Outcome and Timing of Ostomy Reversal Surgery for Diverticular Disease in Veterans Administration Hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Veterans undergoing elective surgery for diverticular disease have an ostomy creation rate of 18%. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes and timing of ostomy reversal surgery, perioperative complications, and differences between colostomy and ileostomy reversal outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Project (VASQIP) database was performed. Patients undergoing elective colectomy for diverticular disease between 2004 and 2018 were identified. Demographics, comorbidities, ostomy type, time to reversal, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: 4,198 patients underwent elective colectomy for diverticular disease, with 751 patients (17.9%) receiving an ostomy. Of patients who received an ostomy, 407 had ostomy reversal surgery within the Veterans Health Administration system (54.2%), with 243 colostomies, 149 ileostomies, and 15 unspecified. Median time to ostomy reversal was 5.0 months (interquartile range 3.2, 7.8). Complication rate after reversal was 23.1%; surgical site infection was most common (9.1%). Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists classification >3 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = .40[.22-.72]), increasing age (aOR = .98[.97-.99]), laparoscopic index procedure (aOR = .42[.27-.63]), and hypertension (aOR = .63[.46-.87]) were less likely to have their ostomy reversed. There were no differences in postoperative complication rates after ostomy vs ileostomy reversals. Reversals after 4.6 months were associated with 3.4-times higher odds of complications. CONCLUSION: Ostomy creation and reversal rates are similar between the veteran and non-veteran populations in the United States. Delays in reversal surgery were associated with worse postoperative outcomes, which underscore the importance of close follow-up for patients with an ostomy after elective colectomy for diverticular disease.

Hospital Operative Volume and Esophagectomy Outcomes in the Veterans Affairs System.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies reported that increased hospital case volume improves outcomes after esophagectomy. Yet, the standard for high and low-volume hospitals varies in the literature. This study attempts to define the relationship between hospital operative volume and 30-day post-operative outcomes of esophagectomy in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients that underwent esophagectomy from 2008 to 2019 utilizing the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis quantified an inflection point of optimal association between 30-day morbidity and mortality by facility volume. This point was used to separate cohorts for comparison of outcomes using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to account for confounding covariates. RESULTS: Two thousand two hundred and twelve esophagectomies were performed from 2008 to 2019 and ROC analysis identified an inflection point at 43 cases (4 cases/y) where bidirectional operative volume significantly affected outcomes. Subsequent PSM resulted in 1718 cases utilized for analysis (n = 859 per cohort). Facility volume ≥4 cases/y was significantly associated with decreased odds of 30-day mortality (odds ratio(OR) = 0.57; P = 0.03), shorter length of stay (median 13 versus 14 d; P = 0.04) and longer operative times (6.5 versus 6.0 h; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: VA hospitals that averaged ≥4 esophagectomies/y had significantly lower rates of mortality and length of stay. This volume threshold may serve as a benchmark to determine the optimal setting for esophageal resection. However, our findings also may reflect the benefits of cumulative operating room and multidisciplinary team experience at VA centers in conjunction with dedicated surgeons. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes after esophagectomy in relation to hospital operative volume.

Racial Disparities in 30-Day Outcomes After Colorectal Surgery in an Integrated Healthcare System.

BACKGROUND: Racial disparities in colorectal surgery outcomes have been studied extensively in the USA, and access to healthcare resources may contribute to these differences. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare network in the USA with the potential for equal access care to veterans. The objective of this study is to evaluate the VHA for the presence of racial disparities in 30-day outcomes of patients that underwent colorectal resection. METHODS: Colon and rectal resections from 2008 to 2019 were reviewed retrospectively using the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients were categorized by race and ethnicity. Multivariable analysis was used to compare 30-day outcomes. Cases with "unknown/other/declined to answer" race/ethnicity were excluded. RESULTS: Thirty-six-thousand-nine-hundred-sixty-nine cases met inclusion criteria: 27,907 (75.5%) Caucasian, 6718 (18.2%) African American, 2047 (5.5%) Hispanic, and 290 (0.8%) Native American patients. There were no statistically significant differences in overall complication incidence or mortality between all cohorts. Compared to Caucasian race, African American patients had longer mean length of stay (10.7 days vs. 9.7 days; p < 0.001). Compared to Caucasian race, Hispanic patients had higher odds of pulmonary-specific complications (adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval = 1.39 [1.17-1.64]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The VHA provides the benefits of integrated healthcare and access, which may explain the improvements in racial disparities compared to existing literature. However, some racial disparities in clinical outcomes still persisted in this analysis. Further efforts beyond healthcare access are needed to mitigate disparities in colorectal surgery. CLASSIFICATIONS: [Outcomes]; [Database]; [Veterans]; [Colorectal Surgery]; [Morbidity]; [Mortality].

Outcomes of Sleeve Gastrectomy at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity while improving comorbid conditions and decreasing mortality rates. The purpose of this analysis was to identify the predictive factors associated with the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) at a single Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of LSG performed at a VAMC from 2013 to 2019. Veterans were followed for 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcomes of interest were excess weight loss (EWL) and total weight loss (TWL) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months along with resolution of comorbidities. Independent predictors included: demographics, pre- and postoperative findings, geographic distance from VAMC, and per-capita salary of the veteran's residence. Results: A total of 128 patients, including 50 males, completed 12 months' follow-up after LSG. There were no mortalities, transfusions, or conversions to open surgery. The mean length of stay was 2.3 days. At 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, EWL was 27.2%, 33.7%, 35.9%, and 36.6%, respectively; TWL was 12.3%, 15.3%, 16.3%, and 16.7%, respectively. Postoperative hemoglobin A1c and oral hyperglycemic medication usage significantly decreased. High-density lipoprotein levels significantly increased. At 6 months' follow-up, preoperative body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR] = 0.7 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.6-0.9]) and age (OR = 0.9 [95% CI 0.8-1.0]) were significant predictors of 50% EWL and EWL broadly (P = .002). Conclusion: Similar to the private sector, LSG is a safe and effective tool for morbid obesity with clinical and serological improvements. For Veterans, increasing BMI and age may portend less weight loss but does not affect resolution of some comorbidities.

Surgical Considerations for an Awake Tracheotomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The current global COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the novel coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Given that SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible, surgical societies have recommended that procedures with a high risk of aerosolization be avoided or delayed. However, some high-risk procedures, such as those related to head and neck malignancies, cannot always be delayed. Care must be taken during aerosol-generating procedures to minimize viral transmission as much as possible. Preoperative testing for COVID-19, limited operating room personnel, adequate personal protective equipment, and surgical technique are factors to consider for high-risk procedures. Methods: This article presents the case of an awake tracheotomy performed for a transglottic mass causing airway obstruction. Results: With detailed planning and specific techniques, the amount of aerosolization was reduced, and the procedure was performed as safely as possible. Conclusion: This case provides a template for future aerosol-generating procedures during respiratory pandemics.

Outcomes and Trends in Colorectal Surgery in U.S. Veterans: A 10-year Experience at a Tertiary Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Introduction: The past decade has witnessed numerous advances in colorectal surgery secondary to minimally invasive surgery, evidence-based enhanced recovery programs, and a growing emphasis on patient-centered outcomes. The purpose of this study is to benchmark outcomes and experiences of patients undergoing colorectal surgery at a tertiary Veterans Affairs Medical Center for a 10-year period. Materials and Methods: Veterans who underwent nonemergent colorectal procedures between 2008 and 2018 were identified using targeted Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and the Computerized Patient Record System. Patient outcomes were captured using the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program and focused on length of stay and aggregate postoperative morbidity profiles. SAS® Version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) was used for all data analysis with P < .05 used to indicate significance. Results: In total, 327 patients underwent colon/rectal resection at our medical center. Of whom 95% of patients were male and the average age was 66 years. The median length of stay after surgery was 8 days. Within the 30-day postoperative period, the composite morbidity score was 24.1%: most notable being superficial surgical site infections (6.5%), wound dehiscence (4.6%), and pneumonia (3.1%). Over the course of the study period, the laparoscopic approach increased in utilization, with 22.2% of cases performed laparoscopically in 2008 that rose to 61.1% in 2018. Conclusion: Cataloging this decade of practice provides a foundation for future changes in the field of colorectal surgery and in the treatment of veterans. Understanding historical outcomes should help identify areas for ongoing process improvement and guide targeted approaches to quality metrics.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Adenocarcinoma Shows Promising Outcomes Compared to Laparotomy, a National Cancer Database Observational Analysis.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: The surgical approach to adenocarcinoma of the rectum remains a controversial topic. Although current data focus on the noninferiority of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for rectal cancer compared with laparotomy, conclusions are drawn from smaller sample sizes and may be underpowered. Methods/Interventions: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2010 to 2014 was reviewed for all cases of invasive adenocarcinoma of the rectum (SEER Histology Codes 8140) who underwent surgical resection for malignancy. Groups were separated based on laparotomy or an MIS approach and stratified by NCDB Analytic Stage. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate for survival after diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Results/Outcomes: The inclusion criteria identified 29,199 cases of adenocarcinoma of the rectum managed surgically. After controlling for differences in the cohorts, survival after diagnosis and definitive surgical treatment for adenocarcinoma of the rectum is improved when an MIS approach was used (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77-0.88, P < .001). The protective effect of an MIS approach applied to Stages I, II, III, and IV adenocarcinoma of the rectum. The protective effect of a minimally invasive surgical approach applies to Stages I, II, III, and IV adenocarcinoma of the rectum. The rate of negative circumferential margins (86.2% versus 83.5%, P < .001), proximal and distal margins (94.7% versus 92.1%, P < .001), and lymph node yield >12 (73.2% versus 70.1%, P < .001) was higher in the minimally invasive group compared with laparotomy. The intraoperative conversion rate from MIS to laparotomy was 13.9%. CONCLUSION/DISCUSSION: Minimally invasive resection for adenocarcinoma of the rectum shows promising survival benefit compared with open surgery after adjusting for measured confounds.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: Class III obesity is a global health emergency associated with an increase in the incidence of many other diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, infertility, and mental health disorders. Minimal work has been published regarding the efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in the veteran population to surgically manage morbid obesity. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of LSG performed at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) between 2010 and 2017. Veterans were followed from their enrollment in the bariatric program until twelve months following LSG. The primary outcome of interest was excess and total weight loss with resolution of associated comorbidities. RESULTS: Excess weight loss at nine and 12 months was 43.5% and 40.7% and total weight loss was 20.1% and 19.0%, respectively. LSG performed at a VAMC resulted in 86.9% improvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus and a 66.1% improvement in hypertension and 74.3% improvement in hyperlipidemia. Approximately 10.0% of diabetics obtained partial and 9.0% obtained complete resolution of their disease. Similarly, 22.0% of Veterans obtained partial and 13.0% obtained complete resolution from hypertension. Complete resolution from hyperlipidemia was achieved in 8.8% of Veterans. There were no postoperative complications or staple line leaks. CONCLUSION: LSG is a safe and effective tool for morbid obesity with clinical and serological improvements for individuals who are unable to lose weight with medical management alone.

Analysis of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy at a Single Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: To date, there are no published studies focusing on the benefits of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) versus open esophagectomy at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Our primary outcome was the incidence of esophageal malignancy in the veteran population and the postoperative morbidity following traditional and MIE for malignancy. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the incidence of esophageal malignancy at a Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 5 VAMC reported to the VAMC Esophageal Tumor Registry between 2003 and 2016 and outcomes of the veterans who received esophagectomy for malignancy. Patients were followed for 5 years following diagnosis of esophageal malignancy. RESULTS: The Washington DC VAMC Tumor Registry recorded over 130 individuals with a new diagnosis of esophageal cancer between 2003 and 2016; 18 patients underwent an open transhiatal or Ivor Lewis esophagectomy and nine underwent an Ivor Lewis MIE. Surgical candidates had an average stage less than two (T1-3, N0-1, M0) and nonsurgical candidates had an average stage greater than three. Age, body mass index, smoking status, or renal function at time of surgery was similar between the two surgical groups. Patients who underwent an MIE had less blood loss (222 cc versus 822 cc, P < .001), fewer transfusions (11% versus 56%, P = .027), and more nodes harvested (10.33 versus 2.72, P < .001) with no change in leak rate (11% versus 17%, P = .703) or postoperative mortality (0% versus 6%, P = .490) compared to traditional esophagectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This report supports the migration toward MIE for malignancy and reemphasizes that veterans present with advanced disease.

Celiac artery compression after a gastric bypass.

Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome or celiac artery compression occurs secondary to diaphragmatic compression of the celiac artery and the corresponding neural structures of the celiac plexus. Typically, patients present with postprandial abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnostically, various radiologic studies are used to document impingement of the celiac artery including ultrasound, computed tomography, aortograms, and magnetic resonance imaging. Historically, open approaches to the aorta and the celiac artery are performed to release the MAL and relieve compression of the celiac artery and the plexus. Laparoscopic approaches are now utilized to divide the MAL. This study describes a patient who underwent a successful laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and lost 100 lbs over a 2-year postoperative period. Subsequently, the patient developed postprandial abdominal pain associated with nausea. She underwent a computed tomogram that diagnosed celiac compression and then a dynamic ultrasound that showed elevated velocities with deep expiration. Ultimately, a laparoscopic MAL release with division of the celiac plexus was performed. At 10 months postoperatively, the patient remains asymptomatic. To our knowledge, this report documents a rare case of CAC after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. On the basis of this report, CAC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postprandial abdominal pain in patients after bariatric surgery.

Downregulation of leptin and resistin expression in blood following bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) resolves rapidly after bariatric surgery, even before substantial weight is lost. However, the molecular pathways underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. Microarray data has shown that numerous genes are differentially expressed in blood after bariatric surgery, including resistin and leptin. Resistin and leptin are circulating hormones derived from adipose tissue, which are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. This study examined expression of these genes before and after bariatric surgery in diabetic and nondiabetic obese patients. METHODS: The study included 16 obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery, either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or adjustable gastric banding. Eight patients had T2D. Preoperative blood samples were collected in PAXgene tubes to stabilize mRNA. Postoperative samples were collected 3 months after surgery. Total RNA was isolated and cDNA was synthesized. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to quantify mRNA. Results were analyzed using Student's t test with a P<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Postoperatively, five diabetic patients had discontinued hypoglycemic medications and one showed improved glycemic control. Both leptin and resistin mRNA levels were elevated in the diabetic group but decreased after surgery to levels near those of the nondiabetic group. Greater downregulation of resistin and leptin expression occurred in patients who lost more excess body weight (EBW), while patients who lost less than 10% EBW had a mean increase in expression of the two genes. Downregulation of both genes was more pronounced after RYGB compared to gastric banding. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulation of resistin and leptin gene expression after bariatric surgery may play a role in normalizing obesity-associated insulin resistance. Interestingly, downregulation is greater after RYGB and in patients who lose a greater proportion of EBW. Targeted therapies for obesity and diabetes may be developed by understanding the pathways by which these adipocytokines contribute to obesity and T2D.

Prophylactic inferior vena cava filters in high-risk bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric patients are at significant risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and a subset may benefit from retrievable inferior vena cava filters (rIVCFs). Optimal VTE prophylaxis and a consensus on factors which make bariatric patients high risk have not been established. This study describes our experience with the use of rIVCFs in combination with chemoprophylaxis for high-risk bariatric surgery patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of high-risk patients bariatric surgery patients. Patients with a hypercoaguable condition, prior history of VTE, body mass index (BMI) > 55 kg/m(2), and severe immobility were considered high risk. Patients underwent rIVCF placement and standard chemoprophylaxis. A venogram was performed at retrieval. RESULTS: Forty-four patients, age of 48 ± 12 years and BMI of 58.4 ± 9.4 kg/m(2) underwent gastric bypass with rIVCF placement. Follow-up was 204 days. One patient had a preoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT). All patients received chemoprophylaxis and rIVCF placement. Indications for rIVCF were BMI (68%), prior VTE (30%), and immobility (2%). The operation was performed laparoscopically in all patients, and the mean operative time was 106.1 ± 21.6 min and length of stay was 3.1 ± 1.2 days. Postoperative venous duplex revealed two DVTs (5%). Retrieval was successful in 28 patients. No significant thrombus was found on venogram. Two minor complications of filter placement occurred. One mortality occurred due to MI, and no pulmonary emboli were clinically evident. CONCLUSIONS: rIVCFs in our cohort of high-risk bariatric surgery patients was associated with an acceptably low incidence of DVT (5%) and no clinically evident PE. Despite safe removal after long dwell times, previous data suggest that rIVCFs are associated with a higher incidence of VTE. Thus, filters, if placed, should be removed once the risk of VTE has passed. Larger multicenter studies are needed to truly identify long-term safety and efficacy of rIVCFs.

Gastric electrical stimulation with Enterra therapy improves symptoms from diabetic gastroparesis in a prospective study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) treats refractory gastroparesis by delivering electric current, via electrodes, to gastric smooth muscle. Enterra therapy (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN) uses an implantable neurostimulator with a high-frequency, low-energy output. We performed a controlled, multicenter, prospective study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Enterra therapy in patients with chronic intractable nausea and vomiting from diabetic gastroparesis (DGP). METHODS: Patients with refractory DGP (n = 55; mean age, 38 y; 66% female, 5.9 years of DGP) were given implants of the Enterra gastric stimulation system. After surgery, all patients had the stimulator turned on for 6 weeks and then they randomly were assigned to groups that had consecutive 3-month, cross-over periods with the device on or off. After this period, the device was turned on in all patients and they were followed up, unblinded, for 4.5 months. RESULTS: The median reduction in weekly vomiting frequency (WVF) at 6 weeks, compared with baseline, was 57% (P < .001). There was no difference in WVF between patients who had the device turned on or off during the cross-over period (median reduction, 0%; P = .215). At 1 year, the WVF of all patients was significantly lower than baseline values (median reduction, 67.8%; P < .001). Patients also had significant improvements in total symptom score, gastric emptying, quality of life, and median days in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with intractable DGP, 6 weeks of GES therapy with Enterra significantly reduced vomiting and gastroparetic symptoms. Patients had improvements in subjective and objective parameters with chronic stimulation after 12 months of GES, compared with baseline.

Laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma in an adult.

Cystic lymphangiomas are rare, benign anomalies of the lymphatic system. More than 95% of cystic lymphangiomas occur in the head, neck, and axilla with only 1% in the retroperitoneum. Most of these cases are diagnosed by the second year of life with only a handful of adult cases. Once a symptomatic cystic lesion of the abdomen or retroperitoneum is diagnosed, treatment usually consists of surgical excision. Traditionally, surgery requires a laparotomy. This paper describes a patient with a retroperitoneal cyst who underwent a successful laparoscopic resection. The etiology and management of adult retroperitoneal cysts are reviewed as well.

Brachial artery occlusion secondary to hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is characterized by an overproduction of eosinophils that leads to organ damage. Although most cases of HES frequently affect the lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract, there are a few reported cases of peripheral vascular involvement. We report a case of a patient with a history of colonic HES who presented with idiopathic occlusion of the brachial artery. A 28-year-old woman with a recent history of eosinophilic colitis presented with a several-week history of left hand pain, pallor, and paresthesias. Her hand was cool, without palpable pulses. Her eosinophilia count was 38%. An arteriogram documented a left brachial artery occlusion and diffuse left arm vasospasm. A brachial-to-brachial bypass was performed. Postoperatively, there was extensive vasospasm of her distal upper extremity arteries, which was treated with calcium-channel blockers and steroids. Her symptoms resolved and she has been asymptomatic for 9 months. The segment of occluded artery was found to contain many eosinophils on histologic examination. HES of the arterial system is an exceedingly rare cause of occlusion. Our patient presented with eosinophilia, arterial vasospasm with subsequent occlusion, and the presence of eosinophilic infiltration on the pathologic specimen. These data, combined with the patient's previous history, demonstrate that the patient's occlusion may have been secondary to HES.

Subxiphoid incisional hernias after median sternotomy.

BACKGROUND: Subxiphoid hernias are difficult to repair. This study attempts to identify risk factors associated with incisional hernia formation after median sternotomy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was conducted on patients undergoing subxiphoid incisional hernia repair between 1995 and 2002. The study group was compared with a group undergoing similar cardiothoracic procedures as to body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, complications, tobacco use, length of stay, ICU stay, bypass time, transfusion requirements, and wound infections. Statistical analysis utilized Student's t-test, chi-square, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: A total of 117 subxiphoid hernias were repaired; 45 were used for comparison with a matched cohort of 79 patients. Average time between sternotomy and hernia repair was 24.3 months (+/-16.8) with 22 (49%) patients developing hernias within 2 years. Mean followup was 48 months. The study group differed significantly from the nonhernia group in age (56.6 +/- 13.0 versus 62.2 +/- 8.9, p = 0.01), mean length of stay (16.3 +/- 22.8 versus 10.2 +/- 6.7, p = 0.03), BMI (29.6 +/- 4.5 versus 27.2 +/- 4.5, p = 0.01), number of transplantation patients (10 versus 1, p = 0.0003), and presence of sternal wound infection (18% versus 3.9%, p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed significance in regard to transfusion requirements (p = 0.015) and approached statistical significance with BMI (p = 0.058). Of the 45 patients undergoing hernia repair, 31(69%) had a mesh repair and 10 (32%) patients recurred. Six (43%) patients without a mesh repair recurred. Seventy-five percent of the patients with sternal wound infections developed recurrent hernias. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion requirements, BMI, and sternal wound infections might be associated with subxiphoid hernias after median sternotomy. Sternal wound infection increases the risk of recurrent incisional hernia.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for isolated sarcoidosis of the spleen.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. Over 90% of patients with sarcoidosis present with pulmonary findings at the time of diagnosis. Extrapulmonary involvement is common, including the liver, eyes, central nervous system, lymph nodes, and joints. However, isolated granulomatous disease confined to the spleen is rare. This report documents a rare case of isolated granulomatous disease of the spleen diagnosed and treated laparoscopically. A 47-year-old female presented to her internist with nausea and mild epigastric abdominal pain. Laboratory evaluation revealed slightly elevated bilirubin and liver function tests as well as neutropenia. An abdominal ultrasound revealed normal biliary and pancreatic anatomy and multiple splenic lesions. Computed tomography of the abdomen confirmed the multiple hypodense lesions within the spleen. The differential diagnosis at this time included neoplasm, infection, and autoimmune etiologies. Subsequently, the patient underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy with splenectomy. No other intra-abdominal pathology was found. Pathology revealed multiple noncaseating, splenic granulomas. Isolated extrapulmonary manifestations of sarcoidosis occur in only 10% of these patients. Moreover, isolated splenic sarcoidosis is rare. Currently, the literature documents only two prior cases of sarcoidosis presenting with isolated splenic lesions. Primary management consists of medical therapy with prednisone, methotrexate, and/or antimalarial drugs. Indications for surgery include symptomatic splenomegaly, severe hypersplenism, prophylaxis for splenic rupture, and neoplastic exclusion. Our patient required a laparoscopic splenectomy for diagnostic purposes and neoplastic exclusion. Once diagnosed, patients require continual follow-up for systemic manifestations and associated complications of sarcoidosis.

Minimally invasive surgery for morbid obesity.

In patients with morbid obesity, surgery is the only treatment known to produce sustained weight loss and to reduce comorbidities. Traditional (open) gastric bypass surgery is associated with postoperative complications that include wound infection, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. Laparoscopic techniques achieve similar long-term results as does open surgery, with fewer postoperative complications.