bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamic Monitoring of Organ Donors: A Novel Use of the Esophageal Echo-Doppler Probe
Authors: Cipolla James , Stawicki Stanislaw , Spatz Deneen
Published: June 2020

The esophageal Doppler monitoring (EDM) technology is well described in the literature. As it evolved over the last several years, the use of EDM has found expanded indications in various clinical settings. One of the areas where EDM has not been studied extensively is its use during optimization of organ donors before organ procurement. Close hemodynamic monitoring has become essential in the era of increasing use of extended organ donors. We present six cases of successful EDM use during preorgan procurement resuscitation of organ donors. Despite labile hemodynamics in the majority of these cases, EDM-guided optimization of resuscitative end-points allowed successful organ procurements and transplants, including 12 kidneys, 6 livers, 3 hearts, 2 pancreases, and 2 lungs. The EDM technology is noninvasive, technically easy, and less expensive than the traditional pulmonary artery catheter. Other potential benefits of the EDM include its portability and possibility of deployment in any setting by trained organ procurement personnel or critical care nursing staff. In conclusion, successful organ procurement can be facilitated by the use of EDM technology in hemodynamically labile organ donor patients.
Endovenous Laser Ablation of Saphenous Vein is an Effective Treatment Modality for Lower Extremity Varicose Veins
Authors: Kavuturu S. , Girishkumar H. , Ehrlich F.
Published: June 2020

We present our first experiences with the use of a new minimally invasive treatment of lower extremity varicose veins. We studied the occlusion rates of the great saphenous vein (GSV) with laser ablation, its failure rates, and its complications. Sixty-six limbs in 62 consecutive patients were treated and followed-up for 1 year. All of the patients had incompetent GSV proven by means of duplex scanning. The GSV segment from 2 cm distal to the sapheno-femoral junction to just above the knee was ablated by using laser energy. In addition, all patients had stab avulsions of the varicose veins of the leg with Crochet hooks. All patients were followed post-operatively on the 3rd day, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. All patients were treated as day-case surgeries. Among 62 patients studied, 46 patients were women (74%) and 16 were men (26%). The median age of the patients was 53 years (range 28–69 years). Median operation time was 65 min (range 40–140 min). Successful treatment (total obliteration of the GSV on duplex) was accomplished in 64 of 66 limbs (97%). In two cases, recanalization of the lower one-third of the treated segment of the GSV was noted after 3 months. There were no instances of neuropathy or skin burn. Endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins is effective in inducing thrombotic vessel occlusion and is associated with only minor adverse effects. The procedure seems to be a promising alternative for surgical stripping of the GSV.
Ready for the Frontline: Is Early Thoracoscopic Decortication the New Standard of Care for Advanced Pneumonia with Empyema?
Authors: Suchar Adam M. , Zureikat Amer H. , Glynn Loretto , Statter Mindy B. , Lee Jongin , Liu Donald C.
Published: June 2020

Video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication (VATD) has been established as an effective and potentially less morbid alternative to open thoracotomy for the management of empyema. However, the timing and role of VATD for advanced pneumonia with empyema is still controversial. In assessing surgical outcome, the authors reviewed their VATD experience in children with empyema or empyema with necrotizing pneumonia. The charts of 42 children who underwent VATD at our institution between July 2001 and July 2005 were retrospectively reviewed for surgical outcome. For purposes of analysis, patients were cohorted into four classes with increasing severity of pneumonia: 1 (-) intraoperative pleural fluid cultures, (-) necrotizing pneumonia, 18 (43%); 2 (+) pleural fluid cultures, (-) necrotizing pneumonia, 10 (24%); 3 (-) pleural fluid cultures, (+) necrotizing pneumonia, 6 (14%); 4 (+) pleural fluid cultures, (+) necrotizing pneumonia, 8 (19%). A P value of <0.05 via Student's t test or Fischer's exact analysis was considered an indicator of significant difference in the comparison of group outcomes. VATD was successfully completed in all 42 patients with no mortality and without significant morbidity (82% had less than 20 cc blood loss). There was found to be no significant difference (p = NS) in time to surgical discharge (removal of chest tube) among all groups. Hospital length of stay postsurgery was found to be significantly increased between 1 and 4 (6 days vs 9 days; P = 0.038). 14/14 (100%) of children with necrotizing pneumonia were found to have evidence of lung parenchymal preservation with improved aeration on follow-up CT scan and/or chest x-rays. The authors conclude that early VATD in children with advanced pneumonia with empyema is indicated to avoid unnecessarily lengthy hospitalization and prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy. Furthermore, early VATD can be safely performed in various stages of advanced pneumonia with empyema, promoting lung salvage, and accelerating clinical recovery.
Effects of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy on Surgical Residency Training
Authors: Shin Susanna , Fournier Keith , Cole Frederick , Laronga Christine
Published: June 2020

Axillary node dissection (AND) is an integral part of surgical training. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN) was introduced into our residency in 1997. Our purpose in this study was to evaluate the impact of SLN on AND experience. AND/SLN operative experience of residents and attendings at our residency was reviewed using resident case-logs and questionnaires from 2002 and 2005. The perception of performing and teaching AND was assessed. Thirty-three residents and 24 attendings participated. Graduating chiefs from the class of 2000 performed no SLN, which increased to 4.25 in 2002 and to 8.5 in 2005. In contrast, graduating chiefs performed 25 AND in 2000, which decreased to 16.5 in 2002 and to 13.25 in 2005. The majority of the residents felt that AND was a senior level case (56% postgraduate year [PGY] I and II and 87% PGY III–V). The majority of the residents felt that SLN was a junior level case (89% PGY I and II and PGY III–V). Fifty-six per cent of PGY III–V felt that SLN introduction negatively impacted their ability to perform AND. Attendings cited 15 and 24 AND before feeling comfortable performing and teaching the procedure to a resident. Since the introduction of SLN into our residency, the number of AND has decreased, with senior residents feeling that SLN has decreased their ability to perform AND. As fewer AND are performed than our attendings cite to feel comfortable, future residents may not be competent to perform or teach AND.
The Effect of the 80-Hour Work Week on General Surgery Resident Operative Case Volume
Authors: Tran Julie , Lewis Roger , De Virgilio Christian
Published: June 2020

To meet the new duty hour restrictions on July 1, 2003, our general surgery residency program underwent many changes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the implementation of these changes, made in part to comply with new duty hour restrictions, would adversely impact general surgery residents’ operative volume. The operative cases of categorical surgical residents were recorded from July 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004. The main outcome measure was the median number of operative cases performed by each resident per quarter (a 3-month period). The number of in-house calls each resident took per quarter was also recorded. From 2000 to 2004, the median number of in-house calls per quarter significantly decreased (27, 25, 15, 10, and 14, respectively; P < 0.001). The median number of operative procedures performed did not vary from quarter to quarter (P = 0.49). There was a trend toward an increase in number of cases performed at the postgraduate year (PGY) 1 (P = 0.07) and 2 (P = 0.04) levels, a decrease at the PGY3 level (P = 0.058), and no change at the PGY4 and 5 years. The 80-hour work week did not adversely affect the operative experience of our categorical surgical residents despite significant reductions of in-house call.
Safety, Quality, and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Khuri Shukri F.
Published: June 2020

The Institute of Medicine 1999 publication, To Err is Human, focused attention on preventable provider errors in surgery, and prompted numerous new national initiatives to improve patient safety. It is uncertain whether these initiatives have actually improved patient safety, mainly because of the lack of a quantitative metric for the assessment of patient safety in surgery. A 15-year experience with the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, which originated in the Veteran's Administration in 1991 and was recently made available to the private sector, prompts the surgical community to place patient safety in surgery within a much larger conceptual framework than that of the Institute of Medicine report, and provides a quantitative metric for the assessment of patient safety initiatives. This conceptual framework defines patient safety in surgery as safety from all adverse outcomes (not only preventable errors and sentinel events); regards safety as an integral part of quality of surgical care; recognizes that adverse outcomes, and hence patient safety, are primarily determined by quality of systems of care; and uses comparative risk-adjusted outcome data as a metric for the identification of system problems and for the assessment and improvement of patient safety from adverse outcomes.
Surgical Quality Programs in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Depalma Ralph G.
Published: June 2020

This review describes the development, implementation, and current status of programs that promote and maintain surgical quality performance within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA). It also considers evolving initiatives to improve surgical outcomes and enhance patient safety. The VHA is a nationwide health care system operated and funded by the federal government. It consists of 154 federal hospitals and 875 clinics staffed by 16,000 nurses, 33,000 other health care professionals, 15,000 doctors, and 25,000 university-affiliated faculty physicians. The VHA trains 90,000 health care professionals, and additionally its activities are supported by 140,000 dedicated volunteers. More than 1000 surgeons in all specialties serve in its facilities. Since these programs began more than 19 years ago, there has been a steady decrease in both risk-adjusted and actual mortality rates tracked annually.
The Hazards of Using Administrative Data to Measure Surgical Quality
Authors: Fry Donald E. , Pine Michael B. , Jordan Harmon S. , Hoaglin David C. , Jones Barbara , Meimban Roger
Published: June 2020

Administrative claims data have been used to measure risk-adjusted clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients. These data have been criticized because they cannot differentiate risk factors present at the time of admission from complications that occur during hospitalization. This paper illustrates how valid risk-adjustment can be achieved by enhancing administrative data with a present-on-admission code, admission laboratory data, and admission vital signs. Examples are presented for inpatient mortality rates following craniotomy and rates of postoperative sepsis after elective surgical procedures. Administrative claims data alone yielded a risk-adjustment model with 10 variables and a C-statistic of 0.891 for mortality after craniotomy, and a model with 18 variables and a C-statistic of 0.827 for postoperative sepsis. In contrast, the combination of administrative data and clinical data abstracted from medical records increased the number of variables in the craniotomy model to 21 with a C-statistic of 0.923, and the number of variables in the postoperative sepsis model to 29 with a C-statistic of 0.858. Use of only administrative data resulted in unacceptable amounts of systematic bias in 24 per cent of hospitals for craniotomy and 19 per cent of hospitals for postoperative sepsis. Addition of a present-on-admission code, laboratory data, and vital signs reduced the percentage of hospitals with unacceptable bias to two percent both for craniotomy and for postoperative sepsis. These illustrations demonstrate suboptimal risk stratification with administrative claims data only, but show that present-on-admission coding combined with readily available laboratory data and vital signs can support accurate risk-adjustment for the assessment of surgical outcomes.
The Holy Grail of Surgical Quality Improvement: Process Measures or Risk-Adjusted Outcomes?
Authors: Rogers Selwyn O.
Published: June 2020

Quality of care in surgery has garnered increased attention. Focus on the structure, processes of care, and use of risk-adjusted outcomes has offered different possible solutions. Volume-outcome studies have consistently demonstrated relationships between higher surgeon and hospital volume and favorable outcomes. The policy implications for quality improvement remain unclear. Recent efforts have focused on the use of risk-adjusted outcomes, such as the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, to drive quality improvement. Conversely, large efforts, mandated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, have focused on process measures, such as perioperative complication prevention. For the future of surgical quality improvement, the combination of process measures and risk-adjusted outcomes are essential. It is only through the combined use of improved understanding of the relationship of processes of care and outcomes that we will make surgical care safer and improve quality.
Quality and Safety Performance in Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Knapp Richard M.
Published: June 2020

The Hospital Quality Alliance created a vehicle to display Hospital Performance data which is known as Hospital Compare. Overall, the data shows that teaching hospitals perform very well in the areas of Heart Failure and Heart Attack and not as well in Pneumonia care. Unique issues at teaching hospitals, such as timing for specific patient services, continue to be a concern in achieving high scores relative to their non-teaching peers. Most hospitals and specifically surgical services will be challenged in the upcoming years with the addition of the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) measures as we move into the pay-for-performance era.
Does Outcomes Research Impact Quality? Examples from Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Hutter Matthew M.
Published: June 2020

This manuscript addresses the question “Does outcomes research affect quality?” using examples from the field of bariatric surgery. The roles that outcomes research has played in each of the four major recent events in bariatric surgery are examined. In the first three major events, which include 1) the National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference on Bariatric Surgery in 1991, 2) the dramatic increase in numbers of bariatric operations performed, and 3) the move toward a laparoscopic approach in bariatric surgery, a multitude of outcomes studies seem to be the result, but not the cause, of these changes in the field of bariatric surgery. However, for the most recent event, the 2006 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services National Coverage Determination for bariatric surgery and the introduction of accreditation in general surgery, outcomes research has played a significant role in the determination of policy and, ultimately, quality.
An Eight-Year Analysis of Surgical Morbidity and Mortality: Data and Solutions
Authors: Goldfarb Michael A. , Baker Thomas
Published: June 2020

In this article, a reproducible process for presenting, analyzing, and reducing early and late surgical morbidity and mortality (M&M) is detailed. All M&M cases presented from 1998 through 2005 at Monmouth Medical Center were categorized. Residents and nurses were empowered to report the complications. The five major categories were overwhelming disease on admission, delays in treatment, diagnostic or judgment complications, treatment complications, and technical complications. From the 53,541 operations performed over 8 years, 714 patients were presented, which included 147 deaths and 1,132 category entries. The most common problems were technical complications in 474 (66.4%) patients. The data have generated actionable solutions, many with low barriers to adoption, resulting in safer, less expensive surgical management. Surgical outcome benchmarks have been established and are used for credentialing surgeons. The “Hostile Abdomen Index” has been developed to assess the safest choice for abdominal operative access, pre- and intraoperatively. We explained the real-time process that generated solutions for the entire department as well as changes relevant to residency training and individual operative techniques.
How a System for Reporting Medical Errors Can and Cannot Improve Patient Safety
Authors: Clarke John R.
Published: June 2020

The Institute of Medicine has recommended systems for reporting medical errors. This article discusses the necessary components of patient safety databases, steps for implementing patient safety reporting systems, what systems can do, what they cannot do, and motivations for physician participation. An ideal system captures adverse events, when care harms patients, and near misses, when errors occur without any harm. Near misses signal system weaknesses and, because harm did not occur, may provide insight into solutions. With an integrated system, medical errors can be linked to patient and team characteristics. Confidentiality and ease of use are important incentives in reporting. Confidentiality is preferred to anonymity to allow follow-up. Analysis and feedback are critical. Reporting systems need to be linked to organizational leaders who can act on the conclusions of reports. The use of statistics is limited by the absence of reliable numerators and denominators. Solutions should focus on changing the cultural environment. Patient safety reporting systems can help bring to light, monitor, and correct systems of care that produces medical errors. They are useful components of the patient safety and quality improvement initiatives of healthcare systems and they warrant involvement by physicians.
Small Bowel Obstruction by Wireless Enteroscopic Capsule and Unrecognized Intestinal Stricture
Authors: Najafian Hadi , Eyvazzadeh Camille
Published: June 2020

The wireless enteroscopy capsule (WEC) was approved for noninvasive visualization of small bowel. We report an unusual case of a previously healthy man with history of bowel resection and anastomosis who developed small bowel obstruction after ingestion of a WCE. At operation, an anastomotic stricture site was noted and the WEC was proximal to this stricture, causing obstruction. This case emphasizes the importance of a good history and physical examination, as well as vigilant follow-up and retrieval of WEC.
Laparoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: Its Role in Providing Enteric Access when Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy is not Possible
Authors: Croshaw Randal L. , Nottingham James M.
Published: June 2020

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) replaced open surgical gastrostomy (OSG) as the preferred method for enteric access soon after its introduction in 1980.1 Since that time, laparoscopic gastrostomy (LG), percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG), and laparoscopic-assisted PEG (LAPEG) have been introduced. PEG and PRG have been found to be over 95 per cent successful, convenient, economical, and associated with less morbidity than OSG.2, 3 However, there are patients that are not appropriate candidates for, or have failed attempts at, PEG or PRG placement. At one time, OSG was the only option left for these patients, but they may be better served by LAPEG or, in some cases, LG. LAPEG offers less morbidity than OSG by having less pain and wound complications, and potentially may avoid the use of general anesthesia.4–6 We present a series of patients that underwent successful LAPEG placement after an unsuccessful attempt at PEG placement, and we describe its role in patient care.
Is Surgical Thrombectomy to Salvage Failed Autogenous Arteriovenous Fistulae Worthwhile?
Authors: Palmer Robert M. , Cull David L. , Kalbaugh Corey , Carsten Christopher G. , Taylor Spence M. , Snyder Bruce A. , York John W. , Langan Eugene M. , Blackhurst Dawn
Published: June 2020

The Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiatives guidelines emphasize placement of autogenous arteriovenous (AV) fistulae for patients on hemodialysis. This recommendation is based on studies that demonstrate enhanced patency for AV fistulae compared with grafts. However, closer review of the data demonstrates that although primary patency of AV fistulae is superior to grafts, the secondary patency rates are equivalent. This suggests that secondary procedures to maintain fistula patency are inferior to those performed on arteriovenous grafts. Surgical thrombectomy of AV fistulae can be challenging. It is often difficult to completely remove thrombus adjacent to the anastomosis of the fistula, and pseudoaneurysms within the fistula can prevent passage of the thrombectomy catheter and complete removal of thrombus from the fistula. Consequently, some surgeons simply abandon thrombosed AV fistulae and place a new access. We have developed a method for completely clearing thrombus from failed AV fistulae by locating the fistulotomy close to the arterial anastomosis and using a technique to manually extract thrombus from the fistula before passing a thrombectomy catheter. The purpose of this study was to review our results with this procedure. Between 2001 and 2004, 10 patients with a previously functioning AV fistula presented with thrombosis. There were seven brachiocephalic fistulae and three radiocephalic fistulae. All patients underwent surgical thrombectomy and fistulography. Five patients underwent balloon angioplasty of a venous stenosis and one patient underwent surgical revision of an arterial stenosis. Technical success, defined as being able to completely clear thrombus from the fistula and treat the cause for fistula failure, was achieved in 70 per cent (7/10) of cases. Technical failure was caused by vein rupture during the balloon angioplasty in two cases and a central venous occlusion that could not be treated in one case. The 6-month primary and secondary patency for cases that were technically successful was 51 and 69 per cent, respectively. Our conclusion was that surgical thrombectomy can significantly extend fistula functionality in patients who present with thrombosis.
Follow-Up Abdominal CT is not Necessary in Low-Grade Splenic Injury
Authors: Haan James M. , Boswell Sharon , Stein Deborah , Scalea Thomas M.
Published: June 2020

Nonoperative management of splenic injury has become the standard of care in the hemodynamically stable patient. The time period of observation and the utility of follow-up scanning remain an area of debate. This study examined the utility of follow-up abdominal CT for detection of delayed vascular injury in patients with low-grade splenic injury. A retrospective review of all patients with low-grade splenic injuries undergoing nonoperative management from June 2000 to June 2004 was performed. Patients underwent follow-up abdominal CT 48 to 72 hours after admission to rule out delayed vascular injury and were discharged if the results were negative. Charts were reviewed for demographic data, abdominal CT results, and splenic salvage. A total of 472 patients underwent nonoperative management for splenic injury, with 140 patients treated with simple observation during this protocol. All patients were successfully managed with simple observation with no nonoperative failures; there were two instances of delayed vascular injury on follow-up CT. Both patients with progression of injury had decreasing hematocrit levels during admission prior to follow-up abdominal CT scan. Overall, the injury severity score was 22 points and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) splenic injury severity score was 1.8 points. Length of hospital stay was 2.8 days for patients with predominately splenic injury and 10 days for the overall cohort. Follow-up abdominal CT confers no benefit in patients with low-grade splenic injury, and a stable hematocrit level and abdominal exam.
Injuries Associated with Pediatric Liver Trauma
Authors: Deluca John A. , Maxwell Damian R. , Flaherty Sarah K. , Prigozen Jason M. , Scragg Mary E. , Stone Patrick A.
Published: June 2020

Injury remains the leading cause of childhood mortality for children younger than 14 years of age, with the liver being particularly susceptible to blunt trauma in children. This study reviews the authors’ institutions’ experience with pediatric liver injuries in an attempt to establish current patterns of injury, management and outcomes. A single-center, retrospective review was conducted of 105 consecutive pediatric patients who presented with a traumatic liver injury from January 1996 through February 2004. Average patient age was 13.1 ± 4.9 years and 58 per cent were male. Perihospital mortality was 8.6 per cent, with 67 per cent of mortality being attributed to head injury. The majority of patients were managed nonoperatively (81%). Liver injury was most often grade II (35%) by CT scan. Liver injury grade did not affect survival, but did affect injury management, with grade I and grade IV liver injuries more likely to be managed surgically ( P < 0.001). Grade I liver injuries were associated with concomitant spleen injuries, whereas grade IV injuries were associated with pancreatic injuries. Surgical management was associated with a higher injury severity score ( P = 0.005), higher mortality ( P = 0.01), and with other associated injuries as well. Children experiencing blunt abdominal trauma are at risk of significant morbidity and mortality; however, these risks stem more likely from associated injuries than injury to the liver proper. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for potentially catastrophic associated injuries to the pancreas with high-grade liver injury.
Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia in the Presence of Fournier's Gangrene: A Novel Approach to a Complex Problem
Authors: Guzzo James L. , Bochicchio Grant V. , Henry Sharon , Keller Elena , Scalea Thomas M.
Published: June 2020

Fournier's gangrene is an aggressive, polymicrobial soft tissue infection that specifically affects the genital and perineal region. Treatment requires early recognition, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, and radical surgical debridement of all infected tissues. Optimal therapy may necessitate multiple debridements that leave the patient with large tissue defects that require skin grafting for scrotal and perineal reconstruction. The presence of other surgical emergencies, such as an incarcerated inguinal hernia, in the face of Fournier's gangrene presents a rare and challenging dilemma to the general surgeon. With the widespread acceptance of tension-free repair utilizing prosthetic mesh in uncomplicated hernia surgery, outcomes have been improved. However, surgical options for hernia repair may become limited in the face of a regional necrotizing soft tissue infection, for which mesh use in an open repair after debridement of infected tissues is generally contraindicated. In this report, the authors describe three consecutive cases of incarcerated inguinal hernia in the presence of concomitant Fournier's gangrene using a laparoscopic approach and natural biomaterial mesh for abdominal wall reinforcement.
“Shift Work” Improves Survival and Reduces Intensive Care Unit Use in Seriously Injured Patients
Authors: Shen Luke Y. , Helmer Stephen D. , Huang Jennifer , Niyakorn Gerayu , Smith R. Stephen
Published: June 2020

We assessed whether a trauma service model with an emphasis on continuity of care by using “shift work” will improve trauma outcomes and cost. This was a case-control cohort study that took place at a university-affiliated Level I trauma center. All patients (n = 4283) evaluated for traumatic injuries between May 1, 2002 and April 30, 2004 were included. During Period I (May 1, 2002 to April 30, 2003), a rotating off-service team provided initial management between 5:00 PM and 7:00 AM. The “day team” provided all other care and was responsible for continuity of care. In Period II (May 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004), a dedicated trauma service consisting of two resident teams evaluated all injured patients. Variables included hospital and intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), mechanical ventilation requirements, hospital mortality, and hospital care costs. Demographics and injury mechanism for both periods were similar, but Injury Severity Score (ISS) in Period II was greater (ISS, 8.2% vs 7.2%, P < 0.0001; ISS > 15, 18.5% vs 15.4%). In the more severely injured (ISS > 15), patients in Period II had shorter hospital LOS (8.6 vs 9.7 days, P = 0.98), a shorter ICU LOS (5.5 vs 7.7 days, P = 0.039), shorter mechanical ventilator requirements (5.5 vs 7.7 days, P = 0.32), improved hospital mortality rate (19.9% vs 26.8%, P = 0.029), and decreased hospital costs ($19,146 vs $21,274, P = 0.36). On multivariate analysis, factors affecting mortality and LOS included age, initial vital signs, injury type, and ISS. Overall, the two trauma service models resulted in similar outcomes. Although multivariate analysis revealed that treatment period did not affect mortality, our study revealed improved patient survival and reduction in LOS and cost for the severely injured in Period II.
Use of the “Bogota Bag” for Temporary Abdominal Closure in Patients with Secondary Peritonitis
Authors: Kirshtein Boris , Roy-Shapira Aviel , Lantsberg Leonid , Mizrahi Solly
Published: June 2020

Various methods may be used for temporary closure of the abdomen. Use of the “Bogota bag” (BB) technique for abdominal closure has been reported primarily in the management of injuries. This review describes our experience using the BB technique in cases of secondary peritonitis. Abdomenal closure using BB was reviewed retrospectively in 152 patients with secondary peritonitis. Of the 152 cases of BB use reviewed, 79 patients had complications of previous abdominal operations, 57 had secondary peritonitis, 14 had complications of abdominal trauma, and 2 were cases of mesenteric events. The BB remained in situ from 1 to 19 days. Changes occurred between 1 and 11 times per patient (mean, 2.8). In nine patients, early diagnosis of leaking of small bowel content under the bag was noted, and 36 patients (24%) died from sepsis. In 12 patients, the resolution of abdominal sepsis permitted secondary closure 10 days later. In 16 patients, mesh repair was performed after 4 weeks. Musculocutaneal flap repair was used in one case, and 13 patients had skin grafts. Eleven patients eventually underwent ventral hernia repair. Early temporary closure of the abdominal wall using BB in patients with abdominal sepsis and planned re-explorations is simple, safe, inexpensive, and effective. This temporary abdominal cover provides good exposure of abdominal content between re-explorations and may prevent fistula formation. The development and subsequent repair of large hernias constitute one of the difficult postoperative problems requiring future solution.
A Surprising Twist to an Old Problem: Sigmoid Volvulus in a 19-Year-Old Man
Authors: Salinas Nathan L. , Carr Shamus R. , Han Dale , Mahmoud Najjia N.
Published: June 2020

Sigmoid volvulus classically presents in the seventh or eighth decade, therefore, diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus in an adolescent may be delayed or missed. This life-threatening diagnosis should be considered in young patients presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Intraoperative findings in a 19-year-old man with a sigmoid volvulus highlight the importance of considering further studies, such as an abdominal CT scan, which goes beyond the typical obstruction evaluation in the adolescent patient. When nonoperative management fails to decompress the volvulus, complicating factors should be considered, and laparotomy is indicated to provide definitive treatment for this condition.
The Value of Scoring Achalasia: A Comparison of Current Systems and the Impact on Treatment–The Surgeon's Viewpoint
Authors: Gockel I. , Junginger TH.
Published: June 2020

Heller myotomy in patients with achalasia promises better long-term success than pneumatic dilation, especially in younger patients, and therefore has evolved as the primary treatment option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different disease-specific severity scores on achalasia treatment. Fifty consecutive patients undergoing pneumatic dilation (n = 25) or myotomy (n = 25) were assessed pre- and postinterventionally by clinical evaluation using the Eckardt Score, the Vantrappen Classification, and the Adams's Stages, as well as by radiologic and manometric studies and by subjective evaluation. The Eckardt Score and the Vantrappen Classification correlated significantly with each other. The Eckardt Score, because of its widest range and interval-level measurement properties converting the score to the Eckardt Stages, tends toward being the most useful system for clinical practice. The indication for myotomy or dilation therapy can not be set by a specific cut-off point in any system and remains an individual decision, including the aspects of the patient's age and failed prior options.
Relationship between Initial Margin Status for Invasive Breast Cancer and Residual Carcinoma after Re-Excision
Authors: Kotwall Cyrus , Ranson Mark , Stiles Anquonette , Hamann Mary Sue
Published: June 2020

Little data exists addressing the relationship between initial margin status in a specimen from an excisional biopsy and the presence of residual carcinoma in a subsequent specimen from lumpectomy or mastectomy. We sought to determine the relationship between initial margin status and the presence of residual invasive cancer, and to identify any relationship to other variables. This study was a retrospective review of pathology reports of 582 early-stage invasive duct carcinomas with open excisional biopsies. The initial specimen was classified into one of six margin categories: multiply focally positive (n = 174), focally positive (n = 132), margins <1 mm (n = 98), margins 1 to 2 mm (n = 20), margins >2 mm (n = 46), and margins undetermined (n = 90). All patients had a subsequent definitive second procedure. Pathology reports from the second procedure revealed the presence of residual invasive cancer by initial margin status as follows: in 30 per cent of the initial procedures with multiply focally positive margins, in 22 per cent with focally positive margins, in 8 per cent, 15 per cent, and 4 per cent with margins of <1 mm, 1 to 2 mm, and >2 mm, respectively, and in 28 per cent with undetermined margins. Women with palpable tumors, larger tumor size, and positive axillary nodes were more likely to have multiply focal and focally positive margins. Multiply focally positive and focally positive margins had similar residual invasive carcinoma rates and should be re-excised. All clear margins were equivalent; thus, re-excision was not necessary.
Poorly Differentiated Carcinoma Arising in a Warthin's Tumor of the Parotid Gland: Pathogenesis, Histopathology, and Surgical Management of Malignant Warthin's Tumors
Authors: Moore Forrest O. , Abdel-Misih Rafaat Z. , Berne John D. , Zieske Arthur W. , Rana Nabeel R. , Ryckman Jon G.
Published: June 2020

Warthin's tumor is a benign lymphoepithelial neoplasm representing 10 per cent of all parotid gland tumors. Malignant transformation of a Warthin's tumor is an extremely rare event. We report a case of a patient with poorly differentiated carcinoma arising from a Warthin's tumor, as well as review the pathogenesis, histopathology, and surgical management of malignant Warthin's tumors.
Tumors at the Aortoiliac/Inferior Vena Cava Bifurcation: Preoperative, Anesthetic, and Intraoperative Considerations
Authors: Ouellette James R. , Cossman David V. , Sibert Karen S. , Mcandrew Nicholas P. , Silberman Allan W.
Published: June 2020

Primary and recurrent retroperitoneal tumors can involve the aortoiliac vasculature. They are often considered inoperable or incurable because of the locally advanced nature of the disease or the technical aspects involved in safely resecting the lesion. Safe resection of these lesions requires experience and extensive preoperative planning for success. A retrospective database review of 76 patients with retroperitoneal tumors identified tumors involving major vascular structures in the abdomen and pelvis undergoing resection of tumor en bloc with the aortoiliac vasculature. Preoperative planning and intraoperative technical maneuvers are reviewed. Patients were followed until time of this report. Four patients with retroperitoneal tumors involving the aortoiliac vessels underwent surgery: two patients with sarcoma (one primary and one recurrent), one with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and one with a paraganglioma. All patients had resection of the aorta and vena cava or the iliac artery and vein. Arterial reconstruction (anatomic or extra-anatomic) was performed in all cases. The patient with renal cell carcinoma also required venous reconstruction to support a renal autotransplant. Veno-venous bypass was required in one patient. Local control was achieved in 3 of 4 cases. Surgery for retroperitoneal tumors involving major vascular structures is technically feasible with appropriate planning and technique. Multiple disciplines are required, including general surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and possibly, cardiothoracic surgery.
Fascia: A Pragmatic Overview for Surgeons
Authors: Fasel Jean H.D. , DembÉ Jean-Claude , Majno Pietro E.
Published: June 2020

The term “fascia” is a very frequently used notion, particularly in an anatomical, surgical, and radiological context. A closer look at the underlying concepts, however, reveals that the denomination is all but a consistent one. It is this use of one and the same term for very different entities that is one of the sources for controversial opinions on fascial structures and their applications in surgical practice. This article summarizes and illustrates examples of structures called fasciae. Considering the impossibility to give a simple, universal definition, we conclude that a precise description and iconographic documentation of the structure under consideration remain mandatory. They should replace the presumably unequivocal, but in fact often nebulous, notion “fascia” in surgical, radiological, and anatomical articles.
An Improved Method for Deploying the Polypropylene Underlay Patch of the PROLENE Hernia System
Authors: Uen Yih-Huei , Wen Kuo-Chang
Published: June 2020

The PROLENE Hernia System (PHS) is a bilayer patch device providing an anterior approach to preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. To provide improved expansion of the underlay patch of PHS, a modified device featuring a deploying “pocket” in the double-layered underlay graft was designed. The deploying “pocket” is flat in shape and harbors a perimeter that can act as a receiving unit for surgical force, which is exerted outward and backward to expand the underlying graft. Through a unique surgical technique using an angled metal pusher to facilitate access to intrapocket manipulation, the underlay graft not only can be fully deployed, but can be securely placed in the preperitoneal space to cover the entire myopectineal orifice. This allows effective treatment of inguinal/femoral herniation. Based on the encouraging clinical results obtained using a procedure that incorporates this strategy at our hospital, it can be concluded that this modified device/technique for PHS is one of the best inguinal/femoral hernia repair methods available.
Primary Biliary B-Cell Lymphoma of the Cystic Duct Causing Obstructive Jaundice
Authors: Jho David H. , Jho Diana J. , Chejfec Gregorio , Ahn Maria , Ong Evan S. , Espat N. Joseph
Published: June 2020

A distinctive case of primary biliary lymphoma occurring in the cystic duct causing extrinsic compression of the porta hepatis in a 48-year-old woman is presented. Imaging studies revealed stricture of the common hepatic duct with a 2.5-cm nonhomogeneous mass at the porta hepatis, mimicking a Klatskin tumor. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a mass in the gallbladder neck with extension into the cystic duct akin to Mirizzi's syndrome. A soft, tan-yellow 1.0-cm mass was removed from the cystic duct, and infiltrating atypical lymphocytic nodules were identified with a final diagnosis of an anaplastic variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Accessory Breasts: A Historical and Current Perspective
Authors: Loukas Marios , Clarke Pamela , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: June 2020

The presence of accessory breast tissue such as extra nipples (polythelia) and extra breast (polymastia) is relatively common, with a high incidence of being misdiagnosed in clinical medicine. Although polythelia is congenital in origin and is identifiable at childhood, polymastia may not be evident until the influence of sex hormones during puberty. In this article, we present a review of the literature concerning the historical background of accessory breasts, their incidence, their misdiagnoses, and their association with other syndromes and diseases. Finally, we present the common treatment options available today for such conditions.
Surgical Revascularization in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: Results Using a New Paradigm in Outcomes Assessment
Authors: Jones Wesley B. , Cull David L. , Kalbaugh Corey A. , Cass Anna L. , Taylor Spence M.
Published: June 2020

Studies evaluating the outcome of surgical revascularization (SR) for critical limb ischemia in patients who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have differed widely in their findings and conclusions. Differences in definitions of success are largely responsible for the varying outcomes. We developed a method of outcomes assessment that incorporates four all-inclusive end-points to define success. These include primary graft patency to the point of wound healing, postoperative survival of at least 6 months, limb salvage of at least 1 year, and maintenance of ambulatory status of at least 6 months. The purpose of this study was to use this novel method of defining success to determine the outcome of SR in patients with ESRD. From 1998 to 2004, 40 patients (52 limbs) with ESRD and tissue loss underwent SR for limb salvage. Secondary graft patency and limb salvage rates at 36 months were 54.7 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively. When considering each of the four components used to define success separately, success encouragingly ranged between 60 per cent (patent graft until wound healing) and 87.5 per cent (survival for 6 months). However, if all parameters were combined, clinical success was achieved in only 40 per cent (16/40) of patients. Coronary artery disease was the only factor found to significantly reduce success ( P = 0.04). In conclusion, using this multiparameter definition of success, which combines four rather modest outcome milestones, favorable outcome occurred in the minority of cases. This study challenges our current method of analyzing success and questions our therapeutic approach to patients with critical limb ischemia and ESRD.
Is Acute Appendicitis a Surgical Emergency?
Authors: Stahlfeld Kurt , Hower John , Homitsky Sarah , Madden Jeffrey
Published: June 2020

Urgent appendectomy has become the basis of management for acute appendicitis because of the disparity in morbidity and mortality rates between perforated and nonperforated appendicitis. Immediate surgery results in the confirmation of diagnosis and the control of sepsis without the risk of recurrent appendicitis. However, when notified by the emergency room of the diagnosis, many surgeons are opting to begin antibiotics and intravenous fluids and to schedule the appendectomy at their convenience. We hypothesize that using intravenous antibiotics and hydration to delay appendectomy until “normal business hours” has a negative impact on patient morbidity and mortality. During a 23-month period, the medical records of 81 patients at a single institution who underwent appendectomy were reviewed. All patients had preoperative CT scans and all operations were performed by one of two surgeons. Group A included those patients who underwent appendectomy within 10 hours of CT diagnosis and group B included those appendectomies performed greater than 10 hours after diagnosis. Wound complications, antibiotic use, total analgesic requirements, length of operation, and hospital length of stay were used for comparison. The average time to operation (3.18 vs 15.85 hours), operative time (54.1 vs 55.7 minutes), length of stay (2.65 vs 2.09 days), wound infections (4 vs 0), and antibiotic use at discharge (19 vs 3) for group A and B were not statistically different. This data suggests that delaying operative intervention for acute appendicitis to accommodate a surgeon's preference or to maximize a hospital's efficiency does not pose a significant risk to the patient.
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Outcome Assessment
Authors: Goldstein Scott D. , Meslin Keith P. , Mazza Thomas , Isenberg Gerald A. , Fitzgerald James , Richards Andrew , Delong Brian , Sollenberger Larry
Published: June 2020

Since its introduction as a new procedure for the surgical management of hemorrhoidal disease in 1993, stapled hemorrhoidopexy has become increasingly popular. This has been mostly the result of the reported reduction in postoperative pain. This study was designed to review retrospectively 152 patients combined from a 3-year period in a three-surgeon private colorectal practice and a 1-year period from an academic colon and rectal surgery training program. All patients had either grade II or III hemorrhoidal prolapse. There were 78 male (mean age, 52 years) and 74 female patients (mean age, 54 years). A total of 133 patients (87.5%) were treated on an ambulatory basis, with 131 patients (86%) given monitored sedation with local anesthesia. Postoperative complications were seen in 49 patients (32%); 33 were for bleeding, with four requiring operative control. Subsequent associated anorectal procedures were performed on 14 patients (9.2%). Of the original 152 patients, 78 participated in a postoperative survey. Of these patients, 67.9 per cent stated that their postoperative pain was less than expected. Seventy-one patients (91%) stated significant improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms, and 73.1 per cent returned to normal activity in less than 2 weeks. Eighty-nine per cent of patients surveyed stated they would recommend hemorrhoidopexy to others.