A. Sa Cunha

Influence of postoperative morbidity on long-term survival following liver resection for colorectal metastases

Survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases may be influenced by the patient, the primary tumour and the liver metastases. Postoperative morbidity is associated with poor survival in several cancers. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate prognostic factors of survival after resection of colorectal liver metastases, including postoperative morbidity.

Laparoscopic intersphincteric resection with coloplasty and coloanal anastomosis for mid and low rectal cancer

The feasibility of laparoscopic rectal resection in patients with mid or low rectal cancer was studied prospectively with regard to quality of mesorectal excision, autonomic pelvic nerve preservation and anal sphincter preservation.

Outcome after associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy and conventional two-stage hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases.

Although associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has been increasingly adopted by many centres, the oncological outcome for colorectal liver metastases compared with that after two‐stage hepatectomy is still unknown.

Long‐term outcomes of radiofrequency ablation combined with hepatectomy compared with hepatectomy alone for colorectal liver metastases

Combining radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with hepatectomy may enable treatment with curative intent for patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). However, the oncological outcomes in comparison with resection alone remain to be clarified.

Factors influencing recurrence following initial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases

Data on recurrence patterns following hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) and their impact on long‐term outcomes are limited in the setting of modern multimodal management. This study sought to characterize the patterns of, factors associated with, and survival impact of recurrence following initial hepatectomy for CRLMs.

Nomogram for prediction of prognosis in patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases.

Although recent advances in surgery and chemotherapy have increasingly enabled hepatectomy in patients with initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), not all such patients benefit from surgery. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict survival after hepatectomy for initially unresectable CRLM.

Outcomes of surgical shunts and transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent shunts for complicated portal hypertension

Transjugular intrahepatic portasystemic stent shunt (TIPSS), instead of surgical shunt, has become the standard treatment for patients with complicated portal hypertension. This study compared outcomes in patients who underwent TIPSS or surgical shunting for complicated portal hypertension.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for initially unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Locoregional extension of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) at the time of diagnosis results in a low resectability rate and poor prognosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced ICC.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy response influences outcomes in non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine liver metastases: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastases

Indications for surgical resection of non‐colorectal, non‐neuroendocrine (NCNNE) liver metastases are unclear. This study analysed the influence of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the presence of extrahepatic disease (EHD) on outcomes.

What is the impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiation on outcomes in gastro-intestinal cancer?

Multimodal therapeutic strategies combining chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery have been shown to be feasible and to have a positive impact on outcomes by decreasing the risk of locoregional recurrence and often by increasing overall survival. The advantages of neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy include optimal tumor control combined with better tolerance and compliance to treatment while also increasing the number of candidates for surgery. Whereas indications for neoadjuvant therapy are increasing, its impact on surgical treatment and postoperative outcomes are not well-known. Surgeons frequently believe that chemo(radio)therapy may amplify intraoperative difficulties, thereby increasing postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review was to report the state of the art regarding: (i) the role of chemo(radio)therapy; (ii) its impact on surgical indications and modalities; and (iii) its impact on postoperative outcomes for the most frequently encountered gastro-intestinal cancers, i.e. esophageal, rectal, pancreatic, and anal canal cancer.