Integrated spatial multiomics reveals fibroblast fate during tissue repair.

In the skin, tissue injury results in fibrosis in the form of scars composed of dense extracellular matrix deposited by fibroblasts. The therapeutic goal of regenerative wound healing has remained elusive, in part because principles of fibroblast programming and adaptive response to injury remain incompletely understood. Here, we present a multimodal -omics platform for the comprehensive study of cell populations in complex tissue, which has allowed us to characterize the cells involved in wound healing across both time and space. We employ a stented wound model that recapitulates human tissue repair kinetics and multiple Rainbow transgenic lines to precisely track fibroblast fate during the physiologic response to skin injury. Through integrated analysis of single cell chromatin landscapes and gene expression states, coupled with spatial transcriptomic profiling, we are able to impute fibroblast epigenomes with temporospatial resolution. This has allowed us to reveal potential mechanisms controlling fibroblast fate during migration, proliferation, and differentiation following skin injury, and thereby reexamine the canonical phases of wound healing. These findings have broad implications for the study of tissue repair in complex organ systems.

Skin angiography assisted mastectomy in secondary breast angiosarcoma: Complete clinical response after neoadjuvant immunotherapy.

Radiation-induced breast angiosarcoma, or secondary angiosarcoma (SAS), is a rare entity with a high risk of metastatic recurrence. Herein, we describe the use of intraoperative fluorescence-based skin angiography to guide surgical resection following a novel immunotherapy-based regimen for SAS resulting in a complete pathological response.

Patient expectations for recovery after elective surgery: a common-sense model approach.

Patient perceptions of the causes of preoperative symptoms, expected impact of surgery on symptoms and anticipated timeline of recovery are likely to affect the risk of readmission following elective surgical procedures. However, these perceptions have not been studied. A qualitative study was designed to explore these perceptions, using the common-sense model of self-regulation (CSM) as the conceptual framework. CSM is grounded in illness representations, describing how patients make sense of changes in physical well-being (e.g. symptoms) and develop and assess management plans. It also establishes a broader framework for examining patients' a priori expectations and timelines for outcomes based on comparisons to prior experiences and underlying self-prototypes, or "Self as Anchor". A convenience sample of 14 patients aged 56-81 who underwent elective surgery was recruited. Semi-structured interviews informed by the CSM were completed on the day of discharge. Content analysis with deductive coding was used, and emerging themes were fit to components of the CSM, including the five domains of Illness Representations-identity, cause, timeline, control, and consequences. Two additional themes, outlook (toward the health care system, providers and recovery efforts), and motivation (external or internal for recovering), relate to self-prototypes, expectations for outcomes, and search for coherence. Misattribution of symptoms, unrealistic expectations for outcomes (e.g. expecting complete resolution of symptoms unrelated to the surgical procedure) and timelines for recovery (unrealistically short), and the (baseline) "normal healthy self" as distinct from the (temporarily) "sick self" were recurrent themes. Findings suggest that patient perceptions and the actual recovery process may be misaligned. The results underscore the importance of assessing patients' perceptions and expectations, actively engaging patients in their own healthcare, and providing adequate support during the transition to home.

Growth Factor Delivery to a Cartilage-Cartilage Interface Using Platelet-Rich Concentrates on a Hyaluronic Acid Scaffold.

PURPOSE: To determine whether (1) human leukocyte-platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) or (2) leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) delivered on a hyaluronic acid (HA) scaffold at a bovine chondral defect, a simulated cartilage tear interface, in vitro would improve tissue formation based on biomechanical, histologic, and biochemical measures. METHODS: L-PRF and L-PRP were prepared from 3 healthy volunteer donors and delivered in conjunction with HA scaffolds to defects created in full-thickness bovine cartilage plugs harvested from bovine femoral condyle and trochlea. Specimens were cultured in vitro for up to 42 days. Treatment groups included an HA scaffold alone and scaffolds containing L-PRF or L-PRP. Cartilage repair was assessed using biomechanical testing, histology, DNA quantification, and measurement of sulfated glycosaminoglycan and collagen content at 28 and 42 days. RESULTS: L-PRF elicited the greatest degree of defect filling and improvement in other histologic measures. L-PRF-treated specimens also had the greatest cellularity when compared with L-PRP and control at day 28 (560.4 µg vs 191.4 µg vs 124.2 µg, P = .15); at day 48, there remained a difference, although not significant, between L-PRF versus L-PRP (761.1 µg vs 589.3 µg, P = .219) . L-PRF had greater collagen deposition when compared with L-PRP at day 42 (40.1 µg vs 16.3 µg, P < .0001). L-PRF had significantly greater maximum interfacial strength compared with the control at day 42 (10.92 N vs 0.66 N, P = .015) but had no significant difference compared with L-PRP (10.92 N vs 6.58 N, P = .536). L-PRP facilitated a greater amount of sulfated glycosaminoglycan production at day 42 when compared with L-PRF (15.9 µg vs 4.3 µg, P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: Delivery of leukocyte-rich platelet concentrates in conjunction with a HA scaffold may allow for improvements in cartilage healing through different pathways. L-PRF was not superior to L-PRP in its biomechanical strength, suggesting that both treatments may be effective in improving biomechanical strength of healing cartilage through different pathways. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The delivery of platelet-rich concentrates in conjunction HA scaffolds may augment healing cartilaginous injuries.

Homeless Status, Postdischarge Health Care Utilization, and Readmission After Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Homeless Veterans are vulnerable to poor care transitions, yet little research has examined their risk of readmission following inpatient surgery. This study investigates the predictors of surgical readmission among homeless relative to housed Veteran patients. METHODS: Inpatient general, vascular, and orthopedic surgeries occurring in the Veterans Health Administration from 2008 to 2014 were identified. Administrative International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes and Veterans Health Administration clinic stops were used to identify homeless patients. Bivariate analyses examined characteristics and predictors of readmission among homeless patients. Multivariate logistic models were used to estimate the association between homeless experience and housed patients with readmission following surgery. RESULTS: Our study included 232,373 surgeries: 43% orthopedic, 39% general, and 18% vascular with 5068 performed on homeless patients. Homeless individuals were younger (56 vs. 64 y, P<0.01), more likely to have a psychiatric comorbidities (51.3% vs. 19.4%, P<0.01) and less likely to have other medical comorbidities such as hypertension (57.1% vs. 70.8%, P<0.01). Homeless individuals were more likely to be readmitted [odds ratio (OR), 1.43; confidence interval (CI), 1.30-1.56; P<0.001]. Discharge destination other than community (OR, 0.57; CI, 0.44-0.74; P<0.001), recent alcohol abuse (OR, 1.45; CI, 1.15-1.84; P<0.01), and elevated American Society Anesthesiologists classification (OR, 1.86; CI, 1.30-2.68; P<0.01) were significant risk factors associated with readmissions within the homeless cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Readmissions are higher in homeless individuals discharged to the community after surgery. Judicious use of postoperative nursing or residential rehabilitation programs may be effective in reducing readmission and improving care transitions among these vulnerable Veterans. Relative costs and benefits of alternatives to community discharge merit investigation.

The Choice Between Total Hip Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis in Adolescent Patients: A Survey of Orthopedic Surgeons.

For adolescent patients with end-stage hip disease, the choice between total hip arthroplasty (THA) and arthrodesis is complex; the clinical evidence is not definitive, and there are difficult trade-offs between clear short-term benefits from THA and uncertain long-term risks. We surveyed nearly 700 members of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Respondents chose between a recommendation of THA or arthrodesis in four clinical vignettes. A clear majority of surgeons recommended THA in two of the vignettes, however opinion was somewhat divided in one vignette (overweight adolescent) and deeply divided in another (adolescent destined for manual labor job). Across all vignettes, recommendations varied systematically according to surgeons' age and their attitudes regarding tradeoffs between life stages.

Long-Term Results of Suture-Button Suspensionplasty in the Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis: A Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up.

Purpose: Combined trapeziectomy and suture-button suspensionplasty (SBS) is a common and well-established surgical treatment for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis. Although short and mid-term follow-up studies have shown promising outcomes with patients retaining excellent range of motion and strength, long-term data are lacking. The aim of our study was to assess the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent SBS surgery for thumb CMC arthritis, with a minimum follow-up period of 10 years. Methods: We evaluated 17 patients, at least 10 years after undergoing SBS surgery for thumb CMC arthritis. We measured grip and pinch strength, range of motion, and trapezial space height and compared it with the respective values measured on the routine postoperative 3-month follow-up visit. All patients have additionally completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Results: The study included 11 women and 6 men with an average age of 60.3 ± 6.4 years and a mean follow-up of 137.4 ± 11.4 months after surgery. The mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 9 (range: 0-40.9) at the long-term follow-up, compared with 26.2 (range: 4.5-75) recorded 3 months after the surgery. Grip and pinch strengths were 116% and 111% of the 3-month postoperative value, respectively. Radial abduction and palmar abduction were 98% and 94% of the 3-month postoperative value, respectively. Kapandji scores were either equal or higher than the previously documented scores. Average height of the trapezial space was 69% of the previous postoperative measurement. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that patients who underwent SBS surgery for thumb CMC osteoarthritis achieve excellent long-term outcomes by maintaining favorable subjective and objective results, despite some radiographic subsidence over time. These results indicate SBS to be an effective and durable technique for the long-term management of thumb CMC osteoarthritis. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Housing Status Changes Are Associated With Cancer Outcomes Among US Veterans.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in older unhoused adults. We assessed whether being unhoused, gaining housing, or losing housing in the year after cancer diagnosis is associated with poorer survival compared with being continuously housed. We examined all-cause survival in more than 100,000 veterans diagnosed with lung, colorectal, and breast cancer during the period 2011-20. Five percent were unhoused at the time of diagnosis, of whom 21 percent gained housing over the next year; 1 percent of veterans housed at the time of diagnosis lost housing. Continuously unhoused veterans and veterans who lost their housing had poorer survival after lung and colorectal cancer diagnosis compared with those who were continuously housed. There was no survival difference between veterans who gained housing after diagnosis and veterans who were continuously housed. These findings support policies to prevent and end homelessness in people after cancer diagnosis, to improve health outcomes.

State of the art review: The management of chronic vascular disorders in the hand and upper limb.

This review article summarizes the basic principles of vascular anatomy, physiology, diagnostic work-up and treatment for patients with nontraumatic upper extremity vascular disorders. Vascular disorders can be considered vasospastic or occlusive. The most commonly encountered vasospastic condition is Raynaud's Phenomenon secondary to scleroderma. While historically this has been managed medically with vasodilators, more advanced cases can benefit from surgical treatment to improve blood flow and minimize tissue loss, with compelling evidence that earlier surgical intervention can modify disease process and should be considered. Occlusive disease can present as aneurysm or thrombosis and often requires surgical treatment with resection of the occluded segment with or without vascular reconstruction. In advanced atherosclerotic disease or end stage ischemia, arterialization of the venous system can be considered to avoid more proximal amputations.

Radiation-Induced Morphea of the Breast Treated With Wide Local Excision and Abdominal Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Radiation-induced morphea (RIM) associated with breast cancer treatment is a rare and underdiagnosed skin complication of radiotherapy that can lead to severe and painful contractures, resulting in disfigurement, failure of reconstruction, and poor quality of life in patients. The condition may present on a spectrum of local or more generalized forms involving skin over the breast and anterior chest wall. This diagnosis must be differentiated from post-radiation fibrosis, infection, cancer recurrence, inflammatory breast cancer, and other inflammatory conditions as the clinical course and treatment approaches differ. Various noninvasive and topical agents have been used; however, many cases are refractory to treatment. Surgery has been less commonly described in the management of generalized RIM. This report describes a case of RIM in a patient with breast cancer who experienced simultaneous resolution of symptoms as well as successful breast reconstruction using autologous free-tissue transfer.

Reduction of Tendon Fibrosis Using Galectin-3 Inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Fibrosis is a complication of both tendon injuries and repairs. We aim to develop a mouse model to assess tendon fibrosis and to identify an antifibrotic agent capable of overcoming tendon fibrosis. METHODS: Adult C57Bl/6 mice underwent a skin incision to expose the Achilles tendon, followed by 50% tendon injury and abrasion with sandpaper. Sham surgeries were conducted on contralateral hindlimbs. Histology and immunofluorescent staining for fibrotic markers (Col1, α-SMA) were used to confirm that the model induced tendon fibrosis. A second experiment was conducted to further examine the role of α-SMA in adhesion formation using α-SMA.mTmG mice (6-8 weeks old) (n=3) with the same injury model. The control group (tendon injury) was compared to the sham group, using the contralateral limb with skin incision only. A second experiment was conducted to further examine the role of α-SMA in adhesion formation using α-SMA.mTmG mice (6-8 weeks old) (n=3) with the same injury model. The control group (tendon injury) was compared to the sham group, using the contralateral limb with skin incision only. Lastly, α-SMA.mTmG mice were randomized to either condition 1. Tendon injury (control group) or 2. Tendon injury with Galectin-3 inhibitor (Gal3i) treatment at time of injury (treatment group). RESULTS: Histological analyses confirmed tendon thickening and collagen deposition after tendon injury and abrasion compared to control. Immunofluorescence showed higher levels of Col1 and α-SMA protein expression after injury compared to sham (*p<0.05). RT-qPCR also demonstrated increased gene expression of Col1 and α-SMA after injury compared to sham (*p<0.05). Gal3 protein expression also increased after injury and co-localized with α-SMA positive fibroblasts surrounding the fibrotic tendon. Gal3i treatment decreased collagen deposition and scarring observed in the treatment group (*p<0.05). Flow cytometry analysis further showed reduced numbers of profibrotic fibroblasts (CD26+) in the treatment compared to the control group (*p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a reproducible and reliable model to investigate tendon fibrosis. Findings suggest the potential of Gal3i to overcome fibrosis resulting from tendon injuries.

Housing Status, Cancer Care, and Associated Outcomes Among US Veterans.

Importance: Cancer is a leading cause of death among older people experiencing homelessness. However, the association of housing status with cancer outcomes is not well described. Objective: To characterize the diagnosis, treatment, surgical outcomes, and mortality by housing status of patients who receive care from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health system for colorectal, breast, or lung cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study identified all US veterans diagnosed with lung, colorectal, or breast cancer who received VA care between October 1, 2011, and September 30, 2020. Data analysis was performed from February 13 to May 9, 2023. Exposures: Veterans were classified as experiencing homelessness if they had any indicators of homelessness in outpatient visits, clinic reminders, diagnosis codes, or the Homeless Operations Management Evaluation System in the 12 months preceding diagnosis, with no subsequent evidence of stable housing. Main Outcomes and Measures: The major outcomes, by cancer type, were as follows: (1) treatment course (eg, stage at diagnosis, time to treatment initiation), (2) surgical outcomes (eg, length of stay, major complications), (3) overall survival by cancer type, and (4) hazard ratios for overall survival in a model adjusted for age at diagnosis, sex, stage at diagnosis, race, ethnicity, marital status, facility location, and comorbidities. Results: This study included 109 485 veterans, with a mean (SD) age of 68.5 (9.7) years. Men comprised 92% of the cohort. In terms of race and ethnicity, 18% of veterans were Black, 4% were Hispanic, and 79% were White. A total of 68% of participants had lung cancer, 26% had colorectal cancer, and 6% had breast cancer. There were 5356 veterans (5%) experiencing homelessness, and these individuals more commonly presented with stage IV colorectal cancer than veterans with housing (22% vs 19%; P = .02). Patients experiencing homelessness had longer postoperative lengths of stay for all cancer types, but no differences in other treatment or surgical outcomes were observed. These patients also demonstrated higher rates of all-cause mortality 3 months after diagnosis for lung and colorectal cancers, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.1 (95% CI, 1.1-1.2) and 1.3 (95% CI, 1.2-1.4) (both P < .001), respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: In this large retrospective study of US veterans with cancer, homelessness was associated with later stages at diagnosis for colorectal cancer. Differences in lung and colorectal cancer survival between patients with housing and those experiencing homelessness were present but smaller than observed in other settings. These findings suggest that there may be important systems in the VA that could inform policy to improve oncologic outcomes for patients experiencing homelessness.

Partial Tendon Injury at the Tendon-to-Bone Enthesis Activates Skeletal Stem Cells.

The tendon enthesis plays a critical role in facilitating movement and reducing stress within joints. Partial enthesis injuries heal in a mechanically inferior manner and never achieve healthy tissue function. The cells responsible for tendon-to-bone healing remain incompletely characterized and their origin is unknown. Here, we evaluated the putative role of mouse skeletal stem cells (mSSCs) in the enthesis after partial-injury. We found that mSSCs were present at elevated levels within the enthesis following injury and that these cells downregulated TGFß signaling pathway elements at both the RNA and protein levels. Exogenous application of TGFß post-injury led to a reduced mSSC response and impaired healing, whereas treatment with a TGFß inhibitor (SB43154) resulted in a more robust mSSC response. Collectively, these data suggest that mSSCs may augment tendon-to-bone healing by dampening the effects of TGFß signaling within the mSSC niche.

Multiomic analysis reveals conservation of cancer-associated fibroblast phenotypes across species and tissue of origin.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are integral to the solid tumor microenvironment. CAFs were once thought to be a relatively uniform population of matrix-producing cells, but single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed diverse CAF phenotypes. Here, we further probed CAF heterogeneity with a comprehensive multiomics approach. Using paired, same-cell chromatin accessibility and transcriptome analysis, we provided an integrated analysis of CAF subpopulations over a complex spatial transcriptomic and proteomic landscape to identify three superclusters: steady state-like (SSL), mechanoresponsive (MR), and immunomodulatory (IM) CAFs. These superclusters are recapitulated across multiple tissue types and species. Selective disruption of underlying mechanical force or immune checkpoint inhibition therapy results in shifts in CAF subpopulation distributions and affected tumor growth. As such, the balance among CAF superclusters may have considerable translational implications. Collectively, this research expands our understanding of CAF biology, identifying regulatory pathways in CAF differentiation and elucidating therapeutic targets in a species- and tumor-agnostic manner.

The role of gender in non-small cell lung cancer: a narrative review.

The role of gender in the development, treatment and prognosis of thoracic malignancies has been underappreciated and understudied. While most research has been grounded in tobacco-related malignancies, the incidence of non-smoking related lung cancer is on the rise and disproportionately affecting women. Recent research studies have unveiled critical differences between men and women with regard to risk factors, timeliness of diagnosis, incongruent screening practices, molecular and genetic mechanisms, as well as response to treatment and survival. These studies also highlight the increasingly recognized need for targeted therapies that account for variations in the response and complications as a function of gender. Similarly, screening recommendations continue to evolve as the role of gender is starting to be ellucidated. As women have been underrepresented in clinical trials until recently, the data regarding optimal care and outcomes is still lagging behind. Understanding the underlying similarities and differences between men and women is paramount to providing adequate care and prognostication to patients of either gender. This review provides an overview of the critical role that gender plays in the care of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, with an emphasis on the need for increased awareness and further research to continue elucidating these disparities.

Navigating the Infinite Number of Educational Resources: The Development of a Publicly Available Surgical Educational Digital Resource Library.

OBJECTIVE: There has been an explosion of digital resources available for general surgical education and board preparation. This makes it difficult for a new learner, regardless of their training level, to determine which resources best fit their needs. The uncertainty surrounding resource selection due to the large number of options causes stress, anxiety, and inefficiency for surgical learners. Our objective was to develop a digital surgical educational resource library to assist with selection. DESIGN: A needs assessment via multi-center focus groups encompassing all levels of learners from various subspecialties and training levels (medical students, trainees, junior surgeons, and senior surgeons) was performed to determine what information is desired in a surgical resource library. We conducted follow-up interviews and surveys to learn which resources were most commonly used for studying throughout training. SETTING: Multi-institutional RESULTS: The initial needs assessment detailed requests for an expansive array of surgical resources characterized by media type and price. We identified 104 resources that met these criteria. There were 33 resources used by medical students, 37 by residents, 16 used specifically for surgical boards preparation, and 25 by attending surgeons. These resources were composed of textbooks, review books, question banks, audio resources, video resources, and review courses. The prices of the resources ranged from free to greater than 400 dollars. CONCLUSIONS: A digital resource library should be broad and must address needs that change along a learner's career. Changes and improvements are required not only to meet the changing needs of the learners, but also to ensure the library remains current with the ever-growing number of resources. We plan to incorporate reviews of the resources from those surveyed to help visitors of the online library determine which resources may best suit their needs. Development of a digital resource library may assist learners by helping them easily identify what is available and has been peer reviewed allowing them to determine what best meets their educational needs.

Impact of policy-based and institutional interventions on postoperative opioid prescribing practices.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the impact of policy-based and institutional interventions to limit postoperative opioid prescribing. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent laparoscopic/open appendectomies, laparoscopic/open cholecystectomies, and laparoscopic/open inguinal hernia repair during a 6-month interval in 2018 (control), 2019 (post-policy intervention), and 2020 (post-institutional intervention) to assess changes in postoperative opioid prescribing patterns. A survey was collected for the 2020 cohort. RESULTS: Comparing the 762 patients identified in 2018, 2019, and 2020 cohorts there was a significant decrease in mean opioid tabs prescribed (23.5 ± 8.9 vs. 16.2 ± 7.0 vs. 12.8 ± 4.9, p < 0.01) and mean OME dosage (148.0 ± 68.0 vs. 108.6 ± 51.8 vs. 95.4 ± 38.0, p < 0.01), without a difference in refill requests. Patient survey (response rate 63%) indicated 91.4% of patients reported sufficient pain control. CONCLUSION: Formalized opioid-prescribing guidelines and statewide regulations can significantly decrease postoperative opioid prescribing with good patient satisfaction. Surgeon education may facilitate efforts to minimize narcotic over-prescription without compromising pain management.

Proceed with Caution: Mouse Deep Digit Flexor Tendon Injury Model.

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using mouse models for translational study of flexor tendon repair and reconstruction. METHODS: Quantitative data detailing the gross anatomy, biomechanical characteristics, and microscopic structure of the deep digit flexor tendon (DDF) of the mouse hindpaw were obtained. Histological characterization of the DDF and the anatomy of the digit in the mouse hindpaw are detailed. Biomechanical testing determined the load-to-failure, stress, elastic modulus, and the site of tendon failure. RESULTS: In gross anatomy, the origins and insertions of the mouse deep digit flexor tendon are similar to those of the human digit, surrounded by a synovial sheath that is only 1- to 2-cells thick. A neurovascular network runs on each side of the digit outside the synovial sheath, but does not clearly penetrate it. The thickness of the DDF is 0.14 ± 0.03 mm and the width is 0.3 ± 0.03 mm. The thickness of the DDF is less than that of 9-0 nylon needle. The mean failure force of the deep flexor tendon was 2.79 ± 0.53N. CONCLUSIONS: The gross anatomy of the mouse hindpaw digit is similar to that of the human digit except for key differences seen in the synovial sheath and vascular supply. The dimensions of the mouse DDF make it challenging to create a clinically translatable repair model using currently available surgical techniques. Despite the similarities between the human and mouse anatomy, and the powerful basic science tools available in murine models, mice are an unreliable model for assessing flexor tendon injury and repair.

Impact of COVID-19 on presentation, management, and outcomes of acute care surgery for gallbladder disease and acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly disrupted both elective and acute medical care. Data from the early months suggest that acute care patient populations deferred presenting to the emergency department (ED), portending more severe disease at the time of presentation. Additionally, care for this patient population trended towards initial non-operative management. AIM: To examine the presentation, management, and outcomes of patients who developed gallbladder disease or appendicitis during the pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, symptomatic cholelithiasis, or appendicitis in two EDs affiliated with a single tertiary academic medical center in Northern California between March and June, 2020 and in the same months of 2019. Patients were selected through a research repository using international classification of diseases (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 codes. Across both years, 313 patients were identified with either type of gallbladder disease, while 361 patients were identified with acute appendicitis. The primary outcome was overall incidence of disease. Secondary outcomes included presentation, management, complications, and 30-d re-presentation rates. Relationships between different variables were explored using Pearson's r correlation coefficient. Variables were compared using the Welch's t-Test, Chi-squared tests, and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. RESULTS: Patients with gallbladder disease and appendicitis both had more severe presentations in 2020. With respect to gallbladder disease, more patients in the COVID-19 cohort presented with acute cholecystitis compared to the control cohort [50% (80) vs 35% (53); P = 0.01]. Patients also presented with more severe cholecystitis in 2020 as indicated by higher mean Tokyo Criteria Scores [mean (SD) 1.39 (0.56) vs 1.16 (0.44); P = 0.02]. With respect to appendicitis, more patients were diagnosed with a perforated appendix at presentation in 2020 [20% (36) vs 16% (29); P = 0.02] and a greater percentage were classified as emergent cases using the emergency severity index [63% (112) vs 13% (23); P < 0.001]. While a greater percentage of patients were admitted to the hospital for gallbladder disease in 2020 [65% (104) vs 50% (76); P = 0.02], no significant differences were observed in hospital admissions for patients with appendicitis. No significant differences were observed in length of hospital stay or operative rate for either group. However, for patients with appendicitis, 30-d re-presentation rates were significantly higher in 2020 [13% (23) vs 4% (8); P = 0.01]. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients presented with more severe gallbladder disease and appendicitis. These findings suggest that the pandemic has affected patients with acute surgical conditions.