A retrospective, multicentric, nationwide analysis of the impact of splenectomy on survival of pancreatic cancer patients.

Objective: Splenectomy is regularly performed in total and distal pancreatectomy due to technical reasons, lymph node dissection and radicality of the operation. However, the spleen serves as an important organ for competent immune function, and its removal is associated with an increased incidence of cancer and a worse outcome in some cancer entities (Haematologica 99:392-398, 2014; Dis Colon Rectum 51:213-217, 2008; Dis Esophagus 21:334-339, 2008). The impact of splenectomy in pancreatic cancer is not fully resolved (J Am Coll Surg 188:516-521, 1999; J Surg Oncol 119:784-793, 2019).

Feasibility and safety of minimally invasive R1 vascular surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma: a cohort study.

Background: In recent studies addressing colorectal liver metastases and HCC, R1 vascular surgery has demonstrated safety and oncological adequacy. Recognizing that patient prognosis after liver surgery for HCC depends more on preserving an adequate future liver remnant than on the width of the surgical margin, this surgical approach has achieved rising interest. However, data for its feasibility and safety for minimally invasive approaches for HCC resections are limited.

Comparison of early postoperative recovery in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery before and after ERAS® implementation-a single center three-armed cohort study.

Purpose: This study examines the impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) on patient recovery after elective colorectal surgery. The innovative PostopQRS™ tool was used for the analysis of patient recovery.

Methods: This single-center study compares three cohorts: two retrospective cohorts before (A) and after (B) ERAS® implementation and a prospective cohort post-ERAS® implementation (C) using PostopQRS™.

Watch-and-Wait Approach Following Neoadjuvant Chemo-Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study.

Background And Objectives: The watch-and-wait (WW) strategy in patients after complete clinical response (cCR) following chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) offers the option of organ preservation. The aim of this study was to assess the oncological outcomes of WW patients treated and followed up in a German referral cancer center.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical records of consecutive patients with LARC who underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy at our institution between January 2020 and December 2023 and received non-operative management after cCR.

Development and validation of a digital biopsy model to predict microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Microvascular invasion is a major histopathological risk factor of postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to develop and validate a digital biopsy model using imaging features to predict microvascular invasion before hepatectomy.

Methods: A total of 217 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled at two tertiary-care reference centers.

[Feasibility and structural prerequisites for conversion to outpatient treatment in proctology].

Background: Despite the introduction of the diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system, costs in the German healthcare system have risen continuously for years. In order to reduce costs the federal government is aiming to shift inpatient services to the outpatient sector. Outpatient services affect many areas of medicine, including proctological operations as these are common and can often be carried out on an outpatient basis.

Feasibility and usefulness of postoperative mobilization goals in the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) clinical pathway for elective colorectal surgery.

Purpose: Despite mobilization is highly recommended in the ERAS colorectal guideline, studies suggest that more than half of patients don't reach the daily goal of 360 min out of bed. However, data used to quantify mobilization are predominantly based on self-assessments, for which the accuracy is uncertain. This study aims to accurately measure postoperative mobilization in ERAS-patients by validated motion data from body sensors.

PDCD10 promotes the tumor-supporting functions of TGF-β in pancreatic cancer.

The progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is significantly affected by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β but targeting TGF-β can also compromize physiological effects in patients. Our study examined the functions of the ubiquitously expressed protein, PDCD10, as a modulator of TGF-β signaling in PDAC. Using in silico analyses we found that in patient samples, PDCD10 is significantly higher expressed in PDAC tumor tissue compared with normal pancreas and it is highly correlated with reduced survival.

Robotic versus laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver malignancies (ROC'N'ROLL): a single-centre, randomised, controlled, single-blinded clinical trial.

Background: Robotic hepatectomy (RH) has been increasingly adopted for the treatment of liver malignancies despite lacking evidence from randomised trials. We aimed to determine the effect of RH compared to laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) on quality of life in patients undergoing minimally invasive hepatectomy for liver malignancies.

Methods: This single-blinded, randomised trial was conducted at a tertiary care academic centre (DRKS00027531).

[Gender-specific differences in bariatric surgery: epidemiology, treatment and results].

This study investigates gender-specific differences in obesity and the treatment by metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS). The database includes 2393 patients (1725 women, 668 men) from for a high-volume center for bariatric surgery. Demographic, perioperative and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed.

The impact of anastomotic leakage characteristics on the occurrence of anastomotic stenosis after colorectal resection, a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Anastomotic stenosis (AS) is a common complication after colorectal resection. However, the predisposing factors for stricture formation are not fully understood. Previous studies have shown anastomotic leakage (AL) to be a risk factor for the occurrence of AS.

The Effect of Revascularization on Lower Limb Circulation Parameters in Symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease.

The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease and the number of revascularization procedures performed in symptomatic patients are steadily increasing. However, uncertainties remain regarding hemodynamic monitoring after revascularization and the prediction of clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate hemodynamic parameters with a focus on the microvasculature.

Study protocol for a non-inferiority, multicenter, randomized study to evaluate a smartphone app-based follow-up program after bariatric surgery (BELLA plus trial).

Introduction: Adherence to follow-up (FU) care after bariatric surgery is poor despite strong recommendations. In our pilot Bella trial, we demonstrated that a completely remote follow-up program via smartphone is feasible and safe for patients after bariatric surgery. Building on this, we aim to verify our results in a multicenter, randomized controlled setting.

A Modified Switching Procedure from Temporary to Tunneled Central Venous Dialysis Catheters.

Tunneled central venous catheters are commonly used for dialysis in patients without a functional permanent vascular access. In an emergent setting, a non-tunneled, temporary central venous catheter is often placed for immediate dialysis. The most critical step in the catheter insertion is venipuncture, which is often a major cause for longer intervention times and procedure-related adverse events.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in peripheral blood as predictive biomarkers in patients with solid tumors undergoing immune checkpoint therapy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Immunotherapeutic approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, are increasingly recognized for their potential. Despite notable successes, patient responses to these treatments vary significantly. The absence of reliable predictive and prognostic biomarkers hampers the ability to foresee outcomes.

Motivational Interviewing improves postoperative nutrition goals within the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) pathway in elective bowel surgery - A randomized clinical pilot trial.

Background & Aims: Exploration whether Motivational Interviewing (MI) could be learned and implemented with ease within a surgical in-hospital setting and whether participation in the intervention led to significantly higher compliance with ERAS®-recommended protein intake goals. The individual healing process of many patients is delayed because they fail to cover their calorie requirement, which could be counteracted by a patient-centered conversational intervention that is new in perioperative practice.

Methods: This patient-blinded pilot-RCT included 60 patients (≥18 years) following the certified ERAS® bowel protocol for colorectal surgery between March and August 2022.