Introduction Robotic surgery is a safe approach for gastric cancer. Most available evidence originates from East Asia, while data from European centers remain limited. This study aims to compare surgical and oncological outcomes between different countries, focusing on the number of lymph node retrieved. Materials and Methods We included adult patients who underwent curative-intent distal or total robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 2017 and 2024 at specialized centers in Tuscany (Italy) and the Seoul National University Hospital (South Korea). Results A total of 700 patients were enrolled, including 232 Italian and 468 Korean patients. Western patients were older, had a higher comorbidity burden, and had more advanced disease (64.7% vs. 28.6%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and D2 lymphadenectomy were more frequently performed in Western centers, whereas D1+ was preferred in Eastern centers (p<0.001). Median node retrieved was 34 (West 38 vs. East 33 nodes), exceeding oncological thresholds (>15) across all pathological stages. Lymph node retrieved increased with pT stage and was independent of age, while higher BMI was associated with lower nodal retrieval (31 vs. 35 nodes). Postoperative surgical complications were higher in the Western cohort (13.4% vs. 8.1%, p=0.029), with an increased rate of anastomotic leakage (p<0.001). Length of stay and perioperative mortality were comparable between centers. Conclusion Robotic gastrectomy ensures adequate lymphadenectomy and acceptable perioperative outcomes in both Italian and Korean centers. Observed differences in operative efficiency, morbidity, and survival mainly reflect variations in patient selection and disease stage rather than surgical quality, supporting centralization and earlier diagnosis at Western populations.

BACKGROUND:Gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis (GCPM) is a common manifestation of advanced gastric cancer, associated with poor prognosis. METHODS:The International Gastric Cancer Association (IGCA) convened a multidisciplinary working group of 42 global experts from 15 countries to develop a total of 13 consensus statements addressing diagnosis, treatment, and research priorities for GCPM. Using ACcurate COnsensus Reporting Document (ACCORD)-compliant methodology, the group conducted systematic literature searches and applied a structured Delphi process with anonymous Likert-scale voting and a ≥70% consensus threshold to generate and refine consensus statements. RESULTS:Consensus was achieved for all 13 statements among the working group during the first Delphi round, with 75-100% of respondents selecting either 'strongly agree' or 'agree'. Coefficient of variation values were ≤0.23. Polling of a broader group of experts (n = 66), which included members of the working group (n = 21), during a GCPM consensus session at the 16th International Gastric Cancer Congress (IGCC) in 2025 demonstrated agreement for 12 of the 13 statements. This broader group of experts, which had greater representation from medical oncologists, did not reach consensus (52% agreement) on best practice for systemic treatment of patients with GCPM, possibly due to the rapidly evolving developments in this field of metastatic gastric cancer. CONCLUSION:This consensus exercise provides a foundation for globally relevant GCPM management strategies and highlights critical research needed to address significant evidence gaps that will improve patient outcomes.

Background Textbook Outcome defines the ideal perioperative course after surgery. A specific Textbook Outcome in Gastric Surgery (TOGS) was developed in Western centers; however, its validation among Eastern patients has rarely been investigated. We assessed its achievement in a Korean cohort and identified its predictors. Methods We included adults who underwent curative distal or total gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC) between 2013 and 2023. TOGS consisted of three surgical criteria (no intraoperative complications, R0 resection, and adequate lymphadenectomy: > 20 nodes in subtotal and > 25 in total gastrectomy) and four postoperative criteria (no re-intervention, no unplanned intensive care unit stay, no unplanned 90-day readmission or mortality). Results Of the 5806 patients with GC enrolled, 4338 (74.7%) achieved the TOGS, with rates of 77.9% for stage I tumors and 68.8% for stages II-III. The TOGS rate declined with age, from 82.3% in patients aged < 40 years to 67.5% in those aged >80 years, with hospital readmission being the strongest negative predictor of its achievement in the elderly. Several factors were independently associated with a higher likelihood of TOGS: early lesions (P = 0.003), female sex (P < 0.001), recent surgery (P = 0.024), distal gastrectomy (P < 0.001), and minimally invasive approach (P < 0.001). Patients with TOGS had shorter hospital stays (P = 0.014) and improved 5-year overall survival (87.6%, vs. 75.6%, P < 0.001), independent of the pathological stage (stage I, P < 0.001; stages II-III, P < 0.001). Conclusions The new definition of TOGS provides valuable insights into the quality of surgical care for patients with GC and has a strong impact on oncological outcomes, including in Eastern patients.

Textbook Outcome (TO) combines optimal surgical outcomes into a single measure. This study evaluates achievement of TO using a multicenter database, assessing hospital variation, its correlation with early and late results, and refining a tailored definition of Textbook Outcome in Gastric Surgery (TOGS). Data from patients undergoing curative gastrectomy (2011–2020) in Italian centers affiliated to the Italian Gastric Cancer Research Group (GIRCG) were analyzed. TOGS was introduced at the 2024 GIRCG Annual Meeting in Siena (Italy). Among 1988 patients (median age 72 years, BMI 24.9 kg/m2), 1523 underwent surgery in higher-volume centers (≥ 30 cases per year) and 465 in lower-volume centers (15–30 cases per year). TO was achieved in 54.6

BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the standard of care for locally advanced gastric cancer (GC) in the Western countries. However, limited data are available on the timing and patterns of recurrence in this setting. AIM To evaluate recurrence patterns and timing of neoadjuvant/perioperative chemotherapy in patients with GC, analyze factors influencing recurrence, update relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) estimates. METHODS A total of 91 patients with resectable GC were enrolled between September 2010 and August 2016. Participants were then randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (arm A) or a preoperative plus postoperative consisting of 2 cycles of docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine chemotherapy, followed by 2 additional cycles after surgery (arm B). RESULTS Fifty-two out of 84 patients (61.9%) experienced disease recurrence, and for 41 the site of disease was identified. Distant, peritoneal, and local relapses occurred in 21 (51.2%), 11 (26.8%), and 5 (12.2%) patients, respectively. The median follow-up was 79 months (range: 4.2-120 months). The 5-years RFS was 39.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27.9-49.9]. cT4 tumors had a higher risk of recurrence compared to those with cT2-3 tumors (hazard ratio = 1.92; 95%CI: 1.03-3.56; P = 0.038). The 5-years and 7-years OS was 58.7% (95%CI: 41.9-72.2) and 47.3% (95%CI: 29.4-63.2) in arm A and it was 55.0% (95%CI: 38.4-68.9; P = 0.806) and 46.8% (95%CI: 30.7-61.5; P = 0.806) in arm B, respectively. CONCLUSION Distant metastases are the most common relapse sites, within two years after surgery; RFS depends on tumor size, histology and treatment response; median OS was 69.6 months with favorable long-term outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Few cases of spontaneous evisceration through umbilical hernia (UH) in adult patients have been reported in the literature. Although uncommon, it is a potentially life-threatening surgical emergency. This scoping review aimed to map the published cases and summarize the reported clinical settings, precipitating factors, pathophysiologic mechanisms, management strategies, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search was conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus using the strings (“spontaneous evisceration” OR “spontaneous bowel evisceration” OR “umbilical hernia rupture” OR “umbilical hernia evisceration” OR “bowel evisceration umbilical” OR “umbilical evisceration” OR “bowel evisceration” OR “umbilical eventration”). Reports describing spontaneous evisceration of abdominal content through an UH in adult patients were included, whereas pediatric cases, non-umbilical eviscerations, traumatic eviscerations, animal studies, duplicates, and reports without extractable clinical data were excluded. Results: From the initial 2623 records identified, after thorough screening and reference tracking of the selected publications, 47 relevant reports for a total of 49 patients were identified. Cirrhosis was reported in 26 patients (53%), umbilical skin changes before the evisceration in 33 (67%), and death in 10 (20%). Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that spontaneous evisceration through UH is a surgical emergency that should be viewed not merely as a local mechanical event, but as the result of a multistep process involving chronic pressure overload, tissue fragility, and systemic decompensation, frequently in the setting of cirrhosis with ascites. Urgent repair is usually required, but the role of mesh reinforcement remains unclear and should be individualized according to contamination, defect size, patient condition, and ascites control.

Pigment gallstones represent a heterogeneous group of concretions, classically divided into black and brown types, whose morphology and microstructure offer critical clues about their underlying pathogenesis. Gallstone formation (lithogenesis) is a complex process triggered when the physicochemical equilibrium of bile is disrupted. Background/Objectives: The spicules observed on the surface of certain black pigment gallstones have traditionally been attributed to the branching capacity of cross-linked bilirubin polymers. However, a growing body of experimental and spectroscopic evidence suggests that inorganic calcium salts, particularly calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate, play a central role in the formation of the distinctive spiculated or “coral-like” architecture. Materials and Methods: In our study, we examined a case series of 1350 consecutive patients with gallstone disease, identifying 81 patients who presented with solitary black pigment stones. We systematically explored the association between high calcium content, specifically calcium carbonate, and the occurrence of spiculated morphology. Our analyses demonstrated a robust correlation between an elevated concentration of calcium carbonate and the presence of well-defined spicules. Results: These results support the hypothesis that mineral elements, rather than organic bilirubin polymers, act as crucial determinants of the peculiar crystalline structure observed in a significant subset of pigment stones. Spiculated stones, due to their small size and sharp projections, have a higher likelihood of migrating, increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening complications, such as acute cholangitis and gallstone pancreatitis. Conclusions: Our findings, consistent with recent advanced crystallographic analyses, underscore the importance of considering mineral composition in the diagnosis and management of cholelithiasis. Understanding the factors that drive calcium carbonate precipitation is essential for developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies, aiming to modulate bile chemistry and reduce the risk of calcium-driven lithogenesis.

INTRODUCTION:Evidence regarding staging laparoscopy (SL) for clinical metastatic (cM+) gastric cancer (GC) patients is limited. Recently, an Italian Gastric Cancer Research Group (GIRCG) study showed SL changed peritoneal status in over 20% of cases. This study aimed to evaluate SL's role in cM+ patients and refine its indications. METHODS:Clinical data of cM+ GC patients who underwent SL between 2010 and 2022 at nine GIRCG centers were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was SL's yield, defined as peritoneal status changed by SL over all SLs. RESULTS:Among 182 cM+ patients who received SL, 38 (20.9%) had SL-findings changing peritoneal status. Notably, 10.1% of cases with preoperative signs of carcinomatosis had no peritoneal disease, while 46.3% with extraperitoneal disease alone had peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) at SL. Thirty-one patients (17.0%) underwent R0 resection: 17 (54.8%) with PC, 3 (9.7%) with liver metastases, 4 (12.9%) with PC and nodal metastases, 2 (6.4%) with lung, and 1 (3.2%) with bone metastases. Seventeen patients with suspected preoperative PC underwent curative treatment: 9 had peritoneal disease ruled out by SL, while the other 8 had limited PC, allowing R0 resection. Logistic regression revealed an inverse correlation between diffuse histotype and absence of PC at SL in patients with peritoneal involvement at imaging (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION:SL aids in directing cM+ GC patients to appropriate treatment, with a 20.9% yield. For those with peritoneal involvement at imaging, SL helps identify candidates for curative treatment. In patients with extraperitoneal disease, SL should be considered to assess potential radical strategies.

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG)-guided surgery is an emerging technique to enhance intraoperative visualization of nodes and tumor location. However, there is no uniform protocol regarding the optimal timing, dosage, or injection site for ICG in colorectal cancer surgery. We assess the feasibility of ICG injection at the anorectal junction immediately before surgery to safely identify the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Methods: This was a prospective study involving robotic left hemicolectomy or anterior resection of the rectum for primary colorectal cancer in 2024 in a single center. A total of 10–20 mg was injected into the anorectal submucosa at four quadrants circumferentially using an anoscope immediately before robot docking. Results: In this first study, ICG allowed us to identify the IMA in 84.6% of 26 patients (mean age 66.5 years; BMI 26.7 kg/m2), without intraoperative medical and surgical complications. Elevated BMI correlated with failure of IMA detection (r = −0.77, p < 0.001), despite high ICG doses trending toward improved vascular visualization (p = 0.097). A mean of 22 lymph nodes was harvested after ICG injection, with yields unaffected by the quality of IMA visualization. Conclusions: Submucosal injection of ICG is a feasible and easily adoptable option for early identification of the IMA, thereby preventing major vascular injuries, particularly in patients with challenging anatomy. A standardized protocol was implemented to improve reliability.

Computed tomography (CT) is widely used to diagnose peritoneal metastases (PM), with debated accuracy. Dual-energy CT (DECT) may improve accuracy, yet its diagnostic performance is still unknown. We explored the potential of DECT for PM detection and quantification. We retrospectively included patients undergoing staging DECT for cancers with a high risk of peritoneal involvement, followed by staging laparoscopy/laparotomy, which served as the reference standard. Nine readers with varying experience levels (three expert, three intermediate, and three inexpert) reviewed two sets of images, separated by ≥ 60 days, considering the presence/absence of PM, abdominal region(s) involved, and calculated the radiological peritoneal cancer index (PCI). The first set included contrast-enhanced delayed-DECT scans reconstructed as virtual 120-kVp images; the second set also included virtual monoenergetic, 40-keV images and iodine maps. Performance metrics, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, McNemar, DeLong, and Wilcoxon tests were applied. Twenty patients (mean age 64.2 years; 12 females) were included, 10 with PM. At per-patient analysis, the addition of monoenergetic 40-keV images and iodine maps slightly increased the performance and improved inter-reader agreement, with significant benefit for inexperienced readers only (p = 0.010). Per-region analysis demonstrated a significant advantage with an area under the ROC curve ranging from 0.709 to 0.766 (p < 0.001), confirmed for each reader group; in addition, the inter-reader agreement significantly improved. Quantitative analysis showed a reduction in the differences between CT results and surgical PCI by DECT (4 ± 12 versus 2 ± 9, p < 0.001). DECT-derived reconstructions in the delayed-phase enhanced PM detection and quantification. Delayed-phase DECT reconstruction showed superior accuracy over conventional CT in detecting and quantifying peritoneal metastases. These findings could help establish a new standard CT protocol for malignancies with peritoneal tropism.

OBJECTIVES:The prognostic significance of microsatellite instability (MSI) and HER2 status in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) treated with neoadjuvant or conversion chemotherapy (NAC) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate their impact on pathological response and survival outcomes in AGC patients undergoing NAC followed by surgery. METHODS:This single-center, retrospective observational study included 121 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma at clinical stage >cT2N0, defined as tumor invasion beyond the muscularis propria, nodal involvement, or both. Eligible patients received at least two cycles of NAC and underwent surgical resection. Adults without other malignancies and with biopsy samples available for molecular analysis were included. Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained surgical database. Imaging studies were reviewed by expert radiologists, and molecular analyses were performed in the pathology department. RESULTS:Among the 121 patients, MSI was identified in 6.6% and HER2 positivity in 9.9%. All MSI tumors were HER2 negative ( P  < 0.001). HER2 positivity was more frequent in intestinal-type tumors ( P  = 0.034) and was associated with better pathological response ( P  = 0.048). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 44.7%, with a median OS of 42.6 months. Multivariate Cox regression identified tumor location in the upper third, residual tumor, nodal stage, Lauren diffuse-mixed histotype, and negative HER2 status as independent prognostic factors ( P  < 0.05). MSI status was not significantly associated with OS ( P  = 0.786), although a trend toward improved survival was observed in MSI-H patients. CONCLUSIONS:HER2 overexpression correlated with better pathological response and independently predicted improved OS. MSI and HER2 status may serve as biomarkers to guide preoperative treatment strategies in AGC.

Background: PIPAC is an innovative treatment that delivers low-dose aerosolized chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity of patients with peritoneal surface malignancies (PSMs). However, its role in the multimodal management of PSMs is unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 64 patients who underwent PIPAC for PSMs of a primary or secondary origin between June 2020 and December 2024 (median age of 64 years). Primary tumor sites included gastric (42.2%), colorectal (23.4%), ovarian cancer (21.9%), and others (12.5%). The median PCI was 15 (IQR 9-25), with ascites present in 60.9% of cases and a positive cytology in 48.4%. Results: A total of 82 PIPAC sessions were performed in 64 patients. The mean operation time was 96 min. Severe adverse events, defined as the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) of a grade ≥ 2, occurred in four patients (6.2%). The median hospital stay was 3 days, and systemic chemotherapy was resumed within 14 days after the procedure in 27 patients. Among the entire cohort, 37.5% received bidirectional therapy and 62.5% received palliative treatment, with a lower peritoneal cancer index (PCI) in the bidirectional group (9.5 vs. 23). The median overall survival (OS) was 32 months from diagnosis. Sixteen patients (25%) underwent two or more PIPAC sessions and showed an advantage in survival compared to patients who underwent only one procedure (3-year OS: 63.2% vs. 38.4%, p 0.030). Conversion surgery was achieved in 34.4%. Patients treated with a bidirectional intent demonstrated a longer OS (3-year: 66.0% vs. 33.9%, p 0.011). Colorectal and ovarian tumors exhibited better long-term outcomes compared to gastric cancer. Conclusions: PIPAC is a promising treatment for PSMs, with a low morbidity rate. Its favorable safety and short interval to systemic therapy resumption support its use as part of a bidirectional strategy.

Background and Objectives: Hepatolithiasis (HL), or intrahepatic bile duct stone disease, shows regional variation and is a rare condition in Western countries. While cases from East Asia are often linked to chronic biliary infections and brown pigment stones, Western HL more frequently involves cholesterol or black pigment stones, typically in the context of prior cholecystectomy, biliary interventions, or congenital anomalies. The disease is generally associated with significant morbidity, including recurrent cholangitis, biliary strictures, and risk of cholangiocarcinoma. This study aimed to characterize HL disease in an Italian case series. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1450 patients with biliary stone disease treated between 2010 and 2024. HL was diagnosed in 14 patients (0.96%). Clinical records, imaging (ultrasound, CT, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography—MRCP, cholangiography), bile cultures, and stone composition (categorized as cholesterol, brown pigment, black pigment, or mixed using FTIR/XRD) were analyzed. Results: Among the 14 patients (mean age: 60.1 years; 64.3% female), 71.4% presented with recurrent cholangitis, while 28.6% were asymptomatic. Stones were left-sided in 57.1%, right-sided in 21.4%, and bilateral in 21.4%. Stone composition was cholesterol/mixed in 50%, brown pigment in 35.7%, and black pigment in 14.3%. Risk factors for bile stasis were present in 71.4% of cases. Bile cultures (available in nine cases) were positive in 77.8%. MRCP was highly effective for diagnosis. Hepatectomy achieved complete resolution in 35.7% of patients with unilobar disease; endoscopic/percutaneous therapy had a 44.4% recurrence rate. Interestingly, no cholangiocarcinoma was observed over a median follow-up of 4.8 years. Conclusions: Western HL is a rare, heterogeneous disease with distinct features. Cholesterol-predominant, infection-negative cases suggest a metabolic or surgical etiology. Hepatectomy offers durable outcomes in unilobar disease. Advanced imaging (MRCP, cholangioscopy) and personalized strategies are key to effective management.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process by which epithelial cells increase their motility and acquire invasive capacity. It represents a crucial driver of cancer metastasis and peritoneal dissemination. EMT plasticity, with cells exhibiting hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal states, and its reverse process, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), allows them to adapt to different microenvironments and evade therapeutic intervention. Resistance to conventional treatments, including chemotherapy, is a major problem. Therapies targeting EMT may inhibit tumour cell migration and invasion, while affecting normal cells and repair mechanisms, resulting in potential side effects. This paper addresses the question of the impact of EMT status on cancers with potential spread to the peritoneum, which has remained unclear in literature. Relevant studies were selected from 2000 to 2024. Three macrosections were analysed: (i) pathological characteristics, (ii) surgical implications and (iii) oncological therapies. The focus was on survival and peritoneal recurrence time in patients who underwent surgical treatment.

The worldwide prevalence of gallstones (GSs) is estimated to be between 10% and 15% in the general population. Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the most common biliary tract neoplasia, and it is characterized by highly aggressive behavior and poor overall prognosis. Long-standing GSs and chronic inflammatory state represent the most common risk factors for GBC, promoting a carcinogenic microenvironment. Long-standing GSs expose patients to potentially severe surgical and oncological complications. A 71-year-old gentleman, who had never experienced biliary symptoms and had diabetes mellitus (DM), presented with severe peritonitis due to perforated acute calculous cholecystitis. The patient underwent an emergent laparotomic cholecystectomy. Histopathology found a rare pT2b poorly differentiated squamocellular carcinoma of the gallbladder. Although more difficult due to the concomitant inflammatory context, it is critical to identify suspicious lesions during preoperative imaging in patients at high risk of malignancy presenting with complex acute gallbladder pathologies. A review of the literature was conducted to gain a deeper insight into the relationship between long-standing GSs and GBC, evaluating also the difficult diagnosis and management of malignancy in the acute setting. Considering the existing literature, the choice to pursue a prophylactic cholecystectomy may be justifiable in selected asymptomatic GS patients at high risk for GBC.

BACKGROUND:The recent introduction of multimodal approach in the setting of conversion surgery (CS) significantly improved survival of stage IV gastric cancer (GC) patients. The prognosis has been related to several tumor and patient factors. Abnormal body composition, specifically the depletion of the lean mass compound, have been associated with impaired short- and long-term outcomes in GC. Aim was to analyze potential variation of body composition during systemic treatment and to evaluate aftermath on further resection and survival. METHODS:In this retrospective monocenter analysis, we assessed pre-treatment and preoperative body composition of stage IV GC patients who underwent surgical exploration following systemic treatment in the setting of CS, over a 12-year period. A radiologist blinded to the patient outcomes assessed the areas of skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue by a dedicated software through standardized protocols. Demographics and clinical data were obtained from prospectively maintained databases and patient records. RESULTS:We included 42 GC patients. Median age was 59 years, 27, 64.3 % were male, and 22/42 were Yoshida category 3 and 4. Surgical interventions included curative resection (23/42 cases), or palliation (19/42). We observed difference in the distribution of body components according to gender, at diagnosis, with more subcutaneous adipose tissue in males (p < 0.001) vs. more visceral adipose tissue in females (p = 0.039). During systemic treatment, a significant increase in total muscle area was observed, but nor in males (median delta TMA -7cm2 in males and delta TMA +4.8 cm2 in females, p = 0.048). Increased TMA during chemotherapy was associated with improved overall survival, with median OS 63 months, vs. 27 months for patients who lost lean mass (p = 0.042). The protective effect of increased TMA was also confirmed at a multivariate analysis after normalization for age and type of surgical procedure (HR 0.98, 95%CI 0.97-0.99; p = 0.035). CONCLUSION:As increased skeletal muscular mass during systemic treatment independently improved the overall survival, longitudinal evaluation of body composition must be part of routinary work-up of gastric cancer patients in the setting of conversion surgery. Potential effects of nutritional interventions must be evaluated.

Gastrectomy is the cornerstone of treatment for gastric cancer. Since the introduction of minimally invasive techniques, the main challenge for surgeons has been to achieve the same surgical radicality, adequate lymphadenectomy, and negative resection margins as with the open approach. Previous Eastern trials showed non-inferiority of laparoscopic gastrectomy, whereas Western trials reported a higher number of complications. This may depend on the different eligibility criteria to select patients and surgeons. Currently, the increased availability of robotic systems has led to renewed enthusiasm. We present a critical review of published randomized control trials (up to October 2024) to investigate the real benefits of robotic compared to open and laparoscopic approaches. Robotic gastrectomy has shown similar oncological outcomes in survival and lymph node retrieval, particularly in suprapancreatic stations, with the advantage of a more acceptable rate of pancreatic fistula and feasible anastomotic reconstruction. Some clinical situations, such as postchemotherapy interstitial fibrosis and distortion of anatomical planes, may increase the technical difficulty. Only four published trials assessed the implications of a pre-operative therapy, with no robotic surgery cases. Robotic systems may reduce intraoperative blood loss, the risk of conversion and allow more extensive lymphadenectomies in cancers with a high risk of extraperigastric metastases, or with clinically proven para-aortic node metastases, although clinical trials evaluating robotic gastrectomy after neoadjuvant therapy have not yet been published.

Background Many gastric cancer patients in Western countries are diagnosed as metastatic with a median overall survival of less than twelve months using standard chemotherapy. Innovative treatments, like targeted therapy or immunotherapy, have recently proved to ameliorate prognosis, but a general agreement on managing oligometastatic disease has yet to be achieved. An international multi-disciplinary workshop was held in Bertinoro, Italy, in November 2022 to verify whether achieving a consensus on at least some topics was possible. Methods A two-round Delphi process was carried out, where participants were asked to answer 32 multiple-choice questions about CT, laparoscopic staging and biomarkers, systemic treatment for different localization, role and indication of palliative care. Consensus was established with at least a 67% agreement. Results The assembly agreed to define oligometastases as a “dynamic” disease which either regresses or remains stable in response to systemic treatment. In addition, the definition of oligometastases was restricted to the following sites: para-aortic nodal stations, liver, lung, and peritoneum, excluding bones. In detail, the following conditions should be considered as oligometastases: involvement of para-aortic stations, in particular 16a2 or 16b1; up to three technically resectable liver metastases; three unilateral or two bilateral lung metastases; peritoneal carcinomatosis with PCI ≤ 6. No consensus was achieved on how to classify positive cytology, which was considered as oligometastatic by 55% of participants only if converted to negative after chemotherapy. Conclusion As assessed at the time of diagnosis, surgical treatment of oligometastases should aim at R0 curativity on the entire disease volume, including both the primary tumor and its metastases. Conversion surgery was defined as surgery on the residual volume of disease, which was initially not resectable for technical and/or oncological reasons but nevertheless responded to first-line treatment.

BACKGROUND:Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a complex procedure that involves extensive peritoneal and visceral resections followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program aims to achieve faster recovery by maintaining pre-operative organ function and reducing the stress response following surgery. A recent publication introduced dedicated ERAS guidelines for CRS and HIPEC with the aim of extending the benefits to patients with peritoneal surface malignancies. METHODS:A survey was conducted among 21 Italian centers specializing in peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) treatment to assess adherence to ERAS guidelines. The survey covered pre/intraoperative and postoperative ERAS items and explored attitudes towards ERAS implementation. RESULTS:All centers completed the survey, demonstrating expertise in PSM treatment. However, less than 30 % of centers adopted ERAS protocols despite being aware of dedicated guidelines. Preoperative optimization was common, with variations in bowel preparation methods and fasting periods. Intraoperative normothermia control was consistent, but fluid management practices varied. Postoperative practices, including routine abdominal drain placement and NGT management, varied greatly among centers. The majority of respondents expressed an intention to implement ERAS, citing concerns about feasibility and organizational challenges. CONCLUSIONS:The study concludes that Italian centers specialized in PSM treatment have limited adoption of ERAS protocols for CRS ± HIPEC, despite being aware of guidelines. The variability in practice highlights the need for standardized approaches and further evaluation of ERAS applicability in this complex surgical setting to optimize patient care.