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Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the treatment of “primary aortic” (aneurysm, aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU)) and “secondary aortic” (iatrogenic, trauma, and aortoesophageal fistula) pathologies. Methods: Retrospective review of a cohort of patients treated at a single tertiary referral center from 2015 to 2021. The primary end point was postoperative in-hospital mortality. Secondary end points were the duration of the procedure, duration of postoperative intensive care treatment, length of hospital stay, and the nature and severity of postoperative complications according to the Dindo–Clavien classification. Results: A total of 34 patients underwent TEVAR for emergency indications. Twenty-two patients were treated for primary and twelve patients for secondary aortic pathologies. Concerning in-hospital mortality, no statistically significant difference could be observed between the primary and secondary aortic groups (27.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.711). Patients with an aortoesophageal fistula had a mortality rate of 66.7%. Postoperative morbidity (Dindo–Clavien > 3) was also not statistically significantly different between the primary and secondary aortic groups (36.4% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.86). Preoperative hemoglobin level (p < 0.001 for mortality, p = 0.002 for morbidity), hemoglobin level difference (p = 0.022, p = 0.032), postoperative creatinine level (p = 0.009, p = 0.035), and pre- and postoperative lactate levels (p < 0.001 for both mortality and morbidity) were found to be independent factors associated with postoperative mortality and morbidity (Dindo–Clavien > 3), respectively. The preoperative creatinine level was found to be associated with mortality (p = 0.024) but not morbidity. Conclusions: Morbidity and in-hospital mortality are still considerable after emergency TEVAR for both primary and secondary aortic indications. Pre- and postoperative levels of hemoglobin, creatinine, and lactate may be valuable to predict patient outcomes.

Background The treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections remains a challenge. Both optimal medical and surgical therapy (i.e., source control) are needed to achieve low mortality and morbidity. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the impact of carbapenem antibiotic therapy compared to other antibiotics in complicated intra-abdominal infections (secondary peritonitis) with an emphasis on mortality and postoperative complications. Methods A systematic literature search from PubMed/Medline and Web of Science databases was carried out. The last search was conducted in August 2022. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Pre-defined outcomes were mortality, treatment success, treatment failure, and adverse events. Results Ten randomized controlled trials, published from 1983 to 2013 with a total of 2377 patients (1255 patients in the carbapenem antibiotics group and 1122 in the control group), were identified. A meta-analysis comparing patients undergoing carbapenem antibiotic therapy and patients receiving other antibiotics was performed. No significant difference regarding mortality (OR 1.19, 95% CI [0.79; 1.82], p = 0.40), treatment success (OR 1.17, 95% CI [0.72; 1.91], p = 0.53), and treatment failure (OR 0.84, 95% CI [0.48; 1.45], p = 0.52) was observed. Carbapenem therapy was associated with fewer adverse events compared to therapy with other antibiotics (OR 0.79, 95% CI [0.65; 0.97], p = 0.022). Conclusion There is currently no evidence that carbapenem antibiotics are superior in terms of mortality, and success or failure for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (secondary peritonitis). The rate of adverse events is lower under carbapenem therapy compared to control antibiotics. Trial Registration PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018108854.

BACKGROUND A hallmark of gastrointestinal cancer, especially pancreatic cancer, is the dense stromal tumor microenvironment in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the major stromal cell type. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that depletion of fibroblast activation protein (FAP)–positive CAFs results in increased survival. OBJECTIVE We present the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that aim to assess the currently available evidence on the effect of FAP expression on survival and clinical characteristics in gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS The literature search and data analysis will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 statement. The databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched via their respective online search engines. A meta-analysis comparing patients with and without FAP overexpression with the following outcomes will be performed: postoperative survival (overall and median survival; 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates), histological differentiation (grading), local tumor invasion, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases. Odds ratios will be calculated for binary data, and weighted mean differences and relative SD differences will be determined for continuous data. The 95% CI, heterogeneity measures, and statistical significance will be reported for each outcome. The chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests will be used to evaluate statistical significance. A P value of RESULTS Database searches will commence in April 2023. The meta-analysis will be completed by December 2023. CONCLUSIONS In recent years, several publications on FAP overexpression in gastrointestinal tumors have been published. The only published meta-analysis on this topic dates to 2015. It included 15 studies on various solid tumors and only 8 studies focusing exclusively on gastrointestinal tumors. The expected results of the present analysis will provide new evidence on the prognostic value of FAP in gastrointestinal tumors and thereby support health care professionals and patients in their decision-making. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42022372194; https://tinyurl.com/352ae8b8 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/45176

Background: The aim of the study was to analyse the outcome of emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the treatment of “primary aortic” (aneurysm, aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer [PAU]) and “secondary aortic” (iatrogenic, trauma and aortoesophageal fistula) pathologies. Methods: Retrospective review of a cohort of patients treated at a single tertiary referral center from 2015 to 2021. Primary end point was postoperative in-hospital mortality. Secondary end points were the duration of the procedure, duration of postoperative intensive care treatment, length of hospital stay, and the nature and severity of postoperative complications according Dindo-Clavien Classification Results: A total of 34 patients underwent TEVAR for emergency indications. 22 patients were treated for primary and 12 patients for secondary aortic pathologies. Concerning in-hospital mortality, no statistically significant difference could be observed between the primary and secondary aortic groups (27.3% vs 33.3 %, p=0.711). Patients with aortoesophageal fistula had a mortality rate of 66.7%. Postoperative morbidity (Dindo-Clavien >3) was also not statistically significant different between the aortic and non-aortic groups (36.4% vs 33.3%, p=0.86). Preoperative hemoglobin level (mmol/L) (p3). Conclusions: Morbidity and in-hospital mortality are still considerable after emergency TEVAR, for both aortic and non-aortic indications. Pre- and postoperative levels of hemoglobin, creatinine and lactate may be valuable to predict the patient outcomes.

The aim of the present study was to compare the open surgical and percutaneous access for thoracic/endovascular aortic repair (T/EVAR) regarding in-hospital and post-hospital minor-complications. Percutaneous (pEVAR) and cutdown (cEVAR) techniques for femoral vessel access for T/EVAR were compared regarding their minor complications. The basic population of this retrospective cohort study consisted of 44 percutaneous and 215 cutdown accesses for endovascular aortic repair (T/EVAR-procedure) conducted between August 2008 and October 2019. The primary outcome consisted of conservatively treatable minor complications until hospital discharge and during follow up. Secondary outcomes comprised postoperative pain and complications requiring invasive treatment. Minor complications were observed in 11.4% (pEVAR) vs. 9% (cEVAR) of cases throughout index hospital stay and 10 vs. 13.7% during follow-up. No significant differences were noticed regarding overall complication rate between pEVAR and cEVAR. Only bleedings treatable through compression occurred significantly more often in the pEVAR-group (6.8 vs. 0.5%; P=0.02). In conclusions, the percutaneous technique represents a safe and quickly executable alternative to cutdown access. A significant difference in overall minor complications could not be observed. In both techniques, complications may occur even months after surgery. In order to demonstrate the superiority of the percutaneous technique compared with cutdown access, possible predictors for the use of the percutaneous technique should be defined in the future.

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the outcome of open surgery (OS) and endovascular repair (ER) for the treatment of visceral artery aneurysms (VAA). A systematic literature search was carried out. 25 comparative cohort studies with 4447 patients (2469 OS and 1978 ER) were included in the meta-analysis. Mortality (ER vs OS 1.8% vs 2.1%, OR .77, 95% CI [.51; 1.17], P = .23) and technical success rates (97% vs 98%, OR .50, 95% CI [.21; 1.16], P = .11) were comparable between both groups. Lower mortality rates for ER were observed for ruptured aneurysms (4.1% vs 31%, OR .43 95% CI [.13; 1.43], P = .17). Length of stay was shorter (mean difference −4.25 days, 95% CI [−5.52; −2.98], P < .00001) and 1-year reintervention rates were higher in the ER group (9% vs 5%, OR 1.55 95% CI [.58; 4.12], P = .38. The presented evidence suggests that ER should be considered a first-line treatment for VAAs, especially in an emergency setting, due to lower morbidity and comparable mortality and technical success. Follow-up should be offered to these patients due to the higher reintervention rates. Systematic review registration PROSPERO ID 348699

BACKGROUND Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is nowadays the standard procedure in treating patients diagnosed with abdominal pathologies with suitable anatomy. Open surgery remains an option mostly for patients not suitable for endovascular surgery. Colonic ischemia is an important and life-threatening postoperative complication of these procedures. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value and safety of performing a planned sigmoidoscopy and biopsy for detection of colonic ischemia in patients undergoing elective aortic surgery. We also aim to develop prediction scores which could identify patients at risk for CI and facilitate their timely treatment. METHODS The trial is designed as a prospective study. The decision for aortic surgery is taken and eligibility for these procedures is ascertained according to current guidelines. Afterwards, screening of the patient for the remaining inclusion and exclusion criteria takes place. If eligibility for study inclusion is confirmed, the patient is informed about the aims of the study and all study-specific procedures (sigmoidoscopy and biopsy) and asked to provide informed consent. We assume that the rate of colonic ischemia diagnosed within 48 hours after the operation would be increased by 10% by means of sigmoidoscopy in asymptomatic patients. 120 cases undergoing sigmoidoscopy would allow for a comparison to the incidence of colonic ischemia after aortic surgery reported in the literature (5%) with alpha = 5 % and the statistical power (1-beta) = 80%. RESULTS This study will provide insight on the clinical value and safety of performing a sigmoidoscopy and biopsy for detection of colonic ischemia in patients undergoing elective aortic surgery. If the present study showed that sigmoidoscopy can be performed safely and is effective for diagnosing colonic ischemia in these patients, this could result in its routine implementation in both elective and emergency settings. CONCLUSIONS If the present study will show that sigmoidoscopy can be performed safely and is effective for diagnosing colonic ischemia in these patients, this could result in its routine implementation in both elective and emergency settings. CLINICALTRIAL DRKS-ID: DRKS00025587

Objective Advances in multimodality treatment paralleled increasing numbers of complex pancreatic procedures with major vascular resections. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the current outcomes of arterial resection (AR) in pancreatic surgery. Methods A systematic literature search was carried out from January 2011 until January 2020. MOOSE guidelines were followed. Predefined outcomes were morbidity, pancreatic fistula, postoperative bleeding and delayed gastric emptying, reoperation rate, mortality, hospital stay, R0 resection rate, and lymph node positivity. Duration of surgery, blood loss, and survival were also analyzed. Results Eight hundred and forty-one AR patients were identified in a cohort of 7111 patients. Morbidity and mortality rates in these patients were 66.8% and 5.3%, respectively. Seven studies (579 AR patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall morbidity (48% vs 39%, p = 0.1) and mortality (3.2% vs 1.5%, p = 0.27) were not significantly different in the groups with or without AR. R0 was less frequent in the AR group, both in patients without (69% vs 89%, p p p = 0.037). Conclusions Arterial resections increase the complexity of pancreatic surgery, as demonstrated by relevant morbidity and mortality rates. Careful patient selection and multidisciplinary planning remain important.

With the advances in multimodality treatment, an analysis of the outcome of arterial resections (AR) in surgery of cholangiocarcinoma is lacking. The aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize the currently available evidence onof AR for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.A systematic literature search was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines.10 retrospective cohort studies published from 2007 to 2020 with 2530 patients (408 AR group and 2122 control group) were identified. Higher in-hospital mortality rates (6.8% vs 3.3%, OR 2.65, 95% CI [1.27; 5.32], p = 0.009), higher morbidity rates (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥3 ) (52% vs 47%, OR 1.44, 95% CI [1.02; 1.75], p = 0.04) and lower 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates (54% vs 69%, OR 0.55, 95% CI [0.34; 0.91 p = 0.02), (34% vs 38%, OR 0.74, 95% CI [0.55; 0.98, p = 0.03), (18% vs 29%, OR 0.54, 95% CI [0.39; 0.75, p = 0.0002) were observed in the AR group when compared to the control group.Evidence from non-randomized studies shows a higher morbidity and mortality and shorter long-term survival in patients undergoing AR. However, the results are prone to selection bias, and only randomized trials comparing AR and palliative treatments AR might reveal a possible benefit of AR.PROSPERO ID 223396.

The aim of the study was to analyse the outcome of open surgical, endovascular, and hybrid interventions in the treatment of acute (AMI) and chronic (CMI) mesenteric ischemia.Retrospective review of a cohort of mesenteric ischemia patients at a single tertiary referral center from 2015 to 2021. Primary end point was postoperative in-hospital mortality. Secondary end points were the number of bowel resections, duration of the procedure, length of postoperative intensive care treatment, length of hospital stay, revision surgery (number and type), and the nature and severity of postoperative complications according to Dindo-Clavien.A total of 64 patients, 20 with CMI and 44 with AMI, underwent open, hybrid or endovascular surgery. Bowel resection was performed in 45.5% of the patients with AMI (29.5% small intestine, 2.3% colon and 13.6% both). There was no in-hospital mortality in the CMI cohort as compared to 29.5% in the AMI cohort (p = 0.03), with no differences regarding endovascular and open surgery (29.6 vs 29.4%). Severe postoperative morbidity (Dindo-Clavien ≥ 3) was also significantly more frequent in the AMI group when compared to the CMI group (20 vs 77.3%, p 0.001). ASA classification and intensive care stay were identified as factors associated with mortality in AMI patients.Morbidity and in-hospital mortality are low in CMI patients, but substantial in AMI patients. Early diagnosis and open or endovascular treatment may be decisive for the outcome of these patients.

Objectives Based on the angiogenetic, transcriptional profile of non-diseased and arteriosclerotic vessels, we aim to identify the leucocytic markers as a potential, minimal invasive tool supporting diagnosis of vascular pathology. Methods Transcriptional profiling was performed with Angiogenesis RT2 Profiler PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) array on three non-pathological and three arteriosclerotic vessels, followed by immunohistochemical staining. Based on these screening results, selected transcripts were employed for qPCR with specific primers and investigated on the blood RNA (RiboNucleic Acid) obtained from nine healthy controls and 29 patients with cardiovascular disorders. Thereafter, expression of these transcripts was investigated in vitro in human monocytes under calcification-mimicking conditions. Results and Conclusions Transcriptional profiling on the vessels revealed that out of 84 targets investigated two were up-regulated more than 100-fold, 18 more than 30 and 15 more than 10, while the most noticeable down-regulation was observed by ephrin-A3 and platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGFA) genes. Based on the vessel results, investigations of the selected blood transcripts revealed that thrombospondin 1 (THBS1), thrombospondin 3 (THBS3), transforming growth factor, beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1), platelet-derived growth factor alpha, plasminogen activator, urokinase (PLAU) and platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) were significantly elevated in cardiovascular blood as compared to corresponding controls. Induction of calcification-related conditions in vitro to human THP-1 monocytes led to noticeable modulation of these transcripts. Taken together, these data demonstrate that leucocytic THBS1, THBS3, TGFBR1, platelet-derived growth factor alpha, PLAU and PECAM-1 have a correlation with cardiovascular disorders and could be used as a supportive tool predicting development of this pathological condition.

Background The value of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in cardiogenic shock, especially the combination of the ECMELLA approach (Impella combined with ECMO), remains controversial. Case presentation A previously healthy 33-year-old female patient was submitted to a local emergency department with a flu-like infection and febrile temperatures up to 39 °C. The patient was tested positive for type-A influenza, however negative for SARS-CoV-2. Despite escalated invasive ventilation, refractory hypercapnia (paCO2: 22 kPa) with severe respiratory acidosis (pH: 6.9) and a rising norepinephrine rate occurred within a few hours. Due to a Horovitz-Index Conclusions This exceptional case exemplifies the importance of aggressive MCS in severe cardiogenic shock, which may be especially promising in younger patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and potentially reversible causes of cardiogenic shock. This case impressively demonstrates that especially young patients may achieve complete neurological restoration, even though the initial prognosis may appear unfavourable.

Background Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) were traditionally treated by open repair (OR). Endovascular repair (ER) has become a new treatment strategy. The aim of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the current outcomes of OR and ER in the emergency treatment of PAA. Methods A systematic literature search of the PubMed/Medline database was carried out. Outcomes were 30-day mortality, morbidity, major amputation rate (30 days), major amputation rate (1 year), 1-year primary patency rate, 1-year secondary patency rate and 1-year survival. Additionally, we included clinical data of patients with popliteal aneurysms treated between 2009 and 2021 at the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Results We identified two cohort studies from 2014 and 2015 with a total of 199 patients that underwent emergent surgery (39 ER and 160 OR). We also included 26 patients from our institution. For emergency treatment, 30-day major amputation rates (18% vs 3%, Odds Ratio 5.82, 95% CI [1.75; 19.30], p = .004), 30-day mortality rates (10% vs 1%, Odds Ratio 5.57, 95% CI [1.01; 30.58], p = .05), 1-year major amputation rates (15% vs 6% Odds Ratio 3.61, 95% CI [1.18; 11.09], p = .02), 1-year loss of primary patency (54% vs 23%, Odds Ratio 3.19, 95% CI [0.91; 11.20], p = .07), and 1-year loss of secondary patency (44% vs 12%, Odds Ratio 6.91, 95% CI [3.01; 15.83], p < .05) were higher in the ER group when compared to the OR group. Conclusion Endovascular repair represents an alternative approach for the emergency treatment of PAA. Limited evidence from the available non-randomized studies shows unfavorable outcomes for patients undergoing ER. However, the results are prone to selection bias, and only randomized trials comparing ER to OR might reveal whether a subgroup of patients would benefit from ER as primary treatment of PAA in an emergency setting.

BACKGROUND In light of recent advances in multimodality treatment, an analysis of vascular resection outcomes in surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is lacking. OBJECTIVE The aim of this meta-analysis is to summarize the currently available evidence on outcomes of patients undergoing arterial resection for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS A systematic literature search in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, and the trial registries ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform will be carried out. Predefined outcomes are mortality (100-day and in-hospital), morbidity (Clavien-Dindo classification, any type of complication), vascular complications (thrombosis or stenosis of the portal vein or hepatic artery, pseudoaneurysms), liver failure, postoperative bleeding, duration of surgery, reoperation rate, length of hospital stay, survival time, actuarial survival (2-, 3-, and 5-year survival), complete/incomplete resection rates, histologic arterial invasion, and lymph node positivity (number of positive lymph nodes and lymph node ratio). RESULTS Database searches will commence in December 2020. The meta-analysis will be completed by December 2021. CONCLUSIONS Our findings will enable us to present the current evidence on the feasibility, safety, and oncological effectiveness of surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma with arterial resection. Our data will support health care professionals and patients in their clinical decision-making. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO 223396; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=223396 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/31212

Mesenteric ischemia is still nowadays an underdiagnosed disease with high in-hospital mortality rates. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical in acute mesenteric ischemia. In the past years vascular and general surgeons started to use endovascular and hybrid approaches in order to reduce periprocedural morbidity and mortality. Endovascular and open surgery in asymptomatic patients with chronic mesenterial ischemia (CMI) is usually not indicated. On the other hand, symptomatic CMI should be treated to prevent acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI), bowel infarction and death. It is still controversial in which patients open or endovascular procedures should be performed. Retrograde open mesenteric stenting (ROMS) has been proven to be an alternative to traditional approaches like retrograde and antegrade bypass surgery and could be a potential gold standard when treating acute mesenteric ischemia. Here, we review the contemporary literature of the last 10 years on endovascular, open and hybrid approaches treating acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease and resection at an early disease stage is the best chance of cure. Less than 20% of all patients present with a resectable tumor, while another 20% to 30% have locally advanced pancreatic cancer and the majority of the patient suffer from metastatic disease. Recently, it has been recognized that there is a 4th group of patients with so-called borderline resectable disease. Here, the tumor approaches or infiltrates the vascular axis (superior mesenteric vein/portal vein and/or superior mesenteric/hepatic artery/celiac trunk). While a large number of tumors with suspected venous infiltration can be resected with concomitant venous resection and reconstruction, arterial infiltration has been considered a contraindication to resection. Neoadjuvant treatment with combination chemotherapy protocols with or without radiotherapy has allowed for higher resection rates even in patients with arterial invasion. Here, we review the contemporary literature on extensive pancreatic cancer surgery with vascular resection and reconstruction. Key words: Borderline pancreatic cancer; Celiac artery; Hepatic artery; Neoadjuvant chemotherapy; Pancreatic cancer; Portal vein; Superior mesenteric artery; Superior mesenteric vein; Vascular resection

Background In light of recent advances in multimodality treatment, an analysis of vascular resection outcomes in surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is lacking. Objective The aim of this meta-analysis is to summarize the currently available evidence on outcomes of patients undergoing arterial resection for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods A systematic literature search in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, and the trial registries ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform will be carried out. Predefined outcomes are mortality (100-day and in-hospital), morbidity (Clavien-Dindo classification, any type of complication), vascular complications (thrombosis or stenosis of the portal vein or hepatic artery, pseudoaneurysms), liver failure, postoperative bleeding, duration of surgery, reoperation rate, length of hospital stay, survival time, actuarial survival (2-, 3-, and 5-year survival), complete/incomplete resection rates, histologic arterial invasion, and lymph node positivity (number of positive lymph nodes and lymph node ratio). Results Database searches will commence in December 2020. The meta-analysis will be completed by December 2021. Conclusions Our findings will enable us to present the current evidence on the feasibility, safety, and oncological effectiveness of surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma with arterial resection. Our data will support health care professionals and patients in their clinical decision-making. Trial Registration PROSPERO 223396; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=223396 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/31212

Objective In this article, we outline the important features of pancreatic cancer surgery in cases with visceral artery encasement. Background Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, pancreatic cancer continues to have a poor prognosis. Due to its limited response to chemotherapies, radiation, or targeted therapies, surgery (in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy) is the only potential way to treat pancreatic cancer in a curative manner. As only about 20% of the patients have surgically resectable disease at the time of diagnosis, the resection of encased visceral veins and arteries, along with neoadjuvant regimens, is one approach to treat otherwise palliative patients. Methods Based on a selective literature review, we discuss the results of several studies and meta-analyses, comparing the mortality and morbidity, as well as long-term survival in patients undergoing arterial resection vs standard treatment. We conducted a selective literature review in PubMed without restrictions regarding time of publication or study design. Only articles in English language were selected. Conclusions Several studies and meta-analyses comparing resection with and without arterial resection and reconstruction showed a significantly higher post-operative mortality and morbidity and shorter long-term survival in patients who required arterial resection. In patients with tumors initially considered irresectable, the approach of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by resection with arterial reconstruction showed a significantly increased survival compared to palliative chemotherapy alone with acceptable postoperative morbidity. Tumor resection with arterial reconstruction following intensive preoperative chemotherapy (plus radiochemotherapy in some cases) should be considered in selected patients, as it can prolong survival and potentially lead to sustained freedom from tumor recurrence.

Simple Summary Aberrant lipid synthesis and reprogrammed lipid metabolism are both associated with the development and progression of pancreatic and liver cancer. Most cells store fatty acids in the form of triacylglycerols in lipid droplets. Lipid droplets are intracellular organelles that not only store neutral lipids, but also play roles as molecular messengers and signaling factors. Some cancer cells accumulate massive amount of lipid droplets. Lipid droplets and lipid droplet-associated factors are further implicated to mediate proliferation, invasion, metastasis, as well as chemotherapy resistance in several types of cancer. This review dissected recent findings on the role of several lipid droplet-associated factors, patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3), Transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2), and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B) 11 and 13 as well as their genetic variations in hepatopancreatobiliary diseases, especially cancer. Abstract Pancreatic and liver cancer are leading causes of cancer deaths, and by 2030, they are projected to become the second and the third deadliest cancer respectively. Cancer metabolism, especially lipid metabolism, plays an important role in progression and metastasis of many types of cancer, including pancreatic and liver cancer. Lipid droplets are intracellular organelles that store neutral lipids, but also act as molecular messengers, and signaling factors. It is becoming increasingly evident that alterations in the regulation of lipid droplets and their associated factors influence the risk of developing not only metabolic disease but also fibrosis and cancer. In the current review article, we summarized recent findings concerning the roles of lipid droplet-associated factors, patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3, Transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 11 and 13 as well as genetic variants in pancreatic and hepatic diseases. A better understanding of cancer type- and cell type-specific roles of lipid droplet-associated factors is important for establishing new therapeutic options in the future.