Clinico-pathologic profile and outcomes of pediatric endocrine patients managed by endocrine surgeons: Experience over three decades in a tertiary center in India.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric endocrine disorders requiring surgical intervention are rare and so are experienced surgeons dealing with these. The aim of the current study was to investigate disease profile and perioperative outcome of pediatric patients with surgical endocrine disorders in an endocrine surgery unit. METHODS: This retrospective study (Sep 1989-Aug 2019) consisted of pediatric endocrine surgery patients (<18 years) who were managed by a team of pediatric endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons at our center. Patients were divided into three cohorts consisting of a decade each. Clinico-pathologic variables, perioperative events operative and follow-up details were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 332 children were included and their mean age was 14.6 ± 3.9 years (M:F = 1:1.6). Thyroid disorders were most prevalent (59.8%), followed by adrenal (28.2%), parathyroid (10.4%), and pancreas (1.5%). Incidence of benign, malignant, and congenital/developmental disorders were 65.4, 28.1 and 8.3, respectively. Familial association was observed in 8.9% children, which is highest among pheochromocytoma patients. Overall, 201 thyroidectomies + associated procedures, 35 parathyroidectomies, 96 adrenal and paraganglioma resections, and 5 pancreatic procedures were performed. Median hospital stay was 5.6 ± 4.1 days. The number of cases increased significantly over 3 decades. Clinical profile and outcome did not vary except for significant decrease in incidence of malignant pathology (p = 0.04) and increase in VHL cases (p = 0.04) in the last decade though overall increase in familial cases was nonsignificant (p = 0.11). No perioperative mortality was observed except for 3% after adrenalectomy. CONCLUSION: A team of dedicated endocrine surgeons and pediatric endocrinologists is effective in management of pediatric endocrine surgery.

[Perioperative Management for Patients with Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders].

In recent years, the number of surgical cases involving patients with comorbidities has been increasing due to the aging society. Such patients may have a higher risk of postoperative morbidity or mortality. Therefore, surgeons are required to evaluate the current control status of the comorbidity, and perform appropriate perioperative management to decrease perioperative risk. This article focuses on the preoperative evaluation and management, as well as intraoperative and postoperative management of diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, which are frequently encountered among patients with metabolic and endocrine disorders, and paraganglioma, which is a rare disease but requires special attention in the field of thoracic surgery.

Narcotic Free Cervical Endocrine Surgery: A Shift in Paradigm.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The opioid epidemic has stimulated initiatives to reduce the number of unnecessary narcotic prescriptions. We adopted an opt-in prescription system for patients undergoing ambulatory cervical endocrine surgery (CES). We hypothesized that empowering patients to decide whether or not to receive narcotics for pain control would result in fewer unnecessary opioid prescriptions. METHODS: We enrolled all patients scheduled for outpatient CES between July 2017 and June 2018 in a narcotic opt-in program. Patient demographics, procedure characteristics, and postoperative pain scores were collected prospectively. Statistical analyses were performed to correlate clinical predictors with narcotic request. Results were compared against a historical control group. The study was approved by the University IRB. RESULTS: A total of 216 consecutive patients underwent outpatient CES following implementation of the program. Only nine (4%) requested prescription narcotic medication at discharge, and no patient called after discharge to request analgesic medications. Compared with our prior treatment paradigm, we achieved a 96.6% reduction in the number of narcotic tablets prescribed, and a 98% reduction in unconsumed tablets. Univariate analysis suggested history of substance abuse (P < 0.001), anxiety (P = 0.01), depression (P < 0.001), baseline narcotic use (P = 0.004), highest pain postoperatively (P = 0.004), and incision length (P = 0.007) as predictive for narcotic request. Multivariate analysis retained significance with incision length and history of substance abuse. CONCLUSION: By empowering patients undergoing ambulatory CES to accept or decline a prescription, we reduced the number of prescribed narcotic tablets by 96.6%. Although longer incisions and prior substance abuse predict higher likelihood of requesting pain medication on discharge, 207 of 216 patients were treated with acetaminophen alone.

Can the Use of Video-Based Interventions Increase Public Knowledge About Endocrine Surgeons?

BACKGROUND: Endocrine surgery (ES) is a relatively young subspecialty of general surgery, and prior research has shown low public awareness of these specialists' roles. We hypothesized that a video-based intervention could increase public knowledge of the specialty in an effective and efficient manner. METHODS: Participants were recruited at three public locations (a farmer's market, a public park, and a university hospital) and were given a three-question survey to assess baseline knowledge of ES. They then watched one of two video-based educational interventions and completed an identical postintervention survey. Two surveyors recruited 80 individuals per site, with 40 participants in each intervention group. Participants' sex and age and whether or not they were on clinical staff at the University of Alabama at Birmingham were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 240 participants were recruited; 61.3% female with median age 40 y. Preintervention, only 42.1% of participants could correctly define ES. ES were confused with endocrinologists by 44.6%, which was not different between sites (P = 0.09). Significantly, more participants at all sites could correctly define ES postintervention (67.9% versus 42.1%; P < 0.001). Clinical staff did not perform better than the lay public at any location (P = 0.32). The long video had a significantly greater increase in correct responses compared with the short video overall (32.5% versus 19.1%; P < 0.001) and at each location. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the public's general lack of knowledge about ES and their scope of practice. A video-based intervention was successful in improving knowledge of the practice of ES, with a longer, explanatory video being most effective.

A rare enzymatic defect, true isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency leading to endocrine disorders and infertility: case report.

The cytochrome P450 17A1 catalyzes the formation of 17-hydroxysteroids and 17-ketosteroid. Most defects in CYP17A1 impair both enzymatic activities and cause a combined 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency, which impairs hormone production (cortisol and sex steroids), sexual development, and puberty. Isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency is usually defined by evidently normal activity of 17α-hydroxylase with a dramatic decline of 17,20-lyase activity or complete inactivity. The changes in enzyme activity lead to a lack in the production of sex steroids with normal levels of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormones. A 24-years-old married woman, as a product of a consanguineous marriage, presented with infertility and a background marked by primary amenorrhea. Laboratory data showed low normal serum cortisol levels and low levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Also, her adrenal androgens were low but estradiol was normal. The chromosomal investigation uncovered a male karyotype of 46, XY. These clinical and laboratory evidence confirm the determination of an isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency in a genotypic male.

Sustained Growth of a University-Based Endocrine Surgery Program Over 10 Years.

BACKGROUND: Endocrine surgery continues to mature as a subspecialty field. We describe the clinical performance of an academic endocrine surgery program (ESP) over its first 10 years. METHODS: We examined all endocrine procedures performed during the 10-year period (2006-2015) following the inception of the ESP. Institutional and state-level data on case volume, patient geographic origin, and hospital-side costs were obtained. RESULTS: Endocrine case volume increased by approximately ninefold over the study period (from 102 cases in 2006 to 919 cases in 2015). The rate of growth remained approximately linear, and was driven by geographic expansion of referral regions coupled with transitioning low- to moderate-acuity operations to venues outside of the main tertiary care hospital. Market share across the eight-county Southern California region grew by more than twofold over the study period. Increased utilization of outpatient surgery led to cost reductions, averaging 11.1% per case by 2015. CONCLUSIONS: Establishment of an academic ESP can lead to sustained clinical growth and a fundamental shift in regional referral patterns. The nation's continued need for skilled high-volume endocrine surgeons represents opportunities for medical centers to institute their own dedicated endocrine surgery programs.

[EFFICACY OF WELDING TECHNOLOGY AS A PRINCIPAL METHOD OF DISSECTION AND HEMOSTASIS IN ENDOCRINAL SURGERY].

Today in the clinic all surgical interventions on endocrinal organs are conducted, using welding technology. Comparative analysis of the operative interventions efficacy, performed applying a standard method (control group) and using welding technology (the main group), was conducted. Performance of operations, using electric welding technologies have permitted to reduce the operative intervention duration by 20 - 30%, the blood loss volume--by 30 - 50%, a postoperative pain syndrome severity and the analgetics expense--by 20%, a postoperative stationary treatment duration--by 1-2 days.

Referral patterns for endocrine surgical disease.

OBJECTIVE: Referrals between physician specialties are common practice, and clear patterns develop. The increasing availability of high-volume endocrine surgery subspecialists with better outcomes may change these patterns. This study aimed to determine what factors influence endocrinologists' referral patterns for the surgical treatment of endocrine disease. METHODS: A national, cross-sectional, voluntary survey of members of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists examined physician demographics, physician's opinions on referral to endocrine surgery, preferred surgeon specialty, knowledge about surgeon characteristics, and how these factors influenced which surgeons they referred patients, as well as what changes in these factors would alter their referral patterns. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 15% (73/500), and 97% were endocrinologists. On average, 0 to 5 patients/week were referred for surgery. Most respondents (91.8%) felt that endocrinologists should decide which surgeon to refer. General surgery was the preferred surgeon specialty (43.7%), and endocrine surgery was the preferred subspecialty (70.8%). The factors most often cited as very important in referral to a surgeon included surgeon outcome/complications (71%), familiarity with surgeon (65%), surgeon's communication with referring physician (61%), and surgeon volume (59%). The factors most often cited as likely to change physician referral patterns included patient satisfaction (62%), complication rates (57%), surgeon outcomes (54%), and surgeon volume (50%). The factors most often cited as unlikely to change referral patterns included new surgeon availability (70%) and hospital/surgeon advertising (58%). CONCLUSION: Referring physicians want experienced endocrine surgeons with high operative volumes and good outcomes whom they are familiar with. The promotion of referral to high-volume surgeons requires communication, good outcomes, and satisfied patients.

[High-tech medical care in surgical endocrinology].

The number of patients with endocrine system diseases increases annually. Widespread introduction of screening programs and improvement of laboratory and instrumental diagnostic is one of the most important causes for this. Treatment of patients with endocrine system diseases within the high-tech medical care leads to perform the unique surgical interventions. It increases survival and patients' life quality.

Health Care Disparities in Endocrine Surgical Disorders.

While there has been great progress in the past few decades in the management of endocrine surgery disorders, with adoption of new technologies and approaches, standardization of practice patterns, and guideline recommendations, unequal implementation of these improvement has led to differences in access and outcomes. Health disparities are well documented in this population; however, literature lacks discussion of strategies to decrease disparities. In this article, the authors will describe the current status of health care-related disparities in endocrine surgical care, and discuss opportunities for future investigation and issue an urgent call to action items.

Pineal cysts in children: case-based update.

PURPOSE: Pineal cysts (PC) are found in children as often asymptomatic and without change in their size over the time. However, there are some debatable issues about their evolution and management in the pediatric population. The aim of the present paper is to update the information regarding pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of these lesions. METHODS: All the pertinent literature was reviewed, and a meta-analysis of operated on cases was carried out. An illustrative case regarding the clinical evolution of a 13-year-old girl is also presented. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: PC are often asymptomatic and do not evolve over the time. However, since there is a certain risk of clinical and/or radiological progression, or even sudden and severe clinical onset (apoplexy), both a clinical and radiological follow-up is recommended in the pediatric age. The surgical excision is usually limited to symptomatic patients or to cases with clear radiological evolution.

Association of Medicaid expansion of the Affordable Care Act with operations for benign endocrine surgical disease.

•Background: The Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion increased insurance coverage and access to care for endocrine cancers, though impact on benign endocrine disease is unknown. •Methods: Patients undergoing operations for benign thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal disease were collected from the Vizient® Clinical Data Base from 2009 to 2016 and grouped by state Medicaid expansion status in January 2014. Insurance coverage was analyzed by difference-in-differences analysis, and logistic regression evaluated odds of operation by insurance status. •Results: 134,242 patients were included. Medicaid coverage in expansion states increased for all operations (Adj-DD 5.78%, p < 0.001) with decreases in uninsured and private insurance. Medicaid patients had increased odds of undergoing thyroid operations (OR 1.56, p < 0.001) and decreased odds of parathyroid (OR 0.68, p < 0.001) or adrenal operations (OR 0.70, p < 0.001) versus private insurance. •Conclusion: Medicaid expansion increased insurance coverage for benign endocrine disease, however, barriers remain for Medicaid patients with parathyroid and adrenal disease.

Limited disease progression in endocrine surgery patients with treatment delays due to COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the delivery of care and timing of elective surgical procedures. Most endocrine-related operations were considered elective and safe to postpone, providing a unique opportunity to assess clinical outcomes under protracted treatment plans. METHODS: American Association of Endocrine Surgeon members were surveyed for participation. A Research Electronic Data Capture survey was developed and distributed to 27 institutions to assess the impact of COVID-19-related delays. The information collected included patient demographics, primary diagnosis, resumption of care, and assessment of disease progression by the surgeon. RESULTS: Twelve out of 27 institutions completed the survey (44.4%). Of 850 patients, 74.8% (636) were female; median age was 56 (interquartile range, 44-66) years. Forty percent (34) of patients had not been seen since their original surgical appointment was delayed; 86.2% (733) of patients had a delay in care with women more likely to have a delay (87.6% vs 82.2% of men, χ2 = 3.84, P = .05). Median duration of delay was 70 (interquartile range, 42-118) days. Among patients with a delay in care, primary disease site included thyroid (54.2%), parathyroid (37.2%), adrenal (6.5%), and pancreatic/gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (1.3%). In addition, 4.0% (26) of patients experienced disease progression and 4.1% (24) had a change from the initial operative plan. The duration of delay was not associated with disease progression (P = .96) or a change in operative plan (P = .66). CONCLUSION: Although some patients experienced disease progression during COVID-19 delays to endocrine disease-related care, most patients with follow-up did not. Our analysis indicated that temporary delay may be an acceptable course of action in extreme circumstances for most endocrine-related surgical disease.

Strategic impact of a new academic endocrine surgery program.

BACKGROUND: A minority of medical centers possess a dedicated endocrine surgery program. Here we assess the short-term impact of a new endocrine surgery program on institutional case volumes and financial endpoints. METHODS: We studied all endocrine procedures performed over a 5-year period spanning the inception of the endocrine surgery program at UCLA. Institutional and state-level data on patient geographic origin, discharges for endocrine diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), and hospital-side charges and costs were examined. RESULTS: Total endocrine case volume increased 112% (264 to 559 cases annually) over the study period. The relative increase was greater for parathyroid (56 to 196, 250%, P < 0.0001) and adrenal (11 to 31, 181%, P = 0.06) procedures compared to thyroid procedures (317 to 442, 39%). The endocrine case volume of nonspecialist surgeons remained stable over the study period. Growth in referrals arose from previously unrepresented zip codes and was associated with an increase in the mean distance traveled for care (2006, 44 miles vs. 2009, 92 miles, P < 0.01). In each DRG, UCLA attained the top market position within one year of the program's inception, corresponding to an overall 27% increase in regional market share. Total hospital charges for endocrine DRGs rose 161% to $14.7 million annually, while the cost of parathyroid surgery fell 34% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of an academic endocrine surgery program can cause fundamental shifts in referral patterns within a competitive, densely populated metropolitan environment. Hospitals should consider the inclusion of an endocrine surgery program in strategic planning initiatives.

[Current operative techniques and strategies in endocrine surgery]. / Aktuelle operative Techniken und Strategien in der endokrinen Chirurgie.

Technical advances and focusing on subsets modified endocrine surgery in the last ten years tremendously. There is on one side a clear trend towards minimal invasive approaches, first of all in the surgery of the adrenal glands, where the transperitoneal or retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the gold standard for tumors up to a size of 10 cm in diameter. But also in pancreatic endocrine surgery for small tumors localized in the pancreas tail and up to a certain extend in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, laparoscopic or video assisted techniques are used. On the other side more precise techniques allow a more complete and radical removal of endocrine tissue, especially in thyroid surgery. This article presents a summary of current operative techniques and strategies in endocrine surgery.

MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: toward an active surveillance strategy.

In the last decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has more than doubled, but the disease-specific mortality rate was stable. To date, 30-40% of all TC is represented by papillary microcarcinomas (mPTC), an indolent tumor, that probably remained undiagnosed before routine ultrasound use. In 1993, Miyauchi was the first who hypothesized a conservative approach for low-risk mPTC and introduced the concept of active surveillance (AS) in its clinical management. The progression rate of mPTC during AS was low and delaying surgery did not impact the efficacy of treatment or outcome. Since then, several authors from all over the world have reported their experience of AS in mPTCs. As suggested by current guidelines, AS can be considered as an alternative to immediate surgery to avoid overtreatment in low-risk mPTC and may be the strategy to avoid complications from unnecessary surgery. In the last years, AS inclusion criteria have been extended to both bigger tumors and to younger/healthier patients. The adoption of AS should take into consideration not only tumor characteristics but also patient psychological profiles and medical team expertise. Its safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in long-term outcome studies and in other types of tumors; however, skepticism in patients, families and physicians should be overcome by strong recommendations coming from scientific guidelines. This review analyses the several and different experiences of AS and the potential obstacles in implementing it as a routine approach in mPTC patients.

Endocrine outcomes in endoscopic pituitary surgery: a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of fully endoscopic surgery this new technique has been adopted with enthusiasm by many but not all pituitary surgeons. Whilst some advantages of minimal access have been recognised, the information on endocrine outcomes has been slow to accumulate. METHOD: This literature review examined all the endoscopic papers for endocrine results and complication rates. Where adequate detail was provided these results were broken down by subtype and the pooled cure rates calculated. FINDINGS: The review revealed that the fully endoscopic method is the equal of the microscopic technique for endocrine remission in functioning pituitary tumours. Furthermore the endoscopic results in functioning macroadenomas are substantially better than the microscopic results with similar complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic pituitary surgery offers significant advantages over the microscopic technique and should become the standard method of pituitary adenoma surgery.