Evaluation of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Complications in a Community-Based Trauma Center.

BACKGROUND: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a method of management of noncompressible torso hemorrhage in trauma patients. Increased utilization has shown increased vascular complications and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate complications of REBOA placement in a community trauma setting. METHODS: A 3-year retrospective review was performed of all trauma patients that underwent REBOA placement. Data collection included demographics, injury characteristics, complications, and mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included, and the overall mortality was 65.2%. Most patients suffered blunt trauma (73.9%), and median ISS and TRISS (survival probability) were 24 and 42.2%, respectively. The median time to REBOA placement was 22 minutes, and hemorrhagic control was achieved in all patients. The most common complication was acute kidney injury at 34.8%. There was one complication associated with placement that required vascular intervention but did not lead to limb amputation. CONCLUSION: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta was shown to have higher rates of acute kidney injury, similar rates of vascular injury, and lower rate of limb complications compared to published literature. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta remains a useful tool for trauma resuscitation without the fear of increased complications.

Systemic Therapy in Elderly Patients With Her2/Neu-Positive Breast Cancer: A SEER Database Study.

BACKGROUND: The use of systemic therapy in elderly patients with Her2/neu-positive breast cancers has been questioned given the potential for cardiac side effects with several of the agents frequently used. This study aimed to evaluate trends in use of systemic therapy in patients 70 years and older. METHODS: The 2010-2016 SEER database was used to collect data on female patients with non-metastatic Her2/neu-positive breast cancer. Data was stratified to compare systemic therapy use in patients <70 vs ≥70. RESULTS: A total of 62,014 patients were included in the study. Of those, 79.0% (38,760) of patients <70 years old received systemic therapy while only 45.2% (5844) of patients ≥70 received systemic therapy (P < .001). Of patients ≥70 with ER positive tumors, 42.1% received systemic therapy and those with ER negative tumors, 52.1% received systemic therapy. The mortality rate in patients ≥70 was 8.5% in those who received systemic therapy and 12.1% in those who did not (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: There remains a significant difference in rates of systemic therapy administration in the elderly population with an associated increase in mortality due to their cancer. Continuing educational efforts could be of benefit.

Should Infants with Blunt Traumatic Brain Injuries and Intracranial Hemorrhage Have Routine Repeat Imaging?

Introduction: The practice of repeat head CT imaging in infants as a distinct population is poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and utility of repeat head CT in the infant population. Methods: A 10-year retrospective review was conducted of infants with blunt traumatic head injuries (N = 50) that presented to a trauma center. Information from the hospital trauma registry and patient medical records were extracted regarding the size and type of injury, number and results of computed tomography (CT) imaging, changes in neurological exams, and any interventions that were required. Results: Most patients (68%) had at least one repeat CT, with 26% showing progression of hemorrhage. Decreased Glasgow Coma Scale was associated with having repeat CT scans. Nearly one in four infants had a change in management associated with repeat imaging. Repeat CT scans resulted in operative interventions in 11.8% of cases and longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays in 8.8% of cases. Repeat CT scans were associated with increased hospital length of stay, but not with increased ventilator days, ICU length of stay, or mortality. Worsening bleeds were associated with mortality, but not with other hospital outcomes. Conclusions: Changes in management following repeat CT appeared to be more common in this population than in older children or adults. Findings from this study supported repeat CT imaging in infants, however, further research is needed to validate results of this study.

Geriatric Trauma Patients: Outcomes Before and After Addition of a Hospitalist Consultation.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown improvements in patient care and outcomes with addition of a rounding geriatrician. The purpose of this study was to determine if addition of a hospitalist consultation improved patient outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all trauma patients, ≥65 years, before (n=481) and after (n=430) addition of a hospitalist consultant. Data included were demographics, comorbidities, injury severity, blood pressure, laboratory levels, pain control methods, ICU and ventilator requirements, complications, hospital length of stay, mortality, preexisting wishes, and 30-day readmission. RESULTS: Adding a hospitalist consultation did not improve blood glucose or blood pressure control. It decreased narcotics-only use (36.0% vs 73.8%) while increasing multimodal pain control use (51.8% vs 14.8%, P<.001) and testing of HbA1c (7% vs .6%, P<.001). There was also increased knowledge of patient resuscitation status preferences (29.1% vs 12.9%, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This article does not support use of routine hospitalist consultation in the geriatric trauma population. However, with study limitations, we continue to evaluate hospitalist utility and will adjust our daily rounds to more closely match prior studies.

Short and Long-Term Success of a Surgery Residency Prep Course.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of evaluating the short-term and long-term effectiveness of a surgery residency prep course throughout the intern year. Methods: The authors offered a surgery residency prep course to graduating medical students. We used an anonymous survey to assess the perceived confidence in medical knowledge, clinical skills and surgical skills pre-course, post-course, and at six months into residency. Participants also completed a pre- and post-course quiz. Results: Eleven students completed the course and participated in a pre-course survey, seven completed the post-course survey, and four completed the six month survey. Students felt significantly more confident for intern year following the course compared to before the course (4.0 vs. 2.7, p = 0.018). There was no significant change in perceived confidence at six months compared to post-course results (4.0 vs. 3.9, p = 0.197). Objectively, there was a significant improvement in postcourse quiz results compared to pre-course quiz results (12.9 vs. 10.6, p = 0.004). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a surgery prep course may have long-term positive effects on resident confidence when entering a surgery residency.

Sleeve Gastrectomy: Does the Amount of Stomach Removed Matter?

PURPOSE: Data regarding the associations between percent weight loss and the volume and weight of stomach resected during sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are mixed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the size and volume of stomach removed during laparoscopic SG on percent total body weight lost (%TBWL). METHODS: An observational case series study was performed on 67 patients for 1 year after SG at a single university-affiliated, tertiary care hospital. Data were collected on demographics, medical history, and %TBWL at 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively. Pearson's correlation matrices and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Most patients (88.1%) were female with a mean age of 44 years. The mean volume of stomach resected was 1047.0 cubic centimeters, and the median weight resected was 123.0 g. Follow-up data were available for 44 patients at 1-year post-operation. There was no association between the volume and weight of stomach resected and %TBWL at 1-year post-operation; however, greater %TBWL was associated with younger patient age (r = - 0.525, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: One year after SG, no associations between %TBWL and the volume and weight of stomach resected were observed.

The Effect of Insurance Status on Bariatric Surgery Outcomes: A Retrospective Chart Review Study.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have shown socioeconomic factors and race to affect weight loss after bariatric surgery, but few have focused on the impact of insurance status. The purpose of this study was to determine if insurance status affects bariatric surgery patients' surgical outcomes and weight loss. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 408 bariatric patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Patients were stratified by insurance status and surgery type to evaluate weight loss and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, patients experienced 71.0% excess weight loss at 1-year postoperatively. Patients undergoing LRYGB had greater percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1-year (74.5% vs 63.3%, P < .001) than SG patients. Upon multiple regression analysis, insurance type did not affect %EWL. Instead, younger age, female gender, LRYGB procedure, and lower initial BMI were all associated with greater %EWL. CONCLUSIONS: Insurance type is not a useful independent predictor of successful weight loss in bariatric surgery patients.

The Effects of COVID-19 on General Surgery Residency Programs in the United States.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted multiple aspects of surgical education. This survey delineates steps taken by general surgery residency programs to meet changing patient-care needs while continuing to provide adequate education. Methods: A survey was administered to program directors and coordinators of all United States general surgery residency programs to assess the early effects of the pandemic on residents from March 1 through May 31, 2020. Results: Of 303 programs contacted, 132 (43.6%) completed the survey. Residents were asked to work in areas outside of their specialty at 27.3% of programs. Residency curriculum was changed in 35.6% of programs, and 76.5% of programs changed their academic conferences. Resident schedules were altered at a majority of programs to limit resident-patient exposure, increase ICU coverage, or improve resident utilization. Surgical caseloads decreased at 93.8% of programs; 31.8% of those programs reported concerns regarding residents' achieving the minimum case numbers required to graduate. Conclusions: These results provided insight into the restructuring of general surgery residency programs during a pandemic and may be used to establish future pandemic response plans.

Does Adding a Fissurectomy to Botox Sphincterotomy Increase Success Rate or Just Cost?

BACKGROUND: While Botox sphincterotomy with or without fissurectomy has been proven effective in healing anal fissures, they have not been directly compared. We evaluated cost-effectiveness and outcomes between Botox sphincterotomies with and without fissurectomy. METHODS: A 5-year retrospective review was conducted comparing all patients undergoing Botox sphincterotomy for anal fissure with or without fissurectomy. Outcomes including recurrence/persistence, additional treatments, complications, and total charges were compared between study groups. RESULTS: Patients treated without fissurectomy (n = 53) had recurrent/persistent fissure more often (56.6 vs 31.0%, P = .001), and required more Botox treatments. Those treated with fissurectomy (n = 154) had more complications (13.5 vs 0%, P = .003). Patients initially treated without fissurectomy had a median total charge of $2 973, while median total charge for those initially treated with fissurectomy was $17 925 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Botox sphincterotomy in an office without fissurectomy is a viable option. It may result in longer healing times but is associated with reduced cost, lower complication rates, and no need for anesthesia or operative intervention in most cases. But the choice of treatment route must be individualized.

The revised ACGME laparoscopic operative requirements: how have they impacted resident education?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has been an essential component of surgical education for the last two decades. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) changed the requirements for laparoscopic cases beginning with graduates in 2008, and the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery program was introduced over a decade ago as a method of measuring competency with laparoscopic techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine what changes have been made to meet these requirements and how these changes have impacted general surgery residents in their preparation to perform both basic and complex laparoscopic procedures upon completion of residency. METHODS: A 23-question survey was distributed electronically to all fourth- and fifth-year residents of United States general surgery residency programs. Respondents were queried about demographics, perception of surgical education, and their level of preparedness to perform laparoscopic cases upon graduation. RESULTS: The survey was completed by a total of 321 residents (174 fourth-year and 147 fifth-year). Nineteen percent of respondents indicated that they anticipated problems meeting the new ACGME guidelines and 18.7% of all respondents indicated that changes had been made to their program to meet those new requirements. The majority of residents felt they had adequate laparoscopic training upon graduation, but there was a disparity between program types. Despite this finding, more than one-third of respondents believed that it would be necessary to seek additional laparoscopic training post-residency graduation. CONCLUSION: Residency training programs have had to keep pace with evolving technology while preparing future surgeons to perform with confidence upon completion of residency training. The majority of residents feel their training has been adequate, but there are also a great number who believe they will need to continue their education in laparoscopic surgery to keep pace with this ever-evolving field.

Development of a Near Peer Clinical Anatomy Review Session during the Surgery Clerkship: Pre- and Post-Test Results among Third Year Medical Students.

Introduction: Our institution created a review of anatomy relevant to general surgery for third-year medical students. This study was designed to evaluate this review program and determine if participation increased third-year medical students' anatomy knowledge and confidence identifying anatomical structures in the operating room. Methods: A formalin-embalmed cadaver-based review of anatomy was created and taught in near-peer fashion to third-year medical students. An anonymous survey and anatomy test were administered to participants pre- and post-session. The survey and test were designed to evaluate anatomy knowledge as well as student confidence identifying structures in the operating room. Survey data were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Seventy third-year medical students completed the anatomy review. There was a statistically significant improvement in students' confidence levels identifying structures in the operating room (p < 0.001) and in anatomy test scores (p < 0.001). Subjectively, students were thankful for the review session and found it helpful. Conclusions: This near-peer review session designed at our institution was successful in improving immediate anatomy test scores and confidence levels identifying structures in the operating room. A course similar to this could be included at other medical schools to improve medical student confidence in identifying relevant anatomic structures in the operating room.

Comparing Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted versus Conventional Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair.

Introduction: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for anti-reflux and hiatal hernia surgery is becoming increasingly prevalent. The purpose of this study was to compare hospital length of stay and outcomes of robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 58 patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic (n = 16, 27.6%) or conventional laparoscopic (n = 42, 72.4%) hiatal hernia repair. Results: Patient characteristics and comorbidities were similar between groups. The robotic-assisted group had a significantly higher use of fundoplication (81.3% vs. 38.1%; p = 0.007). Complications observed between the robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic groups were pneumothorax (6.3% vs. 11.9%; p = 1.000), infection (0% vs. 4.8%; p = 1.000), perforation (0% vs. 2.4%; p = 1.000), bleeding (6.3% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.479), ICU admission (31.3% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.119), and mechanical ventilation (18.8% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.60). There were no reported complications of dysphagia, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus, myocardial infarction, or death in either group. Hospital length of stay was similar for robotic versus conventional patients (3.0 vs. 2.5 days; p = 0.301). Conclusions: Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic hiatal hernia were compared, which demonstrated similar post-operative complication rates and hospital length of stay. The results showed robotic-assisted or conventional laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair can be performed with similar outcomes.

Is Two Better Than One? A Retrospective Study on Colorectal Surgery Outcomes Using the Da Vinci® Dual-Console Robot.

Introduction: The da Vinci® surgical system has become standard in many specialties. The dual-console system has increased console time for residents during their training. This study evaluated patient outcomes using the single- versus dual-console system in resident training. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted of patients who underwent various colorectal surgeries using either the single- or dual-console da Vinci® system. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were collected. Results: Seventy-one patients (54.2%) utilized the single-console and 60 (45.8%) utilized the dual-console. There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics, procedures performed, conversion to open, ICU admissions, total length of stay, need for blood transfusion, adequacy of surgical margin, number of lymph nodes harvested, anastomotic leak, discharge disposition, or readmission, wound infection, or need for reoperation within 30 days. There was a nonsignificant decrease in operative time with the dual-console system (200.6 vs. 220.2 minutes, p = 0.111). Conclusions: While this study showed no statistically significant differences between patient outcomes utilizing the single- versus dual-consoles, it showed that it is safe for use in training, and that more research is needed in this area.

Octogenarian Motor Vehicle Collisions: Injury Patterns Matter.

INTRODUCTION: Motor vehicle collision (MVC) is the second most common mechanism of injury among octogenarians and is on the rise. These "oldest old" trauma patients have higher mortality rates than expected. This study examined potential factors influencing this increased mortality including comorbidities, medications, injury patterns, and hospital interventions. METHODS: A 10-year retrospective review was conducted of patients aged 80 and over who were injured in an MVC. Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, medication use prior to injury, collision details, injury severity and patterns, hospitalization details, outcomes, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: A total of 239 octogenarian patients were identified who were involved in an MVC. Overall mortality was 18.8%. An increased mortality was noted for specific injury patterns, patients injured in a rural setting, and those who were transfused, intubated, or admitted to the ICU. No correlation was found between mortality and medications or comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The high mortality rate for octogenarian patients involved in an MVC was related to injury severity, type of injury, and in-hospital complications, and not due to comorbidities and prior medications.

Rodeo Trauma: Outcome Data from 10 Years of Injuries.

Introduction: There are few data addressing rodeo injury outcomes, though injury incidence has been well described. The purpose of this study was to describe rodeo-related injury patterns and outcomes. Methods: A 10-year retrospective case series was performed of patients injured in rodeo events and who were treated at an ACS-verified level I trauma center. Data regarding demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes were summarized. Results: Seventy patients were identified. Half were injured by direct contact with rodeo stock and 34 by falls. Head injuries were most common, occurring in 38 (54.3%). Twenty injuries (28.6%) required surgery. Sixty-nine patients (98.6%) were discharged to home. There was one death. Conclusions: Head injuries were the most common injury among this cohort. Apart from one fatality, immediate outcomes after injury were good, with most patients dismissed home. Improved data collection at the time of admission may help to evaluate the success of current safety equipment use.

Pre-Hospital Spinal Immobilization: Neurological Outcomes for Spinal Motion Restriction Versus Spinal Immobilization.

Introduction: New recommendations for emergency medical services spinal precautions limit long spinal board use to extrication purposes only and are to be removed immediately. Outcomes for spinal motion restriction against spinal immobilization were studied. Methods: A retrospective chart review of trauma patients was conducted over a six-month period at a level I trauma center. Injury severity details and neurologic assessments were collected on 277 patients. Results: Upon arrival, 25 (9.0%) patients had a spine board in place. Patients placed on spine boards were more likely to be moderately or severely injured [injury severity score (ISS) > 15: 36.0% vs. 9.9%, p = 0.001] and more likely to have neurological deficits documented by emergency medical services (EMS; 30.4% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.01) and the trauma team (29.2% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.02). Conclusions: This study suggested that the long spine board was being used properly for more critically injured patients. Further research is needed to compare neurological outcomes using a larger sample size and more consistent documentation.

The Emergent General Surgical Patient: Evaluation Patterns in the Emergency Department.

Introduction: Emergency general surgery patients represent a growing segment of general surgical admissions and national healthcare burden. A paucity of literature exists evaluating the work-up of these patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED), particularly possible evaluation differentials between emergency physicians and physician assistants or advanced practice registered nurses (PA/ APRNs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in ED work-up of general surgical patients between emergency physicians and PA/APRNs. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients presenting to the ED with the chief complaint of abdominal pain. Demographic data, evaluating provider, laboratory and imaging tests, diagnostic data, and disposition were obtained. Results: Patient median age was 53.5 years, with 49% male and 81.6% Caucasian. Emergency physicians saw the majority (61.2%) of patients. Emergency physicians saw older patients (62.0 vs. 45.5 years; p = 0.017), and more patients that were anemic (28.3% vs. 14.3%) or with elevated creatinine levels (46.7% vs. 25.7%). There was no significant difference between groups for time in the ED (6.1 ± 2.4 vs. 5.7 ± 2.6 hours; p = 0.519), time to surgical consult (3.4 vs. 3.3 hours; p = 0.298), or time to the operating room (29.5 vs. 12.0 hours; p = 0.075). Patients seen by emergency physicians had a longer length of hospital stay (4.5 vs. 2 days; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Time in the ED and time to surgical consult did not vary between groups although patients first seen by emergency physicians had potentially higher acuity. Decreased hospital length of stay in patients seen by PA/APRNs may reflect disease-specific differences.

Is mechanical bowel preparation necessary in bariatric surgery?

BACKGROUND: Historically, mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) is performed prior to bariatric procedures; but our counter parts in colorectal surgery have shown that no-MBP is non-inferior to MBP, in regard to post-operative complications. The purpose of our study was to show that no-MBP prior to bariatric surgery is also non-inferior to MBP. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on patients undergoing bariatric surgical procedures (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, or Sleeve Gastrectomy). We randomized patients to MBP and no-MBP. Number of post-operative complications (intraabdominal abscess, anastomotic leak, acute kidney injury, dehydration), readmission, and wound infection for 30 days post-procedure was recorded. RESULTS: A total of 139 patients were enrolled with 71 in the MBP group and 68 in the no-MBP group. Complication rates were similar between the MBP and no-MBP (12.7% vs. 10.2%, respectively; p = 0.660). Median hospital length of stay was similar for MBP and no-MBP (1 vs. 1 day, respectively; p = 0.782). Hospital readmissions for MBP vs. no-MBP was, 4.4% vs. 5.6%, respectively (p = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Mechanical bowel preparation is likely not necessary prior to bariatric procedures.

Thromboelastography after Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Does it Save Blood Products?

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine if thromboelastography (TEG) is associated with reduced blood product use and surgical reintervention following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) compared to traditional coagulation tests. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 698 patients who underwent CPB at a tertiary-care, community-based, university-affiliated hospital from February 16, 2014 to February 16, 2015 (Period I) and from May 16, 2015 to May 16, 2016 (Period II). Traditional coagulation tests guided transfusion during Period I and TEG guided transfusion during Period II. Intraoperative and postoperative administration of blood products (red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate), reoperation for hemorrhage or graft occlusion, duration of mechanical ventilation, hospital length of stay, and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: Use of a TEG-directed algorithm was associated with a 13.5% absolute reduction in percentage of patients requiring blood products intraoperatively (48.2% vs. 34.7%, p < 0.001). TEG resulted in a 64.3% and 43.1% reduction in proportion of patients receiving fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets, respectively, with a 50% reduction in volume of FFP administered (0.3 vs. 0.6 units, p < 0.001). Use of TEG was not observed to decrease postoperative blood product usage or mortality significantly. The median length of hospital stay was reduced by one day after TEG guided transfusion was implemented (nine days vs. eight days, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Use of TEG-directed transfusion of blood products following CPB appeared to decrease the need for intraoperative transfusions, but the effect on clinical outcomes has yet to be clearly determined.

An analysis of missed injuries at a level 1 trauma center with a tertiary survey protocol.

BACKGROUND: Tertiary surveys can help identify missed injuries, but how and when to conduct them remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a policy requiring tertiary survey completion within 24 h post-admission. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed with a pre-intervention time-period of 8/1/2019-1/31/2020, where tertiary surveys were performed prior to discharge (n = 762). During the post-intervention time-period of 8/1/2020-1/31/21 tertiary surveys were performed within 24 h of admission (n = 651). RESULTS: Missed injury (1.6% [n = 12] vs. 1.5% [n = 10]; p = 0.953) and mortality rates (3.1% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.579) were similar between the pre- and post-intervention groups. Tertiary survey completion rates were higher (86.8% vs. 80.2%; p = 0.001) and exams performed earlier (1[1-1] vs. 1 [1-2] day, p < 0.001) in the post-intervention group. For those with missed injuries, time to injury identification and number of injuries identified on tertiary survey was unchanged. CONCLUSION: Requiring tertiary surveys within 24 h of admission can help identify and correct missed injuries, but standardization of the tertiary survey process and documentation may be as important as the timing.