Updates in Surgery

Clinical impact of multidisciplinary team management on postoperative short-term outcomes in colorectral cancer surgery
Kuwabara S, Ishido K, Aoki Y, Yamamoto K, Shoji Y, Ichimura T, Manase H and Hirano S
The multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach has become the standard for perioperative patient care. At our institution, a multidisciplinary perioperative care team called "Surgical, Nutrition and Rehabilitation Integrated Services for Excellence Team (SUNRISE)" was established for all patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery. This study aimed to elucidate the significance of SUNRISE as a perioperative MDT by comparing short-term postoperative outcomes before and after the introduction of SUNRISE in patients with colorectal cancer. We included 181 patients diagnosed with colorectal who underwent radical surgical resection with regional lymphadenectomy. The patients were divided into two groups: the pre-SUNRISE group, consisting of 105 patients who underwent radical colorectal surgery before the introduction of the SUNRISE, and the SUNRISE group, consisting of 76 patients who underwent radical colorectal surgery after the introduction of the SUNRISE. We compared the short-term postoperative outcomes between these two groups and analyzed the risk factors affecting postoperative complications using logistic regression models. The incidence of postoperative complications in the SUNRISE group was significantly lower than that in the pre-SUNRISE group (22.4% vs. 41.0%, p = 0.011). Multivariate analysis identified the presence of SUNRISE (odds ratio, 0.33, 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.73, p < 0.006) as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. The median postoperative hospital stay in the SUNRISE group was significantly shorter than that in the pre-SUNRISE group (9 vs. 11 days, p < 0.01). The MDT approach is useful for optimizing preoperative patient care and improving short-term postoperative outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer.
Erectile dysfunction is an underdiagnosed consequence of low anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection for colorectal cancer
Gaffney CD, Punjani N, Brant A, Fainberg J, Voleti SS, Zheng X, Sedrakyan A, Garrett KA and Kashanian JA
To explore the frequency and predictive factors of erectile dysfunction diagnosis after colorectal cancer surgery. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database was used to identify a national sample of men undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer from 2004 to 2015. Men aged > 65 years with any index surgery within 1 year of diagnosis of colorectal cancer were included. Men with a history of prior erectile dysfunction, metastatic cancer, or genitourinary cancer prior to their index procedure were excluded. The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of erectile dysfunction within 2 years of the index procedure. A total of 28,248 men aged > 65 years who underwent colorectal cancer surgery were identified. The rates of erectile dysfunction diagnosis 2 years after surgery were 3.6% for hemicolectomy, 5.3% for low anterior resection, and 6.4% for abdominoperineal resection. On multivariable analysis, low anterior resection (HR: 1.27, 95%CI 1.08 to 1.51, p < 0.01) and abdominoperineal resection (HR: 1.49, 95%CI 1.14 - 1.93, p < 0.01) were independently associated with increased risk of erectile dysfunction compared to hemicolectomy. Minimally invasive surgery was independently associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction compared to open surgery (HR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.25-1.65, p < 0.001). Compared to hemicolectomy, men treated with low anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection have a higher risk of being diagnosed with erectile dysfunction within 2 years of treatment. The absolute rate of erectile dysfunction diagnosis was low compared to rates reported in prior controlled trials, suggesting that patients are underdiagnosed in real-world settings.
Effects of bariatric surgery on hyperuricemia and gout: a systematic review of the literature
Soricelli E, Quartararo G, Leuratti L, Schiavo L, Iannelli A and Facchiano E
Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, and it is due to the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the articular and extra-articular tissues. Body mass index is strongly correlated with elevated serum uric acid levels and gout is often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Recommended nonpharmacological treatments for hyperuricemia and gout include dietary modifications and weight loss. Many studies have demonstrated that weight loss could reduce serum urate in patients with obesity and it is a commonly recommended treatment for gout. Bariatric surgery-induced weight loss exerts beneficial effects on hyperuricemia and gout, even if a possible raise of gout flares can be observed in patients with hyperuricemia early after surgery. The aim of this review is to systematically analyze all the studies published so far reporting a link between hyperuricemia and/or gout and bariatric surgery to obtain reliable figures on the incidence of this disease and describe the mechanisms underlying this association. Eleven studies accounting for 11,256 patients were included in the review. Mean preoperative prevalence of gout was 4.1%, while the preoperative prevalence of hyperuricemia ranged from 30.6% to 58%. After a mean follow-up of 8.5 months, postoperative prevalence of gout significantly decreased to 2.9% (p < .007). The incidence of gout flares after bariatric surgery was higher in the early postoperative phase and progressively decreased over time. Similarly, serum uric acid concentrations showed an increase within the first postoperative month, which was followed by a progressive decrease below the preoperative value.
Current approach to loop ileostomy closure: a nationwide survey on behalf of the Italian Society of ColoRectal Surgery (SICCR)
Peltrini R, Ferrara F, Parini D, Pacella D, Vitiello A, Scognamillo F, Pilone V, Pietroletti R, De Nardi P and
Compared to standardized minimally invasive colorectal procedures, there is considerable perioperative heterogeneity in loop ileostomy reversal. This study aimed to investigate the current perioperative practice and technical variations of loop ileostomy reversal following rectal cancer surgery. A nationwide online survey was conducted among members of the Italian Society of ColoRectal Surgery (SICCR). A link to the questionnaire was sent via mail. The survey consisted of 31 questions concerning the main procedural steps and application of the ERAS protocol after loop ileostomy reversal. Overall, 219 participants completed the survey. One respondent in four used a combination of water-soluble contrast studies (WSCS) and digital rectal examination to assess the integrity of the anastomosis before ileostomy closure. Conversely, 17.8% of them used either only WSCS or only endoscopy. Surgeons routinely perform hand-sewn or stapled anastomoses in 45.2% and 54.8% of the cases, respectively. Side-to-side antiperistaltic stapled anastomosis was the most performed anastomosis (36%). Most surgeons declared that they have never used prostheses for abdominal wall closure (64%), whereas 35% preferred retromuscular mesh placement in selected cases only. Forty-six respondents (66.7%) reported using interrupted stitches for skin closure, while 65 (29.7%) a purse-string suture. Furthermore, skin approximation at the stoma site using open methods was significantly more common among surgeons with greater experience in ileostomy reversal (p = 0.031). Overall, a good compliance with the ERAS protocol was found. However, colorectal surgeons were significantly more likely to follow the ERAS pathway than general surgeons (p < 0.05). Surgeons use different anastomotic techniques for ileostomy reversal after rectal cancer surgery. Based on current evidence, purse-string skin closure and ERAS pathway should be implemented, while the role of mesh prophylactic strategy needs to be explored further.
Matching the opposites: liver transplantation from a situs viscerum inversus totalis donor
Guidetti C, Odorizzi R, Catellani B, Muller P, Magistri P, Guerrini GP, Di Sandro S and Di Benedetto F
Situs viscerum inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital anomaly. Deceased donors with this condition are often declined because of the technical issues in both the organ's procurement and its transplant. Only eight cases of deceased donor organs with SIT were reported to be used for liver transplantation (LT). We herein present a case of LT using a graft from an SIT donor: a modified retroversus piggyback technique was used. A 15 year-old female was referred to our institution as a potential donor. An SIT condition was discovered during standard donor evaluation together with the presence of a complex triple arterial pedicle. Procurement operative time was 125 min, from skin incision to cross-clamp. Liver extraction occurred 32 min after cold flush. The recipient was a 56 year-old male affected by recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on hepatitis C related liver cirrhosis. Position and orientation trials of the graft were made and it was decided to implant it with the retroversus technique. Direct duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction was achieved. The postoperative course was uneventful. To our knowledge, this is the first implant with retroversus technique combined to direct biliary reconstruction and the first repetition of that technique. Cases like this highlight how technical complexity can be overcome leading to successful management of difficult scenarios in a safe manner.
Critical view of safety approach vs. infundibular technique in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which one is safer? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Aburayya BI, Al-Hayk AK, Toubasi AA, Ali A and Shahait AD
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains the gold standard procedure for the management of benign gallbladder disease. Recognizing the need to mitigate complications, mainly bile duct injury (BDI), various techniques for ductal identification during LC have emerged, including the "Critical View of Safety" (CVS) and the infundibular technique (IT). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess and compare the outcomes of both techniques, with a primary focus on evaluating their impact on BDIs. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. The search focused on the surgical technique, incidences of minor and major BDIs, operative time, conversion rate, and length of stay, among patients undergoing LC for benign gallbladder disease. Our initial search retrieved 264 studies. After screening the unique studies against our predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, only five met our criteria and were included. Additionally, a manual search identified eight more relevant studies, bringing the total number of included studies to 13. The total number of included patients was 4,837. Approximately two-thirds underwent LC using the CVS approach (61.1%), and 66.3% were female, with a mean age of 44.4 ± 11.2 years. The CVS approach was associated with a significant reduction in overall BDIs (RR = 0.36; 95% CI 0.18-0.71) and major BDIs (RR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.13-0.63). However, there were no significant differences in terms of minor BDIs, operative time, conversion rates, or length of stay. Our study demonstrated the superiority of the CVS approach in terms of reducing the incidence of overall and major BDIs compared to IT. However, our study revealed no other significant differences between the two techniques. Further research, including multicentric randomized controlled trials, will be necessary to further evaluate the efficacy of these techniques.
Liver transplantation: Do not abandon T-tube drainage-a multicentric retrospective study of the ARCHET research group
Chiche L, Marichez A, Rayar M, Simon A, Mohkam K, Muscari F, Boudjema K, Mabrut JY, Adam JP, Laurent C and
Biliary complications remain a real issue in liver transplantation (LT). Despite meta-analyses, the anastomosis technique, especially the use of biliary drain as T-Tube drain (TT) or transcystic drain, remains controversial. This study conducted by the ARCHET research group examine the incidence and types of biliary complications (BC) after LT according to the presence or absence of a biliary drain. 1485 patients with LT surgery between 2009 to 2015 in 4 LT centers were included, divided into 3 groups: no drain (ND n = 442), transcystic drain (TCD, n = 169) and TT(n = 874).The T-Tube group includes 3 techniques: transanastomotic, subanastomotic and tunneled retroperitoneal. Fistula and biliary stricture (AS) rates were studied. The risk factors of BC were investigated by multivariate analysis. The BC rate was lower in the TT group (17% TT, 25% TCD, 31% ND, p < 0.05), the complication rate Dindo-Clavien grade ≥ III is higher in the ND group (24% vs. 10% TT p < 0.05). Arterial complication has been found as a risk factor of BC with the multivariate analysis (p < 0.01, OR 1.86 [1.20-2.84]). In addition, the TT decreased by 5 the risk of AS (p < 0.05, OR 0.19 [0.12-0.28]). The fistula rate does not differ regardless of the reconstruction mode. In this study, biliary drain decreases the rate of BC. The findings confirmed the role of T-tube insertion in prevention of AS regardless of the way it is set up.
Mid-transversal hepatectomy: breaking new ground in parenchymal sparing hepatectomies
Costa G, Torzilli G, Laurenti V and Procopio F
We, herein, describe a case of complex parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy for multiple bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). A 61-year-old woman, previously operated for an occlusive adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon and undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy, developed metachronous bilobar CRLMs. After administration of a II line chemotherapy with partial response, she was referred to our hospital. The pre- and post-treatment imaging recognized seven liver lesions, with a bilobar distribution involving segments 3, 4, 5, 8, and 7. After multidisciplinary team evaluation, the surgical strategy was planned by means of three-dimensional reconstruction and simulation software. The planned and executed procedure consisted of a unique transection plane comprising partial resection of segments 3-4-5-8-7, thus removing the central transversal portion of the liver. Accurate preoperative planning and intraoperative ultrasound for resection guidance allowed us to achieve a complex parenchymal sparing procedure in an advanced disease that would be usually candidate for major resection and staged hepatectomy.
Robotic-assisted pancreatic enucleation: Posterior uncinate approach
Chopra A, Ranellone N, Nunns G and Paniccia A
Functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) necessitate surgical resection. Enucleation is the preferred surgical method for well-differentiated pNETs that measure less than 2 cm in diameter, as it offers a greater likelihood of enhancing post-operative recovery and decreasing morbidity and mortality. Insulinomas are particularly suitable for enucleation when such a procedure is viable. However, enucleating tumors within the uncinate process of the pancreas, especially on its posterior aspect, can present substantial challenges. The accompanying video illustrates a robotic-assisted enucleation of an insulinoma in the uncinate process, performed on a 41-year-old male with recurrent hypoglycemia. This intervention led to the resolution of symptoms and incurred minimal post-operative morbidity.
Combination of grade and spread through air spaces (STAS) predicts recurrence in early stage lung adenocarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study
Isgir BB, Kocaman G, Kahya Y, Ozakinci H, Elhan AH and Yuksel C
Adenocarcinomas, a common subtype of lung cancer, exhibit diverse histological patterns. In 2020, The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) introduced a grading system emphasizing high-grade components, which has shown prognostic value. Spread through air spaces (STAS) is recognized as a prognostic feature increasing the risk of recurrence in lung cancer. This study evaluates the combination of STAS status and the IASLC-grading system in surgically resected Stage I lung adenocarcinomas. This study is a retrospective analysis of 123 patients with Stage I lung adenocarcinoma who underwent lobectomy between 2011 and 2019. Histological patterns were assessed according to the IASLC criteria, and STAS status was documented. Patients were categorized based on their IASLC Grade and STAS status. Statistical analyses included Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, Cox proportional hazards models, and comparisons using Chi-square and t-tests. The cohort comprised 43 females and 80 males with a mean age of 61.8 ± 7.6 years. STAS positivity was noted in 52.8% of patients. STAS positivity correlated significantly with Grade 3 tumors (p < 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival was significantly lower in STAS-positive patients (70.7% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.026). Patients with Grade 3 and STAS positivity had significantly lower recurrence-free survival compared to other groups (p = 0.002). Grade 3 and STAS positivity were independent predictors of poor recurrence-free survival in multivariate analysis. IASLC Grade 3 tumors and STAS positivity are independent prognostic factors for poor recurrence-free survival in Stage I lung adenocarcinomas. Adjuvant treatment strategies should be considered for patients with these characteristics to improve outcomes.
Development and validation of a tumor size-stratified prognostic nomogram for patients with gastric signet ring cell carcinoma
Hui X, Zhou G, Zheng Y, Wang Y and Guo Q
Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRC) is a rare malignancy without a commonly acknowledged prognostic assessment and treatment system. This study aimed to determine the optimal cut-off value of tumor size (TS), and construct a prognostic nomogram in combination with other independent prognostic factors (PFs) to predict 3 year and 5 year overall survival (OS) in GSRC patients. From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, this study collected 4744 patients diagnosed with GSRC. These patients were randomized into a training cohort (n = 2320,) and a validation cohort (n = 1142). A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to determine the cut-off value for TS, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed in the training cohort to identified significant predictors. A prognostic nomogram was constructed to predict OS at 3 and 5 years. Concordance index (C index), receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC curve), area under curve (AUC), and calibration curve were used to test the predictive accuracy of the model. A non-linear relationship was observed between TS and the risk of OS in GSRC, with TS thresholds at 4.4 cm and 9.6 cm. Survival was significantly lower in GSRC patients with TS > 4.4 cm. Age, marriage, chemotherapy, surgery, TS, SEER stage, regional lymph node status, and total number were independent predictors of OS. The C index in the training cohort was 0.748, and the AUC values for both 3- and 5-year OS were higher than 0.80. Similar results were observed in the validation cohort. In addition, the calibration curves showed good agreement between the predicted 3 year and 5 year OS and the actual OS. TS is a key prognostic factor for patients with GSRC, and patients with a TS of 4.4-9.6 cm and > 9.6 cm may have a poorer prognosis than those with a TS of < 4.4 cm. The TS-stratified nomogram we constructed and validated has favorable accuracy and calibration precision, and may be helpful in predicting the survival rate of patients.
Differences in the epidemiology and survival of patients with colorectal cancer between China and the United States: a large cross-sectional study
Shen Y, Cai H, Zhou D, Gao J, Yang T, Chen H, Wei M and Wang Z
Studying the epidemiological and management characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) between China and the US has important implications. The present cross-sectional study included patients from SEER and Southwest China Colorectal (SCC) databases. Incidence, treatment and survival information were compared between two countries. 86859 patients in the SEER database and 5838 patients in the SCC database were included. The estimated incidence of CRC in the US was greater than that in China from 2006 to 2019. The most common tumor sites of CRC patients in China were the RSC (66.5%), RCC (20.2%) and LCC (13.3%), while those in the US were the RCC (44.4%), RSC (29.8%) and LCC (25.8%). Chinese CRC patients were more likely to be male (58.9% vs 52.4%, p < 0.001), have a greater stage II CRC rate (49.8% vs 27.8%, p < 0.001), younger age at diagnosis (median 64 vs 66 years, p < 0.001). Radical surgery rates were lower in Chinese RCC (92.3% vs 93.9%, p < 0.001) and LCC (88.9% vs 92.0%, p < 0.001) patients. The adjuvant therapy rates were lower in Chinese CRC patients. The 5-year overall survival rates were 71.8% and 78.2% for Chinese and US CRC patients, respectively (p < 0.001). China is undergoing an increasing incidence of CRC. The treatment and mortality of CRC differ in China and US populations. China had a lower adjuvant therapy rate and a lower 5-year OS rate compared with the US.
Safety and feasibility of pure laparoscopic living donor right hepatectomy
Kim SH, Kim KH, Rotellar F and Aliseda D
Pure laparoscopic living-donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH) has emerged as a significant advancement in liver transplantation, offering reduced donor morbidity and improved recovery times. However, PLDRH is still performed in only a limited number of centers. This retrospective study reports on the outcomes of 215 living donors who underwent PLDRH at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Korea between November 2014 and December 2021. We reviewed donor and recipient demographics and anatomical characteristics of the donor grafts. Donor complications were classified and evaluated based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. The incidence of early donor complications within 30 days of surgery was 0.9% (n = 3), with minor complications in 0.3% (n = 1) patients and major complications in 0.6% (n = 2). No biliary complications were observed and no late complications had been reported by 30 days after surgery. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 7.2 days. PLDRH was a safe and feasible surgical technique characterized by a low complication rate and short hospital stays. PLDRH has the potential to become the standard procedure for the retrieval of right liver grafts from living donors.
Italian survey about intraperitoneal drain use in distal pancreatectomy
Pecorelli N, Ricci C, Esposito A, Capretti G, Partelli S, Butturini G, Boggi U, Cucchetti A, Zerbi A, Salvia R, Falconi M and
Intraperitoneal prophylactic drain (IPD) use in distal pancreatectomy (DP) is still controversial. A survey was carried out through the Italian community of pancreatic surgeons using institutional emails, Twitter, and Facebook accounts of the Italian Association for the Study of the Pancreas (AISP) and the Italian Association of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Surgery (AICEP). The survey was structured to learn surgeons' practice in using IPD through questions and one clinical vignette. Respondents were asked to report their regrets for omission and commission regarding the IPD use for the clinical scenario, eliciting a scale between 0 (no regret) and 100 (maximum regret). The threshold model and a multilevel mixed regression were built to identify respondents' attitudes. One hundred six surgeons completed the survey. Sixty-three (59.4%) respondents confirmed using at least 1 drain, while 43 (40.6%) placed 2 IPDs. Only 13 respondents (12.3%) declared a change in IPD strategy in patients at high risk of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF), while 9 (9.4%) respondents changed their strategy in low-risk POPF situations. Thirty-five (35.5%) respondents declared they would remove the IPD within the third postoperative day (POD) in the absence of CR-POPF suspicion. The median omission regret, which proved to be the wrong decision, was 80 (50-100, IQR). The median regret due to the commission of IPD, which turned out to be useless, was 2.5 (1-20, IQR). The CR-POPF probability threshold at which drainage omission was the less regrettable choice was 7% (1-35, IQR). The threshold to perceive drain omission as the least regrettable choice was higher in female surgeons (P < 0.001), in surgeons who modulated the strategies based on the risk of CR-POPF, and in high volume centers (p = 0.039). The threshold was lower in surgeons who performed minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (P < 0.001), adopted a closed system (P < 0.001), placed two IPDs (P < 0.001), or perceived the IPD as important to prevent reintervention (p = 0.047). Drain management after DP remains very heterogeneous among surgeons. The regret model suggested that IPD omission could be performed in low-risk patients (7% of CR-POPF), leading to low regret in the case of the wrong decision, making it an acceptable clinical decision.
SICOB Italian clinical practice guidelines for the surgical treatment of obesity and associated diseases using GRADE methodology on bariatric and metabolic surgery
De Luca M, Zese M, Bandini G, Zappa MA, Bardi U, Carbonelli MG, Carrano FM, Casella G, Chianelli M, Chiappetta S, Iossa A, Martinino A, Micanti F, Navarra G, Piatto G, Raffaelli M, Romano E, Rugolotto S, Serra R, Soricelli E, Vitiello A, Schiavo L, Zani ICM, Ragghianti B, Lorenzoni V, Medea G, Antognozzi V, Bellini R, Berardi G, Campanile FC, Facchiano E, Foletto M, Gentileschi P, Olmi S, Petrelli M, Pilone V, Sarro G, Ballardini D, Bettini D, Costanzi A, Frattini F, Lezoche G, Neri B, Porri D, Rizzi A, Rossini R, Sessa L, D'Alessio R, Di Mauro G, Tolone S, Bernante P, Docimo L, Foschi D, Angrisani L, Basso N, Busetto L, Di Lorenzo N, Disoteo O, Forestieri P, Musella M, Paolini B, Silecchia G and Monami M
Obesity is a chronic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life. Pharmacotherapy can be associated with life style changes in increasing and maintaining weight loss and ameliorating obesity-related complications and comorbidities. In patients affected by obesity and uncontrolled obesity-associated complications or high degrees of BMI (> 40 Kg/m), metabolic bariatric surgery can be a valid therapeutic option. Many different types of surgical procedures have been developed in last decades, mainly performed via laparoscopic approaches. However, clinical indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) and the choice of the most appropriate type of procedure have not been clarified so far.The Italian Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery for Obesity (Società Italiana di Chirurgia dell'Obesità e delle Malattie Metaboliche-SICOB) decided to design and develop the updated version of the Italian guidelines aimed at assisting healthcare professionals in the choice of the surgical option for the treatment of obesity and related conditions. Between June and October 2022, a panel of 24 experts and an evidence review team (ERT, 10 members), participated in the definition of clinical questions, outcomes, and recommendations and collected and analyzed all the available evidence on the basis of pre-specified search strategies. GRADE methodology and PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) conceptual framework have been adopted for the development of the present guidelines. Aim of the present guideline is to verify indications to surgery with respect to the presence of comorbid conditions, evaluate the different types of surgical approaches and endoscopic bariatric procedure and revise indication to revision surgery and postoperative procedures.
Normalization of WISP1 circulating level and tissue expression following metabolic and bariatric surgery using rat model
Kitaghenda FK, Wang J, Li T, Hong J, Yao L and Zhu X
Wingless-type inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1) is a newly recognized adipokine, associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study aimed to investigate the effect of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) on WISP1 circulating (serum) levels and tissue expression using rat models. We initially investigated whether WISP1 circulating levels were altered between the T2DM and normal rats. After confirmation, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were obtained and randomly divided as follows: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) group (n = 10), sleeve gastrectomy (SG) group (n = 10), SHAM group (n = 10), and normal control (NC) group (n = 10). Rats were followed for 8 weeks postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative WISP1 circulating (serum) levels, glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), postoperative WISP1 expression (visceral adipose tissue, VAT; and skeletal muscle, SM), body weight, food intake, and fasting blood glucose levels were recorded. MBS significantly induced glucose control and weight loss. At postoperative week 8, WISP1 serum levels decreased in the MBS groups (P < 0.05); furthermore, WISP1 expression in VAT and SM significantly decreased in the RYGB and SG groups than SHAM (P < 0.05, and P < 0.05, respectively). Whereas the difference in the expression level between SG and RYGB did not amount to statistical significance (P > 0.05). MBS significantly decreased WISP1 serum levels, tissue expression in the VAT, and SM. As WISP1 is a regulator of low-grade inflammation associated with obesity and T2DM, further studies are needed to explore its relevance in MBS.
Is the transection of the hernia sac during laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty safe and feasible? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Wang F, Huang LY, Li YJ and Wang DC
There is a debate over whether to transect or completely reduce the hernia sac during laparoscopic tension-free repair of inguinal hernia. This study endeavors to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of two approaches, namely transected sac (TS) and completely reduced sac (RS), in laparoscopic tension-free repair of inguinal hernia. Utilizing a meta-analysis methodology, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of these techniques. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to identify comparative studies focusing on laparoscopic tension-free repair of inguinal hernia, specifically comparing TS and RS techniques. The selected studies were subjected to meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 8 studies, involving 2995 patients with inguinal hernia, were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis results revealed that the TS group had a higher incidence of seroma compared to the RS group [OR = 1.74, 95% CI (1.35, 2.25), P < 0.0001], and a prolonged time to return to normal activity postoperatively [MD = 0.99, 95% CI (0.85, 1.14), P < 0.00001]. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of operation time [MD = -1.75, 95% CI (- 8.72, 5.22), P = 0.62], incidence of postoperative pain [OR = 1.00, 95% CI (0.41, 2.44), P = 1.00], overall postoperative complication rate [OR = 0.98, 95% CI (0.43, 2.20), P = 0.95], and recurrence rate fOR = 2.53, 95% CI (0.61, 10.39), P = 0.20]. Transected sac in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is associated with an increased incidence of seroma and a longer recovery time for patients to return to normal activity. Clinical trial registration Registration number is INPLASY20223110070.
Transmanubrial osteomuscular sparing approach: different indications for non-pulmonary malignancies
Duranti L and Tavecchio L
The transmanubrial osteomuscular sparing approach (TMA) is recommended for surgeries involving or originating from the thoracic outlet structures. We present a series of consecutive patients treated from 2014 to 2024 who underwent oncological thoracic outlet surgery for primary or metastatic (non-pulmonary) malignancies. Overall, 33 patients were included. Our procedures resulted in no mortality, seven complications (21.2%) and all surgeries achieved radical (R0) status. In the hands of experienced professionals, the TMA approach proves to be safe and conservative, enabling radical surgery for tumors of the thoracic outlet. For low-grade tumors, it avoids the need for additional combined surgical access, while for high-grade tumors, it allows for more extensive en bloc resection.
Laparoscopic colon surgery: time to leave the urinary catheter in the operating room?
Riquoir C, Vela J, Lascano R, Urrejola G, Bellolio F, Molina ME, Miguieles R and Larach JT
'Fast track' guidelines have incorporated multimodal measures to optimize perioperative outcomes in surgery, with laparoscopy being a pivotal component for its advantages in early recovery. In this setting, current recommendations regarding the use of a urinary catheter suggest its removal within the first 24-hours postoperatively.  However, few studies have assessed the feasibility of leaving the operating room without it. The purpose of this study is to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colonic resections leaving the operating room with and without a urinary catheter.
The small-for-size syndrome in living donor liver transplantation: current management
Del Prete L, Quintini C and Diago Uso T
Small-for-size syndrome poses a significant challenge in living donor liver transplantation, with potentially severe consequences including liver failure and death. This review explores the management strategies for SFSS, starting from the pathophysiology of the disease. SFSS arises from insufficient liver mass in the graft and hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhotic recipients, leading to portal hyperperfusion and subsequent liver injury. Risk factors include graft size, quality, recipient factors, and hemodynamic changes during transplantation.Hemodynamic monitoring is crucial during living donor liver transplantation to optimize portal vein and hepatic artery flow. Prevention strategies focus on donor-recipient matching and intraoperative graft inflow modulation. Optimizing venous outflow and avoiding portal hyperperfusion is essential. Management of established small-for-size syndrome involves supportive care, pharmacologic interventions, and radiological and surgical options. Pharmacotherapy includes somatostatin analogues, beta-blockers, and vasopressin analogues to reduce portal flow and pressure. Surgical interventions aim to modulate portal flow and mitigate complications. Retransplantation may be necessary in severe cases, guided by persistent graft dysfunction despite liver flow modulations. In conclusion, preventing and managing small-for-size syndrome in living donor liver transplantation requires comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions. Advancements in graft/recipient matching, hemodynamic monitoring, pharmacologic and surgical techniques aiming to inflow modulation have improved outcomes, enabling successful transplantation even with ultra-small grafts.
Nutritional support via feeding jejunostomy in esophago-gastric cancers: proposal of a common working strategy based on the available evidence
Caccialanza R, Da Prat V, De Luca R, Weindelmayer J, Casirati A and De Manzoni G
Malnutrition is common in patients affected by esophago-gastric cancers and has a negative impact on both clinical and economic outcomes. Yet not all patients at risk of malnutrition are routinely assessed and receive appropriate support. Further, available research does not provide a mean for standardization of timing, route, and dosage for nutritional support, and this is particularly true for enteral nutrition via feeding jejunostomy. Herein, we provide an overview of the current evidence and use the gathered knowledge as a starting point for a consensus proposal. As a result, we aim to facilitate the development of appropriate and uniformed interventions, thus fulfilling the need for a multimodal therapeutic approach in these set of cancer patients.