Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Tube for Acute Cholecystitis: Quantifying Outcomes and Prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous cholecystostomy tubes (PCT) are utilized in the management of acute cholecystitis in patients deemed unsuitable for surgery. However, the drive for these decisions and the outcomes remain understudied. We sought to characterize the practices and utilization of PCT and evaluate associated outcomes at an urban medical center. METHODS: Patients undergoing PCT placement over a 12-y study period ending May 2019 were reviewed. Demographics, clinical presentation, labs, imaging studies, and outcomes were abstracted. The primary and secondary outcomes were 30-d mortality and interval cholecystectomy, respectively. RESULTS: Two hundred and four patients met inclusion criteria: 59.3% were male with a median age of 67.5 y and a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) risk of serious complication of 8.0%. Overall, 57.8% of patients were located in an intensive care unit setting. The majority (80.9%) had an ultrasound and 48.5% had a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan. The overall 30-d mortality was 31.9%: 41.5% for intensive care unit and 18.6% for ward patients (P < 0.01). Of patients surviving beyond 30 d (n = 139), the PCT was removed from 106 (76.3%), and a cholecystectomy was performed in 55 (39.6%) at a median interval of 58.0 d. A forward logistic regression identified total bilirubin (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.12, adjusted P < 0.01) and NSQIP risk of serious complication (Adjusted Odds Ratio: 1.16, adjusted P < 0.01) as the only predictors for 30-d mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients selected for PCT placement have a high mortality risk. Despite subsequent removal of the PCT, the majority of surviving patients did not undergo an interval cholecystectomy. Total bilirubin and NSQIP risk of serious complication are useful adjuncts in predicting 30-d mortality in these patients.

Outcomes Following Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Tube Placement for Acalculous Versus Calculous Cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is often diagnosed in critically ill patients. Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement facilitates less invasive gallbladder decompression in patients who are poor surgical candidates. Specific guidelines for optimal management of AAC patients following PCT placement remain to be defined. We hypothesize that AAC patients are at lower risk of recurrent cholecystitis than acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) patients and do not require cholecystectomy after PCT placement. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent PCT placement for AAC or ACC between 6/1/2007 and 5/31/2019 was performed. Primary outcome was recurrent cholecystitis and interval cholecystectomy for patients surviving 30 days after PCT placement. Secondary outcome was 30 day mortality. A cox regression model calculated the adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) for the outcomes. RESULTS: Eighty-four AAC and 85 ACC patients underwent PCT placement. Compared to ACC patients, more AAC patients were male (72.6 vs. 48.2%; p < 0.01), younger (median age 62 vs. 73 years; p < 0.01), and required intensive care (69.0 vs. 52.9%; p = 0.04), with lower median Charlson Comorbidity Index (4.0 vs. 6.0; p < 0.01). 30 day mortality was higher among AAC patients than ACC patients (45.2 vs. 21.2%; p < 0.01). 2/24 (8.3%) AAC patients and 5/31 (16.1%) ACC patients developed recurrent cholecystitis at a median 208.0 days (IQR:64.0-417.0) after PCT placement and 115.0 days (IQR:7.0-403.0) following PCT removal. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that AAC patients had lower likelihood of interval cholecystectomy compared to ACC patients (AHR 2.35; 95% CI:1.11,4.96). CONCLUSION: Recurrent cholecystitis is rare in patients surviving 30 days following PCT placement. When compared with ACC patients, fewer AAC patients require cholecystectomy.

Factors Associated with Non-Operative Management of Resectable Adrenocortical Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is the initial treatment of choice for patients with resectable adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). We sought to determine factors associated with non-operative management of resectable ACC. METHODS: 2004-2016 National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried to identify patients with AJCC/ENSAT Stage I-III ACC. Patients who underwent surgery (S) were compared to those who did not undergo surgery (NS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with NS. Kaplan-Meier estimates used to assess survival. RESULTS: Two thousand-seventy patients with Stage I-III ACC were identified, of which 17.5% were NS. 85.9% of NS patients were not offered surgery; 69.9% of NS patients did not receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy. NS were older and less likely to receive care at an Academic center or high volume center (≥5 cases during the study period). NS patients were more likely to have advanced T stage and N1 disease. On multivariate regression, factors associated with lower odds of surgery include older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.06), T4 disease (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.05-10.68), and treatment at a community center (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.58-5.40). Overall median survival was significantly poorer for NS patients (50.4 versus 78.4 months, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with locally advanced ACC are less likely to undergo an operation, while those treated at centers with more operative experience or Academic facilities are more likely to undergo an operation. As the surgery-first approach is the current standard of care for resectable ACC, these patients may be best served at high volume Academic facilities.

Comparing clinical outcomes of image-guided percutaneous transperitoneal and transhepatic cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous cholecystostomy is performed by interventional radiologists for patients with calculous/acalculous cholecystitis who are poor candidates for cholecystectomy. Two anatomical approaches are widely utilized: transperitoneal and transhepatic. PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of transperitoneal and transhepatic approaches to cholecystostomy catheter placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From December 2007 to August 2015, 165 consecutive patients (97 men, 68 women) underwent either transperitoneal (n = 89) or transhepatic (n = 76) cholecystostomy at a single center. Indications were calculous cholecystitis (n = 21), acalculous cholecystitis (n = 35), hydrops (n = 1), gangrenous cholecystitis (n = 1), and other cholecystitis (n = 107). The most common high-risk co-morbidities were sepsis (n = 53) and cardiac (n = 11). Outcomes were compared using univariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Post-procedure outcomes included tube dislodgement (transperitoneal [n = 6] and transhepatic [n = 3], P = 0.44), bile leak (transperitoneal [n = 5], transhepatic [n = 1], P = 0.14), gallbladder hemorrhage (transperitoneal [n = 2]; transhepatic [n = 3], P = 0.52), duodenal fistula (transperitoneal [n = 0], transhepatic [n = 1], P = 0.27), repeat cholecystostomy (transperitoneal [n = 1], transhepatic [n = 3], P = 0.27), and repeat cholecystitis requiring separate admission (transperitoneal [n = 6], transhepatic [n = 10], P = 0.15). All complications were Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade <3. Twenty transperitoneal patients underwent post-procedure cholecystectomy: 13 laparoscopic, three open, and four unclear/outside records. The mean time from cholecystostomy to operation was 38 days (range 3-211 days). Twenty-three transhepatic patients underwent cholecystectomy: 14 laparoscopic, eight open, and one unclear/outside records, with the mean time from cholecystostomy being 98 days (range 0-1053 days). One transhepatic and three transperitoneal patients died during admission. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in short-term complications after transperitoneal and transhepatic approaches to percutaneous cholecystostomy catheter placement.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome following sleeve gastrectomy: case report, review of the literature, and video on technique for surgical correction.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare condition in which the duodenum is compressed between the SMA and aorta. This often occurs following extreme weight loss and has been reported in the bariatric population. We present the first reported case of SMA syndrome following sleeve gastrectomy. The patient underwent laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy and recovered uneventfully. The following is a review of the literature and detailed operative approach in the attached video.

The Aging Surgeon: Considerations for Navigating a Successful and Satisfying Career.

Our careers as surgeons are some of the busiest and perhaps most sought after in existence. We have all put in countless years of tenacious effort, at times blood, frequent sweat, and occasional tears, to have the privilege to care for others and correct their ailments. Many of us are like freight trains rolling down the tracks indefinitely. But all too often we finish our training and head down those tracks without considering what stops we should make along the way, which forks in the tracks we should consider taking, and perhaps most often, we do not consider how we are going to eventually stop the train. Most of us have been witness to colleagues who keep working beyond their prime, be it for lack of alternative opportunities, lack of hobbies to retire to, or for lack of insight into their own decline. From these observations was born this presidential panel. As you can see, it is a collection of past presidents of So Cal ACS, with the exception for Dr Freischlag (who we all know would have served as president at some point had she never relocated away from Southern California). Each of these speakers has unique experience from their own careers that they will share with us so we can take pause and consider their insights and wisdom for how to navigate a successful and satisfying career.

The role of Cushing's reflex and the vasopressin-mediated oligoanuric response to intracranial hypertension in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: We examined the link between increased intra-abdominal pressure, intracranial pressure, and vasopressin release as a potential mechanism. Intra-abdominal pressure, produced by abdominal-cavity insufflation with carbon dioxide (CO2) during laparoscopic abdominal procedures to facilitate visualization, is associated with various complications, including arterial hypertension and oliguria. METHODS: Mean arterial pressure, optic nerve sheath diameter, measured as a proxy for intracranial pressure, plasma vasopressin, serum and urine osmolarity, and urine output were measured 4 times during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in 42 patients: before insufflation with CO2 (T0); after insufflation to 15 cm water (H2O) pressure, with 5 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure (T1); after positive end-expiratory pressure was raised to 10 cm H2O (T2); and after a return to the baseline state (T3). Mean values at T0 to T3 and the directional consistency of changes (increase/decrease/ unchanged) were compared among the 4 data-collection points. RESULTS: Statistically significant elevations (all P ≤ .001) were noted from T0 to T1 and from T0 to T2 in mean arterial pressure, optic nerve sheath diameter, and vasopressin, followed by decreases at T3. For optic nerve sheath diameter and vasopressin, the increases at T1 and T2 occurred in 98% and 100% of patients, ultimately exceeding normal levels in 88 and 97%, respectively. Conversely, urine output fell from T0 to T1 and T2 by 60.9 and 73.4%, decreasing in 88.1% of patients (all P < .001). Patients with class II obesity exhibited statistically greater increases in optic nerve sheath diameter and vasopressin, but statistically less impact on urine output, than patients with class III obesity. CONCLUSION: Increased mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure, and vasopressin release appear to be intermediary steps between increased intra-abdominal pressure and oliguria. Further research is necessary to determine any causative links between these physiological changes.

Breast MRI after bilateral mastectomy: is it indicated?

Little is known about the use of breast MRI as a diagnostic or surveillance tool in patients after bilateral mastectomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate breast MRI after bilateral mastectomy. Participants consisted of 48 women with prior bilateral mastectomy who underwent breast MRI between 2003 and 2009. Seventy-nine breast MRIs were obtained. The median time between mastectomy and first MRI was 36 months. MRI was ordered most often by a medical oncologist (71%). Median age at bilateral mastectomy was 49 years (range, 33 to 72 years). Reasons for obtaining MRI included surveillance in 60 (76%), mass in eight (10%), lymph nodes in four (5%), pain in three (4%), and abscess in one (1%). Overall, 68 (86%) MRIs showed benign imaging findings only. Within the surveillance group, six patients had MRIs with findings that changed management; four patients had some residual breast tissue, and two patients had findings outside the breast that were better evaluated by CT or bone scan and were ultimately benign. MRI confirmed locoregional recurrence in two patients with highly suspicious physical findings. Overall, postmastectomy breast MRI had limited use, finding no unsuspected recurrences within our study group. Although MRI can be helpful to establish the presence of residual breast tissue after bilateral mastectomy, subsequent routine screening breast MRI should be questioned if no residual breast tissue is identified.

Increased use of MRI for breast cancer surveillance and staging is not associated with increased rate of mastectomy.

The use of MRI in preoperative staging of breast cancer has escalated recently. Breast MRI has greater sensitivity than mammography, ultrasound, and clinical examination in cancer detection. Because of its variable specificity, however, there has been concern that increased MRI use will result in increased rates of mastectomy for early-stage breast cancer. We postulated that mastectomy rates are not affected by trends in MRI use. We performed a retrospective analysis of imaging tests ordered by surgeons at our breast center from 2003 to 2007. We also reviewed all breast cancer cases reported to the National Cancer Database from our institution during the same time period and categorized them as having been treated with mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. From 2003 to 2007, the number of breast MRIs ordered annually by surgeons increased from 68 to 358. The rate of MRI use increased from 4.1 per every 100 patients seen to 5.7 and from 1.6 per every 100 new patients seen to 2.9. The percentage of women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer remained unchanged during this 5-year interval. Therefore, although MRI use in breast cancer staging and surveillance has increased, mastectomy rates have not.

Treatment of common bile duct stones discovered during cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several techniques of laparoscopic bile duct exploration and intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) have been developed to treat patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones in one session and avoid the complications of ES. With all these options available, very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been undertaken. This review analyzes those studies. METHODS: We searched PubMed. Four RCTs and a Cochran Database Systematic Review were found. RESULTS: Two RCTs compared preoperative ES and laparoscopic CBD exploration (E) for known CBD stones. Laparoscopic CBDE had shorter length of hospitalization. Two RCTs compared immediate and delayed treatment and found that length of stay was less with laparoscopic CBDE, but clearance rates and morbidity/mortality were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Studies suggest that CBD stones discovered at the time of cholecystectomy are best treated during the same operation. The transcystic approach is safest if applicable. Individual surgeons must be aware of their own capabilities and those of the available endoscopists and perform the safest technique.

The TANTALUS system for obesity: effect on gastric emptying of solids and ghrelin plasma levels.

BACKGROUND: Gastric electrical stimulation (GES), using the implantable TANTALUS System, is being explored as a treatment for obesity. The system delivers nonstimulatory electrical signals synchronized with gastric slow waves, resulting in stronger contractions. We hypothesized that this GES may enhance gastric emptying and as a result affect plasma ghrelin and insulin homeostasis. The aim was to test the effect of GES on gastric emptying of solids and on ghrelin and insulin blood levels in obese subjects. METHODS: The system consists of 3 pairs of gastric electrodes connected to an implantable pulse generator. Gastric emptying test (GE) of solids was performed twice, on separate days, a few weeks after implantation, before and after initiation of stimulation. Blood samples for ghrelin and insulin were taken at baseline and at 15, 30, 60 and 120 min after the test meal. RESULTS: There were 11 females, 1 male, mean age 39.1 +/- 8.9 years, mean BMI 41.6 +/- 3.4. Data is available from 11 subjects; GE was normal in 9 subjects and accelerated in 2 subjects. GES significantly accelerated GE compared to control: percent retention at 2 hours 18.7 +/- 12.2 vs 31.9 +/- 16.4, respectively (P < 0.01). Overall, there was no significant change in ghrelin or insulin profile after food intake. Ghrelin levels fell significantly at 60 min compared to baseline during stimulation (P = 0.014) and control (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: GES results in a significant acceleration of gastric emptying of solids in obese subjects. GES did not have a significant effect on postprandial ghrelin levels when compared to control.

Preoperative FDG-PET for axillary metastases in patients with breast cancer.

HYPOTHESIS: Fludeoxyglucose F 18 (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) can be used to predict axillary node metastases. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Comprehensive breast care center. PATIENTS: Fifty-one women with 54 biopsy-proven invasive breast cancers. INTERVENTION: Whole-body FDG-PET performed before axillary surgery and interpreted blindly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Axillary FDG activity, quantified by standardized uptake value (SUV); axillary metastases, quantified histologically; and tumor characteristics. RESULTS: There was PET activity in 32 axillae (59%). The SUVs ranged from 0.7 to 11.0. Twenty tumors had an SUV of 2.3 or greater, and 34 had an SUV of less than 2.3. There were no significant differences between these 2 groups except in axillary metastasis size (SUV /=2.3): mean age, 53 vs 58 years (P = .90); mean modified Bloom-Richardson score, 7.7 vs 7.6 (P = .20); lymphovascular invasion present, 25% vs 36% (P = .40); mean Ki-67 level, 25% vs 32% (P = .20); mean tumor size, 2.9 vs 3.2 cm (P = .05); and axillary metastasis size, 0.9 vs 1.7 (P = .001). By adopting an SUV threshold of 2.3, FDG-PET had a sensitivity of 60%, a specificity of 100%, and a positive predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an SUV greater than 2.3 had axillary metastases. This finding obviates the need for sentinel lymph node biopsy or needle biopsy to diagnose axillary involvement. Surgeons can proceed to axillary node dissection to assess the number of nodes involved, eliminate axillary disease, or perhaps provide a survival benefit if preoperative FDG-PET has an SUV greater than 2.3.

Device-related reoperations after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is considered a relatively safe weight loss procedure with low morbidity. When complications occur, obstruction, erosion, and port malfunction require reoperation. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with 270 consecutive patients who underwent LAGB. Device-related reoperations were performed in 26 (10%) patients. Reoperations were related to the band in 13, to port/tubing in 11, and related to both in 2 patients. Of the 15 band-related problems, it was removed in 5 (2%): slippage (3), intra-abdominal abscess (1), and during emergent operation for bleeding duodenal ulcer (1). Revision or immediate replacement was performed in 10 (4%): slippage (5), obstruction (4), and leak from the reservoir (1). Port/tubing problems were the reason for reoperations in 13 (5%): infection (5), crack at tubing-port connection (6), and port rotation (2). Port removal for infection was followed later by port replacement (average 9 months). Overall, slippage occurred in 8 (3%), obstruction in 4 (1.5%), leak from reservoir in 7 (3%), and infection in 5 (2%) patients. Fifteen device-related problems occurred during our first 100 cases and 12 subsequently (P = 0.057). Permanent LapBand loss was only 5 per cent, leading to overall rate of 95 per cent of LapBand preservation as a restrictive device.

Quantification of pain and satisfaction following laparoscopic and open hernia repair.

HYPOTHESIS: Subjective experiences can be quantified by visual analog scale (VAS) scoring to improve comparison of surgical techniques. DESIGN: Prospective collection of outcome data by interview of patients at 1 day and 1 week following nonrandomized elective hernia repair by a single surgical group between May 1998 and April 2003. SETTING: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif. PATIENTS: A total of 253 patients (239 men; mean age, 59 years) underwent repair by laparoscopic (n = 110, 105 bilateral, 92 total extraperitoneal, and 18 transabdominal preperitoneal) or tension-free open (n = 143, 133 unilateral) approach. Laparoscopic patients were significantly younger (52.0 vs 63.8 years, P<.001). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjective measures included VAS scores (1-10, 1 indicates best) for pain at 1 day and 1 week postoperatively and overall satisfaction at 1 week. Objective measures included quantity and days of analgesic use and days before return to regular activities, including work and driving. Results were also compared by patient age (Spearman analysis). RESULTS: Satisfaction was high for both procedures; the laparoscopic procedure was superior only for return to work and driving. Spearman analysis showed a significant inverse relation between age and first-day pain (r= -0.15, P=.01), independent of operative approach. Because laparoscopic patients were younger, patients younger than 65 years were analyzed separately; laparoscopic patients had significantly less first-day pain (5.44 vs 6.30, P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Pain following hernia repair was age dependent. Following laparoscopic repair, patients had lower first-day pain scores in younger patients and earlier return to normal activities in all patients. Satisfaction was similar for both approaches. Subjective experiences can be quantified, compared to detect subtle differences in outcome for competing surgical techniques, and used to counsel patients before operation, with the goal of improving satisfaction.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery and its effect on cough in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

In addition to heartburn and regurgitation, cough is a frequent nonspecific complaint of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The incidence of alternative etiologies for patients with chronic cough who are undergoing antireflux surgery is not known. To determine this, and the response of chronic cough to fundoplication, we performed a retrospective review of 129 patients with proven gastroesophageal reflux referred for surgical therapy. Chronic cough was present in 37 (29%) preoperatively. No differences were found in age, sex, or preoperative manometric findings between those with and without chronic cough. Patients with cough had a higher number of lower esophageal reflux events on preoperative 24-hour pH testing, and were more likely to have persistent dysphagia after surgery. Fifty-nine percent of patients with cough had an alternative etiology for cough, compared to 36% of those without cough. Of the common alternative etiologies, only a history of postnasal drip occurred more frequently in those with cough. Complete resolution of cough occurred in 24 patients (64%), with another 10 (27%) reporting significant improvement. The average cough score improved significantly regardless of which coexisting etiology the patients may have had. Additionally, heartburn and regurgitation were improved in 94% of all patients.

Symptoms before and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones.

Between 1989 and 1995, 1380 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis by a single surgical group at a large private teaching hospital. Thirteen hundred surveys were mailed, and 573 (44.3%) were completed at least 6 months postoperatively. Pain and nonpain symptoms were present preoperatively in 432 (75%) and 457 (80%) patients, respectively. Postoperatively, pain and nonpain symptoms were present in 141 (25%) and 247 (43%) patients, respectively (P < 0.05). All nonpain symptoms were significantly reduced postoperatively except for diarrhea (P < 0.05). Longer duration of pain, age < 40, frequent episodes of pain, postprandial pain, and increased sites of pain preoperatively were all predictive of a higher incidence of persistent postoperative pain (P < 0.05). Persistent nonpain symptoms were more likely if diarrhea, fatty food intolerance, age < 40, or both pain and nonpain symptoms were present preoperatively (P = 0.05) and less likely if only pain symptoms were present preoperatively (P = 0.0001). This series quantifies symptom-specific outcomes for the surgeon. While most symptoms improve, a significant number of pain and nonpain symptoms persist after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. With these data, surgeons can modulate postoperative expectations and advise on the possible persistence of symptoms.

Portal vein thrombosis following splenectomy: identification of risk factors.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) following splenectomy is a potentially life-threatening complication, and the true incidence of PVT in splenectomized patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic PVT after splenectomy. The hospital database was searched to identify cases of PVT associated with splenectomy from January 1990 to May 2002. Six hundred eighty-eight patients underwent splenectomy during this period, 321 of them for hematologic diseases. Eleven of the 688 patients had PVT associated with splenectomy, and the charts of these patients were reviewed. Six patients developed PVT after splenectomy. Five had hematologic diseases. Symptoms were abdominal pain (6), ileus (5), fever (3), or diarrhea (2). Diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) (4), duplex ultrasonography (1), and magnetic resonance imaging (1). The indications for splenectomy included hemolytic anemia (3), thalassemia (1), and myelofibrosis (1). One patient had an incidental splenectomy during gastrectomy. There were four laparoscopic and two open splenectomies. The median interval between splenectomy and diagnosis of PVT was 40 days (range, 13-741). One patient died of pulmonary embolism. Five of six patients with postsplenectomy PVT had splenomegaly and hemolysis. We conclude that the risk of PVT is higher in patients with hematologic conditions associated with splenomegaly and hemolysis.