Malignant biliary obstruction is commonly treated with biliary stenting either endoscopically or percutaneously; however, tumor ingrowth might occlude the stent, often leading to recurrent jaundice and repeat interventions. Endobiliary microwave ablation (MWA) is an emerging adjunct intended to devitalize intraductal tumors and potentially prolong stent patency. This review assesses the state of the art of endobiliary ablation for malignant biliary obstruction, focusing on the technique and safety of percutaneous procedures, as well as patient outcomes. It also discusses the use of flexible endobiliary MWA for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The review covers ablation methods such as radiofrequency and MWA, which can be performed endoscopically or percutaneously. Research indicates that endobiliary thermal ablation is technically feasible and can be safely combined with stenting. Some studies suggest it may prolong stent patency and decrease the necessity for repeat procedures compared with stenting alone. Percutaneous techniques may be particularly helpful in complex hilar cases, allowing accurate energy delivery, protection of secondary bile ducts, and tailored stent placement. New microwave systems can heat tissue more deeply and evenly than radiofrequency ablation, which may improve local tumor control. Endobiliary thermal ablation appears to be a useful supplement to stenting, especially for patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Flexible percutaneous MWA probes could make this treatment more widely available. Still, more high-quality studies are needed to find optimal ablation settings, identify which patients benefit most, and compare this method with standard stenting.

Gastrointestinal schwannomas are rare mesenchymal tumors that arise from the Schwann cells of the enteric nervous system, representing a unique clinicopathological entity among subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this state-of-the-art review is therefore to analyze the specific clinicopathological characteristics of these rare tumors as well as to better understand the appropriate diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches where these are required. This review combines findings from large series studies to provide a complete analysis of gastrointestinal schwannomas, even those with unusual locations. Despite the typical occurrence of these tumors within the stomach, they can occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus, small intestine, colon, rectum, through to the mesentery, presenting a diagnostic dilemma. Due to the non-specific presentation, radiological, and endoscopic similarities between schwannomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), a preoperative misdiagnosis is common. Recent improvements in immunohistochemistry have helped to define their biological identity based on widespread staining for S100/SOX10 with absence of KIT/DOG1 mutations. While techniques such as contrast-enhanced CT scans as well as endoscopic ultrasonography have certain diagnostic advantages, they are not sufficient to make a diagnosis without histopathological validation. Surgical resection is considered the mainstay of therapy, addressing both purposes. Endoscopic methods have been adopted for smaller lesions in more favorable locations, while surgical resection is considered standard for larger or more complex lesions. Despite their rarity, early and accurate diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary interventions when conservative management may be appropriate. When treatment is required, resection strategies should be tailored to tumor characteristics.

Gastrointestinal leaks and perforations are severe conditions that require urgent management. While these conditions were traditionally treated surgically, a growing body of evidence suggests that endoscopic treatment may be more suitable in a significant proportion of cases. Furthermore, the evolution of therapeutic endoscopy has led to an increased number of such cases being diagnosed during the initial intervention, providing the opportunity for prompt endoscopic treatment. The decision between endoscopic and surgical therapy, as well as the specific type of endoscopic therapy to use, depends on the type and site of perforation, the timing, and the individual characteristics of each patient. It is essential that clinicians can accurately identify patients who are suitable for endoscopic treatment and those who require surgical intervention. Furthermore, there are many areas where high-quality data on the comparison of different modalities are lacking. This manuscript aims to illustrate the patients for whom endoscopic treatment may be indicated and the modalities that can be used for defect closure and prevention of complications.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, which may ultimately result in peritoneal metastases (PM). PM in patients with IBD is by nature difficult to treat due to the chronic inflammation and immunosuppression inherent in IBD. This minireview compiled existing evidence on management approaches to PM in patients with IBD, including surgical procedures, systemic treatment, and novel therapies. A literature review was conducted by searching PubMed and Scopus through June 2025 for studies addressing PM in IBD-associated colorectal or small bowel cancer. Literature specific to PM in IBD is sparse, comprising primarily two small retrospective cohort series comparing outcomes of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) in patients with and without IBD. These studies indicated that in high-volume centers with careful preoperative optimization perioperative morbidity and mortality rates for patients with IBD undergoing CRS/HIPEC were similar to those without IBD. However, median overall survival (approximately 19.6-24.0 months) and disease-free survival were consistently shorter and rates of early peritoneal recurrence were higher in patients with IBD. Although CRS/HIPEC can be performed safely in selected patients with IBD and PM, long-term oncologic outcomes appear inferior compared to populations without IBD, likely reflecting later-stage presentation, distinct tumor biology, and IBD-related factors.

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly occurring cancer. Apoptosis is a fundamental cellular process of programmed cell death, and although many pathways for inducing apoptosis may exist, only the intrinsic and the extrinsic pathways have been demonstrated in detail. This study investigated the expression of BAD, BID, BCL2, MDM2, p53, Ki-67, and PUMA in primary CRC, paired lymph node metastases, and adjacent normal mucosa and explored their associations with clinicopathologic features and patient outcomes. Methods: One hundred thirty patients who underwent surgery for resectable CRC were included in the study. FFPE tumor tissue samples were prospectively collected and used for the construction of the TMA blocks from the primary tumor, paired lymph node metastasis, and paired normal mucosa. Immunohistochemistry for BAD, BID, BCL2, MDM2, p53, Ki-67, and PUMA antibodies was performed. Results: Univariate analysis showed reduced cancer-specific (CSS), disease-free (DFS), and overall survival (OS) in patients with lymphatic invasion, ≥4 positive lymph nodes, poorly differentiated tumors, older age (≥65), right-sided tumors, stage IIIC disease, or no chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis identified lymphovascular invasion, ≥4 metastatic nodes, and high Ki-67 as independent predictors of worse DFS and CSS, with low BAD expression additionally predicting DFS. For OS, adverse predictors included nodal burden, tumor location, absence of chemotherapy, and high p53, MDM2, and Ki-67 expression. Notably, combined high PUMA and low p53 expression independently predicted poorer CSS and OS. Conclusions: High expression of PUMA combined with low expression of p53 and a high expression of Ki-67 were independent unfavorable prognostic indicators for both OS and CSS. Further studies are required to clarify the prognostic and therapeutic role of these markers in CRC.

In this article, we discussed the article by Zeng et al , published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology . The publication represents a significant advancement in the prognostic evaluation of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms. The GATIS score is a single nomogram model that incorporates five key prognostic factors: Tumor grade; T stage; tumor size; age; and the prognostic nutritional index. This innovation optimizes the prognostic process, delivering more accurate predictions of overall survival and progression-free survival compared to traditional TNM staging and World Health Organization classification systems. The findings of the study were based on a retrospective analysis spanning 12 years and involving 1408 patients from 17 reference centers in China. In this editorial, we specifically examined the strengths and limitations of the study, the clinical implications of the GATIS score, and the questions arising from its conclusions.

Endometriosis is a clinical entity affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. While extrapelvic endometriosis has been documented, pancreatic endometriosis remains extremely rare and poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its similarity to other pancreatic diseases. At the same time, splenic mesothelial cysts are also rare and typically benign. This report presents a unique case of pancreatic endometriosis coexisting with a splenic mesothelial cyst in a 31-year-old woman. The patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of persistent epigastric and low back pain. She noted having similar symptoms approximately a year prior. Her past medical history was otherwise unremarkable, and there was no known family history of pancreatic disease or neoplasms. Initial imaging revealed a 3.8 cm cystic lesion in the pancreatic tail, with features suggestive of mucinous cystadenoma. Following clinical evaluation and confirmation of the cyst’s nature through endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy, the patient subsequently underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy due to worsening symptoms. Gross examination revealed a multilocular pancreatic cyst with a smooth, hemorrhagic wall. Microscopic analysis showed the cyst to be lined by cuboidal to columnar epithelium, consistent with pancreatic endometriosis, confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. The spleen showed cystic formations, diagnosed as a multifaceted mesothelial cyst. In conclusion, this report is the first to document the coexistence of pancreatic endometriosis and splenic mesothelial cysts, highlighting the importance of accurate imaging and pathologic evaluation in the diagnosis of these rare conditions. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention lead to favorable outcomes, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive diagnostic strategies.

In this article, we discussed the article by Sohail et al, published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. This study highlights the benefits of performing cholecystectomy (CCY) during the same hospitalization for patients with acute cholangitis (AC) associated with gallstones. Specifically, same-admission CCY is associated with significantly lower 30-day readmission rates compared with interval CCY. Furthermore, it has been associated with reduced mortality rates and reduced recurrence of biliary symptoms. Despite these advantages, the procedure is chosen in only a minority of eligible patients. This gap between evidence and practice highlights the need for updated clinical guidelines and further research to optimize the timing of CCY in the management of AC.

BACKGROUND Internal hernias, a rare type of herniation, occur through deficits of peritoneum or mesentery/mesocolon. Herniation of the small intestine into the mesosigmoid fossa is an extraordinary situation. A possible diagnostic delay may lead to intestinal ischemia, perforation, or even necrosis. CASE REPORT A 47-year-old woman was admitted in our Emergency Department with a 24-hour colic pain that started at the epigastrium and then moved to the left pelvic region. Small-bowel obstruction due to internal herniation was diagnosed based on clinical, radiological, and laboratory examination results. We encountered a loop of jejunum that was herniated into the mesosigmoid fossa, making this a unique case, as in most such cases the internal herniated loops are loops of ileum. CONCLUSIONS The key role of computed tomography (CT) is highlighted and the characteristic sign of "C-shaped cluster" is mentioned in the literature for intersigmoid hernia. Although internal mesosigmoid hernia is rare, it should be always kept in mind when the patient's digestive tract is affected. Our main purpose here is to highlight this rare entity for our fellow surgeons.

Liver malignancies are among the most prevalent cancers worldwide and can be managed using various therapeutic approaches. However, the available options for treating these malignancies are characterized by several limitations. Histotripsy, which was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), seems to be promising for overcoming these limitations. It is an emerging non-invasive, non-thermal ultrasound technology, which is based on the controllable initiation of cavitation from endogenous nanometer-scale gas pockets within tissues. Numerous preclinical studies as well as three clinical studies highlight this technique as feasible, safe, and effective. Among its advantages are the lack of thermal injury, its non-invasive nature, its immunopreserving and possibly immunostimulating ability, as well as the low number of complications that accompany it. Nonetheless, long-term clinical outcomes are still lacking, and further studies are needed to establish its definitive role in liver cancer treatment. In conclusion, histotripsy shows strong potential to become a transformative tool in liver oncology, but continued clinical evaluation is essential to validate its long-term efficacy and integration into standard care.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common pancreatic malignancy and is characterized by a very unfavorable prognosis. Rarely, patients may develop synchronous PDAC and another distinct primary pancreatic tumor, such as a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. This systematic review consolidates published case reports describing the presentation, imaging characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with synchronous PDAC and other pancreatic malignancies. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus identified 26 relevant case reports, with inclusion criteria focused on histologically confirmed synchronous pancreatic tumors and exclusion of metastatic disease. Results: The majority of patients present with two pancreatic lesions, often located in both the body and tail of the pancreas. Diagnostic imaging modalities, such as computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound, reveal common findings. Tumor markers, particularly CA 19-9, are often elevated and aid in the diagnosis. Surgical approaches also vary according to tumor location and staging, with procedures ranging from Whipple surgery to total pancreatectomy. Chemotherapy is frequently employed postoperatively. Notably, lymph node involvement and larger tumor size are associated with poorer prognoses. Conclusions: In conclusion, these patients may present with a common or non-common clinical picture as well as laboratory and imaging findings, constituting an important and unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer ranks as the fourth deadliest form of cancer. However, it is essential to note that not all pancreatic masses signal primary malignancy. Therefore, it is imperative to establish the correct differential diagnosis, a process further supported by pre-operative biopsy procedures. This meta-analysis aims to compare the diagnostic performance of two minimally invasive biopsy approaches for pancreatic tissue sampling: percutaneous biopsies guided by computed tomography or ultrasound, and transduodenal biopsies guided by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE and Scopus databases. The included studies analyzed the diagnostic performance of the two biopsy methods, and they were assessed for risk of bias using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies–2 tool. Statistical analysis was carried out using the RevMan and MetaDisc software packages. Results: The statistical analysis of the results demonstrated the superiority of the percutaneous approach. Specifically, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR−and DOR for the percutaneous approach were 0.896 [95% CI: 0.878–0.913], 0.949 [95% CI: 0.892–0.981], 9.70 [95% CI: 5.20–18.09], 0.20 [95% CI: 0.12–0.32] and 68.55 [95% CI: 32.63–143.98], respectively. The corresponding values for EUS-guided biopsies were 0.806 [95% CI: 0.775–0.834], 0.955 [95% CI: 0.926–0.974], 12.04 [95% CI: 2.67–54.17], 0.24 [95% CI: 0.15–0.39] and 52.56 [95% CI: 13.81–200.09], respectively. Nevertheless, it appears that this statistical superiority is also linked to the selection bias favoring larger and hence more readily accessible tumors during percutaneous biopsy procedures. Conclusions: Concisely, our meta-analysis indicates the statistical superiority of the percutaneous approach. However, selecting the optimal biopsy method is complex, influenced by factors like patient and tumor characteristics, clinical resources, and other relevant considerations.

BACKGROUND Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is identified as an outlier in the clinical practice of chronic pancreatitis caused by autoimmune system dysfunction. AIP is classified into 3 subtypes: AIP type 1 and AIP type 2, which are both sensitive to corticosteroids, and the recently introduced AIP type 3. CASE REPORT We present a case of a patient who presented with painless obstructive jaundice. Computed tomography (CT) revealed hyperdense gallbladder material, further dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts, and distention of the bile duct (15 mm). Based on the available clinical data, which were strongly compatible with pancreatic cancer, Whipple surgery was selected as the treatment for this case. The consequent histopathological report revealed areas of pancreatic parenchyma with fibrous connective tissue development and dense inflammatory cell infiltration with lymphocytes and plasmacytes, which showcased IgG4 positivity. The clinical results suggested a diagnosis of AIP type 1, and the patient was referred to his treating physician for further treatment of AIP. Preoperative histological examination of the pancreas, along with evaluation of the radiological and serological features, could have aided in determining the diagnosis of AIP type 1 pancreatitis despite the unique abnormality of this particular case. CONCLUSIONS Given the aforementioned conditions, AIP, even as a rare clinical entity, emerges as a canonical ailment and should be considered a viable possibility in clinical practice since it can exclude the patient from an unnecessary surgery.

Colorectal surgery for cancer is associated with a high rate of surgical complications, including anastomotic leakage. The ability to predict the risk of leakage early enough seems to be of high value, since it would facilitate the design of personalized treatment and duration of hospitalization. Although different studies present the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR] as having a strong predictive value, there is a discrepancy with respect to which postoperative day is the most reliable. We evaluated a series of NLR values, from the day before surgery up to the POD7, in a cohort of 245 colorectal surgery patients in order to clarify the best predictable score for the identification of the risk of anastomotic leakage. There were 28 patients with leaks. ROC curve analysis of NLR on POD1 indicates that a cut-off point ≥ 7.4 exerts a negative prediction for leakage (AUC 0.881, sensitivity 68.7%, specificity 96.4%, PPV 28.4%, and NPV of 99.3%), thus excluding 150 patients from the risk of leakage. Furthermore, the ROC curve analysis of NLR on POD4 indicates that a cut-off point ≥ 6.5 gives a positive prediction of leakage (AUC 0.698, sensitivity 82.1%, specificity 51.6%, PPV 17.6%, and NPV of 95.6%), thus indicating 52 patients as being at high risk of leakage. Finally, NLR failed to identify five leaks out of twenty-eight. These results strongly indicate the ability of NLR on POD1 to predict patients at low risk of developing a leak and then on POD4 to predict the high-risk patients. This makes our study particularly innovative, in that it enables doctors to concentrate on potential high-risk patients from POD1.

Introduction: Acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) is the acute inflammation of pancreatic parenchyma, most commonly due to alcohol abuse or cholelithiasis. The treatment can be either conservative or invasive, including a variety of techniques; however, it has not yet been established if the intervention should be early or if it should be delayed. The aim of this review is to investigate the optimal time for intervention in ANP. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from inception until September 2024 for studies reporting the comparison between early and late intervention. Results: Early intervention, within 4 weeks of symptom onset, often involves drainage via percutaneous, endoscopic, or combined methods. Delayed intervention occurs after 4 weeks of symptom onset. This can be conducted either surgically or via minimally invasive means. The results of this review reveal that the time of intervention for ANP plays an important role in the prognosis and the course of the disease. In particular, early intervention is associated with higher mortality, which is also the primary clinical outcome. Delayed intervention is also superior regarding secondary clinical outcomes, specifically the complications associated with the intervention. Thus, it is accompanied by fewer episodes of new-onset organ failure, bleeding, gastrointestinal fistula, pancreatic fistula, wound infection, endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and other complications. Finally, delayed intervention results in shorter stays, both in hospitals and the ICU. Conclusions: Delayed intervention is clearly more effective than early intervention and should be preferred. However, early intervention appears to be both safe and effective, and it is feasible.

We investigated the outcomes of pancreaticoduodenectomy in the presence of an aberrant right hepatic artery (aRHA). We systematically reviewed Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science until April 2023 for studies comparing pancreaticoduodenectomy outcomes with and without aRHA. Endpoints included postoperative mortality, R0 resection margins, pancreatic fistulae, hemorrhage, biliary leak/fistulae, delayed gastric emptying, operative duration, and blood loss. Eight retrospective studies involving 1514 patients were included. The risk ratio (RR) for postoperative mortality and odds ratio (OR) for R0 resection between the aRHA and normal anatomy groups were 1.37 (95%CI:0.74-256) (I2=0%, P=0.99) and 1.03 (95%CI:0.67-1.59) (I2=10%, P=0.35). Besides a longer operative duration in the aRHA group, mean difference (MD) 54.64 (95% CI: 8.51-100.77) (I2=94%, P<0.01), there were no significant differences in secondary endpoints. Meta-regression revealed a significant association between aRHA reconstruction and postoperative mortality (β=0.0179, P<0.01). This review displayed non-statistically significant differences in terms of surgical and oncological outcomes between patients with aRHA and patients with normal hepatic artery anatomy undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, the observed trend of increased postoperative mortality in patients with aRHA, combined with extended surgical duration and the link between aRHA reconstruction and postoperative mortality, prevents drawing definitive conclusions. Further research through high-quality studies is warranted.

Background:Pancreatic calculi (PC) or pancreatolithiasis refers to the presence of stones in the main pancreatic duct (MPD), side branches, or parenchyma of the pancreas.It is highly associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP), and is present in 50-90% of those patients.The stone formation can be attributed to a diversity of factors, all of them leading to obstruction in the duct, hypertension of its distal part, increased intraductal and parenchymal pressure, and inflammation, causing the standard symptom, epigastric pain.Immediate restoration of pancreatic secretion flow is of utmost importance and can be achieved with both endoscopic and surgical techniques.Endoscopic techniques include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined, if possible, with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), while surgical techniques consist of drainage and resection procedures.The choice of treatment for PC depends on the location, size, and number of stones, and the existence of other complications. Case Reports:We present 2 cases that were diagnosed with PC, in which clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and imaging examinations were different, suggesting the variety of manifestations pancreatolithiasis can cause.Each patient was treated differently, according to their clinical situation and the presence or absence of complications.Both patients were discharged and fully recovered. Conclusions:The management of pancreatolithiasis can be demanding in some cases, mostly when there are complications.The purpose of this case report is to indicate the importance of personalized treatment for each patient, as different approaches to the same medical condition should be easily identified and successfully treated.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy, with around half of patients developing liver metastases. Hepatectomy is the preferred treatment, but its success depends on several factors, including surgical margins. Various surgical margins have been suggested to achieve optimal results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to explore the impact of negative surgical margins ranging from 1 to 10 mm, and >10 mm on survival, with the objective of identifying optimal surgical margins. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. The six included studies that examined the effect of surgical margins at the aforementioned distances on patient survival. Studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: The results of the meta-analysis revealed the superiority of wider surgical margins (>10) on overall survival compared to smaller margins (1–10 mm), as the HR was calculated to be 1.38 [1.10; 1.73]. Specifically, negative margins between 1 and 10 mm are linked to a 38% increased risk of mortality compared to margins larger than 10 mm. The low heterogeneity indicates consistent findings across studies, and the statistically significant hazard ratio underscores the importance of aiming for larger surgical margins to enhance patient outcomes. In the subgroup that included only studies in which patients received neoadjuvant therapy, the HR was 1.48 [1.06; 2.07], further emphasizing the importance of ensuring negative surgical margins in today’s era. Conclusions: In summary, this systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the impact of surgical margin width on the survival of patients with colorectal liver metastases, as well as the importance of margin optimization in surgical management strategies.

Objective: Rare disease Background: Schwannomas are tumors that arise from Schwann cells that surround and support nerve cells. Most common sites for presentations are head, neck, and extremities. Schwannomas of gastrointestinal tract are rare, slowgrowing tumors, usually benign, arising from gastrointestinal tract's neural plexus. They are histologically distinguishable from conventional schwannomas that arise in soft tissue or the central nervous system. Preoperative diagnosis of gastrointestinal schwannoma is challenging, requiring immunohistological confirmation of the nature of the tumor. Here, we report a case of 57-year-old woman with an incidental finding of an asymptomatic submucosal jejunal schwannoma. Case Report: A 57-year-old woman with a medical history of hematological disorder underwent a contrast abdominal computed tomography as part of medical follow-up. The imaging revealed the presence of a jejunal mass. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgical resection of the lesion, followed by side-to-side jejuno-jejunal anastomosis with 4-cm clear surgical margins. The final pathologic study revealed the presence of jejunal schwannoma, as tested positive for S-100 protein. The patient was discharged home on the fourth postoperative day, having an uneventful recovery. Conclusions: Jejunal schwannoma are usually benign and asymptomatic, and they are often discovered incidentally during diagnostic tests for other conditions; therefore, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors. Surgical treatment appears to be necessary to achieve a definitive diagnosis through a biopsy of the tumor tissue. Benign jejunal schwannomas have a good prognosis.