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Among the criteria used to diagnose metabolic syndrome (MS), obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) are associated with poor postoperative outcomes following colectomy. MS is also associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and diverticulosis, both of which may be treated with colectomy. However, the effect of MS on postoperative outcomes following laparoscopic colectomy has yet to be clarified. In an academic tertiary hospital, data from all consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy from 2005 to 2014 were prospectively recorded and analysed. Patients presenting with MS [defined by the presence of three or more of the following criteria: elevated blood pressure, body mass index > 28 kg/m2, dyslipidemia (decreased serum HDL cholesterol, increased serum triglycerides) and increased fasting glucose/DM] were compared with patients without MS regarding peri-operative outcome [mainly anastomotic leaks, severe postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo III and IV)] and mortality. Overall, 1236 patients were included: 508 (41.1%) right colectomies and 728 (58.9%) left colectomies. Seven hundred seventy-two (62.4%) of these procedures were performed for CRC. MS was diagnosed in 85 (6.9%) patients, who were significantly older than the others (70 vs. 64.2 years, p

In the absence of randomized controlled data and even propensity-matched data, indications for, and outcomes of, laparoscopic repeat liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain uncertain. This study aimed to clarify the current indications for laparoscopic repeat liver resection for HCC, and to evaluate outcomes.Forty-two liver surgery centres around the world registered patients who underwent repeat liver resection for HCC. Patient characteristics, preoperative liver function, tumour characteristics, surgical method, and short- and long-term outcomes were recorded.Analyses showed that the laparoscopic procedure was generally used in patients with relatively poor performance status and liver function, but favourable tumour characteristics. Intraoperative blood loss (mean(s.d.) 254(551) versus 748(1128) ml; P 0·001), duration of operation (248(156) versus 285(167) min; P 0·001), morbidity (12·7 versus 18·1 per cent; P = 0·006) and duration of postoperative hospital stay (10·1(14·3) versus 11·8(11·8) days; P = 0·013) were significantly reduced for laparoscopic compared with open procedures, whereas survival time was comparable (median 10·04 versus 8·94 years; P = 0·297). Propensity score matching showed that laparoscopic repeat liver resection for HCC resulted in less intraoperative blood loss (268(730) versus 497(784) ml; P = 0·001) and a longer operation time (272(187) versus 232(129); P = 0·007) than the open approach, and similar survival time (12·55 versus 8·94 years; P = 0·086).Laparoscopic repeat liver resection is feasible in selected patients with recurrent HCC.Dado que no existen ensayos clínicos controlados ni estudios de datos emparejados por puntaje de propensión, todavía hay dudas sobre las indicaciones y los resultados de la resección iterativa laparocópica de un carcinoma hepatocelular (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo esclarecer las indicaciones actuales y los resultados de la resección hepática laparoscópica iterativa del HCC. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron los pacientes de 42 centros de cirugía hepática a nivel mundial en los que se había realizado una resección hepática iterativa por HCC. Se analizaron las características del paciente, la función hepática preoperatoria, las características del tumor, el abordaje quirúrgico y los resultados a corto y largo plazo.El análisis demostró que la vía laparoscópica generalmente se utilizaba en pacientes con carácteristicas tumorales favorables, pero con estado funcional y función hepatica relativamente peores. La pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria (254,3 ± 551,2 versus 748,0 ± 1127,7 mL, P 0,001), la duración de la intervención (247,6 ± 155,8 versus 285,1 ± 167,0 minutos, P 0,001), la morbilidad (12,7 versus 18,1%, P = 0,005) y la estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria (10,07 ± 14,29 versus 11,80 ± 11,79 días, P = 0,010) fueron significativamente menores para los pacientes tratados por via laparoscópica en comparacion con la vía abierta, mientra que el tiempo de supervivencia fue comparable (mediana 10,04 versus 8,94 años, P = 0,297). El estudio de emparejamiento por puntaje de propensión mostró que la resección hepática iterativa por vía laparoscópica de un HCC (frente a la vía abierta) conllevaba una menor pérdida sanguínea intraoperatoria (268,0 ± 730,2 versus 496,5 ± 784,2 mL, P = 0,01), una mayor duración de la intervención (272,1 ± 187,2 versus 231,8 ± 129,1 minutos , P = 0,07) y un tiempo de supervivencia similar (mediana 12,55 versus 8,94 años, P = 0,0855). CONCLUSIÓN: La resección hepática iterativa por vía laparoscópica es factible en pacientes seleccionados con HCC recidivado.

The sequential FOLFOX7–FOLFIRI combination is not superior to FOLFOX4 in colorectal cancer patients with resectable metastases. Patients with synchronous metastases preferably received perioperative chemotherapy, while patients with metachronous metastases were given postoperative chemotherapy in preference. We observed the highest long-term survival rates ever reported in this setting. Background Perioperative FOLFOX4 (oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin) chemotherapy is the current standard in patients with resectable metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to determine whether a sequential chemotherapy with dose-dense oxaliplatin (FOLFOX7) and irinotecan (FOLFIRI; irinotecan plus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin) is superior to FOLFOX4. The chemotherapy timing was not imposed, and was perioperative or postoperative. Patients and methods In this open-label, phase III trial, patients with resectable or resected metastases were randomly assigned either to 12 cycles of FOLFOX4 (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2) or 6 cycles of FOLFOX7 (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2) followed by 6 cycles of FOLFIRI (irinotecan 180 mg/m2). Randomization was done centrally, with stratification by chemotherapy timing, type of local treatment (surgery versus radiofrequency ablation with/without surgery), and Fong's prognostic score. The primary end point was 2-year disease-free survival (DFS). Results A total of 284 patients were randomized, 142 in each treatment group. Chemotherapy was perioperative in 168 (59.2%) patients and postoperative in 116 (40.8%) patients. Perioperative chemotherapy was preferentially proposed for synchronous metastases, whereas postoperative chemotherapy was more frequently used for metachronous metastases. Two-year DFS was 48.5% in the FOLFOX4 group and 50.0% in the FOLFOX7–FOLFIRI group. In the multivariable analysis, more than one metastasis [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.15] and synchronous metastases (HR = 1.63) were independent prognostic factors for shorter DFS. Five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 69.5% with FOLFOX4 versus 66.6% with FOLFOX7–FOLFIRI. Conclusions FOLFOX7–FOLFIRI is not superior to FOLFOX4 in patients with resectable metastatic CRC. Five-year OS rates observed in both groups are the highest ever reported in this setting, possibly reflecting the pragmatic approach to chemotherapy timing. Clinical trials number NCT00268398.

Background The benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for early-stage oesophageal cancer is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess whether NCT improves the outcome of patients with stage I or II disease. Methods Data were collected from 30 European centres from 2000 to 2010. Patients who received NCT for stage I or II oesophageal cancer were compared with patients who underwent primary surgery with regard to postoperative morbidity, mortality, and overall and disease-free survival. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics. Results Of 1173 patients recruited (181 NCT, 992 primary surgery), 651 (55·5 per cent) had clinical stage I disease and 522 (44·5 per cent) had stage II disease. Comparisons of the NCT and primary surgery groups in the matched population (181 patients in each group) revealed in-hospital mortality rates of 4·4 and 5·5 per cent respectively (P = 0·660), R0 resection rates of 91·7 and 86·7 per cent (P = 0·338), 5-year overall survival rates of 47·7 and 38·6 per cent (hazard ratio (HR) 0·68, 95 per cent c.i. 0·49 to 0·93; P = 0·016), and 5-year disease-free survival rates of 44·9 and 36·1 per cent (HR 0·68, 0·50 to 0·93; P = 0·017). Conclusion NCT was associated with better overall and disease-free survival in patients with stage I or II oesophageal cancer, without increasing postoperative morbidity.

Despite staging laparoscopy (SL) with peritoneal lavage is recommended in US Guidelines in patients with potentially resectable gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, this procedure is not systematically proposed in French Guidelines. Therefore, we decided to analyze the results of systematic SL in patients considered for preoperative chemotherapy. From 2005 to 2011, 116 consecutive patients with distal esophagus, esogastric junction, and gastric adenocarcinoma ≥T3 or N+ without detectable metastatic dissemination by computed tomography (CT) scan imaging underwent SL before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Positive and negative SLs were compared according to tumor characteristics. SL was positive in 15 cases (12.9%) including 14 with peritoneal seeding (localized in five, diffuse in nine). SL was positive in 7 (24.1%) of 29 patients with poorly differentiated tumor, in 9 (32.1%) of 28 patients with signet ring cells, in 7 (50%) of 14 patients with gastric linitis tumor, and in 15 (16.3%) of 92 patients with T3 or T4 tumor. All the lesions of distal esophagus extending to the cardia had a negative SL. Among the 14 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis at SL, nine (65%) had signs of peritoneal seeding on initial CT scan. One (0.8%) patient had a small bowel perforation closed laparoscopically. If systematic SL before preoperative chemotherapy does not seem justified because of its low accuracy, it should be performed in patients with poorly differentiated tumor, signet ring cell, and gastric linitis plastica components on biopsy and when CT scan is suggestive of T4 tumor, ascites, or peritoneal nodule.

We report a case of a mucinous cystadenoma of the pancreas communicating with the main pancreatic duct. To our knowledge, this is the first case in which a communication between the mucinous cystadenoma and the main pancreatic duct could be demonstrated by MRI.

Intraabdominal cystic lymphangioma occurs rarely, and lymphangioma of the diaphragm has not been previously reported in the literature. The authors herein report the clinical features, radiographic findings, and treatment of one encountered case of lymphangioma of the diaphragm.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the place of pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) in reducing pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy. From January 1988 to June 1991, 32 consecutive patients (mean age, 57 years) were operated on, 25 for malignant disease (78%). The pancreatic remnant was normal in 17 patients (53%) and sclerotic in the others. There was one operative death (3.1%) unrelated to PG. Post-operative complications occurred in five patients (16%). Only two complications were related to PG: 1 patient had anastomotic intra-gastric bleeding and was reoperated on, 1 patient with a normal pancreatic remnant developed a pancreatic fistula (3.1%) treated conservatively.Reported series of PG, as well as our results, demonstrates that PG is associated with a dramatic decrease of both pancreatic fistula and mortality rates. The risk of anastomotic haemorrhage can be reduced by preventative ligation of submucosal gastric vessels.In conclusion, PG appears as a simple and reliable method of management of the pancreatic remnant after pancreatoduodenectomy.

A case of ruptured middle saccular aneurysm arising from basilar artery fenestration is reported. Defects of the medial wall at the junctures of the fenestrated segments explain the association between vertebrobasilar aneurysms and basilar artery fenestration. A 47 year-old woman had a perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Immediate angiography revealed a ventral vertebrobasilar aneurysm and an endovascular coil occlusion was performed. Embryological development, pathogenesis and therapeutic difficulties are discussed.

Advances in laparoscopic techniques, refinements of instruments and growth of practical experience in liver surgery during the last decade have prompted some surgeons to develop the laparoscopic approach for hepatic metastases of colorectal cancer (MCRC).Primary end points of this clinical study were safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic hepatectomy for MCRC, including early postoperative results and long-term outcomes (overall survival and disease-free survival).Retrospective analysis of data (clinicopathologic, operative, perioperative ad late results) collected in a prospective database.Between January 1997 and December 2004, 37 non-consecutive (selected) patients underwent curative laparoscopic hepatic resection (n = 42) for MCRC at Montsouris Institut of Paris. Resection was considered when all liver metastases can be totally removed with clear margins, and in absence of nonresectable extrahepatic diseases. Among them were 24 males and 13 females with average ages of 63.4 years (range, 42-78).Metastases were metachronous in 18, multiple in 21, bilateral in 12, and5 cm in diameter in 30. There were 21 major hepatectomies (n = 3 Couinaud's segments or more), 4 anatomical minor resections, and 12 wedge resections. Mean operative time was 324 +/- 105 mins. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 6 patients (16%), due to massive intractable bleeding in 3 patients, multiples adhesions in 1 patient, technical reasons (location of the lesion) in 1 patient, and for presence of localized carcinosis in 1 patient. Portal triad clamping was performed in 6 patients. Mean operative blood loss was 797 +/- 645 ml, and transfusions were required in 4 patients (11%). Clear resection margins (5 mm) were observed in 94%. Postoperative mortality was nil. The overall morbidity rate was 35%, with 2 early reoperations due to hemorrhage and postoperative ileus. Overall and disease free survival at 36 months were 87% and 55%, respectively. Five patients who had a recurrence of metastatic liver disease were referred to a second laparoscopic resection.This clinical study suggests that laparoscopic liver surgery for metastatic colorectal cancer can be accomplished safely, in selected patients and by experienced surgeons, with good early results and without detrimental consequences on survival.

Insertion of a mesh in treatment of incisional hernias reduces the risk of recurrence. A single prospective randomized trial have compared laparoscopic and open approach: there were less postoperative complications and fewer recurrences in the laparoscopic group. Aim of this prospective trial was to control these results.From January 2000 to May 2005, 51 consecutive incisional hernias were operated on by a laparoscopic approach. Incisional hernia was single in 41 and double in 5. It was median in 41 and lateral in 10. Previous hernia repair was noticed in 33.3%. Main criteria was recurrence. We have considered whether one of the following criteria was associated with the risk of recurrence: sex, obesity, previous repair, pre and preoperative sizes of the hernia, uni or multi orificial aspect of the hernia, median or lateral location, mesh size, ratio mesh surface/hernia surface. Others were postoperative mortality and morbidity, duration of hospitalisation and occurrence of late events.At 2 years all patients were followed. Follow up achieved 3 years in 23 cases and 4 years in 9. Recurrence was observed in 7 (13.7%). None predictive factor was disclosed. No death occurred. Median postoperative pain score at D1, D2 and D3 was respectively 3.1+/-1.9, 2.9+/-2.3 and 2.3+/-2.1. Mean postoperative stay was 4.1+/-1.9 days. Seven postoperative complications occurred, al benign. During follow-up 18 events were noticed and of these 8 were chronic abdominal pain.This technique could be employed for every type of incisional hernia but peristomial hernias (not assessed in this study) and every patient. Technical improvements ought to be find to reduce recurrence rate.

To analyze a unicentric series of 100 consecutive elective laparoscopic colon resections for diverticular disease and to evaluate in intention to treat the early- and middle-term postoperative results.From February 1993 to March 1998, 100 colon resections for complicated diverticular disease were performed through laparoscopy with systematic mobilization of the splenic flexure and resection of the rectosigmoid junction. The colorectal anastomosis was stapled or manual without proximal stoma. In 53 females and 47 males (mean age 60.4 years), indications for surgery were: one or more attacks of acute diverticulitis (n = 70), abscess (n = 17), symptomatic stenosis (n = 8), colovesical fistula (n = 4) and diverticular bleeding (n = 1).Mortality was nil. The conversion rate was 9%, never for anesthetic reasons. The mean operating time was 226 +/- 68 min. There was no splenic or ureteral injury. The morbidity at 30 days was 19% with fistulae rate accounting for 2%, 2 patients were reoperated on. The median time for passage of flatus was 3 days and median length of hospital stay was 7 days. Late morbidity was 10%, one patient complained of retrograde ejaculation.This study demonstrates that laparoscopy is a safe alternative to laparotomy for elective one-stage colectomy for complicated diverticular disease.

The aims of the study were to evaluate the evolution of laparoscopic surgery during the past decade in terms of variations in the quality (complexity) of the procedures performed and of modifications in patient outcome.A retrospective analysis was performed of 3022 consecutive patients undergoing 99 different laparoscopic procedures at a center specialized in laparoscopic abdominal surgery. All the procedures were classified according to three classes of complexity. Results relating to the first 1511 patients were compared to those of the last 1511 patients.In the second group, medium- to high-class complexity procedures significantly increased, conversion rate was higher only for straightforward procedures, duration of low- to medium-class complexity procedures decreased, only the rate of slight complications increased, and mean postoperative hospital stay was longer. Frequency of conversion in medium- to high-class complexity procedures and severe complications was not different in the two periods.The quality of laparoscopic surgery has improved during the past decade, with no increase in the frequency of conversion or of major complications.

Anorexia nervosa and psychogen vomiting are psychiatric eating disorders characterized by unexplained weight loss and induced vomiting. These diagnoses require absence of somatic disease. Achalasia is a primary disorder of the esophagus that can be responsible for the same symptoms. This may occult the real diagnosis, especially as dysphagia is not constant and variable in time. We report four cases of achalasia mistakenly diagnosed and treated as anorexia nervosa or psychogen vomiting. Achalasia was unrecognized because specific symptoms, such as dysphagia, were overlooked or misinterpreted by the patients' physicians and psychiatrists, or by the patients themselves. In patients with such eating disorders considered to be psychiatric, physicians should inquire about signs suggestive of achalasia. The diagnosis of achalasia is suspected by imaging and endoscopy, and confirmed or ruled out by manometry.

To evaluate the indications, feasibility and results of laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones without biliary drainage.Between 1992 and 1999, laparoscopic procedures were performed in 70 consecutive patients, mean age 60 +/- 15 years (range: 18-82). Stone removal was attempted via the cystic duct (n=25) or choledocotomy (n=45). The emptiness of the common bile duct was checked by intraoperative cholangiography or endoscopy. After choledocotomy, closure was performed by interrupted or non-interrupted suture with slowly resorbable thread. Transcystic drainage was used whenever necessary.Nine conversions to laparotomy were necessary (12.8%). Among the 61 patients who had an exclusively laparoscopic procedure, 21 were treated via the transcystic route and 40 through choledocotomy. Biliary endoscopy was possible in only 10 of the 21 patients (47.6%) treated via the transcystic route and in all with choledocotomy. No biliary drainage was used in 16 of the 21 patients treated via the transcystic route and in 39 of the 40 treated through choledocotomy. The 30-day mortality was 1/61 (1.6%). Morbidity was 9.8% and 2 patients underwent a second laparoscopic procedure (one fistula on a choledocotomy suture, one hemoperitoneum of unknown origin). An endoscopic sphincterotomy for residual stone was necessary in 4 patients (4/61, 6.5%), 2 after choledocotomy for an unrecognized stone without biliary drainage.These results confirm the feasibility of laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones and suggest it can be performed without biliary drainage in most cases.

Intraductal papillary-mucinous tumors of the pancreas are characterized by malignant transformation of unpredictable occurrence because of their unknown natural history. Surgical treatment is duodenopancreatectomy or left pancreatectomy even for benign tumors. We report 2 cases of benign intraductal papillary-mucinous tumor confined to the head of the pancreas and treated by enucleation.

We report a case of heterotopic pancreas located in the gastric antrum. The cystic formation contained mucus. Tumoral markers in the cyst fluid were within the range pancreatic cystic mucinous tumors. Pathology examination of the resected specimen did not evidence any proliferative lesions but showed papillary hyperplasia probably due to duct occlusion.

In the curative treatment of the adenocarcinoma of the cardia (AC), the extent of the esogastrectomy and the need for lymph node dissection are still debated. The palliative treatment of AC is now currently non-surgical. The aim of this study was (a): to assess early results of palliative surgery; and (b) to evaluate the results of curative resection with reference to the influence of the extent of gastrectomy and lymph node dissection on early results and long-term survival. Methods. From 1979 to 1989, 179 patients (mean age = 60 +/- 12 years) with AC had 45 palliative resections (mean age = 56 +/- 15) and 134 curative resections (mean age = 61 +/- 12). Thirty-eight proximal subtotal esogastrectomy (PSOG) and 7 total esogastrectomy (TOG) were palliative; 72 PSOG and 62 TOG extended to the spleen were curative and associated with lymphadenectomy.The operative mortality rate was 8.9% regardless of the palliative or curative intent of resection. After palliative resection, the mortality rate was 2.6% (1/38) after PSOG and 42.9% (3/7) after OGT = (p = 0.01); the median survival was 8 months. After curative resection, the mortality rate was 12.5% (9/72) after PSOG and 4.8% (3/62) after extended TOG (p = 0.2); actuarial 5-year survival rate was 42% after PSOG and 39% after extended TOG.These results suggests that: (a) palliative PSOG for AC can be performed with a low mortality; and (b) resection with extensive lymphadenectomy allows substantial survival regardless of the extent of gastrectomy.

Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas are rare and characterised by a malignant potential. Their natural history is unknown. We report a case of intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas, that was still benign although the first symptom was appeared 30 years before the diagnosis. This case report demonstrate the possible slow course of these tumors, for which malignant degeneration is unpredictable.

To determine to what extent segmental colectomy could be avoided in patients with polyps though to be endoscopically unresectable by using combination laparoscopy and endoscopy.Sixty-five patients referred for colonic polyps though to be unresectably by conventional endoscopy were studied. After analysis of the endoscopic findings, endoscopy was performed in a medicosurgical unit when possible, otherwise a surgical procedure was performed consisting of laparoscopy followed by colonoscopy. Therapeutic strategy depended on laparoscopic and endoscopic findings.Segmental colectomy was avoided in 44 patients (67.7%). Among them, 20 were treated by simple endoscopic polyp removal, 12 by laparoscopy-assisted colonoscopic polypectomy, 9 by laparoscopic wedge colonic resection and 3 by colotomy after colonic exteriorization and polyp resection. Laparoscopic or laparoscopy-assisted segmental colectomy was performed in 16. Segmental colectomy by laparotomy was necessary in 5. No complication occurred.Segmental colectomy for unresectable colonic polyps could be avoided in more than half of the patients using laparoscopy and colonoscopy combinations.

We report the case of a young girl with diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis due to pseudopapillary and solid tumor of the pancreas. Fourteen months before the diagnosis and treatment of the tumor, an abdominal trauma occurred. Initial treatment was tumor and visible peritoneal carcinomatosis resection. Eight months later, relapse of peritoneal carcinomatosis occurred and the patient was reoperated. All macroscopic lesions were removed. Thirty-seven months after first laparotomy, the patient was well but abdominal ultrasound led to suspicion of hepatic metastasis. Among 17 published cases of metastatic pseudopapillary and solid tumor of the pancreas (including 6 cases with peritoneal carcinomatosis), trauma was described in 11 cases (including 3 cases with peritoneal carcinomatosis). Pseudopapillary and solid tumor of the pancreas may spread outside the pancreas, particularly in peritoneal cavity. Metastatic spread may be promoted by trauma, including tumor biopsies which should never be performed.

In the curative treatment of the adenocarcinoma of the cardia (AC), the extent of the esogastrectomy and the need for lymph node dissection are still debated. The palliative treatment of AC is now currently non-surgical. The aim of this study was: a) to assess early results of palliative surgery; b) to evaluate the results of curative resection with reference to the influence of the extent of gastrectomy and lymph node dissection on early results and long-term survival.From 1979 to 1989, 179 patients (mean age = 60 +/- 12 years) with AC had 45 palliative resections (mean age = 56 +/- 15) and 134 curative resections (mean age = 61 +/- 12). Thirty-eight proximal subtotal esogastrectomies (PSOG) and 7 total esogastrectomies (TOG) were palliative; 72 PSOG and 62 TOG extended to the spleen were curative and associated with lymphadenectomy.The operative mortality rate was 8.9% regardless of the palliative or curative intent of resection. After palliative resection, the mortality rate was 2.6% (1 case out of 38) after PSOG and 42.9% (3 cases out of 7) after OGT (P = 0.01); the median survival was 8 months. After curative resection, the mortality rate was 12.5% (9 cases out of 72) after PSOG and 4.8% (3 cases out of 62) after extended TOG (P = 0.2); actuarial 5-year survival rate was 42% after PSOG and 39% after extended TOG.These results suggest that: a) palliative PSOG for AC can be performed with a low mortality; b) resection with extensive lymphadenectomy allows substantial survival regardless of the extent of gastrectomy.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) was compared to ultrasonography (US) and CT scan (CT) in order to evaluate its role in the diagnosis and the locoregional spread assessment of pancreatic cancer. Sixty-four patients suspected of pancreatic cancer were studied prospectively, and the results of imaging techniques were compared to histology and surgical exploration. There were 49 cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 11 of pancreatitis, 2 of common bile duct carcinoma, 1 lymphoma and 1 hepatocellular carcinoma with peripancreatic metastatic lymph nodes. EUS was significantly more accurate (91%) than CT (66%) and US (64%) for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. EUS was able to image all 7 cancers less than 25 mm in diameter, US and CT only one. There were 4 false positives with EUS which were all cases of pseudotumorous pancreatitis. For detecting lymph node involvement, EUS was significantly more sensitive (62%) and accurate (74%) than US (8% and 37%) and CT (19% and 42%), respectively. Invaded lymph nodes adjacent to large tumors and micrometastatic involvement were responsible for this lack of sensitivity. EUS was significantly more sensitive (100%) than CT (71%) and US (17%) for detecting venous involvement. The specificity of EUS was lower (67%) because of duodenal bulb stenosis and large tumors. In conclusion, this prospective and comparative study confirms that EUS is an accurate tool for diagnosis and locoregional spread assessment of pancreatic cancer when performed in a reference center. EUS is of particular interest for small tumours. However, EUS does not enable differentiation of pseudotumorous pancreatitis from adenocarcinoma.

The combination of cancers of the esophagus and of the ENT region has been extensively studied. Strangely enough, only a few cases of associated cancers of the esophagus and of the lung are reported in the literature. The authors report about 38 cases, including 21 with synchronous tumors and 17 with metachronous tumors. The bronchial cancer has always been discovered on systematic search during pre- or postoperative checkups in patients with cancers of the esophagus. Conversely, this search does not seem to have been made in patients with lung cancer: the cancer of the esophagus was always revealed by dysphagia. Double exeresis was performed in 19 patients (50%). There was no postoperative death. The duration and quality of survival were markedly better than in non-operated patients.

Carcinoma is one of the most severe complications of oesophageal diverticula. Its incidence varies from almost zero to 4 percent. The authors report 4 cases of carcinoma arising in a pharyngo-oesophageal diverticulum and 2 cases involving a diverticulum of the oesophageal body. In this disease, the diagnosis is often delayed, which may be the reason for the low long-term survival rate. The risk of carcinoma is another justification for resection of the pharyngooesophageal diverticulum. The post-surgical morbidity of the oesophageal body diverticula is an obstacle to systematic resection of these lesions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pain relief related to resection of the celiac plexus in pancreatic carcinoma. This technique was attempted in 26 consecutive patients and performed in 23 (feasibility: 88%), whose mean age was 64 years. Before surgery, patients were divided into two groups: patients not treated by narcotic analgesics (group 1, n = 10) and patients treated by narcotic analgesics (group II, n = 13). Surgery was indicated in 22 patients for pancreatic resection or by-pass, and in 1 patient for pain relief after an unsuccessful per-cutaneous celiac plexus block. Resection of the celiac plexus was always performed via a trans-peritoneal approach, after mobilization of the head of the pancreas and the duodenum. Only the right half of the celiac plexus was resected in 4 patients (17%) due to technical difficulties. Pathologic examination was performed in 16 patients (8 patients from each group) and neoplastic involvement was observed only in 3 patients of group II. There was no operative death. Two complications related to this method occurred (9%). One patient developed a chylous ascites and was treated conservatively. In a second patient, an occlusion of the celiac trunk was complicated by infarction of the spleen and of the left lobe of the liver; this patient was reoperated and his subsequent post-operative course was uneventful. In group I, eight patients (80%) did not require narcotic analgesics after resection of the celiac plexus. Two failures occurred, one immediately after surgery and one delayed. In group II, seven patients (53%) did not require narcotic analgesics; 6 of these 7 patients died. Six failures occurred, 4 early after surgery and 2 delayed. Three of the 4 early failures occurred in patients who underwent resection of the right half of the celiac plexus. The authors concluded that resection of the celiac plexus seems to be an effective pain treatment in pancreatic carcinoma. However, resection must be bilateral to provide analgesia. Specific morbidity of this technique may lead to the use of non-surgical methods if surgery is not indicated for pancreatic resection or by-pass.

Fifty patients were reoperated for failed antireflux procedures or post-fundoplication symptoms. Cases of severe esophagitis, that is stenosis or Barrett's esophagus, were excluded. The usual cause of failure was a technical error. All of the operations, a new fundoplication in 35 cases and a total duodenal diversion in 15 cases, were performed via an abdominal incision. Operative mortality was nil. After a 42 months follow-up, according to the patient, the clinical results were good or excellent in 93% of the cases. The objective results-fibroscopy, pHmanometry, X-Ray were normal in 86%.

Total duodenal diversion (TDD) was performed in 19 patients with severe post-gastric surgery symptoms. Previous operations were truncal vagotomy associated with pyloroplasty or antrectomy (n = 6), proximal esophagogastrectomy (n = 8) or total gastrectomy (n = 5). Technical adjustments to the standard procedure (truncal vagotomy, antrectomy and gastrojejunal anastomosis using a 70 cm Roux-en-Y loop) were required. There were no postoperative deaths, no anastomotic leakage or anastomotic ulceration. The main symptoms were eliminated, and endoscopic gastritis and esophagitis healed in all patients. Heartburn and bilious vomiting ceased in all patients, but in five out of 14 patients with a residual stomach some symptoms persisted. TDD proved a safe and effective treatment of disabling symptoms following gastric surgery.

Between 1976 and 1988, we treated 13 perforations of the thoracic esophagus, excluding ruptured carcinoma and intraoperative wounds, by mechanical sutures without exclusion. The delay between perforation and treatment ranged from eight to 168 hours, more than 24 hours in 11. The length of perforation was 0.5 to 15.0 centimeters. Suture was covered with a flap in ten instances; an antireflux procedure was associated with five instances. No digestive ostomies were performed. There was one death; a patient who was comatose upon arrival. The results of this small series suggest that myotomy exposing the mucosa and a flap are two essential elements of the technique; perforations of less than 6 centimeters, even when seen late, may be treated by primary surgical closure.

Between January 1988 and February 1991, 27 patients underwent pancreaticogastrostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy. The mean age of the patient was 57 years and 18 of them were male. Pancreatic disease was malignant in 21 patients (78%) and benign in 6 patients. The pancreatic remnant was normal in 15 patients (56%) and fibrotic in 12 patients. There was one operative death (3.7%) unrelated to the pancreaticogastrostomy. Only two complications (7.5%) were related to pancreaticogastrostomy: one patient had intra-gastric bleeding and was reoperated, one patient developed a pancreatic leak (3.7%) which healed without reoperation. The authors conclude that pancreaticogastrostomy in the preferred method of management of the pancreatic remnant after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of surgical indications in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP) and to compare long term results after medical (n = 72) and surgical (n = 150) treatment with or without pancreatic resection. Since 1968, a retrospective study was carried out on 222 consecutive male patient. 68% of them, were operated on for unrelieved pain or complications at a mean of 5 years after the onset of the symptom. The mean follow-up was 10 years. The study of evolution of the indications and results of surgical treatment was made on two consecutive ten-year periods and showed that 68% of pancreaticoduodenectomies and 55% of distal pancreatectomies (DP) were performed during the first period. Indications for primary pancreaticoduodenectomy did not decrease since 1980, while those of distal pancreatectomy (DP) changed (no DP for acute pancreatic effusion with fistula before 1980, no DP for unrelieved pain after 1980). Ten patients underwent operative drainage of pseudocysts before 1980 versus 21 after 1980 (13% vs 29%) with no operative death. Twenty patients underwent biliary and/or intestinal and/or ductal drainage during the first period versus 22 during the second (25% vs 30%). The overall 12-year actuarial survival between operated and non operated patients was no significantly different (respectively 72% +/- 10% and 64% +/- 12%). The actuarial 10-year survival rate was significantly better after DP (73% versus 53% after drainage and 28% after pancreaticoduodenectomy). No patients underwent specific pancreatic reoperation after pancreaticoduodenectomy versus 25% after DP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Endoscopic transrectal ultrasonography (EUS) is performed with an ultrasonic transducer (7.5 mHz or 12 mHz) situated in the tip of a side viewing endoscope. Its accuracy to assess the depth of rectal cancer invasion was studied prospectively in 31 patients. The ultrasonic examination was complete in 26 cases; in 5, the stricturing tumour could not be passed by the probe. The depth of invasion was correctly evaluated in 27 of the 31 patients (accuracy: 90 per cent). The 7 superficial lesions were all correctly detected with EUS. EUS appears to be a very promising method for the pretherapeutic staging of rectal cancer.

Endoscopic transrectal ultrasonography is performed with an ultrasonic transducer (7.5 MHz or 12 MHz) in the tip of a side viewing endoscope. Its accuracy to assess the depth of rectal cancer invasion was prospectively studied in 27 patients. The ultrasonic examination was correct in 23 cases; in 4 cases, the stricturing tumour could not be passed by the probe. The depth of invasion was correctly appreciated in 24 of the 27 cases (accuracy of 89%). The 6 superficial lesions were all correctly detected with endoscopic transrectal ultrasonography. Therefore, endoscopic transrectal ultrasonography appears to be a very promising method in the pretherapeutic staging of rectal cancer.

To investigate whether endoscopic ultrasonography could improve the preoperative staging of esophageal carcinoma we prospectively studied 56 tumors in 51 patients between March 1987 an March 1988. The results for assessing local and regional extension and preoperative staging were compared with those of computed tomography, surgery, and pathological findings. When the procedure was complete (n = 25) the accuracy of parietal spread assessment was 85.7 percent; sensitivity for nodal involvement was 83.3 percent versus 50 percent for computed tomography with an accuracy of 97.6 percent versus 96.4 percent; the discrimination between superficial and advanced cancer was 100 percent; the accuracy for preoperative staging using the Japanese classification was 84 percent. When the procedure was not complete (stenosis), endoscopic ultrasonography was complementary to computed tomography: local invasion of anatomical structures (n = 16) was better assessed by combined endoscopic ultrasonography and computed tomography (n = 11) than by endoscopic ultrasonography (n = 8) or computed tomography (n = 6) alone. We conclude that endoscopic ultrasonography is the best procedure for staging esophageal carcinoma without stenosis; further miniaturization of the transducer is necessary to improve results in the case of narrow stenosis.

Five currently used procedures of gastric esophagoplasty were done in 5 groups of 14 embalmed human cadavers. These procedures were: whole gastric intrathoracic transposition (Kirschner's procedure) isoperistaltic gastric cone (Akiyama's procedure) isoperistaltic gastric tube (Rutkowski's or Lortat-Jacob's procedure); isoperistaltic gastric tube with resection of the lesser curvature; anisoperistaltic gastric tube with intrahilar splenectomy (Gavriliu's, Heimlich's procedure). Gastric morphometry and ascinding vascularization ability and quality of the vascular network were assessed. Injection of plastic dye was used to evaluate the vascularization of the grafts. In 13 out of 14 grafts, whole gastric transposition extended above the sternal notch, for a mean distance of 7.7 +/- 4.9 cm. This basic performance was significantly correlated to the dimensions of the greater and lesser curvatures and to the cardioxiphoid, sternal and hyosternal distances. Absent or poor injection of the distal arterial network, over a mean distance of 3.6 +/- 0.8 cm, was seen in all 14 grafts. Study of the isoperistaltic gastric cone demonstrated that the graft extended above the sternal notch in all 14 cases. The mean distance of the graft segment above the sternal notch was 5.0 +/- 3.0 cm. This basic performance showed a significant correlation only with the dimensions of the greater and lesser curvatures. Absent or poor injection of the distal arterial network of the gastric cones was seen in 9/14 cases, the mean length of the devascularized segment being 1.3 +/- 1.3 cm. Subsequent to resection of the distal zone showing poor vascularization, 13 out of the 14 isoperistaltic cones still extended above the sternal notch. The mean length of the segment above the sternal notch was 3.7 +/- 2.6 cm. All 14 isoperistaltic gastric tubes (without resection of the lesser curvature) extended above the sternal notch. The mean length of the segment above the notch was 15.1 +/- 7.1 cm. This basic performance showed a statistically significant correlation only with the minimum pylorodiaphragmatic distance subsequent to extensive Kocher's manoeuver. Of these 14 gastric tubes, 9 showed poor or no vascularization of their distal arterial network. The mean length of the poorly injected segment was 8.0 +/- 1.8 cm. Subsequent to resection of the poorly vascularized territory, 12/14 grafts were still found to extend above the sternal notch. The mean length of the segment above the sternal notch was 7.1 +/- 6.9 cm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

This study concerns a series of 355 carcinomas of the thoracic esophagus treated over a six-year period. 5 points of the pre operative work up are discussed: total endoscopy, respiratory and hepatic function as most of the patients were heavy smokers and alcoholics, nutritional status and C.T. scan in order to precise the preoperative nutrition value and the true correlation between surgical and CT scan findings. As far as curative resection is concerned, the indications of cervical and intra-thoracic anastomoses and of phi en bloc- posterior mediastinectomy versus blunt dissection are discussed. The mortality rate in this series of 135 curative resections was 8 p. cent due to pulmonary infection and to fistulas. The late results are studied according to the Japanese classification. The overall five-year actuarial survival is 19 p. cent, and 30 p. cent for the group of curative resection in stage 0, 1 and II.

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a frequent feature in acute pancreatitis, but précise etiology of hypoxemia remains unclear. Determinations of lipase and amylase levels are made in samples of bronchial secretion, in three intubated patients receiving assisted ventilation for severe hypoxemia occurring in the course of pancreatitis. This determination appeared to be valuable to incriminate the responsibility of a pancratico-bronchial fistula. In the first case, emergency laparotomy was able to show the fistulous track. In the second described case, an endoscopic retrograde pancreatography was performed, showing a fistula from pancreatic body to left bronchial tree. In the third case, the presence of a bronchial fistula was proved by a fistulography trough the abdominal pancreatic necrosis. A decrease of arterial PO2 followed pancreatography and fistulography. The surgical treatment was splenopancreatectomy, necrosectomy associated with left pulmonary lobectomy, and necrosectomy with colonic diversion. In the third case, pancreatico-bronchial fistula was the final evolution of an infected intra-abdominal necrosis, despite multiple surgical drainages. In the first and second cases, surgical treatment obtained a prompt and uneventful recovery. Few published cases of pancreatico-bronchial fistulae are reported. A retrospective study of 12 ARDS was made among 40 patients underwenting laparotomy, with an objective recognition of necrotizing pancreatitis, from 1980 to 1987. A pancreatico-bronchial fistula could be incriminated in three cases of these 12 ARDS. Such a prevalence of 25% has to be reevaluated after serial determinations of lipase and amylase levels in bronchial samples of intubated patients suffering from ARDS in the course of pancreatic disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In 4 patients with Hodgkin's disease treated with chemotherapy persistent residual masses, remarkable by their initial volume in 3 cases, were surgically removed. Histological examination showed that the masses were histologically stable and non-evolutive. The incidence of residual masses is discussed with a review of the literature. These masses, which should not be confused with therapeutic failures, constitute a striking example of the special place occupied by surgery in certain forms of Hodgkin's disease.

Early or late postoperative complications in 52 patients undergoing colic esophagoplasty for benign (27 cases) or malignant (25 cases) lesions of esophagus are discussed in relation to radiologic findings. Immediate postoperative complications due to infection were mainly bronchopneumopathies (14 cases), their incidence being increased by recurrent nerve palsy, and mediastinitis (3 cases). The frequency of upper anastomotic fistulae (16 cases) emphasizes the need for routine radiologic follow up on the 7th postoperative day by upper digestive tract follow-through examination with water-soluble contrast. Stenosis of upper part of graft may be of ischemic or fibrous origin. Ischemic stenosis develops 2 weeks to 4 months after surgery as a long filiform narrowing. Fibrous stenosis occurs in upper anastomosis at a later stage, after the 3rd month, as a short regular narrowing. Other complications are rare.

Total duodenal diversion was performed in 60 patients with reflux oesophagitis complicated by stricture, brachyoesophagus, endobrachyoesophagus or previous oesophago-gastric surgery. The standard operation (truncal vagotomy, antrectomy, 70 cm Roux-en Y anastomosis) was carried out in 41 patients; technical adjustments were necessary in 19 patients previously operated. One patient died of post-operative pulmonary embolism. Lasting cure of the oesophagitis was obtained within less than 3 months in 56/59 patients (93 per cent). Three-hour post-prandial pH measurements showed control of the reflux in 48/52 patients (92 p. 100). Anastomotic ulcers developed in 3 patients who did not have vagotomy. One case of complete remission of endobrachyoesophagus was observed, and 4 cases are now in partial remission. Digestive tract sequelae were found in 9 patients who had undergone surgery, but they were disabling in only one of these. These results suggest that total duodenal diversion is a suitable treatment of complicated reflux oesophagitis.

Three cases of adenomatous lesions of the pancreatic ducts are reported. There was 1 case each of adenoma of the main pancreatic duct, adenomas of the uncinate process and diffuse adenomatosis of the cephalic pancreatic ducts with ampullary involvement. On ultrasound and computerized tomography, the main pancreatic duct was enlarged in all cases, associated in 2 cases with a mass in the head of the pancreas, and in 1 case, with pseudocystic dilation of the uncinate process ducts. At duodenoscopy, the papilla was tumoral in 1 case, enlarged with mucous flow in 1 case and normal in the third case in which cytologic examination of secretions disclosed glandular cells. Endoluminal lesions were diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in 2 cases and on gross pathologic examination in 1 case. Treatment was surgical: cephalic pancreatoduodenectomy in 2 cases and local resection in 1 case, which relapsed 3 years later. At pathology, lesions were benign in all 3 cases including 1 case of severe dysplasia. On the basis of these 3 cases and a review of the literature, distinctive features of pancreatic endoluminal adenomas and adenocarcinomas are specified. Pancreatic resection is mandatory because of the risk of pancreatic obstruction and malignant degeneration.

Between 1980 and 1987, 38 patients with liver metastases have been operated on. In 28 cases the primary tumor was a colo-rectal carcinoma. 11 lobectomies and 27 minor resections or segmentectomies have been performed. The post-operative mortality was 5%. The actuarial survival for the metastases of colo-rectal carcinomas was 54% at 2 years, 27% at 3 years and 18% at 5 years. The results of this series are compared to those of the literature, to discuss indications, technical modalities and prognostic factors of the surgical treatment of liver metastases.

The authors report on three cases of benign neurogenic tumors of the duodenum, two of which degenerated. They discuss the difficulties involved in diagnosis and treatment. In one case, the tumor was simply excised. In the two cases of malignant tumors, the excision was wider because of extensions to the liver or colon. Postoperative chemotherapy was applied in both cases, but to little effect as the two patients died within two years of the operation.

Most complementary investigations assessing the resectability of esophageal carcinoma are not very accurate. In approximately half of the patients who undergo surgery, the surgeon discovers unknown growth extension of the tumor. The aim of this study was to define the place of CT scan in the assessment of esophageal cancer. A prospective study concerning 54 cases of squamous cell carcinoma was conducted during 18 months. We consecutively tested the sensitivity and the specificity of information supplied by a CGR 10000 CT scan. The reading was done by the same radiologist who was unaware of the other preoperative findings. All cases of carcinoma were proved histologically. The characteristics of the tumor itself were accurately described by CT scan. Tracheobronchial spread was correctly assessed in 96.2 p. 100 of cases; specificity was 100 p. 100. On the contrary, the sensitivity of the nodal involvement was weak (less than 55 p. 100) for the abdominal as well as the mediastinal areas. Moreover, CT scan identified 48 out of 49 patients without metastases. The results of this study did not allow to determine the value of signs of tumoral spread to the aorta, pericardium, and intra-abdominal regions and therefore CT scan can not be used to determine invasion of the pleural or peritoneal serosa. These results suggest that: a) CT scan alone is not sufficient in the assessment of patients for surgery, b) CT scan facilitates the choice of operative strategy, c) oncologic classification of non operative carcinoma, correct fields of radiation therapy, and follow-up of malignancy through chemotherapy are improved.