A perforating pilomatricomal horn on the arm of an 11-year-old girl.

Cutaneous horns are uncommon in adults and rare in the pediatric population. Although verruca vulgaris, solar keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma are more common entities that can present as cutaneous horns in the general population, conditions such as molluscum contagiosum, juvenile xanthgranuloma, and pyogenic granuloma have been reported causes in the pediatric population. We present a case of a perforating pilomatricoma presenting as a cutaneous horn in an 11 year old girl.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in general surgery: how much are we outsourcing?

Although surgeons can safely perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), it has fallen within the domain of gastroenterologists. We sought to quantify the role of ERCP in a tertiary-care surgery department. The hospital discharge database was queried for all ERCPs performed from January 2007 to December 2007. Gastroenterologists performed all ERCPs in our query. Surgical patients were admitted and/or under the care of a surgeon; whereas nonsurgical patients had no surgeon involvement. Patient characteristics and diagnoses were compared between groups. ERCP procedural details were recorded. Surgical patients comprised 48 per cent (n = 151) of the total 311 ERCPs performed. The mean time interval from a surgeon's request for ERCP to actual procedure was 2.43 days (standard deviation [SD] 2.55; range, 0-13 days). The surgical group had significantly different diagnoses and underwent less diagnostic (22% vs 56%) and more therapeutic ERCPs (72% vs 38%). Surgical patients were more likely inpatients (82.1% vs 16.8%) with a longer length of stay (6.7 vs 3.9 days; P = 0.0029) compared with nonsurgical patients. We found surgical patients requiring ERCP differ significantly from nonsurgical patients, with a significant number of technical interventions being outsourced. Given the benefits of a surgical ERCP program and the potential volume of these unique patients, this procedure should be performed by appropriately trained surgeons.

Treatment outcomes, 30-day readmission and healthcare resource utilization after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine treatment outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head and uncinate process malignancy and its impact on mortality, morbidity, and resource utilization. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Discharges were included if they had an ICD-9 CM procedure code for pancreatoduodenectomy and any code for malignancy of the pancreas head and uncinate process. Independent predictors of readmission were identified using multivariable Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 4,445 patients were included. The surgical complication rate was 17.3%, and in-hospital mortality rate was 3%. The 30-day readmission rate was 19.7% with an in-hospital mortality rate of 3.9%. The most common reason for readmission was postoperative infection. The mean length of stay during readmission was 6.50 days, while the mean total hospitalization costs and charges were $15,589 and $52,922, respectively. The number of hospital days associated with readmission was 5,548, with an in-hospital economic burden of $12.9 million (costs) and $43.7 million (charges). Hospital volume and discharge disposition were independent predictors of 30-day readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic malignancies is still associated with significant morbidity, mortality and 30-day readmission. Reducing readmission can impact mortality, quality of life, and healthcare economic burden in this setting.

Clinical results using bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement for circular staplers.

Although linear surgical staple line reinforcement has been shown to increase anastomotic tensile strength in animal models and reduce the incidence of staple line bleeding and anastomotic leaks in colorectal surgery, the benefits of staple line reinforcement on circular stapled anastomoses in bariatric surgery remain unreported in the literature. The purpose if this study was to compare the incidence of anastomotic bleeding, leak, and stricture in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass with circular staple line reinforcements with those with no circular staple line reinforcements. Since May 2006, 138 consecutive patients (Group B) have undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y divided gastric bypass with a 25-mm circular stapled gastrojejunal anastomosis using GORE SEAMGUARD bioabsorbable circular staple line reinforcement (CBSG) with a mean follow up of 9 months. The incidence of anastomotic bleeding, leak, and stricture was compared with 255 similar patients (Group A) who underwent surgery before May 2006 without gastrojejunal reinforcement with a mean follow up of 22 months. The rates of anastomotic bleeding, leak, and stricture for Group B versus Group A were 0.7 per cent versus 1.1 per cent (P = 0.64); 0.7 per cent versus 1.9 per cent (P = 0.34); and 0.7 per cent versus 9.3 per cent (P = 0.0005), respectively. The use of CBSG reduced the incidence of anastomotic stricture by 93 per cent and the incidence of a composite end point of all anastomotic complications by 85 per cent. Our results indicate that the use of circular staple line reinforcement at the gastrojejunal anastomosis in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass significantly decreases the incidence of anastomotic stricture and a composite end point of all anastomotic complications. On this basis, strong consideration should be given to the routine use of CBSG staple line reinforcement in patients undergoing laparoscopic divided gastric bypass with a circular stapled gastrojejunal anastomosis.

Surgical revascularization in patients with end-stage renal disease: results using a new paradigm in outcomes assessment.

Studies evaluating the outcome of surgical revascularization (SR) for critical limb ischemia in patients who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have differed widely in their findings and conclusions. Differences in definitions of success are largely responsible for the varying outcomes. We developed a method of outcomes assessment that incorporates four all-inclusive endpoints to define success. These include primary graft patency to the point of wound healing, postoperative survival of at least 6 months, limb salvage of at least 1 year, and maintenance of ambulatory status of at least 6 months. The purpose of this study was to use this novel method of defining success to determine the outcome of SR in patients with ESRD. From 1998 to 2004, 40 patients (52 limbs) with ESRD and tissue loss underwent SR for limb salvage. Secondary graft patency and limb salvage rates at 36 months were 54.7 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively. When considering each of the four components used to define success separately, success encouragingly ranged between 60 per cent (patent graft until wound healing) and 87.5 per cent (survival for 6 months). However, if all parameters were combined, clinical success was achieved in only 40 per cent (16/40) of patients. Coronary artery disease was the only factor found to significantly reduce success (P = 0.04). In conclusion, using this multiparameter definition of success, which combines four rather modest outcome milestones, favorable outcome occurred in the minority of cases. This study challenges our current method of analyzing success and questions our therapeutic approach to patients with critical limb ischemia and ESRD.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Stenting for Traumatic Biliary and Pancreatic Fistulae.

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the trauma patient is limited. Therefore, reporting of outcomes is sparse in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review outcomes of patients who underwent ERCP for traumatic biliopancreatic injury. We retrospectively reviewed 1550 ERCPs, from a prospectively maintained database, performed by a single surgical endoscopist consulted by the trauma surgical service for the management of traumatic fistulae. Referral was made for patients with high output (greater than 200 mL/d) and/or persistent (failure to resolve within 30 days) fistulae and traumatic biliary stricture. Primary end point was postprocedural complications. Secondary end points included patient characteristics, stents placed, and duration of stenting. Seventeen patients underwent a total of 31 ERCPs for biliary and/or pancreatic injury resulting from abdominal trauma (eight penetrating, nine blunt). Fourteen patients had ERCP after laparotomy, with a mean interval to ERCP of 74 days. In three patients, ERCP was the only intervention required. Fourteen biliary stents were placed, seven of which were metallic. Ten pancreatic stents were placed; one proximally migrated but was successfully retrieved. Four patients had both ducts simultaneously stented. The mean duration of stenting was 158 days. All fistulae resolved after stenting. There were no serious complications.

Pain management of pancreatic head adenocarcinomas that are unresectable: celiac plexus neurolysis and splanchnicectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is often incurable at the time of diagnosis. For patients with unresectable or recurrent disease, palliation of pain is a key component of care. Medical management with narcotics has numerous side effects and may be ineffective. Interventions for pain control include celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) and splanchnicectomy. The purpose of this review is to outline pertinent anatomy, techniques, side effects, complications, and efficacy of interventions for palliation of pain from pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We reviewed current literature, as well as our own patients, to assess the role and outcomes of CPN and splanchnicectomy. Short descriptions of procedural techniques and functional illustrations are provided. RESULTS: Both CPN and splanchnicectomy have excellent outcomes with regard to pain control. Quality of life and survival, however, have not been conclusively demonstrated to improve with either technique. Data regarding head-to-head comparisons of the two interventions is lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with incurable pancreatic carcinoma should be offered either CPN or splanchnicectomy when medical management with narcotics has failed.

Pseudo-spectral methods and linear instabilities in reaction-diffusion fronts.

We explore the application of a pseudo-spectral Fourier method to a set of reaction-diffusion equations and compare it with a second-order finite difference method. The prototype cubic autocatalytic reaction-diffusion model as discussed by Gray and Scott [Chem. Eng. Sci. 42, 307 (1987)] with a nonequilibrium constraint is adopted. In a spatial resolution study we find that the phase speeds of one-dimensional finite amplitude waves converge more rapidly for the spectral method than for the finite difference method. Furthermore, in two dimensions the symmetry preserving properties of the spectral method are shown to be superior to those of the finite difference method. In studies of plane/axisymmetric nonlinear waves a symmetry breaking linear instability is shown to occur and is one possible route for the formation of patterns from infinitesimal perturbations to finite amplitude waves in this set of reaction-diffusion equations. (c) 1996 American Institute of Physics.

What is the risk of diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography before cholecystectomy?

Many surgeons prefer to perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before cholecystectomy, specifically in patients at significant risk of having biliary pathology. However, a preoperative diagnostic ERCP, without the use of an endoscopic ultrasound or magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatoscopy, remains controversial. This is the result of the risk of either performing an unnecessary procedure and/or the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). We performed a retrospective review of all surgeon-performed ERCPs at our institution between July 2011 and May 2013. This was done to examine patients who had pericholecystectomy ERCP. We had 550 ERCPs performed at our institution during this time period, 169 of which were pericholecystectomy procedures. We divided the 169 patients who had a diagnostic procedure (Diagnostic group) from those who had known biliary pathology before intervention (Therapeutic group). As a result, 34 patients (20.1%) were placed in the Diagnostic group and 135 patients (79.9%) in the Therapeutic group. Of the 34 Diagnostic patients, four (11.8%) developed PEP. Fifteen (44.1%) had unnecessary procedures, two of which had PEP (2.9%). Of the 135 ERCPs in the Therapeutic group, 18 patients (13.4%) developed PEP. Five of the 11 who had unnecessary procedures developed PEP. Based on the low incidence of complications, diagnostic ERCP has an acceptable rate of pancreatitis and/or unnecessary procedures when performed in highly selected patients and before cholecystectomy when compared with patients undergoing therapeutic ERCP. However, more aggressive use of diagnostic imaging before ERCP should be adopted given the number of unnecessary procedures performed.

Shape dependence of band-edge exciton fine structure in CdSe nanocrystals.

The band-edge exciton fine structure of wurtzite CdSe nanocrystals is investigated by a plane-wave pseudopotential method that includes spin-orbit coupling, screened electron-hole Coulomb interactions, and exchange interactions. Large-scale, systematic simulations have been carried out on quantum dots, nanorods, nanowires, and nanodisks. The size and shape dependence of the exciton fine structure is explored over the whole diameter-length configuration space and is explained by the interplay of quantum confinement, intrinsic crystal-field splitting, and electron-hole exchange interactions. Our results show that the band-edge exciton fine structure of CdSe nanocrystals is determined by the origin of their valence-band single-particle wave functions. Nanocrystals where the valence-band maximum originates from the bulk A band have a "dark" ground-state exciton. Nanocrystals where the valence-band maximum is derived from the bulk B band have a "quasi-bright" ground-state exciton. Thus, the diameter-length configuration map can be divided into two regions, corresponding to dark and quasi-bright ground-state excitons. We find that the dark/quasi-bright ground-state exciton crossover is not only diameter-dependent but also length-dependent, and it is characterized by a curve in the two-parameter space of diameter and length.

Lost to follow-up: a potential under-appreciated limitation of endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: It has long been evident that lifetime follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is necessary to identify late complications. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that late follow-up rates for EVAR in routine practice are inferior to those reported from protocol-driven clinical trials, consequently contributing to avoidable events associated with poor long-term outcome. METHODS: From February 1999 to December 2005, 302 EVARs were performed and eligible for follow-up. Of these, 47 were performed as part of an industry-sponsored clinical trial (study patients). Responsibility for follow-up was assigned to a research nurse for study patients and to office clerical staff for nonstudy patients. Follow-up compliance was classified as either frequent (<1 missed scheduled appointment) or incomplete (>2 missed scheduled appointments). Overall survival and complication rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 302 patients, 203 (67.2%) had frequent follow-up and 99 (32.8%) had incomplete follow-up. The mean follow-up was significantly better in the frequent follow-up group (34.7 +/- 22 months) vs the incomplete follow-up group (18.8 +/- 18.6 months, P < .001). The 5-year survival (63.9% frequent vs 64.0% incomplete), the 5-year reintervention rate (22.3% frequent vs 10.8% incomplete), and incidence of known endoleak (14.8% frequent vs 9.1% incomplete) were statistically similar in the two groups. The incidence of major adverse events, defined as events requiring urgent surgical intervention, was significantly increased in the incomplete follow-up group (6.1% vs 0.5%; P = .006), with nearly half of these patients dying perioperatively. There was no difference in measured outcomes for study patients compared with nonstudy patients. However, mean follow-up was significantly longer for study patients vs nonstudy patients (44.8 +/- 23.7 months vs 26.8 +/- 20.9 months; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up surveillance after EVAR is less intense in practice environments outside of clinical trials. Patients with incomplete follow-up have higher fatal complication rates than patients with frequent follow-up. These data expose a potential under-appreciated limitation of EVAR, questioning whether the findings in clinical trials defining the efficacy of EVAR can be routinely extrapolated to ordinary practice.