Feeding Tube Clinic Effect on Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Optimizing nutrition is essential for recovery after major surgery or severe illness. Feeding tubes (FT) can be placed in patients limited by oral enteral nutrition. Given the myriad of locations in which these procedures are performed (radiology, intensive care unit, and endoscopy suite), routine follow-up is challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an FT clinic on nutrition. We hypothesized that enrollment in the FT clinic would result in improved nutritional outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review of Veteran Affairs Medical Center patients with FTs placed from January 2010 to January 2020. Demographics and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Serum albumin recorded within 1 month of tube placement was compared to within 1 month of tube removal, death, or at the end of the study period. FT clinic participation required at least 2 visits. Indications for FT placement and duration were recorded. Patients were excluded when both BMI and albumin values were incomplete, and if FTs were placed for decompression. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients underwent FT placement during the study period; 5 (5%) were excluded. The average age was 64.8±9.7 years, with the majority being male, 85 patients (97%). Eighteen (20%) patients were seen in the FT clinic (FTC) and 70 (80%) were managed outside of FTC (nFTC). There were no differences in age, gender, or indication for FT. Mean albumin increased 0.42±0.85 g/dL in the FTC group versus -0.07±0.72 g/dL in the nFTC group (P=0.037). The FTC group BMI increased, 0.38 kg/m2 vs. -1.48 kg/m2 in nFTC patients, P=0.041. The FTC patients maintained their tubes longer (36.5 vs. 7.0 mo, P=0.0014). CONCLUSIONS: Patients managed in a dedicated FT clinic experienced an improvement in their serum albumin values and increases in their BMI. In addition, they also maintained their FTs longer. To optimize nutrition and reduce weight loss, patients who require FTs should be enrolled in a dedicated FT clinic.

Telehealth for general surgery postoperative care.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth utilization rapidly increased following the pandemic. However, it is not widely used in the Veteran surgical population. We sought to evaluate postoperative telehealth in patients undergoing general surgery. METHODS: Retrospective review of Veterans undergoing general surgery at a level 1A VA Medical Center from June 2019 to September 2021. Exclusions were concomitant procedure(s), discharge with drains or non-absorbable sutures/staples, complication prior to discharge or pathology positive for malignancy. RESULTS: 1075 patients underwent qualifying procedures, 124 (12 â€‹%) were excluded and 162 (17 â€‹%) did not have follow-up. 443 (56 â€‹%) patients followed-up in-person (56 â€‹%) vs 346 (44 â€‹%) via telehealth. Telehealth patients had a lower rate of complications, 6 â€‹% vs 12 â€‹%, p â€‹= â€‹0.013. There were no significant differences in ED visits, 30-day readmission, postoperative procedures or missed adverse events. CONCLUSION: Telehealth follow-up after general surgical procedures is safe and effective. Postoperative telehealth care should be considered after low-risk general surgery procedures.

Stray energy injury during robotic versus laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Stray energy transfer from monopolar instruments during laparoscopic surgery is a recognized cause of potentially catastrophic complications. There are limited data on stray energy injuries in robotic surgery. We sought to characterize stray energy injury in the form of superficial burns to the skin surrounding laparoscopic and robotic trocar sites. Our hypothesis was that stray energy burns will occur at all laparoscopic and robotic port sites. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair at a VAMC over a 4-year period. Surgery was performed via transabdominal preperitoneal approach either laparoscopic-assisted (TAPP) or robotic-assisted (rTAPP). A monopolar scissor was used to deliver energy at 30W coagulation for all cases. At completion of the procedure, skin biopsies were taken from all the port sites. A picro-Sirius red stain was utilized to identify thermal injury by a blinded pathologist. RESULTS: Over half (54%, 59/108) of all samples demonstrated thermal injury to the skin. In the laparoscopic group, 49% (25/51) samples showed thermal injury vs. 60% (34/57) in the robotic group (p = 0.548). The camera port was the most frequently involved with 68% (13/19) rTAPP samples showing injury vs. 47% (8/17) in the TAPP group (p = 0.503). There was no difference in the rate of injury at the working port site (rTAPP 53%, 10/19 vs. TAPP 47%, 8/17; p = 0.991) or the assistant port site (rTAPP 58%, 11/19 vs. TAPP 53%, 9/17; p = 0.873). CONCLUSIONS: Stray energy causes thermal injury to the skin at port sites in the majority robotic laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repairs. There is no difference in stray energy transfer between the laparoscopic and robotic platform. This is the first study to confirm in-vivo transfer of stray energy during robotic surgical procedures. More study is needed to determine the clinical significance of these thermal injuries.

Losing weight to achieve joint or hernia surgery: is the intragastric balloon the answer?

BACKGROUND: Obesity is an epidemic, with its accompanying medical conditions putting patients at increased risk of postoperative complications. For patients undergoing elective surgery, preoperative weight loss provides an opportunity to decrease complications. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an intragastric balloon in achieving a body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m2 prior to elective joint replacement or hernia repair. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who had intragastric balloon placement at a level 1A VA medical center from 1/2019 to 1/2023. Patients who had a scheduled qualifying procedure (knee/hip replacement or hernia repair) and had a BMI > 35 kg/m2 were offered intragastric balloon placement to achieve 30-50lbs (13-28 kg) weight loss prior to surgery. Participation in a standardized weight loss program for 12 months was required. Balloons were removed 6 months after placement, preferentially concomitant with the qualifying procedure. Baseline demographics, duration of balloon therapy, weight loss and progression to qualifying procedure were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty patients completed intragastric balloon therapy and had balloon removal. Mean age 54 (34-71 years), majority (95%) male. Mean balloon duration was 200 ± 37 days. Mean weight loss was 30.8 ± 17.7lbs (14.0 ± 8.0 kg) with an average BMI reduction of 4.4 ± 2.9. Seventeen (85%) patients were successful, 15 (75%) underwent elective surgery and 2 (10%) were no longer symptomatic after weight loss. Three patients (15%) did not lose sufficient weight to qualify or were too ill to undergo surgery. Nausea was the most frequent side effect. One (5%) patient was readmitted within 30 days for pneumonia. DISCUSSION: Intragastric balloon placement resulted in an average 30lbs (14 kg) weight loss over 6 months allowing more than 75% of patients to undergo joint replacement or hernia repair at an optimal weight. Intragastric balloons should be considered in patients requiring 30-50lbs (13-28 kg) weight loss prior to elective surgery. More study is needed to determine the long-term benefit of preoperative weight loss prior to elective surgery.

Telehealth Follow-Up After Inguinal Hernia Repair in Veterans.

INTRODUCTION: Telehealth has been increasingly utilized with a renewed interest by surgical specialties given the COIVD-19 pandemic. Limited data exists evaluating the safety of routine postoperative telehealth follow-up in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair, especially those who present urgent/emergently. Our study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of postoperative telehealth follow-up in veterans undergoing inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Retrospective review of all Veterans who underwent inguinal hernia repair at a tertiary Veterans Affairs Medical Center over a 2-year period (9/2019-9/2021). Outcome measures included postoperative complications, emergency department (ED) utilization, 30-day readmission, and missed adverse events (ED utilization or readmission occurring after routine postoperative follow-up). Patients undergoing additional procedure(s) requiring intraoperative drains and/or nonabsorbable sutures were excluded. RESULTS: Of 338 patients who underwent qualifying procedures, 156 (50.6%) were followed-up by telehealth and 152 (49.4%) followed-up in-person. There were no differences in age, sex, BMI, race, urgency, laterality nor admission status. Patients with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification [ASA class III 92 (60.5%) versus class II 48 (31.6%), P = 0.019] and open repair [93 (61.2%) versus 67 (42.9%), P = 0.003] were more likely to follow-up in-person. There was no difference in complications, [telehealth 13 (8.3%) versus 20 (13.2%), P = 0.17], ED visits, [telehealth 15 (10%) versus 18 (12%), P = 0.53], 30-day readmission [telehealth 3 (2%) versus 0 (0%), P = 0.09], nor missed adverse events [telehealth 6 (33.3%) versus 5 (27.8%), P = 0.72]. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in postoperative complications, ED utilization, 30-day readmission, or missed adverse events for those who followed-up in person versus telehealth after elective or urgent/emergent inguinal hernia repair. Veterans with a higher ASA class and who underwent open repair were more likely to be seen in person. Telehealth follow-up after inguinal hernia repair is safe and effective.

Robotic stray energy with constant-voltage versus constant-power regulating electrosurgical generators.

INTRODUCTION: Stray energy from surgical energy instruments can cause unintended thermal injuries. There are no published data regarding electrosurgical generators and their influence on stray energy transfer during robotic surgery. There are two approved generators for the DaVinci Xi robotic platform: a constant-voltage regulating generator (cVRG) and a constant-power regulating generator (cPRG). The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare stray energy transfer in the robotic Xi platform using a cVRG versus a cPRG. METHODS: An ex vivo bovine model was used to simulate a standard multiport robotic surgery. The DaVinci Xi (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) robotic platform was attached to a trainer box using robotic ports. A 5 s, open-air activation of the monopolar scissors was done with commonly used electrosurgical settings using a cPRG (ForceTriad, Covidien-Medtronic, Boulder, CO) or cVRG (ERBE VIO 300 dV 2.0, ERBE USA, Marietta, GA). Stray energy transfer was quantified as the change in tissue temperature (°C) nearest the tip of the assistance grasper (which was not in direct contact with the active monopolar scissors). RESULTS: Stray energy transfer occurred with both generators. Utilizing common, comparable settings for standard coagulation, significantly less stray energy was transferred with the cVRG versus cPRG (4.4 ± 1.6 °C vs. 41.1 ± 13.0 °C, p < 0.001). Similarly, less stray energy was transferred using cut modes with the cVRG compared to the cPRG (5.61 ± 1.79 °C vs. 33.9 ± 18.4 °C, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Stray energy transfer increases tissue temperatures more than 45C in the DaVinci Xi robotic platform. Low voltage modalities, such as cut or blend; as well as a cVRG generator, significantly reduces stray energy. Robotic surgeons can minimize the risk of stray energy injuries by using these low risk modes and/or generator.

A Multidisciplinary High-Risk Surgery Committee May Improve Perioperative Decision Making for Patients and Physicians.

Background: Surgeons must evaluate and communicate the risk associated with operative procedures for patients at high risk of poor postoperative outcomes. Multidisciplinary approaches to complex decision making are needed. Objective: To improve physician decision making for high-risk surgical patients. Design: This is a retrospective review of patients presented to a multidisciplinary committee for three years. Setting/Subjects: Evaluation of patients was done in a single-center U.S. veterans affairs (VA) hospital. All patients who were considered for surgery had a VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) risk calculator 30-day mortality >5%. Measurements: Thirty-day and one-year mortality were measured. Results: Seventy-six patients were reviewed with an average expected 30-day mortality of 14.2%. Forty-two patients (57%) had a recommended change in the care plan before surgery. Fifty-four patients (71%) proceeded with surgery and experienced a 30-day mortality of 7.4%. Conclusions and Relevance: Multidisciplinary discussion of high-risk surgical patients may help surgeons make perioperative recommendations for patients. Implementation of a multidisciplinary high-risk committee should be considered at facilities that manage high-risk surgical patients.

Monopolar stray energy in robotic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Stray energy transfer from monopolar radiofrequency energy during laparoscopy can be potentially catastrophic. Robotic surgery is increasing in popularity; however, the risk of stray energy transfer during robotic surgery is unknown. The purpose of this study was to (1) quantify stray energy transfer using robotic instrumentation, (2) determine strategies to minimize the transfer of energy, and (3) compare robotic stray energy transfer to laparoscopy. METHODS: In a laparoscopic trainer, a monopolar instrument (L-hook) was activated with DaVinci Si (Intuitive, Sunnyvale, CA) robotic instruments. A camera and assistant grasper were inserted to mimic a minimally invasive cholecystectomy. During activation of the L-hook, the non-electric tips of the camera and grasper were placed adjacent to simulated tissue (saline-soaked sponge). The primary outcome was change in temperature from baseline (°C) measured nearest the tip of the non-electric instrument. RESULTS: Simulated tissue nearest the robotic grasper increased an average of 18.3 ± 5.8 °C; p < 0.001 from baseline. Tissue nearest the robotic camera tip increased (9.0 ± 2.1 °C; p < 0.001). Decreasing the power from 30 to 15 W (18.3 ± 5.8 vs. 2.6 ± 2.7 °C, p < 0.001) or using low-voltage cut mode (18.3 ± 5.8 vs. 3.1 ± 2.1 °C, p < 0.001) reduced stray energy transfer to the robotic grasper. Desiccating tissue, in contrast to open air activation, also significantly reduced stray energy transfer for the grasper (18.3 ± 5.8 vs. 0.15 ± 0.21 °C, p < 0.001) and camera (9.0 ± 2.1 vs. 0.24 ± 0.34 °C, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Stray energy transfer occurs during robotic surgery. The assistant grasper carries the highest risk for thermal injury. Similar to laparoscopy, stray energy transfer can be reduced by lowering the power setting, utilizing a low-voltage cut mode instead of coagulation mode and avoiding open air activation. These practical findings can aid surgeons performing robotic surgery to reduce injuries from stray energy.

Stray energy transfer in single-incision robotic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Stray energy transfer from surgical monopolar radiofrequency energy instruments can cause unintended thermal injuries during laparoscopic surgery. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery transfers more stray energy than traditional laparoscopic surgery. There is paucity of published data concerning stray energy during single-incision robotic surgery. The purpose of this study was to quantify stray energy transfer during traditional, multiport robotic surgery (TRS) compared to single-incision robotic surgery (SIRS). METHODS: An in vivo porcine model was used to simulate a multiport or single-incision robotic cholecystectomy (DaVinci Si, Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). A 5 s, open air activation of the monopolar scissors was done on 30 W and 60 W coag mode (ForceTriad, Covidien-Medtronic, Boulder, CO) and Swift Coag effect 3, max power 180 W (VIO 300D, ERBE USA, Marietta, GA). Temperature of the tissue (°C) adjacent to the tip of the assistant grasper or the camera was measured with a thermal camera (E95, FLIR Systems, Wilsonville, OR) to quantify stray energy transfer. RESULTS: Stray energy transfer was greater in the SIRS setup compared to TRS setup at the assistant grasper (11.6 ± 3.3 °C vs. 8.4 ± 1.6 °C, p = 0.013). Reducing power from 60 to 30 W significantly reduced stray energy transfer in SIRS (15.3 ± 3.4 °C vs. 11.6 ± 3.3 °C, p = 0.023), but not significantly for TRS (9.4 ± 2.5 °C vs. 8.4 ± 1.6 °C, p = 0.278). The use of a constant voltage regulating generator also minimized stray energy transfer for both SIRS (0.7 ± 0.4 °C, p < 0.001) and TRS (0.7 ± 0.4 °C, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: More stray energy transfer occurs during single-incision robotic surgery than multiport robotic surgery. Utilizing a constant voltage regulating generator minimized stray energy transfer for both setups. These data can be used to guide robotic surgeons in their use of safe, surgical energy.

Electromagnetic interference on cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators during endoscopy as reported to the US Federal Drug Administration.

INTRODUCTION: More than 3 million patients have a cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) such as a pacemaker or implanted cardioverter-defibrillator in the USA. These devices are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) leading to malfunction and injury. Radiofrequency energy, the most common modality for obtaining hemostasis during endoscopy, is the most common source of EMI. Few studies have evaluated the effect of endoscopic radiofrequency energy on CIEDs. We aim to characterize CIED dysfunction related to endoscopic procedures. We hypothesize that EMI from endoscopic energy can result in patient injury. METHODS: We queried the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for CIED dysfunction related to electrosurgical devices over a 10-year period (2009-2019). CIED dysfunction events were identified using seven problem codes (malfunction, electromagnetic interference, ambient noise, pacing problem, over-sensing, inappropriate shock, defibrillation). These were cross-referenced for the terms "cautery, electrocautery, endoscopy, esophagus, colonoscopy, colon, esophagoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy." Reports were individually reviewed to confirm and characterize CIED malfunction due to an endoscopic procedure. RESULTS: A search for CIED dysfunction resulted in 43,759 reports. Three hundred and eleven reports (0.7%) were associated with electrocautery, and of these, 45 reports (14.5%) included endoscopy. Ten reports involving endoscopy (22%) specified upper (3, 7%) or lower (7, 16%) endoscopy while the remainder were non-specific. Twenty-six of reports involving endoscopy (58%) suffered injury because of CIED dysfunction: Of these, 17 (65%) received inappropriate shocks, 5 (19%) had pacing inhibition with bradycardia or asystole, 3 (12%) had CIED damage requiring explant and replacement, and 1 (4%) patient suffered ventricular tachycardia requiring hospital admission. CONCLUSION: The use of energy during endoscopy can cause dysfunction of CIEDs. This most commonly results in inappropriate defibrillation, symptomatic bradycardia, and asystole. Patients with CIEDs undergoing endoscopy should undergo pre- and post-procedure device interrogation and re-programming to avoid patient injury.

Carbon dioxide can eliminate operating room fires from alcohol-based surgical skin preps.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical fires are a rare event that still occur at a significant rate and can result in severe injury and death. Surgical fires are fueled by vapor from alcohol-based skin preparations in the presence of increased oxygen concentration and a spark from an energy device. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used to extinguish electrical fires, and we sought to evaluate its effect on fire creation in the operating room. We hypothesize that CO2 delivered by the energy device will decrease the frequency of surgical fires fueled by alcohol-based skin preparations. METHODS: An ex vivo model with 15 × 15 cm section of clipped, porcine skin was used. A commercially available electrosurgical pencil with a smoke evacuation tip was connected to a laparoscopic CO2 insufflation system. The electrosurgical pencil was activated for 2 s at 30 watts coagulation mode immediately after application of alcohol-based surgical skin preparations: 70% isopropyl alcohol with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG-IPA) or 74% isopropyl alcohol with 0.7% iodine povacrylex (Iodine-IPA). CO2 was infused via the smoke evacuation pencil at flow rates from 0 to 8 L/min. The presence of a flame was determined visually and confirmed with a thermal camera (FLIR Systems, Boston, MA). RESULTS: Carbon dioxide eliminated fire formation at a flow rate of 1 L/min with CHG-IPA skin prep (0% vs. 60% with no CO2, p < 0.0001). Carbon dioxide reduced fire formation at 1 L/min (25% vs. 47% with no CO2, p = 0.1) with Iodine-IPA skin prep and fires were eliminated at 2 L/min of flow with Iodine-IPA skin prep (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide can eliminate surgical fires caused by energy devices in the presence of alcohol-based skin preps. Future studies should determine the optimal technique and flow rate of carbon dioxide in these settings.

Surgical Smoke Evacuators Reduce the Risk of Fires From Alcohol-Based Skin Preparations.

Surgical smoke evacuators may reduce the concentration of alcohol vapors from skin preparations at the site of electrosurgical device activation, decreasing operating room fire risk. Our aim was to compare the incidence of flames with and without smoke evacuation in a porcine ex vivo model. A monopolar device was activated after application of either 70% isopropyl alcohol/2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG-IPA) or 74% isopropyl alcohol/0.7% iodine povacrylex (iodine-IPA) skin preparations. No suction was compared with standard wall suction and 2 monopolar devices with built-in smoke evacuators. Flames were generated in 60% of CHG-IPA and 47% of iodine-IPA tests without suction. Wall suction did not significantly reduce fires (CHG-IPA 43% vs. 60%, P=0.30; iodine-IPA 57% vs. 47%, P=0.61). Use of both smoke evacuation devices reduced fires for CHG-IPA (17% vs. 60%, P=0.001 and 20% vs. 60%, P=0.004) but not for iodine-IPA. Smoke evacuation devices reduce fire risk when used with a chlorhexidine-alcohol skin preparation.

Hepatic Ablation Promotes Colon Cancer Metastases in an Immunocompetent Murine Model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) energy compared to direct cautery on metatstatic colon cancer growth. BACKGROUND: Hepatic ablation with MW and RF energy creates a temperature gradient around a target site with temperatures known to create tissue injury and cell death. In contrast, direct heat application (cautery) vaporizes tissue with a higher site temperature but reduced heat gradient on surrounding tissue. We hypothesize that different energy devices create variable zones of sublethal injury that may promote tumor recurrence. To test this hypothesis we applied MW, RF, and cautery to normal murine liver with a concomitant metastatic colon cancer challenge. METHODS: C57/Bl6 mice received hepatic thermal injury with MW, RF, or cautery to create a superficial 3-mm lesion immediately after intrasplenic injection of 50K MC38 colon cancer cells. Thermal imaging recorded tissue temperature during ablation and for 10 seconds after energy cessation. Hepatic tumor location and volume was determined at day 7. RESULTS: Cautery demonstrated the highest maximum tissue temperatures (129°C) with more rapid return to baseline compared to MW or RF energy. All mice had metastasis at the ablation site. Mean tumor volume was significantly greater in the MW (95.3 mm; P = 0.007) and RF (55.7 mm; P = 0.015) than cautery (7.13 mm). There was no difference in volume between MW and RF energy (P = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic thermal ablation promotes colon cancer metastasis at the injury site. MV and RF energy result in greater metastatic volume than cautery. These data suggest that the method of energy delivery promotes local metastasis.

Groin defects seen at extra-peritoneal laparoscopic dissection during surgical treatment of athletic pubalgia.

BACKGROUND: Recently new disease process, often referred to as athletic pubalgia (AP), has been acknowledged by the medical community. The patients suffering from this ailment present with unilateral or bilateral chronic groin pain associated with physical activity without a clear diagnosis of a groin hernia. Though physical therapy and medical treatments are considered first line remedies, some believe that surgical treatment may have better, quicker, and more durable outcomes and procedures aimed at groin reinforcement seem to relieve most of symptoms in the majority of the patients. Despite many surgeons consistently noting rectus insertion or adductor thinning, multiple hernia defects are often seen during dissections and the clinical significance of these findings is still not known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2011, 40 patients underwent an extra-peritoneal laparoscopic reinforcement of rectus abdominals and insertion of adductor muscles for AP. All patients underwent wide and bilateral groin dissection and the findings were cataloged. RESULTS: All of the patients presented with groin defects upon wide dissection. Thirty-four patients (85%) presented with small bilateral indirect inguinal defects and 28 (70%) of these patients did not have any additional defects. Five patients (12.5%) were found to have only unilateral inguinal hernia defects. One patient presented with a small direct defect. In addition to these defects, five patients (12.5%) had additional unilateral femoral hernias, whereas no patient had solitary femoral hernia defects. CONCLUSION: AP is a new diagnostic entity with poorly understood etiology. It mostly affects young active adults, often involved in competitive sports and surgical methods may be most effective at achieving the cure. In our experience all of the patients presented with groin defects, though not all were the same. It is our belief that these defects, although likely not the only component, play a significant role in the pathophysiology of AP.

Bariatric surgery: a safe and effective conduit to cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities, including advanced heart failure, are epidemic. Some of these patients will progress to require cardiac allografts as the only means of long-term survival. Unfortunately, without adequate weight loss, they may never be deemed acceptable transplant candidates. Often surgical weight loss may be the only effective and durable option for these complex patients. The objective of this study was to assess whether bariatric surgery is feasible and safe in patients with severe heart failure, which in turn, after adequate weight loss, would allow these patients to be listed for a heart transplant. METHODS: Four patients who underwent bariatric procedures, such as laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), for the purpose of attaining adequate weight loss with the goal to improve their eligibility for orthotopic heart transplants are presented. RESULTS: All patients did well around the time of surgery, and 3 of the 4 progressed to receiving a heart transplant. The fourth patient will be listed pending attaining adequate weight loss. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery may be an important bridge to transplantation for morbidly obese patients with severe heart failure. With the appropriate infrastructure, bariatric surgery is a feasible and effective weight loss method in this population.

Ventral hernias in morbidly obese patients: a suggested algorithm for operative repair.

With the rise in prevalence of obesity, most general surgeons will have to face the problem of the obese patient with an abdominal wall defect. Treatment of these bariatric patients raises unique challenges, and at this time there is still no consensus on the best treatment option. This study was performed in a high-volume bariatric and minimally invasive surgery center at a tertiary care facility in the USA. Twenty-eight morbidly obese patients treated at our facility between 2003 and 2008 were separated into four groups according to anatomic features and symptoms. Patients with the following characteristics were classified as having a favorable anatomy: body mass index not exceeding 50 kg/m(2), gynecoid body habitus, reducible hernias found in a central location, abdominal wall thickness less than 4 cm, and the defect's largest diameter not exceeding 8 cm. All other patients were classified as having an unfavorable anatomy. In this study, we report a systematic treatment approach for the morbidly obese patient presenting with a ventral hernia based on whether the hernia is symptomatic or asymptomatic, as well as the distinct characteristics of the hernia and body habitus features. We followed up on these patients postoperatively for at least 2 years, with a mean follow-up period of 30 months. Only a total of three hernia recurrences were observed. Successful treatment of ventral hernias in morbidly obese patients should be individualized based on the patient's symptoms and defined hernia characteristics.

Myelogenous leukemia in adult inbred MHC-defined miniature swine: a model for human myeloid leukemias.

This manuscript reports on five cases of spontaneous myelogenous leukemia, similar to human disease, occurring within highly inbred, histocompatible sublines of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) MHC-defined miniature swine. In cases where a neoplasm was suspected based on clinical observations, samples were obtained for complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, and flow cytometric analysis. Animals confirmed to have neoplasms were euthanized and underwent necropsy. Histological samples were obtained from abnormal tissues and suspect lesions. The phenotype of the malignancies was assessed by flow cytometric analysis of processed peripheral blood mononuclear cells and affected tissues. Five cases of spontaneous myeloid leukemia were identified in adult animals older than 30 months of age. All animals presented with symptoms of weight loss, lethargy, and marked leukocytosis. At autopsy, all animals had systemic disease involvement and presented with severe hepatosplenomegaly. Three of the five myelogenous leukemias have successfully been expanded in vitro. The clustered incidence of disease in this closed herd suggests that genetic factors may be contributing to disease development. Myelogenous leukemia cell lines established from inbred sublines of MGH MHC-defined miniature swine have the potential to be utilized as a model to evaluate therapies of human leukemia.