Food cravings after bariatric surgery: comparing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that food choices, preferences, and tastes change after bariatric surgery, but evidence regarding changes in food cravings is mixed. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this cohort study was to compare food cravings during the first year following bariatric surgery in patients who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG) versus Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). SETTING: Integrated multispecialty health system, United States. METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 18 years seen between May 2017 and July 2019, provided informed consent, completed the Food Craving Inventory (FCI), and had ≥ 1 year of follow-up after undergoing primary SG or RYGB were included in the study. Secondary data captured included psychological and behavioral measures. Preoperative and postoperative (3, 6, 9, and 12 months) FCI scores of patients who underwent SG and RYGB were compared. RESULTS: Some attrition occurred postoperatively (N = 187 at baseline, 141 at 3 months, 108 at 6 months, 89 at 9 months, and 84 at 12 months). No significant relationship between pre- or postoperative food cravings and surgery type was found except on the carbohydrate subscale. Patients with higher preoperative food addiction symptoms were not more likely to experience an earlier reoccurrence of food cravings during the first 12 months after surgery. Likewise, patients with higher levels of preoperative depression and anxiety were not more likely to have early reoccurrence of food cravings during the first 12 months after surgery; however, those with higher PHQ9 scores at baseline had uniformly higher food craving scores at all timepoints (pre-surgery, 3 m, 6 m, 9 m, and 12 m). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that food cravings in the year after bariatric surgery are equivalent by surgery type and do not appear to be related to preoperative psychological factors or eating behaviors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort.

Trauma and Death in the Emergency Department: A Time to PAUSE (Promoting Acknowledgment, Unity, and Sympathy at the End of Life).

BACKGROUND: Witnessing death can be difficult and emotionally draining for health care workers and presents a risk factor for burnout. The practice of a ritual pause at patient death to recognize the patient as a person, reflect, and acknowledge the health care team is an emerging intervention that has not been well studied in trauma. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the effect of a team pause on trauma team member attitudes after emergency department patient death. METHODS: This is a pre- and postintervention study of the implementation of a Trauma PAUSE (Promoting Acknowledgment, Unity, and Sympathy at the End of Life) conducted from March 2018 to June 2020. RESULTS: A total of 466 participated in this study. Emergency department employee responses to the pre- (296 of 745 employees contacted responded) and postimplementation surveys (170 of 732 employees contacted responded) were compared. Although not statistically significant, responses to the postsurvey suggested an increased connection to patients and belief in the need for a moment of silence following a death. Employees who had participated in a PAUSE (57/170) reported improvements in internal conflict, feeling of emptiness, resilience, and ability to move on to the next task. Overall, 84.2% (48/57) of Trauma PAUSE participants were satisfied with the Trauma PAUSE. CONCLUSION: The Trauma PAUSE is a meaningful way to help trauma staff members find peace, maintain resiliency, and readily shift their focus to providing care to other patients.

Pre-screening for bariatric surgery patients: comparative effectiveness of transnasal endoscopy versus esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic evaluation is frequently performed before bariatric surgery to identify foregut pathology that may alter procedure selection. Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) is an alternative to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The objective of this study was to compare TNE to EGD. METHODS: Patients who underwent TNE or EGD before bariatric surgery from January 2012 through April 2019 were reviewed. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Wilcoxon two-sample, and Fisher's exact tests. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-five patients underwent preoperative screening (63% EGD, 37% TNE) before bariatric surgery. Mean age and preoperative body mass index in the TNE and EGD groups were 46.2 ± 12.4 vs 45.5 ± 11.6 years (p = 0.58) and 46.5 ± 7.1 vs. 45.5 ± 6.1 kg/m2 (p = 0.25), respectively. Three TNEs were aborted, resulting in a success rate of 98%. Of patients who underwent EGD, 1 (0.5%) visited the emergency department (ED), and 7 (3%) called the nurse with post-procedure concerns. There were no ED visits or nurse calls from patients who underwent TNE. The median total time in the procedure room was 77 (57-97) min for EGD vs. 26 (8-33) min for TNE (p < 0.001). One patient who underwent TNE required subsequent EGD. Mean charge per patient for EGD and TNE was $5034.70 and $1464.00, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TNE was associated with less post-procedure care, shorter procedure time and fewer charges compared to EGD. TNE could be considered an initial screening tool for patients undergoing bariatric surgery, while EGD could be used selectively in patients with abnormal TNE findings.

Lack of Correlation Between Subjective and Objective Measures of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Call for a Novel Validated Assessment Tool.

Background. Objective measures including the DeMeester score, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, acid exposure time, and body mass index (BMI) are used to determine gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) severity and eligibility for various antireflux surgical procedures. The GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) survey is widely used to evaluate patients' subjective severity of symptoms and GERD-related quality of life. The purpose of this project was to identify whether or not the subjective measure (GERD-HRQL) correlated with objective measures (DeMeester score, LES, acid exposure time, and BMI) of GERD severity. Methods. A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent antireflux surgery from 2013-2018 was completed. Patients' GERD severity was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using the GERD-HRQL. Statistical analysis included the calculation of Spearman correlation coefficients, Wilcoxon rank sum, sign, and chi-square tests. Results. 151 patients were included in the study; 64% were female. The mean age and BMI were 54.6 ± 14.6 years and 30.1 ± 4.1 kg/m2, respectively. The mean preoperative DeMeester score was 43.1 ± 36.1, LES pressure was 19.9 ± 18.4 mmHg, and acid exposure time was 11.4 ± 9.6. Mean GERD-HRQL scores decreased from 27.3 ± 9.2 preoperative to 5.3 ± 4.5 postoperative; P < .0001. Preoperative GERD-HRQL scores were not correlated with the DeMeester score (r = .11; P = .389), LES pressure (r = -.20; P = .089), acid exposure time (r = .05; P = .755), BMI (r = .10; P = .329), or age (r = -.16; P = .118). Conclusions. Total GERD-HRQL scores significantly decreased from pre- to postoperative. There was no correlation between subjective and objective GERD scoring. These data indicate the need for both physiologic evaluation and subjective assessment of patient symptoms during preoperative workup. There is a need for a contemporary, validated GERD questionnaire that correlates with objective pH testing.

A Different Kind of Craving: Incidence and Treatment of Pica After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency can occur in patients after Roux-en-y gastric bypass due to altered absorption. Pica, the compulsive craving and intake of non-nutritive substances, is a rare and poorly understood presentation of iron deficiency. To our knowledge, the rate of pica after RYGB has never been reported. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB from 2001 to 2011 were reviewed. Patients with pica or other abnormal cravings were identified. RESULTS: Pica was identified in 16/959 (1.7%) patients who underwent RYGB during the study period. The most common presenting sign was pagophagia. All patients with pica were female and had multiple risk factors for iron deficiency with 13/16 being premenopausal and 7/16 non-compliant with oral iron supplementation. Pica symptoms presented at a mean of 3.9 ± 1.9 years after RYGB. Iron deficiency was identified in all 16 patients, with a median ferritin level of 5.0 ng/mL (range 2-27). All 16 patients received intravenous iron and pica symptoms resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Pica is a rare phenomenon associated with iron deficiency and can occur despite oral iron supplementation. In our experience, intravenous iron can relieve symptoms. Patients considering bariatric surgery should be counseled on pica. Patients with unusual cravings should be evaluated for iron deficiency.

Impact of Obesity on Cesarean Delivery Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The rate of cesarean delivery has increased over the last 2 decades. Obesity is a risk factor for complications during pregnancy and cesarean procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate cesarean delivery outcomes in patients with vs without obesity, and determine the impact of obesity on complications. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent a cesarean delivery from 2010 to 2014 were reviewed. Patients were grouped by body mass index (BMI) into obese (≥30kg/m²) and non-obese (<30kg/m²) cohorts for comparison. RESULTS: Nine hundred seventy-one patients were included; 432 whom had obesity, and 539 did not have obesity. The rate of gestational diabetes was increased among patients with vs without obesity (15.3% vs 5.8%; P<0.001). Obesity was associated with an increased incidence of surgical site infections (8.1% vs 2.4%; P<0.001), yeast infection (2.8% vs 0.2%; P<0.001), and seroma (2.8% vs 0.4%; P=0.002). Obesity was an independent risk factor for surgical site infections, regardless of wound closure technique (adjusted odds ratio=3.24, 95% CI, 1.66-6.32; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is a risk factor for wound infections after a cesarean delivery. As obesity rates increase, it is important to be aware of these risks after performing a cesarean delivery.

Area deprivation index and social vulnerability index in Milwaukee County: Impact on hospital outcomes after traumatic injuries.

BACKGROUND: Predisposing factors for traumatic injuries are complex and variable. Neighborhood environments may influence injury mechanism or outcomes. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) identifies areas at risk for emergencies; Area Deprivation Index (ADI) measures socioeconomic disadvantage. The objective was to assess the impact of SVI or ADI on hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality for injured patients to determine whether SVI or ADI indicated areas where injury prevention may be most impactful. METHODS: Adult patients who resided in Milwaukee County and were treated for injuries from 2015 to 2022 at a level I trauma center were included. Patients' addresses were geocoded and merged with 2020 state-level SVI and ADI measures. SVI ranks census tracts 0-100 from least to most vulnerable. ADI ranks census block groups 1-10 from least to most disadvantaged. ADI and SVI rankings were converted to deciles. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression models for LOS and in-hospital mortality, adjusted for either SVI or ADI within separate models, age, sex, race or ethnicity, mechanism of injury (MOI), injury severity score (ISS). RESULTS: 14,542 patients were included; 63 % were male. Mean total hospital LOS was 6.4 ± 9.8 days, and in-hospital mortalities occurred in 5.2 % of patients. Based on SVI and ADI, 5,280 (36 %) patients resided in high vulnerability areas and 5,576 (39 %) lived in highly disadvantaged areas, respectively. After adjusting for patient factors, SVI deciles #6, 9, 10 were associated with increased hospital LOS, and SVI decile #5 was associated with in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.22, 95 %CI:1.06-4.63; p = 0.034). When adjusted for ADI, the 7th-10th deciles were associated with increased hospital LOS. Greater age and ISS were associated with increased hospital LOS and mortality when adjusted for SVI and ADI. CONCLUSIONS: SVI and ADI identified a similar proportion of patients in high vulnerability or disadvantaged areas. Higher SVI and ADI deciles were associated with longer hospital LOS, and only the 5th SVI decile was associated with in-hospital mortality. Highly disadvantaged or vulnerable areas may have a longer LOS, but SVI and ADI have limited influence on trauma mortality. Continued research on neighborhood and community factors and trauma outcomes is needed.

Changing trends and outcomes in the use of percutaneous cholecystostomy tubes for acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement serves as a treatment option for acute cholecystitis in elderly and critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to compare PCT and cholecystectomy outcomes over time. METHODS: PCTs placed from April 1, 1998, to December 31, 2009 (time period 2) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent cholecystectomies served as matched controls. Institutional data from March 1, 1989, to March 31, 1998 (time period 1) were reviewed to compare trends. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients successfully underwent PCT placement in time period 2. When compared with patients undergoing cholecystectomy, PCT patients had a higher rate of cardiovascular disease (66% vs 26%, P = 0.001), diabetes (27% vs 13%, P = 0.001), and a higher mean Charlson comorbidity index (3.27 vs 1.07, P = 0.001). Compared with the first time period, patients undergoing PCT in the second time period had lower American Society of Anesthesiologist's classifications (American Society of Anesthesiologist's class I, II: 0% vs 18%, P = 0.001). Thirty-day mortality decreased from 36% to 12% in patients undergoing PCT (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with acute cholecystitis, percutaneous cholecystostomy tubes were placed in older patients with increased comorbidities compared to cholecystectomy. Mortality rates after PCT decreased over time.

A Milwaukee Syndemic? Penetrative Injury and COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to evaluate injury frequency of penetrative trauma before and after stay-at-home orders were implemented due to COVID-19 in Wisconsin. METHODS: Patients who presented to a level I trauma center from January 2018 through December 2021 with a mechanism of injury of firearm or stab wound were included. The study was split into pre-COVID (January 2018-February 2020) and COVID (March 2020-December 2021) periods. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and interrupted time series analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1702 patients met inclusion criteria. The COVID group had a statistically significantly higher proportion of firearm injuries (83.2%) and a significantly lower proportion of stab injuries (16.8%) compared to the pre-COVID period group (70% and 30%, respectively, P < 0.001). There was no change from pre-COVID to COVID periods in in-hospital mortality or length of hospital stays. There was an increase in firearm incidents in the COVID period in 72% of Milwaukee County ZIP codes and a decrease in stab incidents in 48% of ZIP codes. Interrupted time series analysis indicated a significant increase from the pre-COVID to COVID periods in monthly firearm and stab injuries. Firearm injury significantly increased from pre-COVID to COVID for Black or African American patients but no other racial group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with other state and national trends suggesting increasing penetrative injury during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and violence pandemic may yield a "syndemic," imposing a significant burden on trauma systems. Evidenced-based public health interventions are needed to mitigate the surge of firearm injuries.

Postoperative Outcomes in the Plain Community Population of Western Wisconsin.

BACKGROUND: Residents of plain communities constitute an underserved minority population that is not reliably captured in contemporary surgical outcomes research. We hypothesized that plain communities (PC) patients would have higher postoperative complication rates than a general surgical population. METHODS: A retrospective review of 30-day postoperative outcomes for PC patients compared to a majority (non-PC) matched patient population from September 2014 to March 2020 was performed. The primary outcome measure was any complication within 30 days of surgery. RESULTS: 270 PC patients were matched with 493 non-PC patients. The 30-day complication rate was higher for the PC group (6.3% vs 3.7%, P = .09), though not statistically significant. There was significantly lower utilization of preventive care services, and postoperative follow-up among PC patients. DISCUSSION: Although our regional PC surgical patient population utilized preventive and postoperative health care services less than the non-PC population, there was no statistically significant difference in overall 30-day postoperative morbidity or mortality.

The role of food and activity environment in a bariatric surgery population: impact on postoperative weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Food and activity factors may have an impact on weight in the general population, but little is known about how this affects postbariatric surgery weight loss. OBJECTIVES: To understand the impact of environmental food and activity factors on weight loss after bariatric surgery. SETTING: A multidisciplinary integrated health system with an accredited bariatric surgery program. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent bariatric surgery from 2001-2018 was completed. Food security, food retailers, and activity factors associated with postoperative percentage of total body weight loss (TBWL) at short-term (1-2 yr), medium-term (3-5 yr), and long-term (≥6 yr) follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 1673 patients were included; 90% experienced ≥20% TBWL in the short term and 65% in the long term. No differences in mean TBWL were observed for food deserts or areas with high versus low food insecurity. Mean TBWL was significantly different for low versus high healthy food density (32.5% versus 33.4%, P = .024) and low versus high fitness facility density (32.6% versus 33.4%, P = .048) at short-term follow-up. Increased mean TBWL was observed for counties with more versus less exercise opportunities at short and medium-term follow-up (33.4% versus 32.5%, P = .025; 31.2% versus 29.7%, P = .019). CONCLUSION: Patients experienced significant TBWL after bariatric surgery. Living in a food desert or area with high food insecurity did not significantly impact mean TBWL. Healthy food density, fitness facility density, and exercise opportunities had a short- to medium-term impact on TBWL. These data can be used to support patients to maximize the benefits of bariatric surgery.

Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes of Accidental Hypothermia: A Multicenter Study of Regional Care.

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia is an uncommon, potentially life-threatening condition. We hypothesized (1) advanced rewarming techniques were more frequent with increased hypothermia severity, (2) active rewarming is increasingly performed with smaller intravascular catheters and decreased cardiopulmonary bypass, and (3) mortality was associated with age, hypothermia severity, and type. METHODS: Trauma patients with temperatures <35°C at 4 ACS-verified trauma centers in Wisconsin and Minnesota from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed. Statistical analysis included chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. A P value < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 337 patients met inclusion criteria; primary hypothermia was identified in 127 (38%), secondary in 113 (34%), and mixed primary/secondary in 96 (28%) patients. Hypothermia was mild in 69%, moderate in 26%, and severe in 5% of patients. Intravascular rewarming catheter was the most frequent advanced modality (2%), used increasingly since 2014. Advanced techniques were used for primary (12%) vs. secondary (0%) and mixed (5%) (P = .0002); overall use increased with hypothermia severity but varied by institution. Dysrhythmia, acute kidney injury, and frostbite risk worsened with hypothermia severity (P < .0001, P = .031, and P < .0001, respectively). Mortality was greatest in patients with mixed hypothermia (39%, P = .0002) and age >65 years (33%, P = .03). Thirty-day mortality rates were similar among severe, moderate, and mild hypothermia (P = .44). CONCLUSION: Advanced rewarming techniques were used more frequently in severe and primary hypothermia but varied among institutions. Advanced rewarming was less common in mixed hypothermia; mortality was highest in this subgroup. Reliance on smaller intravascular catheters for advanced rewarming increased over time. Given inconsistencies in management, implementation of guidelines for hypothermia management appears necessary.

Patient characteristics and diagnostic tests associated with syncopal falls: A Southwestern surgical congress multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Patients suspected of syncope frequently undergo laboratory and imaging studies to determine the etiology of the syncope. Variability exists in these workups across institutions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization and diagnostic yield of these workups and the patient characteristics associated with syncopal falls. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective review was performed on adult patients admitted after a fall between 1/2017-12/2018. Syncopal falls were compared to non-syncopal falls. RESULTS: 4478 patients were included. There were 795 (18%) patients with a syncopal fall. Electrocardiogram, troponin, echocardiogram, CT angiography (CTA), and carotid ultrasound were more frequently tested in syncope patients compared to non-syncope patients. Syncope patients had higher rates of positive telemetry/Holter monitoring, CTAs, and electroencephalograms. CONCLUSION: Patients who sustain syncopal falls frequently undergo diagnostic testing without a higher yield to determine the etiology of syncope.

Temporary abdominal closure: long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Temporary abdominal closure (TAC) is an invaluable tool in the armamentarium of surgeons caring for critically ill and injured patients. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of abdominal wall hernias and intestinal obstructions in patients who underwent TAC. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent TAC from September 2000 to December 2007 was completed. Patients were stratified by technique and indication for TAC. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance, χ(2), Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen patients underwent TAC during the study period. Nine patients were excluded from the analysis. For the remaining 108 patients, 30-day mortality was 17%. Definitive fascial closure was accomplished in 91% of patients. Median time to closure was 3 days. Seventy-six (70%) patients survived ≥6 months after definitive fascial or skin-only closure. Median follow-up was 34.5 months. Intestinal obstructions developed in 11% of patients. Abdominal wall hernias developed in 30% of patients with definitive fascial closure. No differences were observed for rates of abdominal wall hernias or intestinal obstructions based on preoperative body mass index, TAC indication, or TAC technique (temporary skin, bridge, or vacuum-assisted device closure). CONCLUSION: Successful definitive fascial closure was achieved in 91% of patients after TAC. Abdominal wall hernias and intestinal obstructions were associated with longer median time to closure and increased ventilator days. No associations with indications for TAC, temporary closure techniques, or definitive closure methods were demonstrated.

Emergency department encounters, hospital admissions, course of treatment, and follow-up care for behavioral health concerns in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of bariatric surgery are well-established, however, concerns surrounding postoperative psychiatric destabilization and alcohol misuse remain. Research has initiated the process of identifying risks associated with bariatric surgery, although less is known regarding when or why psychiatric hospitalizations occur postoperatively. OBJECTIVES: The goal of the current study was to examine the incidence of, and contributing factors to, behavioral health-related emergency room (ER) encounters and hospitalization after bariatric surgery. SETTING: Integrated multispecialty health system with an accredited bariatric surgery program. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery and had been readmitted to the hospital or presented to the ER after bariatric surgery at least once for a behavioral-health related reason. RESULTS: Of 1449 patients, 93 had at least 1 psychiatric or substance use-related ER visit/hospitalization post-surgery and were included in the study; 53% had 1 ER/hospital encounter after bariatric surgery; 24% had 2 encounters, 11% had 3-4 encounters, and 10% of patients had ≥5 encounters. Across 267 postbariatric surgery encounters, 42.4% were due to alcohol-related problems. The index presentation for alcohol-related reasons occurred at a mean of 1942 days (approximately 5.3 yr; SD = 1217 d). Patients' index presentation for a psychiatric concern (41.3%) occurred at a mean of 1278 days (3.5 yr; SD = 1056 d) post-surgery. CONCLUSION: A significant percentage of patients who present to the ER or hospital for behavioral health reasons after RYGB surgery had alcohol-related problems, long after their surgery. Psychologists working with bariatric surgery teams should prioritize ongoing assessment of and education on alcohol misuse in those seeking RYGB and in the long-term postoperative period.

Validation of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 in Patients Seeking Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was developed in 2009 to assess food addiction (FA); a revised version was released in 2016 (YFAS 2.0). The objective of this study was to determine the statistical and clinical validity of the YFAS 2.0 in adults seeking bariatric surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent a preoperative psychological evaluation in preparation for bariatric surgery from 2015 to 2018 were included. The YFAS 2.0 was administered as part of routine clinical care and validated against an assessment battery of standardized clinical measures. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests and calculation of Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Overall, 1061 patients were included. Mean age and BMI were 47.5 ± 12.9 years and 46.9 ± 13.4 kg/m2, respectively. There were 196 (18%) patients who screened positive on the YFAS 2.0 (21% mild, 23% moderate, and 56% severe FA). The YFAS 2.0 demonstrated strong convergent validity where patients who met criteria for FA had significantly increased levels of binge eating (p < 0.001), emotional eating (p < 0.001), and lower self-efficacy (p < 0.001). Discriminant validity was demonstrated by lack of association with alcohol use (p = 0.319). The YFAS 2.0 was significantly correlated with total scores for depression (p < 0.001), anxiety (p < 0.001), bipolar disorder symptoms (p < 0.001), and trauma history (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of FA in a large sample of patients seeking bariatric surgery was consistent with previous literature. These data suggest that the YFAS 2.0 is psychometrically valid, demonstrating strong construct validity, and is a clinically useful measure of FA severity in patients pursuing bariatric surgery.

Career Satisfaction, Gender Bias, and Work-Life Balance: A Contemporary Assessment of General Surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors and patterns of career and life satisfaction among general surgery residency graduates who completed all of their general surgery training after the implementation of duty hour restrictions. DESIGN: A 91-point electronic survey was distributed to assess experiences during medical school, residency, current surgical practice and work-life balance. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were completed. SETTING: Twenty-nine ACGME-accredited surgery residencies. PARTICIPANTS: Graduates of surgery residencies between 2008 and 2018. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-six surgeons completed the survey (21% response rate); 42% (n = 141) were female. Seventy-nine percent (n = 81) of female and 92% (n = 138) of male surgeons reported overall career satisfaction (p = 0.004). Overall, 97% and 94% reported feeling competent to practice clinically and operate independently at the conclusion of their training. Thirty-four percent (n = 48) of women experienced gender bias/discrimination while on their medical school surgery rotation, compared to 6% (n = 12) of men (p < 0.001). Sixty-two percent (n = 63) of female surgeons reported gender bias in their practice, compared to 4% (n = 6) of men (p < 0.001). Of respondents with children, female surgeons were more likely to think having a child negatively affected their career advancement (p = 0.004), and 24% of female surgeons and 11% of male surgeons do not think having a family is supported by their practice (p = 0.02). If given the opportunity to choose a career again, 21% of female surgeons and 13% of male surgeons would choose a different profession (p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: General surgeons who completed their training after implementation of duty hour regulations are confident in their preparation for clinical practice. Female surgeons were less likely to be satisfied with their career and they report significantly more bias during their professional development and career. Work-life balance challenges were similar among men and women. Efforts are necessary to reduce gender bias across the spectrum of general surgeon training/career and to promote well-being among surgeons in practice.

Excellent laparoscopic gastric bypass outcomes can be achieved at a community-based training hospital with moderate case volume.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess laparoscopic gastric bypass outcomes in a moderate case volume setting. BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic gastric bypass remains one of the most advanced laparoscopic procedures currently performed worldwide. The following represents a single institutional series from a community hospital-based training program with a minimally invasive bariatric surgical program. METHODS: Data from all patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass since the inception of the program were entered into a prospective database. Measured outcomes included length of operation, length of stay, major and minor complications, and percentage excess weight loss. Results were compared with published outcomes from a review of the literature encompassing more than 3400 cases using chi and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: Between September 2001 and October 2008, 700 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. The mean age was 43.1 +/- 9.5 years, and 83% were female. The mean initial weight was 135.5 +/- 22.4 kg. The initial body mass index was 47.9 +/- 6 kg/m. The mean length of stay was 2.2 +/- 0.9 days. The length of operation was 147.8 +/- 31.8 minutes. The mean percent excess weight loss at 1-year postoperative was 72.4%. There were no mortalities. Compared with the literature, we achieved a lower rate of anastomotic leak (0.3% vs. 2%, P = 0.001) and stomal stenosis (1% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Excellent outcomes following laparoscopic gastric bypass can be achieved in a community hospital-based program with moderate case volume. Reimbursement decisions should take into consideration a program's actual outcomes rather than volume.