Autologous Breast Reconstruction Trends in the United States: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database.

BACKGROUND: Autologous tissue is the criterion standard in breast reconstruction, but traditionally has been used as a secondary option after implant-based options because of reduced reimbursement relative to effort and required additional technical skill. We intended to evaluate the overall frequency and trends of autologous breast reconstruction (ABR), the trends of ABR in teaching versus nonteaching hospitals and the trends of ABR in different hospital regions in the United States. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we examined the clinical data of patients who underwent immediate or delayed ABR from 2009 to 2016 in the United States. RESULTS: A total of 146,185 patients underwent ABR during this period. The overall rate of ABR increased 112%, from 26.6% to 56.5%. The majority of ABR were delayed reconstructions (62.3%), which increased gradually from 54.9% to 80% during the study period. The overall frequency of flaps included the deep inferior epigastric perforator (32.1%), latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (28.4%), free transvers rectus abdominus myocutaneous (15.9%), pedicled transvers rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap (14.5%), gluteal artery perforator (0.6%), superficial inferior epigastric artery (0.6%), and unspecified-ABR (7.2%). Most ABRs were performed in teaching hospitals (78.6%) versus nonteaching hospitals (21.4%). The teaching hospitals' ABR rate increased from 70.5% to 88.7%. The greatest proportion of ABRs were performed in the south (39.6%) followed by northeast (23.0%), midwest (18.9%), and west (18.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The deep inferior epigastric perforator flap has become the predominant ABR method in the United States. In addition to more delayed reconstructions being performed in recent years, ABR rates are increasing overall and shifting from pedicled flaps to free flaps.

Self-amputation of the Upper Extremity: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Indications for upper-extremity replantation include wrist-level and wrist-proximal amputations, due to the devastating loss of function incurred from these severe injuries. Decisions regarding replantation must be made expeditiously at these proximal levels in an effort to minimize ischemia time. This decision-making process becomes more complicated when a patient presents following intentional self-amputation of an extremity, especially in the setting of an associated mood disorder, psychiatric illness, and/or frank psychosis. A case report is presented involving a 28-year-old right-hand dominant male with untreated depression and recent suicidal ideation who sustained a complete left forearm amputation (distal-third forearm-level) from a self-inflicted circular saw injury. We conducted a PubMed literature search of other reported cases of intentional self-amputations of the hand and upper extremity. The patient underwent replantation of the left upper extremity. At six years postoperatively, the patient was extremely satisfied with the appearance and function of the replanted extremity. Dash score was 5.8 with a Chen Grade 1 (excellent) functional recovery. A literature search identified 16 cases of self-inflicted upper extremity amputation. One patient died at the scene. 87% (13/15) of patients presenting to the hospital were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (depression n = 6, bipolar n = 2, and schizophrenia n = 5). 67% (10/15) of these patients were also diagnosed with psychosis. Ten patients underwent replantation (nine at hand/wrist level and one at forearm level), all of which were viable postoperatively. Detailed functional outcome data were not reported in any of the cases. Four patients (40%) were pleased or satisfied with the outcome, but subjective outcomes were not reported for the other six patients. Intentional self-amputation of the hand/upper extremity is an extreme and uncommon act, often presenting with complex psychiatric issues. Although replantation is technically feasible in this patient population, long-term subjective and objective functional outcomes are largely unknown. Future study of this unique group of patients is needed to better assess patient-reported outcomes and functional outcomes of replantation, which could help guide decision making at the time of initial injury.

Effect of Anemia in Postoperative Outcomes of Autologous Breast Reconstruction Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The true effects of anemia on postoperative surgical outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction surgery are unknown. We intended to evaluate the effect of chronic anemia on surgical outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction surgeries using a large national database. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we examined the clinical data of patients who underwent immediate or delayed autologous breast reconstruction surgery from 2012 to 2014. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to independently evaluate the effect of chronic anemia on postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Totally, 55,839 patients underwent autologous breast reconstruction surgery (immediate: 40% vs. delayed: 60%) during this period. Overall, 6.0% of patients had chronic anemia at the time of surgery. Compared with patients without chronic anemia, patients with chronic anemia had a significantly higher complication rate (19.8% vs. 9.4%) and a longer mean length of hospital stay (5.4 vs. 3.7 days). Postoperative complications were significantly higher in patients with chronic anemia compared with patients without chronic anemia except for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and fat necrosis. Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that chronic anemia was independently associated with an increased overall complication rate (adjusted odds ratio: 2.20). Also, multivariate regression analyses showed that chronic anemia was an independent risk factor of all the evaluated postoperative complications except VTE, stroke and fat necrosis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that chronic anemia was a significant predictor factor of morbidity in autologous breast reconstruction including flap failure. Correction of anemia prior to breast reconstruction may help reduce poor surgical outcomes related to chronic anemia.

Predictors of blood transfusion in autologous breast reconstruction surgery: A retrospective study using the nationwide inpatient sample database.

BACKGROUND: Specific risk factors associated with the use of blood transfusions during and following autologous breast reconstruction are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of blood transfusion in autologous breast reconstruction and identify independent risk factors of blood transfusion in autologous breast reconstruction. MATERIALS: A cohort of patients who had undergone autologous breast reconstruction was identified using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2012 to 2014 in the United States. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors of blood transfusion in this patient population. RESULTS: A total of 55,840 patients underwent autologous breast reconstruction surgery during this period. The overall rate of blood transfusion was 7.0%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that chronic anemia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 5.17), congestive heart failure (AOR, 4.07), free flap (AOR, 2.03), chronic kidney disease (AOR, 1.79), hypertension (AOR, 1.39), chronic lung disease (AOR, 1.23), diabetes mellitus (AOR, 1.21), non-teaching hospital (AOR, 1.20), and obesity (AOR, 1.12) were significant risk factors of blood transfusion. There was no association between age, race, liver disease, smoking, chemotherapy, or reconstruction-time on blood transfusion. Patients who received blood transfusion had a significantly higher overall complication rate, longer length of hospital stay, and higher costs than patients who did not receive blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of blood transfusion in autologous breast reconstruction is noticeable (7.0%). Improved awareness of these common risk factors can allow surgeons to identify patients with higher risk to attempt to mitigate complications.

Frequency and Predictors of 30-Day Surgical Site Complications in Autologous Breast Reconstruction Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site complication (SSC) is one of the known complications following autologous breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and predictors of 30-day surgical site complications in autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to identify patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction during 2011-2015. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent perioperative risk factors of SSC. RESULTS: Totally, 7,257 patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction surgery were identified. The majority of the procedures were free flap (60%) versus pedicled flap (40%). The mean age was 51 years and the majority of patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)-II (60%) and 15% of patients had BMI>35. The overall 30-day SSC rate was 6.3%. The overall frequency of different types of SSC were superficial incisional infection (3.2%), wound dehiscence (1.8%), deep incisional infection (1.4%) and organ space infection (0.6%). BMI>35 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.38), smoking (AOR=2.0), diabetes mellitus (AOR=1.67) and hypertension (AOR=1.38) were significant risk factors of SSC. There was no association with age, ASA classification, steroid use, or reconstruction type. CONCLUSION: The rate of 30-day SSC in autologous breast reconstruction was noticeable. The strongest independent risk factor for SSC in autologous breast reconstruction was BMI>35. The type of autologous breast reconstruction was not a predictive risk factor for SSC. Plastic surgeons should inform patients about their risk for SSC and optimizing these risk factors to minimize the rate of surgical site complications.

National Trends in the Use of Inpatient Hospitalization for Combined Abdominoplasty and Breast Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Combined procedures involving elective breast surgery at the time of abdominoplasty are frequently performed procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery. While found to be safe outpatient procedures, many surgeons elect to perform combined abdominoplasty/breast surgery as inpatient surgery. This study was performed to explore the practice of performing the combined procedure as an inpatient in the United States. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was evaluated using ICD-9CM procedural codes to identify hospitalizations where patients underwent abdominoplasty combined with breast surgery. We trended the frequency of this combined procedure, and evaluated the rate of acute post-operative complications, length of inpatient hospitalization, and total hospital charges. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2011, 29,235 combined abdominoplasty/breast procedures were performed as inpatient in United States. The rate of major post-operative complications in the acute hospitalization period was 1.12% and included CVA (0.02%), respiratory failure (0.6%), pneumonia (0.3%), VTE (0.1%), and myocardial infarction (0.1%). Hospitalization averaged 1.8 days and resulted in $31,177 of hospital charges. The demographics of the combined procedure transitioned as i) frequency of inpatient surgeries decreased, ii) percent of patients >50 yr increased, and iii) hospital charges increased from 2004 to 2011. CONCLUSION: A significant number of surgeons are performing combined abdominoplasty and elective breast surgery as inpatient procedures in United States. The combined surgery is safe but is associated with small risk of major post-operative complications. A short inpatient hospitalization may be beneficial for high-risk patients interested in combined procedures, but must be analyzed against the rising costs of inpatient surgery.

Frequency and risk factors of blood transfusion in abdominoplasty in post-bariatric surgery patients: data from the nationwide inpatient sample.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding blood transfusion following abdominoplasty, especially in post-bariatric surgery patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the frequency and outcomes of blood transfusion in post-bariatric surgery patients undergoing abdominoplasty and (2) the predictive risk factors of blood transfusion in this patient population. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, the authors examined the clinical data of patients with a history of bariatric surgery who underwent abdominoplasty from 2007 to 2011 in the United States. RESULTS: A total of 20,130 post-bariatric surgery patients underwent abdominoplasty during this period. Overall, 1871 patients (9.3 percent) received blood transfusion. Chronic anemia patients had the highest rate of blood transfusion (25.6 percent). Post-bariatric surgery patients who received blood transfusion experienced a significantly higher complication rate (10.1 percent versus 4.8 percent; p < 0.01), longer mean hospital stay (4.0 days versus 2.4 days; p < 0.01), and higher mean total hospital charges ($49,116 versus $33,927; p < 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis showed that deficiency anemia (adjusted OR, 3.8), congestive heart failure (adjusted OR, 2.4), concurrent breast reduction (adjusted OR, 1.5), diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR, 1.4), coronary artery disease (adjusted OR, 1.4), African American race (adjusted OR, 1.4), Hispanic race (adjusted OR, 1.4), and female sex (adjusted OR, 1.3) were all independent risk factors for blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The blood transfusion rate in post-bariatric surgery abdominoplasty patients is not insignificant. Chronic anemia and congestive heart failure are the two major predictors of transfusion. Modifying risk factors such as anemia before abdominoplasty might significantly decrease the possibility of blood transfusion. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Does immediate tissue expander placement increase immediate postoperative complications in patients with breast cancer?

The objectives of this study were to evaluate 1) the rate of immediate breast reconstruction; 2) the frequency of immediate tissue expander placement; and 3) to compare perioperative outcomes in patients who underwent breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer with immediate tissue expander placement (TE) with those with no reconstruction (NR). Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we examined the clinical data of patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy with or without immediate TE from 2006 to 2010 in the United States. A total of 344,253 patients with breast cancer underwent mastectomy in this period in the United States. Of these patients, 31 per cent had immediate breast reconstruction. We only included patients with mastectomy and no reconstruction (NR: 237,825 patients) and patients who underwent only TE placement with no other reconstruction combination (TE: 61,178 patients) to this study. Patients in the TE group had a lower overall postoperative complication rate (2.6 vs 5.5%; P < 0.01) and lower in-hospital mortality rate (0.01 vs 0.09%; P < 0.01) compared with the NR group. Fifty-three per cent of patients in the NR group were discharged the day of surgery compared with 36 per cent of patients in the TE group. Using multivariate regression analyses and adjusting patient characteristics and comorbidities, patients in the TE group had a significantly lower overall complication rate (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.6) and lower in-hospital mortality (AOR, 0.2) compared with the NR group. The rate of immediate reconstruction is 31 per cent. TE alone is the most common type of immediate reconstruction (57%). There is a lower complication rate for the patients who underwent immediate TE versus the no-reconstruction cohort.

Risk factors for conversion of laparoscopic colorectal surgery to open surgery: does conversion worsen outcome?

INTRODUCTION: The utilization of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery is increasing. However, conversion to open surgery remains relatively high. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated (1) conversion rates in laparoscopic colorectal surgery; (2) the outcomes of converted cases compared with successful laparoscopic and open colorectal operations; (3) predictive risk factors of conversion of laparoscopic colorectal surgery to open surgery. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we examined the clinical data of patients who underwent colon and rectal resection from 2009 to 2010. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify factors predictive for conversion of laparoscopic to open operation. RESULTS: A total of 207,311 patients underwent intended laparoscopic colorectal resection during this period. The conversion rate was 16.6 %. Considering resection type and pathology, the highest conversion rates were observed in proctectomy (31.4 %) and Crohn's disease (20.2 %). Using multivariate regression analysis, Crohn's disease (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.80), prior abdominal surgery (AOR, 2.45), proctectomy (AOR, 2.42), malignant pathology (AOR, 1.90), emergent surgery (AOR, 1.82), obesity (AOR, 1.63), and ulcerative colitis (AOR, 1.60) significantly impacted the risk of conversion. Compared with patients who were successfully completed laparoscopically, converted patients had a significantly higher complication rate (laparoscopic: 23 %; vs. converted: 35.2 % vs. open: 35.3 %), a higher in-hospital mortality rate (laparoscopic: 0.5 %; vs. converted: 0.6 %; vs. open: 1.7 %) and a longer mean hospital stay (laparoscopic: 5.4 days; vs. converted: 8.1 days; vs. open: 8.4 days); however, converted patients had better outcomes compared with the open group. CONCLUSIONS: The conversion rate in colorectal surgery was 16.6 %. Converted patients had significantly higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to successfully completed laparoscopic cases, although lower than open cases. Crohn's disease, prior abdominal surgery, and proctectomy are the strongest predictors for conversion of laparoscopic to open in colorectal operations.

Perioperative outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction surgery in teaching versus nonteaching hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the frequency of various reconstructive techniques for autologous breast reconstruction and (2) to compare perioperative outcomes of autologous breast reconstruction in teaching versus nonteaching hospitals. MATERIALS: The authors analyzed clinical data of patients who underwent autologous breast reconstructive surgery from 2009 to 2010 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Autologous breast reconstruction operations included latissimus dorsi myocutaneous, pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM), free TRAM, free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP), free superficial inferior epigastric artery, and free gluteal artery perforator flaps. RESULTS: A total of 35,883 patients underwent autologous breast reconstructive surgery in that period. Most reconstructions were performed in teaching hospitals (74 percent). The two most common breast reconstruction types in teaching hospitals were latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (26 percent) and DIEP flaps (26 percent), compared with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (39 percent) and pedicled TRAM flaps (22 percent) in nonteaching hospitals. In addition, the rate of free flap breast reconstruction was significantly higher in teaching hospitals (46 percent) compared with nonteaching hospitals (31 percent) (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference for total in-hospital complication rate (teaching, 6.9 percent; nonteaching, 7.1 percent; p = 0.54) or total in-hospital mortality rate (teaching, 0.04 percent; nonteaching, 0.05 percent; p = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: Three-fourths of autologous breast reconstructions performed from 2009 to 2010 were performed in teaching hospitals, with free flaps also more likely to be performed in teaching hospitals. Despite more complex free flap breast reconstructions being performed in teaching hospitals, there was no statistically significant difference in perioperative outcomes (morbidity and mortality) between teaching and nonteaching hospitals. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Laparoscopic appendectomy trends and outcomes in the United States: data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), 2004-2011.

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is becoming the standard procedure of choice for appendicitis. We aimed to evaluate the frequency and trends of LA for acute appendicitis in the United States and to compare outcomes of LA with open appendectomy (OA). Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we examined patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis from 2004 to 2011. A total of 2,593,786 patients underwent appendectomy during this period. Overall, the rate of LA was 60.5 per cent (children: 58.1%; adults: 63%; elderly: 48.7%). LA rate significantly increased from 43.3 per cent in 2004 to 75 per cent in 2011. LA use increased 66 per cent in nonperforated appendicitis versus 100 per cent increase in LA use for perforated appendicitis. The LA rate increased in all age groups. The increased LA use was more significant in male patients (84%) compared with female patients (62%). The overall conversion rate of LA to OA was 6.3 per cent. Compared with OA, LA had a significantly lower complication rate, a lower mortality rate, a shorter mean hospital stay, and lower mean total hospital charges in both nonperforated and perforated appendices. LA has become an established procedure for appendectomy in nonperforated and perforated appendicitis in all rates exceeding OA. Conversion rate is relatively low (6.3%).

Patient characteristics and comorbidities associated with cerebrovascular accident following acute myocardial infarction in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Although cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a relatively infrequent complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the occurrence of CVA in patients with AMI is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We wanted to assess post-AMI CVA rate in the United States and identify the associated patient characteristics, comorbidities, type of AMI, and utilization of invasive procedures. METHODS: This is an observational study from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2006-2008. Using multivariate regression models, we assessed predictive risk factors for post-AMI CVA among patients admitted for AMI. RESULTS: Among the 1,924,413 patients admitted for AMI, the overall rate of CVA was 2% (ischemic stroke: 1.47%, transient ischemic attack [TIA]: 0.35% and hemorrhagic stroke: 0.21%). In this sample of AMI patient, higher incidence of CVA was associated with: CHF (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-1.84,), age over 65 AOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.60-1.70, alcohol abuse AOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.49-1.73, cocaine use AOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.29-1.70, atrial fibrillation AOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.39-1.46, Black race AOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.30-1.40, female gender AOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.29-1.35, peripheral vascular disease [PVD] AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.22-1.30, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) AOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.17-1.27, P<0.0001, STEMI AOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.14-1.20 and teaching hospitals AOR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.12. CONCLUSION: Female gender, older age (age≥65), black ethnicity, comorbidities including CHF, PVD, atrial fibrillation as well as STEMI and undergoing CABG were associated with the highest risk of CVA post-AMI.

Predictive risk factors of free flap thrombosis in breast reconstruction surgery.

Vascular thrombosis is one of the major postoperative complications of free flap microvascular breast reconstruction operations. It is associated with higher morbidity, higher cost, increased length of hospital stay, and potentially flap loss. Our purpose is to evaluate the rate of this complication and whether patient characteristics play a role. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we examined the clinical data of patients who underwent free flap breast reconstruction between 2009 and 2010 in the United States. Multivariate and univariate regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors of flap thrombosis. A total of 15,211 patients underwent free flap breast reconstruction surgery (immediate reconstruction: 43%). The most common flap was the free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap (53.6%), followed by free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap (43.1%), free superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap (2%), and free gluteal artery perforator (GAP) flap (1.3%). The overall rate of flap thrombosis was 2.4 %, with the highest rate seen in the SIEA group (11.4%) and the lowest in the TRAM group (1.7%). Peripheral vascular disease (adjusted odds ration [AOR] 10.61), SIEA flap (AOR, 4.76) and delayed reconstruction (AOR, 1.42) were found to be statistically significant risk factors for flap thrombosis. Other comorbidities were not linked. While the overall rate of flap thrombosis in free flap breast reconstruction was relatively low (2.4%), Plastic Surgeons should be aware that patients with peripheral vascular disease and those undergoing free SIEA flap are at higher risk of flap thrombosis and they should closely monitor flaps to increase the chance for early salvage.

Predictive risk factors of venous thromboembolism in autologous breast reconstruction surgery.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in autologous breast reconstruction surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of patient characteristics, comorbidities, payer type, reconstruction type, reconstruction timing, radiation, chemotherapy, and teaching status of hospital on VTE (deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism) in autologous breast reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we examined the clinical data of patients who underwent autologous breast reconstructive surgery in 2009 to 2010 in the United States. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of in-hospital VTE. RESULTS: A total of 35,883 patients underwent autologous breast reconstructive surgery during this period. Overall rate of VTE was 0.13%. The highest rate of VTE (0.26%) was observed in pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. Patients who experienced VTE had significantly longer mean hospital stay (11.6 vs 3.9 days; P < 0.001) and higher mean total hospital charges ($146,432 vs $61,794; P < 0.001) compared with non-VTE patients; however, there was no significant difference observed in mortality rate (VTE, 0.0% vs non-VTE, 0.04%; P = 0.886). Using multivariate regression analysis, immediate reconstruction after mastectomy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 5.4), older than 65 years (AOR, 4.2), obesity (AOR, 3.7), history of chemotherapy (AOR, 3.5), and chronic lung disease (AOR, 2.5) were associated with higher risk of VTE. There was no association between race, payer type, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, smoking, reconstruction type, radiation, or teaching status of hospital on VTE. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction surgery, immediate reconstruction, older than 65 years, obesity, history of chemotherapy, and chronic lung disease are all independent predictors of higher VTE. Surgeons should consider these factors and use appropriate prophylaxis to minimize the risk of VTE development.

Outcomes of conversion of laparoscopic colorectal surgery to open surgery.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited data regarding the outcomes of patients who undergo conversion to open surgery during a laparoscopic operation in colorectal resection. We sought to identify the outcomes of such patients. METHODS: The NIS (National Inpatient Sample) database was used to identify patients who had conversion from laparoscopic to open colorectal surgery during the 2009 to 2012 period. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk-adjusted outcomes of conversion to open surgery. RESULTS: We sampled 776 007 patients who underwent colorectal resection. 337 732 (43.5%) of the patients had laparoscopic resection. Of these, 48 265 procedures (14.3%) were converted to open surgery. The mortality of converted patients was increased, when compared with successfully completed laparoscopic operations, but was still lower than that of open procedures (0.6% vs. 1.4% vs. 3.9%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.61 and 0.58, respectively; P < .01). The most common laparoscopic colorectal procedure was right colectomy (41.2%). The lowest rate of conversion is seen with right colectomy while proctectomy had the highest rate of conversion (31.2% vs. 12.9%, AOR, 2.81, P < .01). Postsurgical complications including intra-abdominal abscess (AOR, 2.64), prolonged ileus (AOR, 1.50), and wound infection (AOR, 2.38) were higher in procedures requiring conversion (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Conversion of laparoscopic to open colorectal resection occurs in 14.3% of cases. Compared with patients who had laparoscopic operations, patients who had conversion to open surgery had a higher mortality, higher overall morbidity, longer length of hospitalization, and increased hospital charges. The lowest conversion rate was in right colectomy and the highest was in proctectomy procedures. Wound infection in converted procedures is higher than in laparoscopic and open procedures.

Predictive risk factors of early postoperative enteric fistula in colon and rectal surgery.

Early postoperative enteric fistula (PEF) is a complication associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality in colon and rectal surgery. We evaluated the effect of patient characteristics, comorbidities, pathology, resection type, surgical technique, lysis of adhesions, and admission type on the rate of PEF in colorectal surgery. Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we examined the clinical data of patients who underwent colon and rectal resection from 2009 to 2010. A total of 646,414 patients underwent colorectal resection during this period. Overall, the rate of PEF was 0.37 per cent (2407 patients). Using multivariate regression analysis, Crohn's disease (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.68), lysis of abdominal adhesions (AOR, 4.25), open procedure (AOR, 3.18), and transverse colectomy (AOR, 2.13) significantly impacted the risk of PEF. Although teaching hospitals (AOR, 1.69), obesity (AOR, 1.40), male gender (AOR, 1.30), emergent surgery (AOR, 1.27), age older than 65 years (AOR, 1.24), and diabetes mellitus (AOR, 1.21) also had statistically significant impact on rates of PEF, these were less clinically significant than the other factors. The presence of Crohn's disease and lysis of abdominal adhesions are strongly associated with the development of PEF after colorectal surgery. Laparoscopic surgery was associated with a lower rate of PEF; further studies would be needed to evaluate the importance of this finding.

Compression anastomosis ring device in colorectal anastomosis: a review of 1,180 patients.

BACKGROUND: The nickel-titanium compression anastomosis ring device (ColonRing, NiTi Surgical Solutions, Netanya, Israel) has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006 to construct gastrointestinal anastomoses. We evaluated the anastomotic leak rate after end-to-end anastomosis using the ColonRing device. METHODS: Using a multinational (16 countries), multicenter (178 centers) data registry provided by NiTi Surgical Solutions, Netanya, Israel, we retrospectively examined clinical data of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic or open left-sided colectomy and anterior resection from January 2008 to June 2010. RESULTS: A total of 1,180 patients underwent end-to-end anastomosis using the ColonRing device during the study period. The overall anastomotic leak rate was 3.22% (38 patients). The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (range 2 to 21 days). The median ring expulsion time was 8 days. The earliest ring expulsion time was 6 days; however, in 1 patient, the ring did not expel. In 4 patients, the anastomosis had to be immediately recreated because of 1 misfiring and 3 incomplete anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the ColonRing device is feasible and safe and could be considered an alternative technology for end-to-end colorectal anastomosis.

Risk factors for acute respiratory failure in bariatric surgery: data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2006-2008.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) can be a life-threatening postoperative complication after bariatric surgery and is defined as the presence of acute respiratory distress or pulmonary insufficiency. We sought to identify predictors of ARF in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, from 2006 to 2008, the clinical data from morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery were examined. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors predictive of ARF. The factors examined included patient characteristics, co-morbidities, payer type, teaching status of hospital, surgical techniques (laparoscopic versus open), and type of bariatric operation (gastric bypass versus nongastric bypass). RESULTS: A total of 304,515 patients underwent bariatric surgery during the 3-year period. The overall ARF rate was 1.35%. The greatest rate of ARF (4.10%) was observed after open gastric bypass surgery. The ARF rate was lower after laparoscopic than after the open surgical technique (.94% versus 3.87%, respectively; P < .01) and after nongastric bypass versus gastric bypass (.82% versus 1.54%, respectively; P < .01). Using multivariate regression analysis, congestive heart failure (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.1), open surgery (AOR 3.3), chronic renal failure (AOR 2.9), gastric bypass (AOR 2.5), peripheral vascular disease (AOR 2.4), male gender (AOR 1.9), age >50 years (AOR 1.8), Medicare payer (AOR 1.8), alcohol abuse (AOR 1.8), chronic lung disease (AOR 1.6), diabetes mellitus (AOR 1.2), and smoking (AOR 1.1) were factors associated with greater rates of ARF. Compared with patients without ARF, patients with ARF had significantly greater in-hospital mortality (5.69% versus .04%, P < .01). CONCLUSION: We identified multiple risk factors that have an effect on the development of acute respiratory failure after bariatric surgery. Surgeons should consider these factors in surgical decision-making and inform patients of their risk of this potentially life-threatening complication.

Does primary anastomosis with diversion have any advantages over Hartmann's procedure in acute diverticulitis?.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment for acute complicated diverticulitis is still a matter of debate. We evaluated outcomes of primary anastomosis with proximal diversion (PAD) versus Hartman's procedure (HP) in acute diverticulitis. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we examined the clinical data of patients who underwent an urgent open colorectal resection (sigmoidectomy or anterior resection) for acute diverticulitis from 2002 to 2007 in the United States. We evaluated patient characteristics, patient comorbidities, perioperative complications, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay and total hospital charges between two groups. RESULTS: A total of 99,259 patients underwent urgent surgery for acute diverticulitis during these years (Primary anastomosis without diversion: 39.3%; HP: 57.3% and PAD: 3.4%). The overall complication rate was lower in the PAD group compared with the HP group (PAD: 39.06% vs. HP: 40.84%; p = 0.04). Patients in the HP group had a shorter mean length of stay (12.5 vs.14.4 days, p < 0.001) and lower mean hospital costs (USD 65,037 vs. USD 73,440, p < 0.01) compared with the PAD group. Mortality was higher in the HP group (4.82 vs. 3.99%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: PAD has improved outcomes compared with HP, and should be considered in patients who are deemed candidates for two-stage operations for acute diverticulitis.