Is simultaneous bariatric surgery and ventral hernia repair a safe and effective approach?

BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of consensus regarding the timing of ventral hernia repair relative to bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES: To compare outcomes between patients undergoing simultaneous and selectively deferred ventral hernia repair and bariatric surgery. SETTING: High volume UPPER gastrointestinal and Bariatric Unit. Sydney, Australia. METHODS: A retrospective case series from a single institution's prospectively collected database (2003-21) was performed to determine the characteristics and outcomes in patients having simultaneous and deferred hernia repair relative to their bariatric surgery. RESULTS: In our patient cohort (N = 134), 111 patients underwent simultaneous repair and 23 had a deferred procedure. Of the simultaneous patients, 95 (85.6%) underwent resection bariatric surgery. The median operative time in the simultaneous versus deferred groups was 155 versus 287 minutes and the length of stay was 3 versus 7 days. There has been one (.9%) mesh infection requiring explant, in an open, simultaneous repair undertaken in a gastric band patient, 3 (2.8%) infected seromas, 1 (.9%) surgical site infection, and 8 (7.5%) hernia recurrences in the simultaneous group. The deferred group has had no mesh infections, no hernia recurrence, and 2 (9.5%) infected seromas to date. There was 1 mortality in the simultaneous cohort (simultaneous gastric bypass group), from a massive Pulmonary Embolism (<30 days postoperatively) and one in the deferred group from an interval small bowel obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous ventral hernia repair with bariatric surgery had a low rate of infection and a low mesh explant rate, even when coupled with resection bariatric surgery in this series. A combined approach may be safe, even in the clean-contaminated surgical context.

EUS-guided fiducial marker insertion for radiotherapy in advanced esophageal carcinoma: submucosal insertion may lead to less migration when compared to intratumoral insertion.

BACKGROUND: The use of radiotherapy is frequently required in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the margins of the tumor are often difficult to ascertain on computed tomography. Thus, EUS-guided fiducial marker insertion can aid the localization of the margins of the tumor. However, the optimal technique of the procedure is still uncertain. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients that received EUS-guided fiducial marker insertion between March 2015 and December 2018. All patients suffering from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma scheduled for radiotherapy underwent the procedure within one week of the scheduled appointment. Gold fiducial markers were inserted under EUS guidance either intratumorally or within the submucosa just proximal and distal to the tumor. Outcome parameters included tumor characteristics, early and late migration rates, and tumor response rates. RESULTS: During the study period, 40 patients were recruited. 10 fiducial markers were placed intratumorally and 30 markers were placed submucosally. When comparing fiducials that were placed in the submucosa versus intratumorally, significantly more fiducials had early (40% vs 0%, RR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.36, 1.00) and late migration (60% vs 0%, RR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.13, 0.84) in the intratumoral group. The submucosal group had significantly more patients intended for curative intent (96.7% vs 70%, RR = 0.34, 95%CI 0.003, 0.361) and more patients with partial and complete response. There was no difference between the gross tumor volume, the clinical target volume, and the total radiation dose. CONCLUSION: In esophageal carcinomas planned for radiotherapy, fiducial markers placed in the submucosa may lead to less migration.

Bariatric Surgery in Vegetarians: Asia-Pacific Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Society (APMBSS) survey of Asian surgeon experience.

PURPOSE: Bariatric and metabolic surgery is increasing in Asia to address the growing obesity epidemic. Literature is scarce regarding this surgery in vegetarian patients. We aim to survey surgeons regarding their practices and experiences with the vegetarian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The regional bariatric and metabolic surgery society distributed a multi-national electronic questionnaire to surgeon members. The questionnaire was in the English and Chinese languages. RESULTS: Fifty-six bariatric and metabolic surgeons responded to the questionnaire (response rate 40.6%). Twenty-two respondents (48.9%) have vegetarian patients in their case volume. Patients mostly consume a vegetarian diet for religious (66.7%) and health (66.7%) reasons. More than 60% of surgeons are unsure of micronutrient deficiency status amongst these patients. Over half of the respondents (58.8%) reported that their vegetarian patients do not take multivitamins or vitamin supplements. Significant proportions of respondents (44.4-61.1%) were unsure of the iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, and folic acid deficiency status of these patients. Only 38.9% of respondents routinely prescribe multivitamin supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Vegetarian bariatric patients in East and South-East Asia are an under-recognized patient cohort at risk of micronutrient deficiencies. There is a knowledge gap among regional surgeons in long-term nutritional assessment and management.

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a propensity score analysis with 1-year follow-up data.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is a safe alternative to percutaneous cholecystostomy (PT-GBD) for acute cholecystitis. How the procedure compares with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is uncertain. The aim of the current study is to compare the outcomes of EUS-GBD with LC for acute cholecystitis. METHODS: This was propensity score analysis of all patients admitted for acute cholecystitis between 2012 and 2018. Consecutive patients who received EUS-GBD or LC were included. Patients were matched for age, sex, and age-adjusted Charlson score. Outcome measurements included 30-day adverse events, mortality, recurrent cholecystitis, recurrent biliary events, reinterventions, and readmissions. RESULTS: During the study period, 60 patients were selected (30 EUS-GBD vs 30 LC) after propensity score matching. Technical success rates (100% vs 100%), clinical success rates (93.3% vs 100%, P = 1), lengths of hospital stay (6.8 [8.1] vs 5.5 [2.7], P = 1), 30-day adverse events (4 [13.3%] vs 4 [13.3%], P = 1), and mortality rates (2 [6.7%] vs 0 [0%], P = .492) were similar. The rates of recurrent biliary events (3 [10%] vs 3 [10%], P = .784), reinterventions (4 [13.3%] vs 3 [10%], P = 1), and unplanned readmissions (3 [10%] vs 3 [10%], P = .784) in 1 year were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of EUS-GBD for acute cholecystitis were comparable with LC with acceptable rates of recurrent acute cholecystitis. These results support the role of EUS-GBD as an alternative to LC in patients who may or may not be surgically fit to undergo definitive cholecystectomy.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between diverticulosis of the appendix and neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: Diverticula of the appendix (DA) are infrequent and their clinical implications are often overlooked. Several studies have found a significantly increased prevalence of neoplasms in appendiceal specimens with diverticula. Despite the potential clinical implications, there is a paucity of literature. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the prevalence of DA and its association with neoplasia. METHODS: A systematic search of literature (Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed and Medline) reporting the prevalence of DA and association with neoplasia was performed in November 2019. Relevant articles were assessed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias assessment was carried out using modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis with risk ratio and random-effects model was performed using RevMan. RESULTS: The initial search identified 1122 potential articles of which 11 were appropriate for quantitative analysis. The prevalence rate of DA was 1.74%. The mean age of patients with DA and those without DA was 41.2 and 33.9 years, respectively. The ratio of male to female was 1.8:1. The prevalence of neoplasia in specimens without DA versus those with DA was 1.28% and 26.94%, respectively. Only four studies addressed the prevalence of locoregional neoplasia in the setting of DA compared to control. Meta-analysis with random-effects model demonstrated that pooled risk ratio was 25.46 (95% confidence interval 12.77-50.75, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The strong association with neoplasia in this meta-analysis reinforces the clinical significance of DA. Surgeons, pathologists and radiologists should be mindful of this uncommon pathology and consider individualized patient management, until further evidence can direct clinical guidelines for the management of patients with DA.

Fast-track ambulatory abscess pathway: an Australian streamlined emergency surgery pathway.

BACKGROUND: Superficial skin abscesses account for a significant burden of emergency surgical admissions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an ambulatory care pathway for emergently treating abscesses of the body requiring operative drainage. METHOD: A retrospective study of a prospective patient database was performed, using randomized patient selection. Patient demographics, length and cost of stay were compared between patients undergoing operative management for skin abscess before and after the implementation of the fast-track ambulatory abscess pathway (FAAP). RESULTS: In total, 100 patients were analysed with 50 in the pre-ambulatory care pathway group and 50 in the FAAP group. The pre-ambulatory care pathway group had a mean age of 37.7 ± 15.8 years versus FAAP group of 35.3 ± 14.5 years. Total length of stay for the group was 85 versus 17 days with a mean comparison of 1.7 days versus 0.34 days (P < 0.001). This translated into a total cost saving of $74 100 in the FAAP group, with a mean comparison cost between the groups of $2884 versus $1402 (P < 0.001). Both reductions in length of stay and cost of stay were statistically significant after implementation of the pathway. CONCLUSION: This is the first Australian study to report the findings from an ambulatory care pathway for an emergency surgical intervention. We have shown that skin abscesses presenting through emergency can be managed as a day-case procedure, thereby decreasing these patients' overall length and cost of stay.

Management of Zenker's diverticulum using flexible endoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Zenker's diverticulum is a false diverticulum through Killian's dehiscence. Symptoms include halitosis, dysphagia, regurgitation, cough, and aspiration pneumonia. Treatment options include open transcervical cricopharyngeal myotomy, trans-oral rigid endoscopic stapling, and minimally invasive endoscopic myotomy. Although open surgical techniques have historically been the criterion standard for treatment, endoscopic options have become increasingly used. We propose the use of flexible endoscopy in the management of Zenker's diverticulum. METHODS: We present a retrospective case series of 9 patients undergoing endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy from 2014 to 2018 using our endoscopic technique. RESULTS: We demonstrate that endoscopic technique provided adequate symptomatic relief in 7 of 9 patients, with no operative adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Cricopharyngeal myotomy using flexible endoscopy is a safe and effective technique for the management of Zenker's diverticulum. Potential benefits of this approach include shorter operative times, shorter postoperative admissions, and earlier progression of diet. Initial treatment with endoscopic technique does not preclude future open repairs.

Clinical significance of appendiceal diverticulum: a significant marker for appendiceal neoplasia in Australian patients.

INTRODUCTION: Diverticula of the appendix (DA) have a reported incidence of up to 2.1%. They are primarily detected incidentally, through imaging and intraoperative or histologic diagnosis. This study's objective was to examine the prevalence of DA, and its relationship with inflammation and neoplasia, as well as review the literature with respect to clinical outcomes and ability to identify DA preoperatively. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective search of all patients undergoing an appendicectomy for right lower quadrant pain at a single institution between 2004 and 2017 was conducted. Histopathology reports for evidence of DA, location of the DA, presence of inflammation, and any relationship between DA and neoplasms (adenoma, carcinoma, carcinoid, lymphoma, and mucinous neoplasm) within the appendix were reviewed. Clinical notes, operative records, and preoperative imaging were also reviewed. RESULTS: Two thousand seven hundred eleven patient were included in the study, with a mean age of 34 years, with acute appendicitis found in 82.5%. 31.6% of patients with DA had associated inflammation of the DA. DA was present in 57 patients (2.1%), with 55 patients in the total cohort having neoplasia (2.0%). Patients with DAs were ten times more likely to have appendicular neoplasm than patients without a DA (17.5 vs 1.8%; p < 0.0001, OR 11.8 95%, CI 5.6-24.8). CONCLUSION: This is the first Australian study demonstrating DAs are a significant marker of appendiceal neoplasm. Appendicectomy in all incidentally discovered diverticulum should be considered. Due to a paucity of data, research is required into this area to assess for the need for endoscopy following diagnosis.

Pancreatitis from intra-gastric balloon insertion: Case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-Gastric Balloon (IGB) is increasingly used as a non-operative management strategy in bariatric patients. However, as IGB use has become more prevalent, new potentially life-threatening adverse effects have emerged. We report a case of IGB-related acute pancreatitis from a tertiary referral hospital. A literature review of electronic databases was conducted to identify other cases PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 20-year-old female presented to the emergency department with acute onset of epigastric pain on day-1 post-insertion of an IGB (Orbera®). The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made on the basis of the clinical picture, with radiological and serological confirmation. Complete resolution of symptoms promptly followed endoscopic removal of the balloon. DISCUSSION: We examine all prior reported cases of IGB associated pancreatitis in the literature, as well as the impact of the particular balloon subtypes. Mass effect of the device on the pancreas or dislodgement of the rigid catheter into the second part of the duodenum appear to be the underlying cause in all cases. While there were no deaths reported, major sequelae have been noted, including presence of mucosal ischemia and failure to retrieve the balloon endoscopically, necessitating laparotomy. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of IGB-induced pancreatitis is still rare, this complication which must be highlighted as a potentially serious adverse outcome.

The injury profile and acute treatment costs of major trauma in older people in New South Wales.

AIMS: To Describe injury profile and costs of older person trauma in New South Wales; quantify variations with peer group costs; and identify predictors of higher costs. METHODS: Nine level 1 New South Wales trauma centres provided data on major traumas (aged ≥ 55 years) during 2008-2009 financial year. Trauma register and financial data of each institution were linked. Treatment costs were compared with peer group Australian Refined Diagnostic Related Groups costs, on which hospital funding is based. Variables examined through multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Six thousand two hundred and eighty-nine patients were admitted for trauma. Most common injury mechanism was falls (74.8%) then road trauma (14.9%). Median patient cost was $7044 (Q1-3: $3405-13 930) and total treatment costs $76 694 252. Treatment costs were $5 813 975 above peer group average. Intensive care unit admission, age, injury severity score, length of stay and traumatic brain injury were independent predictors of increased costs. CONCLUSION: Older person trauma attracts greater costs and length of stay. Cost increases with age and injury severity. Hospital financial information and trauma registry data provides accurate cost information that may inform future funding.

Simultaneous ventral hernia repair in bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a significant risk factor in abdominal hernia occurrence and recurrence. In patients having bariatric surgery, there are no clear guidelines as to whether repair should be done simultaneously, especially if procedures involve division or resection of part of the gastrointestinal tract. METHODS: A retrospective case series review over a 6-year period to December 2012 from a prospective database was conducted. As per existing practice for bariatric procedures, patients were followed up indefinitely. Short- and long-term outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Forty-five patients underwent combined laparoscopic bariatric surgery and abdominal wall hernia repair. Of these, 36 had resection procedures (gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) and 9 had non-resection procedures (gastric banding). The mean operative time was 151 min and the mean length of stay was 3 days. Two patients developed post-operative mesh seroma infections. To date, there have been no mesh removals or recurrent hernias. There was no mortality in this series. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated a low rate of mesh infection (4.44%) at a median follow-up of 13 months, even when a resectional procedure was performed (5.56%). These results suggest the possible viability and reasonable short-/long-term outcomes of simultaneous laparoscopic abdominal wall hernia repair during bariatric surgical procedures, even if the surgery involved division or resection of part of the gastrointestinal tract. This topic is an area of clinical research that warrants further study.

Developing a self-reported tool on fall risk based on toileting responses on in-hospital falls.

The aim of this cohort study was to determine the predictive value of a 2-item self-reported questionnaire regarding in-hospital toileting behavior for predicting falls in older inpatients and to compare its performance with an existing state-based falls assessment scale. Between May 28, 2009 and January 30, 2010, we assessed aged care inpatients for risk of falls using the standard STRATIFY fall screening tool and the 2-item self-reported questionnaire developed for this study. The participants were then followed up, with the primary outcome being the occurrence of falls. Results indicated that participants who were unable to answer the 2-item questionnaire appropriately or sensibly were 14.1 times (confidence interval [CI]: 4.4-45, p <. 001) to 17.0 times (CI: 6.7-43, p < .001) more likely to fall than those who gave an appropriate negative or positive answer. Participants who were assessed to be at high risk of falls on the STRATIFY scale were 9.5 times (odds ratio: 9.5, CI: 1.3-72, p = .03) more likely to fall than those who were low risk. In conclusion, a simple bedside questionnaire regarding patients' toileting behavior with a careful appraisal of answers for appropriate and inappropriate answers may be used as a quick screening tool of fall risk.