Category: HPB & Spleen

Robotic Resection Outperforms Laparoscopic for Minor Liver Surgery

Robotic minor liver resection shows significant benefits over laparoscopic approaches for anterolateral segment surgeries. Median blood loss: 75 ml for robotic versus 100 ml for laparoscopic (p < 0.001). Major morbidity rates: 2.5% for robotic compared to 4.6% for laparoscopic (p = 0.004). Consider integrating robotic techniques to improve patient outcomes, especially for those with […]

New Tool Improves Fistula Risk Prediction in Pancreatoduodenectomy

A newly optimized classification model better predicts postoperative pancreatic fistula risk in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors. Overall, the rate of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula was 22.2%, rising to 25.8% specifically for periampullary tumors. The original model showed moderate predictive performance (AUC = 0.632), but the adjusted version improved this to 0.672. Understanding these […]

Critical Margin Assessment in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Surgeons must prioritize evaluating specific resection margins in pancreatic cancer for better patient outcomes. Three key margins—superior-mesenteric vein (HR 1.48), medial (HR 1.92), and posterior (HR 1.65)—are significantly linked to disease-free survival. R1 status worsens survival in gemcitabine-treated patients (HR 1.97) but not with mFOLFOXIRI. Aim for thorough margin assessment focusing on these three areas […]

EUS-RFA Offers Safe Option for Intraductal Neoplasms

EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation is a safe alternative for patients with branch-duct IPMNs showing worrisome features who cannot undergo surgery. Technical success was 100% in 62 procedures, with 98% achieving local control. Adverse events occurred in 27%, primarily mild abdominal pain; no deaths reported. This procedure effectively prevents cancer progression in patients unsuitable for traditional surgery. […]

Laparoscopic Approach to Complex Liver Resection for Cholangiocarcinoma

Laparoscopic hemi-hepatectomy with portal vein resection offers effective options for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and portal vein involvement. Successfully completed in 450 minutes with minimal blood loss (200 ml). Achieved negative resection margins for a patient with Bismuth-Corlette type IV cholangiocarcinoma. Consider this approach for select patients to improve surgical outcomes while maintaining safety. Journal […]

Laparoscopic Sectionectomy: Safe, Low-Cost Technique In Action

A new laparoscopic posterior sectionectomy approach demonstrates effective liver resection while minimizing costs and resource use. Success with a single-energy device led to an R0 resection in a patient with a liver lesion. Operative time was 220 minutes with an estimated blood loss of only 60 ml. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5, […]

Adjuvant Radiotherapy Boosts Survival in Node-Positive PDAC

Adjuvant radiotherapy improves survival for patients with margin-negative, node-positive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after surgery. Median overall survival (OS) for adjuvant radiotherapy patients was 26.0 months versus 24.1 months for those without it (p < 0.001). Stage IIb patients benefited most, showing a notable OS improvement; no difference was seen in Stage III patients. Consider adjuvant […]

Socioeconomic Disadvantage Cuts Survival in Pancreatic Cancer

Living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas significantly reduces survival in patients with nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer, even with guideline-concordant treatment. Patients in high deprivation areas had a 1.9 times higher risk of decreased survival compared to those in lower deprivation areas. Not receiving guideline-concordant treatment increased the risk of poor outcomes by 1.7 times. Surgeons should consider […]

Noninvasive Liver Tests Identify Surgical Risks in CRLM Patients

Noninvasive tests for liver fibrosis can predict complications in colorectal liver metastases surgery. High fib-4 index or SAFE score correlates with greater postoperative complication rates. Analysis involved 107 patients, with findings validated in a separate cohort of 277. Preoperative fibrosis assessment should be standard to optimize surgical outcomes. Journal Article by Tuffs C, Marg O […]

Intraoperative CO2 Levels Impact Survival in Pancreatic Cancer

Monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide (etCO2) during pancreaticoduodenectomy can guide surgical decisions and improve patient outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Low and high etCO2 levels are linked to worse overall survival compared to normal levels (p < 0.05). Cox regression shows low etCO2 has a hazard ratio of 1.80 and high etCO2 a ratio of […]