Are enhanced recovery protocols after pancreatoduodenectomy still efficient when applied in elderly patients? A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis investigated the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols compared to conventional care on postoperative outcomes in patients aged 70 years or older undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: Five databases were systematically searched. Comparative studies with available individual patient data (IPD) were included. The main outcomes were postoperative morbidity, length of stay, readmission and postoperative functional recovery elements. To assess an age-dependent effect, the group was divided in septuagenarians (70-79 years) and older patients (≥80 years). RESULTS: IPD were obtained from 15 of 31 eligible studies comprising 1109 patients. The overall complication and major complication rates were comparable in both groups (OR 0.92 [95% CI: 0.65-1.29], p = .596 and OR 1.22 [95% CI: 0.61-2.46], p = .508). Length of hospital stay tended to be shorter in the ERAS group compared to the conventional care group (-0.14 days [95% CI: -0.29 to 0.01], p = .071) while readmission rates were comparable and the total length of stay including days in hospital after readmission tended to be shorter in the ERAS group (-0.28 days [95% CI: -0.62 to 0.05], p = .069). In the subgroups, the length of stay was shorter in octogenarians treated with ERAS (-0.36 days [95% CI: -0.71 to -0.004], p = .048). The readmission rate increased slightly but not significantly while the total length of stay was not longer in the ERAS group. CONCLUSION: ERAS in the elderly is safe and its benefits are preserved in the care of even in patients older than 80 years. Standardized care protocol should be encouraged in all pancreatic centers.

Impact of enhanced recovery protocols after pancreatoduodenectomy: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This individual-patient data meta-analysis investigated the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols compared with conventional care on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched systematically for articles reporting outcomes of ERAS after pancreatoduodenectomy published up to August 2020. Comparative studies were included. Main outcomes were postoperative functional recovery elements, postoperative morbidity, duration of hospital stay, and readmission. RESULTS: Individual-patient data were obtained from 17 of 31 eligible studies comprising 3108 patients. Time to liquid (mean difference (MD) -3.23 (95 per cent c.i. -4.62 to -1.85) days; P < 0.001) and solid (-3.84 (-5.09 to -2.60) days; P < 0.001) intake, time to passage of first stool (MD -1.38 (-1.82 to -0.94) days; P < 0.001) and time to removal of the nasogastric tube (3.03 (-4.87 to -1.18) days; P = 0.001) were reduced with ERAS. ERAS was associated with lower overall morbidity (risk difference (RD) -0.04, 95 per cent c.i. -0.08 to -0.01; P = 0.015), less delayed gastric emptying (RD -0.11, -0.22 to -0.01; P = 0.039) and a shorter duration of hospital stay (MD -2.33 (-2.98 to -1.69) days; P < 0.001) without a higher readmission rate. CONCLUSION: ERAS improved postoperative outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy. Implementation should be encouraged.

Enhanced recovery protocols consist of interdisciplinary interventions aimed at standardizing care and reducing the impact of surgical stress. They often include a short period of preoperative fasting during the night before surgery, early removal of lines and surgical drains, early food intake and mobilization out of bed on the day of surgery. This study gives a summary of reports assessing such care protocols in patients undergoing pancreatic head surgery, and assesses the impact of these protocols on functional recovery in an analysis of individual-patient data. The study revealed the true benefits of enhanced recovery protocols, including shorter time to food intake, earlier bowel activity, fewer complications after surgery, and a shorter hospital stay compared with conventional care.

Exploring the lengthiest ambulatory breast surgery clinic appointments: is the patient the problem?

BACKGROUND: Prolonged outpatient clinic appointments can disrupt schedules, impacting patients and providers. We sought to define features of the longest ambulatory appointments in a breast surgery clinic, and to ascertain whether patients attending these appointments consistently have protracted appointments. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted of breast surgery clinic patients, January 2017 to May 2019, and the longest 1% of appointments identified using a real-time patient tracking system. A primary chart review was performed, and data abstracted. Other appointments attended by these patients were identified, and the ratio of appointments >75th percentile duration (protracted appointments) to the total appointments during the study period was calculated, enabling comparison for patients with consistently protracted (ratio >50%) vs. sporadically protracted appointments (≤50%). Descriptive analysis was performed, and results reported as medians with inter-quartile ranges. RESULTS: A total of 15,265 clinic appointments were identified, and the longest 148 (exceeding 244 minutes) analyzed. Median appointment length was 264 minutes (inter-quartile range: 253-290). 70% were new patient appointments, and 54% of patients underwent a test/investigation that day. A minority were obese (39%), smokers (41%), diagnosed with a psychiatric comorbidity (34%), had a genetic cancer syndrome (22%), or received unexpected news at their appointment (16%). Of 118 patients with multiple appointments, 26% had consistently protracted appointments and 74% sporadically protracted appointments. CONCLUSIONS: The lengthiest appointments are usually newly diagnosed cancer patients. Only a minority of patients have consistently protracted appointments, implying that a patient's previously prolonged appointment may not predict future long appointments.

Economic Analysis of Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Compared with Chemotherapy in Resected Pancreas Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Population-based survival and costs of pancreas adenocarcinoma patients receiving adjuvant chemoradiation and chemotherapy following pancreaticoduodenectomy are poorly understood. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used linked administrative and pathological datasets to identify all patients diagnosed with pancreas adenocarcinoma and undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy in Ontario between April 2004 and March 2014, who received postoperative chemoradiation or chemotherapy. Stage and margin status were defined by using pathology reports. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression survival analyses were used to determine associations between adjuvant treatment approach and survival, while stratifying by margin status. Median overall health system costs were calculated at 1 and 3 years for chemoradiation and chemotherapy, and differences were tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Among 709 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreas cancer during the study period, the median survival was 21 months. Median survival was 19 months for chemoradiation and 22 months for chemotherapy. Patients receiving chemoradiation were more likely to have positive margins: 47.7% compared with 19.2% in chemotherapy. After stratifying by margin status and controlling for confounders, adjusted hazard ratio of death were not statistically different between chemotherapy and chemoradiation [margin positive, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.88-1.27; margin negative, HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-1.18]. Overall 1-year health system costs were significantly higher for chemoradiation (USD $70,047) than chemotherapy (USD $54,005) (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy and chemoradiation yielded similar survival, but chemoradiation resulted in higher costs. To create more sustainable healthcare systems, both the efficacy and costs of therapies should be considered.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Regional Metastasis to Axilla or Groin Lymph Nodes: a Multicenter Outcome Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the trunk/extremities with nodal metastasis represents a rare but significant clinical challenge. Treatment patterns and outcomes are poorly described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with cSCC who developed axilla/groin lymph node metastasis and underwent curative-intent surgery between 2005 and 2015 were identified at four Canadian academic centers. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment patterns, recurrence rates, and mortality were described. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Predictors of survival and any recurrence were explored using Cox regression and logistic regression models, respectively. RESULTS: Of 43 patients, 70% were male (median age 74 years). Median follow-up was 38 months. Median time to nodal metastasis was 11.3 months. Thirty-one and 12 patients had nodal metastasis to the axilla and groin, respectively. A total of 72% and 7% received adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiation, respectively, while 5% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Following surgery, 26% patients developed nodal and/or distant disease recurrence. Crude mortality rate was 39.5%. Mean OS was 5.3 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9-6.8 years], and 5-year OS was 55.1%. Mean DFS was 4.8 years (95% CI 3.3-6.2 years), and five-year DFS was 49.3%. Any recurrence was the only independent predictor of death [p = 0.036, odds ratio (OR) = 29.5], and extracapsular extension (p = 0.028, OR = 189) and age (p = 0.017, OR = 0.823) were independent predictors of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This represents the largest contemporary series to date of outcomes for patients with axilla/groin nodal metastases from cSCC. Despite aggressive treatment, outcomes remain modest, indicating the need for a continued multidisciplinary approach and integration of new systemic agents.

Cost of open and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: surgeon perceptions versus the reality of hospital spending.

BACKGROUND: Rising health care costs have led to increasing focus on cost containment and accountability from health care providers. We sought to explore surgeon awareness of supply costs for open and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. METHODS: Surveys were sent in 2015 to surgeons at 8 academic hospitals in Toronto who performed distal gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Respondents were asked to estimate the total cost, type and number of disposable equipment pieces required to perform open and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. We determined the accuracy of estimates through comparisons with procedural invoices for distal gastrectomy performed between Jan. 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2015. All values are in 2015 Canadian dollars. RESULTS: Of the 53 surveys sent out, 12 were completed (response rate 23%). Surgeon estimates of total supply costs ranged from $500 to $3000 and from $1500 to $5000 for open and laparoscopic cases, respectively. Estimated supply costs for requested equipment ranged from $464 to $2055 for open cases and from $1870 to $2960 for laparoscopic cases. Invoices for actual equipment yielded a mean of $821 (standard deviation $543) (range $89-$2613) for open cases and $2678 (standard deviation $958) (range $835-$4102) for laparoscopic cases. Estimates of total cost were within 25% of the median invoice total in 1 response (9%) for open cases and 3 (27%) of those for laparoscopic cases. CONCLUSION: Respondents failed to accurately estimate equipment costs. The variation in true total costs and estimates of supply costs represents an opportunity for intraoperative cost minimization, efficient equipment selection and value-based purchasing arrangements.

CONTEXTE: En raison de l'augmentation des coûts des soins de santé on attend des professionnels qu'ils mettent davantage l'accent sur les restrictions budgétaires et l'imputabilité. Nous avons voulu vérifier à quel point les chirurgiens sont conscients du coût des fournitures utilisés dans les cas de gastrectomie distale ouverte et laparoscopique. MÉTHODES: Des questionnaires ont été envoyés en 2015 aux chirurgiens de 8 hôpitaux universitaires de Toronto qui pratiquent la gastrectomie distale pour l'adénocarcinome de l'estomac. On demandait aux participants d'estimé le coût total, le type et le nombre de fournitures jetables requises pour une gastrectomie distale ouverte et laparoscopique. Nous avons déterminé l'exactitude des estimations en comparant les factures pour les interventions de gastrectomie distale effectuées entre le 1er janvier 2011 et le 31 décembre 2015. Toutes les valeurs sont présentées en dollars canadiens. RÉSULTATS: Parmi les 53 questionnaires envoyés, 12 sont revenus complétés (taux de réponse 23 %). Les estimations des chirurgiens pour le coût total des fournitures allaient de 500 $ à 3000 $ et de 1500 $ à 5000 $ pour les interventions ouvertes et laparoscopiques, respectivement. Le coût estimé des fournitures pour l'équipement nécessaire variait de 464 $ à 2055 $ pour les interventions ouvertes et de 1870 $ à 2960 $ pour les interventions laparoscopiques. Les factures soumises pour les équipements réellement utilisés ont été en moyenne de 821 $ (écart-type 543 $) (éventail 89 $-2613 $) pour les interventions ouvertes et de 2678 $ (écart-type 958 $) (éventail 835 $-4102 $) pour les interventions laparoscopiques. Les estimations des coûts totaux se situaient à plus ou moins 25 % du montant total médian des factures dans 1 réponse (9 %) pour les interventions ouvertes et dans 3 réponses (27 %) pour les interventions laparoscopiques. CONCLUSION: Les participants n'ont pas été en mesure d'estimer avec exactitude le coût des fournitures. Cet écart entre les coûts totaux réels et estimés représente une occasion de réduire les coûts peropératoires, de sélectionner les équipements de façon efficiente et de conclure des contrats d'achat en fonction de la valeur.

Why Do General Surgeons Decide to Retire?: A Population-level Survey.

: Limited recent data exist regarding intended retirement plans for general surgeons (GS). We sought to understand when and why surgeons decide to stop operating as primary surgeon and stop all clinical work.A paper-based survey of practicing GS in the province of Ontario, Canada, was conducted. A questionnaire was developed using a systematic approach of item generation and reduction. Face and content validity were tested. The survey was administered via mail, with a planned reminder.Overall response rate was 33.5% (242/723). The median age at which respondents planned to/did stop operating was 65 (interquartile range 60-67.5). The median age at which respondents planned to/did retire from all clinical work was 70 (interquartile range 65-72.5). Career satisfaction (97%), sense of identity (90%), and financial need (69%) were factors that influenced the decision to continue operating. Enjoyment of work (79%), camaraderie with surgical colleagues (66%), and financial need (45%) were reasons to continue working after ceasing to operate as the primary surgeon. On multivariate analysis, younger respondents (36-50 years old) perceived they were less likely to continue operating past age 65 (odds ratio 0.13), and academic surgeons were more likely to stop operating after age 65 (odds ratio 2.39). Call coverage by nonstaff surgeons was not associated with retirement age.Overall, GS plan to stop operating at age 65, and to cease all clinical activities at age 70. Younger, nonacademic surgeons plan to stop operating earlier. Career satisfaction, sense of identity, and financial need are the principal reported motivations to continue operating.

The economics of recovery after pancreatic surgery: detailed cost minimization analysis of an enhanced recovery program.

BACKGROUND: Clinical pathways (CPW) are considered safe and effective at decreasing postoperative length of stay (LoS), but the effect on economic costs is uncertain. This study sought to elucidate the effect of a CPW on direct hospitalization costs for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: A CPW for PD patients at a single Canadian institution was implemented. Outcomes included LoS, 30-day readmissions, and direct costs of hospital care. A retrospective cost minimization analysis compared patients undergoing PD prior to and following CPW implementation, using a bootstrapped t test and deviation-based cost modeling. RESULTS: 121 patients undergoing PD after CPW implementation were compared to 74 controls. Index LoS was decreased following CPW implementation (9 vs. 11 days, p = 0.005), as was total LoS (10 vs. 11 days, p = 0.003). The mean total cost of postoperative hospitalization per patient decreased in the CPW group ($15,678.45 CAD vs. $25,732.85 CAD, p = 0.024), as was the mean 30-day cost including readmissions ($16,627.15 CAD vs. $29,872.72 CAD, p = 0.016). Areas of significant cost savings included laboratory tests and imaging investigations. CONCLUSIONS: CPWs may generate cost savings by reducing unnecessary investigations, and improve quality of care through process standardization and decreasing practice variation.

The impact of a clinical pathway on patient postoperative recovery following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomies (PD) are complex surgical procedures. Clinical pathways (CPW) are surgical process improvement tools that guide postoperative recovery and are associated with high quality care. Our objective was to report the quality of surgical care following implementation of a CPW. METHODS: We developed and implemented a CPW for patients undergoing PD at a single high volume hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) centre. Patient outcomes were collected prospectively during the implementation period. A comparator cohort was selected by identifying patients that underwent a PD prior to CPW development. RESULTS: 122 patients underwent a PD during the CPW implementation period; 83 patients were initiated on the CPW. 74 patients underwent PD during the 12-month period prior to the CPW. The median hospital stay decreased after the implementation of the CPW (11 vs 8 days, p < 0.01) with no significant changes to mortality, morbidity, reoperation, or readmission rates. In-hospital complications were significantly higher in patients that were not initiated on the CPW (54% vs 74%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Results suggest the CPW reduced variability and allowed a greater proportion of patients to receive all elements of care, resulting in improved quality and efficiency of care based on current best evidence recommendations.

Secondary gastric cancer malignancies following a breast cancer diagnosis: A population-based analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the population-risk of developing gastric cancer (GC) following breast cancer (BC). METHODS: GC incidence following a ductal or lobular BC were separately compared to incidence in the general United States population using SEER data. RESULTS: GC rates were similar to the general population for ductal BC. Women aged 35-75 with lobular BC had a significantly higher incidence of GC; women aged 40-44 had the highest risk. CONCLUSION: The risk of secondary GC is high among young women diagnosed with lobular BC. More studies investigating the etiology and prevalence of familial GC syndromes at the population-level are needed.

The Impact of Increasing Hospital Volume on 90-Day Postoperative Outcomes Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Performance of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in high-volume centers has been posited to improve postoperative morbidity and mortality, consistent with the volume-outcomes hypothesis. We sought to evaluate the impact of hospital volume on 90-day PD outcomes at hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) centers within a regionalized system. METHODS: A retrospective population-based observational cohort study was performed, using administrative records of patients undergoing PD between 2005 and 2013 in Ontario, Canada. Postoperative administrative codes were used to define complications. Patients' 90-day postoperative outcomes were compared between center-volume categories using chi-square tests and multivariable regression. Volume cutoffs were defined using minimal regional standards (20PD/year), with assessment of the impact of further volume increases. RESULTS: Of 2660 patients, 2563 underwent PD at HPB centers. Of these, 38.9% underwent surgery at higher-volume centers (>40 PD/year), 36.9% at medium-volume centers (20-39 PD/year), and 24.1% at lower-volume centers (10-19 PD/year). Mortality (30- and 90-day) was lowest at higher-volume hospitals (1.5%, 2.7%, respectively) compared to medium-volume (3.9%, 6.3%) and lower-volume hospitals (2.9%, 5.2%) (p < 0.01). Patients treated at higher- and medium-volume centers had lower reoperation rates (10.3%, 10.7% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.0002) and less prolonged length of stay (23.2%, 22.0% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.0001) compared to lower-volume centers. CONCLUSION: Progressive increases in hospital volume correspond to improved 90-day outcomes following PD.

Pasireotide for the Prevention of Pancreatic Fistula Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of perioperative administration of pasireotide for reduction of pancreatic fistula (PF). SUMMARY: PF is a major complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), associated with significant morbidity and healthcare-related costs. Pasireotide is a novel multireceptor ligand somatostatin analogue, which has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of PF following pancreas resection; however, the drug cost is significant. This study sought to estimate the cost-effectiveness of routine administration of pasireotide to patients undergoing PD, compared with no intervention from the perspective of the hospital system. METHODS: A decision-analytic model was developed to compare costs for perioperative administration of pasireotide versus no pasireotide. The model was populated using an institutional database containing all PDs performed 2002 to 2012 at a single institution, including data regarding clinically significant PF (International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula Grade B or C) and hospital-related inpatient costs for 90 days following PD, converted to 2014 $USD. Relative risk of PF associated with pasireotide was estimated from the published literature. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test robustness of the model. RESULTS: Mean institutional cost of index admissions was $67,417 and $31,950 for patients with and without PF, respectively. Pasireotide was the dominant strategy, associated with savings of $1685, and a mean reduction of 1.5 days length of stay. Univariate sensitivity analyses demonstrated cost-savings down to a PF rate of 5.6%, up to a relative risk of PF of 0.775, and up to a drug cost of $2817. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed 79% of simulations were cost saving. CONCLUSIONS: Pasireotide appears to be a cost-saving treatment following PD across a wide variation of clinical and cost scenarios.

Beyond the dollar: Influence of sociodemographic marginalization on surgical resection, adjuvant therapy, and survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: The single-payer universal health care system in Ontario, Canada creates a setting with reduced socioeconomic barriers to treatment. Herein, the authors sought to elucidate the influence of sociodemographic marginalization on receipt of pancreatectomy, overall survival (OS), and receipt of adjuvant treatment among patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the population level using an observational cohort study design. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Ontario between January 2005 and January 2010 were identified using the provincial cancer registry and linked to administrative databases. Census data obtained from each patient's postal code were used as a proxy for that patient's median income, residential instability, material deprivation, ethnic concentration, and dependency (percentage aged <15 years, aged >65 years, and unemployed). Surgical specimen pathology reports were abstracted for histopathology and margin status. Independent predictors of undergoing pancreatectomy, OS after surgical resection, and receipt of adjuvant treatment were identified by logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: Of the 6296 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 820 (13%) underwent resection of their tumor. Increasing levels of residential instability (odds ratio [OR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.80-0.94) and material deprivation (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.94) predicted a decreased likelihood of undergoing surgical resection. Patients living in rural areas (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51-0.91) and those living in urban areas with lower incomes (OR range, 0.49-0.77) were found to have a lower likelihood of undergoing surgical resection compared with patients in the urban areas with the highest income. After surgical resection, an association between sociodemographic marginalization with OS or receipt of adjuvant treatment was not identified. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic marginalization exerts its influence early in the pancreatic cancer care continuum, and appears to be associated more with which patients undergo surgical resection than the receipt of adjuvant treatment. Cancer 2016;122:3175-82. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

The association of adjuvant therapy with survival at the population level following pancreatic adenocarcinoma resection.

BACKGROUND: Using a retrospective observational cohort approach, the overall survival (OS) following curative-intent resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) was defined at the population level according to adjuvant treatment, and predictors of OS were identified. METHODS: Patients undergoing resection of PC in the province of Ontario between 2005 and 2010 were identified using the provincial cancer registry, and linked to databases that include all treatments received and outcomes experienced in the province. Pathology reports were abstracted for staging and margin status. Patients were identified as having received chemotherapy (CT), chemoradiation therapy (CRT), or no adjuvant treatment (NAT). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of patients surviving ≥ 6 months was performed, and predictors of OS identified by log-rank test. Cox multivariable analysis was used to define independent predictors of OS. RESULTS: Among the 473 patients undergoing PC resection, the median survival was 17.8 months; for the 397 who survived ≥ 6 months following surgery, the 5-year OS for the CT, CRT, and NAT groups was 21%, 16%, and 17%, respectively (p = 0.584). Lymph node-negative patients demonstrated improved OS associated with chemotherapy on multivariable analysis (HR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.25-3.83 for NAT vs. CT). CONCLUSIONS: Following PC resection, only patients with negative lymph nodes demonstrated improved OS associated with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Understanding Perioperative Transfusion Practices in Gastrointestinal Surgery-a Practice Survey of General Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Despite guidelines recommending restrictive red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) strategies, perioperative transfusion practices still vary significantly. To understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to gaps in practice, we sought to assess the attitudes of surgeons regarding the perioperative management of anemia and use of RBCT in patients having gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: We conducted a self-administered Web-based survey of general surgery staff and residents, in a network of eight academic institutions at the University of Toronto. We developed a questionnaire using a systematic approach of items generation and reduction. We tested face and content validity and test-retest reliability. We administered the survey via emails, with planned reminders. RESULTS: Total response rate was 48.1 % (62/125). Half (51.0 %) of respondents stated that they were unlikely to conduct a preoperative anemia work-up. About 54.0 % reported ordering preoperative oral iron supplementation for anemia. Most respondents indicated using a 70 g/L hemoglobin trigger (92.0 %) for transfusion. Factors increasing thresholds above 70 g/L included cardiac comorbidity (58.0 %), acute cardiac disease (94.0 %), symptomatic anemia (68.0 %), and suspected bleeding (58.0 %). With those factors, the transfusion threshold often increased above 90 g/L. Respondents perceived RBCTs to increase the postoperative morbidity (62 %), but not to impact the mortality (48 %) and cancer recurrence (52 %). Institutional protocols (68.0 %), blood conservation clinics (44.0 %), and clinical practice guidelines (84.0 %) were believed to encourage restrictive use of RBCTs. CONCLUSION: Self-reported perioperative transfusion practices for GI surgery are heterogeneous. Few respondents investigated preoperative anemia. Stated use of RBCT indications varied from recommendations in published guidelines for patients with symptomatic anemia. Establishing team consensus and implementing local blood management guidelines appear necessary to improve uptake of evidence-based recommendations.

Enhanced recovery after pancreatic surgery: a systematic review of the evidence.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to reduce hospital stay without compromising outcomes. Attempts to apply ERAS principles in the context of pancreatic surgery have generated encouraging results. A systematic review of the current evidence for ERAS following pancreatic surgery was conducted. METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed for articles describing postoperative clinical pathways in pancreatic surgery during the years 2000-2013. The keywords 'clinical pathway', 'critical pathway', 'fast-track', 'pancreas' and 'surgery' and their synonyms were used as search terms. Articles were selected for inclusion based on predefined criteria and ranked for quality. Details of the ERAS protocols and relevant outcomes were extracted and analysed. RESULTS: Ten articles describing an ERAS protocol in pancreatic surgery were identified. The level of evidence was graded as low to moderate. No articles reported an adverse effect of an ERAS protocol for pancreatic surgery on perioperative morbidity or mortality. Length of stay (LoS) was decreased and readmission rates were found to be unchanged in six of seven studies that compared these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence indicates that ERAS protocols may be implemented in pancreatic surgery without compromising patient safety or increasing LoS. Enhanced recovery after surgery programmes in the context of pancreatic surgery should be standardized based upon the best available evidence, and trials of ERAS programmes involving multiple centres should be performed.