Philip C. Müller

IPMN: surgical treatment

PurposeCystic pancreatic tumors are being detected more frequently, and particularly, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) has recently attracted increased attention. The detection rate of IPMN has increased over the last decade; however, management of this neoplasm remains controversial.MethodsBased on a review of the relevant literature and the international guidelines, we discuss the diagnostic evaluation of IPMN, its treatment, and prognosis.ResultsWhile IPMN represents only a distinct minority of all pancreatic cancers, they appear to be a relatively frequent neoplastic form of pancreatic cystic neoplasm. It may not be possible to differentiate main duct disease from branch duct disease (MD-IPMN vs. BD-IPMN) prior to surgery. This distinction has not only an impact on treatment but also on prognosis, as MD-IPMN is more often malignant. IPMN has updated consensus guideline indications for conservative and surgical resection.ConclusionsSince patients with IPMN of the pancreas are at risk of developing recurrent IPMN and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the remnant pancreas and extrapancreatic malignancies, early recognition, treatment, and systemic surveillance are of great importance. No conclusions can be drawn from the available evidence with respect to the efficacy of surveillance and follow-up treatment programs. A better understanding of the natural course of IPMN and the biology of pancreatic cancer is mandatory to enable further diagnostic and treatment improvements.

Laparoscopic Mesh-augmented Hiatoplasty With Cardiophrenicopexy Versus Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Double-center Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE Laparoscopic mesh-augmented hiatoplasty with cardiophrenicopexy (LMAH-C) might represent an alternative treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may provide durable reflux control without fundoplication. The expected benefit is the prevention of fundoplication-related side effects. Aim of the present trial was to compare LMAH-C with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in patients with GERD. METHODS In a double-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) patients with proven GERD were eligible and assigned by central randomization to either LMAH-C (n = 46) or LNF (n = 44). The indigestion subscore of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale questionnaire (GSRS) indicating gas-related symptoms as possible side effects of LNF was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints comprised pH testing and endoscopy and other symptoms measured by the GSRS, dysphagia, and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index. The follow-up period was 36 months. RESULTS Indigestion subscore (LMAH-C 2.9 ± 1.5 vs LNF 3.7 ± 1.6; P = 0.031) but not dysphagia (2.8 ± 1.9 vs 2.3 ± 1.7; P = 0.302) and quality of life (106.9 ± 25.5 vs 105.8 ± 24.9; P = 0.838) differed between the groups at 36 months postoperatively. Although the reflux subscore improved in both groups, it was worse in LMAH-C patients (2.5 ± 1.6 vs 1.6 ± 1.0; P = 0.004) corresponding to a treatment failure of 77.3% in LMAH-C patients and of 34.1% in LNF patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS LNF is more effective in the treatment of GERD than LMAH-C. Procedure-related side effects seem to exist but do not affect the quality of life. Laparoscopic fundoplication therefore remains the standard surgical treatment for GERD.

Balloon Dilatation of the Minor Duodenal Papilla Up to 4 mm is Safe in a Porcine Model

Objectives: Balloon dilatation of the minor duodenal papilla is a treatment option for symptomatic pancreas divisum. The histologic effects of balloon dilatation have not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study is to investigate the tolerated extent of dilatation of the minor papilla. Materials and Methods: A dilatation of the minor papilla was performed in freshly explanted pancreas of pigs using biliary balloon dilatators. Three organs were not dilated (control group), in each 8 organs a dilatation of 4, 6, and 8 mm, respectively, was performed. Tissue damage was assessed by microscopic evaluation. Ductal wall disruption and perforation as well as a semiquantitative inflammation score was described and compared. Results: Ductal wall disruption was increased by dilatation of 6 (5/8; P=0.019) and 8 mm (6/8; P=0.006) compared with 4 mm (1/8). Median inflammation score was 0 (0 to 0), 1 (0 to 2), and 1 (0 to 2) for dilatation of 4, 6, and 8 mm, respectively (4 vs. 6 mm, P=0.007; 4 vs. 8 mm, P=0.026). No perforation occurred in the 4 (0/8) and 6 mm (0/8) group, 1 perforation occurred in the 8 mm group (1/8). Conclusions: A dilatation of up to 4 mm seems to be safe. However, dilatation of the minor papilla from 4 mm onwards is increasingly associated with tissue damage. These findings should be considered in endoscopic procedures dilating the minor duodenal papilla.

Short- versus long-term complementary nutritional support via needle catheter jejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Highlights • Tumor cachexia influences postoperative results after pancreaticoduodenectomy.• Complementary nutritional support may benefit tumor cachexia.• Short versus long term complementary nutritional support is compared.