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Long-term survivors after resection of carcinoma of the head of the pancreas: significance of histologically curative resection.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer is said to have not been improved markedly by any procedures in the past 20 years. Since 1973, we have gradually extended the area of dissection when performing curative resection for pancreatic cancer to improve the resection rate and prognosis. Nineteen patients have survived for 3 years or more, and the 5-year survival rates of patients with cancer of the head of the pancreas were 23.9% for macroscopically curative resection and 34.3% for histologically curative resection. METHODS: We histologically observed surgical specimens, cut into 3- to 5-mm sections and compared the histologic characteristics of the 19 patients who survived for 3 years or more with those of 41 patients who died of cancer within 3 years (excluding 6 operative and hospital deaths), in order to find the conditions required for long-term survival. RESULTS: The following conditions were associated with long-term survival: (1) tumor diameter 3 cm or less; (2) either absence of lymph node metastasis or metastasis limited to the n(1) group; (3) degree of invasion of the anterior pancreatic capsule of zero (s0); and (4) either no retropancreatic invasion (rp0) or exposed retropancreatic invasion (rpe) with no cancer invasion of dissected peripancreatic tissue ew(-). CONCLUSIONS: At present, because the rpe rate is more than 70%, resection of the pancreas, including the superior mesenteric vein and the retropancreatic fusion fascia, is essential for a curative resection, because the retropancreatic tissue between the back of the pancreas and this fascia is anatomically considered to be in the position of the subserosal tissue in the gallbladder or stomach. Combined resection of the superior mesenteric artery may further improve the results of resection for pancreatic cancer, from the anatomical viewpoint.

Dissection↗

Anatomical major resection versus nonanatomical limited resection for liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although systematic anatomical hepatic resection has been reported to improve patient survival in hepatocellular carcinoma, principles of hepatectomy procedure have not been clearly demonstrated in secondary hepatic malignancy. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether selection of surgical procedures for liver resection is associated with the pattern of tumor recurrence or patient survival. METHODS: During the period of 1980 through 1999, 174 cases underwent liver resection for hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer. Of these, 96 underwent systematic anatomical major hepatic resection (anatomical group) and 78 cases underwent nonanatomical limited resection (nonanatomical group). Subset analysis of 115 patients with unilobar single or double tumors was also conducted. RESULTS: The overall 5-year survival rate of 174 patients was 43.2%. Univariate analysis did not show a significant difference in patient survival according to surgical procedure (anatomical group versus nonanatomical group). Operative morbidity and mortality rates were slightly higher in anatomical group. From the subset analysis in unilobar single or double tumors, anatomical major hepatectomy was unnecessary in 80.4% of the cases if the tumors were resectable by nonanatomical limited resection. Ninety percent of the ipsilateral recurrence, which could have been avoided if the first operation was anatomical hemihepatectomy, could undergo second hepatectomy with 5-year survival rate of 58.3%. CONCLUSIONS: There was not a significant difference in patient survival according to surgical procedure. To minimize surgical stress and operative risk, nonanatomical limited liver resection should be a basic surgical procedure for colorectal metastases.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗

S4a + S5 with caudate lobe (S1) resection using the Taj Mahal liver parenchymal resection for carcinoma of the biliary tract.

Recently we have been performing S4a + S5 with total resection of the caudate lobe (S1) by using a dome-like dissection along the root of the middle hepatic vein at the pinnacle, which we refer to as the Taj Mahal liver parenchymal resection, for carcinoma of the biliary tract. This procedure offers the following advantages: (1) It allows total resection of the caudate lobe, including the paracaval portion (S9), and (2) because the cut surface of the liver is large, it allows intrahepatic jejunostomy to be performed more easily with a good field of view. The indications for this procedure include hilar bile duct carcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma, and choledochal cyst (type IVA). Because of the high rate of hilar liver parenchyma and caudate lobe invasion associated with hilar bile duct carcinoma, the liver must be resected. The Taj Mahal procedure is indicated in cases where extended liver resection is impossible. The dissection limits of this procedure are, on the left side, the B2+3 bifurcation at the right margin of the umbilical portion of the portal vein and, on the right side, the B8 of the anterior branch and the B6+7 bifurcation of the right posterior branch. This procedure could also be described as a reduced form of extended right hepatectomy and extended left hepatectomy. For gallbladder carcinoma, this procedure is indicated to ensure an adequate surgical margin and eradicate transvenous liver metastasis, particularly in cases of pT2 lesions. Hilar and caudate lobe invasion also occurs in liver bed-type gallbladder carcinoma, and bile duct resection and caudate lobe resection are required for the surgery to be curative. We performed this procedure in four cases of hilar bile duct carcinoma, five cases of gallbladder carcinoma, and one case each of choledochal cyst (type IVA) with carcinoma of the bile duct and gallbladder adenomyomatosis. Curative resection was possible in all except the patient with adenomyomatosis, and all of the patients are alive and recurrence free 10 to 37 months postoperatively. This procedure, in addition to preserving liver function, provides a wide field of view and facilitates reconstruction of multiple intrahepatic bile ducts. Thus it can be said to be a curative operation not only in patients considered high risk but also in those whose hilar bile duct carcinoma is limited to the bifurcation area (Bismuth type IIIa and IIIb) and in gallbladder carcinoma up to pT2 with slight extension on the hepatic side.

Adenomyoma↗

What are the appropriate indications for endoscopic mucosal resection for early gastric cancer? Analysis of 256 endoscopically resected lesions.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Although endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early gastric cancer (EGC) without ulceration or scarring has been very popular in Japan and thought to be beneficial, curability by EMR is still lower than that for surgical resection. We investigated patients whose EGCs were resected endoscopically in order to identify the factors affecting curability by EMR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated retrospectively 256 EGC lesions (251 patients) which were subjected to EMR between 1989 and 1998 with respect to patient profile, macroscopic type, location, maximum diameter of tumors, resection method and histological typing. The prognoses of the patients were also investigated as far as possible. RESULTS: The curative total resection rate for EMR of EGC was 74.2 %. Concerning the factors affecting curability, the size of the lesion (over 15 mm), the method of resection (divisional resection), and histological typing (poorly differentiated) had a statistically significant effect on the complete resection rate. Multivariate analysis of the factors confirmed these results. Submucosal invasion was suspected in 16 patients after EMR, but submucosal cancer was found in only one patient after further surgery. Where there was recurrence, the longest recurrence-free period after EMR of EGC was 48 months, whereas the mean recurrence-free period was 195.4 days. CONCLUSIONS: The appropriate indication for EMR for EGC is thought to be an intramucosal differentiated-type adenocarcinoma without ulceration or scarring, and no more than 15 mm in size regardless of macroscopic type. Periodic follow-up for at least 5 years is necessary.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Relapse pattern after complete resection and early progression after incomplete resection of childhood craniopharyngioma.

In HIT Endo data on therapy and prognosis of 306 patients with childhood craniopharyngioma (CP) were analyzed. The 5 years-overall survival rate was 94 +/- 4 % in irradiated patients and 93 +/- 5 % in non-irradiated patients. Aims of the prospective study KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000 were to collect data on the incidence and time course of relapses after complete surgery and tumour progressions after incomplete resection. Furthermore, the impact of irradiation therapy (XRT) on tumour relapse and recurrence rates was analyzed. Since 2001 ninety-eight patients with CP were recruited at a median age at diagnosis of 9.9 years ranging from 1.8 to 18.0 years. Complete resection was achieved in 44 %, incomplete resection in 54 %. XRT was performed in 24 of 98 CP patients; in 10 early after incomplete resection, in 14 of 24 after progression of residual tumour or relapse, in 3 of 14 after second surgery of relapse. XRT was performed at a median age of 12.0 years ranging from 5.0 to 18.9 years and in median after an interval of 9 months after first diagnosis. The analysis of event-free survival rates (EFS) in patients with CP showed a high rate of early events in terms of tumour progression after incomplete resection (3y-EFS: 0.22 +/- 0.09) and relapses after complete resection (3y-EFS: 0.60 +/- 0.10) during the first three years of follow-up. A high rate of early events (1y-EFS: 0.78 +/- 0.10; 2y-EFS: 0.57 +/- 0.15) was also found for patients after XRT (3 cystic progressions, 3 progressions of solid tumour; in 24 patients after XRT). We conclude that tumour progression and relapse are frequent and early events even in irradiated patients. Monitoring of cerebral imaging and clinical status is recommended in follow-up of patients with childhood CP. In order to analyze the appropriate time point of XRT after incomplete resection, QoL, EFS and overall survival in patients (age > or = 5 years) will be analyzed in KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007 after stratified randomization of the time point of irradiation after incomplete resection (early irradiation versus irradiation at progression of residual tumour).

Adolescent↗

Results of second-look resection after primary resection of T1 tumour of the urinary bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To study residual tumours at second-look resection in patients resected 4-8 weeks earlier for T1 tumours of the urinary bladder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients randomized in the ongoing Nordic T1G2-G3 Bladder Sparing Study with monitored data available were included in the study. Data on residual tumours at second-look resection were compared to basic patient and tumour characteristics. RESULTS: There were 72 patients (56%) without and 57 with residual exophytic tumours. In the former group, 20 patients (28%) had carcinoma in situ, compared to 19 (33%) in the latter group. Potentially dangerous tumours (either carcinoma in situ, T1 or Ta grade 3) were observed in 55 patients (43%). Multiple tumours at primary resection were more prone to residual tumour at second-look resection than single tumours. No other tumour or patient characteristics could predict the occurrence of a residual tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Residual tumours are frequently observed at second-look resection 4-8 weeks after primary resection of T1 tumours. The majority of residual tumours detected at this stage are potentially dangerous; therefore, early second-look resection followed by intravesical instillation therapy is mandatory in patients with T1 tumours of the urinary bladder.

Adult↗

Does the subspecialty of the surgeon performing primary colonic resection influence the outcome of patients with hepatic metastases referred for resection?

OBJECTIVE: To compare resection rates and outcome of patients subsequently referred with hepatic metastases whose initial colon cancers were resected by surgeons with different specialty interests. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Variation in practice among noncolorectal specialist surgeons has led to recommendations that colorectal cancers should be treated by surgeons trained in colorectal surgery or surgical oncology. METHODS: The resectability of metastases, the frequency and pattern of recurrence after resection, and the length of survival were compared in patients referred to a single center for resection of colorectal hepatic metastases. The patients were divided into those whose colorectal resection had been performed by general surgeons (GS) with other subspecialty interests (n = 108) or by colorectal specialists (CS; n = 122). RESULTS No differences were observed with respect to age, sex, tumor stage, site of primary tumor, or frequency of synchronous metastases. Comparing the GS group with the CS group, resectable disease was identified in 26% versus 66%, with tumor recurrence after a median follow-up of 19 months in 75% versus 44%, respectively. Recurrences involving bowel or lymph nodes accounted for 55% versus 24% of all recurrences, with respective median survivals of 14 months versus 26 months. CONCLUSION: Fewer patients referred by general surgeons had resectable liver disease. After surgery, recurrent tumor was more likely to develop in the GS group; their overall outcome was worse than that of the CS group. This observation is partly explained by a lower local recurrence rate in the CS group.

Adult↗

Supportive treatment, resection and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: an analysis of survival in 419 patients.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Both surgical resection and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) are effective treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Few reports have compared the different treatment modalities for resectable HCC based on clinically matched groups. The aim of this study was to compare the survival rate after surgery, TACE or supportive treatment in resectable HCC patients, and also in elderly patients (> or = 70 y/o). METHODS: From 1984 to 1993, 419 consecutive patients with resectable HCC were included in this study. Of these, 311 (74%) underwent resection of tumours and 46 (11%) refused operation, opting instead for TACE. The remaining 62 (15%) who refused both methods of treatment were given supportive care. Univariate and multivariate analyses for prognostic factors and the 5-year survival rate among the groups were studied. RESULTS: Both surgical resection and TACE groups had a better 5-year survival rate than the supportive treatment group (43% and 34% vs. 7%). There was no difference in survival between the surgery and TACE groups. However, the 5-year survival rate was 11% in TACE and 41% in the surgical group when the patients were > or = 70. In multivariate analysis, female sex (P = 0.0466), tumour size < or = 3 cm (P = 0.0001), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) < 400 U/l (P = 0.0036), single tumour (P = 0.0474), serum creatinine < or = 1.5 mg/dl (P = 0.0006) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) < or = 100 U/l (P = 0.0007) are associated with good prognosis for resectable HCC. CONCLUSION: TACE is an alternative for resectable HCC. Tumour size, tumour number, AFP level, renal function, AP level and female sex are prognostic factors. In elderly people, TACE must be used prudently and has a worse prognosis.

Age Factors↗

Positive proximal resection margins after resection for carcinoma of the oesophagus and stomach: effect on survival and symptom recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to determine the frequency, survival and symptomatic local recurrence rate of patients with a positive proximal resection margin in a series of patients having a resection for carcinoma of the oesophagus or stomach. METHODS: A retrospective study of pathology reports and case notes. Survival and data on local recurrence were obtained from the patient or general practitioner. RESULTS: Ten (11.5%) of 87 patients having a gastric or oesophageal resection for carcinoma had a positive proximal resection margin. All 10 patients underwent a palliative resection for late-stage disease. Nine were dead at an average 8.3 months (range 2-20 months) post-resection and one patient remains alive at 9 months. Only one of these 10 patients had evidence of a local recurrence with recurrent dysphagia prior to death at 11 months. CONCLUSION: A high incidence of a positive proximal resection margin was found. This occurred in patients who underwent a palliative resection for late-stage disease, most of whom died before local recurrence became a problem. For patients recognized as having late-stage disease, surgery for symptom palliation need not be aggressive (such as to include a thoracotomy) because achieving microscopic clearance is unlikely to affect the long-term outcome.

Aged↗

Healing after treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects. IV. Effect of a non-resective versus a partially resective approach.

2 regenerative surgical approaches using citric acid conditioning, were compared in the treatment of deep intraosseous periodontal defects. The first approach was non-resective in that no osseous tissue was removed. The second, a partially resective approach, involved reduction of the osseous defect depth by removal of some supporting bone. 16 patients and a total of 26 defects, with probing pocket depth greater than or equal to 7 mm, were included in the study. The depths of the corresponding osseous defect, as revealed during surgery were greater than or equal to 5 mm. The results demonstrated mean gains in probing attachment level of 0.7 mm for the partially resected group and 1.1 mm for the non-resected group. Corresponding gains in probing bone levels were recorded in the defect sites for each group. Probing pocket depth was reduced from 7.5 mm to 4.0 mm in the partially resected group and from 7.9 mm to 5.3 mm in the non-resected group. Both procedures caused loss of attachment and bony support from adjacent tooth surfaces involved by the surgical procedure. Slightly more loss of attachment and bone was experienced by the partially resected group (range 1.2-1.5 mm) than by the non-resective group (range 0.1-0.9 mm).

Adult↗

Colonoscopic resection of lateral spreading tumours: a prospective analysis of endoscopic mucosal resection.

BACKGROUND: Lateral spreading tumours are superficial spreading neoplasms now increasingly diagnosed using chromoscopic colonoscopy. The clinicopathological features and safety of endoscopic mucosal resection for lateral spreading tumours (G-type "aggregate" and F-type "flat") has yet to be clarified in Western cohorts. METHODS: Eighty two patients underwent magnification chromoscopic colonoscopy using the Olympus CF240Z by a single endoscopist. All patients had received a previous colonoscopy where an endoscopic diagnosis of lateral spreading tumour was made. All lesions were examined initially using indigo carmine chromoscopy to delineate contour followed by crystal violet for magnification crypt pattern analysis. A 20 MHz "mini probe" ultrasound was used if T2 disease was suspected. Following endoscopic mucosal resection, patients were followed up at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months using total colonoscopy. RESULTS: Eighty two lateral spreading tumours were diagnosed in 80 patients (32% (26/82) F-type and 68% (56/82) G-type). G-type lesions were larger than F-type (G-type mean 42 (SD 14) mm v F-type 24 (6.4) mm; p<0.01). F-type lesions were more common in the right colon (F-type 77% (20/26) compared with G-type 39% (22/56); p<0.01) and more often associated with invasive disease (stage T2) (66% (10/15) v 33% (5/15); p<0.001). Fifty eight lesions underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (G-type 64% (37/58)/F-type 36% (21/58)). Local recurrent disease was detected in 17% of patients (10/58), all within six months of the index resection. Piecemeal resection and G-type morphology were significantly associated with recurrent disease (p<0.1). Overall "cure" rates for lateral spreading tumours using endoscopic mucosal resection at two years of follow-up was 96% (56/58). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic mucosal resection for lateral spreading tumours, staged as T1, is a safe and effective treatment despite their large size. Endoscopic mucosal resection may be an alternative to surgery in selected patients.

Adult↗

Rectal adenocarcinoma: assessment of tumour involvement of the lateral resection margin by MRI of resected specimen.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether MRI could predict tumour involvement of the lateral resection margin on resected rectal cancer specimens. 26 specimens obtained after total mesorectal excision were examined in the sagittal and axial plane on a clinical 1.5 T MR system using phased-array surface coils. The shortest distance between the deepest point of tumour penetration and the lateral resection margin was measured. This distance is referred to as LRM. The results were correlated to measurements on digital images of giant histopathological sections. The total number of lymph nodes and lymph node metastases was also counted. LRM was less than or equal to 1 mm (a distance considered for non-radically excised tumours) in eight of the histopathological specimens. On MR images of the resected specimen, LRM was less than or equal to 1 mm in seven of these specimens. LRM was shorter in MR examinations than in histopathological giant sections in 11 specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for prediction of tumour involvement of the lateral resection margin (LRM < or = 1 mm) by MR of the resected specimen were 88%, 78%, 64% and 93%, respectively. Presence of lymph node metastases could not accurately be predicted by MR. However, it is concluded that the presence of a tumour free lateral resection margin can be predicted by MRI of resected rectal specimens when this exceeds 1 mm.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Thoracotomy for postchemotherapy resection of pulmonary residual tumor mass in patients with nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors: aggressive surgical resection is justified.

In patients with disseminated nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors (NSTGCT), a retroperitoneal residual tumor mass (RRTM) and/or a pulmonary residual tumor mass (PRTM) are often present after successful treatment with cisplatin-based polychemotherapy. Results and complications of postchemotherapy resection of PRTM were studied and survival was calculated. In the period 1979 to 1996, 31 patients with a median age of 28 years (range, 17 to 44 years) underwent 32 thoracotomies for the resection of a PRTM. A solitary lesion was encountered nine times (28.1%) and multiple lesions were encountered 23 times (71.9%). The median size was 15 mm (range, 2 to 60 mm). There were only three major postoperative complications (9.6%): prolonged ventilation, pneumothorax, and pneumonia. In 16 patients (51.6%), the resected PRTM showed mature teratoma, while in four patients (12.9%) it showed viable cancer. In 11 patients only necrosis and/or fibrosis were found (35.5%). Resection of an RRTM had been performed prior to thoracotomy in 20 patients. There was dissimilarity between the histologic features of the resected RRTM and PRTM in 10 of the 20 patients (50%). During a median follow-up of 80 months (range, 2.5 to 203 months), five patients died from metastatic disease (16.1%). The 5-year survival rate was 86.8% and the 10-year survival rate was 82.2%. Owing to the dissimilarity between the histologic features of the postchemotherapy resected RRTM and PRTM in 50% of the patients, all sites of pulmonary residual disease must be resected in patients with disseminated NSTGCT, irrespective of the histologic features of previously resected retroperitoneal residual disease. This approach offers minimal morbidity and a high 10-year survival rate.

Adolescent↗

Surgical resection of recurrent lung cancer in patients following curative resection.

We reviewed our experience with resection of recurrent lung cancer to evaluate the benefit and risk of the procedure. From December 1994 to December 2003, 29 consecutive patients underwent pulmonary resections for recurrent lung cancer. The mean duration from the first resection to second surgery was 25.4+/-15.1 months for the definite 2nd primary lung cancer (n=20) and 8.9+/-5.7 months for metastatic lung cancer (n=9). The procedures at the second operations were completion-pneumonectomy in 11 patients, lobectomy in 5 patients, wedge resection in 12 patients and resection and anastomosis of trachea in 1 patient. Morbidity was observed in 6 (21%) of the patients and the in-hospital mortality was two patients (7%) after the repeated lung resection. Tumor recurrence after reoperation was observed in 14 patients (48%). The actuarial 5-yr survival rate was 69% and the 5-yr disease free rate following reoperation was 44%. No significant difference was found in overall survival and disease free survival between the 2nd primary lung cancer group and the metastatic lung cancer group. The recurrence rate following reoperation was significantly different between the wedge resection group and lobectomy/completion pneumonectomy group (p=0.008), but the survival rate was not significantly different (p=0.41). Surgical intervention for recurrent lung cancers can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity. If tolerable, completion pneumonectomy or lobectomy is recommended for resection of recurrent lung cancer.

Aged↗

Can dog-ear formation be decreased when an S-shaped skin resection is used instead of a spindle skin resection? A three-dimensional analysis of skin surgery techniques using the finite element method.

Dog-ear formation is often unavoidable with resection and suturing of the skin, including spindle excision. Regarding dog-ear formation after basic spindle skin resection during removal of a round tumor of the skin, we quantitatively analyzed the frequency of dog-ear formation with respect to the following three techniques: previous spindle skin resection, S-shaped skin resection, which has been experientially considered to induce limited deformity, and mosque-shaped skin resection for control. To date, by using paper models or sponges, various techniques of skin resection have been simulated in the field of plastic surgery. In the present study, we performed three-dimensional simulation and analyzed three different techniques of skin resection by using the finite element method. As a result, image simulation demonstrated that the frequency of dog-ear formation was limited by S-shaped, spindle, and mosque-shaped skin resection, in descending order.

Computer Simulation↗

Carcinoma of the pancreas and papilla of Vater--assessment of resectability and factors influencing resectability in stage I carcinomas. A prospective multicentre trial in 472 patients.

Between 1984 and 1987, 472 patients with histologically or cytologically verified carcinomas of the pancreas or papilla of Vater, were accrued in the Norwegian Pancreatic Cancer Trial. Surgical assessment revealed resectability in 29% (94 of 330) of the pancreatic tumours and 89% (25 of 28) of the papillar tumours. Tumours of the pancreatic head were resectable in 32% (84 of 259). The sensitivities of the different diagnostic methods in patients with resectable tumours were: FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) 80%, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography) 78%, PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography) 73%, ERCP with duct cytology 67%, CT (computed tomography) 58%, US (ultrasound) 42% and angiography 22%. The positive predictive values (PV+) in resectable disease were: US 29%, CT 35%, ERCP 43% and angiography 44%. Corresponding figures for unresectable disease were US 95%, CT 97%, ERCP 75% and angiography 88%. Resectable tumours of the pancreas and papilla of Vater had an average macroscopic diameter of 3.2 x 3.4 cm and 2.2 x 2.3 cm, respectively. Tumour size increased with stage. Increasing tumour size and abdominal pain combined with short diagnostic delay both decreased resectability rate, whereas a combination of long diagnostic delay and abdominal pain had a more favorable resectability rate. Radical pancreatic surgery, if effective in the treatment of carcinoma of the pancreas or papilla of Vater, should not be undertaken if any preoperative diagnostic test demonstrates signs of indisputable unresectability. Available methods for the evaluation of resectability in patients lacking such signs are insufficient. This necessitates exploratory laparotomy in many patients.

Ampulla of Vater↗

Resectability and prognostic factors after resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hilar cholangiocarcinoma, still a challenging problem for surgeons and resectional surgery, is the treatment of choice for long-term survival. In this study we tried to evaluate different prognostic factors after resection. METHODOLOGY: From January 1995 to October 2004, 440 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were admitted to the Gastroenterology Surgical Center, Mansoura University, Egypt. Of these patients 73 underwent potentially curative resection giving respectability rate of 17%, and the remaining 367 patients underwent non-surgical treatment because of advanced disease, advanced cirrhosis and poor general condition. Of the 73 patients, 35 (48%) underwent localized hepatic resection and 38 (52%) patients underwent major hepatic resection. Various prognostic factors for survival were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Hospital mortality occurred in 8 (11%) patients. The most common postoperative complications were: bile leak, liver cell failure and wound infection 23.2%, 17.8% and 9.5% respectively. The survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 79%, 32.6, 18.5, 137% and 13% respectively. The result of univariate analysis revealed that radicality of resection, lymph nodes status, tumor differentiation, modified Bismuth staging, underlying liver pathology, HCV viral infection, blood transfusion, preoperative serum bilirubin <10mg and CA19-9 are dependent prognostic factors. By multivariate Cox analysis radicality of resection, lymph nodes status, serum bilirubin below 10mg/dL level of CA19-9 and hepatitis viral infection were independent predictor factors. CONCLUSIONS: From this study we found that aggressive surgical procedure to obtain curative resection with preoperative serum bilirubin below 10mg and HCV infective negative especially in noncirrhotic liver may bring a better prognosis in hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Bile Duct Neoplasms↗

[Prediction of resectability and of surgical risk in pancreatic carcinoma; conditioning factors of survival after resective intervention].

Pancreatic cancer has been extensively researched in recent years, but overall survival after diagnosis is almost unchanged since the time of Whipple. In the meantime, we have tried to determine the factors influencing surgical risk, resectability and survival. Between 1968 and 1992, 516 patients with pancreatic cancer were monitored; 160 patients with cancer of the body-tail were excluded. Eighty-five of the remaining 356 patients with pancreatic head cancer were resected, while the remainder underwent only palliative procedures. Surgical outcome, in terms of operative mortality or complications, was correctly predicted preoperatively in > 80% of patients. The preoperative evaluation of the resectability of pancreatic cancer has been investigated with different, mainly invasive, procedures. CT scan, associated with angiography and laparoscopy is reported to give better results, with a resectability rate up to 78%. 67% of our patients who were diagnosed as resectable according to CT-scan features and serum CA 19-9 < 200 U/ml, were actually resected; furthermore 40% had a potentially curative resection. Most of our 'curative' resections (80%) were within this group of patients. Multivariate analysis showed only 4 factors influencing long-term survival: TNM stage, diabetes, age > 70 years, tumour grading.

Actuarial Analysis↗