Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) remains a major cause of morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Most available prediction models were developed for pancreatojejunostomy (PJ), limiting their accuracy for Wirsung pancreatogastrostomy (WPG). This study developed and internally assessed a WPG-specific risk score (WPG Score) for predicting CR-POPF after PD. This bicentric retrospective study included 345 patients undergoing PD with WPG between 2014 and 2024 at two Italian high-volume centers. Independent predictors of CR-POPF (ISGPS grade B/C) were identified using multivariable logistic regression and incorporated into the WPG Score. Predictive accuracy was assessed through ROC analysis and compared with the original Fistula Risk Score (FRS) and the alternative FRS (a-FRS). Male sex (OR 3.81), BMI ≥ 25 (OR 3.02), and soft pancreatic texture (OR 4.40) were independently associated with CR-POPF. Ampullary/biliary pathology was retained in the final predictive model based on the pre-specified stepwise retention criterion and its biological plausibility. The WPG Score (0–6 points) stratified patients into low- (3.7

Importance:Sarcopenia is an emerging predictor of complications after liver surgery. Strategies to mitigate its impact are crucial to improving postoperative outcomes. Objective:To determine whether a 6-week multimodal prehabilitation program combining physical exercise and nutritional support reduces postoperative morbidity in patients with sarcopenia who are undergoing major hepatectomy. Design, Setting, and Participants:This study is a single-center, open-label, randomized clinical trial conducted from April 2022 to January 2025. Adult patients with sarcopenia scheduled for major liver resection and requiring future liver remnant hypertrophy were randomized (1:1) to receive either structured prehabilitation or standard care. The trial was conducted in a tertiary hepatobiliary referral center in Italy. Enrolled adult patients had radiologically and functionally confirmed sarcopenia. Most patients underwent portal vein embolization and right hepatectomy. Interventions:The intervention group received a 6-week program while awaiting future liver remnant hypertrophy including daily walking, supervised biweekly in-hospital exercise, and branched-chain amino acid and immune nutritional supplementation. The control group received standard perioperative care. Main Outcomes and Measures:The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative morbidity, assessed by Clavien-Dindo classification. Results:A total of 70 adult patients with radiologically and functionally confirmed sarcopenia were enrolled, and 60 (median [IQR] age, 69 [63-75] years; 32 male [53.3%]) were included in the final analysis. Most patients (52 [86.7%]) underwent portal vein embolization, and 63 (88.3%) underwent right hepatectomy. Overall morbidity was significantly lower in the prehabilitation group (4 of 30 [13.3%] vs 15 of 30 [50%]; odds ratio, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04-0.55; P = .004), with an absolute risk reduction of 36.7% and number needed to treat of 3. All major complications occurred in the control group (6 of 30 [20%]; d = 0.40; P = .02). Muscle mass and strength improved significantly only in the prehabilitation arm. Conclusions and Relevance:Results of this randomized clinical trial reveal that a 6-week structured prehabilitation program significantly reduced postoperative morbidity in patients with sarcopenia undergoing major liver resection. These findings support integrating exercise and nutritional interventions into preoperative care for high-risk surgical patients to improve surgical outcomes. Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05281211.

Currently, groin hernia repair is mostly performed with application of mesh prostheses fixed with or without suture. However, views on safety and efficacy of different surgical approaches are still partly discordant. In this multicentre retrospective study, three sutureless procedures, i.e., mesh fixation with glue, application of self-gripping mesh, and Trabucco’s technique, were compared in 1034 patients with primary unilateral non-complicated inguinal hernia subjected to open anterior surgery. Patient-related features, comorbidities, and drugs potentially affecting the intervention outcomes were also examined. The incidence of postoperative complications, acute and chronic pain, and time until discharge were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression was used to compare the odds ratio of the surgical techniques adjusting for other risk factors. The application of standard/heavy mesh, performed in the Trabucco’s technique, was found to significantly increase the odds ratio of hematomas (p = 0.014) and, most notably, of acute postoperative pain (p < 0.001). Among the clinical parameters, antithrombotic therapy and large hernia size were independent risk factors for hematomas and longer hospital stay, whilst small hernias were an independent predictor of pain. Overall, our findings suggest that the Trabucco’s technique should not be preferred in patients with a large hernia and on antithrombotic therapy.

Background. Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is an effective treatment to control tumor growth and improve survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of TARE in downstaging patients to liver transplantation (LT) is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the downstaging efficacy of TARE for intermediate and advanced HCC. Methods. Intention-to-treat analysis with multistate modeling was performed. Patients moved through 5 health states: (1) from TARE to listing, (2) from TARE to death without listing, (3) from listing to LT, (4) from listing to death without LT, and (5) from transplant to death. Factors affecting the chance of death after TARE were considered to stratify outcomes. Results. Two hundred fourteen patients underwent TARE. Of those, 43.9% had radiological response, 29.9% were listed, and 22.8% were transplanted. The probability of being alive without LT was 40.5% 1 y after TARE and 11.5% at 5 y. The chance of being listed was 9.4% at 1 y and 0.9% at 5 y. The probability of dying after TARE without LT was 38% at 1 y and 73% at 5 y. The overall survival of patients receiving LT was 61% at 5 y after transplant. Tumor beyond up-to-seven criteria, alfafetoprotein >400 ng/mL, and albumin-bilirubin ≥2 were associated with death. Three risk groups were associated with different response, chances of being listed, and receiving LT. Median survival was 3 y for low-risk, 1.9 y for intermediate-risk, and 9 mo for high-risk patients (P < 0.001). Conclusions. In intermediate and advanced HCC, TARE allows for a 44% chance of response, 30% downstaging, and 23% probability of permitting LT. Patient’s and tumor’s characteristics allow for risk stratification and predict survival from TARE.

Purpose: Liver transplantation (LT) is a well-established procedure for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the Milan criteria. Yttrium-90 microspheres radioembolization (Y90-RE) proved to be an effective and safe loco-regional treatment of primary liver tumors. We retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of the Y90-RE in patients with HCC in order to downstage the tumor burden within the Milan criteria prior to LT.

BACKGROUND/AIM:The validity of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy in left-sided pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still unclear. However, a meticulous surgical dissection through a "no-touch" technique might allow a radical oncological resection with minimal risk of tumor dissemination and seeding. This study aimed to evaluate the oncological outcomes of the laparoscopic "no touch" technique versus the "touch" technique.PATIENTS AND METHODS:From 2001 to 2020, we retrospectively analyzed 45 patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) for PDAC in two centers. Factors associated with overall (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and time to recurrence (TTR) were identified.RESULTS:The OS rates in the 'no-touch' and 'touch' groups were 95% vs. 78% (1-year OS); 50% vs. 50% (3-year OS), respectively (p=0.60). The DFS rates in the 'no-touch' and 'touch' groups were 72 % vs. 57% (1-year DFS); 32% vs. 28% (3-year DFS), respectively (p=0.11). The TTR rates in the 'no-touch' and 'touch' groups were 77% vs. 61% (1-year TTR); 54% vs. 30% (3-year TTR); 46% vs. 11% (5-year TTR); respectively (p=0.02) In multivariate analysis the only factors were Touch technique [odds ratio (OR)=2.62, p=0.02] and lymphovascular emboli (OR=4.8; p=0.002).CONCLUSION:We advise the 'no-touch' technique in patients with resectable PDAC in the pancreatic body and tail. Although this study does not provide definitive proof of superiority, no apparent downsides are present for the 'no-touch' technique in this setting although there could be oncological benefits.

BACKGROUND:Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is the most frequent complication of pancreatic surgery and can be fatal. Selection and stratification of patients according to the risk of POPF are important for the perioperative management. Predictive metrics have been developed and validated in pancreatojejunostomy. Aim of this study is to assess whether the most used prognostic scores can be predictive of fistula following Wirsung-pancreaticogastrostomy (WPG) for pancreatoduodenectomy (PD)reconstruction. METHOD:This single-center prospective observational study included 212 PDs between January 2008 and October 2022 with a standardized WPG. All component variables of the six scores were separately validated in our cohort. The overall predictive ability of the six fistula scores was measured and compared with the receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC) method and expressed by the area under the ROC-curve (AUC). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed considering all risk factors in the scores in order to identify variables independently correlated with POPF in the WPG. RESULTS:CR-POPF occurred in 36 of 212 (17 %) patients. All scores showed poor prognostic stratification for the development of CR-POPF. The occurrence of CR-POPF was associated with nine factors: male gender (p = 0.003); BMI (kg/m2) (p = 0.005); ASA (%) (p = 0.003); Soft pancreatic texture (%) (p = 0.003), Pathology (p = 0.008); MPD (p = 0.011); EBL (mL) (p = 0.021); Preop. Bilirubin (mg/dl) (p = 0.038); Preop. Glucose (mg/dl) (p = 0.0369). Male gender (OR: 5.54, CI 1.41-21.3) and soft consistency of the remnant pancreas (OR: 3.83, CI 1.14-12.8) were the only independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS:Our study including exclusively pancreatogastrostomies failed to validate the most used predictive scores for POPF. We found that only male gender and soft pancreatic texture are associated with POPF. Specific predictive scores following pancreatogasgtrostomy are needed.

Surgery and postoperative systemic chemotherapy represent the standard treatment for patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC). Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for hepatobiliary procedures has spread worldwide in the last two decades. Since resections for PHC are technically demanding, the role of MIS in this field is yet to be established. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature on MIS for PHC, to evaluate its safety and its surgical and oncological outcomes. A systematic literature review on PubMed and SCOPUS was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Overall, a total of 18 studies reporting 372 MIS procedures for PHC were included in our analysis. A progressive increase in the available literature was observed over the years. A total of 310 laparoscopic and 62 robotic resections were performed. A pooled analysis showed an operative time ranging from 205.3 ± 23.9 and 840 (770-890) minutes, and intraoperative bleeding between 101.1 ± 13.6 and 1360 ± 809 mL. Minor and major morbidity rates were 43.9% and 12.7%, respectively, with a 5.6% mortality rate. R0 resections were achieved in 80.6% of patients and the number of retrieved lymph nodes ranged between 4 (3-12) and 12 (8-16). This systematic review shows that MIS for PHC is feasible, with safe postoperative and oncological outcomes. Recent data has shown encouraging results and more reports are being published. Future studies should address differences between robotic and laparoscopic approaches. Given the management and technical challenges, MIS for PHC should be performed by experienced surgeons, in high-volume centers, on selected patients.

INTRODUCTION:Published evidence suggests that immunonutrition has the potential to decrease postoperative complications and reduce length of stay in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. However, only a few studies have analyzed the effects of immunonutrition on tumor microenvironment and evaluated its prognostic impact.MATERIAL AND METHODS:This is a single center retrospective study enrolling 50 patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer managed with immunonutrition and 50 patients managed with standard nutrition for comparison. Tumor microenvironment was analyzed before (on the biopsy at the time of diagnosis) and after (on the matched surgical specimen) administration of immunonutrition. Immune function related indicators, including cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, helper T-cells, antigen presenting cells, natural killer cells, T-exhausted lymphocytes, T-regulatory cells, M1 and M2 tumor associated macrophages and PD-L1 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. For both groups, clinicopathological data were collected and a 5-year follow-up was available.RESULTS:We found that immunonutrition significantly activated the T-cell response against cancer, alter tumor microenvironment phenotype towards M2 polarization and inhibits the PD1/PD-L1 axis. A lower rate of postoperative complications and a shorter length of stay (p = 0.04) were observed in the immune nutrition group. Compared to standard nutrition group, patients managed wit immune nutrition showed a higher 5-year overall survival (p = 0.001). Finally, immune nutrition allowed to reduce the hospital care costs.CONCLUSIONS:Immunonutrition modulates tumor microenvironment by improving immune function and could prolong survival in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer. Further studies are needed to optimize IN protocols and confirm their prognostic impact.

Background and Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) still remains one of the main causes of tumor-related morbidity and mortality worldwide with liver metastasis occurring in approximately 50% of patients. Surgery is still the “gold standard” and the laparoscopic approach is now performed in every centers. This review aims to provide an overview and summary of the history, current data and new advances on the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Methods: PubMed research has been realized to select articles of interest concerning laparoscopic liver resection in CRC metastases. Only English articles published from January 1990 to June 2022 and for which full text was available have been selected. Key Content and Findings: Surgery is still the “gold standard” and laparoscopic liver resection has proved to be safe and significantly reduce the frequency of complications in liver resection for CRLM. Benefits and limits of new technologies in hepatectomies in CLRM are also considered together with the possible treatment strategies and technical consideration. Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach for CRLM has increased in the last years achieving superior results compared to the traditional approach. Moreover the introduction of augmented reality or new technological tools permit a more precise navigation during complicated surgical procedures. Laparoscopic liver surgery for CLRM has been proved to be safe and effective and it should be considered as the first surgical option.

Splenic artery steal syndrome (SASS) is a cause of graft hypoperfusion leading to the development of biliary tract complications, graft failure, and in some cases to retransplantation. Its management is still controversial since there is no universal consensus about its prophylaxis and consequently treatment. We present a case of SASS that occurred 48 hours after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) in a 56-year-old male patient with alcoholic cirrhosis and severe portal hypertension, and who was successfully treated by splenic artery embolization. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database, and a total of 22 studies including 4,789 patients who underwent OLTx were relevant to this review. A prophylactic treatment was performed in 260 cases (6.2%) through splenic ar-tery ligation in 98 patients (37.7%) and splenic artery banding in 102 (39.2%). In the patients who did not receive prophylaxis, SASS occurred after OLTx in 266 (5.5%) and was mainly treated by splenic artery embolization (78.9%). Splenic artery ligation and splenec-tomies were performed, respectively, in 6 and 20 patients (2.3% and 7.5%). The higher rate of complications registered was represent-ed by biliary tract complications (9.7% in patients who received prophylaxis and 11.6% in patients who developed SASS), portal vein thrombosis (respectively, 7.3% and 6.9%), splenectomy (4.8% and 20.9%), and death from sepsis (4.8% and 30.2%). Whenever possible, prevention is the best way to approach SASS, considering all the potential damage arising from an arterial graft hypoperfusion. Where clinical conditions do not permit prophylaxis, an accurate risk assessment and postoperative monitoring are mandatory.

Sportsman’s hernia is a painful syndrome in the inguinal area occurring in patients who play sports at an amatorial or professional level. Pain arises during sport, and sometimes persists after activity, representing an obstacle to sport resumption. A laparoscopic/endoscopic approach is proposed by many authors for treatment of the inguinal wall defect. Aim of this study is to assess the open technique in terms of safety and effectiveness, in order to obtain the benefit of an open treatment in an outpatient management. From October 2017 to July 2019, 34 patients underwent surgery for groin pain syndrome. All cases exhibited a bulging of the inguinal posterior wall. 14 patients were treated with Lichtenstein technique with transversalis fascia plication and placement of a polypropylene mesh fixed with fibrin glue. In 20 cases, a polypropylene mesh was placed in the preperitoneal space. The procedure was performed in day surgery facilities. Early or late postoperative complications did not occur in both groups. All patients returned to sport, in 32 cases with complete pain relief, whereas 2 patients experienced mild residual pain. The average value of return to sport was 34.11 ± 8.44 days. The average value of return to play was 53.82 ± 11.69 days. With regard to postoperative pain, no substantial differences between the two techniques were detected, and good results in terms of the resumption of sport were ensured in both groups. Surgical treatment for sportsman’s hernia should be considered only after the failure of conservative treatment. The open technique is safe and allows a rapid postoperative recovery.

Splenic artery steal syndrome (SASS) is a cause of graft hypoperfusion leading to the development of biliary tract complications, graft failure, and in some cases to retransplantation. Its management is still controversial since there is no universal consensus about its prophylaxis and consequently treatment. We present a case of SASS that occurred 48 hours after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) in a 56-year-old male patient with alcoholic cirrhosis and severe portal hypertension, and who was successfully treated by splenic artery embolization. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database, and a total of 22 studies including 4,789 patients who underwent OLTx were relevant to this review. A prophylactic treatment was performed in 260 cases (6.2%) through splenic artery ligation in 98 patients (37.7%) and splenic artery banding in 102 (39.2%). In the patients who did not receive prophylaxis, SASS occurred after OLTx in 266 (5.5%) and was mainly treated by splenic artery embolization (78.9%). Splenic artery ligation and splenectomies were performed, respectively, in 6 and 20 patients (2.3% and 7.5%). The higher rate of complications registered was represented by biliary tract complications (9.7% in patients who received prophylaxis and 11.6% in patients who developed SASS), portal vein thrombosis (respectively, 7.3% and 6.9%), splenectomy (4.8% and 20.9%), and death from sepsis (4.8% and 30.2%). Whenever possible, prevention is the best way to approach SASS, considering all the potential damage arising from an arterial graft hypoperfusion. Where clinical conditions do not permit prophylaxis, an accurate risk assessment and postoperative monitoring are mandatory.

Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and macrovascular invasion (MVI) have dismal prognosis and are referred to systemic treatment or palliation. To investigate the outcomes of patients with HCC and MVI undergoing the associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) procedure. Demographics and operative data were retrospectively reviewed. All types of hepatectomies and all types of ALPPS modifications were included. MVI was categorized according to the Japanese Liver Cancer Study Group classification. 28 patients were included. Viral aetiology was the most common cause of chronic liver disease (89.3%). 85.7% of patients were cirrhotic, with a median MELD score of 9 (7–10). MVI of the hepatic veins or inferior vena cava was diagnosed in 46.4% of patients while portal vein involvement was present in 64.2% of cases. Four patients (14.2%) were diagnosed with bile duct involvement. No patients died after Step 1 while complications occurred in 21.4% of cases. Following step 2, 3 patients (11.5%) died and 20 (69.2%) developed complications. Grade B and C post-hepatectomy liver failure occurred in 57.6% and 11.5% of patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 18 months (7–35), median survival was 22 months (3–40). Eleven patients (39.3%) recurred. Median disease-free survival was 15 months (5–26). The ALPPS procedure is an extreme rescue approach in otherwise inoperable advanced HCC with MVI. The procedure is associated with high morbidity and mortality and patients’ selection is pivotal. Oncological outcomes are safe and should be further investigated.

Introduction: The ALPPS is a technique that allows achieving hepatic resection by a rapid future liver remnant hypertrophy. Data on the effect of ALPPS in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with macrovascular invasion (MaVI) remain scarce. In this study, the outcomes of patients undergoing ALPPS with a diagnosis of HCC with MaVI are compared with those without MaVI in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Method: Consecutive patients undergoing ALPPS for Hepatocellular Carcinoma between 2012 and 2020 was evaluated. Patients were divided, in according to the definitive histology after surgery, in two groups: MaVI and noMaVI in case of macrovascular invasion or none, respectively. A total of 36 patients were elected to undergo two-staged hepatectomy with the ALPPS procedure. All patients had a diagnosis of advanced liver tumours, judged not resectable by a classic hepatectomy or two-staged surgery. Results: After stage II, major morbidity in MaVI group was 7,7% compared with 0% reported in noMaVI group. After a median follow-up of 22,9 months, disease recurrence has been recorded in 47,1% of all patients, MaVI 52,4% and noMaVI: 62,5% (P=0.7219.) The median OS of the total population was equal to 32.4 months. Comparing MaVI and noMaVI groups, there were no significant differences in term of OS (P= 0.573) and DFS (P=0.887). Conclusions: ALPPS procedure for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with major vascular invasion may increase the rate of curative liver resections for tumours previously considered unresectable.

Splenic artery steal syndrome (SASS) is a cause of graft hypoperfusion leading to the development of biliary tract complications, graft failure, and in some cases to retransplantation. Its management is still controversial since there is no universal consensus about its prophylaxis and consequently treatment. We present a case of SASS that occurred 48 hours after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) in a 56-year-old male patient with alcoholic cirrhosis and severe portal hypertension, and who was successfully treated by splenic artery embolization. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database, and a total of 22 studies including 4,789 patients who underwent OLTx were relevant to this review. A prophylactic treatment was performed in 260 cases (6.2%) through splenic artery ligation in 98 patients (37.7%) and splenic artery banding in 102 (39.2%). In the patients who did not receive prophylaxis, SASS occurred after OLTx in 266 (5.5%) and was mainly treated by splenic artery embolization (78.9%). Splenic artery ligation and splenectomies were performed, respectively, in 6 and 20 patients (2.3% and 7.5%). The higher rate of complications registered was represented by biliary tract complications (9.7% in patients who received prophylaxis and 11.6% in patients who developed SASS), portal vein thrombosis (respectively, 7.3% and 6.9%), splenectomy (4.8% and 20.9%), and death from sepsis (4.8% and 30.2%). Whenever possible, prevention is the best way to approach SASS, considering all the potential damage arising from an arterial graft hypoperfusion. Where clinical conditions do not permit prophylaxis, an accurate risk assessment and postoperative monitoring are mandatory.

Background and Objective: The liver is the main site of metastatic disease, and cancer metastases remain the main limit to successfully managing the malignant disease. Liver resection (LR) for the treatment of metastatic cancer has been described for over a hundred years and is widely accepted. The role of surgery in managing non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastasis (NCNNLM), evidence is still lacking due to different factors: the paucity of cases, the wide variety of histological subtypes of the primary disease and its biological behavior, and the absence of prospective studies. Methods: We performed a narrative review of peer- reviewed articles related to the surgical outcomes of NCNNLM. The aim of this review is determining the utility of surgery in NCNNLM, with attention to minimal invasive LRs. We analyzed the role of LR for NCNNLM according to the different cancers: digestive and non digestive. Key Content and Findings: NCNNLM encompass a huge spectrum of histologic appearances. LR for limited NCNNLM may offer a curative option, but liver recurrence occurs frequently. Our ability to significantly predict the outcome is poor. Conclusions: The cytotoxic chemotherapy and biologic agents have significantly altered the surgical treatment of LM. The latter treatments can convert inoperable patients into operable ones, with a clear relationship between the degree of resectability in patients judged inoperable at referral and the rate of response to the treatment scheme.

Splenic artery steal syndrome (SASS) is a cause of graft hypoperfusion leading to the development of biliary tract complications, graft failure, and in some cases to retransplantation. Its management is still controversial since there is no universal consensus about its prophylaxis and consequently treatment. We present a case of SASS that occurred 48 hours after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) in a 56-year-old male patient with alcoholic cirrhosis and severe portal hypertension, and who was successfully treated by splenic artery embolization. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database, and a total of 22 studies including 4,789 patients who underwent OLTx were relevant to this review. A prophylactic treatment was performed in 260 cases (6.2%) through splenic artery ligation in 98 patients (37.7%) and splenic artery banding in 102 (39.2%). In the patients who did not receive prophylaxis, SASS occurred after OLTx in 266 (5.5%) and was mainly treated by splenic artery embolization (78.9%). Splenic artery ligation and splenectomies were performed, respectively, in 6 and 20 patients (2.3% and 7.5%). The higher rate of complications registered was represented by biliary tract complications (9.7% in patients who received prophylaxis and 11.6% in patients who developed SASS), portal vein thrombosis (respectively, 7.3% and 6.9%), splenectomy (4.8% and 20.9%), and death from sepsis (4.8% and 30.2%). Whenever possible, prevention is the best way to approach SASS, considering all the potential damage arising from an arterial graft hypoperfusion. Where clinical conditions do not permit prophylaxis, an accurate risk assessment and postoperative monitoring are mandatory.

Introduction: Anaesthesia in morbidly obese people is challenging with a high dose of opioid consumption. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) summaries evidence comparing ketamine to placebo for pain management after bariatric surgery. Methods: We used PRISMA 2020 and AMSTAR 2 guidelines to conduct this study. The random-effects model was adopted using Review Manager Version 5.3 for pooled estimates. Results: Seven RCTs published between 2009 and 2021 were eligible, including a total of 412 patients (202 patients in the ketamine group and 210 patients in the control group). In the ketamine group total opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively was reduced (mean difference, MD = -5.89; 95% CI [-10.39, -1.38], p = 0.01), lower pain score at 4 h (MD = -0.81; 95% CI [-1.52,-0.10], p = 0.03), pain score at 8 h (MD = -1.00; 95% CI [-1.21, -0.79], p < 0.01), and shorter hospital stay (MD = -0.10; 95% CI [-0.20, -0.01], p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding duration of anaesthesia (MD = -3.42; 95% CI [-8.62, 1.82], p = 0.20), or sedation score (MD = -0.02; 95% CI [-0.21, 0.17], p = 0.84). As concern the postoperative complications, risks of postoperative nausea and vomiting(OR = 0.75; 95% CI [0.27, 2.04], p = 0.56), hallucinations (OR = 5.47; 95% CI [0.26, 117.23], p = 0.28), dizziness (OR = 1.05; 95% CI [0.14, 7.78], p = 0.96), and euphoria (OR = 5.77; 95% CI [0.65, 51.52], p = 0.12) were not different between the two groups either. Conclusion: Ketamine could be an effective and safe technique for pain management following bariatric surgery. It reduces opioid consumption, postoperative pain, and hospital stay.

AIMObese patients generally are not considered good candidates for wall defect repair, because of associated comorbidities, increased surgical risk, and high risk of surgical site infection and recurrence. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair in a group of patients with Body Mass Index (BMI)>35 kg/m2.MATERIAL AND METHODFrom January 2016 to October 2018, 15 obese patients, including 11 females (73.3%) with a BMI > 35 kg/m2 underwent laparoscopic repair of an incisional abdominal hernia. Median BMI was 40 (SD±5). No selection related to comorbidities was performed. As primary endpoints, main postoperative general complications and hernia recurrence were taken into account. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of seroma, hematoma, wound infection and length of hospitalization. In addition, a systematic review of the literature on open and laparoscopic repair techniques was carried out.RESULTSAll patients were treated by laparoscopy and no conversions were required. No intraoperative complications were observed, and no patients underwent early re-intervention. Mortality was zero. One patient (6.6%) presented a seroma, conservatively managed, and evaluated over time without the need of re-intervention. One patient (6.6%) suffered a recurrence a year later, also treated by laparoscopy. Average hospital stay was 2.79 days (DS±0.77).CONCLUSIONSDespite positive data and good results, laparoscopic treatment of wall defects has yet to be standardized. The feasibility of the laparoscopy for ventral hernias in patients with BMI>35 kg/m2 should be considered. The proposed technique is standardizable and easily reproducible. In terms of complications in the short term (perforations, kidney and pulmonary failure, cardiovascular events) and in the long term (relapses, wound infections, seromas) our results justify recommendation of the minimally invasive approach for almost all patients with abdominal wall defects.KEY WORDSLaparoscopy, Obese, Ventral hernia.