Antireflux surgery leads to durable improvement in laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms are often present in patients with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Whereas antireflux surgery (ARS) provides predictably excellent results in patients with typical GERD, those with atypical symptoms have variable outcomes. The goal of this study was to characterize the response of LPR symptoms to antireflux surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent ARS between January 2009 and May 2020 were prospectively identified from a single institutional database. Patient-reported information on LPR symptoms was collected at standardized time points (preoperative and 2 weeks, 8 weeks, and 1 year postoperatively) using a validated Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) questionnaire. Patients were grouped by preoperative RSI score: ≤ 13 (normal) and > 13 (abnormal). Baseline characteristics were compared between groups using chi-square test or t-test. A mixed effects model was used to evaluate improvement in RSI scores. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-six patients fulfilled inclusion criteria (mean age 57.8 years, 70% female, mean BMI 29.4). Patients with a preoperative RSI ≤ 13 (n = 61) and RSI > 13 (n = 115) were similar in age, BMI, primary reason for evaluation, DeMeester score, presence of esophagitis, and hiatal hernia (p > 0.05). The RSI > 13 group had more female patients (80 vs 52%, p = < 0.001), higher mean GERD-HRQL score, lower rates of PPI use, and normal esophageal motility. The RSI of all patients improved from a mean preoperative value of 19.2 to 7.8 (2 weeks), 6.1 (8 weeks), and 10.9 (1 year). Those with the highest preoperative scores (RSI > 30) had the best response to ARS. When analyzing individual symptoms, the most likely to improve included heartburn, hoarseness, and choking. CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, patients with LPR symptoms achieved a rapid and durable response to antireflux surgery. Those with higher preoperative RSI scores experienced the greatest improvement. Our data suggest that antireflux surgery is a viable treatment option for this patient population.

Healthcare Resource Utilization in Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Three-Year Cost Evaluation of Truven Health Marketscan Research Databases.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is the most commonly performed elective operation in the United States, with over 800,000 cases annually. While clinical outcomes comparing laparoscopic versus open techniques have been well documented, there is little data comparing costs associated with these techniques. This study evaluates the cost of healthcare resources during the 90-d postoperative period following inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases. Adult patients with an ICD-9 or CPT code for inguinal hernia repair from 2012 to 2014 were included. Patients with continuous enrollment for 6 mo prior to surgery and 6 mo after surgery were analyzed. Related healthcare service costs (readmission and/or ER visit and/or outpatient visit) were calculated by clinical classification software and generalized linear modeling was used to compare healthcare utilization between groups. RESULTS: 124,582 cases were identified (open = 84,535; lap = 40,047). Index surgery cost was 41% higher in laparoscopic cases. The cost for readmission was close to $25,000 and similar between both groups, but the laparoscopic group were 12% less likely to be readmitted for surgical complications within 90-d when compared to the open group. Cost of bilateral laparoscopic repair is less than that of serial unilateral open repairs. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair carries a higher index surgery cost than open repair. However, open repair has an increased rate of readmission. To maximize value, efforts should be directed at minimizing readmissions and improving identification of bilateral hernias at the time of initial presentation.

Both gastric electrical stimulation and pyloric surgery offer long-term symptom improvement in patients with gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis (GP) is hallmarked by nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. While dietary and medical therapy are the mainstay of treatment, surgery has been used to palliate symptoms. Two established first-line surgical options are gastric electrostimulation (GES) and pyloric procedures (PP) including pyloroplasty or pyloromyotomy. We sought to compare these modalities' improvement in Gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI) subscores and potential predictors of therapy failure. METHODS: All patients undergoing surgery at a single institution were prospectively identified and separated by surgery: GES, PP, or combined GESPP. GCSI was collected preoperatively, at 6 weeks and 1 year. Postoperative GCSI score over 2.5 or receipt of another gastroparesis operation were considered treatment failures. Groups were compared using Pearson's chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were included: 18 GES, 51 PP, and 13 GESPP. Mean age was 44, BMI was 26.7, and 80% were female. Preoperative GCSI was 3.7. The PP group was older with more postsurgical gastroparesis. More patients with diabetes underwent GESPP. Preoperative symptom scores and gastric emptying were similar among all groups. All surgical therapies resulted in a significantly improved GCSI and nausea/vomiting subscore at 6 weeks and 1 year. Bloating improved initially, but relapsed in the GES and GESPP group. Satiety improved initially, but relapsed in the PP group. Fifty-nine (72%) had surgical success. Ten underwent additional surgery (7 crossed into the GESPP group, 3 underwent gastric resection). Treatment failures had higher preoperative GCSI, bloating, and satiety scores. Treatment failures and successes had similar preoperative gastric emptying. CONCLUSIONS: Both gastric electrical stimulation and pyloric surgery are successful gastroparesis treatments, with durable improvement in nausea and vomiting. Choice of operation should be guided by patient characteristics and discussion of surgical risks and benefits. Combination GESPP does not appear to confer an advantage over GES or PP alone.

Phone follow-up after inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Typically, in-person follow-up in clinic is utilized after outpatient inguinal hernia repair. Studies have shown that phone follow-up may be successfully used for the detection of postoperative hernia recurrences. However, no studies have evaluated the detection rates of other postoperative complications, such as emergency department visits and readmissions, with the utilization of phone follow-up after inguinal hernia repair. The objective of our study was to investigate the safety of a phone follow-up care pathway following elective, outpatient inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, adult patients who underwent elective, outpatient inguinal hernia repair between 2013 and 2019 at a large academic health system in the Midwest United States were identified from the electronic health record. Patients were categorized by type of postoperative follow-up: in-person or phone follow-up. Baseline demographics, operative, and postoperative data were compared between follow-up groups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate predictors of having any related emergency department (ED) visit/readmission/reoperation within 90 days. RESULTS: We included 2009 patients who underwent elective inguinal hernia repair during the study period. 321 patients had in-person follow-up only, while 1,688 patients had phone follow-up. There was a higher rate of laparoscopic repair in the phone follow-up group (85.4% vs. 53.0% for in-person follow-up). There were no differences in rates of related 90-day ED visits, readmissions, and reoperations between the phone and in-person follow-up groups. On multivariable logistic regression, receipt of phone follow-up was not a predictor of having 90-day ED visits, readmissions, or reoperations (OR 1.30, 95% CI [0.83, 2.05]). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent phone follow-up had similarly low rates of adverse outcomes to those with in-person follow-up. Phone follow-up protocols may be implemented as an alternative for patients and provide a means to decrease healthcare utilization following inguinal hernia repair.

Unnecessary use of radiology studies in the diagnosis of inguinal hernias: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of inguinal hernias is predominantly based on physical exam, although imaging may be used in select cases. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of unnecessary imaging used in the diagnosis of inguinal hernias. METHODS: Patients who underwent elective inguinal hernia repair at a large academic health system in the U.S. from 2010 to 2017 were included. Within this cohort, we identified patients who received imaging 6 months prior to surgery. Through chart review of physical exam findings and imaging indications, we categorized patients into four imaging categories: unrelated, necessary, unnecessary, and borderline. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with receipt of unnecessary imaging. RESULTS: Of 2162 patients who underwent inguinal hernia surgery, 249 patients had related imaging studies 6 months prior to surgery. 47.0% of patients received unnecessary imaging. 66.9% and 33.1% of unnecessary studies were ultrasounds and CT scans, respectively. 24.5% of patients had necessary studies, while 28.5% had studies with borderline indications. On multivariable analysis, having a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m2 was associated with receipt of unnecessary studies. Primary care providers and ED physicians were more likely to order unnecessary imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 50% of all patients who receive any related imaging prior to surgery had potentially unnecessary diagnostic radiology studies. This not only exposes patients to avoidable risks, but also places a significant economic burden on patients and our already-strained health system.

Healthcare spending and utilization following antireflux surgery: examining costs and reasons for readmission.

BACKGROUND: While clinical outcomes have been reported for anti-reflux surgery (ARS), there are limited data on post-operative encounters, including readmission, and their associated costs. This study evaluates healthcare utilization during the 90-day post-operative period following ARS including fundoplication and/or paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the Truven Health MarketScan® Databases. Patients older than 16 years with an ICD-9 procedure code or Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for ARS and a primary diagnosis of GERD during 2012-2014 were selected. Healthcare spending and utilization on emergency department (ED) visits, performance of outpatient endoscopy, and readmission were examined. Reasons for readmission were classified based on ICD-9 code. RESULTS: A total of 40,853 patients were included in the cohort with a mean age of 49 years and females comprising 76.0%. Mean length of stay was 1.4 days, and 93.0% of patients underwent a laparoscopic approach. The mean cost of the index surgical admission was $24,034. Readmission occurred in 4.2% of patients, and of those, 26.3% required a surgical intervention. Patients requiring one or more related readmissions accrued additional costs of $29,513. Some of the most common reasons for readmission were related to nutritional, metabolic, and fluid and electrolyte disorders. Presentation to the ED occurred in 14.0% of patients, and outpatient upper endoscopy was required in 1.5% of patients, but with much lower associated costs as compared to readmission ($1175). CONCLUSION: The majority of patients undergoing ARS do not require additional care within 90 days of surgery. Patients who are readmitted accrue costs that almost double the overall cost of care compared to the initial hospitalization. Measures to attenuate potentially preventable readmissions after ARS may reduce healthcare utilization in this patient population.

Long-term dysphagia resolution following POEM versus Heller myotomy for achalasia patients.

BACKGROUND: Heller myotomy (HM) has historically been considered the gold standard treatment for achalasia. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a less-invasive procedure and offers a quicker recovery. Although some studies have compared short-term outcomes of HM and POEM, predictors of long-term dysphagia resolution remain unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes for achalasia patients who underwent either POEM or HM over a 9-year period. METHODS: Data from our single academic institutional foregut database were used to identify achalasia patients who underwent HM or POEM from 2009 to 2018. Electronic health record data were reviewed to obtain patient characteristics and operative data. Achalasia severity stages were established for each patient using esophagram findings from an attending radiologist blinded to the procedure type. Postoperative outcomes were assessed via telephone for patients with at least 9 months of follow-up using Eckardt dysphagia scores. Patient age, sex, type of operation, and duration of follow-up were included in a multivariable linear regression model with Eckardt score as the outcome. RESULTS: Our cohort included 141 patients (97 HM and 44 POEM). Eighty-two patients completed a phone survey at the 9 months or greater time interval (response rate = 58%). Mean Eckardt scores were 2.98 and 2.53 at a median follow-up of 3 years and 1 year for HM and POEM patients, respectively (an Eckardt score ≤ 3 is considered a successful myotomy). Lower stages of achalasia on esophagram (e.g., Stage 0 vs. Stage 4) were associated with greater dysphagia improvement. On multivariable analysis, operative approach was not associated with a statistically significant difference in dysphagia outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: POEM and HM were associated with similar rates of dysphagia resolution for achalasia patients at a median of 2 years of follow-up. Both procedures appear to be durable options for achalasia treatment.

30-Day Outcomes After Intraoperative Leak Testing for Bariatric Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative testing of anastomoses and staples lines is commonly performed to minimize the risk of postoperative leaks in bariatric surgery, but its impact is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the association between leak testing and 30-d postoperative leak, bleed, reoperation, and readmission rates for patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study utilizing 2015-2016 data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database. Postoperative outcomes were compared using χ2 test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with 30-d outcomes. RESULTS: We included 237,081 patients. Leak testing was performed on 73.0% and 92.1% of LSG and RYGB patients, respectively. LSG was associated with lower rates of leak, bleed, reoperation, and readmission than RYGB. On multivariable analysis, intraoperative leak testing was associated with increased rates of postoperative leak for LSG and RYGB (OR 1.48 and 1.90, respectively) and lower rates of bleed for LSG (OR 0.76). There were no significant associations between leak testing and rates of reoperation or readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Use of intraoperative leak testing was not associated with improved outcomes for either LSG or RYGB. A prospective trial investigating leak testing is warranted to better elucidate its impact.

A structured, extended training program to facilitate adoption of new techniques for practicing surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has been shown to have significant benefits when compared to open inguinal hernia repair, yet remains underutilized in the United States. The traditional model of short, hands-on, cognitive courses to enhance the adoption of new techniques fails to lead to significant levels of practice implementation for most surgeons. We hypothesized that a comprehensive program would facilitate the adoption of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TEP) for practicing surgeons. METHODS: A team of experts in simulation, coaching, and hernia care created a comprehensive training program to facilitate the adoption of TEP. Three surgeons who routinely performed open inguinal hernia repair with greater than 50 cases annually were recruited to participate in the program. Coaches were selected based on their procedural expertise and underwent formal training in surgical coaching. Participants were required to evaluate all aspects of the educational program and were surveyed out to one year following completion of the program to assess for sustained adoption of TEP. RESULTS: All three participants successfully completed the first three steps of the seven-step program. Two participants completed the full course, while the third dropped out of the program due to time constraints and low case volume. Participant surgeons rated Orientation (4.7/5), GlovesOn training (5/5), and Preceptored Cases (5/5) as highly important training activities that contributed to advancing their knowledge and technical performance of the TEP procedure. At one year, both participants were performing TEPs for "most of their cases" and were confident in their ability to perform the procedure. The total cost of the program including all travel, personal coaching, and simulation was $8638.60 per participant. DISCUSSION: Our comprehensive educational program led to full and sustained adoption of TEP for those who completed the course. Time constraints, travel costs, and case volume are major considerations for successful completion; however, the program is feasible, acceptable, and affordable.

Utilization of surgical treatment for local and locoregional esophageal cancer: Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that esophagectomy is severely underused for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. The recent expansion of endoscopic local therapies, advances in surgical techniques, and improved postoperative outcomes have changed the therapeutic landscape. The impact of these developments and evolving treatment guidelines on national practice patterns is unknown. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with clinical stage 0 to III esophageal cancer were identified from the National Cancer Database (2004-2013). The receipt of potentially curative surgical treatment over time was analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with surgical treatment. RESULTS: The analysis included 52,122 patients. From 2004 to 2013, the overall rate of potentially curative surgical treatment increased from 36.4% to 47.4% (P < .001). For stage 0 disease, the receipt of esophagectomy decreased from 23.8% to 17.9% (P < .001), whereas the use of local therapies increased from 34.3% to 58.8% (P < .001). The use of surgical treatment increased from 43.4% to 61.8% (P < .001), from 36.1% to 45.0% (P < .001), and from 30.8% to 38.6% (P < .001) for patients with stage I, II, and III disease, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, divergent practice patterns and adherence to national guidelines were noted between academic and community facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The use of potentially curative surgical treatment has increased for patients with stage 0 to III esophageal cancer. The expansion of local therapies has driven increased rates of surgical treatment for early-stage disease. Although the increased use of esophagectomy for more advanced disease is encouraging, significant variation persists at the patient and facility levels. Cancer 2017;123:410-419. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Patient-reported quality of life after bariatric surgery: a single institution analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective weight loss and comorbidity treatment among severely obese patients. However, there are limited data describing its impact on patient-reported quality of life (QoL). We examined patient-reported QoL after bariatric surgery and analyzed variables associated with higher postoperative QoL. METHODS: Patient demographics, comorbidities, and weight loss data were obtained from our institutional database for patients who underwent bariatric surgery from January 2010 to December 2012. QoL scores were obtained during preoperative and postoperative visits (2, 6, 12, 24, 52, and 104 wk) from the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to generate odds ratios for variables hypothesized a priori to be associated with higher postoperative QoL. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients were included in the study. Patients lost an average of 59.1% (±19.0) of excess body weight 1 y after surgery. One-year postoperative QoL scores were available for 42% of patients. Mean QoL scores improved from 0.82 preoperatively to 1.66 1 y postoperatively (P = 0.004). Patients scored higher in all individual areas of Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II: self-esteem (0.22 versus 0.36), physical activity (0.11 versus 0.31), social life (0.28 versus 0.36), work ability (0.07 versus 0.22), sexual functioning (0.04 versus 0.16), and approach to food (0.11 versus 0.26; all P values <0.05). On multivariable analysis, higher QoL was associated with private insurance/self-pay versus Medicare (odds ratio 4.20 [95% confidence interval 1.39-12.68]). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery patients experienced significant improvement in QoL 1 y after surgery. Identifying modifiable predictors of high QoL after bariatric surgery requires additional investigation.

The Impact of Operative Approach on Postoperative Complications Following Colectomy for Colon Caner.

BACKGROUND: Colectomy is one of the most common major abdominal procedures performed in the USA. A better understanding of risk factors and the effect of operative approach on adverse postoperative outcomes may significantly improve quality of care. METHODS: Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of colon cancer undergoing colectomy were selected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2013-2015 targeted colectomy database. Patients were stratified into five groups based on specific operative approach. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the five groups and identify risk factors for 30-day anastomotic leak, readmission, and mortality. RESULTS: In total, 25,097 patients were included in the study, with a 3.32% anastomotic leak rate, 1.20% mortality rate, and 9.57% readmission rate. After adjusting for other factors, open surgery and conversion to open significantly increased the odds for leak, mortality, and readmission compared to laparoscopy. Additionally, smoking and chemotherapy increased the risk for leak and readmission, while total resection was associated with increased mortality and leak. CONCLUSIONS: Operative approach and several other potentially modifiable perioperative factors have a significant impact on risk for adverse postoperative outcomes following colectomy. To improve quality of care for these patients, efforts should be made to identify and minimize the influence of such risk factors.

The Optimal Approach to Symptomatic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: Important Technical Considerations.

While the asymptomatic paraesophageal hernia (PEH) can be observed safely, surgery is indicated for symptomatic hernias. Laparoscopic repair is associated with decreased morbidity and mortality; however, it is associated with a higher rate of radiologic recurrence when compared with the open approach. Though a majority of patients experience good symptomatic relief from laparoscopic repair, strict adherence to good technique is critical to minimize recurrence. The fundamental steps of laparoscopic PEH repair include adequate mediastinal mobilization of the esophagus, tension-free approximation of the diaphragmatic crura, and gastric fundoplication. Collis gastroplasty, mesh reinforcement, use of relaxing incisions, and anterior gastropexy are just a few adjuncts to basic principles that can be utilized and have been widely studied in recent years. In this article, we present a comprehensive review of literature addressing key aspects and controversies regarding the optimal approach to repairing paraesophageal hernias laparoscopically.

Early experience and lessons learned in a new minimally invasive esophagectomy program.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is gaining increasing popularity in the treatment of esophageal cancer. In fact, while surgical and oncologic outcomes are not inferior to those achieved through a traditional open approach, patients undergoing MIE benefit from shorter length of stay, lesser pain and prompter recovery. This technique is, however, highly challenging, and the development of a MIE program, even in the setting of a tertiary center, requires time and progressive honing of surgical skills. METHODS: We use a minimally invasive Ivor Lewis approach. The abdominal phase of the procedure includes complete celiac lymphadenectomy and tubularization of the stomach, which will constitute the neo-esophagus. The video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery portion of the operation takes place in left lateral decubitus and allows for optimal thoracic lymphadenectomy and anastomosis. RESULTS: From October 2011 to January 2015, we treated 52 patients with the above-described procedure. The evolution of our anastomotic technique included a first group of circular stapled anastomosis with Orvil™ and 3.5-mm EEA™ (n = 16 patients), subsequently abandoned in favor of a linear anastomosis (n = 12), before going back to the Orvil™ coupled with 4.8-mm EEA™ (n = 22) in more recent times. There were also an additional two anastomoses that did not fall under any of these categories. We experienced two postoperative deaths. The overall leak rate was 14%, but fell down to 4% in the last group. Median LOS was 9 days. Lymph node retrieval was adequate throughout the whole series. CONCLUSIONS: Developing a MIE program requires a significant learning curve before the results plateau. Only once a technique of choice is refined and mastered, the advantages granted by MIE become apparent.

Early hospital readmission after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: With the rise in bariatric procedures being performed nationwide and the growing focus on quality and outcome measures, reducing early hospital readmission (EHR) rates has garnered great clinical interest. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence, reasons, and risk factors for EHR after bariatric surgery. METHODS: Using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) dataset (2012-2013), patients with a diagnosis of obesity and body mass index ≥35 who underwent bariatric surgery were identified. EHR was defined as at least one hospitalization within 30 days of bariatric procedure. The association between readmission and patient factors was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. In addition, reasons for readmission were sought. RESULTS: A total of 36,042 patients were identified. The overall EHR rate was 4.70 % [laparoscopic (lap) adjustable band 1.87 %, lap gastric bypass (GBP) 5.94 %, open GBP 7.86 %, and sleeve gastrectomy 3.73 %], and it occurred at the median of 11 days postoperatively. The rate of EHR significantly decreased from 2012 to 2013 (5.15 vs. 4.32 %, p < 0.001). The median age and BMI were 44 years and 44.7 kg/m(2), respectively, 78.99 % were female, and 70.78 % were white. The most common reason for readmission was nausea/vomiting (12.95 %), followed by abdominal pain (11.75 %) and dehydration (10.54 %). On multivariable analysis, factors most strongly associated with readmission were procedure type (lap band: reference; open GBP: OR 3.78, 95 % CI 2.47-5.80; lap GBP 3.18, 2.39-4.22; sleeve gastrectomy: 2.03, 1.52-2.71; all p < 0.001), steroid use (1.82, 1.33-2.48, p < 0.001), pre-discharge complication (1.64, 1.20-2.24, p < 0.001), and black population (1.51, 1.34-1.71, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric centers should consider implementing standardized protocols for outpatient monitoring of patients identified to be at high risk of experiencing early readmission, which in turn would decrease overall costs and improve quality of care.

Novel combined VATS/laparoscopic approach for giant and complicated paraesophageal hernia repair: description of technique and early results.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach for repair of giant and/or recurrent paraesophageal hernias (PEH) is challenging, due to limited access to the dissection of the hernia sac into the proximal mediastinum and esophageal mobilization through the diaphragmatic hiatus. An esophageal lengthening procedure is often necessary, due to the difficulty in obtaining adequate intra-abdominal esophageal length. We, therefore, developed a VATS and laparoscopic technique, which allows for safe and extensive thoracic dissection and intra-abdominal gastric fixation and cruroplasty, yet preserving the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. METHODS: We use a standard VATS approach. The hernia sac, optimally visualized, is dissected posteriorly from the thoracic aorta, inferiorly from its diaphragmatic attachments, anteriorly from the pericardium, and laterally from the mediastinal pleura. The esophagus is completely mobilized up to the aortic arch, and the anterior vagus nerve is released from its bronchial branches. The hernia sac is then opened, dissected, and completely removed. The hernia content is then reduced into the abdomen laparoscopically, the short gastric vessels are divided and the gastric fundus is completely mobilized. The hiatus is closed with interrupted sutures, and the cruroplasty is buttressed with a biological mesh. A floppy Nissen or a partial fundoplication and a gastropexy are done for reflux control and gastric fixation. RESULTS: From January 2012 to January 2014, we treated 18 patients (7 with type III PEH and 11 with type IV) with the above-described procedure. Six patients had previous history of antireflux surgery. We performed a planned laparotomy instead of laparoscopy in two patients, who needed concurrent repair of complex incisional hernias. We did not need esophageal lengthening procedures, nor experienced damages to thoracic structures in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our newly developed surgical approach has proven to be safe and feasible. This technique represents a good option for treatment of giant and complicated PEH.

Preoperative warm-up the key to improved resident technique: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The ACGME has required that a skills lab be incorporated into the surgical residency curriculum. While the value of warm-up is generally accepted in other areas requiring complex motor skills, there is little evidence to support the benefits of warm-up prior to performing surgery. We are conducting this study in an attempt to identify whether a warm-up period prior to operating impacts operative technique. METHODS: All general surgery residents and MIS fellows were included in this IRB-approved randomized study. Participants were randomized to either warm-up or no warm-up groups. Participants randomized to the warm-up group completed a 10 min practice session in the simulation lab within 1 h of starting the case, using an FLS training box. At the conclusion of the operation, the participant was evaluated by the attending surgeon using the validated global rating scales of Reznick and Vassiliou. The attending surgeons were blinded to the use of pre-procedure warm-up. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed using student's t test with p < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: Pilot data were obtained after completing 40 cases that were randomized to warm-up (19) or no warm-up (21). There was a statistically significant improvement in depth perception (p = 0.02), bimanual dexterity (p = 0.01), and efficiency of movements (p = 0.03) for those randomized to warm-up. There was statistical improvement when we preformed a composite scoring of the attending evaluations for each of the Reznick (p = 0.008) and the Vassiliou (p = 0.01) global rating scales. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative warm-up significantly improves depth perception, bimanual dexterity, and efficiency of movements, as well as improvement in composite scores as judged by the attending surgeon. The lack of self-perceived improvement by the residents may be a reflection of the high standards and intense self-critique that is common among surgical trainees. We believe that our findings, while preliminary, reflect that surgical performance can be enhanced through structured warm-up activities.

Hospital-acquired conditions after bariatric surgery: we can predict, but can we prevent?

BACKGROUND: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services initiated a non-payment policy for certain hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) in 2008. This study aimed to determine the rate of the three most common HACs (surgical site infection (SSI), urinary tract infection (UTI), and venous thromboembolism (VTE)) among bariatric surgery patients. Additionally, the association of HACs with patient factors and the effect of HACs on post-operative outcomes were investigated. METHODS: Patients over 18 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 who underwent bariatric surgery were identified using the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database (2005-2012). Patients were grouped into two categories: HAC versus no HAC patients and baseline characteristics and outcomes, including 30-day mortality, reoperation, and mean length of stay (LOS) were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for developing a HAC. RESULTS: 98,553 patients were identified, 2,809 (2.9%) developed at least one HACs. SSI was the most common HAC (1.8%), followed by UTI (0.7%) and VTE (0.4%). The rate of these HACs significantly decreased from 4.6% in 2005-2006 to 2.5% in 2012 (p < 0.001). Laparoscopic gastric banding was associated with the lowest rates of HAC (1.3%) and open gastric bypass with the highest (8.0%). HAC patients had significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality (0.8 vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001) and LOS (3.9 vs. 2.1 days, p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, open GBP patients had 5.36-fold higher odds of developing a HAC. Interestingly, the presence of a resident surgeon 7-11 years post graduation was associated with significantly increased odds of HACs (1.86, 1.50-2.31, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate a strong correlation between these three HACs following bariatric surgery and factors intrinsic to the bariatric patient population. This calls into question the non-payment policy for inherent patient factors on which they cannot have impact. These findings are important to help inform health care policy decisions regarding access to care for bariatric surgery patients.

Domperidone for delayed gastric emptying in lung transplant recipients with and without gastroesophageal reflux.

Evidence demonstrates a link between gastroesophageal reflux disease and chronic allograft dysfunction in lung transplant recipients. Delayed gastric emptying plays an important role in the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, with limited therapeutic options available for treatment. This retrospective observational study reports the use of domperidone in the management of delayed gastric emptying in lung transplant recipients. All patients who underwent lung transplant at our institution from 2007 to 2011 were reviewed and patients who were treated with domperidone were identified. Clinical symptoms and results of gastric emptying studies before and after initiation of domperidone were documented. QTc intervals were compared from before to after domperidone treatment at 3 months and at 1 year. Weight and dose-normalized calcineurin inhibitor troughs were evaluated before and 2 weeks after domperidone treatment was started. Of 82 patients, 24% (n = 20) had documented delayed gastric emptying and 35% (n = 29) had documented gastroesophageal reflux disease. Twelve of the 20 patients with delayed gastric emptying started treatment with domperidone. All patients responded symptomatically and 6 patients with gastric emptying studies before and after domperidone had documented improvement. No adverse effects were observed in any patients treated with domperidone. Results indicate that domperidone can be used safely and may improve symptoms related to delayed gastric emptying in lung transplant recipients.

Outcomes of cholecystectomy in US heart transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes and predictors of in-hospital mortality after cholecystectomy in heart transplant (HTx) recipients. BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on outcomes after cholecystectomy in HTx recipients. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify HTx recipients who underwent cholecystectomy between 1998 and 2008. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was constructed using clinically relevant covariates (age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index, race, admission acuity, complicated gallstone disease, hospital teaching status, and open versus laparoscopic approach) to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1687 HTx recipients underwent cholecystectomy (open n = 420; laparoscopic n = 1267) during the study period. Mean age was 57.1 ± 12.5 years, and there were 1230 (72.9%) males. The majority of patients had acute cholecystitis (n = 1218; 72.2%) and were admitted urgently/emergently (n = 1028; 60.9%). Overall inpatient mortality occurred in 37 (2.2%) patients, with a higher mortality rate in open cholecystectomy compared with laparoscopic (6.2% vs. 0.9%; P = 0.009), and in urgent/emergent versus elective cases (3.6% vs. 0%; P = 0.04). Open or urgent/emergent cholecystectomies also had higher overall complication and respiratory failure rates as compared with laparoscopic or elective cases. Predictors of inpatient mortality in multivariable analysis included urgent/emergent admission, open cholecystectomy, and complicated gallstone disease (each P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest reported study to date of cholecystectomy in HTx recipients. HTx patients appear to be at increased risk of inpatient mortality and morbidity after cholecystectomy as compared with the general population, and this rate is particularly high in those with a nonelective admission who undergo open cholecystectomy for complicated gallstone disease. Therefore, strong consideration should be given to prophylactic cholecystectomy in HTx recipients with asymptomatic and uncomplicated gallstone disease.