Serendipity Strikes: How Pursuing Novel Hypotheses Shifted the Paradigm Regarding the Genetic Basis of Colorectal Cancer and Changed Cancer Therapy.

In this installment of the "Paradigm Shifts in Perspective" series, the authors, all scientists who have been involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) research for most or all of their careers, have watched the field develop from early pathological descriptions of tumor formation to the current understanding of tumor pathogenesis that informs personalized therapies. We outline how our understanding of the pathogenetic basis of CRC began with seemingly isolated discoveries-initially with the mutations in RAS and the APC gene, the latter of which was initially found in the context of intestinal polyposis, to the more complex process of multistep carcinogenesis, to the chase for tumor suppressor genes, which led to the unexpected discovery of microsatellite instability (MSI). These discoveries enabled the authors to better understand how the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system not only recognizes DNA damage but also responds to damage by DNA repair or by triggering apoptosis in the injured cell. This work served, in part, to link the earlier findings on the pathogenesis of CRC to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which has been transformative-and curative-for certain types of CRCs and other cancers as well. These discoveries also highlight the circuitous routes that scientific progress takes, which can include thoughtful hypothesis testing and at other times recognizing the importance of seemingly serendipitous observations that substantially change the flow and direction of the discovery process. What has happened over the past 37 years was not predictable when this journey began, but it does speak to the power of careful scientific experimentation, following the facts, perseverance in the face of opposition, and the willingness to think outside of established paradigms.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy and Toupet Fundoplication.

Esophageal achalasia is a primary motility disorder of unknown origin. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the resistance caused by a non-relaxing lower esophageal sphincter, therefore allowing passage of food and liquid from the esophagus into the stomach. A myotomy with a partial fundoplication (anterior Dor or posterior Toupet) is considered the standard of care for patients with achalasia. In the following review, we describe the indications and technique for a posterior partial fundoplication (Toupet).

From Listening to Action: Academic Surgical Departmental Response to Social Injustice Through Curricular Development.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the development and evaluation of a structured department wide cultural competency curriculum. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Despite numerous organizational policies and statements, social injustice and bias still exist. Our department committed to assist individuals of the entire department to develop foundational knowledge and skills to combat implicit bias and systemic racism through the creation of a cultural competency curriculum. The purpose of this manuscript is to detail our curriculum and the evaluation of its effectiveness. METHODS: Using a well-established curriculum development framework, a cultural competency curriculum was developed focusing on knowledge, skills and attitudes at the individual level, for all members of the department. The curriculum was implemented through 6-hour-long sessions over a 9-week period. Effectiveness was assessed through a post curriculum survey. RESULTS: Twenty percent of the respondents had experienced bias based on race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in the past 12 months, whereas 30% had experienced bias based on sex. Seventy-one percent independently explored related topics. The curriculum was overall well received and generally achieved the goals and objectives. CONCLUSION: Using a standard curriculum development framework, an effective department-wide cultural competency curriculum can be developed and implemented.

Psychosocial Determinants of Readmission After Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life and psychosocial determinants of health, such as health literacy and social support, are associated with increased health care utilization and adverse outcomes in medical populations. However, the effect on surgical health care utilization is less understood. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the effect of patient-reported quality of life and psychosocial determinants of health on unplanned hospital readmissions in a surgical population. RESEARCH DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study using patient interviews at the time of hospital discharge from a Veterans Affairs hospital. SUBJECTS: We include Veterans undergoing elective inpatient general, vascular, or thoracic surgery (August 1, 2015-June 30, 2017). MEASURES: We assessed unplanned readmission to any medical facility within 30 days of hospital discharge. RESULTS: A total of 736 patients completed the 30-day postoperative follow-up, and 16.3% experienced readmission. Lower patient-reported physical and mental health, inadequate health literacy, and discharge home with help after surgery or to a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility were associated with an increased incidence of readmission. Classification regression identified the patient-reported Veterans Short Form 12 (SF12) Mental Component Score <31 as the most important psychosocial determinant of readmission after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health concerns, inadequate health literacy, and lower social support after hospital discharge are significant predictors of increased unplanned readmissions after major general, vascular, or thoracic surgery. These elements should be incorporated into routinely collected electronic health record data. Also, discharge plans should accommodate varying levels of health literacy and consider how the patient's mental health and social support needs will affect recovery.

Timing and Cost of Wound Complications After Colorectal Resection.

BACKGROUND: More than 50% of postoperative wound complications occur after discharge. They are the most common postoperative complication and the most common reason for readmission after a surgical procedure. Little is known about the long-term costs of postdischarge wound complications after surgery. OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand the differences in costs and characteristics of wound complications identified after hospital discharge for patients undergoing colorectal surgery in comparison with in-hospital complications. DESIGN: This is an observational cohort study using Veterans Health Administration Surgical Quality Improvement Program data. SETTING: This study was conducted at a Veterans Affairs medical center. SETTING: Patients undergoing colorectal resection between October 1, 2007 and September 30, 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were adjusted costs of care at discharge, 30 days, and 90 days after surgery. RESULTS: Of 20,146 procedures, 11.9% had a wound complication within 30 days of surgery (49.2% index-hospital, 50.8% postdischarge). In comparison with patients with index-hospital complications, patients with postdischarge complications had fewer superficial infections (65.0% vs 72.2%, p < 0.01), more organ/space surgical site infections (14.3% vs 10.1%, p < 0.01), and higher rates of diabetes (29.1% vs 25.0%, p = 0.02), and they were to have had a laparoscopic approach for their surgery (24.7% vs 18.2%, p < 0.01). The average cost including surgery at 30 days was $37,315 (SD = $29,319). Compared with index-hospital wound complications, postdischarge wound complications were $9500 (22%, p < 0.001) less expensive at 30 days and $9736 (15%, p < 0.001) less expensive at 90 days. Patients with an index-hospital wound complication were 40% less likely to require readmission at 30 days, but their readmissions were $12,518 more expensive than readmissions among patients with a newly identified postdischarge wound complication (p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited to patient characteristics and costs accrued only within the Veterans Affairs system. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with postdischarge wound complications have lower 30- and 90-day postoperative costs than those with wound complications identified during their index hospitalization and almost half were managed as an outpatient. TIEMPO Y COSTO DE LAS COMPLICACIONES LA HERIDA DESPUS DE LA RESECCIN COLORRECTAL: ANTECEDENTES:Más del 50% de complicaciones postoperatorias de la herida ocurren después del alta. Es la complicación postoperatoria más común y el motivo más frecuente de reingreso después del procedimiento quirúrgico. Poco se sabe sobre los costos a largo plazo de las complicaciones de la herida después del alta quirúrgica.OBJETIVO:Intentar en comprender las diferencias en los costos y las características de las complicaciones de la herida, identificadas después del alta hospitalaria, en pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal, en comparación con las complicaciones intrahospitalarias.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte observacional utilizando datos del Programa de Mejora de la Calidad Quirúrgica de la Administración de Salud de Veteranos.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Administración de Veteranos.PACIENTES:Pacientes sometidos a resección colorrectal entre el 1/10/2007 y el 30/9/2014.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Costos de atención ajustados al alta, 30 días y 90 días después de la cirugía.RESULTADOS:De 20146 procedimientos, el 11,9% tuvo una complicación de la herida dentro de los 30 días de la cirugía. (49,2% índice hospitalario, 50,8% después del alta). En comparación con los pacientes, del índice de complicaciones hospitalarias, los pacientes con complicaciones posteriores al alta, tuvieron menos infecciones superficiales (65,0% frente a 72,2%, p <0,01), más infecciones de órganos/espacios quirúrgicos (14,3% frente a 10,1%, p <0,01), tasas más altas de diabetes (29,1% versus 25,0%, p = 0,02), y deberían de haber tenido un abordaje laparoscópico para su cirugía (24,7% versus 18,2%, p <0,01). El costo promedio, incluida la cirugía a los 30 días, fue de $ 37,315 (desviación estándar = $ 29,319). En comparación con el índice de complicaciones de las herida hospitalaria, las complicaciones de la herida después del alta fueron $ 9,500 (22%, p <0,001) menor costo a los 30 días y $ 9,736 (15%, p<0,001) y menor costo a los 90 días. Los pacientes con índice de complicación de la herida hospitalaria, tenían un 40% menos de probabilidades de requerir reingreso a los 30 días, pero sus reingresos eran $ 12,518 más costosos que los reingresos entre los pacientes presentando complicación de la herida recién identificada después del alta (p <0,001).LIMITACIONES:Limitado a las características del paciente y los costos acumulados solo dentro del sistema VA.CONCLUSIONES:Pacientes con complicaciones de la herida post alta, tienen menores costos postoperatorios a los 30 y 90 días, que aquellos con complicaciones de la herida identificadas durante su índice de hospitalización y aproximadamente la mitad fueron tratados de forma ambulatoria.

COVID-19 Impact on Surgical Resident Education and Coping.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare systems and surgical residency training programs have been significantly affected by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A shelter-in-place and social distancing mandate went into effect in our county on March 16, 2020, considerably altering clinical and educational operations. Along with the suspension of elective procedures, resident academic curricula transitioned to an entirely virtual platform. We aimed to evaluate the impact of these modifications on surgical training and resident concerns about COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We surveyed residents and fellows from all eight surgical specialties at our institution regarding their COVID-19 experiences from March to May 2020. Residents completed the survey via a secure Qualtrics link. A total of 38 questions addressed demographic information and perspectives regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical training, education, and general coping during the pandemic. RESULTS: Of 256 eligible participants across surgical specialties, 146 completed the survey (57.0%). Junior residents comprised 43.6% (n = 61), compared to seniors 37.1% (n = 52) and fellows 19.3% (n = 27). Most participants, 97.9% (n = 138), anticipated being able to complete their academic year on time, and 75.2% (n = 100) perceived virtual learning to be the same as or better than in-person didactic sessions. Participants were most concerned about their ability to have sufficient knowledge and skills to care for patients with COVID-19, and the possibility of exposure to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Although COVID-19 impacted residents' overall teaching and clinical volume, residency programs may identify novel virtual opportunities to meet their educational and research milestones during these challenging times.

Situating Artificial Intelligence in Surgery: A Focus on Disease Severity.

OBJECTIVES: Artificial intelligence (AI) has numerous applications in surgical quality assurance. We assessed AI accuracy in evaluating the critical view of safety (CVS) and intraoperative events during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We hypothesized that AI accuracy and intraoperative events are associated with disease severity. METHODS: One thousand fifty-one laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos were annotated by AI for disease severity (Parkland Scale), CVS achievement (Strasberg Criteria), and intraoperative events. Surgeons performed focused video review on procedures with ≥1 intraoperative events (n = 335). AI versus surgeon annotation of CVS components and intraoperative events were compared. For all cases (n = 1051), intraoperative-event association with CVS achievement and severity was examined using ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: Using AI annotation, surgeons reviewed 50 videos/hr. CVS was achieved in ≤10% of cases. Hepatocystic triangle and cystic plate visualization was achieved more often in low-severity cases (P < 0.03). AI-surgeon agreement for all CVS components exceeded 75%, with higher agreement in high-severity cases (P < 0.03). Surgeons agreed with 99% of AI-annotated intraoperative events. AI-annotated intraoperative events were associated with both disease severity and number of CVS components not achieved. Intraoperative events occurred more frequently in high-severity versus low-severity cases (0.98 vs 0.40 events/case, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AI annotation allows for efficient video review and is a promising quality assurance tool. Disease severity may limit its use and surgeon oversight is still required, especially in complex cases. Continued refinement may improve AI applicability and allow for automated assessment.

Definitions for Loss of Domain: An International Delphi Consensus of Expert Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: No standardized written or volumetric definition exists for 'loss of domain' (LOD). This limits the utility of LOD as a morphological descriptor and as a predictor of peri- and postoperative outcomes. Consequently, our aim was to establish definitions for LOD via consensus of expert abdominal wall surgeons. METHODS: A Delphi study involving 20 internationally recognized abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) surgeons was performed. Four written and two volumetric definitions of LOD were identified via systematic review. Panelists completed a questionnaire that suggested these definitions as standardized definitions of LOD. Consensus on a preferred term was pre-defined as achieved when selected by ≥80% of panelists. Terms scoring <20% were removed. RESULTS: Voting commenced August 2018 and was completed in January 2019. Written definition: During Round 1, two definitions were removed and seven new definitions were suggested, leaving nine definitions for consideration. For Round 2, panelists were asked to select all appealing definitions. Thereafter, common concepts were identified during analysis, from which the facilitators advanced a new written definition. This received 100% agreement in Round 3. Volumetric definition: Initially, panelists were evenly split, but consensus for the Sabbagh method was achieved. Panelists could not reach consensus regarding a threshold LOD value that would preclude surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Consensus for written and volumetric definitions of LOD was achieved from 20 internationally recognized AWR surgeons. Adoption of these definitions will help standardize the use of LOD for both clinical and academic activities.

Development and validation of a predictive model for American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status.

BACKGROUND: The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) classification system was developed to categorize the fitness of patients before surgery. Increasingly, the ASA-PS has been applied to other uses including justification of inpatient admission. Our objectives were to develop and cross-validate a statistical model for predicting ASA-PS; and 2) assess the concurrent and predictive validity of the model by assessing associations between model-derived ASA-PS, observed ASA-PS, and a diverse set of 30-day outcomes. METHODS: Using the 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Participant Use Data File, we developed and internally cross-validated multinomial regression models to predict ASA-PS using preoperative NSQIP data. Accuracy was assessed with C-Statistics and calibration plots. We assessed both concurrent and predictive validity of model-derived ASA-PS relative to observed ASA-PS and 30-day outcomes. To aid further research and use of the ASA-PS model, we implemented it into an online calculator. RESULTS: Of the 566,797 elective procedures in the final analytic dataset, 8.9% were ASA-PS 1, 48.9% were ASA-PS 2, 39.1% were ASA-PS 3, and 3.2% were ASA-PS 4. The accuracy of the 21-variable model to predict ASA-PS was C = 0.77 +/- 0.0025. The model-derived ASA-PS had stronger association with key indicators of preoperative status including comorbidities and higher BMI (concurrent validity) compared to observed ASA-PS, but less strong associations with postoperative complications (predictive validity). The online ASA-PS calculator may be accessed at https://s-spire-clintools.shinyapps.io/ASA_PS_Estimator/ CONCLUSIONS: Model-derived ASA-PS better tracked key indicators of preoperative status compared to observed ASA-PS. The ability to have an electronically derived measure of ASA-PS can potentially be useful in research, quality measurement, and clinical applications.

Preoperative GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Risk of Postoperative Respiratory Complications.

This cohort study evaluates the risk of postoperative respiratory complications among patients with diabetes undergoing surgery who had vs those who had not a prescription fill for glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists.

Trends and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomy.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is one of the most common pediatric illnesses necessitating surgical intervention. Controversy remains over the optimal surgical approach between laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) and open pyloromyotomy (OP). LP has gained acceptance for management of HPS in an era of expanding minimal access surgical approaches to pediatric conditions. Several studies suggest advantages of LP over OP; however, selection bias and small sample sizes remain a concern. This study compares the outcomes of LP versus OP using propensity score methods. METHODS: The 2013-2015 ACS NSQIP Pediatric PUF was queried for all infants undergoing pyloromyotomy. The trend in the proportion of infants undergoing LP was described and perioperative outcomes between the OP and LP cohorts were compared using propensity score weighted regression models. RESULTS: 4847 infants were identified to have undergone surgical pyloromyotomy. The proportion of LP performed increased significantly from 59% in 2013 to 65.5% in 2015 (p < 0.001). LP was associated with lower overall complications (1.4% vs 2.9%) (ORadj 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.80), surgical site-related complications (1.1% vs 2.1%) (ORadj 0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.84), and post-operative length of stay (1.5 days vs 1.9 days) (ORadj 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.98) without significant differences in related re-operation (0.9% vs 0.9%) (ORadj 1.01, 95% CI 0.52-1.93) or readmissions (1.4% vs 2.1%) (ORadj 0.73, 95% CI 0.46-1.17). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that LP is increasingly utilized for management of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and is associated with shorter length of stay, and lower odds of surgical site-specific and overall complications without differences in related re-operations. This study supports LP as a safe and effective method for management of HPS.

The Fifth Vital Sign: Postoperative Pain Predicts 30-day Readmissions and Subsequent Emergency Department Visits.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that inpatient postoperative pain trajectories are associated with 30-day inpatient readmission and emergency department (ED) visits. BACKGROUND: Surgical readmissions have few known modifiable predictors. Pain experienced by patients may reflect surgical complications and/or inadequate or difficult symptom management. METHODS: National Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement data on inpatient general, vascular, and orthopedic surgery from 2008 to 2014 were merged with laboratory, vital sign, health care utilization, and postoperative complications data. Six distinct postoperative inpatient patient-reported pain trajectories were identified: (1) persistently low, (2) mild, (3) moderate or (4) high trajectories, and (5) mild-to-low or (6) moderate-to-low trajectories based on postoperative pain scores. Regression models estimated the association between pain trajectories and postdischarge utilization while controlling for important patient and clinical variables. RESULTS: Our sample included 211,231 surgeries-45.4% orthopedics, 37.0% general, and 17.6% vascular. Overall, the 30-day unplanned readmission rate was 10.8%, and 30-day ED utilization rate was 14.2%. Patients in the high pain trajectories had the highest rates of postdischarge readmissions and ED visits (14.4% and 16.3%, respectively, P < 0.001). In multivariable models, compared with the persistently low pain trajectory, there was a dose-dependent increase in postdischarge ED visits and readmission for pain-related diagnoses, but not postdischarge complications (χ trend P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pain trajectories identify populations at risk for 30-day readmissions and ED visits, and do not seem to be mediated by postdischarge complications. Addressing pain control expectations before discharge may help reduce surgical readmissions in high pain categories.

Oncologic Procedures Amenable to Fluorescence-guided Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Although fluorescence imaging is being applied to a wide range of cancers, it remains unclear which disease populations will benefit greatest. Therefore, we review the potential of this technology to improve outcomes in surgical oncology with attention to the various surgical procedures while exploring trial endpoints that may be optimal for each tumor type. BACKGROUND: For many tumors, primary treatment is surgical resection with negative margins, which corresponds to improved survival and a reduction in subsequent adjuvant therapies. Despite unfavorable effect on patient outcomes, margin positivity rate has not changed significantly over the years. Thus, patients often experience high rates of re-excision, radical resections, and overtreatment. However, fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) has brought forth new light by allowing detection of subclinical disease not readily visible with the naked eye. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of clinicatrials.gov using search terms "fluorescence," "image-guided surgery," and "near-infrared imaging" to identify trials utilizing FGS for those received on or before May 2016. INCLUSION CRITERIA: fluorescence surgery for tumor debulking, wide local excision, whole-organ resection, and peritoneal metastases. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: fluorescence in situ hybridization, fluorescence imaging for lymph node mapping, nonmalignant lesions, nonsurgical purposes, or image guidance without fluorescence. RESULTS: Initial search produced 844 entries, which was narrowed down to 68 trials. Review of literature and clinical trials identified 3 primary resection methods for utilizing FGS: (1) debulking, (2) wide local excision, and (3) whole organ excision. CONCLUSIONS: The use of FGS as a surgical guide enhancement has the potential to improve survival and quality of life outcomes for patients. And, as the number of clinical trials rise each year, it is apparent that FGS has great potential for a broad range of clinical applications.

Patient and lesion-specific characteristics predict risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among patients with previous percutaneous coronary intervention undergoing noncardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of major adverse cardiovascular outcomes (MACE) among patients with prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who require noncardiac surgery. BACKGROUND: Patients with prior PCI who undergo noncardiac surgery have an increased risk of postoperative MACE, but few studies have examined the association of PCI lesion characteristics with subsequent operative risk. METHODS: Patients were identified using the VA Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking (CART) program. Patients who underwent noncardiac surgery within 2 years after stent placement were linked to VA and non-VA surgical records. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify predictors of postoperative MACE. RESULTS: Among 12,621 patients with a history of prior PCI who underwent subsequent noncardiac surgery, 570 (4.5%) developed postoperative MACE. The median time from stent placement to surgery was 368 days (IQR 181-528). The strongest predictors of postoperative MACE were urgency of the operation, revised cardiac risk index, the indication for the prior PCI, and timing of the surgery after the PCI. Lesion characteristics independently associated with postoperative MACE included PCI to a distal (AOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.11-1.83) or ostial lesion (AOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.11-2.08), and lesion calcification (AOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.61), but stent length and target vessel were not independently associated with outcomes. Placement of a bare metal stent was also an independent predictor of MACE after noncardiac surgery (AOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.06-1.57). CONCLUSIONS: While patient and operative characteristics are the strongest predictors of MACE after noncardiac surgery, specific lesion characteristics including ostial or distal lesion location and calcification are novel risk factors for postoperative MACE. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Racial disparities in length-of-stay persist even with no postoperative complications.

BACKGROUND: To determine the contribution of race to postoperative length-of-stay in elective colorectal surgery without complications. METHODS: The 2012-2013 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Colectomy-Targeted Database was queried for patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery without complications. After stratifying by race, univariate/bivariate comparisons were made. On adjusted comparison, predictors of postoperative length-of-stay were identified along with incident rate ratios and Least Squares Means for predicted length-of-stays. RESULTS: Of 28,480 elective colorectal surgeries, 19,898 patients had no postoperative complications. Patients stratified to white (84%), black (8%), Hispanic (3%), and Asian (3%). Overall mean postoperative length-of-stay was 4.8 d, with black patients having the longest at 5.3 d (P < 0.05). After covariate adjustment, black race increased postoperative length-of-stay by 9%, 7%, and 6% compared to white, Hispanic, and Asian patients, respectively (P < 0.05). No statistical difference existed in postoperative length-of-stay for Hispanic and Asian patients versus white patients. Adjusted postoperative length-of-stay was 5.1 d for black patients compared to 4.7, 4.8, and 4.8 d for white, Hispanic, and Asian patients, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Black patients have significantly longer postoperative length-of-stay after elective colorectal surgery even if no postoperative complications occur. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism(s) for these disparities.

Triple Antithrombotic Therapy and Outcomes in Post-PCI Patients Undergoing Non-cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Triple therapy, or the use of anticoagulants with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), is often used to protect against ischemic events in post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients with indications for anticoagulation, but is associated with increased bleeding. As both ischemic and bleeding risks increase in the perioperative period, the impact of triple therapy may be especially pronounced in patients undergoing surgery. Outcomes in this population are currently unknown. METHODS: We identified patients undergoing non-cardiac surgeries within 2 years of PCI in Veterans Affairs hospitals from 2004 to 2012. We compared perioperative major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE: mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization) and bleeding events (in-hospital bleeding, transfusion) between surgeries in patients prescribed triple therapy and DAPT, adjusting for clinical, demographic, and operative characteristics. RESULTS: Among 7811 surgeries, 391 (5.0 %) occurred in patients receiving triple therapy. 44 (11.3 %) MACCE and 107 (27.4 %) bleeding events occurred with surgeries in triple therapy patients, compared to 366 (4.9 %) MACCE and 980 (13.2 %) bleeding events in DAPT patients. After adjustment, surgery in triple therapy patients was associated with higher rates of MACCE [odds ratio (OR) 1.65, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.16-2.34] or bleeding (OR 1.52, 95 % CI 1.17-1.99) as compared to surgery in DAPT patients. CONCLUSIONS: One in twenty post-PCI patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery were on triple therapy. Surgery in these patients was associated with higher MACCE and bleeding events compared to surgery in patients on DAPT, independent of clinical and operative characteristics. These findings identify a high-risk population for surgery, which may warrant increased surveillance for adverse perioperative events.

A study to reduce readmissions after surgery in the Veterans Health Administration: design and methodology.

BACKGROUND: Hospital readmissions are associated with higher resource utilization and worse patient outcomes. Causes of unplanned readmission to the hospital are multiple with some being better targets for intervention than others. To understand risk factors for surgical readmission and their incremental contribution to current Veterans Health Administration (VA) surgical quality assessment, the study, Improving Surgical Quality: Readmission (ISQ-R), is being conducted to develop a readmission risk prediction tool, explore predisposing and enabling factors, and identify and rank reasons for readmission in terms of salience and mutability. METHODS: Harnessing the rich VA enterprise data, predictive readmission models are being developed in data from patients who underwent surgical procedures within the VA 2007-2012. Prospective assessment of psychosocial determinants of readmission including patient self-efficacy, cognitive, affective and caregiver status are being obtained from a cohort having colorectal, thoracic or vascular procedures at four VA hospitals in 2015-2017. Using these two data sources, ISQ-R will develop readmission categories and validate the readmission risk prediction model. A modified Delphi process will convene surgeons, non-surgeon clinicians and quality improvement nurses to rank proposed readmission categories vis-à-vis potential preventability. DISCUSSION: ISQ-R will identify promising avenues for interventions to facilitate improvements in surgical quality, informing specifications for surgical workflow managers seeking to improve care and reduce cost. ISQ-R will work with Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) to recommend potential new elements VASQIP might collect to monitor surgical complications and readmissions which might be preventable and ultimately improve surgical care.