bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction in Prescription Medication Costs after Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Authors: Nguyen Ninh T. , Varela J. Esteban , Sabio Allen , Naim Joseph , Stamos Michael , Wilson Samuel E.
Published: June 2020

Morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery commonly have multiple obesity-related comorbidities, including hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia (HLP), and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Medical management of these conditions can be costly. The aim of this study was to determine changes in the monthly prescription medication costs in morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. We examined the data on 77 morbidly obese patients receiving medications prescribed for GERD, DM, HTN, and/or HLP before and after laparoscopic gastric bypass. Changes in medication usage were recorded at 3-month intervals. The retail cost for these medications was obtained from drugstore.com. There were 55 women with a mean age of 45 ± 11 years. The mean body mass index was 47 ± 6. The mean excess body weight loss was 67 ± 14 per cent at 1 year. The mean number of prescription medication per patient was reduced from 2.4 preoperatively to 0.2 at 12 months after surgery. The mean monthly medication cost decreased from $196 preoperatively to $54 one month after surgery, representing a 72 per cent cost savings. One month postoperatively, medication cost saving for GERD was 81 per cent; for DM was 69 per cent; for HLP was 53 per cent; and for HTN was 43 per cent. The mean monthly medication cost savings for the first year after surgery was $168, with a yearly savings of $2016 per patient. Improvement of GERD, DM, HLP, and HTN occur as early as 1 month after laparoscopic gastric bypass results in substantial monthly medication cost savings.
Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in the Elderly
Authors: Varela J. Esteban , Wilson Samuel E. , Nguyen Ninh T.
Published: June 2020

The Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee recently concluded that evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery in the general adult population. However, more information is needed on the role of bariatric surgery in the elderly. The aim of this study was to examine the outcome of bariatric surgery in the elderly performed at academic centers. Using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision diagnosis and procedure codes, we obtained data from the University HealthSystem Consortium Clinical Data Base for all elderly (>60 years) and nonelderly (19–60 years) patients who underwent bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity between 1999 and 2005. Outcome measures, including patient characteristics, length of stay, 30-day readmission, morbidity, and observed and expected (risk-adjusted) mortality, were compared between groups. Bariatric surgery in the elderly represents 2.7 per cent (n = 1,339) of all bariatric operations being performed at academic centers. Of the 99 University HealthSystem Consortium centers performing bariatric surgery, 78 centers (79%) perform bariatric surgery in the elderly. Compared with nonelderly patients, elderly patients who underwent bariatric surgery had more comorbidities, longer lengths of stay (4.9 days vs 3.8 days, P < 0.01), more overall complications (18.9% vs 10.9%, P < 0.01), pulmonary complications (4.3% vs 2.3%, P < 0.01), hemorrhagic complications (2.5% vs 1.5%, P < 0.01), and wound complications (1.7% vs 1.0%). The in-hospital mortality rate was also higher in the elderly group (0.7% vs 0.3%, P = 0.03). When risk adjusted, the observed-to-expected mortality ratio for the elderly group was 0.9. In a subset of elderly patients with a pre-existing cardiac condition (n = 236), the in-hospital mortality was 4.7 per cent. Bariatric surgery in the elderly represents only a small fraction of the number of bariatric operations performed at academic centers. Although the morbidity and mortality is higher in the elderly, bariatric surgery in the elderly is considered as safe as other gastrointestinal procedures because the observed mortality is better than the expected (risk-adjusted) mortality.
Retrocecal Appendix Location and Perforation at Presentation
Authors: Herscu Gabriel , Kong Allen , Russell Dylan , Tran Cam-Ly , Varela J. Esteban , Cohen Allen , Stamos Michael J.
Published: June 2020

Retrocecal appendicitis has been theorized to follow a more insidious course than other anatomic variants. To determine the influence of retrocecal anatomy on clinical course of appendicitis, 200 adult patients treated at a major university medical center with the diagnosis of appendicitis from 2001 to 2004 were retrospectively studied. Computed tomography (CT) scans of adult patients with an ultimate diagnosis of appendicitis were analyzed to determine an association between retrocecal appendix and perforation of the appendix at presentation. A higher perforation rate in the retrocecal group would imply patient delay in presentation from more tolerable symptoms. CT scans were examined for retrocecal location and perforation. No significant association was found between retrocecal anatomy and perforation rates at presentation (chi-square = 2.1, P = 0.15, odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [0.8–3.0]). However, the risk of perforation was 60 per cent higher in the retrocecal group. By regression analysis, age and the presence of a fecalith on CT scan were predictors of appendix perforation. Appendix location was not. In this study, we found no significant association between retrocecal appendix anatomy and perforation at presentation.
American College of Surgeons Remains Committed to Patient Safety
Authors: Russell Thomas R. , Jones R. Scott
Published: June 2020

Since 1913 the American College of Surgeons has addressed patient safety as a top priority, so they are pleased to contribute this article offering the College's perspective on this critical subject. More specifically, this piece reviews the College's perennial efforts to ensure surgeons and hospitals access to scientifically verifiable standards, availability of effective quality improvement tools, and a better understanding of errors in care. Additionally, they examine the cultural changes required within surgery and provide an overview of the College's recent initiatives in research, accreditation, and education.
The Surgical Infection Prevention and Surgical Care Improvement Projects: Promises and Pitfalls
Authors: Bratzler Dale W.
Published: June 2020

Variations in outcomes for patients who have surgery are well known, and there is extensive evidence that failure to apply standards of care known to prevent adverse events results in patient harm. Infections and postoperative sepsis, cardiovascular complications, respiratory complications, and thromboembolic complications represent some of the most common adverse events that occur after surgery. Patients who experience postoperative complications have increased hospital length of stay, readmission rates, and mortality rates; in addition, costs of care are increased for patients, hospitals, and payers. In 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, implemented the Surgical Infection Prevention Project to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with postoperative surgical site infections. More recently, the Surgical Care Improvement Project, a national quality partnership of organizations committed to improving the safety of surgical care has been implemented. Although the Surgical Care Project does not focus on the complete set of important surgical quality issues, it does provide the incentive and infrastructure for national data collection and quality improvement activities for hospitals. There is now a strong national commitment to measure processes and outcomes of care for surgery in the United States.
The Volume-Outcome Debate Revisited
Authors: Finlayson Samuel R.G.
Published: June 2020

Multiple studies support the intuitive association between higher provider procedure volume and better clinical outcomes. Health care purchasers and payers have been seeking ways to direct patients to high-volume providers to improve the quality of care received and to avoid costs associated with higher surgical morbidity. Volume-based referral has faced resistance from providers who are concerned that the use of volume instead of more direct measures of surgical quality will result in unfair discrimination. On close examination, volume-based referral policies also appear to be more congruent with payers’ interests than the interests of individual patients and providers. Furthermore, a policy of volume-based referral does not address surgical quality directly, is applicable to only a very small segment of surgical care, and is logistically problematic. However, in the absence of viable alternative measures of surgical quality, imperfect proxies such as volume will likely continue to be a significant part of the national dialogue surrounding surgical quality.
Morbidity and Mortality in Vascular Surgery: The Kentucky Experience with a Statewide Database
Authors: Richardson J. David
Published: June 2020

Efforts at improvement in quality of care for surgical patients have required multiple strategies that include local, regional, and national efforts to influence processes and outcomes, and examination of outcome databases with and without risk stratification. In the mid to late 1980s, there was an effort to examine the outcome of two high-risk procedures (carotid endarterectomy and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair) on all Medicare patients in the state of Kentucky with an effort to determine the outcome of their treatment and improve the quality of care delivered to them. Even though this experience is somewhat dated, it still represents a unique examination of a large number of patients treated by numerous surgeons. Furthermore, all charts reviewed by the author presented an opportunity to compare actual patient data with that obtained from an administrative data set. This report also examines the author's attempts at improving outcome.
Utility of Neurosurgical Consultation for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Huynh Toan , Jacobs David G. , Dix Stephanie , Sing Ronald F. , Miles William S. , Thomason Michael H.
Published: June 2020

Trauma patients presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 14–15 are considered to have mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) with overall good neurologic outcomes. Current practice consists of initial stabilization, followed by a head CT, and neurosurgical consultation. Aside from serial neurologic examinations, patients with a GCS of 15 rarely require neurosurgical intervention. In this study, we examined the added value of neurosurgical consultation in the care of patients after TBI with a GCS of 15. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients presenting after blunt trauma with an abnormal head CT and GCS of 15 between January 2004 and January 2005. Patients with a normal head CT and <48 hours hospital stay were excluded. Data included demographics, mechanisms of injury, Injury Severity Score, the radiologists’ dictated interpretations of the head CT, and neurosurgical interventions. Fifty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 41 ± 2.3 years, and the mean Injury Severity Scores was 10.2 ± 0.6. Mechanisms of injury included 64 per cent motor vehicle crash, 16 per cent motorcycle crash, 13 per cent fall, and 7 per cent all-terrain vehicle crash. The initial CT scans showed 43 per cent parenchymal contusions, 38 per cent subarachnoid hemorrhage, 14 per cent subdural hematomas, and 5 per cent epidural hematomas. All patients received a routine follow-up head CT, and 16 per cent showed changes (five improved and four were worse compared with initial CT scans). None of these patients received a neurosurgical intervention, and two were transferred to a rehabilitation service. In this era of limited resources, trauma patients who present with a GCS score of 15 after mild TBI can be safely managed without neurosurgical consultation, even in the presence of an abnormal head CT scan.
Blood Transfusion is an Independent Predictor of Mortality after Blunt Trauma
Authors: Charles Anthony , Shaikh Almaasa , Walters Madonna , Huehl Susan , Pomerantz Richard
Published: June 2020

Allogeneic blood transfusion is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The authors evaluated the affect of blood transfusion, independent of injury severity on mortality. The authors conducted a retrospective review of all patients, age ≥18 years with blunt injury admitted to their Level 2 trauma center from 1994 to 2004 by query of the NTRACS trauma registry. Initial systolic blood pressure and heart rate determined the shock index. Logistic regression was used to model the affect of blood transfusion on mortality. Transfusion requirements were categorized as follows: A, 0 U; B, 1 to 2 U; C, 3 to 5 U; D, ≥6 U blood. In this sample of 8215 blunt trauma patients, 324 patients received blood transfusion. Mortality rates between the transfused and nontransfused groups were 15.12 per cent and 1.84 per cent ( P < 0.000) respectively. In the logistic regression model, transfusion category B did not have a significant affect on the odds of death ( P = 0.176); the affect of transfusing 3 to 5 U and ≥6 U had a mortality odds ratio of 3.22 ( P = 0.002) and 4.87 ( P = 0.000) respectively. Transfusing ≥2U blood was strongly associated with mortality in this blunt trauma population. There must be a continuous attempt to limit blood transfusion when feasible and physiologically appropriate.
Colorectal Cancer in the Young Patient
Authors: Leff Daniel R. , Chen Alvin , Roberts David , Grant Katherine , Western Catherine , Windsor Alastair C. J. , G. Cohen C. Richard
Published: June 2020

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the UK. It is estimated that between 2 to 3 per cent of colorectal cancer occurs in patients younger than the age of 40 years. It remains unclear from the literature whether this group of patients has a worse prognosis from colorectal cancer than the population as a whole. There are no large series that report a 10-year survival in young patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The authors’ objective was to assess patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer younger than the age of 40 years to determine whether the 5- and 10-year survival rates in a tertiary referral center compares favorably with survival rates obtained at other centers and the population as a whole. A retrospective observational study was conducted and an analysis of the patient's notes was made, specifically looking at age at diagnosis, nature and duration of symptoms, predisposing risk factors for colorectal cancer, the site within the bowel of the colorectal cancer, the type of curative resection performed, Dukes’ stage, and details of 5- and 10-year follow-up to assess survival. Forty-nine patients age 40 years or younger received treatment for colorectal cancer at St. Mark's Hospital from 1982 to 1992. The overall 5- and 10-year survival was 58 per cent and 46 per cent respectively. The study provides more evidence to support the fact that young patients with colorectal cancer seem to present with more advanced disease. Despite this, the overall 5-year relative survival rate is comparable if not better than other studies, supporting recent evidence that the prognosis in this group of patients is no worse than for colorectal cancer in the population as a whole.
Colorectal Cancer Metastasis Presenting as a Testicular Mass: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ouellette James R. , Harboe–Schmidt Jens Erik , Luthringer Daniel , Brackert Sandra , Silberman Allan W.
Published: June 2020

Metastatic lesions to the testicle are uncommon. The authors report a testicular mass as the initial manifestation of distant metastasis from colorectal cancer. This case describes a 51-year-old white man who presented with an enlarged right testicle 9 months after undergoing a right hemicolectomy for a stage IIIC colon adenocarcinoma. The diagnostic and management strategy is discussed. In addition, the literature is reviewed to characterize this uncommon entity further. Although rare, testicular metastasis must be considered in patients with previously resected colorectal carcinoma.
The Effect of Stress-Reducing, Low-Dose Ethanol Infusion on Frequency of Bleeding Complications in Long-Term Alcoholic Patients Undergoing Major Surgery
Authors: Schoenfeld Helge , Heymann Christian Von , Lau Alexandra , Krocker Doerte , Neuner Bruno , Schink Tania , Schwenk Wolfgang , Spies Claudia D.
Published: June 2020

Perioperative low-dose ethanol infusion is a feasible option for stress reduction and prophylaxis of alcoholism-associated complications. Because alcohol has inhibitory effects on hemostasis, our study focused on the effect of perioperative low-dose ethanol infusion on bleeding complications, defined as transfused blood units and reoperations, in alcoholic patients undergoing major surgery. We included 44 long-term alcoholic patients scheduled for tumor resection of the aerodigestive and gastrointestinal tract. Patients were randomly assigned to the ethanol or control group. Ethanol infusion (0.5 g ethanol/kg body weight/24 hours) started before surgery and was continued until the postoperative Day 3. Regarding all patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the amount of transfused blood between the ethanol and control groups. However, the effect of ethanol infusion on bleeding complications depended on the site of surgery. Ethanol infusion resulted in an increased number of transfused blood units in gastrointestinal patients and a decreased number of transfused units in patients undergoing tumor resection of the aero-digestive tract. In conclusion, perioperative ethanol infusion in long-term alcoholic patients with tumor resections of the aerodigestive tract is an option for stress reduction without increased risk for blood transfusion. In contrast, ethanol infusion in patients with tumor resections in the gastrointestinal tract could increase the risk for bleeding complications.
Advances and Changes in the Management of Liver Injuries
Authors: Lee Seong K. , Carrillo Eddy H.
Published: June 2020

Because of advances in noninvasive imaging techniques and a better understanding of the natural history of hepatic injuries; currently, most patients with complex liver injuries are treated in a nonoperative manner. Additionally, the availability of less invasive procedures has expanded dramatically the treatment options for these patients, optimizing the outcomes of initial nonoperative management. Even though nonoperative management has become the standard of care in patients with complex liver injuries in most trauma centers in the United States, surgeons should not hesitate to operate on a patient to control life-threatening hemorrhage.
Preferences of Healthy Inner City Women and the Surgical Treatment of Early Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Fontana Victor , Castro Tania , Polynice Alain
Published: June 2020

Numerous studies have shown that women of a lower education level and socioeconomic status use less breast-conserving surgery than women of a higher education level and socioeconomic status. Surveys of healthy women and the surgical treatment of early stage breast cancer have been performed. However, no survey has focused exclusively on inner city women. The objective of this study was to determine the awareness, preferences, and concerns of inner-city, multiethnic women and the surgical treatment of stage I and II breast cancer, and to identify if a distinct treatment preference for mastectomy or lumpectomy exists in such a population. The study consisted of a prospective survey of volunteers, age 18 years and older, in the nononcologic clinics of St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York. We consecutively surveyed 200 women between the ages of 18 and 75 using a 12-item form from January 2004 to May 2004. Of 200 surveys, 21 were excluded as incomplete and two women surveyed who gave a prior history of breast cancer were excluded from study, leaving 177 total surveys for analysis. Women were presented with a hypothetical diagnosis of early stage breast cancer curable by mastectomy or lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Women were asked about their surgery preferences, who they would seek advice from, if they would let their physician decide treatment, and their concerns if faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer. One hundred seventy-seven completed surveys were obtained; 124 (70%) women chose lumpectomy and radiation, 48 (27%) chose mastectomy, and 5 (3%) chose no treatment. Women who were educated below the collegiate level were more likely to prefer breast conservation therapy compared with those with a college education and above (adjusted OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0, 3.6). Overall, most women surveyed (62%) were concerned with cancer recurrence followed by the side effects of radiation therapy (19%). Most women surveyed (63%) would make their physician principal advisor, whereas some (23%) would make their significant other the principal advisor. More women who chose mastectomy would make their physician their principal advisor (80%) versus those who chose lumpectomy (65%). More than 80 per cent of the women surveyed would have their physician decide their treatment. The women in the present study exhibited a distinct preference for breast conservation therapy over mastectomy.
Predictors of Distant Metastasis and Mortality in Patients with Stage II Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Heinzerling John H. , Anthony Thomas , Livingston Edward H. , Huerta Sergio
Published: June 2020

The aim of our study was to determine clinical factors that predicted distant metastasis and mortality in patients with stage II colorectal cancer (CRC). A retrospective review of all patients admitted to the Dallas Veteran's Affairs Medical Center from 1998 to 2002 with stage II CRC was performed. Factors associated with distant metastasis and mortality were assessed by univariate analysis. Independent predictors of mortality and distant metastasis were assessed by multivariate analysis. Fifty-five patients with stage II CRC were identified (96% men, age 65 ± 1.2 years old). Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with distant metastasis (n = 13) had a history of alcohol intake (54% vs 20%; P = 0.029), less history of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use for the management of hypertension (31% vs 67%; P = 0.029), greater incidence of a rectal location for cancer (54% vs 12%; P = 0.004), an abdominoperineal resection (APR) for surgical management of their cancers (23% vs 0%; P = 0.011), and less negative lymph nodes examined during surgical resection (9 ± 2.2 vs 15 ± 1.2, P = 0.022). Follow-up of at least 3 years revealed 14 mortalities. Survivors had a less preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen level (5.9 ± 0.9 vs 19.1 ± 8.6; P = 0.031), an average less tumor depth involvement (T stage: 3.0 ± 0.03 vs 3.2 ± 0.11; P = 0.065), more negative lymph nodes examined at the time of surgical resection (14.0 ± 1.3 vs 10.0 ± 1.7; P = 0.058), less incidence of rectal cancer (21% vs 43%; P = 0.060), and none had undergone an APR (0% vs. 21%; P = 0.010). Multivariate analysis revealed that alcohol intake ( P = 0.014; odds ration [OR] = 5.3), patients undergoing an APR ( P = 0.011; OR = 25), and less frequency of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use ( P = 0.007; OR = 4.5) independently predicted distant metastasis, whereas preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen ( P = 0.038; OR = 2.8) and patients undergoing an APR ( P = 0.019; OR = 25) independently predicted mortality.
High Incidence of Symptomatic Meckel's Diverticulum in Patients Less than Fifty Years of Age: An Indication for Resection
Authors: Frcsc Robert Mckay
Published: June 2020

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital diverticulum of the small intestine. Complications include perforation, inflammation, bleeding, obstruction, and volvulus. Resection of asymptomatic Meckel's diverticuli has been recommended; however, indications are not well defined. To delineate indications to resect asymptomatic Meckel's diverticulum, the charts of 16 men and 13 women, mean age 55.1 ± 23 years, confirmed at surgery with Meckel's diverticuli, were retrospectively reviewed. Two groups were identified: symptomatic resected (9); asymptomatic (20), which included resected (10) or not resected (10). The age ranges, male:female (M:F) ratios, the height:diameter ratios, heterotopic tissue, surgical management, and complications were recorded and compared. The average age for symptomatic resection was 34.9 ± 23.2 years compared with 64.2 ± 16.5 years for asymptomatic patients ( P = 0.0006). Of patients under 50 years of age, 70 per cent (7/10) were symptomatic compared with 10 per cent (2/19) of those over 50 years of age. Overall, the M:F ratios between the groups were similar, and the average M:F ratio was 1.23:1. Surgical management of resected Meckel's diverticuli included 10 segmental resections and 10 diverticulectomies; one of each was laparoscopic. There were no differences in the complication rate, nor in outcomes between the groups. Heterotopic tissue was only identified in symptomatic patients, 33 per cent (3/9) versus 0 per cent (0/10) in resected asymptomatic patients. The height:diameter ratios were similar between the groups. Adult patients with symptomatic Meckel's diverticuli were more likely to be under the age of 50 and to have heterotrophic tissue. Resection of asymptomatic Meckel's diverticulum should be considered in patients under 50 years of age; patients over age 50 years of age will be less likely to benefit from prophylactic resection.
Anterior Mediastinal Herniation of the Transverse Colon after an Omental Flap Transposition
Authors: Halldorsson Ari , Meyerrose Gary , Griswold John
Published: June 2020

Poststernotomy mediastinitis continues to be an infrequent but serious complication after cardiac surgery. We present a case of a 59-year-old man who developed a deep sternal wound infection after an emergency cardiac surgery. Omental transposition flap was used to cover the sternal defect. Several days later, the patient developed a transverse colon herniation into the anterior mediastinum that required emergency exploration and colon resection. The patient survived after a difficult hospital course. Indications, technical points, and possible complications of using omental flap transposition are discussed.
Total Pulmonectomy in Trauma: A Still Unresolved Problem–Our Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alfici Ricardo , Ashkenazi Itamar , Kounavsky Gennady , Kessel Boris
Published: June 2020

Emergency pneumonectomy for trauma is associated with very high mortality. Despite significant improvement of the intensive care resources, results of this procedure have not been improved during the last 20 years. When performed because of hemorrhagic shock, pneumonectomy is almost always fatal. We present a series of four patients who underwent total pneumonectomy in our trauma center. The main purpose of this study was to describe pathophysiologic changes and to discuss possible therapeutic alternatives based on the literature review after this operation.
Delayed Neurologic Deficit after Infrarenal Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Riess Kevin P. , Gundersen Sigurd B. , Ziegelbein Kurt J.
Published: June 2020

Spinal cord ischemia is a rare and devastating complication after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. It has recently been reported to occur after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. We report the first case of delayed neurologic deficit after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair using the Zenith (Cook) device.
Colorectal Lymphangioma
Authors: Huguet Kevin L. , Metzger Philip P. , Menke David M.
Published: June 2020

Lymphangiomas of the colon are historically rare benign tumors. Only 331 cases have been reported in the world medical literature between 1931 and 2004. With widespread use of colonoscopy, however, they are being found more frequently. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman in whom a colonoscopy revealed a 3 x 4-cm submucosal lesion in the cecum that was eventually diagnosed as a lymphangioma. A CT of the abdomen showed a soft-tissue mass in the cecum and a low-density hepatic lesion. An endoscopic ultrasound of the colon showed a 3 x 4-cm hypoechoic lesion with internal septa arising from the submucosal layer of the cecum. This lesion resembled a vascular malformation; therefore a biopsy specimen was not taken. Pathologic findings of a specimen taken after a subsequent right hemicolectomy identified a submucosal lymphangioma. Published reports indicate that colonoscopy cures most lesions smaller than 2.5 cm in diameter. Resection should be reserved for larger lesions or those in patients exhibiting protein-losing enteropathy.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Critical Care Training and Careers among United States Surgical Residents: Who Wants to be a Surgical Intensivist?
Authors: Cohn Stephen M. , Price Michelle A. , Stewart Ronald M. , Pruitt Basil A. , Dent Daniel L.
Published: June 2020

Less than 50 per cent of surgical critical care (SCC) fellowship positions are filled each year. We surveyed senior surgical residents to determine their opinions regarding a career in SCC and acute care surgery. A survey was sent to 1348 postgraduate year 3, 4, and 5 residents in the United States. Two hundred fifty-one surveys were returned (19% response rate). Whereas 78 per cent were planning to complete a fellowship, 21 per cent expressed interest in SCC. Fifty-six per cent plan to handle SCC problems only for their own patients, whereas 39 per cent plan to turn this management over to a critical care provider. SCC fellowships were considered to be potentially more appealing if the following changes could be made to the existing structure: adding more general surgery (70% of respondents); adding more trauma experience (50%); adding emergency neurosurgery (44%); adding more emergency orthopedics (42%); or decreasing months of critical care (36%). Increasing salary enhanced appeal for 82 per cent. SCC has limited appeal for most senior surgical residents. Theoretical expansion of surgical critical fellowships to include more general or trauma surgery (acute care surgery) increased the level of interest among senior surgical residents.
Role of Biomarkers in Incisional Hernias
Authors: Salameh J.R. , Talbott Ladawn M. , May Warren , Gosheh Bashar , Vig Parminder J.S. , Mcdaniel D. Olga
Published: June 2020

Incisional hernias represent one of the most common complications of laparotomies. Previous investigations have suggested that a disorder in collagen fiber structure and production level may be an important pathologic cause of abdominal wall hernias. We hypothesized that a cross-examination of multiple extracellular matrix biomarkers might identify underlying defects contributing to the development of hernias. We examined two patient populations: patients with incisional hernias (presenting for hernia repair) and patients with no hernia after previous laparotomy (undergoing a second laparotomy). Patients with previous wound infections, open abdomens, or on steroids were excluded. Fascia samples were obtained from all patients at the time of their second operation and they were studied. Western blots and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the ratio of type I, III, and IV collagens, as well as matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) and MMP2 in both groups. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. At the protein level, collagen I/III ratio was slightly decreased in patients with incisional hernias compared with those with no hernia, whereas it was significantly decreased at the mRNA transcript level (0.49 vs 1.03, P < 0.01, respectively). The MMP-1 mRNA transcripts were not different in incisional hernia (IH) versus nonincisional hernia, but the MMP-2 level was significantly increased in patients with IH. Reduced collagen I/III and MMP-1/MMP-2 ratios in IH might be consequence of the biological activities between key elements participating in the development of IH after laparotomies. The potential role of MMP-2–specific inhibitors in preventing IH is of significance for future studies.
Retroperitoneal and Visceral Sarcomas: Issues for the General Surgeon
Authors: Woodall Charles E. , Scoggins Charles R.
Published: June 2020

Sarcomas represent a rare, heterogeneous group of malignant tumors that arise from the mesenchymal tissues of the body. Although infrequently encountered, these tumors generate vigorous academic interest and an ever-expanding volume of medical literature. Chemotherapy is widely regarded as ineffective because of the often-large tumor burden and lack of good therapeutic drugs. Radiation therapy is often difficult to administer because of locoregional toxicity. Fortunately, targeted immunologic therapies have shown promise in some specific gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors. To date, sarcoma remains a malignancy best treated operatively. Given the wide heterogeneity and biology of these tumors and the amount of new data available, a review of the current literature is warranted. The first installment of this review series1 dealt with extremity and trunk soft tissue sarcomas; this one will focus on retroperitoneal and visceral sarcomas and the management challenges they pose.
Article Commentary: Occupational Risks of Blood Exposure in the Operating Room
Authors: Fry Donald E.
Published: June 2020

Bloodborne pathogens continue to be a source of occupational infection for healthcare workers, but particularly for surgeons. Over 1 per cent of the U.S. population has one or more chronic viral infections. Hepatitis B is the infection that has the longest known role as an occupational pathogen, but infection with this virus is largely preventable with the use of the effective hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis C affects the largest number of people in the United States, and there is no vaccine available for the prevention of this infection. HIV infection still has not been associated with a documented transmission in the operating room environment, but six cases of probable occupational transmission have been reported. A total of 57 healthcare workers have had documented occupational infection since the epidemic of HIV infection began. Infection of blood-borne pathogens to patients from infected surgeons remains a concern. Surgeons who are e-antigen-positive for hepatitis B have been well documented to be an infection risk to patients in the operating room. Only four surgeons have been documented to transmit hepatitis C, although other transmissions have occurred in the care of patients when practices of infection control have been violated. No surgical transmission of HIV to a patient has been identified at this time. Prevention of occupational infection requires use of protective barriers, avoidance of exposure risk by modification of techniques, and a constant awareness of sharp instruments in the operating room. Blood exposure in the operating room carries risk of infection and should be avoided. It is likely that other infectious agents will emerge as operating room threats. Surgeons must maintain vigilance in avoiding blood exposure and percutaneous injury.
Mammography as Screening for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Adkins Jonathan R. , Gamblin T. Clark , Christie D. Benjamin , Collings Carol , Dalton Martin L. , Dale Paul S.
Published: June 2020

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in American women. Screening mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40 for the early detection of breast cancer. An additional benefit of this routine screening tool may be to detect breast arterial calcifications (BAC) as a possible sign of CAD. The purpose of this study was to determine further the relationship between mammographically detected BAC and CAD. The medical records of 44 women who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution over 5 years were reviewed. These mammograms were examined for evidence of BAC. For all women included in the study, 18 of 44 (41%) had evidence of BAC on screening mammogram. This was statistically significant ( P < 0.0001) compared with the prevalence of BAC reported in the general population in previous studies. Most were also overweight (61.1%), had hypertension (88.8%), and hypercholesterolemia (55.5%). This is the first study to look at the direct correlation between patients with known CAD requiring revascularization and BAC. Perhaps women with BAC seen on screening mammography should undergo further workup for CAD, with the potential benefit of early intervention.
Use of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Melanoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Kilpatrick Lauren A. , Shen Perry , Stewart John H. , Levine Edward A.
Published: June 2020

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN) is a well-accepted procedure for truncal and extremity melanoma (T&E). However, its role in melanoma of the head and neck (H&N) remains controversial. Complex lymphatic and vascular drainage make SLN more challenging in this region. This study was done to evaluate the results of SLN for H&N versus T&E melanoma. Three hundred sixteen patients who underwent SLN for melanoma using a double indicator technique were identified from a prospective database. Records were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2, t test, or Mann-Whitney U test to evaluate the results, as appropriate. H&N was found in 87 cases (27.5%). The mean age was 63.2 and 53.2 years for H&N and T&E melanoma (P < 0.001), respectively. 99Technetium positivity (89.7% H&N versus 99.6% T&E, P < 0.001) and isosulfan blue positivity (85.1% H&N versus 91.7% T&E, P = 0.08) were more likely in T&E melanoma. There was a significant difference between H&N and T&E melanoma with respect to the incidence of failed SLN, defined as no sentinel nodes identified intraoperatively (8.0% versus 0%, P < 0.001). Both groups had similar rates of positive intraoperative imprint cytologic examination (4.6% H&N versus 6.1% T&E, P > 0.5). There was a trend suggesting a higher mean number of sentinel lymph nodes found (3.1 versus 2.7, P = 0.1) in H&N melanoma. The total number of lymph nodes found in dissection specimens (20.9 versus 21.9, P = 0.45), the total number of positive lymph nodes (3.5 versus 1.6, P = 0.32), the incidence of any recurrence (19.5% versus 12.7%, P = 0.2), and time to recurrence (14.2 versus 20.6 months, P = 0.18) were similar between H&N and T&E melanoma. SLN mapping of H&N lesions is more difficult than at other sites. However, rates of nodal positivity are similar to melanoma of the trunk and extremities. Therefore, despite being more demanding, SLN is useful in diagnosis and treatment of melanomas of the head and neck.
Laparoscopic Management of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Zerey Marc , Sechrist Catherine W. , Kercher Kent W. , Sing Ronald F. , Matthews Brent D. , Heniford B. Todd
Published: June 2020

Adhesions from prior surgery are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in the Western world. Although laparoscopic adhesiolysis can be performed safely and effectively, the indications and contraindications to the use of laparoscopic techniques in SBO are not clearly defined. The goal of our study was to determine the outcomes of the laparoscopic approach to SBO and discuss patient considerations for its utilization. We retrospectively surveyed all patients undergoing laparoscopic or attempted laparoscopic adhesiolysis performed by the authors between July 1997 and March 2006. Data obtained included patient demographics, clinical and radiologic presentation, and intraoperative and postoperative course. Thirty-three patients underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis secondary to a SBO. Mean age was 53.6 years (range, 29–84 years) and 64 per cent (21 of 33) were female. Mean body mass index was 30.0 kg/m2 (range, 22.6–46.1 kg/m2). Thirty-one patients (93.9%) had undergone between one and four abdominal surgeries and seven (21.2%) had a previous episode of SBO. There were no patients with peritonitis. Abdominal CT scan was performed preoperatively in 27 patients (81.8%). Laparoscopy diagnosed the site of obstruction in all patients. Twenty-nine patients (88%) were successfully treated laparoscopically. Conversion to laparotomy was required in four cases as a result of dense adhesions and/or a lack of working space. Mean procedural time was 101 minutes (range, 19–198 minutes). There was one intraoperative complication (enterotomy), which was repaired laparoscopically and did not require conversion. Conversion was associated with significantly increased procedural time (129 versus 93 minutes; P = 0.02), but not blood loss or complications. Average times to passage of flatus and first bowel movement were 2.3 days (range, 0.5–5 days) and 3.2 days (range, 1–6 days), respectively. Seven patients (21.2%) had postoperative complications, including wound infection, urinary tract infection, and acute renal insufficiency, all of which occurred in patients completed laparoscopically. One patient had a recurrent SBO 8 months postoperatively managed by repeat laparoscopic lysis of adhesions. Mean postoperative stay was 6 days (range, 1–19 days). There was no hospital mortality. Laparoscopy is safe and feasible in the management of acute SBO in selected patients. It is an excellent diagnostic tool and is therapeutic in most cases.
Predictors of Fetal Outcome in Pregnant Trauma Patients: A Five-Year Institutional Review
Authors: Aboutanos Sharline Z. , Aboutanos Michel B. , Dompkowski Douglas , Duane Therese M. , Malhotra Ajai K. , Ivatury Rao R.
Published: June 2020

Injury Severity Score (ISS) and lactate are controversial in predicting fetal outcome. A retrospective review was conducted to determine whether ISS and lactate are valuable in predicting fetal survival in injured pregnant patients. Injured pregnant women were identified by ICD-9 codes from our Trauma Registry, Emergency Department Registry, and hospital medical records. Records were reviewed for demographic data, mechanism of injury, ISS, Glascow Coma Scale, lactate, vital signs, and maternal/fetal outcome. To determine statistical analysis, χ2 and t test analysis was performed. From 2001 to 2005, 294 women reported injuries. Most patients (51.7%) were discharged from the Emergency Department, yet 18 per cent were admitted to Trauma Surgery. The average maternal and gestational age was 23.4 years and 19.6 weeks, respectively. Seventy-two (33.3%) patients were in the first trimester. The majority of patients (88.1%) were involved in blunt trauma, and 10 (3.9%) had poor fetal outcome (nine fetal deaths and one hydrops fetalis). There were no maternal deaths. Maternal age, first trimester, elevated lactate, and high ISS were significant risk factors for poor fetal outcome (P = 0.044, P = 0.0173, P = 0.0001, and P = 0.0001, respectively). Specific parameters (ISS, lactate, maternal age, and gestational age) may be helpful in predicting poor fetal outcome and directing patient management.
Defining the Contribution of Renal Dysfunction to Outcome after Traumatic Injury
Authors: Harbrecht Brian G. , Rosengart Matthew R. , Zenati Mazen S. , Forsythe Raquel M. , Peitzman Andrew B.
Published: June 2020

Renal failure is frequently considered an ominous development after injury, but its impact on outcome is poorly understood. Renal dysfunction or failure can be defined in many ways, such as elevated serum creatinine or the need for dialysis. The best method to characterize renal dysfunction however, is not known. To determine which definition of renal dysfunction correlates best with outcome, we retrospectively analyzed all injured patients from 1994 to 2000 who had an Injury Severity Score ≥14 and a hospital length of stay >2 days for the development of renal impairment. One hundred sixty-seven patients (4%) developed a serum creatinine ≥2.0 mg/dL and 49 patients required dialysis. Patients with renal dysfunction were older, suffered from more comorbid medical problems, were more seriously injured, and were more likely to have been in shock. A serum creatinine ≥2.0 mg/dL, the maximum creatinine level, and need for dialysis, were highly correlated with death, and the total number of dialysis treatments was not. All measures of renal dysfunction correlated relatively poorly with length of stay. These data demonstrate that the simple measure of serum creatinine ≥2.0 mg/dL is associated with a significantly increased likelihood of death in injured patients and is a stronger predictor than other common indicators of renal impairment.
Blunt Gastric Injuries
Authors: Oncel Didem , Malinoski Darren , Brown Carlos , Demetriades Demetrios , Salim Ali
Published: June 2020

Gastric rupture after blunt abdominal trauma is a rare injury with few reports in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with blunt gastric injuries and compare outcomes with small bowel or colon injuries. All patients with hollow viscus perforations after blunt abdominal trauma from 1992 to 2005 at our level I trauma center were reviewed. Of 35,033 blunt trauma admissions, there were 268 (0.7%) patients with a total of 319 perforating hollow viscus injuries, 25 (0.07%) of which were blunt gastric injuries. When compared with the small bowel or colon injuries, the blunt gastric injury group had a higher Injury Severity Score (22 versus 17, P = 0.04), more patients with a chest Abbreviated Injury Score greater than 2 (36% versus 12%, P < 0.01), and a shorter interval from injury to laparotomy (221 versus 366 minutes, P = 0.017). Multivariate analysis identified five independent risk factors for mortality: age older than 55 years, head Abbreviated Injury Score greater than 2, chest Abbreviated Injury Score greater than 2, the presence of hypotension on admission, and Glasgow Coma Scale 8 or less. The results of this study suggest that mortality in patients with blunt hollow viscus injuries can be attributed to concurrent head and chest injuries, but not the specific hollow viscus organ that is injured.
Safety Zone for Splenic Hilar Control during Splenectomy: A Computed Tomography Scan Mapping of the Tail of the Pancreas in Relation to the Splenic Hilum
Authors: Saber Alan A. , Helbling Brandon , Khaghany Kamran , Nirmit Goel , Pimental Ronald , Mcleod Michael K.
Published: June 2020

Inadvertent injury to the tail of the pancreas is a potentially serious but preventable complication that can occur during laparoscopic splenectomy. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of using computed tomography to map the location of the tail of the pancreas relative to the spleen to locate a possible safe zone for splenic hilar dissection and/or hemostasis. Abdominal computed tomography scans of 150 patients were studied. The distance from the tail of the pancreas to the hilum of the spleen was determined for each patient. Resultant descriptive statistics were correlated with patient's age, gender, body mass index, and spleen size using the independent t test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multivariate analysis. Computed tomography was successful in mapping the distance from the tail of the pancreas to the splenic hilum in 148 patients. The average distance from the tail of the pancreas to the splenic hilum was 3.42 cm ± 1.54 cm (95% confidence interval, 3.17–3.67). During splenic vascular control, it is important to stay within 1 cm from the splenic hilum to minimize the risk of injury to the tail of the pancreas during splenectomy.