A dynamic tool utilizing albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index trends improves risk stratification for patients undergoing hepatocellular carcinoma resection. K-means clustering revealed three patient groups with varying complication risks. Those in the lowest ALBI cluster had a 76% reduced odds of severe complications compared to the highest-risk group. A novel predictive model achieved […]
Category: HPB & Spleen
Acute pancreatitis incidence and mortality remain significant in England
An analysis of 260,009 acute pancreatitis patients in England from 2013 to 2023 reveals an incidence rate rising by 2.6% annually, with 456 cases per million. In-hospital mortality stands at 4.5%, while the 10-year survival rate reaches 63.9%. Factors influencing better long-term outcomes include biliary etiologies, younger age, and the absence of intensive care unit […]
EUS-FNB significantly enhances diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis
A prospective multicenter study evaluated the effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) in diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) using the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC). Results showed that EUS-FNB improved diagnostic levels in 92.3% of suspected AIP patients, with a diagnostic accuracy of 94.2%. The histological analysis differentiated subtype AIP, achieving a compatibility rate of […]
Machine learning effectively differentiates gallbladder polyp types.
A recent study demonstrated that a machine learning-based model significantly improves the differentiation between non-neoplastic and neoplastic gallbladder polyps. Analyzing data from 744 patients, the combined model achieved an AUC of 0.910, compared to lower scores from individual models, thus reducing unnecessary cholecystectomies. Notably, the polyp short diameter emerged as a critical predictor of neoplastic […]
Minimally invasive liver surgery shows superior short-term outcomes
A Belgian registry of 1342 liver resections found that minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) was preferred in 51% of cases. MILS patients had better short-term outcomes compared to open surgery, including shorter surgery times, less blood loss, and lower complication rates. Notably, centers performing more than 50 resections annually exhibited significantly improved outcomes. MILS was […]
Predictive model identifies risk factors for conversion in surgery
Conversion rates during minimally invasive left pancreatectomy (MILP) reached 15.6% in a study of 2,104 patients across 55 centers. Key risk factors included male sex, BMI over 25 kg/m², a history of laparotomy, initial pancreatitis, and larger tumor size. A conversion risk score (CRS) was developed based on these preoperative variables, allowing scores from 2% […]
Liver expert panels significantly improve treatment eligibility for patients.
An expert panel’s re-evaluation of colorectal liver metastases led to a notable increase in treatment eligibility. Initially, only 29% of patients were deemed resectable before systemic treatment, but this figure rose to 68% following multiple assessments. Alarmingly, nearly 29% of patients recognized as resectable were not referred for local treatment. This highlights the critical role […]
A new prognostic tool improves outcomes in liver cancer patients
A novel prognostic tool, the Weighted Alpha-Fetoprotein Tumor Burden Score (WATS), has demonstrated enhanced predictive capabilities for hepatocellular carcinoma patients post-resection. In a study involving 772 patients, WATS outperformed existing staging systems, offering reliable assessments of progression-free survival and overall survival across various time frames. Its formula incorporates tumor number, size, and alpha-fetoprotein levels, providing […]
Unique barriers identified for marginalized HCC patients
Marginalized groups, particularly black patients and those affected by adverse social determinants of health, encounter significant barriers to curative treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Research revealed common challenges, such as information overload and communication gaps, while black patients also faced psychological burdens and systemic distrust. Conversely, patients experiencing adverse social determinants reported financial instability and […]
Multidisciplinary approaches improve pancreatic cancer management
Findings emphasize the need for multidisciplinary evaluations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) management, with only 20% of patients eligible for curative surgery at diagnosis. Preoperative imaging techniques, particularly CT and EUS, are essential for accurate staging and vascular assessment. The review underscores the importance of tailored approaches across disease stages, including endoscopic drainage methods and […]