Annals of surgical oncology
-
Given a slow course of disease, end-of-life issues are understudied in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). To date, there are no data regarding symptoms at the end of life. This study examined symptom trajectories and factors associated with high symptom burden in NETs at the end of life. ⋯ A high prevalence of moderate-to-severe symptoms was observed for NETs at the end of life, not previously described. The proportion of moderate-to-severe symptoms increases steeply as death nears, highlighting an opportunity for improved management. Combined with identified factors associated with moderate-to-severe symptoms, this information is important to improve patient-centred and personalized supportive care for NETs at the end of life.
-
Although the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend use of lymph node dissection (LND) in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) > 2 cm, there is limited evidence to support the association between use of LND and overall survival (OS). ⋯ LND had no additional therapeutic benefit among patients undergoing resection for pNETs. The present findings should be considered when managing patients with resectable pNETs.
-
Sentinel node (SN) biopsy (SNB) has become standard of care in clinically localized melanoma patients. Although it is minimally invasive, advanced age and/or comorbidities may render SNB inadvisable in some patients. Focused ultrasound follow-up of SNs identified by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy may be an alternative in these patients. This study examines the outcomes in patients managed in this way at a major melanoma treatment center. ⋯ Lymphoscintigraphy with focused ultrasound follow-up of SNs is a reasonable management alternative to SNB in patients who are elderly and/or have substantial comorbidities.
-
Effective tools evaluating the prognosis for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing surgery is lacking. The current study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict overall survival (OS) and provide evidence for adjuvant therapy for patients with esophageal carcinoma after esophagectomy. ⋯ The nomogram could effectively predict OS and aided decision making in adjuvant therapy for patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after esophagectomy.
-
Bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy remain a major concern because their incidence has not changed through the years despite technical advances. This video presents a robotic left hepatectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy as a treatment for a complex bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. ⋯ Robotic repair of bile duct injuries is feasible and safe, even when liver resection is necessary. This video may help oncologic surgeons to perform this complex procedure.