The modified Glasgow prognostic score (MGPS) is linked to poorer overall and disease-free survival in biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients, indicating its potential as an independent prognostic indicator. Meta-analysis of 15 studies, encompassing 2447 patients, underscores the significance of MGPS in predicting clinical outcomes in BTC. Review by Zhou Y, Liu Z (…) Fu W […]

Study evaluates how radiologic splenic vessels involvement affects postoperative complications, overall survival, and disease-free survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy. Findings suggest that radiologic splenic vessels involvement increases major complication rates and decreases survival outcomes, serving as a potential prognostic marker for treatment decisions in these patients. Journal Article by Blanco-Fernández G, Serradilla-Martín […]

The study found that while operations for pancreatic malignancies remained stable during the pandemic, operations for hepatic malignancies were temporarily reduced but quickly returned to normal levels. Additionally, there was an increase in pancreatic operations following neoadjuvant therapy. These results suggest that surgery for hepato-pancreato-biliary malignancies was prioritized during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal Article by […]

Therapeutic effects of routine lymph node dissection (LND) with liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) were inconclusive. However, subgroup analyses revealed a potential benefit for ICC patients with low risk of bias, suggesting a positive impact on overall survival. More studies are needed to clarify the role of LND in this patient population. Review by […]

Duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection for benign tumors, cystic neoplasms, and neuroendocrine tumors offers a cure with fewer complications compared to pancreatoduodenectomy. The meta-analysis showed lower mortality and reoperation rates with duodenum-preserving resection. It also demonstrated comparable rates of tumor recurrence between the two procedures. This suggests duodenum-preserving resection as a viable alternative to pancreatoduodenectomy for […]

Consensus meeting of national experts led to national practice guidelines for hilar cholangiocarcinoma, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for patient management. Diagnostic and staging workup includes imaging modalities and histopathologic confirmation may not always be necessary before resection. Surgical resection based on the Bismuth-Corlette classification remains the only curative option, with adjuvant chemotherapy […]

Aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) ≥0.7 is independently associated with perioperative transfusion, overall morbidity, and 30-day mortality following minor hepatectomy. This suggests APRI could serve as a noninvasive tool for risk stratification in elective hepatectomy patients. Journal Article by Patel DJ, LeCompte MT, Jin Kim H and Gleeson EM in Am Surg read […]

Initial outcomes of minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) by a well-trained junior surgeon were comparable to a veteran surgeon, despite longer operation times. Both groups showed similar results in blood loss, complications, pancreatic fistula, and hospital stay length. This suggests that junior surgeons may achieve comparable MIPD outcomes with appropriate training. Journal Article by Kim SH, […]

Frail cancer patients undergoing hepatectomy show improved outcomes with the minimally invasive approach, with lower risks of complications and shorter length of stay. The study analyzed 3,116 patients and found that the minimally invasive approach conferred lower risk of prolonged hospital stay, discharge not-to-home, transfusion, and major complications. This approach may be beneficial for frail […]