An R0 resection margin does improve overall survival after PDAC resection- real-world evidence from 6.000 cases from the German Cancer Registry Group.

Background: To date surgical resection is the only curative treatment option for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, survival rates are poor. Resection margins have long been used as a surrogate to evaluate success of the surgery.

Inter-rater variability for the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification in patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery (MILESTONE-2): international survey among surgeons and anaesthesiologists.

Background: Patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery are typically preoperatively assessed using the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, which is also used for case-mix adjustment when comparing centre outcomes. Studies determining the inter-rater variability of the ASA classification within hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery are currently lacking.

Methods: An international survey was collected and a case-vignette study was performed (November 2022-April 2023) regarding the ASA classification in patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery among anaesthesiologists and surgeons from (inter)national societies.

Laparoscopic simulation training improves operating room performance of surgical residents: a multicenter randomized trial (NOVICE).

Background: Learning basic laparoscopic skills can be efficiently performed ex vivo in a safe environment using simulation devices. However, in many countries, the broad and mandatory implementation of ex vivo laparoscopic simulation training in surgical residency is still lacking. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic basic skills simulation training on the surgical performance of residents during their first laparoscopic procedures in the operating room.

Ideal Outcome after Left Pancreatectomy in North America, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Background: Composite outcome measures aim to provide a more holistic view when determining the effectiveness and safety of surgical interventions. Recently, 'Ideal Outcome' (IO) harmonized the European and American composite outcome of pancreatic surgery. The rate of IO after pancreatoduodenectomy was 54% but is unknown after left pancreatectomy(LP).

Pull-through endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy for complicated leaks of the gastrointestinal tract: Novel technique.

Background And Study Aims: Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EVAC) of postsurgical leaks is an increasingly applied technique. Precise intracavitary sponge placement is technically challenging. Here, we describe a novel EVAC therapy using a combined external and endoluminal, pull-through technique.

Validation of the PANAMA-Score for Survival and Benefit of Adjuvant Therapy in Patients with Resected Pancreatic Cancer After Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX.

Aim: To validate the prognostic value of the PAncreatic NeoAdjuvant MAssachusetts (PANAMA)-score and to determine its predictive ability for survival benefit derived from adjuvant treatment in patients after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX.

Background: The PANAMA-score was developed to guide prognostication in patients after neoadjuvant therapy and resection for PDAC. As this score focuses on the risk for residual disease after resection, it might also be able to select patients who benefit from adjuvant after neoadjuvant therapy.

Perioperative Chemotherapy or Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Esophageal Cancer.

Background: The best multimodal approach for resectable locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma is unclear. An important question is whether perioperative chemotherapy is preferable to preoperative chemoradiotherapy.

Methods: In this phase 3, multicenter, randomized trial, we assigned in a 1:1 ratio patients with resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma to receive perioperative chemotherapy with FLOT (fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel) plus surgery or preoperative chemoradiotherapy (radiotherapy at a dose of 41.

[Evidence for the extent and oncological benefit of lymphadenectomy for pancreatic cancer].

Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at a late stage and is characterized by early systemic metastases, which can also be present in the form of micrometastases that are not primarily visible. Lymphatic metastases in pancreatic cancer are common. The extent of lymph node removal (lymphadenectomy, LAD) in pancreatic cancer is defined in the guidelines of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) and according to currently available data has more diagnostic and prognostic relevance than therapeutic relevance; however, within the framework of modern multimodal treatment algorithms, radical surgery is the most relevant of all components of multimodal treatment with LAD playing an important role.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula risk assessment using digital pathology based analyses at the parenchymal resection margin of the pancreas - Results from the randomized multicenter RECOPANC trial.

Background: In pancreatic surgery Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) represents the most dreaded complication, for which pancreatic texture is acknowledged as one of the strongest predictors. No consensual objective reference has been defined to evaluate the pancreas composition. The presented study aimed to mine histology data of the pancreatic tissue composition with AI assist and correlate it with clinic-pathological parameters derived from the RECOPANC study.

Clinical and economic effects of the transformation from an open to a laparoscopic center for colorectal surgery.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of transitioning from open to laparoscopic surgery for colorectal carcinoma in a primary care hospital setting. Despite the recognized benefits of laparoscopic surgery in postoperative recovery and its demonstrated oncological equivalence, only a minority of patients (30-40%) in Germany undergo laparoscopic procedures, primarily due to concerns which, in addition to the perioperative quality data and economic aspects, focus on patient safety.

Methods: Over a three-year period (2012-2014), the transformation process was observed in a colorectal cancer center.

Perioperative outcomes in an age-adapted analysis of the German StuDoQ|Pancreas registry for PDAC.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) typically occurs in an older patient population. Yet, early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC) has one of the fastest growing incidence rates. This study investigated the influence of age and tumor location on postoperative morbidity and mortality in a large, real-world dataset.

How to Predict Recurrence After Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background/aim: Predictors of recurrence following resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not fully established. This study investigated potential risk factors and prognostic scores for this situation.

Patients And Methods: In 297 patients undergoing resection of HCC between 2000 and 2021, risk scores and potential additional risk factors for intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrence were assessed.

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).

Endoscopic papillectomy versus surgical ampullectomy for adenomas and early cancers of the papilla: a retrospective Pancreas2000/European Pancreatic Club analysis.

Objective: Ampullary neoplastic lesions can be resected by endoscopic papillectomy (EP) or transduodenal surgical ampullectomy (TSA) while pancreaticoduodenectomy is reserved for more advanced lesions. We present the largest retrospective comparative study analysing EP and TSA.

Design: Of all patients in the database, lesions with prior interventions, benign histology advanced malignancy (T2 and more), patients with hereditary syndromes and those undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were excluded.

Competency, Proficiency, and Mastery: Learning Curves for Robotic Distal Pancreatectomy at 16 International Expert Centers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the different phases of the learning curve for robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) in international expert centers.

Summary Background Data: RDP is an emerging minimally invasive approach; however, only limited, mostly single center data are available on its safe implementation, including the learning curve.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing elective RDP from 16 expert centers across three continents were included to assess the learning curve.

Surgical Outcome After Distal Pancreatectomy With and Without Portomesenteric Venous Resection in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Transatlantic Evaluation of Patients in North America, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands (GAPASURG).

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma located in the pancreatic body might require a portomesenteric venous resection (PVR), but data regarding surgical risks after distal pancreatectomy (DP) with PVR are sparse. Insight into additional surgical risks of DP-PVR could support preoperative counseling and intraoperative decision making. This study aimed to provide insight into the surgical outcome of DP-PVR, including its potential risk elevation over standard DP.

International differences in the selection and outcome of minimally invasive and open distal pancreatectomy: A transatlantic analysis.

Background: The efficacy and safety of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy have been confirmed by randomized trials, but current patient selection and outcome of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy in large international cohorts is unknown. This study aimed to compare the use and outcome of minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy in North America, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden.

Methods: All patients in the 4 Global Audits on Pancreatic Surgery Group (GAPASURG) registries who underwent minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy or open distal pancreatectomy during 2014-2020 were included.

Oncological Outcomes and Patterns of Recurrence after the Surgical Resection of an Invasive Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm versus Primary Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: An Analysis from the German Cancer Registry Group of the Society of German Tumor Centers.

Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are premalignant cystic neoplasms of the pancreas (CNPs), which can progress to invasive IPMN and pancreatic cancer. The available literature has shown controversial results regarding prognosis and clinical outcomes after the resection of invasive IPMN.

Aims: This study aims to characterize the oncologic outcomes and metastatic progression pattern after the resection of non-metastatic invasive IPMN.

Monopolar electrocautery versus scalpel for pancreatic neck transection during open pancreatoduodenectomy: A retrospective, registry-based study.

Background: The method of transecting the pancreatic parenchyma during pancreatic resection may influence the rate of complications, including pancreatic fistula and bleeding. The objective of this study was to compare the transection of the pancreatic parenchyma during pancreatoduodenectomy with monopolar electrocautery versus scalpel in terms of postoperative complications.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with open pancreatoduodenectomy from the German DGAV StuDoQ|Pancreas registry (January 2013 to December 2021) was performed.