Perioperative cardiac investigations for chest pain after parathyroidectomy rarely yield a cardiac diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of adverse perioperative cardiac complications after parathyroidectomy has not been well described. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of perioperative chest pain and cardiac complications after parathyroidectomy and to evaluate risk factors that may identify patients who are more likely to benefit from a cardiac workup. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism by a single endocrine surgeon at a tertiary endocrine centre between 2011 and 2018. Patient demographics, clinicopathologic variables, operative and postoperative details (reported chest pain, performance of a cardiac workup and new postoperative cardiac diagnosis) were reviewed. Patients with chest pain were compared to those without chest pain using the Fisher exact test and Student t test. RESULTS: Fourteen of 295 patients (4.7%) reported chest pain in the immediate postoperative period. Most patients were investigated with a 12-lead electrocardiogram and troponin (n = 12/14), yet none were diagnosed with a cardiac event. When comparing patients with and without chest pain, there was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, presence of cardiovascular risk factors, American Society of Anesthesiologists score or length of surgery. CONCLUSION: Postoperative chest pain after parathyroidectomy is not an uncommon event and leads to a cardiac workup in most cases; however, the risk of significant postoperative cardiac events is minimal. In the "choosing wisely" era, one should evaluate each patient's pretest probability of such events and avoid extensive workup in low-risk patients to avoid unnecessary costs to the health care system.

Is neutrophilia the key to diagnosing appendicitis in pregnancy?

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) in pregnancy remains challenging. We investigated which preoperative clinical factors are most predictive of AA in pregnant women. METHODS: 164 pregnant patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging for suspected AA were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic regression was used to compare those with pathologically confirmed AA and those without. RESULTS: 28 patients (17.1%) had pathologically confirmed AA. 42.9% (n = 12) were perforated at the time of operation. Factors associated with AA included history of emesis (p = 0.005), migratory abdominal pain (p = 0.006), rebound tenderness (p = 0.01), elevated white blood cell count (p = 0.003), elevated Alvarado Score (p < 0.001), elevated neutrophil count (p = 0.021), and left shift (p = 0.001). As a screening test, a left shift with neutrophils >70% provided a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100.0%. DISCUSSION: Every patient in our series with AA had a left shift. Neutrophil count and percentage should be considered in the diagnostic evaluation of these patients to better guide resource utilization and treatment.

Same-day discharge after unilateral parathyroidectomy is safe.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) with intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring is the most common surgical approach among endocrine surgeons for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Overnight hospitalization after MIP represents a drain on resources and may be unnecessary. The aim of this study was to determine the safety of same-day discharge after MIP. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients treated for PHPT between August 2010 and July 2015. Patients were stratified by their length of stay in hospital and compared in terms of postoperative complications. RESULTS: During the study period 154 MIPs were performed. Of these, 101 patients were discharged on the day of their surgery (group 1) and the remaining 53 stayed 1 or more days (group 2). Three patients in group 2 required readmission within 30 days of discharge (p = 0.039). Seven patients in group 1 and 1 patient in group 2 visited the emergency department within 30 days of discharge (p = 0.72). Two patients in group 1 experienced persistent or recurrent PHPT (p = 0.55). Patients in group 2 were older than those in group 1 (69 v. 61 yr, p < 0.001) and had a higher mean American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of physical status (2.66 v. 2.24, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Same-day discharge after MIP is a safe practice and saves the cost of an overnight stay in hospital. Same-day discharge should be considered for all patients undergoing MIP if there are no clear indications for overnight hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: La parathyroïdectomie à effraction minimale avec surveillance peropératoire de la parathormone est la technique chirurgicale la plus employée par les chirurgiens endocriniens pour traiter l'hyperparathyroïdie primaire. L'hospitalisation d'une nuit suivant cette intervention, qui engloutit des ressources considérables, pourrait ne pas être nécessaire. La présente étude visait donc à déterminer la sécurité des chirurgies d'un jour dans ce BACKGROUND. METHODS: Nous avons mené une étude de cohorte rétrospective portant sur les patients qui avaient subi l'intervention entre août 2010 et juillet 2015. Après avoir stratifié les patients selon la durée de leur séjour à l'hôpital, nous avons comparé l'incidence de complications postopératoires. RESULTS: Au cours de la période visée, 154 parathyroïdectomies à effraction minimale ont été pratiquées. De ces 154 patients, 101 ont reçu leur congé le jour même (groupe 1), tandis que les 53 autres ont été hospitalisés 1 journée ou plus (groupe 2). Dans les 30 jours suivant leur congé, 3 patients du groupe 2 ont dû être réhospitalisés (p = 0,039), tandis que 7 patients du groupe 1 et 1 patient du groupe 2 se sont rendus à l'urgence (p = 0,72). Deux patients du groupe 1 ont continué de présenter une hyperparathyroïdie primaire persistante ou récurrente (p = 0,55). Les patients du groupe 2 étaient plus âgés que ceux du groupe 1 (69 ans contre 61 ans; p < 0,001) et appartenaient à une catégorie plus élevée du système de classification de la santé physique de l'American Society of Anesthesiologists (2,66 contre 2,24; p < 0,001). CONCLUSION: Il est donc sécuritaire de donner leur congé le jour même aux patients qui subissent une parathyroïdectomie à effraction minimale. Cette pratique, qui permet d'éviter les coûts associés à une hospitalisation, devrait être envisagée pour tous les patients, sauf en cas d'indication claire d'hospitalisation.

Pregnancy among residents enrolled in general surgery: a nationwide survey of attitudes and experiences.

BACKGROUND: Medical student interest in general surgery has declined, and the lack of adequate accommodation for pregnancy and parenting during residency training may be a deterrent. We explored resident and program director experiences with these issues in general surgery programs across Canada. METHODS: Using a web-based tool, residents and program directors from 16 Canadian general surgery programs were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward and experiences with pregnancy during residency. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-six of 600 residents and 8 of 16 program directors completed the survey (30% and 50% response rate, respectively). Multiple issues pertaining to pregnancy during surgical residency were reported including the lack of adequate policies for maternity/parenting, the major obstacles to breast-feeding, and the increased workload for fellow resident colleagues. All program directors reported the lack of a program-specific maternity/parenting policy. CONCLUSIONS: General surgery programs lack program-specific maternity/parenting policies. Several issues have been highlighted in this study emphasizing the importance of creating and implementing such a policy.

Immediate laparoscopic adrenalectomy versus observation: cost evaluation for incidental adrenal lesions with atypical imaging characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Because of controversy in the management of nonfunctional adrenal masses <6 cm with lipid-poor imaging characteristics, the study was conducted to compare the costs of observation versus immediate laparoscopic adrenalectomy. METHODS: A total of 370 patients who were evaluated for incidental adrenal masses between January 1999 and December 2007 were identified, and 32 (8.7%) patients had lesions with imaging characteristics that were inconsistent with a benign adenoma (ie, atypical appearing). Sixteen patients underwent immediate surgery and 16 had observation with serial imaging and biochemical studies. The associated total costs were subjected to intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: In the observation cohort, 7 patients converted and underwent adrenalectomy after a mean of 13.1 months. Initially, costs of immediate surgery exceeded those of observation ($12,015.72 vs $11,601.18, P = .10). After projecting costs of annual surveillance, a cost advantage for immediate surgery was demonstrated after 9 years (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with <6 cm atypical-appearing adrenal lesions, the costs of surgery and of observation are initially equal. After 9 years, the costs of surveillance exceed that of initial laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Case-controlled comparison of video-assisted and conventional minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.

Video-assisted parathyroidectomy (VAP) is a new approach to parathyroid exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism (PH). We examined the VAP learning curve and hypothesized that compared with conventional minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIS), VAP has similar complication rates and the added benefit of a shorter hospital length of stay. Using a case-control study design, patients with PH with single-focus imaging results undergoing VAP or MIS were compared during a 5-year VAP implementation period. VAP was possible in 18 per cent of patients undergoing initial parathyroid exploration. In comparing 125 VAP cases with 95 MIS control subjects, patients undergoing MIS had higher mean preoperative levels of calcium (P = 0.007) and parathyroid hormone (P = 0.008), greater mean adenoma weight (P < 0.001), and increased long-term mortality (4% MIS vs 0% VAP, P = 0.03). Mean operative time, in-house analgesia use, and operative complications did not differ. The rate of conversion from VAP to MIS was 14 per cent. Patients undergoing VAP were less likely to require an overnight hospital stay (P = 0.01). VAP is a safe surgical option for selected patients with PH, offering improved cosmesis with operative times comparable to conventional MIS. VAP can be done with a low conversion rate even during implementation and allows the added benefit of shorter hospital stay.

Predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules: molecular advances.

Over the last several years, a clearer understanding has developed of the genetic alterations underlying thyroid carcinogenesis. This knowledge can be used to tackle 1 of the challenges facing thyroidologists: management of the indeterminate thyroid nodule. Despite the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology, many patients undergo surgery to diagnose malignancy and better diagnostic tools are required. A number of biomarkers have recently been studied and show promise in this setting. In particular, BRAF, RAS, PAX8-PPARγ, microRNAs, and loss of heterozygosity have each been demonstrated as useful molecular tools for predicting malignancy and can potentially guide decisions regarding surgical management of nodular thyroid disease. This review summarizes the current literature surrounding each of these markers, highlights our institution's prospective analysis of these markers, and describes the subsequent incorporation of molecular markers into a management algorithm for thyroid nodules.

Medication discontinuation after curative surgery for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Although parathyroidectomy (Ptx) for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PH) improves comorbidities and symptoms, routine Ptx for minimally symptomatic PH remains controversial. Whether successful Ptx translates into discontinuation or dose-reduction of prescribed medications is unknown. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing curative Ptx for sporadic PH from January 2007 to April 2009 were compared to patients undergoing thyroidectomy (Tx). We reviewed patient demographics, symptoms, comorbid conditions, and pre- and postoperative medications utilizing the Fisher exact test and t test for comparisons. RESULTS: Compared to 176 Tx patients, 260 Ptx patients were older (P < .001), more commonly men (P = .006), and had higher preoperative prevalences of every examined PH symptom and comorbid condition. Postoperatively, even minimal PH symptoms improved after Ptx. The mean number of preoperative medications was higher in Ptx patients (4 vs 2.8, P < .001). Discontinuation or dose-reduction of medication occurred in 28 (11%) Ptx patients vs 7 (4%) Tx patients (P = .01). After Ptx, symptom improvement was the predominant reason for beneficial medication changes, and the most common beneficial effect was discontinuation or dose-reduction of chronic analgesics (33%). CONCLUSION: PH symptoms are numerous and improve after curative Ptx. Medication use for related symptoms can be beneficially reduced by surgery. Drug profiles should be routinely reviewed and adjusted after parathyroidectomy.

The utility of BRAF testing in the management of papillary thyroid cancer.

Over the last decade, investigators have developed a clearer understanding of the genetic alterations underlying thyroid carcinogenesis. A number of biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of differentiated thyroid cancer have undergone intensive study, not only for their role in tumorigenesis, but also for their potential utility as diagnostic and prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the current literature surrounding BRAF and its significance in thyroid cancer. Further, we discuss how molecular analysis can be integrated into management algorithms for thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid cancer. We also review what is known, to date, about the association of BRAF and papillary microcarcinoma as well as using targeted therapies for BRAF as adjuvant treatment for metastatic papillary thyroid cancer.

Recurrent hyperparathyroidism and forearm parathyromatosis after total parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: In multiple endocrine neoplasia type I and renal failure, the type of initial parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism may influence the operative risks and development of recurrence. We compared subtotal parathyroidectomy with total parathyroidectomy and immediate forearm autotransplantation (TPFA) in a large series with long-term follow-up. METHODS: The data of patients treated from 1977 to 2009 by initial or reoperative TPFA or subtotal parathyroidectomy were examined for outcomes including the interval to sites and tissue patterns of recurrence. RESULTS: Permanent hypoparathyroidism was rare and uninfluenced by disease type. Neither initial procedure nor underlying disease affected the mean time to reoperation for recurrent hyperparathyroidism. In renal failure, reoperation was more common after TPFA than subtotal parathyroidectomy (5/19, 26% vs 11/193, 6%; P = .008). Twelve patients required forearm reoperation after TPFA, which was often complicated by parathyromatosis (7/12, 58%). Further reoperative forearm surgery was more likely after explant excision than after en bloc resection (7/11 vs 0/8; P = .01) and occurred sooner in renal failure than in multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (mean 4.4 vs 9 years; P = .04). Permanent hypoparathyroidism was rare and uninfluenced by disease type. CONCLUSION: Because of frequent recurrence, TPFA should be abandoned as a treatment of renal hyperparathyroidism. In multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, subtotal parathyroidectomy has similar outcomes to TPFA. Forearm autotransplantation can be complicated by parathyromatosis, and surgeons should be prepared for reoperative en bloc resection.

Harmonic scalpel compared to conventional hemostasis in thyroid surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Background. The study's aim was to determine whether conventional hemostasis (CH) or the Harmonic Scalpel (HS) results in shorter operative times for thyroidectomy and to evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications with each approach. Methods. A literature search was conducted from study inception to September 30, 2008. Included studies randomized thyroidectomy patients to either CH or HS and reported the incidence of postoperative transient recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction (RLND) and hypocalcemia. Results. Nine RCTs were included. Use of the HS reduced operative time by 23.1 minutes (95% CI = 13.8, 32.33). There was no difference in the incidence of transient RLND (RR = 1.25, 95% CI = .56, 2.76), but a lower rate of transient hypocalcemia with the use of the HS (RR = .69, 95% CI = .51, .92). Conclusions. The use of HS in thyroidectomy significantly reduces operative time and is associated with a reduction in postoperative hypocalcemia compared to CH.

Resident continuity of care experience: a casualty of ambulatory surgery and current patient admission practices.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to define and assess the impact of changes in health care delivery on the current continuity of care experience of surgical residents. METHODS: This 4-week, prospective cohort study included all patients who underwent a general surgical procedure at the University of British Columbia if a resident was present at the operation. The residents' perioperative involvement in each patient's care was recorded. RESULTS: Of the 592 eligible cases, 74.8% were elective same-day admissions, 5.4% elective previously admitted patients, and 19.8% emergencies. The overall rate of assessment was 27% preoperatively, 84% postoperatively on the ward, and <1% in oupatient clinic postdischarge. Elective cases were associated with significantly lower rates of preoperative assessment compared with emergency cases (15% versus 74%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in health care delivery have outpaced changes in the structure of surgical education, resulting in suboptimal continuity of care experiences for trainees. Residency programs must adapt their curricula to include adequate ambulatory experience.