Surgical Residents' Perspective on Informed Consent-How Does It Compare With Attending Surgeons?

BACKGROUND: The informed consent discussion (ICD) is a compulsory element of clinical practice. Surgical residents are often tasked with obtaining informed consent, but formal instruction is not included in standard curricula. This study aims to examine attitudes of surgeons and residents concerning ICD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey regarding ICD was administered to residents and attending surgeons at an academic medical center with an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited general surgery residency. RESULTS: In total, 44 of 64 (68.75%) residents and 37 of 50 (72%) attending surgeons participated. Most residents felt comfortable consenting for elective (93%) and emergent (82%) cases, but attending surgeons were less comfortable with resident-led ICD (51% elective, 73% emergent). Resident comfort increased with postgraduate year (PGY) (PGY1 = 39%, PGY5 = 85%). A majority of participants (80% attending surgeons, 73% residents) believed resident ICD skills should be formally evaluated, and most residents in PGY1 (61%) requested formal instruction. High percentages of residents (86%) and attendings (100%) believed that ICD skills were best learned from direct observation of attending surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Resident comfort with ICD increases as residents advance through training. Residents acknowledge the importance of their participation in this process, and in particular, junior residents believe formal instruction is important. Attending surgeons are not universally comfortable with resident-led ICDs, particularly for elective surgeries. Efforts for improving ICD education including direct observation between attending surgeons and residents and formal evaluation may benefit the residency curriculum.

Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leak, Consideration for Proximal Diversion, and Appropriate Use of Drains.

Anastomotic leaks are a major source of morbidity after colorectal surgery. There is a myriad of risk factors that may contribute to anastomotic leaks. These risk factors can be categorized as modifiable, nonmodifiable, and intraoperative factors. Identification of these risk factors allows for preoperative optimization that may minimize the risk of anastomotic leak. Knowledge of such high-risk features may also affect intraoperative decision-making regarding the creation of an anastomosis, consideration for proximal diversion, or placement of a drain. A thorough understanding of the interplay between risk factors, indications for proximal diversion, and utility of drain placement is imperative for colorectal surgeons.

Value of an interactive phone application in an established enhanced recovery program.

PURPOSE: An interactive mobile phone application was added to an established Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program to determine the impact on ERAS compliance as well as clinical outcomes. METHODS: We identified patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery enrolled in our ERAS program from February 2017 to July 2018. Patients enrolled in a phone application were compared with those not enrolled in terms of age, sex, diagnosis, operative approach, bowel preparation, oral intake and solid food intake, ERAS pathway adherence, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 289 patients were included: 147 enrolled and 142 not enrolled in the phone application. The mean age of enrollees was 53.0 years, compared with 58.3 years for the non-enrollees (p = 0.003). The mean ERAS pathway medication adherence for enrollees was 82.1% versus 76.8% for those not enrolled (p = 0.005). The mean LOS and SSI rates for those enrolled versus not enrolled in the phone application was 4.4 days versus 6.4 days (p = 0.006) and 3.4% versus 11.3% (p = 0.019), respectively. There was no significant difference in readmission rates between enrollees and non-enrollees (15% versus 10.6%, p = 0.345). The mean total cost of patients enrolled was $11,560; total cost of those not enrolled was $13,946 (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Use of an interactive phone application is associated with improved medication ERAS adherence along with significant reduction in length of stay and SSI rates without increasing total cost.

Early feeding in colorectal surgery patients: safe and cost effective.

PURPOSE: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways has demonstrated improved outcomes in colorectal surgery. An important component of ERAS is early oral intake. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of early oral intake in patients following colorectal surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent colectomy and proctectomy at an academic institution from January 2015 to November 2018 was performed. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients who had postoperative day 0 (POD 0) oral intake and those who did not. RESULTS: A total of 436 ERAS patients had oral intake timing documented. The majority of patients were women (241, 55.3%) and white (313, 71.8%). The mean age was 57 ± 15.09. Patients who had early intake were found to have lower 30-day overall morbidity and length of stay (p < 0.05), and no difference in serious adverse events. Additionally, hospital costs were lower in the POD 0 feeding group for all patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that early oral feeding in an established ERAS pathway is associated with improved clinical outcomes as well as decreased total hospital costs. Early postoperative feeding is safe in colorectal patients and should be prioritized to decrease complications and healthcare costs.

A national analysis of operative treatment of adult patients with Hirschsprung's disease.

PURPOSE: Hirschsprung's disease is primarily a disease of infancy, but in rare cases, adults with this condition require surgery. The aim of this study is to identify the types of operations and postoperative outcomes in adults with Hirschsprung's disease on a national level. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to perform a retrospective review of all adult patients diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the type of operation: restoration of bowel continuity or diversion of fecal stream; clinicopathologic data and 30-day outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were analyzed. Fourteen patients (43.8%) underwent diversion and 18 (56.2%) underwent restorative procedures. The median age was 49.5 years old for the diversion group and 23.5 years old for the reconstructive group (p = 0.001). The restorative surgery group was more likely to have an ASA 1-2 while the diversion group had a higher frequency of ASA 3-5 (p = 0.011). The median length of stay for the diversion surgery was 9.5 days and 5 days for the restoration group (p = 0.045). Complications occurred in 57% of patients in the diversion group and in 22% of patients in the restoration group (p = 0.049). There were otherwise no statistically significant differences in intraoperative data and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: This is the first study using a national database to evaluate the surgical treatment of Hirschsprung's disease in adult patients. Complications are common and were more frequent in the older, sicker diversion group, with restoration of continuity being better tolerated in the younger, healthier patient population.

Radiographic staging practices of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer vary according to medical specialty.

BACKGROUND: Since 2008, multiple guidelines have endorsed incorporation of chest CT in the radiographic staging assessment of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC). Radiographic staging practices performed after CRC is detected have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate radiographic staging practices for newly diagnosed CRC between gastroenterologists versus non-gastroenterologists. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Single, tertiary-care referral center. PATIENTS: Patients newly diagnosed with a T1 or higher stage CRC at time of colonoscopy between 2008 and 2013. INTERVENTIONS: Radiographic staging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographic preoperative staging examinations ordered by gastroenterologists in comparison to those ordered by non-gastroenterology specialists. RESULTS: This study included 277 patients with CRC newly diagnosed by colonoscopy. There were 141 total ordering physicians (68 gastroenterologists and 73 non-gastroenterologists). The majority of preoperative radiographic staging was performed by gastroenterologists (59.2% of patients, n = 164). Colorectal surgeons managed staging in 28.7% of patients (n = 47). Gastroenterologists were more likely to omit a staging chest CT than were non-gastroenterologists (64.6% vs 46.9%; P < .001). Physician practice setting, rectal location of tumor, and advanced endoscopic appearance of tumors were predictors of chest CT inclusion. LIMITATIONS: Single center, moderate sample size of both providers and patients. CONCLUSION: Gastroenterologists more frequently ordered the initial radiographic staging studies in newly diagnosed CRC patients. However, gastroenterologists were less likely to include chest CT in the initial staging of CRC despite current guideline recommendations to do so. If confirmed with further studies, educational efforts to improve compliance and standardization may be needed.

Laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block for colorectal surgery.

The transversus abdominis plane block has been used as a component of postoperative analgesia after hysterectomy and open abdominal surgery. This block involves the injection of anesthetic between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. We demonstrate an improved method by the use of laparoscopic guidance for transversus abdominis plane blocks.Transversus abdominis plane blocks are performed at the conclusion of an elective laparoscopic procedure by an experienced colorectal surgeon. With the use of direct visualization with a laparoscope, a Braun Stimuplex A insulated needle is passed through the skin at the level of the midaxillary line, midway between the iliac crest and the costal margin. The needle is inserted further until 2 distinct "pops" are felt, indicating the correct needle position between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscle. The laparoscope confirms a bulge, which signifies the injectate covered by the transversus abdominis muscle. The procedure is performed at a second injection site on the same side and bilaterally.The transversus abdominis plane block is useful as an adjunct to reduce postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Our method for transversus abdominis plane blocks with the use of laparoscopy is easily performed at the conclusion of any laparoscopic procedure. Prospective randomized trials are necessary to assess the significance of these blocks in postoperative pain control, length of stay, and cost benefit.

Transversus abdominis plane blocks and enhanced recovery pathways: making the 23-h hospital stay a realistic goal after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) may permit early recovery and discharge after laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LC), most publications report that the mean hospital stay is 4 and 6 days. This study evaluates the addition of a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to the standard ERP. METHODS: In this study, 35 consecutive elective patients received a TAP block at the end of LC. The patients were matched by operation, diagnosis, age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) with 35 recent cases and followed in a prospective institutional review board (IRB)-approved database. All the patients were managed with a standardized ERP. The surgeon placed TAP blocks under laparoscopic guidance that infiltrated 15 ml of 0.5 % Marcaine on both sides of the abdomen. RESULTS: The cases included 8 low pelvic anastomoses, 4 proctectomies with or without an ileal pouch anal anastomosis, 5 sigmoid/left colectomies, 13 ileocolic/right colectomies, 1 total colectomy, and 5 others. The mean age was 59 years for the TAP group and 64.1 years for the control group (p = 0.21). The mean hospital stay was 2 days for the TAP patients and 3 days for the control patients (p = 0.000013). Of the 35 TAP patients, 13 went home on postoperative day (POD) 1 (37 %), 12 on POD 2 (34 %), 8 on POD 3 (23 %), and the remainder on POD 4. Of the 35 control patients, 1 went home on POD 1 (3 %), 10 on POD 2 (29 %), 10 on POD 3 (29 %), 11 on POD 4 (31 %), and the remainder on POD 5 to 8. The TAP patients required fewer narcotics postoperatively than the control patients (respective mean morphine equivalents, 31.08 vs. 85.41; p = 0.01). DISCUSSION: A bilateral TAP block significantly improved the results of an established ERP for patients undergoing LC. Surgeon-administered TAP blocks may be an economical and efficient method for improving the results of LC.

It Takes a Village: The First 100 Patients Seen in a Multidisciplinary Pelvic Floor Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the characteristics of patients assessed and treated at a multidisciplinary pelvic floor program that includes representatives from multiple specialties. Our goal is to describe the process from triaging patients to the actual collaborative delivery of care. This study examines the factors contributing to the success of our multidisciplinary clinic as evidenced by its ongoing viability. METHODS: This is a descriptive study retrospectively analyzing a prospectively maintained database that included the first 100 patients seen in the Program for Abdominal and Pelvic Health clinic between December 2017 and October 2018. We examined patient demographics, their concerns, and care plan including diagnostic tests, findings, treatments, referrals, and return visits. RESULTS: The clinic met twice monthly, and the first 100 patients were seen over the course of 10 months. The most common primary symptoms were pelvic pain (45), constipation (30), bladder incontinence (27), bowel incontinence (23), high tone pelvic floor dysfunction (23), and abdominal pain (23); most patients had more than one presenting symptom (76). The most common specialties seen at the first visit to the clinic included gastroenterology (56%), followed by physical medicine and rehabilitation (45%), physical therapy (31%), female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (25%), behavioral health (19%), urology (18%), and colorectal surgery (13%). Eleven patients were entirely new to our hospital system. Most patients had diagnostic tests ordered and performed. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary clinic for abdominal and pelvic health proves a sustainable model for comprehensive treatment for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, including difficulties with defecation, urination, sexual dysfunction, and pain.

Benefits of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for complicated sigmoid diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: The traditional therapy for perforated sigmoid diverticulitis with peritonitis is emergency colectomy usually with colostomy. We report laparoscopic exploration with peritoneal lavage as an alternative in seven patients who required emergency surgery for diverticulitis. METHODS: Six patients presented with diffuse peritonitis and one with a failure of percutaneous therapy. All patients were explored laparoscopically and the peritoneal cavity was lavaged with saline in addition to receiving intravenous antibiotics. Patient demographics, clinical response, length of stay, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Six patients had resolution of peritonitis resolved and patients were discharged from the hospital. One of these patients who developed a pelvic abscess required a percutaneous drainage postoperatively. This patient ultimately returned 3 months later with recurrent symptoms and underwent colectomy with primary anastomosis. One patient failed to improve initially and underwent colectomy with primary anastomosis on the same admission. Five patients subsequently had elective sigmoid resections, four laparoscopic and one open. Mean length of stay was 7.7 days. There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: We conclude that laparoscopic exploration and peritoneal lavage can be performed safely in patients with diffuse, purulent peritonitis. Using this approach, most patients with purulent peritonitis can avoid emergent laparotomy with the risk of colostomy, and the need for a second surgery.

Four Synchronous Primary Malignancies of the Breast, Lung, Colon and Esophagus.

The literature contains few reports of patients with four more or more synchronous primary malignancies. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with synchronous primary malignant neoplasms of the breast (metaplastic carcinoma), lung (squamous cell carcinoma), esophagus (adenocarcinoma), and colon (adenocarcinoma). She was treated with multimodality therapy and demonstrated a favorable response at early follow-up. To our knowledge, this combination of synchronous primary malignancies has not been previously reported. The management of patients with multiple synchronous primary malignancies introduces a number of unique challenges which necessitate highly individualized treatment plans that may not strictly adhere to standard practices in the setting of a single malignancy.

Comparison of the effects of a 50% exchange-transfusion with albumin, hetastarch, and modified hemoglobin solutions.

We compared the hemodynamic effects of replacing 50% of the blood volume of anesthetized rats with an equal volume of five solutions: human serum albumin (HSA), hetastarch, unmodified hemoglobin, diaspirin-crosslinked hemoglobin, and o-raffinose-crosslinked hemgolobin. Control rats were exchange-transfused with their own blood. HSA and hetastarch caused a severe reduction in systemic vascular resistance (SVR), hypotension, and acute renal failure immediately after the exchange-transfusion. Unmodified and diaspirin-crosslinked hemoglobins caused comparable and severe increases in SVR, whereas vasoconstriction induced by o-raffinose-crosslinked hemoglobin was minimal. The increased SVR induced by all hemoglobin solutions resolved over a 2-day period as the hemoglobin was cleared from plasma. Body weight was monitored for 5 days after the exchange transfusion as a measure of the relative long-term efficacy of the exchange solutions tested and increased substantially in control rats (that received blood). Rats that received both crosslinked hemoglobin solutions gained a comparable amount of weight as the control group. By contrast rats that received HSA, hetastarch and unmodified hemoglobin failed to gain weight or lost weight over the same period. In summary: i) HSA and hetastarch are relatively ineffective as resuscitative fluids when administered after the loss of a large volume of blood; ii) diaspirin-crosslinked hemoglobin causes severe vasoconstriction, comparable in intensity to that induced by unmodified hemoglobin; iii) o-raffinose-crosslinked hemoglobin induces minimal vasoconstriction; iv) the vasoactive effects of all hemoglobin solutions are reversible. We conclude, that of all solutions tested, both the short- and long-term effects of an exchange-transfusion with whole blood are most closely reproduced by an exchange with o-raffinose-crosslinked hemoglobin.

Outcomes of discharge after elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery with transversus abdominis plane blocks and enhanced recovery pathway.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery pathways (ERP) have been well shown to permit early recovery and discharge. The addition of a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to a standard pathway may improve these outcomes. We evaluated the addition of a TAP block to an established ERP. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred consecutive patients underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy by a single surgeon. A laparoscopic-guided TAP block was administered at the end of the procedure. Patients followed an established ERP that included overnight intravenous patient-controlled analgesia pump, diet and oral analgesia on postoperative day 1, and standardized discharge criteria. RESULTS: The mean age was 60.5 years (range 15 to 92 years), 62 patients were female, and mean body mass index was 28.4 kg/m(2) (range 18 to 46 kg/m(2)). Median hospital stay was 2 days and mean length of stay was 2.9 days. Patients were grouped and analyzed by the day of discharge. Sixty-two percent of patients were discharged within 48 hours (27 on day 1; 35 on day 2). There was no mortality. Only 1 patient discharged within 48 hours of surgery developed a complication. Two patients were readmitted, both of whom were discharged more than 48 hours after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Transversus abdominis plane blocks with an ERP contribute to a short length of stay after laparoscopic colectomy, without increasing complication or readmission rates.

Fast track colorectal surgery.

A "fast track" colon surgery program is the global package of perioperative care encompassing preoperative, operative, and postoperative techniques, which in aggregate result in fewer complications, a reduction in cost, less postoperative pain, a reduction in the hospital length of stay, and quicker return to work and normal activities. Results of fast track programs have shown significant advantages; however, strong evidence is forthcoming. Implementation of a fast track program requires a significant commitment and a multidisciplinary approach. Fast track principles may also be applied to anorectal surgery with good results.

Tuberculous fistulae in ano: a case report and literature review.

Tuberculosis can present anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract; however, anorectal tuberculosis has been reported rarely. We present a case report of tuberculous fistulae in ano and review the extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis.

Hemostasis in the absence of clotting factors.

BACKGROUND: This study tests whether the hemostatic action of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (p-GlcNAc) fiber material involves vasoconstrictor release leading to closure of an aortic laceration. METHODS: A 22-gauge cannula was inserted into an infrarenal aortic segment of a rat. Surrounding ligatures were tied, and the aorta was flushed with 60 mL of saline from a reservoir held at 80 cm. A 23-gauge aortic puncture was made. The time taken to empty the reservoir was recorded. RESULTS: Control patches led to an emptying time of 295 seconds, whereas p-GlcNAc patches increased this time to greater than 600 seconds. Ten minutes after patch removal, the emptying time decreased to 330 seconds. The rats were treated intravenously with endothelin receptor antagonists BQ-485 or JKC-301. The emptying time shortened to control values, despite the use of the p-GlcNAc fiber-based patch. CONCLUSION: The mechanism of hemostasis by poly-N-acetyl glucosamine involves endothelin release independent of formed elements of blood.