The tumor distance to the main hepatic vessels is a predictor of recurrence-free survival and overall survival in hepatocellular cancer.

Introduction: The impact of the distance of the tumor from the main hepatic vessels (DTV), such as the Glissonean pedicle or hepatic veins, on oncological outcomes for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is relatively understudied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the correlation between DTV and survival in patients with HCC after curative hepatic resection.

Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent curative-intent liver surgery for HCC between April 2018 and May 2023 were identified from a prospective database.

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.

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.

Management of Anastomotic Leakage after Colorectal Resection: Survey among the German CHIR-Net Centers.

(1) Background: A widely accepted algorithm for the management of colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) is difficult to establish. The present study aimed to evaluate the current clinical practice on the management of CAL among the German CHIR-Net centers. (2) Methods: An online survey of 38 questions was prepared using the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer (ISREC) grading score of CAL combined with both patient- and surgery-related factors.

Impact of spleen preservation on the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy: Is less more?

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a major complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP) with a significant impact on patients' quality of life. There is limited evidence that preservation of the spleen reduces the risk of POPF. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of splenectomy on perioperative outcome.

Association of ileocolic pedicle division with postoperative complications after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.

Background: When performing a restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), it is common practice to divide the ileocolic artery (ICA) if the patient has a tumor or dysplasia, or in order to gain sufficient length to secure a tension-free anastomosis. However, it is unclear whether there is an association between division of the ICA and the rate of postoperative complications.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed all patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent RPC and IPAA in our department between January 2010 and December 2016.

Management of colorectal anastomotic leakage using endoscopic negative pressure therapy with or without protective ostomy: a retrospective study.

Purpose: Management of colorectal anastomotic leakage (AL) is patient-oriented and requires an interdisciplinary approach. We analyzed the management of AL according to its severity and presence of ostomy and proposed a therapy algorithm.

Methods: We identified all patients who underwent colorectal surgery and developed an AL in our clinic between 2012 and 2017.

Less is more-the best test for anastomotic leaks in rectal cancer patients prior to ileostomy reversal.

Purpose: No clear consensus exists on how to routinely assess the integrity of the colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of contrast enema, endoscopic procedures, and digital rectal examination in rectal cancer patients in this setting.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed.

[Definition and treatment of superior mesenteric artery revascularization and dissection-associated diarrhea (SMARD syndrome) in Germany].

Background: The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is exposed and dissected during pancreatic resections (PR) and mesenteric vascular surgery (MVS). The resulting damage of the surrounding extrinsic and intrinsic vegetative nerve plexus can lead to a temporary or treatment refractory diarrhea.

Objective: This study aimed to provide an overview of the current status of SMA revascularization and dissection-associated diarrhea (SMARD syndrome) in Germany.

Influence of complete administration of adjuvant chemotherapy cycles on overall and disease-free survival in locally advanced rectal cancer: post hoc analysis of a randomized, multicenter, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial.

Background: A randomized trial demonstrated that capecitabine is at least as effective as fluorouracil in the adjuvant treatment of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. However, not all patients receive all planned cycles of chemotherapy. Therefore it is of interest how complete or partial administration of chemotherapy influences oncological outcome.

Quality of Life and Timing of Stoma Closure in Patients With Rectal Cancer Undergoing Low Anterior Resection With Diverting Stoma: A Multicenter Longitudinal Observational Study.

Background: After low anterior resection for rectal cancer, creation of a diverting stoma is recommended. Data on the impact of a diverting stoma on quality of life are conflicting. Optimal timing of stoma closure in the setting of adjuvant chemotherapy is unclear.

CoCStom trial: study protocol for a randomised trial comparing completeness of adjuvant chemotherapy after early versus late diverting stoma closure in low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Background: Current evidence supports a diverting stoma in patients undergoing low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer as it reduces clinical severity of anastomotic leakage. However, relevant stoma morbidity after rectal cancer surgery exists and has a significant impact on quality of life. Moreover, a diverting stoma has an influence on completeness of chemotherapy but it remains unclear in which way.

Cell therapy for immunosuppression after kidney transplantation.

Purpose: To give an overview over cell therapeutic approaches to immunosuppression in clinical kidney transplantation. A focus is on myeloid suppressor cell therapy by mitomycin C-induced cells (MICs).

Methods: Literature review with an emphasis on already existing therapies.

Immunosuppressive properties of mitomycin C-incubated human myeloid blood cells (MIC) in vitro.

Previous animal studies showed that donor-derived blood cells treated with mitomycin C (MMC) prolong allograft survival when injected into recipients. This model was effective with whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) (monocytes being the active cell subpopulation) or dendritic cells. In view of a potential clinical application, we study now the immunosuppressive properties of human myeloid cells in vitro.

Generation of suppressive blood cells for control of allograft rejection.

Our previous studies in rats showed that incubation of monocytic dendritic cells (DCs) with the chemotherapeutic drug mitomycin C (MMC) renders the cells immunosuppressive. Donor-derived MMC-DCs injected into the recipient prior to transplantation prolonged heart allograft survival. Although the generation of DCs is labour-intensive and time-consuming, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be easily harvested.

Increased serum levels of quinolinic acid indicate enhanced severity of hepatic dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Background: The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is a tool for assessment of the degree of hepatic insufficiency/failure. Quinolinic acid (QuinA) is a tryptophan metabolite produced by activated macrophages. Here we investigate whether the degree of systemic inflammation (QuinA, neopterin, CRP and IL-6) correlates with clinical liver dysfunction according to the MELD Score.

Mitomycin C-treated antigen-presenting cells as a tool for control of allograft rejection and autoimmunity: from bench to bedside.

Cells have been previously used in experimental models for tolerance induction in organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases. One problem with the therapeutic use of cells is standardization of their preparation. We discuss an immunosuppressive strategy relying on cells irreversibly transformed by a chemotherapeutic drug.

Suppressive dendritic cells as a tool for controlling allograft rejection in organ transplantation: promises and difficulties.

The most important antigen-presenting cells are dendritic cells (DCs), which play a central role in the initiation of immunity and tolerance. Their immunoregulatory properties offer the potential of donor-specific control of graft rejection after organ transplantation. It has not been clarified which DC subpopulations mediate tolerance, and the use of natural DCs for therapeutic applications is therefore problematic.