Recent Submissions

  • Five-year recurrence/survival after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: does pre-existing diabetes matter? Results from the Recurrence After Whipple's (RAW) study.

    Rajagopalan, Ashray; Aroori, Somaiah; Russell, Thomas B; Labib, Peter L; Ausania, Fabio; Pando, Elizabeth; Roberts, Keith J; Kausar, Ambareen; Mavroeidis, Vasileios K; Marangoni, Gabriele; et al. (Elsevier, 2024-04-26)
    Diabetes mellitus (DM) has a complex relationship with pancreatic cancer. This study examines the impact of preoperative DM, both recent-onset and pre-existing, on long-term outcomes following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
  • Development and evaluation of a societal core robotic surgery accreditation curriculum for the UK.

    Boal, Matthew W E; Afzal, Asma; Gorard, Jack; Shah, Aishwarya; Tesfai, Freweini; Ghamrawi, Walaa; Tutton, Matthew; Ahmad, Jawad; Selvasekar, Chelliah; Khan, Jim; et al. (Springer Nature, 2024-08-06)
    Standardised proficiency-based progression is the cornerstone of safe robotic skills acquisition, however, is currently lacking within surgical training curricula. Expert consensuses have defined a modular pathway to accredit surgeons. This study aimed to address the lack of a formal, pre-clinical core robotic skills, proficiency-based accreditation curriculum in the UK. Novice robotic participants underwent a four-day pre-clinical core robotic skills curriculum incorporating multimodal assessment. Modifiable-Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (M-GEARS), VR-automated performance metrics (APMs) and Objective Clinical Human Reliability Analysis (OCHRA) error methodology assessed performance at the beginning and end of training. Messick's validity concept and a curriculum evaluation model were utilised. Feedback was collated. Proficiency-based progression, benchmarking, tool validity and reliability was assessed through comparative and correlational statistical methods. Forty-seven participants were recruited. Objective assessment of VR and dry models across M-GEARS, APMs and OCHRA demonstrated significant improvements in technical skill (p < 0.001). Concurrent validity between assessment tools demonstrated strong correlation in dry and VR tasks (r = 0.64-0.92, p < 0.001). OCHRA Inter-rater reliability was excellent (r = 0.93, p < 0.001 and 81% matched error events). A benchmark was established with M-GEARS and for the curriculum at 80%. Thirty (63.82%) participants passed. Feedback was 5/5 stars on average, with 100% recommendation. Curriculum evaluation fulfilled all five domains of Messick's validity. Core robotic surgical skills training can be objectively evaluated and benchmarked to provide accreditation in basic robotic skills. A strategy is necessary to enrol standardised curricula into national surgical training at an early stage to ensure patient safety.
  • Do some patients receive unnecessary parenteral nutrition after pancreatoduodenectomy? Results from an international multicentre study

    Russell, Thomas B; Labib, Peter L; Murphy, Paula; Ausania, Fabio; Pando, Elizabeth; Roberts, Keith J; Kausar, Ambareen; Mavroeidis, Vasileios K; Marangoni, Gabriele; Thomasset, Sarah C; et al. (Korean Association of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, 2023-12-14)
    Backgrounds/aims: After pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), an early oral diet is recommended; however, the postoperative nutritional management of PD patients is known to be highly variable, with some centers still routinely providing parenteral nutrition (PN). Some patients who receive PN experience clinically significant complications, underscoring its judicious use. Using a large cohort, this study aimed to determine the proportion of PD patients who received postoperative nutritional support (NS), describe the nature of this support, and investigate whether receiving PN correlated with adverse perioperative outcomes. Methods: Data were extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple's study, a retrospective multicenter study of PD outcomes. Results: In total, 1,323 patients (89%) had data on their postoperative NS status available. Of these, 45% received postoperative NS, which was "enteral only," "parenteral only," and "enteral and parenteral" in 44%, 35%, and 21% of cases, respectively. Body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 (p = 0.03), absence of preoperative biliary stenting (p = 0.009), and serum albumin < 36 g/L (p = 0.009) all correlated with receiving postoperative NS. Among those who did not develop a serious postoperative complication, i.e., those who had a relatively uneventful recovery, 20% received PN. Conclusions: A considerable number of patients who had an uneventful recovery received PN. PN is not without risk, and should be reserved for those who are unable to take an oral diet. PD patients should undergo pre- and postoperative assessment by nutrition professionals to ensure they are managed appropriately, and to optimize perioperative outcomes.
  • 2023 WSES guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of iatrogenic urinary tract injuries (IUTIs) during emergency digestive surgery.

    de'Angelis, Nicola; Schena, Carlo Alberto; Marchegiani, Francesco; Reitano, Elisa; De Simone, Belinda; Wong, Geoffrey Yuet Mun; Martínez-Pérez, Aleix; Abu-Zidan, Fikri M; Agnoletti, Vanni; Aisoni, Filippo; et al. (BMC, 2023-09-09)
    Iatrogenic urinary tract injury (IUTI) is a severe complication of emergency digestive surgery. It can lead to increased postoperative morbidity and mortality and have a long-term impact on the quality of life. The reported incidence of IUTIs varies greatly among the studies, ranging from 0.3 to 1.5%. Given the high volume of emergency digestive surgery performed worldwide, there is a need for well-defined and effective strategies to prevent and manage IUTIs. Currently, there is a lack of consensus regarding the prevention, detection, and management of IUTIs in the emergency setting. The present guidelines, promoted by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), were developed following a systematic review of the literature and an international expert panel discussion. The primary aim of these WSES guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians and surgeons in the prevention, detection, and management of IUTIs during emergency digestive surgery. The following key aspects were considered: (1) effectiveness of preventive interventions for IUTIs during emergency digestive surgery; (2) intra-operative detection of IUTIs and appropriate management strategies; (3) postoperative detection of IUTIs and appropriate management strategies and timing; and (4) effectiveness of antibiotic therapy (including type and duration) in case of IUTIs.
  • Does an extensive diagnostic workup for upfront resectable pancreatic cancer result in a delay which affects survival? Results from an international multicentre study.

    Russell, Thomas B; Labib, Peter L; Denson, Jemimah; Ausania, Fabio; Pando, Elizabeth; Roberts, Keith J; Kausar, Ambareen; Mavroeidis, Vasileios K; Marangoni, Gabriele; Thomasset, Sarah C; et al. (Korean Association of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, 2023-09-04)
    Backgrounds/aims: Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is recommended in fit patients with a carcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreatic head, and a delayed resection may affect survival. This study aimed to correlate the time from staging to PD with long-term survival, and study the impact of preoperative investigations (if any) on the timing of surgery. Methods: Data were extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple's (RAW) study, a multicentre retrospective study of PD outcomes. Only PDAC patients who underwent an upfront resection were included. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemo-/radiotherapy were excluded. Group A (PD within 28 days of most recent preoperative computed tomography [CT]) was compared to group B (> 28 days). Results: A total of 595 patents were included. Compared to group A (median CT-PD time: 12.5 days, interquartile range: 6-21), group B (49 days, 39-64.5) had similar one-year survival (73% vs. 75%, p = 0.6), five-year survival (23% vs. 21%, p = 0.6) and median time-to-death (17 vs. 18 months, p = 0.8). Staging laparoscopy (43 vs. 29.5 days, p = 0.009) and preoperative biliary stenting (39 vs. 20 days, p < 0.001) were associated with a delay to PD, but magnetic resonance imaging (32 vs. 32 days, p = 0.5), positron emission tomography (40 vs. 31 days, p > 0.99) and endoscopic ultrasonography (28 vs. 32 days, p > 0.99) were not. Conclusions: Although a treatment delay may give rise to patient anxiety, our findings would suggest this does not correlate with worse survival. A delay may be necessary to obtain further information and minimize the number of PD patients diagnosed with early disease recurrence.
  • Limitations concerning evaluation of the current guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II.

    Gavriilidis, Paschalis; Askari, Alan; Gavriilidis, Efstratios; Di Saverio, Salomone; Davies, R Justin; de'Angelis, Nicola; Gavrilidis, Paschalis; Surgical Services; Medical and Dental (AME Publishing Company, 2023-06-26)
    Comment on Ann Transl Med. 11:375
  • Oral microbiota in obstructive sleep apnea patients: a systematic review.

    Bianchi, Giorgio; de'Angelis, Nicola; Gavriilidis, Paschalis; Sobhani, Iradj; de'Angelis, Gian Luigi; Carra, Maria Clotilde; Gavrilidis, Paschalis; Surgical Services; Medical and Dental (Springer, 2022-10-07)
    Purpose: Evidence suggests that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased risk of suffering from periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting tissues associated with a dysbiotic oral microbiota. This systematic review aims to explore the current literature about the composition of the oral microbiota in patients with OSA compared to those without OSA.
  • Predictors of actual five-year survival and recurrence after pancreatoduodenectomy for ampullary adenocarcinoma: results from an international multicentre retrospective cohort study.

    Russell, Thomas B; Labib, Peter L; Denson, Jemimah; Ausania, Fabio; Pando, Elizabeth; Roberts, Keith J; Kausar, Ambareen; Mavroeidis, Vasileios K; Thomasset, Sarah C; Frampton, Adam E; et al. (Elsevier, 2023-03-30)
    Background: Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is recommended in fit patients with a resectable ampullary adenocarcinoma (AA). We aimed to identify predictors of five-year recurrence/survival.
  • Serious complications of pancreatoduodenectomy correlate with lower rates of adjuvant chemotherapy: Results from the recurrence after Whipple's (RAW) study.

    Russell, Thomas B; Labib, Peter L; Ausania, Fabio; Pando, Elizabeth; Roberts, Keith J; Kausar, Ambareen; Mavroeidis, Vasileios K; Marangoni, Gabriele; Thomasset, Sarah C; Frampton, Adam E; et al. (Elsevier, 2023-05-19)
    Introduction: Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) can prolong overall survival (OS) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, fitness for AC may be influenced by postoperative recovery. We aimed to investigate if serious (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIa) postoperative complications affected AC rates, disease recurrence and OS. Materials and methods: Data were extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple's (RAW) study (n = 1484), a retrospective study of PD outcomes (29 centres from eight countries). Patients who died within 90-days of PD were excluded. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare OS in those receiving or not receiving AC, and those with and without serious postoperative complications. The groups were then compared using univariable and multivariable tests. Results: Patients who commenced AC (vs no AC) had improved OS (median difference: (MD): 201 days), as did those who completed their planned course of AC (MD: 291 days, p < 0.0001). Those who commenced AC were younger (mean difference: 2.7 years, p = 0.0002), more often (preoperative) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I-II (74% vs 63%, p = 0.004) and had less often experienced a serious postoperative complication (10% vs 18%, p = 0.002). Patients who developed a serious postoperative complication were less often ASA grade I-II (52% vs 73%, p = 0.0004) and less often commenced AC (58% vs 74%, p = 0.002). Conclusion: In our multicentre study of PD outcomes, PDAC patients who received AC had improved OS, and those who experienced a serious postoperative complication commenced AC less frequently. Selected high-risk patients may benefit from targeted preoperative optimisation and/or neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
  • Oncological outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in octogenarians: case-control study.

    Pande, Rupaly; Attard, Joseph A; Al-Sarireh, Bilal; Bhogal, Ricky Harminder; Fusai, Giuseppe; Harper, Simon; Hidalgo-Salinas, Camila; Jah, Asif; Marangoni, Gabriele; Mortimer, Matthew; et al. (Oxford University Press, 2023-07)
    By the end of this decade, 70 per cent of all diagnosed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas will be in the elderly. Surgical resection is the only curative option. In the elderly perioperative mortality is higher, while controversy still exists as to whether aggressive treatment offers any survival benefit. This study aimed to assess the oncological benefit of pancreatoduodenectomy in octogenarians with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
  • The Brescia Internationally Validated European Guidelines on Minimally Invasive Pancreatic Surgery (EGUMIPS).

    Abu Hilal, Mohammad; van Ramshorst, Tess M E; Boggi, Ugo; Dokmak, Safi; Edwin, Bjørn; Keck, Tobias; Khatkov, Igor; Ahmad, Jawad; Al Saati, Hani; Alseidi, Adnan; et al. (Wolters Kluwer, 2023-07-14)
    To develop and update evidence- and consensus-based guidelines on laparoscopic and robotic pancreatic surgery.
  • Migrated PEG balloon causing acute pancreatitis

    Saeed, Muhammad, O.; Fleck, Thomas; Awasthi, Ashish; Shekhar, Chander; Awasthi, Ashish; Saeed, Muhammad Omar; Shekhar, Chander; Gastroenterology; Surgical Services; Medical and Dental; et al. (BMJ Publishing Group, 2021-04)
    Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a common procedure for an unsafe swallow or inability to maintain oral nutrition. When a PEG tube needs replacement, a balloon gastrostomy tube is usually placed through the same, well formed and mature tract without endoscopy. We present a patient with a rare complication related to the balloon gastrostomy tube, to raise awareness and minimise the risk of this complication in the future. A 67-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Her gastrostomy feeding tube displaced inwards, up to the feeding-balloon ports complex. After investigations, she was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) confirmed features of this and, interestingly, an inflated gastrostomy balloon could be seen abutting the major and minor ampullae. The patient confirmed that the PEG tube had been changed to a balloon gastrostomy tube some time ago, but the external fixation plate (external bumper) had been loose lately, with the tube repeatedly moving inwards. She admitted that, 1 day before admission, the PEG tube had receded into the stomach and could not be pulled out with a gentle tug. After reviewing the MRCP images, the balloon was deflated, and the tube retracted. Once correctly placed, the balloon was reinflated, and her symptoms improved over the next 2 days.