Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis for Deep Vein Thrombosis in May-Thurner Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with May-Thurner syndrome presenting with acute deep vein thrombosis benefit from early lysis of clot and endovascular treatment. We evaluated the outcome of patients with May-Thurner syndrome who presented with deep vein thrombosis, managed with pharmacomechanical thrombolysis as the primary mode of intervention, in combination with angioplasty and stent placement. METHODS: We reviewed all patients with May-Thurner syndrome managed in our institution between January 2009 to December 2015. Patency rate and postthrombotic syndrome were evaluated as primary end points. RESULTS: A total of seven patients (6 females, 1 male) with a mean ± SD age of 48 ± 17 years and mean ± SD body mass index of 29.64 ± 7.25 kg/m were identified. Six patients presented with acute deep vein thrombosis and one presented with chronic venous insufficiency. Five patients underwent pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (TRELLIS and altepase) with concomitant stenting of the common iliac vein, one had only angioplasty with stent placement, and one had only pharmacomechanical thrombolysis. Median time from presentation to pharmacomechanical thrombolysis was 4 days (range = 1-9). Patency rate and postthrombotic syndrome at 12 months were 100% and 0%, respectively. No patient experienced major bleeding or pulmonary embolism. The median length of stay was 3 days (range = 0-4). There was no mortality associated with the procedure. The mean ± SD follow-up was 26 ± 15 months. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with May-Thurner syndrome, pharmacomechanical thrombolysis is an effective approach for the management of acute deep vein thrombosis, decreasing thrombus burden, and long-term postthrombotic syndrome when used in conjunction with stenting.

Does implementing a general surgery residency program and resident involvement affect patient outcomes and increase care-associated charges?

BACKGROUND: Variable results regarding general surgery residency program (GSRP) impact on patient outcomes and charges are reported. The aim of this study was to determine any significant differences in patient outcomes and cost with a new GSRP. METHODS: We analyzed all laparoscopic appendectomies (lap-ap), cholecystectomies (lap-chole), and inguinal hernia repairs (IHR) performed before and after implementing a GRSP. RESULTS: Operative time significantly increased for lap-ap (p < 0.0001), lap-chole (p < 0.0001) and IHR (p = 0.03). Time to close the incision significantly increased for lap-ap (p < 0.0001), lap-chole (p = 0.006) and IHR (p = 0.03). Length of stay only increased for lap-ap (p = 0.04). Complication rates did not increase for any procedure. However, charges significantly increased for lap-ap (p < 0.0001), lap-chole (p < 0.0001), and IHR (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Although a newly implemented GSRP caused increases in overall operative times, times to close incisions, and charges, it did not negatively impact patient outcomes.

Single-Port Robotic Cholecystectomy in Pediatric Patients: Single Institution Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Modifications to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy are aimed to decrease abdominal pain and improve cosmetic results. Single-port robotic cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible approach that has been reported in adults, though reports are limited in children. This study aims to report our experience with single-port robotic cholecystectomy in children, and to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of this approach. METHODS: After single-port robotic approach was available at our institution, we prospectively followed our patients who underwent a single-port robotic cholecystectomy from March 2013 to May 2015 in our children's hospital. RESULTS: There were 14 patients [female 11 (79%) versus male 3 (21%)], the average age was 12.20 ± 4.97 years, with a mean body mass index of 28.01 ± 8.57 m/kg2. Of the 14 patients, 4 (29%) had cholelithiasis with choledocolithiasis and had undergone an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography before the operation, 6 (43%) had symptomatic cholelithiasis, and 4 (28%) had acute cholecystitis. The median operative room time was 125 minutes (range 60-202), the median time of operation was 77.5 minutes (range 64-169), the median estimated blood loss was 2 mL (range 2-25), and a median length of stay was 1 day (range 0-2). There were no conversions to another approach. The median follow-up was 7 months (range 3-22). One patient (7%) developed an umbilical port site seroma, which was managed conservatively, no other complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Single-port robotic cholecystectomy is a feasible and safe approach for cholecystectomy in the pediatric population. More studies are required to compare it to different approaches.

Laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia in a low birth weight neonate.

The small volume of the infant abdomen limits the application of laparoscopic procedures. We successfully repaired a duodenal atresia in a 2-kg female infant using a standard diamond-shaped anastomosis and intracorporeal suturing and knot-tying techniques. Anesthesia and positive pressure ventilation assured adequate gas exchange during pneumoperitoneum during the procedure.

Hypometabolizers: characteristics of obese patients with abnormally low resting energy expenditure.

Weight gain or loss is determined by the difference between calorie intake and energy expenditure. The Mifflin metabolic equation most accurately predicts resting energy expenditure (REE) in morbidly obese patients. Hypometabolizers have a measured REE that is much less than predicted and pose the greatest challenge for weight loss induced by restriction of calorie intake. We studied 628 morbidly obese patients (467 female and 161 men, aged 52.5 ± 15.7 years, body mass index [BMI] of 42.6 ± 7.6 m/kg(2) [mean ± SD]). REE was measured using the MedGem® device (REEm) and the percentage variance (ΔREE%) from the Mifflin-predicted expenditure (REEp) was calculated. Patients with ΔREE% more than 1 standard deviation from the mean were defined as hypometabolizers (REEm greater than 27% below REEp) and hypermetabolizers (REEm less than 13% above REEp), respectively. Hypometabolizers had greater REEp (1900 ± 301 vs 1719 ± 346 calories, P = 0.005) and lower REEm (1244 ± 278 vs 2161 ± 438 calories, P < 0.0001) than hypermetabolizers. Hypometabolizers, when compared with hypermetabolizers, were taller (167.2 ± 8.4 vs 164.0 ± 10.9 cm, P = 0.04), heavier (123.6 ± 22.2 vs 110.2 ± 23.1 kg, P = 0.006), and had increased BMI (44.1 ± 6.5 vs 40.8 ± 6.5 kg/m(2), P = 0.04). Other measured anthropometrics were not different between hypo- and hypermetabolizers. Hypometabolizers were less likely to be diabetic (23 vs 43%, P = 0.03) and more likely to be black (25 vs 5%, P = 0.002) than hypermetabolizers. This study defines hypometabolizers as having variance in REEm more than 27 per cent below that predicted by the Mifflin equation. We could not identify any distinguishing phenotypic characteristics of hypometabolizers, suggesting an influence unrelated to body composition.

Cost analysis and effectiveness comparing the routine use of intraoperative fluorescent cholangiography with fluoroscopic cholangiogram in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Despite the standardization of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the rate of bile duct injury (BDI) has risen from 0.2 to 0.5%. Routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) has not been widely accepted because of its cost and a lack of evidence concerning its use in preventing BDI. Fluorescent cholangiography (FC), which has recently been advocated as an alternative to IOC, is a novel intraoperative procedure involving infrared visualization of the biliary structures. This study evaluated costs and effectiveness of routinely implemented FC and IOC during LC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February and June 2013, the authors prospectively collected the data of all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We retrospectively reviewed and compared the use of FC and IOC. Procedure time, procedure cost, and effectiveness of the two methods were analyzed and compared. The surgeons involved in the cases completed a survey on the usefulness of each method. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients (21 males and 22 females) were analyzed during the study period. Mean age was 49.53 ± 14.35 years and mean body mass index was 28.35 ± 8 kg/m(2). Overall mean operative time was 64.95 ± 17.43 min. FC was faster than IOC (0.71 ± 0.26 vs. 7.15 ± 3.76 min; p < 0.0001). FC was successfully performed in 43 of 43 cases (100%) and IOC in 40 of 43 cases (93.02%). FC was less expensive than IOC (US$14.10 ± 4.31 vs. US$778.43 ± 0.40; p < 0.0001). According to the survey, all surgeons found routine use of FC useful. CONCLUSION: In this study, FC was effective in delineating important anatomic structures. It required less time and expense than IOC, and was perceived by the surgeons to be easier to perform, and at least as useful as IOC. Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of FC in decreasing BDI.

Anterior-posterior transcranial ultrasound to measure cranial oscillations.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to provide information on whether or not the correlation between body tilt and the pulse amplitude of transcranial ultrasonic time-of-flight waveform can be observed in the anterior-posterior skull direction. Also, we asked the question whether or not the skull pulsation can be detected since the cranial bones involved are thicker. METHODS: The experimental model of body tilt that alters intracranial pressure by shifting body fluid headward was employed. Transcranial ultrasound waveforms were examined in 15 healthy volunteers positioned at five tilt angles of +30 degrees, 0 degrees, -30 degrees, -60 degrees, and -90 degrees from the horizontal body position. A pulse-echo transducer was placed on the middle forehead and ultrasound waveforms were recorded. Synchronized variations in the ultrasonic time-of-flight with heartbeats were monitored using the pulsed phase locked loop technique for the output voltage of the ultrasound transducer. Simultaneous effects of body tilt on cardiovascular parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS: Pulse amplitudes of ultrasonic time-of-flight waveforms were found to vary with body tilt. Repeated-measures ANOVA and regression analysis showed a negative correlation between body tilt angle and pulse amplitude. The regression line has the equation: pulse amplitude = (1.158-0.01023 x tilt angle) x 10(-4) voltage. There was no such relationship between head-down body tilt and altered mean blood pressure or heart rate. CONCLUSION: An increase in the pulse amplitude of the anterior-posterior transcranial ultrasonic time-of-flight waveform can be detected when the head-down body tilt angle increases.

Pulmonary embolism after endovenous thermal ablation of the saphenous vein.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) after venous procedures is fortunately rare. Our goal was to analyze the data of patients who developed PE after endovenous thermal ablation and phlebectomy for varicose veins and to review the literature on this subject. We report on three patients who developed PE after radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein and mini phlebectomy for symptomatic primary lower-extremity varicose veins. Early postoperative duplex scans confirmed successful closure of the great saphenous vein in all. One patient presented with chest pain and dyspnea, one with blood-tinged sputum, and the third with symptoms of saphenous thrombophlebitis. Two patients had PE from the saphenous vein thrombus and the third had gastrocnemius vein thrombosis extending into the popliteal vein. One had previous deep vein thrombosis. Computed tomography of the chest confirmed PE in all. Two patients were treated with anticoagulation, but the third patient with small PE declined such treatment. One patient underwent temporary inferior vena cava filter placement because of recurrent PE. In conclusion, PE is very rare but it can occur after endovenous thermal ablation of lower-extremity varicose veins. Selective thrombosis prophylaxis and preoperative counseling of the patients about signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis and PE are warranted for early recognition and rapid treatment.

Comparison of cardiovascular and biomechanical parameters of supine lower body negative pressure and upright lower body positive pressure to simulate activity in 1/6 G and 3/8 G.

For future space exploration missions, it is important to determine the best method of simulating on Earth cardiovascular and biomechanical conditions for lunar and Martian gravities. For this purpose, we compared exercise performed within a lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and a lower body positive pressure (LBPP) chamber. Twelve subjects underwent a protocol of resting and walking (0.25 Froude) within supine LBNP and upright LBPP simulation. Each protocol was performed in simulated 1/6 G and 3/8 G. We assessed heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure, oxygen consumption (Vo2), normalized stride length, normalized vertical peak ground reaction force, duty factor, cadence, perceived exertion (Borg), and comfort of the subject. A mixed linear model was employed to determine effects of the simulation on the respective parameters. Furthermore, parameters were compared with predicted values for lunar and Martian gravities to determine the method that showed the best agreement. During walking, all cardiovascular and biomechanical parameters were unaffected by the simulation used for lunar and Martian gravities. During rest, HR and Vo2 were lower in supine LBNP compared with upright LBPP. HR, Vo2, and normalized vertical peak ground reaction force obtained with supine LBNP and upright LBPP showed good agreement with predicted values. Since supine LBNP and upright LBPP are lacking significant differences, we conclude that both simulations are suited to simulate the cardiovascular and biomechanical conditions during activity in lunar and Martian gravities. Operational characteristics and the intended application should be considered when choosing either supine LBNP or upright LBPP to simulate partial gravities on Earth.

Comparison of open with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: a single institution's transition over a 7-year period.

OBJECTIVES: Many studies have shown laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) to have benefits over open distal pancreatectomy (ODP). This institution made a unique abrupt transition from an exclusively open approach to a preference for the laparoscopic technique. This study aimed to compare outcomes in patients undergoing LDP and ODP, respectively, over the period of transition. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing LDP (n = 82) or ODP (n = 90) was performed. Surrogate oncologic markers for the subgroup of patients with malignant disease were also studied. RESULTS: The ODP and LDP groups were well matched with regard to demographics, comorbidities and tumour characteristics. Significant differences were noted in favour of the LDP group in which decreases were seen in estimated blood loss (<0.001), need for packed red blood cell transfusions (<0.001), length of hospital stay (<0.001) and intensive care unit stay (<0.001). No other significant differences in the occurrence of complications or oncologic outcomes were seen. Rates of Grade B and C fistulae were 10% and 6% in the ODP and LDP groups, respectively. Grade III-V complications occurred in 20% and 13% of the ODP and LDP groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy continues to compare favourably with ODP when well-matched patient series are reviewed. The results show a decreased need for blood transfusions and hospital resources in LDP. Additionally, there may be oncologic advantages associated with LDP compared with ODP in pancreatic malignancies.

Variability of NSQIP-assessed surgical quality based on age and disease process.

BACKGROUND: Recent national attention has focused on improving upon the surgical quality of hospitals across the United States. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database includes expected morbidity probability for each surgical patient. We sought to investigate the accuracy of this probability across the spectrum of general surgical operations and assess the variability based on the age and disease process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the 2008 ACS-NSQIP database, we identified 190,929 operations that would be in the scope of practice of a modern general surgeon; the four most common included breast resection (n = 22,175; 11.6%), colon resection (n = 21,363; 11.2%), cholecystectomy (n = 20,889; 10.9%), and inguinal hernia repair (n = 11,709; 6.1%). We calculated the surgical observed versus expected morbidity rates (O/E) of each operation type and compared them by decile of patient age. We then determined the effect of case mix and patient age on theoretical hospitals performing at the NSQIP average. RESULTS: There is substantial variability in O/E ratios when comparing these disease processes across deciles of age. For patients undergoing breast resections, 67.2% of morbidities were solely attributed to 30-d reoperations; colon resections had an O/E ratio greater than 1 for all age deciles except over 90 y old. For cholecystectomies and the majority of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repairs, there was a lower morbidity rate than expected. Case mix and patient age were found to independently affect assessment of hospital quality. CONCLUSIONS: It is conceivable that general surgery case mix and patient age could independently affect the quality assessment of a hospital. This variability may have implications for overall quality measures.

Increased microvascular flow and foot sensation with mild continuous external compression.

Intermittent pneumatic compression of the calf and foot increases inflow to the popliteal artery and skin. We hypothesize that mild, continuous pneumatic compression of the lower extremities of type 2 diabetic patients increases microvascular blood flow to skin (SBF) and muscle (MBF) and improves sensation in feet. Data were collected on 19 healthy volunteers and 16 type 2 diabetic patients. Baseline values of SBF, MBF, and foot sensation were recorded in one leg. The lower extremity was then subjected to 30 mmHg of continuous external air pressure for 30 min, whereas SBF and MBF were continuously monitored. Sensation was reassessed after pressure was released. During 30 mmHg continuous external compression, the healthy control group significantly increased MBF by 39.8% (P < 0.01). Sensation of the foot in this group improved significantly by 49.8% (P < 0.01). In the diabetic group, there was a significant increase in MBF of 17.7% (P = 0.03). Also sensation improved statistically by 40.2% (P = 0.03). Importantly and counterintuitively, MBF and foot sensation both increase after 30 min of leg compression at 30 mmHg. Therefore, mild, continuous pneumatic compression may be a new approach for treating diabetic patients with compromised leg perfusion and sensation.

National trends in resection of the distal pancreas.

AIM: To investigate national trends in distal pancreatectomy (DP) through query of three national patient care databases. METHODS: From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS, 2003-2009), the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP, 2005-2010), and the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER, 2003-2009) databases using appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes we identified all patients with a diagnosis of a benign or malignant lesion of the body and/or tail of the pancreas that had undergone a partial or distal pancreatectomy. Utilization of laparoscopy was defined in NIS by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision correspondent procedure code; and in NSQIP by the exploratory laparoscopy or unlisted procedure current procedural terminology codes. In SEER, patients were identified by the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition diagnosis codes and the SEER Program Code Manual, third edition procedure codes. We analyzed the databases with respect to trends of inpatient outcome metrics, oncologic outcomes, and hospital volumes in patients with lesions of the neck and body of the pancreas that underwent operative resection. RESULTS: NIS, NSQIP and SEER identified 4242, 2681 and 11,082 DP resections, respectively. Overall, laparoscopy was utilized in 15% (NIS) and 27% (NSQIP). No significant increase was seen over the course of the study. Resection was performed for malignancy in 59% (NIS) and 66% (NSQIP). Neither patient Body mass index nor comorbidities were associated with operative approach (P = 0.95 and P = 0.96, respectively). Mortality (3% vs 2%, P = 0.05) and reoperation (4% vs 4%, P = 1.0) was not different between laparoscopy and open groups. Overall complications (10% vs 15%, P < 0.001), hospital costs [44,741 dollars, interquartile range (IQR) 28 347-74 114 dollars vs 49 792 dollars, IQR 13 299-73 463, P = 0.02] and hospital length of stay (7 d, IQR 4-11 d vs 7 d, IQR 6-10, P < 0.001) were less when laparoscopy was utilized. One and two year survival after resection for malignancy were unchanged over the course of the study (ductal adenocarinoma 1-year 63.6% and 2-year 35.1%, P = 0.53; intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and nueroendocrine 1-year 90% and 2-year 84%, P = 0.25). The majority of resections were performed in teaching hospitals (77% NIS and 85% NSQIP), but minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was not more likely to be used in teaching hospitals (15% vs 14%, P = 0.26). Hospitals in the top decile for volume were more likely to be teaching hospitals than lower volume deciles (88% vs 43%, P < 0.001), but were no more likely to utilize MIS at resection. Complication rate in teaching and the top decile hospitals was not significantly decreased when compared to non-teaching (15% vs 14%, P = 0.72) and lower volume hospitals (14% vs 15%, P = 0.99). No difference was seen in the median number of lymph nodes and lymph node ratio in N1 disease when compared by year (P = 0.17 and P = 0.96, respectively). CONCLUSION: There appears to be an overall underutilization of laparoscopy for DP. Centralization does not appear to be occurring. Survival and lymph node harvest have not changed.

Toe blood pressure and leg muscle oxygenation with body posture.

INTRODUCTION: In 1980 Katkov and Chestukhin measured blood pressures and oxygenation invasively at various body tilt angles at different locations on the body, including the foot. To our knowledge, such measurements have not been performed noninvasively. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure toe blood pressure (TBP) and lower limb muscle oxygenation noninvasively at various body tilt angles, and to assess the use of a Finometer for noninvasive TBP measurements. Our noninvasive results are compared with those performed by Katkov and Chestukhin. We hypothesized that: 1) the Finometer provides a noninvasive measurement of TBP at different tilt angles; and 2) muscle oxygenation is highest with 0 and -6 degrees, and decreases with increased head-up tilt (HUT). METHODS: There were 10 subjects who were exposed to different body tilt angles (-6, 0, 10, 30, 70, and 90 degrees). At each angle we measured TBP noninvasively with a Finometer and muscle tissue oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: We found a strong correlation between TBP using the Finometer and TBP predicted by adding the hydrostatic component due to body tilt to the standard arm blood pressure measurement. At 10, 30, 70, and 90 degrees both TBP and tissue oxygenation were significantly different from the 0 degree (supine) level. Oxygenation decreased and TBP increased with higher HUT angles. No differences were observed in TBP or oxygenation between -6 and 0 degree. CONCLUSIONS: The Finometer accurately measures TBP noninvasively with body tilt. Also, muscle oxygenation is highest at small HUT angles and decreases with increased HUT.

Oxygen consumption during walking and running under fractional weight bearing conditions.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of changes in oxygen consumption during reduced body weight loading at different speed levels is important, in particular in astronauts who may lose aerobic fitness as well as in clinical patients (e.g., in obese individuals at walking speeds or in injured athletes at running speeds). Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze oxygen consumption during unloaded walking and running. METHODS: Oxygen consumption (Vo2), heart rate (HR), and Borg rating of perceived exertion (Borg RPE) were quantified in 10 healthy young female and male volunteers at 3 body weight (BW) conditions (100%, 66%, and 33% BW) and 4 treadmill speeds (slow walking at 0.4 m x s(-1), comfortable walking at 1.3 m x s(-1), slow running at 2.2 m x s(-1), and moderately fast running at 3.1 m x s(-1)). Unloading was achieved in a waist-high chamber with increased pressure called Lower Body Positive Pressure (LBPP). RESULTS: All parameters (Vo2, HR, and Borg RPE) decreased during unloaded walking and running. Interestingly, our findings confirm a specific linear relationship between each parameter and treadmill speed for each BW condition with smaller slope angles at higher levels of unloading (e.g., for Vo2, the slope angle decreased from 11.9 at 100% BW to 4.4 at 33% BW). DISCUSSION: Oxygen consumption, heart rate, and Borg rating of perceived exertion are reduced during unloaded exercise with a relatively greater decline at higher treadmill speeds. That is, the higher the treadmill's speed in unloaded conditions, the relatively "easier" it is to exercise.