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1.
J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth ; 34(7): 1870-1876, 2020 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32144059

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has improved patient outcomes; however, postoperative pain remains potentially severe. The objective of this study was to compare adjunct analgesic modalities for VATS, including paravertebral nerve blockade (PVB) and thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized trial. SETTING: Large academic hospital, single institution. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients undergoing VATS. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasound-guided PVB catheter, ultrasound-guided single-injection PVB, or TEA. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Postoperative visual analog scale pain scores (at rest and with knee flexion) and opioid usage were recorded. Pain scores (with movement) for the TEA group were lower than those for either PVB group at 24 hours (p ≤ 0.008) and for the PVB catheter group at 48 hours (p = 0.002). Opioid use in TEA group was lower than that for either PVB group at 24 and 48 hours (p < 0.001) and 72 hours (p < 0.05). Single-injection PVB was faster compared with PVB catheter placement (6 min v 12 min; p < 0.001) but similar to TEA (5 min). Patient satisfaction, nausea, sedation, and 6-month postsurgical pain did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: TEA led to lower pain scores and opioid requirement for VATS procedures compared with PVB techniques. Single-injection PVB was faster and equally as effective as PVB catheter, and it led to similar patient satisfaction as TEA; therefore, it should be considered in patients who are not ideal candidates for TEA.


Subject(s)
Analgesia , Anesthesia, Epidural , Nerve Block , Adult , Catheters , Humans , Pain Measurement , Pain, Postoperative/diagnosis , Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy , Pain, Postoperative/prevention & control , Prospective Studies , Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
2.
J Surg Res ; 218: 99-107, 2017 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28985884

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of women are pursuing a career in surgery. Concurrently, the percentage of surgeons in dual-profession partnerships is increasing. We sought to evaluate the gender differences in professional advancement, work-life balance, and satisfaction at a large academic center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All surgical trainees and faculty at a single academic medical center were surveyed. Collected variables included gender, academic rank, marital status, family size, division of household responsibilities, and career satisfaction. Student t-test, Fisher's exact test, and chi-square test were used to compare results. RESULTS: There were 127 faculty and 116 trainee respondents (>80% response rate). Respondents were mostly male (77% of faculty, 58% of trainees). Women were more likely than men to be married to a professional (90% versus 37%, for faculty; 82% versus 41% for trainees, P < 0.001 for both) who was working full time (P < 0.001) and were less likely to be on tenure track (P = 0.002). Women faculty were more likely to be primarily responsible for childcare planning (P < 0.001), meal planning (P < 0.001), grocery shopping (P < 0.001), and vacation planning (P = 0.003). Gender-neutral responsibilities included financial planning (P = 0.04) and monthly bill payment (P = 0.03). Gender differences in division of household responsibilities were similar in surgical trainees except for childcare planning, which was a shared responsibility. CONCLUSIONS: Women surgeons are more likely to be partnered with a full-time working spouse and to be primarily responsible for managing their households. Additional consideration for improvement in recruitment and retention strategies for surgeons might address barriers to equalizing these gender disparities.


Subject(s)
Academic Medical Centers/statistics & numerical data , Career Mobility , Faculty, Medical/statistics & numerical data , Job Satisfaction , Surgeons/statistics & numerical data , Work-Life Balance/statistics & numerical data , Academic Medical Centers/organization & administration , Faculty, Medical/organization & administration , Faculty, Medical/psychology , Female , Humans , Indiana , Linear Models , Male , Marital Status/statistics & numerical data , Multivariate Analysis , Sex Factors , Spouses/statistics & numerical data , Surgeons/organization & administration , Surgeons/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires
3.
Endosc Int Open ; 12(1): E43-E49, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38188922

ABSTRACT

Background and study aims Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) occurs in 40% to 60% of patients. There are limited data evaluating antireflux surgery or transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for refractory post-POEM GERD. Patients and methods In a single-center prospective cohort study, consecutive patients with medically refractory post-POEM regurgitation and/or GERD treated with TIF or combined laparoscopic hernia repair and TIF (cTIF) were evaluated. Baseline evaluation: GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HQRL) and Reflux Symptom Questionnaire 7-day recall (RESQ-7) questionnaires, EGD, high-resolution manometry (HRM), 48-hour pH test off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and impedance planimetry of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to calculate the diameter distensibility index (EGJ-DI). A PPI was taken twice daily for 2 weeks after TIF and restarted later if required. Patients returned 9 to 12 months after treatment when all preoperative studies were repeated. Quality of life, pH studies and EGJ metrics before and after antireflux surgery were compared. Results Seventeen patients underwent TIF (n=2, 12%) or cTIF (n=15, 88%) a mean 25±15 months after POEM. At follow-up a mean of 9±1 months after TIF/cTIF, patients required less frequent daily PPIs (n=0.001), were more satisfied (P=0.008), had improved GERD-HQRL (P=0.001), less intensity and frequency of GERD (P=0.001) and fewer reflux episodes (P=0.04) by pH testing. There was no change in EGJ-DI, EGJ diameter, integrated relaxation pressure, % total time pH <4, or DeMeester score. Conclusions TIF and cTIF for difficult-to-control post-POEM GERD appear safe, decrease PPI use and reflux episodes, and improve QOL without significant change in IRP, EGJ compliance, diameter or esophageal acid exposure time.

4.
Ann Surg ; 256(3): 487-93, 2012 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22868367

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Using a national database, we asked whether video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is beneficial in high-risk pulmonary patients. BACKGROUND: Single-institution series demonstrated benefit of VATS lobectomy over lobectomy via thoracotomy in poor pulmonary function patients [FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) or DLCO (diffusion capacity of the lung to carbon monoxide) <60% predicted]. METHODS: The STS General Thoracic Database was queried for patients having undergone lobectomy by either thoracotomy or VATS between 2000 and 2010. Postoperative pulmonary complications included those defined by the STS database. RESULTS: In the STS database, 12,970 patients underwent lobectomy (thoracotomy, n = 8439; VATS, n = 4531) and met inclusion criteria. The overall rate of pulmonary complications was 21.7% (1832/8439) and 17.8% (806/4531) in patients undergoing lobectomy with thoracotomy and VATS, respectively (P < 0.0001). In a multivariable model of pulmonary complications, thoracotomy approach (OR = 1.25, P < 0.001), decreasing FEV1% predicted (OR = 1.01 per unit, P < 0.001) and DLCO% predicted (OR = 1.01 per unit, P < 0.001), and increasing age (1.02 per year, P < 0.001) independently predicted pulmonary complications. When examining pulmonary complications in patients with FEV1 less than 60% predicted, thoracotomy patients have markedly increased pulmonary complications when compared with VATS patients (P = 0.023). No significant difference is noted with FEV1 more than 60% predicted. CONCLUSIONS: Poor pulmonary function predicts respiratory complications regardless of approach. Respiratory complications increase at a significantly greater rate in lobectomy patients with poor pulmonary function after thoracotomy compared with VATS. Planned surgical approach should be considered while determining whether a high-risk patient is an appropriate resection candidate.


Subject(s)
Lung Neoplasms/surgery , Pneumonectomy/methods , Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted , Age Factors , Aged , Databases, Factual , Female , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Logistic Models , Lung Neoplasms/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Societies, Medical , Thoracotomy , Treatment Outcome , United States
5.
Thorac Surg Clin ; 32(1): 103-109, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34801190

ABSTRACT

Diversity fosters innovation, advances the work environment, and enriches patient care. Despite that, only 17%, 5%, and 3% of cardiothoracic (CT) surgeons in academia were women, Hispanic, and Black, respectively. Diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and deliberate initiatives are necessary to eradicate disparities in the CT workforce. Leading organizational changes from the top down is paramount and above all else, changes and improvements should be based on a meritocracy.


Subject(s)
Surgeons , Thoracic Surgery , Thoracic Surgical Procedures , Female , Humans , Workforce
6.
Ann Thorac Surg ; 114(5): 1933-1942, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35339440

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While women comprise nearly half of medical school graduates, they remain underrepresented in cardiothoracic (CT) surgery. To better understand ongoing barriers, we aimed to delineate issues relevant to the CT subspecialities, emphasizing personal life. METHODS: An anonymous Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap; hosted at Indiana University School of Medicine) survey link was emailed to female diplomats of the American Board of Thoracic Surgeons (ABTS). The survey included questions on demographics, professional accolades, practice details, and personal life. Survey responses were compared across subspecialities using χ2 testing. RESULTS: Of 354 female ABTS diplomats, we contacted 309, and 176 (57%) completed the survey. By subspecialty, 42% practice thoracic, 26% adult cardiac, and 10% congenital cardiac; 19% report a mixed practice. The subspecialties differed in length of training (congenital-the longest), practice location (mixed practice-less urban), and academic rank (thoracic-most full professors at 17%), but were largely similar in their personal lives. Among all respondents, 65% are in a committed relationship, but 40% felt that being a CT surgeon negatively impacted their ability to find a partner. Sixty percent have children, but 31% of those with children reported using assisted reproductive technology, surrogacy, or adoption. The number with leadership roles (eg, division chief, committee chair of national organization) did not differ among subspecialities, but was low, ranging from 0 to <30%. CONCLUSIONS: Women remain underrepresented in CT surgery, particularly in the academic rank of full professor and in leadership positions. We advocate for scholarship and mentorship opportunities to encourage women to enter the field, increased female leadership, and policies to enable families.


Subject(s)
Physicians, Women , Thoracic Surgery , Thoracic Surgical Procedures , Adult , Child , Female , Humans , United States , Thoracic Surgery/education , Work-Life Balance
7.
JAMA Netw Open ; 5(7): e2221626, 2022 07 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35797043

ABSTRACT

Importance: Adverse social determinants of health (SDHs) (eg, poverty) are associated with poor oncologic outcomes among patients with lung cancer. However, no studies have evaluated biological correlates of adverse SDHs, operationalized as allostatic load (AL), with mortality due to lung cancer. Objective: To examine the association among AL, SDHs, and mortality among patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study of an observational cohort was performed at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center with data accrued from June 1, 2017, to August 31, 2019. Patients with metastatic (stage IV) NSCLC enrolled at diagnosis into a prospective observational cohort study were included in the present analysis if they had all the biomarkers to calculate an AL score (N = 143). Follow-up was completed on August 31, 2021, and data were analyzed from July 1 to September 30, 2021. Exposures: Social determinants of health. Main Outcomes and Measures: Overall mortality and AL. Results: A total of 143 patients met the study criteria with a median age of 63 (IQR, 55-71) years (89 men [62.2%] and 54 women [37.8%]). In terms of race and ethnicity, 1 patient (0.7%) was Asian, 7 (4.9%) were Black, 117 (81.8%) were White, 17 (11.9%) were of multiple races, and 1 (0.7%) was of other race or ethnicity. The mean (SD) AL was 2.90 (1.37). Elevated AL covaried with lower educational level (r = -0.26; P = .002), male sex (r = 0.19; P = .02), limited mobility (r = 0.19; P = .04), worsening self-care (r = 0.30; P < .001), problems engaging in usual activities (r = 0.21; P = .01), depressive symptoms (r = 0.23; P = .005), and a high number of stressful life events (r = 0.30; P < .001). Multivariable analysis found only increasing difficulty with mobility (r = 0.37 [95% CI, 0.13-0.60]; P = .002) and male sex (r = 0.63 [95% CI, 0.19-1.08]; P = .005) associated with higher AL. On adjusted analysis, elevated AL (hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.16-1.79]; P = .001) and low educational level (hazard ratio, 2.11 [95% CI, 1.03-4.34]; P = .04) were associated with worse overall mortality. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that higher AL was associated with adverse SDHs and worse overall mortality among patients with advanced NSCLC. These results provide a framework for replication and further studies of AL as a biological correlate for SDH and future prognostic marker.


Subject(s)
Allostasis , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Aged , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies
8.
Surgery ; 171(3): 643-649, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35074169

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pulmonary complications are a common cause of postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing hepatectomy. This study aimed to identify risk factors, define severity, and evaluate the impact of postoperative pulmonary complications on postoperative morbidity after hepatectomy. METHOD: We used a prospective database in identifying all hepatectomies from 2013 to 2018. The database was then augmented using extensive review of medical records. The Strasburg system was used in categorizing resections per complexity: major hepatic resection and minor hepatic resection, whereas the Clavien-Dindo system was used in defining postoperative pulmonary complications per severity. Potential confounders were controlled for on multiple regression models. RESULTS: A total of 702 cases were identified: major hepatic resection 413 (60%) and minor hepatic resection 289 (40%). Patients demonstrated comparable characteristics, but the postoperative pulmonary complications group was more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10% vs 5%; P = .02). Severe postoperative pulmonary complications among major hepatectomy was observed in 38 patients (13%). Predictors for severe postoperative pulmonary complications requiring intervention included postoperative liver failure (odds ratio = 2.8; P = .002) and biliary fistula (odds ratio = 3.5; P = .001). In addition, the occurrence of severe postoperative pulmonary complications markedly hindered recovery, increasing length of stay by 4.4-fold and readmission rates by 3-fold (P < .001). On multivariable analysis, postoperative pulmonary complications significantly increase postoperative length of stay (8 vs 5 days; P < .001) and readmission (odds ratio = 3.2; P = .001). Mortality was similar (1% vs 4%; P = .066). CONCLUSION: Postoperative pulmonary complications are a major cause of delayed recovery and worse outcomes after hepatectomy. Further, postoperative liver failure and biliary fistula can predict the occurrence of severe postoperative pulmonary complications among major hepatic resection and the associated need for readmission with these complications.


Subject(s)
Hepatectomy/adverse effects , Liver Diseases/surgery , Lung Diseases/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Female , Hospitalization , Humans , Incidence , Liver Diseases/complications , Liver Diseases/mortality , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index
9.
Ann Thorac Surg ; 113(3): 918-925, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33857495

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Women in Thoracic Surgery (WTS) has previously reported on the status of women in cardiothoracic (CT) surgery. We sought to provide a 10-year update on women in CT surgery. METHODS: An anonymous research electronic data capture survey link was emailed to female diplomats of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Survey questions queried respondents regarding demographics, training, accolades, practice details, and career satisfaction. The survey link was open for 30 days. Results were compared with The Society of Thoracic Surgeons 2019 workforce survey. Descriptive analyses were performed using frequency and proportions. Comparisons were performed using Student's t tests, Fisher's exact tests, and χ2 tests. RESULTS: Of 354 female diplomats, 309 were contacted and 176 (57%) responded. The majority of respondents were aged 36 to 50 years (59%), white (67.4%), and had graduated from traditional-track programs (91.4%). Most respondents reported practicing in an urban (64%) and academic setting (73.1%). 36.4% and 23.9% reported a general thoracic and adult cardiac practice (22.7% mixed practice, 9.6% congenital). Fifty percent of respondents reported salaries between $400,000 and $700,000 annually; 37.7% reported salaries less than 90% of their male colleagues; 21.6% of respondents in academia are full professor; 53.4% reported having a leadership role. Whereas 74.1% would pursue a career in CT surgery again, only 27.3% agreed that CT surgery is a healthy and positive environment for women. CONCLUSIONS: The number of women in CT surgery has steadily increased. Although women are rising in academic rank and into leadership positions, salary disparities and the CT surgery work environment remain important issues in achieving a diverse work force.


Subject(s)
Specialties, Surgical , Surgeons , Thoracic Surgery , Thoracic Surgical Procedures , Adult , Career Choice , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Thoracic Surgery/education , Thoracic Surgical Procedures/education , United States , Workforce
10.
J Thorac Dis ; 13(11): 6353-6362, 2021 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34992815

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Thymomas are relatively uncommon tumors traditionally resected via open sternotomy. Despite the appeal of minimally invasive techniques, concerns persist regarding their oncologic efficacy. We hypothesized that minimally-invasive thymectomies for resectable thymomas are oncologically safe when compared to open thymectomy. METHODS: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients with thymoma undergoing resection as the first mode of treatment between 2010-2015. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics and perioperative outcomes were examined for each approach (robotic, thoracoscopic, or open). The primary endpoints were rates of complete (R0) resection and need for adjuvant radiotherapy. Chi-square and Student's t-test and logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2,312 patients were identified. The utilization of myocardial infarction (MI) surgery increased during the study period (robotic: 7.6% to 19.5%; thoracoscopic: 9.3% to 18.4%, both P<0.0001). Median tumor size was higher and mediastinal invasion was more common in open thymectomies. R0 resection was more common in robotic and adjuvant radiotherapy was less frequent in thoracoscopic thymectomies. In multivariate analysis absence of mediastinal invasion (P<0.0001) was the only prognostic factor for R0 resection. Positive margins, mediastinal invasion (both P<0.0001) and younger age (P<0.01) were the only predictors of the need for adjuvant radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of MI approaches for resectable thymoma has increased from 2010 to 2015. After adjusting for tumor size and mediastinal invasion, minimally-invasive thymectomy was not associated with lower R0 resection rates or increased use of adjuvant radiotherapy. MI thymectomy for resectable thymoma is oncologically equivalent to open thymectomy.

11.
PLoS One ; 16(4): e0250285, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33861796

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Smoke-free ordinances (SFO) have been shown to be effective public health interventions, but there is limited data on the impact SFO on lung cancer outcomes. We explored the effect of county-level SFO strength with smoking prevalence and lung cancer incidence in Indiana. METHODS: We obtained county-level lung cancer incidence from the Indiana State Cancer Registry and county-level characteristics from the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission's policy database between 1995 and 2016. Using generalized estimating equations, we performed multivariable analyses of smoking prevalence and age-adjusted lung cancer rates with respect to the strength of smoke-free ordinances at the county level over time. RESULTS: Of Indiana's 92 counties, 24 had a SFO by 2011. In 2012, Indiana enacted a state-wide SFO enforcing at least moderate level SFO protection. Mean age-adjusted lung cancer incidence per year was 76.8 per 100,000 population and mean smoking prevalence per year was 25% during the study period. Counties with comprehensive or moderate SFO had a smoking prevalence 1.2% (95% CI [-1.88, -0.52]) lower compared with counties with weak or no SFO. Counties that had comprehensive or moderate SFO also had an 8.4 (95% CI [-11.5, -5.3]) decrease in new lung cancer diagnosis per 100,000 population per year compared with counties that had weak or no SFO. CONCLUSION: Counties with stronger smoke-free air ordinances were associated with decreased smoking prevalence and fewer new lung cancer cases per year. Strengthening SFO is paramount to decreasing lung cancer incidence.


Subject(s)
Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology , Smoke-Free Policy , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects , Tobacco Smoking/epidemiology , Aged , Female , Humans , Incidence , Indiana/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence
12.
Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open ; 8(8): e3026, 2020 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32983781

ABSTRACT

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

13.
Ann Thorac Surg ; 109(4): 1283-1288, 2020 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31454525

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fifty-eight percent of women in science, engineering, and medicine report being affected by sexual harassment (SH). This study sought to determine the extent of SH in cardiothoracic surgery. METHODS: The study developed a survey that was based on the Sexual Experience Questionnaire-Workplace, physician wellness, and burnout surveys. The survey was open to responses for 45 days and was disseminated through The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Women in Thoracic Surgery, and Thoracic Surgery Residents Association listservs. A reminder email was issued at 28 days. Student t tests, Fisher exact tests, and χ2 tests were used to compare results. RESULTS: Of 790 respondents, 75% were male and 82% were attending surgeons. A total of 81% of female surgeons vs 46% of male attending surgeons experienced SH (P < .001). SH also was reported by trainees (90% female vs 32% male; P < .001). According to women, the most common offenders were supervising leaders and colleagues; for men, it was ancillary staff and colleagues. Respondents reported SH at all levels of training. A total of 75% of women surgeons vs 51% of men surgeons witnessed a colleague be subjected to SH; 89% of respondents reported the victim as female (male 2%, both 9%; P < .001). A total of 49% of female witnesses (50% of male witnesses) reported no intervention; less than 5% of respondents reported the offender to a governing board. SH was positively associated with burnout. CONCLUSIONS: SH is present in cardiothoracic surgery among faculty and trainees. Although women surgeons are more commonly affected, male surgeons also are subjected to SH. Despite witnessed events, intervention currently is limited. Policies, safeguards, and bystander training should be instituted to decrease these events.


Subject(s)
Education, Medical, Graduate/methods , Internship and Residency , Sexual Harassment/psychology , Surgeons/education , Thoracic Surgery/education , Thoracic Surgical Procedures/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Surgeons/psychology , Thoracic Surgical Procedures/education , Young Adult
14.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg ; 167(2): 777, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37356473
15.
J Thorac Dis ; 11(1): 131-137, 2019 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30863581

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy is the mainstay treatment for early stage and locoregionally advanced esophageal cancer. Anastomotic leaks following esophagectomy are associated with numerous detrimental sequelae. The management of anastomotic leaks has evolved over time. The present study is a single-institution experience of esophageal leak management over an 11-year period, in order to identify when these can be managed nonoperatively. METHODS: All patients undergoing esophagectomy with gastric reconstruction at our institution between 2004 and 2014 were identified. Preoperative patient characteristics and perioperative factors were reviewed. Failure of initial leak treatment was defined as need for escalation of therapy. Length of stay (LOS) and postoperative mortality were the primary outcomes. Follow-up was obtained through institutional medical records and the Social Security Death Index. RESULTS: Sixty-one of 692 (8.8%) patients developed an anastomotic leak. Forty-six patients (75.4%) first underwent observation, which was successful in 35 patients. Predictors of successful observation included higher preoperative albumin (P=0.02), leak diagnosed by esophagram (P=0.004), and contained leaks (P=0.01). Successful observation was associated with shorter LOS (P=0.001). Predictors of mortality included lower preoperative serum albumin (P=0.01) and induction therapy (P=0.03). Thirty and 90-day mortality among patients who developed an anastomotic leak were 9.8% and 16.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of anastomotic leaks were managed successfully with observation alone and did not require additional interventions. We have identified factors that may predict successful therapy with observation in these patients. Further research is warranted to determine more timely interventions for patients likely to fail conservative management.

17.
Surgery ; 164(4): 866-871, 2018 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30119872

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The effect of operative duration on postoperative outcomes of esophagectomy is not well understood. The relationship between operative duration and postoperative complications was explored. METHODS: Esophagectomies with gastric reconstruction performed between 2010 and 2015 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Linear and multivariate regression analyses were used to determine if operative duration correlated with outcomes independent of comorbidities. Subset analysis was performed by the type of esophagectomy. RESULTS: There were 5,098 patients with a median age and operative time of 64 years and 353 minutes, respectively. In the transhiatal group, longer operative times correlated with increased rates of pneumonia, prolonged intubation, unplanned reintubation, septic shock, unplanned reoperation, duration of stay, and mortality. For Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy, there were similar correlations with postoperative complications but not mortality. With the McKeown approach, there were no correlations between operative duration and postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: Prolonged operative time has an independent adverse impact on postoperative morbidity, which varies by surgical approach. We have identified unique cut points in the operative time for transhiatal (333 minutes) and Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (422 minutes), which can be used as a prognostic marker for postoperative outcomes as well as a quality metric in well-selected patients.


Subject(s)
Esophageal Neoplasms/surgery , Esophagectomy/adverse effects , Esophagus/surgery , Operative Time , Stomach/surgery , Aged , Anastomosis, Surgical , Esophagectomy/methods , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Quality Improvement
18.
Clin Case Rep ; 6(5): 955-956, 2018 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29744098

ABSTRACT

Tension gastrothorax is a rare condition, which poses a diagnostic dilemma and can be mistaken for a tension pneumothorax. Awareness of the risk factors, clinical presentation, and radiology findings of tension gastrothorax can help with the prompt identification and successful management of this life-threatening condition.

19.
J Pain Symptom Manage ; 55(5): 1341-1349.e4, 2018 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29366911

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Little research has explored coping skills practice in relation to symptom outcomes in psychosocial interventions for cancer patients and their family caregivers. OBJECTIVES: To examine associations of coping skills practice to symptom change in a telephone symptom management (TSM) intervention delivered concurrently to lung cancer patients and their caregivers. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of a randomized pilot trial. Data were examined from patient-caregiver dyads (n = 51 dyads) that were randomized to the TSM intervention. Guided by social cognitive theory, TSM involved four weekly sessions where dyads were taught coping skills including a mindfulness exercise, guided imagery, pursed lips breathing, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, emotion-focused coping, and assertive communication. Symptoms were assessed, including patients' and caregivers' psychological distress and patients' pain interference, fatigue interference, and distress related to breathlessness. Multiple regression analyses examined associations of coping skills practice during the intervention to symptoms at six weeks after the intervention. RESULTS: For patients, greater practice of assertive communication was associated with less pain interference (ß = -0.45, P = 0.02) and psychological distress (ß = -0.36, P = 0.047); for caregivers, greater practice of guided imagery was associated with less psychological distress (ß = -0.30, P = 0.01). Unexpectedly, for patients, greater practice of a mindfulness exercise was associated with higher pain (ß = 0.47, P = 0.07) and fatigue interference (ß = 0.49, P = 0.04); greater practice of problem solving was associated with higher distress related to breathlessness (ß = 0.56, P = 0.01) and psychological distress (ß = 0.36, P = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that the effectiveness of TSM may have been reduced by competing effects of certain coping skills. Future interventions should consider focusing on assertive communication training for patients and guided imagery for caregivers.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Caregivers/psychology , Lung Neoplasms/psychology , Lung Neoplasms/therapy , Psychotherapy , Telemedicine , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Disease Management , Family/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Palliative Care , Pilot Projects , Psychotherapy/methods , Stress, Psychological , Telephone , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
20.
JTCVS Tech ; 11: 80, 2022 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35169747
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