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BACKGROUND: Palliative decompressive gastrostomy tubes are intended to relieve the severe physical symptoms of malignant small bowel obstruction (SBO) near the end of life. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of palliative decompressive gastrostomy tube on patient and caregiver well-being. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients with a malignant SBO and their caregivers at the time of informed consent for decompressive gastrostomy tube placement. We collected the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Palliative (FACIT-Pal-14) surveys from patients at baseline and at 2-week post-procedure follow-up. The Caregiver Burden Scale survey was administered to caregivers at baseline. Survey scores were compared using paired t-tests. We also conducted semistructured interviews with patients and their caregivers at two-week follow-up until thematic saturation was reached. Content analysis was used to identify themes with two independent coders. RESULTS: We enrolled 15 patient-caregiver dyads. Preprocedure, the median caregiver burden scale score was 37.5 (significant burden ≥ 21). Eight patients (53%) survived to 2 weeks; among these patients, median ESAS scores (51 versus 43.5, p < 0.001) and median FACIT-Pal-14 scores (22 versus 32, p = 0.015) were significantly improved at 2-week follow-up. Interviews revealed three major themes: improved symptom management, new stressors, and opportunities for better education and resources. CONCLUSIONS: Decompressive gastrostomy tubes effectively alleviated symptoms in patients with inoperable malignant SBOs. This palliative intervention may provide greater benefit if performed earlier, and caregivers and patients need improved resources and education for tube management to minimize added stressors.
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BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) affects 2% of Americans over 55 years of age, and is less common in younger patients. Pediatric PHPT patients have higher rates of multigland disease (MGD). We studied young adult patients to determine whether they have similarly elevated rates of MGD and would benefit from routine bilateral neck exploration. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT (2000-2019). Cohorts were defined by age: Group A (18-40 years) and Group B (> 40 years). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 3889 patients with PHPT, 9.1% (n = 352) were included in Group A. On multivariate analysis, multiple endocrine neoplasia (odds ratio [OR] 6.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-12.7), male sex (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.5), family history of PHPT (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6-4.8), prior parathyroidectomy (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6-3.0), and non-localizing imaging (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.1) were associated with MGD; younger age was not an independent risk factor. In patients with sporadic PHPT (n = 3833), family history was most strongly associated with MGD (OR 4.0, 95% CI 2.2-7.3). CONCLUSIONS: In our population of patients with sporadic PHPT, a positive family history of PHPT was strongly associated with MGD; additional associations were found with prior parathyroidectomy, non-localizing imaging, and male sex. Younger age was not an independent risk factor. Age alone in the absence of a family history should not raise suspicion for MGD nor determine the need for bilateral neck exploration.
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Hiperparatireoidismo Primário , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Criança , Adolescente , Adulto , Hiperparatireoidismo Primário/complicações , Hiperparatireoidismo Primário/cirurgia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Paratireoidectomia/efeitos adversos , Fatores de Risco , Razão de ChancesRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Disparities have been previously described in the presentation, management, and outcomes of other thyroid cancer subtypes; however, it is unclear whether such disparities exist in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). METHODS: We identified patients with ATC from the National Cancer Database (2004-2020). The primary outcomes were receipt of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The secondary outcome was 1-year survival. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to assess the associations between sex, race/ethnicity, and the outcomes. RESULTS: Among 5359 patients included, 58% were female, and 80% were non-Hispanic white. Median tumor size was larger in males than females (6.5 vs. 6.0 cm; p < 0.001) and in patients with minority race/ethnicity than in white patients (6.5 vs. 6.0 cm; p < 0.001). After controlling for tumor size and metastatic disease, female patients were more likely to undergo surgical resection (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20; p = 0.016) but less likely to undergo chemotherapy (OR: 0.72; p < 0.001) and radiation (OR: 0.76; p < 0.001) compared with males. Additionally, patients from minority racial/ethnic backgrounds were less likely to undergo chemotherapy (OR: 0.69; p < 0.001) and radiation (OR: 0.71; p < 0.001) than white patients. Overall, unadjusted, 1-year survival was 23%, with differences in treatment receipt accounting for small but significant differences in survival between groups. CONCLUSIONS: There are disparities in the presentation and treatment of ATC by sex and race/ethnicity that likely reflect differences in access to care as well as patient and provider preferences. While survival is similarly poor across groups, the changing landscape of treatments for ATC warrants efforts to address the potential for exacerbation of disparities.
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Carcinoma Anaplásico da Tireoide , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide , Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , Estados Unidos/epidemiologia , Carcinoma Anaplásico da Tireoide/terapia , Etnicidade , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/patologia , Grupos Minoritários , Disparidades em Assistência à SaúdeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The incidence of opioid-related overdose deaths has been rising for 30 years and has been further exacerbated amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Naloxone can reverse opioid overdose, lower death rates, and enable a transition to medication for opioid use disorder. Though current formulations for community use of naloxone have been shown to be safe and effective public health interventions, they rely on bystander presence. We sought to understand the preferences and minimum necessary conditions for wearing a device capable of sensing and reversing opioid overdose among people who regularly use opioids. METHODS: We conducted a combined cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interview at a respite center, shelter, and syringe exchange drop-in program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, during the COVID-19 pandemic in August and September 2020. The primary aim was to explore the proportion of participants who would use a wearable device to detect and reverse overdose. Preferences regarding designs and functionalities were collected via a questionnaire with items having Likert-based response options and a semi-structured interview intended to elicit feedback on prototype designs. Independent variables included demographics, opioid use habits, and previous experience with overdose. RESULTS: A total of 97 adults with an opioid use history of at least 3 months were interviewed. A majority of survey participants (76%) reported a willingness to use a device capable of detecting an overdose and automatically administering a reversal agent upon initial survey. When reflecting on the prototype, most respondents (75.5%) reported that they would wear the device always or most of the time. Respondents indicated discreetness and comfort as important factors that increased their chance of uptake. Respondents suggested that people experiencing homelessness and those with low tolerance for opioids would be in greatest need of the device. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of people sampled with a history of opioid use in an urban setting were interested in having access to a device capable of detecting and reversing an opioid overdose. Participants emphasized privacy and comfort as the most important factors influencing their willingness to use such a device. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04530591.
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Naloxona/administração & dosagem , Antagonistas de Entorpecentes/administração & dosagem , Overdose de Opiáceos/diagnóstico , Overdose de Opiáceos/tratamento farmacológico , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Dispositivos Eletrônicos Vestíveis/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Masculino , Naloxona/uso terapêutico , Antagonistas de Entorpecentes/uso terapêutico , Overdose de Opiáceos/psicologia , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde/psicologia , Philadelphia , Dispositivos Eletrônicos Vestíveis/psicologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: This study assessed the relationship between surgeon volume, operative management, and resource utilization in adrenalectomy. METHODS: Isolated adrenalectomies performed within our health system were identified (2016-2021). High-volume surgeons were defined as those performing ≥6 cases/year. Outcomes included indication for surgery, perioperative outcomes, and costs. RESULTS: Of 476 adrenalectomies, high-volume surgeons (n â= â3) performed 394, while low-volume surgeons (n â= â12) performed 82. High-volume surgeons more frequently operated for pheochromocytoma (19% vs. 16%, p â< â0.001) and less frequently for metastasis (6.4% vs. 23%, p â< â0.001), more frequently used laparoscopy (95% vs. 80%, p â< â0.001), and had lower operative supply costs ($1387 vs. $1,636, p â= â0.037). Additionally, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was associated with shorter length of stay (-3.43 days, p â< â0.001), lower hospitalization costs (-$72,417, p â< â0.001), and increased likelihood of discharge to home (OR 17.03, p â= â0.008). CONCLUSIONS: High-volume surgeons more often resect primary adrenal pathology and utilize laparoscopy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is, in turn, associated with decreased healthcare resource utilization.
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Neoplasias das Glândulas Suprarrenais , Laparoscopia , Feocromocitoma , Cirurgiões , Humanos , Adrenalectomia , Neoplasias das Glândulas Suprarrenais/cirurgia , Neoplasias das Glândulas Suprarrenais/patologia , Feocromocitoma/cirurgia , Hospitalização , Tempo de Internação , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer mortality is 40% higher for Black women compared to White women. This study seeks to assess knowledge of breast cancer screening recommendations and identify barriers to risk assessment and mammographic screening among a medically underserved, low-income, predominantly Black community in West Philadelphia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a free mobile mammography screening event, women were offered surveys to assess perceptions of and barriers to breast cancer risk assessment and screening. Among those who subsequently underwent mobile screening, health insurance and time to additional diagnostic imaging and biopsy, when relevant, were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: 233 women completed surveys (mean age 54 ± 13 years). Ninety-three percent of respondents identified as Black. The most frequently cited barrier to screening mammography was cost and/or lack of insurance coverage (30%). Women under 50 reported more barriers to screening compared to older women. Among those recalled from screening and recommended to undergo biopsy, there was a trend toward longer delays between screening and biopsy among those without a PCP (median 45 days, IQR 25-53) compared to those with a PCP (median 24 days, IQR 16-29) (p = 0.072). CONCLUSION: In a study of a medically underserved community of primarily Black patients, barriers to breast cancer risk assessment, screening, and diagnosis were identified by self-report and by documented care delays. While free mobile mammography initiatives that bring medical professionals into communities can help mitigate barriers to screening, strategies for navigation and coordination of follow-up are critical to promote timely diagnostic resolution for all patients.
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Negro ou Afro-Americano , Neoplasias da Mama , Detecção Precoce de Câncer , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Mamografia , Área Carente de Assistência Médica , Humanos , Feminino , Mamografia/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias da Mama/diagnóstico por imagem , Philadelphia , Negro ou Afro-Americano/estatística & dados numéricos , Medição de Risco , Programas de Rastreamento , Estudos Retrospectivos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Idoso , Pobreza , Adulto , Unidades Móveis de SaúdeRESUMO
Importance: Adverse patient events are inevitable in surgical practice. Objectives: To characterize the impact of adverse patient events on surgeons and trainees, identify coping mechanisms, and assess whether current forms of support are sufficient. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this mixed-methods study, a validated survey instrument was adapted and distributed to surgical trainees from 7 programs, and qualitative interviews were conducted with faculty from 4 surgical departments in an urban academic health system. Main Outcomes and Measures: The personal impact of adverse patient events, current coping mechanisms, and desired forms of support. Results: Of 216 invited trainees, 93 (43.1%) completed the survey (49 [52.7%] male; 60 [64.5%] in third postgraduate year or higher; 23 [24.7%] Asian or Pacific Islander, 6 [6.5%] Black, 51 [54.8%] White, and 8 [8.6%] other race; 13 [14.0%] Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity). Twenty-three of 29 (79.3%) invited faculty completed interviews (13 [56.5%] male; median [IQR] years in practice, 11.0 [7.5-20.0]). Of the trainees, 77 (82.8%) endorsed involvement in at least 1 recent adverse event. Most reported embarrassment (67 of 79 trainees [84.8%]), rumination (64 of 78 trainees [82.1%]), and fear of attempting future procedures (51 of 78 trainees [65.4%]); 28 of 78 trainees (35.9%) had considered quitting. Female trainees and trainees who identified as having a race and/or ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White consistently reported more negative consequences compared with male and White trainees. The most desired form of support was the opportunity to discuss the incident with an attending physician (76 of 78 respondents [97.4%]). Similarly, faculty described feelings of guilt and shame, loss of confidence, and distraction after adverse events. Most described the utility of confiding in peers and senior colleagues, although some expressed unwillingness to reach out. Several suggested designating a departmental point person for event debriefing. Conclusions and Relevance: In this mixed-methods study of the personal impact of adverse events on surgeons and trainees, these events were nearly universally experienced and caused significant distress. Providing formal support mechanisms for both surgical trainees and faculty may decrease stigma and restore confidence, particularly for underrepresented groups.