Publications by authors named "Festen S"

Background Preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage may lead to complications (16%-24%), potentially hampering surgical exploration. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) may reduce drainage-related complications, however it is unknown whether EUS-CDS could in itself hamper surgical exploration as series with surgeon reported outcomes are lacking. Aim is to assess the impact of preoperative EUS-CDS on pancreatoduodenectomy.

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Background: The introduction of (m)FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine-nab-paclitaxel has changed the perspective for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Consequently, in experienced centres 23% of patients with LAPC undergo a resection with 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of up to 25%. In the Netherlands, the nationwide resection rate for LAPC remains low at 8%.

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Objective: To perform a cost-analysis during the implementation of robot-assisted pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) in a high-volume center.

Background: Many high-volume centers are implementing RPD as alternative to open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) but the persevering concerns about increased costs of RPD versus OPD have not been addressed by large studies.

Methods: Post-hoc cost-analysis of consecutive RPD versus OPD in a singly high-volume center (Jan 2015-May 2024).

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Background: This study evaluates leading causes of in-hospital mortality after pancreatic resection nationwide to determine areas for improvement.

Methods: This observational cohort study included all in-hospital mortality after pancreatic resection in the Netherlands (2014-2019). Each fatality was considered to be caused by local complications (i.

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Background: Left-sided pancreatic cancer is associated with worse overall survival (OS) compared with right-sided pancreatic cancer. Although neoadjuvant therapy is currently seen as not effective in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC), current randomized trials included mostly patients with right-sided RPC. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between neoadjuvant therapy and OS in patients with left-sided RPC compared with upfront surgery.

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The growing burden of cancer, with its costly and difficult to endure therapies, underscores the urgent need for individualized care that enhances patients' quality of life. Effective individualized treatment planning requires collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients (and their relatives), focusing on patients' personal values and preferences through shared decision-making. In practice, oncology care predominantly follows clinical guidelines, which, while reducing practice variation, may not account for individual patient differences in health status and preferences.

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Background: Pancreatoduodenectomy in elderly patients may be associated with increased postoperative mortality, but studies in minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) are scarce.

Methods: International multicenter retrospective study including patients aged >60 years undergoing MIPD (robot-assisted and laparoscopic) and open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD), were categorized by age: 60-69, 70-79, and 80+ years. In each category, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed (1:1 ratio) between MIPD and OPD.

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Objective: To measure the rate of LTS in resected PDAC and determine the association between predictors of OS and LTS.

Summary Background Data: Long-term survival (>5 y, LTS) remains rare in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Multiple predictors of overall survival (OS) are known but their association with LTS remains unclear.

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In decision making for cancer treatment, information is crucial for patients and health care professionals. Although conversations about treatment decisions take place in hospitals, many patients also appreciate the insights of their general practitioner (GP). GPs indicated that, in order to have meaningful conversations about treatment decisions with their patients, they need additional information about treatment options and considerations, such as expected benefits and side effects.

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Article Synopsis
  • * This procedure can be done using either the Warshaw technique (ligating splenic vessels) or the Kimura technique (preserving splenic vessels), both of which have minimally invasive options.
  • * The text presents case studies of two patients who underwent different spleen-preserving techniques: a 36-year-old female with a neuroendocrine tumor and a 76-year-old male with chronic pancreatitis.
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Background: The use of surgery in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) following induction chemotherapy is increasing. However, most series do not report on the total cohort of patients undergoing surgical exploration; therefore, this single-center study investigates outcomes among all consecutive patients with LAPC who underwent surgical exploration.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis including all consecutive patients with LAPC (Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group criteria) who underwent surgical exploration with curative intent (January 2014-June 2023) after induction therapy.

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Background: Distinguishing postoperative fibrosis from isolated local recurrence (ILR) after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is challenging. A prognostic model that helps to identify patients at risk of ILR can assist clinicians when evaluating patients' postoperative imaging. This nationwide study aimed to develop a clinically applicable prognostic model for ILR after PDAC resection.

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Introduction: Selecting the appropriate treatment for older patients with non-muscle invasive (NMIBC) or muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is challenging due to smoking-related comorbidities, treatment toxicity, and an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Considering patient preferences prior to treatment is therefore crucial. Here, we aimed to identify the health outcome priorities of older patients with high-risk NMIBC (HR-NMIBC) or MIBC.

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Objective: To investigate the association between perineural invasion (PNI) and overall survival (OS) in a nationwide cohort of patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), stratified for margin negative (R0) or positive (R1) resection and absence or presence of lymph node metastasis (pN0 or pN1-N2, respectively).

Background: Patients with R0 and pN0 resected PDAC have a relatively favorable prognosis. As PNI is associated with worse OS, this might be a useful factor to provide further prognostic information for patients counselling.

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Purpose: Assessing frailty, in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is key when choosing appropriate treatment. Optimal screening is challenging, as it should be feasible and should avoid over-referral for comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) This study aims to evaluate the association between geriatric assessment using a new two-step care pathway, referral to geriatrician and adverse outcomes.

Methods: This institutional retrospective analysis on a prospective cohort analysed the multimodal geriatric assessment (GA) of newly diagnosed HNC patients.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study compares the outcomes of robot-assisted and laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy across 50 European centers, focusing on major morbidity and mortality rates among patients from 2009 to 2020.
  • - The results show no significant differences in major morbidity and 30-day mortality rates between the two surgical methods, but robot-assisted surgery had lower conversion rates and better lymph node retrieval.
  • - Laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy had advantages like shorter operation times and lower rates of postoperative pancreatic complications, suggesting it may be the preferable approach in certain aspects.
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Objective: This study aims to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes following pancreatectomy in patients with LAPC compared to (B)RPC patients.

Summary Background Data: Selected patients diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) are increasingly undergoing resection following induction chemotherapy. To evaluate the benefit of this treatment approach, it is helpful to compare outcomes in resected patients with primary LAPC to outcomes in resected patients with primary (borderline) resectable pancreatic cancer ((B)RPC).

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Occult metastases are detected in 10-15% of patients during exploratory laparotomy for pancreatic cancer. This study developed and externally validated a model to predict occult metastases in patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer. Model development was performed within the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Audit, including all patients operated for pancreatic cancer (January 2013-December 2017).

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Background: Prophylactic passive abdominal drainage is standard practice after distal pancreatectomy. This approach aims to mitigate the consequences of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) but its added value, especially in patients at low risk of POPF, is currently being debated. We aimed to assess the non-inferiority of a no-drain policy in patients after distal pancreatectomy.

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Article Synopsis
  • International guidelines suggest that monitoring minimally invasive pancreatic surgery (MIPS) is important, but there is a lack of data, particularly on minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP).
  • This study analyzed data from 1672 patients in 83 European centers to compare robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RDP) and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), focusing on intraoperative events, major morbidity, and mortality.
  • Findings showed RDP had fewer intraoperative complications but longer surgery times compared to LDP; both procedures had low mortality rates, with LDP still being the more common approach despite the rising use of RDP.
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Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula remains the leading cause of significant morbidity after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy has been described to reduce the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula, but randomized trials on neoadjuvant treatment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma focus increasingly on preoperative chemotherapy rather than preoperative chemoradiotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative chemotherapy and preoperative chemoradiotherapy on postoperative pancreatic fistula and other pancreatic-specific surgery related complications on a nationwide level.

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Objectives: To identify associations between frailty and non-response to follow-up questionnaires, in a longitudinal head and neck cancer (HNC) study with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Materials And Methods: Patients referred with HNC were included in OncoLifeS, a prospective data-biobank, underwent Geriatric Assessment (GA) and frailty screening ahead of treatment, and were followed up at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and Head and Neck 35. Statistical analysis for factors associated with non-response was done using Generalized Linear Mixed Models.

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Article Synopsis
  • A nationwide study in the Netherlands aimed to compare the outcomes of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy and open pancreatoduodenectomy, focusing on safety and effectiveness across various centers from 2014 to 2021.
  • The research included data from 701 patients who underwent robotic procedures and 4447 who had open surgery, with a focus on major complications and mortality rates.
  • While robotic surgery had a longer operating time, it resulted in less blood loss, fewer infections, and shorter hospital stays, but it did not show significant differences in major complications or mortality compared to open surgery after matching the patient groups.
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Background: Novel definitions suggest that resectability status for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) should be assessed beyond anatomical criteria, considering both biological and conditional factors. This has, however, yet to be validated on a nationwide scale. This study evaluated the prognostic value of biological and conditional factors for staging of patients with resectable PDAC.

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