A Comparison of Colectomy Outcomes Utilizing Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic colectomy could reduce morbidity and postoperative recovery over laparoscopic and open procedures. This comparative review evaluates colectomy outcomes based on surgical approach at a single community institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent colectomy by a fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeon at a single institution from 2015 through 2019 was performed, and a cohort developed for each approach (open, laparoscopic, and robotic). 30-day outcomes were evaluated. For dichotomous outcomes, univariate logistic regression models were used to quantify the individual effect of each predictor of interest on the odds of each outcome. Continuous outcomes received a similar approach; however, linear and Poisson regression modeling were used, as appropriate. RESULTS: 115 patients were evaluated: 14% (n = 16) open, 44% (n = 51) laparoscopic, and 42% (n = 48) robotic. Among the cohorts, there was no statistically significant difference in operative time, rate of reoperation, readmission, or major complications. Robotic colectomies resulted in the shortest length of stay (LOS) (Kruskal-Wallis P < .0001) and decreased estimated blood loss (EBL) (Kruskal-Wallis P = .0012). Median age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR] 53-72). 54% (n = 62) were female. Median American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification was 3 (IQR 2-3). Median body mass index was 28.67 (IQR 25.03-33.47). A malignant diagnosis was noted on final pathology in 44% (n = 51). CONCLUSION: Among the 3 approaches, there was no statistically significant difference in 30-day morbidity or mortality. There was a statistically significant decreased LOS and EBL for robotic colectomies.

Outcomes of Recurrent Rectal Cancer after Transanal Excision.

Successful surgical salvage after transanal excision (TAE) of rectal cancers has historically been considered feasible, but results vary. We examine our experience in surgical salvage of locally recurrent rectal cancers after TAE. A retrospective review of patients undergoing salvage surgery for locally recurrent early-stage rectal cancer after TAE from March 1990 to March 2008 at our institution is presented here. Seventy-eight patients underwent TAE for tumor invades submucosa (T1) rectal cancer. Average age of patients was 68.3 years. Recurrence occurred in 17 patients (21.8%). Median number of months between the first operation and the recurrence was 41 months. Sixteen out of 17 patients recurred locally whereas one had only distant recurrence. Fourteen were eligible for surgical salvage. Ten patients underwent abdominoperineal resection, whereas four underwent repeat local excision. Eleven deaths were noted and the median survival after the first operation was 70.3 months. Disease-free survival after salvage surgery was 53 per cent (9/17), with a median follow-up of 68 months from the original surgery. Disease-specific mortality was 47 per cent (8/17), with a median survival of 72 months from the original surgery. Five-year survival in the recurrence group was 11/16 (69%). In conclusion, TAE for T1 rectal cancer carries a higher risk of recurrence. Of the local recurrences, 87.5 per cent underwent microscopic negative margins (R0) resection at the time of salvage and had a five-year survival of 69 per cent. Long-term surveillance is encouraged, as recurrence can be seen even after 10 years from initial treatment. TAE can be considered for T1 rectal tumor with reasonable outcomes.

Predicting risk of death in general surgery patients on the basis of preoperative variables using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data.

OBJECTIVES: To use the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to develop an accurate and clinically meaningful preoperative mortality predictor (PMP) for general surgery on the basis of objective information easily obtainable at the patient's bedside and to compare it with the preexisting NSQIP mortality predictor (NMP). METHODS: Data were obtained from the ACS NSQIP Participant Use Data File (2005 to 2008) for current procedural terminology codes that included open pancreas surgery and open/laparoscopic colorectal, hernia (ventral, umbilical, or inguinal), and gallbladder surgery. Chi-square analysis was conducted to determine which preoperative variables were significantly associated with death. Logistic regression followed by frequency analysis was conducted to assign weight to these variables. PMP score was calculated by adding the scores for contributing variables and was applied to 2009 data for validation. The accuracy of PMP score was tested with correlation, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: PMP score was based on 16 variables that were statistically reliable in distinguishing between surviving and dead patients (p < 0.05). Statistically significant variables predicting death were inpatient status, sepsis, poor functional status, do-not-resuscitate directive, disseminated cancer, age, comorbidities (cardiac, renal, pulmonary, liver, and coagulopathy), steroid use, and weight loss. The model correctly classified 98.6% of patients as surviving or dead (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation of the NMP and PMP was 86.9%. CONCLUSION: PMP score is an accurate and simple tool for predicting operative survival or death using only preoperative variables that are readily available at the bedside. This can serve as a performance assessment tool between hospitals and individual surgeons.

A novel approach to closure of perineal wounds during abdominoperineal resection: use of fibrin sealant.

Abdominoperineal resection is associated with significant morbidity. The perineal wound poses a unique risk and complications are common, including skin breakdown, abscess, sinus tracts, perineal herniation, and evisceration. A 2-component fibrin sealant made from pooled human plasma has been proven to achieve hemostasis and tissue sealing. We report a case series of 5 consecutive patients in whom we used this fibrin sealant during perineal wound closure. Of our patients, 2 patients (40%) were diabetic and 4 patients (80%) received preoperative radiotherapy. The median body mass index was 32 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). The patients were at increased risk of perineal wound dehiscence and infection. Median follow-up was 6 months, and no patients had perineal wound complications. A fibrin sealant could be used as an alternative to more invasive procedures, such as flap reconstruction, in patients at high risk of perineal wound dehiscence.

Cost analysis of laparoscopic versus open colectomy in patients with colon cancer: results from a large nationwide population database.

Laparoscopic colectomy (LC) is a safe and reliable option for patients with colon cancer. This study examined factors associated with LC use and cost differences between LC and open colectomy (OC). Using the Cost & Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample database (2008), patients with colon cancer undergoing elective LC or OC were selected. Chi square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess differences between LC and OC. Logistic and multiple regression analysis was used to determine variables associated with LC and predictors of cost. All analysis was weighted. A total of 63,950 patients were identified (LC 8.1%, OC 91.9%). The majority was female (52.7%), white (61.4%), using Medicare (61.1%), and had surgery performed at a large (64.2%), nonteaching (56.9%), urban (87.3%) hospital in the South (37.7%). Mean age was 70 years. On unadjusted analysis, LC was associated with a lower mortality rate (1.7 vs 2.4%), fewer complications (18.9 vs 27.1%), shorter length of stay (5 vs 7 days), and lower total charges ($41,971 vs $43,459, all P < 0.001). LC is a less expensive but less popular surgical option for colon cancer. Stage, race, Charlson score, teaching status, location, and hospital size influence the use of a laparoscopic approach. LC is associated with fewer complications and decreased mortality which contribute to its lower cost as compared with OC.

Application of a tertiary referral scoring system to predict nonreversal of Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis in a community hospital.

Riansuwan et al. at Cleveland Clinic developed a scoring system to quantify the risk of Hartmann's nonreversal based on age, preoperative transfusion, pulmonary comorbidity, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, perforation, and anticoagulation. Our study validates the scoring system in a community hospital setting. Patients undergoing Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis (2006 to June 2009) were identified from our hospital's database. Two groups were formed based on Hartmann's reversal within 1 year and those with nonreversal. An independent-sample t test and logistic regression using score and nine other variables as predictors of Hartmann's nonreversal were run. Sixty-three of 93 patients (67.7%) had a Hartmann's reversal. Higher scores and higher mean age were seen in the nonreversal group (15.5 ± 3.0 vs 12.1 ± 2.5 and 73 ± 15 vs 63 ± 14 years, respectively). Patients with scores 18 or above were not reversed; 43 of 49 patients (88%) with scores of 13 or less were reversed. Logistic regression confirmed that the only predictive variable for nonreversal is a higher score. The scoring system is predictive of nonreversibility of Hartmann's procedure for acute diverticulitis. This will be useful in allowing surgeons to strategize accurately and to counsel patients realistically. Higher scores may allow both the surgeon and patient to have a low threshold for exploring alternatives to Hartmann's procedure.

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy: a community hospital experience.

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) for primary hyperparathyroidism can be successfully performed using preoperative sestamibi scan and intraoperative radioguidance without the need of measurement of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The purpose of our study was to review the outcomes of MIPs performed in a community hospital without measuring PTH levels intraoperatively and to demonstrate that this is an effective therapeutic modality with comparable success rates. We performed a retrospective medical record review of patients undergoing MIPs from April 1, 1998, through May 31, 2005, in a 500-bed community hospital. A total of 188 parathyroidectomies for primary hyperparathyroidism were performed by a single surgeon during the study period, 111 of which were MIPs. In this series of 111 patients, we found 2 recurrences, achieving a success rate of 98.2%. Higher preoperative PTH levels and gland weight had a direct correlation with the successful performance of MIP.