Survival benefit associated with screening of patients at elevated risk for pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Screening for pancreatic cancer is recommended for individuals with a strong family history, certain genetic syndromes, or a neoplastic cyst of the pancreas. However, limited data supports a survival benefit attributable to screening these higher-risk individuals. METHODS: All patients enrolled in screening at a High-Risk Pancreatic Cancer Clinic (HRC) from July 2013 to June 2020 were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database and compared to patients evaluated at a Surgical Oncology Clinic (SOC) at the same institution during the same period. Clinical outcomes of patients selected for surgical resection, particularly clinicopathologic stage and overall survival, were compared. RESULTS: Among 826 HRC patients followed for a median (IQR) of 2.3 (0.8-4.2) years, 128 were selected for surgical resection and compared to 402 SOC patients selected for resection. Overall survival was significantly longer among HRC patients (median survival: not reached vs. 2.6 years, p < 0.001). Among 31 HRC and 217 SOC patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the majority of HRC patients were diagnosed with stage 0 disease (carcinoma in situ), while the majority of SOC patients were diagnosed with stage II disease (p < 0.001). Overall survival after resection of invasive PDAC was also significantly longer among HRC patients compared to SOC patients (median survival 5.5 vs. 1.6 years, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Patients at increased risk for PDAC and followed with guideline-based screening exhibited downstaging of disease and improved survival from PDAC in comparison to patients who were not screened.

Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Abdominal Surgery Morbidity, Mortality, and Hospital Readmission.

INTRODUCTION: Medicaid expansion's (ME) impact on postoperative outcomes after abdominal surgery remains poorly defined. We aimed to evaluate ME's effect on surgical morbidity, mortality, and readmissions in a state that expanded Medicaid (Virginia) compared to a state that did not (Tennessee) over the same time period. METHODS: Virginia Surgical Quality Collaborative (VSQC) American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data for Medicaid, uninsured, and private insurance patients undergoing abdominal procedures before Virginia's ME (3/22/18-12/31/18) were compared with post-ME (1/1/19-12/31/19), as were corresponding non-ME state Tennessee Surgical Quality Collaborative (TSQC) data for the same 2018 and 2019 time periods. Postexpansion odds ratios for 30-d morbidity, 30-d mortality, and 30-d unplanned readmission were estimated using propensity score-adjusted logistic regression models. RESULTS: In Virginia, 4753 abdominal procedures, 2097 pre-ME were compared to 2656 post-ME. In Tennessee, 5956 procedures, 2484 in 2018 were compared to 3472 in 2019. VSQC's proportion of Medicaid population increased following ME (8.9% versus 18.8%, P < 0.001) while uninsured patients decreased (20.4% versus 6.4%, P < 0.001). Post-ME VSQC had fewer 30-d readmissions (12.2% versus 6.0%, P = 0.013). Post-ME VSQC Medicaid patients had significantly lower probability of morbidity (-8.18, 95% confidence interval: -15.52 ∼ -0.84, P = 0.029) and readmission (-6.92, 95% confidence interval: -12.56 ∼ -1.27, P = 0.016) compared to pre-ME. There were no differences in probability of morbidity or readmission in the TSQC Medicaid population between study periods (both P > 0.05); there were no differences in mortality between study periods in VSQC and TSQC patient populations (both P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ME was associated with decreased 30-d morbidity and unplanned readmissions in the VSQC. Data-driven policies accounting for ME benefits should be considered.

Long-term surveillance of branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms without worrisome or high-risk features.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term data evaluating clinical outcomes in patients with branch-duct Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN) without high-risk stigmata (HRS) or worrisome features (WF) remain limited. METHODS: This observational cohort study included all patients diagnosed with BD-IPMN without HRS or WF between 2003 and 2019 who were enrolled in a prospective surveillance program. Time-to-progression analysis was performed using a cumulative incidence function plot and survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: The median follow-up time for the 267 patient cohort was 44.5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 24.1-72.2). Radiographic cyst growth was observed in 123 (46.1%) patients; 65 (24.3%) patients progressed to WF/HRS. Twenty-six (9.7%) patients were selected for resection during surveillance: 21 (80.8%) WF, 4 (15.4%) HRS; 1 (3.9%) transformed to mixed-duct. Of all the patients who underwent resection, 5 (19.2%) had adenocarcinoma, and 1 (3.8%) had carcinoma-in-situ. The probability of any radiographic progression was 21.3% (5-year) and 51.3% (10-year). For the entire cohort, there was 1.1% mortality secondary to pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 8.2% all-cause mortality. The 5-year overall survival rate was 91.5%, and at 10 years, 81.5%. CONCLUSION: Approximately one in four patients with nonworrisome BD-IPMN have progression to WF/HRS stigmata during surveillance. However, the risk of malignant transformation remains low. Surveillance strategy remains prudent in this patient population.

Early Patient Discharge in Selected Patients is Not Associated With Higher Readmission After Major Abdominal Operations.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to examine the associations between early discharge and readmission after major abdominal operations. BACKGROUND: Advances in patient care resulted in earlier patient discharge after complex abdominal operations. Whether early discharge is associated with patient readmissions remains controversial. METHODS: Patients who had colorectal, liver, and pancreas operations abstracted in 2011-2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data Files were included. Patient readmission was stratified by 6 operative groups. Patients who were discharged before median discharge date within each operative group were categorized as an early discharge. Analyses tested associations between early discharge and likelihood of 30-day postoperative unplanned readmission. RESULTS: A total of 364,609 patients with major abdominal operations were included. Individual patient groups and corresponding median day of discharge were: laparoscopic colectomy (n = 152,575; median = 4), open colectomy (n =137,462; median = 7), laparoscopic proctectomy (n = 12,238; median = 5), open proctectomy (n = 24,925; median = 6), major hepatectomy (n = 9,805; median = 6), pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 27,604; median = 8). Early discharge was not associated with an increase in proportion of readmissions in any operative group. Early discharge was associated with a decrease in average proportion of patient readmissions compared to patients discharged on median date in each of the operative groups: laparoscopic colectomy 6% versus 8%, open colectomy 11% versus 14%, laparoscopic proctectomy 13% versus 16%, open proctectomy 13% vs 17%, major hepatectomy 8% versus 12%, pancreatoduodenectomy 16% versus 20% (all P ≤ 0.02). Serious morbidity composite was significantly lower in patients who were discharged early than those who were not in each operative group (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early discharge in selected patients after major abdominal operations is associated with lower, and not higher, rate of 30-day unplanned readmission.

Errors in Surgery: A Case Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: While errors can harm patients they remain poorly studied. This study characterized errors in the care of surgical patients and examined the association of errors with morbidity and mortality. BACKGROUND: Errors have been reported to cause <10% or >60% of adverse events. Such discordant results underscore the need for further exploration of the relationship between error and adverse events. METHODS: Patients with operations performed at a single institution and abstracted into the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018 were examined. This matched case control study comprised cases who experienced a postoperative morbidity or mortality. Controls included patients without morbidity or mortality, matched 2:1 using age (±10 years), sex, and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) group. Two faculty surgeons independently reviewed records for each case and control patient to identify diagnostic, technical, judgment, medication, system, or omission errors. A conditional multivariable logistic regression model examined the association between error and morbidity. RESULTS: Of 1899 patients, 170 were defined as cases who experienced a morbidity or mortality. The majority of cases (n=93; 55%) had at least 1 error; of the 329 matched control patients, 112 had at least 1 error (34%). Technical errors occurred most often among both cases (40%) and controls (23%). Logistic regression demonstrated a strong independent relationship between error and morbidity (odds ratio=2.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.64-4.35, P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Errors in surgical care were associated with postoperative morbidity. Reducing errors requires measurement of errors.

Evaluating the Impact of Preoperative Geriatric-Specific Variables and Modified Frailty Index on Postoperative Outcomes After Elective Pancreatic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pursuing pancreatic resection in elderly patients is often complex and limited by concern for functional status and postoperative risk. This study examines the associations between two different preoperative functional status metrics with postoperative outcomes in the geriatric population. METHODS: Patients who participated in the ACS NSQIP Geriatric Surgery Research File pilot program (2014-2018) undergoing elective pancreatic operations were included. Two clinically meaningful functional status scores were calculated: the presence of one or more geriatric-specific variable (GSV) and a 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5). Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for ACS NSQIP-estimated risk was performed to evaluate associations between preoperative GSV, mFI-5 and 30-day outcome measures. RESULTS: A total of 1266 patients were included: 808 (64%) age 65-74, 302 (24%) age 75-80, and 156 (12%) age ≥ 81; 843 (67%) patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy. Operations were performed for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in 712 (56%) patients. Older patients had greater likelihood of postoperative morbidity (35% vs 31% vs 47%, by age group, p = 0.004) and discharge to a facility (12% vs 23% vs 48%, by age group, p < 0.001). Adjusting for ACS NSQIP predicted risk, patients with a preoperative GSV were more likely to require reoperation and discharge to a facility (OR 1.81 [95% CI 1.03-3.16] and 3.95 [95% CI 2.91-5.38], respectively). The mFI-5 was not associated with postoperative outcomes (all p ≥ 0.18). CONCLUSION: The presence of a preoperative GSV is associated with reoperation and discharge to a skilled facility following elective pancreatic resection. Geriatric-specific variables should be considered in joint preoperative decision making to optimize care.

Efficacy of opioid spinal analgesia for postoperative pain management after pancreatoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Efficacy of single-shot opioid spinal analgesia after pancreatoduodenectomy remains understudied and lacks comparison to standard continuous thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). METHODS: Pancreatoduodenectomy patients who underwent TEA or opioid spinal for postoperative pain management from 2015 to 2020 were included in this observational cohort study. Primary outcome was patient-reported mean daily pain scores. Secondary outcomes included postoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) and length of stay (LOS). Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to compare risk-adjusted outcomes. RESULTS: 180 patients were included: 56 TEA and 124 opioid spinal. Compared to epidural patients, opioid spinal patients were more likely to be older (67.0 vs. 64.6, p=0.045), have greater BMI (26.5 vs. 24.4, p=0.02), and less likely to be smokers (19.4% vs. 41.1%, p=0.002). Opioid spinal, compared to TEA, was associated with lower intraoperative MMEs (0.25 vs. 22.7, p<0.001) and postoperative daily MMEs (7.9 vs. 10.3, p=0.03) on univariate analysis. However, after multivariable adjustment, there was no difference in average pain scores across the postoperative period (spinal vs. epidural: 4.18 vs. 4.14, p=0.93), daily MMEs (p=0.50), or LOS (p=0.23). DISCUSSION: There was no significant difference in postoperative pain scores, opioid use, or LOS between patients managed with TEA or opioid spinal after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Donor Morbidity Is Equivalent Between Right and Left Hepatectomy for Living Liver Donation: A Meta-Analysis.

Maximizing liver graft volume benefits the living donor liver recipient. Whether maximizing graft volume negatively impacts living donor recovery and outcomes remains controversial. Patient randomization between right and left hepatectomy has not been possible due to anatomic constraints; however, a number of published, nonrandomized observational studies summarize donor outcomes between 2 anatomic living donor hepatectomies. This meta-analysis compares donor-specific outcomes after right versus left living donor hepatectomy. Systematic searches were performed via PubMed, Cochrane, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies between January 2005 and November 2019. The primary outcomes compared overall morbidity and incidence of severe complications (Clavien-Dindo >III) between right and left hepatectomy in donors after liver donation. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to derive summary risk estimates of outcomes. A total of 33 studies (3 prospective and 30 retrospective cohort) were used to identify 7649 pooled patients (5993 right hepatectomy and 1027 left hepatectomy). Proportion of donors who developed postoperative complications did not significantly differ after right hepatectomy (0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.40) and left hepatectomy (0.23; 95% CI, 0.17-0.29; P = 0.19). The overall risk ratio (RR) did not differ between right and left hepatectomy (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.83-1.63; P = 0.36). The relative risk for a donor to develop severe complications showed no differences by hepatectomy side (Incidence rate ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.67-1.40; P = 0.86). There is no evidence that the overall morbidity differs between right and left lobe donors. Publication bias reflects institutional and surgeon variation. A prospective, standardized, multi-institutional study would help quantify the burden of donor complications after liver donation.

Determining the Association Between Unplanned Reoperation and Readmission in Selected General Surgery Operations.

BACKGROUND: Unplanned reoperations and unplanned readmissions can increase morbidity and mortality. Few studies however, have explored the association of reoperation and readmission among general surgery patients. Our aim was to examine this relationship in selected abdominal operations. METHODS: Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Participant Use Data Files from 2014 to 2018 were utilized. Six groups of operations, defined by ACS NSQIP procedure codes for ventral hernia repair, colectomy, appendectomy, proctectomy, small bowel resection, and gastrectomy, were assessed. Patients discharged ≤ 14 days after operation were included in the study. This time period was selected to reduce ACS NSQIP 30 day post-surgery follow-up bias. Unplanned reoperations were defined as those occurring during the index hospitalization. The primary outcome was unplanned readmission that occurred ≤ 14 days from the date of discharge. Logistic regression models were used to examine variables associated with unplanned readmission for each procedure group. RESULTS: A total of 787,118 patients were included: ventral hernia repair 35.2%, colectomy 30.6%, appendectomy 26.5%, proctectomy 3.7%, small bowel resection 3.2%, and gastrectomy 0.8%. Unplanned reoperation was independently associated with unplanned readmission for ventral hernia repair (OR 2.84, 95% CI 2.28-3.54, P < 0.001), colectomy (OR 1.58, CI 1.42- 1.76, P < 0.001), appendectomy (OR 2.91, CI 2.21-3.84, P < 0.001), and proctectomy (OR 1.41, CI 1.10-1.81, P = 0.006). Other clinically relevant covariates associated with readmission were partially dependent functional status before colectomy (OR 1.34, CI 1.23-1.46, P < 0.001), ventral hernia repair (OR 1.79, CI 1.54-2.09, P < 0.001), and small bowel resection (OR 1.44, CI 1.18-1.77, P < 0.001; and ASA 4/5 classification for colectomy (OR 2.71, CI 2.36-3.11, P < 0.001), proctectomy (OR 2.10, CI 1.48-2.97, P < 0.001), ventral hernia repair (OR 8.19, CI 6.78-9.88, P < 0.001), appendectomy (OR 2.80, CI 2.35-3.34, P < 0.001), and small bowel resection (OR 3.42, CI 2.20-5.32, P < 0.001). ASA 2, ASA 3 classification, age, and sex were also associated with unplanned readmission for most procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Unplanned reoperations are associated with an increase in unplanned readmission after selected abdominal operations included in this study. This factor should be considered in discharge and follow-up planning to help reduce unplanned readmissions.

Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Guideline-Directed Management of Pancreatic Cysts.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous guidelines exist for the management of pancreatic cysts. We sought to compare the guideline-directed management strategies for pancreatic cysts by comparing 2 approaches (2017 International Consensus Guidelines and 2015 American Gastroenterological Association Guidelines) that differ significantly in their thresholds for imaging, surveillance, and surgery. METHODS: We developed a Monte Carlo model to evaluate the outcomes for a cohort of 10,000 patients managed per each guideline. The primary outcome was mortality related to pancreatic cyst management. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, missed cancers, number of surgeries, number of imaging studies, cumulative cost, and quality-adjusted life years. RESULTS: Deaths because of pancreatic cyst management and quality-adjusted life years were similar in both guidelines at a significantly higher cost of $3.6 million per additional cancer detected in the Consensus Guidelines. Deaths from "unrelated" causes (1,422) vastly outnumbered deaths related to pancreatic cysts (125). Secondary outcomes included more missed cancers in the American Gastroenterological Association guideline (71 vs 49), more surgeries and imaging studies in the Consensus guideline (711 vs 163; 116,997 vs 68,912), and higher cost in the Consensus guideline ($168.3 million vs $89.4 million). As the rate of malignant transformation increases, a more-intensive guideline resulted in fewer deaths related to pancreatic cyst management. DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates trade-offs between more- and less-intensive management strategies for pancreatic cysts. Although deaths related to pancreatic cyst management were similar in each strategy, fewer missed cancers in the more-intensive surveillance strategy is offset by a greater number of surgical deaths and higher cost. In conclusion, our study identifies that if the rate malignant transformation of pancreatic cysts is low (0.12% annually), a less-intensive guideline will result in similar deaths to a more-intensive guideline at a much lower cost.

Quality of Life After Curative Resection for Gastric Cancer: Survey Metrics and Implications of Surgical Technique.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and radical gastrectomy is an integral component of curative therapy. With improvements in perioperative morbidity and mortality, attention has turned to short- and long-term post-gastrectomy quality of life (QoL). This article reviews the common psychometric surveys and preference-based measures used among patients following gastrectomy. It also provides an overview of studies that address associations between surgical decision-making and postoperative health-related QoL. Further attention is focused on reported associations between technical aspects of the operation, such as extent of gastric resection, minimally-invasive approach, pouch-based conduits, enteric reconstruction, and postoperative QoL. While there are several randomized studies that include QoL outcomes, much remains to be explored. The relationship between symptom profiles and preference-based measures of health state utility is an area in need of further research.

Safety of Major Abdominal Operations in the Elderly: A Study of Geriatric-Specific Determinants of Health.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative assessment of geriatric-specific determinants of health may enhance perioperative risk stratification among elderly patients. This study examines effects of geriatric-specific variables on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing elective major abdominal operations. METHODS: Patients included in the ACS NSQIP pilot Geriatric Surgery Research File program who underwent elective pancreatic, liver, and colorectal operations between 2014 and 2016 were examined. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate associations between patient-specific geriatric variables and risk of death, morbidity, readmission, and discharge destination. RESULTS: A total of 4165 patients were included. Patients ≥85 years were more likely to die, experience postoperative morbidity, and be discharged to a facility (all p ≤ 0.039) than younger patients. Preoperatively, patients ≥85 years were more likely to use a mobility aid, have a prior fall, have consent signed by a surrogate, and to live alone at home prior to operation (all p < 0.001). After adjustment for ACS NSQIP-estimated probabilities of morbidity or mortality, no geriatric-specific preoperative risk factors were significantly associated with increased risk of death or complications in any age group (all p > 0.055). Patients 75-84 and ≥85 years were more likely to be discharged to facility (OR 2.33 and 4.75, respectively, both p < 0.001) compared to patients 65-74 years. All geriatric-specific variables: use of mobility aid, living alone, consent signed by a surrogate, and fall history, were significantly associated with discharge to a facility (all p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for comorbid conditions, geriatric-specific variables are not associated with postoperative mortality and morbidity among elderly patients; however, geriatric-specific variables are significantly associated with discharge to a facility.

Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients: is it ready for prime time?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Current treatment options for patients with intermediate and advanced HCC are limited, and there is an unmet need for novel therapeutic approaches. HCC is an attractive target for immunomodulation therapy, since it arises in an inflammatory milieu due to hepatitis B and C infections and cirrhosis. However, a major barrier to the development and success of immunotherapy in patients with HCC is the liver's inherent immunosuppressive function. Recent advances in the field of cancer immunology allowed further characterization of immune cell subsets and function, and created new opportunities for therapeutic modulation of the immune system. In this review, we present the different immune cell subsets involved in potential immune modulation of HCC, discuss their function and clinical relevance, review the variety of immune therapeutic agents currently under investigation in clinical trials, and outline future research directions.

Mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy: assessing early and late causes of patient death.

BACKGROUND: Safety of pancreaticoduodenectomy has improved significantly in the past 3 decades. Current inpatient and 30-d mortality rates are low. However, incidence and causes of 90-d and 1-y mortality are poorly defined and largely unexplored. METHODS: All patients who had pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2007 and 2016 were included in this single institution, retrospective cohort study. Distributions of pancreaticoduodenectomy-specific morbidity and cause-specific mortality were compared between early (within 90 d) and late (91-365 d) postoperative recovery periods. RESULTS: A total of 551 pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed during the study period. Of these, 6 (1.1%), 20 (3.6%), and 91 (16.5%) patients died within 30, 90, and 365 d after pancreaticoduodenectomy, respectively. Causes of early and late mortality varied significantly (all P ≤ 0.032). The most common cause of death within 90 d was due to multisystem organ failure from sepsis or aspiration in 9 (45%) patients, followed by post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage in 5 (25%) patients, and cardiopulmonary arrest from myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolus in 3 (15%) patients. In contrast, recurrent cancer was the most common cause of death in 46 (65%) patients during the late postoperative period between 91 and 365 d. Mortality from failure to thrive and debility was similar between early and late postoperative periods (15% versus 19.7%, P = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Most quality improvement initiatives in patients selected for pancreaticoduodenectomy have focused on reduction of technical complications and improvement of early postoperative mortality. Further reduction in postoperative mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy can be achieved by improving patient selection, mitigating postoperative malnutrition, and optimizing preoperative cancer staging and management strategies.

Liver Resection and Transplantation for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Beyond Milan Criteria.

OBJECTIVES: To assess survival after liver resection and transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond Milan criteria. BACKGROUND: The role of liver resection and transplantation remains controversial for patients with HCC beyond Milan criteria. Resection of advanced tumors and transplantation using extended-criteria are pursued at select high-volume center. METHODS: Patients from 5 liver cancer centers in the United States who had liver resection or transplantation for HCC beyond Milan criteria between 1990 and 2011 were included in the study. Multivariable and propensity-matching analyses estimated the effects of clinical factors and operative selection on survival. RESULTS: Of 608 patients beyond Milan without vascular invasion, 480 (79%) patients underwent resection and 128 (21%) underwent transplantation. Clinicopathologic profiles between resection and transplant patients differed significantly. Hepatitis C and cirrhosis were more prevalent in transplantation group (P < 0.001). Resection patients had larger tumors [median 9 cm, interquartile range (IQR): 6.5-12.9 cm vs. median 4.1, IQR: 3.4-5.3 cm, P < 0.001]; transplant patients were more likely to have multiple tumors (78% vs 28%, P < 0.001).Overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were both greater after tumor downstaging and transplantation than resection (all P < 0.001). OS did not differ between liver transplant recipients who were not pretreated or pretreated and failed to downstage compared with propensity-matched liver resection patients (P ≥ 0.176); DFS in this propensity matched cohort was greater after liver transplantation (P ≤ 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Liver resection and transplantation provide curative options for patients with HCC beyond Milan criteria. Further treatment strategies aimed at the efficiency and durability of tumor downstaging and expansion of the role of transplantation among suitable candidates could improve outcomes in patients with large or multifocal HCC.

Blood transfusion is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that blood transfusion is associated with increased risk of worse outcomes among patients selected for hepatectomy. However, the independent effect of transfusion has not been confirmed. We hypothesize that blood transfusion is an independent factor that affects outcomes in patients undergoing hepatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients at tertiary care center who underwent hepatectomy between 2006 and 2013 were identified and linked with the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program PUF data set. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of blood transfusion on 30-d mortality and morbidity, adjusted for differences in extent of resection and estimated probabilities of morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Among 522 patients in the study, 48 (9.2%) patients required perioperative blood transfusion within 72 h of resection, and 172 (33%) underwent major hepatectomy. Indications for hepatectomy included metastatic neoplasm (n = 229, 44%), primary hepatic neoplasm (n = 108, 21%), primary extra-hepatic biliary neoplasm (n = 23, 4%), and nonmalignant indications (n = 162, 31%). Eighty-eight (17%) patients had a postoperative morbidity. Blood transfusion was significantly associated with postoperative morbidity (odds ratio [OR] = 4.18, 95% CI = 2.18-8.02, P = 0.0001) and mortality (OR = 14.5, 95% CI = 3.08-67.8, P = 001), after adjustment for the concurrent effect of National Surgical Quality Improvement Program estimated probability of morbidity (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.11-12.2, P = 0.042). The extent of resection was not significantly associated with morbidity (OR = 1.30, 95% CI, 0.74-2.28, P = 0.366) or mortality (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.24-5.50, P = 0.870). CONCLUSIONS: Blood transfusion is a highly statistically significant independent predictor of morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy. Judicious use of perioperative transfusion is indicated in patients with benign and malignant indications for liver resection.

The impact of bacterial colonization on graft success after total pancreatectomy with autologous islet transplantation: considerations for early definitive surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether bacterial contamination of islets affects graft success after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). BACKGROUND: Factors associated with insulin independence after TPIAT are inconclusive. Although bacterial contamination does not preclude transplantation, the impact of bacterial contamination on graft success is unknown. METHODS: Patients who received TPIAT at the University of Virginia between January 2007 and January 2016 were reviewed. Patient charts were reviewed for bacterial contamination and patients were prospectively contacted to assess rates of insulin independence. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in demographic or perioperative data between patients who achieved insulin independence and those who did not. However, six of 27 patients analyzed (22.2%) grew bacterial contaminants from culture of the final islet preparations. These patients had significantly lower islet yield and C-peptide at most recent follow-up (P<.05), and none of these patients achieved insulin independence. CONCLUSIONS: Islet transplant solutions are often culture positive, likely secondary to preprocurement pancreatic manipulation and introduction of enteric flora. Although autotransplantation of culture-positive islets is safe, it is associated with higher rates of graft failure and poor islet yield. Consideration should be given to identify patients who may develop refractory chronic pancreatitis and offer early operative management to prevent bacterial colonization.

Improving treatment and survival: a population-based study of current outcomes after a hepatic resection in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Population-based studies historically report underutilization of a resection in patients with colorectal metastases to the liver. Recent data suggest limitations of the methods in the historical analysis. The present study examines trends in a hepatic resection and survival among Medicare recipients with hepatic metastases. METHODS: Medicare recipients with incident colorectal cancer diagnosed between 1991 and 2009 were identified in the SEER(Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results)-Medicare dataset. Patients were stratified into historical (1991-2001) and current (2002-2009) cohorts. Analyses compared treatment, peri-operative outcomes and survival. RESULTS: Of 31.574 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver, 14,859 were in the current cohort treated after 2002 and 16,715 comprised the historical control group. The overall proportion treated with a hepatic resection increased significantly during the study period (P < 0.001) with pre/post change from 6.5% pre-2002 to 7.5% currently (P < 0.001). Over time, haemorrhagic and infectious complications declined (both P ≤ 0.047), but 30-day mortality was similar (3.5% versus 3.9%, P = 0.660). After adjusting for predictors of survival, the use of a hepatic resection [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38-0.42, P < 0.001] and treatment after 2002 (HR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.86-0.90, P < 0.001) were associated with a reduced risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: Case identification using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes is imperfect; however, comparison of trends over time suggests an improvement in multimodality therapy and survival in patients with colorectal metastases to the liver.