3D printing of face shields to meet the immediate need for PPE in an anesthesiology department during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Anesthesia providers are at risk for contracting COVID-19 due to close patient contact, especially during shortages of personal protective equipment. We present an easy to follow and detailed protocol for producing 3D printed face shields and an effective decontamination protocol, allowing their reuse. METHODS: The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) produced face shields using a combination of 3D printing and assembly with commonly available products, and produced a simple decontamination protocol to allow their reuse. To evaluate the effectiveness of the decontamination protocol, we inoculated bacterial suspensions of E. coli and S. aureus on to the face shield components, performed the decontamination procedure, and finally swabbed and enumerated organisms onto plates that were incubated for 12-24 hours. Decontamination effectiveness was evaluated using the average log10 reduction in colony counts. RESULTS: Approximately 112 face shields were constructed and made available for use in 72 hours. These methods were successfully implemented for in-house production at UNMC and at Tripler Army Medical Center (Honolulu, Hawaii). Overall, the decontamination protocol was highly effective against both E. coli and S. aureus, achieving a ≥4 log10 (99.99%) reduction in colony counts for every replicate from each component of the face shield unit. DISCUSSION: Face shields not only act as a barrier against the soiling of N95 face masks, they also serve as more effective eye protection from respiratory droplets over standard eye shields. Implementation of decontamination protocols successfully allowed face shield and N95 mask reuse, offering a higher level of protection for anesthesiology providers at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: In a time of urgent need, our protocol enabled the rapid production of face shields by individuals with little to no 3D printing experience, and provided a simple and effective decontamination protocol allowing reuse of the face shields.

Surgical and clinical outcomes comparison of mesh usage in laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Use of absorbable mesh in hiatal hernia (HH) repair has been shown to decrease recurrence rates. Our aim was to compare the efficiency of three meshes in relation to the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing HH repair. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review was done for adult patients who underwent HH repair with mesh between 2004 and 2016. Demographics, intra-operative, and cost data were collected. Esophageal symptoms and medication use were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Surgical outcomes were evaluated at 6-, 12-months, and long-term follow-up. Three groups were created based on type of mesh: human tissue matrix (HTM), biosynthetic mesh (BIOS), or porcine tissue matrix (PTM). Comparisons were performed between groups using SPSS v.26.0 and PC SAS v9.4, α = 0.05. RESULTS: 292 patients were included (HTM:N = 162, BIOS:N = 83, PTM:N = 47). Majority were male (60.4%), Caucasian (93.2%), median age, and BMI of 59 years [25-90 years] and 29.19 kg/m2 [18.9-58.0 kg/m2], respectively. 69% had a large HH. Median follow-up time was 27 months [1-166 months]. Overall recurrence rate was 39%, being significantly lower in BIOS at long-term (HTM: 31%, BIOS: 17%, PTM: 19%, p = 0.038). All groups had a significant postoperative improvement of esophageal symptoms, all p < 0.001. 65-70% of the cost difference between the groups was incurred by the cost of mesh alone (HTM: $1072, BIOS: $548, PTM: $1295), with the remainder attributable to the surgery itself. CONCLUSION: While outcomes of the three mesh groups were similar in our data, there was a significant difference in mesh cost. Surgeon and hospital preference still play a role in choosing the type of mesh used; however, knowledge of the individual mesh cost will help surgeons make better informed decisions.

How high is too high? Extensive mediastinal dissection in patients with hiatal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 10% of patients receiving anti-reflux procedures present with shortened esophagus. Collis gastroplasty (CG) is the current gold standard for esophageal lengthening, but mediastinal esophageal mobilization without gastroplasty may be an alternative approach. This study assesses preoperative and intraoperative hernia characteristics and mediastinal dissection impact in patients with large hiatal hernia repair (HHR). METHODS: A single-institution, prospectively collected database was reviewed for adults who underwent laparoscopic HHR with mesh and anti-reflux surgery between 2005 and 2016, hernia ≥ 5 cm. Preoperative hernia and follow-up were assessed using upper endoscopy and barium swallow. Intraoperative hernia characteristics were collected from the operative note. Esophageal symptom scores were collected pre- and postoperatively. Analyses were conducted using SPSS v26.0. RESULTS: Among 662 patients who had anti-reflux surgery in this period, a total of 205 patients who underwent HHR with mesh met the inclusion criteria and were included in study. Mean age was 61.7 ± 13.6 years, and majority of patients were female and Caucasian. Mean BMI was 29.9 ± 6.0 kg/m2. Median hernia size was 6.5 cm [5.0-12.0 cm], and intra-thoracic stomach had a prevalence of 21.9%. Analysis of preoperative barium swallow revealed an average of elevated gastroesophageal junction above the diaphragm of 4.10 ± 1.67 cm. Radiographically, average hernia size was 6.34 ± 1.93 cm and 6.38 ± 1.92 cm in the anterior-posterior and obliquus view, respectively. Median follow-up time was 2.7 years [1-9 years]. Esophageal symptoms improved in all patients (p < 0.05). 45% of patients had radiographic recurrence, but only four presented symptomatic or were on PPI. CONCLUSIONS: CG has been the standard for ensuring adequate esophageal length prior to anti-reflux surgery. Our results support that CG is unnecessary in the majority of cases, and extensive mediastinal dissection was successfully used instead of CG with durable, long-term outcomes. Extended mediastinal dissection may mitigate CG risks in patients requiring additional intra-abdominal esophagus.

Achalasia Treatment in Patients over 80 Years of Age: A Multicenter Survey.

Background and Aims: Laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM), per oral endoscopic myotomy, and pneumatic dilatation are well-established methods to treat achalasia. The ideal treatment algorithm in elderly patients is, however, still elusive. This multicenter study aims to evaluate outcomes and changes in routine therapeutic options in patients >80 years of age. Methods: Worldwide high-volume centers for the treatment of achalasia were surveyed. Therapeutic options and outcomes in patients >80 years of age were reviewed. Results: Eighty-five (54% men, mean age 84 ± 4 years) patients were studied. Primary treatment was endoscopic in 43 (51%) patients, surgical in 39 (46%) patients (30 LHM, 9 cardioplasty + gastrectomy), and medical in 3 (4%) patients. Four centers tailored treatment based on age (14% of the patients). Secondary treatment was necessary in 34 (40%) patients: 30 of them with endoscopic treatment as primary treatment. LHM was performed in 20 patients and endoscopic treatment in 14 patients. A total of 11 (13%) patients had complications after LHM. Seven had LHM or cardioplasty + gastrectomy as primary treatment. Four had LHM as secondary treatment. The mean time of hospitalization was 4 ± 2 days for those who did not have complications, and 7 ± 6 days for those who had complications. Conclusions: Most specialized centers do not tailor treatment based on advanced age. Treatment of the oldest-old patients should be based solely on their physiologic and mental health, not their age. Endoscopic treatment has a high rate of recurrence and gastrectomy a high rate of complications in his population. LHM seems to be a safe option with good outcomes in this population.

Patients undergoing intragastric balloon achieve approximately 50% of their target weight loss in the first month postoperatively: an MBSAQIP analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intragastric balloon (IGB) placement can provide a mean percent total weight loss (%TWL) of 10.2% at 6-month follow-up. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate 30-day outcomes and safety of patients undergoing IGB placement. SETTING: Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. METHODS: The 2016 to 2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program was queried for adult patients who underwent primary IGB placement. Demographic characteristics and preoperative risk factors were collected. Postoperative outcomes included %TWL, percent excess weight loss, and complications rates and causes. Subset analysis was done for outcomes comparison between surgeons or gastroenterologists performing the procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: A total of 1221 patients were included. The majority was female (81.9%), Caucasian (81.2%), with a mean age of 48 ± 11.3 years and a mean preoperative body mass index of 34.9 ± 11.2 kg/m2. Of patients, 98.8% were discharged within 24 hours of the procedure. Two patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 7.2% received postoperative treatment for dehydration. Reoperation and readmission rates were 1.1% and 7.2%, respectively, mainly due to nausea, vomiting, and poor nutritional status (n = 22). The intervention rate was 6.2%. Patients in this cohort achieved a mean %TWL of 6.2% (standard deviation, 5.52%) and mean TWL of 6.8 kg within 30 days postoperatively (n = 147; 24-30 d). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show patients met approximately 50% of their target weight loss 30 days after IGB placement. Nausea, vomiting, and poor nutrition status were the most common complications within 30 days of the procedure. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine if these patients are able to sustain their weight loss and for how long.

Robot-assisted cholecystectomy is a safe but costly approach: A national database review.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to evaluate surgical outcomes, cost, and opiate utilization of patients who underwent laparoscopic (LC) or robotic cholecystectomy (RC). METHODS: The Vizient database was queried for patients admitted with mild to moderate severity of illness (SOI) scores who underwent LC or RC from January 2015 through December 2017. Rates of overall complications, postoperative infection, mortality, LOS, cost, and opiate utilization were compared between groups using IBM SPSS v.25.0, α = 0.05. RESULTS: 91,849 patients (LC:N = 89,878; RC:N = 1,971) met the inclusion criteria. Robotic approach was associated with more complications (LC:0.9%, RC:1.7%; p < 0.001), postoperative infections (LC:0.2%, RC:0.4%; p = 0.033) and a higher direct cost (LC:$6782 ±â€¯3421, RC:$9354 ±â€¯5497; p < 0.001). Opiates were prescribed more frequently in the laparoscopic group (LC:98.3%, RC:97.2%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The direct cost of RC is significantly higher than LC with no added benefit. Routine use of the robotic platform for cholecystectomy should be discouraged until costs are reduced.

Prolonged non-operative management of clostridium difficile colitis is associated with increased mortality, complications, and cost.

BACKGROUND: We aim to investigate the effects of delaying surgery on outcomes and cost in patients admitted with severe clostridium difficile infection (CDI). METHODS: The Vizient database was queried for patients with CDI who underwent open total abdominal colectomy (TAC). Patients operated on the day of admission were excluded. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, student T-test, and logistic regression were performed with α = 0.05. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses using days from admission to surgery (DATO), age, race, and gender demonstrated that increased DATO was associated with higher 30-day mortality (OR 1.022, 95% CI 1.001-1.044, p = 0.040), overall complications (OR 1.034, 95% CI 1.014-1.054, p = 0.001), and infectious complications (OR 1.040, 95% CI 1.018-1.062, p < 0.001) compared to age for all three outcomes. Total length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, and direct cost increased in conjunction with DATO (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early surgical intervention in appropriately selected patients should be considered when there is a high suspicion for prolonged non-operative treatment.

Predictors of Hiatal Hernia Recurrence After Laparoscopic Anti-reflux Surgery with Hiatal Hernia Repair: a Prospective Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify factors that can predict hiatal hernia recurrence (HHR) in patients after anti-reflux surgery with hiatal hernia (HH) repair. METHODS: A single-institution, prospectively collected database was reviewed (January 2002-October 2015) with inclusion criteria of GERD and laparoscopic anti-reflux (AR) surgery with HH repair. Demographics, esophageal symptom scores, and pre- and post-upper gastrointestinal imaging (UGI) were collected. Mesh usage, HH type (sliding, paraesophageal (HH) or type IV), and size were evaluated, and patients who had HHR versus those who did not (NHHR) were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS v.23.0.0, with α = 0.05. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 56.9 ± 14.8 years (60.9% female), and mean follow-up was 19.9 ± 23.8 months. 88.2% underwent total fundoplication and 11.8% underwent partial fundoplication. HHR rate was 15.5%. HHR patients had larger HH than the NHHR group. There was no significant difference between groups for age, gender, BMI, race, and mesh usage. Only 3 patients (10.3%) with HHR reported mild-to-moderate heartburn, regurgitation, and solid or liquid dysphagia at 12-month follow-up. Overall reoperation rate was 1% in this population. CONCLUSIONS: HHR is correlated with large hernia size. Mesh use and patient BMI were not predictors, and no correlation was identified between HHR and presence of GERD symptoms. Recurrence after repair is not uncommon, but is asymptomatic in most cases. Reoperation is rare and mesh is not routinely needed. Large asymptomatic HHs in the elderly often do not require intervention.

Surgical Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Severe Esophageal Dysmotility.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal dysmotility are often disqualifying criteria for fundoplication due to dysphagia complications. A tailored partial fundoplication may improve GERD in patients with severe esophageal motility disorders. We evaluate this approach on GERD improvement in non-achalasia esophageal dysmotility patients. METHODS: A single-institution prospective database was reviewed (2007-2016), with inclusion criteria of GERD, previous diagnosis of non-achalasia esophageal motility disorder, and laparoscopic partial fundoplication. Diagnosis of previous achalasia diagnosis or diffused esophageal spasm was excluded. Motility studies, pre- and post-upper gastrointestinal imaging (UGI), esophageal symptom scores, antacid, and PPI use were collected pre-op, 6 months, 12 months, and long-term (LT). Statistical analysis was made using SPSS v.23.0.0, α = 0.05. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 17.3% had esophageal body amotility, 79.6% had severe esophageal dysmotility. A total of 65.9% women (mean age 64 ± 15.7), mean peristalsis 45.3 ± 32.6%, and failed peristalsis 36.0 ± 32.2%. Mean LES residual pressure was 15.0 ± 18.0 mmHg, and 40.7% had hypotensive LES. Mean follow-up time was 25 months [1-7 years], with significant improvement in symptoms and reduction in PPI and antacid use at all time-points compared to pre-op. A total of 74% had UGI studies at 12 months; all showed persistent dysmotility. Six patients had radiographic hiatal hernia recurrence, with only one being clinically symptomatic postoperatively. Three required dilation for persistent dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored partial fundoplication may be effective in symptom relief for non-achalasia patients with esophageal motility disorders and GERD. Significant symptom improvement, low HHR, and PPI use clearly indicate this approach to be effective for this population.

No survival advantage exists for patients undergoing loop ileostomy for clostridium difficile colitis.

BACKGROUND: We aim to compare outcomes between loop ileostomy (LI) and total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and hypothesize that LI is associated with fewer complications. METHODS: The 2011-2016 ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing LI or TAC for CDI. Patients with high outlying age, LOS, and operative time were excluded. Statistics were performed using IBM-SPSS and NCSS PASS-11. RESULTS: Of 457 patients identified, 47 underwent LI. Predicted morbidity was higher in the TAC cohort (62% vs. 37%, p < 0.001). Patients in the LI cohort experienced fewer complications (72% vs. 87%, p = 0.021); however, mortality did not differ between LI (36%) and TAC (31%). Blood transfusions were more than twice as frequent in the TAC cohort (54% vs. 19%, p < 0.001). Four patients in the LI cohort required reoperation; however, none required colectomy. CONCLUSIONS: No mortality difference was observed between LI and TAC. Prospective studies are required to determine the utility of LI. SUMMARY: An analysis of the ACS-NSQIP database was performed and demonstrates that no survival benefit exists for patients who undergo loop ileostomy for C difficile infection compared to those who undergo total colectomy; however, patients who undergo loop ileostomy are likely to retain their colon with low risk of requiring subsequent colectomy.

Ergonomics of minimally invasive surgery: an analysis of muscle effort and fatigue in the operating room between laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to determine how objectively-measured and self-reported muscle effort and fatigue of the upper-limb differ between surgeons performing laparoscopic (LAP) and robotic-assisted (ROBOT) surgeries. METHODS: Surgeons performing LAP or ROBOT procedures at a single-institution were enrolled. Objective muscle activation and self-reported fatigue were evaluated, and comparisons were made between approaches. Muscle activation of the upper trapezius (UT), anterior deltoid (AD), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), and extensor digitorum (ED) were recorded during the surgical procedure using Trigno wireless surface electromyography (EMG). The maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was obtained to normalize root-mean-square muscle activation as %MVCRMS. The median frequency (MDF) was calculated to assess muscle fatigue. Each surgeon also completed the validated Piper Fatigue Scale-12 (PFH-12) before and after the procedure for self-perceived fatigue assessment. Statistical analysis was done using SAS/STAT software, with α = 0.05. RESULTS: 28 surgeries were recorded (LAP: N = 18, ROBOT: N = 10). EMG analysis revealed the ROBOT group had a higher muscle activation than LAP for UT (37.7 vs. 25.5, p = 0.003), AD (8.9 vs. 6.3, p = 0.027), and FCR (14.4 vs. 10.9, p = 0.019). Conversely, LAP required more effort for the ED, represented by a significantly lower MDF compared to the ROBOT group (91.2 ± 1.5 Hz vs. 102.8 ± 1.5 Hz, p < 0.001). Survey analysis revealed no differences in self-reported fatigue before and after the surgery between approaches, p = 0.869. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis revealed surgeons show similar fatigue levels performing the first case of the day using either robotic or LAP surgery. Surgeons performing LAP surgery had more fatigue in the forearm, robotic surgery required more shoulder and neck use, but neither was superior. Neither technique produced significant overall fatigue on survey. Long-term selective use of these different muscles could be correlated with different patterns of injury. Future studies are needed to fully understand long-term implications of prolonged surgery on occupational injury.

Review of emerging surgical robotic technology.

BACKGROUND: The use of laparoscopic and robotic procedures has increased in general surgery. Minimally invasive robotic surgery has made tremendous progress in a relatively short period of time, realizing improvements for both the patient and surgeon. This has led to an increase in the use and development of robotic devices and platforms for general surgery. The purpose of this review is to explore current and emerging surgical robotic technologies in a growing and dynamic environment of research and development. METHODS: This review explores medical and surgical robotic endoscopic surgery and peripheral technologies currently available or in development. The devices discussed here are specific to general surgery, including laparoscopy, colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and thoracoscopy. Benefits and limitations of each technology were identified and applicable future directions were described. RESULTS: A number of FDA-approved devices and platforms for robotic surgery were reviewed, including the da Vinci Surgical System, Sensei X Robotic Catheter System, FreeHand 1.2, invendoscopy E200 system, Flex® Robotic System, Senhance, ARES, the Single-Port Instrument Delivery Extended Research (SPIDER), and the NeoGuide Colonoscope. Additionally, platforms were reviewed which have not yet obtained FDA approval including MiroSurge, ViaCath System, SPORT™ Surgical System, SurgiBot, Versius Robotic System, Master and Slave Transluminal Endoscopic Robot, Verb Surgical, Miniature In Vivo Robot, and the Einstein Surgical Robot. CONCLUSIONS: The use and demand for robotic medical and surgical platforms is increasing and new technologies are continually being developed. New technologies are increasingly implemented to improve on the capabilities of previously established systems. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each robotic surgical device and platform in the operating suite.

Growth in robotic-assisted procedures is from conversion of laparoscopic procedures and not from open surgeons' conversion: a study of trends and costs.

BACKGROUND: Utilization of laparoscopy (LAP) has been increasing in general surgery for years, and there is currently a rapid increase in the utilization of robotic-assisted surgeries (RAS). This study evaluates trends in the surgical approach utilized in some commonly performed surgeries, the proportion of each approach within the procedures, and the cost of these surgeries based on the surgical approach. METHODS: This is a retrospective study using the Vizient database. The database was queried using ICD-9 codes for colectomy, cholecystectomy, inguinal and ventral hernia repairs, and bariatric surgeries, either open, LAP, or robotically performed. Utilization trends were evaluated between quarters, over a 7-year period, and direct cost was compared between approaches. IBM SPSS v.23.0.0 was used for data analysis, with α = 0.05. RESULTS: 857,468 patients underwent colectomy, cholecystectomy, inguinal and ventral hernia repairs, and bariatric procedures. A significant decrease in open-approach utilization was seen in colectomy (71.8-61.9%), cholecystectomy (35.7-27.1%), and bariatric surgeries (20.1-10.1%), whereas both LAP and RAS utilization increased (p < 0.001). Significant RAS increase was seen in all five procedures: colectomy (0.4-8.0%), cholecystectomy (0.2-1.8%), IHR (19.9-29.4%), VHR (0.2-2.9%), and bariatric (0.6-5.4%), compared to a decrease in LAP (p < 0.001). Surgery cost was significantly higher for open ($14,364), followed by RAS ($11,376) and LAP ($7945), p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic technology is commonly viewed as enabling open procedures to be converted to minimally invasive, a trend not observed in our study. Our trends analysis revealed significant RAS utilization increase from LAP procedures and not from open procedure conversion, although specific surgeon data were not available. RAS were costlier than LAP for all five procedures. The benefits of rapid robot adoption and the forces that are driving these must be examined against a backdrop of burdening an already expensive healthcare system.

Emergent cholecystectomy is superior to percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement in critically ill patients with emergent calculous cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: The role of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is undefined in patients with multiple comorbidities presenting with emergent calculous cholecystitis (CC). This study compared outcomes between PC, laparoscopic (LC), and open cholecystectomy (OC). METHODS: The Vizient UHC database was queried for high-risk patients with CC who underwent PC, LC, OC, or laparoscopic converted to open cholecystectomy (CONV). Demographics, outcomes, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and direct cost were compared between the groups. RESULTS: LC was the most common approach with the lowest risk of death, complications, LOS, and cost. Complication risk was highest in OC. Nearly 20% of patients underwent PC. Complication rate, LOS, infection, aspiration pneumonia, and mortality were higher in PC. Direct cost was lowest in LC, followed by CONV, PC, and OC. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent cholecystectomy for CC in high-risk patients is safer and more cost effective than PC and this study supports the use of cholecystectomy as the primary treatment approach in these patients.