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Objective: To determine the role of the arterial splenomesenteric anastomosis (ASMA) vascular reconstruction technique in terms of arterial vascular complications in pancreas transplant (PT) recipients., Summary Background Data: The ASMA technique was first described in 1992 by Hospital Clínic Barcelona group. Regardless that the iliac Y-graft technique is the most frequently used worldwide, evidence of arterial complications and implications of using a different back-table reconstruction is conspicuously absent in the literature., Methods: Descriptive review of 407 PTs performed at a single center (1999-2019) by analyzing the type of arterial reconstruction technique, focusing on ASMA. The endpoints were the management of arterial complications and long-term patient and graft survival., Results: ASMA was performed in 376 cases (92.4%) and a Y-graft in 31 cases (7.6%). A total of 34 arterial complications (8.3%) were diagnosed. In the ASMA group (n=30, 7.9%) they comprised: 15 acute thrombosis; 4 stenosis; 1 pseudoaneurysm and 10 diverse chronic arterial complications while in the Y-graft group (n=4, 12.9%) 3 acute thrombosis and 1 chronic artery-duodenal fistula occurred. Graft salvage was achieved in 16 patients (53.3%) from the ASMA group and in 2 (50%) from the Y-graft. After a median follow-up of 129.2 (IQR 25-75%, 77.2 -182) months the overall graft and patient survival for the whole cohort at 1, 5, and 10 years was 86.7%, 79.5%, 70.5%, and 98.5%, 95.3%, 92.5%, respectively., Conclusions: The ASMA proves to be a safe and more easily reproducible technique and should therefore be considered for first-line back-table reconstruction in the PT population., Competing Interests: Disclosure of conflicts: Joana Ferrer-Fábrega: Lecture fees from Bayer and AstraZeneca. Consultancy fees from AstraZeneca. Joana Ferrer received grant support from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI18/00161). Víctor Sapena: Travel grants from Bayer. Consultancy fees from LEO Pharma. Josep Fuster: Received grant support from “Llavaneres contra el càncer” Association (grant IP004500). The remaining authors report no conflicts of interest nor sources of funding., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Due to the high vulnerability of the pancreas to ischemia-reperfusion injury, choices regarding preservation solution markedly affect pancreas transplant success. A retrospective single-center analysis of 380 pancreas transplants (2000-2019) was performed to correlate current preservation solutions with transplant outcomes. Early graft failure requiring transplantectomy within 30 days post-transplant occurred in 7.5% for University of Wisconsin (UW) group ( n = 267), 10.8% of Celsior (CS) group ( n = 83), 28.5% of Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) group ( n = 7), and none for Institut Georges Lopez-1 (IGL-1) group ( n = 23). The most common causes of technical failures in this cohort included abdominal hemorrhage (8.4%); graft pancreatitis (3.7%); fluid collections (2.6%); intestinal complications (6.6%); and vascular thrombosis (20.5%). Although IGL-1 solution provided lower surgical complication rates, no significant differences were found between studied groups. Nevertheless, HTK solution was associated with elevated pancreatitis rates. The best graft survival was achieved at 1 year using UW and IGL-1, and at 3 and 5 years using IGL-1 ( p = 0.017). There were no significant differences in patient survival after a median follow-up of 118.4 months. In this setting therefore, IGL-1 solution appears promising for perfusion and organ preservation in clinical pancreas transplantation, compared to other commonly used solutions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ferrer-Fàbrega, Folch-Puy, Lozano, Ventura-Aguiar, Cárdenas, Paredes, García-Criado, Bombí, García-Pérez, López-Boado, Rull, Esmatjes, Ricart, Diekmann, Fondevila, Fernández-Cruz, Fuster and García-Valdecasas.)

Enteric complications remain a major cause of morbidity in the post-transplant period of pancreas transplantation despite improvements surgical technique. The aim of this single-center study was to analyze retrospectively the early intestinal complications and their potential relation with vascular events. From 2000 to 2016, 337 pancreas transplants were performed with systemic venous drainage. For exocrine secretion, intestinal drainage was done with hand-sewn anastomosis duodenojejunostomy. Twenty-three patients (6.8%) had early intestinal complications. Median age was 39 years (male: 65.2%). Median cold ischemia time was 11 h [IQR: 9-12.4]. Intestinal complications were intestinal obstruction (n = 7); paralytic ileus (n = 5); intestinal fistula without anastomotic dehiscence (n = 3); ischemic graft duodenum (n = 3); dehiscence of duodenojejunostomy (n = 4); and anastomotic dehiscence in jejunum after pancreas transplantectomy (n = 1). Eighteen cases required relaparotomy: adhesiolysis (n = 6); repeated laparotomy without findings (n = 1); transplantectomy (n = 6); primary leak closure (n = 3); re-positioning of the graft (n = 1); and intestinal resection (n = 1). Of the intestinal complications, 4 were associated with vascular thrombosis, resulting in two pancreatic graft losses. Enteric drainage with duodenum-jejunum anastomosis is safe and feasible, with a low rate of intra-abdominal complications. Vascular thrombosis associated with intestinal complications presents a risk factor for the viability of pancreatic grafts, so prevention and early detection is vital., (© 2020 Steunstichting ESOT. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The aim of this minireview is to compare various pancreas transplantation exocrine drainage techniques i.e. , bladder vs enteric. Both techniques have different difficulties and complications. Numerous comparisons have been made in the literature between exocrine drainage techniques throughout the history of pancreas transplantation, detailing complications and their impact on graft and patient survival. Specific emphasis has been made on the early postoperative management of these complications and the related surgical infections and their consequences. In light of the results, a number of bladder-drained pancreas grafts required conversion to enteric drainage. As a result of technical improvements, outcomes of the varied enteric exocrine drainage techniques (duodenojejunostomy, duodenoduodenostomy or gastric drainage) have also been discussed i.e. , assessing specific risks vs benefits. Pancreatic exocrine secretions can be drained to the urinary or intestinal tracts. Until the late 1990s the bladder drainage technique was used in the majority of transplant centers due to ease of monitoring urine amylase and lipase levels for evaluation of possible rejection. Moreover, bladder drainage was associated at that time with fewer surgical complications, which in contrast to enteric drainage, could be managed with conservative therapies. Nowadays, the most commonly used technique for proper driving of exocrine pancreatic secretions is enteric drainage due to the high rate of urological and metabolic complications associated with bladder drainage. Of note, 10% to 40% of bladder-drained pancreata eventually required enteric conversion at no detriment to overall graft survival. Various surgical techniques were originally described using the small bowel for enteric anastomosis with Roux-en-Y loop or a direct side-to-side anastomosis. Despite the improvements in surgery, enteric drainage complication rates ranging from 2%-20% have been reported. Treatment depends on the presence of any associated complications and the condition of the patient. Intra-abdominal infection represents a potentially very serious problem. Up to 30% of deep wound infections are associated with an anastomotic leak. They can lead not only to high rates of graft loss, but also to substantial mortality. New modifications of established techniques are being developed, such as gastric or duodenal exocrine drainage. Duodenoduodenostomy is an interesting option, in which the pancreas is placed behind the right colon and is oriented cephalad. The main concern of this technique is the challenge of repairing the native duodenum when allograft pancreatectomy is necessary. Identification and prevention of technical failure remains the main objective for pancreas transplantation surgeons. In conclusion, despite numerous techniques to minimize exocrine pancreatic drainage complications e.g. , leakage and infection, no universal technique has been standardized. A prospective study/registry analysis may resolve this., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (©The Author(s) 2020. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare oncological outcomes after minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)., Background: Cohort studies have suggested superior short-term outcomes of MIDP vs. ODP. Recent international surveys, however, revealed that surgeons have concerns about the oncological outcomes of MIDP for PDAC., Methods: This is a pan-European propensity score matched study including patients who underwent MIDP (laparoscopic or robot-assisted) or ODP for PDAC between January 1, 2007 and July 1, 2015. MIDP patients were matched to ODP patients in a 1:1 ratio. Main outcomes were radical (R0) resection, lymph node retrieval, and survival., Results: In total, 1212 patients were included from 34 centers in 11 countries. Of 356 (29%) MIDP patients, 340 could be matched. After matching, the MIDP conversion rate was 19% (n = 62). Median blood loss [200 mL (60-400) vs 300 mL (150-500), P = 0.001] and hospital stay [8 (6-12) vs 9 (7-14) days, P < 0.001] were lower after MIDP. Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications (18% vs 21%, P = 0.431) and 90-day mortality (2% vs 3%, P > 0.99) were comparable for MIDP and ODP, respectively. R0 resection rate was higher (67% vs 58%, P = 0.019), whereas Gerota's fascia resection (31% vs 60%, P < 0.001) and lymph node retrieval [14 (8-22) vs 22 (14-31), P < 0.001] were lower after MIDP. Median overall survival was 28 [95% confidence interval (CI), 22-34] versus 31 (95% CI, 26-36) months (P = 0.929)., Conclusions: Comparable survival was seen after MIDP and ODP for PDAC, but the opposing differences in R0 resection rate, resection of Gerota's fascia, and lymph node retrieval strengthen the need for a randomized trial to confirm the oncological safety of MIDP.

Background: Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients has shown promising results in non-randomized trials. This is a multi-institutional phase II trial of NAT in resectable PDAC patients., Methods: Patients with confirmed resectable PDAC after agreement by two expert radiologists were eligible. Patients received three cycles of GEM (1000 mg/m 2 /week) plus daily erlotinib (ERL) (100 mg/day). After re-staging, patients without progressive disease underwent 5 weeks of therapy with GEM (300 mg/m 2 /week), ERL 100 mg/day and concomitant radiotherapy (45 Gy). Efficacy was assessed using tumor regression grade (TRG) and resection margin status. Using a single-arm Simon's design, considering the therapy not useful if R0 < 40% and useful if the R0 > 70% (alpha 5%, beta 10%), 24 patients needed to be recruited. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01389440., Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. Adverse effects of NAT were mainly mild gastrointestinal disorders. Resectability rate was 76%, with a R0 rate of 63.1% among the resected patients. Median overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 23.8 (95% CI 11.4-36.2) and 12.8 months (95% CI 8.6-17.1), respectively. R0 resection patients had better median OS, compared with patients with R1 resection or not resected (65.5 months vs. 15.5 months, p = 0.01). N0 rate among the resected patients was 63.1%, and showed a longer median OS (65.5 vs. 15.2 months, p = 0.009)., Conclusion: The results of this study confirm promising oncologic results with NAT for patients with resectable PDAC. Therefore, the present trial supports the development of phase II randomized trials comparing NAT vs. upfront surgery in resectable pancreatic cancer.

Background: Introduced more than 20 years ago, laparoscopic pancreatic surgery (LAPS) has not reached a uniform acceptance among HPB surgeons. As a result, there is no consensus regarding its use in patients with pancreatic neoplasms. This study, organized by the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), aimed to develop consensus statements and clinical recommendations on the application of LAPS in these patients., Methods: An international panel of experts was selected based on their clinical and scientific expertise in laparoscopic and open pancreatic surgery. Each panelist performed a critical appraisal of the literature and prepared evidence-based statements assessed by other panelists during Delphi process. The statements were further discussed during a one-day face-to-face meeting followed by the second round of Delphi. Modified statements were presented at the plenary session of the 24th International Congress of the EAES in Amsterdam and in a web-based survey., Results: LAPS included laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD), enucleation, central pancreatectomy, and ultrasound. In general, LAPS was found to be safe, especially in experienced hands, and also advantageous over an open approach in terms of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative recovery, and quality of life. Eighty-five percent or higher proportion of responders agreed with the majority (69.5%) of statements. However, the evidence is predominantly based on retrospective case-control studies and systematic reviews of these studies, clearly affected by selection bias. Furthermore, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been published to date, although four RCTs are currently underway in Europe., Conclusions: LAPS is currently in its development and exploration stages, as defined by the international IDEAL framework for surgical innovation. LDP is feasible and safe, performed in many centers, while LPD is limited to few centers. RCTs and registry studies are essential to proceed with the assessment of LAPS.

Background: Recent literature suggests that chyle leak may complicate up to 10% of pancreatic resections. Treatment depends on its severity, which may include chylous ascites. No international consensus definition or grading system of chyle leak currently is available., Methods: The International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery, an international panel of pancreatic surgeons working in well-known, high-volume centers, reviewed the literature and worked together to establish a consensus on the definition and classification of chyle leak after pancreatic operation., Results: Chyle leak was defined as output of milky-colored fluid from a drain, drain site, or wound on or after postoperative day 3, with a triglyceride content ≥110 mg/dL (≥1.2 mmol/L). Three different grades of severity were defined according to the management needed: grade A, no specific intervention other than oral dietary restrictions; grade B, prolongation of hospital stay, nasoenteral nutrition with dietary restriction, total parenteral nutrition, octreotide, maintenance of surgical drains, or placement of new percutaneous drains; and grade C, need for other more invasive in-hospital treatment, intensive care unit admission, or mortality., Conclusion: This classification and grading system for chyle leak after pancreatic resection allows for comparison of outcomes between series. As with the other the International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery consensus statements, this classification should facilitate communication and evaluation of different approaches to the prevention and treatment of this complication., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: We compared surgical outcomes of LigaSure™ Small Jaw, which is a multifunctional thermal device that incorporates a tissue divider versus LigaSure Precise™ in thyroid surgery., Methods: A retrospective, single-center study was carried out in an acute-care teaching hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Between January 2008 and June 2015, consecutive patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy were included in the study. Surgical outcomes were operative time, length of skin incision, use of a suction drain, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay., Results: A total of 2000 patients were included (LigaSure™ Small Jaw, n = 1000; LigaSure Precise™, n = 1000). Demographics and indication for surgery were similar in both groups. A significant and independent shorter operative time (median 40 vs. 65 min, P = 0.002), smaller length of the skin incision (mean [SD] 4 [2] vs. 7 [3] cm, P = 0.031), lower percentages of patients with suction drain (15% vs. 66%, P = 0.012) and intraoperative bleeding (4% vs. 9%, P = 0.045) and reduced length of stay (median 1 vs. 3 days, P = 0.039) were found in the LigaSure™ Small Jaw than in the LigaSure Precise™. Postoperative complications including haematoma, hypoparathyroidism and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were similar., Conclusions: The LigaSure™ Small Jaw in thyroid surgery results in significant less blood loss and operative time as well as shorter hospital stay compared to LigaSure Precise™. These findings could have direct application in daily practice., (Copyright © 2016 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) after pancreatic surgery., Background: EPI is a common complication after pancreatic surgery but there is certain confusion about its frequency, optimal methods of diagnosis, and when and how to treat these patients., Methods: Eighteen multidisciplinary reviewers performed a systematic review on 10 predefined questions following the GRADE methodology. Six external expert referees reviewed the retrieved information. Members from Spanish Association of Pancreatology were invited to suggest modifications and voted for the quantification of agreement., Results: These guidelines analyze the definition of EPI after pancreatic surgery, (one question), its frequency after specific techniques and underlying disease (four questions), its clinical consequences (one question), diagnosis (one question), when and how to treat postsurgical EPI (two questions) and its impact on the quality of life (one question). Eleven statements answering those 10 questions were provided: one (9.1%) was rated as a strong recommendation according to GRADE, three (27.3%) as moderate and seven (63.6%) as weak. All statements had strong agreement., Conclusions: EPI is a frequent but under-recognized complication of pancreatic surgery. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the definition, diagnosis, and management of EPI after pancreatic surgery.

Background and Study Aims: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are well-recognized techniques for the study of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). However, little evidence exists on their impact on clinical care. The aim of this study is to determine how often EUS and EUS-FNA alter the diagnosis and management of patients with PCLs., Patients and Methods: Eight physicians expert in pancreatic diseases were asked to report their diagnoses and management recommendations for 49 different PCLs. Clinical information was sequentially disclosed in a stepwise manner - progressively from clinical data plus computed tomography or MRI (level 1), to EUS (level 2) and EUS-FNA results including cytology, carcinoembryonic antigen, and amylase levels (level 3)., Results: EUS led to a change in the diagnosis and management in 30% [95% confidence interval (CI): 26-35%] and 19% (95% CI: 16-23%) of cases, respectively, usually to a more intensive approach (14%; 95% CI: 11-18%). EUS-FNA altered the diagnosis and management in an additional 39% (95% CI: 34-44%) and 21% (95% CI: 17-25%) of the evaluations, respectively. EUS-FNA also increased the consensus in the diagnosis among the specialists that ranged from fair with computed tomography/MRI (κ-index=0.32) to substantial with EUS-FNA (κ-index=0.43)., Conclusion: EUS and EUS-FNA impact the diagnosis and management of patients with PCLs; therefore, both are necessary in the workup of these patients. EUS-FNA markedly improves the agreement between physicians in terms of diagnosis, but not management. This study highlights the need for more research and standardization in the field.

Background: In recent years, several publications have shown that new adhesives and sealants, like Tissucol(®), applied in thyroid space reduce local complications after thyroidectomies., Study Aims: To demonstrate the effectiveness of fibrin glue Tissucol(®) in reducing the post-operative hospital stay of patients operated on for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in which total thyroidectomy with central and unilateral node neck dissection was performed (due to the debit drains decrease), with consequent cost savings., Material and Methods: A prospective randomised study was conducted during the period between May 2009 and October 2013 on patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma with cervical nodal metastases, and subjected to elective surgery. Two groups were formed: one in which Tissucol(®) was used (case group) and another where it was not used (control group). Patients were operated on by surgeons specifically dedicated to endocrine surgical pathology, using the same surgical technique in all cases., Results: A total of 60 total thyroidectomies with lymph node dissection were performed, with 30 patients in the case group, and 30 patients in control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in most of the studied variables. However, the case group had a shorter hospital stay than the control group with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Implementation of Tissucol(®) has statistically and significantly reduced the hospital stay of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with neck dissection, which represents a significant reduction in hospital costs. This decrease in hospital stay has no influence on the occurrence of major complications related to the intervention., (Copyright © 2015 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.)

Background: Minimally invasive (MI) pancreatic surgery appears to be gaining popularity, but its implementation throughout Europe and the opinions regarding its use in pancreatic cancer patients are unknown., Methods: A 30-question survey was sent between June and December 2014 to pancreatic surgeons of the European Pancreatic Club, European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association and 5 European national pancreatic societies. Incomplete responses were excluded., Results: In total, 237 pancreatic surgeons responded. After excluding 34 incomplete responses, 203 responses from 27 European countries were included. 164 (81%) surgeons were employed at a university hospital, 184 (91%) performed advanced MI surgery and 148 (73%) performed MI distal pancreatectomy. MI pancreatoduodenectomy was performed by 42 (21%) surgeons, whereas 9 (4.4%) surgeons had performed more than 10 procedures. Robot-assisted MI pancreatic surgery was performed by 28 (14%) surgeons. 63 (31%) surgeons expected MI distal pancreatectomy for cancer to be inferior to open distal pancreatectomy concerning oncological outcomes. 151 (74%) surgeons expected to benefit from training in MI distal pancreatectomy and 149 (73%) were willing to participate in a randomized trial on this topic., Conclusions: MI distal pancreatectomy is a common procedure, although its use for cancer is still disputed. MI pancreatoduodenectomy is still an uncommon procedure. Specific training and a randomized trial regarding MI pancreatic cancer surgery are welcomed., (Copyright © 2015 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) for large pancreatic tumors may require prolonged dissection, and this could be associated with increased operative time and intraoperative complications., Methods: From a total cohort of 190 consecutive patients undergoing LDP, 18 patients were found to have pancreatic tumors >5 cm and were included in the retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Three techniques were used to approach the splenic vessels: the superior pancreatic, the inferior supracolic and post-pancreatic transection., Results: Of these 18 patients, 13 were women and 5 were men, the median age was 68 years and their median tumor size 7 cm. Exocrine pancreatic malignancy was diagnosed in 8 patients, 6 patients had neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors and 4 patients cystic neoplasm. The median number of resected nodes was 14. R1 resections for exocrine pancreatic malignancies were found in 50% of patients. Morbidity (grade >II) was found in 16.6% of patients and 30 days mortality in 1 patient. Overall median survival was 50 months and 29 months for patients with exocrine pancreatic malignancies., Conclusions: LDP for large tumors, while technically demanding, is possible without additional morbidity and did not compromise short- and long-term oncological outcomes., (© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Most surgeons have rapidly accepted the use of minimally invasive surgical approaches for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. The role of the endoscope in neck surgery is still being discussed due to its technical difficulty and complex patient selection criteria., Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted between April 2010 and April 2013. It included patients diagnosed with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (sPHPT) by locating a single adenoma using ultrasound and sestamibi scintigraphy imaging. All patients agreed to be included in the study. Experienced endocrine surgeons that had been trained in endocrine minimally invasive surgery performed the procedure. The same surgical technique was used in all of the cases. The demographic and clinical variables were evaluated. A descriptive analysis was performed on the data measuring mean, standard deviation, and range., Results: A total of 28 endoscopic lateral parathyroidectomies were performed. All patients were diagnosed with sporadic hyperparathyroidism sPHPT. The mean age was 68 years (59-89). No intraoperative complications were registered. Postoperative morbidity was comparable to that reported in the classical approach. A favourable outcome was observed in 27 of the 28 patients (96%) after a mean follow-up time of 22 (9 - 53) months., Conclusions: An endoscopic approach for hyperparathyroidism sPHPT is feasible and reproducible, and it obtains comparable results to the classical open surgery. Several factors make this technique suitable for highly specialised hospitals with a high patient volume and specialised endocrine surgery units., (Copyright © 2015 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Published by Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with gastric partition (PPPD-GP) seems to be associated to a better postoperative outcome than conventional pancreaticojejunostomy in the setting of a prospective-randomized study. The aim of this study is to further evaluate the surgical outcome in a series of 129 consecutive patients., Methods: Between 2007 and June 2013, 129 patients with periampullary tumors surgically treated with PPPD-GP were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical complications (Clavien-Dindo score), as well as pancreatic and non-pancreas related complications were analyzed., Results: Overall postoperative complication rate was 77%, although 50% of complications were graded I-II by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Incidence of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula was 18%: ISGFP type B: 12%, and type C: 6%. Other pancreas specific complications such as delayed gastric emptying and pospancreatectomy haemorrhage were 27 and 15%, respectively, similar to results published in the literature. Overall perioperative mortality rate was 4.6%., Conclusion: PPPD-GP results show that it is a technique with an acceptable morbidity, low mortality and pancreatic fistula rate similar to other techniques currently described of pancreaticoenteric reconstruction., (Copyright © 2015 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Pancreatic cancer surgery represents a challenge for surgeons due to its technical complexity, the potential complications that may appear, and ultimately because of its poor survival. The aim of this article is to summarize the scientific evidence regarding the surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer in order to help surgeons in the decision making process in the management of these patients .Here we will review such fundamental issues as the need for a biopsy before surgery, the type of pancreatic anastomosis leading to better results, and the need for placement of drains after pancreatic surgery will be discussed., (Copyright © 2014 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (Z-E) is characterized by gastrin-secreting tumors, responsible for causing refractory and recurrent peptic ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. The optimal approach and the extension of tumor resection remains the subject of debate., Methods: During the period February 2005 and February 2014, 6 patients with Z-E underwent surgery, 4 men and 2 women with a median age 46.8 years (22-61). Two patients were affected with multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 (MEN-1). Fasting gastrin levels greater than 200pg/ml (NV: <100) was diagnostic. Radiologic imaging to localize the lesion included octreoscan 6/6, computer tomography (CT) 6/6, and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) 1/6., Results: The octreoscan was positive in 5 patients. The CT localized the tumor in the pancreas in 2 patients, in the duodenum in 3 patients (1 confirmed by EUS) and between the common bile duct and vena cava in one patient. The laparoscopic approach was used in 4 patients, 2 patients converted to open surgery. The following surgical techniques were performed: 2 pylorus-preserving pancreatico-duodenectomy (PPPD), one spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, one duodenal nodular resection, 1 segmental duodenectomy and one extrapancreatic nodular resection. Pathological studies showed lymph nodes metástasis in 2 patients with pancreatic gastrinomas, and in one patient with duodenal gastrinoma. The median follow-up was 76,83 months (5-108) and all patients presented normal fasting gastrin levels., Conclusions: Surgery may offer a cure in patients with Z-E. The laparoscopic approach remains limited to selected cases., (Copyright © 2014 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Surgical complications in pancreas transplantation are associated with increased morbidity and graft loss. The purpose of our study was to determine the frequency of re-operation in early and late postoperative of pancreas transplantation and its impact in relation to graft survival, patient survival, and hospital mortality., Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 238 pancreas transplants performed from 2001 to 2011. We analyzed surgical complications that led to the early and late re-operations by type of transplantation and its relation to pancreas graft survival, patient survival, and hospital mortality., Results: We studied 61 re-operated patients (25.63%), 58 patients with early re-operation and 3 with late re-operation. The median of re-operations per patient was 1.48 (range, 1 to 5). Seventy-five surgical complications required 90 re-operations. The causes of early re-operations were bleeding (8.8%), pancreas graft thrombosis (6.3%), pancreatitis (2.9%), bowel obstruction (2.1%), leaks (2.1%), and evisceration (1.7%). The hospital mortality rate was 0.43%. Pancreas graft survival at 1 and 5 years is higher in the group of non-re-operated than in the re-operated group (98% vs 74% and 93% vs 57%; P = .0001). Patient survival at 1 year is slightly higher in the non-re-operated group, but with no significant differences (99% vs 97%), and at 5 years the patient survival in the non-re-operated group is higher than in the re-operated group (98% vs 91%; P = .011)., Conclusions: Surgical complications required re-operations that were associated with higher morbidity and lower pancreas graft and patient survival.

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy by 3 or 4 trocars is a well-established procedure. This report describes the initial experience with single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) using the transperitoneal approach for left adrenalectomy., Methods: Between April 2010 and January 2013, all consecutive patients with adrenal masses who agreed to undergo SILS adrenalectomy were included in a prospective study. The left 2.5 cm subcostal incision was the sole point of entry. Data of patients undergoing SILS adrenalectomy were compared with those from an uncontrolled group of patients undergoing conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy during the same study period., Results: There were 40 patients in each study group. SILS was successfully performed and none of the patients required conversion to an open procedure. In 1 case of SILS procedure, an additional lateral 5 mm port was needed for retraction of the kidney. The mean (SD) duration of the operation was 80 (20) minutes in the SILS group and 75 (8) minutes in the conventional laparoscopic adrenalectomy group (P=0.150). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Differences between the 2 study groups in postoperative pain, number of patients resuming oral intake within the first 24 hours, final pathologic diagnosis (Conn syndrome, Cushing adenomas, nonfunctioning adrenal tumors), and length of hospital stay were not observed., Conclusions: SILS left adrenalectomy is a technically feasible and safe procedure in carefully selected patients and seems to have results similar to a conventional approach in our initial comparison.

Purpose: To retrospectively assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous endovascular treatment in patients with pancreas venous graft thrombosis (PVGT)., Materials and Methods: Between 2001 and 2009, 206 pancreas transplants were performed at our institution. A retrospective review of pancreas graft recipients who underwent endovascular therapy for PVGT was performed. The study group included 17 patients (10 men, 7 women; mean age 38 years) with PVGT (<60 % [9 patients]; 30-60 % [8 patients]) 6.6 ± 5.7 days after grafting. The angiographic studies, type of endovascular procedure, endovascular procedural and postprocedural effectiveness, and patient and graft outcomes were assessed., Results: In 16 of 17 cases (94 %), significant (87.5 %) or partial (12.5 %) lysis of thrombi was achieved. One patient had external compression of the portal vein due to a hematoma, which hindered mechanical removal of the thrombi. This patient required graft pancreatectomy for extensive areas of parenchymal necrosis 2 days after the endovascular procedure. No complications related to endovascular treatment were observed. Postprocedural bleeding episodes related to anticoagulation were observed in five patients. Patient and pancreas graft survival rates at 12 months were 94 and 76 %, respectively., Conclusion: Catheter-directed thrombectomy is an effective treatment for patients with PVGT. Percutaneous thrombectomy, followed by anticoagulation, appears to be an effective therapy to remove the thrombus and is associated with a low complication rate.

Background: The lymph node (Ln) status of patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an important predictor of survival. The survival benefit of extended lymphadenectomy during pancreatectomy is, however, disputed, and there is no true definition of the optimal extent of the lymphadenectomy. The aim of this study was to formulate a definition for standard lymphadenectomy during pancreatectomy., Methods: During a consensus meeting of the International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery, pancreatic surgeons formulated a consensus statement based on available literature and their experience., Results: The nomenclature of the Japanese Pancreas Society was accepted by all participants. Extended lymphadenectomy during pancreatoduodenectomy with resection of Ln's along the left side of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and around the celiac trunk, splenic artery, or left gastric artery showed no survival benefit compared with a standard lymphadenectomy. No level I evidence was available on prognostic impact of positive para-aortic Ln's. Consensus was reached on selectively removing suspected Ln's outside the resection area for frozen section. No consensus was reached on continuing or terminating resection in cases where these nodes were positive., Conclusion: Extended lymphadenectomy cannot be recommended. Standard lymphadenectomy for pancreatoduodenectomy should strive to resect Ln stations no. 5, 6, 8a, 12b1, 12b2, 12c, 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 17a, and 17b. For cancers of the body and tail of the pancreas, removal of stations 10, 11, and 18 is standard. Furthermore, lymphadenectomy is important for adequate nodal staging. Both pancreatic resection in relatively fit patients or nonresectional palliative treatment were accepted as acceptable treatment in cases of positive Ln's outside the resection plane. This consensus statement could serve as a guide for surgeons and researchers in future directives and new clinical studies., (Copyright © 2014 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chronic pancreatitis lesions usually embrace both intraduct papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients at genetically-determined high risk of PDAC often harbor IPMN and/or chronic pancreatitis, suggesting IPMN, chronic pancreatitis and PDAC may share pathogenetic mechanisms. Chronic autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) may also herald PDAC. Concurrent IPMN and AIP have been reported in few patients. Here we describe two patients with IPMN who developed type-1 AIP fulfilling the Honolulu and Boston diagnostic criteria. AIP diffusively affected the whole pancreas, as well as peripancreatic lymph nodes and the gallbladder. Previous pancreatic resection of focal IPMN did not show features of AIP. One of the patients carried a CFTR class-I mutation. Of notice, serum IgG4 levels gradually decreased to normal values after IPMN excision. Common risk factors to IPMN and AIP may facilitate its coincidental generation., (Copyright © 2014 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Institut Georges Lopez-1 preservation solution (IGL-1) is an emerging extracellular-type electrolyte solution, low in viscosity, containing polyethylene glycol 35 as a colloid. Although IGL-1 has shown beneficial outcomes in kidney and liver preservation, this pilot study is the first to evaluate the efficacy of IGL-1 in pancreas transplantation (PT) compared with the University of Wisconsin solution (UW)., Methods: Sixteen Landrace pigs underwent allogeneic PT with 16 hr of cold ischemia. Grafts were preserved with IGL-1 (n=8) or UW (n=8). No immunosuppression was administered. We analyzed graft function, the acute-phase response, and oxidative stress in the pancreatic graft monitoring membrane fluidity and lipid peroxidation., Results: All eight grafts with IGL-1, but only six with UW, were functioning. Graft failures with UW resulted from graft thrombosis. There were no differences between the two solutions in the number of normoglycemic days (IGL-1: 11.5 ± 6.2 versus UW: 8.5 ± 4.4 days, P=0.1357), nor in lipid peroxidation during 16-hr cold ischemia (P=0.672), or reperfusion (P=0.185), but IGL-1 prevented changes in membrane fluidity after reperfusion when compared with UW (P=0.026)., Conclusion: IGL-1 offered the same degree of safety and effectiveness as UW in our model of pig PT with 16 hr of cold ischemia.

Somatostatin receptors (ssts) are expressed in thyroid cancer cells, but their biological significance is not well understood. The aim of this study was to assess ssts in well differentiated (WDTC) and poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) by means of imaging and molecular tools and its relationship with the efficacy of somatostatin analog treatment. Thirty-nine cases of thyroid carcinoma were evaluated (20 PDTC and 19 WDTC). Depreotide scintigraphy and mRNA levels of sst-subtypes, including the truncated variant sst5TMD4, were carried out. Depreotide scans were positive in the recurrent tumor in the neck in 6 of 11 (54%) PDTC, and in those with lung metastases in 5/11 cases (45.4%); sst5TMD4 was present in 18/20 (90%) of PDTC, being the most densely expressed sst-subtype, with a 20-fold increase in relation to sst2. In WDTC, sst2 was the most represented, while sst5TMD4 was not found; sst2 was significantly increased in PDTC in comparison to WDTC. Five depreotide positive PDTC received octreotide for 3-6 months in a pilot study with no changes in the size of the lesions in 3 of them, and a significant increase in the pulmonary and cervical lesions in the other 2. All PDTC patients treated with octreotide showed high expression of sst5TMD4. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that only sst5TMD4 discriminates between PDTC and WDTC. We conclude that sst5TMD4 is overexpressed in PDTC and may be involved in the lack of response to somatostatin analogue treatment.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic disease to disabling forms or serious complications. The management of CP frequently differs among geographical areas and even among centers. These differences are due to the scarcity of high-quality studies and clinical practice guidelines that focus on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The aim of the Spanish Pancreatic Club was to create evidence-based recommendations for the management of CP. Two coordinators chose a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts in this disease. These experts were selected on the basis of their clinical and research experience in CP. A list of questions was drawn up and each question was then reviewed by two panelists. These questions were then used to produce a draft, which was discussed in a face-to-face meeting with all the participants. Levels of evidence were based on the classification of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. In the second part of the consensus process, recommendations were established for the management of pain, pseudocysts, biliary and duodenal stenosis, pancreatic fistula and ascites, left portal hypertension, diabetes mellitus, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and nutritional support in CP., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. y AEEH y AEG. All rights reserved.)

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a relatively uncommon, complex and highly heterogeneous disease. There is no clear pattern applicable to the initial stages of CP, which hampers its early diagnosis. Some of the complications of CP, especially chronic pain, can be difficult to manage. There is wide variation in the diagnosis and treatment of CP and its complications among centers and health professionals. The Spanish Pancreatic Club has developed a consensus document on the management of CP. Two coordinators chose a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts in this disease. A list of questions was drawn up. Each question was reviewed by two experts. These questions were then used to produce a draft, which was discussed in a face-to-face meeting with all the participants. The first part of the consensus document focusses on the diagnosis of CP and its complications., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. y AEEH y AEG. All rights reserved.)

Background: Octreotide is generally administered based on the surgeon's interpretation of perceived risk for pancreatic fistula at the time of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD)., Methods: A single-institution, prospective randomized trial was conducted between April 2009 and December 2011 involving 62 PD patients who were randomized to receive octreotide (100 μg subcutaneously every 8 h; n = 32) or placebo (n = 30). Pancreatic juice output was measured after the operation using a catheter inserted into the pancreatic duct. Postoperative complications were recorded., Results: No significant differences in median output were found between the octreotide (82.5 ml) and placebo (77.5 ml) groups (P = 0.538). Median total output was significantly lower in patients with adenocarcinoma compared with those with periampullary tumours (P = 0.004) and in patients with a duct diameter of >5 mm compared with those with a duct diameter of <5 mm (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in overall morbidity between the octreotide and placebo groups (P = 0.819). Grade B pancreatic fistula (International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula) was observed in two and three patients in the octreotide and placebo groups, respectively., Conclusions: Morbidity did not differ significantly between the groups. This study did not demonstrate an inhibitory effect of octreotide on exocrine pancreatic secretion. Based on these results, the routine use of octreotide after PD cannot be recommended., (© 2012 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.)

Objective: To compare preservation with the division of the splenic vessels in the surgical management of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy., Design: Bicentric retrospective study., Setting: Prospectively maintained databases., Patients: Between January 1997 and January 2011, 140 patients who underwent laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for benign or lowgrade malignant tumors in the body/tail of the pancreas were included. Patients treated with the attempted splenic vessel preservation were compared with patients treated with the attempted division of the splenic vessels (Warshaw technique)., Main Outcome Measures: Operative outcomes and postoperative morbidity were evaluated., Results: The outcomes of 55 patients in the splenic vessel preservation group were compared with those of 85 patients in the Warshaw technique group. The clinical characteristics were similar in both groups, except for tumor size, which was significantly greater in the Warshaw technique group (33.6 vs. 42.5 mm; P=.001). The mean operative time, mean blood loss, and rate of conversion to the open procedure did not differ between the 2 groups. The rate of successful spleen preservation was significantly improved following the splenic vessel preservation technique (96.4% vs. 84.7%; P=.03). Complications related to the spleen only occurred in the Warshaw technique group (0% vs. 10.5%; P=.03), requiring a splenectomy in 4 patients (4.7%). The mean length of stay was shorter in the splenic vessel preservation group (8.2 vs. 10.5 days; P=.01)., Conclusions: The short-term benefits associated with the preservation of the splenic vessels should lead to an increased preference for this technique in selected patients undergoing laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy for benign or low-grade malignant tumors in the body/tail of the pancreas.

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a relatively uncommon, complex and heterogeneous disease. The absence of a gold standard applicable to the initial phases of CP makes its early diagnosis difficult. Some of its complications, particularly chronic pain, can be difficult to manage. There is much variability in the diagnosis and treatment of CP and its complications amongst centers and professionals. The Spanish Pancreatic Club has developed a consensus on the management of CP. Two coordinators chose a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts on this disease. A list of questions was drafted, and two experts reviewed each question. Then, a draft was produced and shared with the entire panel of experts and discussed in a face-to-face meeting. This first part of the consensus addresses the diagnosis of CP and its complications., (Copyright © 2012 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. This range comprises from asymptomatic patients to patients with disabling symptoms or complications. The management of CP is frequently different between geographic areas and even medical centers. This is due to the paucity of high quality studies and clinical practice guidelines regarding its diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the Spanish Pancreatic Club was to give current evidence-based recommendations for the management of CP. Two coordinators chose a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts on this disease. These experts were selected according to clinical and research experience in CP. A list of questions was made and two experts reviewed each question. A draft was later produced and discussed with the entire panel of experts in a face-to-face meeting. The level of evidence was based on the ratings given by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. In the second part of the consensus, recommendations were given regarding the management of pain, pseudocysts, duodenal and biliary stenosis, pancreatic fistula and ascites, left portal hypertension, diabetes mellitus, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and nutritional support in CP., (Copyright © 2012 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The most frequent complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy are analysed in this review. These include, delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic fistula, post-operative bleeding, and the complications after vascular reconstruction in the cases of locally extended pancreatic cancer. For this, randomised prospective studies, systematic meta-analyses and clinical guidelines on the definition, clinical severity grade and treatment of these complications have been evaluated., (Copyright © 2011 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Background: Non-functional endocrine pancreatic tumours (NPT) of more than 2 cm have an increased risk of malignancy. The aim of the present study was: (i) to define the guidelines for laparoscopic enucleation (LapEn) in patients with a non-functional NPT ≤3 cm in diameter; (ii) to evaluate pancreas-related complications; and (iii) to present the long-term outcome., Methods: Between April 1998 and September 2010, 30 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for a non-functional NPT (median age 56.5 years, range 44-83). Only 13 patients with tumours ≤3 cm in size underwent LapEn. Local lymph node dissection to exclude lymph node involvement was performed in all patients., Results: The median tumour size, operative time and blood loss were 2.8 cm (range 2.8-3), 130 min (range 90-280) and 220 ml (range 120-300), respectively. A pancreatic fistula occurred in five patients: International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) A in two patients and ISGPF B in three patients. The median follow-up was 48 months (12-144). Three patients with well-differentiated carcinoma are free of disease 2, 3 and 4 years after LapEn and a regional lymphadenectomy. One patient, 5 years after a LapEn, presented with lymph node and liver metastases., Conclusions: The present study confirms the technical feasibility and acceptable morbidity associated with LapEn. Intra-operative lymph node sampling and frozen-section examination should be performed at the time of LapEn; when a malignancy is confirmed, oncologically appropriate lymph node dissection should be performed., (© 2012 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.)

Background and Objectives: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are rare tumours of the exocrine pancreas. Although they can develop metastasis, the prognosis is good. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of these tumours attended in our hospital., Patients and Method: All cases of SPN in the database of the Pathology Department between 1991 and 2010 were included. Age, sex, symptoms, type of surgery, pathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics, and clinical evolution were analyzed., Results: Six cases were identified; all of them were women with a median age of 27.5 years. One patient presented haemoperitoneum, 2 abdominal pain and 3 were diagnosed incidentally. The most frequent localization was the pancreatic tail (n=4) and the median size was 7.7 cm. Four tumours were benign and 2 carcinomas. One of them had liver and lymph node metastases. Ki-67 proliferation index was low (1-3%). After a median follow-up of 33.5 months, all patients were alive and without evidence of relapse., Conclusion: SPNs occur in young women. In most cases surgical resection is curative. A low mitotic index confers a good prognosis and a long survival., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Background:   Regular follow-up and monitoring of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) is important as there is a risk of recurrence in both the non-invasive and invasive IPMN., Methods:   Three patients developed pancreatic remnant recurrence after a pancreatico-duodenectomy for IPMN. Pancreatico-gastrostomy anastomosis was performed in all patients. Long-term follow-up was performed with radiographical surveillance and by endoscopic gastroscopy., Results:   Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed in one patient, 2 years after surgery, a 3-cm mass at the site of the anastomosis and dilatation of the Wirsung duct >6 mm in two other patients (2 and 3 years after surgery, respectively). The diagnosis of recurrence was confirmed endoscopically by the presence of a large amount of mucin at the anastomotic site. Cytological examination revealed moderate dysplasia. Opacification of the Wirsung duct after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was only possible in one patient in whom an irregular stenosis of the duct was observed., Conclusions:   Long-term follow-up of the pancreatic remnant after pancreato-duodenectomy for IPMN is better achieved with pancreatico-gastrostomy anastomosis., (© 2011 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.)

Background: Efforts to identify novel therapeutic options for human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have failed to result in a clear improvement in patient survival to date. Pancreatic cancer requires efficient therapies that must be designed and assayed in preclinical models with improved predictor ability. Among the available preclinical models, the orthotopic approach fits with this expectation, but its use is still occasional., Methods: An in vivo platform of 11 orthotopic tumor xenografts has been generated by direct implantation of fresh surgical material. In addition, a frozen tumorgraft bank has been created, ensuring future model recovery and tumor tissue availability., Results: Tissue microarray studies allow showing a high degree of original histology preservation and maintenance of protein expression patterns through passages. The models display stable growth kinetics and characteristic metastatic behavior. Moreover, the molecular diversity may facilitate the identification of tumor subtypes and comparison of drug responses that complement or confirm information obtained with other preclinical models., Conclusions: This panel represents a useful preclinical tool for testing new agents and treatment protocols and for further exploration of the biological basis of drug responses.

Background and Objective: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a premalignant lesion of the pancreas. Its natural history is not well known. We evaluated the characteristics and predictor factors of malignancy of IPMN., Patients and Method: A retrospective analysis was performed in 88 patients diagnosed with IPMN between January 1997 and December 2008. The diagnosis was done by abdominal computed tomography (CT), pancreatic-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Gender, age, symptoms, origin, location, CA 19.9 serum levels, size of tumours and nodules by imaging techniques, type of surgery, malignancy and survival were evaluated. Nine pre-surgical variables were selected, and univariate and multivariate analysis to identify independent prognostic factors of malignancy were performed., Results: The mean age was 64 years and 53% were men. 39% of tumours were incidental. 50% had their origin on the main pancreatic duct, 37% on collateral branchs and 13% were multifocal. 68% patients were operated: 42% had malignant neoplasms (32% carcinoma in situ and 68% invasive). Twelve patients died (1 benign, 1 in situ and 10 invasive). Univariate and multivariate analysis identified the symptoms and the tumour size (≥ 22 mm [median of our serie] and ≥ 30 mm [size accepted in literature]) as independent predictor factors of malignancy., Conclusions: Many IPMN are incidental findings. The presence of symptoms and size of the tumour are independent prognostic factors of malignancy and they should be considered to decide therapeutic actions., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Background/purpose: In the majority of reports morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy remains high and leakage from the pancreatic stump still accounts for the majority of surgical complications. Many technical modifications of the pancreaticoenteric anastomosis to decrease the pancreatic leakage rate have been suggested., Methods: A Medline search for surgical guidelines, prospective randomized controlled trials, systematic meta-analyses, and clinical results was performed with regard to technical aspects of reconstruction, i.e., pancreaticojejunostomy versus pancreaticogastrostomy, after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Here we illustrate the different approaches to reconstruction, with an emphasis on technical aspects and their details., Conclusions: Pancreaticojejunostomy appears to be the most widely performed reconstruction, but pancreaticogastrostomy is a reasonable alternative. However, in the analysis of the clinical results it is important to know which specific pancreaticoenteric anastomosis is considered; for example, end-to-end, dunking, invagination of the pancreatic stump, or duct-to-mucosa. It is hoped that collaborative trials will provide high-level data to allow tailoring of the operative technique, depending on the risk factors for pancreatic leakage in any particular patient., (© 2011 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.)

The definitive surgical management of periampullary tumors is a challenging endeavor. This article reviews the available data on the efficacy of various methods of pancreaticoenteric reconstruction designed for the prevention of pancreatic fistula (PF). A literature search of the Medline database was used to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) with pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A total of two metaanalyses and four prospective RCTs were identified. Individual RCTs comparing PJ and PG allow the surgeons participating in the trial to choose technical modifications of one particular technique. As a result, there is no universal agreement as to whether one particular variation is safer and less prone to PF than the others. In addition, the majority of RCTs failed to stratify patient risk of PF. Further studies are therefore necessary to define the optimal technique of pancreatic reconstruction after PD conducted in high-volume centers by high-volume surgeons.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of metabolic control and beta-cell function in the long-term follow-up of patients with type-1 diabetes (T1D) who have undergone pancreas and kidney transplantation (PKTx)., Patients and Methods:   Twelve patients (eight males/four females) with normal pancreas and kidney graft function for more than 15 yr were included. Patient age at the time of transplantation was 35.8 ± 6.9, with a duration of diabetes of 19.0 ± 4.6 yr and time on dialysis of 18.7 ± 12.4 months. In all the cases, bladder derivation was performed to drain exocrine secretion, with subsequent conversion to the intestinal tract in 42% of the patients. The functional evaluation was made at one, five, 10, and 15 yr after PKTx determining: glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), measuring insulinemia, and anti-GAD antibody., Results:   Comparing the results between one and 15 yr after transplantation: (i) no differences were observed in either HbA1c (4.68% vs. 4.76%) or basal glycemia (71 vs. 79 mg/dL), but an increase was seen in the area under the curve (AUC) of glucose (11,983 vs. 15,875 mg/dL/120', p = 0.02); (ii) a trend to a reduction in basal insulinemia (24 vs. 15 mU/L, p = 0.11) and a trend to a reduction in the AUC of insulinemia (8446 vs. 7057 mU/L/120', p = 0.22) were observed. The OGTT was normal in six patients, intolerant in two and diabetic in four patients. No variations were seen in insulin resistance (FIRI, QUICKI). Anti-GAD antibody became positive in one case., Conclusions:   The results of this study demonstrate that pancreas transplantation has long-term functional viability, being an essential strategy for the treatment of patients with T1D with end-stage renal failure. Nevertheless, lesser response to OGTT can be expected suggesting certain deterioration in the functional capability of the pancreas graft during follow-up., (© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Introduction: Cystic neoplasms (CN) of the pancreas represent 10% of cystic lesions and 1% of pancreatic tumors. Mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), serous cystadenoma (SC) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) are cystic neoplasms and represent more than 90% of these types of lesion. Few series have been published on these lesions, especially in Spain., Aim: To evaluate the incidence, characteristics and survival of patients with cystic neoplasms attended in our hospital in the last 12 years., Patients and Method: A retrospective analysis was carried out in all patients diagnosed with CN between January 1997 and December 2008. Diagnosis was made by abdominal computed tomography, pancreatic-magnetic resonance imaging and/or endoscopic ultrasonography. Sex, age, year of diagnosis, symptoms, tumoral location and size, type of surgery, pathology, and survival were evaluated., Results: A total of 117 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 63±14 years and 56% were women. Eighty-eight patients had IPMN, 21 had SC and eight had MCN. Fifty-six per cent were diagnosed in the last 4 years, 42.7% were diagnosed as an incidental finding and 19% had a history of acute pancreatitis. The most frequent location was the pancreatic head (53%). The mean imaging size was 32mm. Surgical resection was performed in 69.2% of the patients. Twenty-three percent of the tumors were malignant, 30% were carcinoma in situ and 70% were invasive. Thirteen percent of the patients died; of these 93.3% had invasive carcinoma. Five-year survival was 94.7% in SC, 76% in IPMN and 60% in MCN., Conclusions: CN were mainly identified as incidental findings, although acute pancreatitis is another possible cause. The most frequent tumor in our environment is IPMN. Surgical treatment of IPMN and MCN, at the right moment, may be useful to prevent the development of pancreatic carcinoma., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Pancreatic cancer has the poorest prognosis of any common gastrointestinal malignancy, with a 5-year overall survival of less than 5%. A better knowledge of prognostic factors related to this neoplasia might help improve the survival of these patients. We evaluated the prognostic significance of different factors in both overall survival and tumor recurrence in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who had undergone pancreatic resection with curative intent., Patients and Method: All patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma submitted to surgical resection in our unit from January 1995 to February 2005 were evaluated. Twenty-three pre-surgical, therapeutic, and histopathologic variables were analyzed. Univariate (Kaplan-Meier, log-rank test) and multivariate (Cox regression) analyses were performed to select independent prognostic factors., Results: Ninety-four patients were evaluated. The median age of patients was 63 years and 53% were woman. The probability of overall survival was 63% at 1 year, 18% at 3 years, and 8% at 5 years, with a median survival of 18 months. Univariate analysis identified performance of adjuvant therapy, histologic grade, percentage of involved-resected lymph nodes, pathologic N stage, and pathologic TNM stage as variables associated with overall survival. On the other hand, the probability of tumor recurrence was 52% at 1 year, 83% at 3 years, and 91% at 5 years, with a median time to tumor recurrence of 12 months. Predictive variables of tumor recurrence in the univariate analysis were preoperative N stage, preoperative TNM stage, postoperative CA 19.9 serum concentration, histological grade, percentage of involved-resected lymph nodes, pathologic N stage and pathologic TNM stage. Multivariate analysis identified histological grade and pathologic N stage as independent predictive factors of both overall survival (histologic grade: HR=2.341 [CI 95%, 1.342-4.098; p=0.003]; pathologic N stage: HR=2.242 [1.213-4.149; p=0.01]) and tumor recurrence (histological grade: HR=1.742 [CI 95%, 1.121-3.086; p=0.05]; pathologic N stage: HR=2.096 [1.089-4.032; p=0.027])., Conclusions: The histological grade and pathologic N stage predict the prognosis of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma after surgical resection.

Objective: To compare the results of postoperative morbidity rate of a new pancreatogastrostomy technique, pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) with gastric partition (PPPD-GP) with the conventional technique of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ)., Summary and Background Data: Pancreatojejunostomy and pancreatogastrostomy (PG) are the commonly preferred methods of anastomosis after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). All randomized controlled trials failed to show advantage of a particular technique, suggesting that both PJ and PG provide equally results. However, postoperative morbidity remains high. The best technique in pancreatic anastomosis is still debated., Method: Described here is a new technique, PPPD-GP; in this technique the gastroepiploic arcade is preserved. Gastric partition was performed using 2 endo-Gia staplers along the greater curvature of the stomach, 3 cm from the border. This gastric segment, 10 to 12 cm in length is placed in close proximity to the cut edge of the pancreatic stump. An end-to-side, duct-to-mucosa anastomosis (with pancreatic duct stent) is constructed. One hundred eight patients undergoing PPPD for benign and malignant diseases of the pancreatic head and the periampullary region were randomized to receive PG (PPPD-GP) or end-to-side PJ (PPPD-PJ)., Results: The two treatment groups showed no differences in preoperative parameters and intraoperative factors. The overall postoperative complications were 23% after PPPD-GP and 44% after PPPD-PJ (P < 0.01). The incidence of pancreatic fistula was 4% after PPPD-GP and 18% after PPPD-PJ (P < 0.01). The mean + SD hospital stay was 12 +/- 2 days after PPPD-GP and 16 +/- 3 days after PPPD-PJ., Conclusions: This study shows that PPPD-GP can be performed safely and is associated with less complication than PPPD-PJ. The advantage of this technique over other PG techniques is that the anastomosis is outside the area of the stomach where the contents empty into the jejunum, but pancreatic juice drains directly into the stomach.