bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Single-center Experience and Review of the Literature: 64 Cases of Phyllodes Tumors to Better Understand Risk Factors and Disease Management
Authors: Lightner Amy L. , Shurell Elizabeth , Dawson Nicole , Omidvar Yasaman , Foster Nova
Published: June 2020

Phyllodes tumors of the breast are rare fibroepithelial tumors that are characterized as benign, borderline, or malignant based on cellular characteristics such as stromal overgrowth and number of mitoses. Currently, there is a lack of consensus on risk factors and management of patients with phyllodes tumors, which has led to variation in treatment patterns as well as patient outcomes across many institutions. This study seeks to understand the clinicopathologic features, risk factors for local and metastatic recurrence, and clinical outcomes of patients with phyllodes tumors to better define optimal treatment patterns.
The Surgical Anatomy of the Inguinal Lymphatics
Authors: Cesmebasi Alper , Baker Amanda , Plessis Maira Du , Matusz Petru , Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios
Published: June 2020

Knowledge of the lymphatic system plays critical importance in surgical oncology. The study of the lymphatic system and its role in tumor metastasis continues to advance with new anatomical and surgical studies, and with a new study, we can gain a better understanding on how aggressive surgeons need to be with nodal dissection while balancing the complications with overly aggressive approaches. The lymphatics of the inguinal region represent a network of lymph nodes and vessels, which act as the bridge among the lower extremities, pelvis, perineum, and rest of the body. These lymph nodes are of particular importance in the metastatic spread of genitourinary and lower gastrointestinal epithelial cancer to the inguinal nodes. The aim of this article is to reveal the literature with regard to the inguinal lymph nodes and their relation in various carcinomas.
The ACT Alert: Preliminary Results of a Novel Protocol to Assess Geriatric Head Trauma Patients on Anticoagulation
Authors: Rittenhouse Katelyn , Rogers Amelia , Clark Elizabeth , Horst Michael , Adams William , Bupp Katherine , Shertzer Weston , Miller Jo Ann , Chandler Roxanne , Rogers Frederick B.
Published: June 2020

In busy emergency departments (EDs), elderly patients on anticoagulation (AC) sustaining minor injuries who are triaged to a lower priority for evaluation are at risk for potentially serious consequences. We sought to determine if a novel ED protocol prioritizes workup and improves outcome. In a Pennsylvania-verified Level II trauma center, the ACT (AntiCoagulation and Trauma) Alert was implemented in March 2012. Triage parameters include: age 65 years or older, AC agents, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) 13 or greater, and head trauma 24 hours or less. ACTAlerts are announced overhead in the ED and require assessment by an ED physician, nurse, and phlebotomist in 15 minutes or less. Furthermore, they necessitate Point of Care international normalized ratio (INR) 20minutes or less and head computed tomography (CT) scan 30 minutes or less. Positive CT findings mandate trauma service consultation. ACTAlert patients from March to December 2012 were compared with ED patients 65 years or older, GCS 13 or greater, on AC with the same chief complaints as ACT Alerts from June 2011 to February 2012 (control). A P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Of 752 study patients, 415 were ACTand 337 were controls. There were no significant differences between groups in age, elevated INR, or head bleeds. ACT patients had significantly shorter median times from ED arrival to INR (ACT 13 minutes vs control 80 minutes; P < 0.001) and to head CT (ACT 35 minutes vs control 65 minutes; P < 0.001). Of admitted patients, ACT had a significantly shorter median length of stay (LOS) (ACT 3.7 days vs control 5.0 days; P < 0.001). Although trends toward improved outcome were noted, no statistically significant differences were identified. The ACT Alert improves ED throughput and reduces hospital LOS while effectively identifying at-risk, mildly head injured geriatric patients on AC.
Timing of Optimal Surgical Intervention for Neonates with Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Munaco Anthony J. , Veenstra Michellea , Brownie Evan , Danielson Logan A. , Nagappala Kartheek B. , Klein Michael D.
Published: June 2020

Up to half of all patients with necrotizing enterocolitis require acute surgical treatment. Determining when to operate on these patients can be challenging. Utilizing a combination of clinical and metabolic indicators, we sought to identify the optimal timing of surgical intervention. A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with necrotizing enterocolitis from 2001 to 2010. Previously validated clinical (abdominal erythema, palpable abdominal mass, hypotension), radiographic (pneumoperitoneum, portal venous gas, fixed bowel loop, severe pneumatosis intestinalis), and laboratory (acidosis, bacteremia, hyponatremia, bandemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) indicators were assessed for the ability to predict the need for acute surgical intervention as a simple indicator score, based on the sum of the indicators listed above. A total of 197 patients were included. One hundred and twenty-four procedures (28 peritoneal drains, 96 laparotomy) were performed on 122 patients (62%). Median indicator score was 4 (range: 0–8). Logistic regression identified abdominal erythema (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3, P = 0.001), acidosis (OR = 2.6, P = 0.004), and hypotension (OR = 1.9, P = 0.05) as independently associated with surgical intervention. A significant increase in surgical intervention was noted for patients with indicator score of 3 or more. In conclusion, if three or more indicators exist, operative intervention is very likely required. In the absence of pneumoperitoneum, abdominal erythema, acidosis, and hypotension are especially important.
Outpatient Parathyroid Surgery: Ten-Year Experience: Is it Safe?
Authors: Flynn Michael B. , Quayyum Mohiuddin , Goldstein Richard E. , Bumpous Jeffery M.
Published: June 2020

Outpatient parathyroid surgery is increasing in frequency especially for patients undergoing minimally invasive operations. From January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009, 585 operations were performed on patients with untreated primary hyperparathyroidism. Outpatient operations were performed on 43 per cent (249/585), whereas 57 per cent (336/585) were admitted. Comorbidities were present in 63 per cent of outpatients and 72 per cent of inpatients, whereas systemic complications occurred in 0.8 per cent of outpatients and 7 per cent of inpatients. Ninety-four per cent of outpatients were minimally invasive although inpatient procedures were evenly divided. Local complications were low (8% and 6%) in both groups. Using zip codes to determine distance from home to hospital, no differences were noted. Readmission rates were low (< 0.5%) and the same in each group. Inpatients longer than 23 hours tended to be older with higher local and systemic complication rates. Over a decade, most patients undergoing same day parathyroid surgery had minimally invasive operations with lower comorbidities and lower systemic complications than inpatients. Minimally invasive and less complex nonminimally invasive operations can safely be performed on an outpatient basis with careful patient selection. Patient with more severe comorbidities and multiple comorbidities are less favorable candidates for outpatient surgery because of a higher risk of systemic complications.
Emergency Central Venous Catheterization during Trauma Resuscitation: A Safety Analysis by Site
Authors: Choron Rachel L. , Wang Andrew , Orden Kathryn Van , Capano-Wehrle Lisa , Seamon Mark J.
Published: June 2020

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is often necessary during initial trauma resuscitations, but may cause complications including catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary emboli (PE), arterial injury, or pneumothoraces. Our primary objective compared subclavian versus femoral CVC complications during initial trauma resuscitations. A retrospective review (2010–2011) at an urban, Level-I Trauma Center reviewed CVCs during initial trauma resuscitations. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and complications including: CRBSIs, DVTs, arterial injuries, pneumothoraces, and PEs were analyzed. Fisher's exact test and Student's t test were used; P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall, 504 CVCs were placed (subclavian, n = 259; femoral, n = 245). No difference in age (47 ± 22 vs 45 ± 23 years) or body mass index (28 ± 6 vs 29 ± 16 kg/m2) was detected ( P > 0.05) in subclavian vs femoral CVC, but subclavian CVCs had more blunt injuries (81% vs 69%), greater systolic blood pressure (95 ± 55 vs 83 ± 43 mmHg), greater Glasgow Coma Scale (10 ± 5 vs 9 ± 5), and less introducers (49% vs 73%) than femoral CVCs (all P < 0.05). Catheter related arterial injuries, PEs, and CRBSIs were similar in subclavian and femoral groups (3% vs 2%, 0% vs 1%, and 3% vs 3%; all P > 0.05). Catheter-related DVTs occurred in 2 per cent of subclavian and 9 per cent of femoral CVCs ( P < 0.001). There was a 3 per cent occurrence of pneumothorax in the subclavian CVC population. In conclusion, both subclavian and femoral CVCs caused significant complications. Subclavian catheter-related pneumothoraces occurred more commonly and femoral CRBSIs less commonly than expected compared with prior literature in nonemergent scenarios. This suggests that femoral CVC may be safer than subclavian CVC during initial trauma resuscitations.
Ghost Protocol: Greatest Healing Opportunity for Soft Tissue, a Treatment Paradigm for Complex Sarcoma Reconstruction
Authors: Kobraei Edward M. , Eberlin Kyle R. , Ricci Joseph A. , Reish Richard G. , Winograd Jonathan M. , Cetrulo Curtis L.
Published: June 2020

Modern sarcoma treatment has created new challenges for plastic surgeons. This study was designed to review the recent experience and practice patterns following complex sarcoma resection at a large sarcoma center. All cases from October 2013 to October 2014 involving rare nonepithelial tumors, a multidisciplinary surgical team, radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments, and plastic surgical reconstruction were included in the analysis. In addition to evaluating clinical outcomes, cases were reviewed to identify factors associated with excellent or poor patient care. Review of these cases formed the basis of the greatest healing opportunity for soft tissue (GHOST) protocol. Our patient population included seven males (64%) and four females (36%). All except one patient was exposed to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or some combination. Diverse procedures were used for reconstruction. Early complications occurred in two patients (18%), and late complications in four patients (36%). Sarcoma resection was found to be highly morbid in our series. Patients with poor preoperative nutritional status were more likely to experience complications postoperatively. The decision to stage a reconstruction was complex and influenced by several factors. Multimodal sarcoma treatments may involve highly morbid procedures and create complex wounds. The GHOST protocol is a useful reference for plastic surgeons.
Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography—An Objective Evaluation of Anastomotic Perfusion in Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Protyniak Bogdan , Dinallo Anthony M. , Boyan William P. , Dressner Roy M. , Arvanitis Michael L.
Published: June 2020

The essentials for any bowel anastomosis are: adequate perfusion, tension free, accurate tissue apposition, and minimal local spillage. Traditionally, perfusion is measured by assessing palpable pulses in the mesentery, active bleeding at cut edges, and lack of tissue discoloration. However, subjective methods lack predictive accuracy for an anastomotic leak. We used intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography to objectively assess colon perfusion before a bowel anastomosis. Seventy-seven laparoscopic colorectal operations, between June 2013 and June 2014, were retrospectively reviewed. The perfusion to the colon and ileum was clinically assessed, and then measured using the SPY Elite Imaging System. The absolute value provided an objective number on a 0–256 gray-scale to represent differences in ICG fluorescence intensity. The lowest absolute value was used in data analysis for each anastomosis (including small bowel) to represent the theoretical least perfused/weakest anastomotic area. The lowest absolute value recorded was 20 in a patient who underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for an adenoma, with no postoperative complications. Four low anterior resection patients had additional segments of descending colon resected. There was one mortality in a patient who underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. This study illustrates an initial experience with the SPY system in colorectal surgery. The SPYprovides an objective, numerical value of bowel perfusion. However, evidence is scant as to the significance of these numbers. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to determine specific cutoff values correlated with surgical outcomes, specifically anastomotic leak rates.
The Effects of the Addition of a Pediatric Surgery Fellow on the Operative Experience of the General Surgery Resident
Authors: Raines Alexander , Garwe Tabitha , Adeseye Ademola , Ruiz-Elizalde Alejandro , Churchill Warren , Tuggle David , Mantor Cameron , Lees Jason
Published: June 2020

Adding fellows to surgical departments with residency programs can affect resident education. Our specific aim was to evaluate the effect of adding a pediatric surgery (PS) fellow on the number of index PS cases logged by the general surgery (GS) residents. At a single institution with both PS and GS programs, we examined the number of logged cases for the fellows and residents over 10 years [5 years before (Time 1) and 5 years after (Time 2) the addition of a PS fellow]. Additionally, the procedure related relative value units (RVUs) recorded by the faculty were evaluated. The fellows averaged 752 and 703 cases during Times 1 and 2, respectively, decreasing by 49 ( P = 0.2303). The residents averaged 172 and 161 cases annually during Time 1 and Time 2, respectively, decreasing by 11 ( P = 0.7340). The total number of procedure related RVUs was 4627 and 6000 during Times 1 and 2, respectively. The number of cases logged by the PS fellows and GS residents decreased after the addition of a PS fellow; however, the decrease was not significant. Programs can reasonably add an additional PS fellow, but care should be taken especially in programs that are otherwise static in size.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improving SCIP Compliance
Authors: Huntington Ciara R. , Strayer Melissa , Huynh Toan , Green John M.
Published: June 2020

The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) is a national program aimed at reducing perioperative complications and is a quality benchmark metric for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This study evaluates whether a multidisciplinary program improved an institution's compliance with SCIP measures. Analysis of the facility's performance data identified three key areas of SCIP noncompliance: 1) timely discontinuation of perioperative antibiotics and urinary catheters, 2) initiation of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, and 3) perioperative beta blocker administration. Multidisciplinary teams collaborated with providers and department chairs in reviewing and enable SCIP compliance. Anesthesia staff managed preoperative antibiotics. SCIP-compliant order sets, venous thromboembolism pop-up alerts, and progress note templates were added to the electronic medical record. Standardized education was provided to explain SCIP requirements, review noncompliant cases, and update teams on SCIP performance. Data were captured from January 2009 to March 2014. Ten SCIP fallouts were reported for general surgery specialties in January 2013, when the SCIP compliance project launched. Specifically, colon-related surgery achieved 100 per cent compliance. Six months after implementation, overall SCIP compliance at our institution improved by 65 per cent (from 90.7–98.6% compliance).
Porcelain Gallbladder: No Longer an Indication for Prophylactic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Chen Gao L. , Akmal Yasir , DiFronzo Andrew L. , Vuong Brooke , O'Connor Victoria
Published: June 2020

Porcelain gallbladder (PG) was historically associated with gallbladder cancer (GBC), (range 12–62%, largest series n = 26). Presently, cholecystectomy is still performed in many patients with PG. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of GBC in patients with radiographic diagnosis of PG. We conducted a retrospective chart review of the Kaiser Permanente southern California electronic medical record database and identified patients with radiographic diagnosis of PG between 2008 and 2013. Extracted were patient demographics, imaging modality, symptoms, surgical and observational outcomes, and pathology results. Out of 192 PG patients, 102 underwent cholecystectomy, and 90 were observed. None of the patients in the surgery group had GBC on pathology review, and none of the observed patients developed GBC during follow-up (mean 3.5 years). In the surgery group, 82 per cent of the patients were asymptomatic with a perioperative complication rate of 10.7 per cent. Among symptomatic patients, the complication rate was 16.7 per cent. Rate of conversion to open surgery was 5 per cent. Complications led to eight endoscopic or percutaneous interventions and five additional operations. PG is not associated with increased risk of GBC but is associated with high risk of postoperative complications. Cholecystectomy should not be recommended in asymptomatic patients with PG.
Activation of Massive Transfusion for Elderly Trauma Patients
Authors: Murry Jason S. , Zaw Andrea A. , Hoang David M. , Mehrzadi Devorah , Tran Danielle , Nuno Miriam , Bloom Matthew , Melo Nicolas , Margulies Daniel R. , Ley Eric J.
Published: June 2020

Massive transfusion protocol (MTP) is used to resuscitate patients in hemorrhagic shock. Our goal was to review MTP use in the elderly. All trauma patients who required activation of MTP at an urban Level I trauma center from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Elderly was defined as age ≥ 60 years. Sixty-six patients had MTP activated: 52 non-elderly (NE) and 14 elderly (E). There were no statistically significant differences between the two cohorts for gender, injury severity score, head abbreviated injury scale, emergency department Glasgow Coma Scale, initial hematocrit, intensive care unit length of stay, or hospital length of stay. Mean age for NE was 35 years and 73 years for E ( P < 0.01). Less than half (43%) of E patients with activation of MTP received 10 or more units of blood products compared with 69 per cent of the NE ( P = 0.07). Mortality rates were similar in the NE and the E (53% vs 50%, P = 0.80). After multivariate analysis with Glasgow Coma Scale, injury severity score, and blunt versus penetrating trauma, elderly age was not a predictor of mortality after MTP ( P = 0.35). When MTP is activated, survival to discharge in elderly trauma patients is comparable to younger patients.
Isolated Blunt Duodenal Trauma: Simple Repair, Low Mortality
Authors: Siboni Stefano , Benjamin Elizabeth , Haltmeier Tobias , Inaba Kenji , Demetriades Demetrios
Published: June 2020

Optimal surgical management of traumatic duodenal injury (DI) remains controversial. The National Trauma Data Bank was queried for all blunt trauma patients with DI. Patients with isolated injury were identified by excluding chest and head Abbreviated Injury Score > 3 and non-duodenal intra-abdominal Organ Injury Scale ≥ 3. Demographics, OIS, and operative intervention were collected. Outcomes included mortality and hospital length of stay (HLOS). During the study period, 3,456,098 blunt trauma patients were entered into the National Trauma Data Bank, 388,137 of which had abdominal trauma. Overall, 1.0 per cent patients with abdominal trauma had DI with isolated DI in only 0.6 per cent (n = 2220). The majority of isolated DI was low grade with only 158 patients sustaining severe injury and overall mortality was 5.2 per cent. Overall 743 patients were operated, of which 353 (47.5%) patients underwent duodenal operation, 280 (37.7%) had primary repair (PR), and 68 (9.2%) had gastroenterostomy (GE). Patients with PR had similar mortality to those with GE (6.6% vs 4.5%, P = 0.777); however, HLOS was shorter (median 11 days, vs 18 days, P < 0.001). In only OIS 4 and 5 injuries, PR was also associated with shorter HLOS ( P = 0.004) and similar mortality ( P = 1.000) when compared with GE. Isolated DI after blunt abdominal trauma is rare. In severe injuries, PR is associated with a shorter HLOS without effecting mortality when compared with GE.
Combined Lung-Kidney Transplantation: An Analysis of the UNOS/OPTN Database
Authors: Reich Heidi J. , Chan Joshua L. , Czer Lawrence S.C. , Mirocha James , Annamalai Alagappan A. , Cheng Wen , Jordan Stanley C. , Chaux George , Ramzy Danny
Published: June 2020

Poor outcomes after thoracic transplantation with concurrent renal dysfunction are well described: without transplantation or with thoracic-only transplantation, patients face unacceptably high mortality. Outcomes after combined lung-kidney transplantation (LKT) remain largely uninvestigated. The United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database was queried to identify all LKTs, lung transplantations (LTs), and kidney transplantations (KTs) performed in the United States from 1995 to 2013. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank tests or Cox regression models. Thirty-one LKTs were performed. Mean recipient age was 45.4 ± 13.5 years; 48.3 per cent were male. Retransplantation for graft failure was the leading indication for LT (n = 13) and the most common renal indication was calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity (n = 11). Mean lung allocation score was 46.6 ± 14.4, mean creatinine was 3.7 ± 2.8 g/dL, and glomerular filtration rate was 23.1 (interquartile range 11.9, 38.3) mL/min/1.7 m2, and 11 (35.5%) were dialysis dependent. Patient survival after LKT was 92.9 per cent, 71.0 per cent, and 71.0 per cent at one month, six months, and one year, with a median survival of 95.2 months. One- and five-year survival after LKT, 71.0 per cent and 59.9 per cent, were similar to LT (n = 23,913), 81.7 per cent and 51.4 per cent ( P = 0.061 and 0.55), and inferior to KT (n = 175,269), 94.9 per cent and 82.8 per cent ( P < 0.0001), respectively. Patient survival after LKT was similar to isolated LT, and these results suggest that LKT is a feasible therapeutic option for LT candidates with significant renal dysfunction.
Wireless Technology to Track Surgical Patients after Discharge: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dawes Aaron J. , Reardon Sarah , Chen Victor L. , Kaiser William , Russell Marcia M. , Ko Clifford Y. , Lin Anne Y.
Published: June 2020

Failure to detect changes in patients’ postoperative health status increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including complications and readmission. We sought to design and implement a realtime surveillance system for postoperative colorectal surgery patients using wireless health technology. Participants were assigned a preprogrammed tablet computer during their inpatient hospitalization, and asked to complete a daily survey regarding their postoperative health status until their first clinic visit. Surveys were transmitted wirelessly to a secure database for review. As a pilot study, we report on our first 20 consecutively enrolled patients, monitored for 265 patient days. Overall compliance was 63 per cent (data available for 166 of the 265 days), but varied by patient from 26 to 100 per cent. We were able to reliably collect basic data on postoperative health status as well as patient-reported outcomes not previously captured by standard assessment techniques. Qualitative data suggest that the experience strengthened patients’ relationship with their surgeon and aided in their recovery. Postoperative remote monitoring is feasible, and provides more detailed and complete information to the clinical team. Wireless health technology represents an opportunity to close the information gap between discharge and first clinic visit, and, eventually, to improve patient-provider communication, increase patient satisfaction, and prevent unnecessary readmissions.
Living Donor Hepatectomy: Is it Safe?
Authors: Weiss Anna , Tapia Viridiana , Parina Ralitza , Berumen Jennifer , Hemming Alan , Mekeel Kristin
Published: June 2020

Living donor hepatectomy (LDH) is high risk to a healthy donor and remains controversial. Living donor nephrectomy (LDN), conversely, is a common practice. The objective is to examine the outcomes of LDH and compare this risk profile to LDN. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for hepatectomies and nephrectomies from 1998 to 2011. LDH or LDN were identified by donor ICD-9 codes. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality and complications. Bivariate analysis compared nondonor hepatectomy or nondonor nephrectomy (NDN). Multivariate analyses adjusted for baseline organ disease, malignancy, or benign lesions. There were 430 LDH and 9211 nondonor hepatectomy. In-hospital mortality was 0 and 6 per cent, respectively ( P < 0.001); complications 4 and 33 per cent ( P < 0.001). LDH had fewer complications [odds ratio (OR) 0.15 (0.08–0.26)]. There were 15,631 LDN and 117,966 NDN. Mortality rates were 0.8 per cent LDN and 1.8 per cent NDN ( P < 0.001). Complications were 1 and 21 per cent ( P < 0.001). LDN had fewer complications [OR 0.06 (0.05–0.08)] and better survival [OR 0.32 (0.18–0.58)]. Complication rates were higher in LDH than LDN (4% vs 1%, P < 0.001), but survival was similar (0% vs 0.8% mortality, P = 0.06). In conclusion, morbidity and mortality rates of LDH are significantly lower than hepatectomy for other disease. This study suggests that the risk profile of LDH is comparable with the widely accepted LDN.
Abdominal MRI without Enteral Contrast Accurately Detects Intestinal Fibrostenosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Fisher Jeremy G. , Kalb Bobby , Martin Diego , Dhere Tanvi , Perez Sebastian D. , Srinivasan Jahnavi K.
Published: June 2020

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presenting for surgical evaluation require thorough small bowel surveillance as it improves accuracy of diagnosis (ulcerative colitis versus Crohn's) and differentiates those who may respond to nonoperative therapy, preserving bowel length. MRI has not been validated conclusively against histopathology in IBD. Most protocols require enteral contrast. This study aimed to 1) evaluate the accuracy of MRI for inflammation, fibrosis, and extraluminal complications and 2) compare MRI without enteral contrast to standard magnetic resonance enterography. Adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who underwent abdominal MRI and surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Of 65 patients evaluated, 55 met inclusion criteria. Overall sensitivity and specificity of MRI for disease involvement localized by segment were 93 per cent (95% confidence interval = 89.4–95.0) and 95 per cent (95% confidence interval = 92.3–97.0), respectively (positive predictive value was 86%, negative predictive value was 98%). Sensitivity and specificity between MRI with and without oral and rectal contrast were similar (96% vs 91% and 99% vs 94%, P > 0.10). As were positive predictive value and negative predictive value (85% vs 96%, P = 0.16; 97% vs 99%, P = 0.42). Magnetic resonance is highly sensitive and specific for localized disease involvement and extraluminal abdominal sequelae of IBD. It accurately differentiates patients who have chronic transmural (fibrotic) disease and thus may require an operation from those with acute inflammation, whose symptoms may improve with aggressive medical therapy alone. MRI without contrast had comparable diagnostic yield to standard magnetic resonance enterography.
Meeting Increasing Demands for Rural General Surgeons
Authors: Mccarthy Mary C. , Bowers Howard E. , Campbell Damon M. , Parikh Priti P. , Woods Randy J.
Published: June 2020

Dynamic assessment of the effective surgical workforce recommends 27,300 general surgeons in 2030; 2,525 more than are presently being trained. Rural shortages are already critical and there has been insufficient preparation for this need. A literature review of the factors influencing the choice of rural practice was performed. A systematic search was conducted of PubMed and the Web of Science to identify applicable studies in rural practice, surgical training, and rural general surgery. These articles were reviewed to identify the pertinent reports. The articles chosen for review are directed to four main objectives: 1) description of the challenges of rural practice, 2) factors associated with the choice of rural practice, 3) interventions to increase interest and preparation for rural practice, and 4) present successful rural surgical practice models. There is limited research on the factors influencing surgeons in the selection of rural surgery. The family practice literature suggests that physicians are primed for rural living through early experience, with reinforcement during medical school and residency, and retained through community involvement, and personal and professional satisfaction. However, more research into the factors drawing surgeons specifically to rural surgery, and keeping them in the community, is needed.
Incidence of Ostomy Site Incisional Hernias after Stoma Closure
Authors: Sharp Stephen P. , Francis Jacquelyn K. , Valerian Brian T. , Canete Jonathan J. , Chismark A. David , Lee Edward C.
Published: June 2020

This study sought to evaluate the incidence of ostomy site incisional hernias after stoma reversal at a single institution. This is a retrospective analysis from 2001 to 2011 evaluating the following demographics: age, gender, indication for stoma, urgent versus elective operation, time to closure, total follow-up time, the incidence of and reoperation for stoma incisional hernia, diabetes, postoperative wound infection, smoking status within six months of surgery, body mass index, and any immunosuppressive medications. A total of 365 patients were evaluated. The median follow-up time was 30 months. The clinical hernia rate was 19 percent. Significant risk factors for hernia development were age, diabetes, end colostomies, loop colostomies, body mass index >30, and undergoing an urgent operation. The median time to clinical hernia detection was 32 months. Sixty-four percent of patients required surgical repair of their stoma incisional hernia. A significant number of patients undergoing stoma closure developed an incisional hernia at the prior stoma site with the majority requiring definitive repair. These hernias are a late complication after stoma closure and likely why they are under-reported in the literature.
Two-center Analysis of Long-term Outcomes after High Ligation Inguinal Hernia Repair in Adolescents
Authors: Gasior Alessandra C. , Knott E. Marty , Ranters Arielle , Peter Shawn D. , Ponsky Todd A.
Published: June 2020

High ligation of the inguinal hernia sac is standard practice for many pediatric surgeons in post-pubertal adolescents. Most adult surgeons do not use this technique to repair indirect inguinal hernias because of concerns for higher recurrence rates compared with mesh repairs. Therefore, we examined long-term outcomes of adolescent high ligation hernia repair performed by pediatric surgeons. Telephone surveys were conducted on children over 12 years old at the time of repair, and patients and/or their parents were contacted 18 months postrepair. Patients were identified from two institutions between 1998 and 2010. The incidences of reoperation, recurrence, presence of bulge, chronic pain, or numbness were determined. A total of 210 patients (40.7% response rate) were available for phone interviews at 18.6 to 159.5 months postrepair. Mean age was 14.6 ± 1.8 (range: 12.0–19.0 years). Fourteen patients had pain (6.7%) and five had numbness (2.4%). There were four (1.9%) patients with a second operation, two of which confirmed a recurrent hernia. Three patients expressed concern about possible recurrence. Two report a bulge, but have not been evaluated. Pediatric hernia repair with high sac ligation appears effective in patients anatomically similar to adults with low recurrence rate and low incidence of chronic symptoms. These data suggest that prospective trials on the adequacy of high ligation in adults are warranted.
Evolving Therapeutic Strategies in Mucosal Melanoma Have Not Improved Survival over Five Decades
Authors: Kirchoff Daniel D. , Deutsch Gary B. , Foshag Leland J. , Lee Ji Hey , Sim Myung-Shin , Faries Mark B.
Published: June 2020

Mucosal melanoma represents a distinct minority of disease sites and portends a worse outcome. The ideal treatment and role of adjuvant therapy remains unknown at this time. We hypothesized that a combination of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies would improve survival in these aggressive melanomas. Our large, prospectively maintained melanoma database was queried for all patients diagnosed with mucosal melanoma. Over the past five decades, 227 patients were treated for mucosal melanoma. There were 82 patients with anorectal, 75 with sinonasal, and 70 with urogenital melanoma. Five-year overall survival and melanoma-specific survival for the entire cohort were 32.8 and 37.5 per cent, respectively, with median overall survival of 38.7 months. One hundred forty-two patients (63.8%) underwent adjuvant therapy and 15 were treated neo-adjuvantly (6.6%). There was no survival difference by therapy type or timing, disease site, or decade of diagnosis. There was improved survival in patients undergoing multiple surgeries (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.55, P = 0.0005). Patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy had significantly worse survival outcomes (HR 2.49, P = 0.013). Over the past five decades, improvements have not been seen in outcomes for mucosal melanoma. Although multiple surgical interventions portend a better outcome in patients with mucosal melanoma, adjuvant treatment decisions must be individualized.
Displacement Patterns of Blunt Rib Fractures and Their Relationship to Thoracic Coinjuries: Minimal Displacements Count
Authors: Bugaev Nikolay , Breeze Janis L. , Alhazmi Majid , Anbari Hassan S. , Arabian Sandra S. , Rabinovici Reuven
Published: June 2020

Displacement patterns of rib fractures (RF) and their association with thoracic coinjuries and outcomes are unknown. This is a retrospective review of adult patients with blunt closed RF who underwent chest CT at a Level I trauma center (2007–2012). Displacement patterns of RF were compared among the three-dimensional planes using CT images. An analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was performed to identify displacements in each plane most strongly associated with chest coinjuries. Univariate analysis was used to find association of displaced RF with hospital course and outcome. There were 1127 RF (245 patients, most in ribs 3–9, 45 per cent displaced). Axial displacement was the most common, with odds ratios 7.20 and 2.13 compared with cranio-caudal, and impaction-separation (along rib axis) movement, respectively. Axial displacement thresholds performed well with hemothorax (2.8 mm, ROC = 0.74), pneumothorax (2.6 mm, ROC = 0.70), hemopneumothorax (3.1 mm, ROC = 0.77), flail chest (3.4 mm, ROC = 0.80), and chest tube placement (2.8 mm, ROC = 0.75). RF displacement was associated with increased days on mechanical ventilation and hospital length of stay. In conclusion, even minimal RF displacement is associated with increased risk of chest coinjuries and chest tube placement, and displacements correlated with increased days on mechanical ventilation and hospital length of stay. Future studies are required to investigate these associations, especially in relationship to the indications for rib plating.
Does Resident Trauma Exposure Affect Advanced Trauma Operative Management Course Experience?
Authors: Kaban Jody M. , Stone Melvin E. , Dayama Anand , Safadjou Saman , Reddy Srinivas H. , Simon Ronald , Teperman Sheldon
Published: June 2020

The Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) course is a simulation course adopted by the American College of Surgeons to teach operative management of primarily penetrating, traumatic injuries. Although it is clear that overall operative trauma exposure is decreasing, the educational benefit of ATOM for residents with different amounts of trauma exposure remains unclear. Our aim was to determine whether residents from trauma centers experienced less benefit from the ATOM course when compared with residents from nontrauma centers. We compared two groups of residents who take ATOM through our institutional course, those from trauma centers and those from nontrauma centers. ATOM pre- and postcourse evaluations of knowledge and self-efficacy were collected from October 2007 to June 2013. Overall residents from three institutions, two trauma centers (100 residents) and one nontrauma center (34 residents), were included in the study. All resident groups had statistically significant improvement in knowledge and self-efficacy after taking the ATOM course ( P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in improvement relative to each of the groups in the ATOM categories of knowledge and self-efficacy. Our data show that residents with different levels of trauma exposure had similar pre- and postcourse scores as well as improvement in the ATOM evaluations. As operative trauma continues to decrease the ATOM course shows benefit for all residents regardless of the depth of their clinical trauma exposure in surgical residency.
Optimal Colostomy Placement in Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Authors: Xu Jiashou , Dharmarajan Sekhar , Johnson Frank E.
Published: June 2020

Barring unusual circumstances, sigmoid colostomy is the optimal technique for management of defecation in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. We sought to provide evidence that a sigmoid colostomy is not difficult to perform in SCI patients and has better long-term results. The St. Louis Department of Veterans Affairs has a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)–approved SCI Unit. We reviewed the operative notes on all SCI patients who received a colostomy for fecal management by three ASCRS-certified colorectal surgeons at the St. Louis Department of Veterans Affairs from January 1,2007 to November 26, 2012. There were 27 operations for which the recorded indication for surgery suggested that the primary disorder was SCI. Fourteen had traumatic SCI of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine and were evaluable. Of these 14 patients, 12 had laparoscopic sigmoid colostomy and two had open sigmoid colostomy. We encountered one evaluable patient with a remarkably large amount of retroperitoneal bony debris who successfully underwent laparoscopic sigmoid colostomy. In conclusion, sigmoid colostomy is the consensus optimal procedure for fecal management in SCI patients. Laparoscopic procedures are preferred. Care providers should specify sigmoid colostomy when contacting a surgeon.
Mesenteric Hematoma: Is there a Role for Selective Management?
Authors: Corzo Camila , Murdock Alan , Alarcon Louis , Puyana Juan C.
Published: June 2020

Mesenteric hematomas may present as a radiologic finding after blunt abdominal trauma that may be associated with surgically significant mesenteric and/or bowel injury. The question of whether to operate or not to operate on patients with mesenteric hematoma remains a topic of debate, especially with the improved imaging technology. This study sought to identify clinical and radiological characteristics for patient selection for operative management (OM) of mesenteric hematoma. A retrospective review of 33 adults with blunt abdominal trauma and mesenteric hematoma on CT scan (2009–2012) was performed. Patients with other intra-abdominal injuries, penetrating trauma, isolated gastric hematoma, contrast extravasation, extraluminal air, and Glasgow Coma Scale < 14 were excluded. Patients requiring surgical treatment within 24 hours of admission were compared with those who did not using chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and t test. Parameters included age, gender, race, Glasgow Coma Scale, vital signs, pain, tenderness, ecchymosis, Injury Severity Score, length of stay, and inhospital mortality. Logistic regression was used to determine positive associations with OM. Of the 33 patients, 19 underwent OM and 14 did not. Both groups were similar at baseline. Regression analysis revealed association for pain [odds ratio (OR) = 9.6, confidence interval (CI) = 1.8–49.9, P < 0.01], tenderness (OR = 32, CI = 4.6–222.2, P < 0.01), and free fluid (OR = 10.3, CI = 1.8–60, P < 0.01) with need for operative intervention. Nonoperative management patients had 100 per cent success rate. Of the OM patients, 100 per cent underwent therapeutic laparotomies. Findings of mesenteric hematoma on CT scan in examinable patients with no abdominal pain, tenderness, or free fluid predict successful nonoperative management.
Improving Outcomes in Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Single-institution Retrospective Review
Authors: Rumberger Lindsay K. , Vittetoe Debra , Cathey Lorene , Bennett Harriet , Heidel Robert E. , Daley Brian J.
Published: June 2020

Our hospital, a Tennessee Surgical Quality Collaborative (TSQC) member, adopted a statewide colorectal care bundle intended to reduce surgical site infections (SSI) in elective colorectal cases. The bundle includes proper antibiotics/dosing, normoglycemia, normothermia, supplemental oxygen six hours postoperatively, and early enteral nutrition. A single-institution retrospective study of our National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for the rates of SSI before and after the colorectal bundle. We compared our SSI rates to TSQC hospitals as well as NSQIP datasets. Because of low case numbers in the NSQIP data, National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) data collected at our institution was used to compare our colorectal SSI before and after our colorectal bundle. From January 2010 to December 2011, 188 patients underwent nonemergent colorectal surgery in the NSQIP data. Of these, 5.4 per cent (10/188) developed superficial SSIs. During this same time, the rate of the TSQC superficial SSI was 7.1 per cent and NSQIP was 7.8 per cent. From January 2013 to October 2014, after the colorectal bundle started, 76 patients in NSQIP underwent nonemergent colorectal surgery. Of these, 6.5 per cent (5/76) developed superficial SSI, compared with 5.5 per cent in TSQC and 5.5 per cent in NSQIP. NHSN data showed a prebundle rate of 11 per cent and a postbundle rate of 3.5 per cent ( P < 00.1, χ2). After adopting a colorectal bundle aimed at reducing SSIs, we did not improve our SSI rates in NSQIP; however, our NHSN data demonstrated considerable improvement. Differences in data collection may affect SSI rates, and ultimately “quality” based reimbursement. Implementation of the bundle did improve outcomes in colorectal surgery.
Mini-laparotomy with Adjunctive Care versus Laparoscopy for Placement of Gastric Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Smith Alison , Cacchione Robert , Miller ED , Mcelmurray Lindsay , Allen Robert , Stocker Abigail , Abell Thomas L. , Hughes Michael G.
Published: June 2020

We compared outcomes for two gastric electrical stimulation placement strategies, mini-laparotomy with adjunctive care (MLAC) versus laparoscopy without adjunctive care (LAPA). For electrode placement, the peritoneal cavity was accessed with either a single 2.5 to 3.0 cm midline incision (MLAC) or three trocar incisions (LAPA). For both groups, generator was placed subcutaneously over the anterior rectus sheath. For MLAC, adjunctive pain control measures were used for placement of both electrode and generator (transversus abdominus plane block). For LAPA, those that could not be completed by laparoscopy were converted to traditional open approach and kept in the analysis. MLAC (n = 128) resulted in shorter operative times than LAPA (n = 37) (median operative time: 87.5 vs 137.0 minutes, P ≤ 0.01). Hospital length of stay was also shorter for MLAC than for LAPA (median: 2.0 vs 3.0 days, P ≤ 0.01) without any increase in readmission rates to the hospital within 30 days of discharge (11.0 vs 16.2%, P = 0.39). After equalizing learning curves, these differences were even greater (median operative time: 84.5 vs 137.0 minutes, P < 0.01; median length of stay: 1.0 vs 3.0 days; P < 0.01) without increasing 30-day read-mission rates (9.1 vs 16.2%, P = 0.25). For implantation of gastric electrical stimulators, mini-laparotomy can result in improved outcomes when coupled with adjunctive pain control measures.
Use of Molecular Profiling to Guide Treatment Decisions in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors: Preliminary Results
Authors: Cutler Holt S. , Ogando Paul , Uhr Joshua H. , Gonzalez Dani O. , Warner Richard R.P. , Divino Celia M.
Published: June 2020

This case series demonstrates the potential of molecular profiling to improve selection of anti-tumor therapies in the treatment of patients with neuroendocrine and carcinoid tumors. Carcinoid tumors resected at one institution over a 3-year period were sent for molecular profiling to guide choice of treatment. Potentially beneficial therapies were identified based on the measured expression of 20 proteins and oncogenes and a comprehensive review of the chemotherapy response literature. The clinical charts of 41 patients were reviewed retrospectively, and 12 were selected as representatives of the range of effects molecular profiling has on carcinoid treatment. Their presentation, molecular profile results, treatment, and disease progression is reviewed in the following case series. A total of nine patients were treated with drugs identified as potentially beneficial by molecular profile reports. These include capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil, temozolomide, oxaliplatin, and gemcitabine. Based on clinical symptoms, serum markers of disease, and radio-graphic evidence five of nine patients responded to treatment, two had mixed responses, and two did not respond to treatment. At this early juncture, our critique of molecular profiling for neuroendocrine tumors is favorable, as a significant number of our patients responded to drugs identified by molecular profiling as potentially beneficial.
Outcomes after Distal Pancreatectomy for Trauma in the Modern Era
Authors: Peck Gregory L. , Blitzer David N. , Bulauitan Constantine S. , Huntress Lauren A. , Truche Paul , Feliciano David V. , Dente Christopher J.
Published: June 2020

Multiple stump closure techniques after distal pancreatectomy (DP) for trauma have been described, and all are associated with a significant fistula rate. With increasing emphasis on abbreviated laparotomy, stapled pancreatectomy has become more common. This study describes the outcomes of patients with different closure techniques of the pancreatic stump after resection following pancreatic trauma. Retrospective analysis of 50 trauma patients, who sustained grade III pancreatic injuries with subsequent DP and stapled stump closure, were conducted from 1995 to 2011. Demographic, operative, and outcome data were analyzed to characterize patients, and to directly compare closure techniques. After 12 patients were excluded because of early death (<72 hours), final analyses included 38 patients: 19 (50%) had stapled closure alone and 19 (50%) had stapling with adjunct, including additional closure with sutures, fibrin sealants, or a combination of sutures with fibrin sealants/omental coverage. Twenty-four patients (63%) had postoperative complications, most commonly pancreatic fistula (n = 11, 29%). There were no significant differences with regard to pancreatic fistula or other abdominal complications between closure groups, or were any factors associated with increased likelihood of complications. DP remains a morbid operation after trauma regardless of closure technique. Stapled closure alone is perhaps the method of choice in this setting due to the time constraints directly related to outcomes.