Association Between Utilization of Services and Perioperative Outcomes for Lung Cancer Resection.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer resection has largely focused on perioperative outcomes (eg, mortality) to benchmark performance. While variations in perioperative outcomes and in utilization of services (eg, ambulatory procedures, hospitalization) have been independently demonstrated, there has been limited evaluation of associations between these outcomes. We evaluated the association between perioperative outcomes and utilization of services to evaluate provider performance across a broader context of care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing lung cancer resection in 2017 to 2019. We utilized hierarchical logistic regression models to determine risk- and reliability-adjusted mortality and risk-adjusted utilization of services, at the hospital-level. We then evaluated utilization of services across quartiles of perioperative mortality. RESULTS: A total of 15,168 patients across 297 hospitals underwent lung cancer resection. Mean risk- and reliability-adjusted 90-day mortality varied between 1.58% (95% CI, 1.54%-1.62%) and 2.74% (95% CI, 2.59%-2.90%) across quartiles. Risk-adjusted utilization of all ambulatory procedures was highest in the best performing (lowest mortality) quartile at 37.7% (95% CI, 33.6%-41.8%). Additionally, risk-adjusted inpatient utilization prior to and after surgery was lowest in the best performing quartile at 15% (95% CI, 13.7%-16.3%) and 19.3% (95% CI, 17.5%-21.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals with the lowest perioperative mortality demonstrated trends towards using more outpatient resources prior to surgery, but fewer inpatient services surrounding lung cancer resection. This correlation highlights the importance of incorporating utilization of services in addition to other metrics to profile the efficiency and effectiveness of centers performing lung cancer resection across a broader spectrum of care.

Evaluation of Postoperative Outcomes After Enterostomy Closure in Low Body Weight Infants: A Multi-Center Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The minimum weight for enterostomy closure (EC) in infants remains debated with the current acceptable cut-off of >2 kg. As enterostomy-related complications or high enterostomy output (>30cc/kg/d) may prohibit a premature infant from reaching 2 kg, additional data is needed to evaluate the safety of EC in infants <2 kg. The objective of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes in low body weight (<2 kg) infants undergoing EC compared to larger infants. METHODS: We performed a multi-center retrospective analysis from 1/1/2012-12/31/2022 of all infants (age <1 year) who were <4 kg at time of EC. Primary outcomes included postoperative complications and 30-day mortality. Non-parametric analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Univariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of 92 infants, 15 infants (16.3%) underwent EC at <2 kg, 16 (17.4%) at 2-2.49 kg, 31 (33.7%) at 2.5-2.99 kg, and 30 (32.6%) at ≥3 kg. Infants <2 kg at time of EC exhibited higher rates of hyperbilirubinemia (P = .030), neurologic comorbidities (P = .030), and high enterostomy output (P = .041). There was no difference in postoperative complications (P = .460) or 30-day mortality (P = .460) between the <2 kg group and larger weight groups. Low body weight was not associated with an increased risk for developing a postoperative complication (OR: 1.001, 95% CI: 1.001-1.001; P = .032). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that EC in infants <2 kg may be safe with comparable postoperative outcomes to larger weight infants. Thus, the timing of EC should be based on the infant's physiologic status, in contrast to a predetermined minimum weight cut-off.

Factors Associated With Margin Positivity After Lung Resection Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to utilize a representative national sample to investigate the factors associated with margin positivity after attempted surgical resection. Given the changes in surgical approaches to lung cancer for the last 10 years, margin positivity and outcomes between robotic, video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open surgical resections may vary. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study utilized the National Cancer Database. Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, 18 or older and who had a surgical lung resection between 2010 and 2019 were included. Demographic data, along with patient-level clinical variables were extracted. Patient-level outcome variables including 30-day, 90-day mortality and readmission rates were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess factors associated with margin positivity. RESULTS: A total of 226,884 patients were identified. Of the total cohort, 9229 had positive margins (4.2%). Patients with positive margins had statistically significant increased 30-day, 90-day mortality, as well as increased readmission rate. Older age, male sex, patients undergoing an open resection, patients who underwent a wedge resection, higher clinical stage, larger tumor size, squamous and adenosquamous histologies, and higher Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index were all associated with having a positive margin after resection. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there was no difference in margin positivity when comparing robotic and VATS resection, however, open resection had increased rates of margin positivity. Increasing tumor size, clinical stage, squamous and adenosquamous histologies, male sex, and patients undergoing a wedge resection were all associated with increased rates of margin positivity.

A Multi-Institutional Study Comparing Stoma Location in Neonates With Intestinal Perforation.

INTRODUCTION: Neonates with intestinal perforation often require laparotomy and intestinal stoma creation, with the stoma placed in either the laparotomy incision or a separate site. We aimed to investigate if stoma location is associated with risk of postoperative wound complications. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective review was performed for neonates ≤3 mo who underwent emergent laparotomy and intestinal stoma creation for intestinal perforation between January 1, 2009 and April 1, 2021. Patients were stratified by stoma location (laparotomy incision versus separate site). Outcomes included wound infection/dehiscence, stoma irritation, retraction, stricture, and prolapse. Multivariable regression identified factors associated with postoperative wound complications, controlling for gestational age, age and weight at surgery, and diagnosis. RESULTS: Overall, 79 neonates of median gestational age 28.8 wk (interquartile range [IQR]: 26.0-34.2 wk), median age 5 d (IQR: 2-11 d) and median weight 1.4 kg (IQR: 0.9-2.42 kg) had perforated bowel from necrotizing enterocolitis (40.5%), focal intestinal perforation (31.6%), or other etiologies (27.8%). Stomas were placed in the laparotomy incision for 41 (51.9%) patients and separate sites in 38 (48.1%) patients. Wound infection/dehiscence occurred in 7 (17.1%) neonates with laparotomy stomas and 5 (13.2%) neonates with separate site stomas (P = 0.63). There were no significant differences in peristomal irritation, stoma retraction, or stoma stricture between the two groups. On multivariable regression, separate site stomas were associated with increased likelihood of prolapse (odds ratio 6.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-37.5). CONCLUSIONS: Stoma incorporation within the laparotomy incision is not associated with wound complications. Separate site stomas may be associated with prolapse. Patient factors should be considered when planning stoma location in neonates undergoing surgery for intestinal perforation.

Integrating Choosing Wisely, Value-Based Care Principles, Into Undergraduate Medical Education: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare spending represents a large portion of the GDP of the United States. Value-based care (VBC) seeks to decrease waste in health care spending, yet this concept is insufficiently taught to medical students. The Choosing Wisely Students and Trainees Advocating for Resource Stewardship (STARS) campaign promotes initiatives that integrate knowledge of VBC into undergraduate medical education (UME). This study sought to determine the most effective strategy to educate medical students on key principles of VBC as taught by the STARS campaign. METHODS: Choosing Wisely principles were incorporated into the UME curriculum of an academic medical institution via the creation of eight new learning objectives (LOs) for case-based learning (CBL) sessions and lectures. Medical students completed an annual 10-question survey from 2019 to 2022 and 10 formal examination questions during the preclinical (years 1 and 2) curriculum after exposure to varying quantities of LOs. Pearson correlation, chi-square, and logistic regression were employed to determine the association between increased LOs in the curriculum and (1) campaign awareness and (2) knowledge of VBC principles. RESULTS: A total of 700 survey responses over a four-year period (2019 to 2022) were analyzed. Student awareness of the campaign and knowledge of VBC principles increased year over year during the survey period (39% to 92% and 64% to 74%, respectively). There were significant associations between increased LOs in the curriculum and (1) campaign awareness (0.828, p<0.0001) and (2) knowledge of VBC principles (0.934, p<0.001). Students also performed well on formal examination questions related to VBC principles (mean: 81.5% and mean discrimination index: 0.18). CONCLUSION: Integration of VBC-focused LOs is significantly associated with awareness of the Choosing Wisely STARS campaign and knowledge of VBC principles taught by the campaign. Collaborative initiatives to increase exposure to VBC education may improve students' knowledge of these principles during medical school.

Wedge Resection Outcomes: A Comparison of Video-Assisted and Robot-Assisted Wedge Resections.

BACKGROUND: Quality of oncologic resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may differ by surgical approach. Minimally invasive surgery has become the standard for surgical treatment of NSCLC. Our study compares quality of wedge resection by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) vs robotic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RVATS). We hypothesized that RVATS would result in higher quality resections and improved patient outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was completed using the National Cancer Database for patients with clinical stage 1 NSCLC with tumor size ≤2 cm who underwent a minimally invasive surgery wedge resection from 2010 to 2019. Wedge resections approached with RVATS were compared with VATS. A 1:1 propensity score matched analysis was performed. RESULTS: The cohort included 16,559 patients; 80.4% (13,406) received VATS and 18.9% (3153) received RVATS. Compared with RVATS, a VATS approach was associated with a lower likelihood of lymph nodes being examined (59.0% vs 75.2%; P < .001), fewer nodes dissected (median, 4 vs 5; P < .001), and less adjuvant systemic therapy administered (1.3% vs 2.2%; P < .001). Propensity score matching resulted in 2590 balanced pairs. Statistical significance was maintained for likelihood of lymph nodes examined, number of nodes dissected, and adjuvant systemic therapy administered. There was no significant difference in nodal upstaging after propensity score matching (3.7% vs 4.3%; P = .37). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the VATS approach, wedge resections by RVATS for early-stage NSCLC were more likely to be associated with increased lymph nodes resected. These data may support increased use of RVATS for wedge resections.

Optimizing the Postoperative Management of Children Undergoing Resection of High-Risk Abdominal Neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is a mainstay of treatment in high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB), but there exists wide variability in perioperative management practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate two standardized adult perioperative enhanced recovery practices (ERPs) in pediatric patients undergoing open resection of abdominal HR-NB. METHODS: All patients with abdominal HR-NB surgically resected at a free-standing children's hospital between 12/2010 and 7/2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative ERPs of interest included avoidance of routine nasogastric tube (NGT) use and the use of neuraxial anesthesia. Primary outcomes included time to enteral intake, urinary catheter use, opioid utilization, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Overall, 37 children, median age 33 months (IQR: 20-48 months), were identified. Avoidance of an NGT allowed for earlier feeding after surgery (P = .03). Neuraxial anesthesia use more frequently required an indwelling urinary catheter (P < .01) for a longer duration (P = .02), with no difference in total opioid utilization (P = .77) compared to patients without neuraxial anesthesia. Postoperative LOS was unaffected by avoidance of routine NGT use (P = .68) or use of neuraxial anesthesia (P = .89). CONCLUSION: Children undergoing open resection of abdominal HR-NB initiated diet sooner when an NGT was not left postoperatively, and the need for a urinary catheter was significantly higher in patients who received neuraxial anesthesia. However, these two ERP components did not decrease postoperative LOS. To optimize the postoperative management of NB patients, postoperative NGTs should be avoided, while the benefit of neuraxial anesthesia is less clear as it necessitates the placement of a urinary catheter without decreasing opioid utilization.

Access to Guideline Concordant Care for Node-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the United States.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to determine whether seeking care at multiple Commission on Cancer (CoC) hospitals is associated with different rates of receiving guideline-concordant care (GCC) among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for the years 2004 to 2018 for patients with margin-negative pT1 to pT3 N1 to N2 M0 noncarcinoid NSCLC without neoadjuvant therapy. GCC was defined as chemotherapy for pN1 disease and as chemotherapy with or without radiation for pN2 disease. Patients who received care at >1 facility were examined separately. Factors previously associated with barriers to care were compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank tests analyzed 5-year overall survival (OS). Propensity score matching was performed to compare the effect sizes of race, insurance status, and income. RESULTS: In total 44,531 patients met inclusion criteria, 11,980 (26.9%) of whom sought care at >1 CoC institution. Among patients with pN1 disease, 5565 (76.7%) received GCC if they visited >1 facility vs 13,995 (68.5%) patients who sought care at 1 facility (P < .001). For patients with pN2 disease, 3991 (84.4%) received GCC if they visited >1 facility vs9369 (77.4%) patients receiving care at 1 facility (P < .001). Visiting >1 facility was associated with higher OS at 5 years (4784 [54.35%] vs 10,215 [45.62%]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Visiting >1 CoC institution is associated with higher rates of GCC for individuals with pN1 to pN2 lung cancer. Patients who received care at >1 facility had higher OS at 5 years. Further study is warranted to identify factors associated with the ability of patients to seek care at multiple facilities.

Association of Age at Duodenal Atresia Repair With Outcomes: A Pediatric NSQIP Analysis.

PURPOSE: Neonates with duodenal atresia (DA) are often born prematurely and undergo repair soon after birth, while others are delayed to allow for growth until closer to term corrected gestational age (cGA). Premature infants have been demonstrated to experience worse outcomes, but it is unclear whether delaying surgery mitigates the increased morbidity. This study evaluates the association of timing of DA repair with postoperative morbidity. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated neonates undergoing DA repair from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database (2015-2020). A multivariable regression analyzed factors associated with composite morbidity, including cGA and age in days of life (DOL) at surgery. A propensity score matched analysis was completed in premature neonates born at ≤35 weeks gestation to compare outcomes at similar birth gestational ages (bGA) and birth weight who underwent early (<7 DOL) versus delayed (≥7 DOL) repair. RESULTS: 809 neonates were included with a median bGA of 36 weeks (IQR 34-38), birth weight of 2.46 kg (IQR 1.96-2.95), and DOL at surgery of 2 (IQR 1-5). Infants born ≤35 weeks represented 35.23% of the cohort. On multivariable analysis, increasing cGA at surgery was associated with decreased morbidity (OR: 0.91, CI [0.84, 0.99]), and increasing DOL at surgery was associated with increased morbidity (OR: 1.02, CI [1.00, 1.04]). On propensity score matched analysis, delayed repairs were associated with increased postoperative ventilation (6 days vs. 2 days, p < 0.05); however, there were no differences in composite or surgical morbidity between early and delayed repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity after DA repair in neonates ≤35 weeks cGA is primarily driven by non-surgical causes, but delaying surgery does not appear to mitigate the risks associated with prematurity. It seems reasonable to consider repair in neonates around 33-34 weeks gestation without prohibitive risk factors. Optimal timing of DA repair requires a delicate balance between these factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Concurrent Cholecystectomy Does Not Increase Splenectomy Morbidity in Patients With Hemolytic Anemia: A Pediatric NSQIP Analysis.

PURPOSE: Children undergoing splenectomy for hemolytic anemia often have cholelithiasis, which may or may not be symptomatic. It is unclear whether concurrent cholecystectomy increases length of stay or morbidity after splenectomy. The purpose of this study was to compare morbidity among children undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy alone versus splenectomy with concurrent cholecystectomy in patients with hemolytic anemia. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated children with hemolytic anemia undergoing non-traumatic laparoscopic splenectomy in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database (2012-2020). Outcomes were compared for patients undergoing splenectomy alone (n = 1010) versus splenectomy with cholecystectomy (n = 371). Pearson's Chi-square and Student's t-tests were utilized as appropriate. Propensity score-matching was completed, controlling for eight demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: 1381 patients were identified, 73.1% undergoing splenectomy alone and 26.9% splenectomy with cholecystectomy. Splenectomy with cholecystectomy patients were older (10.9 years vs. 8.4 years, p < 0.01), more likely to have hereditary spherocytosis (56.1% vs. 40.8%, p < 0.01), less likely to have sickle cell disease (12.1% vs. 33.5%, p < 0.01), more likely ASA class 1 or 2 (49.3% vs. 42.1%, p < 0.01), and had similar preoperative hematocrit levels (29.6 vs. 29.3, p = 0.33). The splenectomy with cholecystectomy group was less likely to receive preoperative blood transfusions (13.5% vs. 25.4%, p < 0.01). There were 360 pairs selected on propensity score-matching, and splenectomy with cholecystectomy was associated with increased operative time (182 min vs. 145 min, p < 0.01) and decreased occurrences of a postoperative transfusion (4.2% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.01). Length of stay after surgery (2.5 days vs. 2.3 days, p = 0.13), composite morbidity (3.9% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.69), and 30-day readmission rates (3.3% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.08) were all similar. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy with cholecystectomy is associated with similar postoperative morbidity, length of stay and readmission rates compared to splenectomy alone. These data support the safety of concurrent cholecystectomy with splenectomy for children with cholelithiasis in the setting of hemolytic anemia. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Cohort Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Is wedge a dirty word? Demographic and facility-level variables associated with high-quality wedge resection.

Objectives: Although sublobar resections have gained traction, wedge resections vary widely in quality. We seek to characterize the demographic and facility-level variables associated with high-quality wedge resections. Methods: The National Cancer Database was queried from 2010 to 2018. Patients with T1/T2 N0 M0 non-small cell lung cancer 2 cm or less who underwent wedge resection without neoadjuvant therapy were included. A wedge resection with no nodes sampled or with positive margins was categorized as a low-quality wedge. A wedge resection with 4 or more nodes sampled and negative margins was categorized as a high-quality wedge. Facility-specific variables were investigated via quartile analysis based on the overall volume and proportion of high-quality wedge or low-quality wedge resections performed. Results: A total of 21,742 patients met inclusion criteria, 6390 (29.4%) of whom received a high-quality wedge resection. Factors associated with high-quality wedge resection included treatment at an academic center (3005 [47.0%] vs low-quality wedge 6279 [40.9%]; P < .001). The 30- and 90-day survivals were similar, but patients who received a high-quality wedge resection had improved 5-year survival (4902 [76.7%] vs 10,548 [68.7%]; P < .001). Facilities in the top quartile by volume of high-quality wedge resections performed 69% (4409) of all high-quality wedge resections, and facilities in the top quartile for low-quality wedge resections performed 67.6% (10,378) of all low-quality wedge resections. A total of 113 facilities were in the top quartile by volume for both high-quality wedge and low-quality wedge resections. Conclusions: High-quality wedge resections are associated with improved 5-year survival when compared with low-quality wedge resections. By volume, high-quality wedge and low-quality wedge resections cluster to a minority of facilities, many of which overlap. There is discordance between best practice guidelines and current practice patterns that warrants additional study.

Implementation of a quadratus lumborum regional block protocol with assessment of effectiveness for patients with appendicitis: a quality improvement project.

PURPOSE: This study analyzes the implementation of the routine use of quadratus lumborum blocks (QLBs) on postoperative pain and opioid consumption among children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy compared to those not receiving regional anesthesia. METHODS: Children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy within a multi-hospital children's healthcare system were retrospectively reviewed from 2017 to 2021. Patients were stratified by appendicitis type (uncomplicated vs. complicated). Pain scores and opioid consumption in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and within the first 24 h postoperatively were compared by block status (no block [NB] vs. QLB) and appendicitis type. RESULTS: 2033 patients were reviewed, and 610 received a QLB. The frequency of rescue opioid use was reduced in the PACU (uncomplicated: QLB 46.6% vs. NB 54.6%, p = 0.005; complicated: QLB 28.5% vs. NB 39.9%, p = 0.01) and postoperatively (complicated: QLB 33.7% vs. NB 52.9%, p < 0.001) for those who received a QLB. This resulted in reduced opioid consumption as measured by morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram postoperatively. CONCLUSION: QLBs can be safely administered in children and provide improvements in opioid consumption postoperatively. QLBs should remain a strongly favored regional anesthetic technique because of their wide applicability for abdominal surgeries to minimize rescue opioid analgesic use. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Neonates with Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic overutilization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has many adverse effects, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most common indications for antibiotics in premature infants. Evidence for a preferred antibiotic regimen for NEC is lacking. This project aims to reduce piperacillin-tazobactam use and overall antibiotic duration in neonates with NEC through the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship pathway based on the modified Bell stage classification system. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team consisting of neonatology, pharmacy, infectious disease, and surgery developed an antibiotic protocol for the management of NEC based on Bell stage. Recommendations included 48 h of ampicillin/gentamicin (AG) for stage I, 5-10 days of AG for stage II, the addition of metronidazole for stage IIIA, and 7-14 days of piperacillin-tazobactam (PT) for stage IIIB. We evaluated overall antibiotic and PT exposure, progression to surgical NEC, NEC recurrence, antibiotic resistance, bacteremia/fungemia, and mortality 1 year pre- and post-protocol implementation. RESULTS: 27 patients pre-intervention and 44 post-intervention were analyzed. Antibiotic exposure was reduced from a median 119.19 to 80.65 days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient days (p = 0.11). PT exposure decreased after protocol implementation (median 68.78 vs. 7.97 DOT per 1000 patient days, p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in morbidity or mortality outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic stewardship strategies can be implemented in the NICU without compromising outcomes in patients with NEC. Bell stage stratification appears to be an effective method for antibiotic selection. Further studies are needed in a larger population to optimize regimens and ensure safety. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Intraoperative Versus Preoperative Diagnosis of Lung Cancer: Differences in Treatments and Patient Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is frequently diagnosed during surgical resection. It remains unclear if lack of preoperative tissue diagnosis influences likelihood of receipt of guideline-concordant care or postoperative outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was completed utilizing the National Cancer Database for patients undergoing lung resection with clinical stage 1 NSCLC from 2004 to 2018. Diagnosis during resection was defined as zero days between diagnosis and definitive lung resection. Patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. Subgroup analyses were completed by resection type, including wedge resection. RESULTS: The cohort included 91,328 patients, 33,517 diagnosed during definitive resection and 57,811 diagnosed preoperatively. For patients diagnosed preoperatively, median time from diagnosis to surgery was 42 days (interquartile range 28-63 days). Patients diagnosed intraoperatively had smaller median tumor size (1.7 cm vs. 2.5 cm, P < .01) and were more likely to undergo wedge resection (10,668 [31.8%] vs. 7,617 [13.2%], P < .01). Intraoperative diagnosis resulted in lower likelihood of nodal sampling (27,356 [81.9%] vs. 53,183 [92.4%], P < .01) and nodal upstaging (2,482 [9.7%] vs. 7701 [15.5%], P < .01). Amongst patients with intraoperative diagnoses, those treated via wedge resection were less likely to undergo lymph node sampling (5,515 [52.0%] vs. 5,606 [61.1%], P < .01). Amongst patients with positive lymph nodes, patients diagnosed intraoperatively were less likely to receive adjuvant therapy (1,677 [5.0%] vs. 5,669 [9.8%], P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative tissue diagnosis of NSCLC is associated with more frequent lymph node harvest, increased rates of upstaging and receipt of adjuvant therapy. Preoperative workup may contribute to increased rates of guideline-concordant lung cancer care.

Epidural Analgesia Is Associated With Reduced Inpatient Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay After Wilms Tumor Resection.

INTRODUCTION: Wilms' tumor (WT) is the most common renal malignancy in children and requires an extensive laparotomy for resection. Epidural analgesia (EA) is commonly used in postoperative pain management, but previous literature suggests it may prolong length of stay (LOS). We hypothesized that EA is associated with prolonged LOS but decreased postoperative opioid use in children undergoing WT resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all WT patients who underwent nephrectomy between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2018, at a tertiary children's hospital. Patients with incomplete records, bilateral WT, caval or cardiac tumor extension, or intubation postoperatively were excluded. Outcomes included postoperative opioid consumption measured in oral morphine equivalents per kilogram, receipt of opioid prescription at discharge, and postoperative LOS. Mann-Whitney and multivariable regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 46/77 children undergoing WT resection received EA. Children with EA used significantly less inpatient opioids than children without EA (median 1.0 vs. 3.3 oral morphine equivalents per kilogram; P < 0.001). Comparing patients with EA to patients without, there was no significant difference in opioid discharge prescriptions (57% vs. 39%; P = 0.13) or postoperative LOS (median 5 d vs. 6 d; P = 0.10). Controlling for age and disease stage, EA was associated with shorter LOS by multivariable regression (coefficient -0.73, 95% confidence interval: -1.4, -0.05; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: EA is associated with decreased opioid use in children without an associated increase in postoperative LOS following WT resection. EA should be considered as part of multimodal pain management for children undergoing WT resection.

A Single Center Experience With Bilateral Wilms Tumor.

BACKGROUND: Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common pediatric renal malignancy and bilateral disease (BWT) occurs in 5% of cases and is associated with poor outcomes. Management of BWT includes chemotherapy and oncologic resection while preserving renal function. Previous literature has demonstrated variable approaches in BWT treatment. The aim of this study was to examine a single institution experience and outcomes with BWT. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients with WT treated at a free-standing tertiary children's hospital between 1998 and 2018. Patients with BWT were identified and treatment courses were compared. Outcomes of interest included need for dialysis post-operatively, need for renal transplantation post-operatively, disease recurrence, and overall survival. RESULTS: Of 120 children with WT, 9 children (6F:3M) of median age 32 months (IQR: 24-50 months) and median weight 13.7 kg (IQR: 10.9-16.2 kg) were diagnosed with and treated for BWT. Pre-operative biopsies were obtained in 4/9 patients, 3 of whom received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 1 who underwent radical nephrectomy. Of the 5 patients who did not undergo biopsy, 4/5 were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 1/5 underwent upfront nephrectomy. Post-operatively, 4/9 children required dialysis, of whom 2 subsequently underwent renal transplantation. Two patients were lost to follow-up, and of the remaining 7 patients, disease recurrence occurred in 5/7 children and overall survival was 71% (n=5). CONCLUSION: Management of BWT varies regarding the use of pre-operative biopsy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and extent of disease resection. Further guidelines on treatment protocols may optimize outcomes in children with BWT.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Pain Management After Ambulatory Pediatric General and Urologic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Many studies evaluating opioid stewardship interventions' effects on postoperative pain rely on emergency department (ED) visits or readmissions, but patient-reported pain scores represent a more complete picture of the postoperative experience. This study compares patient-reported pain scores after ambulatory pediatric and urologic procedures and the effect of an opioid stewardship intervention that nearly eliminated the use of outpatient narcotics. METHODS: This is a retrospective comparative study including 3173 pediatric patients who underwent ambulatory procedures from 2015 to 2019, during which there was an intervention to reduce narcotic prescriptions. Postoperative day one phone calls assessed pain levels using a four-point scale (no pain, mild pain, moderate pain controlled with medication, or severe pain uncontrolled with medication). We quantified the proportion of patients prescribed opioids pre-versus post-intervention and compared pain scores for patients receiving opioid versus non-opioid regimens. RESULTS: Opioid prescription rates demonstrated a 6.5-fold reduction after opioid stewardship efforts. The majority of patients (2838) received non-opioids, with only 335 patients receiving opioids. Opioid patients reported moderate/severe pain slightly more than non-opioid patients (14.1% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.04). On by-procedure analyses, there were no subgroups in which non-opioid patients reported significantly higher pain scores. CONCLUSIONS: Non-opioid postoperative pain regimens appear to be effective, with only 10.4% of patients reporting moderate/severe pain after ambulatory procedures. Future studies assessing patient-reported outcomes are necessary to optimize pain control for all patients and to determine whether there is ever an indication for opioid prescription after ambulatory general pediatric or urologic surgery. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Defining risk factors for mortality after emergent hiatal hernia repair in the era of minimally invasive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for mortality following emergent hiatal hernia (HH) repair in the era of minimally invasive surgery remain poorly defined. METHODS: Data was obtained from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), National Readmissions Database, and National Emergency Department Sample for patients undergoing HH repair between 2010 and 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses reported with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed to identify factors associated mortality. RESULTS: Via the NIS, mortality rate was 2.2% (147 patients). Via the NEDS, the mortality rate was 3.6% (303 patients). On multivariate analysis, predictors of mortality included age (OR 1.05, CI: 1.04,1.07), male sex (OR 1.49, CI: 1.06,2.11), frailty (OR 2.49, CI: 1.65,3.75), open repair (OR 3.59, CI: 2.50,5.17), and congestive heart failure (OR 2.71, CI: 1.81,4.06). CONCLUSIONS: There are multiple risk factors for mortality after hiatal hernia repair. There is merit to a laparoscopic approach even in emergent settings.

Impact of stereotactic body radiation therapy volume on surgical patient selection, short-term survival, and long-term survival in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is increasingly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. The purpose of this study is to analyze relationships between facility SBRT utilization and surgical patient selection and survival after surgery. METHODS: Data on patients with TI/T2N0M0 lesions and treatment facility characteristics were abstracted from the National Cancer Database, 2008 to 2017. Facilities were stratified using an SBRT/surgery ratio previously associated with short-term survival benefit for patients treated surgically, and by a previously identified surgical volume threshold. Multiple regression analyses, Cox proportional-hazard regressions, and Kaplan-Meier log rank test were employed. RESULTS: In total, 182,610 patients were included. Proportion of high SBRT:surgery ratio (≥17%) facilities increased from 118 (11.5%) to 558 (48.4%) over the study period. Patients undergoing surgery at high-SBRT facilities had comparable comorbidity scores and tumor sizes to those at low-SBRT facilities, and nonclinically significant differences in age, race, and insurance status. Among low-volume surgical facilities, treatment at a high SBRT-using facility was associated with decreased 30-day mortality (1.8% vs 1.4%, P < .001) and 90-day mortality (3.3% vs 2.6%, P < .001). At high-volume surgical facilities, no difference was observed. At 5 years, a survival advantage was identified for patients undergoing resection at facilities with high surgical volumes (hazard ratio, 0.91; confidence interval, 0.90-0.93 P < .001) but not at high SBRT-utilizing facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in short-term survival following resection at facilities with high-SBRT utilization may be attributable to low surgical volume facilities. Patients treated at high volume surgical facilities do not demonstrate differences in short-term or long-term survival based on facility SBRT utilization.

Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation is Associated with Reduced Opioid Use in Pediatric Oncology Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Intercostal nerve cryoablation reduces postoperative pain in adults undergoing thoracotomy and children undergoing pectus excavatum repair. We hypothesize that cryoablation is associated with decreased post-thoracotomy pain and opioid use in pediatric oncology patients. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed for oncology patients who underwent thoracotomy from January 1, 2017 to May 31, 2021. Outcomes included postoperative opioid use measured in morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram (MME/kg), pain scores (scale 0-10), and opioid prescription at discharge. Univariable analysis compared patients who received cryoablation to patients who did not receive cryoablation. Multivariable regression analysis controlling for age and prior thoracotomy evaluated associations between cryoablation and postoperative pain. RESULTS: Overall, 32 patients (19 males:13 females) underwent thoracotomy with 16 who underwent >1 thoracotomy resulting in 53 thoracotomies included for analysis. Cryoablation was used in 14 of 53 (26.4%) thoracotomies. Throughout the postoperative hospitalization, patients receiving cryoablation during thoracotomy consumed less opioids compared to patients who did not receive cryoablation (median 0.38 MME/kg, interquartile range [IQR] 0.20-1.15 versus median 1.47 MME/kg, IQR 0.71-4.02, P < 0.01). Maximum pain scores were lower in cryoablation patients (median 6, IQR 5-8) than noncryoablation patients (median 8, IQR 6-10), with a significant difference observed on postoperative day 4 (P = 0.01). Cryoablation patients were also less frequently prescribed opioids at discharge (21.4% versus 58.97%, P = 0.02). Multivariable regression demonstrated that cryoablation was associated with 2.59 MME/kg less opioid use (95% confidence interval -4.56 to -0.63) and decreased likelihood of opioid prescription at discharge (adjusted odds ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation is significantly associated with decreased post-thoracotomy pain and opioid use in pediatric cancer patients and should be considered in postoperative pain regimens.