Biliary Dyskinesia-Controversies, Diagnosis, and Management: A Review.

Importance: Biliary dyskinesia is a disorder characterized by biliary pain, a sonographically normal gallbladder, and a reduced gallbladder ejection fraction on cholecystokinin-cholescintigraphy (CCK-HIDA) scan. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains a common treatment for biliary dyskinesia despite a lack of high-quality evidence supporting the practice. The following review summarizes the current biliary dyskinesia outcomes data, the diagnostic strategies and their limitations, biliary dyskinesia in the pediatric population, the emerging phenomenon of the hyperkinetic gallbladder, and suggestions for addressing identified knowledge gaps. Observations: The majority of studies on the topic are retrospective, with wide variations in inclusion criteria and definition of biliary pain. Most report a very short follow-up interval, often a single office visit, with variable and nonstandardized definitions of a satisfactory outcome. Despite a published Society of Nuclear Medicine guideline for its performance, CCK-HIDA scan protocols vary among institutions, which has led to considerable variability in the consistency and reproducibility of CCK-HIDA results. The few prospective studies available, although small and heterogeneous, support a role for cholecystectomy in the treatment of adult biliary dyskinesia. Despite these knowledge gaps, biliary dyskinesia is now the number 1 indication for cholecystectomy in children. Cholecystectomy for the hyperkinetic gallbladder appears to be an emerging phenomenon, despite, as in biliary dyskinesia, a lack of quality data supporting this practice. Randomized trials addressing these gaps are needed but have been difficult to conduct owing to strong clinician and patient bias toward surgery and the lack of a criterion-standard nonsurgical treatment for the control arm. Conclusions and Relevance: The use of cholecystectomy for adult biliary dyskinesia is reasonable based on the available data. Insufficient data exist regarding laparoscopic cholecystectomy for pediatric dyskinesia and the hyperkinetic gallbladder population. Large-scale prospective studies, either randomized trials or large prospectively followed cohort studies, are needed to address the knowledge gaps surrounding this controversial diagnosis.

Race/Ethnicity and Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact on Receiving Appropriate Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the heightened understanding and improved treatment for colorectal cancer in the United States, social determinants of health (SDH) play a significant role in the colorectal cancer outcomes. We sought to investigate the relationship between SDH and appropriate utilization of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer. METHODS: For this retrospective study, we utilized data from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Descriptive statistics are reported, including means and 95% confidence intervals for continuous variables and frequency and proportions for categorical variables. Univariate hypothesis testing to identify categorical level factors associated with treatment used Wilcoxon rank sum or Kruskal-Wallis tests, with multivariate analyses performed using regression analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were as follows: Metro-non-Hispanic White patients received treatment less frequently (69.7%) when compared to Metro-non-Hispanic Black patients (73.4%) (P < .001). Increasing age was a negative predictor of likelihood to receive with those over 65 years old having an 83% decrease in likelihood to receive chemotherapy when compared to those under 65 (P < .001). Medicaid patients were 47% less likely and Medicare patients were 40% less likely to receive chemotherapy when compared to those with private insurance (P < .001). Rural patients were statistically more likely to receive chemotherapy (OR 1.42, 1.32-2.52, P < .001) as were urban patients, (OR 1.26, 1.20-1.31, P < .001) when compared to patients residing in metro areas. CONCLUSION: Age, living in a Metro area, and government insurance status at diagnosis are negatively correlated with the likelihood of receiving chemotherapy. Race was not associated with differences in receiving chemotherapy.

Race/Ethnicity and Social Determinants of Health and Their Impact on the Timely Receipt of Appropriate Operative Treatment of Colon Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Rates of appropriate surgical treatment of colon cancer are historically worse in traditionally marginalized populations. We sought to examine which social determinants of health may be associated with longer time to appropriate operative intervention. METHODS: The National Cancer Databank was queried for this retrospective study. Adult patients (18 to 90 years of age) diagnosed between 2004 and 2018 with single or primary, stage III colon cancer were included. Patient demographic variables included age at diagnosis, sex, ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic), comorbidity score, median household income, education status, rural/urban status, treatment facility type and location, and insurance status. Disease characteristics include stage (stage 3), primary site, surgical margins, tumor size, and number of nodes resected. Reported descriptive statistics include means and 95% confidence intervals for continuous variables and frequency and proportions for categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 134,601 individuals diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer were included. Time to surgery in all cases had a mean of 26.4 ± 19.0 days. Multivariate analysis of time to surgery indicated that receiving surgery at a Community Cancer Program, Charlson-Deyo Score of 0, younger age, and non-Hispanic-White race/ethnicity are associated with decreased time to surgery (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients who receive surgery at a Community Cancer Program, have fewer comorbidities, have lower household income, are younger, and receive surgery within 50 miles of their primary residence are more likely to have timely surgery.

Ten-Year Review of Tracheostomy Techniques and Related Complications.

BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy is a frequently performed procedure that allows for definitive airway access in critically ill patients. Complications associated with tracheostomy have been well documented in the literature. This study aims to examine if different tracheostomy techniques were associated with specific complications. Secondary objectives were to determine the rate and commonality of post-tracheostomy complications. METHODS: This was a descriptive retrospective study of patients who underwent tracheostomy between June 2009 and June 2019. Patients included in the study were ≥18 years and were admitted to a rural tertiary care hospital system. RESULTS: Overall procedure complication rate was 34.3% with pneumonia (18.6%), obstruction (6.2%), bleeding (4.0%), and accidental tube decannulation (3.8%) being the most common. Rate of complications was not associated with the timing of the tracheostomy, the incision type, tube location, tracheostomy technique, and securing technique. However, tube size significantly differed between patients with or without complications (P = .016). Tube size 8 Shiley was most commonly used in both groups and was significantly associated with reduced complication rate (72.0% vs 78.8%, P = .002). CONCLUSION: Tracheostomy technique should be guided by proceduralist experience and patient clinical picture to determine the best approach. However, the association of post-tracheostomy complication with tube size perhaps will guide clinicians with tube size selection.

Building clinic programs that drive a department of surgery's strategic plan.

Effectively navigating and executing change within a medical organization, particularly a large health care enterprise, such as a department of surgery within a major hospital system, can present a major challenge to both departmental and institutional leadership. In developing projects designed to bring about desired change, it is essential to be mindful of the strategic plan of the institution and department and to design change initiatives to create models that align with and serve to enhance both the institutional and departmental missions. Doing so requires careful definition of the mission and vision of the department and the key stakeholders within the institution; defining both short- and long-term goals; critical analysis of resources, needs, strengths, and weaknesses; and maintaining a clear understanding of the goals, expectations, and specific measures of success. A careful project design process should then follow before implementation. In the following paragraphs, some of the key considerations and challenges of this process are explored in the particular context of developing clinics and clinical services in such a manner that the departmental and institutional missions are well-supported and advanced.

Impact of Treatment Modalities on Discharge Disposition in Blunt Splenic Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Management of blunt splenic trauma has evolved over several decades, trending towards nonoperative management and splenic artery embolization. Extensive research has been conducted regarding the management of blunt splenic injuries, but there is little data on the association of treatment modality with discharge disposition. METHODS: This is an observational retrospective study conducted at a level-one trauma center with blunt splenic trauma patients of age ≥18 years between January 2010 and December 2021. The primary outcome of unfavorable discharge was defined as discharge to an acute care facility, intermediate care facility, long-term care facility, rehabilitation (inpatient) facility, or skilled nursing facility. RESULTS: Five hundred seventy-nine patients were included in the analysis, with 108 (18.7%) in the unfavorable group and 471 (81.3%) in the favorable group. Most patients were managed nonoperatively (69.3%), followed by splenectomy (25.0%) and embolization (5.7%). Due to the low number of embolizations performed during the study period, treatment modalities were grouped into two broad categories: intervention (embolization and splenectomies) and nonintervention. The treatment modality was found to have no significant impact on unfavorable discharge. Independent risk factors for unfavorable discharge included age >55 years, injury severity score (ISS) >15, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and in-hospital complications of sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an understanding of specific demographic and clinical factors that may predispose blunt splenic injury trauma patients to an unfavorable discharge. Providers may apply these data to identify at-risk patients and subsequently adapt the care they provide in an effort to prevent the development of in-hospital pneumonia and sepsis.

Genetic Considerations in the Tumorigenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Current State of the Science.

Thyroid nodules remain a common diagnosis encountered in general and endocrine surgical practice, and thyroid cancer appears to be increasing in incidence in both the United States and worldwide. The understanding of the complex genetics surrounding thyroid neoplasia has increased substantially in recent years and, consequently, has become a consideration in risk stratification, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Molecular genetic analysis of thyroid nodules is now a readily available technology for diagnostic purposes via analysis of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens. Although their routine use is controversial, they may aid in selecting which patients require surgery and those who may be safely observed. In the following review, the genetics of the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer are reviewed, focusing on the most common and clinically relevant of the literally hundreds of known mutations. Following this, the current status of the use of genetic analysis and molecular diagnostics in the workup of thyroid nodules and the diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer is explored. Finally, evolving concepts relating to the use of thyroid cancer genetics in individualizing treatment planning, follow-up, and management of recurrent disease is discussed. The goal is to provide the general surgeon with a working knowledge of the most common genetic alterations present in differentiated thyroid cancer, their relevance in clinical practice, and how they impact prognosis and treatment.

The Intersection of Race and Rurality and its Effect on Colorectal Cancer Survival.

INTRODUCTION: Outcomes in colorectal cancer treatment are historically worse in Black people and residents of rural areas. Purported reasons include factors such as systemic racism, poverty, lack of access to care, and social determinants of health. We sought to determine whether outcomes worsened when race and rural residence intersected. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for individuals with stage II-III colorectal cancer (2004-2018). To examine the intersectionality of race/rurality on outcomes, race (Black/White) and rurality (based on county) were combined into a single variable. Main outcome of interest was 5-year survival. Cox hazard regression analysis was performed to determine variables independently associating with survival. Control variables included age at diagnosis, sex, race, Charlson-Deyo score, insurance status, stage, and facility type. RESULTS: Of 463 948 patients, 5717 were Black-Rural, 50 742 were Black-Urban, 72 241 were White-Rural, and 33 5271 were White-Urban. Five-year mortality rate was 31.6%. Univariate Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated race-rurality was associated with overall survival (P < .001), with White-Urban having the greatest mean survival length (47.9 months) and Black-Rural with the lowest (46.7 months). Multivariable analysis found that Black-Rural (1.26, 95% confidence interval [1.20-1.32]), Black-Urban (1.16, [1.16-1.18]), and White-Rural (HR: 1.05; (1.04-1.07) had increased mortality when compared to White-Urban individuals (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Although White-Rural individuals fared worse than White-Urban, Black individuals fared worst of all, with the poorest outcomes observed in Black individuals in rural areas. This suggests that both Black race and rurality negatively affect survival, and act synergistically to further worsen outcomes.

Elective robotic partial colon and rectal resections: series of 170 consecutive robot procedures involving the Da Vinci Xi robot by a community general surgeon.

Robotic colorectal procedures may overcome the disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery. While the literature has multiple studies from specialized centers, experience from general surgeons is minimal. The purpose of this case series is to review elective partial colon and rectal resections by a general surgeon. 170 consecutive elective partial colon and rectal resections were reviewed. The cases were analyzed by type of procedure and total cases. The outcomes analyzed were procedure time, conversion rate, length of stay, complications, anastomotic leak, and node retrieval in the cancer cases. There were 71 right colon resections, 13 left colon resections, 44 sigmoid colon resection sand 42 low anterior resections performed. The mean length of procedure was 149 min. The conversion rate was 2.4%. The mean length of stay was 3.5 days. The percentage of cases one or more complications was 8.2%. There were 3 anastomotic leaks out of 159 anastomoses (1.9%). The mean lymph node retrieval was 28.4 for the 96 cancer cases. Robot partial colon and rectal resections on the Da Vinci Xi robot can be completed safely and efficiently by a community general surgeon. Prospective studies are needed to demonstrate reproducibility by community surgeons performing robot colon resections.

Southeastern Surgical Congress Presidential Address: "Finding Your Own Unique Place Within the House of Surgery".

The term the "House of Surgery" is often used in conversation, but the origin of the phrase is not well known to most. In the following article, the origin of the phrase is explained, as is its relevance to the maintenance of a strong surgical community in today's world. In addition, examples are provided as to how each surgeon can find their own unique role in the House of Surgery, with the goal being to increase understanding and collaboration tween surgeons in all types of practice settings.

A Comparison of Component Separation With Porcine Acellular Dermal Reinforcement to Bovine Acellular Dermal Matrix in the Repair of Significant Midline Ventral Hernia Defects.

BACKGROUND: The optimal material for reinforcement of complex abdominal ventral hernia repair (VHR) remains controversial. Biologic prostheses such as porcine and bovine acellular dermal matrix (PADM/BADM) have shown favorable results, but few head-to-head comparisons between the two types exist. We sought to provide such a comparison. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing 40 consecutive patients who underwent open component separation (CS/VHR) with PADM reinforcement to 39 consecutive patients who underwent open CS/VHR with BADM reinforcement at our institution. Patient characteristics, outcomes, complications, reoperations, and hernia recurrences were obtained by chart review. Fisher's exact and t-test analyses compared patient characteristics and outcomes between the 2 cohorts. Statistical significance was set as P < .05. RESULTS: Patient groups did not differ significantly in race (P=.36), age (P=.8), BMI (P=.34), sex (P=.09), steroid usage (p-1.00), COPD (P=.43), number of previous abdominal operations (P=.66), and duration of follow-up (P=.65). There were significantly more smokers in the PADM group (37.5% vs 12.8%, P=.01). Mean defect size was significantly greater in the PADM group (372.5 cm2 vs 292. cm2 in the BADM group, P=.001) as was the number of Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) grade III/IV hernias (65.0% vs 38.4%, P=.02). Recurrence rates were lower in the BADM group, (12.5% vs 5.1%, P=.26), as was recurrence or complications requiring reoperation (17.5% vs 5.1%, P=.15). Postoperative wound events were also significantly lower in the BADM group (30.0% vs 2.6%, P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, CS/BADM was associated with significantly fewer wound complications. Recurrences and complications requiring reoperation were also fewer, which trended toward but did not reach statistical significance, presumably due to the small sample size. These findings indicating superiority of BADM over PADM are potentially confounded by the higher percentage of smokers, the larger mean defect size, and the higher number of VHWG III/IV patients in the PADM group. Further prospective study of these findings is warranted.

Clinical and Socioeconomic Factors that Predict Non-completion of Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer in a Rural Cancer Center.

BACKGROUND: Previous literature demonstrates correlations between comorbidities and failure to complete adjuvant chemotherapy. Frailty and socioeconomic disparities have also been implicated in affecting cancer treatment outcomes. This study examines the effect of demographics, comorbidities, frailty, and socioeconomic status on chemotherapy completion rates in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: This was an observational case-control study using retrospective data from Stage II and III colorectal cancer patients offered chemotherapy between January 01, 2013 and January 01, 2018. Data was obtained using the cancer registry, supplemented with chart review. Patients were divided based on treatment completion and compared with respect to comorbidities, age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, and insurance status using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: 228 patients were identified: 53 Stage II and 175 Stage III. Of these, 24.5% of Stage II and 30.3% of Stage III patients did not complete chemotherapy. Neither ECOG status nor any comorbidity predicted failure to complete treatment. Those failing to complete chemotherapy were older (64.4 vs 60.8 years, P = .043). Additionally, those with public assistance or self-pay were less likely to complete chemotherapy than those with private insurance (P = .049). Both factors (older age/insurance status) remained significant on multivariate analysis (increasing age at diagnosis: OR 1.03, P =.034; public insurance: OR 1.84, P = .07; and self-pay status: OR 4.49, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: No comorbidity was associated with failure to complete therapy, nor was frailty, as assessed by ECOG score. Though frailty was not significant, increasing age was, possibly reflecting negative attitudes toward chemotherapy in older populations. Insurance status also predicted failure to complete treatment, suggesting disparities in access to treatment, affected by socioeconomic factors.

Everything Old is New Again: Applying the Lessons from Halsted's Life and Work to Today's Surgical Landscape.

The name of Dr William Halsted is synonymous with innovation and excellence in surgery. The life of Dr Halsted, although known for both accomplishments and personal challenges, continues to provide valuable insight as to how we, as 21st century surgeons, might best address today's surgical challenges. The following manuscript details some of the ways in which Dr Halsted's life and teachings provide important lessons that remain relevant even today. Few names in surgery are as well-known as that of Dr William Halsted. Halsted is generally regarded as one of the most, if not the most innovative and influential surgeon in history. His life story and his many contributions to the field surgery have been the subject of numerous manuscripts, books, and Presidential addresses. In addition to his many contributions to surgical science, Halsted is credited with the development of the structure of the modern surgical residency program. Now, despite the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of surgery, many of Halsted's teachings remain applicable today. In fact, one could argue that many of the challenges faced in surgery today are due to a departure from these principles as they were originally described. In the following discussion, the teachings of Halsted will be explored and the Halsted philosophy applied to propose solutions for today's modern surgical challenges.

A 10-Year Review of Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Firearm Injury in a Rural Setting.

INTRODUCTION: West Virginia (WV) had the ninth highest rate of firearm mortality of all states in the United States according to the CDC in 2018. Gun violence in WV has been a steady problem over the last decade. The rural population is more vulnerable to unintentional firearm injuries and suicides. Previously published literature from urban settings has demonstrated a link between firearm injuries and modifiable situational variables such as crime, unemployment, low income, and low education. There are very few studies that have utilized geospatial analytic techniques as a tool for injury mapping, surveillance, and primary prevention in rural and frontier zones of the United States. METHODS: We performed a 10-year retrospective single-institution review of firearm injuries at a rural WV level 1 trauma center between January 2010 and December 2019. The AIS World Geocoding Service was then used to identify specific areas of emerging firearm-related injuries within the service area. RESULTS: Specific hot spots of emerging firearm injury were identified in both intentional and unintentional populations. These were located in geographically distinct areas of the WV unincorporated rural and frontier population. These rural WV hotspots were associated with the modifiable variables of crime, unemployment, lower income, and lower education level. CONCLUSIONS: Emerging hot spots of firearm injury in rural and frontier locations were associated with modifiable social determinants. These areas represent an opportunity for targeted injury prevention efforts addressing these disparities. Further prospective study of these findings is warranted.

Management of the Crura During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that evaluated patients undergoing LSG performed by a single surgeon in a 7-year period. Data were collected via chart review. The primary endpoint was hiatal hernia presence at 5 years post-operatively. Secondary endpoints included post-procedural complications (nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, or reflux) at 30 days post-operatively. RESULTS: A total of 361 patients were included in the analysis: 154 without crural closure, 164 primary crural closure, and 43 primary crural closure with mesh reinforcement. Rates of hiatal hernia occurrence at 5 years were 9.7% (no closure), 14.0% (primary closure), and 16.3% (closure with mesh reinforcement), respectively, and did not differ significantly among the 3 cohorts (P = .37). Overall rates of 30-day complications were 11.5%, 21.5%, and 28.6%, respectively (P = .015). CONCLUSION: Rates of hiatal hernia after sleeve gastrectomy do not differ, regardless of management of the crura. In addition, and perhaps more significantly, avoidance of crural closure was associated with fewer 30-day complications. In fact, the highest rate of 30-day complications was seen in the group that received closure with mesh reinforcement. These data suggest that crural closure during LSG should be avoided. Further prospective study of these findings is warranted.

Education, Ethics, and History: The Peer Review Process in the US.

Despite the near-universal acceptance of the benefits of a sound peer review process (PRP), the topic of peer review remains a source of controversy among surgeons. The current PRP is plagued by heterogeneity across different hospital and institutional systems. These inconsistencies, combined with a perceived lack of fairness inherent to the PRP in some institutions, led to concerns among practicing surgeons. In this review of the relevant literature on the PRP, we attempted to provide some context and insight into the history of the PRP, its role, its shortcomings, its potential abuses, and some key requirements for its successful execution.