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Background: The value of splenectomy for body localization (≥ 5 cm from spleen hilum) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (B-PDAC) is uncertain. This study assessed spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) results for B-PDAC., Patients and Methods: This single-center study included patients who underwent SPDP (Warshaw's technique) or distal splenopancreactomy (DSP) for B-PDAC from 2008 to 2019. Propensity score matching was performed to balance SPDP and DSP patients regarding sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), body mass index (BMI), laparoscopy, pathological features [American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)/tumor node metastasis classification (TNM)], margins, and neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapies., Results: A total of 129 patients (64 male, median age 68 years, median BMI 24 kg/m 2 ) were enrolled with a median follow-up of 63 months (95% CI 52-96 months), including 59 (46%) SPDP and 70 (54%) DSP patients. A total of 39 SPDP patients were matched to 39 DSP patients. SPDP patients had fewer harvested nodes (19 vs 22; p = 0.038) with a similar number of positive nodes (0 vs 0; p = 0.237). R0 margins were achieved similarly in SPDP and DSP patients (75% vs 71%; p = 0.840). SPDP patients were associated with decreased comprehensive complication index (CCI, 8.7 vs 16.6; p = 0.004), rates of grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF, 14% vs 29%; p = 0.047), and hospital stay (11 vs 16 days; p < 0.001). SPDP patients experienced similar disease-free survival (DFS, 5 years: 38% vs 32%; p = 0.180) and overall survival (OS, 5 years 54% vs 44%; p = 0.710). After matching, SPDP patients remained associated with lower CCI (p = 0.034) and hospital stay (p = 0.028) while not associated with risks of local recurrence (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.28-2.62; p = 0.781), recurrence (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.61-1.78; p = 0.888), or death (HR 1.20; 95% CI 0.68-2.11; p = 0.556)., Conclusion: SPDP for B-PDAC is associated with less postoperative morbidity than DSP, without impairing oncological outcomes., (© 2024. Society of Surgical Oncology.)

Background: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas (SPNP) are rare tumors predominantly in young women. We report the largest single-center cohort study comparing resection of SPNP by laparoscopic approach (LA) and the open approach (OA)., Method: Between 2001 and 2021, 102 patients (84% women, median age: 30) underwent pancreatectomy for SPNP and were retrospectively studied. Demographic, perioperative, pathological, early and the long-term results were evaluated between patients operated by LA and those by OA., Results: Population included 40 LA and 62 OA. There were no significant differences in demographics data between the groups. A preoperative biopsy by endoscopic ultrasound was performed in 45 patients (44%) with no difference between the groups. Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) was less frequently performed by LA (25 vs 53%, p = 0.004) and distal pancreatectomy (DP) was more frequently performed by LA (40 vs 16%, p = 0.003). In the subgroup analysis by surgical procedure, LA-PD was associated with one mortality, less median blood loss (180 vs 200 ml, p = 0.034) and fewer harvested lymph nodes (11 vs 15, p = 0.02). LA-DP was associated with smaller median tumor size on imaging (40 vs 80mm, p = 0.048), shorter surgery (135 vs 190 min, p = 0.028), and fewer complications according to the median comprehensive complication index score (0 vs 8.7, p = 0.048). LA-Central pancreatectomy was associated with shorter surgery (160 vs 240, p = 0.037), less median blood loss (60 vs 200, p = 0.043), and less harvested lymph nodes (5 vs 2, p = 0.025). After a median follow-up of 60 months, two recurrences (2%) were observed and were unrelated to the approach., Conclusions: The LA for SPNP appears to be safe, should be applied cautiously in case of PD for large lesion, and was not associated with recurrence., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Three randomized controlled trials have reported improved functional recovery after Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD), as compared to open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD). Long-term results regarding quality of life (QoL) are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare long-term QoL of LPD versus OPD., Methods and Patients: A monocentric retrospective cross-sectional study was performed among patients < 75 years old who underwent LPD or OPD for a benign or premalignant pathology in a high-volume center (2011-2021). An electronic three-part questionnaire was sent to eligible patients, including two diseases specific QoL questionnaires (the European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for cancer (QLQ-C30) and a pancreatic cancer module (PAN26) and a body image questionnaire. Patient demographics and postoperative data were collected and compared between LPD and OPD., Results: Among 948 patients who underwent PD (137 LPD, 811 OPD), 170 were eligible and 111 responded (58 LPD and 53 OPD). LPD versus OPD showed no difference in mean age (51 vs. 55 years, p = 0.199) and female gender (40% vs. 45%, p = 0.631), but LPD showed lower BMI (24 vs 26; p = 0.028) and higher preoperative pancreatitis (29% vs 13%; p = 0.041). The postoperative outcome showed similar Clavien-Dindo ≥ III morbidity (19% vs. 23%; p = 0.343) and length of stay (24 vs. 21 days, p = 0.963). After a similar median follow-up (3 vs. 3 years; p = 0.122), LPD vs OPD patients reported higher QoL (QLQ-C30: 49.6 vs 56.3; p = 0.07), better pancreas specific health status score (PAN20: 50.5 vs 55.5; p = 0.002), physical functioning (p = 0.002), and activities limitations (p = 0.02). Scar scores were better after LPD regarding esthetics (p = 0.001), satisfaction (p = 0.04), chronic pain at rest (p = 0.036), moving (p = 0.011) or in daily activities (p = 0.02). There was no difference in digestive symptoms (p = 0.995)., Conclusion: This monocentric study found improved long-term QoL in patients undergoing LPD, as compared to OPD, for benign and premalignant diseases. These results could be considered when choosing the surgical approach in these patients., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Preoperative FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy is increasingly administered to patients with borderline resectable (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) to improve overall survival (OS). Multicenter studies reporting on the impact from the number of preoperative cycles and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy in relation to outcomes in this setting are lacking. This study aimed to assess the outcome of pancreatectomy after preoperative FOLFIRINOX, including predictors of OS., Methods: This international multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients from 31 centers in 19 European countries and the United States undergoing pancreatectomy after preoperative FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy (2012-2016). The primary end point was OS from diagnosis. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression., Results: The study included 423 patients who underwent pancreatectomy after a median of six (IQR 5-8) preoperative cycles of FOLFIRINOX. Postoperative major morbidity occurred for 88 (20.8%) patients and 90-day mortality for 12 (2.8%) patients. An R0 resection was achieved for 243 (57.4%) patients, and 259 (61.2%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median OS was 38 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 34-42 months) for BRPC and 33 months (95% CI 27-45 months) for LAPC. Overall survival was significantly associated with R0 resection (hazard ratio [HR] 1.63; 95% CI 1.20-2.20) and tumor differentiation (HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.08-1.91). Neither the number of preoperative chemotherapy cycles nor the use adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with OS., Conclusions: This international multicenter study found that pancreatectomy after FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy is associated with favorable outcomes for patients with BRPC and those with LAPC. Future studies should confirm that the number of neoadjuvant cycles and the use adjuvant chemotherapy have no relation to OS after resection., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreatic enucleation by the open approach (OpenEN) are well known. However, ENs are more frequently performed laparoscopically (LapEN). The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors of POPF following LapEN., Methods and Patients: All patients in our prospective database who underwent LapEN were evaluated. We report the demographics, surgical, early and long-term outcomes. Numerous variables were analyzed to identify the risk factors of POPF., Results: From 2008 to 2020, 650 laparoscopic pancreatic resections were performed including 64 EN (10%). The median age was 51 years old (17-79), median BMI was 24 (19-48), and 44 patients were women (69%). The main presentation was an incidental diagnosis (n = 40; 62%), pain (n= 10;16%), and hypoglycemia (n = 8;12%). The main indications were neuroendocrine tumors (40; 63%), mucinous cystadenomas (15; 23%), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasie (3; 5%), and other benign cysts (6; 9%). Lesions were located on the distal pancreas (43; 67%), head (n = 17; 27%), and neck (4; 6%). The median size was 20 mm (9-110); 30 mm (20-110) for mucinous cystadenoma and 18 mm (8-33) for NET. The median operative time was 90 mn (30-330), median blood loss was 20 ml (0-800) ml, and there were no transfusions and one conversion. There were no mortalities and overall morbidity (n = 22; 34%) included grades B and C POPF (10;16%) and post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (4; 6%). The median hospital stay was 7 days (3-42). There were no invaded lymph nodes and all cystic lesions were nonmalignant. After a mean follow-up of 24 months, there was no recurrence. The risk factors for grades B/C POPF were mucinous cystadenoma and proximity to the Wirsung duct < 3 mm., Conclusion: In this series, the outcome of LapEN was excellent with no mortality and a low rate of morbidity. However, the risk of POPF is increased with cystic lesions and those close to the Wirsung duct., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: A preoperative estimate of the risk of malignancy for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) is important. The present study carries out an external validation of the Shin score in a European multicenter cohort., Methods: An observational multicenter European study from 2010 to 2015. All consecutive patients undergoing surgery for IPMN at 35 hospitals with histological-confirmed IPMN were included., Results: A total of 567 patients were included. The score was significantly associated with the presence of malignancy (p < 0.001). In all, 64% of the patients with benign IPMN had a Shin score < 3 and 57% of those with a diagnosis of malignancy had a score ≥ 3. The relative risk (RR) with a Shin score of 3 was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.07-1.77), with a sensitivity of 57.1% and specificity of 64.4%., Conclusion: Patients with a Shin score ≤ 1 should undergo surveillance, while patients with a score ≥ 4 should undergo surgery. Treatment of patients with Shin scores of 2 or 3 should be individualized because these scores cannot accurately predict malignancy of IPMNs. This score should not be the only criterion and should be applied in accordance with agreed clinical guidelines., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The diagnosis of low potential malignant diseases is increasingly frequent, and laparoscopic central pancreatectomy can be indicated in these patients. Laparoscopic central pancreatectomy that usually preserves the splenic vessels results in a low risk of new-onset diabetes but high morbidity, mainly due to postoperative pancreatic fistula and postpancreatectomy hemorrhage. In this study, we evaluated the short and long-term complications after laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection., Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study included 650 laparoscopic pancreatic resections from 2008 to 2020 with 84 laparoscopic central pancreatectomy; 15 laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection; and 69 laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with preservation of the splenic vessels. Pancreaticogastrostomy was routinely performed, and the patients were discharged after complications had been treated. The 15 laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection were matched for age, sex, body mass index, and tumor characteristics [1:2] and compared with 30 laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with the preservation of the splenic vessels., Results: In the laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection group, resection of splenic vessels was performed due to tumoral or inflammatory adhesions (n = 11) or accidental vascular injury (n = 4). The demographic characteristics of the groups were similar. Tumors were larger in the laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection group (40 vs 21 mm; P = .008), and right transection on the body of the pancreas (53% vs 13%; P = .01) was more frequent. There were no differences in the characteristics of the pancreas (Wirsung duct size or consistency). The median operative time (minutes) was longer in the laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection group than in the laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with preservation of the splenic vessels group (210 vs 180, respectively; P = .15) with more blood loss (100 mL vs 50 mL, respectively; P = .012). The lengths (mm) of the resected pancreas and remnant distal pancreas in the 2 groups were 65 vs 50 (P = .053) and 40 vs 65 (P = .006), respectively. There were no differences in postoperative mortality (0% vs 3%; P = .47), grade B-C postoperative pancreatic fistula (27% vs 27%; P = 1), reintervention (7% vs 13%; P = .50), grade B-C postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (0% vs 13%; P = .13), length of hospital stay (20 days vs 22 days; P = .15), or new-onset diabetes (7% vs 10%; P = .67) between the 2 groups., Conclusion: Laparoscopic central pancreatectomy with splenic vessel resection is a safe technical modification of central pancreatectomy that does not prevent preservation of the distal pancreas and does not influence postoperative pancreatic fistula or endocrine insufficiency. Furthermore, it could reduce the risk of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to pool data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) limited to resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to determine whether a neoadjuvant therapy impacts on disease-free survival (DFS) and surgical outcome., Summary Background Data: Few underpowered studies have suggested benefits from neoadjuvant chemo (± radiation) for strictly resectable PDAC without offering conclusive recommendations., Methods: Three RCTs were identified comparing neoadjuvant chemo (± radio) therapy vs. upfront surgery followed by adjuvant therapy in all cases. Data were pooled targeting DFS as primary endpoint, whereas overall survival (OS), postoperative morbidity, and mortality were investigated as secondary endpoints. Survival endpoints DFS and OS were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression with study-specific baseline hazards., Results: A total of 130 patients were randomized (56 in the neoadjuvant and 74 in the control group). DFS was significantly longer in the neoadjuvant treatment group compared to surgery only [hazard ratio (HR) 0.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-0.9] (P = 0.01). Furthermore, DFS for the subgroup of R0 resections was similarly longer in the neoadjuvant treated group (HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.35-0.9, P = 0.045). Although postoperative complications (Comprehensive Complication Index, CCI®) occurred less frequently (P = 0.008), patients after neoadjuvant therapy experienced a higher toxicity, but without negative impact on oncological or surgical outcome parameters., Conclusion: Neoadjuvant therapy can be offered as an acceptable standard of care for patients with purely resectable PDAC. Future research with the advances of precision oncology should now focus on the definition of the optimal regimen., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Importance: The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of pancreatic cancer following neoadjuvant combination treatment with folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) is unclear., Objective: To assess the association of adjuvant chemotherapy with overall survival (OS) in patients after pancreatic cancer resection and neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX treatment., Design, Setting, and Participants: This international, multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018. An existing cohort of patients undergoing resection of pancreatic cancer after FOLFIRINOX was updated and expanded for the purpose of this study. All consecutive patients who underwent pancreatic surgery after at least 2 cycles of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy for nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer were retrospectively identified from institutional databases. Patients with resectable pancreatic cancer, borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, and locally advanced pancreatic cancer were eligible for this study. Patients with in-hospital mortality or who died within 3 months after surgery were excluded., Exposures: The association of adjuvant chemotherapy with OS was evaluated in different subgroups including interaction terms for clinicopathological parameters with adjuvant treatment in a multivariable Cox model. Overall survival was defined as the time starting from surgery plus 3 months (moment eligible for adjuvant therapy), unless mentioned otherwise., Results: We included 520 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 61 [53-66] years; 279 [53.7%] men) from 31 centers in 19 countries. The median number of neoadjuvant cycles of FOLFIRINOX was 6 (interquartile range, 5-8). Overall, 343 patients (66.0%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, of whom 68 (19.8%) received FOLFIRINOX, 201 (58.6%) received gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, 14 (4.1%) received capecitabine, 45 (13.1%) received a combination or other agents, and 15 (4.4%) received an unknown type of adjuvant chemotherapy. Median OS was 38 months (95% CI, 36-46 months) after diagnosis and 31 months (95% CI, 29-37 months) after surgery. No survival difference was found for patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy vs those who did not (median OS, 29 vs 29 months, univariable hazard ratio [HR], 0.99; 95% CI, 0.77-1.28; P = .93). In multivariable analysis, only the interaction term for lymph node stage with adjuvant therapy was statistically significant: In patients with pathology-proven node-positive disease, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved survival (median OS, 26 vs 13 months; multivariable HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.22-0.75]; P = .004). In patients with node-negative disease, adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival (median OS, 38 vs 54 months; multivariable HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.35-2.10; P = .73)., Conclusions and Relevance: These results suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX and resection of pancreatic cancer was associated with improved survival only in patients with pathology-proven node-positive disease. Future randomized studies should be conducted to confirm this finding.

Background: The extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting response has varied globally. The European and African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA), the premier representative body for practicing HPB surgeons in Europe and Africa, conducted this survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on HPB surgery., Methods: An online survey was disseminated to all E-AHPBA members to assess the effects of the pandemic on unit capacity, management of HPB cancers, use of COVID-19 screening and other aspects of service delivery., Results: Overall, 145 (25%) members responded. Most units, particularly in COVID-high countries (>100,000 cases) reported insufficient critical care capacity and reduced HPB operating sessions compared to COVID-low countries. Delayed access to cancer surgery necessitated alternatives including increased neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer and colorectal liver metastases, and locoregional treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma. Other aspects of service delivery including COVID-19 screening and personal protective equipment varied between units and countries., Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound adverse impact on the delivery of HPB cancer care across the continents of Europe and Africa. The findings illustrate the need for safe resumption of cancer surgery in a "new" normal world with screening of patients and staff for COVID-19., (Copyright © 2020 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Several new treatment options have become available for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but the support for their use for resectable, borderline resectable and locally advanced PDAC is unclear., Methods: A survey was distributed to the members of the European-African Hepato-Pancreato Biliary Association (E-AHPBA) and the pancreas group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) regarding 1) definitions of local resectability, 2) indications for neoadjuvant therapy and 3) case-vignettes regarding the resectability and treatment of PDAC., Results: In total, 114 participants from 37 countries were registered. About 35% of respondents, each, were of the opinion that borderline resectability is defined by any venous tumor contact and venous involvement < 180° or > 180°, respectively. The majority (75.4%) of participants believed that borderline resectable PDAC has a high risk for R1 resection and that neoadjuvant therapy might increase the R0-resection rate (79.8%) and improve oncological patient selection (84.2%). Chemotherapy was regarded useful to convert locally advanced to resectable PDAC by 55.7% of respondents. In the cases with resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced PDAC, 10 (8.8%), 78 (68.4%), 55 (48.2%) of participants would start with chemotherapy, respectively., Conclusions: Although definitions for borderline resectability differ among European surgeons, there seems to be a rather strong support for preoperative chemotherapy in PDAC aiming at minimizing R1 resections while increasing resection rates.

Background: Distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) is a treatment option for selected patients with pancreatic cancer involving the celiac axis. A recent multicenter European study reported a 90-day mortality rate of 16%, highlighting the importance of patient selection. The authors constructed a risk score to predict 90-day mortality and assessed oncologic outcomes., Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study investigated patients undergoing DP-CAR at 20 European centers from 12 countries (model design 2000-2016) and three very-high-volume international centers in the United States and Japan (model validation 2004-2017). The area under receiver operator curve (AUC) and calibration plots were used for validation of the 90-day mortality risk model. Secondary outcomes included resection margin status, adjuvant therapy, and survival., Results: For 191 DP-CAR patients, the 90-day mortality rate was 5.5% (95 confidence interval [CI], 2.2-11%) at 5 high-volume (≥ 1 DP-CAR/year) and 18% (95 CI, 9-30%) at 18 low-volume DP-CAR centers (P = 0.015). A risk score with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, multivisceral resection, open versus minimally invasive surgery, and low- versus high-volume center performed well in both the design and validation cohorts (AUC, 0.79 vs 0.74; P = 0.642). For 174 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the R0 resection rate was 60%, neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies were applied for respectively 69% and 67% of the patients, and the median overall survival period was 19 months (95 CI, 15-25 months)., Conclusions: When performed for selected patients at high-volume centers, DP-CAR is associated with acceptable 90-day mortality and overall survival. The authors propose a 90-day mortality risk score to improve patient selection and outcomes, with DP-CAR volume as the dominant predictor.

Background: Western multicenter studies on distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection (DP-CAR), also known as the Appleby procedure, for locally advanced pancreatic cancer are lacking. We aimed to study overall survival, morbidity, mortality and the impact of preoperative hepatic artery embolization (PHAE)., Methods: Retrospective cohort study within the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary-Association, on DP-CAR between 1-1-2000 and 6-1-2016. Primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints were radicality (R0-resection), 90-day mortality, major morbidity, and pancreatic fistulae (grade B/C)., Results: We included 68 patients from 20 hospitals in 12 countries. Postoperatively, 53% of patients had R0-resection, 25% major morbidity, 21% an ISGPS grade B/C pancreatic fistula, and 16% mortality. In total, 82% received (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy and median overall survival in 62 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients was 18 months (CI 10-37). We observed no impact of PHAE on ischemic complications., Conclusions: DP-CAR combined with chemotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer is associated with acceptable overall survival. The 90-day mortality is too high and should be reduced. Future studies should investigate to what extent increasing surgical volume or better patient selection can improve outcomes.

Background: On the basis of now dated studies, cirrhosis is usually considered to be a contraindication in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head (APH)., Objective: Examine the outcomes of PD for APH in the presence of cirrhosis., Methods: Retrospective, multicenter study of cirrhotic patients with APH having undergone PD between January 2004 and March 2012. Cirrhotic patients were matched 1:2 for demographic, surgical and histologic criteria with non-cirrhotic patients. Primary endpoint was morbidity and mortality. Secondary endpoints were surgical parameters, morbidity related to pancreatic surgery and cirrhosis, and follow-up., Results: We included 35 patients with cirrhosis. Twenty-four patients (69%) were Child A and none were Child C. The Child A cirrhotic patients and non-cirrhotic patients respectively had complication rates of 79% vs. 43% (P = 0.002), major complication rates of 33% vs. 21% (P = 0.26), pancreatic fistula rates of 13% vs. 9% (P = 0.57), post-operative mortality of 4% vs. 5% (P = 0.94), 3-year overall survival rates of 44% vs. 50% (P = 0.46). All Child B cirrhotic patients experienced post-operative complications., Conclusion: Pancreatoduodenectomy for APH was possible in Child A cirrhotic patients with a mortality and long-term outcomes equivalent to non-cirrhotic patients. Child B cirrhosis remains a clear contraindication to surgery., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Pancreatic cancer is the seventh most common cancer in Switzerland associated with a dismal prognosis. Its natural course is fatal with a 3-year survival rate below 3%. Advances in diagnostic tools, tumor staging and multimodal treatment strategies resulted in an improved 5-year survival rate of over 20%. Patients presenting with pancreatic cancer significantly benefit from a multi-disciplinary treatment strategy in an experienced hepato-pancreato-biliary center. Following a comprehensive tumor staging, surgical resection associated with adjuvant chemotherapy is still the only curative therapy option. The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is currently investigated in clinical trials. Patients presenting with advanced pancreatic cancer not eligible for curative treatment might benefit from inclusion into innovative clinical trials with novel treatment concepts.

Background: The significance of positive para-aortic nodes in patients with resectable pancreatic carcinoma is unclear. This study sought to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative detection and prognostic significance of these lymph nodes in patients with resected adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head., Methods: From 2000 to 2010, para-aortic node sampling was performed prospectively in all patients before pancreatoduodenectomy. Frozen sections were created and nodes categorized as positive or negative for metastases. Surgeons were blinded to the frozen-section results. This was followed by standard histopathological assessment of corresponding paraffin-embedded, haematoxylin and eosin-stained material. Nodes considered uninvolved by this analysis were examined immunohistochemically for micrometastases., Results: A total of 111 consecutive patients were included, with a median follow-up of 20·8 (range 1·5-126) months. The 1-, 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 73·6, 54·0 and 24·7 per cent, and 51·8, 28·1 and 18·8 per cent respectively. Para-aortic node involvement was always associated with peripancreatic lymph node metastasis, and was detected by frozen-section analysis in 12 patients and by haematoxylin and eosin staining in 17. Sensitivity and specificity of frozen-section examination for detecting para-aortic lymph node metastases were 71 and 100 per cent respectively. Median OS for patients with and without para-aortic node involvement on frozen-section analysis was 9·7 versus 28·5 months respectively (P = 0·012), and 15·7 versus 27·2 months (P = 0·050) when assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Median DFS for patients with and without para-aortic node involvement on frozen-section examination was 5·6 versus 12·9 months respectively (P = 0·041), and 8·4 versus 12·9 months (P = 0·038) for haematoxylin and eosin analysis. The presence of micrometastases in para-aortic nodes was not significantly associated with altered OS or DFS., Conclusion: Para-aortic node sampling with frozen-section examination detects distant lymphatic involvement reliably. It should be performed systematically. When metastases are found, they should be considered a contraindication to pancreatic resection., (© 2014 BJS Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Lymph node staging is one of the most important factors in determining the prognosis after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Despite ongoing efforts to further refine lymph node staging, the debate on the extent of lymphadenectomy during pancreaticoduodenectomy is still open. The purpose of this review was to summarize the evidence about performing standard lymphadenectomy during curative resection of pancreatic cancer. All four prospective randomized controlled trials published concluded that extended lymphadenectomy does not contribute to better oncologic outcome for patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. Indeed, one major drawback of extended lymphadenectomy is the higher risk of persistent postoperative diarrhea. No prospective randomized studies could be found on the role of extended lymphadenectomy in patients with adenocarcinoma of the corpus and tail. Based on current evidence there is no indication that extended lymphadenectomy should be performed routinely during resection of pancreatic cancer.

Background: Despite major improvements in the perioperative outcome of pancreas surgery, the prognosis of pancreatic cancer after curative resection remains poor. Adjuvant chemotherapy increases disease-free and overall survival, but this treatment cannot be offered to a significant proportion of patients due to the surgical morbidity. In contrast, almost all patients can receive (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. This treatment is safe and effective, and has resulted in a median survival of 26.5 months in a recent phase II trial. Moreover, neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves the nutritional status of patients with pancreatic cancer. This multicenter phase III trial (NEOPAC) has been designed to explore the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy., Methods/design: This is a prospective randomized phase III trial. Patients with resectable cytologically proven adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head are eligible for this study. All patients must be at least 18 years old and must provide written informed consent. An infiltration of the superior mesenteric vein > 180° or major visceral arteries are considered exclusion criteria. Eligible patients will be randomized to surgery followed by adjuvant gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2)) for 6 months or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2), oxaliplatin 100 mg/m(2)) followed by surgery and the same adjuvant treatment. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given four times every two weeks. The staging as well as the restaging protocol after neoadjuvant chemotherapy include computed tomography of chest and abdomen and diagnostic laparoscopy. The primary study endpoint is progression-free survival. According to the sample size calculation, 155 patients need to be randomized to each treatment arm. Disease recurrence will be documented by scheduled computed tomography scans 9, 12, 15, 21 and thereafter every 6 months until disease progression. For quality control, circumferential resection margins are marked intraoperatively, and representative histological sections will be centrally reviewed by a dedicated pathologist., Discussion: The NEOPAC study will determine the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer for the first time and offers a unique potential for translational research. Furthermore, this trial will provide the unbiased overall survival of all patients undergoing surgery for resectable cancer of the pancreatic head., Trial Registration: clinicalTrials.gov NCT01314027.

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas accounts for approximately 1% of all exocrine pancreatic tumours. We report a rare form of ACC in a 66-year-old man. This tumour was revealed by epigastric pain and weight loss. Abdominal computed tomography showed a hypodense, well-demarcated, heterogeneous lesion, in the head of the pancreas, measuring 4.2 cm in diameter. There was a marked dilatation of the main pancreatic duct upstream, with tumour spreading within this duct. The diagnosis of ACC was made on the fine needle aspiration cytology performed during endoscopic ultrasound examination. On the pancreaticoduodenectomy specimen, the dilated main pancreatic duct (2.5 cm in diameter) was filled by an exophytic tumour. Histological examination showed an ACC, with predominant intraductal growth (main and accessory pancreatic ducts), with pancreatic parenchymal and duodenal invasion. Neuroendocrine markers were negative. To our knowledge, this is the second report of an ACC with predominant intraductal spread. These rare forms of ACC can be confused with intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasms. In our report, fine needle aspiration cytology performed during endoscopic ultrasound examination was a valuable tool in the diagnostic assessment.

This study aimed to reappraise short-term and long-term results of palliative biliary and gastric bypass surgery in patients with unresectable pancreatic head carcinoma found at explorative laparotomy. We retrospectively analyzed 83 consecutive patients whose pancreatic head carcinoma appeared unresectable at laparotomy (vascular involvement [57%], liver metastases [24%], distant metastatic lymph nodes [11%], peritoneal implants [8%]) and who underwent palliative surgical concomitant biliary and gastric bypass. Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were 4.8% and 26.5%, respectively. Postoperative-delayed gastric emptying occurred in 9 patients (10%). Antecolic (46%) and retrocolic (54%) gastrojejunostomies did not differ for the duration of nasogastric suction, the delay of oral intake, and the incidence of delayed gastric emptying. Mean hospital stay was 16 +/- 8 days. Median survival was 9 months (range 1-44). Late cholangitis occurred in 2 patients (2.4%) treated medically. One recurrent jaundice required transhepatic stenting 9 months from surgery. Four late gastric outlet obstructions occurred (4.8%) with a mean delay of 8 months from surgery. These data demonstrate that, in patients with unresectable pancreatic head carcinoma at laparotomy, palliative concomitant biliary and gastric bypass in a single procedure is safe and long-term efficient. This strategy remains to be compared to endoscopic palliation in this setting.