The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patient selection and access to care, approach type, and postoperative outcomes in bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic had affected the health systems across the world since early 2020 with a concern about access to medical care during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced patient selection, approach type, and postoperative outcomes in elective bariatric surgery. SETTING: United States. METHODS: Data from the MBSAQIP database for the years 2016-2020 were queried. Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Fisher's exact test were employed for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Postoperative outcomes within 30 days were assessed separately and based on the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification of III-V. χ2 test and logistic regression were used to compare outcomes between procedure and approach types, as well as surgical operation periods. RESULTS: A total of 741,620 patients underwent robotic and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric-bypass. The cases performed in 2020 exhibited lower comorbidities and postoperative complications compared to prepandemic years, regardless of the approach type. Notably, the proportion of White patients decreased during the pandemic, while there was an increase in the number of African American and Hispanic patients who had bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent bariatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be healthier with fewer comorbidities and experienced fewer adverse postoperative outcomes compared to those who had surgery prior to the pandemic. This study highlights the limited access to bariatric surgery for high-risk patients during the pandemic.

Robotic versus laparoscopic gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma in the US: a propensity score-matching analysis of 11,173 patients on oncological adequacy.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery remains the cornerstone treatment for gastric cancer. Previous studies have reported better lymphadenectomy with minimally invasive approaches. There is a paucity of data comparing robotic and laparoscopic gastrectomy in the US. Herein, we examined whether oncological adequacy differs between laparoscopic and robotic approaches. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was utilized to identify patients who underwent gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2019. A propensity score-matching analysis between robotic gastrectomy (RG) versus laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) was performed. The primary outcomes were lymphadenectomy ≥ 16 nodes and surgical margins. RESULTS: A total of 11,173 patients underwent minimally invasive surgery for gastric adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2019. Of those 8320 underwent LG and 2853 RG. Comparing the unmatched cohorts, RG was associated with a higher rate of adequate lymphadenectomy (63.5% vs 57.1%, p < .0.0001), higher rate of negative margins (93.8% vs 91.9%, p < 0.001), lower rate of prolonged length of stay (26.0% vs 29.6%, p < .0.001), lower 90-day mortality (3.7% vs 5.0%, p < 0.0001), and a better 5-year overall survival (OS) (56% vs 54%, p = 0.03). A propensity score-matching cohort with a 1:1 ratio was created utilizing the variables associated with lymphadenectomy ≥ 16 nodes. The matched analysis revealed that the rate of adequate lymphadenectomy was significantly higher for RG compared to LG, 63.5% vs 60.4% (p = 0.01), respectively. There was no longer a significant difference between RG and LG regarding the rate of negative margins, prolonged length of stay, 90-day mortality, rate of receipt of postoperative chemotherapy, and OS. CONCLUSIONS: This propensity score-matching analysis with a large US cohort shows that RG was associated with a higher rate of adequate lymphadenectomy compared to LR. RG and LG had a similar rate of negative margins, prolonged length of stay, receipt of postoperative chemotherapy, 90-day mortality, and OS, suggesting that RG is a comparable surgical approach, if not superior to LG.

Gastric Cancer Surgery in the US: a Contemporary Trend Analysis of Lymphadenectomy and the Impact of Minimally Invasive Approaches.

BACKGROUND: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend harvesting 16 or more lymph nodes for the adequate staging of gastric adenocarcinoma. This study examines the rate of adequate lymphadenectomy over recent years, its predictors, and its impact on overall survival(OS). STUDY DESIGN: The National Cancer Database was utilized to identify patients who underwent surgical treatment for gastric adenocarcinoma between 2006-2019. Trend analysis was performed for lymphadenectomy rates during the study period. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival plots, and Cox proportional hazard regression were utilized. RESULTS: A total of 57,039 patients who underwent surgical treatment for gastric adenocarcinoma were identified. Only 50.5% of the patients underwent a lymphadenectomy of ≥ 16 nodes. Trend analysis showed that this rate significantly improved over the years, from 35.1% in 2006 to 63.3% in 2019 (p < .0001). The main independent predictors of adequate lymphadenectomy included high-volume facility with ≥ 31 gastrectomies/year (OR: 2.71; 95%CI:2.46-2.99), surgery between 2015-2019 (OR: 1.68; 95%CI: 1.60-1.75), and preoperative chemotherapy (OR:1.49; 95%CI:1.41-1.58). Patients with adequate lymphadenectomy had better OS than patients who did not: median survival: 59 versus 43 months (Log-Rank: p < .0001). Adequate lymphadenectomy was independently associated with improved OS (HR:0.79; 95%CI:0.77-0.81). Laparoscopic and robotic gastrectomies were independently associated with adequate lymphadenectomy compared to open, OR: 1.11, 95%CI:1.05-1.18 and OR: 1.24, 95%CI:1.13-1.35, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although the rate of adequate lymphadenectomy improved over the study period, a large number of patients still lacked adequate lymph node dissection, negatively impacting their OS despite multimodality therapy. Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries were associated with a significantly higher rate of lymphadenectomy ≥ 16 nodes.

Impact of nodal status in determining multimodal treatment strategies in non-cardia gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with resectable noncardia gastric cancer may be subjected to perioperative chemotherapy (PEC), postoperative chemoradiation (POCR), or postoperative chemotherapy (POC). We analyzed these treatment strategies to determine optimal therapy based on nodal status. METHOD: The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients with resected noncardia gastric cancer (2004-2016). Patients were stratified based on clinical nodal status-negative (cLN-), positive (cLN+) and pathological nodal status (pLN-, pLN+). In cLN- patients who underwent upfront resection and were upstaged to pLN+, POC, and POCR were compared. Overall survival (OS) with PEC, POCR, and POC were compared in cLN- and cLN+. RESULTS: We identified 6142 patients (cLN-: 3831; cLN+: 2311). In cLN- patients who underwent upfront resection (N = 3423), 69% were upstaged to pLN+ disease (N = 2499; POCR = 1796, POC = 703). On MVA, POCR was associated with significantly improved OS when compared to POC (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.75; p < 0.001). In patients with cLN- disease (PEC = 408; POCR = 2439; POC = 984), PEC(HR: 0.77; p = 0.01) and POCR(HR: 0.81; p < 0.001) were associated with improved OS compared with POC. In cLN+ group (PEC = 452; POCR = 1284; POC = 575), POCR was associated with improved OS compared with POC (HR: 0.81; p < 0.01), and trend towards improved OS was noted when PEC(HR: 0.83; p = 0.055) was compared with POC. CONCLUSION: Postoperative chemoradiation may be the preferred treatment strategy over postoperative chemotherapy in non-cardia gastric cancer patients who receive upfront resection and are upstaged from clinically node negative to pathologically node positive disease.

Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: The Effect of Facility Type on Patient Survival.

OBJECTIVES: During the last decades, significant progress has been made in the management of patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). It is unclear how the type of the treating health care facility alters patient outcomes. METHODS: Data from pNETs reported to the National Cancer Database between 2004 and 2016 were examined. Types of institutions were as follows: academic/research cancer program (ARP), comprehensive community cancer program (CCCP), integrated network cancer program (INCP), and community cancer program (CCP). RESULTS: A total of 17,887 patients with pNETs were analyzed. Treatment at ARPs was significantly associated with receipt of surgery (ARP, 61.9%; CCCP, 45.6%; CCP, 29.9%; INCP, 55.5%; P < 0.001), both for patients with very early tumors ≤2 cm (ARP, 74.7%; CCCP, 66.5%; CCP, 52.4%; INCP, 71.6%; P < 0.001) and for patients with liver metastases (ARP, 21.3%; CCCP, 10.6%; CCP, 5%; INCP, 16.8%; P < 0.001). Treatment at ARPs was associated with improved survival (median overall survival: ARP, 91 mo; CCCP, 47 mo; CCP, 24.5 mo; INCP, 72 mo; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of pNETs at academic/research programs is associated with more frequent resections and best survival outcomes. This survival benefit exists for early and late stages and after adjusting for known cofactors.

The impact of minimally invasive surgery and frailty on post-hepatectomy outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The impact of patient frailty on post-hepatectomy outcomes is not well studied. We hypothesized that patient frailty is a strong predictor of 30-day post-hepatectomy complications. METHODS: The liver-targeted National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for 2014-2019 was reviewed. A validated modified frailty index (mFI) was used. RESULTS: A total of 24,150 hepatectomies were reviewed. Worsening frailty was associated with increased incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications (mFI 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 was 3.9%, 6.3%, 10%, 8.1%, 50% respectively; p < 0.001). Minimally invasive hepatectomies had a lower rate of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications for non-frail (Laparoscopic: 1%, Robotic: 2.6%, Open: 4.6%; p < 0.001) and frail patients (Laparoscopic: 3%, Robotic: 2.3%, Open: 7.7%; p < 0.001). Frail patients experienced higher incidence of post-hepatectomy liver failure (5.4% vs 4.1% for non-frail; p < 0.001) and grade C liver failure (28% vs 21.1% for non-frail; p = 0.03). Incorporating mFI to Albumin-Bilirubin score (ALBI) improved its ability to predict Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications (AUC improved from 0.609 to 0.647; p < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (AUC improved from 0.663 to 0.72; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Worsening frailty correlates with increased incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications post-hepatectomy, whereas minimally invasive approaches decrease this risk. Incorporating frailty assessment to ALBI improves its ability to predict major postoperative complications and 30-day mortality.

Minimally invasive vs open pancreatoduodenectomy on oncological adequacy: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The adoption of minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) has increased over the last decade. Most of the data on perioperative and oncological outcomes derives from single-center high-volume hospitals. The impact of MIPD on oncological outcomes in a multicenter setting is poorly understood. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was utilized to perform a propensity score matching analysis between MIPD vs open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD). The primary outcomes were lymphadenectomy ≥ 15 nodes and surgical margins. Secondary outcomes were 90-day mortality, length of stay, and overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 10,246 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2016. Among these patients, 1739 underwent MIPD. A propensity score matching analysis with a 1:2 ratio showed that the rate of lymphadenectomy ≥ 15 nodes was significantly higher for MIPD compared to OPD, 68.4% vs 62.5% (P < .0001), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of positive margins, 90-day mortality, and overall survival. OPD was associated with an increased rate of length of stay > 10 days, 36.6% vs 33% for MIPD (P < .01). Trend analysis for the patients who underwent MIPD revealed that the rate of adequate lymphadenectomy increased during the study period, 73.1% between 2015 and 2016 vs 63.2% between 2010 and 2012 (P < .001). In addition, the rate of conversion to OPD decreased over time, 29.3% between 2010 and 2012 vs 20.2% between 2015 and 2016 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In this propensity score matching analysis, the MIPD approach was associated with a higher rate of adequate lymphadenectomy and a shorter length of stay compared to OPD. The surgical margins status, 90-day mortality, and overall survival were similar between the groups.

Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index Predicts Liver Failure After Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy agents for metastatic colorectal cancer can cause liver injury, increasing the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure after hepatectomy for metastases. The role of noninvasive fibrosis markers in this setting is not well established. AIMS: To evaluate the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) as a predictor of postoperative liver failure. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was utilized to identify patients who received preoperative chemotherapy and underwent hepatectomy for colorectal metastases between 2015 and 2017. Concordance index analysis was conducted to determine APRI's contribution to the prediction of liver failure. The optimal cutoff value was defined and its ability to predict post-hepatectomy liver failure and perioperative bleeding were examined. RESULTS: A total of 2374 patients were identified and included in the analysis. APRI demonstrated to be a better predictor of postoperative liver failure than MELD score, with a statistically significant larger area under the curve. The optimal APRI cutoff value to predict liver failure was 0.365. The multivariable logistic regression showed that APRI ≥ 0.365 was independently associated with PHLF, odds ratio (OR) 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67-3.77, P < .0001. Likewise, APRI ≥ 0.365 was independently associated with perioperative bleeding complications requiring transfusions, OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.77, P = 0.002. MELD score was not statistically associated with PHLF or bleeding complications. CONCLUSIONS: APRI was independently associated with post-hepatectomy liver failure and perioperative bleeding requiring transfusions after resection of colorectal metastases in patients who received preoperative chemotherapy. Concordance index showed APRI to add significant contribution as a predictor of postoperative liver failure.

Facility Type Affects Treatment Outcomes for Patients With Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms and Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas.

OBJECTIVE: Academic centers report better outcomes for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. We hypothesized that treatment outcomes for mucinous cysts differ according to institution type. METHODS: Using the National Cancer Data Base, we analyzed data on patients with mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). RESULTS: Of 3278 identified patients, 2622 (80%) had IPMNs and 656 (20%) had MCNs. While most academic/research programs (ARCPs, 84.9%) treated more than 10 patients/year, this was true for only 59% of integrated network cancer programs, 37.3% of comprehensive community cancer programs, and 0% of community cancer programs (P < 0.001). Surgery was used more often in ARCPs and for smaller tumors. The ARCPs had higher rates of margin negative resections with retrieval of 15 or more nodes with the lowest 30- and 90-day mortality rates. The median overall survival was better in ARCPs (110.3 months) than comprehensive community cancer programs (75.1 mo), community cancer programs (75.1 mo), or integrated network cancer programs (100.8 mo, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of MCNs and IPMNs of the pancreas at academic centers is associated with a higher probability of pancreatectomy, disease identification in a noninvasive stage, and better overall survival. Centralization of care for mucinous pancreatic cysts will lead to improved outcomes.

Trends in Utilization and Perioperative Outcomes in Robotic-assisted Bariatric surgery using the MBSAQIP database: A 4-Year Analysis.

PURPOSE: Robotic-assisted surgery has become increasingly popular across surgical subspecialties. We aimed to analyze trends in the national utilization and outcomes in bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®) data for 2015-2018 was queried. We included robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), adjustable gastric band (AGB), biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS), and revisional cases. The Kruskal-Wallis test or Wilcoxon rank-sum were used for comparing continuous variables and Cochran-Armitage trend analysis for categorical variables when comparing years, or with Fisher's Exact Test when directly comparing categories. RESULTS: Of 760,076 bariatric cases performed between 2015 and 2018, 7.4% with robotic and 90.4% with laparoscopic approach. SG constituted 61.3% of robotic volume. Utilization of robotic surgery increased 1.96-fold; SG represented the most substantial increase of 2.16-fold, followed by a 1.53-fold in RYGB. The 30-day readmission and re-intervention rates decreased from 5.63% to 4.78% (p<0.01), and 2.31% to 1.46% (p<0.01), respectively. The overall leak rate improved from 0.64% to 0.39% (p=0.01). Mortality and re-operations remained statistically unchanged. When compared to laparoscopic approach, the operative time were significantly longer in the robotic group. Regarding postoperative outcomes, when adjusted for patient characteristics, there were no differences between two approaches except a higher leak rate in robotic group in 2015. CONCLUSION: A steady increase in robotic bariatric surgery is apparent. While the operative time remains significantly longer in the robotic group, trends indicate improvement in key quality metrics and patient outcomes as utilization increases.

Impact of facility type on survival after pancreatoduodenectomy for small pancreatic adenocarcinoma (≤ 2 cm).

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that even small pancreatic cancers are associated with poor survival. The role of facility type on survival in this setting is unknown. STUDY DESIGN: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was utilized. Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma ≤ 2 cm in Academic/Research Cancer Programs (ACPs) were compared to Non-Academic Cancer Programs (NACPs). RESULTS: A total of 4672 patients were identified. Surgery at ACPs was associated with a lower rate of positive margins (14% vs 17%,P < .0001) and a higher rate of lymphadenectomy ≥15 nodes (49.6% vs 36.3%,P < .0001). Over 75% of the ACPs facilities were high volume vs 25.5% among NACPs. There was no difference in the odds of delivering chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting between ACPs and NACPs. The median survival at ACPs was 29.4 months vs 25.7 months at NACPs (Log-rank test:P < .0001). ACPs were associated with improved survival, adjusted Hazard Ratio: 0.88, 95%CI:0.81-0.96. CONCLUSION: Pancreatoduodenectomy for small pancreatic cancers at ACPs is associated with improved survival compared to NACPs.

Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas in the modern era. Experience with 707 patients.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms are mucin producing cysts of the pancreas with malignant potential. The existing literature on treatment outcomes is limited to relatively small surgical series. METHODS: We reviewed the National Cancer Database assessing the outcomes of patients with mucinous cystic neoplasms between 2004 and 2016. Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test were used to make survival comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 707 patients were identified; 492(69.6%) underwent pancreatectomies. The majority of patients were women (71.4%), with median age 65 years (range: 22-90). Most common operation was partial pancreatectomy ie distal (48.4%) whereas 21.7% underwent a Whipple. Patients who were not operated were more frequently stage IV (40%) whereas patients who were operated had more frequently invasive adenocarcinoma (74.8%). Patients who underwent pancreatectomy had better survival compared to these who didn't undergo surgery (81.4 vs 6.6 months; p < 0.001). Comparing patients who underwent pancreatectomy and had invasive disease versus patients who had in situ disease the former were older (median age 62 vs 55.5 years p = 0.004) and more frequently men (26.1 vs 16.1%; p = 0.03), however they had similar tumor size (5.5 vs 7 cm respectively; p = 0.14) and similar tumor differentiation (moderately differentiated 50% vs 38.1%; p = 0.49). Patients with non-invasive (in situ) disease had prolonged survival compared to these with invasive disease (median OS not reached vs 50.2months; p < 0.001). After Cox proportional hazard regression nodal positive disease was the most important factor of decreased survival for invasive adenocarcinoma (HR: 2.2; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with adenocarcinoma arising from a mucinous cystic neoplasm of the pancreas have excellent survival when they undergo pancreatectomy especially if the disease is still in situ. However, 3/4 of patients who undergo resection have already developed invasive adenocarcinoma and nodal status dominates their prognosis. Advanced age but not the size of the cyst correlate with the presence of invasive disease.

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy Is Associated with Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer.

The use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma is emerging as an acceptable therapy option. The effects of neoadjuvant therapy on 30 days' outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer are not well defined in the literature. NSQIP (2009-2012) was used. Only patients with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and those who underwent a Whipple were included in the analysis. Patient who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy were compared with those who did not receive therapy. Main outcome measures were as follows: complications, ≥2 units of blood transfusions, length of stay, readmission rates, return to the operating room, and 30-day mortality. A total of 1445 patients (395: neoadjuvant chemoradiation and 1050: no neoadjuvant therapy) were identified. The mean age was 67 ± 12 years, and 51 per cent of the patients were male. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy was associated with increase in readmission rates (18% vs 12.2%, P 0.02), unanticipated return to the operating room (2.3% vs 1.1%, P 0.03) with no difference in mortality rates. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy is associated with increase in inhospital complications. These differences in outcomes may be explained by the more advance stage of pancreatic cancer in these subsets of patients. Resource utilization and preoperative rehabilitation are of utmost significance to overcome this rise in complications associated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy.

Association Between Noninvasive Fibrosis Markers and Postoperative Mortality After Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Importance: The selection criteria for hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well established. The role of noninvasive fibrosis markers in this setting is unknown in the US population. Objective: To evaluate whether aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis 4 (Fib4) values are associated with perioperative mortality and overall survival after hepatectomy for HCC. Design, Setting, and Participants: In a multicenter cohort study, Veterans Administration Corporate Data Warehouse was used to evaluate a retrospective cohort of 475 veterans who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012, in Veterans Administration hospitals. Data analysis occurred between September 30, 2016, and December 30, 2017. Logistic regression, survival analysis, and change in concordance index analysis were performed to evaluate the association between APRI and Fib4 values and mortality. Exposures: The cohort was stratified based on preoperative APRI and Fib4 values. Analysis was performed accounting for the validated and established predictors of outcome. Main Outcomes and Measures: Thirty-day mortality, 90-day mortality, and overall survival were the primary outcomes. An APRI value greater than 1.5 was considered high risk (cirrhosis), and an Fib4 value greater than 4.0 was considered high risk (advanced fibrosis). Portal hypertension (diagnosis of ascites or encephalopathy indicates presence of portal hypertension) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class (A indicates preserved liver function; B, mild to moderate liver dysfunction) served as 2 other measures of liver function. Results: A total of 475 patients with HCC underwent hepatectomy. The mean (SD) age was 65.6 (9.4) years; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, 8.9 (3.1); and body mass index, 28.1 (4.9) (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). A total of 361 patients (76.0%) were men, 294 (61.9%) were white; 308 (64.8%) were hepatitis C positive, and 346 (72.8%) were categorized as CTP class A. The most common surgical procedure was partial lobectomy, with 321 (67.6%) procedures. The APRI value greater than 1.5 vs 1.5 or lower was associated with increased 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 6.45; 95% CI, 2.80-14.80) and 90-day mortality (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.35-5.22), as was Fib4 greater than 4.0 vs Fib4 4.0 or lower for 30-day mortality (OR, 5.41; 95% CI, 2.35-12.50) and 90-day mortality (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.41-5.35). Survival analysis showed that overall survival was significantly different for APRI greater than 1.5 vs 1.5 or lower (mean survival time, 3.6 vs 5.4 years; log-rank P < .001) and Fib4 greater than 4.0 vs 4.0 or lower (mean survival time, 4.1 vs 5.3 years; log rank P = .01). Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that elevated APRI was significantly associated with worse survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.23) but Fib4 values were not (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.99-1.09). Change in concordance index showed that APRI and Fib4 improved the ability of CTP class and portal hypertension to predict postoperative mortality. Conclusions and Relevance: Elevated APRI and Fib4 values, which are noninvasive markers of fibrosis, were associated with higher perioperative mortality. The APRI was also associated with worse overall survival. Use of APRI and Fib4 measures improved the ability of established markers to predict postoperative mortality. These findings suggest incorporating APRI and Fib4 to the selection process for hepatectomy for HCC as predictors associated with mortality may be warranted.

Preoperative thrombocytopenia and outcomes of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Platelet count is known to be an indirect indicator of portal hypertension but is not a part of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score or the Child-Pugh score for risk stratification in hepatobiliary surgery. METHODS: Data from 2097 hepatic resections for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were evaluated from 2005-2012 using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patient demographics, morbidity, and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Median age and body mass index were 64 y and 26.5 kg/m(2), respectively. Majority of the patients had American Society of Anesthesiologists ≥3 (78.1%) and median MELD score was 7. On multivariate analysis, thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150/nL) and severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100/nL) were independently associated with an increased risk of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; P = 0.024 and OR, 4.19; P < 0.001), cardiopulmonary complications (OR, 1.61; P = 0.009 and OR, 1.96; P = 0.018), need for blood transfusion (OR, 1.35; P = 0.05 and OR, 1.60; P = 0.05), septic complications (OR, 1.53; P = 0.025 and OR, 1.96; P = 0.016), reintubation (OR, 1.91; P = 0.004 and OR, 2.64; P = 0.003), and renal insufficiency and/or failure (OR, 2.48; P = 0.001 and OR, 4.96; P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia, which is an indirect indicator for portal hypertension, is significantly associated with adverse outcomes after hepatectomy, independent of the MELD score. Platelet count should be integrated into the selection criteria for hepatic resections for HCC.

Effect of epidural analgesia on postoperative complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of epidural analgesia use on postoperative complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used the 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were grouped on the basis of whether they received epidural analgesia. The effect of epidural use on the composite end point of major complications including death was investigated using a generalized linear model. RESULTS: Overall, 8,610 cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy occurred within the United States in 2009, and 11.0% of these patients received epidural analgesia. After controlling for various potential confounders, results of the multivariate regression indicated that epidural analgesia use was associated with lower odds of composite complications including death (odds ratio, .61; 95% confidence interval, .37-.99; P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: In patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, epidural analgesia was associated with significantly lower postoperative composite complications.