Activity Tracking After Surgery: Does It Correlate With Postoperative Complications?

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ambulation is an important tenet in enhanced recovery programs. We quantitatively assessed the correlation of decreased postoperative ambulation with postoperative complications and delays in gastrointestinal function. METHODS: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were fitted with digital ankle pedometers yielding continuous measurements of their ambulation. Primary endpoints were the overall and system-specific complication rates, with secondary endpoints being the time to first passage of flatus and stool, the length of hospital stay, and the rate of readmission. RESULTS: 100 patients were enrolled. We found a significant, independent inverse correlation between the number of steps on the first and second postoperative days (POD1/2) and the incidence of complications as well as the recovery of GI function and the likelihood of readmission (P < .05). POD2 step count was an independent risk factor for severe complications (P = .026). DISCUSSION: Digitally quantified ambulation data may be a prognostic biomarker for the likelihood of severe postoperative complications.

Surgical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Trephine Surgery for Pilonidal Sinus Disease and Risk Factors for Recurrence.

Background: Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques for pilonidal sinus disease (PNS) have gained popularity in recent years, due to faster recovery and lower complication rate compared with conventional methods. Our aim was to assess recurrence rate following MIS Trephine procedure for PNS and to identify possible risk factors for recurrence. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort, including patients who underwent PNS Excision by Trephine MIS Procedure over 5 years in a large tertiary medical center was established. Patient data were collected from medical charts and patient telephone survey to asses recurrence rate. Results: Two hundred three patients underwent MIS Trephine procedure for PNS, with data available on 130 patients (64.2%). Overall recurrence and nonhealing wound rate was 33.07% (43 patients), with disease recurrence occurring in mean time of 13.3 months (range 2-47 months). Thirty-six patients underwent repeat MIS Trephine surgery with recurrence occurring in 6 patients (4.6%). Overall healing rate following repeat surgery was 91.5% (119 patients). Univariate analysis of preoperative and clinical factors, including body mass index (P = .77), smoking status (P = .53), number of sinus tracts (P = .78), previous abscess drainage (P = .45), and diameter size of the trephine blade (P = .72) demonstrated no correlation to disease recurrence following surgery. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed similar results, with only young age (<30 years) associated with disease recurrence (P = .01). Conclusion: Recurrence following minimally invasive trephine excision for PNS is fairly high, but repeat surgery in recurring patients has a high rate of a successful outcome.

Association of Preoperative Clinical, Laboratory, Imaging, and Pathologic Data With Clinically Beneficial Pathology Among Routine Splenectomy Specimens.

Importance: Previous studies have shown that uniform pathologic review of all splenectomy surgical specimens reveals new clinically actionable diagnoses only in a minority of cases. Objective: To examine whether the aggregate of clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathologic preoperative data is associated with a clinically beneficial pathologic study for routine splenectomy surgical specimens. Design, Setting, and Participants: This single-center retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent splenectomy from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2018, at a single center. Clinical, imaging, and pathologic data were extracted from the institution's electronic medical records system. Data analysis was conducted from June to November 2020. Exposures: Undergoing splenectomy for trauma or diagnostic or therapeutic indications. Main Outcomes and Measures: Spleen pathology study resulting in a new medical diagnosis or change in medical management. Results: Overall, 90 patients (53 [59%] men) with a median (range) age of 59 (19-90) years underwent splenectomy for therapeutic purposes in 41 patients (45%), trauma in 24 patients (27%), diagnostic purposes in 15 patients (17%), and combined therapeutic and diagnostic purposes in 9 patients (10%). In 14 patients (15%) a new malignant neoplasm was found, and in 8 patients (9%), a new nonneoplastic medical condition was diagnosed. A new pathologic diagnosis resulted in change in medical management in 16 patients (18%). In patients without a prior diagnosis of cancer, 41 of 56 pathology biopsies (73%) were found to be normal whereas in 7 biopsies (13%), a new diagnosis of a hematologic malignant neoplasm was revealed (P < .001). Patients with clinical splenomegaly were significantly more likely to have a new pathologic diagnosis of cancer compared with patients without splenomegaly (15 of 26 [58%] vs 4 of 64 [7%]; P < .001). In 39 of 43 patients (91%) with normal presurgery imaging studies, normal spleen pathology was revealed, whereas in 14 of 17 patients (82%) with abnormal imaging studies, a new hematological malignant neoplasm was diagnosed following pathologic review of the spleen specimen (P < .001). Patients with gross abnormalities on macroscopic examination had a significantly increased likelihood of a hematological cancer diagnosis (17 of 40 [43%]) and a solid cancer diagnosis (4 [10%]) compared with patients with grossly normal specimens (4 of 49 [8%]; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, routine pathologic review of spleen specimens was clinically beneficial in patients with splenomegaly, abnormal imaging results, a prior diagnosis of cancer, and with grossly abnormal spleens.

Management of Acute Appendicitis during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single Tertiary Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak had an effect on healthcare. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the presentation and management of patients with acute appendicitis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of all patients presenting with acute appendicitis to the emergency department of a large tertiary center during March and April 2020. Clinical features, diagnostic workup, and management were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients presented with acute appendicitis during the pandemic compared to 60 patients during the same time the year before. There were no significant differences in patient demographics: age (P = 0.65), gender (P = 0.73), smoking status (P = 0.48). During COVID-19 patients were more likely to complain of right lower quadrant pain (100% vs. 78.3%, P < 0.01). Rates of surgical treatment was similar (83.8% vs. 81.7%, P = 1); mean operative time was longer during COVID-19 (63 ± 23 vs. 52 ± 26 minutes, P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in intra-operative findings including the presence of appendiceal perforation (16.3% vs. 14.5%, P = 0.8), abscess (6.1% vs. 9.7%, P = 0.73), or involvement of cecum or terminal ileum (14.28% vs. 19.63%, P = 1). Postoperative treatment with antibiotics was more prevalent during COVID-19 (37.1% vs. 18%, P = 0.04). Length of stay (1.82 ± 2.04 vs. 2.74 ± 4.68, P = 0.2) and readmission rates (6% vs. 11.3%, P =0.51) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the presentation, clinical course, management, and outcomes of patients presenting with acute appendicitis.

Development and Utilization of a Medical Student Surgery Podcast During COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic drastically reduced learning opportunities for medical students. We sought to determine the cost and success of implementation of a podcast for a surgical department in a large academic hospital. METHODS: We created a podcast series for Israeli medical students during the COVID-19 epidemic based on the Medical Student Core Curriculum of the American College of Surgeons / Association for Surgical Education. Episodes were available for free download or streaming on a designated website and popular podcast platforms. Podcast analytics were used to measure public listeners and uptake. RESULTS: Total development time was 90 hours at an estimated cost of $7091 USD. A total of 10 episodes were released between March 21, 2020 and August 31, 2020. An average of 9 ± 1.26 h (range 2-6) was required to generate each episode, including 3.4 ± 1.26 h (2-6) for content review and 5.6 ± 2 h (4-10) for audio production. An average episode ran for 35.9 ± 4.3 min (28-42). Podcasts recorded a total of 5678 downloads, with an average of 228 and 336 downloads per episode in the first 30 and 90 days, respectively. The average daily downloads before the students returned to clinical rotations (March 21-April 30) was 48 ± 58.3 (7-283;) compared to 16 ± 7.4 after their return (1-38; P< 0.01). Estimated costs to produce a video-based education series would have been significantly more. CONCLUSION: Podcasts can serve as a cost-effective and quickly produced instructional tool to supplement online learning. Further research is required to determine the efficacy of podcasts versus video-based education modules.

Deep learning visual analysis in laparoscopic surgery: a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the past decade, deep learning has revolutionized medical image processing. This technique may advance laparoscopic surgery. Study objective was to evaluate whether deep learning networks accurately analyze videos of laparoscopic procedures. METHODS: Medline, Embase, IEEE Xplore, and the Web of science databases were searched from January 2012 to May 5, 2020. Selected studies tested a deep learning model, specifically convolutional neural networks, for video analysis of laparoscopic surgery. Study characteristics including the dataset source, type of operation, number of videos, and prediction application were compared. A random effects model was used for estimating pooled sensitivity and specificity of the computer algorithms. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated by the bivariate model of Reitsma. RESULTS: Thirty-two out of 508 studies identified met inclusion criteria. Applications included instrument recognition and detection (45%), phase recognition (20%), anatomy recognition and detection (15%), action recognition (13%), surgery time prediction (5%), and gauze recognition (3%). The most common tested procedures were cholecystectomy (51%) and gynecological-mainly hysterectomy and myomectomy (26%). A total of 3004 videos were analyzed. Publications in clinical journals increased in 2020 compared to bio-computational ones. Four studies provided enough data to construct 8 contingency tables, enabling calculation of test accuracy with a pooled sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.85-0.97) and specificity of 0.96 (95% CI 0.84-0.99). Yet, the majority of papers had a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Deep learning research holds potential in laparoscopic surgery, but is limited in methodologies. Clinicians may advance AI in surgery, specifically by offering standardized visual databases and reporting.

Laparoscopic Subtotal Cholecystectomy for the Difficult Gallbladder: A Safe Alternative.

BACKGROUND: The safe completion of cholecystectomy is dependent on proper identification and secure closure of the cystic duct. Effecting this closure poses a great challenge when inflammatory changes obscure the anatomy. Subtotal cholecystectomy allows for near complete removal of the gallbladder and complete evacuation of the stones while avoiding dissection in the hazardous area. OBJECTIVES: To describe experience with laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy. METHODS: Subtotal cholecystectomy was performed when the critical view of safety could not be achieved. Surgical technique was similar in all cases and included opening the Hartmann's pouch, removing stones obstructing the gallbladder outlet, and identifying the opening of the cystic duct, as well as circumferential transection of the gallbladder neck, closure of the gallbladder stump, and excision of the gallbladder fundus. Data retrieved from patient charts included demographics, pre-operative history, operative and postoperative course, and late complications. No bile duct injuries were observed in this series. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients underwent laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (2010-2018). Ten patients were operated during the acute course of the disease and 43 electively. Acute cholecystitis was the leading cause for gallbladder removal. Cholecystostomy tube was placed in 18 patients during acute hospitalization. The gallbladder remnant was closed and a drain was placed in most patients. Of the 53 patients, 42 had an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is an effective surgical technique to avoid bile duct injury when the cystic duct cannot safely be identified. Subtotal cholecystectomy has acceptable morbidity and obviates the need for conversion in these difficult cases.

Associations of novel inflammatory markers with long-term outcomes and recurrence of diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have emerged as markers of various outcomes of inflammatory and malignant diseases. The association of those markers with short-term outcomes of acute diverticulitis has been discussed in recent studies. This study aimed at evaluation of the association of NLR and PLR with long-term outcomes in patients presenting with acute diverticulitis. METHODS: A retrospective single institute study included patients admitted with acute diverticulitis between 2012 and 2016. Associations were analysed of NLR and PLR values at admission with patient outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 456 patients were included in the study. High NLR and PLR values were associated with complicated disease (P < 0.01 for both). Among patients with complicated diverticulitis, for those with high NLR, the interval to a recurrent episode of acute diverticulitis was shorter (68.3 days versus 83.7 days, P = 0.044). Patients with high NLR had higher mean number of readmissions (0.54 versus 0.34, P = 0.035). High NLR (10.06 ± 11.23 versus 7.6 ± 8.04, P = 0.012) and PLR (9.64 days ±10.56 versus 7.47 days ±8.225, P = 0.018) were associated with longer cumulative hospital stay due to acute diverticulitis. CONCLUSIONS: High NLR and PLR values were associated with recurrence in acute diverticulitis in terms of shorter interval between recurrent episodes and longer cumulative hospitalization days.

Management of Pancreatic Injuries Following Nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic injuries during nephrectomy are rare, despite the relatively close anatomic relation between the kidneys and the pancreas. The data regarding the incidence and outcome of pancreatic injuries are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency and the clinical significance of pancreatic injuries during nephrectomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients who underwent nephrectomy over a period of 30 years (1987-2016) in a large tertiary medical center. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1674 patients underwent nephrectomy during the study period. Of those, 553 (33%) and 294 patients (17.5%) underwent left nephrectomy and radical left nephrectomy, respectively. Among those, four patients (0.2% of the total group, 0.7% of the left nephrectomy group, and 1.36% of the radical left nephrectomy) experienced iatrogenic injuries to the pancreas. None of the injuries were recognized intraoperatively. All patients were treated with drains in an attempt to control the pancreatic leak and one patient required additional surgical interventions. Average length of stay was 65 days (range 15-190 days). Mean follow-up was 23.3 months (range 7.7-115 months). CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic injuries during nephrectomy are rare and carry a significant risk for postoperative morbidity.

Breast Cancer in Men: A Single Center Experience Over a Period of 22 years.

BACKGROUND: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease that is poorly understood. Treatment protocols are widely extrapolated from breast cancer in women. OBJECTIVES: To review the experience with MBC of a single center in Israel over a period of 22 years. METHODS: This single center retrospective study evaluated all patients diagnosed with MBC over a period of 22 years (1993-2015). Data were extracted from patient medical charts and included demographics, clinical, surgical, and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: The study comprised 49 patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 64.1 ± 13.5 years. The majority were diagnosed at early stages (1A-2A) (54.4%), 30.6% were stage 3B mostly due to direct skin and nipple involvement, and 59.2% of the patients had node negative disease. All of the patients were diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and 30.6% had concomitant ductal carcinoma in situ. Estrogen receptor (ER) status was predominantly positive and luminal B (HER2-) was the most common subtype. Of the patients, 18.4% were BRCA carriers. The majority of patients underwent mastectomy. Radiotherapy was delivered to 46.9% and hormonal therapy to 89.8%. Chemotherapy was administered to 42.9%. Overall survival was 79.6% with a median survival of 60.1 (2-178) months; 5- and 10-year survival was 93.9% and 79.6%, respectively. Progesterone receptor (PR)-negative patients had a significantly improved overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: MBC has increasing incidence. PR-negative status was associated with better overall survival and disease-free interval. Indications to radiotherapy and hormonal therapy need standardization and will benefit from prospective randomized control trials.

Feedback based simulator training reduces superfluous forces exerted by novice residents practicing knot tying for vessel ligation.

BACKGROUND: Technological advances have led to the development of state-of-the-art simulators for training surgeons; few train basic surgical skills, such as vessel ligation. METHODS: A novel low-cost bench-top simulator with auditory and visual feedback that measures forces exerted during knot tying was tested on 14 surgical residents. Pre- and post-training values for total force exerted during knot tying, maximum pulling and pushing forces and completion time were compared. RESULTS: Mean time to reach proficiency during training was 11:26 min, with a mean of 15 consecutive knots. Mean total applied force for each knot were 35% lower post-training than pre-training (7.5 vs. 11.54 N (N), respectively, p = 0.039). Mean upward peak force was significantly lower after, compared to before, training (1.29 vs. 2.12 N, respectively, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Simulator training with visual and auditory force feedback improves knot-tying skills of novice surgeons.

Experienced surgeons versus novice surgery residents: Validating a novel knot tying simulator for vessel ligation.

BACKGROUND: Vessel ligation with a knot is one of the most fundamental tasks surgeons must master. We developed a simulator designed to enable novices to acquire and refine gentle knot tying capabilities. METHODS: A bench-top, knot-tying simulator with computer-acquired assessment was tested on expert surgeons and surgery residents at an academic medical center during the years 2016 to 2018. Each participant tied a total of 8 knots in different settings (superficial versus deep) and techniques (1-handed versus 2 hands). The simulator measured vertical forces and task completion time. RESULTS: Fifteen experienced surgeons and 30 surgery residents were recruited. The expert group exerted considerably less total force during placement of the knots than the novice residents (3.8 ± 2.0 vs 9.2 ± 6.1 N, respectively; P = .0005) and the peak force exerted upward was less in the expert group (1.31 ± 0.6 vs 1.75 ± 0.84 N; P = .02). The experts also completed the task in less time (10.9 ± 3.4 vs 18.3 ± 7.2 seconds; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The simulator can offer residency programs a low-cost, bench-top platform to train and assess objectively the knot-tying capabilities of surgery residents.

Acronyms Use in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: Introduction to a New Language.

BACKGROUND: The use of acronyms in medicine is widespread, aiming to simplify and condense communication. Online communication in social media platforms seems to enhance the use of acronyms, but their efficiency in message delivery may be negated by their abundance and unfamiliarity, causing more confusion than clarity. We analyzed the use of acronyms in a closed Facebook group dedicated to abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), as the rapid recent development of this field has resulted in many new acronyms. Our aim was to classify the different acronyms and create a public reference. METHODS: The International Hernia Collaboration, a hernia-related Facebook group, now communicating more than 7500 surgeons from 99 countries, was studied, by extracting acronyms used since its inception in 2012. Acronyms were categorized and interpreted, to create a small dictionary comprised of several tables. RESULTS: Commonly used acronyms were identified, as well as commonly used prefixes that modify the acronyms' meaning. Tables were created, classifying acronyms by their subject: 1.Anatomy2.Diseases and clinical conditions3.Techniques and materials. CONCLUSION: The use of acronyms increased in social media-based communication. Aiming to simplify the language, the inflation of terms may have achieved the opposite, by adding a multitude of unfamiliar and confusing terms. We have created a public reference for AWR-related acronyms. Limiting the liberal creation of new acronyms is recommended, especially in a rapidly changing field as AWR.

Value of Routine Colonic Evaluation Prior To Ileostomy Closure.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of low rectal anastomosis is often recommended prior to ostomy closure, but the efficacy of such evaluations is uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether routine colonic preoperative evaluation has an effect on postoperative ileostomy closure results. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study evaluating all patients who underwent ileostomy closure over 9 years. Patient demographics, clinical, surgical details, and surgical outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The study comprised 116 patients who underwent ileostomy closure, of them 65 were male (56%) with a mean age of 61 years (range 20-91). Overall, 98 patients (84.4%) underwent colonic preoperative evaluation prior to ileostomy closure. A contrast enema was performed on 61 patients (62.2%). Abnormal preoperative results were observed in 12 patients (12.2%). The overall complication rate was 35.3% (41 patients). No differences in postoperative outcome was observed in patient gender (P = 1), age (P = 0.96), body mass index (P = 0.24), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P = 0.21), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index score (P = 0.93). Among patients who had postoperative complications, we did not observe a difference between patients who underwent preoperative evaluation compared to those who did not (P = 0.42). No differences were observed among patients with preoperative findings interpreted as normal or abnormal (P = 1). The time difference between ileostomy creation and closure had no effect on the ileostomy closure outcome (P = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal findings in preoperative colonic evaluation prior to ileostomy closure were not associated with worse postoperative outcome.

[THE EFFECTS OF HORMONAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) ON MAMMOGRAPHIC BREAST DENSITY AND ABNORMAL MAMMOGRAMS PROMPTING FURTHER INVESTIGATION].

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to portray and analyze the inter-relationship between the use of HRT, mammographic breast density and the finding of any mammographic abnormality that prompted further investigation such as core needle biopsy or additional imaging testing, while controlling for obstetric and relevant demographic data. BACKGROUND: Mammographic breast density has been associated with higher risk of breast cancer and decrease in its sensitivity, while hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) in turn, has been implicated in increasing mammographic density and is considered a risk factor for breast cancer by itself. The inter-relationship between HRT, breast density and any mammographic or sonographic finding requiring further investigation has not been fully investigated. METHODS: A total of 2,758 consecutive, screening mammograms performed during one year in a single academic medical center in Israel were analyzed. Each mammogram was supplemented by high resolution ultrasound. Density was measured by a visual, semi-quantitative, 5-grade scale, based on Boyd's classification and grouped into low density mammograms (LDM) (1-3) and high density mammograms (HDM) (4-5). Demographic and obstetric data, personal and family history of breast cancer, and the use of HRT were entered into the database. These parameters were correlated with breast density and any detected abnormality that prompted further investigation. Univariate and multivariate analyses as well as multivariate logistic regression were performed using SAS 9.2. RESULTS: A significant difference in density was observed between pre- and post-menopausal women (p = 0.0001). However, the use of HRT in post-menopausal women was not associated with higher incidence of HDM (18.6%, n=110/592) compared to post-menopausal women without HRT (15.4%, n=211/1370) (p=n.s). Mammographic abnormality was more likely to occur in post-menopausal women without HRT (52%, n=711/1370) compared with women on HRT (38.7% n=229/592) (p = 0.0001). This held true for solid lump (p=0.0001), tissue irregularity (p=0.016) and calcifications (p=0.0005). Menopause was associated with higher likelihood (48%) of any mammographic finding compared with 41.6% in pre-menopausal women (p = 0.0017). A total of 266 women with mammographic findings prompting histological assessment were identified, revealing 105 malignant lesions. HRT in post-menopausal women was associated with lower incidence (28%) of malignancy compared to post-menopausal women without HRT (50%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study, portraying the inter-relationship between mammographic breast density, any abnormal finding in screening mammograms, and the use of HRT has not found such treatment to be associated neither with increased density, nor with higher probability of finding malignancy. Furthermore, a lower incidence of mammographic abnormality was noted in HRT users. Albeit, further and larger studies are required to substantiate these findings. The results of this study do not support the notion that HRT increases the likelihood of malignancy or affects breast density.