How to integrate robotic training in surgical residency? An example of a 2-week robotic rotation.

General surgery residents should be proficiently trained in robotic surgery. However, there is currently no standardized robotic training curriculum. We aimed to evaluate two approaches to a robotic curriculum and how implementing a virtual reality (VR) simulation curriculum improves trainee robotic performance. From 2019 to 2022, two models of a robotic training curriculum were examined: an in-unit rotation (IUR) and a 2-week curriculum (2WR). The VR curriculum was completed using the da Vinci® Skill Simulator. The curriculum used a pre/post-test design. Residents completed a pre-test that consisted of 4 VR exercises (graded 0-100%) and 3 inanimate box trainer exercises (graded using modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills). Then, residents completed a VR curriculum of 23 modules. Following the curriculum, residents were given a post-test with the same pre-test exercises. Time necessary to complete the curriculum and compliance were recorded. Of the 11 residents who participated in the IUR, 4 completed the VR curriculum. Comparatively, 100% (n = 23) of residents in the 2WR completed the curriculum. Average time to complete the VR curriculum was 3.8 h. After completion of the 2WR curriculum, resident performance improved from pre-test to post-test: VR test scores increased (160% vs 223%, p < 0.001), OSATS scores increased (15.0 vs 21.0, p < 0.001), and time to complete inanimate exercises decreased (1083 vs 756 s, p = 0.001). Residents who mastered all modules had higher post-test VR scores (241% vs 214%, p = 0.024). General surgery residents demonstrated improved compliance with the 2WR. The VR curriculum improved resident robotic performance in both virtual and inanimate domains.

The minimally invasive approach confers improved outcomes in frail cancer patients undergoing hepatectomy: an American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity for liver resection has decreased, and frail patients are undergoing surgery. The effect of minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MILR on the outcomes in frail patients. METHODS: Elective hepatectomies from the 2014-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program hepatectomy-specific Participant User File were reviewed. The 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) was used. It includes diabetes mellitus, hypertension, functional status, heart failure, and dyspnea. Patients were considered frail if their mFI-5 score was ≥2. RESULTS: A total of 3116 patients were included: 2117 (67.9%) in the minor hepatectomy group and 999 (32%) in the major hepatectomy group. There were 2254 open cases and 862 MILRs. Postoperatively, patients in the minor hepatectomy group who underwent MILR had lower rates of prolonged length of stay (LOS), nonhome discharge, transfusion, major complications, and minor complications (P < .05). Postoperatively, patients in the major hepatectomy group who underwent MILR had lower rates of prolonged LOS and any complication (P < .05). In the minor hepatectomy group, MILR remained independently predictive of lower rates of prolonged LOS (odds ratio [OR], 0.34; 95% CI, 0.28-0.42), nonhome discharge (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41-0.84), transfusion (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.96), major complication (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-1.00), and any complication (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58-0.92). In the major hepatectomy group, MILR remained independently predictive of prolonged LOS (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.40-0.89). CONCLUSION: MILR resulted in lower rates of complications in the minor hepatectomy group and shorter LOS in the major hepatectomy group. The minimally invasive approach to hepatectomy may benefit frail patients with cancer.

Residents perform better technically, have less stress and workload, and prefer robotic to laparoscopic technique during inanimate simulation.

INTRODUCTION: With the widespread adoption of minimally invasive surgery, there is a growing need for surgical residents to be trained by a procedure-specific curriculum. This study aimed to evaluate the technical performance and feedback of surgical residents undergoing the robotic and laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) and gastrojejunostomy (GJ) biotissue modules. METHODS: A total of 23 PGY-3 surgical residents participated in this study and performed the laparoscopic and robotic HJ and GJ drills, which were recorded and scored by two independent graders using the modified objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS). After completing each drill, all participants filled out the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), Borg Exertion Scale, and Edwards Arousal Rating Questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-two (95.7%) residents had already received fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery certification. Eighteen (78.3%) residents had robotic virtual simulation training and the median (range) number of robotic surgery console experience was 4 (0-30). In the HJ comparison of the six OSATS domains, the robotic system was superior in Gentleness (p = 0.031). In the GJ comparison, the robotic system was superior in Time and Motion (p < 0.001), Instrument Handling (p = 0.001), Flow of Operation (p = 0.002), Tissue Exposure (p = 0.013), and Summary (p < 0.001). Participants answered significantly higher demand scores for laparoscopy on all six facets of NASA-TLX for both HJ and GJ (p < 0.05). The Borg Level of Exertion was > 2 points higher for laparoscopic HJ and GJ (p < 0.001). Residents rated more Nervousness and Anxiety for laparoscopic compared to robotic (p < 0.05) HJ and GJ. Additionally, when asked to score preference for robotic and laparoscopic approach in terms of technique and ergonomics, residents scored robot as better (laparoscopy worse) for both HJ and GJ in both domains. CONCLUSIONS: The robotic surgical system provided a more favorable environment for trainees with less mental and physical burden for minimally invasive HJ and GJ curriculum.

Integrated Clinical-Molecular Classification of Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Biomarker Analysis of the Phase 3 New EPOC Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Personalized treatment approaches for patients with oligometastatic colorectal liver metastases are critically needed. We previously defined 3 biologically distinct molecular subtypes of colorectal liver metastases: (1) canonical, (2) immune, and (3) stromal. Objective: To independently validate these molecular subtypes in the phase 3 New EPOC randomized clinical trial. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective secondary analysis of the phase 3 New EPOC randomized clinical trial included a bi-institutional discovery cohort and multi-institutional validation cohort. The discovery cohort comprised patients who underwent hepatic resection for limited colorectal liver metastases (98% received perioperative chemotherapy) from May 31, 1994, to August 14, 2012. The validation cohort comprised patients who underwent hepatic resection for liver metastases with perioperative chemotherapy (fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan based) with or without cetuximab from February 26, 2007, to November 1, 2012. Data were analyzed from January 18 to December 10, 2021. Interventions: Resected metastases underwent RNA sequencing and microRNA (miRNA) profiling in the discovery cohort and messenger RNA and miRNA profiling with microarray in the validation cohort. Main Outcomes and Measures: A 31-feature (24 messenger RNAs and 7 miRNAs) neural network classifier was trained to predict molecular subtypes in the discovery cohort and applied to the validation cohort. Integrated clinical-molecular risk groups were designated based on molecular subtypes and the clinical risk score. The unique biological phenotype of each molecular subtype was validated using gene set enrichment analyses and immune deconvolution. The primary clinical end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 240 patients were included (mean [range] age, 63.0 [56.3-68.0] years; 151 [63%] male), with 93 in the discovery cohort and 147 in the validation cohort. In the validation cohort, 73 (50%), 28 (19%), and 46 (31%) patients were classified as having canonical, immune, and stromal metastases, respectively. The biological phenotype of each subtype was concordant with the discovery cohort. The immune subtype (best prognosis) demonstrated 5-year PFS of 43% (95% CI, 25%-60%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20-0.68) and OS of 63% (95% CI, 40%-79%; HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.17-0.86), which was statistically significantly higher than the canonical subtype (worst prognosis) at 14% (95% CI, 7%-23%) and 43% (95% CI, 32%-55%), respectively. Adding molecular subtypes to the clinical risk score improved prediction (the Gönen and Heller K for discrimination) from 0.55 (95% CI, 0.49-0.61) to 0.62 (95% CI, 0.57-0.67) for PFS and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.52-0.66) to 0.63 (95% CI, 0.56-0.70) for OS. The low-risk integrated group demonstrated 5-year PFS of 44% (95% CI, 20%-66%; HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.19-0.76) and OS of 78% (95% CI, 44%-93%; HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08-0.84), superior to the high-risk group at 16% (95% CI, 10%-24%) and 43% (95% CI, 32%-52%), respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: In this prognostic study, biologically derived colorectal liver metastasis molecular subtypes and integrated clinical-molecular risk groups were highly prognostic. This novel molecular classification warrants further study as a possible predictive biomarker for personalized systemic treatment for colorectal liver metastases. Trial Registration: isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN22944367.

Cancer-associated thrombosis by cancer sites and inherited factors in a prospective population-based cohort.

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is common and associated with mortality. We estimated CAT rate by cancer sites and inherited factors among cancer patients from the UK Biobank (N =70,406). The 12-month CAT rate after cancer diagnosis was 2.37% overall but varied considerably among cancer sites. Among the 10 cancer sites classified as 'high-risk' of CAT by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, 6 had CAT rate <5%. In contrast, 5 cancer sites classified as 'average-risk' by the guidelines had CAT rate >5%. For inherited risk factors, both known mutation carriers in two genes (F5/F2) and polygenic score for venous thromboembolism (VTE) (PGSVTE) were independently associated with increased CAT risk. While F5/F2 identified 6% patients with high genetic-risk for CAT, adding PGSVTE identified 13 % patients at equivalent/higher genetic-risk to CAT than that of F5/F2 mutations. Findings from this large prospective study, if confirmed, provide critical data to update guidelines for CAT risk assessment.

A core set of quality performance indicators for HPB procedures: a global consensus for hepatectomy, pancreatectomy, and complex biliary surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) conditions is performed worldwide. This investigation aimed to develop a set of globally accepted procedural quality performance indicators (QPI) for HPB surgical procedures. METHODS: A systematic literature review generated a dataset of published QPI for hepatectomy, pancreatectomy, complex biliary surgery and cholecystectomy. Using a modified Delphi process, three rounds were conducted with working groups composed of self-nominating members of the International Hepatopancreaticobiliary Association (IHPBA). The final set of QPI was circulated to the full membership of the IHPBA for review. RESULTS: Seven "core" indicators were agreed for hepatectomy, pancreatectomy, and complex biliary surgery (availability of specific services on site, a specialised surgical team with at least two certified HPB surgeons, a satisfactory institutional case volume, synoptic pathology reporting, undertaking of unplanned reintervention procedures within 90 days, the incidence of post-procedure bile leak and Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III complications and 90-day post-procedural mortality). Three further procedure specific QPI were proposed for pancreatectomy, six for hepatectomy and complex biliary surgery. Nine procedure-specific QPIs were proposed for cholecystectomy. The final set of proposed indicators were reviewed and approved by 102 IHPBA members from 34 countries. CONCLUSIONS: This work presents a core set of internationally agreed QPI for HPB surgery.

Number of Hepatic Resections and Association with Complication after Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Debulking: An American College of Surgeons NSQIP Database Study.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NELM) are a major source of morbidity and mortality in neuroendocrine tumor patients and can be treated with hepatic debulking surgery (HDS). This study aims to identify variables associated with postoperative morbidity in NELM HDS. STUDY DESIGN: This analysis uses the American College of Surgeons NSQIP targeted hepatectomy-specific Participant User File from 2014 to 2020. Surgeries were grouped by number of hepatic resections performed (1 to 5, 6 to 10, greater than 10). Multivariable logistic regression and matching were used to identify prognostic factors of morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 1,163 patients were included. A total of 1,011 (87%) had 1 to 5 hepatic resections, 101 (8.7%) had 6 to 10 resections, and 51 (4.4%) had greater than 10 resections. The overall complication rate was 35%, and surgical and medical complications reached 30% and 13%, respectively. Mortality occurred in 11 patients (0.9%). Significantly higher rates of any (34% vs 35% vs 53%, p = 0.021) and surgical complications (29% vs 28% vs 49%, p = 0.007) were noted for those undergoing greater than 10 resections (1 to 5 resections, 6 to 10, greater than 10). "Bleeding requiring transfusion" (p < 0.0001) occurred more frequently in the greater than 10 resection group. On multivariable logistic regression, greater than 10 resections were an independent risk factor for any (odds ratio [OR] 2.53, p = 0.002; OR 2.52, p =. 0013) and surgical (OR 2.53, p = 0.003; OR 2.88, p = 0.005) complications compared with 1 to 5 resections and 6 to 10 resections, respectively. Medical complications (OR 2.34, p = 0.020) and length of stay greater than 5 days (OR 1.98, p = 0.032) were also increased with greater than 10 vs 1 to 5 resections. CONCLUSIONS: As reported by NSQIP, NELM HDS were performed safely with low mortality. However, more hepatic resections, especially greater than 10, were associated with increased postoperative morbidity and length of stay.

Piperacillin-Tazobactam Compared With Cefoxitin as Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Despite improvements in perioperative mortality, the incidence of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) remains high after pancreatoduodenectomy. The effect of broad-spectrum antimicrobial surgical prophylaxis in reducing SSI is poorly understood. Objective: To define the effect of broad-spectrum perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis on postoperative SSI incidence compared with standard care antibiotics. Design, Setting, and Participants: Pragmatic, open-label, multicenter, randomized phase 3 clinical trial at 26 hospitals across the US and Canada. Participants were enrolled between November 2017 and August 2021, with follow-up through December 2021. Adults undergoing open pancreatoduodenectomy for any indication were eligible. Individuals were excluded if they had allergies to study medications, active infections, chronic steroid use, significant kidney dysfunction, or were pregnant or breastfeeding. Participants were block randomized in a 1:1 ratio and stratified by the presence of a preoperative biliary stent. Participants, investigators, and statisticians analyzing trial data were unblinded to treatment assignment. Intervention: The intervention group received piperacillin-tazobactam (3.375 or 4 g intravenously) as perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, while the control group received cefoxitin (2 g intravenously; standard care). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was development of postoperative SSI within 30 days. Secondary end points included 30-day mortality, development of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, and sepsis. All data were collected as part of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Results: The trial was terminated at an interim analysis on the basis of a predefined stopping rule. Of 778 participants (378 in the piperacillin-tazobactam group [median age, 66.8 y; 233 {61.6%} men] and 400 in the cefoxitin group [median age, 68.0 y; 223 {55.8%} men]), the percentage with SSI at 30 days was lower in the perioperative piperacillin-tazobactam vs cefoxitin group (19.8% vs 32.8%; absolute difference, -13.0% [95% CI, -19.1% to -6.9%]; P < .001). Participants treated with piperacillin-tazobactam, vs cefoxitin, had lower rates of postoperative sepsis (4.2% vs 7.5%; difference, -3.3% [95% CI, -6.6% to 0.0%]; P = .02) and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (12.7% vs 19.0%; difference, -6.3% [95% CI, -11.4% to -1.2%]; P = .03). Mortality rates at 30 days were 1.3% (5/378) among participants treated with piperacillin-tazobactam and 2.5% (10/400) among those receiving cefoxitin (difference, -1.2% [95% CI, -3.1% to 0.7%]; P = .32). Conclusions and Relevance: In participants undergoing open pancreatoduodenectomy, use of piperacillin-tazobactam as perioperative prophylaxis reduced postoperative SSI, pancreatic fistula, and multiple downstream sequelae of SSI. The findings support the use of piperacillin-tazobactam as standard care for open pancreatoduodenectomy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03269994.

Does minimally invasive surgery have a different impact on recurrence and overall survival in patients with pancreatic head versus body/tail cancer?

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate the impact of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) on recurrence and overall survival between patients with pancreatic head versus body/tail cancers. METHODS: The risk factors associated with recurrence and long-term outcomes were analyzed according to tumor location and operative modality. RESULTS: A total of 288 and 87 patients underwent surgical resection for pancreatic head cancer and body/tail cancer, respectively. The perioperative outcomes and histopathologic results were comparable in open and MIS approach in both head and body/tail groups. There was no difference in local or systemic recurrence patterns and disease-free and overall survival rates according to primary tumor location and surgical modality. During subgroup analysis by stage; however, patients with stage III pancreatic head cancer in the MIS group had a decreased disease-free survival compared with those in the open surgery group (p = 0.020). On multivariate analysis, MIS was not a risk factor of total or local recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence patterns and overall survival rates of patients did not differ according to tumor location and surgical approach. However, patients with stage III pancreatic head cancer in the MIS group showed inferior disease-free survival relative to patients who underwent open surgery.

Risk factors and outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive hepatectomy with unplanned conversion: a contemporary NSQIP analysis.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive techniques are growing for hepatectomies. Laparoscopic and robotic liver resections have been shown to differ in conversions. We hypothesize that robotic approach will have decreased conversion to open and complications despite being a newer technique than laparoscopy. METHODS: ACS NSQIP study using the targeted Liver PUF from 2014 to 2020. Patients grouped based on hepatectomy type and approach. Multivariable and propensity scored matching (PSM) was used to analyze the groups. RESULTS: Of 7767 patients who underwent hepatectomy, 6834 were laparoscopic and 933 were robotic. The rate of conversions was significantly lower in robotic vs laparoscopic (7.8% vs 14.7%; p < 0.001). Robotic hepatectomy was associated with decreased conversion for minor (6.2% vs 13.1%; p < 0.001), but not major, right, or left hepatectomy. Operative factors associated with conversion included Pringle (OR = 2.09 [95% CI 1.05-4.19]; p = 0.0369), and a laparoscopic approach (OR = 1.96 [95% CI 1.53-2.52]; p < 0.001). Undergoing conversion was associated with increases in bile leak (13.7% vs 4.9%; p < 0.001), readmission (11.5% vs 6.1%; p < 0.001), mortality (2.1% vs 0.6%; p < 0.001), length of stay (5 days vs 3 days; p < 0.001), and surgical (30.5% vs 10.1%; p < 0.001), wound (4.9% vs 1.5%; p < 0.001) and medical (17.5% vs 6.7%; p < 0.001) complications. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive hepatectomy with conversion is associated with increased complications, and conversion is increased in the laparoscopic compared to a robotic approach.

Extended postoperative thromboprophylaxis after pancreatic resection for pancreatic cancer is associated with decreased risk of venous thromboembolism in the minimally invasive approach.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with increased venous thromboembolism (VTE). We sought to compare rates of bleeding complications and VTE in patients receiving extended postoperative thromboprophylaxis (EPT) to those who did not, and identify risk factors for VTE after pancreatectomy for PDAC. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of pancreatectomies for PDAC. EPT was defined as 28 days of low molecular weight heparin. Multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed to identify independent risk factors of VTE. RESULTS: Of 269 patients included, 142 (52.8%) received EPT. Of those who received EPT, 7 (4.9%) suffered bleeding complications, compared to 6 (4.7%) of those who did not (p = 0.938). There was no significant difference in VTE rate at 90 days (2.8% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.728) or at 1 year (6.3% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.624). On MVA, risk factors for VTE included worse performance status, lower preoperative hematocrit, R1/R2 resection, and minimally invasive (MIS) approach. Among those who received EPT, there was no difference in VTE rate between MIS and open approach. CONCLUSIONS: EPT was not associated with a difference in VTE risk or bleeding complications. MIS approach was associated with a higher risk of VTE; however, this was significantly lower among those who received EPT.

A proliferative subtype of colorectal liver metastases exhibits hypersensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Personalized treatment approaches for patients with limited liver metastases from colorectal cancer are critically needed. By leveraging three large, independent cohorts of patients with colorectal liver metastases (n = 336), we found that a proliferative subtype associated with elevated CIN70 scores is linked to immune exclusion, increased metastatic proclivity, and inferior overall survival in colorectal liver metastases; however, high CIN70 scores generate a therapeutic vulnerability to DNA-damaging therapies leading to improved treatment responses. We propose CIN70 as a candidate biomarker to personalize systemic treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. These findings are potentially broadly applicable to other human cancers.

Bile leak incidence, risk factors and associated outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy: a contemporary NSQIP propensity matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical technique, bile leak remains a common complication following hepatectomy. We sought to identify incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes associated with biliary leak. STUDY DESIGN: This is an ACS-NSQIP study. Distribution of bile leak stratified by surgical approach and hepatectomy type were identified. Univariate and multivariate factors associated with bile leak and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Robotic hepatectomy was associated with less bile leak (5.4% vs. 11.4%; p < 0.001) compared to open. There were no significant differences in bile leak between robotic and laparoscopic hepatectomy (5.4% vs. 5.3%; p = 0.905, respectively). Operative factors risk factors for bile leak in patients undergoing robotic hepatectomy included right hepatectomy [OR 4.42 (95% CI 1.74-11.20); p = 0.002], conversion [OR 4.40 (95% CI 1.39-11.72); p = 0.010], pringle maneuver [OR 3.19 (95% CI 1.03-9.88); p = 0.044], and drain placement [OR 28.25 (95% CI 8.34-95.72); p < 0.001]. Bile leak was associated with increased reoperation (8.7% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001), 30-day readmission (26.6% vs 6.8%, p < 0.001), 30-day mortality (2% vs 0.9%, p < 0.001), and complications (67.2% vs 23.4%, p < 0.001) for patients undergoing MIS hepatectomy. CONCLUSION: While MIS confers less risk for bile leak than open hepatectomy, risk factors for bile leak in patients undergoing MIS hepatectomy were identified. Bile leaks were associated with multiple additional complications, and the robotic approach had an equal risk for bile leak than laparoscopic in this time period.

Development of a Two-Week Dedicated Robotic Surgery Curriculum for General Surgery Residents.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery has seen exponential growth over the past several years. However, there is no standardized training program implemented nationwide. Thus, there is a challenge in how to measure surgical proficiency and how to train future surgeons. METHODS: In this study, all PGY3 general surgery residents from the University of Chicago residency program were assigned the curriculum. The curriculum consisted of seven sections: instrument mastery, simulation curriculum, suturing, inanimate drills, laparoscopic/open comparisons, surveys, mentor sessions, and exposure in the operating room. It was administered via a 2-week dedicated robotic rotation. CONCLUSIONS: With the inevitable integration of robotic surgery in the operating room, it has become imperative to prepare future surgeons. However, learning curves and a resistance to voluntary compliance have halted progress. Thus, providing mastery-based training and protected time away from clinic duties is paramount. This curriculum aims to reduce these barriers and provide a standardizable training curriculum.

Endovascular management of portal vein obstruction in hepatobiliary cancer patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to describe the procedural safety, technical success, and clinical success of endovascular management of portal and mesenteric venous obstruction in patients with hepatobiliary neoplasms. METHODS: Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved HIPAA compliant retrospective review of 21 consecutive patients with hepatobiliary malignancies who underwent endovascular portal vein recanalization and stent placement between January 2012 and March 2020. Clinical diagnoses were pancreatic cancer (n = 19), colon cancer metastatic to the liver (n = 1), and cholangiocarcinoma (n = 1). Presenting signs and symptoms included: ascites, abdominal pain, abnormal liver function tests, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Stent patency and patient survival are presented with Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. A transhepatic approach was used in 20 cases (95.2%); trans-splenic access in one. Primary stent patency was 95.2%, 84%, and 68% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. All stent occlusions were caused by tumor progression. A total of 80% of patients reported symptomatic improvement. Patient survival at 10 months was 40%. The early death rate was 4.76%. There were no bleeding complications from the percutaneous tracts. CONCLUSION: Endovascular recanalization with stent placement is safe with high technical and clinical success.

Cystic fibrosis F508del carriers and cancer risk: Results from the UK Biobank.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) carriers carrying one defective copy of a CFTR germline mutation are common in the general population. A recent study reported associations of CF carriers with risk for cancers of digestive organs and pancreatic cancer. In the current study, we assessed associations of CFTR F508del carriers with the risk for 54 types of cancers in the UK Biobank, a large population-based study. In Caucasians, compared to the carrier rate of 3.15% (12 357/392274) in noncancer subjects, the rate was significantly higher in cancer patients overall (2621/79619 = 3.29%), especially in patients with colorectal cancer (247/6667 = 3.70%), cancers of gallbladder and biliary tract (21/351 = 5.98%), thyroid cancer (30/665 = 4.51%) and unspecified non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (74/1805 = 4.10%), all P ≤ .05. In contrast, the carrier rate in patients with cancers of lung and bronchus was significantly lower (89/3463 = 2.57%), P = .05. The association of CFTR F508del carriers with these types of cancer remained significant after adjusting for respective cancer-specific risk factors. For pancreatic cancer, although a higher carrier rate (38/1004 = 3.78%) was found in patients with this cancer, the difference was not statistically significant (P = .26). This null association was unlikely due to lack of statistical power; the large sample size of our study had >80% power, at a significance level of .05, to detect an association of >1.5-fold increased risk. In conclusion, the identified associations of CFTR F508del carriers with multiple types of cancer may have potential biological and clinical implications if confirmed in independent study populations.

Robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy decreases the risk of clinically relevant post-operative pancreatic fistula: a propensity score matched NSQIP analysis.

BACKGROUND: A single-institution study demonstrated robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) was protective against clinically-relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) compared to open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). We sought to compare the national rate of CR-POPF by approach. METHODS: Procedure-targeted pancreatectomy Participant User Data File was queried from 2014 to 2017 for all patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. A modified fistula risk score was calculated and patients were stratified into risk categories. Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching was used. RESULTS: The rate of CR-POPF (15.6% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.026) was higher in OPD compared to RPD. On subgroup analysis, OPD had higher CR-POPF in high risk patients (32.9% vs. 19.4%; p = 0.007). On multivariable analysis OPD was a predictor of increased CR-POPF (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.61 [1.15-2.25]; p = 0.005). Other operative factors associated with increased CR-POPF included soft pancreatic texture (OR = 2.65 [2.27-3.09]; p < 0.001) and concomitant visceral resection (OR = 1.41 [1.03-1.93]; p = 0.031). Increased duct size (reference <3 mm) was predictive of decreased CR-POPF: 3-6 mm (OR = 0.70 [0.61-0.81]; p < 0.001) and ≥6 mm (OR = 0.47 [0.37-0.60]; p < 0.001). Following propensity score matching, RPD continued to be protective against the occurrence of CR-POPF (OR = 1.54 [1.09-2.17]; p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest multicenter study to evaluate the impact of RPD on POPF. It suggests that RPD can be protective against POPF, especially for high risk patients.

Virtual Surgical Fellowship Recruitment During COVID-19 and Its Implications for Resident/Fellow Recruitment in the Future.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has overlapped with the scheduled interview periods of over 20 surgical subspecialty fellowships, including the Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) fellowships in the National Resident Matching Program and the Society of Surgical Oncology's Breast Surgical Oncology fellowships. We outline the successful implementation of and processes behind a virtual interview day for CGSO fellowship recruitment after the start of the pandemic. METHODS: The virtual CGSO fellowship interview process at the University of Chicago Medicine and NorthShore University Health System was outlined and implemented. Separate voluntary, anonymous online secure feedback surveys were email distributed to interview applicants and faculty interviewers after the interview day concluded. RESULTS: Sixteen of 20 interview applicants (80.0%) and 12 of 13 faculty interviewers (92.3%) completed their respective feedback surveys. Seventy-five percent (12/16) of applicants and all faculty respondents (12/12) stated the interview process was 'very seamless' or 'seamless'. Applicants and faculty highlighted decreased cost, time savings, and increased efficiency as some of the benefits to virtual interviewing. CONCLUSIONS: Current circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic require fellowship programs to adapt and conduct virtual interviews. Our report describes the successful implementation of a virtual interview process. This report describes the technical steps and pitfalls of organizing such an interview and provides insights into the experience of the interviewer and interviewee.