despite that, fulfilled the indication criteria for surgery were defined as minor mismatches (MIN-M). Conversely, the true avoidable surgeries were identified as major mismatches (MAJ-M).
Among the 320 included patients, 13 (4%) presented with benign lesions at definitive pathology. The rate of MAJ-M was 2.8% (
= 9), and the most frequent causes of misdiagnoses were autoimmune pancreatitis (
= 4) and intrapancreatic accessory spleen (
= 2). In all MAJ-M cases, various mistakes within the preoperative workup were detected: lack of multidisciplinary discussion (
= 7, 77.8%); inappropriate imaging (
= 4, 44.4%); lack of specific blood markers (
= 7, 77.8%). The morbidity and mortality rates for mismatches were 46.7% and 0.
All avoidable surgeries were the result of an incomplete pre-operative workup. The adequate identification of the underlying pitfalls could lead to minimize and, potentially, overcome this phenomenon with a concrete optimization of the surgical-care process.
Oncological survival after resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNEN) is highly variable depending on various factors. Risk stratification with preoperatively available parameters ...could guide decision-making in multidisciplinary treatment concepts. C-reactive Protein (CRP) is linked to inferior survival in several malignancies. This study assesses CRP within a novel risk score predicting histology and outcome after surgery for sporadic non-functional panNENs.
A retrospective multicenter study with national exploration and international validation. CRP and other factors associated with overall survival (OS) were evaluated by multivariable cox-regression to create a clinical risk score (CRS). Predictive values regarding OS, disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were assessed by time-dependent receiver-operating characteristics.
Overall, 364 patients were included. Median CRP was significantly higher in patients >60 years, G3, and large tumors. In multivariable analysis, CRP was the strongest preoperative factor for OS in both cohorts. In the combined cohort, CRP (cut-off ≥0.2mg/dL; hazard-ratio (HR):3.87), metastases (HR:2.80), and primary tumor size ≥3.0cm (HR:1.83) showed a significant association with OS. A CRS incorporating these variables was associated with postoperative histological grading, T category, nodal positivity, and 90-day morbidity/mortality. Time-dependent area-under-the-curve at 60 months for OS, DSS, and RFS was 69%, 77%, and 67%, respectively (all
< 0.001), and the inclusion of grading further improved the predictive potential (75%, 84%, and 78%, respectively).
CRP is a significant marker of unfavorable oncological characteristics in panNENs. The proposed internationally validated CRS predicts histological features and patient survival.
Patients with umbilical or epigastric hernias benefit from mesh- based repairs, and even more so if a concomitant rectus diastasis (RD) is present. The ideal technique is, however, still under ...debate. In this study we introduce the minimal invasive linea alba reconstruction (MILAR) with the supraaponeurotic placement of a fully absorbable synthetic mesh.
Midline reconstruction with anterior rectus sheath repair and mesh augmentation by an open approach is a well-known surgical technique for ventral hernia repair. Between December 1, 2016, and November 30, 2017, 20 patients with symptomatic umbilical and/or epigastric hernias, and coexisting RD underwent a minimally invasive complete reconstruction of the midline through a small access route. The inner part of both incised and medialized anterior rectus sheaths was replaced by a fully absorbable synthetic mesh placed in a supraaponeurotic position.
Patients were hospitalized for an average of 4 days and the mean operating time was 79 minutes. The mean hernia defect size was 1.5 cm in diameter and the mean mesh size was recorded as 15.8 cm in length and 5.2 cm in width. Two patients sustained surgical postoperative complications in terms of symptomatic seroma occurrences with successful interventional treatment.The early results (mean follow-up period of 5 months) showed no recurrences and only 1 patient reported occasional pain following exertion without rest.
MILAR is a modification of the recently published endoscopic linea alba reconstruction restoring the normal anatomy of the abdominal wall. A new linea alba is formed with augmentation of autologous tissue consisting of the plicated anterior rectus sheaths. Supraaponeurotic placement of a fully absorbable synthetic mesh eliminates potential long-term mesh-associated complications. Regarding MILAR, there is no need for endoscopic equipment due to the uniquely designed flexible lighted retractors, meaning one assistant less is required.
We compared patients with advanced gastric cancer Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) III versus patients with stage UICC IV and peritoneal carcinomatosis treated with cytoreductive surgery ...(CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) versus patients with stage UICC IV treated without HIPEC to ascertain if CRS and HIPEC improve overall survival (OS).
We retrospectively analysed thirty-seven advanced gastric cancer patients who had been treated at our department from 2012 to 2017. The endpoint was median OS.
Eighteen (49%) patients with UICC stage III showed a median OS of 37.4 months. Eight (21%) patients in the HIPEC group reached a median OS of 33.8 months. Median OS in the UICC IV group (11 patients, 30%) treated with a palliative concept was 6.2 months and therefore significantly worse (p=0.004).
A systemic approach combined with CRS and HIPEC in selected stage IV gastric cancer patients improves the OS comparable to patients in UICC stage III.
Background
Parastomal hernias (PSHs) are a common and challenging issue. In previous studies, three-dimensional (3D) funnel mesh devices have been used successfully for the repair of PSHs.
Methods
We ...performed an analysis of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent a same-sided stoma reposition with 3D funnel-shaped mesh augmentation in intraperitoneal (IPOM) position at our department between the years of 2012 and 2015. Primary outcome parameters were intra- and postoperative surgical complications and recurrence rate during the follow-up period.
Results
Fifty-six patients could be included in this analysis. PSH repair was performed in 89.3% as elective surgery and in 73% in laparoscopic technique. A concomitant incisional hernia (EHS type 2 and 4) was found in 50% and repaired in a single-step procedure with PSH. Major postoperative complications requiring redo surgery (Clavien–Dindo ≥3b) were identified in 8.9% (5/56). Overall recurrence rate was 12.5% (7/56). Median follow-up time was 38 months, and a 1-year follow-up rate of 96.4% was reached.
Conclusion
PSH repair with 3D funnel mesh in IPOM technique is safe, efficient and easy to perform in laparoscopic and open surgical approaches providing advantageous results compared to other techniques. Furthermore, simultaneous detection and treatment of concomitant incisional hernias has shown favorable. However, the mesh funnel distends and becomes shortened encasing a bulky bowel mesentery and further shrinkage happens eccentric. Changing mesh construction according to lengthening the funnel could possibly lead to reduction in recurrence.
The aim of this study was to evaluate a new method of parastomal hernia (PSH) repair by using a hybrid approach with a cylindrical-shaped mesh of 4 cm funnel length.
In a pilot prospective case ...series, 12 patients underwent surgical repair of PSHs with a combined laparoscopic and ostomy-opening approach. After laparoscopic adhesiolysis, the ostomy opening was excised from outside and the bowel was closed. The hernia sac was excised after reduction of its content. Then, the bowel was guided through the funnel of the mesh and the implant was manually transferred into the peritoneal cavity through the hernia defect. Next, the fascial margins were narrowed with sutures. Laparoscopy was continued, and the mesh was placed and fixed with absorbable tacks in the proper position. Finally, the diverted bowel was shortened outside of the abdomen and the stoma was matured in its original location.
We documented no mesh-associated complications. Only one superficial peristomal wound defect occurred. No unplanned conversions were needed, and median duration of the operations was 72 minutes. There was no recurrence during the short-term follow-up of median 4 months (ranged from 3 to 8 months).
The technique described gives several advantages, such as a minimally invasive hybrid approach creating a real three-dimensional mesh-covered barrier between the trephine and stomal limb and optional shortening of a concomitant prolapse. When needed due to a concomitant incisional hernia, a second flat mesh can be laparoscopically placed in an intraperitoneal position.
The spatial boundaries of tissue response to wounding are unknown. Here, we show that in mammals, the ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) is phosphorylated in response to skin injury, forming a zone of ...activation surrounding the region of the initial insult. This p-rpS6-zone forms within minutes after wounding and is present until healing is complete. The zone is a robust marker of healing as it encapsulates features of the healing process, including proliferation, growth, cellular senescence, and angiogenesis. A mouse model that is unable to phosphorylate rpS6 shows an initial acceleration of wound closure, but results in impaired healing, identifying p-rpS6 as a modulator but not a driver of healing. Finally, the p-rpS6-zone accurately reports on the status of dermal vasculature and the effectiveness of healing, visually dividing an otherwise homogeneous tissue into regions with distinct properties.
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•Wounding induces phosphorylation of rpS6, leading to formation of the p-rpS6-zone•The zone is induced by DAMPs and layers cell death responses•The zone spatially and temporally delineates the process of healing•Healing processes are limited to the zone, including cellular senescence and angiogenesis
Ring and Dworak et al. describe the discovery of an immediate and persistent phosphorylation of rpS6 in response to wounding, forming the p-rpS6-zone. The zone spatially and temporally delineates the processes of healing, appearing within minutes of wounding, encompassing all healing processes (including cellular senescence and angiogenesis) and disappearing upon complete healing.
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) represent the most common precancerous cystic lesions of the pancreas. The aim of our study was to investigate if resection for non-invasive IPMNs ...alters quality of life (QoL) in a long-term follow-up.
Patients (n = 50) included in the analysis were diagnosed and resected from 2010 to 2016. QoL was assessed at a median of 5.5 years after resection. At that point in time, the current QoL as well as the QoL before resection was evaluated retrospectively. The standardised European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for Pancreatic Cancer (EORTC QLQ - PAN26) was applied for the QoL assessment.
After a median of 66 months postoperatively, the total QoL score significantly worsened (92.13 vs. 88.04, p = 0.020, maximum achievable score = 100) for patients (median age at surgery 68.0 years), mostly due to digestive symptoms. During the same follow-up period, median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status did not worsen (p = 0.003).
Long-term QoL statistically significantly worsened after pancreatic resection for IPMN. The extent of worsening, however, was small, and QoL still remained excellent. Therefore, resection in cases of IPMN is appropriate, if indicated carefully.
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