A Comparative Analysis of "Surgery First" vs. "Endoscopy First" for Pediatric Choledocholithiasis Presenting at the End of the Week.

BACKGROUND: Choledocholithiasis in children is commonly managed with an "endoscopy first" (EF) strategy (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) under a separate anesthetic). Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography is limited at the end of the week (EoW). We hypothesize that a "surgery first" (SF) approach with LC, intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC), and possible laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) can decrease length of stay (LOS) and time to definitive intervention (TTDI). METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2023 in pediatric patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Work week (WW) presentation included admission between Monday and Thursday. Time to definitive intervention was defined as time to LC. RESULTS: 88 pediatric patients were identified, 61 managed with SF (33 WW and 28 EoW) and 27 managed with EF (18 WW and 9 EoW). Both SF groups had shorter mean LOS for WW and EoW presentation (64.5 h, 92.4 h, 112.9 h, and 113.0 h; P < .05). There was a downtreading TTDI in the SF groups (SF: WW 24.7 h and EoW 21.7 h; EF: WW 31.7 h and EoW 35.9 h; P = .11). 44 patients underwent LCBDE with similar success rates (91.6% WW and 85% EoW; P = 1.0). All EF patients received 2 procedures; 69% of SF patients were definitively managed with one. CONCLUSION: Children with choledocholithiasis at the EoW have a longer LOS and TTDI. These findings are amplified when children enter an EF treatment pathway. An SF approach results in shorter LOS with fewer procedures, regardless of the time of presentation.

Bone Anchor Fixation in the Repair of Blunt Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernias: A Western Trauma Association Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) are rare but require a variety of operative techniques to repair including bone anchor fixation (BAF) when tissue tears off bony structures. This study aimed to provide a descriptive analysis of BAF technique for blunt TAWH repair. Bone anchor fixation and no BAF repairs were compared, hypothesizing increased hernia recurrence with BAF repair. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the WTA blunt TAWH multicenter study was performed including all patients who underwent repair of their TAWH. Patients with BAF were compared to those with no BAF with bivariate analyses. RESULTS: 176 patients underwent repair of their TAWH with 41 (23.3%) undergoing BAF. 26 (63.4%) patients had tissue fixed to bone, with 7 of those reinforced with mesh. The remaining 15 (36.6%) patients had bridging mesh anchored to bone. The BAF group had a similar age, sex, body mass index, and injury severity score compared to the no BAF group. The time to repair (1 vs 1 days, P = .158), rate of hernia recurrence (9.8% vs 12.7%, P = .786), and surgical site infection (SSI) (12.5% vs 15.6%, P = .823) were all similar between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: This largest series to date found nearly one-quarter of TAWH repairs required BAF. Bone anchor fixation repairs had a similar rate of hernia recurrence and SSI compared to no BAF repairs, suggesting this is a reasonable option for repair of TAWH. However, future prospective studies are needed to compare specific BAF techniques and evaluate long-term outcomes including patient-centered outcomes such as pain and quality of life.

MAN VERSUS MACHINE: PROVIDER DIRECTED VERSUS PRECISION AUTOMATED CRITICAL CARE MANAGEMENT IN A PORCINE MODEL OF DISTRIBUTIVE SHOCK.

ABSTRACT: Background: Critical care management of shock is a labor-intensive process. Precision Automated Critical Care Management (PACC-MAN) is an automated closed-loop system incorporating physiologic and hemodynamic inputs to deliver interventions while avoiding excessive fluid or vasopressor administration. To understand PACC-MAN efficacy, we compared PACC-MAN to provider-directed management (PDM). We hypothesized that PACC-MAN would achieve equivalent resuscitation outcomes to PDM while maintaining normotension with lower fluid and vasopressor requirements. Methods : Twelve swine underwent 30% controlled hemorrhage over 30 min, followed by 45 min of aortic occlusion to generate a vasoplegic shock state, transfusion to euvolemia, and randomization to PACC-MAN or PDM for 4.25 h. Primary outcomes were total crystalloid volume, vasopressor administration, total time spent at hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure <60 mm Hg), and total number of interventions. Results : Weight-based fluid volumes were similar between PACC-MAN and PDM; median and IQR are reported (73.1 mL/kg [59.0-78.7] vs. 87.1 mL/kg [79.4-91.8], P = 0.07). There was no statistical difference in cumulative norepinephrine (PACC-MAN: 33.4 µg/kg [27.1-44.6] vs. PDM: 7.5 [3.3-24.2] µg/kg, P = 0.09). The median percentage of time spent at hypotension was equivalent (PACC-MAN: 6.2% [3.6-7.4] and PDM: 3.1% [1.3-6.6], P = 0.23). Urine outputs were similar between PACC-MAN and PDM (14.0 mL/kg vs. 21.5 mL/kg, P = 0.13). Conclusion : Automated resuscitation achieves equivalent resuscitation outcomes to direct human intervention in this shock model. This study provides the first translational experience with the PACC-MAN system versus PDM.

Spare the Needle, Discharge the Child: Trending Post-Op Labs After Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Pediatric Patients Is Not Helpful.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) utility in management of choledocholithiasis may decrease length of stay and patient cost, but postoperative management remains widely debated. We examined periprocedural LFTs for patients undergoing LCBDE and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) speculating for trend existence after successful LCBDE. We hypothesized that postoperative LCBDE LFTs would not downtrend even after successful ductal clearance. We identified 99 patients under 18 who underwent ERCP or LCBDE with at least one pre- and post-procedural LFT. Periprocedural LFTs between groups were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The 22 ERCP patients demonstrated a significant downtrend across Tbili (P < .001), AST (P = .001), ALT (P = .002), and ALP (P < .001). The 27 LCBDE patients demonstrated a significant downtrend in Tbili (P = .002) only, while AST (P > .05), ALT (P > .05), and ALP (P > .05) were nonsignificant. Lack of consistent downtrend in the LCBDE group raises doubt regarding the utility of postoperative LFTs for post-procedural management.

Contemporary outcomes for arterial reconstruction with non-saphenous vein cryo-preserved conduits.

OBJECTIVE: Cryopreserved (CP) products are utilized during challenging cases when autogenous or prosthetic conduit use is not feasible. Despite decades of experience with cadaveric greater saphenous vein (GSV), there is limited available data regarding the outcomes and patency of other CP products, specifically arterial and deep venous grafts. This study was designed to evaluate outcomes of non-GSV CP conduits in patients undergoing urgent, emergent, and elective arterial reconstruction at our institution. We hypothesized that non-GSV CP allografts have adequate patency and outcomes and are therefore a feasible alternative to GSV in settings where autologous graft is unavailable or prosthetic grafts are contraindicated. METHODS: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at our institution. We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients undergoing arterial reconstructions using CP conduits from 2010 to 2022. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, smoking status, indications for surgery, indication for CP conduit use, anatomic reconstruction, urgency of procedure, and blood loss. Time-to-event outcomes included primary and secondary graft patency rates, follow-up amputations, and mortality; other complications included follow-up infection/reinfection and 30-day complications, including return to the operating room and perioperative mortality. Time-to-event analyses were evaluated using product-limit survival estimates. RESULTS: Of 96 identified patients receiving CP conduits, 56 patients received non-GSV conduits for 66 arterial reconstructions. The most common type of non-GSV CP product used was femoral artery (31 patients), followed by aorto-iliac artery (22 patients), and femoral vein (19 patients), with some patients receiving more than one reconstruction or CP product. Patients were mostly male (75%), with a mean age of 63.1 years and a mean body mass index of 26.7 kg/m2. Indications for CP conduit use included infection in 53 patients, hostile environment in 36 patients, contaminated field in 30 patients, tissue coverage concerns in 30 patients, inadequate conduit in nine patients, and patient preference in one patient. Notably, multiple patients had more than one indication. Most surgeries (95%) were performed in urgent or emergent settings. Supra-inguinal reconstructions were most common (53%), followed by extra-anatomic bypasses (47%). Thirty-day mortality occurred in 10 patients (19%). Fifteen patients (27%) required return to the operating room for indications related to the vascular reconstructions, with 10 (18%) cases being unplanned and five (9%) cases planned/staged. Overall survival at 6, 12, and 24 months was 80%, 68%, and 59%, respectively. Primary patency at 6, 12, and 24 months was 86%, 70%, and 62%, respectively. Amputation freedom at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months was 98%, 95%, and 86%, respectively for non-traumatic indications. CONCLUSIONS: Non-GSV CP products may be used in complex arterial reconstructions when autogenous or prosthetic options are not feasible or available.

Transcystic Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Pediatric Patients with Choledocholithiasis: A Multi-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with choledocholithiasis are often treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Upfront LC, intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC), and possible transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) could potentially avoid the need for ERCP. We hypothesized that upfront LC + IOC ± LCBDE will decrease length of stay (LOS) and the total number of interventions for children with suspected choledocholithiasis. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed on pediatric patients (<18 years) between 2018 and 2022 with suspected choledocholithiasis. Demographic and clinical data were compared for upfront LC + IOC ± LCBDE and possible postoperative ERCP (OR1st) versus preoperative ERCP prior to LC (OR2nd). Complications were defined as postoperative pancreatitis, recurrent choledocholithiasis, bleeding, or abscess. RESULTS: Across four centers, 252 children with suspected choledocholithiasis were treated with OR1st (n = 156) or OR2nd (n = 96). There were no differences in age, gender, or body mass index. Of the LCBDE patients (72/156), 86% had definitive intraoperative management with the remaining 14% requiring postoperative ERCP. Complications were fewer and LOS was shorter with OR1st (3/156 vs. 15/96; 2.39 vs 3.84 days, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Upfront LC + IOC ± LCBDE for children with choledocholithiasis is associated with fewer ERCPs, lower LOS, and decreased complications. Postoperative ERCP remains an essential adjunct for patients who fail LCBDE. Further educational efforts are needed to increase the skill level for IOC and LCBDE in pediatric patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

A western trauma association multicenter comparison of mesh versus non-mesh repair of blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias.

BACKGROUND: Blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) occur in <1 % of trauma patients. Optimal repair techniques, such as mesh reinforcement, have not been studied in detail. We hypothesize that mesh use will be associated with increased surgical site infections (SSI) and not improve hernia recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A secondary analysis of the Western Trauma Association blunt TAWH multicenter study was performed. Patients who underwent TAWH repair during initial hospitalization (1/2012-12/2018) were included. Mesh repair patients were compared to primary repair patients (non-mesh). A logistic regression was conducted to assess risk factors for SSI. RESULTS: 157 patients underwent TAWH repair during index hospitalization with 51 (32.5 %) having mesh repair: 24 (45.3 %) synthetic and 29 (54.7 %) biologic. Mesh patients were more commonly smokers (43.1 % vs. 22.9 %, p = 0.016) and had a larger defect size (10 vs. 6 cm, p = 0.003). Mesh patients had a higher rate of SSI (25.5 % vs. 9.5 %, p = 0.016) compared to non-mesh patients, but a similar rate of recurrence (13.7 % vs. 10.5%, p = 0.742), hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality. Mesh use (OR 3.66) and higher ISS (OR 1.06) were significant risk factors for SSI in a multivariable model. CONCLUSION: Mesh was used more frequently in flank TAWH and those with a larger defect size. Mesh use was associated with a higher incidence and risk of SSI but did not reduce the risk of hernia recurrence. When repairing TAWH mesh should be employed judiciously, and prospective randomized studies are needed to identify clear indications for mesh use in TAWH.

Reclaiming the management of common duct stones in acute care surgery.

BACKGROUND: Acute care surgery (ACS) is well positioned to manage choledocholithiasis at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but barriers to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) include experience and the perceived need for specialized equipment. The technical complexity of this pathway is generally seen as challenging. As such, LCBDE is historically relegated to the "enthusiast." However, a simplified, effective LCBDE technique as part of a "surgery first" strategy could drive wider adoption in the specialty most often managing these patients. To determine efficacy and safety, we sought to compare our initial ACS-driven experience with a simple, fluoroscopy-guided, catheter-based LCBDE approach during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to LC with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: We reviewed ACS patients who underwent LCBDE or LC + ERCP (pre-/postoperative) at a tertiary care center in the 4 years since starting this surgery first approach. Demographics, outcomes, and length of stay (LOS) were compared on an intention to treat basis. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration was performed via using wire/catheter Seldinger techniques under fluoroscopic guidance with flushing or balloon dilation of the sphincter as needed. Our primary outcomes were LOS and successful duct clearance. RESULTS: One hundred eighty patients were treated for choledocholithiasis with 71 undergoing LCBDE. The success rate of catheter-based LCBDE was 70.4%. Length of stay was significantly reduced for the LCBDE group compared with the LC + ERCP group (48.8 vs. 84.3 hours, p < 0.01). Of note, there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications in the LCBDE group. CONCLUSION: A simplified catheter-based approach to LCBDE is safe and associated with decreased LOS when compared with LC + ERCP. This simplified step-up approach may help facilitate wider LCBDE utilization by ACS providers who are well positioned for a timely surgery first approach in the management of uncomplicated choledocholithiasis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Water Beads-Exploratory Learning or Exploratory Laparotomy?

Small brightly colored water beads have become increasingly popular toys in the pediatric population, marketed specifically for sensory exploration and learning. Unfortunately, the water-absorbing polymer which gives these toys their ability to grow also serves as means of obstruction if ingested. We report a case of a pediatric patient presenting with small bowel obstruction following the ingestion of a water bead, which was diagnosed and treated swiftly without complication. With the increasing incidence of water bead ingestion, it is essential that the public be aware of the potential risks and the necessity of seeking medical attention if companies do not withdraw such dangerous products from the market.

Automated partial resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta reduces blood loss and hypotension in a highly lethal porcine liver injury model.

BACKGROUND: Partial and intermittent resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (pREBOA and iREBOA, respectively) are lifesaving techniques designed to extend therapeutic duration, mitigate ischemia, and bridge patients to definitive hemorrhage control. We hypothesized that automated pREBOA balloon titration compared with automated iREBOA would reduce blood loss and hypotensive episodes over a 90-minute intervention phase compared with iREBOA in an uncontrolled liver hemorrhage swine model. METHODS: Twenty-four pigs underwent an uncontrolled hemorrhage by liver transection and were randomized to automated pREBOA (n = 8), iREBOA (n = 8), or control (n = 8). Once hemorrhagic shock criteria were met, controls had the REBOA catheter removed and received transfusions only for hypotension. The REBOA groups received 90 minutes of either iREBOA or pREBOA therapy. Surgical hemostasis was obtained, hemorrhage volume was quantified, and animals were transfused to euvolemia and then underwent 1.5 hours of automated critical care. RESULTS: The control group had significantly higher mortality rate (5 of 8) compared with no deaths in both REBOA groups, demonstrating that the liver injury is highly lethal ( p = 0.03). During the intervention phase, animals in the iREBOA group spent a greater proportion of time in hypotension than the pREBOA group (20.7% [16.2-24.8%] vs. 0.76% [0.43-1.14%]; p < 0.001). The iREBOA group required significantly more transfusions than pREBOA (21.0 [20.0-24.9] mL/kg vs. 12.1 [9.5-13.9] mL/kg; p = 0.01). At surgical hemostasis, iREBOA had significantly higher hemorrhage volumes compared with pREBOA (39.2 [29.7-44.95] mL/kg vs. 24.7 [21.6-30.8] mL/kg; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Partial REBOA animals spent significantly less time at hypotension and had decreased transfusions and blood loss. Both pREBOA and iREBOA prevented immediate death compared with controls. Further refinement of automated pREBOA is necessary, and controller algorithms may serve as vital control inputs for automated transfusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Simulation in Surgical Resident Education: A Porcine Hemostasis and Laparoscopic Model.

The steep learning curve associated with learning laparoscopic techniques and limited training opportunities represents a challenge to general surgery resident training. The objective of this study was to use a live porcine model to improve surgical training in laparoscopic technique and management of bleeding. Nineteen general surgery residents (ranging from PGY 3 to 5) completed the porcine simulation and completed pre-lab and post-lab questionnaires. The institution's industry partner served as sponsors and educators on hemostatic agents and energy devices. Residents had a significant increase in confidence with laparoscopic techniques and the management of hemostasis (P = .01 and P = .008, respectively). Residents agreed and then strongly agreed that a porcine model was suitable to simulate laparoscopic and hemostatic techniques, but there was no significant change between pre- and post-lab opinions. This study demonstrates that a porcine lab is an effective model for surgical resident education and increases resident confidence.

Resolution of Liver Function Tests After Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration Versus Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is gaining traction for the management of choledocholithiasis. Liver function tests (LFTs) are often used to determine the success of ductal clearance, yet the impact of differing therapeutic interventions, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or LCBDE, have on postprocedure LFT is insufficiently described. We hypothesize that these interventions have different postoperative LFT profiles. The preprocedural and postprocedural total bilirubin (Tbili), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were analyzed of 167 patients who had successful ERCPs (117) or LCBDEs (50). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography patients demonstrated a significant decrease in all LFTs postprocedure (n = 117; P = <0.001 for all) with a continued downtrend when a second set of LFTs was obtained (n = 102; P = <0.001 for all). For successful LC+LCBDEs, there was no significant change between preoperative and 1st postoperative Tbili, AST, ALT, and ALP and the 2nd postoperative labs.

Risk factors for recurrence in blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias: A secondary analysis of a Western Trauma association multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated risk factors for recurrence of blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH). METHODS: Twenty trauma centers identified repaired TAWH from January 2012 to December 2018. Logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: TAWH were repaired in 175 patients with 21 (12.0%) known recurrences. No difference was found in location, defect size, or median time to repair between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Mesh use was not protective of recurrence. Female sex, injury severity score (ISS), emergency laparotomy (EL), and bowel resection were associated with hernia recurrence. Bowel resection remained significant in a multivariable model. CONCLUSION: Female sex, ISS, EL, and bowel resection were identified as risk factors for hernia recurrence. Mesh use and time to repair were not associated with recurrence. Surgeons should be mindful of these risk factors but could attempt acute repair in the setting of appropriate physiologic parameters.

The Risk of Incarceration During Nonoperative Management of Incisional Hernias: A Population-based Analysis of 30,998 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to quantify the risk of incarceration of incisional hernias. BACKGROUND: Operative repair is the definitive treatment for incisional ventral hernias but is often deferred if the perceived risk of elective operation is elevated secondary to comorbid conditions. The risk of incarceration during nonoperative management (NOM) factors into shared decision making by patient and surgeon; however, the incidence of acute incarceration remains largely unknown. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of adult patients with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision or Tenth Revision diagnosis of incisional hernia was conducted from 2010 to 2017 in 15 hospitals of a single healthcare system. The primary outcome was incarceration necessitating emergent operation. The secondary outcome was 30-, 90-, and 365-day mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent predictors of incarceration. RESULTS: Among 30,998 patients with an incisional hernia (mean age 58.1 ±â€Š15.9 years; 52.7% female), 23,022 (78.1%) underwent NOM of whom 540 (2.3%) experienced incarceration, yielding a 1- and 5-year cumulative incidence of 1.24% and 2.59%, respectively. Independent variables associated with incarceration included: age older than 40 years, female sex, current smoker, body mass index 30 or greater, and a hernia-related inpatient admission. All-cause mortality rates at 30, 90, and 365 days were significantly higher in the incarceration group at 7.2%, 10%, and 14% versus 1.1%, 2.3%, and 5.3% in patients undergoing successful NOM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Incarceration is an uncommon complication of NOM but is associated with a significant risk of death. Tailored decision making for elective repair and considering the aforementioned risk factors for incarceration provides an initial step toward mitigating the excess morbidity and mortality of an incarceration event.

Management of blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias: A Western Trauma Association multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Blunt traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) occur in approximately 15,000 patients per year. Limited data are available to guide the timing of surgical intervention or the feasibility of nonoperative management. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients presenting with blunt TAWH from January 2012 through December 2018 was conducted. Patient demographic, surgical, and outcomes data were collected from 20 institutions through the Western Trauma Association Multicenter Trials Committee. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-one patients with TAWH were identified. One hundred and seventy-six (62.6%) patients underwent operative hernia repair, and 105 (37.4%) patients underwent nonoperative management. Of those undergoing surgical intervention, 157 (89.3%) were repaired during the index hospitalization, and 19 (10.7%) underwent delayed repair. Bowel injury was identified in 95 (33.8%) patients with the majority occurring with rectus and flank hernias (82.1%) as compared with lumbar hernias (15.8%). Overall hernia recurrence rate was 12.0% (n = 21). Nonoperative patients had a higher Injury Severity Score (24.4 vs. 19.4, p = 0.010), head Abbreviated Injury Scale score (1.1 vs. 0.6, p = 0.006), and mortality rate (11.4% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.031). Patients who underwent late repair had lower rates of primary fascial repair (46.4% vs. 77.1%, p = 0.012) and higher rates of mesh use (78.9% vs. 32.5%, p < 0.001). Recurrence rate was not statistically different between the late and early repair groups (15.8% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.869). CONCLUSION: This report is the largest series and first multicenter study to investigate TAWHs. Bowel injury was identified in over 30% of TAWH cases indicating a significant need for immediate laparotomy. In other cases, operative management may be deferred in specific patients with other life-threatening injuries, or in stable patients with concern for bowel injury. Hernia recurrence was not different between the late and early repair groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management, Level IV.

Health-Related Quality of Life as a Prognostic Factor in Patients After Resection of Hepatic Malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have argued health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures to be prognostic of survival in patients with chronic disease processes including cancer; however, only a few small studies have evaluated HRQoL changes in the setting of oncologic resections. The objectives of the present study were to investigate factors predicting HRQoL, the change in HRQoL over time, and HRQoL prognostic value in patients undergoing surgical resection of hepatic malignancies. METHODS: We administered the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue, and Brief Pain Inventory to 128 patients with primary and metastatic hepatic malignancies enrolled between January 2008 to November 2011 and November 2013 to June 2015. Quality of life was obtained at the baseline, 4, 8, and 12 mo, using HRQoL questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients included was 61 y, 42.6% had hepatocellular carcinoma, and 50.7% had metastatic colorectal carcinoma. HRQoL decreased from baseline at the 4-mo follow-up but stabilized to preoperative values at 8 and 12 mo. Depressive symptoms (P < 0.001), pain (P = 0.032), and fatigue (P < 0.001) were associated with HRQoL before surgery. Variables associated with HRQoL at 8 mo included extrahepatic recurrence (P = 0.002), depressive symptoms (P < 0.001), pain (P < 0.001), fatigue (P < 0.001), tumor macrovascular (P = 0.011), and microvascular invasion (P = 0.003). Using Cox regression and adjusting for demographics and disease-specific factors, preoperative HRQoL was significantly associated with overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL is independently associated with survival in patients with liver malignancies undergoing surgical resection. Major curative liver surgery can be performed with short-term worsening of HRQoL but long-term improvement and stabilization in overall quality of life for patients with cancer.

Select forelimb muscles have evolved superfast contractile speed to support acrobatic social displays.

Many species perform rapid limb movements as part of their elaborate courtship displays. However, because muscle performance is constrained by trade-offs between contraction speed and force, it is unclear how animals evolve the ability to produce both unusually fast appendage movement and limb force needed for locomotion. To address this issue, we compare the twitch speeds of forelimb muscles in a group of volant passerine birds, which produce different courtship displays. Our results show that the two taxa that perform exceptionally fast wing displays have evolved 'superfast' contractile kinetics in their main humeral retractor muscle. By contrast, the two muscles that generate the majority of aerodynamic force for flight show unmodified contractile kinetics. Altogether, these results suggest that muscle-specific adaptations in contractile speed allow certain birds to circumvent the intrinsic trade-off between muscular speed and force, and thereby use their forelimbs for both rapid gestural displays and powered locomotion.

Adaptive evolution of a derived radius morphology in manakins (Aves, Pipridae) to support acrobatic display behavior.

The morphology of the avian skeleton is often studied in the context of adaptations for powered flight. The effects of other evolutionary forces, such as sexual selection, on avian skeletal design are unclear, even though birds produce diverse behaviors that undoubtedly require a variety of osteological modifications. Here, we investigate this issue in a family of passerine birds called manakins (Pipridae), which have evolved physically unusual and elaborate courtship displays. We report that, in species within the genus Manacus, the shaft of the radius is heavily flattened and shows substantial solidification. Past work anecdotally notes this morphology and attributes it to the species' ability to hit their wings together above their heads to produce loud mechanical sonations. Our results show that this feature is unique to Manacus compared to the other species in our study, including a variety of taxa that produce other sonations through alternate wing mechanisms. At the same time, our data reveal striking similarities across species in total radius volume and solidification. Together, this suggests that supposedly adaptive alterations in radial morphology occur within a conserved framework of a set radius volume and solidness, which in turn is likely determined by natural selection. Further allometric analyses imply that the radius is less constrained by body size and the structural demands that underlie powered flight, compared to other forelimb bones that are mostly unmodified across taxa. These results are consistent with the idea that the radius is more susceptible to selective modification by sexual selection. Overall, this study provides some of the first insight into the osteological evolution of passerine birds, as well as the way in which opposing selective forces can shape skeletal design in these species. J. Morphol. 277:766-775, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.