Quality Improvement in Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: Outcome Improvement Through Data Review.

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy is a complex operation in which outcomes are profoundly influenced by operative experience and volume. We report the effects of experience and innovation on outcomes in minimally invasive esophagectomy. METHODS: Esophageal resections for cancer from 2007 to 2016 at Levine Cancer Institute at Carolinas Medical Center (Charlotte, NC) were reviewed. During this time, three changes in technique were made to improve outcomes: vascular evaluation of the gastric conduit to improve anastomotic healing (beginning at case #63), one-stage approach to permit access to abdomen and chest through one draped surgical field (case #82), and adoption of a lung-protective anesthetic protocol (case #101). Mortality, operative time, complications, and length of stay were analyzed relative to these interventions using GLM regression. RESULTS: 200 patients underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy. There were no mortalities at 30 days, and no change in mortality rate at 60 and 90 days. Anastomotic leak decreased significantly after the introduction of intraoperative vascular evaluation of the gastric conduit (3.6 vs 19.4%). Operative time decreased with adoption of a one-stage approach (416 vs 536 min). Pulmonary complications decreased coincident with a change in anesthetic technique (pneumonia 6 vs 28%). Lymph node harvest increased over time. Length of stay was driven primarily by complications and decreased with operative experience. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications, operative time, and length of stay decreased with case experience and alterations in surgical and anesthetic technique. We believe that adoption of the techniques and technology described herein can reduce complications, reduce hospital stay, and improve patient outcomes.

Quality improvement program increases early tracheal extubation rate and decreases pulmonary complications and resource utilization after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Early tracheal extubation is a common goal after cardiac surgery and may improve postoperative outcomes. Our study evaluates the impact of a quality improvement program (QIP) on early extubation, pulmonary complications, and resource utilization after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2006, 980 patients underwent early tracheal extubation (<6 hours after surgery) and 1231 had conventional extubation (> 6 hours after surgery, conventional group). Outcomes compared between the two groups included: (1) pneumonia, (2) sepsis, (3) intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, (4) hospital length of stay, (5) ICU readmission, and (6) reintubation. Logistic regression analysis and propensity score adjustment were used to adjust for imbalances in the patients' preoperative characteristics. RESULTS: Early extubation rates were significantly increased with QIP (QIP 53% vs. Non-QIP 38%, p = 0.01). Early extubation was associated with a lower rate of (1) pneumonia (odds ratio [OR]= 0.35, 95% confidence intervals [CI]= 0.22-0.55, p <0.001), (2) sepsis (OR = 0.38, CI = 0.20-0.74, p <0.004), (3) prolonged ICU length of stay (OR = 0.42, CI = 0.35-0.50, p <0.001), (4) hospital length of stay (OR = 0.37, CI = 0.29-0.47, p <0.001), (5) ICU readmission (OR = 0.55, CI = 0.39-0.78, p <0.001), and (6) reintubation (OR = 0.53, CI = 0.34-0.81, p <0.003) both in multivariable logistic regression analysis and propensity score adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: QIP and early tracheal extubation reduce pulmonary complications and resource utilization after cardiac surgery.

Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Without Patient Repositioning.

INTRODUCTION: The standard technique for Ivor Lewis minimally invasive esophagectomy involves a two-stage approach necessitating repositioning mid-procedure. TECHNIQUE: We describe our technique for a one-stage hand-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy that allows sequential access to the chest and abdomen within the same surgical field, eliminating the need for repositioning. The patient is positioned in a "corkscrew" configuration with the abdomen supine and the chest rotated to the left to allow access to the right chest. The abdomen and chest are prepped into a single operative field. This technique allows sequential access to the abdomen for gastric mobilization, chest for division of the esophagus, abdomen for construction of the gastric conduit, and chest for intrathoracic anastomosis. CONCLUSION: This approach enables extracorporeal construction of the conduit, which helps ensure a clear distal margin on the specimen and facilitates conduit length by placing the stomach on stretch during stapling.

Continuous quality improvement program and major morbidity after cardiac surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate how a continuous quality improvement (CQI) program affected major morbidity and postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who underwent surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, isolated valve surgery, or coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery) after the establishment of a CQI program (from January 2005 to December 2006, n = 922) and those who underwent surgery beforehand (from January 2002 to December 2003, n = 1,289). Patients who had surgery in 2004, when the system and processes were reengineered, were not included in the analysis. Outcomes compared between the 2 groups included (1) acute renal failure, (2) stroke, (3) sepsis, (4) hemorrhage-related reexploration, (5) cardiac tamponade, (6) mediastinitis, and (7) prolonged length of stay. Logistic regression analysis and propensity score adjustment were used to adjust for imbalances in the patients' preoperative characteristics. After propensity score adjustment, CQI was found to decrease the rate of sepsis (odds ratio [OR] 0.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3 to 0.9, p = 0.02) and cardiac tamponade (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.8, p = 0.02) but to only marginally decrease the rate of acute renal failure (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.0, p = 0.07). CQI did not emerge as an independent risk factor for hemorrhage-related reexploration, prolonged length of stay, mediastinitis, or stroke in either multivariate logistic regression analysis or propensity score adjustment. In conclusion, the systematic implementation of a CQI program and the application of multidisciplinary protocols decrease sepsis and cardiac tamponade after cardiac surgery.

Drain amylase aids detection of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak following esophagectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As hospital length of stay decreases, the timely diagnosis of leak becomes more important. We evaluated CT esophagram, white blood count (WBC), and drain amylase levels in the early detection of anastomotic leak. METHODS: The diagnostic performance of CT esophagram, drain amylase >800 IU/L, and WBC >12,000/µL within the first 10 days after surgery in predicting leak at any time after esophagectomy was calculated. RESULTS: Anastomotic leak occurred in 13 patients (13%). CT esophagram performed within 10 days of surgery diagnosed six of these leaks with a sensitivity of 0.54. Elevation in drain amylase level within 10 days of surgery diagnosed anastomotic leak with a sensitivity of 0.38. When the CT esophagram and drain amylase were combined, the sensitivity rose to 0.69 with a specificity of 0.98. WBC elevation had a sensitivity of 0.92, with a specificity of 0.34. Among 30 patients with normal drain amylase and a normal WBC, one developed an anastomotic leak. CONCLUSIONS: Drain amylase adds to the sensitivity of CT esophagram in the early detection of anastomotic leak. Selected patients with normal drain amylase levels and normal WBC may be able to safely forgo CT esophagram.

Conduit Vascular Evaluation is Associated with Reduction in Anastomotic Leak After Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak following esophagectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A major factor determining anastomotic success is an adequate blood supply to the conduit. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of intraoperative evaluation of the conduit's vascular supply on anastomotic failure after esophagectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 90 consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction. A change in surgical practice occurred after 60 cases were completed, when we introduced the use of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence angiography and Doppler examination to evaluate blood supply and assist in construction of the conduit. The leak rates before and after implementation of conduit vascular evaluation were compared. RESULTS: After the introduction of intraoperative vascular evaluation of the gastric conduit, we noted a dramatic decrease in the rate of anastomotic leak from 20 % in the first 60 patients to 0 % in the succeeding 30 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative vascular evaluation with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging and Doppler examination of the gastric conduit used to assist reconstruction after esophagectomy allows for enhanced construction of the conduit that maximizes blood supply to the anastomosis. This change in practice was associated with a significant reduction in anastomotic leak rate.

Size reduction ascending aortoplasty: is it dead or alive?

OBJECTIVE: Reduction ascending aortoplasty is a controversial procedure. Some believe that it can be appropriately applied when the anatomic features are favorable. Others suggest that it should be restricted to those patients who are at unacceptably high risk for more radical procedures, and there are also those who believe that reduction ascending aortoplasty should not be applied at all. The purpose of the article is to draw conclusions on the applicability of reduction ascending aortoplasty in modern cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: The issue was examined in the mirror of the authors' own experiences, by review and scrutiny of the literature available on the subject, and by conducting an extensive survey of the profession. RESULTS: We found that given proper indications (ie, poststenotic dilatations of <6 cm in diameter, absence of cystic medial necrosis, and a technique that decreases aortic diameter to <3.5 cm), nonreinforced reduction ascending aortoplasty performed concomitantly with aortic valve replacement appears to be a simple and safe procedure, with low morbidity and mortality and rare late complications. External reinforcement might extend the scope of indication for reduction ascending aortoplasty to ascending aortic aneurysms associated with aortic regurgitation and to those with primary structural aortic wall disease with comparable results. Experience also has shown that late complications might be further reduced by means of proper proximal anchoring and extending the wrap past the origin of the innominate artery. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that reduction ascending aortoplasty is certainly alive. Although it does not appear to be an extremely popular operation, about half of the surgeons who responded believe it to be justified. Regardless of which modality is used, lifetime monitoring of ascending aortic size is essential and so advised. Because of recent sporadic reports of "under-the-wrap" aortic wall atrophy and rupture, the issue of reinforcement of reduction ascending aortoplasty requires continued re-evaluation.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy in the community hospital setting.

We report our initial experience with minimally-invasive esophagectomy in 32 patients at Carolinas Medical Center, a community academic medical center. Indications for surgery were adenocarcinoma in 27, squamous cell carcinoma in 3, and benign stricture in 2. Transthoracic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with laparoscopy and thoracoscopy was performed in 28, a 3-stage esophagectomy in 3, and transhaital esophagectomy in 1. There was no operative mortality and median hospital stay was 10.5 days for patients treated with minimally invasive esophagectomy. This compares with an operative mortality of 8.9% and median hospital stay of 17 days for open esophagectomy in our institution.

Effect of body mass index on outcomes after cardiac surgery: is there an obesity paradox?

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have documented an obesity paradox in which overweight and obese people with cardiovascular disease have a better prognosis compared with patients with normal body mass index (BMI). This study sought to quantify the effect of BMI on clinical outcomes after cardiac surgery and investigate the obesity paradox. METHODS: A concurrent cohort study of 2,440 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG], valve, or CABG and valve surgery) from January 2004 to December 2008 was carried out. The patients were divided into three groups on the basis of BMI: normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9; n=556; 23%), overweight (BMI 25.0 to 29.9; n=965; 39%), and obese (BMI≥30; n=919; 38%). Multivariable analyses and propensity score matching were used to compare the early and late clinical outcomes among the different BMI groups. RESULTS: Overweight patients had a lower operative mortality (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 0.9; p=0.031) compared with normal BMI patients. Obese patients had a comparable risk for operative mortality (odds ratio, 0.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 1.6; p=0.47) compared with normal-weight patients. Actuarial 5-year survival was better for the overweight (hazard ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 0.8; p=0.002) and comparable for the obese (hazard ratio, 0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 1.4; p=0.49) groups compared with the normal-weight patients. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight patients have better early hospital outcomes and improved survival after cardiac surgery compared with normal BMI patients, supporting the obesity paradox.

Is advanced age a contraindication for emergent repair of acute type A aortic dissection?

With the general increase in human lifespan, cardiac surgeons are faced with treating an increasing number of elderly patients. The aim of our study was to investigate whether advanced age poses an increased risk for major morbidity and mortality with repair of acute type A aortic dissection. Between 2000 and 2008, 119 patients underwent emergency operation for acute type A aortic dissection at two institutions; 90 were younger than 70 years of age and 29 patients were 70 years or older. Major morbidity, operative and 5-year actuarial survival were compared between groups. The operative mortality rates were comparable between the two groups (18.9% in patients <70 years vs. 24.1% for patients >or=70 years, P=0.6). There was no difference in the rates of reoperation for bleeding (<70 years 31.7% vs. 14.3% for >or=70 years, P=0.09), stroke (18.9% for those <70 years vs. 20.7% for those >or=70 years, P=0.79), acute renal failure (22.2% for those <70 years vs. 17.2% for those >or=70 years, P=0.79) or prolonged ventilation (34.4% for those <70 years vs. 24.1% for those >or=70 years, P=0.36) between the two groups. Actuarial 5-year survival rates were 77% for patients <70 years vs. 59% for patients >or=70 years (P=0.07). The mortality for patients who presented with hemodynamic instability was markedly higher (10 out of 14 patients, 71.4%) compared with the mortality of those who presented with stable hemodynamics (21 out of 88 patients, 23.9%, P<0.001), regardless of age group. No significant differences in operative mortality, major morbidity and actuarial 5-year survival were observed between patients >or=70 years and younger patients although there was a trend toward a lower actuarial 5-year survival in older patients. Surgery for type A acute aortic dissection in patients 70 years or older can be performed with acceptable outcomes. Hemodynamic instability portends a poor prognosis, regardless of age.

Aprotinin in cardiac surgery patients: is the risk worth the benefit?

BACKGROUND: Aprotinin is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved agent to reduce haemorrhage related to cardiac surgery and its safety and efficacy has been extensively studied. Our study sought to compare the efficacy, early and late mortality and major morbidity associated with aprotinin compared with e-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in cardiac surgery operations. METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2006, 2101 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve surgery or CABG and valve surgery in our institution with the use of aprotinin (1898 patients) or EACA (203 patients). Logistic regression and propensity score analysis were used to adjust for imbalances in the patients' preoperative characteristics. The propensity score-adjusted sample included 570 patients who received aprotinin and 114 who received EACA (1-5 matching). RESULTS: Operative mortality was higher in the aprotinin group in univariate (aprotinin 4.3% vs EACA 1%, p=0.023) but not propensity score-adjusted multivariate analysis (4% vs 0.9%, p=0.16). In propensity score-adjusted analysis, aprotinin was also associated with a lower rate of blood transfusion (38.8% vs 50%, p=0.04), a lower rate of haemorrhage-related re-exploration (3.7% vs 7.9%, p=0.04) and a higher risk of in-hospital cardiac arrest (3.7% vs 0%, p=0.03) and a marginally but not statistically significantly higher risk of acute renal failure (6.8% vs 2.6%, p=0.09). In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the risk of late death was higher in the aprotinin compared to EACA group (hazard ratio=4.33, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.60-11.67, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Aprotinin decreases the rate of postoperative blood transfusion and haemorrhage-related re-exploration, but increases the risk of in-hospital cardiac arrest and late mortality after cardiac surgery when compared to EACA. Cumulative evidence suggests that the risk associated with aprotinin may not be worth the haemostatic benefit.

Quality improvement program decreases mortality after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of a quality improvement program and goal-oriented, multidisciplinary protocols on mortality after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: those undergoing surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, isolated valve surgery, or coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery) after establishment of the multidisciplinary quality improvement program (January 2005-December 2006, n = 922) and those undergoing surgery before institution of the program (January 2002-December 2003, n = 1289). Logistic regression and propensity score analysis were used to adjust for imbalances in patients' preoperative characteristics. RESULTS: Operative mortality was lower in the quality improvement group (2.6% vs 5.0%, P < .01). Unadjusted odds ratio was 0.5 (95% confidence interval 0.3-0.8, P < .01); propensity score-adjusted odds ratio was 0.6 (95% confidence interval 0.4-0.99, P = .04). In multivariable analysis, diabetes (P < .01), chronic renal insufficiency (P = .05), previous cardiovascular operation (P = .04), congestive heart failure (P < .01), unstable angina (P < .01), age older than 75 years (P < .01), prolonged pump time (P < .01), and prolonged operation (P = .05) emerged as independent predictors of higher mortality after cardiac surgery, whereas quality improvement program (P < .01) and male sex (P = .03) were associated with lower mortality. Mortality decline was less pronounced in patients with than without diabetes (P = .04). CONCLUSION: Application of goal-directed, multidisciplinary protocols and a quality improvement program were associated with lower mortality after cardiac surgery. This decline was less prominent in patients with diabetes, and focused quality improvement protocols may be required for this subset of patients.

Sternal nourishment in various conditions of vascularization.

BACKGROUND: Early changes in sternal perfusion were studied after midline sternotomy and different methods of mammary artery (MA) harvesting. METHODS: Our observations were made in the swine model after midline sternotomy. In group 1 (6 animals), after unilateral skeletonized MA harvesting, (99m)Tc particles were injected intravenously. In group 2 (7 animals), after unilateral mammary artery and vein harvesting (semiskeletonized technique), (99m)Tc particles were injected intravenously. In group 3 (5 animals), after skeletonized bilateral MA harvesting, 99mTc particles were injected into the intercostal musculature lateral to the sternal border. In groups 1 to 3, sternal samples were analyzed using gamma counting. In group 4 (6 animals), unilateral skeletonized MA harvesting was performed. In group 5 (5 animals), the MA was harvested unilaterally using the semiskeletonized technique. In groups 4 and 5, sternal blood flow was assessed using thermography. Data were collected in all groups for 5 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Both radioactive and thermographic flow measurements showed a statistically significant decrease in sternal blood flow on the side of harvested mammary vessels, regardless of harvesting technique. Radioactivity of the devascularized hemisterni on the side of intramuscular particle injection was substantially higher than in the contralateral half, confirming the role of diffusion in sternal nourishment. The distal sternal segments were least perfused by the MA. CONCLUSIONS: There is an acute reduction of sternal perfusion during the early postoperative period, even if collaterals are preserved by skeletonized MA harvesting. Diffusion plays an important role in sternal nourishment, particularly of the xiphoid, and even more so after MA harvesting.