Initial Experience with the PONTiS Tendon Repair System in Traumatic Upper Extremity Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Tendon injuries of the upper extremity remain a common surgical condition requiring prompt intervention. The authors review their initial experience with the PONTiS flexor tendon repair system, a knotless, multifilament, stainless steel crimp system. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing repair by plastic and orthopedic surgeons with the PONTiS system were reviewed for the period from 2015 to 2017. Multivariate risk and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to assess risk factors associated with complications. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients, with a mean follow-up of 75 days (range, 0 to 33 months), were identified. The most common demographics showed patients were right-handed (82.9 percent), male (71.4 percent), and laborers (35.7 percent) and sustained laceration injuries (77.1 percent) at zone 2 (27.2 percent). There were, on average, 3.7 tendon injuries per patient. Associated injuries included fractures (21.4 percent), arterial injuries (24.3 percent), and nerve injuries (61.4 percent). Thirteen patients (16.0 percent) developed complications, including adhesions/contracture ( n = 4), rupture ( n = 2), flap ischemia ( n = 2), arterial thrombosis ( n = 1), wound dehiscence ( n = 1), tendon lag ( n = 1), and erosion of the PONTiS system through soft-tissue grafts ( n = 2). Multivariate analysis identified poor soft-tissue coverage (OR, 9.990; p = 0.043) and zone 2 involvement (OR, 7.936; p = 0.016) as risk factors, while epitendinous repairs (OR, 0.096; p = 0.010) were protective against complications. CONCLUSIONS: The PONTiS flexor tendon repair system is rapid, simple to deploy, and advantageous, especially in multiple traumatic tendon injuries. In comparison to traditional suture repair, it has a comparable overall complication profile but superior rupture and tenolysis rates. The authors advise using it with caution in cases with poor soft-tissue coverage to minimize risks of extrusion, and they strongly recommend the use of epitendinous sutures concurrently to limit complications.

Unravelling the Complexity Myth for Minimally Invasive Right Hepatectomy: Liver Parenchymal Features and their Correlation to Objective Outcomes in Major Anatomical Resections.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approaches to major liver resection have been limited by presumed difficulty of the operation. While some concerns arise from mastering the techniques, factors such as tumor size and liver parenchymal features have anecdotally been described as surrogates for operative difficulty. These factors have not been systematically studied for minimally invasive right hepatectomy (MIRH). METHODS: Seventy-five patients who underwent MIRH during 2007-2016 by the senior author were evaluated; these were compared to control group of open right hepatectomy. Demographics, operative, and post-operative variables were collected. Operative times and estimated blood loss, two objective parameters of operative difficulty were correlated to volume of hepatic resection, parenchymal transection diameter and liver parenchymal features using regression analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (50.6%) resections were performed for malignant indications. Average tumor size was 5.7 cm (±3.6), mean operative time was 196 min (±74), and mean EBL was 220 mL (±170). Average transection diameter was 10.1 cm (±1.7). There was no correlation between operative difficulty with parenchymal transection diameter or presence of steatosis. Blood loss was higher with increased right hepatic lobe volume and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of a very defined anatomical resection suggests that the often quoted radiographic and pathologic features indicative of a challenging procedure were not significant in determining operative difficulty.

Aortic Aneurysm Natural Progression is Not Influenced by Concomitant Malignancy and Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysms occur concomitantly with malignancy in approximately 1.0-17.0% of patients. There is little published information regarding the effects of subsequent oncological therapies on aortic aneurysm growth. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of chemoradiation therapies on the natural progression of small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), thoracic aortic aneurysm, and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS: Patients with aortic aneurysms with and without malignancy between 2005 and 2017 were identified within institutional databases using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Disease codes. Inclusion criteria included complete chemotherapy documentation, a minimum of 3 multiplanar axial/coronal imaging or ultrasonography before, during, and after receiving therapy or 2 studies for patients without malignancy. Propensity matching, Cox and linear regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 159 (172 aneurysms) patients with malignancy and 127 (149 aneurysms) patients without malignancy were included. Average patient demographics were 74.4 ± 9.8-years-old, Caucasian (66.8%), male (70.3%), with hypertension (71.1%), current smoking (24.5%), coronary atherosclerotic disease (26.2%), and AAA (71.0%). The most common malignancy was lung cancer (48.4%) with most chemotherapy regimens including a platinum-based alkylating agent and concurrent antimetabolite (56.0%). The overall median follow-up time was 28.2 (range 3.1-174.4) months. Aortic aneurysms in patients without malignancy grew to larger sizes (4.43 ± 0.96 vs. 4.14 ± 1.00, P = 0.008) with similar median growth rates (0.12 vs. 0.12 cm/year, P = 0.090), had more atypical morphologic features (14.1% vs. 0.6%, P < 0.001), more frequently underwent repair (22.1% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.001), and more frequently required emergency repair for rupture (5.4% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.087). Cox regression identified initial aortic size ≥4.0 cm (hazard ratio [HR] 3.028), AAA (HR 2.146), chronic aortic findings (3.589), and the use of topoisomerase inhibitors (HR 2.694). Linear regression demonstrated increased growth rates predicted by antimetabolite chemotherapy (ß 0.170), initial aortic size (ß 0.086), and abdominal aortic location (ß 0.139, all P < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Small aortic aneurysms with concomitant malignancies are discovered at smaller initial sizes, grow at similar rates, require fewer interventions, and have fewer ruptures and acute dissections than patients without malignancy. Antimetabolite therapies modestly accelerate aneurysmal growth, and patients receiving topoisomerase inhibitors may require earlier repair. Patients with concomitant disease can be confidently treated according to standard institutional aneurysm surveillance protocols. Overall, we recommend treatment of the malignancy before small aortic aneurysm repair as these aneurysms behave similarly to those in patients without malignancy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer and changes in the biliary microbiome.

BACKGROUND: The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has increased in recent years. Limited data exists on the impact of NAC on biliary microbiome. METHODS: Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC between 2014 and 2017 were reviewed. Patients were stratified into two groups based on their NAC status for comparison. RESULTS: Of 168 patients included, 63 (37.5%) received NAC. Patients who received NAC exhibited significantly increased growth of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria (p = 0.043). Patients in the non-NAC group were more likely to grow pathogens resistant to ampicillin-sulbactam (47% vs 21%, p = 0.007), cefazolin (49% vs 28%, p = 0.040), cefoxitin (42% vs 11%, p = 0.009) and cefuroxime (26% vs 4%, p = 0.019). NAC status did not impact infectious postoperative outcomes, including SSIs. CONCLUSION: Patients who did not receive NAC were more likely to grow pathogens resistant to cephalosporins. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis should be tailored to cover Gram-negative organisms and enterococci.

The hidden costs of open hepatectomy: A 10-year, single institution series of right-sided hepatectomies.

BACKGROUND: Incisional ventral hernias(IVH) are a common complication following open abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to uncover the hidden costs of IVH following right-sided hepatectomy. METHODS: Outcomes and hospital billing data for patients undergoing open(ORH) and laparoscopic right-sided hepatectomies(LRH) were reviewed from 2008 to 2018. RESULTS: Of 327 patients undergoing right-sided hepatectomies, 231 patients were included into two groups: ORH(n = 118) and LRH(n = 113). Median follow-up-times and time-to-hernia were 24.9-months(0.3-128.4 months) and 40.5-months(0.4-81.4 months), respectively. The incidence of hernias at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 6/231(2.6%), 13/231(5.6%), 15(6.5%), and 17/231(7.4%); ORH = 14, LRH = 3, p = 0.003), respectively. In terms of IVH repair(IVHR), total operative costs ($10,719.27vs.$4,441.30,p < 0.001) and overall care costs ($20,541.09vs.$7,149.21,p = 0.044) were significantly greater for patients undergoing ORH. Patients whom underwent ORHs had longer hospital stays and more complications following IVHR. Risk analysis identified ORH(RR-10.860), male gender(RR-3.558), BMI ≥30 kg/m2(RR-5.157), and previous abdominal surgery(RR-6.870) as predictors for hernia development (p < 0.030). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of pre-operative hernia risk factors and utilization of a laparoscopic approach to right-sided hepatectomy reduces incisional ventral hernia incidence and cost when repair is needed.

Bile cultures are poor predictors of antibiotic resistance in postoperative infections following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bile cultures (BC) have routinely been used to guide empiric antibiotic therapy for developing postoperative infections. The ability of BCs to predict sensitivity and resistance patterns (SRP) of site of infection cultures (SOIC) remains controversial. The aim was to assess the concordance of pathogens and SRPs between paired BC/SOICs. METHODS: Medical records of consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were reviewed between 2014 and 2018. BC/SOIC pathogens and SRPs were compared on a patient-by-patient basis and concordance (K) was assessed. RESULTS: Common patient characteristics of 522 included patients were 65-years-old, Caucasian (75.5%), male (54.2%), malignant indication (79.3%), and preoperative biliary stent (59.0%). Overall, 275 (89.6%) BCs matured identifiable isolates with 152 (55.2%) demonstrating polymicrobial growth. Ninety-two (17.6%) SOICs were obtained: 48 and 44 occurred in patients with and without intraoperative BCs. Stents were associated with bacteriobilia (85.7%, K = 0.947, p < 0.001; OR 22.727, p < 0.001), but not postoperative infections (15.2%; K = 0.302, p < 0.001; OR 1.428, p = 0.122). Forty-eight patients demonstrated paired BC/SOICs to evaluate. Pathogenic concordance of this group was 31.1% (K = 0.605, p < 0.001) while SRP concordance of matched pathogens was 46.7% (K = 0.167, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Bile cultures demonstrate poor concordance with the susceptibility/resistance patterns of postoperative infections following pancreaticoduodenectomy and may lead to inappropriate antibiotic therapies.

Diabetes development after distal pancreatectomy: results of a 10 year series.

BACKGROUND: Limited literature is available on the postoperative development of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) following Distal Pancreatectomy (DP). We aimed to study the post-surgical clinical evolution of IGT/DM and its association with preoperative glycemic profiles of patients undergoing DP. METHODS: Pre- and postoperative glycemic laboratories were measured in patients undergoing DP by the senior author from 2007-2017. Multivariate risk factor analysis was performed to determine risk factors for new-onset IGT/DM after DP. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for development of NODM postoperatively. RESULTS: Of 216 included patients, n = 63, n = 68 and n = 85 were preoperatively diagnosed with no-diabetes (No-DM), pre-diabetes (Pre-DM), and diabetes (DM), respectively. At 2-year follow-up, n = 37, n = 80 and n = 99 were classified as No-DM, Pre-DM or DM, respectively. Pre-diabetics had a higher risk of developing postoperative dysglycemia (RR 2.230, 95% CI 1.732-2.870, p = 0.001). Preoperative OGTT>130, HbA1c >6.0, and chronic pancreatitis were risk factors for postoperative DM. CONCLUSION: 40% of patients undergoing DP were unaware of their dysglycemic status (pre-DM or DM) pre-operatively. At 2-year follow-up, 36% non-diabetic and 57% pre-diabetic patients had developed NODM. Appropriate pre-operative diabetic assessment is warranted for all patients undergoing pancreatic resections.

Low conversion rate during minimally invasive major hepatectomy: Ten-year experience at a high-volume center.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approaches for major hepatectomy have been marred by significant rates of conversion and associated morbidity. This study aimed to determine risk factors for conversion as well as postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing minimally invasive right-sided hepatectomy (MIRH). METHODS: Data for patients undergoing MIRH between 2008 and 2017 at Emory University were reviewed. Risk factors for conversion were determined using multivariate regression analysis. Outcomes of conversion patients were compared with those who underwent successful MIRH or elective open surgery. RESULTS: Unplanned conversion occurred in 7 (6.25%) of 112 patients undergoing MIRH. Primary reason for conversion was difficult dissection secondary to inflammation and severe adhesions. No preoperative clinical factor was identified that predicted conversions. Converted cases had higher EBL and pRBC transfusion compared to non-converted cases however morbidity was similar to those undergoing primary open surgery. CONCLUSION: Difficult dissection and adhesions remained the only clinically applicable parameter leading to unplanned conversions. While these did offset benefits of a successful minimally invasive approach, it did not increase risk of postoperative complications compared with planned open surgery.

A Comparison of Acellular Dermal Matrices in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing literature of evidence that the use of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) in abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) for high-risk patients provides superior complication profiles when compared with standard synthetic mesh. Here we compare Fortiva, Strattice, and Alloderm ADMs in AWR. METHODS: In a prospectively maintained database, all patients undergoing AWR between January 2003 and November 2016 were reviewed. Hernia recurrence and surgical site occurrence (SSO) were our primary and secondary endpoints. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and logistic regression models were used to evaluate risks for hernia recurrence and SSO. RESULTS: A total of 229 patients underwent AWR with 1 of 3 ADMs. Median follow-up time was 20.9 months (1-60 months). Cumulative recurrence rates for each mesh were 6.9%, 11.2%, and 22.0% (P = 0.04), for Fortiva, Strattice, and Alloderm groups. Surgical site occurrence for each mesh was 56.9%, 49.0%, and 49.2%, respectively. Seroma was significantly lower in the Fortiva group (1.4%; P = 0.02). Independent risk factors hernia recurrence included body mass index of 30 kg/m(2) or higher and hypertension. Adjusted risk factors included oncologic resection for hernia recurrence (odds ratio, 5.3; confidence interval, 1.1-97.7; P = 0.11) and a wound class of contaminated or dirty/infected for SSO (odds ratio, 3.6; confidence interval, 1.0-16.6; P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Acellular dermal matrices provide a durable repair with low overall rate of recurrence and complications in AWR. The recurrence and complication profiles differ between brands. With proper patient selection and consideration, ADMs can be used confidently for a variety of indications and wound classifications.

Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Repair of Scrotal Inguinal Hernias.

BACKGROUND: Scrotal inguinal hernias represent a challenging surgical pathology. Although some advanced laparoscopists can repair these hernias through a minimally invasive approach, open repair is considered the technique of choice for most surgeons. The purpose of this study is to show our results of robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of scrotal inguinal hernias. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 14 patients with inguinoscrotal hernias who underwent robotic-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair. Mean follow-up was 7 months. The European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernia Quality of Life score, a 90-point scale, was utilized to quantify patient reported outcomes. RESULTS: Robotic TAPP repair was successful in all 14 patients. Average case duration was 100 minutes (78 to 140 min) for unilateral hernias and 208 minutes (166 to 238 min) for bilateral hernias. Trainees were involved in 93% (13/14) of cases. There were no recurrences. Three patients developed postoperative seromas. The mean European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernia Quality of Life score was 3.7 (0 to 10). CONCLUSIONS: Scrotal hernias can be safely repaired using robotic-assisted TAPP methods with low morbidity and favorable patient reported outcomes.