Comparative analysis of readmission rates and outcomes: Sleeve gastrectomy with versus without Nissen fundoplication using a National Database.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure. To study the safety of LSG done with Nissen Fundoplication (NF) in patients affected by obesity and GERD and assess the complication rate. A retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2019. A total of 236111 patients underwent LSG with and without NF. A matched cohort of 1096 without NF and 548 with NF was obtained. The median age of patients was 47 years old. Median length of hospital stay was higher in the LSG with NF group. Median total charge was higher in the LSG with NF group. There was no statistically significant difference in 30-day readmission rates in patients with obesity and GERD who received LSG with NF compared to those who received LSG alone. Complications after both procedures were low, which highlights the safety of both procedures.

Social disparities in pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic from the Nationwide inpatient Sample.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have shown that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a hypercoagulable state. Studies have yet to examine the interconnectedness between COVID-19, hypercoagulability, and socioeconomics. The aim of this work was to investigate socioeconomic factors that may be associated with pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and COVID-19 in the United States. METHODS: We performed a 1-year (2020) analysis of the National Inpatient Sample database. We identified all adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19, acute PE, or acute DVT using unweighted samples. We calculated the correlation and odds ratio (OR) between COVID-19 and (1) PE and (2) DVT. We executed a univariate analysis followed by a multivariate analysis to examine the effect of different factors on PE and DVT during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: We identified 322,319 patients with COVID-19; 78,101 and 67,826 patients were identified with PE and DVT, respectively. PE and DVT, as well as inpatient mortality associated with both conditions, are significantly correlated with COVID-19. The OR between COVID-19 and PE was 2.04, while the OR between COVID-19 and DVT was 1.44. Using multivariate analysis, COVID-19 was associated with a higher incidence of PE (coefficient, 2.05) and DVT (coefficient, 1.42). Other factors that were significantly associated (P < .001) with increased incidence of PE and DVT along with their coefficients, respectively, include Black race (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.14), top quartile income (95% CI, 1.08-1.16), west region (95% CI, 1.10-1.04), urban teaching facilities (95% CI, 1.09-1.63), large bed size hospitals (95% CI, 1.08-1.29), insufficient insurance (95% CI, 1.88-2.19), hypertension (95% CI, 1.24-1.32), and obesity (95% CI, 1.41-1.25). Factors that were significantly associated (P < .001) with decreased incidence of PE and DVT along with their coefficients, respectively, include Asians/Pacific Islanders (95% CI, 0.52-0.53), female sex (95% CI, 0.79-0.74), homelessness (95% CI, 0.62-0.61), and diabetes mellitus (0.77-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: In the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, COVID-19 is correlated positively with venous thromboembolism, including its subtypes, PE and DVT. Using a multivariate analysis, Black race, male sex, top quartile income, west region, urban teaching facilities, large bed size hospitals, and insufficient social insurance were associated significantly with an increased incidence of PE and DVT. Asians/Pacific Islanders, female sex, homelessness, and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated decreased incidence of PE and DVT.

Racial, biological sex, and geographic disparities of venous thromboembolism in the United States, 2016 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) stands as the leading cause of preventable death within hospitals in the United States. Although there have been some studies investigating the incidence rates of VTE, there has yet to be a large-scale study elucidating disparities in sex, race, income, region, and seasons in patients with VTE. The goal of this study was to report the disparities in race, sex, income, region, and seasons in patients with VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in hospitalized patients from 2016 to 2019. METHODS: We used the United States National Inpatients Sample database to identify inpatients diagnosed with PE, DVT, and PE and DVT from 2016 to 2019. The inpatient incidence per thousand was calculated for sex and race using the weighted sample model. The regional and monthly incidence of DVT and PE per thousand inpatients and risk of incidence were calculated. Patients' characteristics including hospital type, bed size, median length of stay, median total charges, and mortality were also collected. RESULTS: We examined 455,111 cases of VTE, 177,410 cases of DVT, 189,271 cases of PE, and 88,430 cases of both DVT and PE combined. Over the study period, we observed a statistically significant trend among PE hospitalization incidences. There was a strong and positive correlation between DVT and PE inpatients. Black inpatients had the highest cumulative incidence of hospitalizations in all cohorts with 10.36 per 1000 in PE and 9.1 per 1000 in DVT. Asian and Pacific Islander inpatients had the lowest cumulative incidence with 4.42 per 1000 in PE and 4.28 per 1000 in DVT. Females showed the lowest cumulative incidence with 7.47 per 1000 in PE and 6.53 per 1000 in DVT. The Mountain region was the highest among PE hospitalizations with 9.62 per 1000. For DVT, the Middle Atlantic region was the highest at 8.65 per 1000. The in-hospital mortality rate was the highest among the PE hospitalizations at 7.3%. Also, the trend analysis showed significant increases among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Over the study period (2016-2019), we report the racial, biological sex, and geographical disparities from the National Inpatient Sample database, highlighting that Black inpatients had the highest incidence of PE and DVT, whereas Asian/Pacific Islander inpatients had the lowest incidences of PE and DVT. Moreover, women had a lower incidence compared with men. The observed regional variations indicated that the incidence of PE was highest in the Mountain region, whereas the incidence of DVT was lowest in the Middle Atlantic region. There was an increase in the mortality of inpatients diagnosed with VTE reflecting the growing burden of this condition in the US health care system.

Inpatient peritoneal dialysis catheters placed across the United States during a 3-year period: Lessons learned from 15,000 patients.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis is a popular option for patients with end-stage renal disease. A recent presidential executive order has incentivized in-home end-stage renal disease treatments, leading to an increase in peritoneal dialysis use. Guidelines exist for creating and maintaining peritoneal dialysis access without addressing the optimal technique. This study evaluates nationwide peritoneal dialysis catheter placement practices and their long-term outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of Nationwide Readmission Database from 2017 to 2019. Patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing inpatient peritoneal dialysis catheter placement were included. Six-month readmissions, mortality, and peritoneal dialysis catheter-specific outcome measures were assessed among survivors of admission, including catheter leakage, mechanical breakdown, displacement, revision or replacement, removal, exit site infections, intra-abdominal abscess, and sepsis. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the study, 14,863 patients with inpatient peritoneal dialysis catheter insertions were identified, of which 7,096 were analyzed (4,150 [59%] laparoscopic, 1,781 [25%] fluoroscopic, 1,165 [16%] open), 847 (12%) had major complications, 931 (13%) were readmitted, and 102 (1.4%) died within 6 months. Univariate analyses demonstrated that laparoscopy had higher mechanical complications, exit-site infections, catheter revision, and removal within 6 months, and fluoroscopy had higher sepsis and mortality. Multivariate analyses showed fluoroscopy was associated with intraabdominal abscess (adjusted odds ratio, 2.36; P = .025), laparoscopy with exit-site infections (adjusted odds ratio, 0.49; P = .005), and open surgery with catheter displacement (adjust odds ratio, 2.95; P = .021). CONCLUSION: This is the first large-scale study on inpatient peritoneal dialysis catheter placement outcomes in the United States. Fluoroscopic and open surgical placements are routinely performed, but laparoscopy remains the mainstay with fewer exit-site infections. Overall, peritoneal dialysis is a safe option, with 1 in 9 patients having an infectious or mechanical complication within 6 months. Furthermore, large-scale prospective studies are warranted to identify the optimal placement technique.

Gender, BMI, Patient Comorbidities, and Hospital Characteristics Influence 30-Day Readmission Following Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Obesity impacts 300 million people worldwide and the number continues to increase. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is one of several bariatric procedures offered to help these individuals achieve a healthier life. Here, we report 30-day readmission rates and risk factors for readmission after gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the US Healthcare Utilization Project's Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) from 2016 to 2019 for patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy and evaluated 30-day readmission rates, comparing readmitted patients to non-readmitted patients. Confounder adjusted and unadjusted analysis were proceeded to the potential factors. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 235,563 patients, with a 3.0% readmission rate. Factors associated with a higher readmission rate included older age, male gender, higher BMI, Medicare as the primary payer, longer length of stay, higher total charge, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, higher Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index, lower household income, non-elective admission type, and non-routine disposition. Additionally, larger hospital bed size, and private, invest-own hospital ownership were associated with higher readmission rates. After adjusting for confounders, several comorbidities and complications were found to be significantly associated with readmission, including ileus, abnormal weight loss, postprocedural complications of digestive system, acute posthemorrhagic anemia, and history of pulmonary embolism (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient characteristics including age, BMI, and payment source, as well as hospital characteristics, can impact the 30-day readmission after LSG. Such factors should be considered by CMS when deciding on penalties related to readmission.

Mortality and morbidity following initiation of anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment for blunt cerebrovascular injury.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are potential sequelae of blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI). To minimize their risk, medical therapy is used commonly. It is unclear if anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications are superior for decreasing CVA risk. It is also unclear as to which confer fewer undesirable side effects specifically in patients with BCVI. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between nonsurgical patients with BCVI with hospital admission records who were treated with anticoagulant medications and those who were treated with antiplatelet medications. METHODS: We performed a 5-year (2016-2020) analysis of the Nationwide Readmission Database. We identified all adult trauma patients who were diagnosed with BCVI and treated with either anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. Patients who were diagnosed with index admission CVA, intracranial injury, hypercoagulable states, atrial fibrillation, and or moderate to severe liver disease were excluded. Those who underwent vascular procedures (open and/or endovascular approaches) and or neurosurgical treatment were also excluded. Propensity score matching (1:2 ratio) was performed to control for demographics, injury parameters, and comorbidities. Index admission and 6-month readmission outcomes were examined. RESULTS: We identified 2133 patients with BCVI who were treated with medical therapy; 1091 patients remained after applying the exclusion criteria. A matched cohort of 461 patients (anticoagulant, 159; antiplatelet, 302) was obtained. The median patient age was 72 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56-82 years), 46.2% of patients were female, falls were the mechanism of injury in 57.2% of cases, and the median New Injury Severity Scale score was 21 (IQR, 9-34). Index outcomes with respect to (1) anticoagulant treatments followed by (2) antiplatelet treatments and (3) P values are as follows: mortality (1.3%, 2.6%, 0.51), median length of stay (6 days, 5 days; P < .001), and median total charge (109,736 USD, 80,280 USD, 0.12). The 6-month readmission outcomes are as follows: readmission (25.8%, 16.2%, <0.05), mortality (4.4%, 4.6%, 0.91), ischemic CVA (4.9%, 4.1%, P = not significant [NS]), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (4.9%, 10.2%, 0.45), hemorrhagic CVA (0%, 0.41%, P = NS), and blood loss anemia (19.5%, 12.2%, P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Anticoagulants are associated with a significantly increased readmission rate within 6 months. Neither medical therapy is superior to one another in the reduction of the following: index mortality, 6-month mortality, and 6-month readmission with CVA. Notably, antiplatelet agents seem to be associated with increased hemorrhagic CVA and gastrointestinal hemorrhage on readmission, although neither association is statistically significant. Still, these associations underscore the need for further prospective studies of large sample sizes to investigate the optimal medical therapy for nonsurgical patients with BCVI with hospital admission records.

Risk factors for readmission after open abdominal aortic aneurysms repair and its outcome in chronic kidney disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: Readmission after vascular procedures is a burden to hospitals and the Medicare system. Therefore, identifying risk factors leading to readmission is vital. We examined the frequency of and risk factors for 30-day readmission after open aneurysm repair (OAR) and explored post-operative outcomes with special attention for those with preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Patients who underwent OAR were identified in the National Readmission Database (2016-2018). Demographic information and comorbidities were collected. Patients readmitted within 30 days after their index hospitalization were identified and compared to patients without readmission records. RESULTS: A total of 5090 patients underwent OAR during the study timeframe with 488 patients (9.6%) were readmitted within 30 days. Females were more readmitted than males (F = 11.1% vs M = 9.0%, P < 0.001). Readmitted patients had more comorbidities (median ECI 12, P < 0.05), were on Medicare (73.7%, P < 0.001), had higher surgery admission cost ($146,844, P < 0.001), longer length of stay (8 days, P < 0.001), and were discharged to a lower level care facility (62.7%, P < 0.001). Comorbidities that predisposed patients for readmission include: peripheral arterial disease (OR 2.15, P < 0.01), asthma (OR 1.87, P < 0.01), chronic heart failure (OR 1.74, P < 0.05). On readmission visit, acute renal failure (23.8%) was the most common diagnosis, while intestinal surgery (13.7%) was the most common procedure. Patients with CKD (n = 968, 18.9% of total population) had double the mortality rate compared to non-CKD patients on surgery admission (10.4%, P < 0.001) and readmission (10.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Certain factors were noted to increase readmission rate, special attention need to be paid when dealing with such group of patients requiring OAR. Vascular surgeons should meticulously weigh benefits and risks when considering OAR in patients with CKD who are not a candidate for endovascular repair, and optimize their kidney function before considering such approach.

Nonhealing venous ulcer in a patient with dystrophic soft tissue calcification.

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are lesions of the skin found in regions of venous hypertension. VLUs that fail to heal can become chronic, especially because of calcified deposits in the bed of the ulcer. The unclear mechanism behind the cause of calcification poses a challenge when approaching diagnosis and management. In the present report, we discuss the case of a 58-year-old woman who had presented with a chronic VLU that was resistant to healing despite numerous interventions. During a 3-year period, a multidisciplinary team was involved to provide medical and surgical care. Eventually, she was found to have dystrophic calcification of the VLU.

Disseminated Lomentospora prolificans infection presenting with arterial exsanguination.

Lomentospora prolificans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen found especially in Australia, Spain, Portugal, California, and the southern United States. Although it causes a wide spectrum of infections, disseminated L. prolificans infection remains very rare. The diagnosis and medical management are challenging. No clear guidelines are available for management. The treatment options are limited and mortality is high, especially for immunocompromised patients. In the present case report, we have highlighted the rare vascular effect of disseminated L. prolificans infection. We have reported the case of a 48-year-old immunocompromised man who had presented with a right groin mass. After extensive workup, the patient was found to have disseminated L. prolificans infection causing a superficial femoral artery pseudoaneurysm. A multidisciplinary team was involved to provide medical and surgical care. However, the patient died after treatment failure and withdrawal of support.

Unusual presentation of right-sided May-Thurner syndrome.

May-Thurner syndrome commonly presents with left leg swelling. Right-sided venous compression syndromes are rare. We report a 49-year-old gentleman who presented with right lower extremity swelling after leg trauma. He was found to have right distal common iliac vein compression by the overlying right internal iliac artery. He was treated with an endovascular approach with balloon venoplasty and stenting. This is a unique presentation of May-Thurner syndrome variation affecting the right lower extremity with limited description in the literature.

Rankings From US News and World Report Have Minimal Correlation With Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipient Survival Results From Retrospective Data.

OBJECTIVES: Increased demand for quality health care has led to lay-press ranking systems, such as the ranking from US News and World Report (US News). Their "Best Hospitals" publication advertises itself as the go-to resource for patients seeking care in a number of specialty areas. We sought to test the relationship between US News rankings and transplant outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from 2014 to 2018, we compared outcomes from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database for liver and kidney transplants against US News-ranked centers using the categories "Nephrology" and "GI Surgery and Gastroenterology" as substitutes, as US News does not rank transplant centers specifically. P < .05 was set as significant. RESULTS: Using hazard ratio data, we found that kidney transplant center rank had only a small impact on postoperative outcomes in terms of patient survival (hazard ratio = 0.996, P = .049) but had no impact on graft survival (hazard ratio = 0.997, P = .077). In addition, liver transplant center rank had no impact on liver graft survival (hazard ratio = 1.003, P = .304). The impact of hospital ranking on survival was minimal compared with other variables. CONCLUSIONS: The US News rankings for "Nephrology" and "GI Surgery and Gastroenterology" have minimal values as a measure of liver and kidney transplant outcomes, highlighting that these lay press rankings are not useful to the unique transplant patient population and that providers should help guide patients to transplant-specific resources.

Development and evolution of a robotic surgical technique for the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the development and evolution of a surgical technique that uses the robotic da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, Calif) for the transaxillary approach to repair the disabling thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). We report our patient outcomes associated with the use of this robotic technique. METHODS: We present a retrospective review and analysis of data collected from a 16-year experience of a single surgeon using a robotic surgical system and technique for TOS surgery. From the initial design of an endoscope attached to a microvideo camera in 1982 to the adoption of the monorobotic arm with integrated voice in 1998, the main objective of the transaxillary approach has always been to improve visualization of congenital cervical anomalies of the scalene muscles. From February 2003 to December 2018, we performed 412 transaxillary decompression procedures using the robotic da Vinci Surgical System. The surgical procedure has been described in further detail and includes the following steps: (1) positioning of the patient into a lateral decubitus position and using a monoarm retractor; (2) creation of a mini-incision in the axillary area and creation and maintenance of the subpectoral anatomic working space; (3) placement of endoscopic ports and engagement of the robotic instrumentation; (4) dissection of extrapleural and intrapleural soft tissue; (5) creation of the "floater" first rib; (6) excision of the cervical bands and first rib; and (7) placement of thoracostomy tubes for drainage and closure of the incisions. RESULTS: None of the patients died, and no patient experienced permanent neurovascular damage of the extremity. Of the 306 patients, 22 (5% of 441 operations) experienced complications. One patient developed postoperative scarring that required a redo operation with a robotic-assisted transaxillary approach. CONCLUSIONS: With its three-dimensional visual magnification of the anatomic area, the endoscopic robotic-assisted transaxillary approach offers safe and effective management of disabling TOS symptoms. The endoscope facilitates observation of the cervical bands and the mechanism (pathogenesis) of the neurovascular compression that causes TOS, thereby allowing complete excision of the first rib, cervical bands, and scalene muscle. We sought to develop and perfect this robotic approach. The present study was not intended to be a comparative study to nonrobotic TOS surgery.

Robotic versus Laparoscopic Sigmoid Colectomy: Analysis of Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Database.

Minimally invasive sigmoid colectomy via the laparoscopic approach (LA) has numerous benefits. We seek to compare outcomes between laparoscopic and robotic sigmoid colectomies. We analyzed the data using the National Inpatient Sample database between 2008 and 2014. Utilization and outcome measures were compared. The seven-year average number of patients who underwent elective sigmoid colectomy in the United States from 2008 to 2014 was estimated to be 197,053. Of these, 95.1 per cent were conducted using the LA. The mean age was 58.33 + 13.6 years and 58.23 + 12.8 years in laparoscopic and robotic approaches, respectively. No significant differences existed in respect to morbidities. Postoperative complications were comparable with respect to other complications. Length of hospital stay was statistically significantly shorter in the robot-assisted approach compared with the LA (mean 4.8 + 4 vs 5.7 + 5 days, respectively, P < 0.001). Patients who underwent robotic surgery had significantly higher total hospital charges than those who underwent laparoscopic surgery (median $45,057 vs $57,871 USD, P < 0.001). The advent of robot-assisted surgery has provided more options for patients and surgeons. Compared with laparoscopy, robot-assisted sigmoid colectomy has no clinical advantages in morbidity and mortality. However, the robotic approach has a significantly higher total charge to the patient.

Burn patients with history of kidney transplant experience increased incidence of wound infection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if history of kidney transplant is an independent risk factor for increased incidence of wound infection and other morbidities in burn patients. BACKGROUND: While the goal of immunosuppression post-organ transplantation is to prevent graft rejection, it is often associated with significant adverse effects such as increased susceptibility to infection, drug toxicity, and malignancy. Burn injuries lead to a dysregulated hypermetabolic state and a compromised cutaneous barrier, which predisposes to infection and delayed wound healing. We surmise that a history of kidney transplant increases the risk of wound infection in in-hospital burn victims. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 57,948 adults diagnosed in-hospital with a burn injury between 2008-2014, obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) by Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). RESULTS: 103 burn victims (0.2%) with a history of kidney transplant (KTX) were identified. Compared to burn patients without a history of transplant (No-KTX), they were older (54.3 ± 13.8 vs 49.8 ± 18.7; p = 0.001), more likely be insured under Medicare (69.9% vs 31.1%; p < 0.001), and less likely to have Medicaid (5.8% vs 17.2%; p = 0.002). Higher in-hospital mortality index scores were observed in KTX compared to no-KTX with p < 0.001. The incidence rates of complications such as wound infection (33.0 vs 16.3; p < 0.001) and acute renal failure (18.4 vs 7.7; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the KTX group. After adjusting for confounding factors in multivariable analysis, the incidence of wound infection remained significantly higher. Burn patients with history of KTX were not more likely to be treated at a transplant (TX) center. TX centers were determined to have higher mortality rate, longer length of stay, and higher total hospital charges. CONCLUSION: History of kidney transplant is an independent risk factor for increased incidence of wound infection in burn patients.

Factors Associated With Increased Mortality After Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection Repair.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative mortality after open and endovascular repair of thoracic aortic dissection (AD) has been the focus of previous research. However, a little has been published on the far less common isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD). The aim of our study was to identify risk factors associated with 30-day postoperative mortality in patients with IAAD. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) was queried for patients who underwent open or endovascular AD repair from January 2010 to December 2015. Information regarding patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, procedure details, and postoperative complications were analyzed, and predictors of 30-day mortality were identified. Risk stratification by the type of aortic repair and surgery setting was performed, and patient characteristics associated with mortality in each setting were determined. We employed chi-squared test, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test for the univariate analysis, while the multivariate analysis was performed using a stepwise binary logistic regression test. RESULTS: There were 229 patients who met the specified criteria, 15 died within 30 days postoperatively, and 214 survived beyond the same period (mortality rate was 6.5%). Among preoperative factors, a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), preoperative ventilator dependence, preoperative transfusion of ≥1 unit packed RBCs, emergent operation, and advanced American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class were associated with increased risk of mortality. Postoperative complications associated with a higher risk of mortality were acute kidney injury, mechanical ventilation ≥48 hours, unplanned intubation, myocardial infarction, septic shock, and blood transfusion. On multivariate analysis, risk factors independently associated with increased risk of mortality were a history of COPD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 10.5; P = 0.013), postoperative acute renal failure (AOR, 12.8; P = 0.003) and septic shock (AOR, 15.3; P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple preoperative and postoperative factors are associated with a high risk of death after IAAD repair. A better control of COPD and prevention of postoperative acute renal failure and septic shock may result in better outcomes.

Robotic Surgery Is More Expensive with Similar Outcomes in Sleeve Gastrectomy: Analysis of the NIS Database.

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes after robotic-assisted and laparoscopic bariatric sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Sleeve gastrectomy is traditionally performed using laparoscopic techniques. Robotic-assisted surgery enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive SG, but with unknown benefits. Using a national database, we compared postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic SG and robotic-assisted SG. National data from individuals undergoing elective SG in the National Inpatient Sample database between 2011 and 2013 were analyzed. Propensity score matching was used to match robotic and laparoscopic groups by demographics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. The matching cohorts were compared. A total of 26,195 patients who underwent elective SG for morbid obesity were included. Of these, 25,391 (96.9%) were completed via laparoscopy, whereas 804 (3.1%) were performed with robotic assistance. There were no significant differences in demographics and subsequent postoperative complications. The inhospital mortality was similar. Length of hospital stay was statistically different, with a mean of 1.88 in laparoscopic versus 2.08 days in robotic (P < 0.001). Higher total hospital charges were noted in the robotic-assisted SG group (median US$38,569 vs US$54,658, P < 0.001). These differences were evident even after adjusting for confounding factors: wound infection, atelectasis, bowel obstruction, pneumonia, and bowel obstruction (P < 0.001).

Emergent carotid endarterectomy versus stenting in acute stroke patients with tandem occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: Acute stroke due to tandem cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) and intracranial large-vessel occlusion (ILVO) has a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The most appropriate treatment strategy for the extracranial culprit lesion remains unclear. In this study, we report our institutional outcomes with two approaches: emergent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). METHODS: Patients with tandem ICA-ILVO were identified in a prospective mechanical thrombectomy (MT) database between July 2012 and April 2016. Patients had a concomitant complete ICA origin occlusion and occlusion of the intracranial ICA or M1 or M2 middle cerebral artery segment. Baseline characteristics, procedural data, and treatment times were reviewed. End points included good recanalization of both ICA and ILVO, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (defined by clinical decline of >4 points on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), and functional outcome at 90 days. RESULTS: Forty-five patients had tandem ICA-ILVO occlusion; 27 patients underwent emergent CAS and 12 patients underwent emergent CEA after MT. Successful Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2B/3 recanalization was achieved in 92% of the CEA and 96% of the CAS patients (P = .53). Three CAS patients (11%) and none of the CEA patients had symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (P = .54). At 90 days, 75% (9/12) of the CEA patients were functionally independent compared with 70% (19/27) in the CAS group (P = 1.0). No deaths were noted in the CEA group compared with five (18.5%) in the CAS arm (P = .30). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that early recanalization with MT followed by emergent CEA is safe and feasible, which suggests that both CAS and CEA should be considered in the emergent treatment of patients with tandem occlusion.

Trends in bariatric surgery from 2008 to 2012.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a global epidemic that has been increasing in prevalence. The only treatment method for durable weight loss is bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to observe trends in usage and outcomes of bariatric operations used in the United States from 2008 to 2012. METHODS: Analysis was performed on bariatric surgery admissions from 2008 to 2012 based off of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Data were selected from using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision codes correlating to bariatric procedures for the purpose of obesity. Annual estimates and trends were reviewed for patient demographics, procedure type, patient outcomes, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: A total of 598,756 bariatric procedures were examined. Laparoscopic gastric bypass was the most commonly used surgical method in 2008 (58.2%). A decreasing trend in its use, and the use of laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB), was equipoised with increasing use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Use of LSG accounted for 8.2% of procedures in 2011 and 39.6% in 2012. LGB and LSG had the lowest rates of complications, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, and the shortest LOS whereas open bypass and duodenal switch had the highest rates of complications, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, and longest LOSs. Overall rates of venous thromboembolism increased from .08% in 2008 to .215% in 2012. Respiratory complications decreased from 6.1% to 3.9%. There were no observed trends in rates of renal complications, visceral injury, bleeding, and infections. In-hospital morbidity decreased, whereas mortality rates were stable at .1%. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of bariatric procedures has reached a plateau in the United States. Changes in the composition of procedural types suggest that LSG has become a popular alternative to gastric bypass and LGB.

Financial Contribution of Residents When Billing as "Junior Associates" in the "Surgical Firm".

OBJECTIVE: There is an increasing number of proposals to change the way Graduate Medical Education is funded. This study attempts to estimate the potential financial contribution of surgical residents using an alternative funding mechanism similar to that used by law firms, which would allow surgery departments to bill for resident activity as "junior associates." METHODS: Following 24 residents over a period of 12 weeks, we were able to estimate the annual revenue that they generated from operating room procedures, independent consultations, patient management, and minor procedures using Medicare reimbursement rates. The appropriate first assistant modifier was used to calculate the operating room procedure fees, but full price was used to calculate the revenue for minor procedures, patient management, and consultations done independently. We adjusted for vacation time and academic activities. RESULTS: Including postgraduate year 1 residents, the estimated yearly revenue generated per resident in first assistant operative services was $33,305.67. For minor procedures, patient management, and independent consultations, the estimated yearly revenue per resident was $37,350.66. The total estimated financial contribution per resident per year was $70,656.33. Excluding postgraduate year 1 residents, as most states require completion of the intern year before full licensure, the estimated yearly revenue generated per resident in first assistant operative services was $38,914.56. For minor procedures, patient management, and independent consultations, the estimated yearly revenue per resident was $55,957.33. The total estimated financial contribution per resident per year was $94,871.89. CONCLUSIONS: Residents provide a significant service to hospitals. If resident activity was compensated at the level of supervised "junior associates" of a surgery department, more than 75% of the direct educational costs of training could be offset. Furthermore, we believe this value is underestimated. Given the foreseeable changes in Graduate Medical Education funding, it is imperative that alternative approaches for funding be explored.

Patient variables impacting hospital costs from 2008 to 2010.

BACKGROUND: Studying the variables associated with the increased costs of health care provides valuable insight. METHODS: A review and analysis of the pertinent variables and information collected for 118.3 million hospital admissions recorded as Nationwide Inpatient Samples database was done for the years 2008 to 2010. We used hospital charges as an approximation of costs in the analysis of the patient variables and other factors contributing to hospital costs. RESULTS: The top 5 factors with the most impact on charges were diagnostic category, length of stay, number of procedures, major operating room procedures, and ownership of the hospital. CONCLUSION: The top 5 factors with the most impact on charges were length of stay, number of procedures, major diagnostic category, major operating room procedures, and ownership of the hospital.