Social Media: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

The use of social media platforms in a professional capacity has grown and presents unique opportunities for women surgeons. Women surgeons face unique obstacles and challenges compared with their male counterparts. Social media has helped women surgeons create an online community and has provided opportunities for mentorship and professional advancement. In addition, it has helped break down traditional constructs of what it means to be a surgeon and allowed the medical community and public to view images of a modern surgeon. Social media has played an important role in continually increasing efforts to diversify the field of surgery and break down traditional stereotypes associated with surgeons. However, there are some downsides of social media that women surgeons need to be aware of, particularly, the risk of harassment, criticism, and potentially harmful online reviews.

Bias Issues in Colorectal Cancer Management: A Review.

Based on census data, over one-third of the US population identifies as a racial or ethnic minority. This group of racial and ethnic minorities is more likely to develop cancer and die from it when compared with the general population of the USA. These disparities are most pronounced in the African American community. Despite overall CRC rates decreasing nationally and within certain racial and ethnic minorities in the USA, there continue to be disparities in incidence and mortality when compared with non-Hispanic Whites. The disparities in CRC incidence and mortality are related to systematic racism and bias inherent in healthcare systems and society. Disparities in CRC management will continue to exist until specific interventions are implemented in the context of each racial and ethnic group. This review's primary aim is to highlight the disparities in CRC among African Americans in the USA. For surgeons, understanding these disparities is formative to creating change and improving the quality of care, centering equity for all patients.

Disparities in Surgical Oncology: Management of Advanced Cancer.

Significant variations in the patterns of care, incidence, and mortality rates of several common cancers have been noted. These disparities have been attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including genetic, environmental, and healthcare-related components. Within this review, primarily focusing on commonly occurring cancers (breast, lung, colorectal), we initially summarize the burden of these disparities with regard to incidence and screening patterns. We then explore the interaction between several proven genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences that are known to contribute to these disparities.

Evaluation of Factors Associated With Successful Matriculation to Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship.

BACKGROUND: As an increasing number of general surgery residents apply for fellowship positions, it is important to identify factors associated with successful matriculation. For applicants to colon and rectal surgery, there are currently no objective data available to distinguish which applicant attributes lead to successful matriculation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify objective factors that differentiate colon and rectal surgery fellowship applicants who successfully matriculate with those who apply but do not matriculate. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of colon and rectal surgery applicant characteristics. SETTINGS: Deidentified applicant data provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges from 2015 to 2017 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Applicant demographics, medical school and residency factors, number of program applications, number of publications, and journal impact factors were analyzed to determine associations with successful matriculation. RESULTS: Most applicants (n = 371) and subsequent matriculants (n = 248) were white (61%, 62%), male (65%, 63%), US citizens (80%, 88%) who graduated from US allopathic medical schools (66%, 75%). Statistically significant associations included graduation from US allopathic medical schools (p < 0.0001), US citizenship (p < 0.0001), and number of program applications (p = 0.0004). Other factors analyzed included American Osteopathic Association membership (p = 0.57), university-based residency (p = 0.51), and residency association with a colon and rectal surgery training program (p = 0.89). Number of publications and journal impact factors were not statistically different between cohorts (p = 0.067, p = 0.150). LIMITATIONS: American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination scores, rank list, and subjective characteristics, such as strength of interview and letters of recommendation, were not available using our data source. CONCLUSIONS: Successful matriculation to a colon and rectal surgery fellowship program was found to be associated with US citizenship, graduation from a US allopathic medical school, and greater number of program applications. The remaining objective metrics analyzed were not associated with successful matriculation. Subjective and objective factors that were unable to be measured by this study are likely to play a determining role. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B415. EVALUACIN DE FACTORES VINCULADOS EN LA INMATRICULACIN EXITOSA PARA BECAS DE CIRUGA COLORRECTAL: ANTECEDENTES:A medida que un número cada vez mayor de residentes de Cirugía General solicitan una beca, es importante identificar los factores vinculados con una inmatriculación exitosa. Para los candidatos a una beca en Cirugía Colorrectal, hoy en día no existen datos objetivos disponibles para distinguir qué atributos del solicitante conducen a una inmatriculación exitosa.OBJETIVO:Identificar objetivamente los factores que diferencian un candidato a una beca en Cirugía Colorrectal que se inmatricula con éxito de aquel que aplica pero no llega a inmatricularse.DISEÑO:Análisis retrospectivo de las características de los solicitantes de beca para Cirugía Colorrecatl.AJUSTES:Datos de los solicitantes no identificados, proporcionados por la Asociación de Colegios Médicos Estadounidenses de 2015 a 2017.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se analizaron los factores demográficos del solicitante, las facultades de medicina y los factores de la residencia, el número de solicitudes de programas, el número y el factor de impacto de las publicaciones realizadas para determinar la asociación con una inmatriculación exitosa.RESULTADOS:La mayoría de los solicitantes (n = 371) que posteriormente fueron inmatriculados exitosamente (n = 248) eran blancos (61%, 62%, respectivamente), hombres (65%, 63%), ciudadanos estadounidenses (80%, 88%) que se graduaron de Facultades de medicina alopática en los EE. UU. (66%, 75%). Las asociaciones estadísticamente significativas incluyeron la graduación de las escuelas de medicina alopática de los EE. UU. (P <0,0001), la ciudadanía de los EE. UU. (P <0,0001) y el número de solicitudes de programas (p = 0,0004). Otros factores analizados incluyeron: membresía AOA (p = 0,57), la residencia universitaria (p = 0,51) y asociación de la residencia con un programa de formación en Cirugía Colorrectal (p = 0,89). El número de publicaciones y los factores de impacto de las revistas no fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre las cohortes (p = 0,067, p = 0,15, respectivamente).LIMITACIONES:El Score ABSITE, la posición en lista de clasificación y las características subjetivas como el de una buena entrevista y las cartas de recomendación no se encontraban disponibles en la fuente de datos.CONCLUSIONES:Se encontró que la inmatriculación exitosa a un programa de becas de Cirugía Colorreectal estaba asociada con la ciudadanía estadounidense, la graduación en una Facultad de medicina alopática en los EE. UU, y al mayor número de solicitudes de programas. El analisis de las medidas objetivas restantes no se asociaron con una inmatriculación exitosa. Es probable que los factores subjetivos y objetivos que no pudieron ser medidos por este estudio jueguen un papel determinante. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B415. (Traducción-Dr Xavier Delgadillo).

How to Support a Surgeon Scientist: Lessons from National Institutes of Health K-Award Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Success in academic surgery is challenging and research cannot survive without funding. NIH K-awards are designed to mentor junior investigators to achieve independence. As a result we aimed to study K awardees in departments of surgery and learn from their experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Utilizing the NIH RePORTer database and filtering by department of surgery, clinically active surgeons receiving a K-award between 2008 and 2018 were asked to complete an online survey. Qualitative data from two open-ended questions were coded independently using standard qualitative methods by three researchers. Using grounded theory, major themes emerged from the codes. RESULTS: Of the 144 academic surgeons identified, 89 (62%) completed the survey. The average age was 39 ± 3 when the K-award was granted. Most identified as white (69%). Men (70%) were more likely to be married (P = 0.02) and have children (P = 0.05). To identify intention to pursue R01 funding, surgeons having a K-award for 5 y or more were analyzed (n = 45). Most either intended to (11%) or had already applied (80%) of which 36% were successful. Men were more likely to apply (P = 0.05). Major themes to succeed include protected time, mentorship, and support from leadership. Common barriers to overcome include balancing time, pressures to be clinically productive, and funding. CONCLUSIONS: The demographics and career trajectory of NIH K-awarded surgeons is described. The lack of underrepresented minorities receiving grants is concerning. Most recipients required more than one application attempt and plan to or have applied for R01 funding. The major themes were very similar; a supportive environment and time available for research are the most crucial factors to succeed as an academic surgeon.

Barriers to Regionalized Surgical Care: Public Perspective Survey and Geospatial Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe public willingness to participate in regionalized surgical care for cancer. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Improved outcomes at high-volume centers following complex surgery have driven a push to regionalize surgical care. Patient attitudes toward regionalization are not well described. METHODS: As part of the Cornell National Social Survey, a cross-sectional telephone survey was performed. Participants were asked about their willingness to seek regionalized care in a hypothetical scenario requiring surgery. Their responses were compared with demographic characteristics. A geospatial analysis of hospital proximity was performed, as well as a qualitative analysis of barriers to regionalization. RESULTS: Cooperation rate was 48.1% with 1000 total respondents. They were an average of 50 years old (range 18 to 100 years) and 48.9% female. About 49.6% were unwilling to travel 5 hours or more to seek regionalized care for improved survival. Age >70 years [odds ratio (OR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.19-0.60] and perceived distance to a center >30 minutes (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41-0.86) were associated with decreased willingness to seek regionalized care, while high income (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.39-3.16) was associated with increased willingness. Proximity to a major center was not associated with willingness to travel (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.67-1.22). Major perceived barriers to regionalization were transportation, life disruption, social support, socioeconomic resources, poor health, and remoteness. CONCLUSION: Americans are divided on whether the potential for improved survival with regionalization is worth the additional travel effort. Older age and lower income are associated with reduced willingness to seek regionalized care. Multiple barriers to regionalization exist, including a lack of knowledge of the location major centers.

Case Sequence Analysis of the Robotic Colorectal Resection Learning Curve.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery for colorectal cancer offers many potential benefits, but as with any new technology, there is a learning curve. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify trends in the uptake of robotic resection and associated complication rates. DESIGN: This was a case sequence analysis of robotic surgery for colorectal cancer. SETTINGS: The study was conducted using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperation System database. PATIENTS: Adults undergoing colorectal resection for cancer from 2008 through 2016 were identified in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative database. Case sequence analysis was used to describe surgeon experience, with cases grouped into quartiles based on the chronological order in which each surgeon performed them. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes included in-hospital major events (myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, shock, and death) and iatrogenic complications. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the relationship between case sequence and operative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 2763 robotic procedures were included, with volume increasing from 76 cases in 2010 to 702 cases in 2015. The proportion of cases performed by surgeons earliest in their learning curve has increased to 18.2% in 2015. This quartile was composed of more black patients (11.4% earliest quartile vs 7.0% latest quartile; p < 0.001) and rectal resections (50.1% earliest quartile vs 38.9% latest quartile; p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, major complications did not improve with increasing case sequence. However, with increasing cumulative surgeon case sequence iatrogenic complications were reduced, particularly in the highest volume quartile (OR = 0.29 (95% CI, 0.09-0.88); p = 0.03). Odds of prolonged length of stay (>75 percentile) were also decreased (OR = 0.50 (95% CI, 0.37-0.69); p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: Data were derived from an administrative database. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic colorectal resection has been rapidly adopted. Surgeons earliest in their experience have increased iatrogenic complications and continue to make up a large proportion of cases performed. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A974. ANÁLISIS DE SECUENCIA DE CASOS DE LA CURVA DE APRENDIZAJE DE RESECCIÓN ROBÓTICA COLORRECTAL: La cirugía robótica para el cáncer colorrectal ofrece muchos beneficios potenciales, pero como con cualquier nueva tecnología, presenta una importante curva de aprendizaje. OBJETIVO: Se buscó identificar tendencias en la aceptación de la resección robótica y las tasas de complicaciones asociadas. DISEÑO:: Análisis de secuencia de casos de cirugía robótica para cáncer colorrectal AJUSTES:: Base de datos del Sistema de Cooperación para la Investigación y la Planificación del Estado de Nueva York. PACIENTES: Los adultos que se sometieron a una resección colorrectal en caso de cáncer desde 2008 hasta 2016 se identificaron en la base de datos de la Cooperativa de Investigación y Planificación del Estado de Nueva York. Se utilizó un análisis de secuencia de casos para describir la experiencia del cirujano, y los casos se agruparon en cuartiles según el orden cronológico en el que cada cirujano los operó. RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: Los resultados incluyeron los eventos intrahospitalarios mayores (infarto de miocardio, embolia pulmonar, shock y muerte) y las complicaciones iatrogénicas. Se utilizaron modelos lineales generalizados mixtos para estimar la relación entre la secuencia de casos y los resultados operativos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 2.763 procedimientos robóticos, con un aumento del volumen de 76 casos en 2010 a 702 casos en 2015. La proporción de casos realizados por cirujanos en su primera curva de aprendizaje aumentó a 18.2% en 2015. Este cuartil estaba compuesto por una mayoría de pacientes de color (11.4% en el cuartil más temprano versus 7.0% en el último cuartil, p < 0.001) y de resecciones rectales (50.1% en el primer cuartil vs 38.9% en el último cuartil, p < 0.001). En el ajuste del análisis, las complicaciones mayores no mejoraron al aumentar la secuencia de casos. Sin embargo, al aumentar la secuencia acumulada de casos de cirujanos, se redujeron las complicaciones iatrogénicas, particularmente en el cuartil de mayor volumen (OR = 0,29; IC del 95%: 0,09 a 0,88; p = 0,03). Las probabilidades de una estadía hospitalaria prolongada (> percentil 75) también disminuyeron (OR 0,50; IC del 95%: 0,37 a 0,69; p < 0,001). LIMITACIONES: Los valores fueron derivados desde una base de datos administrativa. CONCLUSIONES: La resección colorrectal robótica ha sido adoptada rápidamente. Los cirujanos durante su experiencia inicial han presentado un elevado número de complicaciones iatrogénicas y éstas representan todavía, una gran proporción de casos realizados. Vea el Resumen del Video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/A974.

Lessons Learned From Developing a Mobile App to Assist in Patient Recovery After Weight Loss Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss surgery is safe and effective, but fluid and electrolyte balance remains problematic postoperatively. We developed a mobile app to help patients recover after weight loss surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center prospective, mixed-methods, participatory research design study of eligible English-speaking adults undergoing weight loss surgery was used. Patients used the app for 30 d after surgery. We developed and refined the app from July 2017 to October 2018. The principal component of the app is a daily survey designed to assess patients' recovery. The app was revised based on patient feedback, and we compared app utilization between initial and updated versions of the app. Primary outcome was successful patient engagement, which we defined as 80% of patients completing at least 70% of the surveys. RESULTS: Ten patients completed the trial period, four with the initial version of the app, and six with the updated version. All patients expressed satisfaction with the app and most frequently reported that push notifications were helpful. We found that one (25%) patient completed at least 70% of the surveys in the initial version of the app. In the updated version, five (83.3%) of patients completed at least 70% of the surveys, passing our criteria for successful engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Participatory research design in app development requires continuous evaluation and refinement to patient and clinician needs. This effort is essential as we observed significant improvement in app utilization. Our next step is to pilot the app in a larger set of patients to assess utility and feasibility.

Work-Life Integration and Time Management Strategies.

When choosing a career as a surgeon, we knowingly dedicate ourselves to a lifetime of service and education. Our commitment as physicians is but one of many commitments in the larger scheme of life where we function as family members, friends, athletes, and numerous other roles. Work and life are often described as two separate entities diametrically opposed to each other. In reality, personal and professional goals are part of a continuum where work is a major part of our lives and who we are as people and is not necessarily separate from the others. The goal-directed nature with which we approach our responsibilities as surgeons should be applied to all domains of life. As we progress along the training paradigm from intern to attending, control over time allocation increases. Understanding oneself, determining priorities, applying realistic expectations, cultivating a supportive environment, setting personal and professional goals, and being held accountable for progress and completion of these goals will allow us to utilize limited time efficiently to achieve what we individually desire from life.

Sources of distress among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Distress is common among cancer and surgical patients and can lead to worse outcomes if untreated. The objective of this study was to explore sources of distress among colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a qualitative study using in-depth, semistructured, one-on-one interviews in an academic setting. Patients were recruited if they had a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer. Purposive sampling was used to recruit patients who were about to undergo (preoperative), or had recently undergone (postoperative), curative resection for colorectal cancer. RESULTS: All participants (n = 24) reported experiencing distress during treatment. Participants identified sources of distress preoperatively (negative emotional reaction to diagnosis, distress from preconception of cancer diagnosis, and distress interacting with healthcare system). Sources of distress during in-hospital recovery included negative emotional reaction to having a surgery and negative emotions experienced in the hospital. Postoperative sources of distress included mismatch of expectations and experience of recovery, dealing with distressing physical symptoms and complications after surgery, and distress worrying about recurrence. Participants identified other sources of distress that were not time-specific (distress related to social support network, from disruption of life, and worrying about death). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight a potential role for a comprehensive screening program to identify which patients require assistance with addressing sources of distress during the surgical experience. Understanding how sources of distress may vary by time will help us tailor interventions at different time points of the surgical experience.

Impact of Medical School Experience on Attrition From General Surgery Residency.

BACKGROUND: Medical school experience informs the decision to pursue graduate surgical education. However, it is possible that inadequate preparation in medical school is responsible for the high rate of attrition seen in general surgery residency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a national prospective cohort study of all categorical general surgery interns who entered training in the 2007-2008 academic year. Interns answered questions about their medical school experience and reasons for pursuing general surgery residency. Responses were linked with American Board of Surgery residency completion data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between medical school experiences and residency attrition. RESULTS: Seven hundred and ninety-two surgery interns participated, and the overall attrition rate was 19.3%. Most interns had performed ≤8 wk of third year surgery clerkships (53.2% of those who completed versus 49.7% of those who dropped out, P = 0.08). After multivariable adjustment, shorter duration of third year rotations was protective from attrition (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29-0.99; P = 0.05). There was no difference in attrition based on whether a surgical subinternship was performed (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.38-1.19; P = 0.18). Residents who perceived that their medical school surgical faculty were happy with their careers were less likely to experience attrition (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.96; P = 0.03), but those who had gotten along well with attending surgeons had higher odds of attrition (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.34-6.39, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increased quality, rather than quantity, of clerkships is associated with improved rates of residency completion. Learner relationships with positive yet demanding role models were associated with a reduced risk of attrition.

Surgeon Annual and Cumulative Volumes Predict Early Postoperative Outcomes after Rectal Cancer Resection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if 5-year surgeon cumulative and annual volumes predict improved early postoperative outcomes in patients with rectal cancer. BACKGROUND: Operative experience has been shown to effect surgical outcomes. The differential role of cumulative versus annual volume has not yet been explored for rectal surgery. METHODS: The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was used to capture patients undergoing surgery in New York State from 2000 to 2013. A population-based sample of patients undergoing major rectal or rectosigmoid resection as their principal procedure during hospitalization between 2000 and 2013 were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes. Surgeons were identified using a unique physician number from 1995 to 2013. RESULTS: The percentage of surgeries performed by high cumulative/high annual (HC/HA) surgeons increased from 38.3% to 58.4% (P < 0.01) with a simultaneous decrease in that performed by low cumulative/low annual (LC/LA) surgeons (52.5% to 29.8%, P < 0.01). HC/HA volume surgeons had a significantly lower rate of surgical complications (odd ratio = 0.71, 95% confidence interval = 0.60-0.83, P < 0.05) as compared with LC/LA volume surgeons. There was no significant difference in rates of anastomotic leak, nonroutine discharges or readmission among all four groups. CONCLUSIONS: The best early postoperative surgical outcomes are achieved in centers where there are high cumulative and high annual volume surgeons caring for these patients. This suggests the need for specialized designation of rectal cancer centers to support ongoing regionalization of care.

Who Makes It to the End?: A Novel Predictive Model for Identifying Surgical Residents at Risk for Attrition.

OBJECTIVE: We present 8-year follow-up data from the intern class of 2007 to 2008 using a novel, nonparametric predictive model to identify those residents who are at greatest risk of not completing their training. BACKGROUND: Nearly 1 in every 4 categorical general surgery residents does not complete training. There has been no study at a national level to identify individual resident and programmatic factors that can be used to accurately anticipate which residents are most at risk of attrition out. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of categorical general surgery interns was conducted between June and August 2007. Intern data including demographics, attendance at US or Canadian medical school, proximity of family members, and presence of family members in medicine were de-identified and linked with American Board of Surgery data to determine residency completion and program characteristics. A Classification and Regression Tree analysis was performed to identify groups at greatest risk for non-completion. RESULTS: Of 1048 interns, 870 completed the initial survey (response rate 83%), 836 of which had linkage data (96%). Also, 672 residents had evidence of completion of residency (noncompletion rate 20%). On Classification and Regression Tree analysis, sex was the independent factor most strongly associated with attrition. The lowest noncompletion rate for men was among interns at small community programs who were White, non-Hispanic, and married (6%). The lowest noncompletion rate for women was among interns training at smaller academic programs (11%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first longitudinal cohort study to identify factors at the start of training that put residents at risk for not completing training. Data from this study offer a method to identify interns at higher risk for attrition at the start of training, and next steps would be to create and test interventions in a directed fashion.

Evaluation of Trends in the Use of InterStim for Fecal Incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Fecal incontinence (FI) represents a large source of morbidity and is a challenging clinical problem to manage. InterStim was approved to treat FI in 2011. Little is known about its adoption. We sought to characterize patterns of use of Interstim since Food and Drug Administration approval for FI. METHODS: The New York State SPARCS database was used to evaluate InterStim use for FI from 2011 to 2014. The primary endpoint was the number of successful implantations of InterStim. Secondary endpoints included device removal, median time to removal of device, 90-day infection rates, and percentage of procedures performed by surgeon specialty and geographic location. RESULTS: A total of 369 patients with FI underwent "Stage 1" of InterStim from 2011 to 2014. A total of 302 patients underwent "Stage 2," yielding a trial period failure rate of 18.2%. The majority of patients who underwent successful implantation were female (87.7%) and White (78.8%). Twenty-nine patients underwent device removal after a median duration of 147 days. Estimated risk of removal at median follow-up of 2 years was 11.8%. Colorectal surgeons comprised 51.1% of all providers followed by gynecologic (24.4%) and urologic surgeons (17.8%). A total of 71.7% of providers performed <5 procedures, while 3 of the highest volume providers performed 50.7% of all procedures. CONCLUSIONS: InterStim for FI has been used by a wide variety of providers in New York State although only a few high-volume providers have performed the majority of procedures. White, female patients with Medicare are the most common recipients of InterStim. Further work must be done to develop strategies for improving access to this technology and to determine whether volume relates to outcomes.

Comparison of Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Colectomies Using a Large National Database: Outcomes and Trends Related to Surgery Center Volume.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that high-volume centers and laparoscopic techniques improve outcomes of colectomy. These evidence-based measures have been slow to be accepted, and current trends are unknown. In addition, the current rates and outcomes of robotic surgery are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine current national trends in the use of minimally invasive surgery and to evaluate hospital volume trends over time. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS: Using the National Inpatient Sample, we evaluated trends in patients undergoing elective open, laparoscopic, and robotic colectomies from 2009 to 2012. Patient and institutional characteristics were evaluated and outcomes compared between groups using multivariate hierarchical-logistic regression and nonparametric tests. The National Inpatient Sample includes patient and hospital demographics, admission and treating diagnoses, inpatient procedures, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, hospital charges, and discharge status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In-hospital mortality and postoperative complications of surgery were measured. RESULTS: A total of 509,029 patients underwent elective colectomy from 2009 to 2012. Of those 266,263 (52.3%) were open, 235,080 (46.2%) laparoscopic, and 7686 (1.5%) robotic colectomies. The majority of minimal access surgery is still being performed at high-volume compared with low-volume centers (37.5% vs 28.0% and 44.0% vs 23.0%; p < 0.001). A total of 36% of colectomies were for cancer. The number of robotic colectomies has quadrupled from 702 in 2009 to 3390 (1.1%) in 2012. After adjustment, the rate of iatrogenic complications was higher for robotic surgery (OR = 1.73 (95% CI, 1.20-2.47)), and the median cost of robotic surgery was higher, at $15,649 (interquartile range, $11,840-$20,183) vs $12,071 (interquartile range, $9338-$16,203; p < 0.001 for laparoscopic). LIMITATIONS: This study may be limited by selection bias by surgeons regarding the choice of patient management. In addition, there are limitations in the measures of disease severity and, because the database relies on billing codes, there may be inaccuracies such as underreporting. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the majority of colectomies in the United States are still performed open, although rates of laparoscopy continue to increase. There is a trend toward increased volume of laparoscopic procedures at specialty centers. The role of robotics is still being defined, in light of higher cost, lack of clinical benefit, and increased iatrogenic complications, albeit comparable overall complications, as compared with laparoscopic colectomy.

Minimally invasive surgery and sphincter preservation in rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: National adoption of sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has not been well documented. We examined national trends in use of SPS and MIS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was used to evaluate open, laparoscopic, and robotic low anterior resection (LAR) or abdominoperineal resection (APR) for patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery from 2009 to 2011. Trends in SPS and MIS were stratified by hospital volume. Propensity score matching was used. RESULTS: A total of 24,999 (62.0%) patients underwent LAR, and 15,288 (38.0%) underwent APR from 2009 to 2011. A total of 22,310 (89.2%) LARs were open and 2689 (10.8%) MIS. A total of 11,600 (75.9%) APRs were open and 3688 (24.1%) MIS. Most procedures were at high-volume centers. In propensity-matched analysis, length of stay for LAR was longer in open surgery (6 versus 5 d; P = 0.01); in APR, MIS patients were less likely to have wound, infectious, urinary, and gastrointestinal complications, and length of stay was shorter (6 versus 8 d; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: SPS and MIS rates have increased nationally, especially in high-volume centers. In addition, the perioperative benefits seen in randomized clinical trials are maintained in a national database. Further studies should focus on understanding differences in survival and oncologic outcomes with MIS techniques.

Surgical oncology outcomes in the aging US population.

BACKGROUND: As the population ages, an increasing number of older patients are undergoing major surgery. We examined the impact of advanced age on outcomes following major gastrointestinal cancer surgery in an era of improved surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a population-based, retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. We evaluated patients undergoing major abdominal gastrointestinal cancer surgery from 2005-2012. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the independent effect of advanced age on outcomes. Our primary outcome was 30-d mortality, and our secondary outcomes were 30-d major postoperative adverse events, discharge disposition, length of stay, reoperation, and readmission. RESULTS: Elderly (≥65 y) patients were twice as likely to have multiple comorbidities as those <65 y but prevalence of comorbidities was similar across all older age groups. Mortality increased with age across all procedures (P < 0.05). The risk of advanced age on mortality was highest in hepatectomy (odds ratio = 5.17, 95% confidence interval = 2.19-12.20) and that for major postoperative adverse events was highest in proctectomy (odds ratio = 2.32, 95% confidence interval = 1.53-3.52). Patients were more likely to be discharged to an institutional care facility as age increased across all procedures (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite being highly selected for surgery, elderly patients undergoing major gastrointestinal cancer surgery have substantially worse postoperative outcomes than younger patients (<65 y). The risk of age on postoperative outcomes was present across all operations but had its highest association with liver and rectal cancer resections.

Driving Surgical Quality Using Operative Video.

Recent evidence suggests surgical quality may be demonstrated and evaluated using video capture during surgery. Operative video documentation may also aid in quality improvement initiatives. We discuss how operative video has the potential to help improve patient outcomes and increase professional accountability, patient safety, and surgical quality.