New persistent opioid use following robotic-assisted, laparoscopic and open surgery inguinal hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: Post-operative prescription opioid use is a known risk factor for persistent opioid use. Despite the increased utilization of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) for inguinal hernia repair (IHR), little is known whether this minimally invasive approach results in less opioid consumption. In this study, we compare long-term opioid use between RAS versus laparoscopic (Lap) versus open surgery for IHR. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of opioid-naïve patients who underwent outpatient primary IHR was conducted using the Merative™ MarketScan® (Previously IBM MarketScan®) Databases between 2016 and 2020. Patients not continuously enrolled 180 days before/after surgery, who had malignancy, pre-existing chronic pain, opioid dependency, or invalid prescription fill information were excluded. Among patients exposed to opioids peri-operatively, we assessed long-term opioid use as any opioid prescription fill within 90 to 180 days post-surgery. Secondary outcomes were controlled substance schedule II/III opioid fill, and high-dose opioid fill defined as > 50 morphine milligram equivalent per day. An Inverse-probability of treatment weighted logistic regression was used to compare outcomes between groups with p-value of < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 41,271 patients were identified (2070 (5.0%) RAS, 16,704 (40.5%) Lap, and 22,497 (54.5%) open surgery). RAS was associated with less likelihood of prescription fills for any opioid (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.98 versus Lap; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.85 versus open), and schedule II/III opioid (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.96 versus Lap; OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.88 versus open), but comparable high-dose opioid fill (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.55 versus Lap; OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.52 versus open). Lap and open surgery had no significant difference. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients derived from a national commercial claims dataset, patients undergoing RAS had a decreased risk of long-term opioid use compared to laparoscopic and open surgery patients undergoing IHR.

Intra-Operative Vascular Injury and Control During Laparoscopic and Robotic Mesh Explantation for Chronic Post Herniorrhaphy Inguinal Pain (CPIP).

INTRODUCTION: Chronic postherniorrhaphy inguinal pain (CPIP) is common following inguinal hernia repair. As even primary minimally-invasive inguinal hernia repairs carry a risk of significant intra-operative bleeding, it is unsurprising that reoperative groin exploration and mesh explantation for chronic post-inguinal herniorrhaphy pain confers an even higher risk of arteriotomy or venotomy due to a distorted anatomy and the presence of adhesions. In this report, we present a single institution's experience with the management of intra-operative vascular injury encountered during minimally invasive groin exploration and mesh explantation for CPIP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective consecutive case series study at a single academic center of patients with CPIP who underwent minimally invasive groin exploration and mesh removal during which an iatrogenic arteriotomy or venotomy occurred from September 2015 to September 2020. Descriptive statistics were collected for age, laterality of hernia repair, mean follow-up time, surgical approach (robotic vs. laparoscopic), type of intra-operative vascular injury, vascular control technique, and post-operative complications. RESULTS: Of 196 minimally invasive groin exploration and mesh removal cases, 46 were performed with robotic assistance and 150 were performed using traditional laparoscopy. The overall incidence of intra-operative vascular injury was 43 (22%). Fifteen of 46 (32%) robotic groin exploration and mesh removal cases and 28 of 150 (19%) laparoscopic cases involved vascular control. Three of 15 (20%) robotic cases and 23 of 28 (82%) laparoscopic cases involved a hybrid open inguinal approach to address anterior pathology (neurectomy, anterior mesh removal, hernia repair) or facilitate exposure for vascular repair. The most common site of injury was the inferior epigastric vessels. Other sites included the iliac vein, iliac artery, corona mortis, and accessory obturator vessels. Vascular control techniques included ligation with an energy device or suture, primary suture repair of injured vessel, or bovine pericardium patch angioplasty. All were managed without intra-operative vascular surgery intervention except for one case with extensive calcification that required endarterectomy and angioplasty to improve patency. No cases required conversion to midline laparotomy. Ninety three percent of the cases with large vessel bleeding during laparoscopic-assisted procedures were repaired via an open groin incision, whereas all cases of large vessel bleeding during robotic-assisted procedures were repaired robotically. None of the patients required transfusion. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients (7%), 2 (5%) developed hematoma formation requiring surgical evacuation, and 1 (2%) developed ipsilateral iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and underwent peripheral angiography and thrombolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although minimally invasive groin exploration and mesh explantation for CPIP is technically challenging, it is a safe and effective operation when performed at experienced centers. Iatrogenic vascular injury should be anticipated but can be effectively controlled laparoscopically, robotically, or via a hybrid open inguinal incision without conversion to a midline laparotomy and with low post-operative complication rates.

Recruiting Rural Healthcare Providers Today: a Systematic Review of Training Program Success and Determinants of Geographic Choices.

BACKGROUND: Rural areas have historically struggled with shortages of healthcare providers; however, advanced communication technologies have transformed rural healthcare, and practice in underserved areas has been recognized as a policy priority. This systematic review aims to assess reasons for current providers' geographic choices and the success of training programs aimed at increasing rural provider recruitment. METHODS: This systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42015025403) searched seven databases for published and gray literature on the current cohort of US rural healthcare practitioners (2005 to March 2017). Two reviewers independently screened citations for inclusion; one reviewer extracted data and assessed risk of bias, with a senior systematic reviewer checking the data; quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Of 7276 screened citations, we identified 31 studies exploring reasons for geographic choices and 24 studies documenting the impact of training programs. Growing up in a rural community is a key determinant and is consistently associated with choosing rural practice. Most existing studies assess physicians, and only a few are based on multivariate analyses that take competing and potentially correlated predictors into account. The success rate of placing providers-in-training in rural practice after graduation, on average, is 44% (range 20-84%; N = 31 programs). We did not identify program characteristics that are consistently associated with program success. Data are primarily based on rural tracks for medical residents. DISCUSSION: The review provides insight into the relative importance of demographic characteristics and motivational factors in determining which providers should be targeted to maximize return on recruitment efforts. Existing programs exposing students to rural practice during their training are promising but require further refining. Public policy must include a specific focus on the trajectory of the healthcare workforce and must consider alternative models of healthcare delivery that promote a more diverse, interdisciplinary combination of providers.

Blended Learning Methods for Surgical Education.

The emergence and maturation of the concept of blended learning in public and military education may prove equally valuable in CME surgical education and training. Creating a learner-centric environment in which multiple modes of education are encouraged, available, integrated, and accredited can increase the level of competence achieved in CME courses. This paper defines a framework for blended surgical training using principles developed for the military and it is applied in courses at a major post-graduate surgical education center.

Prevention of Parastomal Hernia.

Parastomal hernia (PSH), defined as an incisional hernia at the abdominal wall defect resulting from stoma formation, is a frequent complication of enterostomy (ileostomy and jejunostomy), colostomy, and urostomy. A growing body of evidence supports the use of prophylactic mesh at the time of stoma creation to prevent the development of PSH. In particular, the use of permanent mesh has been supported in the creation of an end colostomy, and prophylactic mesh has been studied for use in other types of stoma. Permanent mesh materials used for PSH prophylaxis include polypropylene, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, and composite prosthetics. Despite the appeal of biologic and bioabsorbable materials in an operative field that poses a potentially higher risk of infection, there is insufficient evidence to support their use in primary PSH prevention. Two-dimensional meshes are usually cut to contain a keyhole through which the bowel passes, and may be placed in the sublay/retrorectus, intraperitoneal, or preperitoneal position. Alternative techniques include placement of a non-keyhole mesh in a position similar to that of a Sugarbaker PSH repair or use of a circular stapler fired through the abdominal wall fascia and mesh simultaneously, fixing both together. Three-dimensional mesh devices, including the Prolene® and Ultrapro® Hernia Systems (PHS/UHS) (Ethicon US, LLC, Somerville, NJ), have been studied for use in PSH prevention. Novel, specialized devices such as the Koring™ (Koring AG, Basel, Switzerland) stoma mesh have been designed specifically for primary PSH prevention. While the benefits of mesh prophylaxis have been established, further evidence is needed to identify the optimal materials and technique for PSH prevention in a variety of patients and settings. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the operative techniques and evidence supporting prophylaxis of parastomal hernias.

Pepsinized cashew proteins are hypoallergenic and immunogenic and provide effective immunotherapy in mice with cashew allergy.

BACKGROUND: IgE-mediated allergic reactions to cashews and other nuts can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis. Proactive therapies to decrease reaction severity do not exist. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the efficacy of pepsin-digested cashew proteins used as immunotherapy in a murine model of cashew allergy. METHODS: Mice were sensitized to cashew and then underwent challenges with digested or native cashew allergens to assess the allergenicity of the protein preparations. Using native or pepsinized cashew proteins, mice underwent oral or intraperitoneal sensitization protocols to determine the immunogenic properties of the protein preparations. Finally, cashew-sensitized mice underwent an immunotherapy protocol with native or pepsinized cashew proteins and subsequent provocation challenges. RESULTS: Pepsinized cashew proteins elicited weaker allergic reactions than native cashew proteins but importantly retained the ability to stimulate cellular proliferation and cytokine production. Mice sensitized with pepsinized proteins reacted on challenge with native allergens, demonstrating that pepsinized allergens retain immunogenicity in vivo. Immunotherapy with pepsinized cashew allergens significantly decreased allergic symptoms and body temperature decrease relative to placebo after challenge with native and pepsinized proteins. Immunologic changes were comparable after immunotherapy with native or pepsinized allergens: T(H)2-type cytokine secretion from splenocytes was decreased, whereas specific IgG(1) and IgG(2a) levels were increased. CONCLUSIONS: Pepsinized cashew proteins are effective in treating cashew allergy in mice and appear to work through the same mechanisms as native protein immunotherapy.

Systematic Review and Guidelines for Management of Scrotal Inguinal Hernias.

Introduction: Of the more than 20 million patients undergoing groin hernia repair annually worldwide, 6% are scrotal hernias in high resource countries rising to 67% in low resource countries which represents a heavy disease burden on relatively young men during their most productive period of life. There are many open questions concerning management of scrotal hernia. These guidelines aim to improve the care for scrotal hernia patients by reducing recurrence rates, chronic pain and infection. Methods: After developing 19 key questions a systematic literature review was performed till 31 March 2021 for all relevant publications with search terms related to Scrotal Hernia. The articles were scored by all co-authors according to Oxford, SIGN and Grade methodologies. Statements and recommendations were formulated. Online Consensus meetings with 25 HerniaSurge members were organised with voting and grading Recommendations as "strong" (recommendations) or "weak" (suggestions) and by consensus, in some cases upgraded. Results: Only 23 articles (two level 2 registry and 21 level 3-5) were selected. It is proposed to define scrotal hernia as an inguinal hernia which has descended into and causes any scrotal distortion. A new classification for scrotal hernias was proposed based on hernia size, SI for upper third thigh, SII for middle thigh and SIII for lower third thigh or below. Irreducibility is denoted with IR. Despite weak evidence antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended. Urinary catheterization is recommended (upgraded) in complex cases (S2-3) due to prolonged operative time. Scrotal hernia repairs have higher associated morbidity and mortality compared to non-complex groin hernia repairs irrespective of surgical experience. Open anterior (mesh) approach is commonest technique and suture techniques in low resource countries. For minimally invasive approaches, TAPP resulted in less conversion to open approach compared to TEP. Conclusion: Although the evidence is scarce and often low quality scrotal hernia management guidelines aim to lead to better surgical outcomes irrespective of where patients live. This necessarily means a more tailored approach based on available resources and appropriate skills. The guidelines provide an impetus for future research where adoption of proposed classification will enable more meaningful comparison of different techniques for different hernia sizes.

Complications and owner assessment of canine total hip replacement: a multicenter internet based survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the variables associated with the complications of total hip replacement (THR) and report owner-assessed outcomes, through surgeon-based registration of cases via an online database, informed owner consent, and prospective outcomes assessment using a client-administered clinical metrology instrument. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 170) METHODS: Entries into the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association-Canine Hip Registry (BVOA-CHR) between January 2010 and August 2011 were reviewed. Variables evaluated included dog age, body weight, breed, and indication for THR and prosthesis. Associations between each variable and the incidence of complications were assessed using logistic regression. Additionally, an on-line, owner-administered outcomes assessment questionnaire (modified from the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire) was used to collect data from owners. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy cases met the inclusion criteria. Surgical indications included hip dysplasia and coxofemoral osteoarthritis (n = 150), Legg-Calves-Perthes disease (7), coxofemoral luxation (6), fracture (4), slipped capital physis (2), and femoral head and neck ostectomy revision (1). Surgical implants were from 4 systems. The incidence of surgeon-reported complication was 9.4%. No significant association was identified between weight, age, sex, breed, indication for THR, surgical technique and prosthesis, and the incidence of complications. In 82% of the cases, owners described their satisfaction with the outcome of THR as "very good" and a total of 20% complication rate was reported. There was a statistically significant improvement in owner-assessed questionnaire score before and after THR (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The BVOA-CHR offers a novel framework for the prospective studies on THR and on a national/international scale. Initial complication rates from the BVOA-CHR are similar to previous studies.

Impact of malnutrition on outcomes following groin hernia repair: Insights from the ACS NSQIP.

BACKGROUND: The present study examined the association of nutrition status, as defined by preoperative serum albumin, with postoperative outcomes and resource use after groin hernia repair. METHODS: The 2006 to 2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for adults (≥18 years) undergoing open or laparoscopic repair of inguinal or femoral hernia. Patients were stratified based on the following preoperative serum albumin levels: <2.5 g/dL (severe hypoalbuminemia), 2.5 to <3.0 (moderate hypoalbuminemia), 3.0 to <3.5 (mild), and ≥3.5 (normal albumin). Multivariable regression models were developed to assess the association of hypoalbuminemia with outcomes of interest, including 30-day mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay, and 30-day readmission. RESULTS: Of the 261,052 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 0.3% had severe, 1.1% had moderate, and 7.4% had mild hypoalbuminemia, with 91.2% classified as normal albumin. After risk adjustment, mortality risk was greater for severe (5.8%, 95% confidence interval: 4.1-7.6), moderate (4.4%, 95% confidence interval: 3.4-5.3), and mild hypoalbuminemia (1.5%, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-1.8) relative to normal albumin (0.3%, 95% confidence interval: 0.2-0.3). Decreasing serum albumin levels were associated with a stepwise increase in risk of complications, length of stay, and 30-day readmission. CONCLUSION: Decreased preoperative serum albumin is associated with increased mortality and morbidity after open and laparoscopic groin hernia repair. Serum albumin remains a relevant predictor of postsurgical outcomes and can thus be used in shared decision-making and optimization of malnourished patients in need of groin hernia repair.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the 2010 ASGE non-invasive predictors of choledocholithiasis and comparison to the 2019 ASGE predictors.

In 2019, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guideline on the endoscopic management of choledocholithiasis modified the individual predictors of choledocholithiasis proposed in the widely referenced 2010 guideline to improve predictive performance. Nevertheless, the primary literature, especially for the 2019 iteration, is limited. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to examine the diagnostic performance of the 2010, and where possible the 2019, predictors. PROSPERO protocol CRD42020194226. A comprehensive literature search from 2001 to 2020 was performed to identify studies on the diagnostic performance of any of the 2010 and 2019 ASGE choledocholithiasis predictors. Identified studies underwent keyword screening, abstract review, and full-text review. The primary outcomes included multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for each criterion. Secondary outcomes were reported sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive value. A total of 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Based on reported ORs, of the 2010 guideline "very strong" predictors, ultrasound with stone had the strongest performance. Of the "strong" predictors, CBD > 6 mm demonstrated the strongest performance. "Moderate" predictors had inconsistent and/or weak performance; moreover, all studies reported gallstone pancreatitis as non-predictive of choledocholithiasis. Only one study examined the new predictor (bilirubin > 4 mg/dL and CBD > 6 mm) proposed in the 2019 guideline. Based on this review, aside from CBD stone on ultrasound, there is discordance between the proposed strength of 2010 choledocholithiasis predictors and their published diagnostic performance. The 2019 guideline appears to do away with the weakest 2010 predictors.

The Voodoo that We Do: Controversies in General Surgery.

Incisional hernia remains a common complication following abdominal surgery, and its incidence can be reduced with standardized wound closure techniques. Robust evidence exists to support certain fascial closure methods, such as using a small bites, 4-to-1, continuous slow absorbable suture technique for elective midline laparotomies. On the other hand, there are other common surgical practices that lack quality data to support their routine use, such as abdominal binders, negative-pressure wound therapy, and reapproximation of subcutaneous tissue.

General Surgery: Management of Postoperative Complications Following Ventral Hernia Repair and Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Ventral and inguinal hernia repairs are some of the most commonly performed general surgery operations worldwide. This review focuses on the management of postoperative complications, which include surgical site infection, hernia recurrence, postoperative pain, and mesh-related issues. In each section, we aim to discuss classifications, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options for common complications following hernia repair.

Investigating the effect of discordant clinical and pathological diagnoses of complicated appendicitis on clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Following appendectomy, management is often guided by surgeon determination of whether the appendicitis is uncomplicated or complicated. Our objectives were to determine the incidence of discordance between intraoperative and pathological findings and determine effect on outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective five-year cohort analysis of adults who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Outcomes examined were length of stay (LOS), return to ED, and 30-day readmission. We reported p-values from logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1479 cases, 36.4% were labeled complicated appendicitis, among which, 58.2% were discordant. When intraoperative findings underestimated pathological findings, there was a decreased LOS (p < 0.001) compared to concordant diagnoses. There was no significant difference for readmission (p = 0.592) or ED (p = 0.857). CONCLUSION: Operative underestimation of appendicitis severity was associated with a shorter LOS. Discordance did not adversely affect hospital readmission or rate of return to ED. These findings suggest reliance on intraoperative findings is sufficient in guiding management. SUMMARY: We wanted determine the incidence of discordance between operative and pathological findings and determine effect on outcomes. Operative underestimation of appendicitis severity was associated with a shorter LOS. Discordance did not adversely affect hospital readmission or rate of return to ED. These findings suggest reliance on intraoperative findings is sufficient in guiding management.

Perioperative management of antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery following coronary stent placement: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The correct perioperative management of antiplatelet therapy (APT) in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery (NCS) is often debated by clinicians. American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend postponing elective NCS at least 3 months after stent implantation. Regardless of the timing of surgery, ACC/AHA guidelines recommend continuing at least ASA throughout the perioperative period and ideally continuing dual APT (DAPT) therapy "unless surgery demands discontinuation." The objective of this review was to ascertain the risks and benefits of APT in the perioperative period, to assess how these risks and benefits vary by APT management, and the significance of length of time since stent implantation before operative intervention. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception through October 2017. Articles were included if patients were post PCI with stent placement (bare metal [BMS] or drug eluting [DES]), underwent elective NCS, and had rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) or bleeding events associated with pre and perioperative APT therapy. RESULTS: Of 4882 screened articles, we included 16 studies in the review (1 randomized controlled trial and 15 observational studies). Studies were small (< 50: n = 5, 51-150: n = 5, >150: n = 6). All studies included DES with 7 of 16 also including BMS. Average time from stent to NCS was variable (< 6 months: n = 3, 6-12 months: n = 1, > 12 months: n = 6). At least six different APT strategies were described. Six studies further utilized bridging protocols using three different pharmacologic agents. Studies typically included multiple surgical fields with varying degrees of invasiveness. Across all APT strategies, rates of MACE/bleeding ranged from 0 to 21% and 0 to 22%. There was no visible trend in MACE/bleeding rates within a given APT strategy. Stratifying the articles by type of surgery, timing of discontinuation of APT therapy, bridging vs. no bridging, and time since stent placement did not help explain the heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence regarding perioperative APT management in patients with cardiac stents undergoing NCS is insufficient to guide practice. Other clinical factors may have a greater impact than perioperative APT management on MACE and bleeding events. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016036607.

Evaluation of variables influencing success and complication rates in canine total hip replacement: results from the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association Canine Hip Registry (collation of data: 2010-2012).

The objective of this study was to assess the variables associated with complications of total hip replacement (THR) and report owner-assessed outcomes. Entries into the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association-Canine Hip Registry (BVOA-CHR) between September 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed separately and in conjunction with previous data (January 2010-August 2011). An outcomes assessment questionnaire was used to collect data from owners. Incidences of surgeon-reported and owner-reported complications were 8.2 per cent and 4.3 per cent, respectively. THR using the BioMedtrix BFX cup/stem prosthesis had a greater incidence of complications compared with THR using the BioMedtrix CFX cup/stem prosthesis (P=0.002); complications were 4.48 times more likely when using the BioMedtrix BFX cup/stem prosthesis versus the BioMedtrix CFX cup/stem prosthesis. THR using the BioMedtrix BFX cup/stem prosthesis had a higher incidence of complications compared with THR using a hybrid prosthesis (BioMedtrix BFX cup/CFX stem, BioMedtrix CFX cup/BFX stem) (P=0.046); complications were 2.85 times more likely when using the BioMedtrix BFX cup/stem prosthesis versus a hybrid prosthesis. In 95 per cent of cases, owner satisfaction with the outcome of THR was 'very good' or 'good'. Complication rates from the BVOA-CHR are similar to previous studies. The data suggest that prosthesis type is associated with complication rate, with BioMedtrix BFX (circa 2012) having a high short-term complication rate.

Management of Primary Gastrointestinal Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: a Population-Based Survival Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (PGINHL) are a heterogeneous group of rare GI malignancies with limited data to guide management. This study describes management of PGINHL in a population-based registry and aims to determine the association between receipt of surgery and long-term survival. METHODS: All adults diagnosed with PGINHL over 27 years in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results were identified (excluding mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas). Demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed. Survival was compared using the log-rank method. Cox hazard modeling was used to determine independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: We identified 16,129 patients. The majority were of gastric origin and had diffuse large B cell histology. Surgery was performed in 46.9 % of patients, not recommended in 41.8 % and recommended but not performed in 10.1 %. Overall 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 65.6 and 35.6 %, respectively. Patients undergoing surgery had a 5-year survival of 43.6 % compared to 34.8 % for whom surgery was recommended but not performed (p < .0001), (receipt of chemotherapy not available). Female gender, gastric location, follicular or mantle cell histology, and radiation therapy were associated with improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 50 % of PGINHL patients underwent surgery. Surgery was not associated with improved survival. More prospective, case-matched studies are needed to guide management.

The Role of Surgery in the Clinical Management of Primary Gastrointestinal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (PGINHL) is a heterogeneous family of tumors, with treatment modalities including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Because the role of surgery in PGINHL remains disputed, this study aims to assess the impact of operative resection on survival. We used a pathology database to identify all cases of PGINHL diagnosed at a single academic-affiliated medical center from 1988 to 2013. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from the medical record. We summarized the clinical courses of patients with PGINHL and then performed a survival analysis to compare overall and disease-free survival, stratified by demographic and clinical variables. We identified 33 patients diagnosed with PGINHL during the study period. Of 29 who subsequently received treatment at the institution, 15 initially underwent chemotherapy, 10 underwent surgical resection, and 4 underwent surgery for other reasons such as diagnosis without resection or management of disease complications. Three patients suffered surgical complications and two of these patients died. We found no difference in overall survival between patients receiving surgical resection and patients managed initially with chemotherapy. This case series supports a continued role for surgical resection in the management of patients with PGINHL, though anticipated benefits should be weighed against the risk of complications.

Use of a Hospital-Wide Screening Program for Early Detection of Sepsis in General Surgery Patients.

Sepsis remains a significant source of mortality among hospitalized patients. This study examines the usage of a vital sign-based screening protocol in identifying postoperative patients at risk for sepsis at an academic-affiliated medical center. We identified all general surgery inpatients undergoing abdominopelvic surgery from January to June 2014, and compared those with positive screening tests to a sample of screen-negative controls. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of positive screening tests and progression to severe sepsis. In total, 478 patients underwent abdominopelvic operations, 59 had positive screening tests, 33 qualified for sepsis, and six progressed to severe sepsis. Predictors of a positive screening test were presence of cancer [odds ratio (OR) 30.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2-420], emergency operation (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.7-24), longer operative time (OR 2.2/h, 95% CI 1.2-4.1), and presence of postoperative infection (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.5-27). The screening protocol had sensitivity 100 per cent and specificity 88 per cent for severe sepsis. We identified no predictors of severe sepsis. In conclusion, vital sign-based screening provides value by drawing early attention to patients with potential to develop sepsis, but escalation of care for these patients should be based on clinical judgment.

Wearable Technology for Global Surgical Teleproctoring.

OBJECTIVE: In underserved communities around the world, inguinal hernias represent a significant burden of surgically-treatable disease. With traditional models of international surgical assistance limited to mission trips, a standardized framework to strengthen local healthcare systems is lacking. We established a surgical education model using web-based tools and wearable technology to allow for long-term proctoring and assessment in a resource-poor setting. This is a feasibility study examining wearable technology and web-based performance rating tools for long-term proctoring in an international setting. METHODS: Using the Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair as the index surgical procedure, local surgeons in Paraguay and Brazil were trained in person by visiting international expert trainers using a formal, standardized teaching protocol. Surgeries were captured in real-time using Google Glass and transmitted wirelessly to an online video stream, permitting real-time observation and proctoring by mentoring surgeon experts in remote locations around the world. A system for ongoing remote evaluation and support by experienced surgeons was established using the Lichtenstein-specific Operative Performance Rating Scale. RESULTS: Data were collected from 4 sequential training operations for surgeons trained in both Paraguay and Brazil. With continuous internet connectivity, live streaming of the surgeries was successful. The Operative Performance Rating Scale was immediately used after each operation. Both surgeons demonstrated proficiency at the completion of the fourth case. CONCLUSIONS: A sustainable model for surgical training and proctoring to empower local surgeons in resource-poor locations and "train trainers" is feasible with wearable technology and web-based communication. Capacity building by maximizing use of local resources and expertise offers a long-term solution to reducing the global burden of surgically-treatable disease.