Optimizing antibiotic management for patients with acute appendicitis: A quality improvement study.

BACKGROUND: To decrease surgical site infections after appendectomy for acute appendicitis, preoperative broad-spectrum antibiotics are often used in clinical practice. However, this treatment strategy has come under scrutiny because of increasing rates of antibiotic-resistant infections. METHODS: The aim of this multisite quality improvement project was to decrease the treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis with piperacillin-tazobactam without increasing the rate of surgical site infections. Our quality improvement intervention had 2 distinct components: (1) updating electronic health record orders to encourage preoperative administration of narrow-spectrum antibiotics and (2) educating surgeons and emergency department clinicians about selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy for acute appendicitis. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were compared 6 months before and after implementation of the quality improvement intervention. RESULTS: A total of 352 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed during the 6-month preintervention period, and 369 were performed during the 6-month postintervention period. The preintervention period and postintervention period groups had similar baseline demographics, vital signs, and laboratory test values. The rate of preoperative piperacillin-tazobactam administration significantly decreased after the intervention (51.4% preintervention period vs 20.1% postintervention period, P < .001). The rate of surgical site infections was similar in both groups (superficial surgical site infections = 1.4% preintervention period vs 0.8% postintervention period, P = .50; deep surgical site infections = 1.1% preintervention period vs 0.0% postintervention period, P = .06; and organ space surgical site infections = 3.1% preintervention period vs 3.0% postintervention period, P > .99). Rates of 30-day readmission, reoperation, and Clostridioides difficile infection also did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Our quality improvement intervention successfully decreased piperacillin-tazobactam administration without increasing the rate of surgical site infections in patients with acute appendicitis.

Implications of routine cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy on postoperative testing: Review of more than 2,300 cases in a community-based practice.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that routine cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy may increase use of postoperative imaging and invasive testing. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases at 6 community hospitals from 2017 through 2020. For surgeons performing routine vs selective cholangiography, we compared primary outcomes of operative time, 30-day complications, and postoperative imaging or procedures. RESULTS: In total, 2359 laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures were performed. Eighteen surgeons performed routine cholangiography (1125 cases), and 13 performed selective (1234 cases). Mean operative time was longer in the routine group (125.3 vs 98.7 min, P < .001). Between groups, 30-day complications were similar. Two common bile duct injuries were identified in the routine group. Postoperatively, the routine group underwent 2.5 times more imaging and invasive testing (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In community hospitals, laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely by surgeons using cholangiography routinely or selectively. Routine cholangiography resulted in more postoperative imaging and invasive testing.

Anatomic location and mechanism of hiatal hernia recurrence: a video-based assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Hiatal hernia recurrence following surgical repair is common. We sought to define the most common anatomic location and mechanism for hiatal failure to inform technical strategies to decrease recurrence rates. METHODS: Retrospective chart review and video analysis were performed for all recurrent hiatal hernia operations performed by a single surgeon between January 2013 and April 2020. Hiatal recurrences were defined by anatomic quadrants. Recurrences on both left and right on either the anterior or posterior portion of the hiatus were simply classified as 'anterior' or 'posterior', respectively. Three or more quadrants were defined as circumferential. Mechanism of recurrence was defined as disruption of the previous repair or dilation of the hiatus. RESULTS: There were 130 patients to meet criteria. Median time to reoperation from previous hiatal repair was 60 months (IQR19.5-132). First-time recurrent repairs accounted for 74%, second time 18%, and three or more previous repairs for 8% of analyzed procedures. Mesh had been placed at the hiatus in a previous operation in 16%. All reoperative cases were completed laparoscopically. Video analysis revealed anterior recurrences were most common (67%), followed by circumferential (29%). There were two with left-anterior recurrence (1.5%), two posterior recurrence (1.5%), and one right-sided recurrence. The mechanism of recurrence was dilation in 74% and disruption in 26%. Disruption as a mechanism was most common in circumferential hiatal failures. Neither the prior number of hiatal surgeries nor the presence of mesh at the time of reoperation correlated with anatomic recurrence location or mechanism. Reoperations in patients with hiatal disruption occurred after a shorter interval when compared to hiatal dilation. CONCLUSION: The most common location and mechanism for hiatal hernia recurrence is anterior dilation of the hiatus. Outcomes following techniques designed to reinforce the anterior hiatus and perhaps to prevent hiatal dilation should be explored.

Postoperative Opioid Utilization and Patient Satisfaction in General Surgery Procedures: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Wide variation of opioid prescribing persists despite attempts to quantify number of opioids utilized postoperatively. We aim to prospectively determine number of opioids used after common surgery procedures to guide future prescribing. METHODS: A prospective observational trial was performed of opioids prescribed and used postoperatively. Patients filled out pre- and postoperative surveys, and number of opioids utilized was captured at postoperative visit. RESULTS: One-hundred-and-thirteen patients met inclusion. Median opioids prescribed exceeded number of opioids taken for all procedures. Median number of opioids taken postoperatively was fewer than 10 for all categories of procedures: simple skin/soft tissue 2 (IQR 1-4), complex skin/soft tissue 1.5 (IQR 0-14), simple laparoscopy 1 (IQR 0-20) and complex laparoscopy 4 (IQR 0-20), laparotomy 0 (IQR 0-26), and open inguinal hernia 2 (IQR 0-2). Nearly 80% of patients had leftover opioids, and 31% planned to keep them. There was little difference between preoperative and postoperative level of satisfaction with a pain control regimen. DISCUSSION: Postoperatively, patients utilize opioids less frequently than prescribed and often keep leftover pills. Patient pain control satisfaction is unrelated to number of opioids prescribed and taken postoperatively.

A Management Protocol for Gonad Preservation in Patients with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.

Historically, individuals with androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) were managed with removal of gonadal tissue at various ages to avert the risk of gonadal malignancy. Recently, clinical practice changed, with gonadectomy being postponed until late adolescence. Adolescents and adults with complete AIS have questioned this approach. Additionally, testicular germ cell tumors are increasingly believed to be quite rare with rates as low as 0% in molecularly confirmed individuals with AIS. Gonadectomy deprives patients of the benefits of their endogenous hormones and potential fertility. Furthermore, human rights organizations advocate for deferring irreversible surgery in conditions known as differences of sex development, which includes AIS, to allow patient autonomy in decision-making. Recent literature supports an approach that uses risk stratification to manage gonads in AIS. Herein we review what is known about malignancy risk in the different subtypes of AIS and propose a management protocol for gonad retention.

The Opioid Crisis and Surgeons: National Survey of Prescribing Patterns and the Influence of Motivators, Experience, and Gender.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons are the fifth largest prescribers of opioids in the US. Few studies exist to describe surgeon prescribing practices. METHODS: A survey was conducted of surgical providers at all ACGME-accredited surgical residency programs. Statistical comparisons between groups were made. RESULTS: A total of 114 providers from 21 states responded; 58% male, 57% residents. Only 8% reported being told they were over-prescribing opioids. Oxycodone ± acetaminophen was most commonly prescribed (49%). Median opioids prescribed exceeded guidelines for acute pain management for every procedure except laparoscopic appendectomy/cholecystectomy, lumpectomy and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Attending surgeons more often gave no opioids after laparoscopic appendectomy/cholecystectomy (9% vs 0%; p=0.012), more likely reported patient attempts to return opioids to them (33% vs 16%; p=0.04), and less likely considered patients giving their opioids to someone else (39% vs. 74%; p<0.001). PGY 1-2 residents prescribe fewer opioids than advanced residents for simple mastectomy (p=0.04), exploratory laparotomy (p=0.05), and thoracotomy (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons vary significantly in their opioid prescriptions, even for the same operation. There are few differences by gender but some important differences by experience.

Negative Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma examination predicts successful nonoperative management in pediatric solid organ injury: A prospective Arizona-Texas-Oklahoma-Memphis-Arkansas + Consortium study.

BACKGROUND: Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma (FAST) examination has long been proven useful in the management of adult trauma patients, however, its utility in pediatric trauma patients is not as proven. Our goal was to evaluate the utility of a FAST examination in predicting the success or failure of nonoperative management (NOM) of blunt liver and/or spleen (BLSI) in the pediatric trauma population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospective observational study of patients younger than 18 years presenting with BLSI to one of ten Level I pediatric trauma centers between April 2013 and January 2016. 1,008 patients were enrolled and 292 had a FAST examination recorded. We analyzed failure of NOM of BLSI in the pediatric trauma population. We then compared FAST examination alone or in combination with the pediatric age adjusted shock index (SIPA) as it relates to success of NOM of BLSI. RESULTS: Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma examination had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 13%. The odds ratio of failing with a positive FAST examination was 4.9 and with a negative FAST was 0.20. When combined with SIPA, a positive FAST examination and SIPA had a PPV of 17%, and an odds ratio for failure of 4.9. The combination of negative FAST and SIPA had an NPV of 96%, and the odds ratio for failure was 0.20. CONCLUSION: Negative FAST is predictive of successful NOM of BLSI. The addition of a positive or negative SIPA score did not affect the PPV or NPV significantly. Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma examination may be useful clinically in determining which patients are not at risk for failure of NOM of BLSI and do not require monitoring in an intensive care setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, level IV; therapeutic/care management, level IV.

Car seat education: A randomized controlled trial of teaching methods.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a less labor-intensive video-based program for teaching car seat installation can be as effective as the traditional didactic lecture component. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial of caregivers seeking car seat education. Caregivers were assigned to didactic or video-based social learning classes. The didactic class involved live lecture; the social learning class included a brief lecture and the video, Simple Steps to Child Passenger Safety, utilizing social learning principles. Proficiency in child passenger safety was evaluated pre- and post-class via: (1) 5-question confidence assessment; (2) 15-question knowledge test; and (3) 5-part car seat installation demonstration. Data were analyzed to compare post-class assessment scores between teaching modalities using pre-test scores as covariates, and correlation of participant confidence and knowledge with installation ability. RESULTS: 526 individuals registered and were randomized. A total of 213 arrived for class with 103 randomized to didactic teaching and 111 to social learning. Didactics and social learning groups showed similar increases in post-class confidence, knowledge, and installation ability. In the pre-class assessment, 16% of participants in each group installed the car seat correctly. After controlling for baseline installation ability, correct post-class car seat installation did not vary between groups (mean difference = 0.001; p = 0.964). Among participants with high scores on the knowledge assessment, only 57% could demonstrate correct car seat installation (rs = 0.160, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Video-based social learning methodology, which requires less time and resources, was as effective in teaching child passenger safety as didactic lecture. Both teaching methods significantly improved proficiency in child passenger restraint. Car seat installation knowledge is only weakly correlated with proper installation ability and proper installation remains a challenge, even after education.

Development and validation of a novel clinical fluorescence in situ hybridization assay to detect JAK2 and PD-L1 amplification: a fluorescence in situ hybridization assay for JAK2 and PD-L1 amplification.

The amplification of chromosome 9p24.1 encoding PD-L1, PD-L2, and JAK2 has been reported in multiple types of cancer and is associated with poor outcome, upregulation of PD-L1, and activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. We have developed a novel fluorescence in situ hybridization assay which combines 3 probes mapping to 9p24.1 with a commercial chromosome 9 centromere (CEN9) probe for detection of the JAK2/9p24.1 amplification. JAK2 fluorescence in situ hybridization was compared with array-based comparative genomic hybridization in 34 samples of triple negative breast cancer tumor. By array-based comparative genomic hybridization, 15 had 9p24.1 copy-number gain (log2ratio>0.3) and 19 were classified as non-gain (log2ratio≤0.3). Copy-number gain was defined as JAK2/CEN9 ratio ≥1.1 or average JAK2 signals≥3.0. Twelve of 15 samples with copy-number gain by array-based comparative genomic hybridization were also detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Eighteen of 19 samples classified as copy-number non-gain by array-based comparative genomic hybridization were concordant by array-based comparative genomic hybridization. The sensitivity and specificity of the fluorescence in situ hybridization assay was 80% and 95%, respectively (P=0.02). The sample with the highest level of amplification by array-based comparative genomic hybridization (log2ratio=3.6) also scored highest by fluorescence in situ hybridization (ratio=8.2). There was a correlation between the expression of JAK2 and amplification status (Mean 633 vs 393, P=0.02), and there was a trend of association with PD-L1 RNA expression (Mean 46 vs 22, P=0.11). No significant association was observed between PD-L1 immunohistochemistry expression and copy-number gain status. In summary, the novel array-based comparative genomic hybridization assay for detection of chromosome 9p24.1 strongly correlates with the detection of copy-number gain by array-based comparative genomic hybridization. In triple negative breast cancer, this biomarker may identify a relevant subset of patients for targeted molecular therapies.

Hypotension and the need for transfusion in pediatric blunt spleen and liver injury: An ATOMAC+ prospective study.

PURPOSE: Children with blunt liver or spleen injury (BLSI) requiring early transfusion may present without hypotension despite significant hypovolemia. This study sought to determine the relationship between early transfusion in pediatric BLSI and hypotension. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a 10-institution prospective observational study was performed of patients 18years and younger presenting with BLSI. Patients with central nervous system (CNS) injury were excluded. Children receiving blood transfusion within 4h of injury were evaluated. Time to first transfusion, vital signs, and physical exams were analyzed. Patients with hypotension were compared to those without hypotension. RESULTS: Of 1008 patients with BLSI, 47 patients met inclusion criteria. 22 (47%) had documented hypotension. There was no statistical difference in median time to first transfusion for those with or without hypotension (2h vs. 2.5h, p=0.107). The hypotensive group was older (median 15.0 versus 9.5years; p=0.007). Median transfusion volume in the first 24h was 18.2mL/kg (IQR: 9.6, 25.7) for those with hypotension and 13.9mL/kg (IQR: 8.3, 21.0) for those without (p=0.220). Mortality was 14% (3/22) in children with hypotension and 0% (0/25) in children without hypotension. CONCLUSION: Hypotension occurred in less than half of patients requiring early transfusion following pediatric BLSI suggesting that hypotension does not consistently predict the need for early transfusion. TYPE OF STUDY: Secondary analysis of a prospective observational study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV cohort study.

Failure of nonoperative management of pediatric blunt liver and spleen injuries: A prospective Arizona-Texas-Oklahoma-Memphis-Arkansas Consortium study.

BACKGROUND: Nonoperative management (NOM) is standard of care for most pediatric blunt liver and spleen injuries (BLSI); only 5% of patients fail NOM in retrospective reports. No prospective studies examine failure of NOM of BLSI in children. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of failure of NOM in pediatric BLSI patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients 18 years or younger presenting to any of 10 Level I pediatric trauma centers April 2013 and January 2016 with BLSI on computed tomography. Management of BLSI was based on the Arizona-Texas-Oklahoma-Memphis-Arkansas Consortium pediatric guideline. Failure of NOM was defined as needing laparoscopy or laparotomy. RESULTS: A total of 1008 patients met inclusion; 499 (50%) had liver injury, 410 (41%) spleen injury, and 99 (10%) had both. Most patients were male (n = 624; 62%) with a median age of 10.3 years (interquartile range, 5.9, 14.2). A total of 69 (7%) underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy, but only 34 (3%) underwent surgery for spleen or liver bleeding. Other (nonexclusive) operations were for 21 intestinal injuries; 15 hematoma evacuations, washouts, or drain placements; 9 pancreatic injuries; 5 mesenteric injuries; 3 diaphragm injuries; and 2 bladder injuries. Patients who failed were more likely to receive blood (52 of 69 vs. 162 of 939; p < 0.001) and median time from injury to first blood transfusion was 2.3 hours for those who failed versus 5.9 hours for those who did not (p = 0.002). Overall mortality rate was 24% (8 of 34) in those who failed NOM due to bleeding. CONCLUSION: NOM fails in 7% of children with BLSI, but only 3% of patients failed for bleeding due to liver or spleen injury. For children failing NOM due to bleeding, the mortality was 24%. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level II.

Nonoperative Management of Blunt Solid Organ Injury in Pediatric Surgery.

In the last decade, higher rates of nonoperative management of liver, spleen, and kidney injuries have been achieved. An algorithmic approach may improve success on a national level. Factors for success include management strategy based on physiologic status of the child, early attempt at resuscitation using blood products, and appropriate use of adjuncts. Shorter hospitalizations are appropriate for children who have not bled significantly, and discharge instructions facilitate the safety of early discharge. Although routine imaging is not required for liver or spleen injury, symptoms should prompt reevaluation. Reimaging of renal injuries remains in common use.

Prospective validation of the shock index pediatric-adjusted (SIPA) in blunt liver and spleen trauma: An ATOMAC+ study.

BACKGROUND: Age-adjusted pediatric shock index (SIPA) does not require knowledge of age-adjusted blood pressure norms, yet correlates with mortality, serious injury, and need for transfusion in trauma. No prospective studies support its validity. METHODS: A multicenter prospective observational study of patients 4-16years presenting April 2013-January 2016 with blunt liver and/or spleen injury (BLSI). SIPA (maximum heart rate/minimum systolic blood pressure) thresholds of >1.22, >1.0, and >0.9 in the emergency department were used for 4-6, 7-12 and 13-16year-olds, respectively. Patients with ISS ≤15 were excluded to conform to the original paper. Discrimination outcomes were compared between SIPA and shock index (SI). RESULTS: Of 1008 patients, 386 met inclusion. SI was elevated in 321, and SIPA elevated in 282. The percentage of patients with elevated index (SI or SIPA) and blood transfusion within 24 hours (30% vs 34%), BLSI grade ≥3 requiring transfusion (28% vs 32%), operative intervention (14% vs 16%) and ICU admission (64% vs 67%) was higher in the SIPA group. CONCLUSION: SIPA was validated in this multi-institutional prospective study and identified a higher percentage of children requiring additional resources than SI in BLSI patients. SIPA may be useful for determining necessary resources for injured patients with BLSI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II prognosis.

Injuries and outcomes associated with recreational vehicle accidents in pediatric trauma.

PURPOSE: To identify injuries and outcomes from Recreational/Off-Highway Vehicles (RV/OHV) accidents at a pediatric trauma center. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective pediatric trauma registry was performed to identify patients sustaining injuries from an RV/OHV between January 2007 and July 2015. Vehicles included: all-terrain vehicles (ATV), dirt bikes, utility-terrain vehicles (UTV), golf carts, go-karts, and dune buggies. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-eight patients were injured while on an RV/OHV: 269 ATV, 135 dirt bike, 42 UTV, 38 golf cart, 34 go-kart, and 10 dune buggy. The majority (n=381, 72%) had at least one injury with an Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥2; 39% (n=204) had orthopedic injuries and 22% (n=116) had central neurologic injuries. Over three-fourths (n=412, 78%) were admitted. For the 48% (n=253) of patients requiring surgery, 654 surgical procedures were performed. Median hospital charge was $27,565 (IQR: $15,553-$44,935). Excluding golf carts, helmet use was 49% (n=231); 16% (n=76) wore protective clothing. Only 22% (n=26) wore a restraining belt. CONCLUSION: Severe injuries occur in children who ride RV/OHV often warranting admission and surgical intervention. Improved understanding of RV/OHV injuries may guide caregivers in decision-making about pediatric RV/OHV use and encourage use of protective gear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prognosis Study.

Complications in common general pediatric surgery procedures.

Complications related to general pediatric surgery procedures are a major concern for pediatric surgeons and their patients. Although infrequent, when they occur the consequences can lead to significant morbidity and psychosocial stress. The purpose of this article is to discuss the common complications encountered during several common pediatric general surgery procedures including inguinal hernia repair (open and laparoscopic), umbilical hernia repair, laparoscopic pyloromyotomy, and laparoscopic appendectomy.

Top to Bottom: A New Method for Assessing Adequacy of Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a commonly encountered pediatric surgical issue. Initially treated with open surgical techniques, many pediatric surgeons have adopted the minimally invasive approach using laparoscopy. However, some concerns exist that the rate of incomplete pyloromyotomy is elevated in laparoscopy. We propose a new technique to assess the adequacy of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy. METHODS: Adequacy of laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was assessed by confirming that the top of the serosa on one side of the pylorus has adequate freedom to reach the bottom of the muscle on other side. A retrospective review of patients undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy confirmed by this method from March 2012 to January 2016 was conducted. Demographics, laboratory values on admission, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics was utilized. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included. Median age was 30 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 24, 47). Median pylorus length and thickness were 19 mm (IQR 17.3, 21) and 4.5 mm (IQR: 4.0, 4.8), respectively. Median time to first full feed was 8.5 hours (IQR: 6.6, 15.6). Twenty-three (69%) patients had postoperative emesis. Median length of stay postoperation was 26.5 hours (IQR: 21.1, 44.7). There were no reoperations for incomplete pyloromyotomy and no infections. On follow-up, 1 patient had prolonged postoperative emesis that resolved without further intervention and 1 patient on peritoneal dialysis before surgery had an incisional hernia that required operation in the setting of bilateral inguinal hernias. CONCLUSION: In a small series, the top to bottom assessment appears to confirm adequacy of pyloromyotomy.

Outcomes of digital artery revascularization in pediatric trauma.

BACKGROUND: Digit amputation is rare in pediatric trauma but can lead to functional morbidity. The true incidence of digital arterial injury is lacking in the literature, and revascularization techniques are not well-described. METHODS: Retrospective review of a pediatric trauma registry identified patients with a digital artery injury between July 2008 and December 2013. Isolated vein injuries and arterial injuries proximal to the digits were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Twenty-five subjects met inclusion. Most were male (n=16; 64%) and the median age was 6.8 (IQR: 2.8, 11.1) years. The most common blunt (n=12) trauma was struck/crushed by object (n=4; 33%) and the most common penetrating (n=13) trauma was because of glass (n=9; 69%). All subjects were managed operatively. Initial operations for arterial repair were primary arterial repair (15; 20%), vein graft (7; 28%), thrombectomy (1; 4%), and amputation (1; 4%). Twelve patients (48%) had reported complications at initial follow-up, but only two (8%) had long-term (>24weeks) sequelae. CONCLUSION: Digital artery injury is rare among pediatric traumas. Functional outcomes after digital artery revascularization are favorable. Primary repair can successfully manage these injuries and vein grafting appears to be a suitable alternative when primary repair is not feasible.

Regional recurrence in the era of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of all-location regional recurrence after sentinel lymph node biopsy is not well documented. This study attempts to identify risk factors. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients with a regional recurrence of breast cancer after a first operation for invasive unilateral breast cancer. Patients with regional recurrence were compared with those alive and disease free at 5 years. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 1,060 patients (2%) experienced a regional recurrence. Most patients (95%) underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy as their axillary staging. Those with regional recurrences had larger tumors (P < .001), higher stage disease (P < .001), more estrogen receptor- and triple-negative breast cancers (P < .001), and more positive lymph nodes (P = .007). Mastectomy (P = .001) and receipt of neoadjuvant and/or chemotherapy (P < .001) were more common among those with regional recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Regional recurrence of breast cancer occurs infrequently. Risk factors include high-risk cancers, higher stage at presentation, nodal involvement, and need for therapies reflecting higher risk biology.