Transversus abdominis plane blocks: pilot of feasibility and the learning curve.

BACKGROUND: Our goal was to evaluate the learning curve for transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block placement and identify issues that impede successful placement. METHODS: Three novices were prospectively evaluated performing ultrasound-guided TAP blocks in 10 consecutive patients. Operators were assessed on medication knowledge, setup/placement, procedural steps, and performance time. Times were compared to an expert for efficiency and competence. The main outcome measures were procedures needed for competence and variables associated with increased coaching/procedure time. RESULTS: In the 30 patient sample, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.9 (standard deviation [SD], 5.79). Fifteen patients were obese (BMI > 30), seven (23.3%) super obese (BMI > 35), and 15 had prior abdominal surgery. The mean setup time was 107.5 s (SD, 87), right-side placement was 131.8 s (SD, 60.3), left-side placement 114.8 s (SD, 40.5), and total time 354 s (SD, 111). By the second attempt, all operators were fluent in the medication and setup. At block 3, operators 1 and 3 reached competence in performance time; by block 4, all three operators reached time competence. After reaching competence, outliers in procedure times were only experienced for extremes in BMI (<20 and >35). Additional coaching was needed in four patients with prior abdominal surgery to decipher the correct planes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our pilot, by four attempts, novices reach appropriate speeds with progressively less coaching to safely and efficiently place TAP blocks. Extremes of BMI and prior abdominal surgery impact procedural time and may required additional coaching to facilitate placement. Given the promising results, further work on developing best practices for education and implementation is warranted.

Evaluating quality across minimally invasive platforms in colorectal surgery.

INTRODUCTION: There is an increasing emphasis on optimizing and measuring surgical quality. The safety and efficacy of minimally invasive techniques have been proven; however, direct comparison of outcomes across platforms has not been performed. Our goal was to compare operative times and quality across three minimally invasive platforms in colorectal surgery. METHODS: A prospective database was reviewed for elective minimally invasive surgery (MIS) cases from 2008 to 2014. Patients were stratified into multiport laparoscopic, single-incision laparoscopic (SILS) or robotic-assisted laparoscopic approaches (RALS). Demographics, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to predict the demographic and procedural factors and outcomes associated with each platform. The main outcome measures were operative time and surgical quality by approach. RESULTS: A total of 1055 cases were evaluated-28.4 % LAP, 18.5 % RALS, and 53.1 % SILS. RALS had the most complex patients, pathology, and procedures. The main diagnosis for RALS was rectal cancer (49.5 %), patients predominantly underwent pelvic surgery (72.8 %), had higher rates of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (p < 0.001) and stoma creation (p < 0.001). RALS had the longest operative time and highest complication and readmissions rates (all p < 0.001). Multiport patients were older than SILS and RALS (p = 0.021), had the most intraoperative complications (p < 0.001), conversions (p < 0.001), and had the longest length of stay (p = 0.001). SILS had the shortest operative times (p < 0.001), length of stay (p = 0.001), and lowest rates of complications (p < 0.001), readmissions (p < 0.001), and unplanned reoperation (p = 0.014). All platforms offered high quality (HARM score 0) from overall short LOS, low readmission, and mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: Multiport, RALS, and SILS each serve a distinct demographic and disease profile and have predictable outcomes. All have risks and benefits, but offer overall high-quality care with a composite of LOS, readmission, and mortality rates. Operative times were directly associated with readmission rates. As all three platforms offer good quality, the choice of which MIS approach to use should be guided by demographics and disease process.

Outcomes for single-incision laparoscopic colectomy surgery in obese patients: a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is safe and feasible for benign and malignant colorectal diseases. SILS offers several patient-related benefits over multiport laparoscopy. However, its use in obese patients has been limited from concerns of technical difficulty, oncologic compromise, and higher complication and conversion rates. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of SILS for colectomy in obese patients. METHODS: Review of a prospective database identified patients undergoing elective colectomy using SILS from 2009 to 2014. They were stratified into obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) and non-obese cohorts (BMI < 30 kg/m(2)) and then matched on patient characteristics, diagnosis, and operative procedure. Demographic and perioperative outcome data were evaluated. The primary outcome measures were operative time, length of stay (LOS), and conversion, complication, and readmission rates for each cohort. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients were evaluated-80 in each cohort. Patients were well matched in demographics, diagnosis, and procedure variables. The obese cohort had significantly higher BMI (p < 0.001) and ASA scores (p = 0.035). Operative time (176.9 ± 64.0 vs. 144.4 ± 47.2 min, p < 0.001) and estimated blood loss (89.0 ± 139.5 vs. 51.6 ± 38.0 ml, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the obese. There were no significant differences in conversion rates (p = 0.682), final incision length (p = 0.088), LOS (p = 0.332), postoperative complications (p = 0.430), or readmissions (p = 1.000) in the obese versus non-obese. Further, in malignant cases, lymph nodes harvested (p = 0.757) and negative distal margins (p = 1.000) were comparable across cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy in obese patients had significantly longer operative times, but comparable conversion rates, oncologic outcomes, lengths of stay, complication, and readmission rates as the non-obese cohorts. In the obese, where higher morbidity rates are typically associated with surgical outcomes, SILS may be the ideal platform to optimize outcomes in colorectal surgery. With additional operative time, the obese can realize the same clinical and quality benefits of minimally invasive surgery as the non-obese.

A global observational analysis to understand changes in air quality during exceptionally low anthropogenic emission conditions.

This global study, which has been coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization Global Atmospheric Watch (WMO/GAW) programme, aims to understand the behaviour of key air pollutant species during the COVID-19 pandemic period of exceptionally low emissions across the globe. We investigated the effects of the differences in both emissions and regional and local meteorology in 2020 compared with the period 2015-2019. By adopting a globally consistent approach, this comprehensive observational analysis focuses on changes in air quality in and around cities across the globe for the following air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, PMC (coarse fraction of PM), NO2, SO2, NOx, CO, O3 and the total gaseous oxidant (OX = NO2 + O3) during the pre-lockdown, partial lockdown, full lockdown and two relaxation periods spanning from January to September 2020. The analysis is based on in situ ground-based air quality observations at over 540 traffic, background and rural stations, from 63 cities and covering 25 countries over seven geographical regions of the world. Anomalies in the air pollutant concentrations (increases or decreases during 2020 periods compared to equivalent 2015-2019 periods) were calculated and the possible effects of meteorological conditions were analysed by computing anomalies from ERA5 reanalyses and local observations for these periods. We observed a positive correlation between the reductions in NO2 and NOx concentrations and peoples' mobility for most cities. A correlation between PMC and mobility changes was also seen for some Asian and South American cities. A clear signal was not observed for other pollutants, suggesting that sources besides vehicular emissions also substantially contributed to the change in air quality. As a global and regional overview of the changes in ambient concentrations of key air quality species, we observed decreases of up to about 70% in mean NO2 and between 30% and 40% in mean PM2.5 concentrations over 2020 full lockdown compared to the same period in 2015-2019. However, PM2.5 exhibited complex signals, even within the same region, with increases in some Spanish cities, attributed mainly to the long-range transport of African dust and/or biomass burning (corroborated with the analysis of NO2/CO ratio). Some Chinese cities showed similar increases in PM2.5 during the lockdown periods, but in this case, it was likely due to secondary PM formation. Changes in O3 concentrations were highly heterogeneous, with no overall change or small increases (as in the case of Europe), and positive anomalies of 25% and 30% in East Asia and South America, respectively, with Colombia showing the largest positive anomaly of ~70%. The SO2 anomalies were negative for 2020 compared to 2015-2019 (between ~25 to 60%) for all regions. For CO, negative anomalies were observed for all regions with the largest decrease for South America of up to ~40%. The NO2/CO ratio indicated that specific sites (such as those in Spanish cities) were affected by biomass burning plumes, which outweighed the NO2 decrease due to the general reduction in mobility (ratio of ~60%). Analysis of the total oxidant (OX = NO2 + O3) showed that primary NO2 emissions at urban locations were greater than the O3 production, whereas at background sites, OX was mostly driven by the regional contributions rather than local NO2 and O3 concentrations. The present study clearly highlights the importance of meteorology and episodic contributions (e.g., from dust, domestic, agricultural biomass burning and crop fertilizing) when analysing air quality in and around cities even during large emissions reductions. There is still the need to better understand how the chemical responses of secondary pollutants to emission change under complex meteorological conditions, along with climate change and socio-economic drivers may affect future air quality. The implications for regional and global policies are also significant, as our study clearly indicates that PM2.5 concentrations would not likely meet the World Health Organization guidelines in many parts of the world, despite the drastic reductions in mobility. Consequently, revisions of air quality regulation (e.g., the Gothenburg Protocol) with more ambitious targets that are specific to the different regions of the world may well be required.

Kinematic and kinetic factors associated with leg reach asymmetry during the Star Excursion Balance Test in division I athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To explore which balance and movement factors contribute most to reach distance asymmetry during the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in Division I athletes. DESIGN: Cross-Sectional Study. SETTING: Rehabilitation Biomechanics Laboratory, NCAA Division I Athletics Program. PARTICIPANTS: 36 Division I athletes (20 Male; 16 Female). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Center of Pressure, Kinematic and Kinetic variables were measured during performance of anterior, Posterior-Medial (PM), and Posterior-Lateral (PL) directions of the SEBT in order to determine which factors predict reach distance asymmetry. RESULTS: COP variables approached significance in predicting asymmetry for the anterior direction (p <0.08), kinematic variables approached significance in predicting asymmetry in the PL direction (p < 0.06), and kinetic variables were significant in predicting asymmetry in the PM direction (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that different strategies could be used to improve leg reach asymmetry based on specific direction of the asymmetry. Improving ability to control COP area seems to be important for the anterior direction, while control of limb movement seems to be most important for leg reach asymmetry in the PM and PL directions.

Surgery for Tumors of the Heart.

Most surgeons will encounter only a handful of primary cardiac tumors outside of myxomas. Approximately 3 quarters of primary cardiac tumors are benign and 1 quarter is malignant. In most cases, cardiac tumors are silent but when symptoms do occur, they are primarily determined by tumor size and anatomical location, not by histopathology. The diagnosis and preoperative imaging relies heavily on multimodal imaging including echocardiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and coronary angiography. Surgical resection is the most common treatment for most simple primary cardiac tumors and for some complex benign tumors. Surgical resection of primary cardiac tumors frequently involves the need for complex cardiac reconstruction, particularly when malignant. Secondary tumors to the heart are 30 times more frequent than primary cardiac tumors, and their incidence is increasing, largely as a result of advances in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Surgical resection is feasible in only a small fraction of highly-selected patients with secondary tumors to the heart. For complex benign tumors-such as paraganglioma or large fibromas-and all primary and secondary malignant tumors, a multidisciplinary cardiac tumor team review in experienced centers of excellence is recommended.

Impact of long-acting local anesthesia on clinical and financial outcomes in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to assess clinical and financial outcomes with long-acting liposomal bupicavaine (LB) in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: Patients that received local infiltration with LB were strictly matched to a control group, and compared for postoperative pain, opioid use, length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, and complication, readmission, and reoperation rates. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were evaluated in each cohort. Operative times and conversion rates were similar. LB patients had lower post-anesthesia care unit pain scores (P = .001) and used less opioids through postoperative day 3 (day 0 P < .01; day 1 P = .03; day 2 P = .02; day 3 P < .01). Daily pain scores were comparable. LB had shorter LOS (mean 2.96 vs 3.93 days; P = .003) and trended toward lower readmission, complication, and reoperation rates. Total costs/patient were $746 less with LB, a savings of $52,200 across the cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Using local wound infiltration with LB, opioid use, LOS, and costs were improved after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The additional medication cost was overshadowed by the overall cost benefits. Incorporating LB into a multimodal pain regiment had a benefit on patient outcomes and health care utilization.

Review of 500 single incision laparoscopic colorectal surgery cases - Lessons learned.

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a minimally invasive platform with specific benefits over traditional multiport laparoscopic surgery. The safety and feasibility of SILS has been proven, and the applications continue to grow with experience. After 500 cases at a high-volume, single-institution, we were able to standardize instrumentation and operative steps, as well as develop adaptations in technique to help overcome technical and ergonomic challenges. These technical adaptations have allowed the successful application of SILS to technically difficult patient populations, such as pelvic cases, inflammatory bowel disease cases, and high body mass index patients. This review is a frame of reference for the application and wider integration of the single incision laparoscopic platform in colorectal surgery.

Effect of BMI on Short-Term Outcomes with Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery: a Case-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: Many benefits of minimally invasive surgery are lost in the obese, but robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) may offer advantages in this population. Our goal was to compare outcomes for RALS in obese and non-obese patients. METHODS: A prospective database was reviewed for colorectal resections using RALS. Patients were stratified into obese (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) and non-obese cohorts (BMI < 30 kg/m(2)), then case-matched for comparability. The main outcome measures were operative time, conversion rate, length of stay and complication, readmission, and reoperation rates between groups. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were evaluated in each cohort. The BMI was significantly different (p < 0.01). All other demographics were well matched. There were no significant differences in operative time (p = 0.86), blood loss (p = 0.38), intraoperative complications (p = 0.54), or conversion rates (p = 0.91) across cohorts. Length of stay was comparable between groups (p = 0.45). Postoperatively, the complication (p = 0.87), readmission (p = 1.00), and reoperation rates (p = 0.95) were similar. There were no mortalities. For malignant cases (37.8 %), the lymph node yield (p = 0.48) and positive margins (p = 1.00) were similar and acceptable in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: In our matched RALS series, perioperative and postoperative outcomes were similar between obese and non-obese patients undergoing colorectal surgery. RALS is a feasible option in the surgical setting of the obese patient. Further controlled studies are warranted to explore the full benefits.

Is there value in alvimopan in minimally invasive colorectal surgery?

BACKGROUND: Alvimopan's goal is to minimize postoperative ileus and optimize outcomes; however, evidence in laparoscopic surgery is lacking. Our goal was to evaluate the benefit of alvimopan in laparoscopic colorectal surgery with an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP). METHODS: Laparoscopic colorectal cases were stratified into alvimopan and control cohorts, then case-matched for comparability. All followed an identical ERP. The main outcomes were length of stay, complications, readmissions, and costs in the alvimopan and control groups. RESULTS: About 321 patients were analyzed in each cohort. Operative times were comparable (P = .08). Postoperatively, complication rates were similar (P = .29), with no difference in ileus (P = 1.00). The length of stay (3.69 vs 3.49 days; P = .16), readmission (2.8% vs 3.7%; P = .66) and reoperation rates (2.2% vs 1.6%; P = .77) were comparable for alvimopan and controls, respectively. Total costs were similar ($14,932.47 alvimopan vs $14,846.56 controls; P = .90), but the additional costs in the alvimopan group could translate to savings of $27,577 in the cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Alvimopan added no benefit in patient outcomes in laparoscopic colorectal surgery with an ERP. These results could drive a change in current practice. Controlled studies are warranted to define the cost and/or benefit in clinical practice.

SILS v SILS+1: a Case-Matched Comparison for Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is safe and feasible for benign and malignant colorectal diseases. SILS has comparable or improved outcomes compared to multiport laparoscopy but technical limitations when operating in the pelvis. To address these limitations, we developed an innovative SILS+1 approach using a single Pfannenstiel incision for pelvis access with one additional umbilical port. Our goal was to compare outcomes for SILS and SILS+1 in lower abdominal and pelvic colorectal surgery. METHODS: Review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients who underwent an elective reduced port laparoscopic lower abdominal/pelvic colorectal procedure from 2009 to 2014. Cases were stratified by approach: SILS versus SILS+1 then matched 1:2 on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, and procedure. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative outcome variables were evaluated. The main outcome measures were operative time, conversion rate, length of stay, complication, morbidity, and mortality rates. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two reduced port AR/LAR patients were evaluated-44 SILS and 88 SILS+1. The groups were similar in age, gender, BMI, and ASA class. The primary diagnosis in both cohorts was diverticulitis (90.9 % SILS, 87.5 % SILS+1), and main procedure performed an anterior rectosigmoidectomy (86.4 % SILS, 88.2 % SILS+1). Significantly more SILS+1 patients had previous abdominal surgery (p = 0.01). The operative time was significantly shorter in SILS+1 (mean 166.6 [SD 48.4] vs. 178.0 [SD 70.0], p = 0.03). The conversion rate to multiport or open surgery was also significantly lower with SILS+1 compared to SILS (1.1 vs. 11.4 %, p = 0.02). Postoperatively, the length of stay across the groups was similar. SILS trended towards higher complication and readmission rates (NS). There were no unplanned reoperations or mortality in either group. CONCLUSIONS: SILS+1 facilitates pelvic and lower abdominal colorectal surgery, with shorter operative times and lower conversion rates. The additional port improved visualization and outcomes without any impact on length of stay, readmission, or complication rates.

[Local analgesia in postoperative cleansing of head and neck infected wounds]. / Analgesia local en el aseo postoperatorio de heridas infectadas de cabeza y cuello.

INTRODUCTION: After debridement of head and neck abscess, patients require multiple post-surgical cleansing procedures that produce mild or severe pain because are performed without any effective analgesia. Sedation techniques could not be applied at every cleansing process and even local anesthesia injected into the tissues during the procedure is contraindicated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the results of pain control obtained in 600 cleansing procedures performed by irrigating an anesthetic solution over wound tissues exposed after surgical head and neck abscess debridement. RESULTS: All patients had previous surgical debridement of head and neck abscess. All were irrigated with lidocaine solution because dressings were eliminated during every cleansing process. During 5 days of follow-up, at the first and second day only 12.5% of cases reported severe pain when dressing materials were eliminated; at the third day, only one patient (2.5%) reported severe pain when dressings were eliminated. On the first day during surgical cleaning procedure, 25% of cases reported severe pain and 25%, moderate pain; on the second day, 3.3% reported severe pain and 14.1% reported moderate pain. On the third day, 0.8% reported severe pain and 6.6% reported moderate pain; while on the fourth day, no one reported severe pain and only 12.5% reported moderate pain. On the fifth day, noone reported severe pain and only 0.8% reported moderate pain. DISCUSSION: The surgical cleansing methods applied in wounds originated in head and neck abscess debridement produce pain that could be controlled by irrigating lidocaine solution immediately before and during the process of cleansing and is an alternative method bacause general anesthesia, profound sedation, and direct anesthetic injection are contraindicated. This technique was effective in a limited fashion because multiples factors modified local analgesia. This technique should be used in decontamination because dressing materials are eliminated and before wound cleansing action begins.

Pelvic muscle rehabilitation: a standardized protocol for pelvic floor dysfunction.

Introduction. Pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes present with voiding, sexual, and anorectal disturbances, which may be associated with one another, resulting in complex presentation. Thus, an integrated diagnosis and management approach may be required. Pelvic muscle rehabilitation (PMR) is a noninvasive modality involving cognitive reeducation, modification, and retraining of the pelvic floor and associated musculature. We describe our standardized PMR protocol for the management of pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes. Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation Program. The diagnostic assessment includes electromyography and manometry analyzed in 4 phases: (1) initial baseline phase; (2) rapid contraction phase; (3) tonic contraction and endurance phase; and (4) late baseline phase. This evaluation is performed at the onset of every session. PMR management consists of 6 possible therapeutic modalities, employed depending on the diagnostic evaluation: (1) down-training; (2) accessory muscle isolation; (3) discrimination training; (4) muscle strengthening; (5) endurance training; and (6) electrical stimulation. Eight to ten sessions are performed at one-week intervals with integration of home exercises and lifestyle modifications. Conclusions. The PMR protocol offers a standardized approach to diagnose and manage pelvic floor dysfunction syndromes with potential advantages over traditional biofeedback, involving additional interventions and a continuous pelvic floor assessment with management modifications over the clinical course.