Jennifer Steve

Outcomes with FOLFIRINOX for Borderline Resectable and Locally Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

Trials examining FOLFIRINOX in metastatic pancreatic cancer demonstrate higher response rates compared to gemcitabine‐based regimens. There is currently limited experience with neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX in pancreatic cancer.

Assessment of Quality Outcomes for Robotic Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Identification of the Learning Curve

IMPORTANCE Quality assessment is an important instrument to ensure optimal surgical outcomes, particularly during the adoption of new surgical technology. The use of the robotic platform for complex pancreatic resections, such as the pancreaticoduodenectomy, requires close monitoring of outcomes during its implementation phase to ensure patient safety is maintained and the learning curve identified. OBJECTIVE To report the results of a quality analysis and learning curve during the implementation of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of 200 consecutive patients who underwent RPD in a large academic center from October 3, 2008, through March 1, 2014, was evaluated for important metrics of quality. Patients were analyzed in groups of 20 to minimize demographic differences and optimize the ability to detect statistically meaningful changes in performance. EXPOSURES Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Optimization of perioperative outcome parameters. RESULTS No statistical differences in mortality rates or major morbidity were noted during the study. Statistical improvements in estimated blood loss and conversions to open surgery occurred after 20 cases (600 mL vs 250 mL [P = .002] and 35.0% vs 3.3% [P < .001], respectively), incidence of pancreatic fistula after 40 cases (27.5% vs 14.4%; P = .04), and operative time after 80 cases (581 minutes vs 417 minutes [P < .001]). Complication rates, lengths of stay, and readmission rates showed continuous improvement that did not reach statistical significance. Outcomes for the last 120 cases (representing optimized metrics beyond the learning curve) included a mean operative time of 417 minutes, median estimated blood loss of 250 mL, a conversion rate of 3.3%, 90-day mortality of 3.3%, a clinically significant (grade B/C) pancreatic fistula rate of 6.9%, and a median length of stay of 9 days. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Continuous assessment of quality metrics allows for safe implementation of RPD. We identified several inflexion points corresponding to optimization of performance metrics for RPD that can be used as benchmarks for surgeons who are adopting this technology.

Comparative Effectiveness of Minimally Invasive and Open Distal Pancreatectomy for Ductal Adenocarcinoma

IMPORTANCE Multicenter studies indicate that outcomes of open (ODP) and minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) are equivalent for benign lesions. However, data for pancreatic carcinoma are limited. OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes of ODP and MIDP for early-stage pancreatic ductal carcinoma to determine relative safety and oncologic efficacy. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of 62 consecutive patients undergoing ODP or MIDP for pancreatic ductal carcinoma by intention to treat with propensity scoring to correct for selection bias. SETTING A high-volume university center for pancreatic surgery. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-two patients at a single institution. INTERVENTIONS Patients underwent ODP or MIDP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Perioperative mortality, morbidity, readmission, postoperative complications, disease progression, and overall survival. RESULTS Thirty-four patients underwent ODP, and 28 underwent MIDP with 5 conversions to ODP. No significant differences in age, body mass index, performance status, tumor size, or radiographic stage were identified. High rates of margin-negative resection (ODP, 88%; MIDP, 86%) and median lymph node clearance (ODP, 12; MIDP, 11) were achieved in both groups with equal rates and severity of postoperative complications (ODP, 50%; MIDP, 39%) and pancreatic fistula (ODP, 29%; MIDP, 21%). Despite conversions, intended MIDP was associated with reduced blood loss (P = .006) and length of stay (P = .04). Conversion was associated with a poor histologic grade and positive nodes. Median overall survival for the entire cohort was 19 (95% CI, 14-47) months. Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy was performed increasingly in later study years and for patients with a higher Charlson-Age Comorbidity Index. Overall survival after ODP or intended MIDP was equivalent after adjusting for comorbidity and year of surgery (relative hazard, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.47-2.62]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE We detected no evidence that MIDP was inferior to ODP based on postoperative outcomes or overall survival. This conclusion was verified by propensity score analysis with adjustment for factors affecting selection of operative technique.

A multi-institutional comparison of perioperative outcomes of robotic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy

Objectives: Limited data exist comparing robotic and open approaches to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We performed a multicenter comparison of perioperative outcomes of robotic PD (RPD) and open PD (OPD). Methods: Perioperative data for patients who underwent postlearning curve PD at 8 centers (8/2011–1/2015) were assessed. Univariate analyses of clinicopathologic and treatment factors were performed, and multivariable models were constructed to determine associations of operative approach (RPD or OPD) with perioperative outcomes. Results: Of the 1028 patients, 211 (20.5%) underwent RPD (4.7% conversions) and 817 (79.5%) underwent OPD. As compared with OPD, RPD patients had higher body mass index, rates of prior abdominal surgery, and softer pancreatic remnants, whereas OPD patients had a higher percentage of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases, and greater proportion of nondilated (<3 mm) pancreatic ducts. On multivariable analysis, as compared with OPD, RPD was associated with longer operative times [mean difference = 75.4 minutes, 95% confidence interval (CI) 17.5–133.3, P = 0.01], reduced blood loss (mean difference = −181 mL, 95% CI −355–(−7.7), P = 0.04) and reductions in major complications (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% CI 0.47–0.85, P = 0.003). No associations were demonstrated between operative approach and 90-day mortality, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula and wound infection, length of stay, or 90-day readmission. In the subset of 522 (51%) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, operative approach was not a significant independent predictor of margin status or suboptimal lymphadenectomy (<12 lymph nodes harvested). Conclusions: Postlearning curve RPD can be performed with similar perioperative outcomes achieved with OPD. Further studies of cost, quality of life, and long-term oncologic outcomes are needed.

Grading of Surgeon Technical Performance Predicts Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula for Pancreaticoduodenectomy Independent of Patient-related Variables.

Objective: To evaluate and quantify surgical skill by grading surgical performance of the pancreaticojejunostomy from robotic pancreaticoduodenectomies (RPDs). We hypothesized that video grading of surgical performance would contribute to estimating risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Background: POPF majorly contributes to pancreaticoduodenectomy morbidity. Risk scores [Fistula Risk Score (FRS) and Braga] derived from patient variables are validated for predicting POPF. Birkmeyer et al showed assessment of surgical proficiency is an important component of outcomes. Methods: POPF was diagnosed using International Study Group definition. Technical performance of robotic pancreaticojejunostomy video was graded by 2 blinded surgeons using: (1) pancreaticojejunostomy step-by-step variables [PJ-specific variables (PJVs); max = 115]; and (2) the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) score. Results: One hundred thirty-three pancreaticojejunostomies were analyzed. POPF was 18%. Higher FRS (P = 0.011) and Braga (P = 0.041) scores predicted POPF. Graders’ subjective prediction did not correlate with FRS/Braga scores. Grader 1 scores (P = 0.043), but not grader 2 (P = 0.44), predicted POPF. PJV scores >105 were predictive of POPF (P = 0.039). Scoring only PJV duct-to-mucosa stitches (max = 50) was highly predictive of POPF (P = 0.0053). Higher OSATS scores were associated with a decreased rate of POPF (P = 0.022). On multivariate analysis, adding technical scoring to statistically significant patient variables (ie, gland texture) improves the model and can independently predict POPF. The strongest predictive model for POPF consisted of soft gland (odds ratio = 18.28, 95% confidence interval = 2.19–152.57) and low OSATS (odds ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.70–0.96). OSATS, modeled with FRS or Braga scores, independently predicted POPF. Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate that technical scoring of a surgeons performance independently predicts patient outcomes in pancreatic surgery. Future studies should consider how to validate and incorporate technical metrics.

The indolent nature of pulmonary metastases from ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

The natural history of pulmonary metastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is not well studied. Limited evidence suggests patients with isolated pulmonary metastases from PDAC follow a more benign clinical course than those with other sites of metastases.

Robotic assisted placement of hepatic artery infusion pump is a safe and feasible approach.

Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) chemotherapy can be combined with systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of isolated unresectable colorectal liver metastases (IU‐CRLM) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (U‐ICC). However, HAI pump placement requires a major laparotomy that may be associated with morbidity. We hypothesized that the computer‐assisted robotic platform would be well suited for this procedure and report the first single institutional case series of robotic assisted HAI pump placement for primary and secondary malignancies of the liver.

Disturbances of the Perioperative Microbiome Across Multiple Body Sites in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Objective The goals of this study were to characterize bacterial communities within fecal samples, pancreatic fluid, bile, and jejunal contents from patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and to identify associations between microbiome profiles and clinical variables. Methods Fluid was collected from the pancreas, common bile duct, and proximal jejunum from 50 PD patients. Postoperative fecal samples were also collected. The microbial burden within samples was quantified with droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. Bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. Data from fecal samples were compared with publicly available data obtained from volunteers. Results Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of bacteria in all sample types, including pancreatic fluid. Relative to samples from the American Gut Project, fecal samples from PD patients were enriched with Klebsiella and Bacteroides and were depleted of anaerobic taxa (eg, Roseburia and Faecalibacterium). Similar patterns were observed within PD pancreas, bile, and jejunal samples. Postoperative fecal samples from patients with a pancreatic fistula contained increased abundance of Klebsiella and decreased abundance of commensal anaerobes, for example, Ruminococcus. Conclusions This study confirms the presence of altered bacterial populations within samples from PD patients. Future research must validate these findings and may evaluate targeted microbiome modifications to improve outcomes in PD patients.

Performing the Difficult Cholecystectomy Using Combined Endoscopic and Robotic Techniques: How I Do It

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard of care for cholelithiasis as well as cholecystitis. However, in the setting of Mirizzi syndrome or gangrenous cholecystitis where the critical view cannot be ascertained, subtotal cholecystectomy may be necessary. Using the robot-assisted approach, difficult cholecystectomies can be performed upfront without need for partial cholecystectomy. Even in the setting of Mirizzi syndrome where severe scarring and fibrosis are evident, definitive cholecystectomy and takedown of the cholechystocholedochal fistula can be performed in a safe and feasible fashion following successful endoscopic common bile duct stent placement. The purposes of this report are to review the history of Mirizzi syndrome as well as its traditional and novel treatment techniques and highlight technical pearls of the robotic approach to this diagnosis.

FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel efficacy in the treatment of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

399 Background: Locally advanced (LA) unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA) historically portends a poor prognosis with a median OS of 9-11 months. Recently, two multi-drug regimens – FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel – have proven effective in the metastatic setting. We hypothesized that use of these regimens in the LA setting may improve survival. Methods: A retrospective review of a single institution’s cancer registry of all consecutive LA (unresectable) PDA patients between 2010 and 2014 was performed. LA status was verified by review of the triphasic, pancreas protocol CT scan at diagnosis using the 2015 NCCN criteria for resectability. Patients were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 = no therapy, Group 2 = “old” gemcitabine or 5-FU-based chemotherapy (CTX), Group 3 = “new” CTX (FOLFIRINOX and/or Gem/nab-paclitaxel), and Group 4 = resection after downstaging. Demographic, tumor related variables, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: LA disease was verified in 107 consecutive pa...