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Innovative surgical technique offers new hope for pancreatic cancer

A modified Appleby procedure successfully treated a pancreatic body tumor encasing the celiac axis, previously deemed inoperable. Utilizing a replaced left hepatic artery, surgeons safeguarded gastric and hepatic perfusion during the distal pancreatectomy and en bloc celiac axis resection. This rare vascular variant opened new avenues for safe surgical intervention, demonstrating that careful mapping and intraoperative assessments can enhance resectability in complex anatomical cases. Postoperative recovery was unremarkable, with histology confirming R0 resection.

Journal Article by Kumar S, Gupta R (…) Govil D et 2 al. in Int J Surg Case Rep

Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

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New Perineural Invasion Score Predicts Survival in Pancreatic Cancer

A novel perineural invasion (PNI) severity score effectively predicts disease recurrence and survival in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Among 300 patients, PNI severity correlated with worse pathological outcomes: shorter recurrence times (24 months for PNI 0 vs. 15 months for PNI 2) and reduced survival (57 months for PNI 0 vs. 32 months for PNI 2). PNI 2 patients particularly benefited from adjuvant treatment, achieving longer recurrence-free and overall survival rates.

Journal Article by Gasparini G, Crippa S (…) Falconi M et 12 al. in Ann Surg

Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Staged Resection for Appendiceal Cancer Doesn’t Compromise Survival

Staged right colectomy (SRC) for appendiceal cancer matches overall survival outcomes compared to upfront right colectomy (URC), with SRC reducing unnecessary surgeries. Analysis of 908 patients revealed that URC was often reserved for larger, higher-grade tumors. Adjusted results show SRC demonstrates equivalent survival in elective cases, emphasizing its role in avoiding overtreatment. This approach may reshape surgical strategies for appendiceal cancer, prioritizing patient-centered, less invasive options without sacrificing safety.

Journal Article by Waheed MT, Malik I (…) Raoof M et 11 al. in Ann Surg

Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Recurrence-Free Survival Validated as Reliable Endpoint in Esophageal Cancer Trials

Strong correlations reveal that recurrence-free survival (RFS) effectively predicts overall survival (OS) in resectable esophageal cancer. An integrated analysis of data from 10 Phase III trials found a Kendall’s τ of 0.823, indicating robust individual-level surrogacy. Trial-level analysis across 22 trials yielded an impressive R² of 0.735. These findings suggest RFS can serve as a quicker surrogate endpoint, potentially expediting treatment development by reducing the need for lengthy follow-ups.

Journal Article by Okui J, Matsuda S (…) Kitagawa Y et 17 al. in Ann Surg

Copyright © 2025 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer Surges, Boosting Surgical Quality and Survival

Robotic surgery for rectal cancer skyrocketed from 10.1% to 45.7% of procedures from 2010 to 2021. Associated with higher odds of achieving high-quality oncologic resection, robotic methods surpassed both laparoscopic and open surgery in effectiveness. Quality surgical resections improved from 65.4% to 75.3%. Patients in high-volume centers enjoyed even better outcomes. Overall mortality rates fell significantly, underscoring the increasing significance of robotic techniques in rectal cancer treatment.

Journal Article by Simon EF, Westfall KM (…) Charles R et 6 al. in Surg Endosc

© 2025. The Author(s).

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Mastering Robotic Colectomy: 45 Cases Needed for Proficiency

Achieving technical proficiency in robotic colectomy typically requires around 45 procedures, according to a systematic review of 35 studies involving over 7,500 surgical cases. Competency correlates with significant reductions in operative duration and complication rates, falling from 25% to 10%. The analysis highlights the variance in training methodologies, with formal programs combining simulation and supervision leading to quicker skill acquisition. Effective training frameworks are essential for improving surgical education and patient outcomes.

Review by Coco D and Leanza S in J Robot Surg

© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.

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Targeting Anastomotic Leakage Could Transform Outcomes Post-Gastrectomy

Postoperative complications plagued 24.1% of 7829 gastrectomy patients, with anastomotic leakage bearing the brunt of negative outcomes. It significantly escalated care needs and upped 30-day mortality rates by 26.6%. Along with pulmonary complications, it remained a critical target for healthcare quality improvement. Barriers to effective resource allocation persist, yet focusing on these complications could drastically mitigate both clinical and economic burdens following gastric cancer surgeries.

Multicenter Study by van Hootegem SJM, van der Linde M (…) Wijnhoven BPL et 14 al. in Br J Surg

© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Foundation Ltd.

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48-Hour Symptom Onset Marks Elevated Risk for Perforated Appendicitis

A clinical risk model underscores that a 48-hour symptom threshold significantly predicts perforation in acute appendicitis. An analysis of 414 patients revealed that longer delays before hospital presentation correlate with increased perforation risk. Notably, time intervals over 48 hours yielded an adjusted odds ratio of 3.30 for perforation. Elevated CRP levels and the presence of appendicolith further enhance risk assessment. This model offers a critical tool for tailoring treatment strategies at hospital admission.

Journal Article by Fujino M, Ochiai S and Kubota T in World J Surg

© 2025 International Society of Surgery/Société Internationale de Chirurgie (ISS/SIC).

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Deceased Donor Pancreas Model Enhances Surgical Training in Pancreaticojejunostomy

A novel training model utilizing deceased donor pancreata significantly boosts surgical residents’ skills in pancreaticojejunostomy. Nearly 87% of participants reported increased confidence, while over 82% noted enhancements in anastomotic technique and execution. Faculty assert that inadequate exposure hinders residents’ participation, but access to this training lab could bridge that gap, leading to improved tissue handling and anatomical understanding in complex surgeries.

Journal Article by Guloyan V, Patnaik R (…) Fritze D et 5 al. in J Surg Res

Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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Plasma Proteomic Profiles Enhance Diverticulitis Risk Prediction Accuracy

A novel plasma proteomic risk score significantly refines the stratification of severe diverticulitis risk. This comprehensive study, analyzing data from over 43,000 patients, reveals a strong association between specific protein profiles and heightened risk of severe disease. The inclusion of proteomic data alongside genetic and lifestyle factors notably improved prediction models, increasing their accuracy for clinical application. Insights into related renal and cardiometabolic conditions further underscore the potential of proteomic signatures in clinical risk management.

Journal Article by Ueland TE, Shelley JP (…) Hawkins AT et 5 al. in J Surg Res

Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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