Robotic vs. Transsternal Thymectomy: A Single Center Experience over 10 Years

Introduction: Thymomas are the most common tumors of the mediastinum. Traditionally, thymectomies have been performed through a transsternal (TS) approach. With the development of robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS), a promising, minimally invasive, alternative surgical technique for performing a thymectomy has been developed. In the current paper, the oncological and surgical outcomes of the TS vs. RATS thymectomies are discussed. Methods: For the RATS thymectomy, two 8 mm working ports and one 12 mm camera port were used. In the transsternal approach, we performed a median sternotomy and resected the thymic tissue completely, in some cases en bloc with part of the lung and/or, more frequently, a partial pericardiectomy with consequent reconstruction using a bovine pericardial patch. The decisions for using the TS vs. RATS methods were mainly based on the suspected tumor invasion of the surrounding structures on the preoperative CT scan and tumor size. Results: Between January 2010 and November 2020, 149 patients were submitted for an anterior mediastinal tumor resection at our institution. A total of 104 patients met the inclusion criteria. One procedure was performed through a hemi-clamshell incision. A total of 81 (78%) patients underwent RATS procedures, and 22 (21.1%) patients were treated using a transsternal (TS) tumor resection. Thymoma was diagnosed in 53 (51%) cases. In the RATS group, the median LOS was 3.2 ± 2.8 days and the median tumor size was 4.4 ± 2.37 cm compared to the TS group, which had a median LOS of 9 ± 7.3 days and a median tumor size of 10.4 ± 5.3 cm. Both differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Complete resection was achieved in all patients. Conclusion: While larger and infiltrating tumors (i.e., thymic carcinomas) were usually resected via a sternotomy, the RATS procedure is a good alternative for the resection of thymomas of up to 9.5 cm, and the thymectomy is a strong approach for myasthenia gravis. The oncological outcomes and survival rates were not influenced by the chosen approach.

Metastatic cluster 2-related pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma: a single-center experience and systematic review

Objective: Risk of metastatic disease in the cluster 2-related pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) is low. In MEN2 patients, identification of origin of metastases from pheochromocytoma (PCC) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is challenging as both are of neuroendocrine origin. We aim to describe our experience and perform a systematic review to assess prevalence, demographics, biochemistry, diagnostic evaluation, management and predictors of cluster 2-related metastatic PPGL. Design: Retrospective study with systematic review of literature. Methods: Data of 3 cases from our cohort and 43 cases from world literature were analyzed. For calculation of prevalence, all reported patients (n=3063) of cluster 2 were included. Results: The risk of metastasis in cluster 2-related PPGL was 2.6% (2% in RET, 5% in NF1, 4.8% in TMEM127 and 16.7% in MAX variation). In metastatic PCC in MEN2, median age was 39 years, bilateral tumors were present in 71% and median tumor size was 9.7 cm (range 4-19) with 43.5% mortality. All patients had primary tumor size ≥4cm. Origin of primary was diagnosed by histopathology of metastatic lesion in 11(57.9%), 131I-MIBG scan in 6(31.6%), and selective venous sampling and computed tomography in one (5.3%) each. In subgroup of NF1, median age was 46 years (range 14-59) with median tumor size 6cm and 57% mortality. Conclusion: The risk of metastatic disease in cluster 2-related PPGL is 2.6%, being especially high in tumors with size ≥4cm and is associated with high mortality. One-third patients of NF1 with metastatic PPGL had presented in 2nd decade of life. Long-term studies are needed to formulate management recommendations.

Incidental Bladder Cancer Found on Cystoscopy during Prostate Biopsy: Prevalence, Pathological Findings, and Oncological Outcome

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> We examined the prevalence, pathological findings, and oncological outcomes of incidental bladder cancer found on cystoscopy among patients eligible for prostate biopsy (PB). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively reviewed 803 patients who underwent cystoscopy prior to PB between January 2010 and September 2020. In cases of bladder tumor-like findings on cystoscopy, biopsy or transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was performed. The primary and secondary outcomes were the prevalence of incidental bladder cancer and pathological and oncological outcomes of incidental bladder cancer, respectively. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Incidental findings were observed in 31/803 patients (3.9%). Bladder tumor-like findings were found in 24/803 patients (3%), while 9/803 patients (1.1%) were pathologically diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma. The stage and grade of incidental bladder cancer were pTa in 8/9 patients and pT1 in 1/9 and low grade in 8/9 and high in 1/9, respectively. The median tumor size of the papillary pedunculated type was 0.5 cm. At 26-month median follow-up, no recurrence was observed. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Cystoscopy during PB may yield incidental bladder cancer findings, although the prevalence is very low. Incidental bladder cancer was of low stage and grade, which seemed unrelated to survival. Moreover, performing routine cystoscopy in conjunction with PB is not recommended as it may lead to overdiagnosis of low-risk bladder cancer.

Efficacy and Safety of Hypofractionated Preoperative Radiotherapy for Primary Locally Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcomas of Limbs or Trunk Wall

Background: The use of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) shows a significantly decreased incidence of local recurrence (LR) in soft tissue sarcomas (STS). This study aimed to assess the treatment scheme’s effect in patients with primary STS treated at one institution. Methods: In this phase 2 trial, 311 patients aged ≥18 years with primary, locally advanced STS of the extremity or trunk wall were assigned to multimodal therapy conducted at one institution. The preoperative RT scheme consisted of 5 Gy per fraction for a total dose of 25 Gy. Surgery was performed within 2–4 days from the last day of RT. The primary endpoint was LR-free survival (LRFS). Adverse events of the treatment were assessed. Results: We included 311 patients with primary locally advanced STS. The median tumor size was 11 cm. In total, 258 patients (83%) had high-grade tumors. In 260 patients (83.6%), clear surgical margins (R0) were obtained. Ninety-six patients (30.8%) had at least one type of treatment adverse event. LR was observed in 13.8% patients. The 5-year overall survival was 63%. Conclusion: In this group, with a significant percentage of patients with extensive, high-grade STS, hypofractionated preoperative RT was associated with good local control and tolerance.

Grade G2 Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor Is Much More Invasive Compared With G1 Tumor

BackgroundTo compare clinicopathologic feature of rectal neuroendocrine tumor (NET) grade G1 with G2 NET.MethodsSix hundred-one cases of rectal G1 and G2 NETs diagnosed in our center were analyzed.ResultsOf 601 cases of rectal NET, 515 cases were with grade G1 and 86 cases were with grade G2. Median tumor size was 0.7 cm. Compared with G1 NET, G2 tumors were with significantly larger tumor size (0.8 vs 2.2 cm, p &lt; 0.001), less percentages of patients with tumors confined to submucosa (92.6 vs 42.8%, p &lt; 0.001), more frequent presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) (3.6 vs 16.9%, p &lt; 0.001) or peri-neural invasion (PNI) (2.0 vs 24.1%, p &lt; 0.001). Incidence of lymph node and distant metastasis was 5.2 and 2.1% in G1 NET compared with 44.2 and 31.4% in G2 tumor, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). For tumors sized 1–2 cm and confined to submucosa, incidence of lymph node metastasis was 6.1% for G1 NET compared with 21.1% for G2 NET. Status of MVI/PNI was predictive of lymph node metastasis for G2 tumor rather than G1 NET in this subgroup.ConclusionsRectal G2 NET was much more invasive with significantly elevated prevalence of lymph node metastasis compared with G1 tumor.

Is There an Association between the RENAL and PADUA Nephrometry Scores and the Trifecta and Pentafecta Achievement?

Background: RENAL and PADUA scoring systems have been designed and validated as a method to assess the complexity of renal masses and predict the risk of perioperative complications. We aimed to evaluate if there is an association between RENAL and PADUA nephrometry scores with the Trifecta and Pentafecta achievement. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed the data from 102 patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent partial nephrectomy from January 2011 to October 2018 at our institution. Radiological characteristics of the renal masses were scored according to the RENAL and PADUA classification. Trifecta and Pentafecta achievement were collected. We performed a descriptive analysis and used de χ2 test to evaluate the relationship between PADUA and RENAL scores and Trifecta and Pentafecta achievement. Result: Among 102 patients, the median tumor size was 2.7 cm (IQR 0.8-7.5), the median RENAL score was 7 (IQR 4-11) and PADUA score 8 (IQR 6-14). The overall rate of postoperative complications was 21.6% (n=22). The rates of Trifecta and Pentafecta achievement were 50% (n=51/102) and 46.1% (n=47/102), respectively. Trifecta and Pentafecta achievement were higher when the PADUA score was ≤10 (OR 3.62; IC95% (1.08-12.11); p=0.0317) and (OR 4.98; IC95% (1.32-18.7); p=0.0175), respectively. Likewise, Trifecta and Pentafecta achievement were higher in patients with RENAL score ≤ 8 (OR 4.09; IC95% (1.46-11.42); p=0.0072) and (OR 4.92; IC95% (1.66-14.51); p=0.0039), respectively. Conclusion: There is an association between the RENAL and PADUA nephrometry scores and the Trifecta and Pentafecta achievement.

Primary localized retroperitoneal sarcomas: report from Slovenian sarcoma referral center

Background Sarcoma patients should be treated in high volume referral sarcoma centers. Compartmental resection is proposed as the best treatment option in retroperitoneal sarcoma patients. Methods Institute of Oncology Ljubljana is the only referral sarcoma center in Slovenia. Having a population of 2.1 million poses a unique situation. We manage all sarcoma patients in the country and operate on patients with soft tissue tumors of extremities, trunk, and abdomen. Data for all consecutive patients surgically treated from January 1999 to December 2018 for primary localized retroperitoneal sarcoma was extracted from a prospective surgical database. Data about the incidence of sarcoma patients in Slovenia was extracted from the Cancer Registry of Republic of Slovenia. Clinicopathologic variables and the outcome were analyzed. Results In total, 89 patients were included in the study. Median age was 62 years. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma was the most common histology (38.2%). Median tumor size was 21 cm. Compartmental resection was performed in 47.2% (42/89). Postoperative complication grade 3a or higher according to Clavien-Dindo classification had 30.3% (27/89) of patients. The 30-day and 90-day mortality rate was 2.2% and 5.6%. Median follow-up was 62.1 months. Corresponding 5-year overall survival was 67.2%, 5-year disease-specific survival was 72.6%, and 5-year local recurrence-free survival was 81.5%, respectively. Conclusion Results from our institution show that referral sarcoma centers may achieve very good results in management of retroperitoneal sarcoma patients, despite not meeting the criteria for high volume hospitals, as long as they have multidisciplinary team, appropriate facilities, and expertise.

Primary localized retroperitoneal sarcomas. Report from Slovenian sarcoma referral center.

Background: Sarcoma patients should be treated in high volume referral sarcoma centers. Compartmental resection is proposed as the best treatment option in retroperitoneal sarcoma patients. Methods: Institute of Oncology Ljubljana is the only referral sarcoma center in Slovenia. Having population of 2.1 million poses a unique situation. We manage all sarcoma patients in the country and operate on patients with soft tissue tumors of extremities, trunk and abdomen. Data for all consecutive patients surgically treated from January 1999 to December 2018 for primary localized retroperitoneal sarcoma was extracted from a prospective surgical database. Data about the incidence of sarcoma patients in Slovenia was extracted from the Cancer Registry of Republic of Slovenia. Clinicopathologic variables and the outcome were analyzed.Results: In total 89 patients were included. Median age was 62 years. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma was the most common histology (38.2 %). Median tumor size was 21 cm. Compartmental resection was performed in 47.2 % (42/89). Postoperative complication grade 3a or higher according to Clavien-Dindo classification had 30.3 % (27/89) of patients. The 30-day and 90-day mortality rate was 2.2 % and 5.6 %. Median follow-up was 62.1 months. Corresponding 5-year overall survival was 67.2 %, 5-year disease specific survival was 72.6 % and 5-year local recurrence-free survival was 81.5 %, respectively. Conclusion: Results from our institution show that referral sarcoma centers may achieve very good results in management of retroperitoneal sarcoma patients, despite not meeting the criteria for high volume hospitals, as long as they have multidisciplinary team, appropriate facilities and expertise.

Clinical manifestations and multi-slice computed tomography characteristics of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas between males and females

Background Solid-pseudo papillary neoplasms of pancreas (SPNP) are rare in men and are often misdiagnosed. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) features of patients with SPNP, and examine the differences between males and females. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, the clinical and imaging data of 29 patients with histolopathologically confirmed SPNP (seven males and 22 females) that underwent radical resection, and underwent preoperative MSCT at the First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang between August 2010 and December 2018 were collected. All MSCT images were reviewed by two radiologists; disagreements were ruled by a third one. Results The median age of the 29 patients with SPNP was 30 (range, 12–70) years. The male patients were older than the female patients [median, 56 (28–66) vs. 29 (12–70), P = 0.012]. The median tumor size was 3.9 (range, 2.0–6.4) cm in the male SPNP patients, which was significantly lower than the 7.0 (range, 4.6–14.6) cm in the female patients (P < 0.001). The calcification rate of the SPNP was significantly higher in male than in female patients (P = 0.013). The percentage of solid tumor was higher in males than in females (P = 0.036). Capsule, bleeding, and enhancement in the arterial and venous phases were not significantly different between the male and female patients (all P > 0.05). Conclusion The imaging features of male SPNP are distinct from those of female patients. In males with pancreatic lesions, MSCT generally shows relatively small lesions with higher percentages of solid components and calcification, with typical enhancement suggesting SPNP.

Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Testis: A Case Report with a Review of the Literature

Adult granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) of the testis represents a very rare testicular neoplasm that is poorly understood clinically. Here we report the case of a 22-year-old male who presented with unspecific scrotal symptoms. Scrotal sonography disclosed a 6 mm hypoechoic intratesticular lesion. Histological examination after orchiectomy revealed a homogeneous and well demarcated neoplasm with monomorphic cells with nuclear grooving and microfollicular formation of the so-called Call-Exner bodies. Immunohistology showed positive stainings of vimentin, calretinin, and inhibin with negative stainings of the typical germ cell tumor markers. Thus, the diagnosis of a benign AGCT was made. The patient is well one year after surgery. A total of 91 previous AGCT cases were identified in the literature. Median age of the cases reported to date is 44 years, median tumor size 3.2 cm. 54.3% of the AGCT cases were located on the left side. 12 cases (13.2%) were of malignant nature. Testis-sparing surgery would be the treatment of choice, but only two of all cases had received that procedure. The present report aims to increase the clinical knowledge of AGCT and specifically to increase the clinician’s vigilance with respect to testis-sparing surgery in probably benign testicular masses.