Use of primary surgical drains in synchronous resection for colorectal liver metastases: a NSQIP analysis of current practice paradigm.

BACKGROUND: There are no studies examining the use of subhepatic drains after simultaneous resection of synchronous colorectal liver metastases (sCRLM). This study aimed to (1) describe the current practices regarding primary drain placement, (2) evaluate drain efficacy in mitigating postoperative complications, and (3) determine impact of drain maintenance duration on patient outcomes. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP targeted data from 2014 to 2017 were analyzed. Propensity score of surgical drain versus no drain cohorts was performed. Main study outcomes were mortality, major morbidity, organ/space surgical site infection (SSI), secondary drain/aspiration procedure, and any septic events. Additional univariate/multivariate logistic analyses were performed to identify associations with drain placement and duration. Major hepatectomy was defined as formal right hepatectomy and any trisectionectomy. RESULTS: 584 combined liver and colorectal resection (CRR) cases were identified. Open partial hepatectomy with colectomy was the most common procedure (70%, n = 407). Nearly 40% of patients received surgical drains (n = 226). Major hepatectomy, lower serum albumin, and no intraoperative portal vein occlusion (Pringle maneuver) were significantly associated with drain placement (p < 0.05). In the matched cohort (n = 190 in each arm), patients with surgical drains experienced higher rates of major morbidity (30% vs 12%), organ/space SSI (16% vs 6%), postoperative drain/aspiration procedures (9% vs 3%), and sepsis/septic shock (12% vs 4%) (all p < 0.05). Patients with severely prolonged drain removal, defined as after postoperative day 13 (POD13), had higher risk of postoperative morbidity compared to those with earlier drain removal (p < 0.01). 30-day mortality rate was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Primary surgical drains were placed in a substantial percentage of patients undergoing combined resection for sCRLM. This case-matched analysis suggested that surgical drains are associated with an increase in postoperative morbidity. Postoperative drain maintenance past 13 days is associated with worse outcomes compared to earlier removal.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy Does Not Improve Recurrence-Free Survival in Patients With Stage 2 or Stage 3 Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Total Mesorectal Excision.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines for locally advanced stage 2/3 rectal cancer recommend neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision and adjuvant chemotherapy. The oncologic benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy has not been consistently demonstrated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate disease recurrence and survival in patients with rectal cancer who received adjuvant chemotherapy after chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision. DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of patients with stage 2/3 rectal cancer after chemoradiotherapy and surgery, based on receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at the Kaiser Permanente Southern California system of 14 hospitals and associated clinics. PATIENTS: A total of 862 patients with stage 2/3 rectal cancer diagnosed and treated between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2016, were included in this study. INTERVENTIONS: The study involved neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: A total of 348 stage 2 and 514 stage 3 patients were included; 660 patients (76.6%) underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. Mean patient follow-up after surgery was 63.0 months (range, 3-160). Multivariable analysis showed that yp stage (HR for yp stage 2 = 4.74; yp stage 3 = 8.83) and en bloc resection (HR = 1.76) were the only variables that significantly predicted disease recurrence. Neither pretreatment tumor stage nor receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly associated with recurrence-free survival. Log-rank testing failed to demonstrate significant recurrence-free survival improvement after receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy in any patient subgroup. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by selection bias attributed to the nature of a retrospective study without patient randomization or predefined treatment protocol. CONCLUSIONS: In stage 2/3 rectal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy and surgery, the addition of adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with decreased recurrence-free survival in the entire cohort or in any subgroup, whereas tumor response to chemoradiotherapy is closely associated with disease recurrence. These findings have important consequences for treatment and surveillance decisions for patients with rectal cancer. Presurgical efforts that maximize tumor downstaging, such as total neoadjuvant therapy, may produce better oncologic outcomes than traditional adjuvant chemotherapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B134. LA QUIMIOTERAPIA ADYUVANTE NO MEJORA LA SOBREVIDA LIBRE DE RECURRENCIA EN PACIENTES CON CÁNCER DE RECTO ESTADÍOS II O III DESPUÉS DE RADIO-QUIMIOTERAPIA NEOADYUVANTE Y ESCISIÓN TOTAL DEL MESORRECTO: Las guías actuales para el tratamiento de cáncer rectal en estadio II-III localmente avanzado, recomiendan la radio-quimioterapia neoadyuvante con escisión total del mesorrecto seguidas de quimioterapia adyuvante. El beneficio oncológico de la quimioterapia adyuvante no ha sido demostrado de manera fehaciente.Evaluar la recurrencia y sobrevida a la enfermedad en pacientes con cáncer rectal que recibieron quimioterapia adyuvante después de radio-quimioterapia y escisión total del mesorrecto.Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes con cáncer rectal en estadios II-III después de radio-quimioterapia y cirugía, basada en la recepción de quimioterapia adyuvante.Sistema Permanente de Kaiser Sur-Californiano de 14 hospitales y clínicas asociadas.862 pacientes con cáncer rectal en estadio II-III diagnosticados y tratados entre el 1 de Enero 2005 y el 31 de Diciembre 2016.Radio-quimioterapia neoadyuvante seguida de escisión total del mesorrecto +/- quimioterapia adyuvante.El objetivo primario fue la sobrevida libre de recurrencia.Fueron incluidos 348 pacientes en estadio II y 514 en estadio III. 660 pacientes (76,6%) se sometieron a quimioterapia adyuvante. El seguimiento medio de cada paciente después de la cirugía fué de 63.0 meses (rango, 3-160). El análisis multivariable mostró que la etapa yp (Cociente de riesgo para estadío yp II = 4.74 y estadío yp III = 8.83) y la resección en bloque (Cociente de riesgo = 1.76) fueron las únicas variables que predijeron significativamente la recurrencia de la enfermedad. Ni el estadío tumoral previo al tratamiento ni la recepción de quimioterapia adyuvante se asociaron significativamente con la sobrevida libre de recurrencia. Las pruebas de rango logarítmico no pudieron demostrar una mejoría significativa de la sobrevida libre de recurrencia después de recibir quimioterapia adyuvante en cualquier subgrupo de pacientes.Sesgo de selección, debido al estudio retrospectivo sin aleatorización de los pacientes o protocolo de tratamiento predefinido.En casos de cáncer de recto estadíos II-III tratados con radio-quimioterapia y cirugía, la adición de quimioterapia adyuvante no se asoció con una disminución de la sobrevida libre de recurrencia en toda la cohorte o en ningún subgrupo, mientras que la respuesta tumoral a la radio-quimioterapia está estrechamente asociada con la recurrencia de la enfermedad. Estos hallazgos tienen consecuencias importantes en la decisión del tratamiento y la vigilancia en pacientes con cáncer de recto. Los esfuerzos pre-quirúrgicos que maximizan la reducción del tamaño del tumor, como la terapia neoadyuvante total, pueden producir mejores resultados oncológicos que la quimioterapia adyuvante tradicional. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B134.

Risk Prediction Models for Head and Neck Cancer in the US Population From the INHANCE Consortium.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) risk prediction models based on risk factor profiles have not yet been developed. We took advantage of the large database of the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) Consortium, including 14 US studies from 1981-2010, to develop HNC risk prediction models. Seventy percent of the data were used to develop the risk prediction models; the remaining 30% were used to validate the models. We used competing-risk models to calculate absolute risks. The predictors included age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, alcohol drinking intensity, cigarette smoking duration and intensity, and/or family history of HNC. The 20-year absolute risk of HNC was 7.61% for a 60-year-old woman who smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day for over 20 years, consumed 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day, was a high school graduate, had a family history of HNC, and was non-Hispanic white. The 20-year risk for men with a similar profile was 6.85%. The absolute risks of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers were generally lower than those of oral cavity and laryngeal cancers. Statistics for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were 0.70 or higher, except for oropharyngeal cancer in men. This HNC risk prediction model may be useful in promoting healthier behaviors such as smoking cessation or in aiding persons with a family history of HNC to evaluate their risks.

Feeding Jejunostomy Tube Placed during Esophagectomy: Is There an Effect on Postoperative Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Feeding jejunostomy (FJ) tubes are routinely placed during esophagectomy. However, their effect on immediate postoperative outcomes in this patient population is not clear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of FJ tube placement during esophagectomy on postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to evaluate the effect of FJ tube placement during esophagectomy on 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. A propensity score-matched cohort was used to compare postoperative outcomes of patients with and without FJ tubes. RESULTS: An FJ tube was placed in 45% of 2059 patients undergoing esophagectomy. The anastomotic leak rate was 13.5%. Patients with FJ tubes were more likely to have preoperative radiation therapy (59.6% vs 54.9%, p = 0.041), transhiatal esophagectomy (21.5% vs 19.2%, p = 0.012), a malignant diagnosis (93.2% vs 90.4%), and longer operative time (393 min vs 348 min, p < 0.001). In a case-matched cohort, mortality (2% vs 2.4%, p = 0.618) and severe morbidity (38.2% vs 34.6%, p = 0.128) were comparable between patients with and without FJ tubes. FJ tube placement was associated with higher overall morbidity (46% vs 38.6%, p = 0.002), superficial wound infection (6.3% vs 2.9%, p = 0.001), and return to the operating room (16.7% vs 12.5%, p = 0.016). In a subgroup of patients with anastomotic leak, FJ was associated with shorter hospital stay (20.1 days vs 24.3 days, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: These mixed findings support selective rather than routine FJ tube placement during esophagectomy.

Robotic versus laparoscopic elective colectomy for left side diverticulitis: a propensity score-matched analysis of the NSQIP database.

PURPOSE: Robotic surgery might have an advantage over conventional laparoscopy for colonic diverticulitis. We intend to compare both approaches in the elective management of left side diverticulitis. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2012-2014) was surveyed for patients undergoing elective left/sigmoid colectomy for diverticulitis. Patient demographics, co-morbidities, disease complexity, and intraoperative details were matched on propensity scores derived from logistic regression model. RESULTS: We identified 441 robotic and 6584 laparoscopic cases. Mean age was 56.8 years. Mean BMI was 29.5, and 46.5% of patients were males. Low preoperative albumin (< 3.5 mg/dl, 11.1% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.003), splenectomy (0.45% vs. 0.05%, p = 0.002), and enterotomy repair (1.1% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.029) were higher in the robotic group than the laparoscopic group. Hand assistance (35.8% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.003), splenic flexure takedown (41.5% vs. 49.2%, p = 0.002), and ureteric stent placement (18.6% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.017) were less common in the robotic group than the laparoscopic group. Case-matched analysis showed that robotic surgery was associated with shorter hospital stay (3.89 ± 2.18 days vs. 4.75 ± 3.25 days, p < 0.001), lower conversion rate (7.5% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.001), and longer operative time (219.2 ± 95.6 min vs. 188.8 ± 82.3 min, p < 0.001) than laparoscopic surgery. Robotic approach was associated with lower overall morbidity in multivariate analysis (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.55-0.96), but not in case-matched analysis (14.4% vs. 19.2%, p = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery is associated with shorter hospital stay and lower conversion rate and may offer lower overall morbidity than laparoscopy after elective left side colectomy for diverticulitis. Controlled prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Predictors of Failed Transcystic Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration: Analysis of Multicenter Integrated Health System Database.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to report our experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and validate the experts' opinion about anatomical predictors of failed transcystic LCBDE (TLCBDE) approach. METHODS: Patients undergoing LCBDE at Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals (2005-2015) were included. Predictors of failed TLCBDE were identified using bivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of 115 LCBDE, 89.6% were TLCBDE and 10.4% through choledochotomy. Success rate, morbidity, and length of hospital stay were 83.5%, 6.1%, and 3.8 days respectively. Only stone size:cystic duct ratio >1 (35% versus 63%, P = .044) was associated with failure of TLCBDE. In accordance with experts' opinion, there was a suggestive association of stone size ≥6 mm, cystic duct ≤4 mm, multiple stones, and proximal stone location with failure; however, these did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: LCBDE is an effective and safe mean of clearing common bile duct stones at community hospitals of an integrated health system. Previously cited contraindications for TLCBDE are not absolute, but rather predictors of failure.

Complex Ventral Hernias: A Review of Past to Present.

With the incidence of ventral hernias increasing, surgeons are faced with greater complexity in dealing with these conditions. Proper knowledge of the history and the advancements made in managing complex ventral hernias will enhance surgical results. This review article highlights the literature regarding complex ventral hernias, including a shift from a focus that stressed surgical technique toward a multimodal approach, which involves optimization and identification of suboptimal characteristics.

Surgical Intervention for Right-Side Diverticulitis: A Case-Matched Comparison with Left-Side Diverticulitis.

Right-side diverticulitis (RSD) is an uncommon disease in Western countries. We conducted a case-matched comparison of surgically managed right-side and left-side diverticulitis (LSD) from the Southern California Kaiser Permanente database (2007-2014). Of 995 patients undergoing emergent surgery for diverticulitis, 33 RSD (3.3%) met our inclusion criteria and were matched (1:1) to LSD based on age, gender, year of diagnosis, and Hinchey class. Mean age of the RSD group was 56 ± 13.9 years, and 24.2 per cent were Asian. RSD was classified as Hinchey class III or IV in 28.1 per cent and 9.4 per cent of cases, respectively. Right hemicolectomy was performed in 87.9 per cent and laparoscopy was used in 24.2 per cent of the cases. Surgically managed RSD patients were more likely to be Asian (25% vs 3.1%, P = 0.03) and have body mass index < 25 (31.3% vs 6.3%, P = 0.02) compared with LSD patients. Diverting stoma was less common in the RSD (6.3% vs 62.5%) (P < 0.001). Hospital stay was shorter in RSD (7.6 ± 4.2 vs 12.8 ± 9.4 days, P = 0.006) and more common in the RSD group (P < 0.01). Open surgery (90.6% vs 71.9%) and postoperative complications (37.5% vs 25%) were more common in the LSD group, but that was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Surgery for complicated RSD was associated with shorter hospital stay and decreased likelihood of diverting ostomy.

Same-Day versus Conventional Different-Day Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study.

Same-day endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and cholecystectomy (LC) could potentially reduce hospital length of stay (HLOS). Patients undergoing same-day procedures (N = 164) between 2012 and 2014 were compared with different-day procedures performed in the second half of 2014 (N = 276), in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California database. Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. ERCP success rate (97.5% vs 93.5%), overall postoperative morbidity (3.66% vs 3.99%), and retained stones (2.5% vs 5.8%) were not different between groups (P > 0.05); however, HLOS was shorter in the same-day group (2.99 ± 2.34 vs 3.84 ± 2.52 days, P < 0.001). Morbidity, procedure success, and HLOS were not different in the same-day group, whether ERCP was performed before or after LC (P > 0.05). In the same-day group, those undergoing single anesthesia had higher BMI (40.1 ± 10.8 vs 30.3 ± 6.6) and were more likely to have gastric bypass (30% vs 0%) than those undergoing separate anesthesia sessions (P < 0.01). Longer HLOS (4.8 ± 3.5 vs 2.9 ± 2.2 days) and higher estimated blood loss (65 ± 90 mL vs 20 ± 29 mL) were also associated with the single-anesthetic session (P < 0.01). ERCP performed on the same day of LC reduces HLOS without increasing morbidity. This approach does not affect postoperative morbidity and ERCP success rate, whether ERCP was performed before or after LC.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis found at time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Analysis of a large integrated health care system database.

BACKGROUND: We compared endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for managing choledocholithiasis found at time of cholecystectomy. METHODS: One hundred and five LCBDE (2005-2015) were compared to 195 LC/ERCP (2014-2015) from the Southern California Kaiser Permanente database. RESULTS: LC/ERCP was more effective at clearing the CBD (98% vs. 88.6%, p = 0.01); but required more procedures per patient (mean ± standard deviation, 1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 2.0 ± 0.12, p < 0.001). Morbidity, hospital length of stay and readmission were not different (P > 0.05). Four patients failed ERCP, while 12 patients failed LCBDE and had subsequent ERCP (10) or CBD exploration (2). All patients with RYGB had successful LCBDE. CONCLUSION: LC/ERCP is better than LCBDE in clearing CBD stones, but has similar morbidity and is an effective alternative for patients with RYGB.

Endostapler versus Hem-O-Lok clip to secure the appendiceal stump and mesoappendix during laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: Our study evaluates the safety and cost of using the Hem-O-Lok (HOL) clip in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). METHOD: We prospectively compared 30-day postoperative outcomes and cost between HOL clip and endoscopic stapler (ES) in LA at a single institution. RESULTS: HOL clip was used in 45 out of 92 LA. Perforated appendicitis (29.8% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.027) and postoperative complications were more common in the ES group (19.2% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, HOL clip was associated with lower complications rate (OR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.003-0.744; p = 0.030). In propensity score matched cohort, complications were not different (p > 0.05). In patients with non-perforated appendicitis, HOL use increased operative time by 10 min on average (p = 0.004). Minimum ES cost per single appendectomy was $273.13, while HOL clip cost was $32.14. CONCLUSION: The use of HOL clip in LA is safe and it reduced the costs of the procedure in comparison to the use of ES.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Trends of Motor Peripheral Nerve Injury After Colorectal Surgery: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database.

BACKGROUND: Motor peripheral nerve injury is a rare but serious event after colorectal surgery, and a nationwide study of this complication is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report the incidence, trends, and risk factors of motor peripheral nerve injury during colorectal surgery. DESIGN: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was surveyed for motor peripheral nerve injury complicating colorectal procedures. Risk factors for this complication were identified using logistic regression analysis. SETTINGS: The study used a national database. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing colorectal resection between 2005 and 2013 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence, trends, and risk factors for motor peripheral nerve injury complicating colorectal procedures were measured. RESULTS: We identified 186,936 colorectal cases, of which 50,470 (27%) were performed laparoscopically. Motor peripheral nerve injury occurred in 122 patients (0.065%). Injury rates declined over the study period, from 0.025% in 2006 to <0.010% in 2013 (p < 0.001). Patients with motor peripheral nerve injury were younger (mean ± SD; 54.02 ± 15.41 y vs 61.56 ± 15.95 y; p < 0.001), more likely to be obese (BMI ≥30; 43% vs 31%; p = 0.003), and more likely to have received radiotherapy (12.3% vs 4.7%; p < 0.001). Nerve injury was also associated with longer operative times (277.16 ± 169.79 min vs 176.69 ± 104.80 min; p < 0.001) and was less likely to be associated with laparoscopy (p = 0.043). Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing operative time was associated with nerve injury (OR = 1.04 (95% CI, 1.03-1.04)), whereas increasing age was associated with a protective effect (OR = 0.80 (95% CI, 0.71-0.90)). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Motor peripheral nerve injury during colorectal procedures is uncommon (0.065%), and its rate declined significantly over the study period. Prolonged operative time is the strongest predictor of motor peripheral nerve injury during colorectal procedures. Instituting and documenting measures to prevent nerve injury is imperative; however, special attention to this complication is necessary when surgeons contemplate long colorectal procedures.

Does Incidental Appendectomy Increase the Risk of Complications after Abdominal Procedures?

Incidental appendectomy (IA) could potentially increase the risk of morbidity after abdominal procedures; however, such effect is not clearly established. The aim of our study is to test the association of IA with morbidity after abdominal procedures. We identified 743 (0.37%) IA among 199,233 abdominal procedures in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005-2009). Cases with and without IA were matched on the index current procedural terminology code. Patient characteristics were compared using chi-squared test for categorical variables and Student t test for continuous variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Emergency and open surgeries were associated with performing IA. Multivariate analysis showed no association of IA with mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.26-1.02], overall morbidity (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.92-1.47), or major morbidity (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.99-1.48). However, IA increased overall morbidity among patients undergoing elective surgery (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03-1.68) or those ≥30 years old (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.00-1.51). IA was also associated with higher wound complications (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.05-2.03). In conclusion, IA is an uncommonly performed procedure that is associated with increased risk of postoperative wound complications and increased risk of overall morbidity in a selected patient population.

Long-term health effects among testicular cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Testicular cancer is diagnosed at a young age and survival rates are high; thus, the long-term effects of cancer treatment need to be assessed. Our objectives are to estimate the incidence rates and determinants of late effects in testicular cancer survivors. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study of testicular cancer survivors, diagnosed 1991-2007, followed up for a median of 10 years. We identified 785 testicular cancer patients who survived ≥5 years and 3323 men free of cancer for the comparison group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to compare the hazard ratio between the cases and the comparison group and for internal analysis among case patients. RESULTS: Testicular cancer survivors experienced a 24 % increase in risk of long-term health effects >5 years after diagnosis. The overall incidence rate of late effects among testicular cancer survivors was 66.3 per 1000 person years. Higher risks were observed among testicular cancer survivors for hypercholesterolemia, infertility, and orchitis. Chemotherapy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection appeared to increase the risk of late effects. Being obese prior to cancer diagnosis appeared to be the strongest factor associated with late effects. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular cancer survivors were more likely to develop chronic health conditions when compared to cancer-free men. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: While the late effects risk was increased among testicular cancer survivors, the incidence rates of late effects after cancer diagnosis was fairly low.

Household air pollution and lung cancer risk among never-smokers in Nepal.

More than half of the global population relies on biomass fuels (wood, charcoal, crop residue, dung) for cooking and/or heating purposes. Household air pollution (HAP) resulting from the use of these solid fuels is of particular concern, given the overall prevalence as well as the intensity of exposure and the range of potential adverse health outcomes. Long term exposure to HAP is a major public health concern, particularly among women and children in low and middle income countries. In this study, we investigated the association between exposure to HAP resulting from combustion of biomass and lung cancer risk among Nepalese population. Using a hospital-based case-control study (2009-2012), we recruited 606 lung cancer cases and 606 healthy controls matched on age (±5 years), gender, and geographical residence. We used unconditional logistic regression to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) for lung cancer risk associated with HAP exposures, adjusting for potential confounders (tobacco use, TB status, SES, age, gender, ethnicity, and exposure to second hand smoke. In our overall analysis, we observed increased risk of lung cancer among those who were exposed to HAPs (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.00-3.14). A more detailed analysis stratified by smoking status showed considerably higher risk of lung cancer associated with increasing duration of exposure to HAP from biomass combustion, with evidence of a borderline exposure-response relationship (Ptrend=0.05) that was more pronounced among never-smokers (Ptrend=0.01). Our results suggest that chronic exposure to HAP resulting from biomass combustion is associated with increased lung cancer risk, particularly among never-smokers in Nepal.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Performed Via the "Marionette" Technique Shows Equivalence in Outcome and Cost to Standard Four Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Selected Patient Population.

The aim of our study is to compare single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) performed using the "marionette" technique (m-SILC), to the standard four-port technique [four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4PLC)]. Patient information was extracted from a prospectively maintained database (n = 188). Our primary endpoint was operative costs (determined by operating time and instruments used). Secondary endpoints were length of stay, operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complication rates. Univariate and adjusted multivariate analysis was used to compare the outcomes. There were a total of 188 patients for this study. Gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and resident participation were similar. Patients undergoing m-SILC were younger (43.8 vs 49.8 years old), less likely to have cholangiogram (32% vs 54%), and were more likely to undergo cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis (73.3% vs 52%). In univariate analysis, cholecystectomy performed by the "marionette method" as compared with the 4PLC was associated with shorter operative time (67 vs 59 minutes respectively) and shorter hospital stay (1.2 vs 2.08 days respectively). In multivariate analysis, SILC was associated with shorter hospital stay and comparable operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications. Instrumentation cost was less in SILC (by $94). SILC done by an experienced surgeon with the "marionette" technique on a carefully selected population shows a statistically significant cost benefit while maintaining clinically comparable outcomes to the standard 4PLC.

Undertaking cancer research in international settings: report from the american society for preventive oncology special interest group on international issues in cancer.

The mission of the American Society for Preventive Oncology Special Interest Group in International Issues in Cancer is to serve as a worldwide cancer prevention resource. At the 2013 annual meeting, we presented three early career investigators who conducted research with international collaborators as part of postdoctoral studies. We present a synopsis of each of the scientific presentations. The investigators also highlight useful strategies to encourage a more successful international collaboration, including seeking out existing collaborations between colleagues and international researchers, maintaining awareness and sensitivity of cultural norms, establishing clear communication about investigator roles and expectations, and persevering in the face of potential challenges due to the nature of these collaborations. Incorporation of these key elements could prove useful for researchers interested in pursuing cross-country projects.