Evaluation of High-Interval Education to Improve Outcomes for Bariatric Patients With Health Disparities.

A correlation of health disparities, socioeconomic barriers, and health literacy were hypothesized as causative factors of poor weight loss, weight regain, and loss to clinical follow-up in postbariatric patients. This study explored nurse practitioner-led interventions to address health disparities and improve outcomes. This pilot project evaluated 3-month weights of an intervention cohort as compared with a retrospective cohort. The intervention cohort received a weekly educational phone call from the clinical nurse practitioner. Quantitative data based on 3-month weights reveal an average excess body weight percentage lost at the 3-month postoperative clinical visit (36.54 ± 0.11, p = .2929) in the retrospective cohort ( n = 30) as compared with the intervention cohort ( n = 30; 33.46 ± 0.11, p = .2929). Participants responding to the barriers screening tool did not correspond with the actual needs represented by the population. Food access and transportation were leading factors affecting weight loss. This project revealed implications including the need for development of bariatric-specific social needs assessments, the need to explore telehealth as a modality to improve patient education, the need to modify education to overcome deficits in health literacy. Findings also validate the role of the nurse practitioner as a leader of multidisciplinary care teams.

Magnetoenterography for the Detection of Partial Mesenteric Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischemia represents a life-threatening gastrointestinal condition. A noninvasive diagnostic modality that identifies mesenteric ischemia patients early in the disease process will enable early surgical intervention. Previous studies have identified significant changes in the small-bowel electrical slow-wave parameters during intestinal ischemia caused by total occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. The purpose of this study was to use noninvasive biomagnetic techniques to assess functional physiological changes in intestinal slow waves in response to partial mesenteric ischemia. METHODS: We induced progressive intestinal ischemia in normal porcine subjects (n = 10) by slowly increasing the occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery at the following percentages of baseline flow: 50%, 75%, 90%, and 100% while simultaneous transabdominal magnetoenterogram (MENG) and serosal electromyogram (EMG) recordings were being obtained. RESULTS: A statistically significant serosal EMG amplitude decrease was observed at 100% occlusion compared with baseline, whereas no significant change was observed for MENG amplitude at any progressive occlusion levels. MENG recordings showed significant changes in the frequency and percentage of power distributed in bradyenteric and normoenteric frequency ranges at 50%, 75%, 90%, and 100% vessel occlusions. In serosal EMG recordings, a similar percent power distribution (PPD) effect was observed at 75%, 90%, and 100% occlusion levels. Serosal EMG showed a statistically significant increase in tachyenteric PPD at 90% and 100% occlusion. We observed significant increase in tachyenteric PPD only at the 100% occlusion level in MENG recordings. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic changes in the intestinal slow wave can be detected early and noninvasively even with partial vascular occlusion. Our results suggest that noninvasive MENG may be useful for clinical diagnosis of partial mesenteric ischemia.

Heller myotomy versus Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication for achalasia: long-term symptomatic follow-up of a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Our prior randomized controlled trial of Heller myotomy alone versus Heller plus Dor fundoplication for achalasia from 2000 to 2004 demonstrated comparable postoperative resolution of dysphagia but less gastroesophageal reflux after Heller plus Dor. Patient-reported outcomes are needed to determine whether the findings are sustained long-term. METHODS: We actively engaged participants from the prior randomized cohort, making up to six contact attempts per person using telephone, mail, and electronic messaging. We collected patient-reported measures of dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux using the Dysphagia Score and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) instrument. Patient-reported re-interventions for dysphagia were verified by obtaining longitudinal medical records. RESULTS: Among living participants, 27/41 (66%) were contacted and all completed the follow-up study at a mean of 11.8 years postoperatively. Median Dysphagia Scores and GERD-HRQL scores were slightly worse for Heller than Heller plus Dor but were not statistically different (6 vs 3, p = 0.08 for dysphagia, 15 vs 13, p = 0.25 for reflux). Five patients in the Heller group and 6 in Heller plus Dor underwent re-intervention for dysphagia with most occurring more than five years postoperatively. One patient in each group underwent redo Heller myotomy and subsequent esophagectomy. Nearly all patients (96%) would undergo operation again. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term patient-reported outcomes after Heller alone and Heller plus Dor for achalasia are comparable, providing support for either procedure.

microRNA-29 negatively regulates EMT regulator N-myc interactor in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: N-Myc Interactor is an inducible protein whose expression is compromised in advanced stage breast cancer. Downregulation of NMI, a gatekeeper of epithelial phenotype, in breast tumors promotes mesenchymal, invasive and metastatic phenotype of the cancer cells. Thus the mechanisms that regulate expression of NMI are of potential interest for understanding the etiology of breast tumor progression and metastasis. METHOD: Web based prediction algorithms were used to identify miRNAs that potentially target the NMI transcript. Luciferase reporter assays and western blot analysis were used to confirm the ability of miR-29 to target NMI. Quantitive-RT-PCRs were used to examine levels of miR29 and NMI from cell line and patient specimen derived RNA. The functional impact of miR-29 on EMT phenotype was evaluated using transwell migration as well as monitoring 3D matrigel growth morphology. Anti-miRs were used to examine effects of reducing miR-29 levels from cells. Western blots were used to examine changes in GSK3ß phosphorylation status. The impact on molecular attributes of EMT was evaluated using immunocytochemistry, qRT-PCRs as well as Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Invasive, mesenchymal-like breast cancer cell lines showed increased levels of miR-29. Introduction of miR-29 into breast cancer cells (with robust level of NMI) resulted in decreased NMI expression and increased invasion, whereas treatment of cells with high miR-29 and low NMI levels with miR-29 antagonists increased NMI expression and decreased invasion. Assessment of 2D and 3D growth morphologies revealed an EMT promoting effect of miR-29. Analysis of mRNA of NMI and miR-29 from patient derived breast cancer tumors showed a strong, inverse relationship between the expression of NMI and the miR-29. Our studies also revealed that in the absence of NMI, miR-29 expression is upregulated due to unrestricted Wnt/ß-catenin signaling resulting from inactivation of GSK3ß. CONCLUSION: Aberrant miR-29 expression may account for reduced NMI expression in breast tumors and mesenchymal phenotype of cancer cells that promotes invasive growth. Reduction in NMI levels has a feed-forward impact on miR-29 levels.

Elevated levels of plasma mitochondrial DNA DAMPs are linked to clinical outcome in severely injured human subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to execute a prospective cohort study to determine relationships between plasma mtDNA DAMP levels and the occurrence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and mortality. BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial DNA damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) accumulate in the circulation after severe injury. Observations in animal models demonstrate that mtDNA DAMPs contribute to organ dysfunction; however, the link between plasma mtDNA DAMPs and outcome in severely injured human subjects has not been established. METHODS: DNA was isolated from plasma samples taken from severely injured patients at hospital days 0, 1, and 2. Real-time PCR was used to quantify selected ≈200 base pair sequences of mtDNA within the COX1, ND1, and ND6 genes, as well as from the D-Loop transcriptional regulatory region. MODS was defined as a Denver Multiple Organ Failure score of 4 or greater. RESULTS: MtDNA DAMPs were quantified as PCR threshold cycle number. Lower threshold cycles indicate increased mtDNA DAMP content. Patients with SIRS had significantly increased mtDNA DAMP levels in all 4 sequences examined (32.14 ± 0.90 vs 29.00 ± 1.15 for COX1, 31.90 ± 0.47 vs 30.16 ± 1.42 for ND1, 32.40 ± 0.61 vs 28.94 ± 1.13 for ND6, and 33.12 ± 0.83 vs 28.30 ± 1.14 for D-Loop). Patients who developed MODS also had elevated mtDNA DAMP levels compared with those who did not (32.57 ± 0.74 vs 27.12 ± 0.66 for COX1, 32.45 ± 0.65 vs 28.20 ± 0.73 for ND1, 32.52 ± 0.56 vs 27.60 ± 0.79 for ND6, and 32.85 ± 0.75 vs 27.86 ± 1.27 for D-Loop). Patients with above-median mtDNA DAMP levels had a significantly elevated relative risk for mortality. Four patients died secondary to severe MODS. CONCLUSIONS: These findings comprise the first observational evidence that plasma mtDNA DAMPs is associated with the evolution of SIRS, MODS, and mortality in severely injured human subjects.

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Plasma Cell-Free Mitochondrial DNA, Insulin Sensitivity and Metabolic Changes in Obese Patients.

While improvement of mitochondrial function after bariatric surgery has been demonstrated, there is limited evidence about the effects of bariatric surgery on circulatory cell-free (cf) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and intracellular mtDNA abundance. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cells were isolated from healthy controls (HC) and bariatric surgery patients before surgery and 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. At baseline, the plasma level of short cf-mtDNA (ND6, ~100 bp) fragments was significantly higher in obese patients compared to HC. But there was no significant variation in mean ND6 values post-surgery. A significant positive correlation was observed between preop plasma ND6 levels and HgbA1c, ND6 and HOMA-IR 2 weeks post-surgery, and mtDNA content 6 months post-surgery. Interestingly, plasma from both HC and obese groups at all time points post-surgery contains long (~8 kb) cf-mtDNA fragments, suggesting the presence of near-intact and/or whole mitochondrial genomes. No significant variation was observed in mtDNA content post-surgery compared to baseline data in both PBM and skeletal muscle samples. Overall, bariatric surgery improved insulin sensitivity and other metabolic parameters without significant changes in plasma short cf-mtDNA levels or cellular mtDNA content. Our study provides novel insights about possible molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic effects of bariatric surgery and suggests the development of new generalized approaches to characterize cf-mtDNA.

Effects of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase activity in obese type 2 diabetics.

BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway that provides the majority of NADPH required for lipid biosynthesis. G6PD overexpression has been implicated in insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and increased oxidative stress in animals. This study examines G6PD expression in obese diabetic and nondiabetic subjects pre- and post-laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). METHODS: Patients undergoing LRYGB were recruited for the IRB-approved study and placed in either the diabetic (n = 11) or nondiabetic group (n = 16) (diabetic, HbA1c > 6.5%; nondiabetic, HbA1c < 6.0%). Blood samples were collected at baseline and throughout the first 3 postoperative months. Liver, adipose, and omental samples were taken during surgery. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM and were compared statistically using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The two groups were not significantly different at baseline except for fasting glucose and HbA1c. G6PD activity (nm/min/mg protein) was significantly higher in red blood cells (RBCs) (3.12 ± 1.39 vs. 0.67 ± 0.14) and liver (17.23 ± 2.40 vs. 9.74 ± 2.18) in diabetics compared to nondiabetics. There was good correlation between increased liver G6PD activity and the severity of diabetes as measured by HbA1c (r (2) = 0.525) and fasting glucose (r (2) = 0.542). No significant difference was found in the adipose or omental G6PD expression. Both groups experienced a significant increase in G6PD blood activity shortly following surgery (1 week) followed by a reduction 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: These results are the first ever seen in human subjects and demonstrate increased G6PD activity in diabetics compared to nondiabetics. These results suggest a correlation between G6PD activity and the severity of type 2 diabetes. The early increases in G6PD activity after LRYGB were unexpected and longer follow-up is needed to determine the effects of LRYGB on G6PD activity.

Improved rate of pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy: parenchymal division with the use of saline-coupled radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most common significant complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP) and results in substantial morbidity. Many different methods are available to divide the pancreatic parenchyma and achieve stump closure, but demonstrating an improvement in the incidence of POPF has been difficult. METHODS: A single-institution, retrospective review was conducted to evaluate all hand-assisted laparoscopic DP performed from October 2008 to July 2011 utilizing saline-coupled radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as the exclusive method of achieving division of the pancreatic parenchyma and closure of the proximal pancreatic remnant. All significant complications within the perioperative period were noted. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. One patient was lost to follow-up and thus excluded. Three patients (9.1%) demonstrated a POPF; two were treated with prolonged placement of the intraoperative drain (grade A: 6.1%) and the third was treated with endoscopic cystogastrostomy (grade C: 3.0%). One other significant complication (3.0%) of a perforated gastric ulcer that required partial gastrectomy occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The use of saline-coupled RFA alone for pancreatic parenchymal division and closure after DP is safe and effective. This study found an overall significant complication rate of 6.1%, and a rate of clinically significant POPF of 3.0%.

For the People and the Profession.

In 1982 Dean Warren delivered the presidential address "Not for the Profession… For the People" in which he identified substandard surgical residency programs graduating residents who were unable to pass American Board of Surgery exams. Drs. Warren and Shires as members of the independent ACGME began to close the substandard programs in order to improve surgical care for average Americans i.e. "for the people". By 2003 these changes dramatically reduced the failure rate for the ABS exams and trained good surgeons who could operate independently however the residents were on duty for every other or every third night. In 2003 the ACGME mandated duty hour restrictions in order improve resident wellness and improve the training environment for the profession. However, work hour restrictions reduced the time surgical residents spent in the hospital environment primarily when residents had more autonomy and had exposure to emergency cases which degraded readiness for independent practice. Surgical educators in the 2 decades after the work hour restrictions have improved techniques of training so graduates could not only pass the board exams but also be prepared for independent practice. Surgical residency training has improved by both the changes implemented by the independent ACGME in 1981 and by the work hour restrictions mandated in 2003. Five recommendations are made to ensure that Dr Warren's culture of excellence in surgical training continues in an environment that enhances wellbeing of the trainee i.e. "For the People and the Profession".

Review of Outcomes of Low Verses Standard Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy changes cardiorespiratory physiology and contributes to post-op pain. We studied outcomes before and after implementing low-pressure pneumoperitoneum QI project. METHODS: Forty-two patients were insufflated at standard pressures (15 mmHg) while 41 were insufflated using low (8-12 mmHg) during laparoscopic procedures. These variables were obtained from the patient chart: pain scores, intravenous morphine milligram equivalents (MME), peak inspiratory pressures (PIP), end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), surgery duration, and patient demographics. The study was conducted after IRB approval. RESULTS: Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum is feasible and the surgeon can increase to 10-12 mmHg as needed. The mean post-op IV MME was significantly decreased in the low-pressure group (11.75 ± 10.41) compared to the standard pressure group (17.36 ± 18.1) (t-test, P = .047). Mean peak inspiratory pressures during insufflation were significantly higher for procedures conducted at standard pressure (31.40 ± 4.82) compared to the 8 mmHg (24.68 ± 4.19) and 12 mmHg (27.33± 3.85) low pressure groups (one-way ANOVA, P < .0001). During insufflation, there was a significant increase in the average EtCO2 in the standard pressure group (42.07 ± 5.60) compared to the 8 mmHg low pressure group (37.59 ± 5.05) (ANOVA, P = .0096). Constant flow insufflation was more likely to be performed at low pressure than demand mode (58% v. 33%). CONCLUSION: Low pressure pneumoperitoneum decreases PIP pressure and CO2 absorption evidenced by lower ETCO2 intra-operatively. Patients have significant improvement in postoperative pain evidenced by decreased narcotics needed. Low pressure pneumoperitoneum using a constant flow insufflator is safe and results in improved patient outcomes.

Surgical removal of omental fat does not improve insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adults.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is an important risk factor for the metabolic complications associated with obesity. Therefore, a reduction in VAT is considered an important target of obesity therapy. We evaluated whether reducing VAT mass by surgical removal of the omentum improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic function in obese patients. METHODS: We conducted a 12-month randomized controlled trial to determine whether reducing VAT by omentectomy in 22 obese subjects increased their improvement following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery in hepatic and skeletal muscle sensitivity to insulin study 1. Improvement was assessed by using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique. We also performed a 3-month, longitudinal, single-arm study to determine whether laparoscopic omentectomy alone, in 7 obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), improved insulin sensitivity study 2. Improvement was assessed by using the Frequently Sampled Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test. RESULTS: The greater omentum, which weighed 0.82 kg (95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.97), was removed from subjects who had omentectomy in both studies. In study 1, there was an approximate 2-fold increase in muscle insulin sensitivity (relative increase in glucose disposal during insulin infusion) and a 4-fold increase in hepatic insulin sensitivity 12 months after RYGB alone and RYGB plus omentectomy, compared with baseline values (P<.001). There were no significant differences between groups (P>.87) or group x time interactions (P>.36). In study 2, surgery had no effect on insulin sensitivity (P=.844) or use of diabetes medications. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that decreasing VAT through omentectomy, alone or in combination with RYGB surgery, does not improve metabolic function in obese patients.

Long-term follow-up of the metabolic profiles in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) on 2 metabolic disorders, diabetes and dyslipidemia, in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Little is known about the long-term change in metabolic and lipid profiles of T2DM patients after RYGBP. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data about glucose metabolism and lipid profiles of morbidly obese patients with T2DM on antidiabetic medications who underwent laparoscopic RYGBP. RESULTS: A total 219 patients with mean (+/-SD) duration of follow-up of 26.4 (+/-12.8) months were included in the study. At one year postoperative mean serum fasting plasma glucose fell from 152.8 to 106.0 mg/dL, HGBA1c (glycated hemoglobin) fell from 7.6% to 6.1%, TC (total cholesterol) went from 180.9 to 172.0 mg/dL, TG (triglyceride) fell from 208.0 to 117.4 mg/dL, and HDL-C (HDL-cholesterol) levels increased from 48.7 to 58.7 mg/dL. These improvements were maintained 2 to 4 years after surgery. Older age, longer duration of T2DM, and insulin use were important preoperative factors associated with failure to resolve T2DM. Postoperatively, the amount of total weight loss was associated with the improvement or resolution of T2DM (P = 0.053). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic RYGBP has a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism and serum lipid composition in obese T2DM patients. Sustained weight loss was associated with maintenance of euglycemia in postoperative obese T2DM patients.

Retrograde jejunojejunal intussusception status following Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy.

Reported herein is an experience with retrograde intussusception. The index case was a 25-year-old African American woman who was status post-multiple previous intraperitoneal procedures, including a truncal vagotomy, distal gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy for the treatment of gastric outlet obstruction secondary to type 2 peptic ulcer disease. The patient presented most recently with symptoms and signs of a high-grade mechanical intestinal obstruction. Preoperatively, computerized axial tomography revealed retrograde intussusception. Urgent exploratory celiotomy confirmed retrograde intussusception of a segment of the common channel just distal to the jejunojejunostomy. The jejunojejunostomy, including the nonreducible intussusceptum and intussuscipiens, was resected. The alimentary tract was reconstituted in conventional fashion. Light microscopic histopathologic analysis revealed acute greater than chronic inflammation, transmural edema, ischemia/necrosis of the intussusceptum, and hypertrophy of the intussuscipiens. Mechanistically, intussusception has been characterized as an internal prolapse. It usually is aboral/antegrade/isoperistaltic in direction with circumferential intraluminal invagination/prolapse/propagation/telescoping of the proximal/cephalad intussusceptum into the distal/caudad intussuscipiens. Retrograde intussusception is the reverse. More specifically, retrograde intussusception is adoral/retrograde/antiperistaltic in direction with circumferential extraluminal exvagination/propagation/telescoping of the proximal/cephalad intussuscipiens over and around the distal/caudad intussusceptum. We speculate that suture lines, staple lines, adhesive disease, and incomplete closure of mesenteric defects are proximate and determinant causes of retrograde intussusception.

W. Dean Warren, MD, FACS, Father of Selective Shunts for Variceal Hemorrhage: Lessons Learned.

Dr Dean Warren was born in 1924 and died prematurely from cancer in 1989. He was a man of uncommon intelligence, wit, collegiality, integrity, honesty, and a true leader in American surgery. In 1966, he and his colleagues (Drs Zeppa and Fomon) presented a new concept for surgical shunts to control variceal hemorrhage while maintaining portal perfusion or hepatopetal blood flow. He termed this new shunt the distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS), which was the first selective shunt invented. The DSRS selective shunt was a brilliant improvement over the total shunt concept proposed by Nicolai Eck and was practiced worldwide during the 1980s. In a space of 2 decades, Dr Warren's pioneering work would show that the selective DSRS was superior to total shunts for treatment of portal hypertension, but that endoscopic sclerotherapy was a better first-line treatment for variceal hemorrhage than his own creation. His absolute adherence to the principles he espoused in his presidential address to the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract in 1973 were employed in his research and treatment of patients. This paper details Dr Warren's extraordinary research accomplishments and sets a lesson for us that well-designed clinical trials including randomization are essential in the advancement of the care of surgical patients.

Plasma mitochondrial DNA is elevated in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and correlates positively with insulin resistance.

Cells damaged by mechanical or infectious injury release proinflammatory mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments into the circulation. We evaluated the relation between plasma levels of mtDNA fragments in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and measures of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. In 10 obese T2DM patients and 12 healthy control (HC) subjects, we measured levels of plasma cell-free mtDNA with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and mtDNA damage in skeletal muscle with quantitative alkaline Southern blot. Also, markers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in skeletal muscle were measured. Plasma levels of mtDNA fragments, mtDNA damage in skeletal muscle and plasma tumor necrosis factor α levels were greater in obese T2DM patients than HC subjects. Also, the abundance of plasma mtDNA fragments in obese T2DM patients levels positively correlated with insulin resistance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published evidence that elevated level of plasma mtDNA fragments is associated with mtDNA damage and oxidative stress in skeletal muscle and correlates with insulin resistance in obese T2DM patients. Plasma mtDNA may be a useful biomarker for predicting and monitoring insulin resistance in obese patients.

Comparative Analysis of Laparoscopic Fundoplication and Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for the Treatment of Medically Refractory GERD.

We have recently introduced laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) combined with hiatal hernia repair for treatment of patients with medically refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). MSA is a novel surgical approach to the treatment of severe GERD, in which magnetic beads are secured around the lower esophageal sphincter, augmenting the lower esophageal sphincter function as an anti-reflux barrier. We hypothesize that patients undergoing MSA will achieve GERD relief, equal to that obtained after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The GERD Health Related Quality of Life (GERD HRQL) Questionnaire is a validated clinical tool that was used to quantify patient outcomes in terms of GERD-related symptoms both on and off proton pump inhibitors and after acute radiation syndrome. We retrospectively reviewed data from patients at our institution enrolled in a prospective institutional review board-approved database "Registry Outcomes Anti-Reflux Surgery" that applies objective and subjective information about patients undergoing anti-reflux surgery. Information from both the database and patient HRQL scores were used to compare the effectiveness of medical intervention with acute radiation syndrome (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and MSA) in decreasing GERD-related symptoms in patients. Results are expressed as mean ± SE, and single-factor ANOVA test was used to compare groups. We found that MSA and laparoscopic fundoplication both lead to a comparable decrease in HRQL score and an increase in patient satisfaction when compared with patient's preoperative symptoms with maximum proton pump inhibitor use. In addition, our study shows that MSA is a safe minimally invasive anti-reflux procedure without the negative side-effects, such as gas bloat, inability to belch, and inability to vomit, commonly associated with NF.

Early Assessment of Burn Depth with Far Infrared Time-Lapse Thermography.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing the extremes of superficial burns and full-thickness burns is straightforward. It is in the middle ground of partial-thickness burns where the diagnostic difficulties emerge; it can take up to 3 to 5 days for signs of healing to appear. We hypothesize that cooling partial-thickness burns and tracking the rate of rewarming will immediately reflect the condition of the burn: shallow partial-thickness burns that retain cell health and blood flow will rewarm rapidly, and deeper burns with damaged microvessels will rewarm slowly. STUDY DESIGN: We enrolled 16 patients with isolated, partial-thickness burns on their extremities who were diagnosed as indeterminate by our burn surgeon. Within 24 hours after presentation, room-temperature saline was poured over the burn as a cooling challenge. An infrared camera that was sensitive to body temperature produced false-color images showing pixel-by-pixel temperatures. A time-lapse recording from the infrared camera images taken as the burn rewarmed produced a time-temperature curve that reflected the kinetics of rewarming. The outcomes variable was whether or not the patient received a skin graft, which was determined 72 hours after presentation. RESULTS: The method correctly predicted whether or not the patient required a skin graft. CONCLUSIONS: Here we report a new technique that permits determination of wound viability much earlier than clinical examination. Due to the simplicity of the method, non-experts can successfully perform the technique on the first day of the burn and make the correct diagnosis and decision to graft or not to graft.

Relief of dysphagia after laparoscopic Heller myotomy improves long-term quality of life.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Quality of life (QoL) is getting more attention in the medical literature. Treatment outcomes are now gauged by their effect on the QoL along with their direct effect on the diseases they are targeting. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of residual dysphagia on QoL after laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia. METHODS: QoL was evaluated using the short-form-36 (SF-36) and postoperative dysphagia was assessed using a dysphagia score. The score (range 0-10) was calculated by combining the frequency of dysphagia (0=never, 1 = < 1 day/wk, 2 = 1 day/wk, 3 = 2-3 days/wk, 4 = 4-6 days/wk, 5=daily) with the severity (0=none, 1=very mild, 2=mild, 3=moderate, 4=moderately severe, 5=severe). Patients were classified in the Nonresponder group when their dysphagia score was in the upper quartile. RESULTS: Questionnaires were mailed to 110 patients. The overall response rate was 91% with 100 patients (54 female) returning the questionnaires. The average follow-up was 3.3 years. There was a significative inverse correlation between dysphagia score and mental component (P = 0.0001) and total SF-36 (P = 0.001) scores. According to their postoperative dysphagia scores, 77 patients were assigned to the Responder Group and 23 patients to the Nonresponder Group. The two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, rate of fundoplication, and length of follow-up. Mental component and total SF-36 scores were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the Responder group. Successful relief of dysphagia after Heller myotomy was associated with health-related quality of life scores that were 13 higher in Vitality (P < 0.05), 11 points higher in mental health (P < 0.05), and 12 points higher in General Health (P < 0.05). Overall patient satisfaction with surgical outcome was 92%, with only eight patients not satisfied with the surgery. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy offers excellent long-term relief of achalasia-related symptoms, namely dysphagia, and this was projected on a significant improvement in quality of life and patient satisfaction.