Use of surgical augmented intelligence maps can reduce radiation and improve safety in the endovascular treatment of complex aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The introduction of endovascular procedures has revolutionized the management of complex aortic aneurysms. Although repair has traditionally required longer operative times and increased radiation exposure compared with simple endovascular aneurysm repair, the recent introduction of three-dimensional technology has become an invaluable operative adjunct. Surgical augmented intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving tool initiated at our institution in June 2019. In our study, we sought to determine whether this technology improved patient and operator safety. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who had undergone endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms (pararenal, juxtarenal, or thoracoabdominal), type B dissection, or infrarenal (endoleak, coil placement, or renal angiography with or without intervention) at a tertiary care center from August 2015 to November 2021 was performed. Patients were stratified according to the findings from intelligent maps, which are patient-specific AI tools used in the operating room in conjunction with real-time fluoroscopic images. The primary outcomes included operative time, radiation exposure, fluoroscopy time, and contrast use. The secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative complications and long-term follow-up. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between AI use and the main outcomes. RESULTS: During the 6-year period, 116 patients were included in the present study, with no significant differences in the baseline characteristics. Of the 116 patients, 76 (65.5%) had undergone procedures using AI and 40 (34.5%) had undergone procedures without AI software. The intraoperative outcomes revealed a significant decrease in radiation exposure (AI group, 1955 mGy; vs non-AI group, 3755 mGy; P = .004), a significant decrease in the fluoroscopy time (AI group, 55.6 minutes; vs non-AI group, 86.9 minutes; P = .007), a decrease in the operative time (AI group, 255 minutes; vs non-AI group, 284 minutes; P = .294), and a significant decrease in contrast use (AI group, 123 mL; vs non-AI group, 199 mL; P < .0001). No differences were found in the 30-day and long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results from the present study have demonstrated that the use of AI technology combined with intraoperative imaging can significantly facilitate complex endovascular aneurysm repair by decreasing the operative time, radiation exposure, fluoroscopy time, and contrast use. Overall, evolving technology such as AI has improved radiation safety for both the patient and the entire operating room team.

Despite regression of healthy lifestyle habits, weight loss after bariatric surgery is not affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic has caused a worldwide health crisis. Bariatric patients require extensive pre- and post-operative follow-up, which may be less feasible during public health social distancing mandates. We assessed the impact of the pandemic on the behaviors and weight loss outcomes of our pre- and post-operative bariatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who underwent either sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) at a single institution between March 2018 and May 2020. A cohort undergoing surgery within 12 months before the pandemic as well as a cohort undergoing a medically supervised diet prior to surgery was surveyed regarding pre- and post-COVID-19 lifestyle habits. Excess weight loss (EWL) outcomes from a group of pre-COVID surgical patients were compared to that of a group of post-COVID surgical patients. Primary outcome was whether the lockdown changed 1-year weight loss outcomes. Secondary outcome was whether patient lifestyle behaviors were changed during the pandemic. RESULTS: There was no difference in 1-year EWL between pre- and post-COVID SG patients (51.7% versus 55.9%, p = 0.35), or between pre- and post-COVID RYGB patients (88.9% versus 80.4%, p = 0.42). Pre-stay-at-home order, 91.8% endorsed physical activity compared to 80.3% post-stay-at-home order (p = 0.0025). Mean physical activity decreased from 4.2 h/week to 2.7 h/week after the stay-at-home order (p < 0.0001). Additionally, 41.3% reported worsened dietary habits post-stay-at-home order. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the behaviors of bariatric surgery patients. Despite deterioration of lifestyle habits, 1-year weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery remained the same before and after the instatement of social distancing measures. In the short term, the biological effect of metabolic procedures may mask the effects of suboptimal diet and physical activity, but more studies are necessary to better assess the impact of COVID-19 on outcomes after bariatric surgery.

Minimally Invasive Paraesophageal Hernia Repair in the Elderly: Is Age Really Just a Number?

Introduction: Paraesophageal hernias readily affect the elderly with a median age of presentation between 65 and 75 years. Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) is a technically challenging operation with potential for dire complications. Advanced age and medical comorbidities may heighten perioperative risk and limit surgical candidacy, potentially refusing patients an opportunity toward symptom resolution. Given the increased prevalence in the elderly and associated surgical risks, we aim to assess age as an independent risk factor for perioperative morbidity and mortality after PEHR. Methods: A retrospective analysis using a prospectively maintained database assessed patients undergoing PEHR from 2007 to 2018. Patients were stratified by age: Group A (age <65 years), Group B (65≤ age <80 years), and Group C (age ≥80 years). Patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, postoperative outcomes, and mortality rate were analyzed. Barium esophagram was performed on symptomatic postsurgical patients. Recurrence was confirmed radiologically. Results: In total, 143 patients underwent laparoscopic (94.4%) or robotic-assisted (5.6%) PEHR. Average age per group was Group A (n = 49) 55.4 years (standard deviation [SD] ±8.91), Group B (n = 76) 71.4 years (SD ±4.40), and Group C (n = 17) 84.1 (years) (SD ±3.37). Group C had significantly higher rates of nonelective surgery (P = .018), preoperative weight loss (P = .014), hypertension (P = .031), ischemic heart disease (P = .001), and cancer (P = .039); preoperative body mass index was significantly lower (P = .048). Charlson comorbidity index differences between groups were significant (2.00 versus 3.61 versus 5.28, P < .001). Median follow-up was 426 days (6-3199). Symptom improvement was seen in 78.3% of patients. Recurrence and reoperation rates were not significantly different between groups. No differences were seen in mortality, length of stay, or postoperative complications between groups. Conclusions: PEHR in elderly patients proved to be safe and effective. Avoidance of emergent intervention may be achieved through a judicious elective approach to this anatomic problem. Symptom resolution and quality-of-life improvement can be safely achieved with surgical repair in this patient population, demonstrating that age is truly just a number for PEHR.

The price is right: Routine fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Early experience with indocyanine green-based fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy suggests the potential to improve outcomes. However, the cost-effectiveness of routine use has not been studied. Our objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of fluorescent cholangiography versus standard bright light laparoscopic cholecystectomy for noncancerous gallbladder disease. METHODS: A Markov model decision analysis was performed comparing fluorescent cholangiography versus standard bright light laparoscopic cholecystectomy alone. Probabilities of outcomes, survival, toxicities, quality-adjusted life-years, and associated costs were determined from literature review and pooled analysis of currently available studies on fluorescent cholangiography (n = 37). Uncertainty in the model parameters was evaluated with 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, varying parameters up to 40% of their means. Cost-effectiveness was measured with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio expressed as the dollar amount per quality-adjusted life-year. RESULTS: The model predicted that fluorescent cholangiography reduces lifetime costs by $1,235 per patient and improves effectiveness by 0.09 quality-adjusted life-years compared to standard bright light laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Reduced costs were due to a decreased operative duration (21.20 minutes, P < .0001) and rate of conversion to open (1.62% vs 6.70%, P < .0001) associated with fluorescent cholangiography. The model was not influenced by the rate of bile duct injury. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found that fluorescent cholangiography was both more effective and less costly in 98.83% of model iterations at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/quality-adjusted life year. CONCLUSION: The current evidence favors routine use of fluorescent cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a cost-effective surgical strategy. Our model predicts that fluorescent cholangiography reduces costs while improving health outcomes, suggesting fluorescence imaging may be considered standard surgical management for noncancerous gallbladder disease. Further study with prospective trials should be considered to verify findings of this predictive model.

Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease-which factors are important?

BACKGROUND: Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) shows a multifactorial background. Different anatomical and functional alterations can be determined such as weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), changes in anatomy by a hiatal hernia (HH), an impaired esophageal motility (IEM), and/or an associated gastric motility problem with either duodeno-gastro-esophageal reflux (DGER) or delayed gastric emptying (DGE). The purpose of this study is to assess a large GERD-patient population to quantitatively determine different pathophysiologic factors contributing to the disease. METHODS: For this analysis only patients with documented GERD (pathologic esophageal acid exposure) were selected from a prospectively maintained databank. Investigations: history and physical, body mass index, endoscopy, esophageal manometry, 24 h-pH-monitoring, 24 h-bilirbine-monitoring, radiographic-gastric-emptying or scintigraphy, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI). RESULTS: In total, 728 patients (420 males; 308 females) were selected for this analysis. Mean age: 49.9 years; mean BMI: 27.2 kg/m2 (range, 20-45 kg/m2); mean GIQLI of 91 (range: 43-138; normal level: 121); no esophagitis: 30.6%; minor esophagitis (Savary-Miller type 1 or Los Angeles Grade A): 22.4%; esophagitis [2-4]/B-D: 36.2%; Barrett's esophagus 10%. Presence of pathophysiologic factors: HH 95.4%; LES-incompetence 88%, DGER 55%, obesity 25.6%, IEM 8.8%, DGE 6.8%. CONCLUSIONS: In our evaluation of GERD patients, the most important pathophysiologic components are anatomical alterations (HH), LES-incompetence and DGER.

Endoscopic ultrasound: a powerful tool to modify treatment algorithms in opioid-induced achalasia.

BACKGROUND: Opioid use in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the last 15 years, recently being declared a public health emergency. Opioid use is associated with esophageal dysmotility lending to a confusing clinical picture compared to true achalasia. Patients exhibit symptoms and elicit diagnostic results consistent with esophageal motility disorders, in particular type III achalasia. Modified therapeutic strategies and outcomes become challenging. Differentiating true achalasia from opioid-induced achalasia is critical. Conventional surgical interventions, i.e., myotomy, are ineffective in the absence of true achalasia. We assess the utility of esophageal muscle layer mapping with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in distinguishing primary from opioid-induced achalasia. METHODS: From 2016 to 2019, patients with abnormal manometry and suspected achalasia underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and EUS mapping of esophageal round muscle layer thickness. Maximum round layer thickness and length of round muscle layer thickness > 1.8 mm were collected and compared between opioid users and non-opioid users using Wilcoxon Rank sum test. RESULTS: 45 patients were included: 12 opioid users, 33 non-opioid users. Mean age 56.8 years (range 24-93), 53.3% male patients. Mean BMI in the opioid-induced achalasia group was 30.2 kg/m2, mean BMI in the primary achalasia group 26.8 kg/m2 (p = 0.11). In comparing endoscopic maximum round layer thickness between groups, non-opioid patients had a thicker round muscle layer (2.7 mm vs 1.8 mm, p = 0.05). Length of abnormally thickened esophageal muscle (greater than 1.8 mm) also differed between the two groups; patients on opioids had a shorter length of thickening (4.0 cm vs 0.0 cm, p = 0.04). Intervention rate was higher in the non-opioid group (p = 0.79). Of the patients that underwent therapeutic intervention, symptom resolution was higher in the non-opioid group (p = 0.002), while re-intervention post-procedure for persistent symptomatology was elevated in the opioid subset (p = 0.06). Patients in the opioid group were less likely to undergo invasive treatment (Heller). As of 2017 all interventions in the opioid group have been endoscopic. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasound is an essential tool that has improved our treatment algorithm for suspected achalasia in patients with chronic opioid usage. Incorporation of EUS findings into treatment approach may prevent unnecessary surgery in opioid users.

Fluorescent cholangiography significantly improves patient outcomes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most common elective abdominal surgery in the USA, with over 750,000 performed annually. Fluorescent cholangiography (FC) using indocyanine green dye (ICG) permits identification of extrahepatic biliary structures to facilitate dissection without requiring cystic duct cannulation. Achieving the "critical view of safety" with assistance of ICG cholangiogram may support identification of anatomy, safely reduce conversion to open procedures, and decrease operative time. We assess the utility of FC with respect to anatomic visualization during LC and its effects on patient outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a single academic center from 2013 to 2019. Exclusion criteria were primary open and single incision cholecystectomy. Patient factors included age, sex, BMI, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Outcomes included operative time, conversion to open procedure, length of stay (LOS), mortality rate, and 30-day complications. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors for open conversion. RESULTS: A total of 1389 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 69.8% were female; mean age 48.6 years (range 15-94), average BMI 29.4 kg/m2 (13.3-55.6). 989 patients (71.2%) underwent LC without fluorescence and 400 (28.8%) underwent FC with ICG. 30-day mortality detected 2 cases in the non-ICG group and zero with ICG. ICG reduced operative time by 26.47 min per case (p < 0.0001). For patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, operative duration for ICG vs non-ICG groups was 75.57 vs 104.9 min respectively (p < 0.0001). ICG required conversion to open at a rate of 1.5%, while non-ICG converted at a rate of 8.5% (p < 0.0001). Conversion rate remained significant with multivariable analysis (OR 0.212, p = 0.001). A total of 19 cases were aborted (1.35%), 8 in the ICG group (1.96%) and 11 in the non-ICG group (1.10%), these cases were not included in LC totals. Average LOS was 0.69 vs 1.54 days in the ICG compared to non-ICG LCs (p < 0.0001), respectively. Injuries were more common in the non-ICG group, with 9 patients sustaining Strasberg class A injuries in the non-ICG group and 2 in the ICG group. 1 CBDI occurred in the non-ICG group. There was no significant difference in 30-day complication rates between groups. CONCLUSION: ICG cholangiography is a non-invasive adjunct to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, leading to improved patient outcomes with respect to operative times, decreased conversion to open procedures, and shorter length of hospitalization. Fluorescence cholangiography improves visualization of biliary anatomy, thereby decreasing rate of CBDI, Strasberg A injuries, and mortality. These findings support ICG as standard of care during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

It's not always too late: a case for minimally invasive salvage esophagectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Standard of care for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma is neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) and surgical resection 4-8 weeks after completion of nCRT. It is recommended that the CRT to surgery interval not exceed 90 days. Many patients do not undergo surgery within this timeframe due to patient/physician preference, complete clinical response, or poor performance status. Select patients are offered salvage esophagectomy (SE), defined in two ways: resection for recurrent/persistent disease after complete response to definitive CRT (dCRT) or esophagectomy performed > 90 days after completion of nCRT. Salvage esophagectomy reportedly has higher postoperative morbidity and poor survival outcomes. In this study, we assessed outcomes, overall, and disease-free survival of patients undergoing salvage esophagectomy by both definitions (recurrent/persistent disease after dCRT and/or > 90 days), compared to planned (resection after nCRT/within 90 days) esophagectomy (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy at a single institution from 2009 to 2019. Esophagectomy for benign disease and patients who did not receive nCRT were excluded. Outcomes included postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), disease-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: 97 patients underwent minimally invasive esophageal resection for esophageal carcinoma. 89.7% of patients were male. Mean age was 64.9 years (range 36-85 years). 94.8% of patients had adenocarcinoma, with 16 transthoracic and 81 transhiatal approaches. On comparing planned esophagectomy (n = 87) to esophagectomy after dCRT failure (n = 10), no significant differences were identified in overall survival (p = 0.73), disease-free survival (p = 0.32), 30-day or major complication rate, anastomotic leak, or LOS. Similarly, when comparing esophagectomy < 90 days after CRT (n = 62) to > 90 days after CRT completion (n = 35), no significant differences were identified in overall survival (p = 0.39), disease-free survival (p = 0.71), 30-day or major complication rate, LOS, or anastomotic leak rate between groups. In this comparison, local recurrence was noted to be elevated with SE as compared to PE (64.3% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Overall survival and disease-free survival were equivalent between SE and PE. Local recurrence was noted to be increased with SE, though this did not appear to affect survival. Although planned esophagectomy remains the standard of care, salvage esophagectomy has comparable outcomes and is appropriate for selected patients.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation: a viable rescue therapy for symptomatic reflux following bariatric surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are commonly performed bariatric procedures in obesity management. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in this population has reported rates of 23-100%. GERD after LSG has been noted with recent studies demonstrating de novo reflux or symptom exacerbation despite weight loss. Fundoplication is not an option, and medically refractory GERD after LSG is usually treated with conversion to RYGB. GERD post-RYGB is a unique entity, and management poses a clinical and technical challenge. We evaluate safety and effectiveness of magnetic sphincter augmentation after bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed identifying patients that underwent LINX placement for refractory GERD after LSG, LRYGB, or duodenal switch across three institutions. Outcomes included complications, length of stay, PPI use, GERD-HRQL scores, and patient overall satisfaction. RESULTS: From March 2014 through June 2018, 13 identified patients underwent LINX placement after bariatric surgery: 8 LSG, 4 LRYGB, and 1 duodenal switch. The patients were 77% female, with mean age 43 and average BMI 30.1. Average pre-operative DeMeester score was 24.8. Pre-operatively, 5 patients were on daily PPI, 6 on BID PPI, and 1 on PPI + H2 blocker. We noted decreased medication usage post-operatively, with 4 patients taking daily PPI, and 9 off medication completely. A GERD-HRQL score was obtained pre- and post-operatively in 6 patients with average reduction from 25 to 8.5 (p value 0.002). Two patients experienced complications requiring endoscopic dilation after LINX placement. 100% of patients reported overall satisfaction post procedure. CONCLUSION: LINX placement is a safe, effective treatment option for surgical management of refractory GERD after bariatric surgery. It can relieve symptoms and obviate the requirement of high-dose medical management. Magnetic lower esophageal sphincter augmentation should be another tool in the surgeon's toolbox for managing reflux after bariatric surgery in select patients.

General surgery training in the era of robotic surgery: a qualitative analysis of perceptions from resident and attending surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The use of the surgical robot has increased annually since its introduction, especially in general surgery. Despite the tremendous increase in utilization, there are currently no validated curricula to train residents in robotic surgery, and the effects of robotic surgery on general surgery residency training are not well defined. In this study, we aim to explore the perceptions of resident and attending surgeons toward robotic surgery education in general surgery residency training. METHODS: We performed a qualitative thematic analysis of in-person, one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with general surgery residents and attending surgeons at a large academic health system. Convenient and purposeful sampling was performed in order to ensure diverse demographics, experiences, and opinions were represented. Data were analyzed continuously, and interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached, which occurred after 20 residents and seven attendings. RESULTS: All interviewees agreed that dual consoles are necessary to maximize the teaching potential of the robotic platform, and the importance of simulation and simulators in robotic surgery education is paramount. However, further work to ensure proper access to simulation resources for residents is necessary. While most recognize that bedside-assist skills are essential, most think its educational value plateaus quickly. Lastly, residents believe that earlier exposure to robotic surgery is necessary and that almost every case has a portion that is level-appropriate for residents to perform on the robot. CONCLUSIONS: As robotic surgery transitions from novelty to ubiquity, the importance of effective general surgery robotic surgery training during residency is paramount. Through in-depth interviews, this study provides examples of effective educational tools and techniques, highlights the importance of simulation, and explores opinions regarding the role of the resident in robotic surgery education. We hope the insights gained from this study can be used to develop and/or refine robotic surgery curricula.

Paraesophageal hernia repair: a curative consideration for chronic anemia?

INTRODUCTION: Chronic anemia is a common, coinciding or presenting diagnosis in patients with paraesophageal hernia (PEH). Presence of endoscopically identified ulcerations frequently prompts surgical consultation in the otherwise asymptomatic patient with anemia. Rates of anemia resolution following paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) often exceed the prevalence of such lesions in the study population. A defined algorithm remains elusive. This study aims to characterize resolution of anemia after PEHR with respect to endoscopic diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with PEH and anemia undergoing PEHR from 2007 to 2018 was performed. Anemia was determined by preoperative labs: Hgb < 12 mg/dl in females, Hgb < 13 mg/dl in males, or patients with ongoing iron supplementation. Improvement of post-operative anemia was assessed by post-operative hemoglobin values and continued necessity of iron supplementation. RESULTS: Among 56 identified patients, 45 were female (80.4%). Forty patients (71.4%) were anemic by hemoglobin value, 16 patients (28.6%) required iron supplementation. Mean age was 65.1 years, with mean BMI of 27.7 kg/m2. One case was a Type IV PEH and the rest Type III. 32 (64.0%) had potential source of anemia: 16 (32.0%) Cameron lesions, 6 (12.0%) gastric ulcers, 12 (24.0%) gastritis. 10 (20.0%) had esophagitis and 4 (8%) Barrett's esophagus. 18 (36%) PEH patients had normal preoperative EGD. Median follow-up was 160 days. Anemia resolution occurred in 46.4% of patients. Of the 16 patients with pre-procedure Cameron lesions, 10 (63%) had resolution of anemia. Patients with esophagitis did not achieve resolution. 72.2% (13/18) of patients with no lesions on EGD had anemia resolution (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Patients with PEH and identifiable ulcerations showed 50% resolution of anemia after hernia repair. Patients without identifiable lesions on endoscopy demonstrated statistically significant resolution of anemia in 72.2% of cases. Anemia associated with PEH adds an indication for surgical repair with curative intent.

Making the Jump: A Qualitative Analysis on the Transition From Bedside Assistant to Console Surgeon in Robotic Surgery Training.

OBJECTIVE: To determine barriers associated with the transition from bedside assistant to console surgeon for general surgery residents in the era of robotic surgery in general surgery training. DESIGN: Qualitative thematic analysis using one-on-one interviews of general surgery residents and attendings conducted between June 2018 and February 2019. SETTING: An urban, academic, multihospital general surgery residency program with a robust robotic surgery program. PARTICIPANTS: Convenient and purposeful sampling was performed to ensure a variety of resident graduate-years and attending subspecialties were represented. Sample size was determined by data saturation, which occurred after 20 resident and 7 attending interviews. RESULTS: Residents identified the low volume of general surgery robotic cases, the infrequency of exposure to robotic surgery, and attending comfort with robotic surgery (and with teaching on the robot) as potential barriers in the transition from bedside assistant to console surgeon. Residents had to find a replacement bedside assistant in order to be the console surgeon, which was challenging. In addition, residents felt that the current culture surrounding robotic surgery is very hierarchal, limiting their exposure. Attendings' trust in the residents' console skills was a major determining factor in allowing residents on the console. CONCLUSIONS: Most robotic surgery education curricula are sequential, requiring the resident to progress from bedside assistant to console surgeon. Unfortunately, there are many potential barriers for residents in the transition from bedside assistant to console surgeon. Some barriers apply to general surgery training overall, but are amplified in robotic surgery, while others are unique to robotic surgery education. Recognition of, and rectifying, these barriers may increase resident participation as the console surgeon.