A comparison between Belsey Mark IV and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in patients with large paraesophageal hernia.

OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most commonly performed operation for the repair of large hiatal hernias. We compared outcomes between the Belsey Mark IV fundoplication and the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed over a 10-year period on patients who had repair of large paraesophageal hernia. Patients who received the Belsey Mark IV (n = 118) were matched 1 to 1, by year of surgery, gender, and age, with patients who received laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. We compared these 2 groups, examining recurrence, need for reoperation, perioperative outcomes, and symptomatic follow-up as defined by the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire. RESULTS: Recurrence rates were similar between patients who had a Belsey Mark IV and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (8.4% vs 16.1%, P = .11). However, the esophageal leak rate was higher in patients who received a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication compared with the Belsey Mark IV (6.8% vs 0%, respectively, P = .006), and patients who received a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication had higher rates of reoperation (9.3% vs 2.5%, respectively, P = .05). Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life symptom scores were similar between groups with symptoms in laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and Belsey Mark IV, being excellent (74.4% vs 81.4%), good (9.3% vs 7.0%), fair (9.3% vs 0), and poor (7.0% vs 11.6%), respectively (P = .52). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for large paraesophageal hernias was associated with an increased incidence of leak and reoperation when compared with Belsey fundoplication. Belsey Mark IV fundoplication should be considered when deciding on what operation to perform in patients with large paraesophageal hernias.

Swallowing dysfunction in elderly trauma patients.

PURPOSE: Newly diagnosed swallowing dysfunction is rare, with an incidence <1% in hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of dysphagia in elderly trauma patients specifically. METHODS: Patients ≥75years who had newly diagnosed swallowing dysfunction were identified by retrospective review of our institutional trauma database from 2009-2012. A comparison group without dysphagia was also identified that was matched by age, gender, injury mechanism, and injury severity score (ISS). Relevant demographics, injury characteristics, and potential factors associated with dysphagia were collected. RESULTS: 1323 patients met criteria. Of these, 56(4.2%) had newly identified dysphagia. Cases and controls were similar in regards to regional injury pattern (AIS). Patients with dysphagia had a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of 3.7 vs. 1.9 for patients without dysphagia (p<0.01). Patients with dysphagia also had longer hospital (11.4 vs. 5.8days, p<0.01) and ICU LOS (5.6 vs 1.9days, p<0.01). On multivariable regression, CCI greater than 3 (OR 7.2, p<0.001), in-hospital complications (OR 9.6, p<0.01), and ICU LOS greater than 2days (OR 1.5, p<0.05) were independently associated with the diagnosis of dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly trauma patients with a high comorbidity burden or with prolonged ICU lengths of stay should be screened for dysphagia.

Adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus.

BACKGROUND: The safety, efficacy, and prognostic implications of resection of adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus are poorly described. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed during a 30-year period on patients who underwent resection of locally advanced, nonmetastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. We compared patients with and without inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, examining perioperative characteristics, completeness of resection, mortality, and survival. RESULTS: We identified 65 patients who underwent resection of locally advanced (T4N0 and T4N1) adrenocortical carcinoma (28 patients with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, 37 noninferior vena cava tumor thrombus). Rate of complete resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and short-term postoperative morbidity was similar between groups. Overall survival was similar at 12-months. At 24 months overall survival was less in the inferior vena cava tumor thrombus group (59% vs 30%, P = .04). Differential survival through 60-month follow-up favored the noninferior vena cava tumor thrombus group (36% vs 0%, P = .001). Subgroup analysis including only patients with complete resection demonstrates similar survival at 24-months but at 36-months survival favored the noninferior vena cava tumor thrombus patients (65% vs 29%, P = .047) and this continued through 60 months (40% vs 0%, P = .049). CONCLUSION: Attempt at complete resection of adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus seems justified particularly as short-term safety and survival are similar to patients without inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. However, survival beyond 36-months is limited in patients with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. Patients being evaluated for resection in the setting of inferior vena cava tumor thrombus should be selected carefully.

Tube thoracostomy: Increased angle of insertion is associated with complications.

INTRODUCTION: Tube thoracostomy (TT), considered a routine procedure, has significant complications. Current recommendations for placement rely on surface anatomy. There is no information to guide operators regarding angle of insertion relative to chest wall. We aim to determine if angle of insertion is associated with complications of TT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of adult trauma patients who necessitated TT at a Level I trauma center over a 2-year period (January 2012 to December 2013). Tube thoracostomies performed intraoperatively or using radiological guidance were excluded. Thoracic anteroposterior or posteroanterior radiographs were reviewed to determine the angle of insertion of TT relative to the thoracic wall. A previously validated classification method was used to categorize complications. Descriptive and univariate statistics were used to compare angle of insertion and complicated versus uncomplicated TT. RESULTS: Review identified 154 patients who underwent a total of 246 TT placed for emergent trauma. All patients had a postprocedural chest x-ray. We identified 90 complications (37%) over the study period. One hundred forty-four of the TTs reviewed had an angle of insertion less than 45 degrees of which there were 27 complications (19%). One hundred two of the TTs had an angle greater than 45 degrees and 63 complications (62%); p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Tube thoracostomy insertion is inherently dangerous. Placement of TT using a higher angle of insertion greater than 45 degrees is associated with increased complications. Further prospective studies quantifying TT angle of insertion on outcomes are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

Outcomes of Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Are Combined Procedures Justified?

Efficacy and outcomes of resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) are well established; specific data on outcomes for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), either alone or with combined procedures, are limited. A retrospective review of PDs for pNET (1998-2014) at our institution was conducted. Patients were categorized into standard PD (SPD) alone or combined PD (CPD) defined as patients undergoing concurrent vascular reconstruction or additional organ resection for curative intent. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed. PD for pNET was performed for 95 patients. Tumors were functional in 11 patients (9 %). Twenty-six patients (28 %) underwent CPD. The 30/90-day mortality was 1.1/5.3 % respectively and similar between SPD and CPD (p = 0.61/p = 0.24). Five-year overall survival after PD for pNET was 85.1/71.9 % and similar between SPD/CPD groups (p = 0.17). Recurrence-free and overall survival for low-grade tumors was 74.7/93.9 % at 5 years compared to only 14.8/49.7 % for high-grade tumors (p < 0.001) and not predicted by extent of resection (SPD/CPD, respectively). PD with or without concurrent resection provides an acceptable, perioperative and long-term oncologic, outcome for pNET. CPD is justified treatment modality, particularly for patients with low-grade tumors. The need for combinatorial procedures during PD is not contraindication alone for otherwise resectable patients with pNET.

Chest wall thickness and decompression failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing anatomic locations in needle thoracostomy.

INTRODUCTION: Current Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines recommend decompression for thoracic tension physiology using a 5-cm angiocatheter at the second intercostal space (ICS) on the midclavicular line (MCL). High failure rates occur. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the chest wall thickness (CWT) of the 2nd ICS-MCL, the 4th/5th ICS at the anterior axillary line (AAL), the 4th/5th ICS mid axillary line (MAL) and needle thoracostomy failure rates using the currently recommended 5-cm angiocatheter. METHODS: A comprehensive search of several databases from their inception to July 24, 2014 was conducted. The search was limited to the English language, and all study populations were included. Studies were appraised by two independent reviewers according to a priori defined PRISMA inclusion and exclusion criteria. Continuous outcomes (CWT) were evaluated using weighted mean difference and binary outcomes (failure with 5-cm needle) were assessed using incidence rate. Outcomes were pooled using the random-effects model. RESULTS: The search resulted in 34,652 studies of which 15 were included for CWT analysis, 13 for NT effectiveness. Mean CWT was 42.79 mm (95% CI, 38.78-46.81) at 2nd ICS-MCL, 39.85 mm (95% CI, 28.70-51.00) at MAL, and 34.33 mm (95% CI, 28.20-40.47) at AAL (P=.08). Mean failure rate was 38% (95% CI, 24-54) at 2nd ICS-MCL, 31% (95% CI, 10-64) at MAL, and 13% (95% CI, 8-22) at AAL (P=.01). CONCLUSION: Evidence from observational studies suggests that the 4th/5th ICS-AAL has the lowest predicted failure rate of needle decompression in multiple populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 SR/MA with up to two negative criteria. STUDY TYPE: Therapeutic.

Needle thoracostomy: Clinical effectiveness is improved using a longer angiocatheter.

BACKGROUND: Decompression of tension physiology may be lifesaving, but significant doubts remain regarding ideal needle thoracostomy (NT) catheter length in the treatment of tension physiology. We aimed to demonstrate increased clinical effectiveness of longer NT angiocatheter (8 cm) compared with current Advanced Trauma Life Support recommendations of 5-cm NT length. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all adult trauma patients from 2003 to 2013 (age > 15 years) transported to a Level I trauma center. Patients underwent NT at the second intercostal space midclavicular line, either at the scene of injury, during transport (prehospital), or during initial hospital trauma resuscitation. Before March 2011, both prehospital and hospital trauma team NT equipment routinely had a 5-cm angiocatheter available. After March 2011, prehospital providers were provided an 8-cm angiocatheter. Effectiveness was defined as documented clinical improvement in respiratory, cardiovascular, or general clinical condition. RESULTS: There were 91 NTs performed on 70 patients (21 bilateral placements) either in the field (prehospital, n = 41) or as part of resuscitation in the hospital (hospital, n = 29). Effectiveness of NT was 48% until March 2011 (n = 24). NT effectiveness was significantly higher in the prehospital setting than in the hospital (68.3% success rate vs. 20.7%, p < 0.01). Patients who underwent NT using 8 cm compared with 5 cm were significantly more effective (83% vs. 41%, respectively, p = 0.01). No complications of NT were identified in either group. CONCLUSION: Eight-centimeter angiocatheters are more effective at chest decompression compared with currently recommended 5 cm at the second intercostal space midclavicular line. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.