bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction Induced by Different Surgical Methods and Its Risk Factors
Authors: Gong Guo-Liang , Liu Bin , Wu Jia-Xuan , Li Ji-Yuan , Shu Bai-Qing , You Zhi-Jian
Published: June 2020

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of different surgical methods on postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing abdominal surgery, determine the risk factors of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) by logistic regression, and investigate these risk factors through different surgical methods. A total of 70 patients undergoing selective abdominal surgery were selected into this study. The age of these patients ranged within 32 to 85 years. The cognitive function of these patients was assessed by the mini-mental state examination at one day before the operation, and at the first and seventh day after the operation. The temperature of the tympanic membrane, PETCO2 values, visual analogue scale scores, educational level, and operation time were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze related factors of POCD. The incidence rate of perioperative hypothermia in groups O and L were 31.2 and 10.5 per cent, respectively; and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference in visual analogue scale scores at the first and seventh day after the operation between these two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The incidence of POCD in group O was significantly higher than that in group L at the first and seventh day after the operation (P < 0.05). According to logistic regression results, it was found that age, perioperative hypothermia, and postoperative pain were risk factors of POCD. The difference in POCD for the patients undergoing abdominal surgery through different surgical methods was statistically significant, and this was closely correlated to perioperative hypothermia and postoperative pain.
Advance Directive and Do-Not-Resuscitate Status among Advanced Cancer Patients with Acute Care Surgical Consultation
Authors: Marcia Lobsang , Ashman Zane W. , Pillado Eric B. , Kim Dennis Y. , Plurad David S.
Published: June 2020

Formal communication of end-of-life preferences is crucial among patients with metastatic cancer. Our objective is to describe the prevalence of advance directives (AD) and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders among stage IV cancer patients with acute care surgery consultations, and the associated outcomes. This is a single institution retrospective review over an eight-year period. Two hundred and three patients were identified; mean age was 55.3 ± 11.4 years and 48.8 per cent were male. Fifty (24.6%) patients underwent exploratory surgery. Nineteen (10.6%) patients had another type of surgery. Twenty-one (10.3%) patients had a DNR order, and none had an AD on-admission. Fifty-four (26.6%) patients had a DNR order placed and four (2%) patients completed an AD postadmission. DNR postadmission was associated with the highest mortality at 42.6 per cent compared with 14.3 per cent for DNR on-admission and 1.56 per cent for full-code patients ( P < 0.001). Compared with patients that remained full-code and those with DNR on-admission, DNR postadmission was associated with longer length of stay (19.6 days; P < 0.001) and ICU length of stay (7.72 days; P < 0.001). The prevalence of AD and DNR orders among stage IV cancer patients is low. The higher in-hospital mortality of patients with DNR postadmission reflects the use of DNR orders during clinical decline.
Factors Predictive of Outcomes after Cytoreductive Surgery and Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colon and Appendiceal Carcinomatosis: A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Babcock Blake , Jabo Brice , Selleck Matthew , Reeves Mark , Garberoglio Carlos , Namm Jukes , Kazanjian Kevork , Senthil Maheswari
Published: June 2020

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC), although considered an acceptable treatment option in the management of selected patients with colon and appendiceal peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), concerns about morbidity have limited its acceptance. Our objective was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of CRS/HIPEC for appendix and colon PC performed at our institution and to elucidate factors predictive of patient outcomes. All patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC for appendix or colon PC from 2011 to 2017 were identified from our institution's prospective database. Postoperative outcomes, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival were assessed. Of 125 patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC during the study period, 45 patients were eligible (appendix n = 26; colon n = 19). The median postoperative length of stay was nine days (5–28 days). Grade III/IV complications occurred in 4/45 (8.8%) patients. There were no postoperative mortalities. Median DFS and overall survival have not yet been reached, in both the colon and appendix groups. As of the study conclusion date, 37/45 (82.2%) patients were alive with or without disease. Lymph node status was predictive of recurrence in appendix PC. In our experience, CRS/HIPEC can be safely performed with acceptable short- and long-term outcomes. Lymph node status is an important predictor of recurrence.
Attending Surgeon Variation in Operative Case Length: An Opportunity for Quality Improvement
Authors: Malek Kirollos S. , Namm Jukes P. , Garberoglio Carlos A. , Senthil Maheswari , Solomon Naveen , Reeves Mark E. , Lum Sharon S.
Published: June 2020

Balancing resident education with operating room (OR) efficiency, while accommodating different styles of surgical educators and learners, is a challenging task. We sought to evaluate variability in operative time for breast surgery cases. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs of breast operations from 2011 to 2017 for current surgical residents at Loma Linda University were correlated with patient records. The main outcome measure was operative time. Breast cases were assessed as these operations are performed during all postgraduate years (PGY). Breast procedures were grouped according to similarity. Variables analyzed included attending surgeon, PGY level, procedure type, month of operation, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class. Of 606 breast cases reviewed, median overall operative time was 150 minutes (interquartile range 187–927). One-way analysis of covariance demonstrated statistically significant variation in operative time by attending surgeon controlling for covariates (PGY level, procedure, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and month) ( P = 0.04). With institutional OR costs of $30 per minute, the average difference between slowest and fastest surgeon was $2400 per case [(218–138) minutes 3 $30/min]. Minimizing variability for common procedures performed by surgical educators may enhance OR efficiency. However, the impact of case length on surgical resident training requires careful consideration.
Sustaining Improvement: Implementation and Spread of a Surgical Site Infection Bundle
Authors: Russell Tara A. , Chung Hallie , Riad Christina , Reardon Sarah , Kazanjian Kevork , Cherry Robert , Hines O. Joe , Lin Anne
Published: June 2020

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are considered a quality metric across surgical specialties and are a major cause of increased readmissions and overall costs to surgical patients. Bundled interventions have demonstrated efficacy in reducing SSIs in various surgical fields, yet the ability to sustain and spread interventions while continuing to reduce infection rates is a significant challenge. This study assessed the implementation and sustainability of an SSI bundle, which was initially piloted within the colorectal surgery division and then spread to additional general surgery services. Outcomes (risk-adjusted ACS-NSQIP odds ratio and observed to expected (O:E) SSI rates) and process measures were monitored on run charts throughout the course of the intervention. By the end of the study period, ACS-NSQIP risk-adjusted odds ratios for SSIs decreased from 1.22 to 0.95 for colorectal procedure targeted and 1.32 to 1.04 for all general surgery procedures ( P < 0.05). O:E ratios showed similar reductions. SSI reductions were associated with process measure compliance. This study demonstrates that effective implementation within a single surgical division provides the foundation for spread of a SSI bundle, which results in continued and sustained reductions in SSI rates.
Reversal of Diverting Loop Ileostomy Using Hand-Sewn Side-to-Side versus End-to-End Anastomosis after Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Prassas Dimitrios , Ntolia Argyro , Spiekermann Jan-Dirk , Rolfs Thomas-Marten , Schumacher Franz-Josef
Published: June 2020

Construction of diverting loop ileostomy has become a common adjunct to low anterior resection for rectal cancer because it substantially reduces the severity of postoperative morbidity. Various trials have compared hand-sewn with stapled anastomotic techniques, but the existing evidence regarding different configurations of hand-sewn anastomoses is scarce. The aim of this study is to compare the early postoperative outcomes of loop ileostomy reversal using the hand-sewn end-to-end or side-to-side configuration. A retrospective review was conducted on 62 consecutive patients undergoing ileostomy reversal between January 2012 and June 2017. The main outcome measure was postoperative bowel obstruction within 30 days after ileostomy reversal. Secondary outcomes included rate of anastomotic insufficiency, wound infection, reoperation, postoperative length of stay, and overall morbidity. The end-to-end (EE) anastomosis group consisted of 32 cases, whereas the side-to-side (SS) group consisted of 30 cases. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and BMI were similar between the two groups. No statistically significant difference was noted regarding postoperative bowel obstruction between the two groups [EE vs SS: 4/32 vs 0, P = 0.11]. Postoperative length of stay was longer for the EE group ( P = 0.03). Overall, 30-days morbidity was higher for the EE group (EE vs SS: 11/32 vs 3/30, P = 0.03). All other secondary outcomes did not differ between the two groups. No statistically significant difference was observed with regard to postoperative bowel obstruction. Overall, 30-days morbidity and postoperative length of stay were significantly higher for the EE group. Further randomized trials are required to verify our findings.
Use of Bioabsorbable Tissue Reinforcement Reduces Incidence of Internal Hernia in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patients
Authors: Love Michael W. , Mansour Roosbeh , Hale Allyson L. , Bour Eric S. , Shenouda Ihab , Ewing Joseph A. , Mcdermott Sean , Scott John D.
Published: June 2020

Internal hernias are one of the most devastating late, postsurgical complications associated with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). The objective of this study was to determine whether placement of a bioabsorbable tissue matrix in soft tissue defects after gastric bypass resulted in a lower incidence of internal hernia development. Prospective database was used to identify all patients who underwent LRYGB between January 2002 and January 2016. These patients were then retrospectively reviewed to determine the development of internal hernia. Before 2009, the retro-Roux defect was left open during the primary operation and the defect at the jejunojejunostomy was closed with sutures or staples. Beginning in 2009, all soft tissue internal defects were reinforced with an 8 cm 3 8-cm piece of bioabsorbable matrix. The incidence of subsequent internal hernia development was compared between these two groups: no bioabsorbable matrix versus use of a bioabsorbable matrix. A total of 2771 patients underwent LRYGB during our study period. From these, 1215 procedures were performed without tissue reinforcement and 1556 were performed using a bioabsorbable matrix. During the study period, 274 patients developed an internal hernia. Patients who did not have tissue reinforcement at closure had a significantly higher internal hernia rate [225/1215 (18.5%) vs 49/1556 (3.1%), P < 0.005]. This study demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in internal hernia formation after LRYGB with the addition of a bioabsorbable tissue matrix. Although prospective studies are needed, early evidence suggests that reinforcement with a bioabsorbable tissue scaffold is an effective method for minimizing internal hernias after LRYGB.
Comparative Analysis of Laparoscopic Fundoplication and Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for the Treatment of Medically Refractory GERD
Authors: Richards William O. , Mcrae Carly
Published: June 2020

We have recently introduced laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) combined with hiatal hernia repair for treatment of patients with medically refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). MSA is a novel surgical approach to the treatment of severe GERD, in which magnetic beads are secured around the lower esophageal sphincter, augmenting the lower esophageal sphincter function as an anti-reflux barrier. We hypothesize that patients undergoing MSA will achieve GERD relief, equal to that obtained after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The GERD Health Related Quality of Life (GERD HRQL) Questionnaire is a validated clinical tool that was used to quantify patient outcomes in terms of GERD-related symptoms both on and off proton pump inhibitors and after acute radiation syndrome. We retrospectively reviewed data from patients at our institution enrolled in a prospective institutional review board–approved database “Registry Outcomes Anti-Reflux Surgery” that applies objective and subjective information about patients undergoing anti-reflux surgery. Information from both the database and patient HRQL scores were used to compare the effectiveness of medical intervention with acute radiation syndrome (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and MSA) in decreasing GERD-related symptoms in patients. Results are expressed as mean ± SE, and single-factor ANOVA test was used to compare groups. We found that MSA and laparoscopic fundoplication both lead to a comparable decrease in HRQL score and an increase in patient satisfaction when compared with patient's preoperative symptoms with maximum proton pump inhibitor use. In addition, our study shows that MSA is a safe minimally invasive anti-reflux procedure without the negative side-effects, such as gas bloat, inability to belch, and inability to vomit, commonly associated with NF.
Frank G. Slaughter, M.D., FACS: Medical Novelist and Surgeon Writer
Authors: Trotter Michael C.
Published: June 2020

“The curiosity of the public about things medical is probably greater than on any other single subject—except perhaps sex.” This quote by Frank Gill Slaughter, M.D., is indicative of the foresight, intuitiveness, and intelligence of one of the medical profession's most prolific and successful surgeon writers. His primary genre was historical fiction, and he incorporated medical and surgical history into nearly all of his writings with a “surgeon-hero” consistently the lead character. Slaughter published 65 books between 1941 and 1987 and sold 75 million copies in 23 languages. Slaughter received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1930 and completed general surgery training at Jefferson Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1934. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1934, where he would remain for the rest of his life, excepting military service in World War II. He became a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 1938 and was certified by the American Board of Surgery in 1940. Slaughter died in 2001 at the age of 93. This contribution examines the keen intellect and prolific authorship of this important and significant surgeon writer and medical novelist.
Routine Intraoperative Neuromonitoring of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve to Facilitate Complete Resection and Ensure Safety in Thyroid Cancer Surgery
Authors: Wu Si-Yuan , Shen Hung-Yuan , Duh Quan-Yang , Hsieh Chung-Bao , Yu Jyh-Cherng , Shih Ming-Lang
Published: June 2020

Routine use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) in thyroid cancer surgery is controversial. We aimed to investigate whether it improves the completeness of thyroidectomy and ensures safety. This retrospective study included 380 thyroid cancer patients who underwent thyroidectomy, by one surgeon, between July 2006 and November 2015. Patients were grouped according to the surgeon's adaptation of IONM, as follows: none (period 1; n = 92), early (period 2; n = 141), and late (period 3; n = 147). The operative time and rates of vocal cord palsy were determined. Surgical completeness was assessed by technetium-99m imaging of the thyroid remnant and serum thyroglobulin measurement before ablation. The rate of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy showed a decreasing trend over time. No permanent RLN palsies occurred in nerves not invaded by tumor after routine IONM was introduced. Technetium-99m uptake (periods 1–3, 0.62 vs 0.32 vs 0.20; P < 0.01) and thyroglobulin levels (periods 1 and 2, 37.93 vs 8.98 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.034; period 3, 9.10 ng/mL) progressively decreased. The mean thyroglobulin level dropped significantly after introduction of routine IONM. We conclude that routine IONM during thyroid cancer surgery improves surgical completeness and might prevent permanent RLN palsy over time.
Postoperative Complication Assessments of Different Reconstruction Procedures after Total Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy: Tubular Gastric Pull-Up versus Whole Gastric Pull-Up
Authors: Dai Zhenbo , He Qinghua , Pan Boyu , Liu Liren , Zhou Dejun
Published: June 2020

Hypopharynx carcinoma tends to be diagnosed at advanced stage and usually has a poor prognosis because of the high incidence of submucosal spreading and lymphatic metastasis. Total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy (PLE) is mostly used as a curative intervention for this deadly disease, and a commonly used reconstruction method after PLE is gastric pull-up, which could be further divided into tubular gastric pull-up and whole gastric pull-up procedures. Aiming to achieve a precise guidance on optimal reconstruction method after PLE, the present study evaluated the postoperative complications involving in different gastric pull-up procedures in patients with hypopharynx cancer. A total of 52 consecutive patients with hypopharyngeal cancer who underwent total PLE with gastric pull-up reconstruction in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between 1996 and 2014 were analyzed in this study. Of these patients, 28 underwent tubular gastric pull-up reconstruction procedure (Group A), whereas 24 underwent whole gastric pull-up reconstruction procedure (Group B). We compared the postoperative complications between these two groups retrospectively. Postoperative anastomotic fistulas occurred in three patients in Group A (3/28) versus eight patients in Group B (8/24), leading to an incidence rate of 10.71 and 33.33 per cent, respectively. The incidence of intrathoracic stomach syndrome was 21.43 per cent in Group A (6/28) versus 58.33 per cent in Group B (14/24), and the incidence of reflux was 35.71 per cent in Group A (10/28) versus 66.67 per cent in Group B (16/24). All of the above postoperative complications exhibited statistical differences between two groups ( P ≤ 0.05). This retrospective observation study suggests that compared with whole gastric pull-up, tubular gastric pull-up is a better reconstruction procedure of choice after PLE, evidenced by reduced incidences of postoperative anastomotic fistula, intrathoracic stomach syndrome, and reflux.
Is Noncurative Hepatic Resection Justified for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma?
Authors: Hai Seikan , Hatano Etsuro , Okada Toshihiro , Uyama Naoki , Suzumura Kazuhiro , Fujimoto Jiro
Published: June 2020

It has been obscure whether or not noncurative hepatic resection (Hx) has a favorable impact on the clinical course in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study is to clarify the significance of noncurative Hx for advanced HCC. Among 666 consecutive patients undergoing Hx for HCC in our department, 79 patients underwent noncurative Hx. These patients were classified as Group A (presence of macrovascular invasion [MVI]; n = 29), Group B (residual tumors in the remnant liver; n = 37), Group C (residual tumors in the remnant liver with MVI; n = 7), or Group D (residual tumors in the remnant liver with distant metastasis [with or without MVI]; n = 6). The three-year survival rates were 49.6 per cent in Group A, 30.3 per cent in Group B, 14.3 per cent in Group C, and 0.0 per cent in Group D, respectively (Groups A and B vs Group D, P < 0.05). Moreover, the survival rate was significantly higher in patients with ≤3 tumors than in those with ≥4 tumors ( P < 0.05), when Group B was divided into subgroups according to the number of residual tumors in the remnant liver. In conclusion, noncurative Hx might be acceptable for advanced HCC with MVI or ≤3 residual tumors in the remnant liver.
Operative Management of Recurrent and Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lo Winifred M. , Kariya Christine M. , Hernandez Jonathan M.
Published: June 2020

Metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is associated with a poor 5-year survival rate and high rate of recurrence. Outcomes after resection for patients with limited disease remain poorly described. We conducted a PubMed search for articles published between 1950 and 2017 using the terms “ACC,” “recurrence,” and “surgery.” Patients with metastatic ACC at any anatomic site who had undergone surgical resection were included. Thirteen studies met the criteria. Patients were grouped according to the recurrence site. Pulmonary metastasectomy was reported in 50 patients with moderate complications and without perioperative mortality. Disease recurrence rates range from 25 to 42 per cent, with median overall survival of 40 to 50 months. Hepatic metastasectomy was reported in 108 patients with a single perioperative mortality. Disease recurrence rates range from 65 to 100 per cent, with median disease-free survival (DFS) and OS of five to nine months and 22 to 76 months. Peritoneal cytoreduction and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy have been reported for 10 patients with minimal morbidity and without perioperative mortality. The disease recurrence rate was 70 per cent, with DFS of 19 months. For selected patients with recurrent ACC in the lungs, liver, or peritoneum, metastasectomy is safe and can be associated with prolonged survival. However, subsequent disease recurrence is common, and patients should be counseled accordingly.
What is the Utility of Routine Complete Blood Count, Liver Function Tests, and Chest X-ray in the Evaluation of Patients with Clinically Node-Negative Breast Cancer?
Authors: Merrill Ameliay , Garland Mary M. , Howard-Mcnatt Marissa , Isnassuos Mena , Perry Kathleen C. , Levine Edward A.
Published: June 2020

National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines suggest a selective workup of early-stage breast cancer with complete blood count (CBC) and liver function tests (LFTs) and no longer recommend chest X-ray (CXR) to screen for occult metastasis. We evaluated the utility of routine preoperative screening tests in patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) breast cancer. We identified 1611 patients with cN0 breast cancer treated at our institution between October 1998 and December 2015; 94.4 per cent of the patients underwent at least one preoperative screening test: 90.8 per cent CBC, 89.4 per cent LFTs, and 63.6 per cent CXR. Thirty-six per cent of CBCs, 13.1 per cent of LFTs, and 6.7 per cent of CXRs were abnormal. Abnormalities led to 17 CTscans, and one found an occult metastasis. Eleven patients (0.7%) were diagnosed with metastatic disease post-operatively, but only half had abnormal preoperative screening tests. Positive predictive values of preoperative CBC, LFTs, and CXR for occult metastasis are 1.3 per cent, 1.1 per cent, and 1.5 per cent, respectively. Preoperative screening in cN0 breast cancer is of low yield. Even when abnormalities are found, metastasis is present in less than 1 per cent of patients, and a normal study does not rule out metastasis. Routine preoperative determination is not warranted, and staging studies should be limited to patients with signs or symptoms.
Robotic Surgery is More Expensive with Similar Outcomes in Sleeve Gastrectomy: Analysis of the NIS Database
Authors: Adair Marcus J. , Alharthi Samer , Ortiz Jorge , Qu Weikai , Baldawi Mohanad , Nazzal Munier , Baskara Arunkumar
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes after robotic-assisted and laparoscopic bariatric sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Sleeve gastrectomy is traditionally performed using laparoscopic techniques. Robotic-assisted surgery enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive SG, but with unknown benefits. Using a national database, we compared postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic SG and robotic-assisted SG. National data from individuals undergoing elective SG in the National Inpatient Sample database between 2011 and 2013 were analyzed. Propensity score matching was used to match robotic and laparoscopic groups by demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. The matching cohorts were compared. A total of 26,195 patients who underwent elective SG for morbid obesity were included. Of these, 25,391 (96.9%) were completed via laparoscopy, whereas 804 (3.1%) were performed with robotic assistance. There were no significant differences in demographics and subsequent postoperative complications. The inhospital mortality was similar. Length of hospital stay was statistically different, with a mean of 1.88 in laparoscopic versus 2.08 days in robotic (P < 0.001). Higher total hospital charges were noted in the robotic-assisted SG group (median US$38,569 vs US$54,658, P < 0.001). These differences were evident even after adjusting for confounding factors: wound infection, atelectasis, bowel obstruction, pneumonia, and bowel obstruction (P < 0.001).
Cholecystic Venous Anatomy: A Cadaveric Study with Implications for Portal Venous Interruption Procedure
Authors: Sareli Merab , Zendel Alex , Nissan Aviram , Zippel Douglas
Published: June 2020

The techniques of portal vein embolization (PVE) or ligation (PVL) have the goals of combining an induced atrophy of metastatic segments with the rapid relative compensatory hypertrophy of the postresection future liver remnant (FLR). Our study examines the anatomy of right-left hepatic lobar venous connections in the adult cadaver using corrosion cast analysis in an effort to define some of the inherent anatomical reasons why both PVL and PVE may be technically unsuccessful. Corrosion cast models of 215 cadaveric liver specimens were evaluated for hepatopetal venous blood flow, with a particular emphasis on cholecystic venous drainage patterns, including 57 cases prepared after lobar portal venous ligation. In 88.8 per cent of corrosion casts, there was a segmental venous communication between the gallbladder and all segments of the liver, except segment II. There was cystic vein drainage directly into a main lobar branch or directly into the portal vein itself in 11.2 per cent of cases. In all 57 cases, after portal lobar venous division, in situ cystic veins allowed persistent venous communication between lobes. Our cadaveric corrosion cast study has suggested that there is extensive intrahepatic cholecystic venous drainage to many segments of the liver. Perfusion from the gallbladder may potentially contribute to a limited response to procedures which interrupt the portal venous flow and could affect their capacity to induce an adequate FLR which would permit a wider hepatectomy.
Intraoperative Consultations to Acute Care Surgery at a Level I Trauma Center
Authors: Pirotte Benjamin , Inaba Kenji , Schellenberg Morgan , Recinos Gustavo , Lam Lydia , Benjamin Elizabeth , Matsushima Kazuhide , Demetriades Demetrios
Published: June 2020

Intraoperative consultations are an important component of acute care surgery (ACS). The nature of these consultations is incompletely characterized by the existing literature. The study objective was to define the characteristics of intraoperative consults managed by a mature ACS program at a Level I trauma center. All intraoperative consultations requested from the ACS service at LAC1USC Medical Center (January 2011–July 2016) were identified. Demographics, date/time of consultation, referring service, procedure data, and outcomes were abstracted. Sixty-four intra-operative consultations were identified. Patients had a mean age of 45 (range 21–64) and 84 per cent (n = 54) were female. Gynecology was the most frequent consulting service (n = 42, 66%), followed by urology (n = 12, 19%). Surgical intervention was required in 61 per cent (n = 39) and verbal advice with clinical follow-up was required in 39 per cent (n = 25). The most common procedures were repair of an injury (n = 19, 49%), usually to the small bowel or colon; resection of an incidental finding (n = 13, 33%), typically the appendix or a Meckel's diverticulum; and lysis of adhesions (n = 7, 18%). In conclusion, intraoperative consultation is provided by ACS to a wide range of consultants, especially gynecology and urology. These consults are most frequently requested for concern for iatrogenic injury. Both surgical and verbal interventions are used.
Clinical Evaluation of Preoperative Radiotherapy Combined with FOLFOX Chemotherapy on Patients with Locally Advanced Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhou Jing , Guo Zuoming , Yu Weiqiang , Li Shan , Qiao Wenbo
Published: June 2020

This study explores the effect of preoperative radiotherapy combined with FOLFOX chemotherapy on patients with locally advanced colon cancer (LACC). Data of 102 patients with LACC were retrospectively analyzed. All received surgical resection plus postoperative FOLFOX chemotherapy; whereas 58 patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy combined with FOLFOX chemotherapy (CRT group, combined with radiotherapy treatment group), 44 patients did not undergo radiotherapy (non-CRT group). Short-and long-term effects as well as operative complications were compared. The optical density values of the caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 and inhibitor of growth 4 in lesions, and malignant molecules including vascular endothelial growth factor and cathepsin-D in serum were compared. The CRT group showed higher total pathological complete tumor response rate and resection rate, and lower incidence of incisional infection than the non-CRT group (all P < 0.05). The CRT group was significantly better in the three-year disease-free survival than the non-CRT group ( P < 0.05), but slightly better in the three-year overall survival and disease-free survival in the first, second, and third years ( P > 0.05). The optical density values of the caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 and inhibitor of growth 4 were higher than those in the non-CRT group (both P < 0.05). The levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and cathepsin-D in the CRT group were lower than those in the non-CRT group (both P < 0.05). Preoperative radiotherapy combined with FOLFOX chemotherapy can improve the resection rate and the pathological complete response rate in LACC surgery, and improve the survival time and the disease-free survival condition.
Predicting Postoperative Complications after Acute Care Surgery: How Accurate is the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator?
Authors: Golden Daniel L. , Ata Ashar , Kusupati Vinita , Jenkel Timothy , Khakoo Nidahs , Taguma Kristie , Siddiqui Ramail , Chan Ryan , Rivetz Jessica , Rosati Carl
Published: June 2020

The ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator (SRC) is an evidence-based clinical tool commonly used for evaluating postoperative risk. The goal of this study was to validate SRC-predicted complications by comparing them with observed outcomes in the acute care surgical setting. In this study, pre- and postoperative data from 1693 acute care surgeries (hernia repair, enterolysis, intestinal incision/excision and enterectomy, gastrectomy, debridement, colectomy, appendectomy, cholecystectomy, gastrorrhaphy, and incision and drainage of soft tissue, breast abscesses, and removal of foreign bodies) performed at a Level I trauma center over a five-year time period were abstracted. Predictions for any and serious complications were based on SRC were compared with observed outcomes using various measures of diagnostic. When evaluated as one group, the SRC had good discriminative power for predicting any and serious complications after acute care surgeries (Area Under the Curve (AUC) 0.79, 0.81). In addition, the SRC met Brier score requirements for an informative model overall. However, the predictive accuracy of the SRC varied for various procedures within the acute care patient population. For serious complications, the diagnostic measures ranged from an AUC of 0.61 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.716 for incision & drainage soft tissue to AUC of 0.91 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.064 for gastrorrhaphy. Length of stay was significantly underestimated by the SRC overall (8.56 days, P < 0.01) and for individual procedures. The SRC performs well at predicting complications after acute care surgeries overall; however, there is great variability in performance between procedure types. Further refinements in risk stratification may improve SRC predictions.
Analysis of Clinical Efficiency and Safety of Laparoscopic Anus-Conserving Operation for Ultralow Rectal Cancer
Authors: Zuo Zhongkun , Ding Ke , Tang Tenglong , Zhang Leiyi , Peng Weihui , Deng Yiren , Huang Jiangsheng , Duan Lunxi
Published: June 2020

To explore the efficiency and safety of laparoscopic anus-conserving operation for ultralow rectal cancer, we retrospectively reviewed 236 patients with ultralow rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic anus-conserving operation (experimental group, n = 124) or conventional open surgery (control group, n = 112). Operation-related indexes, pathological results of mesentery, incidence rates of postoperative complications, anus preservation rates, anal sphincter controllability after surgery, and survival rates of the first, second, and third years after operation were compared between the two groups. The amount of intraoperative bleeding, first postoperative exhaust time, abdominal drainage, pain score, and hospital stay in the experimental group were significantly less than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the postoperative circumferential resection margin, distal resection margin, number of dissected lymph nodes, successful resection rate, and quality of mesorectum between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The total incidence rate of postoperative complications, anal sphincter controllability, and survival rates after surgery were similar between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The anus preservation rate of the experimental group (84.7%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (69.6%) ( P < 0.05). Laparoscopic anus-conserving operation is effective and safe in treatment of patients with ultralow rectal cancer, which has advantages such as small trauma, less intra-operative bleeding, short hospital stay, rapid recovery, a low incidence rate of postoperative complications, and a high anus-preserving rate, so it is worthy of clinical application.
Perioperative Outcomes and Quality of Life after Repair of Recurrent Hiatal Hernia are Compromised Compared with Primary Repair
Authors: Brown Andrew M. , Nagle Ramzy , Pucci Michael J. , Chojnacki Karen , Rosato Ernest L. , Palazzo Francesco
Published: June 2020

Paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) is burdened by high recurrence rates that frequently lead to redo PEHR. Revisional surgery, because of higher complexity, higher risk of injury, and the intrinsic risk of recurrence, has increased likelihood of higher complication rates and decreased quality of life (QOL) postoperatively. We aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and QOL after revisional and primary PEHR. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent PEHR for a recurrent hernia between January 2011 and July 2016 was completed. These were matched with a contemporary cohort of patients who underwent primary PEHR by age, gender, and BMI. Perioperative measures were compared. The patients were invited to complete the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) to assess response to surgical intervention. There were 24 patients (group 1) who underwent revisional PEHR, and they were matched to 48 patients (group 2) who had a primary hernia repair. Thirteen patients in group 1 responded to the survey (54%), whereas 21 patients’ responses were received from group 2 (44%). Conversion rates, LOS, and mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index scores were significantly different between the two groups. Reoperative procedures for paraesophageal and hiatal hernias are burdened by higher conversion rates and length of stay, with similar overall complication rates. Patients who are undergoing repair of a recurrent hernia should be preoperatively counseled, and should have realistic expectations of their GI QOL after surgery.
A Structured Remediation Program Results in Durable Improvement of American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE®) Performance
Authors: Wasicek Philip J. , Wise Eric S. , Kavic Stephen M.
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to assess the results of a structured remediation program for surgical residents scoring poorly on the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination®. Residents scoring below the threshold (<20th percentile) were placed in a remediation program consisting of textbook-based review and mandatory weekly quizzes overseen by the program director. The effects of the program were assessed over a five-year period (2014-2018). Of 168 tests taken, 23 (13.7%) instances of scoring below the threshold occurred (average percentile 11, range 1–19). Postremediation scores in the subsequent year improved with a median (IQR) percentile increase of 29 [23.5, 46] ( P < 0.001). Two residents scored below the threshold twice; all others continued to score above the threshold. Participation in a structured remediation program results in dramatic improvement in American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination® performance, and a single occurrence of poor performance does not necessarily lead to a permanent handicap in academic performance.
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing Lightweight and Heavyweight Mesh for Laparoscopic Total Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Xu Ming , Xu Song
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of lightweight and heavyweight mesh on postoperative recovery in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index, and the Cochrane Library were used to search for published clinical randomized controlled trials, which compared lightweight meshes with heavyweight meshes in TEP inguinal hernia repair. The outcomes were calculated as risk ratios with 95 per cent confidence intervals using RevMan 5.2. Eight randomized controlled trials were included. Compared with a heavyweight mesh, the lightweight mesh led to a higher incidence of recurrence (risk ratio = 2.52, 95% confidence interval 1.10–5.81; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in chronic moderate to severe pain, foreign body sensation, and seroma. The use of lightweight mesh is not recommended for TEP inguinal hernia repair.
Novel Technique to Reduce the Incidence of SSI after Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Kay Danielle , Bhakta Avinash , Patel Jitesh A. , Hourigan Jon S. , Kumar Shyanie , Davenport Daniel , Beck Sandra J.
Published: June 2020

SSI is a leading cause of morbidity and increases health-care cost after colorectal operations. It is a key hospital-level patient safety indicator. Previous literature has identified perioperative risk factors associated with SSI and interventions to decrease rate of infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of blowhole closure on the rate of superficial and deep SSI. The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing colectomy at the University of Kentucky from 2013 to 2016. Retrospective chart review was performed to gather demographic data and perioperative variables. Wounds left open and packed were excluded. Rates of postoperative SSI were measured between the groups. One thousand eighty-three patients undergoing elective and emergent colectomy were reviewed. Nine hundred and forty-five had closed incision and 138 had blowhole closure. Patient characteristics between the groups were well matched. Patients with a blowhole closure were more likely to have an open procedure ( P = 0.037) and a higher wound class ( P < 0.001). The rate of superficial and deep SSI was 9.1 per cent in patients with a closed incision and 5.1 per cent in patients with blowhole closure ( P = 0.142). With adjustment for approach and wound class, blowhole closure decreased the incidence of SSI ( P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in morbidity or mortality. Patients undergoing elective and emergent colectomy had decreased incidence of SSI when blowhole closure was used. Given that it does not increase resource usage and its technical ease, blowhole closure should become the standard method of surgical wound closure.
Anemia at Discharge in Elderly Trauma Patients is Not Associated with Six-Month Mortality
Authors: Ong Adrian W. , Muller Alison , Sigal Adam , Fernandez Forrest
Published: June 2020

Few studies have evaluated outcomes in geriatric trauma patients discharged with anemia. Our hypothesis was that anemia at discharge was not associated with six-month mortality. A 22-month retrospective study of trauma patients ≥ 65 years was conducted from 2015 to 2016. The end point was six-month mortality. The degree of anemia at admission (admission hemoglobin [AHb]) and discharge (discharge hemoglobin [DHb]) was categorized as follows based on hemoglobin (Hb) (g/dL): I (>10), II (>9 and ≤10), III (>8 and ≤9), and IV (≤8). Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the association of AHb and DHb with the end point. Nine hundred forty-nine patients were analyzed (median age, 82 years). Six-month mortality was 11 per cent. Mortality was associated with AHb by univariate analysis (I:10% [84/831]; II: 13% [9/67]; III: 22% [7/32]; and IV: 26% [5/19]) ( P = 0.003). DHb was not associated with mortality (I:11% [65/613]; II: 12% [21/183]; III: 10% [12/116]; and IV: 18% [7/39]) ( P = 0.37). Logistic regression found that AHb category IV, age, and chronic kidney disease were independently associated with the end point. In geriatric patients, the severity of anemia at admission and not at discharge predicted six-month mortality. Discharging patients with an Hb of ≤8 g/dL was not adversely associated with mortality.
Field Triage of Motor Vehicle Crashes: Which Factors Predict High Injury Severity?
Authors: Leichtle Stefan W. , Poulos Nicholas G. , Whelan James , Aboutanos Michel
Published: June 2020

Patient physiology and crash characteristics are essential components of field triage for motor vehicle crashes. We aimed to identify prehospital information that predicted high injury severity or critical patient condition on hospital arrival. The association of demographics, shock index (SI), Glasgow Coma Scale, and 10 crash characteristics of trauma activations for motor vehicle crashes with injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16 and a composite of hypotension, need for blood transfusions, or immediate operation was determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 133 of 498 patients (27%) had ISS ≥ 16; SI ≥ 0.9, Glasgow Coma Scale ≤, 8, speed ≥ 55 mph, seatbelt use, airbag deployment, ambulatory patient, severe vehicle damage, ejection, and extrication were associated with ISS ≥ 16. Only abnormal SI and high speed remained independent predictors for ISS ≥ 16 with Odds Ratio (OR) = 10.76 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14-101, P = 0.04) and OR = 10.37 (95% CI, 1.48–72.93, P = 0.02), respectively. SI ≥ 0.9 predicted the composite outcome with OR = 5.92 (95% CI, 2.32–15.08, P < 0.01). Many commonly reported crash characteristics did not predict clinically important outcomes. Improvements in road and vehicle safety may be resulting in lower injury severity despite major crash mechanisms.
Trauma in Pregnancy: The Relationship of Trauma Activation Level and Obstetric Outcomes
Authors: Bryant Mary K. , Roy Sara , Purcell Laura N. , Porras Kristina L. , Spencer Alex , Udekwu Pascal
Published: June 2020

Trauma in pregnancy is a leading cause of poor fetal and obstetric outcomes. Trauma team activation (TTA) criteria include injury with ≥ 20 weeks gestational age (GA). A retrospective analysis was performed on pregnant patients evaluated at a Level 1 trauma center. Patients were characterized by TTA: full, partial, or non-TTA, and TTA criteria independent of pregnancy. Index trauma and delayed delivery hospitalization outcomes were examined. Bivariate analysis, t test, and logistic regression were used when appropriate. From 2010 to 2015, 216 full, 50 partial, and 50 non-TTAs presented. Independent of pregnancy, 79 per cent of patients did not meet the TTA criteria. Fourteen (4%) had a pregnancy-related complication during index hospitalization (eight fetal and two maternal deaths). Nine of ten deaths occurred in patients meeting TTA independent of pregnancy. Delivery complications were greater in the index (52%, 13/25) versus subsequent (5%, 17/155) hospitalizations and were predicted by the respiratory rate ( P = 0.016) and injury severity score ( P < 0.001). Poor delayed delivery outcomes were associated with earlier GA ( P < 0.002) and longer index hospitalization ( P < 0.024). Odds of complication are higher in patients meeting the physiologic and anatomic criteria criteria for TTA versus GA criteria alone, signifying overtriage. Trauma activation protocols should be adapted based on the physiologic and anatomic criteria criteria in pregnant patients.
Visceral Kaposi Sarcoma Presenting as Small Bowel Intussusception: A Rare Presentation and Call to Action
Authors: Lovasik Brendan P. , Wang Vivian L. , Du Jour Kimberly S. Point , Kim Steven C. , Hashmi Salila S. , Haack Carla I.
Published: June 2020

Surgical emergencies related to visceral involvement of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) are rare complications of the disease. In this report, we describe a case of visceral KS causing small bowel intussusception in a young, previously undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive patient. Southern surgeons should be particularly attentive to HIV/AIDS-related disease as a cause of surgical pathology, particularly in the southeast, and can play a significant advocacy role for improved access to HIV/AIDS diagnostic and treatment services.
Incisional Hernia Repairs after Abdominal Organ Transplantation
Authors: Buggs Jacentha , Brando Anthony , Sokolich Julio , Rogers Ebonie , Kumar Ambuj , Bowers Victor
Published: June 2020

Incisional hernias occur after abdominal organ transplantation with rates of 1.6 per cent to 18 per cent in kidney transplants (KTs) and 1.7 to 32.4 per cent in liver transplants (LTs). We hypothesized a difference in KTand LToutcomes in patients with and without repair of incisional hernias. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of abdominal transplants from 2012 through 2016. The difference across compared groups for continuous variables was assessed using the independent sample t test, and for binary variables, using the chi-squared test. A total of 1518 transplants were performed, including 1138 KTs and 380 LTs. There were 83 KT incisional hernias (67 repaired) and 59 LT incisional hernias (48 repaired). There was no difference between groups with regard to smoking, diabetes, age, BMI, days on dialysis (KTs), pretransplant Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) (LTs), cold ischemic time, graft survival, or recurrence rate by repair method. In the LT population, there was a statistically significant difference in days on the waitlist ( P = 0.02), drain placement ( P = 0.04), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) mismatch ( P = 0.02). Patient survival was also statistically significant for KTs ( P = 0.04) and LTs ( P = 0.01). KT and LT patients who have their incisional hernias repaired have better overall survival, regardless of the repair technique.