Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Operative Experience Among General Surgery Residents: A Multi-Institutional Study from the US ROPE Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between race/ethnicity and case volume among graduating surgical residents. BACKGROUND: Racial/ethnic minority individuals face barriers to entry and advancement in surgery; however, no large-scale investigations of the operative experience of racial/ethnic minority residents have been performed. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective analysis of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs of categorical general surgery residents at 20 programs in the US Resident OPerative Experience Consortium database was performed. All residents graduating between 2010 and 2020 were included. The total, surgeon chief, surgeon junior, and teaching assistant case volumes were compared between racial/ethnic groups. RESULTS: The cohort included 1343 residents. There were 211 (15.7%) Asian, 65 (4.8%) Black, 73 (5.4%) Hispanic, 71 (5.3%) "Other" (Native American or Multiple Race), and 923 (68.7%) White residents. On adjusted analysis, Black residents performed 76 fewer total cases (95% CI, -109 to -43, P <0.001) and 69 fewer surgeon junior cases (-98 to -40, P <0.001) than White residents. Comparing adjusted total case volume by graduation year, both Black residents and White residents performed more cases over time; however, there was no difference in the rates of annual increase (10 versus 12 cases per year increase, respectively, P =0.769). Thus, differences in total case volume persisted over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: In this multi-institutional study, Black residents graduated with lower case volume than non-minority residents throughout the previous decade. Reduced operative learning opportunities may negatively impact professional advancement. Systemic interventions are needed to promote equitable operative experience and positive culture change.

Disparities in the Operative Experience Between Female and Male General Surgery Residents: A Multi-institutional Study From the US ROPE Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in resident operative experience between male and female general surgery residents. BACKGROUND: Despite increasing female representation in surgery, sex and gender disparities in residency experience continue to exist. The operative volume of male and female general surgery residents has not been compared on a multi-institutional level. METHODS: Demographic characteristics and case logs were obtained for categorical general surgery graduates between 2010 and 2020 from the US Resident OPerative Experience Consortium database. Univariable, multivariable, and linear regression analyses were performed to compare differences in operative experience between male and female residents. RESULTS: There were 1343 graduates from 20 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited programs, and 476 (35%) were females. There were no differences in age, race/ethnicity, or proportion pursuing fellowship between groups. Female graduates were less likely to be high-volume residents (27% vs 36%, P < 0.01). On univariable analysis, female graduates performed fewer total cases than male graduates (1140 vs 1177, P < 0.01), largely due to a diminished surgeon junior experience (829 vs 863, P < 0.01). On adjusted multivariable analysis, female sex was negatively associated with being a high-volume resident (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.98, P = 0.03). Over the 11-year study period, the annual total number of cases increased significantly for both groups, but female graduates (+16 cases/year) outpaced male graduates (+13 cases/year, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Female general surgery graduates performed significantly fewer cases than male graduates. Reassuringly, this gap in operative experience may be narrowing. Further interventions are warranted to promote equitable training opportunities that support and engage female residents.

The Presence of Implicit Gender Bias in Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Letters of Recommendation.

BACKGROUND: Selection for colorectal surgery residency relies on letters of recommendation for assessment of candidates' strengths and weaknesses. It is unclear whether this process incorporates implicit gender bias. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the presence of gender bias in letters of recommendation for colorectal surgery residency. DESIGN: Mixed methods assessment of the characteristics described within the blinded letters of the 2019 application cycle to a single academic residency. SETTINGS: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Blinded letters from the 2019 colorectal surgery residency application cycle. INTERVENTIONS: Characteristics of the letters were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Association of gender with the presence of descriptors within the letters. RESULTS: A total of 111 applicants, 409 letter writers, and 658 letters were analyzed. Forty-three percent of applicants were female. Female and male applicants had an equal mean number of positive (5.4 vs 5.8; p = 0.10) and negative (0.5 vs 0.4; p = 0.07) attributes represented. Female applicants were more likely to be described as having poor academic skills (6.0 vs 3.4%; p = 0.04) and possessing negative leadership qualities (5.2% vs 1.4%; p < 0.01) than male applicants. Male applicants were more likely to be described as kind (36.6% vs 28.3%; p = 0.03), curious (16.4% vs 9.2%; p = 0.01), possessing positive academic skills (33.7% vs 20.0%; p < 0.01), and possessing positive teaching skills (23.5% vs 17.0%; p = 0.04). LIMITATIONS: This study analyzed a single year of applications to an academic center and may not be generalizable. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in the qualities used to describe female versus male applicants in colorectal surgery residency application letters of recommendation. Female applicants were more often described in negative academic terms and possessing negative leadership qualities. Males were more likely to be described as kind, curious, academically impressive, and possessing good teaching skills. The field may benefit from educational initiatives to reduce implicit gender bias in letters of recommendation. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C191 . LA PRESENCIA DE SESGO DE GNERO IMPLCITO EN LAS CARTAS DE RECOMENDACIN DE RESIDENCIA EN CIRUGA DE COLON Y RECTO: ANTECEDENTES:La selección para la residencia en cirugía colorrectal se basa en cartas de recomendación para la evaluación subjetiva de las fortalezas y debilidades de los candidatos. No está claro si este proceso incorpora un sesgo de género implícito.OBJETIVO:Evaluar la presencia de sesgo de género en las cartas de recomendación para la residencia en cirugía colorrectal.DISEÑO:Evaluación de métodos mixtos de las características descritas dentro de las cartas selladas del ciclo de solicitud de 2019 a una sola residencia académica.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Centro médico académico.PACIENTES:Cartas selladas del ciclo de solicitud de residencia en cirugía colorrectal de 2019.INTERVENCIONES:Las características de las cartas se determinaron utilizando medidas cualitativas y cuantitativas.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Asociación del género con la presencia de descriptores dentro de las cartas.RESULTADOS:Hubo 111 solicitantes, 409 escritores de cartas y se analizaron 658 cartas. El 43% de los solicitantes eran mujeres. Los solicitantes masculinos y femeninos tenían el mismo promedio de atributos positivos (5,4 frente a 5,8; p = 0,10) y negativos (0,5 frente a 0,4; p = 0,07) representados. Las solicitantes femeninas tenían más probabilidades de ser descritas como con deficientes habilidades académicas (6,0 frente a 3,4%, p = 0,04) y poseían cualidades de liderazgo negativas (5,2% frente a 1,4%; p < 0,01) en comparacion con los solicitantes masculinos. Los solicitantes masculinos tenían más probabilidades de ser descritos como amables (36,6 % frente a 28,3%; p = 0,03), curiosos (16,4% frente a 9,2%; p = 0,01), que poseían habilidades académicas positivas (33,7 % frente a 20,0%; p < 0,01), y habilidades docentes positivas (23,5% vs 17,0%; p = 0,04).LIMITACIONES:Este estudio analizó un solo año de solicitudes a un centro académico y puede no ser generalizable.CONCLUSIÓN:Existen diferencias en las cualidades utilizadas para describir a los solicitantes femeninos versus masculinos en las cartas de recomendación de solicitud de residencia en cirugía colorrectal. Las candidatas femeninas se describieron con mayor frecuencia en términos académicos negativos y poseían cualidades de liderazgo negativas. Los hombres eran más propensos a ser descritos como amables, curiosos, académicamente impresionantes y con buenas habilidades docentes. El campo puede beneficiarse de iniciativas educativas para reducir el sesgo de género implícito en las cartas de recomendación. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C191 . (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Discharge Prescribing Protocol Decreases Opioids in Circulation and Does Not Increase Refills After Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Up to 10% of patients develop new, persistent opioid use after surgery. We aimed to assess our prescribing practices and patient utilization of opioids after colorectal surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to implement an opioid-prescribing protocol that will minimize the number of postoperative opioids to decrease community circulation and persistent use by patients. DESIGN: This was a single-institution, prospective study based on questionnaires of postoperative patients in 2019 and 2020 to determine opioid prescribing and usage patterns. Based on these preliminary results, a protocol was implemented in which patients were discharged with 5 or 15 oxycodone 5 mg equivalents based on opioid usage in the 24 hours before discharge. Patients were surveyed after protocol implementation. SETTINGS: Our institution is a large referral center for surgical treatment of colorectal disease. PATIENTS: Adults who underwent inpatient abdominal colorectal procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: End points included the number of opioids prescribed, number of prescribed opioids taken, and refill rate. Nonparametric testing was used. RESULTS: Of 77 eligible patients, 61 were opioid naive. Preprotocol, opioid-naive patients (n = 29) were prescribed a median of 30 (interquartile range [IQR], 30-45) tablets but took only 10 (IQR, 0-10; p < 0.0001). Eighty-three percent took 20 or fewer tablets. After protocol implementation, opioid-naive patients (n = 32) were prescribed fewer tablets (median 15; IQR, 7-15; p < 0.0001) but took a similar number of tablets as the preprotocol group (median 10; IQR, 0-10; p = 0.21). The refill rate remained similar (13.8% vs 18.8%; p = 0.60). Protocol adherence was 90.6%. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by sample size, cohort heterogeneity, and generalizability. CONCLUSIONS: Patients took significantly fewer opioids than were prescribed. Our protocol limited overprescribing and resulted in fewer opioids in the community without opportunity costs such as increased refills. Long-term studies are needed to assess the effects of persistent opioid use after surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C93 .

ANTECEDENTES: Hasta el 10% de los pacientes desarrollan un nuevo uso persistente de opioides después de la cirugía. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar nuestras prácticas de prescripción y la utilización de opioides por parte de los pacientes después de la cirugía colorrectal. OBJETIVO: Nuestro objetivo es implementar un protocolo de prescripción de opioides que minimice la cantidad de opioides posoperatorios para disminuir la circulación en la comunidad y el uso persistente por parte de los pacientes. DISEÑO: Estudio prospectivo, de una sola institución, basado en cuestionarios de pacientes postoperatorios en 2019 y 2020 para determinar los patrones de prescripción y uso de opioides. Con base en estos resultados preliminares, se implementó un protocolo en el que los pacientes eran dados de alta con 5 o 15 equivalentes de oxicodona de 5 mg según el uso de opioides en las 24 horas previas al alta. Los pacientes fueron encuestados después de la implementación del protocolo. AJUSTES: Nuestra institución es un gran centro de referencia para el tratamiento quirúrgico de la enfermedad colorrectal. PACIENTES: Adultos que se sometieron a procedimientos colorrectales abdominales con hospitalización. PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: Los criterios de valoración incluyeron el número de opioides recetados, el número de opioides recetados tomados y la tasa de reabastecimiento. Se utilizaron pruebas no paramétricas. RESULTADOS: De 77 pacientes elegibles, 61 no habian recibido opioides. A los pacientes sin tratamiento previo con opioides antes del protocolo (n = 29) se les prescribió una mediana de 30 (rango intercuartilico [RIC] 30­45) comprimidos, pero solo tomaron 10 (RIC 0.10, p < 0,0001). El ochenta y tres por ciento tomo ≤20 comprimidos. Despues de la implementacion del protocolo, a los pacientes sin tratamiento previo con opioides (n = 32) se les prescribieron menos comprimidos (15; RIC 7.15, p < 0,0001), pero tomaron un numero similar antes de la intervención (10; RIC 0­10, p = 0,21). La tasa de reabastecimiento se mantuvo similar (13,8% frente a 18,8%, p = 0,60). La adherencia al protocolo fue del 90,6%. LIMITACIONES: Este estudio está limitado por el tamaño de la muestra, la heterogeneidad de la cohorte y la generalización. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes tomaron significativamente menos opioides de los prescritos. Nuestro protocolo limitó la prescripción excesiva y dio como resultados menos opioides en la comunidad sin costos de oportunidad, como el aumento de reabastecimiento. Se necesitan estudios a largo plazo para evaluar los efectos sobre el uso persistente de opioides después de la cirugía. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C93 . (Traducción­Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon).

A Growing Divide? Social Determinants of the Use of Nonoperative Management of Rectal Cancer and Its Impact on Survival.

INTRODUCTION: Nonoperative management (NOM) of locally advanced rectal cancer was described as early as 2004. Initial national data demonstrated increase in utilization of NOM from 1998 to 2010, but newer national utilization data are not available. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the National Cancer Database to assess utilization and 5-y overall survival (OS) of NOM of locally advanced rectal cancer. All patients had American Joint Committee on Cancer stage 2 or 3 rectal cancer, were over 40 y old, received both chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and were not being treated with palliative intent. RESULTS: 74,780 patients were analyzed. 64,540 (86.2%) underwent a definitive resection, 10,330 (13.8%) had NOM. Utilization of NOM steadily increased from 11.3% in 2010 to 18.6% in 2018. Multivariate regression identified the highest predictors of utilization of NOM to be uninsured status, government insurance, Black race, and treatment at a community cancer center. Multivariate regression identified NOM as the highest hazard for mortality (hazard ratio = 2.286, confidence interval 2.209-2.366). After propensity score matching, the mean estimated 5-y OS was 52.0% for those managed operatively compared to 39.8% for those managed nonoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: From 2004 to 2018, the utilization of NOM of locally advanced rectal cancer significantly increased. However, there was a significant discrepancy in OS in comparison to surgical resection for these patients. Further study is needed to determine the long-term oncologic safety of NOM.

Management of Early-Stage Rectal Cancer.

CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old man underwent screening colonoscopy that identified a 2-cm rectal polyp in the posterior midline, 7 cm from the anal verge. Biopsy revealed a tubular adenoma with high-grade dysplasia. The patient underwent a robotic-assisted transanal minimally invasive surgery with full-thickness excision (Fig. 1). Final pathology confirmed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma extending into the submucosa (sm2). There was no lymphovascular or perineural invasion, and the radial margin was 5 mm.

Travel Time to a High Volume Center Negatively Impacts Timing of Care in Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Regionalization of rectal cancer surgery may lead to worse disease free survival owing to longer travel time to reach a high volume center yet no study has evaluated this relationship at a single high volume center volume center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of rectal cancer patients undergoing surgery from 2009 to 2019 at a single high volume center. Patients were divided into two groups based on travel time. The primary outcome was disease-free survival (DFS). Additional outcomes included treatment within 60 d of diagnosis, completeness of preoperative staging, and evaluation by a colorectal surgeon prior to initiation of treatment. RESULTS: A lower proportion of patients with long travel time began definitive treatment within 60 d of diagnosis (74.0% versus 84.0%, P= 0.01) or were seen by the treating colorectal surgeon before beginning definitive treatment (74.8% versus 85.4%, P < 0.01). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients with long travel time were significantly less likely to begin definitive treatment within 60 d of diagnosis (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.31-0.93) or to be evaluated by a colorectal surgeon prior to initiating treatment (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.25-0.80). There were no significant differences in DFS based on travel time. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with long travel times may be vulnerable to delayed, lower quality rectal cancer care, there is no difference in DFS when definitive surgery is performed at a high volume canter. Ongoing research is needed to identify explanations for delays in treatment to ensure all patients receive the highest quality care.

Barriers to Regionalized Surgical Care: Public Perspective Survey and Geospatial Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe public willingness to participate in regionalized surgical care for cancer. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Improved outcomes at high-volume centers following complex surgery have driven a push to regionalize surgical care. Patient attitudes toward regionalization are not well described. METHODS: As part of the Cornell National Social Survey, a cross-sectional telephone survey was performed. Participants were asked about their willingness to seek regionalized care in a hypothetical scenario requiring surgery. Their responses were compared with demographic characteristics. A geospatial analysis of hospital proximity was performed, as well as a qualitative analysis of barriers to regionalization. RESULTS: Cooperation rate was 48.1% with 1000 total respondents. They were an average of 50 years old (range 18 to 100 years) and 48.9% female. About 49.6% were unwilling to travel 5 hours or more to seek regionalized care for improved survival. Age >70 years [odds ratio (OR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.19-0.60] and perceived distance to a center >30 minutes (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41-0.86) were associated with decreased willingness to seek regionalized care, while high income (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.39-3.16) was associated with increased willingness. Proximity to a major center was not associated with willingness to travel (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.67-1.22). Major perceived barriers to regionalization were transportation, life disruption, social support, socioeconomic resources, poor health, and remoteness. CONCLUSION: Americans are divided on whether the potential for improved survival with regionalization is worth the additional travel effort. Older age and lower income are associated with reduced willingness to seek regionalized care. Multiple barriers to regionalization exist, including a lack of knowledge of the location major centers.

Higher Surgical Morbidity for Ulcerative Colitis Patients in the Era of Biologics.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in surgical approach and postoperative outcomes for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) before and after the introduction of biologic therapy. BACKGROUND: Biologic use has dramatically increased since Food and Drug Administration approval of infliximab. Studies conflict as to the effect of these agents on surgical outcomes with some demonstrating worse surgical outcomes whereas others have found no difference. METHODS: We used an administrative, all-payer, all-age group database located in New York State. Patients were included if they had a diagnosis of UC and underwent surgery for their disease from 1995 to 2013. Outcomes were compared for the index admission, at 90-day, and 1-year follow up. RESULTS: A total of 7070 patients were included for analysis; 54% patients underwent surgery between 1995 and 2005 and the remaining 46% patients underwent surgery between 2005 and 2013. There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients who underwent at least 3 procedures after 2005(14% vs 9%, P < 0.01). On adjusted analysis, patients undergoing surgery after 2005 had higher likelihood of major events (odd s ratio, OR = 1.42; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.13-1.78), procedural complications (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.20-1.68), and nonroutine discharge (OR = 3.17; 95% CI = 2.79-3.60) during the index admission. Similar trends for worse adjusted outcomes in patients initially undergoing surgery after 2005 were seen at 90-day and 1-year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Since the introduction of biologic agents in 2005, surgery for patients with UC is more likely to require multiple procedures. Despite robust adjustments, patients having surgery recently have worse postoperative morbidity during the index hospitalization, at 90-day and 1-year follow up. More work is necessary to improve outcomes in these higher risk patients that undergo surgery.

Sources of distress among patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Distress is common among cancer and surgical patients and can lead to worse outcomes if untreated. The objective of this study was to explore sources of distress among colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a qualitative study using in-depth, semistructured, one-on-one interviews in an academic setting. Patients were recruited if they had a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer. Purposive sampling was used to recruit patients who were about to undergo (preoperative), or had recently undergone (postoperative), curative resection for colorectal cancer. RESULTS: All participants (n = 24) reported experiencing distress during treatment. Participants identified sources of distress preoperatively (negative emotional reaction to diagnosis, distress from preconception of cancer diagnosis, and distress interacting with healthcare system). Sources of distress during in-hospital recovery included negative emotional reaction to having a surgery and negative emotions experienced in the hospital. Postoperative sources of distress included mismatch of expectations and experience of recovery, dealing with distressing physical symptoms and complications after surgery, and distress worrying about recurrence. Participants identified other sources of distress that were not time-specific (distress related to social support network, from disruption of life, and worrying about death). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight a potential role for a comprehensive screening program to identify which patients require assistance with addressing sources of distress during the surgical experience. Understanding how sources of distress may vary by time will help us tailor interventions at different time points of the surgical experience.

Impact of Medical School Experience on Attrition From General Surgery Residency.

BACKGROUND: Medical school experience informs the decision to pursue graduate surgical education. However, it is possible that inadequate preparation in medical school is responsible for the high rate of attrition seen in general surgery residency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a national prospective cohort study of all categorical general surgery interns who entered training in the 2007-2008 academic year. Interns answered questions about their medical school experience and reasons for pursuing general surgery residency. Responses were linked with American Board of Surgery residency completion data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between medical school experiences and residency attrition. RESULTS: Seven hundred and ninety-two surgery interns participated, and the overall attrition rate was 19.3%. Most interns had performed ≤8 wk of third year surgery clerkships (53.2% of those who completed versus 49.7% of those who dropped out, P = 0.08). After multivariable adjustment, shorter duration of third year rotations was protective from attrition (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29-0.99; P = 0.05). There was no difference in attrition based on whether a surgical subinternship was performed (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.38-1.19; P = 0.18). Residents who perceived that their medical school surgical faculty were happy with their careers were less likely to experience attrition (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.96; P = 0.03), but those who had gotten along well with attending surgeons had higher odds of attrition (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.34-6.39, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increased quality, rather than quantity, of clerkships is associated with improved rates of residency completion. Learner relationships with positive yet demanding role models were associated with a reduced risk of attrition.

Surgeon Annual and Cumulative Volumes Predict Early Postoperative Outcomes after Rectal Cancer Resection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if 5-year surgeon cumulative and annual volumes predict improved early postoperative outcomes in patients with rectal cancer. BACKGROUND: Operative experience has been shown to effect surgical outcomes. The differential role of cumulative versus annual volume has not yet been explored for rectal surgery. METHODS: The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was used to capture patients undergoing surgery in New York State from 2000 to 2013. A population-based sample of patients undergoing major rectal or rectosigmoid resection as their principal procedure during hospitalization between 2000 and 2013 were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes. Surgeons were identified using a unique physician number from 1995 to 2013. RESULTS: The percentage of surgeries performed by high cumulative/high annual (HC/HA) surgeons increased from 38.3% to 58.4% (P < 0.01) with a simultaneous decrease in that performed by low cumulative/low annual (LC/LA) surgeons (52.5% to 29.8%, P < 0.01). HC/HA volume surgeons had a significantly lower rate of surgical complications (odd ratio = 0.71, 95% confidence interval = 0.60-0.83, P < 0.05) as compared with LC/LA volume surgeons. There was no significant difference in rates of anastomotic leak, nonroutine discharges or readmission among all four groups. CONCLUSIONS: The best early postoperative surgical outcomes are achieved in centers where there are high cumulative and high annual volume surgeons caring for these patients. This suggests the need for specialized designation of rectal cancer centers to support ongoing regionalization of care.

Who Makes It to the End?: A Novel Predictive Model for Identifying Surgical Residents at Risk for Attrition.

OBJECTIVE: We present 8-year follow-up data from the intern class of 2007 to 2008 using a novel, nonparametric predictive model to identify those residents who are at greatest risk of not completing their training. BACKGROUND: Nearly 1 in every 4 categorical general surgery residents does not complete training. There has been no study at a national level to identify individual resident and programmatic factors that can be used to accurately anticipate which residents are most at risk of attrition out. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of categorical general surgery interns was conducted between June and August 2007. Intern data including demographics, attendance at US or Canadian medical school, proximity of family members, and presence of family members in medicine were de-identified and linked with American Board of Surgery data to determine residency completion and program characteristics. A Classification and Regression Tree analysis was performed to identify groups at greatest risk for non-completion. RESULTS: Of 1048 interns, 870 completed the initial survey (response rate 83%), 836 of which had linkage data (96%). Also, 672 residents had evidence of completion of residency (noncompletion rate 20%). On Classification and Regression Tree analysis, sex was the independent factor most strongly associated with attrition. The lowest noncompletion rate for men was among interns at small community programs who were White, non-Hispanic, and married (6%). The lowest noncompletion rate for women was among interns training at smaller academic programs (11%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first longitudinal cohort study to identify factors at the start of training that put residents at risk for not completing training. Data from this study offer a method to identify interns at higher risk for attrition at the start of training, and next steps would be to create and test interventions in a directed fashion.

Evaluation of Trends in the Use of InterStim for Fecal Incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Fecal incontinence (FI) represents a large source of morbidity and is a challenging clinical problem to manage. InterStim was approved to treat FI in 2011. Little is known about its adoption. We sought to characterize patterns of use of Interstim since Food and Drug Administration approval for FI. METHODS: The New York State SPARCS database was used to evaluate InterStim use for FI from 2011 to 2014. The primary endpoint was the number of successful implantations of InterStim. Secondary endpoints included device removal, median time to removal of device, 90-day infection rates, and percentage of procedures performed by surgeon specialty and geographic location. RESULTS: A total of 369 patients with FI underwent "Stage 1" of InterStim from 2011 to 2014. A total of 302 patients underwent "Stage 2," yielding a trial period failure rate of 18.2%. The majority of patients who underwent successful implantation were female (87.7%) and White (78.8%). Twenty-nine patients underwent device removal after a median duration of 147 days. Estimated risk of removal at median follow-up of 2 years was 11.8%. Colorectal surgeons comprised 51.1% of all providers followed by gynecologic (24.4%) and urologic surgeons (17.8%). A total of 71.7% of providers performed <5 procedures, while 3 of the highest volume providers performed 50.7% of all procedures. CONCLUSIONS: InterStim for FI has been used by a wide variety of providers in New York State although only a few high-volume providers have performed the majority of procedures. White, female patients with Medicare are the most common recipients of InterStim. Further work must be done to develop strategies for improving access to this technology and to determine whether volume relates to outcomes.

Comparison of Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Colectomies Using a Large National Database: Outcomes and Trends Related to Surgery Center Volume.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that high-volume centers and laparoscopic techniques improve outcomes of colectomy. These evidence-based measures have been slow to be accepted, and current trends are unknown. In addition, the current rates and outcomes of robotic surgery are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine current national trends in the use of minimally invasive surgery and to evaluate hospital volume trends over time. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS: Using the National Inpatient Sample, we evaluated trends in patients undergoing elective open, laparoscopic, and robotic colectomies from 2009 to 2012. Patient and institutional characteristics were evaluated and outcomes compared between groups using multivariate hierarchical-logistic regression and nonparametric tests. The National Inpatient Sample includes patient and hospital demographics, admission and treating diagnoses, inpatient procedures, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, hospital charges, and discharge status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In-hospital mortality and postoperative complications of surgery were measured. RESULTS: A total of 509,029 patients underwent elective colectomy from 2009 to 2012. Of those 266,263 (52.3%) were open, 235,080 (46.2%) laparoscopic, and 7686 (1.5%) robotic colectomies. The majority of minimal access surgery is still being performed at high-volume compared with low-volume centers (37.5% vs 28.0% and 44.0% vs 23.0%; p < 0.001). A total of 36% of colectomies were for cancer. The number of robotic colectomies has quadrupled from 702 in 2009 to 3390 (1.1%) in 2012. After adjustment, the rate of iatrogenic complications was higher for robotic surgery (OR = 1.73 (95% CI, 1.20-2.47)), and the median cost of robotic surgery was higher, at $15,649 (interquartile range, $11,840-$20,183) vs $12,071 (interquartile range, $9338-$16,203; p < 0.001 for laparoscopic). LIMITATIONS: This study may be limited by selection bias by surgeons regarding the choice of patient management. In addition, there are limitations in the measures of disease severity and, because the database relies on billing codes, there may be inaccuracies such as underreporting. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the majority of colectomies in the United States are still performed open, although rates of laparoscopy continue to increase. There is a trend toward increased volume of laparoscopic procedures at specialty centers. The role of robotics is still being defined, in light of higher cost, lack of clinical benefit, and increased iatrogenic complications, albeit comparable overall complications, as compared with laparoscopic colectomy.

Minimally invasive surgery and sphincter preservation in rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: National adoption of sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has not been well documented. We examined national trends in use of SPS and MIS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was used to evaluate open, laparoscopic, and robotic low anterior resection (LAR) or abdominoperineal resection (APR) for patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery from 2009 to 2011. Trends in SPS and MIS were stratified by hospital volume. Propensity score matching was used. RESULTS: A total of 24,999 (62.0%) patients underwent LAR, and 15,288 (38.0%) underwent APR from 2009 to 2011. A total of 22,310 (89.2%) LARs were open and 2689 (10.8%) MIS. A total of 11,600 (75.9%) APRs were open and 3688 (24.1%) MIS. Most procedures were at high-volume centers. In propensity-matched analysis, length of stay for LAR was longer in open surgery (6 versus 5 d; P = 0.01); in APR, MIS patients were less likely to have wound, infectious, urinary, and gastrointestinal complications, and length of stay was shorter (6 versus 8 d; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: SPS and MIS rates have increased nationally, especially in high-volume centers. In addition, the perioperative benefits seen in randomized clinical trials are maintained in a national database. Further studies should focus on understanding differences in survival and oncologic outcomes with MIS techniques.

Surgical oncology outcomes in the aging US population.

BACKGROUND: As the population ages, an increasing number of older patients are undergoing major surgery. We examined the impact of advanced age on outcomes following major gastrointestinal cancer surgery in an era of improved surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a population-based, retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. We evaluated patients undergoing major abdominal gastrointestinal cancer surgery from 2005-2012. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the independent effect of advanced age on outcomes. Our primary outcome was 30-d mortality, and our secondary outcomes were 30-d major postoperative adverse events, discharge disposition, length of stay, reoperation, and readmission. RESULTS: Elderly (≥65 y) patients were twice as likely to have multiple comorbidities as those <65 y but prevalence of comorbidities was similar across all older age groups. Mortality increased with age across all procedures (P < 0.05). The risk of advanced age on mortality was highest in hepatectomy (odds ratio = 5.17, 95% confidence interval = 2.19-12.20) and that for major postoperative adverse events was highest in proctectomy (odds ratio = 2.32, 95% confidence interval = 1.53-3.52). Patients were more likely to be discharged to an institutional care facility as age increased across all procedures (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite being highly selected for surgery, elderly patients undergoing major gastrointestinal cancer surgery have substantially worse postoperative outcomes than younger patients (<65 y). The risk of age on postoperative outcomes was present across all operations but had its highest association with liver and rectal cancer resections.

Recurrent intussusception in a gastric bypass patient with incidental Meckel's diverticulum: A case report.

Most cases of intussusception in adults are secondary to a pathologic condition that serves as a lead point. Intussusception has been reported in the bariatric literature, typically due to intussusception of the jejunojejunostomy. However, other causes of intussusception should be considered, including a Meckel's diverticulum (MD). Simple diverticulectomy or segmental resection is the preferred treatment since the malignancy rate is low. We present an interesting case of a patient with past surgical history of open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who presented with intussusception. Intraoperatively, an MD was encountered and treated with diverticulectomy. 4 months later, she re-presented with recurrent intussusception and was subsequently taken back to the operating room for revision of her jejunojejunostomy. The postoperative course was uncomplicated.