HIPEC + EPIC versus HIPEC-alone: differences in major complications following cytoreduction surgery for peritoneal malignancy.

Introduction: Peritoneal metastases (PM) can be treated with cytoreduction surgery (CRS) with intraoperative heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) plus or minus early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC). HIPEC + EPIC may be associated with more complications than HIPEC alone.

Methods: A prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing CRS + HIPEC ± EPIC at the University of Calgary between February 2000 and May 2011 was reviewed.

Synoptic surgical reporting for breast cancer surgery: an innovation in knowledge translation.

Background: Extensive literature identifies that the quality of surgery not only influences morbidity and mortality but also long-term survival and function. This mandates that we develop a system to capture this information on a real-time basis.

Methods: A synoptic surgical template for breast cancer was created; this was digitized and made available to all surgeons in Alberta.

Desmoids: a revelation in biology and treatment.

Introduction: Using a preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiation protocol, followed by complete excision, we have achieved local control rates exceeding that found in most large series.

Methods: From October 1990 through May 2008, resectable desmoids were initially treated with a preoperative protocol using Adriamycin 30 mg x 3 days continuous intravenous infusion followed by 3,000 cGy of radiation (300 cGy fractions over 10 days). Resection was performed 4-6 weeks later.

Prophylactic laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy for hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.

Background: Ten percent of gastric cancer (GC) cases are familial, with one third resulting from a mutation in the tumor suppressor gene CDH1. Loss of this important structure can result in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), which carries a high mortality if early diagnosis is not made. Despite its clear genetic origin, optimal management of HDGC family members is controversial, as the utility and efficacy of current cancer screening programs for mutation carriers are unproven.

Solid-pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas: case report and literature review.

Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPT) of the pancreas are rare neoplasms of low malignant potential that mostly affect young women. These tumors are of unclear pathogenesis, are slow growing, and can become considerably large before causing symptoms. Complete resection is curative in most cases.