Retraction Note to: TREM-1 associated macrophage polarization plays a significant role in inducing insulin resistance in obese population.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

TREM-1 associated macrophage polarization plays a significant role in inducing insulin resistance in obese population.

BACKGROUND: TREM-1 acts as an amplifier of inflammation expressed on macrophages. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between TREM-1 and macrophage polarization, and association of TREM-1 and M1 macrophage polarization with insulin resistance (IR) in obese population compared to non-obese population. METHODS: We enrolled 38 patients after obtaining IRB approval for this study. We evaluated the mRNA and protein expression levels of general macrophage marker (CD68), M1 marker (CD86, CCR7, iNOS, IFNγ, TNF-α and IL-6,), M2 marker (CD206, CD163, IL-10, IL-4) and chemokine axis (MCP-1, CCR2 and CCR5) along with TREM-1 and TREM-2 in omentum fat, subcutaneous fat, and liver biopsy tissues of non-obese (N = 5), obese non-diabetics, (N = 16) and obese diabetics (N = 17). RESULTS: The results of our study showed over-expression of TREM-1, M1 markers and down-regulation of TREM-2 and M2 markers in the omentum, subcutaneous and liver biopsies of obese patients (diabetics and non-diabetics) compared to non-obese patients. Overall, the obese diabetic group showed a significant (p < 0.05) higher number of patients with over expression of M1 markers (TREM-1, CD68, CD86, CCR-7, iNOS, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, CCR-2 and CCR-5) and down-regulation of M2 markers (CD206, CD163 and IL-4) in liver biopsy compared to obese non-diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: TREM-1 expression is significantly increased along with the M1 markers in liver biopsy of obese diabetic (17/17) and obese non-diabetic patients (9/16). Our data suggests that TREM-1 overexpression and M1 macrophage polarization are associated with obesity-induced IR.

Does the addition of fundoplication to repair the intra-thoracic stomach improve quality of life?

BACKGROUND: The role of fundoplication in addition to hiatal hernia repair has been controversial. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients who underwent intra-thoracic stomach repair with and without fundoplication. We proposed that the group without a fundoplication would have poorer quality of life due to continued symptoms. METHODS: All patients undergoing foregut surgery at the Creighton University Esophageal Center are entered in a prospectively maintained database. The database was queried to identify patients who underwent surgery for a near complete (>75 % of stomach in chest) intra-thoracic stomach with gastric volvulus between 2004 and 2013. A questionnaire was derived from the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia and Frequency Scale for Symptoms of GERD questionnaires to assess for symptoms related to reflux, and this questionnaire was administered by phone. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients underwent repair of ITS during the study period. A total of 109 patients had ITS repair with fundoplication, while 41 had only ITS repair. Follow-up was available in 54 % of patients in the fundoplication group (median follow-up of 5.2 years) and in 49 % of patients in the non-fundoplication group (median follow-up of 4 years). Significantly, more patients woke up at night (p < 0.01) and found themselves coughing around mealtime (p < 0.01) in the fundoplication group. Patients in the non-fundoplication group had significantly more daytime reflux (p = 0.02). Despite these symptoms, only one patient in the fundoplication group and no patients in the non-fundoplication group admitted that these symptoms were severe enough to severely affect their quality of life. All other patients contacted felt satisfied, and >80 % rated their quality of life as either good or excellent. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there is not a significant difference in quality-of-life parameters on long-term follow-up between patients undergoing ITS repair with or without fundoplication.

Transthoracic approach is associated with increased incidence of atrial fibrillation after esophageal resection.

AIM: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with higher morbidity after esophagectomy. The objective of this study is to identify the surgical risk factors associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation after esophagectomy. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, a prospectively maintained database was retrospectively queried to identify patients who underwent esophagectomy between 2003 and 2013. Data variables collected include pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative factors. Appropriate statistical analysis is performed utilizing Sigmaplot(®) version 12.3. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2013, 245 esophagectomies were performed at our institution, of these, 192 (147 males, mean age of 62 ± 11.12 years) were included in the final analysis and 53 were excluded [25 Roux-en-Y reconstruction (including three Merendino procedures), 20 had AF before surgery, and eight with staged esophagectomy]. Of 192 esophagectomies, 160 had malignancy (138 adenocarcinoma and 22 squamous cell carcinoma) and 106 (66.25%) received neo-adjuvant therapy. Esophagectomies were performed with Ivor Lewis Mckeown approach in 78 patients [34 Minimally Invasive (MIE), 37 open, and 7 Hybrid], Ivor Lewis approach in 56 patients (31 MIE, 10 Open, 15 Hybrid) and Transhiatal approach in 58 patients (16 MIE and 42 Open). Gastric conduit was used in 185 patients and colonic conduit in seven patients. Overall 30-day or in-hospital mortality was 3.6% (7/192). Forty-five (23.4%) patients with esophagectomy developed new-onset AF. Median onset of AF was post-op day 3 (0-32). They were older (65.7 vs. 61.3, p = 0.021), with medical comorbidities (thyroid disorder, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease; p < 0.05) and lower diffusion capacity on Pulmonary function test (80.16 vs. 87.74%, p = 0.02) and stayed longer in hospital (19 vs. 14 days, p < 0.001) with severe post-operative complications (Clavien score ≥ III) (69 vs. 35.3%, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed transthoracic approach (OR = 3.71, CI = 1.23-11.17, p = 0.02) and thyroid disorder (OR = 6.29, CI = 1.54-25.65, p = 0.01), and severe post-op complications (OR = 3.34, CI = 1.20-9.28, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with the development of new-onset AF. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic approach is an independent risk factor for the development of new-onset AF after esophagectomy. New-onset AF is associated with severe post-operative complications and longer hospital stay. Minimally invasive approach does not decrease the incidence of new-onset AF.

Can laparoscopy for colon resection reduce the need for discharge to skilled care facility?

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of patients, especially the elderly undergoing colon resections, are likely to be discharged to a skilled care facility. This study aims to examine whether the technique of colectomy, open versus laparoscopic, contributed to their discharge to a skilled care facility. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis using discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Adult patients who underwent colectomy in 2009 were evaluated. SAS and SUDAAN software were used to provide weighted estimates and to account for the complex sampling design of the NIS. We compared routine discharge to nonroutine discharge, defined as transfer to short-term hospital, skilled nursing facility, intermediate care, home health, or another type of facility. RESULTS: A weighted total of 221,294 adult patients underwent colectomy in 2009 and had the primary outcome of discharge available. Of these colon resections, 70,361 (32 %) were performed laparoscopically and 150,933 (68 %) by open technique. A total of 139,047 (62.8 %) patients had routine discharge and 73,572 (33.3 %) nonroutine. A total of 8,445 (3.8 %) patients died while in the hospital, and 229 (0.1 %) left against medical advice and were excluded from further analysis. On univariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years, female gender, Black/Hispanic race, open technique (compared to laparoscopic), Medicare/Medicaid insurance status, comorbidity index of ≥ 1, and malignant primary diagnosis predicted nonroutine discharge. A multivariate logistic model was then used to predict nonroutine discharge in these patients using variables significant in the univariate analysis at the α = 0.05 significance level. In the multivariate analysis, open compared to laparoscopic technique was independently associated with increased likelihood of discharge to skilled care facilities (odds ratio 2.85, 95 % confidence interval 2.59-3.14). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the expected factors like advancing age, female gender, and increasing comorbidity index, open compared to laparoscopic technique for colectomy is associated with an increased likelihood of discharge to skilled care facilities. When feasible, the laparoscopic technique should be considered as an option, especially in the elderly patients who require colon resection, because it may reduce their likelihood of discharge to a skilled care facility.

Trends in adolescent bariatric surgery evaluated by UHC database collection.

BACKGROUND: With increasing childhood obesity, adolescent bariatric surgery has been increasingly performed. We used a national database to analyze current trends in laparoscopic bariatric surgery in the adolescent population and related short-term outcomes. METHODS: Discharge data from the University Health System Consortium (UHC) database was accessed using International Classification of Disease codes during a 36 month period. UHC is an alliance of more than 110 academic medical centers and nearly 250 affiliate hospitals. All adolescent patients between 13 and 18 years of age, with the assorted diagnoses of obesity, who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) were evaluated. The main outcome measures analyzed were morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), overall cost, intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate, and readmission rate. These outcomes were compared to those of adult bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Adolescent laparoscopic bariatric surgery was performed on 329 patients. At the same time, 49,519 adult bariatric surgeries were performed. One hundred thirty-six adolescent patients underwent LAGB, 47 had SG, and 146 patients underwent LRYGB. LAGB has shown a decreasing trend (n = 68, 34, and 34), while SG has shown an increasing trend (n = 8, 15, and 24) over the study years. LRYGB remained stable (n = 44, 60, and 42) throughout the study period. The individual and summative morbidity and mortality rates for these procedures were zero. Compared to adult bariatric surgery, 30 day in-hospital morbidity (0 vs. 2.2 %, p < 0.02), the LOS (1.99 ± 1.37 vs. 2.38 ± 3.19, p < 0.03), and 30 day readmission rate (0.30 vs. 2.02 %, p < 0.05) are significantly better for adolescent bariatric surgery, while the ICU admission rate (9.78 vs. 6.30 %, p < 0.02) is higher and overall cost ($9,375 ± 6,452 vs. $9,600 ± 8,016, p = 0.61) is comparable. CONCLUSION: Trends in adolescent laparoscopic bariatric surgery reveal the increased use of sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding falling out of favor.

Outcomes after laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) has become the standard of care for many conditions requiring removal of the adrenal gland. Previous studies on outcomes after LA have had limitations. This report describes the 30-day morbidity and mortality rates after LA and analyzes factors affecting operative time, hospital length of stay (LOS), and postoperative morbidity. METHODS: Patients undergoing LA in 2007 and 2008 were identified from the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). Using multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression, 52 demographic/comorbidity variables were analyzed to ascertain factors affecting operative time, LOS, and morbidity. RESULTS: The mean age of the 988 patients was 53.5 ± 13.7 years, and 60% of the patients were women. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the patients was 31.8 ± 7.9 kg/m(2). The 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 6.8% and 0.5%, respectively. The mean and median operative times were 146.7 ± 66.8 min and 134 min, respectively. The mean and median hospital stays were 2.6 ± 3.1 days and 2 days, respectively. Compared with independent status, totally dependent functional status was associated with a 9.5-day increase in LOS (P = 0.0006) and an increased risk for postoperative morbidity (odds ratio [OR], 14.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-91.9; P < 0.0001). Peripheral vascular disease (OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.7-31.7; P = 0.008) also was associated with increased 30-day morbidity. Neurologic and respiratory comorbidities were associated with increased LOS (P < 0.05). American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class 4 patients had a longer operative time than ASA class 1 patients (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The morbidity and mortality rates after LA are low. Dependent functional status and peripheral vascular disease predispose to postoperative morbidity. Dependent status, higher ASA class, and respiratory and neurologic comorbidities are associated with longer operative time and LOS.

Operative interventions for failed heller myotomy: a single institution experience.

Recurrent dysphagia and/or gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are failures of treatment after Heller myotomy for achalasia. We present our single center experience with surgical interventions for these failures. We did a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Based on preoperative symptoms and endoscopy, esophagogram, and manometry results, patients were divided into three groups to guide management. Telephone follow-up was done using a structured foregut questionnaire. Between December 2003 and June 2009, 16 patients underwent operative interventions for disabling symptoms after previous Heller myotomy. Eight patients presented primarily with recurrent dysphagia and underwent transabdominal Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. Seven patients reported good to excellent symptom relief at mean follow-up of 42 months. One patient reported no relief and eventually required esophageal bypass with retrosternal gastric pull-up. Four patients presented with uncontrolled GER. Two patients who underwent redo partial fundoplication reported poor symptomatic outcome and one patient has since undergone short limb Roux-en-y gastric bypass (SLRNYGB) with excellent symptom relief. The other two patients underwent SLRNYGB with excellent relief at 10 months. Four patients had end stage achalasia and underwent esophageal resection with reconstruction. All reported excellent symptom relief at mean follow-up of 36 months. Transabdominal redo Heller myotomy for dysphagia has good outcomes. Redo fundoplication for GER after previous myotomy has poor results and SLRNYGB is an effective option in these patients. Esophageal resection remains an effective, albeit morbid, option for end-stage achalasia.

Erratum: Significant association of TREM-1 with HMGB1, TLRs and RAGE in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in obese diabetic populations.

[This corrects the article on p. 3224 in vol. 9, PMID: 28804542.].

Increased expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 in the population with obesity and insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 has recently been recognized as one of the potent amplifiers of acute and chronic inflammation. However, the exact role of TREM-1 in regard to insulin insensitivity is unknown. METHODS: mRNA transcripts and protein expression of TREM-1, TREM-2, and TREM-1/TREM-2 ratio were examined in the tissue biopsies (liver, omentum, and subcutaneous fat) and blood samples (neutrophils and monocytes) of subjects with obesity and diabetes (SO+ D+ ; n = 15), subjects with obesity but not diabetes (SO+ D- ; n = 7), and subjects without obesity (BMI < 30) and diabetes (SO- D- ; n = 5). RESULTS: The immunofluorescence and RT-PCR revealed significant increase in TREM-1, decrease in TREM-2, and increase in the TREM1/TREM2 ratio in SO+ D+ group compared with other groups. Overall, increased liver TREM-1 expression and soluble-TREM-1 were found in SO+ D+ group compared with SO+ D- group (100% vs. 57.14%, r = 0.582; P = 0.023). TREM-1 was significantly increased in all subjects with obesity and those with HOMA-IR index of >2. CONCLUSIONS: TREM-1 was found to be significantly higher in tissues biopsies and blood of subjects with obesity. Greater expression and activity of TREM-1 suggest a possible role in the underlying pathophysiology of obesity and associated comorbidities.

Significant association of TREM-1 with HMGB1, TLRs and RAGE in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in obese diabetic populations.

Activated cell surface and intracellular receptors lead to insulin resistance in obesity. Among these receptors, triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1, toll like receptors (TLRs), and receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) play a significant role in the induction of inflammatory response in innate immunity. TREM-1 potentially amplifies TLRs and RAGE synergistically with DNA-binding high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB-1). The objective of the study was to analyze the association between TREM-1/DAP12 and HMGB-1, RAGE and TLRs in obesity-induced insulin resistance. We examined the mRNA expression by RT-PCR and protein expression by Western blotting and immunofluorescence for TREM-1, TREM-2, DAP-12, HMGB-1, RAGE, TLR-4 and TLR-2 in omentum, subcutaneous and liver biopsy tissues of obese diabetic (n=22) and non-diabetic subjects (n=24) and compared with the non-obese non-diabetic controls (n=5). There was a significantly increased expression of TREM-1, DAP-12, HMGB-1, RAGE, TLR-4 and TLR-2 and decreased expression of TREM-2 in the omentum, subcutaneous and liver biopsy of obese diabetic subjects compared to obese non-diabetics and the non-obese population. Overall, obese diabetic subjects had high expression of TREM-1 in association with HMGB1 (100% vs 58.3%, P=0.003), RAGE (77.3% vs 41.7%, P=0.045), TLR4 (100% vs 58.3%, P=0.003), and TLR2 (100% vs 50%, P=0.003) in liver biopsy samples in comparison to obese non-diabetic subjects. Obese diabetics have significantly increased TREM-1, HMGB1, RAGE, and TLRs compared to obese non-diabetics. Our findings suggest a potential pathophysiological role of TREM-1 in conjunction with HMGB1 and inflammatory cell receptors (RAGE, TLR-4 and TLR-2) in obesity-induced insulin resistance.

Association of Body Mass Index (BMI) with Patterns of Fundoplication Failure: Insights Gained.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been implicated as an important risk factor for fundoplication failure. However, the mechanism of fundoplication in obese patients is not fully understood. Our objective is to evaluate the patterns of failure in relation to the body mass index (BMI) undergoing re-operative intervention after failed fundoplication. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval, the patients who underwent re-operative intervention for failed fundoplication between November 2008 and December 2013 were identified. Patients were classified into three groups: non-obese, obese, and morbidly obese (<30, 30-35, >35 BMI, respectively). Pre-operative assessment and operative procedure performed were compared between the groups. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four patients satisfied study criteria. Non-obese patients (53.2 %) had significantly more dysphagia as an indication for re-operative procedure (obese 31.6 %, p < 0.05; morbidly 16.7 %, p < 0.05). Obese and morbidly obese patients had significantly higher incidence of recurrent hiatal hernia than non-obese patients (88.7 vs. 65.6 %, p < 0.05). Morbidly obese patients had significantly higher incidence of disrupted fundoplication than non-obese patients (41.7 vs. 19.4 %, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Similar anatomical failure patterns of state of fundoplication and recurrent hiatal hernia were noted between obese patients and morbidly obese patients and were distinct from non-obese patients.

Improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms after various bariatric procedures: review of the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the morbidly obese population is as high as 45%. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of various bariatric procedures in the improvement of GERD. METHODS: The Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database is a prospective database of patients who undergo bariatric surgery by a participant in the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence program. GERD is graded on a 6-point scale, from 0 (no history of GERD) to 5 (prior surgery for GERD). Patients with GERD severe enough to require medications (grades 2, 3, and 4) from June 2007 to December 2009 are identified; the resolution of GERD is noted based on 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Of a total of 116,136 patients, 36,938 patients had evidence of GERD preoperatively. After excluding patients undergoing concomitant hiatal hernia repair or fundoplication, there were 22,870 patients with 6-month follow-up. Mean age was 47.6±11.1 years, with an 82% female population. Mean BMI was 46.3±8.0 kg/m(2). Mean preoperative GERD score for patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was 2.80±.56, and mean postoperative score was 1.33±1.41 (P<.0001). Similarly, adjustable gastric banding (AGB, 2.77±.57 to 1.63±1.37, P<.0001) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG, 2.82±.57 to 1.85±1.40, P<.0001) had significant improvement in GERD score. GERD score improvement was best in RYGB patients (56.5%; 7955 of 14,078) followed by AGB (46%; 3773 of 8207) and SG patients (41%; 240 of 585). CONCLUSION: All common bariatric procedures improve GERD. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is superior to adjustable gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy in improving GERD. Also, the greater the loss in excess weight, the greater the improvement in GERD score.

Survey of minimally invasive general surgery fellows training in robotic surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery fellowships offer experience in robotic surgery, the nature of which is poorly defined. The objective of this survey was to determine the current status and opportunities for robotic surgery training available to fellows training in the United States and Canada. Sixty-five minimally invasive surgery fellows, attending a fundamentals of fellowship conference, were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their demographics and experiences with robotic surgery and training. Fifty-one of the surveyed fellows completed the questionnaire (83 % response). Seventy-two percent of respondents had staff surgeons trained in performing robotic procedures, with 55 % of respondents having general surgery procedures performed robotically at their institution. Just over half (53 %) had access to a simulation facility for robotic training. Thirty-three percent offered mechanisms for certification and 11 % offered fellowships in robotic surgery. One-third of the minimally invasive surgery fellows felt they had been trained in robotic surgery and would consider making it part of their practice after fellowship. However, most (80 %) had no plans to pursue robotic surgery fellowships. Although a large group (63 %) felt optimistic about the future of robotic surgery, most respondents (72.5 %) felt their current experience with robotic surgery training was poor or below average. There is wide variation in exposure to and training in robotic surgery in minimally invasive surgery fellowship programs in the United States and Canada. Although a third of trainees felt adequately trained for performing robotic procedures, most fellows felt that their current experience with training was not adequate.

Reoperative intervention in patients with mesh at the hiatus is associated with high incidence of esophageal resection--a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Mesh hiatoplasty is a widely debated topic among foregut surgeons. While short-term outcomes tout decreased recurrence rates, an increase in mesh-related complications has been reported. The aim of this study is to present a single-center experience with reoperative intervention in patients with previous mesh at the hiatus. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, a prospectively maintained database was retrospectively queried to identify patients who underwent reoperative intervention between 2003 and spring of 2013 and had mesh placed at a previous hiatal hernia procedure. Patient charts were reviewed and data variables collected. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (mean age of 56.7 ± 18.3; 19 females) who underwent 27 procedures met the inclusion criteria. Synthetic mesh was placed in 15 (56 %) procedures, while the remaining 12 had biologic mesh. The mean interval between reoperative intervention and previous surgery was 33 months. Dysphagia (56 %) was the most common presentation, while three patients had mesh erosion. Recurrent hiatus hernia (2 to 7 cm) was noted in 19 (70 %) patients. Eight patients (30 %) underwent redo fundoplication, six patients (22 %) were converted to Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy, two patients (7.4 %) underwent distal esophagectomy with esophagojejunostomy, five patients (19 %) had subtotal esophagectomy with gastric pull-up, and one patient underwent substernal gastric pull-up for esophageal bypass with interval esophagectomy. The mean operative time was 252 ± 71.7 min, and the median blood loss was 150 ml (range, 50-1,650 ml). There was no postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: Reoperative intervention in patients with mesh at the hiatus is associated with a high need for esophageal resection. More than two thirds of the patients also had a recurrent hiatal hernia.

Do you need a computed tomographic scan to evaluate suspected appendicitis in young men: an administrative database review.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of computed tomographic (CT) scans of the abdomen on clinical outcomes and costs in young male patients presenting with suspected appendicitis. METHODS: Discharge data from the University HealthSystem Consortium was accessed for all male patients between 18 and 55 years of age from October 2007 to June 2011. RESULTS: Of a total of 13,228 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 11,340 (85%) were assessed using a CT scan of the abdomen, whereas 1,888 (15%) did not undergo CT evaluation. Patients undergoing CT imaging compared with those without a CT scan had less morbidity (.86% vs 2.2%, P < .0001) and fewer 30-day readmissions (1.8% vs 5.13%, P < .0001). However, CT imaging resulted in a higher overall length of hospital stay and a higher total cost. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that in young men with suspected appendicitis, the use of an abdominal CT scan is associated with improved immediate postoperative complications, lower readmission rates with observed higher length of stay, and increased cost of care.

Perioperative outcomes after adrenalectomy for malignant neoplasm in laparoscopic era: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to review perioperative outcomes of adrenalectomy for malignant neoplasm performed by open or laparoscopic technique and comparing them with benign diseases. METHODS: This study is a multicenter, retrospective analysis utilizing a large administrative database. The University Health System Consortium is an alliance of over 100 academic medical centers and 250 affiliate hospitals. The University Health System Consortium database was accessed using International Classification of Diseases codes. RESULTS: A total of 6157 patients underwent adrenalectomy between January 2008 and June 2011. Of these, 5101 patients underwent open adrenalectomy (OA) and 1056 underwent adrenalectomy by laparoscopic technique (LA). Comparison between LA and OA showed lower morbidity (4.8% vs. 7.2%, P=0.0007), hospital length of stay (d) (3.23±5.66 vs. 4.35±6.59, P<0.0001), ICU admission rate (18.19% vs. 23.75%, P<0.0001), and cost ($) (9250±14306 vs. 11634±16547, P<0.0001) for LA, with no statistical difference in observed mortality or 30-day readmission rate. We then compared open and laparoscopic procedures performed for benign and malignant diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, LA had better outcomes than OA. When comparisons were made between LA and OA for benign adrenal diseases, all outcomes were significantly better in the laparoscopic group. There were, however, no statistical differences when LA was compared with OA for malignant diagnoses.