Higher rates of recurrence and worse quality of life in obese patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Prior investigations regarding the effect of obesity on inguinal hernia repair have been mixed. The aim of our study was to retrospectively compare perioperative outcomes, recurrence rate, and quality of life between obese and non-obese patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair by any approach at a single institution were identified from a prospectively maintained quality database. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 were considered obese. Quality of life was measured with the Surgical Outcomes Measurement System (SOMS) and Carolinas Comfort Scale (CSS) surveys. Differences between obese and non-obese patients were assessed using independent samples t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2021, a total of 5575 patients underwent inguinal hernia repair. Fifteen percent of patients were identified as obese (835 patients, mean BMI 33.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2). A significantly higher percentage of obese patients were diabetic, and operative time and estimated blood loss were higher in the obese group (all p < 0.001). Rates of hernia recurrence in obese patients was significantly more likely than in non-obese patients (4.2% vs 2.0%, p < 0.001). Up to 2 years postoperatively, a greater percentage of obese patients reported worse quality of life on the SOMS and more bothersome symptoms on the CCS. CONCLUSIONS: Inguinal hernia repair in obese patients is a more technically challenging operation. Long-term follow-up revealed a greater risk of hernia recurrence and worse quality of life up to 2 years postoperatively in this patient population.

SAGES peritoneal dialysis access guideline update 2023.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery has been used for both de novo insertion and salvage of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters. Advanced laparoscopic, basic laparoscopic, open, and image-guided techniques have evolved as the most popular techniques. The aim of this guideline was to develop evidence-based guidelines that support surgeons, patients, and other physicians in decisions on minimally invasive peritoneal dialysis access and the salvage of malfunctioning catheters in both adults and children. METHODS: A guidelines committee panel of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons reviewed the literature since the prior guideline was published in 2014 and developed seven key questions in adults and four in children. After a systematic review of the literature, by the panel, evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Recommendations for future research were also proposed. RESULTS: After systematic review, data extraction, and evidence to decision meetings, the panel agreed on twelve recommendations for the peri-operative performance of laparoscopic peritoneal dialysis access surgery and management of catheter dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: In the adult population, conditional recommendations were made in favor of: staged hernia repair followed by PD catheter insertion over simultaneous and traditional start over urgent start of PD when medically possible. Furthermore, the panel suggested advanced laparoscopic insertion techniques rather than basic laparoscopic techniques or open insertion. Conditional recommendations were made for either advanced laparoscopic or image-guided percutaneous insertion and for either nonoperative or operative salvage. A recommendation could not be made regarding concomitant clean-contaminated surgery in adults. In the pediatric population, conditional recommendations were made for either traditional or urgent start of PD, concomitant clean or clean-contaminated surgery and PD catheter placement rather than staged, and advanced laparoscopic placement rather than basic or open insertion.

Perovskite-bearing crystal-controlled oxide-silicate mantle xenoliths: Resolution to controversial origins?

Classic lamellar clinopyroxene-ilmenite intergrowths (type 1) are extended to include discovery of olivine-ilmenite-perovskite-wüstite (type 2) and olivine-spinel-perovskite (type 3) xenoliths in kimberlites from Liberia. Low titanium solubilities in olivine, garnet, and pyroxene cannot account for exsolution-like relations. Because the oxides coexist with high-pressure perovskite-structured silicate minerals in diamond, a permissive conclusion is that type 1 to type 3 xenoliths are of super-deep origin. Phase equilibria and thermodynamic studies show that type 1 xenoliths are stable at P > 80 GPa, with type 2 and type 3 at 35 to 50 GPa consistent with an origin in anomalous large low shear velocity province bodies anchored at the core-mantle boundary. Dissociated precursor perovskite-structured Ca-Fe-Ti bridgmanite is proposed and is indirectly supported by the copresence of type II diamonds with a sublithospheric lower mantle origin.

Teaching endoscopic management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage using a modular simulation curriculum.

BACKGROUND: As flexible endoscopy is increasingly adopted as a minimally invasive approach to surgical challenges, an efficient curriculum is needed to train surgeons in therapeutic endoscopy. We developed a simulation-based approach to teaching endoscopic management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage as part of a modular curriculum, complete with task performance pre- and post-testing. METHODS: Two sessions of our advanced flexible endoscopy course were taught using ex vivo porcine models to simulate active gastrointestinal hemorrhage and allow for training in hands-on endoscopic management. The module is composed of hands-on pretesting, didactics, mentored practice sessions, and postcourse assessments. Pre- and postcourse tests and surveys evaluated knowledge, confidence, and performance of participants and results were analyzed using the paired t test. RESULTS: Sixteen practicing surgeons participated in the course. After course completion, overall knowledge-based assessments improved from 3.4 (±1.9) to 5.8 (±2.0) (P < .001). Although participants with glove sizes >7.0 and ≥2 years in practice had higher pretest evaluator scores (P = .045 and P = .020), all participants demonstrated overall improvement in endoscopic management of hemorrhage, with postcourse evaluator score increases from 20.9 (±1.6) to 23.6 (±2.0) (P = .001) and specific improvements in identification of target bleeding (P = .015), endoscopic clip setup (P < .001), and clip deployment (P = .002). Surveys also found increased confidence in competency after curriculum completion, 11.6 (±3.4)-23.0 (±5.5) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our simulation-based approach to teaching the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding emphasizes hands-on pretesting and provides an effective training model to improve the knowledge, confidence, and technical performance of practicing surgeons.

A 13-year experience with biologic and biosynthetic absorbable mesh reinforced laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Mesh reinforced cruroplasty during laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair remains controversial due to wide variation in surgical technique and mesh composition. This study aims to review outcomes and rates of recurrence following laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (LPEHR) with mesh reinforced cruroplasty utilizing absorbable mesh at a single institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent LPEHR with mesh was performed. Medical records were reviewed for patient reported, radiographic or endoscopic evidence of recurrence, defined as > 2 cm of vertical intrathoracic stomach. If no studies were available for review, patients were considered to have no recurrence. Outcomes and mesh-related complications were also reviewed. RESULTS: Between 10/2008 and 9/2021, 473 patients underwent LPEHR with absorbable mesh; 1.3% type 2 hernias, 86.0% type 3 hernias, 12.7% type 4 hernias. Three types of mesh were used: initially biologic mesh (n = 83), then heavyweight synthetic bioabsorbable mesh (n = 261), and finally lightweight synthetic bioabsorbable mesh (n = 111). There were no significant differences in age, ASA, BMI, gender, smoking status, chronic steroid use, preoperative acid suppression, hernia type, or recurrent hernia between groups. There were no significant differences in 30-day postoperative outcomes. Reflux Symptom Index, GERD-HRQL, and Dysphagia Scores at 1- and 2-year postoperative timepoints were not significantly different. The overall recurrence rate was 16.7%, with no significant differences in recurrence rates between biologic, heavyweight or lightweight biosynthetic absorbable mesh through 2 years after surgery. A shorter median time to recurrence (10 months, p = 0.016) was seen in the lightweight group. CONCLUSION: LPEHR with absorbable mesh reinforced cruroplasty is feasible and safe, with equivalent patient-reported outcomes, including dysphagia, up to 2-years postop regardless of mesh choice. No significant differences in recurrence rates between biologic, heavyweight, or lightweight synthetic bioabsorbable mesh were seen up to 2 years after LPEHR.

Laparoscopic and robotic inguinal hernia repair are safe and effective after prior pelvic or low abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The ideal approach to inguinal hernia repair (IHR) after prior pelvic or low abdominal surgery is not agreed upon. We compared safety and outcomes of IHR between open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches. METHODS: This retrospective review of a prospective database analyzed demographic, perioperative, and quality of life data for patients who underwent IHR after pelvic or low abdominal surgery. RESULTS: 286 qualifying patients underwent IHR between 2008 and 2020; 119 open, 147 laparoscopic, and 20 robotic. Laparoscopic repair led to faster cessation of narcotics and return to ADLs than open repair (all p <0.05). Post-operative complications, 30-day readmission, recurrences, and quality of life outcomes were equivalent, except less pain at 3-weeks post-op in the minimally invasive groups, p < 0.01. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive IHR after prior pelvic or low abdominal surgery is safe compared to an open approach. Laparoscopic repair provides faster recovery, yet patient satisfaction is equivalent regardless of surgical approach.

"Into the fire" approach to teaching endoscopic foreign body removal using a modular simulation curriculum.

BACKGROUND: As flexible endoscopy becomes an increasingly valuable minimally invasive approach to surgical challenges, an efficient and comprehensive training curriculum is needed to train surgeons in therapeutic endoscopy. We developed a modular curriculum utilizing a simulation-based, "into the fire" approach to endoscopic foreign body removal for practicing physicians with task performance pre- and post-testing. METHODS: From 2020 to 2021, two sessions of our advanced flexible endoscopy course were taught by two expert surgical endoscopists using ex-vivo porcine models. The course focused on safe removal techniques for various foreign bodies as part of an overall endoscopy curriculum that uses hands-on simulation-based pre-testing, didactics, and mentored practice sessions, followed by post-course examination. Pre- and post-course assessments and surveys were used to evaluate knowledge, performance, and confidence of participants, and subsequently analyzed using the Wilcoxon-signed rank test. RESULTS: Of the 16 practicing physicians who participated in the course, 43.8% were certified in Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery, and 62.5% had completed > 200 prior upper endoscopies. Upon course completion, scoring on knowledge-based written examinations improved from 3.4 ± 1.9 to 5.8 ± 2.0 (p < 0.001). Technical facility of each participant demonstrated significant overall improvement with post-course score increased from 15.8 ± 2.5 to 23.6 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001), with skill refinement noted in technical subcategories of appropriate instrument use (p < 0.001), foreign body manipulation (p < 0.001), and successful foreign body removal (p < 0.001). Confidence surveys likewise demonstrated significant increase in confidence after completion of the curriculum 11.6 ± 3.4 to 23.0 ± 5.5 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The "into the fire" approach to teaching endoscopic foreign body removal utilizing our simulation module provides an effective curriculum to improve knowledge, confidence, and overall technical performance. Our methodology utilizes hands-on, simulation-based pre-testing prior to instruction. This introduces clinical scenarios and technical challenges, while accounting for and tailoring to provider-specific variation in knowledge and experience, facilitating training efficiency.

A Tailored Approach to Laparoscopic Fundoplication: Outcomes in Patients with Esophageal Dysmotility.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal dysmotility is a common finding in patients being evaluated for antireflux surgery, although its implication remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate outcomes of patients with esophageal dysmotility after fundoplication. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective quality-database was performed. All patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen (NF) or Toupet (TF) fundoplication were included. Esophageal dysmotility was defined using the Chicago Classification v4.0 and conventional metrics, creating three sub-groups: ineffective esophageal motility (IEM), distal/diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), and hypercontractile esophagus (HE). Quality of life (QOL) outcomes were measured by the Reflux Severity Index (RSI), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL), and Dysphagia Scores. RESULTS: Of 487 patients included, 99 (20.3%) had esophageal dysmotility (49 IEM, 40 DES, 10 HE). While a majority in the dysmotility group (81.8%) underwent TF, most patients in the normal group (76.5%) underwent NF (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis controlling for sex, age, BMI, hiatal hernia, and surgery type, the normal group had higher Dysphagia Scores at 3 weeks (2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8, p < 0.001), but not at 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, or 5-year follow-up. There were no differences between normal and dysmotility groups in terms of RSI or GERD-HRQL scores at any time point. Patients with different sub-types of esophageal dysmotility had similar QOL outcomes at all time points. CONCLUSION: Patients with esophageal dysmotility had similar outcomes compared to those with normal motility after fundoplication, suggesting the tailored approach favoring partial fundoplication for patients with dysmotility as part of an appropriate treatment algorithm.

Resident performance in simulation module is associated with operating room performance for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Simulation is an important tool in surgical training. However, the transferability of skills obtained in the simulation setting to the operating room (OR) is uncertain. This study explores the association between resident simulation performance and OR performance in a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) simulation module. METHODS: A simulation module focused on LC utilizing a virtual reality simulator was completed by general surgery residents. Simulation performance was evaluated using the validated Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS), as well as a LC-specific simulation assessment form (LC-SIM). Resident subsequent OR performances of LC were measured by the Surgical Training and Assessment Tool (STAT), an online mobile-based evaluation completed by attending surgeons. RESULTS: Twenty-one residents who completed the simulation module and also with STAT data on LC from 2016 to 2020 were included. Higher scores on incision/port placement on LC-SIM is associated with better tissue handling (coefficient 0.20, p = 0.048) and better time & economy of motion on STAT (coefficient 0.22, p = 0.037). However, higher scores on time and motion on OSATS are associated with worse tissue handling (- 0.28, p = 0.046), worse time & economy of motion (- 0.37, p = 0.009), and worse overall grade (- 0.21, p = 0.044). Higher scores on overall performance on OSATS is associated with worse time & economy of motion (- 0.80, p = 0.008). Higher scores on depth perception on GOALS are associated with worse tissue handling (- 0.28, p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: We found significant positive and negative associations between resident simulation performance and OR performance, particularly in tissue handling and economy of motion. This could suggest that simulation performance does not reliably predict OR performance. However, this could highlight the concept of excessive caution in the real OR environment and longer operative time which could be interpreted as worse time and economy of motion by the attending surgeons.

Patient-reported bowel and bladder function is not adversely impacted by bariatric surgery.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess the effect of bariatric surgery on patient-reported outcomes of bowel and bladder function. We hypothesized that bariatric surgery does not worsen bowel and bladder function. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A retrospective review was conducted of a prospectively maintained surgical quality database. We included patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery at a single institution between 2012 and 2020, excluding revisional procedures. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using Surgical Outcomes Measurement System (SOMS) bowel and bladder function questionnaires at time of pre-operative consult and routine post-operative follow-up visits through 2 years. Data were analyzed using a statistical mixed effects model. RESULTS: 573 patients (80.6% female) were identified with completed SOMS questionnaire data on bowel and bladder function. Of these, 370 (64.6%) underwent gastric bypass, 190 (33.2%) underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and 13 (2.3%) underwent either gastric banding or duodenal switch. Compared to pre-operative baseline scores, patients reported a transient worsening of bowel function at 2-weeks post-op (p = 0.009). However, by 3-months post-op, bowel function improved and was significantly better than baseline (p = 0.006); this improvement was sustained at every point through 2-year follow-up (p = 0.026). Bladder function scores improved immediately at 2-weeks post-op (p = 0.026) and showed sustained improvement through 1-year follow-up. On subgroup analysis, sleeve patients showed greater improvement in bowel function than bypass patients at 1-year (p = 0.031). Multivariable analysis showed significant improvement in bowel function associated with greater total body weight loss (TBWL) (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery does not worsen patient-reported bowel or bladder function. In fact, there is overall improvement from pre-operative scores for both bowel and bladder function by 3-months post-op which is sustained through 2-year and 1-year follow-up, respectively. Most encouragingly, a greater TBWL is significantly associated with improved bowel function after bariatric surgery.

Subjective vs. objective assessment of simulation performance on laparoscopic cholecystectomy: are we evaluating the right things?

BACKGROUND: Simulation using virtual reality (VR) simulators is an important tool in surgical training. VR laparoscopic simulators can provide immediate objective performance assessment without observer evaluation. This study aims to explore the correlation between subjective observer evaluation and VR laparoscopic simulator performance metrics in a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) simulation module. METHODS: A LC simulation module using a VR laparoscopic simulator was completed by PGY2-3 general surgery residents at a single institution. Simulation performance was recorded and evaluated by a trained evaluator using the validated Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) form, the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) form, and a LC-specific simulation assessment form (LC-SIM). Objective performance metrics were also obtained from the simulator system. Performance before the curriculum (pre-test) and after the curriculum (post-test) were compared. RESULTS: Fourteen residents were included in the study. There were significant improvements from pre-test to post-test on each component of GOALS, OSATS, and LC-SIM scores (all p values < 0.05). In terms of objective simulator metrics, significant improvements were noted in time to extract gallbladder (481 ± 221 vs 909 ± 366 min, p = 0.019), total number of movements (475 ± 264 vs 839 ± 324 min, p = 0.012), and total path length (955 ± 475 vs 1775 ± 632 cm, p = 0.012) from pre-test to post-test. While number of movements and total path lengths of both hands decreased, speed of right instrument also decreased from 4.1 + 2.7 to 3.0 ± 0.7 cm/sec (p = 0.007). Average speed of left instrument was associated with respect for tissue (r = 0.60, p < 0.05) and depth perception (r = 0.68, p < 0.05) on post-test evaluations. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated significant improvement in technical skills based on subjective evaluator assessment as well as objective simulator metrics after simulation. The few correlations identified between the subjective evaluator and the objective simulator assessments suggest the two evaluation modalities were measuring different aspects of the technical skills and should both be considered in the evaluation process.

A modular simulation curriculum to teach endoscopic stenting to practicing surgeons: an "Into the fire" approach.

BACKGROUND: Flexible endoscopy is a valuable tool for the gastrointestinal (GI) surgeon, creating a need for effective and efficient training curricula in therapeutic endoscopic techniques for trainees and practicing providers. Here, we present a simulation-based modular curriculum using an "into the fire" approach with hands-on pre- and post-testing to teach endoscopic stenting to practicing surgeons. METHODS: Three advanced flexible endoscopy courses were taught by expert surgical endoscopists from 2018 to 2019. The stenting module involved using self-expandable metal stents to manage simulated esophageal and gastroduodenal strictures on a non-tissue GI model. Based on the educational theories of inquiry-based learning, the simulation curriculum was designed with a series of pre-tests, didactics, mentored hands-on instructions, and post-tests. Assessments included a confidence survey, knowledge-based written test, and evaluation form specific to the hands-on performance of endoscopic stenting. RESULTS: Twenty-eight practicing surgeons with varying endoscopic experiences participated in the course. Most of the participants (67.9%) had completed over 100 upper endoscopic procedures and 57.1% were certified in Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery. After completing the modular curriculum, participant confidence survey scores improved from 11.4 ± 4.2 to 20.7 ± 4.0 (p < 0.001). Knowledge-based written test scores also improved from 7.1 ± 1.2 to 8.4 ± 0.9 (p < 0.001). In terms of technical performance, overall hands-on performance scores improved from 21.3 ± 2.7 to 28.9 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001) with significant improvement in each individual component of the assessment (all p values < 0.01) and the greatest improvement seen in equipment handling (88%) and flow of procedure (54%). CONCLUSION: Our modular simulation curriculum using an "into the fire" approach to teach endoscopic stenting is effective in improving learner knowledge, confidence, and hands-on performance of endoscopic stenting. This approach to simulation is effective, efficient, and adaptable to teaching practicing surgeons with varying levels of experience.

Long-term retention after structured curriculum on attainment of critical view of safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining a clear Critical View of Safety helps prevent bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which can be improved with a structured Safe Critical View of Safety curriculum. We aimed to determine whether the improvement in obtaining Critical View of Safety postcurriculum is retained long-term. METHODS: A safe Critical View of Safety curriculum was previously implemented for all surgeons who perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a regional health system. Recordings of laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases were collected 1 year after completion of the curriculum, deidentified and randomly ordered, and then graded by 2 blinded expert surgeons using a 6-point Critical View of Safety assessment tool. RESULTS: A total of 12 surgeons with average experience of 17.9 ± 6.3 years in practice participated in the study. The majority (83%) had performed >700 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, and 4 surgeons (33%) reported 2 or more bile duct injuries in their career. Controlling for gallbladder pathology, Critical View of Safety scores improved from 1.7 ± 0.4 to 4.0 ± 0.4 (P < .001) immediately after completion of the curriculum. However, there was a small decrease in Critical View of Safety score after 1 year (3.2 ± 0.3 from 4.0 ± 0.4, P = .055), while still significantly higher compared to precurriculum (3.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.4, P < .001). Acute care surgeons had lower Critical View of Safety retention scores compared to general surgeons (1.8 ± 0.5 vs 3.3 ± 0.4, P = .01) and minimally invasive surgeons (1.8 ± 0.5 vs 3.8 ± 0.5, P < .01). CONCLUSION: A structured curriculum helped improve practicing surgeons' attainment of obtaining the Critical View of Safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, this improvement decreased after 1 year, suggesting some decay in knowledge retention over time. Therefore, continued educational interventions on Critical View of Safety and safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be needed to enhance long-term retention.

Crural closure, not fundoplication, results in a significant decrease in lower esophageal sphincter distensibility.

INTRODUCTION: The esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is a complex anti-reflux barrier whose integrity relies on both the intrinsic lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and extrinsic crural diaphragm. During hiatal hernia repair, it is unclear whether the crural closure or the fundoplication is more important to restore the anti-reflux barrier. The objective of this study is to analyze changes in LES minimum diameter (Dmin) and distensibility index (DI) using the endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) during hiatal hernia repair. METHODS: Following implementation of a standardized operative FLIP protocol, all data were collected prospectively and entered into a quality database. This data were reviewed retrospectively for all patients undergoing hiatal hernia repair. FLIP measurements were collected prior to hernia dissection, after hernia reduction, after cruroplasty, and after fundoplication. Additionally, subjective assessment of the tightness of crural closure was rated by the primary surgeon on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the loosest and 5 being the tightest. RESULTS: Between August 2018 and February 2020, 97 hiatal hernia repairs were performed by a single surgeon. FLIP measurements collected using a 40-mL volume fill without pneumoperitoneum demonstrated a significant decrease in LES Dmin (13.84 ± 2.59 to 10.27 ± 2.09) and DI (6.81 ± 3.03 to 2.85 ± 1.23 mm2/mmHg) after crural closure (both p < 0.0001). Following fundoplication, there was a small, but also statistically significant, increase in both Dmin and DI (both p < 0.0001). Additionally, subjective assessment of crural tightness after cruroplasty correlated well with DI (r = - 0.466, p < 0.001) and all patients with a crural tightness rating ≥ 4.5 (N = 13) had a DI < 2.0 mm2/mmHg. CONCLUSION: Cruroplasty results in a significant decrease in LES distensibility and may be more important than fundoplication in restoring EGJ competency. Additionally, subjective estimation of crural tightness correlates well with objective FLIP evaluation, suggesting surgeon assessment of cruroplasty is reliable.

Significant changes in impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP™) measurements after peroral pyloromyotomy for delayed gastric emptying.

BACKGROUND: The endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) can be used to obtain real-time measurements of the diameter (Dmin), cross-sectional area (CSA), and distensibility of the pylorus before and after peroral pyloromyotomy (POP), an emerging endoscopic treatment for delayed gastric emptying. Our study aims to report our single-center experience in performing POP with FLIP measurements before and after pyloromyotomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained gastroesophageal database was performed. Demographic and perioperative data, including intraoperative FLIP measurements of the pylorus before and after POP, were analyzed. Measurements were compared using paired t tests. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients underwent POP between February 2017 and July 2020. Twenty-three (67.7%) patients were male and the average age was 59 years. The etiology of delayed gastric emptying was post-vagotomy in 22 patients, idiopathic gastroparesis in 7 patients, and diabetic gastroparesis in 5 patients. There were no significant differences in pre-myotomy or post-myotomy FLIP measurements when comparing the post-vagotomy versus the gastroparesis groups. There were significant increases in Dmin, CSA, and distensibility index when comparing pre-myotomy and post-myotomy readings for all patients (all p < 0.001). At follow-up, 64.7% of patients reported resolution of all symptoms. CONCLUSION: POP is an effective intervention in patients with delayed gastric emptying. Significant changes in FLIP measurements before and after POP suggest that FLIP may be a useful adjunct in guiding the management of delayed gastric emptying.

Inguinal hernia mesh is safe in 1720 patients.

BACKGROUND: There is substantial media and patient interest in the safety of mesh for hernia repair. However, there is a lack of data regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in patients who undergo inguinal hernia repair (IHR) with mesh. The purpose of this study is report short and long-term postoperative quality of life outcomes in patients following IHR with mesh. METHODS: We analyzed outcomes of 1720 patients who underwent IHR with mesh between 2008 and 2019 at a single institution from a prospectively maintained quality database. All surgeries were performed by four board-certified surgeons. HRQOL outcomes were measured using the Surgical Outcomes Measurement System (SOMS) and Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) surveys that were administered preoperatively, 3 weeks, 6 months, 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively. Survey responses were summarized as mean with standard deviation or frequency with percentage. Postoperative SOMS scores were compared to preoperative scores using the two-tailed paired t test with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: One (0.1%) patient experienced a mesh infection postoperatively. In terms of complications, 159 (9.2%) developed a seroma, 31 (1.8%) a hematoma, and 36 (2.1%) patients experienced a recurrence. SOMS Pain Impact, SOMS Pain Quality, and SOMS Pain visual analog scale at 3 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years were all improved from preoperative (all p < 0.05). At 5 years postoperatively, only 3.9%, 3.2%, and 3.1% of patients reported severe or disabling sensation of mesh, pain, and movement limitations, respectively. CONCLUSION: Inguinal hernia repair with mesh results in a low rate of complications. A minority of patients had severe or disabling symptoms at 5-year follow-up and generally reported improvements in pain impact and quality in long-term follow-up.

Teaching EndoFLIP Impedance Planimetry to Practicing Endoscopists: An "Into the Fire" Approach to Simulation.

Background. There are growing interests from practicing endoscopists to implement the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) impedance planimetry system. We present a simulation-based curriculum using an "into the fire" approach with hands-on pre- and post-tests to teach the use of this technology. Methods. The curriculum consists of a series of pre-tests, didactic content, mentored hands-on instructions, and post-tests. Pre- and post-testing included a knowledge-based written test, a confidence survey, and an assessment form specific to the hands-on performance of FLIP. Result. Twenty-two practicing physicians completed the curriculum. After course completion, participants had improved knowledge-based written test scores from 6.8±1.7 to 8.9±0.9 (P<0.001), confidence scores from 10.0±5.9 to 22.1±2.6 (P<0.001), and hands-on performance score from 11.4±3.4 to 23.1±2.0 (P<0.001) with significant improvement in all components of the hands-on skills. Conclusion. Our simulation curriculum is effective in improving confidence, knowledge, and technical proficiency when teaching the use of FLIP to practicing physicians.

Guidelines for the performance of minimally invasive splenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive splenectomy (MIS) is increasingly favored for the treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the spleen over open access approaches. While many studies cite the superiority of MIS in terms of decreased morbidity and length of stay over a traditional open approach, the comparative effectiveness of specific technical and peri-operative approaches to MIS is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To develop evidence-based guidelines that support clinicians, patients, and others in decisions on the peri-operative performance of MIS. METHODS: A guidelines committee panel of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) including methodologists used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to grade the certainty of evidence and formulate recommendations. RESULTS: Informed by a systematic review of the evidence, the panel agreed on eight recommendations for the peri-operative performance of MIS for adults and children in elective situations addressing six key questions. CONCLUSIONS: Conditional recommendations were made in favor of lateral positioning for non-hematologic disease, intra-operative platelet administration for patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura instead of preoperative administration, and the use of mechanical devices to control the splenic hilum. Further, a conditional recommendation was made against routine intra-operative drain placement.

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) guidelines development: standard operating procedure.

INTRODUCTION: The mission of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) is to innovate, educate, and collaborate to improve patient care. A critical element in meeting this mission is the publishing of trustworthy and current guidelines for the practicing surgeon. METHODS: In this manuscript, we outline the steps of developing high quality practice guidelines using a completely volunteer-based professional organization. RESULTS: SAGES has developed a standardized approach to train volunteer surgeons and trainees alike to develop clinically pertinent guidelines in a timely manner, without sacrificing quality. CONCLUSIONS: This methodology can be used more widely by volunteer organizations to efficiently develop effective tools for practicing physicians.

Mesh in Elective Hernia Repair: 10-Year Experience with over 6,000 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The use of mesh in hernia repair has faced intense scrutiny, leading patients to become fearful of its use, despite its benefits in reducing hernia recurrence. We report a single institutional experience in performing hernia repair with mesh in terms of hernia-specific outcomes, mesh-related complications, and patient-reported quality of life. STUDY DESIGN: Patients who underwent abdominal wall hernia repair with mesh at a single institution were identified from a prospectively maintained quality database. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes data were analyzed. Surgical Outcomes Measurements System (SOMS) and Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) surveys were administered pre- and postoperatively at 3 weeks, 6 months, 1, 2, and 5 years. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2020, a total of 6,387 patients underwent abdominal hernia repair with mesh. Inguinal hernia repairs made up the majority (65%) of the operations. Rates of mesh infection varied by hernia type, with lower rates after umbilical (0.0%) and inguinal (0.4%) repair, and highest after incisional repair (1.3%). Similarly, mesh explantation rates were low after umbilical and inguinal repair (0.0% and 0.4%, respectively) and highest after incisional repair (3.0%). Scores on all SOMS domains were significantly improved from baseline (all p < 0.05). On CCS, 2.9%, 3.3%, and 4.4% of patients reported severe or disabling symptoms postoperatively at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of mesh-related complications vary by hernia type. A majority of patients report excellent long-term quality of life, although a relatively large percentage of patients experience severe or disabling symptoms at long-term follow-up.