A Mathematical Model for Determining the Body's Fluctuating Need for and Synthesis of Active Vitamin D.

The process by which 1,25(OH)2D3 is synthesized and degraded and how it is transported out of the cell and body is described. The changing demand for the synthesis of 1-25(OH)2D3 during different conditions experienced by the body is reviewed. A method of determining 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis and demand, and the percent utilization of 25(OH)D3 to make 1,25(OH)2D3 is presented based on the measurement of the end metabolites of 1,25(OH)2D3 and of its immediate precursor, 25(OH)D3. A mathematical model has been developed to allow the calculation of 1,25(OH)2 D synthesis, and demand, and the percent utilization of 25(OH)D3. Simple algebraic equations have been derived which allow the calculation of these new parameters using the concentrations of the end metabolites of 1,25(OH)2D3 and its immediate precursor, 25(OH)D3 in the serum and urine. Vitamin D plays an important role in combating invading bacteria and viruses and in subduing the body's associated inflammatory response. This new approach to evaluating vitamin D status may help clinicians determine 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels needed to suppress bacterial infections, viral replication during new viral infections and the reactivation of latent viruses, and to downregulate the inflammatory responses caused by bacteria and viruses.

The Obesity Paradox in Emergency General Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: Operative management of emergency general surgery (EGS) diagnoses involves a range of procedures which can carry high morbidity and mortality. Little is known about the impact of obesity on patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 and mortality for EGS patients. We hypothesized that obese patients would have increased mortality rates. METHODS: A regional integrated health system EGS registry derived from The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma EGS ICD-9 codes was analyzed from January 2013 to October 2015. Patients were stratified into BMI categories based on WHO classifications. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Longer-term mortality with linkage to the Social Security Death Index was also examined. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 60 604 encounters were identified and 7183 (11.9%) underwent operative intervention. Patient characteristics include 53% women, mean age 58.2 ± 18.7 years, 64.2% >BMI 30 kg/m2, 30.2% with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 19% with congestive heart failure, and 31.1% with diabetes. The most common procedure was laparoscopic cholecystectomy (36.4%). Overall, 90-day mortality was 10.9%. In multivariable analysis, all classes of obesity were protective against mortality compared to normal BMI. Underweight patients had increased risk of inpatient (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.7-2.3), 30-day (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.7-2.1), 90-day (OR = 1.8, CI 1.6-2.0), 1-year (OR = 1.8, CI = 1.7-2.0), and 3-year mortality (OR = 1.7, CI = 1.6-1.9). CONCLUSIONS: When stratified by BMI, underweight EGS patients have the highest odds of death. Paradoxically, obesity appears protective against death, even when controlling for potentially confounding factors. Increased rates of nonoperative management in the obese population may impact these findings.

Perceived Health Risks Among Firefighters; The New Jersey Firefighter Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE: There is a growing literature on the risk of chronic disease among firefighters, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. However there is little information on firefighter's perception thereof. METHODS: Firefighters attending a union convention in New Jersey completed a survey with four domains: firefighting experience; perceived additional risk for chronic diseases (six-point Likert scale); cancer screening history; demographics, and risk behaviors. RESULTS: Among 167 enrolled firefighters, all were men and 86.6% active career. Median perceived risk ranged from high risk (colon, hematologic, breast, prostate, and testicular cancers) to very high risk (CVD, pulmonary diseases, all cancers, lung and oral cancer). CONCLUSIONS: NJ Firefighters attributed considerable additional risk to acquiring chronic disease as a result of their firefighting activities. Understanding firefighter perceptions of their own morbidity and mortality will help develop future firefighter preparatory programs.

Low Vitamin D States Observed in U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors with Early Multi-Symptom Illness.

Research has implicated immune system inflammation as an underlying etiology of multi-symptom illnesses, and vitamin D has been shown to have a significant role in immune system function. In this retrospective review performed on the medical charts of service members who presented with signs and symptoms of multi-symptom illnesses, we focused on serum 25(OH)D3 levels and looked for associations of vitamin D status (deficient, insufficient, and normal) with age (20-31 years versus 31-56 years) and deployment status (war zones versus other). Two groups (U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors) were sampled and both showed high incidences of below normal vitamin D levels. However, with the Marines, age-related differences in serum levels (p = 0.009) were found only among those who deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan in comparison to those in non-combat locations. The comparison within the Navy sample showed that mobilized sailors had lower 25(OH)D3 levels than the group that did not deploy (p = 0.04). In addition, 100% of the sailors who deployed had below normal levels versus only 33% in the cadre group. The data suggest that personnel returning from a war zone with signs of early multi-symptom illness should be checked for low vitamin D status.

The CELIOtomy Risk Score: An effort to minimize futile surgery with analysis of early postoperative mortality after emergency laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Emergency surgical services often encounter patients with generalized peritonitis. Difficult perioperative decisions impact morbidity, mortality, cost, and utilization of hospital resources. The ability to preoperatively predict patient nonsurvival despite surgical intervention using clinical physiologic indicators was the aim of this study and would be helpful in counseling patients/families. METHODS: A retrospective cohort from an institutional database was queried for nontrauma patients with peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy from 2012 to 2016. Time to mortality after surgery was compared: early (≤72 hours) versus late (>72 hours) and no death. RESULTS: After 534 emergency laparotomies, there were 74 (13.9%) mortalities. Of these, death occurred early (≤72 hours) after surgery in 28 (37.8%) patients and late (>72 hours) in 46 (62.2%). Early death patients had a significantly more deranged physiology, as evidenced by higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (mean 28.1 ± 8.4 vs 22.9 ± 8.7, P = .01), worse acute kidney injury (preoperative creatinine 3.7 ± 3.2 vs 1.9 ± 1.4, P = .001), and greater level of acidosis (pH 7.19 ± 0.12 vs 7.27 ± 0.13, P = .017). Additionally, preoperative lactate was significantly increased in patients with early mortality (6.8 ± 4.1 vs 5.1 ± 4.0, P = .045). Using logarithmic regression, a nomogram was constructed using age, Glasgow Coma Scale, lactate, creatinine, and pH. This nomogram had an area under the curve of 0.908 on receiver operator curve analysis. A score of 13 equates to greater than 50% risk of early mortality after surgery. CONCLUSION: Early mortality (≤72 hours after emergency laparotomy) is associated with decreased pH, elevated creatinine, and elevated lactate. These factors combined into the nomogram constructed may assist surgical teams with patient and family discussions to prevent futile surgical interventions.

Surgery Resident Time Consumed by the Electronic Health Record.

OBJECTIVE: Time spent on the Electronic Health Record (EHR) influences surgical residents' clinical availability. Objective data assessing EHR usage among surgical residents are lacking and necessary. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS: Active EHR usage data for 70 surgical residents were collected from April 2015 through April 2016. Active EHR usage was defined as more than 15 keystrokes, or 3 mouse clicks, or 1700 "mouse miles" per minute. Usage data of different specialties, interns (PGY 1), juniors (PGY 2, 3), and seniors (PGY 4, 5) were compared. SETTING: Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC. RESULTS: Interns spent more time than juniors on total EHR activities per day (134.5 vs 105.5 minutes, p < 0.001) and juniors spent more time per day than seniors (105.5 vs 78.7 minutes, p < 0.001). Among different EHR activities per patient, interns spent greater time than juniors on chart review (8.1 vs 6.2 minutes, p < 0.001), documentation (9.0 vs 6.5 minutes, p < 0.001), and orders (3.6 vs 3.0 minutes, p < 0.001). Juniors spent the same time as seniors on chart review (6.2 vs 6.5 minutes, p = 0.2). Juniors spent more time than seniors on documentation (6.5 vs 5.2 minutes, p < 0.001) and orders (3.0 vs 2.7 minutes, p < 0.05). Comparing EHR activities per patient among different specialties, General Surgery residents spent more time than Orthopedic residents on total EHR time (19.9 vs 15.9 minutes, p < 0.001), chart review (6.8 vs 5.7 minutes, p < 0.001), documentation (6.3 vs 5.6 minutes, p < 0.001), and orders (3.6 vs 2.6 minutes, p < 0.001). General Surgery residents spent less time than OB/GYN residents on total EHR time (19.9 vs 22 minutes, p < 0.01), chart review (6.8 vs. 7.5 minutes, p < 0.05), and documentation (6.3 vs 7.6 minutes, p < 0.001), but more time on orders (3.6 vs 2.9 minutes, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These are the first reported objective findings on surgical resident use of the EHR and may provide an opportunity for improvement in EHR training and usage.

The impact of weight change on intra-abdominal and hernia volumes.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss is often encouraged or required before open ventral hernia repair. This study evaluates the impact of weight change on total, intra-abdominal, subcutaneous, and hernia volume. METHODS: Patients who underwent open ventral hernia repair from 2007 to 2018 with two preoperative computed tomography scans were identified. Scans were reviewed using 3D volumetric software. Demographics, operative characteristics, and outcomes were evaluated. The impact of weight change on intra-abdominal, subcutaneous, and hernia volume was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients and linear regression models. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients met the criteria with a mean defect area of 155.6 ± 155.4 cm2, subcutaneous volume of 6,800.0 ± 3,868.8 cm3, hernia volume of 915.7 ± 1,234.5 cm3, intra-abdominal volume equaling 4,250.2 ± 2,118.1 cm3, and time between computed tomography scans 13.9 ± 11.0 months. Weight change was associated with change in hernia, intra-abdominal, total, and subcutaneous volume (Spearman's correlation coefficients 0.17, 0.48, 0.51, 0.45, respectively, P ≤ 0.03 all values) and not associated in hernia length, width, or area (P ≥ 0.18 all values). A Δ5 kg was significantly associated with Δintra-abdominal volume (164.1 ± 30.0 cm3/Δ5 kg,P < .0001), Δtotal volume (209.9 ± 33.0 cm3/Δ5 kg, P < .0001), and Δsubcutaneous volume (234.4 ± 50.8 cm3/Δ5 kg, P < .0001). Per Δ5 kg, male patients had more than double the Δintra-abdominal, Δtotal, and Δsubcutaneous volume than did female patients. A weight change of 5 kg to10 kg was associated with approximately double the change in computed tomography parameters/Δ5 kg than any weight change after 10 kg. Regardless of weight change, all measured hernia parameters increased over time, with mean hernia volume of +40.6 ± 94.9 cm3/mo and area of +7.8 ± 13.3 cm2/mo (Spearman's correlation coefficient -0.03 to 0.07, P value 0.37-0.96). CONCLUSION: Weight change is linearly correlated with intra-abdominal and subcutaneous fat gain or loss. Males show greater abdominal-related response to weight gain or loss. Hernia dimensions increase over time regardless of weight change.

Male gender is an independent risk factor for patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an MBSAQIP® database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Male patients undergoing bariatric surgery have (historically) been considered higher risk than females. The aim of this study was to examine the disparity between genders undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures and assess gender as an independent risk factor. METHODS: The MBSAQIP® Data Registry Participant User Files for 2015-2017 was reviewed for patients having primary SG and RYGB. Patients were divided into groups based on gender and procedure. Variables for major complications were grouped together, including but not limited to PE, stroke, and MI. Univariate and propensity matching analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 429,664 cases, 20.58% were male. Univariate analysis demonstrated males were older (46.48 ± 11.96 vs. 43.71 ± 11.89 years, p < 0.0001), had higher BMI (46.58 ± 8.46 vs. 45.05 ± 7.75 kg/m2, p < 0.0001), and had higher incidence of comorbidities. Males had higher rates of major complications (1.72 vs. 1.05%; p < 0.0001) and 30-day mortality (0.18 vs. 0.07%, p < 0.0001). Significance was maintained after subgroup analysis of SG and RYGB. Propensity matched analysis demonstrated male gender was an independent risk factor for RYGB and SG, major complications [2.21 vs. 1.7%, p < 0.0001 (RYGB), 1.12 vs. 0.89%, p < 0.0001 (SG)], and mortality [0.23 vs. 0.12%, p < 0.0001 (RYGB), 0.10 vs. 0.05%; p < 0.0001 (SG)]. CONCLUSION: Males continue to represent a disproportionately small percentage of bariatric surgery patients despite having no difference in obesity rates compared to females. Male gender is an independent risk factor for major post-operative complications and 30-day mortality, even after controlling for comorbidities.

Correction to: Impact of age on morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery.

This article was updated to correct the spelling of Nicholas Dugan's first name: it is correct as displayed here.

The association of penicillin allergy with outcomes after open ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Up to 11% of patients report a penicillin allergy (PA), with 1-2% demonstrating a true IgE mediated allergy upon testing. PA patients often receive non-beta-lactam antibiotic surgical prophylaxis (non-BLP). This study evaluates the relationship of PA to outcomes after open ventral hernia repair (OVHR). METHODS: A prospective institutional database was queried for patients undergoing OVHR. Demographics, operative characteristics, and outcomes were evaluated by the reported PA and the administration of beta-lactam prophylaxis (BLP). RESULTS: Allergy histories were reviewed in 1178 patients. PA was reported in 21.6% of patients, with 55.5% reporting rash or hives, 15.0% airway compromise or anaphylaxis, and 29.5% no specific reaction. BLP was administered to 76.3% of patients, including 22.1% of PA patients and 89.9% of patients without PA. PA patients were more often female (64.6% PA patients vs. 56% non-PA, p = 0.01), with higher rates of chronic steroids, MRSA, anxiety, asthma, COPD, chronic pain, and sleep apnea (p < 0.03 all values). PA patients had higher rates of contaminated cases, including mesh infection and fistula. Of the 683 clean cases, 82.1% received BLP. Of the 117 clean contaminated cases (CDC wound class 2), 82.9% received BLP, which was associated with reduced long-term readmission for hernia complications (21.5 vs. 55%, p = 0.002, OR 0.27, CI 0.09-0.83). In the 120 CDC wound class 3 and 4 patients, 65.8% received BLP. In multivariate analysis, BLP was associated with lower rates of reoperation (OR 0.31, CI 0.12-0.76) and recurrence (OR 0.32, CI 0.11-0.86). BLP was given to 22.1% of the PA patients with no adverse reactions noted. CONCLUSION: PA patients had more comorbidities and complex ventral hernias. When controlling for contamination and MRSA history, BLP is associated with improved outcomes particularly in contaminated cases. PA may be a risk factor for patient complexity, and further studies are warranted to determine if allergy testing can be warranted in known or anticipated contaminated cases.

The impact of component separation technique versus no component separation technique on complications and quality of life in the repair of large ventral hernias.

BACKGROUND: Component Separation (CST) typically involves incision of one or more fascial planes to generate myofascial advancement flaps to assist with fascial closure in ventral hernia repair (VHR). The aim of this study was to compare peri-operative outcomes and quality of life (QOL) after CST versus patients without CST (No-CST) in large, preperitoneal VHR (PPVHR). METHODS: A prospective, single institution hernia study examined all patients undergoing PPVHR with synthetic mesh. Emergency and contaminated operations were excluded. A case-control cohort was identified using propensity score matching for CST and No-CST. QOL was assessed using the Carolinas Comfort Scale. RESULTS: The algorithm matched 113 CST cases to 113 No-CST cases. The groups (CST vs No-CST) were similar regarding age, BMI, diabetes, smoking, defect size, mesh size, and follow-up. In univariate analysis, there was no difference in recurrence between the CST and no-CST groups (0.9% vs 0.9%, p = 1.0) or mesh infection (0.9% vs 0.0%, p = 1.0). CST did have more wound complications (29.2% vs 16.1%, p = 0.019). When controlling for panniculectomy and diabetes with multivariate logistic regression, CST continued to have had an increased risk for wound complications (OR 2.27, CI 1.16-4.47). QOL was routinely assessed. The groups were similar pre-operatively with 76.3% of CST patients and 77.8% of No-CST patients having pain (p = 1.0). At 1, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months post-operatively, the groups had equal QOL. CONCLUSION: The use of CST versus No-CST in the repair of large VHs results in an increased risk of wound complications but does not increase the hernia recurrence rate. In the largest QOL comparative study to date, CST's generation of myofascial advancement flaps does not negatively impact patient QOL in the repair of large ventral hernias in the short or long term.

Three-dimensional hernia analysis: the impact of size on surgical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: BMI and hernia defect size are strongly associated with outcomes after open ventral hernia repair (OVHR). The impact of abdominal subcutaneous fat (SQV), intra-abdominal volume (IAV), hernia volume (HV), and ratio of HV to intra-abdominal volume (HV:IAV, representing visceral eventration) is less clearly elucidated. This study examines the interaction of multiple markers of adiposity and hernia size in OVHR. METHODS: OVHR with preoperative CT scans were identified. 3D volumetric software measured HV, SQV, IAV, and HV:IAV was calculated. A principal component analysis was performed to create new component variables for collinear variables. Hernia PC was composed primarily of hernia dimensions, EAV (extra-abdominal volume PC) included SQV and BMI, and IAV PC included IAV. RESULTS: A total of 1178 OVHR patients had a preoperative CT scan. Their demographics included a mean age of 58.5 ± 12.4 years, BMI of 34.2 ± 7.7 kg/m2, and 57.8% were female. The mean defect area was 150.8 ± 136.7 cm2, and 66.0% were recurrent, Patients had mean SQV of 6719.4 ± 3563.9 cm3, HV of 966.9 ± 1303.5 cm3, IAV of 4250.2 ± 2118.1 cm3, and a HV:IAV of 0.29 ± 0.46. In multivariate analysis, Hernia PC was associated with panniculectomy (OR 1.52, CI 1.37-1.69) and component separation (OR 1.34, CI 1.21-1.49) and was negatively associated with fascial closure (OR 0.78, CI 0.69-0.88). Hernia PC was also associated with reoperation, readmission, and development of wound complications (OR 1.18, CI 1.08-1.30; OR 1.15, CI 1.04-1.27; OR 1.28, CI 1.16-1.41, respectively). EAV PC was associated with performance of a panniculectomy (OR 1.33, CI 1.20-1.48), readmission (OR 1.18, CI 1.06-1.32), and wound complications (OR 1.41, CI 1.27-1.57). IAV PC was not associated with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Values of hernia area, volume, IAV, HV:IAV, BMI, and SQV are collinear markers of patient obesity and hernia proportions. They are distinct enough to be represented by three principal component variables, indicating more nuanced discrete influences on variability of surgical outcomes other than BMI.

Use of computed tomography volumetric measurements to predict operative techniques in paraesophageal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in diagnostic imaging capabilities, little information exists concerning the impact of physical dimensions of a paraesophageal hernia (PEH) on intraoperative decision making. The authors hypothesized that computerized volumetric analysis and multidimensional visualization to measure hiatal defect area (HDA) and intrathoracic hernia sac volume (HSV) would correlate to operative findings and required surgical techniques performed. METHODS: Using volumetric analysis software (Aquarius iNtuition, TeraRecon, Inc), HDA and HSV were measured in PEH patients with preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scans, and used to predict the likelihood of intraoperative variables. Multidimensional rotation of images enabled visualization of the entire hiatal defect in a plane mimicking the surgeon's view during repair. The intrathoracic hernia sac was outlined producing volume measurements based on a summation of exact dimensions. RESULTS: A total of 213 PEHR patients had preoperative CT imaging, with 14.1% performed emergently. Primary cruroplasty was performed in 89.2%, salvage gastropexy in 10.3%, and diaphragmatic relaxing incisions in 4.2%. Median HDA was 25.7 cm2 (IQR17.8-35.6 cm2); median HSV was 365.0 cm3 (IQR150.0-611.0 cm3). Incremental 5 cm2 increase in HDA was associated with greater likelihood of presenting emergently (OR 1.27; 95%CI 1.124-1.428, p = 0.0001), incarceration (OR 1.27; 1.074-1.499, p = 0.005), gastric volvulus (OR 1.13; 1.021-1.248, p = 0.02), and requiring either relaxing incision (OR 1.43; 1.203-1.709, p < 0.0001) or salvage gastropexy (OR 1.13; 1.001-1.274, p = 0.04). Similarly, HSV increases of 100 cm3 were associated with 23% greater likelihood of emergent repair (CI 1.121-1.353, p < 0.0001), and were more likely to require a relaxing incision (OR 1.18; 1.043-1.339, p = 0.009) or salvage gastropexy (1.19; 1.083-1.312, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of CT volumetric measurements is a valuable adjunct in preoperative planning, allowing the surgeon to anticipate complexity of repair and operative approach, as incremental increases in HSV by 100 cm3 and HDA by 5 cm2 are more likely to require complex techniques or bailout procedures and/or present emergently.

Too big to breathe: predictors of respiratory failure and insufficiency after open ventral hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: Increased intra-abdominal pressure in open ventral hernia repair (OVHR) is hypothesized to contribute to postoperative respiratory insufficiency (RI) or failure (RF). This study examines the impact of abdominal volumes on postoperative RI in OVHR. METHODS: OVHR patients with preoperative CT scans were identified. 3D volumetric software measured hernia volume (HV), subcutaneous volume (SQV), and intra-abdominal volume (IAV). The ratio of hernia to intra-abdominal volume (HV:IAV) was calculated. A principal component analysis was performed to create new component variables for collinear volume and hernia variables. RESULTS: There were 1178 OVHR patients with preoperative CT scans. Demographics included a mean BMI of 34.2 ± 7.7 kg/m2, age of 58.5 ± 12.4 years, and 57.8% were female. RI occurred in 8.3% of patients, including 4.0% requiring > 24 h respiratory support with ezPAP, CPAP, or biPAP (RI), and 4.3% requiring intubation (RF). Patients who developed RI had a higher BMI (33.8 ± 7.5 vs. 38.2 ± 9.1 kg/m2, p < 0.0001), older age (58.1 ± 12.5 vs. 62.8 ± 10.4 years, p = 0.0001), larger defects (140.9 ± 128.4 vs. 254.0 ± 173.9 cm2, p < 0.0001), HV (865.8 ± 1200.0 vs. 2005.6 ± 1791.7 cm3, p < 0.0001), and HV:IAV (0.26 ± 0.45 vs. 0.53 ± 0.58, p < 0.0001). Three PC variables accounted for 85% of variance: hernia volume PC consists primarily of HV (61.8%), ratio HV:IAV (57.7%), and defect size (50.1%) and accounts for 38.3% variance. Extra-abdominal volume PC consists primarily of SQV (63.7%) and BMI (60.8%) and accounts for 32.5% variance. Intra-abdominal volume PC is primarily IAV (75.8%) and accounts for 14.9% variance. In multivariate analysis, predictors of RI included asthma and COPD (OR 4.04, CI 1.82-8.96), hernia PC (OR 1.47, CI 1.48-1.98), EAV PC (OR 1.24, CI 1.04-1.48), increased age (OR 1.04, CI 1.01-1.06), and diabetes (OR 1.8, CI 1.11-2.91). Component separation, fascial closure, contamination, and panniculectomy were not associated with RI. CONCLUSION: The impact of defect size, BMI, HV, SQV, IAV, and HV:IAV on respiratory insufficiency after OVHR is collinear. Patients with large defects and a large ratio of HV:IAV (greater than 0.5) are also at significantly increased risk of RI after OVHR. While BMI impacts these parameters, it is not directly predictive of postoperative RI.

Impact of age on morbidity and mortality following bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is the most effective modality to treat obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. This study sought to utilize the MBASQIP® Data Registry to analyze the impact of age at time of surgery on outcomes following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures. METHODS: The MBSAQIP® Data Registry for patients undergoing SG or RYGB procedures between 2015 and 2016 was reviewed. Patients were divided into 4 age groups [18-44; 45-54; 55-64; > 65 years]. Minimal exclusions for revisional and/or emergency surgery were selected and combination variables created to classify complications as major or minor. A comorbidity index was constructed to include diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and prior cardiac surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to compare age stratifications to the young adult (18-45 years) cohort. RESULTS: Of 301,605 cases, 279,419 cases (71.2% SG) remained after applying exclusion criteria (79.2% female, mean BMI 45.5 ± 8.1 kg/m2, 8.9% insulin-dependent diabetics). Mean age was 44.7 ± 12.0 years (51.3% 18-44 years; 26.9% 45-54 years; 16.3% 55-64 years; 5.5% > 65 years). A univariate analysis demonstrated preoperative differences of lower BMI with increasing age concomitant with increasing frequency of RYGB and a higher comorbidity index (p < 0.0001 vs. 18-45 years). At age > 45 years, major complications and 30-day mortality increased independent of procedure type (p < 0.0001). A multivariate analysis controlling for comorbidity indices demonstrated increasing age (> 45 years) increased risk for major complications and mortality. CONCLUSION: Overall, bariatric surgery (SG or RYGB) remains a low mortality risk procedure for all age groups. However, all age group classifications > 45 years had higher incidence of major complications and mortality compared to patients 18-45 years (despite older individuals having lower preoperative BMI) indicating delaying surgery is detrimental.

Outcomes specific to patient sex after open ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Male and female hernia patients often have different surgical history, fat distribution, and medical comorbidities. Female surgical patients seemingly experience worse outcomes after open ventral hernia repair. This study evaluates the impact of sex and the distribution of abdominal adiposity on outcomes after open ventral hernia repair. METHODS: A prospective hernia database was queried for patients from 2007 to 2018 with a computed tomography within 1 year of open ventral hernia repair. Three-dimensional volumetric analysis was performed. Demographics, abdominal fat distribution, operative characteristics, and outcomes were evaluated by sex using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1,178 patients were identified, 57.8% were female. Compared with males, females had higher mean body mass index (34.8 ± 8.5 vs 31.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2, P < .0001), previous abdominal operations (3.3 ± 1.5 vs 2.6 ± 1.3, P < .0001), and preoperative chronic pain (33.5 vs 26.4%, P = .009). There was no difference in history of recurrence, age, steroid use, smoking, diabetes, or hernia volume between sexes (P ≥ .17 all values). Males had larger defects (168.1 ± 148.2 vs 138.8 ± 126.8 cm2, P = .001) and intra-abdominal volume (intra-abdominal fat volume; 6,279 ± 2,614 vs 4,454 ± 2,196 cm3, P < .0001). Females had larger subcutaneous fat volume (subcutaneous fat volume; 7,453 ± 6,600 vs 5,708 ± 3,275 cm3, P < .0001), and ratio of hernia to intra-abdominal volume (hernia volume to intra-abdominal fat volume; 0.33 ± 0.52 vs 0.22 ± 0.42, P < .0001). On univariate analysis, females had higher rates of readmission, wound complication, and intervention for pain after open ventral hernia repair (P ≤ .02 all values). On multivariate analysis, females had shorter duration of stay (-1.36 day, standard error 0.49, P = .006) with higher readmission rate (odd ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.34). CONCLUSION: Female hernia patients in our population are more comorbid, with higher body mass index, thicker subcutaneous fat volume and a higher ratio of hernia volume to intra-abdominal fat volume. These differences are associated with more extensive surgical intervention, such as panniculectomy and higher rates of adverse outcomes after open ventral hernia repair. However, these differences are not fully explained by identified comorbidities and warrant further investigation.

The use of component separation during abdominal wall reconstruction in contaminated fields: A case-control analysis.

BACKGROUND: Component separation technique (CST) allows fascial medialization during abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Wound contamination increases the incidence of wound complications, which multiplies the incidence of repair failure. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of CST on AWR outcomes in contaminated fields in comparison to those operations without CST. METHODS: A prospective, single institution hernia database was queried for patients undergoing AWR with CST and contamination. A case control cohort was identified using propensity score matching. RESULTS: There were 286 CSTs performed in contaminated cases. After propensity score matching, 61 CSTs were compared to 61 No-CSTs. These groups were matched by defect area (CST:287.1 ±â€¯150.4 vs No-CST:277.6 ±â€¯218.4 cm2, p = 0.156), BMI (32.0 ±â€¯7.0 vs 32.2 ±â€¯6.0 kg/m2, p = 0.767), diabetes (26.2% vs 32.8%, p = 0.427), and panniculectomy (52.5% vs 36.1%, p = 0.068). Groups had similar rates of wound complications (42.6% vs 40.7%, p = 0.829) and recurrence (4.9% vs 13.1%, p = 0.114). CONCLUSIONS: The use of CST in the face of contamination is not associated with an increase in wound complications, mesh complications, or recurrence.

Sarcopenia in Patients Undergoing Open Ventral Hernia Repair.

Radiologic indicators of sarcopenia have been associated with adverse operative outcomes in some surgical populations. This study assesses the association of radiologic indicators of frailty with outcomes after open ventral hernia repair (OVHR). A prospective, institutional, hernia-specific database was queried for patients undergoing OVHR from 2007 to 2018 with preoperative CT. Psoas muscle cross-sectional area at L3 was measured and adjusted for height (skeletal muscle index (SMI)). L3 vertebral body density (L3 VBD) was measured. Demographics and outcomes were evaluated as related to SMI and L3 VBD. Of 1178 patients, 9.7 per cent of females and 15.8 per cent of males had sarcopenia and 11.6 per cent of females and 9.2 per cent of males had osteopenia. Neither sarcopenia nor osteopenia were associated with outcomes of wound infection, readmission, reoperation, hernia recurrence, or major complications. When examined as continuous variables or by quartile, SMI and L3 VBD were not associated with adverse outcomes, including in subsets of male or female patients, the elderly, contaminated cases, and the obese. Radiologic markers of sarcopenia and osteopenia are not associated with adverse outcomes after OVHR. Further study should examine age or other potential predictors of outcomes in this patient population, such as independent status.

Twelve years of component separation technique in abdominal wall reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Component separation technique involves incision of abdominal muscle and its aponeurosis, which generates a myofascial advancement flap to assist with fascial closure in abdominal wall reconstructions. This tissue mobilization allows for musculo-fascial approximation of much larger abdominal wall defects than would otherwise be possible. With extensive tissue mobilization, however, there is concern for significant wound and systemic complications. METHODS: A prospective, single institution hernia database was queried for patients undergoing component separation from January 2006 to May 2018. Emergency operations were excluded. Anterior component separation (external oblique release with posterior rectus sheath release) and posterior component separation (transversus abdominus release and posterior rectus sheath release) were examined. RESULTS: Of the 775 component separation, 33.4% included anterior component separation and 66.6% posterior component separation. Mean age was 58.8 ± 11.5 years, mean body mass index was 33.6 ± 7.1 (kg/m2), and 27.9% of patients were diabetic. Hernias were large (280.0 ± 220.9 cm2) and often complex (recurrent: 62.6%, incarcerated: 41.5%, concomitant panniculectomy: 39.1%, and contaminated: 37.0%). Defect size was larger in anterior component separation group compared with posterior component separation (379.5 ± 265.2 vs 230.0 ± 175.0 cm2, P < .001). There was a 35.1% wound complication rate with 32 recurrences (4.1%) during a mean follow-up of 23.3 ± 25.1 months. Complete fascial closure and lack of wound complications significantly improved outcomes (P < .01). Patients undergoing anterior component separation demonstrated more wound complications (42.9% vs 31.2%, P < .001) and recurrences (7.0% vs 2.7%, P = .005). In multivariate analysis, anterior component separation was associated with increased risk of wound complications (odds ratio 1.660; confidence interval, 1.125-2.450), but not recurrence (odds ratio 2.95; confidence interval, 0.72-12.19). Since 2013, prehabilitation and perforator sparing techniques reduced anterior component separation wound complications to 19.6% (P = .008). CONCLUSION: Both anterior component separation and posterior component separation are associated with low recurrence rates, but anterior component separation is associated with higher wound complications. Prehabilitation and operative techniques improve outcomes of component separation.

Mesh reinforcement of paraesophageal hernia repair: Trends and outcomes from a national database.

BACKGROUND: Placement of paraesophageal type of "mesh" in paraesophageal hernia repair is controversial. This study examines the trends and outcomes of mesh placement in paraesophageal hernia repair. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for patients who underwent paraesophageal hernia repair with or without mesh (2010-2017). Demographics, operative approach, and outcomes were compared over time. RESULTS: Of 25,801, most paraesophageal hernia repair cases were elective (89.3%), without mesh (61.9%), and performed laparoscopically (91.3%).When compared with open paraesophageal hernia repair patients, the patients undergoing laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair had lesser rates of reoperation, readmission, mortality, overall complications and major complications (2.7% vs 4.8%, 6.2% vs 9.6%, 0.6% vs 2.9%, 7.1% vs 21.3%, 3.8% vs 11.1%, respectively; all P < .0001). Mesh placement was more common in laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (38.9 vs 29.7, P < .0001) than opern paraesophageal hernia repair. During 2010-2017, mesh placement decreased from 46.2% to 35.2% of laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (P < .0001). Operative times for laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair decreased over time, and laparoscpic paraesophageal hernia repair without mesh was consistently less (with mesh: 176.0 ± 71.0 to 149.9 ± 72.5 min, without mesh: 148.6 ± 71.4 to 134.6 ± 70.4). We observed no changes in comorbidities or adverse outcomes over time. Using multivariate analysis to control for potential confounding factors, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was associated most strongly with adverse outcomes, including mortality (OR 2.53, CI 1.55-4.14), any complications (OR 1.80, CI 1.51-2.16), major complications (OR 1.80, CI 1.51-2.16), readmission (OR 1.63, CI 1.33-1.99) and reoperation (OR 1.49, CI 1.10-2.02). Mesh placement was not associated with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: The placement of mesh during laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair is not associated with adverse outcomes. Use of mesh with laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair is decreasing with no apparent adverse impact on short-term patient outcomes. Further research is needed to investigate patient factors not captured by this national database, such as characteristics of the hernia, patient symptoms, and hernia recurrence.