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Robotic surgery for pancreatic diseases is currently on the rise, feasible, well-accepted, and safe. Frequently performed procedures in relation to pancreatic diseases include distal pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy. The literature commonly describes robotic lateral pancreaticojejunostomy; however, data on robot-assisted Frey's is scarce.We herein, describe our series and technique of robot-assisted Frey's procedure at our tertiary care center between November 2019 and March 2022, and its short-term outcomes in comparison to the open Frey's. Patients with chronic pancreatitis having intractable pain, dilated duct, and no evidence of inflammatory head mass or malignancy were included in the study for robot-assisted Frey's.In our study, out of 32 patients, nine patients underwent robot assisted Frey's procedure. The duration of surgery was significantly longer in robotic group (570 minutes vs. 360 minutes,Robotic surgery offers benefits of laparoscopic surgery in addition it has better visualization, magnification, dexterity, and ergonomics. Frey's procedure is possible robotically with acceptable outcomes in selected patients.

Introduction Sarcomas of vascular origin are rare. A case of Ewings sarcoma of Inferior Vena Cava [IVC] is reported here. Report A 36-year-old lady presented with a 6-month history of bilateral pitting lower limb swelling and 1-month history of vaginal bleeding. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen revealed a soft tissue lesion extending from the cavoatrial junction to the junction of the middle hepatic vein with IVC. She underwent IVC resection (suprahepatic) and left lateral hepatectomy with dacron graft reconstruction. The pathology was suggestive of Ewings sarcoma and she received adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion Preoperative tissue diagnosis can be considered in vascular tumors to sequence the various treatment modalities for improved outcomes.

The commonly used predictors of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) have subjective assessment components and can be used only in the postoperative setting. Also, the available objective predictors based on preoperative cross-sectional imaging were not prospectively studied.To evaluate the accuracy of the pancreatic attenuation index (PAI) and pancreatic enhancement ratio (PER) for predicting CR-POPF following PD and its correlation with pancreatic fat fraction and fibrosis.A prospective observational study included patients who underwent PD for benign and malignant pathology of the periampullary region or pancreatic head between February 2019 and February 2021. Patients undergoing extended or total pancreatectomy and those with severe atrophy of pancreatic tissue or extensive parenchymal calcifications in the pancreatic head and neck precluding calculation of PAI and PER were excluded from the study. Preoperatively PAI was measured in the neck of the pancreas by marking regions of interest (ROI) in the non-contrast computed tomography (CT), and PER was measured during the contrast phase of the CT abdomen. Also, the fibrosis score and fat fraction of the pancreatic neck were assessed during the histopathological examination. Demographic, clinical and preoperative radiological indices (PAI, PER) were evaluated to predict CR-POPF. Preoperative pancreatic neck CT indices were correlated with the histopathological assessment of fat fraction and fibrosis.Of the 70 patients who underwent PD, 61 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The incidence of CR-POPF was 29.5% (18/61). PAI had no association with the development of CR-POPF. Of the preoperative parameters, PER (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) was significantly lower in patients developing CR-POPF (0.58 ± 0.20PER exhibited good accuracy in predicting the development of CR-POPF. PER additionally showed a good correlation with PAI and fibrosis scores and may be used as an objective preoperative surrogate for assessing pancreatic texture. However, ROI-based PAI did not show any association with CR-POPF and pancreatic fat fraction.

Purpose: MCN communicating with pancreatic duct and co-existence of pancreatic pseudocyst with MCN are rare conditions. Malignant transformation in MCN is not uncommon but combination of these rare presentations is very rare and has not been reported previously. Methods - A Case report of malignant transformation of MCN, which was communicating to MPD with concurrent pseudocyst of pancreas. Results-Two communicating large cysts in relation of tail of pancreas and lesser sac were diagnosed in a 45-year-old woman who had symptoms of early satiety and postprandial fullness of abdomen with history of recurrent acute pancreatitis.On cross sectional imaging there were two cysts:one multiloculated cyst with internal enhancing septations and solid component, which was communicating to main pancreatic duct and other uniloculated cyst without solid component or sepatations.Preoperative diagnosis of an IPMN with co-existing pseudocyst was made. En-bloc resection of both cysts, distal pancreas-spleen, proximal stomach and left hemidiaphragm with lymphadenectomy was done owing to high risk of malignancy. Final diagnosis on histopathological examination was moderately differentiated grade 2, MCN with invasive adenocarcinoma with coexisting pseudocyst of pancreas. Conclusion: We are reporting the 1st case of invasive adenocarcinoma arising in MCN, which was communicating to main pancreatic duct with chronic pancreatitis and co-existing pseudocyst of pancreas.This case provides unique opportunity to study spectrum of cystic lesions of pancreas in single case.

Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) can offer a survival advantage in selected patients with locally advanced gall bladder cancer (GBC). While the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive radical cholecystectomy have been recently documented, laparoscopic HPD for GBC has not been previously reported. A 73-year-old male with GBC infiltrating the bile duct underwent laparoscopic HPD to achieve R0 resection. The patient had an uneventful post-operative course except for delayed gastric emptying that improved with conservative management. The feasibility of laparoscopic HPD for locally advanced GBC reported in the present case needs to be documented in a large case series.

Background: Human cadaver is ideal for learning and acquiring new surgical skills. While cadavers preserved using Thiel's embalming method are commonly used for training in laparoscopic surgery, it is a cumbersome technique. We report our experience of using Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers for training in advanced laparoscopic gastrointestinal procedures. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional satisfaction survey corresponding to level 1 of the Kirkpatrick model for training evaluation was performed among 19 participants of advanced laparoscopy surgical skills training workshop, in December 2019, using Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers. Visual, haptic and tactile characteristics of the organs and tissues were assessed along with overall satisfaction of the workshop using Likert scale. Results: Five Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers were used for the workshop. All the 19 participants perceived that the cadavers were odourless and allowed adequate insufflation for laparoscopic procedures. Most of the participants(n=16, 84%) agreed that the appearance and tactile fidelity of the solid organs, luminal structures and tissues in Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers were similar to that of a live patient. There was a strong agreement among participants that the workshop will help improve the laparoscopic skills(median Likert score–4). Conclusion: The participants of the surgical skill training workshop felt that the Genelyn®-embalmed cadavers were ideal for use in practicing advanced laparoscopic procedures.

Introduction: In the era of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACTRT), the safety and clinical significance of radical lymphadenectomy specifically lymphadenectomy along the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) has been questioned. Furthermore, the compliance to NACTRT with the CROSS regimen has not been well studied in the Indian population. This prospective study aimed to determine the compliance with CROSS regimen, feasibility and short-term outcomes of minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE) with a total two-field lymphadenectomy after NACTRT. Methods: A prospective study (January 2014 to December 2018) of patients with locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) eligible for NACTRT (cT1-4a, N0-1, M0) with CROSS regimen followed by MIE with total two-field lymphadenectomy. The compliance rate, post-operative complications and the pathological response rate were assessed. Results: Of the 166 patients with locally advanced SCC, 76 (45.8%) were eligible for NACTRT and 34 completed NACTRT followed by MIE with a total two-field lymphadenectomy (study group). Twenty-nine (38.1%) patients did not complete NACTRT due to complications or poor compliance. Median (range) blood loss was 125 (50–450) ml and the median (range) operation time for the thoracoscopic phase was 205 (155–325) min. Total median (range) lymph node count and mediastinal lymph node counts were 20 (11–33) and 12, (8–21) respectively. Most common post-operative complications were pneumonia (n = 12, 35.3%) followed by RLN palsy (n = 10, 29.4%). Of the 22 patients who had a complete pathological response of the primary tumour, 7 (31.8%) patients had a node-positive disease. Conclusion: NACTRT followed by MIE is feasible in patients with locally advanced SCC. The nodal disease is common even in patients with the complete pathological response of the primary tumour. The dropout rate with NACTRT using the CROSS regimen is high in the present study.

BackgroundColorectal schwannomas are rare tumors often detected incidentally and frequently misdiagnosed on preoperative evaluation. They can grow to a large size and create a significant mass effect. A rare case of large rectal Schwannomas mimicking tailgut cyst and managed by a laparoscopic approach is described in the present report.Case A 48- year-old gentleman presented with urinary retention and constipation. Examination revealed an ill-defined hard mass in the left iliac fossa extending to the pelvis. Imaging revealed an 18x12x 9 cm cystic lesion suggestive of a tailgut cyst. The patient underwent Hand-assisted laparoscopic excision of the lesion. The tumor showed spindle cells with myxoid degeneration on microscopic examination and S-100 positivity in immunohistochemistry suggestive of Schwannoma. His postoperative course was uneventful, and there is no evidence of tumor recurrence at eight months of follow-up.ConclusionRectal Schwannoma with myxoid degeneration can mimic tailgut cyst and pose a diagnostic challenge Hand-assisted laparoscopic approach is feasible for excision of large rectal schwannomas.

Backgrounds/aims Additional surgical procedures are often required in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) related complications. The present study aims to analyze the type of additional procedures required in patients who underwent Frey's procedure (Frey's plus) and to compare the short-term outcomes and quality of life with patients who underwent only Frey's procedure. Methods Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent surgery for CP between January 2012 and February 2018 and completed at least one year of follow-up. Patients who underwent non-Frey's surgical procedures were excluded. Clinical parameters, postoperative pain relief (using Izbicki pain score) and functioning scale score (EORTC QLQ C30) of patients who underwent Frey's plus procedure and only Frey's procedure were compared. Results Of the 146 patients who underwent surgery for CP during the study period, 100 patients (Frey's procedure-68, Frey's plus procedure-32) were included in this study. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was the commonly performed additional procedure (n=12). The demographic and clinical parameters were comparable, except for more patients with jaundice (28.1% vs. 2.9%, p=0.01) and prolonged operative time (374.6 mins vs. 326.3 mins, p=0.01) in Frey's plus group. However, there was no significant difference in mean intraoperative blood loss, postoperative morbidity or duration of hospital stay. At median (range) follow up of 34 (12-86) months, there was no significant difference in the pain control and quality of life between two groups. Conclusions Frey's plus procedure for chronic pancreatitis can be safely performed wherever indicated without adversely affecting the postoperative outcome or quality of life.

Colonic bypass for corrosive-induced esophageal stricture is traditionally performed using an open approach. The laparoscopic mid-colon retrosternal esophageal bypass has not been previously reported. The present study is aimed to report the feasibility of laparoscopic mid-colon esophagocoloplasty and to compare the short- and medium-term outcomes with the open approach. Patients who underwent surgery for corrosive esophageal stricture between August 2016 and August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Laparoscopic procedure was preferred in patients with stricture starting at or below the level of cricopharynx and without prior laparotomy. The perioperative and medium-term outcomes of patients who underwent open and laparoscopic mid-colon bypass were compared. Of the 15 patients, seven patients underwent laparoscopic mid-colon bypass, and eight patients underwent the open procedure. The duration of surgery was less in the laparoscopic group, but the difference was not significant (440 vs. 510 min, P = 0.93). Intraoperative blood loss (median) and postoperative analgesic requirement (median days) were significantly lower in laparoscopic group (200 mL vs. 350 mL, P = 0.03 & 3 vs. 5, P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the postoperative complications, ICU and hospital stay between the two groups. At a median (range) follow-up of 14 (7–42) months, all patients in the minimally invasive colon bypass group were euphagic to regular Indian diet. Two patients in the open group developed anastomotic stricture requiring endoscopic dilatation. Minimally invasive mid-colon esophageal bypass is a feasible procedure for selected patients with corrosive esophageal stricture with favorable short-term and comparable medium-term outcomes.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), followed by surgery, is the current standard of care for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, up to 30% of the patients do not respond to nCRT. Hence, a simple, cost-effective marker to predict response before initiation of nCRT is needed. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported as a prognostic marker in various cancers. However, its role as a predictive marker in patients with esophageal SCC planned for nCRT has not been prospectively analyzed. All consecutive patients with locally advanced (T1N1 and T2–T4a with or without nodal involvement) SCC planned for nCRT (CROSS protocol) followed by esophagectomy with total two field lymphadenectomy between December 2013 and December 2019 were included in this prospective analytical cohort study. NLR was calculated 1 week before starting the nCRT and was correlated with the histopathological response [Mandard tumor regression grade (TRG)]. Of the 216 patients with esophageal cancer evaluated during the study period, 57 patients with SCC who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. A good pathologic response (TRG 1 and 2) to nCRT was seen in 28 (49.1%) patients. Using a ROC curve, the optimal cutoff value of pretherapy NLR for predicting good pathologic response was 2.33. With an NLR cutoff value of 2.33, 53.3% of patients had a good pathologic response to nCRT compared with 47.6% patients with NLR ≥ 2.33 (P = 0.77). In patients with locally advanced esophageal SCC, NLR is not a useful marker to predict pathologic response to nCRT.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoenteric anastomosis is one of the technically challenging steps of minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), especially during the learning curve. Despite multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, the type of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis as a risk factor for post-pancreatectomy complications is debatable. Also, the ideal technique of pancreatic reconstruction during the learning curve of laparoscopic PD has not been well studied.To compare the short-term outcomes of modified binding pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) and Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) during learning curve of laparoscopic PD.The first 25 patients with resectable pancreatic or periampullary tumors who underwent laparoscopic PD with modified binding PG or modified Blumgart PJ between January 2015 and May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed to compare perioperative outcomes during the same learning curve. A single layer of the full-thickness purse-string suture was placed around the posterior gastrotomy in the modified binding PG. In the modified Blumgart technique, only a single transpancreatic horizontal mattress suture was placed on either side of the pancreatic duct (total two sutures) to secure the pancreatic parenchyma to the jejunum. Also, on the ventral surface, the knot is tied on the jejunal wall without going through the pancreatic parenchyma. Post pancreatectomy complications are graded as per the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery criteria.During the study period, modified binding PG was performed in 27 patients and modified Blumgart PJ in 29 patients. The demographic and clinical parameters of the first 25 patients included in both groups were comparable. Lower end cholangiocarcinoma and ampullary adenocarcinoma were the primary indications for laparoscopic PD in both groups (32/50, 64%). The median operative time for pancreatic reconstruction was significantly lower in the binding PG group (42During the learning curve of laparoscopic PD, modified binding PG reduces POPF but is associated with increased intraluminal PPH compared to PJ using the modified Blumgart technique.

Mixed neuroendocrine nonneuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) are rare neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, where the neuroendocrine as well as the nonneuroendocrine components each comprise at least 30% of the tumor. Of all cases of colorectal malignancies, MiNENs constitute around 3–9.6%, with only a few cases reported to be arising in the cecum. Since majority present with nonspecific clinical and radiological findings, its diagnosis preoperatively is almost impossible and these are usually diagnosed after histopathological examination of the resected specimen. Owing to the rarity of these tumors as well as lack of complete molecular characterization, optimal treatment remains unestablished. We, here, report a rare case of MiNENs of the cecum infiltrating the right psoas muscle and presenting with perforation for which right hemicolectomy and en bloc excision of the involved psoas muscle was done followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.

Compared to less invasive measures, surgical repair is the most effective modality for managing benign acquired tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Traditionally, this involves dismantling of the fistula and suture repair of tracheal and esophageal defects using a lateral or direct approach. However, the best approach remains a subject of debate. We describe a novel and simple technique for dismantling a benign acquired TEF with the use of an endo-stapler and interposition with sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle flap. Eleven TEF patients underwent repair using this stapled repair technique. Retrospectively, the perioperative and long-term outcomes were assessed in these patients. There were no cases of procedure-related mortality or airway-related complications. Two patients developed transient vocal cord palsy and one developed esophageal leak. At a mean follow-up of 21.4 months, no fistula recurrence, dysphagia, or tracheal stenosis was observed. Hence stapled dismantling and SCM muscle interposition is a simple and safe technique for repair of benign acquired TEF.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common nonepithelial solid neoplasms involving the alimentary tract. We report a case of cystic GIST with multiple cystic metastases. A 61-year-old man presented with upper abdominal pain for two months. Further evaluation revealed a large intra-abdominal cyst in the lesser sac and another cyst over the segment VII of the liver on imaging. Multiple intra-abdominal hydatidoses were suspected based on the imaging and its endemic nature in the geographical area. However, the hydatid serology was normal. In view of hemorrhagic cyst fluid, an intraoperative frozen biopsy of the cyst wall was done, which revealed features suspicious of a mesenchymal tumor. Sleeve gastrectomy with en-bloc excision of the gastric cyst, excision of the hepatic cyst, and complete excision of multiple other intra-abdominal cysts were performed considering GIST as a possibility. Histology revealed a clear cell variant of GIST. Gastric GISTs primarily presenting as multiple intra-abdominal cysts and of clear cell histological variants had never been reported in the literature. The patient was started on imatinib, and he has shown no evidence of recurrence after 12 months of follow-up. A high index of suspicion, intraoperative frozen section, meticulous surgery, and immunohistochemistry are all crucial for the effective management of atypical cases. GIST may be considered as a part of differential diagnosis in clinical scenarios with multiple intra-abdominal cysts, especially in the equivocal setting.

Pancreatic cancers exhibit a surgical challenge, in light of frequent vascular involvement. In absence of metastatic spread, vascular invasion is the predominant limiting factor for determining the resectability. With progression of time vascular involvement is no longer considered a surgical contraindication. However these complex procedures are fraught with technical challenges. Portal clamping required for vascular resection and reconstruction results in hepatic ischemia and visceral congestion. In order to mitigate these untoward effects, surgeons have tried diverse techniques including venous shunts. Venous shunting facilitates the resection and allows for an enhanced exposure and a safe procedure. Previously described techniques were either cumbersome or failed to maintain portal flow. We present a technique of transient mesoportal shunt, to facilitate vascular resection during pancreatoduodenectomy. This technique is both simple and maintains portal flow throughout the procedure preventing both hepatic ischemia and visceral congestion.

Neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery is the current recommended treatment for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. Thoracic duct (TD) resection was indicated for radical mediastinal lymphadenectomy. However, TD resection can cause hemodynamic disturbances. The presence of metastasis in TD has not been previously studied. Twenty-two patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed. Ten patients had their TD resected from thoracic inlet till the esophageal hiatus. Multiple histopathological sections of the TD were examined for evidence of tumor spread. Intraoperative and immediate (48 h) postoperative hemodynamic parameters, lymph node yield, and postoperative morbidity were compared between TD-resected and TD-preserved groups. The median postoperative day 1 fluid requirement (3310 mL vs. 2875 mL, P = 0.059) and the median postoperative day 2 pulse rate were higher in the TD-resected group (111/min vs. 95/min, P = 0.043). There was no significant difference in the intraoperative fluid infusion, blood loss, urine output, mean blood pressure, pulse rate, postoperative urine output, and mean blood pressure between two groups. Median (range) mediastinal lymph node count was similar in TD-resected and TD-preserved groups [15(11–32) vs. 14(9–31), P = 0.283]. Pathological examination of TD did not reveal tumor cells in any of the patients. There was no significant difference in the postoperative morbidity between two groups except for cervical anastomotic dehiscence (P = 0.007). Minimally invasive esophagectomy with TD resection causes minor hemodynamic changes in the immediate postoperative period, without adversely affecting the postoperative outcome. In the setting of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, TD resection does not increase lymph node yield.

Left renal vein (LRV) has been considered as the most suitable vein for proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS), a commonly performed shunt for non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Anatomical anomalies in LRV that can pose technical difficulty during shunt procedure are reported in 10% cases. We report a rare anomaly of LRV which precluded performance of standard end-to-side proximal splenorenal shunt and describe its management by performing an interposition end-to-end proximal splenorenal shunt. A 50-year-old female presented with recurrent episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleed for five years. She was pale and had a massive splenomegaly. There were no signs of encephalopathy. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy revealed three columns of grade 3 esophageal varices, large fundal varices and mild portal hypertensive gastropathy. Duplex ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen was suggestive of non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis. She underwent an interposition end-to-end proximal splenorenal shunt with inferior branch of left renal vein. She developed partial shunt thrombosis at follow-up of 18 months and underwent balloon angioplasty and metallic stenting of shunt. She is doing well at 24 months follow-up with no recurrence of symptoms and a patent shunt. In conclusion, the presence of renal vein abnormalities does not preclude performance of PSRS with suitable modifications. A high index of suspicion is required to detect them preoperatively to avoid technical difficulties and to plan modifications of PSRS. Interposition end-to-end graft proximal splenorenal shunt is a valid option with good primary-assisted patency rate and clinical outcome.

A 57-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with melena, easy fatiguability and dizziness for 2 days. She did not have haematemesis, abdominal pain, ascites or jaundice. Her routine master health check-up done 4 years previously revealed a diagnosis of Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS

Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains one of the most advanced robotic procedures. Improved ergonomics and stable 3D vision with robotic platform helped overcome the technical challenges of pancreatic reconstruction in minimally invasive PD. However, inadequate understanding of the complex vascular anatomy of the pancreatic head and uncinate process often results in intra-operative bleeding and prolongs the learning curve. The technique of precise identification and systematic control of the vessels supplying the head and the uncinate process is described in this report. A good understanding of the common vascular anatomy and variations along with stepwise precise vascular control described in this report could minimise intra-operative bleeding and shorten the learning curve associated with robotic PD.

Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) tumors are inherently aggressive owing to their location near vital structures and early lymphatic spread. The usual symptoms at presentation are dysphagia, regurgitation, and weight loss. Lymphatic involvement is seen early due to abundant submucosal lymphatics and is an important prognostic marker. Nodal involvement is frequently seen in the mediastinum and abdomen as these are the loco-regional nodal basins. Nodal spread beyond these basins is infrequent. We report a case of GEJ adenocarcinoma with inguinal mass secondary to inguinal nodal metastasis as a presenting symptom.

Laparoscopic approach is considered as gold standard for splenectomy in patients with Immune Thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The evidence for safety and feasibility of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) in patients with very severe thrombocytopenia ( 10,000 μL (Group B, n = 17) were compared with respect to operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, perioperative blood transfusion, the length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to operative time (p = 0.07), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.75), postoperative complications (p = 0.23) and hospital stay (p = 0.15). None of the patients in the two groups required conversion to open procedure. No intra operative blood transfusion was required. In Group A, 3 patients (with platelet count less than 2000 μL) received platelet transfusion at induction of anesthesia while 10 others received after ligation of the splenic artery. There was no difference in the operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications and hospital stay between them. LS is a safe and feasible procedure for ITP patients with very severe thrombocytopenia. In these patients, the timing of intraoperative platelet transfusion does not influence perioperative and anesthetic complications.

Backgrounds/Aims Abdominal drains are routinely placed following Frey procedure for chronic pancreatitis (CP) despite the low incidence of pancreatic fistula (PF). The utility of the first postoperative day (POD1) drain fluid amylase (DFA) value in predicting PF in CP patients undergoing Frey procedure has not been previously reported. Methods A prospective study of patients with CP who underwent Frey procedure between August 2014 and April 2018. A standard technique of head coring with single layer continuous pancreatojejunostomy was done in all the patients. Amylase level of the drain placed close to the pancreatojejunostomy was recorded on POD1 and 3. Postoperative PF was defined and graded as per the updated International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) guidelines. Results Fifty-five patients with CP who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. All had normal preoperative serum amylase level. Three patients developed a biochemical leak and four patients developed postoperative PF (Grade B - 3 and Grade C - 1). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve identified a POD1 DFA cut-off value of 326 U/L that predicted a postoperative PF with sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of 100%, 70%, and 100% respectively. Conclusions The POD1 DFA is a reliable predictor of postoperative PF in CP patients who have undergone Frey procedure. The PF can be confidently excluded in patients who have a POD1 DFA less than 326 U/L.

Background. The value of histopathological examination of a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) specimen in areas endemic for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and gastric cancer is not known. We assessed the histopathological findings of LSG specimens to determine whether routine histopathological examination of these would be useful in patients with normal preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings in an area endemic for gastric cancer. Methods. We did a retrospective analysis of the histopathological findings of LSG specimens in patients who underwent the procedure between March 2015 and March 2017. We ascertained the association of positive histopathological findings with the clinical profile of patients and preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings. Results. Twenty-six patients (16 females) with a mean age of 37.5 years underwent LSG during the study period. On preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 18 patients had unremarkable findings. Of the three patients with gastric or duodenal erosions on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, two had H. pylori infection. On histopathological examination, 14 patients had unremarkable findings. Chronic gastritis with or without follicle formation was the most common finding (n=7). None of the patients with normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings had significant histopathological findings or evidence of H. pylori infection. No significant association was found between age, gender, body mass index, smoking and alcohol intake with positive histopathological findings (p=0.64, 0.91, 0.90, 0.10 and 0.94, respectively). Conclusions. We did not find clinically important histopathological findings on routine examination of the LSG specimen in bariatric patients with normal preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings.