Thematic analysis of patient perspectives in a randomized controlled trial for a remote perioperative telemonitoring program.

BACKGROUND: Remote patient telemonitoring programs offer the potential to enhance access and communication with medical providers. This study assessed the patient-reported experience during perioperative telemonitoring for gastrointestinal (GI) oncologic surgery. METHODS: Between October 2021 and July 2023, patients with GI cancer were enrolled in the remote telemonitoring trial and randomized into the intervention or enhanced usual care arm. Although the enhanced usual care arm adhered to standard protocols for problem reporting, the intervention arm received active nursing support for monitoring data deviations from predetermined thresholds. The program culminated in a 15-minute exit interview comprised 9 total questions to gather insights into the patient experiences with device usage, symptom reporting, and communication with the healthcare team. Thematic analysis was conducted on all responses to present a patient-centric summary. RESULTS: Of the 114 patients completing the study, 100 patients (88%) participated in the exit interview. Most enrolled patients (n = 68) were diagnosed as having colorectal cancer. The intervention arm reported greater ease and accessibility in electronic data reporting and communication with healthcare team compared to the enhanced usual care arm (94% vs 69%). Qualitative analysis identified 3 themes used to describe the program: "instilling an affirmative and proactive mindset toward recovery," "receiving timely attention from healthcare team," and "benefits of device usage and electronic health surveys." The subthemes highlighted an appreciative and empowering mindset among most patients. CONCLUSION: Most enrolled patients expressed satisfaction with the program to facilitate their postoperative recovery. These positive testimonials present a promising outlook for future implementation from the patient perspective.

Who should get a right colectomy in low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas? Association of lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastases.

BACKGROUND: There is variation in the probability of nodal metastases from low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas, and the role of right colectomy is unclear. We aimed to define the prevalence and utility of lymphovascular invasion in predicting the risk of nodal metastases to help stratify patients who may benefit from right hemicolectomy. METHODS: Patients with nonmetastatic low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas were identified from the National Cancer Database (2010-2017). The primary outcome was probability of nodal metastases. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of nodal metastases. A 4-tier risk model-the COH Composite Score-was calculated by assigning 1 point each for a high-risk feature (lymphovascular invasion, T3/T4 T stage, or nonmucinous histology). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of survival. RESULTS: A total of 1,303 patients with nonmetastatic low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas (64.2% mucinous) were identified. Of the 1,133 patients with known lymphovascular invasion status, 78 (6.9%) were lymphovascular invasion positive. In multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion was independently associated with nodal metastases (odds ratio, 8.68; P < .001). Overall accuracy of lymphovascular invasion in predicting nodal metastases was 86%. The COH Composite Score stratified patients in 4 categories with increasing risk of nodal metastases and incrementally worse survival. For patients with the COH Composite Score of 0 (12%), the nodal metastasis rate was 3.1%, and a right hemicolectomy in this group did not improve survival. CONCLUSION: The presence of lymphovascular invasion is strongly predictive of nodal metastases. Lymphovascular invasion as part of the COH Composite Score may help guide the extent of surgery in low-grade appendiceal adenocarcinomas.

Explainable Machine Learning Model to Preoperatively Predict Postoperative Complications in Inpatients With Cancer Undergoing Major Operations.

PURPOSE: Preoperative prediction of postoperative complications (PCs) in inpatients with cancer is challenging. We developed an explainable machine learning (ML) model to predict PCs in a heterogenous population of inpatients with cancer undergoing same-hospitalization major operations. METHODS: Consecutive inpatients who underwent same-hospitalization operations from December 2017 to June 2021 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. The ML model was developed and tested using electronic health record (EHR) data to predict 30-day PCs for patients with Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or higher (CD 3+) per the CD classification system. Model performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), area under the precision recall curve (AUPRC), and calibration plots. Model explanation was performed using the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method at cohort and individual operation levels. RESULTS: A total of 988 operations in 827 inpatients were included. The ML model was trained using 788 operations and tested using a holdout set of 200 operations. The CD 3+ complication rates were 28.6% and 27.5% in the training and holdout test sets, respectively. Training and holdout test sets' model performance in predicting CD 3+ complications yielded an AUROC of 0.77 and 0.73 and an AUPRC of 0.56 and 0.52, respectively. Calibration plots demonstrated good reliability. The SHAP method identified features and the contributions of the features to the risk of PCs. CONCLUSION: We trained and tested an explainable ML model to predict the risk of developing PCs in patients with cancer. Using patient-specific EHR data, the ML model accurately discriminated the risk of developing CD 3+ complications and displayed top features at the individual operation and cohort level.

Toxic optic neuropathy associated with lamotrigine and levetiracetam dual therapy.

We report the case of an early adolescent male on lamotrigine and levetiracetam therapy with a 1-month history of progressive, bilateral, painless visual loss which resolved on cessation of lamotrigine. To our knowledge, we present the first case of lamotrigine and levetiracetam dual therapy associated with toxic optic neuropathy, supported by electrophysiology and optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes. Electrophysiology findings were consistent with retinal ganglion cell dysfunction, with bilateral optic nerve involvement. Macula OCT showed mild retinal ganglion cell loss in all inner quadrants bilaterally. This case highlights the importance of asking patients with epilepsy treated with lamotrigine and levetiracetam about visual problems and considering early dose reduction or cessation of treatment.

Outcomes of rectal cancer patients who refuse surgery after incomplete clinical response to neoadjuvant therapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Total mesorectal excision (TME) remains the standard of care for patients with rectal cancer who have an incomplete response to total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). A minority of patients will refuse curative intent resection. The aim of this study is to examine the outcomes for these patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of stage 1-3 rectal adenocarcinoma patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy or TNT at a single institution. Patients either underwent TME, watch-and-wait protocol, or if they refused TME, were counseled and watched (RCW). Clinical outcomes and resource utilization were examined in each group. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-one patients (Male 59%) were included with a median surveillance of 43 months. Twenty-nine patients (17%) refused TME and had shortened overall survival (OS). Twelve patients who refused TME converted to a complete clinical response (cCR) on subsequent staging with a prolonged OS. 92% of these patients had a near cCR at initial staging endoscopy. Increased physician visits and testing was utilized in RCW and WW groups. CONCLUSION: A significant portion of patients convert to cCR and have prolonged OS. Lengthening the time to declare cCR may be considered in select patients, such as those with a near cCR at initial endoscopic staging.

Inositol for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis to Inform the 2023 Update of the International Evidence-based PCOS Guidelines.

CONTEXT: Insulin resistance is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Inositol may have insulin sensitizing effects; however, its efficacy in the management of PCOS remains indeterminate. OBJECTIVE: To inform the 2023 international evidence-based guidelines in PCOS, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of inositol, alone or in combination with other therapies, in the management of PCOS. DATA SOURCES: Medline, PsycInfo, EMBASE, All EBM, and CINAHL from inception until August 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Thirty trials (n = 2230; 1093 intervention, 1137 control), with 19 pooled in meta-analyses were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted for hormonal, metabolic, lipids, psychological, anthropometric, reproductive outcomes, and adverse effects by 1 reviewer, independently verified by a second. DATA SYNTHESIS: Thirteen comparisons were assessed, with 3 in meta-analyses. Evidence suggests benefits for myo-inositol or D-chiro-inositol (DCI) for some metabolic measures and potential benefits from DCI for ovulation, but inositol may have no effect on other outcomes. Metformin may improve waist-hip ratio and hirsutism compared to inositol, but there is likely no difference for reproductive outcomes, and the evidence is very uncertain for body mass indexI. Myo-inositol likely causes fewer gastrointestinal adverse events compared with metformin; however, these are typically mild and self-limited. CONCLUSION: The evidence supporting the use of inositol in the management of PCOS is limited and inconclusive. Clinicians and their patients should consider the uncertainty of the evidence together with individual values and preferences when engaging in shared decision-making regarding the use of inositol for PCOS.

Time and Motion Studies to assess surgical productivity in cataract theatre lists within the National Health Service: Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery versus Delayed Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery.

BACKGROUND: To compare productivity of National Health Service cataract lists performing unilateral cataract (UC) surgery vs Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS). METHODS: Five 4-hour lists with ISBCS cases and five with UC were observed using time and motion studies (TMS). Individual tasks and timings of each staff member in theatre was recorded by two observers. All operations were performed by consultant surgeons under local anaesthesia (LA). RESULTS: Median number of eyes operated per 4-hour list was 8 (range 6-8) in the ISBCS group and 5 (5-7) in the UC group (p = 0.028). Mean total theatre time (defined as time between the entry of the first patient and the exit of the last patient from theatre) was 177.12 (SD 73.62) minutes in the ISBCS group and 139.16 (SD 47.73) minutes in the UC group (p = 0.36). Mean time to complete two consecutive unilateral cataract surgery operations was 48.71 minutes compared to 42.23 minutes for a single ISBCS case (13.30% time saved). Based on our collected TMS data, a possible 5 consecutive ISBCS cases and 1 UC (total 11 cataract surgeries) could be performed during a four-hour theatre session, with a theatre utilisation quotient of 97.20%, contrasting to nine consecutive UC, with a theatre utilisation quotient of 90.40%. DISCUSSION: Performing consecutive ISBCS cases under LA on routine cataract surgery lists can increase surgical efficiency. TMS are a useful way to investigate surgical productivity and test theoretical models for efficiency improvements.

Combined Liver and Colon Resection of Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases at a Quaternary Center.

INTRODUCTION: Existing literature on the safety of combined liver and colorectal resections for synchronous colorectal liver metastases is mixed. Using a retrospective review of our institutional data, we aimed to show that combined colorectal and liver resections for synchronous metastases is both feasible and safe in a quaternary center. METHODS: A retrospective review of combined resections for synchronous colorectal liver metastases at a quaternary referral center from 2015 to 2020 was completed. Clinicopathologic and perioperative data was collected. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for major postoperative complications. RESULTS: One hundred one patients were identified, with 35 undergoing major liver resections ( ≥ 3 segments) and 66 undergoing minor liver resections. The vast majority of patients (94%) received neoadjuvant therapy. There was no difference in postoperative major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade 3+) between major and minor liver resections (23.9% versus 12.1%, P = 0.16). On univariate analysis, Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) score >1 (P < 0.05) was predictive of major complication. However, on multivariable regression analysis, no factor was associated with significantly increased odds of major complication. CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrates that with thoughtful patient selection, combined resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases can be safely performed at a quaternary referral center.

Use of antibiotics and other treatments in Chinese adults with acute cough: An online survey.

Background: This study aimed to identify use of various treatments and their association with the use of antibiotics and patient reported clinical recovery in Chinese adults with acute cough. Methods: An online survey recruiting people who had recently experienced cough was conducted. Their sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, treatments received and their perceived changes in symptoms were collected. Factors influencing avoidance of antibiotics and improvement in symptoms were explored. Results: A total of 22,787 adults with recent acute cough completed the questionnaire, covering all 34 province-level administrative units in China. Most respondents were male (68.0%), young (89.4%, aged 18-45), educated to university/degree or postgraduate level (44.6%), with a median cough severity of 6/10 on a numerical rating scale. Nearly half of the participants (46.4%) reported using antibiotics, among which 93.1% were for presumed upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Pharmacies (48.8%) were the most common source of antibiotics. Fewer patients took antibiotics after taking CHM (14.9%), compared to those who started with home remedies (18.0%), or allopathic non-antibiotic medication (25.0%). Antibiotics, allopathic non-antibiotic medications, CHM and home remedies were all perceived beneficial in relieving cough. Conclusions: Chinese adult responders report use of a considerable variety of treatments alone or in combination for acute cough. Patient-reported clinical recovery was similar regardless of treatment. There is likely a high proportion of inappropriate use of antibiotics for treatment of simple acute cough. As the majority of respondents did not use antibiotics as a first-line, and use of CHM was associated with relief of cough symptoms and reduction in the use of antibiotics, this presents an important opportunity for prudent antibiotic stewardship in China.

Tumor extent impacts survival benefit in minimally invasive colectomy for T4 colon cancer: A propensity matched national cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: T4 colon cancers have been underrepresented in randomized trials comparing minimally invasive colectomy (MC) versus open colectomy (OC). Retrospective studies suggest improved survival with MC versus OC, but have not addressed the impact of tumor extent. METHODS: Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we analyzed patients undergoing colectomy for T4 colon adenocarcinoma from 2010 to 2014. Propensity score matching was performed between MC and OC patients. Tumor extent was defined by zones based on adjacent organ involvement. RESULTS: Of the 19 178 eligible patients, 6564 (34%) underwent MC. After matching, MC was associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratios: 0.71, 95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.76; median OS 59 vs. 42 months, p < 0.001). Compared to MC patients, those undergoing OC had: a higher margin positive rate (p = 0.009); lower median nodes examined (p < 0.001); a lower rate of adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001); and a longer median time to chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Stratified survival analyses demonstrated that MC was associated with improved overall survival compared to OC in all zones except zone 3 and 4. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to OC, MC for T4 colon cancer is associated with improved oncologic outcomes when performed for zone 0-2 tumors. For, zone 3 and 4 tumors MC and OC have similar oncologic outcomes and patients should be cautiously selected.

Long-term pelvic fracture and overall mortality risk after pelvic cancer and pelvic radiation.

BACKGROUND: The association of pelvic radiation with pelvic fracture risk has not been examined in prospective cohort settings with comprehensive fracture risk assessment, cancer-free comparison populations, and long-term follow-up. Our objective is to better characterize pelvic fracture and overall mortality risks in postmenopausal women participating in the Women's Health Initiative. METHODS: A total of 135 743 Women's Health Initiative participants aged 50 to 79 years enrolled from 40 US clinical centers from 1993 to 1998 who had entry Fracture Risk Assessment Tool scores were eligible. Outcomes included pelvic cancer diagnosis, pelvic fracture occurrence, and mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine associations of pelvic cancer and pelvic radiation with pelvic fracture and mortality risk. RESULTS: After 17.7 years (median) follow-up, 4451 pelvic cancers, 10 139 pelvic fractures, and 33 040 deaths occurred. In multivariable analyses, women with incident pelvic cancer, compared with women who remained pelvic cancer free, had higher pelvic fracture risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11 to 1.43) and higher overall mortality risk (HR = 2.91, 95% CI = 2.77 to 3.05). Women with pelvic cancer treated with pelvic radiation, compared with women with pelvic cancer not treated with pelvic radiation, had higher pelvic fracture risk (HR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.41 to 2.78) and higher overall mortality after pelvic cancer (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.15 to 1.52). CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women with pelvic cancer, especially those receiving pelvic radiation, are at higher pelvic fracture risk and higher overall mortality risk. As therapeutic advances have reduced cancer mortality, attention to and interventions for pelvic fracture prevention may be important in pelvic cancer survivors.

Impact of cessation of regular cataract surgery during the COVID pandemic on the rates of posterior capsular rupture and post-operative cystoid macular oedema.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: During the COVID-19, elective cataract surgery (CS) was significantly curtailed. We investigated whether consequent reduction of micro-surgical skills practice might lead to higher operative complications. METHODS: Single-centre, electronic note review of consecutive patients undergoing CS during three periods: 1st February 2019 to 13th January 2020 (P1) prior to pandemic; 3rd June 2020 to 11th January 2021 after 1st lockdown (P2); and 25th January to 30th July 2021 (P3) after/during second lockdown. RESULTS: 2276 operations occurred during P1, 999 during P2, 846 during P3. During P1, posterior capsular rupture (PCR) rate was 1.67%, similar to P2 (1.30%, p = 0.54), but lower than P3 (3.55%, p = 0.002). There was no difference in PCR risk percentage scores between routine and PCR cases during P1 (1.90% vs 2.03%, p = 0.83), P2 (2% vs 2.18%, p = 0.18), or P3 (1.87% vs. 2.71%, p = 0.08). During P2 and P3, there was a higher rate of cystoid macular oedema (CMO) compared with P1 (4.9% and 6.86% vs. 1.93%, p = 0.0001), with no differences in proportion of diabetics or cases with CMO in combination with PCR. There was no difference in surgeons grade experiencing PCR. CONCLUSIONS: In P3 following 9 months of curtailed elective CS, PCR rates were increased across all surgeon grades, occurring in cases with similar risk percentage scores. CMO rates were increased during COVID and not related to proportion of diabetics or increased PCR rates. The reduction in elective CS during the pandemic was associated with more complications, perhaps due to attenuation of microsurgical skills.

Evaluation of Comparative Surveillance Strategies of Circulating Tumor DNA, Imaging, and Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels in Patients With Resected Colorectal Cancer.

Importance: A circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay (Signatera; Natera) has been marketed for use in the surveillance of resected colorectal cancer despite limited data supporting such practice. Objective: To compare a ctDNA assay with standard radiographic imaging and measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, in the surveillance of resected colorectal cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective, single-center cohort study evaluated surveillance strategies of ctDNA, imaging, and measurement of CEA levels in patients with resected colorectal cancer from September 1, 2019, to November 30, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: The sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA, imaging, measurement of CEA levels, and combination of imaging plus measurement of CEA levels in detecting a confirmed recurrence of colorectal disease. A confirmed recurrence was defined as a positive ctDNA finding or a finding on imaging confirmed by biopsy, CEA level elevation, or subsequent tumor radiographic dynamics. Results: A total of 48 patients with curatively resected colorectal cancer satisfied the inclusion criteria for this study (28 men [58.3%]; median age, 60 [IQR, 34-85] years) and underwent surveillance by ctDNA, imaging, and measurement of CEA levels. Fifteen patients had disease recurrence during surveillance. Positive ctDNA findings confirmed disease recurrence in 8 patients; imaging, in 9 patients; CEA levels, in 3 patients; and combined imaging plus CEA levels, in 11 patients. Numerically, ctDNA did not perform better than imaging in detecting recurrence, with sensitivities of 53.3% (95% CI, 27.4%-77.7%) and 60.0% (95% CI, 32.9%-82.5%), respectively (P > .99). The combination of imaging plus measurement of CEA levels (sensitivity, 73.3% [95% CI, 44.8%-91.1%]) had a numerical advantage compared with ctDNA in identifying recurrence (P = .55). In addition, no significant difference was noted among ctDNA (median, 14.3 months), imaging (median, 15.0 months), or imaging plus measurement of CEA levels (median, 15.0 months) in the time to identify disease recurrence. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study suggest that ctDNA assay may not provide advantages as a surveillance strategy compared with standard imaging combined with CEA levels when performed per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines.

Shear wave versus strain elastography of breast lesions-The value of incorporating boundary tissue assessment.

PURPOSE: This prospective study compares the diagnostic performance of strain elastography (SE) based on the elastogram to B-mode (E/B) size ratio to shear-wave elastography (SWE) incorporating assessment of boundary tissue stiffness. METHODS: In this prospective study, 81 women consented to undergo ultrasound (US) elastographic assessment prior to biopsy of their mass(es). A total of 101 masses were evaluated with SE and SWE using a single machine (Siemens Acuson S2000). The histopathologic diagnosis was used as the reference standard. The sensitivity, specificity and area under curve (AUC) were obtained for SE and SWE. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of SE using the E/B ratio was 94.7% (95% CI: 87.6 100) and 81.0% (95% CI: 71.3 90.1) respectively. For SWE the sensitivity and specificity was 73.7% (95% CI: 59.7 87.7) and 82.5% (95% CI: 73.2 91.9) respectively. The AUC for SE was higher (0.878) compared to SWE (0.697). CONCLUSION: SE elastography using the E/B ratio yields diagnostic performance which is superior to SWE incorporating assessment of peripheral stiffness.

Cholecystectomy in patients with hematologic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystectomy in patients with hematologic malignancies remains poorly understood. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent cholecystectomy at a single institution. RESULTS: Of 313 patients who presented for evaluation of abdominal pain, 64 underwent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis (34.4%), gangrenous cholecystitis (21.9%), chronic cholecystitis (23.4%), and cholelithiasis (20%). Most had a history of hematopoietic cell transplantation (62.5%) and/or immunosuppressive medication within 30 days of consultation (82.8%). Ultrasound had a 39% false-negative rate for acute nongangrenous cholecystitis. Operative time was 92 ± 39 min, 7 were performed open, 10 had intraoperative transfusions, and 4 had grade 3+ complications. Intraoperative transfusion was associated with increased postoperative length of stay (p = 0.03). Open procedure, operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative transfusion, and complications were not associated with timing of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hematologic malignancies can safely undergo cholecystectomy. Length of postoperative stay for inpatients is associated with intraoperative blood transfusion.

Sidedness determines clinical characteristics and survival outcomes in medullary adenocarcinoma of the colon.

Colon medullary adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a rare histologic subtype. Clinical presentation and cancer outcomes of MAC, compared to colon adenocarcinoma (AC), remain incompletely described. Annual age-adjusted incidence rates were computed using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (2002-2017). A cohort analysis using the National Cancer Database (2010-2016) compared patient characteristics in an unmatched dataset and prognostic characteristics in a 1:1 matched subset. Reported annual age-adjusted incidence of MAC has significantly increased, with an average annual percent change (APC) increase of 23.8% (95% CI: 19.2-28.6); concurrent AC incidence declined (APC: - 2.8, 95% CI: - 3.1 to - 2.8). Analyses of 1018 MAC and 210,784 AC unmatched patients showed that MAC patients were more often older, female, and white, with higher disease stage, poorly-differentiated tumors, right-sided laterality, and lymphovascular invasion (all p < 0.0001). Among those with known microsatellite status, instability was more prevalent among MAC than AC patients (82% vs. 24%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses of the matched dataset revealed that MAC histology was not independently associated with overall survival. However, when stratifying by laterality, left-sided MAC was associated with shorter survival when compared to right-sided MAC (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.16-2.38) and right-sided AC (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.12-2.12). The reported incidence of MAC is increasing, in contrast to the declining incidence of AC. MAC clinical and molecular features are distinct from AC and likely account for outcome differences. Overall, left-sided MAC was associated with the shortest OS. Molecular profiling may improve treatment guidelines for MAC.

Subungual Melanoma: A Single Institution Experience.

Despite the changing paradigms of melanoma treatment in recent years, there remains a relative paucity of data regarding subungual melanoma in the literature. From 2002-2018, 25 patients with subungual melanoma were surgically treated at our facility. A retrospective chart review was conducted to collect relevant demographic, clinical, pathologic, and outcomes data. The median age at diagnosis was 69 years. Most patients (60%) were male, and the melanoma lesion was most often located on the foot (68%). Acral-lentiginous was the most common histologic subtype (59%), and the median Breslow thickness was 3.4 mm. Fifteen patients (63%) underwent a sentinel lymph node biopsy as part of their surgical resection, and four of these patients (27%) had metastatic disease in the lymph nodes. In total, 10 patients underwent lymph node dissection of the involved basin. The median follow up was 21 months in this patient population. Age, gender, tumor location, ulceration, and lesion histology were not significantly associated with recurrence free survival (RFS). Increasing Breslow thickness was found to be significantly associated with shorter RFS (HR: 1.07, CI: 1.03-1.55). In total, 13 patients developed a disease recurrence, and RFS rates were 66% at 1 year and 40% at 3 years. Additionally, 91 and 37% of patients were alive at one year and three years, respectively. Subungual melanomas are rare lesions that often have a more advanced stage at diagnosis, which contributes to the poor prognosis of these cutaneous malignancies.