Teaching endoscopic management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage using a modular simulation curriculum.

BACKGROUND: As flexible endoscopy is increasingly adopted as a minimally invasive approach to surgical challenges, an efficient curriculum is needed to train surgeons in therapeutic endoscopy. We developed a simulation-based approach to teaching endoscopic management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage as part of a modular curriculum, complete with task performance pre- and post-testing. METHODS: Two sessions of our advanced flexible endoscopy course were taught using ex vivo porcine models to simulate active gastrointestinal hemorrhage and allow for training in hands-on endoscopic management. The module is composed of hands-on pretesting, didactics, mentored practice sessions, and postcourse assessments. Pre- and postcourse tests and surveys evaluated knowledge, confidence, and performance of participants and results were analyzed using the paired t test. RESULTS: Sixteen practicing surgeons participated in the course. After course completion, overall knowledge-based assessments improved from 3.4 (±1.9) to 5.8 (±2.0) (P < .001). Although participants with glove sizes >7.0 and ≥2 years in practice had higher pretest evaluator scores (P = .045 and P = .020), all participants demonstrated overall improvement in endoscopic management of hemorrhage, with postcourse evaluator score increases from 20.9 (±1.6) to 23.6 (±2.0) (P = .001) and specific improvements in identification of target bleeding (P = .015), endoscopic clip setup (P < .001), and clip deployment (P = .002). Surveys also found increased confidence in competency after curriculum completion, 11.6 (±3.4)-23.0 (±5.5) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our simulation-based approach to teaching the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding emphasizes hands-on pretesting and provides an effective training model to improve the knowledge, confidence, and technical performance of practicing surgeons.

A 13-year experience with biologic and biosynthetic absorbable mesh reinforced laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Mesh reinforced cruroplasty during laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair remains controversial due to wide variation in surgical technique and mesh composition. This study aims to review outcomes and rates of recurrence following laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (LPEHR) with mesh reinforced cruroplasty utilizing absorbable mesh at a single institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent LPEHR with mesh was performed. Medical records were reviewed for patient reported, radiographic or endoscopic evidence of recurrence, defined as > 2 cm of vertical intrathoracic stomach. If no studies were available for review, patients were considered to have no recurrence. Outcomes and mesh-related complications were also reviewed. RESULTS: Between 10/2008 and 9/2021, 473 patients underwent LPEHR with absorbable mesh; 1.3% type 2 hernias, 86.0% type 3 hernias, 12.7% type 4 hernias. Three types of mesh were used: initially biologic mesh (n = 83), then heavyweight synthetic bioabsorbable mesh (n = 261), and finally lightweight synthetic bioabsorbable mesh (n = 111). There were no significant differences in age, ASA, BMI, gender, smoking status, chronic steroid use, preoperative acid suppression, hernia type, or recurrent hernia between groups. There were no significant differences in 30-day postoperative outcomes. Reflux Symptom Index, GERD-HRQL, and Dysphagia Scores at 1- and 2-year postoperative timepoints were not significantly different. The overall recurrence rate was 16.7%, with no significant differences in recurrence rates between biologic, heavyweight or lightweight biosynthetic absorbable mesh through 2 years after surgery. A shorter median time to recurrence (10 months, p = 0.016) was seen in the lightweight group. CONCLUSION: LPEHR with absorbable mesh reinforced cruroplasty is feasible and safe, with equivalent patient-reported outcomes, including dysphagia, up to 2-years postop regardless of mesh choice. No significant differences in recurrence rates between biologic, heavyweight, or lightweight synthetic bioabsorbable mesh were seen up to 2 years after LPEHR.

Experience with Impedance Planimetry for Surgical Foregut Disease in 1,097 Cases.

BACKGROUND: The geometry and compliance of gastrointestinal sphincters may be assessed by impedance planimetry using a functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP). We describe our institutional foregut surgeon experience using FLIP in 1,097 cases, highlighting instances where FLIP changed operative decision making. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of an IRB-approved prospective quality database was performed. This included operative and endoscopic suite foregut procedures using FLIP between February 2013 and May 2022. RESULTS: During the study period, FLIP was used a total of 1,097 times in 919 unique patients by 2 foregut surgeons. Intraoperative FLIP was used during 573 antireflux procedures and 272 endoscopic myotomies. FLIP was also used during 252 endoscopic suite procedures. For those undergoing preoperative workup of GERD, starting in 2021, esophageal panometry was performed in addition to standard FLIP measurements at the lower esophageal sphincter. In 77 cases, intraoperative FLIP changed operative decision making. During antireflux procedures, changes included adding or removing crural sutures, adjusting a fundoplication tightness, choice of full vs partial wrap, and magnetic sphincter augmentation sizing. For endoscopic procedures, changes included aborting peroral endoscopic myotomy or Zenker's peroral endoscopic myotomy, performing a myotomy when preoperative diagnosis was unclear, or performing additional myotomy. CONCLUSIONS: FLIP is a useful tool for assessing the upper esophageal sphincter, lower esophageal sphincter, pylorus, and secondary esophageal peristalsis that can be used in a wide variety of clinical situations within a foregut surgeon's practice. It can also function as an adjunct in intraoperative decision making.

"Into the fire" approach to teaching endoscopic foreign body removal using a modular simulation curriculum.

BACKGROUND: As flexible endoscopy becomes an increasingly valuable minimally invasive approach to surgical challenges, an efficient and comprehensive training curriculum is needed to train surgeons in therapeutic endoscopy. We developed a modular curriculum utilizing a simulation-based, "into the fire" approach to endoscopic foreign body removal for practicing physicians with task performance pre- and post-testing. METHODS: From 2020 to 2021, two sessions of our advanced flexible endoscopy course were taught by two expert surgical endoscopists using ex-vivo porcine models. The course focused on safe removal techniques for various foreign bodies as part of an overall endoscopy curriculum that uses hands-on simulation-based pre-testing, didactics, and mentored practice sessions, followed by post-course examination. Pre- and post-course assessments and surveys were used to evaluate knowledge, performance, and confidence of participants, and subsequently analyzed using the Wilcoxon-signed rank test. RESULTS: Of the 16 practicing physicians who participated in the course, 43.8% were certified in Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery, and 62.5% had completed > 200 prior upper endoscopies. Upon course completion, scoring on knowledge-based written examinations improved from 3.4 ± 1.9 to 5.8 ± 2.0 (p < 0.001). Technical facility of each participant demonstrated significant overall improvement with post-course score increased from 15.8 ± 2.5 to 23.6 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001), with skill refinement noted in technical subcategories of appropriate instrument use (p < 0.001), foreign body manipulation (p < 0.001), and successful foreign body removal (p < 0.001). Confidence surveys likewise demonstrated significant increase in confidence after completion of the curriculum 11.6 ± 3.4 to 23.0 ± 5.5 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The "into the fire" approach to teaching endoscopic foreign body removal utilizing our simulation module provides an effective curriculum to improve knowledge, confidence, and overall technical performance. Our methodology utilizes hands-on, simulation-based pre-testing prior to instruction. This introduces clinical scenarios and technical challenges, while accounting for and tailoring to provider-specific variation in knowledge and experience, facilitating training efficiency.

Esophagogastric junction compliance on impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP™) following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) predicts improvement in postoperative eckardt score.

BACKGROUND: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a mainstay of treatment for achalasia. Tailored myotomy based on compliance, as measured with impedance planimetry (FLIP), has yet to be described. In this study we describe the associations between Eckardt score, postoperative GERD, and compliance. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed, evaluating patients who underwent POEM and intraoperative FLIP between January 2019 and November 2021. Group comparisons were made using two-tailed Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher's exact tests. Spearman's correlation coefficients (r) were used to assess the relationship between compliance and outcomes, all with two-tailed statistical significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Thirty five patients underwent POEM with intraoperative FLIP. At a 30 mL and 40 mL fill, respectively, compliance increased by 80% (180 ± 152%) and 77% (177 ± 131%) from pre to post myotomy. Mean Eckardt score improved from 5.5 ± 2.6 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 1.6 and 1.8 ± 1.9 at first and second follow up, respectively. Median times to first and second follow up were 22 days (IQR 16-23) and 65 days (IQR 58-142). A higher compliance at 40 mL fill was moderately associated with lower Eckardt score at first (r = -0.49, p = 0.012) and second (r = -0.64, p = 0.014) follow up. Post myotomy compliance ≥ 125 mm3/mmHg at 40 mL fill was associated with lower Eckardt scores, < 3, at first (0.4 ± 0.5 vs 1.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.008) and second (0.4 ± 0.5, vs 2.0 ± 1.4, p = 0.027) follow up. Compliance ≥ 125 mm3/mmHg performed better than previously defined ideal ranges of DI and CSA in predicting postoperative Eckardt scores. Compliance was not significantly associated with development of postoperative GERD. CONCLUSIONS: A target post myotomy compliance of ≥ 125 mm3/mmHg at a 40 mL fill is associated with normal Eckardt scores at first and second postoperative visits, and performs better than previously defined ideal ranges of DI and CSA in predicting post-operative Eckardt scores. Compliance is a poor predictor of developing GERD after POEM.

Patient-reported outcomes in 645 patients after laparoscopic fundoplication up to 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic fundoplication is the gold-standard surgical management for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Optimal patient outcomes include resolution of symptoms with minimal postoperative side effects of dysphagia or gas-bloat. This study aims to review outcomes at a single institution up to 10 years after surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained quality database. Patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication from 2009 to 2021 were included. Transition in surgical practice mid-2017 with incorporation of fundoplication algorithm and impedance planimetry. Patient-reported outcome scores include Reflux Symptom Index, gastroesophageal reflux disease-health-related quality of life, and dysphagia score. Comparisons were made using two-tailed Wilcoxon rank sum tests. RESULTS: Six hundred forty-five patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication (2009-July 2017 n = 355, July 2017-November 2021 n = 290) from January 2009 to November 2021. Patients had an improvement in patient-reported outcomes and did not worsen from 2 to 10 years after surgery. Comparison of each time period showed that the second time period had fewer gas-bloat symptoms at 2 years (P = .04). Paraesophageal hernia was present in 66% of patients. Preoperative patient-reported outcomes in non-paraesophageal hernia include worse Reflux Symptoms Index (P < .01) and gastroesophageal reflux disease-health-related quality of life (P < .01) than the paraesophageal hernia group. Patient-reported outcomes were similar between the 2 except for worse gas-bloat in non-paraesophageal hernia patients at 2 years (P = .02). Endoscopy was performed in 10.9% (n = 58) of the study population at a median of 16 months, with 1.5% of patients (n = 8) from the entire cohort with abnormal DeMeester Scores. Median (interquartile range) preoperative DeMeester Score of 31 (17-51) decreased to 5 (2-14) at postoperative evaluation. CONCLUSION: This single-institution study reports excellent long-term patient-reported outcomes after laparoscopic fundoplication that persist up to 10 years.

Identification of 14 novel susceptibility loci for diaphragmatic hernia development and their biological and clinical implications: results from the UK Biobank.

INTRODUCTION: Genetic contributions to hernia development are incompletely understood. This study performed the first comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) for diaphragmatic hernia using a large population-based cohort in the UK Biobank (UKB). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Two-stage GWAS (discovery and confirmation) was performed for diaphragmatic hernia in the UKB. Briefly, 275,549 and 91,850 subjects were randomly selected for association tests in Stages 1 and 2, respectively. Association tests between 8,568,156 SNPs (genotyped or imputed with MAF > 0.01) in the autosomal genome and diaphragmatic hernia were performed in Stage 1. SNPs with P < 1 × 10-5 were selected for confirmation in Stage 2, and those with P < 0.05 and the same direction of association as Stage 1 were selected for combined association testing; SNPs with combined P < 5 × 10-8 were considered GWAS-significant. LD clumping analysis identified genetically independent chromosomal regions (loci). A genetic risk score (GRS) measured the cumulative risk of independent SNPs in 91,849 additional subjects using odds ratios (ORs) from Stages 1 and 2. RESULTS: 36,351 patients were identified with diaphragmatic hernia (ICD-10 K44). In Stage 1 analysis, 2654 SNPs were associated (P < 1 × 10-5) with diaphragmatic hernia. Stage 2 analysis confirmed 338 SNPs (P < 0.05). In combined analysis, 245 SNPs reached GWAS significance (P < 5 × 10-8). LD clumping analysis revealed 14 independent loci associated with diaphragmatic hernia. Two loci have been previously associated with inguinal hernia at 2p16 (rs181661155) and 11p13 (rs5030123). eQTL analysis suggested genes CRLF1, UBA52, and CALD1 are also significantly associated with these loci. GRS showed significant increase in cases compared to controls (P < 1 × 10-16) and is associated with increased risk of diaphragmatic hernia (P < 1 × 10-7). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 245 SNPs at 14 susceptibility loci associated with diaphragmatic hernia in a large population-based cohort. These results offer insight into pathogenetic mechanisms of diaphragmatic hernia development and may be used in genetic risk scores for pre-operative risk-stratification and clinical prediction models.

Impedance Planimetry (Endoflip) and Ideal Distensibility Ranges for Optimal Outcomes after Nissen and Toupet Fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that impedance planimetry-based functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) measurements are associated with patient-reported outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. We hypothesize that Nissen and Toupet fundoplications have different ideal FLIP profiles, such as distensibility. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained quality database was performed. Patients who had FLIP measurements during fundoplications between 2013 and 2021 were included. Reflux Symptom Index, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, and dysphagia score were collected for up to 2 years postoperatively. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare FLIP measurements vs outcomes. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty patients (171 Toupet, 79 Nissen) were analyzed. Distensibility ranges were categorized as tight, ideal, or loose. The ideal distensibility index range of Toupet patients with the 30- and 40-mL balloon fills were 2.6 to 3.7 mm2/mmHg. This range was associated with less dysphagia at 1 year compared with the tight group (p = 0.02). For Nissen patients, the 30- and 40-mL ideal threshold was a distensibility index of ≥2.2 mm2/mmHg. Patients with distensibility exceeding this threshold had a better quality of life than the tight group, reporting better Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (p = 0.02) and lower dysphagia scores (p = 0.01) at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Impedance planimetry revealed different ideal distensibility ranges after Toupet and Nissen fundoplications that are associated with improved patient-reported outcomes, suggesting that intraoperative FLIP has the potential to tailor fundoplication.

Changes in impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP) measurements at follow-up after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies show changes in functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) measurements after myotomy during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), but few report on FLIP measurements at follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The purpose of this study was to compare perioperative FLIP measurements to those at follow-up EGD. METHODS: Patients who underwent POEM with FLIP in the operating room and POEM patients who had EGD with FLIP at follow-up were included. FLIP measurements, including diameter (Dmin), pressure, cross-sectional area (CSA), and distensibility index (DI), were analyzed at a 30-mL balloon fill. Differences between measurements at different timepoints were assessed using a two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients who underwent POEM and 28 who underwent EGD with FLIP were analyzed. The average age was 63 ± 18 years and 46.4% of the patients were male. Mean preoperative Eckardt score was 6.5 ± 4.8, decreasing to 1.6 ± 2.0 at follow-up. EGDs were performed at a median of 15 months after surgery. When compared to mean measurements obtained post-myotomy, at the time of EGD, pressure was found to be significantly lower (p = 0.007) and DI significantly higher (p = 0.045). Of the patients who underwent EGD, 70.8% had an increase in DI, 55.6% had evidence of reflux esophagitis, and 81.0% met diagnostic criteria for reflux on esophageal pH monitoring. However, there was no correlation with the development of esophagitis or reflux and increase or decrease in DI at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant changes in FLIP measurements between the time of surgery and at follow-up EGD. These results suggest that esophageal remodeling may cause changes in lower esophageal sphincter geometry after POEM and postoperative FLIP targets immediately post-myotomy may need to be adjusted to account for these changes.

Patient-reported bowel and bladder function is not adversely impacted by bariatric surgery.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to assess the effect of bariatric surgery on patient-reported outcomes of bowel and bladder function. We hypothesized that bariatric surgery does not worsen bowel and bladder function. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A retrospective review was conducted of a prospectively maintained surgical quality database. We included patients who underwent primary bariatric surgery at a single institution between 2012 and 2020, excluding revisional procedures. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using Surgical Outcomes Measurement System (SOMS) bowel and bladder function questionnaires at time of pre-operative consult and routine post-operative follow-up visits through 2 years. Data were analyzed using a statistical mixed effects model. RESULTS: 573 patients (80.6% female) were identified with completed SOMS questionnaire data on bowel and bladder function. Of these, 370 (64.6%) underwent gastric bypass, 190 (33.2%) underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and 13 (2.3%) underwent either gastric banding or duodenal switch. Compared to pre-operative baseline scores, patients reported a transient worsening of bowel function at 2-weeks post-op (p = 0.009). However, by 3-months post-op, bowel function improved and was significantly better than baseline (p = 0.006); this improvement was sustained at every point through 2-year follow-up (p = 0.026). Bladder function scores improved immediately at 2-weeks post-op (p = 0.026) and showed sustained improvement through 1-year follow-up. On subgroup analysis, sleeve patients showed greater improvement in bowel function than bypass patients at 1-year (p = 0.031). Multivariable analysis showed significant improvement in bowel function associated with greater total body weight loss (TBWL) (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery does not worsen patient-reported bowel or bladder function. In fact, there is overall improvement from pre-operative scores for both bowel and bladder function by 3-months post-op which is sustained through 2-year and 1-year follow-up, respectively. Most encouragingly, a greater TBWL is significantly associated with improved bowel function after bariatric surgery.

A modular simulation curriculum to teach endoscopic stenting to practicing surgeons: an "Into the fire" approach.

BACKGROUND: Flexible endoscopy is a valuable tool for the gastrointestinal (GI) surgeon, creating a need for effective and efficient training curricula in therapeutic endoscopic techniques for trainees and practicing providers. Here, we present a simulation-based modular curriculum using an "into the fire" approach with hands-on pre- and post-testing to teach endoscopic stenting to practicing surgeons. METHODS: Three advanced flexible endoscopy courses were taught by expert surgical endoscopists from 2018 to 2019. The stenting module involved using self-expandable metal stents to manage simulated esophageal and gastroduodenal strictures on a non-tissue GI model. Based on the educational theories of inquiry-based learning, the simulation curriculum was designed with a series of pre-tests, didactics, mentored hands-on instructions, and post-tests. Assessments included a confidence survey, knowledge-based written test, and evaluation form specific to the hands-on performance of endoscopic stenting. RESULTS: Twenty-eight practicing surgeons with varying endoscopic experiences participated in the course. Most of the participants (67.9%) had completed over 100 upper endoscopic procedures and 57.1% were certified in Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery. After completing the modular curriculum, participant confidence survey scores improved from 11.4 ± 4.2 to 20.7 ± 4.0 (p < 0.001). Knowledge-based written test scores also improved from 7.1 ± 1.2 to 8.4 ± 0.9 (p < 0.001). In terms of technical performance, overall hands-on performance scores improved from 21.3 ± 2.7 to 28.9 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001) with significant improvement in each individual component of the assessment (all p values < 0.01) and the greatest improvement seen in equipment handling (88%) and flow of procedure (54%). CONCLUSION: Our modular simulation curriculum using an "into the fire" approach to teach endoscopic stenting is effective in improving learner knowledge, confidence, and hands-on performance of endoscopic stenting. This approach to simulation is effective, efficient, and adaptable to teaching practicing surgeons with varying levels of experience.

Impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP™) after magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX®) compared to fundoplication.

INTRODUCTION: Functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) use during laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) for gastroesophageal reflux disease is well described. However, there is a lack of data on FLIP measurements during magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA). This study aims to report our institutional experience in performing FLIP during MSA and to compare these measurements to those obtained during Nissen and Toupet fundoplication. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained quality database was performed. Patients who underwent MSA or LF and had FLIP measurements between April 2018 and June 2021 were included. FLIP measurements at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) were recorded without pneumoperitoneum at 40 mL balloon fill after hernia reduction, cruroplasty, and MSA or fundoplication. Reflux symptom index (RSI), GERD-HRQL, and dysphagia score were collected up to 2 years. Group comparisons were made using two-tailed Wilcoxon rank-sum and χ2 tests, with statistical significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients underwent MSA and 100 patients underwent LF (66% Toupet, 34% Nissen). Type III hiatal hernia was present in 3.7% of MSA patients versus over 50% for fundoplication patients. Minimum diameter, cross-sectional area, and distensibility index (DI) were lower after MSA device placement compared to Nissen or Toupet fundoplication (p < 0.05). Postoperative follow-up showed no differences in RSI, GERD-HRQL, and dysphagia score between MSA and Nissen fundoplication (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative impedance planimetry provided objective information regarding the geometry of the GEJ during MSA. The ring of magnetic beads restores the anti-reflux barrier and transiently opens with food bolus and belching. The magnetic force of the beads may explain why the DI after MSA is lower yet postoperative quality of life is no different than Nissen fundoplication.

Impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP™) reveals changes in gastroesophageal junction compliance during fundoplication.

INTRODUCTION: Compliance is the ability of a hollow organ to dilate and increase volume with an increase in pressure, an accurate representation of food bolus transit through the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Impedance planimetry system can calculate compliance (change in volume over pressure) and distensibility (cross-sectional area over pressure) of the GEJ. We aim to describe the changes in compliance during anti-reflux surgery and hypothesize that compliance is a better predictor of patient outcomes than distensibility (DI). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A review of a prospectively maintained quality database was performed. Patients with FLIP measurements during laparoscopic fundoplication between August 2018 and June 2021 were included. GEJ compliance and DI were measured after hernia reduction, cruroplasty, and fundoplication. Patient-reported outcomes were collected through standardized surveys up to 2 years after surgery. A scatter plot was used to identify a correlation between compliance and DI. Comparisons of measurements between time points were made using paired t-tests. Spearman's correlation coefficients (ρ), Wilcoxon rank-sum, and chi-square tests were used to evaluate associations between measurements and outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. Compliance is strongly associated with DI (r = 0.96), and a comparison of measurements showed similar trends at specific time points during the operation. After hernia reduction, compliance at the GEJ was 168 ± 74 mm3/mmHg, cruroplasty 79 ± 39 mm3/mmHg, and fundoplication 90 ± 33 mm3/mmHg (all comparisons p < 0.05). GEJ compliance of 80-92 mm3/mmHg after fundoplication was associated with the best patient-reported outcome scores. A compliance of ≤ 79 mm3/mmHg had the highest percentage of patients who reported dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance and DI are strongly associated displaying the same directional change during anti-reflux surgery. GEJ compliance of 80-92 mm3/mmHg revealed the best patient-reported outcome scores, and avoiding a compliance ≤ 79 mm3/mmHg may prevent postoperative dysphagia. Therefore, GEJ compliance is an underutilized FLIP measurement warranting further investigation.

Long-term retention after structured curriculum on attainment of critical view of safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining a clear Critical View of Safety helps prevent bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which can be improved with a structured Safe Critical View of Safety curriculum. We aimed to determine whether the improvement in obtaining Critical View of Safety postcurriculum is retained long-term. METHODS: A safe Critical View of Safety curriculum was previously implemented for all surgeons who perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a regional health system. Recordings of laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases were collected 1 year after completion of the curriculum, deidentified and randomly ordered, and then graded by 2 blinded expert surgeons using a 6-point Critical View of Safety assessment tool. RESULTS: A total of 12 surgeons with average experience of 17.9 ± 6.3 years in practice participated in the study. The majority (83%) had performed >700 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, and 4 surgeons (33%) reported 2 or more bile duct injuries in their career. Controlling for gallbladder pathology, Critical View of Safety scores improved from 1.7 ± 0.4 to 4.0 ± 0.4 (P < .001) immediately after completion of the curriculum. However, there was a small decrease in Critical View of Safety score after 1 year (3.2 ± 0.3 from 4.0 ± 0.4, P = .055), while still significantly higher compared to precurriculum (3.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.4, P < .001). Acute care surgeons had lower Critical View of Safety retention scores compared to general surgeons (1.8 ± 0.5 vs 3.3 ± 0.4, P = .01) and minimally invasive surgeons (1.8 ± 0.5 vs 3.8 ± 0.5, P < .01). CONCLUSION: A structured curriculum helped improve practicing surgeons' attainment of obtaining the Critical View of Safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, this improvement decreased after 1 year, suggesting some decay in knowledge retention over time. Therefore, continued educational interventions on Critical View of Safety and safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be needed to enhance long-term retention.

Impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP) measurements persist long term after anti-reflux surgery.

PURPOSE: The functional lumen imaging probe provides objective measurements of the gastroesophageal junction during laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. There is a lack of data on how functional lumen imaging probe measurements change at follow-up. We aim to describe our institutional experience in performing functional lumen imaging probe during postoperative endoscopy after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried. Patients who had postoperative endoscopic functional lumen imaging probe measurements between March 2018 and June 2021 were assessed at different time points from their index laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery using paired t test. Standardized quality of life questionnaires were collected for up to 2 years. Group comparisons were made using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients who underwent laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (magnetic sphincter augmentation or fundoplication) had postoperative functional lumen imaging probe. Thirty-two intraoperative functional lumen imaging probe values were compared with their postoperative functional lumen imaging probe. Fundoplication values did not differ. Postoperative functional lumen imaging probe distensibility index for magnetic sphincter augmentation patients was decreased (P = .04). Functional lumen imaging probe measurements for all postoperative endoscopies showed that magnetic sphincter augmentation had the lowest distensibility index (P < .01). Dysphagia as a reason for endoscopy had a decrease in distensibility index (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Functional lumen imaging probe measurements after fundoplication persist at long-term follow up while patients may have a tighter gastroesophageal junction after magnetic sphincter augmentation. Functional lumen imaging probe has the potential to assess the success or failure after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery and optimize patient outcomes.

Impedance Planimetry (Endoflip™) Shows That Length of Narrowing After Fundoplication Does Not Impact Dysphagia.

INTRODUCTION: A short floppy fundoplication has been the surgical dogma to prevent dysphagia and gas-bloat after laparoscopic fundoplication while adequately addressing gastroesophageal reflux disease. The literature on the ideal length of narrowing (LON) of the gastroesophageal junction after fundoplication is sparse. The functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) can be used during anti-reflux surgery to produce a visual representation of the LON. We hypothesize that a longer LON provides relief of GERD symptoms, however worse dysphagia and gas-bloat. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Prospectively collected data was analyzed. Patients with FLIP measurements during laparoscopic fundoplication between August 2018 and December 2020 were included. FLIP measurements at the gastroesophageal junction were recorded without pneumoperitoneum at 40-mL balloon fill after fundoplication. Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (GERD-HRQL), gas-bloat score, and Dysphagia Score were collected. Comparisons were made using Spearman correlation coefficients (r) and two-tailed Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication (26% Nissen, 74% Toupet) and had FLIP measurements. Mean LON in this cohort was 2.7 ± 0.8 cm and mean DI was 3.5 ± 1.3 mm2/mmHg. LON is inversely associated with RSI (r = - 0.29, p = 0.04) and gas-bloat (r = - 0.30, p = 0.04). There was no association with Dysphagia Score. Patients with a LON of 2.5-4.5 cm and DI of 2.5-3.6 mm2/mmHg after fundoplication reported lower RSI (p = 0.03) and GERD-HRQL (p = 0.04) compared to patients outside of these ranges. There were no significant differences in patient-reported dysphagia or gas-bloat scores at 1 year between these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Impedance planimetry provides objective real-time measurements and images during anti-reflux surgery, which allows surgeons to measure the length of narrowing after fundoplication. A LON of 2.5-4.5 cm and DI of 2.5-3.6 mm2/mmHg after fundoplication led to better postoperative quality of life at 1 year without an increase in postoperative dysphagia or gas-bloat.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Data Behind Current Recommendations for Corticosteroids in Non-HIV-Related PCP: Knowing When You Are on Shaky Foundations.

BACKGROUND: Randomized trials show a mortality benefit to adjunctive corticosteroids for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (HIV-PCP). Guidelines for non-HIV PCP (NH-PCP) recommend adjunctive corticosteroids based on expert opinion. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis characterizing adjunctive corticosteroids for NH-PCP. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE from 1966 through 2015. Data on clinical outcomes from NH-PCP were extracted with a standardized instrument. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 index. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated using a fixed effects model. RESULTS: Our search yielded 5044 abstracts, 277 articles were chosen for full review, and 6 articles described outcomes in moderate to severe NH-PCP. Studies were limited by variable definitions, treatment selection bias, concomitant infections and small sample size. Individual studies reported shorter intensive care unit stay and duration of mechanical ventilation of patients given adjunctive corticosteroids. There was no association between corticosteroids and survival in NH-PCP (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-1.15; P = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: The literature does not support an association between adjunctive corticosteroids and survival from NH-PCP but data are limited and findings should not be considered conclusive. Further research with improved methodology is needed to better understand the role of adjunctive corticosteroids for NH-PCP.

Significance of Blunted Venous Waveforms Seen on Upper Extremity Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend vascular mapping ultrasound (US) prior to arteriovenous fistula creation. Blunted venous waveforms (BVWs) suggest central venous stenosis; however, this relationship and one between BVWs and the presence of a central venous catheter (CVC) remain unclear. METHODS: All patients who received upper extremity vascular mapping US between January 2013 and October 2014 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, US results, pacemaker history, and CVC status were collected. Waveforms were assessed at the proximal subclavian vein/distal axillary vein and interpreted by radiologists. Patients were determined to have central venous stenosis (CVS) if detected by venography within 6 months of US. RESULTS: There were 342 patients, of which 165 (48%) had a current CVC and 29 (8.5%) had BVW of at least 1 arm. Right-sided BVW were associated with a history of a prior ipsilateral CVC (odds ratio [OR] = 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6-12.6, P = 0.009). Of the 342 patients, 69 (20%) had a venogram within 6 months. Seventeen (25%) of the 69 patients had CVS, with 7 involving the left subclavian vein, 8 the right subclavian vein, and 3 the superior vena cava (one patient had tandem stenoses). A BVW on the left side was not associated with any CVS. A BVW on the right side was associated with an ipsilateral CVS (OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 1.2-27.4, P = 0.04). This association persisted in the setting of a prior CVC (relative risk = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.9-2, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There are associations between right-sided BVW and an ipsilateral subclavian vein stenosis. We recommend that hemodialysis access planning includes venography to rule out central vein stenosis in patients with BVW, especially if right-sided and in the setting of a prior CVC.