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Gut Oct 2023In up to 20% of patients, the aetiology of acute pancreatitis (AP) remains elusive and is thus called idiopathic. On more detailed review these cases can often be...
OBJECTIVE
In up to 20% of patients, the aetiology of acute pancreatitis (AP) remains elusive and is thus called idiopathic. On more detailed review these cases can often be explained through biliary disease and are amenable to treatment. Findings range from biliary sludge to microlithiasis but their definitions remain fluid and controversial.
DESIGN
A systematic literature review (1682 reports, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines) analysed definitions of biliary sludge and microlithiasis, followed by an online international expert survey (30 endoscopic ultrasound/hepatobiliary and pancreatic experts; 36 items) which led to definitions of both. These were consented by Delphi voting and clinically evaluated in a retrospective cohort of patients with presumed biliary pancreatitis.
RESULTS
In 13% of original articles and 19.2% of reviews, microlithiasis and biliary sludge were used synonymously. In the survey, 41.7% of experts described the term 'sludge' and 'microlithiasis' as identical findings. As a consequence, three definitions were proposed, agreed on and confirmed by voting to distinctly discriminate between biliary sludge (hyperechoic material without acoustic shadowing) and microlithiasis (echorich calculi of ≤5 mm with acoustic shadowing) as opposed to larger biliary stones, both for location in gallbladder and bile ducts. In an initial attempt to investigate the clinical relevance in a retrospective analysis in 177 confirmed cases in our hospital, there was no difference in severity of AP if caused by sludge, microlithiasis or stones.
CONCLUSION
We propose a consensus definition for the localisation, ultrasound morphology and diameter of biliary sludge and microlithiasis as distinct entities. Interestingly, severity of biliary AP was not dependent on the size of concrements warranting prospective randomised studies which treatment options are adequate to prevent recurrence.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatitis; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Acute Disease; Consensus; Gallstones
PubMed: 37072178
DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327955 -
European Radiology Dec 2023To determine informational CT findings for distinguishing autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to review their diagnostic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To determine informational CT findings for distinguishing autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to review their diagnostic accuracy.
METHODS
A systematic and detailed literature review was performed through PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library. Similar descriptors to embody the identical image finding were labeled as a single CT characteristic. We calculated the pooled diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) of each CT characteristic using a bivariate random-effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 145 various descriptors from 15 studies (including 562 AIP and 869 PDAC patients) were categorized into 16 CT characteristics. According to the pooled DOR, 16 CT characteristics were classified into three groups (suggesting AIP, suggesting PDAC, and not informational). Seven characteristics suggesting AIP were diffuse pancreatic enlargement (DOR, 48), delayed homogeneous enhancement (DOR, 46), capsule-like rim (DOR, 34), multiple pancreatic masses (DOR, 16), renal involvement (DOR, 15), retroperitoneal fibrosis (DOR, 13), and bile duct involvement (DOR, 8). Delayed homogeneous enhancement showed a pooled sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 85%. The other six characteristics showed relatively low sensitivity (12-63%) but high specificity (93-99%). Four characteristics suggesting PDAC were discrete pancreatic mass (DOR, 23), pancreatic duct cutoff (DOR, 16), upstream main pancreatic duct dilatation (DOR, 8), and upstream parenchymal atrophy (DOR, 7).
CONCLUSION
Eleven CT characteristics were informational to distinguish AIP from PDAC. Diffuse pancreatic enlargement, delayed homogeneous enhancement, and capsule-like rim suggested AIP with the highest DORs, whereas discrete pancreatic mass suggested PDAC. However, pooled sensitivities of informational CT characteristics were moderate.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT
This meta-analysis underscores eleven distinctive CT characteristics that aid in differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma, potentially preventing misdiagnoses in patients presenting with focal/diffuse pancreatic enlargement.
KEY POINTS
• Diffuse pancreatic enlargement (pooled diagnostic odds ratio [DOR], 48), delayed homogeneous enhancement (46), and capsule-like rim (34) were CT characteristics suggesting autoimmune pancreatitis. • The CT characteristics suggesting autoimmune pancreatitis, except delayed homogeneous enhancement, had a general tendency to show relatively low sensitivity (12-63%) but high specificity (93-99%). • Discrete pancreatic mass (pooled diagnostic odds ratio, 23) was the CT characteristic suggesting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with the highest pooled DORs.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Autoimmune Pancreatitis; Pancreatitis; Adenocarcinoma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Autoimmune Diseases; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Diagnosis, Differential
PubMed: 37466708
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09959-5 -
BJS Open Sep 2023Groove pancreatitis is a focal form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the area of the paraduodenal groove. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical...
BACKGROUND
Groove pancreatitis is a focal form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the area of the paraduodenal groove. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of patients with groove pancreatitis.
METHODS
Medical literature databases (Embase, Medline via PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were systematically searched for data recorded between 1 January 1990 and 31 August 2022 regarding patient characteristics, diagnosis, surgical treatment and outcomes. The following inclusion criteria were applied: RCTs, observational studies (cohort and case-control studies) and case studies with >3 cases including patients with groove pancreatitis undergoing medical, endoscopic or surgical treatment with available clinical and diagnostic data. Fisher's exact test for binary data and Mann-Whitney U test or Student t-test for continuous data were adopted for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Of 649 studies, 44 were included, involving reports on 1404 patients with a mean age of 49 years. In 41 of the 44 studies in which patient gender was described, 86 per cent (N = 1023) of patients were male. Information on the risk factors of alcohol and nicotine was available in 37 and 23 studies, respectively. Seventy-nine per cent (N = 886) of patients had a history of excessive alcohol consumption and 83 per cent (N = 595) were smokers. Information on clinical symptoms was available in 37 of the 44 included studies and 78.5 per cent (N = 870) presented with abdominal pain. Some 27 studies comprising 920 groove pancreatitis patients were treatment oriented. Seventy-four per cent (N = 682) of patients were treated conservatively, 26.4 per cent (N = 134) underwent endoscopic treatment and 54.7 per cent (N = 503) required surgery. There was complete relief of symptoms in 35.6 per cent (N = 243) after conservative treatment, 55.2 per cent (N = 74) after endoscopic treatment and 69.6 per cent (N = 350) after surgical treatment. The median follow-up time was 42 months (range, 1-161 months).
CONCLUSION
Groove pancreatitis shows on imaging a typical triad: cystic lesions in the pancreatic duct or duodenal wall, calcifications, and thickenings of the duodenal wall. Surgery appears to be the most effective treatment modality.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Rare Diseases; Abdominal Pain; Case-Control Studies; Conservative Treatment; Pancreatitis
PubMed: 37749756
DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrad094 -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences May 2024Therapeutic endoscopy and gastroenterology fellows often participate in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during their training period. However, it...
BACKGROUND
Therapeutic endoscopy and gastroenterology fellows often participate in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during their training period. However, it is generally feared that trainee involvement may increase ERCP-related complications, mainly because of the side-viewing nature of the endoscope and the higher risk of pancreatic duct cannulation. There is no concrete evidence to support this notion. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the resultsof trainee participation on adverse events related to ERCP.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to 31 May 2023 for studies evaluating the ERCP outcomes defined as success rates, procedure time, failed attempts, and adverse events with and without trainee participation. A random effect model was used to perform the meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistics.
RESULTS
Seven studies were included in the final analysis, including 17,088 ERCPs. The pooled odds ratio (pOR) of success rate, incomplete/failed attempts in the trainee and no trainee groups were 0.466 (95% CI 0.13 to 1.66, I = 97.8%, p = 0.239) and 3.2 (95% CI 0.70 to 14.55), I = 98.5%, p = 0.134), respectively. The pOR of post-ERCP pancreatitis and bleeding in the trainee vs. no trainee groups was 0.97 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.23, I = 0%, p = 0.78) and 1.3 (95% CI 0.59 to 2.83, I = 49%, p = 0.54). The pOR of all adverse events in both groups was 1.028 (95% CI 0.917 to 1.152, I = 0%, p = 0.636). Surprisingly, the pooled std mean difference for the procedure time was 0.217 (95% - 0.093 to 0.05, I = 98.5%, p = 0.17).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis comprising of 17,088 ERCPs in seven studies demonstrated comparable ERCP outcomes related to trainee participation regarding success rates, procedure time, and adverse events. Trainees' involvement in ERCP within a proper teaching setting appears safe and does not compromise the overall procedure's success.
PubMed: 38713275
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08452-3 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jul 2023The best approach for treating benign or low-grade malignant lesions localized in the pancreatic neck or body remains debatable. Conventional pancreatoduodenectomy and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The best approach for treating benign or low-grade malignant lesions localized in the pancreatic neck or body remains debatable. Conventional pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy (DP) are associated with a risk of impairment of pancreatic function at long-term follow-up. With advances in technology and surgical skills, the use of central pancreatectomy (CP) has gradually increased.
OBJECTIVES
The objective was to compare the safety, feasibility, and short-term and long-term clinical benefits of CP and DP in matched cases.
METHODS
The PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched to identify studies published from database inception to February 2022 that compared CP and DP. This meta-analysis was performed using R software.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies matched the selection criteria, including 774 CP and 1713 DP cases. CP was significantly associated with longer operative time ( P <0.0001), less blood loss ( P <0.01), overall and clinically relevant pancreatic fistula ( P <0.0001), postoperative hemorrhage ( P <0.0001), reoperation ( P =0.0196), delayed gastric emptying ( P =0.0096), increased hospital stay ( P =0.0002), intra-abdominal abscess or effusion ( P =0.0161), higher morbidity ( P <0.0001) and severe morbidity ( P <0.0001) but with a significantly lower incidence of overall endocrine and exocrine insufficiency ( P <0.01), and new-onset and worsening diabetes mellitus ( P <0.0001) than DP.
CONCLUSIONS
CP should be considered as an alternative to DP in selected cases such as without pancreatic disease, length of the residual distal pancreas is more than 5 cm, branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, and a low risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula after adequate evaluation.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Fistula; Retrospective Studies; Pancreas; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37300889
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000326 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jul 2023Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). However, its risk... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). However, its risk factors are still unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to identify the potential risk factors of DGE among patients undergoing PD or PPPD.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrial.gov for studies that examined the clinical risk factors of DGE after PD or PPPD from inception through 31 July 2022. We pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs using random-effects or fixed-effects models. We also performed heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses.
RESULTS
The study included a total of 31 research studies, which involved 9205 patients. The pooled analysis indicated that out of 16 nonsurgical-related risk factors, three risk factors were found to be associated with an increased incidence of DGE. These risk factors were older age (OR 1.37, P =0.005), preoperative biliary drainage (OR 1.34, P =0.006), and soft pancreas texture (OR 1.23, P =0.04). On the other hand, patients with dilated pancreatic duct (OR 0.59, P =0.005) had a decreased risk of DGE. Among 12 operation-related risk factors, more blood loss (OR 1.33, P =0.01), postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (OR 2.09, P <0.001), intra-abdominal collection (OR 3.58, P =0.001), and intra-abdominal abscess (OR 3.06, P <0.0001) were more likely to cause DGE. However, our data also revealed 20 factors did not support stimulative factors influencing DGE.
CONCLUSION
Age, preoperative biliary drainage, pancreas texture, pancreatic duct size, blood loss, POPF, intra-abdominal collection, and intra-abdominal abscess are significantly associated with DGE. This meta-analysis may have utility in guiding clinical practice for improvements in screening patients with a high risk of DGE and selecting appropriate treatment measures.
Topics: Humans; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Gastroparesis; Pylorus; Pancreatic Fistula; Risk Factors; Postoperative Complications; Abdominal Abscess; Gastric Emptying
PubMed: 37073540
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000418 -
BioMed Research International 2023Pancreatic trauma is an uncommon injury that occurs usually in a young population and is frequently overlooked and not readily appreciated on initial examination.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic trauma is an uncommon injury that occurs usually in a young population and is frequently overlooked and not readily appreciated on initial examination. Nowadays, the diagnosis and management of pancreatic trauma are still controversial, and there is no gold standard for the treatment. The aim of this study is to describe our experience in the management of blunt pancreatic trauma with a laparoscopic approach and review the literature on laparoscopic management of pancreatic trauma.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed, and 40 cases were reported and analysed; 10 cases were excluded because the complete data were not retrievable. We also reported our experience with the case of an 18-year-old male diagnosed with a deep laceration of the pancreas between body and tail, involving the main pancreatic duct, and with a concomitant hematoma. The patient underwent exploratory laparoscopy with abdominal toilet, necrosectomy, and suture of main pancreatic duct; the total blood loss was less than 200 ml, and the total operative time was 180 minutes. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the 6th postoperative day.
RESULTS
30 patients with pancreatic trauma, 10 adults and 20 pediatrics (mean age 28.2 years and 10.5 years), underwent a total laparoscopic approach: 2 distal pancreatic-splenectomy, 22 spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, and 6 laparoscopic drainage. The mean operative time for the adult and pediatric populations was 160.6 and 214.5 minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was 400 ml and 75 ml, and the mean hospital stay was 14.9 and 9 days, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Laparoscopic management for pancreatic trauma can be considered feasible and safe when performed by an experienced laparoscopic pancreatic team, and in such a setting, it can be considered a viable alternative to open surgery, offering the well-known benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Child; Adolescent; Pancreas; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Diseases; Spleen; Laparoscopy; Abdominal Injuries; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37810623
DOI: 10.1155/2023/9296570 -
The British Journal of Surgery Oct 2023Previous studies have reported conflicting results of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis on infectious complications after pancreatoduodenectomy. This study evaluated the...
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have reported conflicting results of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis on infectious complications after pancreatoduodenectomy. This study evaluated the effect of prolonged antibiotics on surgical-site infections (SSIs) after pancreatoduodenectomy.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken of SSIs in patients with perioperative (within 24 h) versus prolonged antibiotic (over 24 h) prophylaxis after pancreatoduodenectomy. SSIs were classified as organ/space infections or superficial SSI within 30 days after surgery. ORs were calculated using a Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect model.
RESULTS
Ten studies were included in the qualitative analysis, of which 8 reporting on 1170 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. The duration of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis varied between 2 and 10 days after surgery. Four studies reporting on 782 patients showed comparable organ/space infection rates in patients receiving perioperative and prolonged antibiotics (OR 1.35, 95 per cent c.i. 0.94 to 1.93). However, among patients with preoperative biliary drainage (5 studies reporting on 577 patients), organ/space infection rates were lower with prolonged compared with perioperative antibiotics (OR 2.09, 1.43 to 3.07). Three studies (633 patients) demonstrated comparable superficial SSI rates between patients receiving perioperative versus prolonged prophylaxis (OR 1.54, 0.97 to 2.44), as well as in patients with preoperative biliary drainage in 4 studies reporting on 431 patients (OR 1.60, 0.89 to 2.88).
CONCLUSION
Prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with fewer organ/space infection in patients who undergo preoperative biliary drainage. However, the optimal duration of antibiotic prophylaxis after pancreatoduodenectomy remains to be determined and warrants confirmation in an RCT.
PubMed: 37440361
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad213 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023This systematic review analyzes the anatomical variants in the pancreas and its ductal system to report on their association with pancreatic pathologies. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review analyzes the anatomical variants in the pancreas and its ductal system to report on their association with pancreatic pathologies.
METHODS
We conducted a search of the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and LILACS databases from their inception to July 2023. The methodological quality was assessed with the Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) tool. Finally, the pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model.
RESULTS
55 studies were found that met the eligibility criteria. The overall prevalence of pancreas divisum (PD) was 18% (95% CI = 15-21%). The prevalence of PD associated with pancreatitis was 30% (95% CI = 1-61%).
CONCLUSIONS
An anatomical variant of the pancreas such as PD may be the cause of bile duct obstruction, resulting in various clinical complications, such as pancreatitis. Hence, knowing this variant is extremely important for surgeons, especially for those who treat the gastroduodenal region.
PubMed: 37629567
DOI: 10.3390/life13081710 -
European Radiology Apr 2024To evaluate the diagnostic performance of quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging biomarkers in distinguishing between inflammatory pancreatic masses (IPM) and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging biomarkers in distinguishing between inflammatory pancreatic masses (IPM) and pancreatic cancer (PC).
METHODS
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science through August 2023. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) was used to evaluate the risk of bias and applicability of the studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated using the DerSimonian-Laird method. Univariate meta-regression analysis was used to identify the potential factors of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were included in this meta-analysis. The two main types of IPM, mass-forming pancreatitis (MFP) and autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), differ in their apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Compared with PC, the ADC value was higher in MFP but lower in AIP. The pooled sensitivity/specificity of ADC were 0.80/0.85 for distinguishing MFP from PC and 0.82/0.84 for distinguishing AIP from PC. The pooled sensitivity/specificity for the maximal diameter of the upstream main pancreatic duct (dMPD) was 0.86/0.74, with a cutoff of dMPD ≤ 4 mm, and 0.97/0.52, with a cutoff of dMPD ≤ 5 mm. The pooled sensitivity/specificity for perfusion fraction (f) was 0.82/0.68, and 0.82/0.77 for mass stiffness values.
CONCLUSIONS
Quantitative MR imaging biomarkers are useful in distinguishing between IPM and PC. ADC values differ between MFP and AIP, and they should be separated for consideration in future studies.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT
Quantitative MR parameters could serve as non-invasive imaging biomarkers for differentiating malignant pancreatic neoplasms from inflammatory masses of the pancreas, and hence help to avoid unnecessary surgery.
KEY POINTS
• Several quantitative MR imaging biomarkers performed well in differential diagnosis between inflammatory pancreatic mass and pancreatic cancer. • The ADC value could discern pancreatic cancer from mass-forming pancreatitis or autoimmune pancreatitis, if the two inflammatory mass types are not combined. • The diameter of main pancreatic duct had the highest specificity for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer.
PubMed: 38639911
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-024-10720-9