Prevalence of cannabis use disorder and perioperative outcomes in adult colectomy patients: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The decriminalization of cannabis across the United States has led to an increased number of patients reporting cannabis use prior to surgery. However, it is unknown whether preoperative cannabis use disorder (CUD) increases the risk of postoperative complications among adult colectomy patients. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing an elective colectomy were retrospectively analyzed from the National Inpatient Sample database (2004-2018). To control for potential confounders, patients with CUD, defined using ICD-9/10 codes, were propensity score matched to patients without CUD in a 1:1 ratio. The association between preoperative CUD and composite morbidity, the primary outcome of interest, was assessed. Subgroup analyses were performed after stratification by age (≥50 years). RESULTS: Among 432,018 adult colectomy patients, 816 (0.19%) reported preoperative CUD. The prevalence of CUD increased nearly three-fold during the study period from 0.8/1000 patients in 2004 to 2.0/1000 patients in 2018 (P-trend<0.001). After propensity score matching, patients with CUD exhibited similar rates of composite morbidity (140 of 816; 17.2%) as those without CUD (151 of 816; 18.5%) (p = 0.477). Patients with CUD also had similar anastomotic leak rates (CUD: 5.64% vs. No CUD: 6.25%; p = 0.601), hospital lengths of stay (CUD: 5 days, IQR 4-7 vs. No CUD: 5 days, IQR 4-7) (p = 0.415), and hospital charges as those without CUD. Similar findings were seen among patients aged ≥50 years in the subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Though the prevalence of CUD has increased drastically over the past 15 years, preoperative CUD was not associated with an increased risk of composite morbidity among adult patients undergoing an elective colectomy.

Clinical Outcomes, Blood Utilization, and Ethical Considerations for Pediatric Patients in a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients requesting bloodless care represent a challenging clinical situation, as parents cannot legally refuse lifesaving or optimal interventions for their children. Here, we report clinical outcomes for the largest series of pediatric inpatients requesting bloodless care and also discuss the ethical considerations. METHODS: We performed a single-institution retrospective cohort study assessing 196 pediatric inpatients (<18 years of age) who requested bloodless care between June 2012 and June 2016. Patient characteristics, transfusion rates, and clinical outcomes were compared between pediatric patients receiving bloodless care and those receiving standard care (including transfusions if considered necessary by the clinical team) (n = 37,271). Families were informed that all available measures would be undertaken to avoid blood transfusions, although we were legally obligated to transfuse blood if the child's life was threatened. The primary outcome was composite morbidity or mortality. Secondary outcomes included percentage of patients transfused, individual morbid events, length of stay, total hospital charges, and total costs. Subgroup analyses were performed after stratification into medical and surgical patients. RESULTS: Of the 196 pediatric patients that requested bloodless care, 6.1% (n = 12) received an allogeneic blood component, compared to 9.1% (n = 3392) for standard care patients ( P = .14). The most common indications for transfusion were perioperative bleeding and anemia of prematurity. None of the transfusions were administered under a court order. Overall, pediatric patients receiving bloodless care exhibited lower rates of composite morbidity compared to patients receiving standard care (2.6% vs 6.2%; P = .035). There were no deaths in the bloodless cohort. Individual morbid events, length of stay, and total hospital charges/costs were not significantly different between the 2 groups. After multivariable analysis, bloodless care was not associated with a significant difference in composite morbidity or mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-1.11; P = .077). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients receiving bloodless care exhibited similar clinical outcomes compared to patients receiving standard care, although larger studies with adequate power are needed to confirm this finding. There were no mortalities among the pediatric bloodless cohort. Although a subset of our pediatric bloodless patients received an allogeneic transfusion, no patients required a court order. When delivered in a collaborative and patient-centered manner, blood transfusions can be safely limited among pediatric patients.

Safety and Feasibility of ≤24-h Short-Stay Right Colectomies for Primary Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Hospital length of stay (LOS) has been used as a surgical quality metric. This study seeks to determine the safety and feasibility of right colectomy as a ≤24-h short-stay procedure for colon cancer patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using the ACS-NSQIP database and its Procedure Targeted Colectomy database (2012-2020). Adult patients with colon cancer who underwent right colectomies were identified. Patients were categorized into LOS ≤1 day (≤24-h short-stay), LOS 2-4 days, LOS 5-6 days, and LOS ≥7 days groups. Primary outcomes were 30-day overall and serious morbidity. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, readmission, and anastomotic leak. The association between LOS and overall and serious morbidity was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: 19,401 adult patients were identified, with 371 patients (1.9%) undergoing short-stay right colectomies. Patients undergoing short-stay surgery were generally younger with fewer comorbidities. Overall morbidity for the short-stay group was 6.5%, compared to 11.3%, 23.4%, and 42.0% for LOS 2-4 days, LOS 5-6 days, and LOS ≥7 days groups, respectively (p < 0.001). There were no differences in anastomotic leak, mortality, and readmission rates in the short-stay group compared to patients with LOS 2-4 days. Patients with LOS 2-4 days had increased odds of overall morbidity (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.10-2.65, p = 0.016) compared to patients with short-stay but no differences in odds of serious morbidity (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.61-2.36, p = 0.590). CONCLUSIONS: ≤24-h short-stay right colectomy is safe and feasible for a highly-select group of colon cancer patients. Optimizing patients preoperatively and implementing targeted readmission prevention strategies may aid patient selection.

Dose-dependent effects of red blood cell transfusion and case mix index on venous thromboembolic events in spine surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Venous thromboembolic (VTE) events represent a major source of morbidity and mortality in spine surgery. Our goal was to assess whether a dose-response relationship exists between red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and postoperative VTE events among spine surgery patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 786 spine surgery patients at a single institution who received at least 1 RBC unit perioperatively were included (2016-2019). Patients were stratified based on RBC transfusion volume: 1-2 units (39.3%), 3-4 units (29.4%), 5-6 units (15.9%) and ≥7 units (15.4%). Subgroup analyses were performed after stratification by case mix index, a standardized surrogate for patients' disease severity and comorbidities. Multivariable regression was used to assess risk factors for the development of postoperative VTE events. RESULTS: The overall VTE event rate was 2.4% (n = 19). A dose-response relationship was seen between RBC transfusion volume and VTE events (1-2 units: 0.97%, 3-4 units: 1.30%, 5-6 units: 3.20%, ≥7 units: 7.44%; p < 0.01). Similar dose-response relationships were seen between case mix index and VTE events (1.00-3.99: 0.52%, 4.00-6.99: 2.68%, ≥7.00: 9.00%; p < 0.01). On multivariable regression, larger RBC transfusion volumes (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.18 per RBC unit, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.29; p < 0.01) and higher case mix index scores (adjusted OR 1.39 per unit increase, 95% CI 1.14-1.69; p < 0.01) were associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Larger RBC transfusion volumes and higher case mix index scores were associated with an increased risk of VTE events. Physicians should be aware of how these dose-response relationships can influence a patient's risk of developing thrombotic complications postoperatively.

Methods of Bloodless Care, Clinical Outcomes, and Costs for Adult Patients Who Decline Allogeneic Transfusions.

BACKGROUND: Providing bloodless medical care for patients who wish to avoid allogeneic transfusion can be challenging; however, previous studies have demonstrated favorable outcomes when appropriate methods are used. Here, we report one of the largest series of patients receiving bloodless care, along with the methods used to provide such care, and the resulting outcomes. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, 1111 adult inpatients (age ≥18 years) at a single institution who declined allogeneic transfusion for religious or personal reasons between June 2012 and June 2016 were included, and the patient blood management methods are described. Patient characteristics, laboratory data, and transfusion rates, as well as clinical outcomes (morbidity, mortality, and length of stay) were compared to all other patients in the hospital who received standard care, including transfusions if needed (n = 137,009). Medical and surgical patients were analyzed as subgroups. The primary outcome was composite morbidity (any morbid event: infectious, thrombotic, ischemic, renal, or respiratory). Secondary outcomes included individual morbid events, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, total hospital charges, and costs. RESULTS: The bloodless cohort had more females and a lower case mix index, but more preadmission comorbidities. Mean nadir hemoglobin during hospitalization was lower in the bloodless (9.7 ± 2.6 g/dL) compared to the standard care (10.1 ± 2.4 g/dL) group (P < .0001). Composite morbidity occurred in 14.4% vs 16.0% (P = .16) of the bloodless and standard care patients, respectively. Length of stay and in-hospital mortality were similar between the bloodless and standard care patients. After Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons, hospital-acquired infection occurred less frequently in the bloodless compared to the standard care cohort (4.3% vs 8.3%) (P < .0001) in the medical patient subgroup, but not in the surgical subgroup. After propensity score adjustment in a multivariable model and adjustment for multiple comparisons, bloodless care was associated with less risk of hospital-acquired infection (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.83; P = .0074) in the medical subgroup, but not in the surgical subgroup. Median total hospital charges (by 8.5%; P = .0017) and costs (by 8.7%; P = .0001) were lower in the bloodless compared to the standard care cohort, when all patients were included. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, adult patients receiving bloodless care had similar clinical outcomes compared to patients receiving standard care. Medical (but not surgical) bloodless patients may be at less risk for hospital-acquired infection compared to those receiving standard care. Bloodless care is cost-effective and should be considered as high-value practice.

Preoperative Opioid Dose and Surgical Outcomes in Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The worsening opioid epidemic has led to an increased number of surgical patients with chronic preoperative opioid use. However, the impact of opioids on perioperative outcomes has yet to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between preoperative opioid dose and surgical outcomes among colectomy patients. METHODS: Adult colectomy patients in the IBM MarketScan database (2010-2017) were stratified based on preoperative opioid dose, calculated as the average opioid dose in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) in the 90 days prior to surgery: 0 MME, 1 to 49 MME, and 50 or more MME. The association between preoperative opioid dose and anastomotic leak, the primary outcome of interest, as well as other postoperative complications, was assessed using multivariable regression. RESULTS: Among 45,515 adult colectomy patients, 71.4% did not use opioids (0 MME), 27.4% had an opioid dose between 1 and 49 MME, and 1.2% had an opioid dose at or above 50 MME. Patients with preoperative opioid use exhibited a higher incidence of anastomotic leak (0 MME: 4.8%, 1-49 MME: 5.5%, ≥50 MME: 8.3%; p trend = 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated a dose-response relationship between preoperative opioids and surgical outcomes, as the odds of anastomotic leak worsened with increasing opioid dose (1-49 MME: OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08-1.31, p < 0.001; ≥50 MME: OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.20-2.24, p = 0.002). Similar dose-response relationships were seen after risk-adjustment for lung complications, pneumonia, delirium, and 30-day readmission (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Providers should exercise caution when prescribing opioids preoperatively, as increasing doses of preoperative opioids were associated with worse surgical outcomes and higher 30-day readmission among adult colectomy patients.

Converting laparoscopic colectomies to open is associated with similar outcomes as a planned open approach among Crohn's disease patients.

PURPOSE: There has been a noted reluctance to offer laparoscopic surgery to Crohn's Disease patients due to the potential risks, and high rate, of converting the procedure to open. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between Crohn's Disease patients undergoing a planned open colectomy, to those undergoing a laparoscopic colectomy that was converted to open. METHODS: Crohn's Disease patients undergoing an elective colectomy were identified using the ACS-NSQIP database (2012-2019). Patients were stratified based on operative approach: open, laparoscopic, and laparoscopic converted to open. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the impact of conversion to open on overall and serious postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Among 8039 elective colectomies, 40.5% were performed open, 46.9% were completed laparoscopically, and 12.6% were converted to open. The conversion rate among all laparoscopic cases was 21.3%. On unadjusted analysis, conversion to open demonstrated similar rates of overall morbidity (P = 0.355) and serious morbidity (P = 0.724) compared to a planned open approach. On multivariable analysis, conversion to open was not associated with increased odds of overall morbidity (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.94-1.30, P = 0.238) or serious morbidity (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.98-1.46, P = 0.074), when compared to an open approach. CONCLUSION: Among Crohn's Disease patients, cases converted from laparoscopic to open exhibited similar outcomes as a planned open approach. Despite the limitations associated with this retrospective study, our findings suggest that laparoscopic surgery may be safely pursued among Crohn's Disease patients, as the risks of conversion are potentially balanced by the benefits of laparoscopic surgery.

Broadening learning communities during COVID-19: developing a curricular framework for telemedicine education in neurology.

BACKGROUND: In response to the cancellation of clinical clerkships due to COVID-19, the Johns Hopkins (JH) Neurology Education Team developed a virtual elective to enhance medical students' clinical telemedicine skills and foster community between academic institutions. METHODS: This two-week clinical elective, entitled "Virtual Patient Rounds in Neurology," was administered once in April 2020 and once in May 2020. The curriculum included attending/fellow-led Virtual Rounds, Student Presentations, and Asynchronous Educational Activities. We also developed a new lecture series entitled JHNeuroChats, which consisted of live synchronous lectures presented by JH faculty and Virtual Visiting Professors. Trainees and faculty from outside institutions were invited to participate in the JHNeuroChats. Students and faculty completed pre- and post-elective surveys to assess the educational impact of the elective. Student's t-tests were used to compare scores between pre- and post-elective surveys. RESULTS: Seven JH medical students enrolled in each iteration of the elective, and an additional 337 trainees and faculty, representing 14 different countries, registered for the JHNeuroChats. We hosted 48 unique JHNeuroChats, 32 (66.7%) of which were led by invited Virtual Visiting Professors. At the end of the elective, students reported increased confidence in virtually obtaining a history (P < 0.0001) and performing a telehealth neurological physical exam (P < 0.0001), compared to the start of the course. In addition, faculty members reported increased confidence in teaching clinical medicine virtually, although these findings were not statistically significant (P = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the constraints imposed by COVID-19, this virtual Neurology elective increased medical students' confidence in certain telemedicine skills and successfully broadened our learning community to encompass learners from around the world. As virtual medical education becomes more prevalent, it is important that we are intentional in creating opportunities for shared learning across institutions. We believe that this elective can serve as a model for these future educational collaborations.

The Impact of Surgical Delays on Short- and Long-Term Survival Among Colon Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of surgical delays on short- and long-term survival among colon cancer patients. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing surgery for stage I, II, or III colon cancer were identified from the National Cancer Database (2010-2016). After categorization by wait times from diagnosis to surgery (<1 week, 1-3 weeks, 3-6 weeks, 6-9 weeks, 9-12 weeks, and >12 weeks), 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, and 5-year overall survival were compared between patients both overall and after stratification by pathological disease stage. RESULTS: Among 187 394 colon cancer patients, 24.2% waited <1 week, 30.5% waited 1-3 weeks, 29.0% waited 3-6 weeks, 9.7% waited 6-9 weeks, 3.3% waited 9-12 weeks, and 3.3% waited >12 weeks for surgery. Patients undergoing surgery 3-6 weeks after colon cancer diagnosis exhibited the best 30-day mortality (1.3%), 90-day mortality (2.3%), and 5-year overall survival (71.8%) (P < .001 for all). After risk-adjusting for confounders, all wait times beyond 6 weeks were associated with worse 5-year overall survival (6-9 weeks: HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.15; 9-12 weeks: HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.18-1.33; >12 weeks: HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.35-1.52; P < .001 for all). Subgroup analysis after stratification by disease stage demonstrated that patients with stage III colon cancer were able to wait up to 9 weeks before exhibiting worse 5-year overall survival, compared to 6 weeks for patients with stage I or II disease. CONCLUSIONS: Colon cancer patients should undergo surgery 3-6 weeks after diagnosis, as all surgical delays beyond 6 weeks were associated with worse 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, and 5-year overall survival.

Operative Approach Does Not Impact Radial Margin Positivity in Distal Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery is attractive for resection of low rectal cancer due to greater dexterity and visualization, but its benefit is poorly understood. We aimed to determine if operative approach impacts radial margin positivity (RMP) and postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program who underwent APR for low rectal cancer from 2016 to 2019. Patients were stratified by operative approach: robotic, laparoscopic, and open APR (R-APR, L-APR, and O-APR). Emergent cases were excluded. The primary outcome was RMP. 30-day postoperative outcomes were also evaluated, using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,807 patients, 452 (25.0%) underwent R-APR, 474 (26.2%) L-APR, and 881 (48.8%) O-APR. No differences regarding RMP (13.5% R-APR vs. 10.8% L-APR vs. 12.3% O-APR, p = 0.44), distal margin positivity, positive nodes, readmission, or operative time were observed between operative approaches. Adjusted analysis confirmed that operative approach did not predict RMP (p > 0.05 for all). Risk factors for RMP included American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification III (ASA I-II ref; OR 1.46, p = 0.039), pT3-4 stage (T0-2 ref, OR 4.02, p < 0.001), pN2 stage (OR 1.98, p = 0.004), disseminated cancer (OR 1.90, p = 0.002), and lack of preoperative radiation (OR 1.98, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: No difference in RMP was observed among R-APR, L-APR, and O-APR. Postoperatively, R-APR yielded greater benefit when compared to O-APR, but was comparable to that of L-APR. Minimally invasive surgery may be an appropriate option and worthy consideration for patients with distal rectal cancer requiring APR.

Assessing predictors of futility in patients receiving massive transfusions.

BACKGROUND: Massive transfusions are associated with a high mortality rate, but there is little evidence indicating when such efforts are futile. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical variables that could be used as futility indicators in massively transfused patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 138 adult surgical patients at our institution receiving a massive transfusion (2016-2019). Peak lactate and nadir pH within 24 h of massive transfusion initiation, along with other clinical variables, were assessed as predictors of the primary outcome, in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The overall rate of in-hospital mortality among our patient population was 52.9% (n = 73). Increasing lactate and decreasing pH were associated with greater mortality among massively transfused patients. Mortality rates were ~2-fold higher for patients in the highest lactate category (≥10.0 mmol/L: 25 of 37; 67.6%) compared to the lowest category (0.0-4.9 mmol/L: 17 of 48; 35.4%) (p = .005), and ~2.5-fold higher for patients in the lowest pH category (<7.00: 8 of 9; 88.9%) compared to the highest category (≥7.40: 8 of 23; 34.7%) (p = .016). Increasing age was also associated with higher mortality (≥65 years: 24 of 33; 72.7%) when compared to younger patients (18-64 years: 49 of 105; 46.7%) (p = .010). CONCLUSIONS: Peak lactate ≥10.0 mmol/L, nadir pH <7.00, and age ≥65 years were significantly associated with higher rates of in-hospital mortality among massively transfused patients. Incorporating these clinical parameters into a futility index for massive transfusions will be useful in situations where blood products are scarce and/or mortality may be unavoidable.

The reduced risk of septic shock/sepsis with laparoscopic surgery among ulcerative colitis patients with preoperative chronic steroid use.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative steroid use has been associated with worse surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic surgery reduces the risk of septic shock/sepsis among ulcerative colitis patients with preoperative chronic steroid use. METHODS: Patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing a total abdominal colectomy were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005-2019). Patients were stratified based on preoperative chronic steroid use and operative approach (open versus laparoscopic). The primary outcome was septic shock/sepsis. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the association between laparoscopic surgery and rates of septic shock/sepsis among steroid users and non-steroid users in both the elective and emergent settings. RESULTS: Among 8,644 patients undergoing a total abdominal colectomy, 67.1% were steroid users and 32.9% were non-steroid users. Compared with an open approach, elective laparoscopic surgery was associated with lower rates of septic shock/sepsis, albeit with higher readmission rates for both steroid users (15.1% [laparoscopic] vs 12.0% [open], P = .005) and non-steroid users (12.6% [laparoscopic] vs 9.4% [open], P = .019). On adjusted analysis, ulcerative colitis patients with chronic steroid use undergoing an elective laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy demonstrated a reduced risk of septic shock/sepsis compared to open surgery (odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.49-0.76, P < .001). Similar findings were seen among chronic steroid users undergoing emergent laparoscopic procedures (odds ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.95, P = .031). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery was associated with a reduced risk of septic shock/sepsis among ulcerative colitis patients with preoperative chronic steroid use, suggesting that minimally invasive surgery may be a promising option among this unique patient population.

Red blood cell storage duration and peri-operative outcomes in paediatric cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Prior research on red blood cell (RBC) storage duration and clinical outcomes in paediatric cardiac surgery has shown conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether blood stored for a longer duration is harmful in these patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of paediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution between January 2011 and June 2015. Patients were stratified based on whether they were transfused RBCs stored for ≤15 days (fresher blood) or >15 days (older blood). The primary outcome was composite morbidity, with prolonged length of stay (LOS) as a secondary outcome. Subgroup analyses were performed after stratification by RBC transfusion volume (≤2 vs. >2 RBC units). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of RBC storage duration on composite morbidity and prolonged LOS. RESULTS: Of 461 patients, 122 (26·5%) received fresher blood and 339 (73·5%) received older blood. The overall rate of composite morbidity was 18·0% (n = 22) for patients receiving fresher blood and 13·6% (n = 46) for patients receiving older blood (P = 0·24). In the risk-adjusted model, patients receiving older blood did not exhibit an increased risk of composite morbidity (OR: 0·74, 95% CI: 0·37-1·47, P = 0·40) or prolonged LOS (OR: 0·72, 95% CI: 0·38-1·35, P = 0·30) compared to patients receiving fresher blood. Similar results were seen after stratification by RBC transfusion volume. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusing RBCs stored for a longer duration was not associated with an increased risk of morbidity or prolonged LOS in paediatric cardiac surgery patients.

Impact of body weight on hemoglobin increments in adult red blood cell transfusion.

BACKGROUND: Though weight is a major consideration when transfusing blood in pediatric patients, it is generally not considered when dosing transfusions in adults. We hypothesized that the change in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is inversely proportional to body weight when transfusing red blood cells (RBC) in adults. METHODS: A total of 13,620 adult surgical patients at our institution were assessed in this retrospective cohort study (2009-2016). Patients were stratified based on total body weight (kg): 40-59.9 (16.6%), 60-79.9 (40.4%), 80-99.9 (28.8%), 100-119.9 (11.3%), and 120-139.9 (2.9%). The primary outcome was the change in Hb per RBC unit transfused. Subgroup analyses were performed after stratification by sex (male/female) and the total number of RBC units received (1/2/≥3 units). Multivariable models were used to assess the association between weight and change in Hb. RESULTS: As patients' body weight increased, there was a decrease in the mean change in Hb per RBC unit transfused (40-59.9 kg: 0.85 g/dL, 60-79.9 kg: 0.73 g/dL, 80-99.9 kg: 0.66 g/dL, 100-119.9 kg: 0.60 g/dL, 120-139.9 kg: 0.55 g/dL; p < .0001). This corresponded with a 35% difference in the change in Hb between the lowest and highest weight categories on univariate analysis. Similar trends were seen after subgroup stratification. On multivariable analysis, for every 20 kg increase in patient weight, there was a ~6.5% decrease in the change in Hb per RBC unit transfused (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patient body weight differentially impacts the change in Hb after RBC transfusion. These findings justify incorporating body weight into the clinical decision-making process when transfusing blood in adult surgical patients.

Do specific operative approaches and insurance status impact timely access to colorectal cancer care?

INTRODUCTION: The increased use of minimally invasive surgery in the management of colorectal cancer has led to a renewed focus on how certain factors, such as insurance status, impact the equitable distribution of both laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Our goal was to analyze surgical wait times between robotic, laparoscopic, and open approaches, and to determine whether insurance status impacts timely access to treatment. METHODS: After IRB approval, adult patients from the National Cancer Database with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer were identified (2010-2016). Patients who underwent radiation therapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, had wait times of 0 days from diagnosis to surgery, or had metastatic disease were excluded. Primary outcomes were days from cancer diagnosis to surgery and days from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among 324,784 patients, 5.9% underwent robotic, 47.5% laparoscopic, and 46.7% open surgery. Patients undergoing robotic surgery incurred the longest wait times from diagnosis to surgery (29.5 days [robotic] vs. 21.7 [laparoscopic] vs. 17.2 [open], p < 0.001), but the shortest wait times from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy (48.9 days [robotic] vs. 49.9 [laparoscopic] vs. 54.8 [open], p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, robotic surgery was associated with a 1.46 × longer wait time to surgery (IRR 1.462, 95% CI 1.458-1.467, p < 0.001), but decreased wait time to adjuvant chemotherapy (IRR 0.909, 95% CI 0.905-0.913, p < 0.001) compared to an open approach. Private insurance was associated with decreased wait times to surgery (IRR 0.966, 95% CI 0.962-0.969, p < 0.001) and adjuvant chemotherapy (IRR 0.862, 95% CI 0.858-0.865, p < 0.001) compared to Medicaid. CONCLUSION: Though patients undergoing robotic surgery experienced delays from diagnosis to surgery, they tended to initiate adjuvant chemotherapy sooner compared to those undergoing open or laparoscopic approaches. Private insurance was independently associated not only with access to robotic surgery, but also shorter wait times during all stages of treatment.

Balancing the Blood Component Transfusion Ratio for High- and Ultra High-Dose Cell Salvage Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ratio of non-red blood cell to red blood cell components required to avoid coagulopathy when transfusing large amounts of salvaged blood using laboratory test-guided therapy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single-center, academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thoracoabdominal and abdominal open aortic surgery patients. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients in whom at least 1,000 mL of salvaged red blood cells were transfused were identified and divided into the following 2 cohorts: 1,000-to-2,000 mL of salvaged red blood cells (high dose) (n = 20) and >2,000 mL of salvaged red blood cells (ultra-high dose) (n = 18). Compared with the high-dose cohort, the ultra high-dose cohort received ∼4 times more salvaged red blood cells (1,240 ± 279 mL v 5,550 ± 3,801 mL). With transfusion therapy guided by intraoperative coagulation tests and thromboelastography, the adjusted ratio of non-red blood cell to red blood cell components (plasma + platelets + cryoprecipitate:allogeneic + salvaged red blood cells) was 0.59 ± 0.66 in the high-dose and 0.93 ± 0.27 in the ultra high-dose cohorts. Multiple coagulation parameters were normal and similar between cohorts at the end of surgery, as determined by the mean, median, and 95% confidence intervals. CONCLUSIONS: When transfusing large volumes of salvaged blood, it is important to balance the ratio between non-red blood cell and red blood cell components. Through a laboratory test-guided approach, coagulopathy was not detected when transfusing blood in ratios of approximately 1:2 for patients receiving 1,000-to-2,000 mL of salvaged blood and 1:1 for patients receiving >2,000 mL of salvaged blood.

Blood utilization and clinical outcomes in pancreatic surgery before and after implementation of patient blood management.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, patient blood management (PBM) programs have been developed to reduce allogeneic blood utilization. This is particularly important in pancreatic surgery, which has historically been associated with high transfusion requirements and morbid event rates. This study investigated blood utilization and clinical outcomes in pancreatic surgery before, during, and after the implementation of PBM. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 3482 pancreatic surgery patients were assessed in a 10-year retrospective cohort study (2009-2019) at a single academic center. Baseline patient characteristics, transfusion practices, postoperative morbidity (infectious, thrombotic, ischemic, respiratory, and renal complications), mortality, and length of stay were compared between patients in the pre-PBM (2009-2013), early-PBM (2014-2016), and mature-PBM (2017-2019) time periods. Multivariable analysis assessed the odds for composite morbidity/mortality. RESULTS: Comparing the mature-PBM to pre-PBM cohorts, transfused units per 100 discharged patients decreased by 53% for erythrocytes (155 to 73; P < .0001), 81% for plasma (79 to 15; P < .038), and 75% for platelets (10 to 2.5; P < .005). Clinical outcomes improved as well, with composite morbid event rates decreasing by more than 50%, from 236 in 1438 patients (16.4%) to 85 in 1145 patients (7.4%) (P < .0001). Mortality and length of stay remained unchanged. Compared to the pre-PBM time period, early-PBM was associated with a risk-adjusted decrease in composite morbidity/mortality (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.57-0.93; P = .010), while mature-PBM demonstrated a further incremental decrease (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.33-0.57; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of PBM was associated with substantially decreased blood utilization in pancreatic surgery, without negatively impacting clinical outcomes.

Frailer Patients Undergoing Robotic Colectomies for Colon Cancer Experience Increased Complication Rates Compared With Open or Laparoscopic Approaches.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical techniques are routinely promoted as alternatives to open surgery because of improved outcomes. However, the impact of robotic surgery on certain subsets of the population, such as frail patients, is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to examine the association between frailty and minimally invasive surgical approaches with colon cancer surgery. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected outcomes data. Thirty-day surgical outcomes were compared by frailty and surgical approach using doubly robust multivariable logistic regression with propensity score weighting, and testing for interaction effects between frailty and surgical approach. SETTING: Patients undergoing an open, laparoscopic, or robotic colectomy for primary colon cancer, 2012 to 2016, were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing a colectomy with an operative indication for primary colon cancer were selected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were 30-day postoperative complications. RESULTS: After propensity score weighting of patients undergoing colectomy, 33.8% (n = 27,649) underwent an open approach versus 34.3% (n = 28,058) underwent laparoscopic surgery versus 31.9% (n = 26,096) underwent robotic surgery. Robotic (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.42-0.69, p < 0.001) and laparoscopic (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.52-0.66, p < 0.001) surgeries were independently associated with decreased rates of major complications. Frailer patients had increased complication rates (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.07-2.25, p = 0.018). When considering the interaction effects between surgical approach and frailty, frailer patients undergoing robotic surgery were more likely to develop a major complication (combined adjusted OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.34-7.45, p = 0.009) compared with patients undergoing open surgery. LIMITATIONS: Use of the modified Frailty Index as an associative proxy for frailty was a limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Although minimally invasive surgical approaches have decreased postoperative complications, this effect may be reversed in frail patients. These findings challenge the belief that robotic surgery provides a favorable alternative to open surgery in frail patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B163. LOS PACIENTES MÁS FRÁGILES SOMETIDOS A COLECTOMÍA ROBÓTICA POR CÁNCER DE COLON EXPERIMENTAN MAYORES TASAS DE COMPLICACIONES EN COMPARACIÓN CON ABORDAJES LAPAROSCÓPICO O ABIERTO: Las técnicas quirúrgicas mínimamente invasivas estan frecuentement promovidas como alternativas a la cirugía abierta debido a sus mejores resultados. Sin embargo, el impacto de la cirugía robótica en ciertos subgrupos de población, como el caso de los pacientes endebles, es poco conocido.El propósito de nuestro estudio fue examinar la asociación entre la fragilidad de los pacientes y el aborgaje quirúrgico mínimamente invasivo para la cirugía de cáncer de colon.Estudio retrospectivo de datos de resultados recolectados prospectivamente. Los resultados quirúrgicos a 30 días se compararon entre fragilidad y abordaje quirúrgico utilizando la regresión logística multivariable doblemente robusta con ponderación de puntaje de propensión y pruebas de efectos de interacción entre fragilidad y abordaje quirúrgico.Los pacientes identificados en la base de datos del Programa Nacional de Mejora de la Calidad Quirúrgica del Colegio Estadounidense de Cirujanos, que fueron sometidos a una colectomía abierta, laparoscópica o robótica por cáncer de colon primario, de 2012 a 2016.Todos aquellos pacientes seleccionados con indicación quirúrgica de cáncer primario de colon que fueron sometidos a una colectomía.Las complicaciones postoperatorias a 30 días.Luego de ponderar el puntaje de propensión de los pacientes colectomizados, el 33.8% (n = 27,649) fué sometido a laparotomía versus el 34.3% (n = 28,058) operados por laparoscopía versus el 31.9% (n = 26,096) operados con tecnica robótica. Las cirugías robóticas (OR 0.53, IC 95% 0.42-0.69, p < 0.001) y laparoscópicas (OR 0.58, IC 95% 0.52-0.66, p < 0.001) se asociaron de forma independiente con una disminución de las tasas de complicaciones mayores. Los pacientes más delicados tenían mayores tasas de complicaciones (OR 1.56, IC 95% 1.07-2.25, p = 0.018). Al considerar los efectos de interacción entre el abordaje quirúrgico y la fragilidad, los pacientes más débiles sometidos a cirugía robótica tenían más probabilidades de desarrollar una complicación mayor (OR ajustado combinado 3.15, IC 95% 1.34-7.45, p = 0.009) en comparación con los pacientes sometidos a cirugía abierta.El uso del índice de fragilidad modificado como apoderado asociativo de la fragilidad.Si bien los abordajes quirúrgicos mínimamente invasivos han disminuido las complicaciones postoperatorias, este efecto puede revertirse en pacientes lábiles. Estos hallazgos desafían la creencia de que la cirugía robótica proporciona una alternativa favorable a la cirugía abierta en pacientes frágiles. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B163. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).