When Is Diversion Indicated After Right-Sided Colon Resections?

INTRODUCTION: Ileocolonic anastomoses have a low anastomotic leak (AL) risk, resulting in infrequent diverting loop ileostomy use. Identifying patients who warrant diverting loop ileostomy with right-sided resection is challenging due to this low incidence of AL. Therefore, a multicenter database was used to develop an AL risk score to help inform when diversion should be strongly considered after right-sided resections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing elective right-sided resections within the 2012-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-targeted colectomy participant user files were identified. Multivariable logistic regression identified AL risk factors that were then converted to point values to develop an AL risk score. The developed AL risk score was then assessed for visual correspondence and analyzed for internal validity. RESULTS: 42,176 patients underwent right-sided resection without diversion, and the incidence of AL was 2.4%. The risk calculator exhibited excellent calibration and fair discrimination. Strong visual correspondence was observed for predicted and actual AL rates within the 95% confidence interval for nine of ten risk score deciles. CONCLUSIONS: An internally validated AL risk score for elective ileocolic resections was developed. Most patients had scores that categorized them at a low risk of AL. The diversion after elective right-sided resections should be reserved for extreme cases.

Ethical Considerations in the Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials of Artificial Intelligence.

Importance: Safe integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical settings often requires randomized clinical trials (RCT) to compare AI efficacy with conventional care. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening is at the forefront of clinical AI applications, marked by the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) De Novo authorization for an autonomous AI for such use. Objective: To determine the generalizability of the 7 ethical research principles for clinical trials endorsed by the National Institute of Health (NIH), and identify ethical concerns unique to clinical trials of AI. Design, Setting, and Participants: This qualitative study included semistructured interviews conducted with 11 investigators engaged in the design and implementation of clinical trials of AI for DR screening from November 11, 2022, to February 20, 2023. The study was a collaboration with the ACCESS (AI for Children's Diabetic Eye Exams) trial, the first clinical trial of autonomous AI in pediatrics. Participant recruitment initially utilized purposeful sampling, and later expanded with snowball sampling. Study methodology for analysis combined a deductive approach to explore investigators' perspectives of the 7 ethical principles for clinical research endorsed by the NIH and an inductive approach to uncover the broader ethical considerations implementing clinical trials of AI within care delivery. Results: A total of 11 participants (mean [SD] age, 47.5 [12.0] years; 7 male [64%], 4 female [36%]; 3 Asian [27%], 8 White [73%]) were included, with diverse expertise in ethics, ophthalmology, translational medicine, biostatistics, and AI development. Key themes revealed several ethical challenges unique to clinical trials of AI. These themes included difficulties in measuring social value, establishing scientific validity, ensuring fair participant selection, evaluating risk-benefit ratios across various patient subgroups, and addressing the complexities inherent in the data use terms of informed consent. Conclusions and Relevance: This qualitative study identified practical ethical challenges that investigators need to consider and negotiate when conducting AI clinical trials, exemplified by the DR screening use-case. These considerations call for further guidance on where to focus empirical and normative ethical efforts to best support conduct clinical trials of AI and minimize unintended harm to trial participants.

Evaluating the Impact of Robotic IPAA: A Case-Matched Analysis from a High-Volume Center.

OBJECTIVE: To compare robotic-assisted proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (R-IPAA) outcomes and laparoscopic proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (L-IPAA) within a specialized robotic surgery center, using matching techniques to minimize potential confounding factors. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Minimally invasive approaches, particularly laparoscopy, have improved outcomes for IBD and FAP patients undergoing IPAA. Robotic-assisted surgery offers potential technical advantages, but its definitive superiority over laparoscopy in this context remains under debate. METHODS: This retrospective, STROBE-compliant study analyzed 234 consecutive IPAA patients (117 robotic, 117 laparoscopic). Data encompassed patient demographics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. We employed various matching techniques to address potential bias. Primary endpoints focused on 30-day complications, readmissions, and reoperations, with secondary endpoints including hospital stay, blood loss, and stoma closure rates. RESULTS: R-IPAA demonstrated a lower conversion rate to open surgery (P=0.02), a shorter hospital stay (P=0.04), and reduced blood loss (P=0.0003) compared to L-IPAA. While overall 30-day morbidity rates were similar (P=0.4), matched analyses suggested a trend towards fewer reoperations and 3-month IPAA-associated complications after diverting loop ileostomy closure in the robotic group. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: In a high-volume robotic surgery center, R-IPAA reduced the risk of conversion to open surgery while reducing intraoperative blood loss and providing shorter length of stay with equivalent perioperative outcomes. Promising trends to reduce 30-day reoperations and surgical complications following DLI closure were observed after a matching analysis.

Tofacitinib Exposure Does Not Increase Postoperative Complications Among Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Undergoing Total Colectomy: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis, total colectomy and tofacitinib have all been associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism. OBJECTIVE: To determine if preoperative tofacitinib exposure increases venous thromboembolism or other postoperative complications among patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing subtotal colectomy, total colectomy or total proctocolectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective, case-control study at a single institution. SETTINGS: A tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Adult patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing subtotal colectomy, total colectomy or total proctocolectomy after 2018 who were taking tofacitinib within 30 days of surgery (n = 56) were compared to age and sex-matched patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing the same surgeries but who were not exposed to tofacitinib (n = 56). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was differences in the incidence of venous thromboembolism within 90 days of surgery based on tofacitinib exposure. Secondary outcomes were 90-day postoperative complications. RESULTS: Groups were well matched for age (non-tofacitinib: mean 35.2 years [SD 12.0], tofacitinib: 35.9 [SD 12.1], p = 0.36) and sex (41% female in each group, p = 1.00). Medical characteristics were similar between groups except for biologic medication exposure 30 days before surgery (non-tofacitinib: 66%, tofacitinib: 36%, p = 0.004). Surgical characteristics did not differ between groups. Most patients were discharged on extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (non-tofacitinib: 80% and tofacitinib: 77%). Adjusted for biologic exposure, there were no statistically significant differences in venous thromboembolism (non-tofacitinib exposed: 14%, tofacitinib-exposed: 4%, p = 0.09) or other postoperative outcomes. LIMITATION: Retrospective, single institutional study. CONCLUSION: Among patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing total colectomy or proctocolectomy, exposure to tofacitinib was not associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism or other postoperative complications. See Video Abstract.

Comparative Outcomes of Robotic Versus Open Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer at High Risk of Positive Circumferential Resection Margin.

BACKGROUND: Concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of robotic proctectomy when compared with open proctectomy for locally advanced rectal cancer with a high risk of circumferential resection margin involvement. OBJECTIVE: Comparison of surrogate cancer outcomes following robotic versus open proctectomy in this subpopulation. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Three academic hospitals (Mayo Clinic Arizona, Florida, and Rochester) through the Mayo Data Explorer platform. PATIENTS: Patients at high risk of circumferential resection margin involvement were selected based on the magnetic resonance imaging-based definition from Mercury I and II trials. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of pathologic circumferential resection margin involvement (≤1 mm), mesorectal grading, rate of distal margin involvement. RESULTS: Out of 413 patients, 125 (30%) underwent open and 288 (70%) robotic proctectomy. Open proctectomy was significantly associated with a greater proportion of cT4 tumors (39.3% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.021), multivisceral/concomitant resections (40.8% vs. 18.4%, p < 0.001) and less frequent total neoadjuvant therapy use (17.1% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.001). Robotic proctectomy was less commonly associated with pathologic circumferential resection margin involvement (7.3% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.002), including after adjustment for cT stage, neoadjuvant therapy, and multivisceral resection (OR 0.326, 95% CI, 0.157-0.670, p = 0.002). Propensity score-matching on 66 patients per group and related multivariable analysis no longer indicated any reduction of circumferential positive margin rate associated with robotic surgery (p = 0.86 and p = 0.18). Mesorectal grading was comparable (incomplete mesorectum in 6% RP patients vs. 11.8% OP patients, p = 0.327). All cases had negative distal resection margins. LIMITATION: Retrospective design. CONCLUSION: In patients with locally advanced rectal cancer at high risk of circumferential resection margin involvement, robotic proctectomy is an effective approach and could be pursued when technically possible as an alternative to open proctectomy. See Video Abstract.

Efficacy and safety of combining short-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with envafolimab in locally advanced rectal cancer patients with microsatellite stability: A phase II PRECAM experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Conventional neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) yields a pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 15%-30% for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This study ventures to shift this paradigm by incorporating short-course nCRT with immunotherapy, specifically Envafolimab, to achieve improved treatment efficacy and possibly redefine the standard of care for LARC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PRECAM study is a prospective, single-arm, phase 2 clinical trial for LARC in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors. Participants received short-course radiotherapy (25Gy/5f), followed by two cycles of CAPEOX chemotherapy and six weekly doses of Envafolimab, a PD-L1 antibody, before total mesorectal excision surgery. The primary endpoint was the pCR rate. RESULTS: From April to December 2022, 34 patients were enrolled, of whom 32 completed the study, each diagnosed with an MSS rectal adenocarcinoma. All patients underwent preoperative CRT combined with Envafolimab. Remarkably, a pCR rate of 62.5% (20/32) was attained, and a significant pathologic response rate of 75% (24/32) was achieved. Additionally, 21 of 32 participants achieved a neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score below 8, suggesting an effective treatment response. Common adverse events included tenesmus (78.1%), diarrhea (62.5%), and leukocyte decrease (40.6%). Two Grade 3 adverse events were noted, one related to liver function abnormality and the other to a decrease in platelet count. Surgical procedures were performed in all cases, with minor complications, including ileus, infections, and anastomotic leakage. As of this report, there have been no reported cases of recurrence or death during the follow-up period, ranging from 12 to 20 months. CONCLUSION: In LARC patients exhibiting MSS tumors, combining short-course nCRT with Envafolimab demonstrated favorable efficacy, leading to a significant pCR rate. Minor adverse effects and surgical complications were observed. These preliminary but promising results underscore the potential of this approach and call for further exploration and validation through a randomized controlled trial.

Navigating Progress: Eight-Year Single-Center Experience With Minimally Invasive Proctectomy and Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has become the gold standard for treating ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis, and selected cases of Crohn's colitis. Robotic surgery promises improved postoperative outcomes and decreased length of stay. However, few studies have evaluated the benefits of robotic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis compared to laparoscopy. OBJECTIVE: To compare short-term 30-day postoperative outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diverting loop ileostomy. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study from a single, high-volume center. SETTINGS: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (tertiary referral center for inflammatory bowel disease). PATIENTS: All adult patients undergoing minimally invasive proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and DLI between January 2015 and April 2023. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thirty-day complications, hospital length of stay, estimated blood loss, conversion rate, 30-day readmission, and 30-day reoperation. RESULTS: Two hundred seventeen patients were included in the study; 107 underwent robotic proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diverting loop ileostomy, while 110 had laparoscopic proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diverting loop ileostomy. Operating time was significantly longer in the robotic group (263 ± 38 minutes versus 228 ± 75 minutes, p < 0.0001); estimated blood loss was lower in the robotic group (81.5 ± 77.7 ml vs. 126.8 ± 111.0 ml, p = 0.0006) as well as the number of conversions (0% versus 8.2%, p = 0.003). Patients in the robotic group received more intraoperative fluids (3099 ± 1140 ml versus 2472 ± 996 ml, p = 0.0001). However, there was no difference in length of stay, 30-day morbidity, 30-day readmission, 30-day reoperation, rate of diverting loop ileostomy closure at three months, and surgical ileal pouch-anal anastomosis complication rate after ileostomy closure. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design, single-center study, potential bias due to the novelty of robotic approach, lack of long-term and quality-of-life outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diverting loop ileostomy may offer advantages in terms of estimated blood loss and conversion rate, while maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes. See Video Abstract.

The ACR Mammography Positioning Improvement Collaborative: A Multicenter Improvement Program Within a Learning Network Framework.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: To share the experience and results of the first cohort of the ACR Mammography Positioning Improvement Collaborative, in which participating sites aimed to increase the mean percentage of screening mammograms meeting the established positioning criteria to 85% or greater and show at least modest evidence of improvement at each site by the end of the improvement program. METHODS: The sites comprising the first cohort of the collaborative were selected on the basis of strength of local leadership support, intra-organizational relationships, access to data and analytic support, and experience with quality improvement initiatives. During the improvement program, participating sites organized their teams, developed goals, gathered data, evaluated their current state, identified key drivers and root causes of their problems, and developed and tested interventions. A standardized image quality scoring system was also established. The impact of the interventions implemented at each site was assessed by tracking the percentage of screening mammograms meeting overall passing criteria over time. RESULTS: Six organizations were selected to participate as the first cohort, beginning with participation in the improvement program. Interventions developed and implemented at each site during the program resulted in improvement in the average percentage of screening mammograms meeting overall passing criteria per week from a collaborative mean of 51% to 86%, with four of six sites meeting or exceeding the target mean performance of 85% by the end of the improvement program. Afterward, all respondents to the postprogram survey indicated that the program was a positive experience. CONCLUSION: Using a structured improvement program within a learning network framework, the first cohort of the collaborative demonstrated that improvement in mammography positioning performance can be achieved at multiple sites simultaneously and validated the hypothesis that local sites' shared experiences, insights, and learnings would not only improve performance but would also build a community of improvers collaborating to create the best experience for technologists, staff, and patients.

A Method for Continuous Surgeon Improvement in Rectal Cancer: Risk-Adjusted Cumulative Sum.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and analyze a risk-adjusted cumulative sum (RA-CUSUM) chart as a potential method to monitor individual surgeon performance in robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Currently, surgeons lack real-time tools to monitor and enhance their performance beyond residency completion. While national quality programs exist, granular, individual-level data is crucial for continuous improvement. Previous studies suggest CUSUM charts hold promise in identifying performance trends and outliers. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data from 640 robotic TME cases performed by 12 surgeons at two institutions. RA-CUSUM charts were generated for three outcomes: complications, operative time, and length of stay. RESULTS: The overall RA-CUSUM curves for operative time and complications showed an initial learning phase followed by a plateau or downward slope, indicating proficiency or improvement. However, individual surgeon curves revealed significant heterogeneity. Three surgeons consistently excelled in operative time, while five minimized complications most effectively. Potential quality improvement could be implemented to drive performance toward positive outliers. No differences were found in unadjusted outcomes, including conversion, number of lymph nodes harvested, and positive circumferential margins. CONCLUSIONS: The RA-CUSUM chart is a promising method for identifying individual surgeon performance in robotic TME. It could help surgeons, teams, and leaders identify improvement areas and benchmark themselves against positive outliers. Further studies are needed to explore the potential of RA-CUSUM for implementing interventions to improve surgical quality.

Improving Prostate MR Image Quality in Practice-Initial Results From the ACR Prostate MR Image Quality Improvement Collaborative.

OBJECTIVE: Variability in prostate MRI quality is an increasingly recognized problem that negatively affects patient care. This report aims to describe the results and key learnings of the first cohort of the ACR Learning Network Prostate MR Image Quality Improvement Collaborative. METHODS: Teams from five organizations in the United States were trained on a structured improvement method. After reaching a consensus on image quality and auditing their images using the Prostate Imaging Quality (PI-QUAL) system, teams conducted a current state analysis to identify barriers to obtaining high-quality images. Through plan-do-study-act cycles involving frontline staff, each site designed and tested interventions targeting image quality key drivers. The percentage of examinations meeting quality criteria (ie, PI-QUAL score ≥4) was plotted on a run chart, and project progress was reviewed in weekly meetings. At the collaborative level, the goal was to increase the percentage of examinations with PI-QUAL ≥4 to at least 85%. RESULTS: Across 2,380 examinations audited, the mean weekly rates of prostate MR examinations meeting image quality criteria increased from 67% (range: 60%-74%) at baseline to 87% (range: 80%-97%) upon program completion. The most commonly employed interventions were MR protocol adjustments, development and implementation of patient preparation instructions, personnel training, and development of an auditing process mechanism. CONCLUSION: A learning network model, in which organizations share knowledge and work together toward a common goal, can improve prostate MR image quality at multiple sites simultaneously. The inaugural cohort's key learnings provide a road map for improvement on a broader scale.

Rethinking postoperative care: same-day ileostomy closure discharge improves patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The evolution of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) in colon and rectal surgery has led to the development of same-day discharge (SDD) procedures for selected patients. Early discharge after diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) closure was first described in 2003. However, its widespread adoption remains limited, with SDD accounting for only 3.2% of all DLI closures in 2005-2006, according to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, and rising to just 4.1% by 2016. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of SDD DLI closure with those of DLI closure after the standard ERP. METHODS: A retrospective case-matched study compared 125 patients undergoing SDD DLI closure with 250 patients undergoing DLI closure after the standard ERP based on age (±1 year), sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, surgery date (±2 months), underlying disease, and hospital site. The primary outcome was comparative 30-day complication rates. RESULTS: Patients in the traditional ERP group received more intraoperative fluids (1221.1 ± 416.6 vs 1039.0 ± 368.3 mL, P < .001) but had similar estimated blood loss. Ten patients (8%) in the SDD-ERP group failed SDD. The 30-day postoperative complication rate was significantly lower in the SDD group (14.8%) than the standard ERP group (25.7%, P = .025). This difference was primarily driven by a lower incidence of ileus in the SDD group (9.6% vs 14.8%, P = .034). There were no significant differences in readmission rate (9.6% of SDD-ERP vs 9.2% of standard ERP, P = .900) and reoperation rates (3.2% of SDD-ERP vs 2.4% of standard ERP, P = .650). CONCLUSION: SDD ileostomy closure is a safe, feasible, and effective procedure associated with fewer complications than the present study's standard ERP. This could represent a new standard of care. Further prospective trials are required to confirm the findings of this study.

Presacral Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Multi-site Review of Surgical Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Presacral neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are rare tumors, with limited data on management and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of institutional medical records was conducted to identify all patients with PNENs between 2008 and 2022. Data collection included demographics, symptoms, imaging, surgical approaches, pathology, complications, and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Twelve patients were identified; two-thirds were female, averaging 44.8 years of age, and, for the most part, presenting with back pain, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. Preoperative imaging included computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance images, with somatostatin receptor imaging and biopsies being common. Half of the patients had metastatic disease on presentation. Surgical approach varied, with anterior, posterior, and combined techniques used, often involving muscle transection and coccygectomy. Short-term complications affected one-quarter of patients. Pathologically, PNENs were mainly well-differentiated grade 2 tumors with positive synaptophysin and chromogranin A. Associated anomalies were common, with tail-gut cysts prevalent. Mean tumor diameter was 6.3 cm. Four patients received long-term adjuvant therapy. Disease progression necessitated additional interventions, including surgery and various chemotherapy regimens. Skeletal, liver, thyroid, lung, and pancreatic metastases occurred during follow-up, with no mortality reported. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 5-year local recurrence rate of 23.8%, disease progression rate of 14.3%, and de novo metastases rate of 30%. CONCLUSION: The study underscores the complex management of PNENs and emphasizes the need for multicenter research to better understand and manage these tumors. It provides valuable insights into surgical outcomes, recurrence rates, and overall survival, guiding future treatment strategies for PNEN patients.

Effect of previous abdominal surgery on robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: The effect of previous abdominal surgery (PAS) in laparoscopic surgery is well known and significantly adds to longer hospital length of stay (LOS), postoperative ileus, and inadvertent enterotomies. However, little evidence exists in patients with PAS undergoing robotic-assisted (RA) rectal surgery. METHODS: All patients undergoing RA surgery for rectal cancer were reviewed. Patients with PAS were divided into minor and major PAS groups, defined as surgery involving >1 quadrant. The primary outcome was the risk of conversion to open surgery. RESULTS: A total of 750 patients were included, 531 in the no-PAS (NPAS) group, 31 in the major PAS group, and 188 in the minor PAS group. Patients in the major PAS group had significantly longer hospital LOS (P < .001) and lower adherence to enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs; P = .004). The conversion rates to open surgery were similar: 3.4% in the NPAS group, 5.9% in the minor PAS group, and 9.7% in the major PAS group (P = .113). Estimated blood loss (EBL; P = .961), operative times (OTs; P = .062), complication rates (P = .162), 30-day readmission (P = .691), and 30-day mortality (P = .494) were similar. Of note, 53 patients underwent lysis of adhesions (LOA). On multivariate analysis, EBL >500 mL and LOA significantly influenced conversion to open surgery. EBL >500 mL, age >65 years, conversion to open surgery, and prolonged OT were risk factors for prolonged LOS, whereas adherence to ERPs was a protector. CONCLUSION: PAS did not seem to affect the outcomes in RA rectal surgery. Given this finding, the robotic approach may ultimately provide patients with PAS with similar risk to patients without PAS.

Evolution of laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: impact of enhanced recovery program, medication changes, and staged approaches on outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the gold standard in restorative proctocolectomy, surgical techniques have experienced minimal changes. In contrast, substantial shifts in perioperative care, marked by the enhanced recovery program (ERP), modifications in steroid use, and a shift to a 3-staged approach, have taken center stage. METHODS: Data extracted from our prospective IPAA database focused on the first 100 laparoscopic IPAA cases (historic group) and the latest 100 cases (modern group), aiming to measure the effect of these evolutions on postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The historic IPAA group had more 2-staged procedures (92% proctocolectomy), whereas the modern group had a higher number of 3-staged procedures (86% proctectomy) (P < .001). Compared with patients in the modern group, patients in the historic group were more likely to be on steroids (5% vs 67%, respectively; P < .001) or immunomodulators (0% vs 31%, respectively; P < .001) at surgery. Compared with the historic group, the modern group had a shorter operative time (335.5 ± 78.4 vs 233.8 ± 81.6, respectively; P < .001) and length of stay (LOS; 5.4 ± 3.1 vs 4.2 ± 1.6 days, respectively; P < .001). Compared with the modern group, the historic group exhibited a higher 30-day morbidity rate (20% vs 33%, respectively; P = .04) and an elevated 30-day readmission rate (9% vs 21%, respectively; P = .02). Preoperative steroids use increased complications (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; P = .01), whereas 3-staged IPAA reduced complications (OR, 0.3; P = .03). ERP was identified as a factor that predicted shorter stays. CONCLUSION: Although ERP effectively reduced the LOS in IPAA surgery, it failed to reduce complications. Conversely, adopting a 3-staged IPAA approach proved beneficial in reducing morbidity, whereas preoperative steroid use increased complications.

Robotic-assisted reoperative ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: robotic pouch excision and pouch revision.

BACKGROUND: Up to 20% of patients with ileal pouch will develop pouch failure, ultimately requiring surgical reintervention. As a result of the complexity of reoperative pouch surgery, minimally invasive approaches were rarely utilized. In this series, we present the outcomes of the patients who underwent robotic-assisted pouch revision or excision to assess its feasibility and short-term results. METHODS: All the patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases and familial adenomatous polyposis who underwent robotic reoperative surgery of an existing ileal pouch were included. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included; 54.6% were female. The average age at reoperation was 51 ± 16 years, with a mean body mass index of 26.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2. Fourteen (63.7%) had a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at reoperation, and seven (31.8%) had Crohn's disease. The mean time to pouch reoperation was 12.8 ± 11.8 years. Seventeen (77.3%) patients underwent pouch excision, and five (22.7%) had pouch revision surgery. The mean operative time was 372 ± 131 min, and the estimated blood loss was 199 ± 196.7 ml. The conversion rate was 9.1%, the 30-day morbidity rate was 27.3% (with only one complication reaching Clavien-Dindo grade IIIB), and the mean length of stay was 5.8 ± 3.9 days. The readmission rate was 18.2%, the reoperation rate was 4.6%, and mortality was nihil. All patients in the pouch revisional group are stoma-free. CONCLUSION: Robotic reoperative pouch surgery in highly selected patients is technically feasible with acceptable outcomes.

Unveiling the Hidden Consequences: Initial Impact of COVID-19 on Colorectal Cancer Operation.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected healthcare systems globally, resulting in significant delays and challenges in various medical treatments, particularly in cancer care. This study aims to investigate the repercussions of the pandemic on surgical interventions for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the US, using data from the National Cancer Database. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database, encompassing adult patients who underwent surgical procedures for colon and rectal cancer in 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2020 (COVID). We examined various demographic and clinical variables, including patient characteristics, tumor staging, surgical approaches, and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: The analysis included 105,517 patients, revealing a 17.3% reduction in surgical cases during the initial year of the pandemic. Patients who underwent surgery in 2020 displayed more advanced clinical and pathological tumor stages compared to those treated in 2019. After diagnosis, no delay was reported in the treatment. Patients operated during the pandemic, Black patients, uninsured, and Medicaid beneficiaries had worse stage colon and rectal cancer, and individuals with lower incomes bore the burden of advanced colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CRC surgery transcends a mere decline in case numbers, resulting in a higher prevalence of patients with advanced disease. This study underscores the exacerbated disparities in cancer care, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant and enduring imprint on CRC surgery, intensifying the challenges faced by patients and healthcare systems. Comprehensive studies are imperative to comprehend the long-term consequences of delayed screenings, diagnoses, and treatments as healthcare planning for the future must consider the unintended repercussions of pandemic-related disruptions.

The death of laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of laparoscopy in 1989 revolutionized surgical practices, reducing post-operative complications, and enhancing outcomes. Despite its benefits, limitations in laparoscopic tools have led to continued use of open surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery emerged to address these limitations, but its adoption trends and potential impact on open and laparoscopic surgery require analysis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) databases from 2012 to 2021. The study encompassed various abdominal procedures, employing Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models to analyze the dynamic relationships between surgical techniques. The models predicted future trends in open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery until Q2 of 2025. RESULTS: The analysis included 360,171 patients across diverse procedures. In urology, robotic surgery dominated prostatectomies (83.1% in 2021) and nephrectomies (55.1% in 2021), while the open approach remained the predominant surgical technique for cystectomies (72.5% in 2021). In general surgery, robotic colectomies were forecasted to surpass laparoscopy, becoming the primary approach by 2024 (45.7% in 2025). Proctectomies also showed a shift towards robotic surgery, predicted to surpass laparoscopy and open surgery by 2025 (32.3%). Pancreatectomies witnessed a steady growth in robotic surgery, surpassing laparoscopy in 2021, with forecasts indicating further increase. While hepatectomies remained predominantly open (70.0% in 2025), esophagectomies saw a rise in robotic surgery, predicted to become the primary approach by 2025 (52.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests a transformative shift towards robotic-assisted surgery, poised to dominate various minimally invasive procedures. The forecasts indicate that robotic surgery may surpass laparoscopy and open surgery in colectomies, proctectomies, pancreatectomies, and esophagectomies by 2025. This anticipated change emphasizes the need for proactive adjustments in surgical training programs to align with evolving surgical practices. The findings have substantial implications for future healthcare practices, necessitating a balance between traditional laparoscopy and the burgeoning role of robotic-assisted surgery.

Comparison of Intact Fish Skin Graft and Allograft as Temporary Coverage for Full-Thickness Burns: A Non-Inferiority Study.

The extent and depth of burn injury may mandate temporary use of cadaver skin (allograft) to protect the wound and allow the formation of granulation tissue while split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) are serially harvested from the same donor areas. However, allografts are not always available and have a high cost, hence the interest in identifying more economical, readily available products that serve the same function. This study evaluated intact fish skin graft (IFSG) as a temporary cover to prepare the wound bed for STSG application. Thirty-six full-thickness (FT) 5 × 5 cm burn wounds were created on the dorsum of six anesthetized Yorkshire pigs on day -1. To mimic the two-stage clinical situation, on day 0, wounds were excised down to a bleeding wound bed and a temporary cover (either IFSG or cadaver porcine skin) was applied; then, on day 7, wounds were debrided to a viable wound bed prior to the application of autologous 1.5:1 meshed STSG (mSTSG). Rechecks were performed on days 14, 21, 28, 45, and 60 with digital images, non-invasive measurements, and punch biopsies. The IFSG created a granulated wound bed receptive to the application of an mSTSG. FT burn wounds treated with an IFSG had similar outcome measures, including contraction rates, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements, hydration, and blood perfusion levels, compared to cadaver skin-treated burn wounds. Pathology scoring indicated significant differences between the allograft- and IFSG-treated wounds on day 7, with the IFSG having increased angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation, and immune cells. Pathology scoring indicated no significant differences once mSTSGs were applied to wounds. The IFSG performed as well as cadaver skin as a temporary cover and was not inferior to the standard of care, suggesting the potential to transition IFSGs into clinical use for burns.