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Background/aims Several prediction models for evaluating the prognosis of nonmetastatic resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been developed, and their performances were reported to be superior to that of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. We developed a prediction model to evaluate the prognosis of resected PDAC and externally validated it with data from a nationwide Korean database. Methods Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were utilized for model development, and data from the Korea Tumor Registry System-Biliary Pancreas (KOTUS-BP) database were used for external validation. Potential candidate variables for model development were age, sex, histologic differentiation, tumor location, adjuvant chemotherapy, and the AJCC 8th staging system T and N stages. For external validation, the concordance index (C-index) and time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were evaluated. Results Between 2004 and 2016, data from 9,624 patients were utilized for model development, and data from 3,282 patients were used for external validation. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, age, sex, tumor location, T and N stages, histologic differentiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for resected PDAC. After an exhaustive search and 10-fold cross validation, the best model was finally developed, which included all prognostic variables. The C-index, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year time-dependent AUCs were 0.628, 0.650, 0.665, 0.675, and 0.686, respectively. Conclusions The survival prediction model for resected PDAC could provide quantitative survival probabilities with reliable performance. External validation studies with other nationwide databases are needed to evaluate the performance of this model.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the recurrence factors of choledocholithiasis after common bile duct (CBD) exploration.From January 2000 to December 2018, we retrospectively reviewed 253 patients who underwent CBD exploration surgery. We excluded 100 cases who had residual stone, combined major surgery, or follow-up loss after surgery. Total of 153 patients were included, and we investigated the recurrence factors of choledocholithiasis. Various variables such as patients' demographics, gallstones, preoperative endoscopic treatment, and laboratory data were analyzed to find factors related to recurrent choledocholithiasis.The median follow-up period was 20.6 months (range 4.7-219 months), and 27 patients (17.6%) had experienced recurrent choledocholithiasis. Univariate analysis showed that the following variables were associated with recurrence of choledocholithiasis; preoperative leukocytosis (white blood cell ≥ 11,000/µL), open procedure, T tube insertion, long hospital duration, and long operation time. Logistic regression multivariate analysis identified preoperative leukocytosis (odds ratio [OR], 3.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-9.73;Because of delayed recurrence of choledocholithiasis, it is recommended to continue follow-up of patients after CBD exploration surgery. Laparoscopic surgery was observed to be associated with a reduction in recurrence. The preoperative leukocytosis and clinical conditions in which open surgery is performed could be associated with recurrence of choledocholithiasis. However, further study is necessary to validate the result.

Background Early diagnosis is paramount in increasing the survival rate of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, effective early diagnostic tools are lacking at present. The current study aimed to develop a prediction model using a multi-marker panel (LRG1, TTR, and CA19-9) as a diagnostic screening tool for PDAC. Methods A large multi-center cohort of 1,991 samples were collected from January 2011 to September 2019, of which 609 are normal (NL), 145 are other cancer (OC; colorectal, thyroid, and breast cancer), 314 are pancreatic benign disease (PB), and 923 are PDAC. The automated multi-biomarker Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit was developed using three potential biomarkers, LRG1, TTR, and CA 19 − 9. Using a logistic regression (LR) model trained on training data set, the predicted values for PDACs were obtained, and the result was classified into one of the three risk groups: low, intermediate, and high. The five covariates used to create the model were sex, age, and biomarkers TTR, CA 19 − 9, and LRG1. Results Participants were categorized into four groups as NL (n = 609, 30.6%), OC (n = 145, 7.3%), PB (n = 314, 15.7%), and PDAC (n = 923, 46.4%). The NL, OC, and PB groups were clubbed into the non-PDAC group (n = 1068, 53.6%). The positive and negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity were 94.12, 90.40, 93.81, and 90.86, respectively. Conclusions This study demonstrates a significant diagnostic performance of the multi-marker panel in distinguishing PDAC from normal and benign pancreatic disease states, as well as patients with other cancers. The study indicates that the introduced multi-marker panel prediction model for PDAC diagnosis can help guide medical decisions for patients, including patients with early stage PDAC or with normal levels of CA 19 − 9.

Backgrounds/aims The purpose of this study was to investigate attitudes regarding the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol of hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgeons in Korea and the extent to which they use the protocol for perioperative management. Methods An online survey was conducted among members of the Korean Association of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery (KAHBPS) for eight weeks beginning on August 2019. The questionnaire, which was written in Korean, was based on the latest ERAS guidelines. Total responses were collected from 127 surgeons. Results Of the 127 total respondents, the largest proportion (44.9%) were working in Seoul. In terms of established in-hospital clinical pathways (CP), 19.7% of the participating surgeons had and followed a CP in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and 21.3% in hepatectomy. Regarding the ERAS protocol for each surgery, four items (18.2%) regarding PD and seven items (35.0%) related to hepatectomy were followed by more than 50% of respondents. Conclusions ERAS guidelines are one of the consensuses for better recovery in perioperative management of patients undergoing major surgeries and encompass the overall process of patient recovery including patient education, pain control, physiologic balance, and perioperative nutrition. A novel project is needed to successfully implement an evidence-based enhanced recovery strategy.

Purpose To compare survival outcomes between bile duct segmental resection (BDR) and pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for the treatment of middle and distal bile duct cancer. Methods From 1997 to 2013, a total of 96 patients who underwent curative intent surgery for middle and distal bile duct cancer were identified. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the type of operation; 20 patients were included in the BDR group and 76 patients were in the PD group. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes. Results The number of lymph nodes (LNs) was significantly greater in patients within the PD group compared to the BDR group. The total number of LNs was 6.5 ± 8.2 vs. 11.2 ± 8.2 (P = 0.017) and the number of metastatic LNs was 0.4 ± 0.9 vs. 1.0 ± 1.5 (P = 0.021), respectively. After a median follow-up period of 24 months (range, 4-169 months), the recurrence-free survival of the PD group was superior to that of the BDR group (P = 0.035). In the patients with LN metastases, the patients undergoing PD had significantly better survival than the BDR group (P < 0.001). Conclusion Surgeons should be cautious in deciding to perform BDR for middle and distal common bile duct cancer. PD is recommended if LN metastases are suspected.

Introduction Gallstone disease is common morbidity in elderly (age ≥ 65 years old). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is increasingly performed in an ever elderly. However, there are no clarified standards for treatment for asymptomatic cholelithiasis in elderly. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes of elderly with those of younger populations and to suggest an appropriate age for preventive cholecystectomy before the risk increases. Methods In a prospective Korea Cholecystectomy Quality Improvement Program cohort including 18 institutions from October 2016 to March 2017, 2,610 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease were enrolled. Various characteristics, preoperative findings, operative findings were compared between two groups (age < 65 years old versus age ≥ 65 years old). Results Increasing age was significantly associated with increased rates of overall complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.79, CI 95%: 1.45-2.20), major complication (OR: 1.64, CI 95%: 1.35-2.08), risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy (OR: 2.00, CI 95%: 1.76-2.28), and was significantly associated with increased length of stay (MD: 2.56 days, CI 95%: 1.24-3.42). Differences in mortality and bile duct injury were non-significant. And most appropriate age that postoperative risk increases is 71 years old (AUC 0.74). Conclusions Postoperative outcomes such as overall and major complications appear to be significantly higher in elderly. Even with asymptomatic cholelithiasis, if the size is more than 1 cm, it is better to recommend surgery before the patient's age reaches 71.

Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place within 30 days and a significant portion of healthcare-associated infections. Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is a major surgery associated with a relatively high incidence of SSI. The aim of this study is to investigate risk factors of SSI after distal pancreatectomy. Methods In total, 159 patients who underwent DP from January 2002 to December 2019 were identified and included in this study. We retrospectively collected clinical data based on the medical records of the patients. The risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 14 patients (8.8%) developed SSI after DP. Four patient (2.5%) experienced deep incisional SSI and 10 patient (6.3%) had organ space SSI. Male sex was associated with SSI. Hypertension and combined surgery were associated with organ space SSI in univariate analysis. Male sex and hypertension were significant risk factor of organ space SSI in multivariate analysis (p = 0.040, p = 0.032, respectively). Male sex and combined surgery were associated with overall complication (p = 0.039, p = 0.026, respectively). However, age, body mass index, diabetes, diagnosis, type of antibiotics administered, laparoscopic surgery, and spleen preservation were not associated with SSI. Conclusions Male sex, hypertension, and other concomitant organ resections were statistically associated with SSI. The type of prophylactic antibiotics used was not related to SSI. Organ space SSI is associated with significant complications and the effort to reduce SSI is important.

PURPOSE Recently, the number of elderly patients has increased due to a longer life expectancy. Among these elderly patients, more octogenarians will be diagnosed with major hepatobiliary pancreatic (HBP) diseases. Therefore, we need to evaluate the safety and risk factors of major HBP surgery in patients older than 80 years. METHODS From January 2000 to April 2015, patients who underwent major HBP surgery were identified. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their age at the time of surgery: Group O (≥80 years) and group Y (

Purpose: Single-incision laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (SIL-DP) has recently been attempted in the treatment of left-sided benign neoplasms of the pancreas. This study was conducted to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of SIL-DP compared with conventional laparoscopic DP (CL-DP). Methods: Patients who received laparoscopic DP from a single surgeon for benign pancreatic neoplasm from January 2012 to January 2014 were included. The patients were divided into two groups, SIL-DP and CL-DP. We used four trocars for CL-DP and a custom-made glove port for SIL-DP and analyzed the conversion cases separately. Perioperative outcomes were compared between types of surgery. Results: SIL-DP was attempted in 13 patients, five of whom required conversion to CL-DP or dual-incision surgery. CL-DP was attempted in 27 patients and all were successful without open conversion. The spleen was preserved in all patients who underwent SIL-DP without conversion, in four of five (80%) in the conversion group, and 21 (78%) of those who underwent CL-DP. The complication rate was 13% in the SIL-DP-only group, 60% in the conversion group, and 19% in the CL-DP group. The operation time, estimated blood loss, numeric pain intensity score, and hospital duration were similar in the SIL-DP and CL-DP groups. Conclusion: SIL-DP was associated with a moderate need for an additional port, and the complication rate was high in the conversion group. Our findings indicate that SIL-DP should be attempted carefully. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long term follow-up outcomes of SIL-DP.

Several studies have reported short-term results for post-cholecystectomy symptoms and quality of life (QoL). However, reports on long-term results are still limited. This study aimed to identify risk factors affecting short- and long-term patient-reported outcome (PRO) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.From 2016 to 2017, a total of 476 patients from 5 institutions were enrolled. PRO was examined using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score and the Gastrointestinal (GI) QoL Index questionnaire at postoperative 1 month and 1 year.Most of patients recovered well at postoperative 1 year compared to postoperative 1 month for the NRS pain score, QoL score, and GI symptoms. A high operative difficulty score (HR 1.740, P = .031) and pathology of acute or complicated cholecystitis (HR 1.524, P = .048) were identified as independent risk factors for high NRS pain scores at postoperative 1 month. Similarly, female sex (HR 1.571, P = .003) at postoperative 1 month and postoperative complications (HR 5.567, P = .001) at postoperative 1 year were independent risk factors for a low QoL. Also, age above 50 (HR 1.842, P = .001), female sex (HR 1.531, P = .006), and preoperative gallbladder drainage (HR 3.086, P = .001) were identified as independent risk factors for GI symptoms at postoperative 1 month.Most patients showed improved long-term PRO measurement in terms of pain, QoL, and GI symptoms. There were no independent risk factors for long-term postoperative pain and GI symptoms. However, postoperative complications were identified to affect QoL adversely at postoperative 1 year. Careful and long-term follow up is thus necessary for patients who experienced postoperative complications.

Phenotype transition of mesothelial cells, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is one of the early mechanisms of peritoneal fibrosis, which is mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multiprotein oligomer that promotes the maturation of IL-1β and IL-18. Paricalcitol is reported to exert an anti-inflammatory effect; however, there are no studies as to whether paricalcitol modulates the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. We investigated the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in peritoneal EMT with an exploration of the effect of paricalcitol on oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome, and EMT of mesothelial cells. TGF-β1-induced EMT in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) was associated with an up-regulation of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and procaspase-1, with an increased production of IL-1β and IL-18, which was ameliorated by small interfering (si)NLRP3, siASC, caspase inhibitors, or neutralizing antibodies for IL-1β and IL-18. TGF-β1 enhanced reactive oxygen species generation with an increase in NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity and mitochondrial NOX4 production. Paricalcitol alleviated TGF-β1-induced EMT and the NLRP3 inflammasome, which was associated with a down-regulation of NOX activity by interfering with p47phox and p22phox interaction and mitochondrial NOX4 production in HPMCs. Taken together, paricalcitol ameliorated EMT of HPMCs via modulating an NOX-dependent increase in the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome. Paricalcitol could be a novel approach to protect the peritoneum from the development of EMT and peritoneal fibrosis.-Ko, J., Kang, H.-J., Kim, D.-A., Ryu, E.-S., Yu, M., Lee, H., Lee, H. K., Ryu, H.-M., Park, S.-H., Kim, Y.-L., Kang, D.-H. Paricalcitol attenuates TGF-β1-induced phenotype transition of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) via modulation of oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome.

To compare outcomes from radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hepatectomy for treatment of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).From January 2000 to December 2009, 408 patients underwent curative intent treatment for CRLM. We excluded patients using the criteria: size of CRLM3 cm, number of CRLM ≥ 5, percutaneous RFA, follow-up period12 mo, double primary cancer, or treatment with both RFA and hepatectomy. We matched 51 patients who underwent RFA with 102 patients who underwent hepatectomy by propensity scores.The median follow-up period was 45 mo (range, 12 mo to 158 mo). Hepatic recurrence was more frequent in the RFA than the hepatectomy group (P = 0.021) although extrahepatic recurrence curves were similar (P = 0.716). Survival curves of hepatectomy group were better than that of RFA for multiple, large (2 cm) CRLM (P = 0.034). However, survival curves were similar for single or small (≤ 2 cm) CRLM (P = 0.714, P = 0.740).Hepatectomy is better than RFA for the treatment of CRLM. However, RFA might be suitable for selected patients with single, small (≤ 2 cm) CRLM.

Objectives : Most previous studies that have investigated single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) are case series with limited sample sizes. We have reviewed the outcome of 500 consecutive cases of SILC performed by a single surgeon at our center. Materials and Methods : From April 2009 to October 2012, a single surgeon performed 1250 laparoscopic cholecystectomies for various gallbladder (GB) diseases. SILC was chosen as the surgical modality unless there was evidence of acute cholecystitis or GB empyema, the patient had a prior history of upper abdominal surgery, endoscopic sphincterotomy, or had comorbidities with an ASA score of III or higher. The clinicopathologic features and perioperative data of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results : The mean age and BMI of included patients were 42.7 years and 23.6 kg/m 2 , respectively. The mean operating time was 52 min. Patients stayed in the hospital for an average of 1.3 days postoperatively. In 55 patients, an additional 2 mm trocar was inserted for retraction of the GB. One patient was converted to an open cholecystectomy because of Mirizzi syndrome. There were no observed complications including incisional hernias in this patient population. Conclusions : SILC is a safe, effective procedure for cholecystectomy that may be considered the main surgical strategy in select patients.

Purpose The pathways of lymphatic metastases differ according to the tumor location in pancreatic cancer patients. However, it is unclear whether extended lymph node dissection (LND) is essential for all left-sided pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the survival outcomes according to the extent of LND and tumor location in patients with left-sided pancreatic cancer. Methods January 2005 to December 2013, we retrospectively identified 107 patients who underwent curative intent surgery for left-sided pancreatic cancer. The left-sided pancreatic cancer was defined as a tumor located in pancreatic body or tail. The extent of LND was divided into 2 groups: extended LND and peripancreatic LND. The extended LND group included celiac and superior mesenteric LNs. Results We included 107 patients with left-sided pancreatic cancer; 59 patients with pancreatic body cancer and 48 patients with pancreatic tail cancer. The median follow-up period was 17 months (range, 3-110 months). Fifty patients with pancreatic body cancer and 30 patients with pancreatic tail cancer underwent extended LND. In patients with pancreatic body cancer, extended LND was associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.010) and overall survival (P = 0.014). However, extended LND was not associated with DFS in patients with pancreatic tail cancer. Conclusion Extended LND could improve survival in patients with pancreatic body cancer. However, extended LND had no survival benefit for the treatment of pancreatic tail cancer.

AIM: To investigate the survival outcomes of secondary hepatectomy for recurrent colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). METHODS: From October 1994 to December 2009, patients with CRLM who underwent surgical treatment with curative intent were investigated. Patients were divided into two groups: patients who underwent primary hepatectomy (Group 1) and those who underwent secondary hepatectomy for recurrent CRLM (Group 2). RESULTS: Survival and prognostic factors were analyzed. A total of 461 patients were included: 406 patients in Group 1 and 55 patients in Group 2. After a median 39-mo (range, 3-195 mo) follow-up, there was a significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 in terms of disease-free survival (P = 0.029) although there was no significant difference in overall survival (P = 0.206). Secondary hepatectomy was less effective in patients with multiple recurrent CRLM than primary hepatectomy for initial CRLM (P = 0.008). Multiple CRLM and radiofrequency ablation therapy were poor prognostic factors of secondary hepatectomy in multivariate Cox regression analysis (P = 0.006, P = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: Secondary hepatectomy for single recurrent CRLM is as effective as primary surgical treatment for single recurrent CRLM. However, secondary hepatectomy for multiple recurrent CRLM is less effective than that for single recurrent CRLM.

Purpose Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) has variable malignant potential ranging from premalignant intraductal lesions to malignant neoplasms with invasive carcinoma. To help physicians managing patients with IPMN, International consensus guidelines was made in 2006 and revised in 2012. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of guidelines and to validate. Methods From October 1996 to December 2011, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 230 patients who underwent pancreatic resection for IPMN. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify significant predictors of malignancy in IPMN. Results Of the 230 patients, 62 patients (27%) were diagnosed with invasive carcinoma. Jaundice (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.086–40.010) main pancreatic duct diameter equal to or greater than 10 mm (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.723–6.673) and also abdominal pain (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 4.363–22.600) show statistical significance in univariate and multivariate analysis. "High-risk stigmata" was statistical powerful predictors of malignancy than "worrisome features". International consensus guidelines 2012 had improvement on specificity but deterioration of sensitivity. Conclusion Revised guidelines seemed to bring about an improvement of weak side of Sendai criteria. Abdominal pain, jaundice, main pancreas duct greater than 10 mm can be clinical variables to predict malignancy.

Backgrounds/Aims: Metastatic cancer of pancreas is rarely resectable. Pancreaticoduodenectomy carries high risks of morbidities and mortalities that it is rarely performed for metastatic cancer. In this study, the clinical features and outcomes of metastatic cancer of pancreas after pancreaticoduodenectomy were reviewed and analyzed. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent pancreaticoduodectomy from January 2000 to December 2012 in Samsung Medical Center. A total of 1045 patients were enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria were patients who had metachronous lesions with tumors histologically confirmed as metastatic cancer. However, patients with tumors directly invaded pancreas head, bile duct, and duodenum were excluded from this study. Finally, a total of 12 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy due to metastatic cancer were used in this study. Clinicopathologic features and perioperative data of these 12 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The 12 patients included 6 females and 6 males who had metastatic lesions at pancreas head, duodenum 2nd-3rd portion, and distal common bile duct. The mean age of patients was 62.7 years old at the time of pancreaticoduodenectomy. The interval between the time of the first operation for primary cancer and pancreaticoduodenectomy was 67.7 months. The mean survival time after pancreaticoduodectomy was 38.6 months (range, 12 to 119 months). There was no fatal complication after the surgery. Conclusions: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is becoming a safer procedure with less complication compared to the past. Patients with recurrent metastatic cancer should be considered for metastectomy if tumors are resectable. Pancreaticoduodenectomy should be considered as one main treatment for patients with recurrent metastatic cancer to offer a chance of long-term survival in selected patients.

Purpose: Synchronous colorectal cancer is clinically significant because there is a chance to miss concurrent lesions. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features of synchronous colorectal cancer. Methods: Retrospectively, the records of 4,494 colorectal cancer patients who underwent a potentially curative resection for colorectal cancer from September 1994 to December 2005 were reviewed. Synchronous colorectal cancer was defined according to the following two criteria: 1) two or more colorectal cancers had to be found simultaneously in the same patient and 2) each of the tumors had to be distinctly separated by an intact bowel wall. Results: Synchronous colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 114 patients (2.5%). Synchronous colorectal cancer shows different features compared with single colorectal cancer. Synchronous colorectal cancer occurs at a older age, occurs more frequently in the colon, has a bigger size, and has more polyps. There was no difference of stage based on survival rate between synchronous and single colorectal cancer patients. The preoperative diagnosis rate of synchronous colorectal cancer was 74.6%. Eleven (9.6%) synchronous colorectal cancer patients underwent a total colectomy, and there were no significant differences in survival or complications compared with the other group. Conclusion: Synchronous colorectal cancer is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Early postoperative examination for synchronous colorectal cancer is required, especially in patients who did not have a complete preoperative evaluation.