Purpose Analysis of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients was proposed for more accurate staging and tailored lymphadenectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the ability to predict lymph node (LN) involvement through analysis of the SLN with a one-step nucleic acid (OSNA) technique in combination with peritumoral injection of indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared (NIR) lymphangiography in CRC patients. Methods A total of 34 patients were enrolled. Overall, 51 LNs were analyzed with OSNA. LNs of 17 patients (50%) were examined simultaneously with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and OSNA. Results SLN analysis of 17 patients examined with H&E and OSNA revealed that OSNA had a higher sensitivity (1 vs. 0.55), higher negative predictive value (1 vs. 0.66) and higher accuracy (100% vs. 76.4%) in predicting LN involvement. Overall, OSNA showed a sensitivity of 0.69, specificity of 1, accuracy of 88.2%, and stage migration of 8.8%. Compared to those who were OSNA (−), OSNA (+) patients had a greater number of LN metastases (4.8 vs. 0.16, P = 0.04), higher G3 rate (44.4% vs. 4%, P = 0.01), more advanced stage of disease (stage III: 77.8% vs. 16%; P = 0.00) and were more rapidly subjected to adjuvant chemotherapy (39.1 days vs. 50.2 days, P = 0.01). Conclusion SLN analysis with OSNA in combination with ICG-NIR lymphangiography is feasible and can detect LN involvement in CRC patients. Furthermore, it allows for more accurate staging reducing the delay between surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Backgrounds/AimsPartial splenectomy (PS) is a surgical option for splenic mass, in order to reduce postoperative complications and preserve the splenic function. Despite this, data in literature is still scarce. The present study aimed to reveal our recent experience and provide a comprehensive overview of the feasibility and complications related to various surgical approaches.MethodsData of patients who underwent PS, between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Literature was searched for studies reporting all types of PS in adult or adolescent patients.ResultsFive PS were performed in our department: two (40%) by laparoscopy and three (60%) by laparotomy. Two (40%) postoperative complications were detected, and in one of them, total splenectomy (TS) by laparotomy was finally required. There were no deaths or complications at last follow-up. Twenty studies including 213 patients were identified in the literature search. The rate of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery was 3% (range, 5–50%) and in 3% of cases (range, 7–10%) PS was converted into total TS and the overall morbidity rate was 8% (range, 5–25%). In comparison to laparotomy, the conversion rate of laparoscopic approach to TS was 3.5% (vs. 1.4%) and a morbidity rate of 9.8% (vs. 4.3%).ConclusionsThe present review shows that PS is a viable procedure in selected cases. The mini-invasive approach seemed to be feasible despite the presence of higher rate of complications than the open technique. In future, further studies on this topic are needed by involving more patients. Furthermore, it is proposed that the development of robotic surgery could make this approach the new gold-standard technique for spleen-preserving surgery.

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Backgrounds/AimsDespite the advances in identifying risk factors, improving operative technique, and postoperative patient care, pancreatic leakage after pancreatic resection remains a highly debated topic. The aim of this study is to describe our technique and our initial experience with the intraoperative embolization of the main pancreatic duct with an Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (Onyx®).MethodsTwo patients of 63 and 64 years underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for a cholangiocarcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct and a pancreatic adenocarcinoma, respectively. At the time of pancreatic parenchyma resection, a Wirsung duct was identified and catheterized. A wirsungography was done and then, embolization with Onyx® was carried out under fluoroscopic control.ResultsNeither of the patients developed a postoperative pancreatic fistula. They were discharged to home on the 17th and 18th postoperative day, respectively. At the last follow-up, no recurrence was found. The two patients became diabetics; both needed the support of supplementary pancreatic enzymes.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, we are the first to describe this technique, which seems safe and reliable. Studies on this subject with more patients are needed to confirm the validity of this procedure.

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